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LOWVELD LIVING ISSUE SIXTY THREE | WINTER 2017 | R30.00 (incl VAT)

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EPIC BUSH ESCAPES | GARDENING MOVES INDOORS | HOT COOK BOOKS | NEW KIDS’ SECTION | TRAVEL SWAZILAND & MIDLANDS SKUKUZA’S BUSH PILOTS | HOEDSPRUIT’S SECRET LEOPARDS

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to hygge or not to hygge? say what!

Hygge is a new buzz word that’s moving across the seas.

Pronounced hue-guh, it is a Norwegian word meaning wellbeing, and is used to describe the Danish culture of celebrating what we already have and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. When it comes to the home, hygge describes a warm, cosy atmosphere where you can relax, eat comfort food and enjoy the company of friends and family.

We are celebrating hygge in the Lowveld this winter and in our winter wonderland spread in STYLE, we give you a splash of hot items for cool weather.

While the outdoors gets frosty, we also warm you up by introducing great cook books to keep you busy during hibernation; indoor gardening ideas; delicious red wines; winter travel destinations and exotic spaces.

PLUS we have a new KIDS section dedicated to the little people in our lives. Enjoy.

WARM YOUR HOME AND BANISH THE CHILL Get all your blankets out of the cupboard. Drape them over sofas, your bed and the armchair. Mr Price Home, Sheet Street, Woolworths, Volpes, Loads of Living and @Home all have some gorgeous options Say it with candles Light a fire – even in the day Stock up on hot chocolate Throw a dinner party

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EDITOR Nicky Manson, nicky@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | EDITORIAL Nicky Manson, Faan Boshoff, Lynn Haken, Jenny Chaplin, Sally Roper, Fred Martin, Diana Tipping-Woods ADVERTISING Audrey Ford audrey@lowveldlivingmagazine.com, Lizette Steenberg lizette@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | PHOTOGRAPHY Africa Photographic Services | DESIGN Creative Union | PROOF READING EditPro EDITORIAL info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | DISTRIBUTION GMF Consulting | PRINTING Paarl Media KZN CONTACT US 013 751 3330, 013 750 0049 | COVER The Observatory, Limpopo, www.bureaux.co.za © Copyright 2017 Lowveld Living. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of Lowveld Living Magazine or the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All editorial information contained herein is, and remains, the property of Lowveld Living Magazine and/or its writers and/or photographers. Lowveld Living Magazine, its publisher, staff and contractors accept no liability for loss or damage in any form whatsoever arising from information, submissions or opinions expressed in this publication. Public comment and submissions are published at the sole discretion of Lowveld Living Magazine. E&OE.

Johannesburg to Madikwe

in under an hour

Jamala, Madikwe

Start the weekend early with special local rates and shuttles from Johannesburg to Madikwe.

Federal Airlines is oering daily direct ights from Johannesburg to Madikwe at reduced rates for SA residents in conjunction with booking at a Madikwe Lodge associated with Federal Airlines. We believe that you should spend your time doing what you love and that is why, instead of driving; choose Federal Airlines where your adventure starts on the runway.

Flights can be booked through your travel agent or through one of our partner lodges.

shuttle@fedair.com | charters@fedair.com | +27 11 395 9000 | www.fedair.com

inside play

Warm up the kitchen with great new recipe books, gardening goes indoors and straight shooting with Bobby van Jaarsveld

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kids

A new section for our little Lowveld readers – books, cool stuff & a family holiday in Swaziland

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eat

Wine & dine and a new spot in Hoedspruit opens its doors

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Two stylish companies and great reasons to celebrate winter

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A trip to Dargal in KwaZulu-Natal and a local gem

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Elephants, leopards and saving our animals, we explore it all

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style go live

YOUR FIRST CHOICE TO LIVE, WORK, SHOP, PLAY

& stay Warm in Mbombela

spaces

Exquisite holiday homes in Hoedspruit and Limpopo

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Offering a complete, self-contained lifestyle with endless entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. riversideparkprecinct www.riversidepark.co.za info@riversidepark.co.za

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Warm the cockles of your heart in the kitchen Build a terrarium Chatting to Bobby van Jaarsveld

read ’n cook Words Nicky Manson

Stay indoors and cook up a storm this winter

More Braai The Beloved Country by Jean Nel: ‘A great braai stays with you,’ says Jean Nel and this book celebrates this South African culture. Discover great recipes like brandy & Coke pork ribs, beer can chicken and South African curried apricot chicken kebabs. R185, Jacana Media.

Sirocco by Sabrina Ghayour: This is a beautifully presented hardcover recipe book of flavours from the East. From bread boats and rose and spice infused berries, to butter bean & za’atar dip and chickpea and potato latkes, it’s a visual feast that promises to be a literary one too. R410, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

One Pot Pan Tray by Mari-Louis Guy and Callie Martitz: This is one cool cookbook with some amazing and strange recipes. Think cheeseburger soup, citrus meatballs with roasted chickpeas and curried banana meatball bake. There are also a few traditional meals like good old butter chicken and one pot ham and cream linguine – yum! R280, Human and Rouseau.

Low Carb is Lekker Two by Ina Reynierse: This book is Low Carb not No Carb – Ina explains the difference between clean carbs and others and introduces great recipes on how to incorporate them into every day life. Discover meals like soft pretzel burgers and green bean fries, decadent pumpkin muffins and batter-fried fish with sweet potato fries. R230, Penguin Random House.

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Nourish, Vibrant Salads To Relish And Refresh by Amber Locke: Healthy and fresh living is within reach with these colourful recipes that are flexible and easy to make. And who knew that even sweet salads sound great, like the snowberry salad. Or why not blow the superfood senses with a rocket and radish salad with spirulina dressing. R325, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Giving Back Childhood: This collection of recipes is provided by well-known South Africans. Alongside food memories, find favourite dishes from Gareth Cliff, Helen Zille, Danny K and Katlego Maboe. The book marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Red Cross War Memorial Hospital in Cape Town and all proceeds from sales go the hospital. R230, Penguin Random House.

The Classic South African Cookbook by Melinda Roodt: This is the perfect cookbook for the kitchen table as the recipes are simple and traditional and will appeal to those who don’t channel Jamie Oliver in the kitchen. Happy cooking. R350, Penguin Random House.

Nerdy Nummies Cookbook by Rosanna Pansino: Rosanna is a sci-fi geek and has combined baking with her love of video games and comics etc. This is a gorgeous step-by-step guide to all things delicious including zombie brain cake, moon phase macaroons, galaxy cupcakes and video game controlled cookies. R395, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Weber Hot & Spicy, Best Recipes For Your Braai by Jamie Purviance: Part of the Weber braai guide series, these are handy cookbooks providing prep time, braai time and spiciness levels. Recipes include braaied scallops with chilli dipping sauce, pork vindaloo with raita and mustard prime rib with horseradish cream. R170, Penguin Random House.

For Friends And Family by Nicky Stubbs: This cookbook combines beautiful food pics with family photos and offers a lovely assortment of classic dishes. Think chicken liver pate, chicken Marbella and ratatouille. R385, Human and Rousseau.

Rainbow Bakes by Mima Sinclair: You will not believe these cakes where the colours of the rainbow and massive creativity collide. Imagine a vertical rainbow ombre cake, a petal cake and a firework cake. Seeing is believing! R205, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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Spices South Africa, Flavours and Traditions by Sophia Lindop: These recipes combine the flavours of the Indian and Malay cultures. Full of history, favourite recipes and a spice guide. Meals include chilli bites and courgettes stuffed with lamb mince and fragrant rice. R170, Jacana Media.

Delicious Low Carb by Sally Ann Creed: A beautifully presented book with great pics. Moves from soups to finger foods, kids stuff and beverages and everything in between.

Favourite recipes include a Moroccan tea cooler, healthy marshmallows and oven roasted garlic shrooms with caramelized onions. R295, Human & Rousseau.

The Diet Myth by Tim Spector: This book looks at the real science behind what we eat. It looks at how the microbes inside us are responsible for weight loss. Interesting stuff!

R195, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

SA Cookbook For Allergies And Food Intolerance by Hilda Lategan: This is a collection of wheat, gluten, maize, egg, milk and soya-free recipes. It has a food diary to test for allergies and comprehensive guides on what to avoid according to allergies and intolerances. It also gives you the nutritional analysis of each portion. Favourite recipes include sweetcorn soup, almond and orange cake and egg free pancakes. R285, Tafelburg.

Deliciously Ella Every Day by Ella Woodward: Another goodie from this author whose recipes are all plant based.

She looks at healthy eating on the go, breakfast pick me ups, dips and more. The veggies will love spiced lentil soup and sweet potato cakes. R415, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Anti-ageing Tissue Salts by Magaret Roberts: Having used and studied tissue salts for over 50 years, Roberts offers great advice on the anti-ageing properties of 12 essential salts.

Recipes for juices, teas and creams that include the tissue salts are also included. R140, Penguin Random House.

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gardens The Plant Whisperer offers gardening and landscaping tips and ideas Words Faan Boshoff aka the Plant Whisperer Photos Pexels

A terrarium is often described as a world within a world. A small plant universe in a glass container – an ideal garden alternative and easy to maintain. With winter approaching we show you how to create your very own interior garden feature.

enough soil to cover at least a quarter of the vessel; it will settle over time.

Step 2 Plant your terrarium Remove the plants from pots and remove excess soil from the roots.

What you will need: Make a hole in the potting soil. The leaves must not touch • Glass vessel – think old fish tank, bowl, vase. the glass.

• Small growing plants that tolerate low light and have few Firm the soil around the base of each plant. Tip: Choose small water needs or miniature plant varieties so that they do not overtake the • Fine gravel or small polished rocks. container. If the plant is bulky divide it at the roots.

• Charcoal • Sphagnum moss Step 3 Water and location • Sterile moist potting soil.

Lightly spray the foliage.

Place the finished product in a bright spot indoors away Step 1 Get started from direct sun.

Start with a 1cm layer of fine gravel or small polished rocks. Tip: Avoid over-watering. Too much water can rot the roots.

Cover with a thin layer of loose charcoal. This will prevent the Do not fertilize, you want the plants to remain small. water in your terrarium from stagnating. Good drainage is Plants to use: very important because most glass containers do not have Succulents | Button fern | Maiden hair fern | Tillandsia holes at the bottom. sp. | Pilea species | Peperomia species | Hypoestes Place a thin layer of sphagnum moss on top of the charcoal phyllostachya | Cryptanthus species | Asparagus fern | to prevent the soil from moving down between the pebbles.

“Peace-in-home” Add the potting soil. Tip: Dampen the potting soil. Add

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shooting straight

WIN a double set of tickets to Innibos.

Send your contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com & put ‘Innibos’ in the subject box.

Closing date is June 25, 2017. Ts & Cs apply.

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You will know Bobby van Jaarsveld as a judge on The Voice South Africa, you have heard him crooning on the radio and hopefully you caught him at the Sappi Mothers Day Concert in May. If not, don’t despair as Bobby is coming back to the Lowveld to perform at Innibos July 5-8, 2017. We caught up with the popular singer.

How did your love for singing develop? It is something we grew up with. Music was part of our family for as long as I can remember.

Have you entered a singing competition? Too many to count, from the age of 13.

Why The Voice? It is the best talent show worldwide. Why not? It is a huge honour to be a coach.

What do you love about it? I love the interaction with my fellow coaches and seeing all the new talent is beyond amazing!

How do you balance being competitive and polite at the same time with your fellow judges? We have a fantastic relationship between all the coaches, (not judges). There is so much respect between us and we are all friends. We respect each other’s opinions.

Hardest moment on the show? Choosing between talents. Who must stay, who must go? This is extremely difficult for me.

Best moment? Vernon Barnard, the blind guy. There was an emotional connection between us from the first note.

Have you been to the Lowveld before? What is your favourite part? I am here every year for Innibos and because of the festival Nelspruit is my favourite place.

Do you prefer singing in English or Afrikaans? Both. I cannot choose.

Favourite local and international musicians? Local Elvis Blue, Joshua na die Reën and Laurika Rauch. Internationally, it must be Adele.

Most embarrassing moment on stage? Open zip!

If you knew today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?

With my wife and kids in the presence of God. How do you prepare for a show? A lot of vocal warm-ups for one to two hours.

How do you unwind after a show? Playing with my kids.

Ever kissed a fan? They kiss me. But I always turn my cheek. Luckily it does not happen a lot. I am a shy person and it is very difficult for me.

Any lucky charms? I do not believe in lucky charms.

If you were a convicted person, what would your last meal be? Sushi.

Any stalkers? A lot. But that comes with the job and my manager handles that quite well.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? I would have a dive shop at the sea.

Favourite series? The Voice!

How do you relax? Diving.

What’s next? A sitcom, a movie, new album...

socials

Sappi Mother’s Day Concert

Moms of the Lowveld were treated to spectacular day of delicious food, wine and entertainment at the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens on 14 May. Photos Anthon Wessels Africa Photographic Services

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kids

kids Fun stuff for kids Little books for little people Family tripping in Swaziland

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roar The new Nelspruit H&M offers all things cool when it comes to kids. We love the Animal Print Clothing Range. Ilanga Mall.

win it magical pampering Give your cherubs a pamper day with Magical Mani’s at Polished Express Nail and Brow Bar in Ilanga Mall, Nelspruit. Choose from a range of gorgeous rainbow colours and playful nail art topped off with a lovely scented hand massage. Polished Express offers glamorous nails, nail art, lashes, tinting, brows and microblading. Affordable luxury on the go! 082 412 9689.

WIN a Polished Magical Manicure. Email your contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Polished’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2017. Tcs & Cs apply. learning baby sign Baby Signing with Baby Babble classes is fun and easy through songs and rhymes. What is Baby Sign? Babies are able to gesture from an early age (waving, pointing). Baby sign takes this natural ability and builds on it – teaching babies a system of simple gestures allows them to communicate with those around them long before they can speak.

Why? Reduces the frustration of being misunderstood; it bridges the bilingual gap; increases their confidence when listened to from a young age; increases bonding with all caregivers… the list goes on. Book a free trial, 060 934 9629, amanda@babybabble.guru

keep it pure Pure Beginnings is a natural range of body products for babies and littlies. For winter try Kids Fun Time Hand Wash with Rooibos, R64,99.

Available from www.purebeginnings.co.za www.faithful-to-nature.co.za Dis-Chem and Baby City.

kids lovely lou Fun and fabulous, we adore Lou’s range of kids goodies; think kids back packs, Lunch Coolers, lunch slings, pencil cases, book bags, aprons and bibs! Choose from a range of classic designs with easy-to-clean durable fabric.

Available online from www.louharvey.co.za.

WIN a lunch sling valued at R580. To enter, email your contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Lou” in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017. Ts & Cs apply

my smile your smile A child’s First Tooth appears around the age of six months. From then it is at risk of decaying. Luckily this is preventable – start cleaning with a washcloth and then a soft toothbrush with a rice grain size of toothpaste, as soon as the first tooth appears.

By age three, all 20 primary teeth should be present. Brush twice a day; two minutes is what it takes to clean well. Diet is as important. Avoid sugary drinks and food and take your child for regular check ups from the age of two. Follow these guidelines to ensure a healthy and beautiful set of teeth. My Smile Dental Studio, 013 751 3144, www.mysmile.co.za

oh oosh I want one Ooshies are a range of collectible toys that are also pencil toppers. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, Spiderman and Wolverine as well as the infamous villains of the Marvel Universe. There are 40 to collect and swap including special edition glow in the dark, metallic, translucent and gold plated figurines. For boys and girls age 5 and over. R159.99, available from Toy Zone and ToysRUs. WIN Ooshies. Email your contact details and address to info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Ooshies’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2017. Tcs & Cs apply.

shop Stock up on Winter Warmer Goodies courtesy of TRAC and Ilanga Mall.

win R500 v oucher

WIN a R500 Ilanga Mall gift voucher, brought to you by TRAC, by answering this simple Innibos-related question: Name one artist performing at the Jacaranda FM concert on Sat 8 July.

Email your contact details, address and the answer to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘TRAC’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017. Tcs & Cs apply.

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Snuggle up with your kids and these super books

story time

Fun Facts Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Kids & Silly Stories: A quirky and fun round up of mysteries, the supernatural, monsters and mythological beings. This book is perfect for young children who love zany and wacky pictures and stories. R150, Penguin Random House.

Batman Ready Steady Stick: A sticker storybook featuring Batman, Robin, The Joker and a few more super heroes thrown in for good measure! R104, Penguin Random House.

A Faraway Tree: The Land Of Toys by Enid Blyton: Joe, Beth, Frannie and cousin Rick pop up the in Faraway Tree for another classic adventure, this time in the land of toys. A fantastical journey with all the favourite characters. With colour illustrations. R100, Penguin Random House.

Memoirs Of A Neurotic Zombie by Jeff Norton: Adam is being sent to summer camp and according to him, this is an absolute disaster. Poor Adam thinks that bad toilets, creepy crawlies and grizzly bears are bad enough but he has no idea what is waiting for him. A hilarious comedic adventure. Ages 8 up. R155, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Surprise Surprise by Niki Daly: Mr and Mrs Tati don’t have any children and so one day they bring home a little piglet. They dress him up like a boy and he eats at the table with them but when he goes to school with the other kids, his differences stand out. So his parents make a wish…R155, Tafelburg.

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Landy At the Factory by Veronica Lamond: There are a number of Landy and Fender books in this series and they all follow the escapades of these cars and their owners. Whether it’s helping at an apple harvest, aiding a cliff rescue or in this one, visiting the original Land Rover factory, there are adventures around every corner. R110, Penguin Random House.

Dragonology Colouring In: A beautiful collection of dragon descriptions, and images to colour in. R221, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Word Of Mouse by James Patterson And Chris Grabenstein: Isaiah is an extremely clever (he can talk, read & write) yet extremely scared mouse who has been raised in a laboratory. When he escapes, he must learn quickly how to survive in the big outside world. Ages 7-11. R230, Penguin Random House.

The Royal Rabbits Of London By Santa Montefiore and Simon Debag Montefiore, illustrated by Kate Hindley: Shylo, a little rabbit, is different from his siblings and he is bullied because of it. However adventure beckons when he accidentally stumbles across an evil plot to photograph the Queen in her nightie by a band of ratzis. Shylo must to travel to London and inform the Royal Rabbits of London about the diabolical plot! R155, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Tornado Chasers by Ross Montgomery: Owen has lived a very safe life up until now.

His parents are afraid of everything and so have become safety and control freaks. This is Owen’s adventure. This is about facing your fears whatever the cost. This is about chasing tornados. Ages 9-11. R177, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Six Blind Mice And An Elephant by Jude Daly: One day a sleepy elephant wanders out of the forest into a farmer’s barn where he falls asleep. Six blind mice come upon this sleeping beast but what do they think it is? Delightful fable from India. R155, Tafelburg.

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swaziland cool for kids Swaziland, the Switzerland of Africa. Kind of Words and Photos Fred Martin

Phophonyane

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Nelspruit

10% discount voucher off maternity wear!

i

Above: House on Fire, Milwane Night Gate

might be a travel writer but it doesn’t make me a geography expert. Far from it. There are many places on Earth that I can’t even locate on a map. Swaziland is, or rather was, one of them. Luckily, to make up for my overall ignorance, my curiosity comes in and saves me from total embarrassment – sometimes.

In addition to being curious, I am also quite ambitious in my approach to travelling and exploring countries and places… Thus my determination to sleep in five different lodges in just five nights on our first family Swaziland holiday.

Despite what you might think, it is a very easy thing to do, especially when you have small kids, as lie-ins are part of your past. You get up, have breakfast and visit the city/antique ruin/forest/whatever you want to see in the morning, have a nice lunch somewhere, visit a bit more in the afternoon and then move to your next destination which you’ll reach before dinner. It’s all about evaluating distances and times – and praying not to get lost on the way.

Back to Swaziland. Now, I’ve been there, I understand why people call it the Switzerland of Africa: it’s very green and hilly and has lots of cows. Except that it has rhinos and zebras too. And Swazi people. And it is very small; 200km north to south and 130km east to west. So you see, my challenge to sleep in five different places over five nights was not much of a feat.

083 640 5965 hester@kidsemporium.co.za www.kidsemporium.co.za Shop 68 Crossing Shopping Centre, Cnr N4 & Madiba drive, Nelspruit kidsemp @kidsemporium Please bring this voucher to the store to qualify for the discount.

KE Nelspruit store only. T & C’s Apply

kids A few facts: The Kingdom of Swaziland is a sovereign state in Southern Africa, neighboured by Mozambique to its east and South Africa for the rest. It is an absolute monarchy, currently ruled by King Mswati III who happens to be polygamous and has, at the last count, 15 wives.

We decided to cross the border at Naamacha, the easiest option coming from Maputo where we live, then go down along the main road which crosses the country in the middle. We went north and then further south again to leave via Bulembu gate. This is a tiny border on a tortuous and difficult gravel road in the middle of a forest on the way to Nelspruit via Barberton. Very bumpy and neverending, but oh so scenic. Lowvelders and Joburgers can do the reverse route.

Our first stop in Swaziland was a few kilometres away from the Naamacha border. The SHEWULA MOUNTAIN CAMP is the first community eco-tourism project in Swaziland (no electricity except for the kitchen/dining area, but hot showers in the shared bathroom). The camp is fully owned and run by the community. It is therefore a vital source of income and employment for the population and is a proud achievement for all the people involved. The bungalows are very comfortable, the food they prepare is delicious and the panoramic views of Swaziland beautiful. And Maputo can be seen on a clear day just 100km away.

We relaxed and took a stroll to visit the countryside and the village nearby with a lovely man from the community. We wanted to meet the local healer but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be as the poor man was off sick and had gone to hospital to be looked after. Seriously.

Our second stop was at HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK, home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland. You’ll see lion, elephant, white rhino, giraffe and a range of other species. You feel a bit cheated when you realise that the lions are kept in a special enclosure though, but at least, you are sure to see one if you book a space in the safari car that goes there in the morning and in the afternoon.

We stayed at Ndlovu Camp, which is very easy to find, just after the main gate and where the activity centre is. Their self-catering group cottages are just a few metres from a waterhole, frequented by elephant and white rhino. The cottages are close to the restaurant, which serves delicious stews and is a lovely place to

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kids visit at night since there is no electricity anywhere else. A member of staff installs lanterns in each of the rooms and by the front door around dusk. A gas fridge and an oven do the trick and there is hot water in the bathroom luckily.

On our way to our next lodge, we stopped at House on Fire in Malkerns for lunch. It hosts the famous BushFire festival every May. A must-see crazy, mystical, psychedelic haven of love and spirituality with a lovely pub, a quirky art gallery, an Internet café and a few very good craft shops.

Our next destination was WIDE HORIZONS RETREAT, located inside a private estate, owned by a lovely woman called Rose. She arrived in Swaziland with her late husband many decades ago and decided to stay and create this wonderful piece of peace and quiet, hidden in a beautiful wildlife conservation area with zebras and deer living in harmony. She restored a stone and thatch farmhouse, built outbuildings around it with beautiful gardens and a hidden contemplation chapel. She also opened a weaving workshop called Rosecraft (now in Mbabane) and set up trails in the forest with spring water running along trenches that she dug herself.

A home away from home, we could have happily stayed for a week, just revelling in the natural surroundings and feeding the goats! We stayed in the tents, which are comfortable. The kitchen area and open bathroom are well thought out and there is a pretty decorative detail everywhere you look. You can really see the heart and dedication put in every aspect of this charming place. It is self-catering but you can still arrange for meals to be prepared for you.

I was curious to visit the Swazi Cultural Village despite it being aimed at the tourist market. It was a very good insight into the local customs (and our only way to get a bit of folklore during our trip). Our guide was great and introduced us to their proud culture and traditions, along with some Swazi dancing. The Swazis are famous for their beehive huts and we slept in similar dwellings at the MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. Here, there are no dangerous animals (except for crocodiles) so you can go for a stroll on foot on your own. And you wake up to see impalas and warthogs munching on the grass around.

From Mlilwane, we drove to the Ngwenya Glass Centre on our way north. As its name indicates, it is a glass factory that makes all kinds of items made from 100% used and recycled glass. There is a beautiful shop right next to the factory, selling everything in glass. From the first floor, you can see the process of the glass blowers and the furnace. There is a coffee shop and lovely small shops in the garden around the corner, many of which sell crafts and jewellery made from recycled materials.

Lastly (we stopped once more on the way though to walk and see the Nsangwini Rock Art) we drove to PHOPHONYANE FALLS ECOLODGE AND NATURE RESERVE to spend our last night in Swaziland. The place is stunning.

Beautiful tents with wood decking in a luscious garden with monkeys playing in the trees. We walked to waterfalls, enjoyed good food, and jumped in the (very cold) swimming pool.

This brought us to end of our five-day whirlwind Swaziland adventure. Lots of fun, adventure and laughter for the grownups and little people alike.

Clockwise: Wide Horizons Retreat – the sculpture trail entrance, Milwane Forest walk, Phoponyane waterfall, House on Fire, Hlane safari drive, eagle at Hlane game reserve, Shewula – The Blue house,

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Breakfast at Shewula, Below, left to right: Resting under the Shewula tree, Ngwenya Glass blowing, chilling at House on Fire, elephant at Hlane, Phoponyane rock pools, Phoponyane nature trail, the warriors – Swazi Cultural Village

swazi info

Shewula Mountain Camp +268 7605 1160/ 7603 1931 info@shewulacamp.org

Hlane Royal National Park +268 2528 3943/4 reservations@biggameparks.org www.biggameparks.org/hlane Wide Horizons Retreat +268 2505 3915/ 2550 4385 widehorizonsretreat@gmail.com Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary +268 2528 3943/4 reservations@biggameparks.org www.biggameparks.org/mlilwane

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Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve +268 2431 3429/ 7604 2802 lungile@phophonyane.co.sz www.phophonyane.co.sz House On Fire +268 2528 2110/ 2528 3170 restaurant@malandelas.com Swazi Cultural Village +268 2416 1101 culturalvillage@sntc.org.sz Ngwenya Glass Swaziland +268 2442 4053/ 2442 4142/ 2442 4151 www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz

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y n a p m o c t a l p s e th meet

Photos Hilton Kotze, Africa Photographic Services

A

dele Luus, a familiar name to moms in Nelspruit, is the proud owner of The Splat Company. She lives on a Macadamia farm with her husband, son Ruben and daughter Amelia. She is an old Lowvelder, and attended White River Primary and then Hoerskool Nelspruit. After school, she studied Foundation Phase Teaching at the University of Potchefstroom.

What is Splat? The name says it all; a Safe Play Learn And Talk centre. It’s a place where kids can have hours of fun with friends. A place where they can learn and develop a wide variety of language and social skills by interacting with their friends; all in a safe and supervised environment.

Where did the idea come from? We lived in Johannesburg for two years, where I was a stay-at-home mom and visited all the places there were for kids to have fun. The concept really came to me when we moved back to Nelspruit because of the more family orientated lifestyle we craved.

I saw the need for a place where children can enjoy a safe play haven and parents can relax.

When did you open? We opened our doors on September 1, 2016.

Who is the team? My husband, my father and I started the business. We worked closely together on everything. It required a lot of coordination and management to achieve success. We never settled for anything less than the best.

Why a kid’s orientated business? As I have my own kids, I realised there was a need for a place that caters for kids that’s safe and indoors. Sunshine or rain, The Splat Company can cater for everyone at any time. I also love kids, which motivated me to create something that they would enjoy.

What will we find inside Splat? A three-tiered Jungle

Theme Structure with multiple challenges on it; an Art and Craft area; a dedicated toddler area for kids aged 0 – 3 years; baby changing rooms and breastfeeding rooms; a coffee shop; party studios; experienced child minders and an energetic manager that can arrange anything the customer requires.

Your favourite part of Splat? The massive ball pit, I just love it. We have dived in it quite a few times!

What can we expect in the future? We have launched our new menu with some delicious items. We aim to expand Splat in the future in order to cater for older kids too. Our guests can also look forward to some new and exciting party themes that are coming soon.

Tell us something no one knows? Something that people often forget is that children are our future. A child’s entire personality is shaped within the first seven years of his or her life.

INFO 076 942 0502, 013 752 2165, info@thesplat.co.za, www.thesplat.co.za

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Red wines for winter drinking Foodie news Cooked in Hoedspruit

eat & drink

taunt your tastebuds

Words Jenny Chaplin

F

rom the moment we stepped into the warm, friendly ambience of Pioneers Grill in Hazyview, we knew we were in for a treat. Earthy colours, tasteful fittings and furnishings make for a distinctly South African space that’s both inviting and modern – with a strong nod to the laidback vibe of the Lowveld.

Inside this 160-seater restaurant, plush booths give diners a wonderful sense of being cocooned, while a 20-seater private dining room is ideal for intimate celebrations and dinners. The outside deck features a separate kiddies play area, exquisite trees bejewelled with the colours of nature and fairy lights to add a touch of the whimsical.

But it’s behind the open grill where the magic really happens, as chefs cook up a storm, bringing to life the menu of owner and ex-chef Denee Fick-Esterhuizen.

Despite her extensive international and local culinary experience with many a celeb chef, Denee describes her food as plain, wholesome, family fare. This writer thinks she sells herself short! With the likes of trinchado, marrow bones, ostrich carpaccio and salmon trout amongst the medley of hot and cold starters, making a choice was difficult.

Bobotie spring rolls dusted with icing sugar and served with home-made chutney and fresh rocket, won the day; while my hubby, Eugene, opted for the garlic snails. Beautifully presented on generous white plates, the spring rolls, encased in crisp phyllo pastry were an absolute delight and packed with tasty spice and flavour. I have to confess I nicked a snail – I couldn’t let Eugene eat garlic alone – and it too was absolutely fantastic.

It took us forever to decide on our mains – simply because of the array of dishes on offer. Seafood, vegetarian options, chicken, lamb, home-made burgers (which look incredible), venison and even a kid’s menu. Given that Pioneers prides itself on it steaks, which they source locally (as they do all their produce), before aging them for 21 – 28 days, I went with the recommendation of the camembert fillet served with a sweet cranberry, red wine and balsamic sauce, while Eugene opted for 12 grilled prawns. All mains are served with a choice of fries, baked potato, mash, savoury rice, veggies or a side salad.

The only down side? No space for pud. Think Amarula crème brulee, key lime pie and baked cheese cake amongst others. Ah well, we’ll simply have to go back.

INFO Pioneers, Perry’s Bridge R536 in Hazyview. Lunch is served from 12pm and the kitchen closes at 9pm. 013 737 7397

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Blue Print Restaurant has just introduced its new WINTER FANTASY MENU. Think The Sprouting Pear – featuring a deconstructed pork curry or the King Arthur; a matured bone in sirloin on a bed of oxtail infused risotto. The whole menu is new, exciting and creative. Booking essential.

Bagdad Centre, 060 997 6855.

superfood super you As the cold creeps in its the perftect time to increase the superfood into your healthy eating habits. Superfoods offer an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This month we are loving the mushroom.

Mushrooms contain high levels of amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols, are impossibly low in calories, rich in Niacin (Vit B3) to help keep blood cholesterol in check and have cancer-killing compounds. And you can get them anywhere.

Zannas Deli at the Bagdad Centre has stocked up and now offers fresh fruit and vegetables; herbs and spices; ready to eat frozen meals like quiche, lasagna and pies; homemade ice-cream, cheese cake and more. You will also find biscuits galore on the shelves, fabulous Indian cooking ingredients and much much more. Pop in and see what is on offer and check Facebook for new specials. Facebook.com/ZannasCafe/

what’s for supper?

We Are White River’s app is a pretty handy tool when choosing where to eat in the Lowveld. Download it onto your phone and discover the world of appy meals.

cooked in the hoed Di Tipping-Woods puts on a chef hat and spends the day with Chef Chris Hoffmann at his new restaurant, Cooked, the kitchen on Route 40 Words Dianne Tipping-Woods Photos Shara Barrell

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cooking is all about

“

heat and timing,” says Chef Chris Hoffmann as he gently stokes the pizza oven. The smell of wood smoke mingles with the aroma of the thick slabs of locally-sourced pork belly which have been roasting overnight. The juices caramalise, the meat softens and the flavours intensify as slowly, the world turns.

This oven is the beating heart of his new restaurant, Cooked on Route 40, just a few kilometres outside of Hoedspruit. With the pork perfectly prepared and the morning’s breads cooling on a nearby counter, it’s time for the aubergines to roast in a different part of ‘Lucy’, as the pampered furnace is affectionately known.

“The heat is different depending on how we’ve stoked the fire and where we place the dish; pork neck and beef chuck lasagna needs a cooler oven than the

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Chef Jessica Fourie

CHARLIE TROTTER ONCE SAID THAT COOKING IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN MAN AND GOD AND MAN MUST CONTRIBUTE THE LEAST buffalo mozzerella, anchovies and basil flat bread,” explains Chris, who moved from Franschhoek in 2016, leaving behind the highly successful Café Des Arts for a warmer life in the Lowveld with his wife Louise and children Seaná and Joshua.

Managing Lucy (with the help of a laser thermometer) is an art he and his small, highly experienced team have mastered quickly. With just this pizza oven and a basic four plate gas burner, the kitchen turns out dish after spectacular dish as if by magic. If Chris is an alchemist or magician though, his art is a subtle one, as the kitchen at Cooked is entirely open to the rest of the restaurant.

This openness suits Chris perfectly. “All the kitchens I have worked in have been open,” he explains as he checks the presentation of the homemade charcoal tagliatelle about to be served, quickly pilfering a piece of plump and aromatic basil to chew on. He has an easy rapport with his staff and the kitchen is generally a happy place. “It feels like we’re cooking outside here. When the rain falls around us, we feel blessed,” he says as he carefully plates up another portion.

Chris is unpretentious and candid about his food. “I cook who I am; that means big portions of robust and tasty food that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” he explains. He believes complicated food attracts complicated customers and that’s not really his style. “I don’t fool around with my food too much. Charlie Trotter once said that cooking is a collaboration

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between man and God and man must contribute the least.

That resonates with me. Food is so often close to perfect in its simplest form,” he explains.

This was also a fundamental lesson from Chris’ mentor, Topsi Venter, the doyenne of South African cuisine. Working at Topsi & Co in Franschhoek as a 20 year old, he earned R200 a week out of the tip jar and spent a year in the kitchen before he was allowed to touch a pan. As he walked 4.5kms to work each day, he spent the time rehearsing the day’s menu.

“She taught me that ingredients need to be perfectly cooked. It’s all about getting everything together at the right time,” he explains. “I roast my vegetables individually because they cook differently. We fed a lot of chefs together; Reuben Riffel, Richard Carstins, Margot Janse, Duncan Dorethy, Pete Goffwood…,” he recalls fondly.

When Topsi was looking for someone to take over her business in Franschhoek, Chris was her first choice.

“People thought I was crazy going back to take over her old restaurant. And it was bloody hard work,” Chris concedes, “but we made Café des Arts work in Franschhoek and we have the same attitude here.”

His hands-on approach is appreciated by his staff. He immediately clicked with local co-chef Jessica Fourie who playfully reprimands “Boss-man” Chris with a wooden spoon as he steals some more basil. “I am a workaholic in the kitchen; all I want to do is cook. Jess begs me to go home,”

eat he confesses, as Jess rolls her eyes. She was previously head Chef at Leopard Hills, Djuma, Dulini and Phinda private game reserves, giving her more than a decade of experience in some of the country’s top kitchens.

Make no mistake though, the easy comradery in Chris’ kitchen does not impact the ruthless professionalism he expects. “I tell my team that if they burn something, it’s a mistake. If they serve it, it’s a choice and that has consequences.

We pride ourselves on our consistency and if we (rarely) need to do something over, that’s what we do,” Chris explains.

“I ask myself every day, ‘what does eating here bring to people?’. That keeps me focused. We don’t have a formula, just a small, well-thought-out menu,” he says. As well as the restaurant, which is only open for breakfast and lunch for now, Chris is excited about the catering gigs Cooked is handling and the consulting work he’s been doing for a number of 5-star lodges in the Greater Kruger.

And after all these years, cooking for people still gives him a thrill. That’s why he’s at the restaurant at 6am, getting Lucy ready for action. The light is soft and cool air and birdsong fills his kitchen. Just as he did when he was 20, Chris has learnt his menu for the day. With some gentle kindling at the master’s hands, the previous night’s coals blaze to life and the kitchen at Cooked is back in business for another day.

INFO The restaurant is open daily except for Mondays.

078 443 4068 for a reservation. Facebook/CookedHoedies.

HOT TIPS • TRY THE GIN COCKTAILS – GINTAILS! • IF THE PORK NECK AND BEEF CHUCK LASAGNA ARE ON THE MENU, TRY THEM! • THE PORTLAND PROJECT COFFEE SUPPLIES CHRIS’ BARISTA, TINASHE MUTSETSE WITH SOME OF THE BEST COFFEE IN SA. • LOUISE, CHRIS’ WIFE, SAYS BREAKFAST IS HIS FORTÉ.

The Cooked family

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red, red wine Steenberg Nebbiolo’s 2014 vintage is an elegant rendition of this classic Italian variety. Discover nuances of rose petals, fynbos and dried wild herbs on the nose and a palate with hints of sour cherries, raspberries and hibiscus tea. A beautiful garnet colour, this wine stands in good stead with rich and hearty dishes. R255, shop online at www.steenbergfarm.com The Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is dedicated to showcasing the unique terroir. The wine is blended from three vineyard blocks on the Simonsberg estate. The John Platter five-star wine is a stunning deep garnet colour packed with dark berries and cocoa powder with hints of dried herbs and eucalyptus. The palate is full and rich and reminiscent of the aromas on the nose. A dry spicy lingering finish. R329.99, www.tokara.com Grande Provence Zinfandel 2015 boasts ripe strawberries with whiffs of mulled spice. The grapes come from the slopes of Groenberg in Wellington and these warmer conditions, “allow a bright fruit forward wine with a great balance of colour and soft tannins,” says cellarmaster Matthew van Heerden. Enjoy with a winter casseroles. R150, available from liquor stores. www.grandeprovence.co.za Avondale Samsara 2009 has been created from 13 different soil areas on the estate. The result is a complex old world red with notes of wood, violets and white pepper. On the palate, cloves, cinnamon, cherries and pepper. R399, available online from www.avondalewine.co.za The new Alto MPHS 2012 is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and is a tribute to the estate’s founding winemakers whose initials make up its name; Manie Malan, Piet du Toit, his son Hempies and Schalk van der Westhuizen.

The red is a lively brick-red wine with typical Cabernet aromas – red berry fruit and a touch of nuttiness and wood. Delicious with slow roasted lamb. R925, available online from www. vinoteque.co.za Kleine Zalze Cinsault 2016 was made from a combination of Darling and Paardeberg grapes, with no oak in its production.

It reveals a bouquet of violets, dried lavender and hints of red fruits while the palate offers red berry fruit and elegant tannins. It is complex and every mouthful reveals more and more depth. R67, available from liquor stores.

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DISCOVER

than you

EXPECTED...

RESTAURANTS • COFFEE SHOPS GALLERY • CINEMA • MUSEUM WELLNESS • GYM • ANTIQUES GIFTS • INTERIORS • JEWELLERY LINGERIE • BOUTIQUE CLOTHING HOTEL • CONFERENCE

Tel: +27 13 751 1540 | Cnr Hazyview & Numbi Rd, White River | www.casterbridge.co.za Like us on Facebook - fb.com/CasterbridgeLifestyleCentre

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A hair experience valued at over R4 000

Sign up to the LL experience and the latest copy will be delivered to you. For only R204.84, you will receive a year’s subscription of six editions of Lowveld Living Magazine. Subscribe in the months of June and July 2017 and you stand the chance to win a Gary Rom Hairdressing Makeover including a full consultation, colour/highlights, an in-salon treatment, a cut and blow dry and an express manicure and pedicure.

G

ary Rom Hairdressing has arrived in the Lowveld. The renowned South African hairdressing salon group has opened a franchise in Nelspruit offering a dynamic approach to client hospitality, where the experience of the customer is placed at the forefront of the visit. Appointments are booked every hour, irrespective of the service involved, thus allowing stylists the necessary time to provide accurate information and to provide the correct design and hair care offering to each client. Every stylist in the group has their own assistant, enabling them to extend a level of service unparalleled in the industry. Information about the hair, its condition and the relevant aspects related to the service are all shared with the client. In the case of female clients, an eight-step consultation is performed, where all aspects of the journey through the salon are covered, and a detailed quote is provided before their hair journey begins. In the case of male clients, a four-step consultation is performed, together with the necessary quote.

State of the art software is used, providing accurate information at the touch of a button, enabling every stylist to access data and history of the client. A visit to a Gary Rom salon is an experience to behold. Soundproof treatment rooms are provided, where clients can relax and listen to separate piped music, without hearing the sounds of the salon.

A 14-day guarantee on all services and products purchased is provided, providing they use the retail products recommended by the group.

INFO Nelspruit, Crossings Shopping Centre, 072 685 8927, 082 821 1752, 013 752 3552, nelspruit@garyrom.co.za SUBSCRIBE: CALL: 079Â 523 4671 EMAIL: lowveldliving@gmfc.co.za Ts & Cs: Magazine: Rate applicable to one-year subscription of six editions at R204.84.

Processing of the subscription may take up to a week.

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Meet Simply Slowveld Meet Kofler Photography Winter warmer wonders

style

loving the Kate Barnett and Sue San Giorgio met 10 years ago soon after they both moved to the Lowveld from opposite ends of the country

lowveld Photos Etienne Oosthuizen, Africa Photographic Services

Kate, Sue and Lettie

They have been firm friends ever since and now their relationship has flowed into a partnership that is Simply Slowveld. Kate combines a cool, practical head with an exceptional eye for the unusually beautiful. She is a fierce proponent of local produce, creativity, design and industry. Sue is a fun, energetic and diversely talented artist. Her work adorns many a beautifully crafted home and she is a very clever up cycler giving old furniture a new lease of life.

What is your business? Simply Slowveld designs and creates its own range of Slowveld inspired fun and simple clothing, stationery and homeware accessories. Why a shop? It grew out of We are White River, the initiative that is building positive connections in the community. They started making T-shirts to promote White River, which quickly became popular. This led to the idea of designing a wider variety of products that celebrate all that is good and fun about the Lowveld. Where is the name from? We celebrate the fantastic, friendly people that make up the community living in the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Lowveld bush and along the edges of our amazing escarpment. The name Simply Slowveld captures the essence of the good life. How do you choose your stock? We only sell our own designs and we strive to ensure that as much of our inputs as well as the production is local. By local we mean White River and then Nelspruit; we occasionally source from elsewhere in SA. For example our T-shirts are made from cotton grown in Southern Africa, sewn locally and printed in White River. The tailors who make our linen and clothes operate in White River. We love collaborating with local craftsmen to create products we have designed like our Simply Slowveld wireman outside the shop, which was commissioned from local wire artist Hudson Mabwe. What are the designs inspired by? We want people to take a little bit of the Lowveld bush into their homes locally as well as all over the world. We focus on the details of the seed pods of iconic Lowveld trees: our classic umbrella shaped Acacias and our Kiaats and Coral trees. We have also been inspired by the local community project, the Chicken Challenge, in which artists create amazingly colourful chickens as a fundraiser for the rape intervention programme GRIP. We continue to support GRIP through the bright Chicken Challenge cards and giftware that we have created. Who helps you with your designs? Sue creates most of the designs and then Charlotte Senini Mortlock – a Canadian graphic designer who fortunately for us married a local farmer – weaves her magic. Favourite thing you sell? Our ladieswear linen. Future plans? A wider range of T-shirt designs that celebrate the active and outdoor life in the Slowveld not just White River. Tell us something no one knows? Our little wooden spoons and knives were made for us by a craftsman who works in one of the shops in Casterbridge. INFO Kate 082 900 1453, Sue 082 482 0740, info@simplyslowveld.com, Facebook.com/simplyslowveld

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meet kofler photography

an african adventure

Daniela Kofler is married to Alberto Scattolin with a son Robby. They live in Phalaborwa (Limpopo) in the Kruger National Park. As well as being a dynamic photographer, Daniela and her family own Matimba Bush Lodge on the Hans Merensky Golf Estate where Daniela also offers photographic and guiding courses.

What is your training? I am a professional photographer with over 25 years experience. I was born in Italy into a photographic family and started my career in Milan as a fashion photographer. I later made the shift to food and advertising photography while working in Germany. In the years to follow I published over 20 cookbooks.

What do you specialise in? Food and lodge photography.

What are you inspired by? I get my inspiration from restaurants and good books.

Your most challenging shoot? In the Dolomites where I was shooting a free climber.

What is your biggest passion? Photography and creating portfolios for the lodge and hospitality industry.

And skiing – I was in the downhill skiing team.

What is your talent? Definitely food photography.

Local photographers you admire? I like Alain Proust. Internationally I like Steve Curry.

The best thing about shooting in the Lowveld? The climate, the gorgeous hospitality and lodges, as well as nature.

What brought you to the Lowveld? I believe the quality of life is better here and I opened a lodge.

What can we expect in the future? In the future I would like to do photography for the Sabi Sand Lodges.

Tell us something no one knows? No one knows I drive fast and I like wine.

INFO Daniela Kofler-Scattolin, 076 986 9281, Info@kofler-photography.com, www.kofler-photography.com

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Lounge at home this season with the AGA LUDLOW FIREPLACE for company.

It’s a medium-sized solid fuel or wood-burning fireplace available in matt black and the option of either a top or rear flue attachment. Buy it from AGA or www.takelot.co.za from R20 000.

Nothing will keep you warmer than this TABITA COLOUR BLOCK WRAP PONCHO from Poetry. R499, Ilanga Mall, Nelspruit.

winter wonderland Keep warm with these hot items

We love this ODELL TRAVEL BAG from Poetry. Pack light and escape to warmer pastures. R2 699, Ilanga Mall, Nelspruit.

Catch the Dullstroom Winter Festival 1-3 July and enjoy music, outdoor activities, winter goodies and the creative arts.

style Soak away the winter blues in the BETTE LUX OVAL from Bathroom Butler.

Available from www.bathroombutler.com

Great looking lashes this winter with SHOWSTOPPING LASH LOVER from Mii. Enriched with beeswax and carnauba wax to condition and strengthen lashes.

R345, available from online from wwww.poisebrands.co.za

HALLS RACE Halls Gateway to the Lowveld 21km, 10km, 3km.

8 July www.enteronline.co.za 079 881 3582

Could you love this couch any more? This is an ARDMORE LIMITED EDITION ZAMBEZI SOFA. R55 000, available from Zulu Sierra Collections in the Lowveld. Priscille 083 626 4438, Vanessa 083 625 9140

OUDE MEESTER DEMANT has just won the World’s Best Brandy of 2017. Discover dark chocolate, nutmeg and fruity notes of notes of dried apricot and pineapple on the nose. A balanced palate with hints of oak and delicate spice that softly finishes with a lingering smoothness. Yum!

WIN an Oude Meester Demant hamper filled with two brandy balloons and a fluffy winter blanket to keep the cold at bay. To enter email your name, contact details and address to info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Oude Meester” in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017. Ts & Cs apply. # 63 |

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The comfort of the MAGELLAN ARMCHAIR by Mobelli Furniture + Living may actually stop you from ever leaving your home this season. R17 499, www.mobelli.co.za

AFRICAN EXTRACTS ROOIBOS EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB combines apricot kernels and Rooibos to polish the skin beautifully. R51.51 (200ml), available from Dis-Chem. www.africanextracts.com.

AFRICAN EXTRACTS ROOIBOS REGENERATING TISSUE OIL blends sweet almond and grape seed oil and the highly effective anti oxidant power of Rooibos extract and vitamin E to moisturise and nourish.

R58.74 (60ml), available from Dis-Chem. www.africanextracts.com

Volpe’s WINTER DUVETS and linen are delicious for staying in bed.

Available from Volpes at Coricraft, Nelspruit.

CARIBBEAN ISLAND WILD FLOWERS BODY POLISH by Crabtree & Evelyn reveals scents of exquisite blooms and tropical citrus notes. The foaming body polish deep cleanses, exfoliates with avocado stone granules and moisturises leaving the skin smooth and glowing. R450, available online from www.crabtree-evelyn.co.za

Enjoy great winter looks from OLD KHAKI. Available from Ilanga Mall and Riverside Mall, Nelspruit.

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Nutgrove Manor is now open for lunch at the Grove Restaurant. Enjoy a lazy winter afternoon in the property’s beautiful gardens while enjoying a great meal. Booking essential.

076 697 4886, 076 232 5392, info@nutgrovemanor.co.za

These CATERPILLAR BOOTS make dressing up to go outside a tough yet stylish affair. Available online from www.treadandmiller.co.za

Children’s Cinema Club 2.30pm at Casterbridge Cinema July 1st.

There is nothing more indulgent than an oversized DRESSING GOWN to keep the chills at bay. R599, available from Volpes at Coricraft, Nelspruit.

Bagdad Farmers Market & Fit to Go Trail Run, White River on June 10th. Entry forms at sales@mag-nolia.co.za.

ARGAN OIL’S HYDRATING HAIR MASK is the ultimate winter hair restorative product. R69.96, available from Dis-Chem.

Planning a winter wedding, then look no further than the beautiful COWSHED located halfway between Dullstroom and Lydenburg. www.thecowshed.co.za

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IMMUNACE ® EXTRA PROTECTION by Vitabiotics is a one-a-day antioxidant, micronutrient and botanical extract tablet, which offers your body great support in the cold months by giving you an extra injection of vitamin D, zinc, selenium and more.

R240, available from all pharmacies.

Love your body and treat it to the new winter WARM ORANGE & GINGER BODY RANGE by Matsimela. Think salt scrubs, body butters, fizz balls, hand cast soaps, and bath soaks. Delicious.

Available from Matsimela, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre.

Team Dr Joseph’s ULTRA INTENSE HYALURONIC AGE REPAIR CREAM offers a super injection of moisture. Known as a rejuvenation booster cream, use it for three months for great skin pampering. R1 925, available online from www.futurethis.co.za

When did CROCS become so stylish? Grab a pair for the great outdoors. R1 299.95, available from Soul Mates, Nelspruit.

VITAMINS COMPLEX SERUM from Juliette Binoche is a much-needed injection of vitamin A-F complex and natural anti-oxidants, which help to fight environmental pollutants.

R645 (20ml), available from pharmacies.

June 30th Happy Hour @4pm Magnolia Restaurant LINEN DRAWER HINTERVELD BEAUTIFUL STORY THROWS are gorgeous warming accessories when leaving the house is necessary. R1 815, www.linendrawer.co.za

Violet & Rose Jewellery Co has a wonderful range of MEN’S WATCHES for the special man in your life.

WIN Celebrate Father’s Day and win a Gents’ Calvin Klein Watch

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worth R3 300. To enter email your name, contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Watch” in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017.

Ts & Cs apply.

wint i PRINGLE LOGO new 9/14/07 12:07 PM Page 1 C

CRAFTED COSMETICS is gearing up for winter with a Hibiscus Rose Sugar Mousse, R140, and Lavender & Lemongrass Sugar Scrub, R125, for ridding your body of dry skin cells. Available from Earthwise at Ilanga mall, Earth & Soul, PicknPay, In Da Belly in Hazyview and Mopani.

WIN a Crafted Cosmetics winter hamper. To enter email your name, contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Crafted” in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017. Ts & Cs apply.

Innibos Festival & Cycle Race July 6-8,

073 460 8208

GARDENERS OVERNIGHT HAND THERAPY by Crabtree & Evelyn is formulated with vitamins and amino acids to enhance the skin’s barrier, maintain moisture, and soothe dryness. R450, available online from www.crabtree-evelyn.co.za

Taking its name from the Thai word for Fun, these suede SANUK TOASTY TAILS boots with a soft wool blend lining are ideal for chilly days. R1 599, available from Due South, Hazyview and Ilanga Mall, Nelspruit.

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HANNON SCAR REPAIR TISSUE OIL combats scars and stretchmarks but add it to your bath, and keep your body moisturised this winter too. R275, available from pharmacies.

LIKWETI LODGE’S Romantic Winter’s Tale offers luxury accommodation with breakfast and a scrumptious dinner for just R1 250 per person sharing per night. Valid until August 31, 2017. 011 516 4367, res@extraordinary.co.za

Cocoon yourself after a hot shower in a luxury VENCASA EGYPTIAN TOWEL. Made 100% from the finest quality Egyptian Cotton, they are soft, and absorbent and come in white, grey and beige.

From R29 – R399, available online from www.pharmaline.co.za

WIN a bottle of SPYTAIL Black Ginger Rum. Email your name, contact details and address to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Spytail” in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2017. Ts & Cs apply.

SPYTAIL BLACK GINGER RUM is a Caribbean rum blended and bottled in France. Based on a 19th Century traditional recipe of aging fresh ginger root and spices in barrels of rum, the result is rich and spicy. Delicious neat, on ice, with coke or ginger ale.

Available from PnP, Makro and Tops@Spar.

Cance South r Tea ern Emno Sun twe Thu rs day 2 ni, lesley .in gs@ 7 July gmail

.com

This new slipcover couch from Coricraft is screaming jump on me and cuddle.

THE HARRIET is R8 995 (2-seater), available from Coricraft, Nelspruit.

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EUCERIN® UREAREPAIR PLUS LOTION 5% UREA is ideal for extremely dry, rough and tight skin. No fragrance or colouring. R169.99 (250ml), available from Dis-Chem, Clicks and pharmacies.

EUCERIN® UREAREPAIR PLUS HAND CREAM 5% UREA is small enough to pop in your handbag and strong enough to soothe rough, course and dry hands. R119.99 (75ml), available from Dis-Chem, Clicks and pharmacies.

NIC HARRY SOCKS are the latest South African footwear causing a stir. Made from the finest and most comfortable bamboo fibre, they come in some cool and funky styles.

From R90-R300, available online from www.nicharry.com ESSENCE VELVET STICK MATT LIP LINER in Plum Perfect equals hot lips for a cold night out. R45, available online from www.takealot.com

The Selati Big 5 MTB Race on July 1st takes fast and flat, family friendly routes with views into the Kruger Park. big5race@gmail.com

CAFÉ DE BAIN is a yummy range of bubble baths and shower products.

Try the Sweet Vanilla Madeleine for an indulgent bath experience. R59.95, available from PnP.

Create an original with Violet & Rose. stocklists of: Shop 69UG Ilanga Mall 013 742 2267 sales@violetrose.co.za

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The Cooking Tenor aka Etienne van der Nest’s love for cooking and music led him to develop the concept for the Cooking Tenor shows. Guests are treated to a multi-course dinner designed around a musical performance. Catch him singing for his supper in June 2, 17, 24 and July 8, 15, 22 in Nelspruit, Lydenburg and Marloth Park. Booking essential. www.vdnest.com

NUXE LIP MOISTURIZING STICK works wonders on dry and damaged lips all day long. R85, available from selected Woolworths and Truworths.

Flat gut, great butt, you have got to love SPANX LEGGINGS. Wear them in the gym or out and about, this winter’s wardrobe staple.

R2118, available from A Brief Affair, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre.

CARIBBEAN TAN MILK AND HONEY TAN X-TENDER is formulated to prolong the life of your Caribbean Tan while nourishing, moisturising and hydrating your skin. Keep your glow in winter too. R59.95, available from Dis-Chem and Clicks.

Style your living space this winter with GENUINE LEATHER CUSHION COVERS from One Fine Beginning. R499.99, can be delivered nationwide. Find them at Middelburg Mall, Shop107B, Entrance 5, onefinebeginning@gmail.com, Facebook.com/onefinebeginning

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ESSENCE GEL NAIL POLISH in Need Your Love is a delectable shade to pump up your winter colour palette. R28, available online from www.takealot.com

KOMBUCHA is a new health drink on the block, which aims to enhance digestion and energy levels and improve skin and hair quality. Great for a winter detox. From R33 (330ml), available online from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

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Hanging out in the Midlands A local gem

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meandering in the midlands

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The farming community of Dargle is a charming mix of rolling hills and country lanes. Once a big player in the tourist-friendly Midlands Meander, today it prefers to settle down and do what it does best‌ present a little piece of rural tranquillity where locals and visitors alike admire river gorges, grassland and indigenous forests Words Nicky Manson Photos Nicky Manson, Mandy Crooks

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I know the area

well having visited my cousin’s dairy farm every school holiday during my childhood.

It was a magical time of wellies, canoes on the dam, hide and seek amongst the hay bales, collecting eggs in the early morning and riding horses. Now as an adult I returned avec la familie to find a place that to my relief has rarely changed.

Dargle, Howick, Karkloof, Currys Post, Midmar, Lions River, Hilton and Nottingham Road make up the well known and beautiful Natal Midlands.

And over the years, the residents of these towns have cleverly opened businesses to invite the tourists in yet have kept its country charm. As such the area is a popular holiday destination with plenty to do with the kids and dogs in tow.

We stayed at Forest House. Tucked into the farmland of Dargle in Petrus Stroom, and just 10 minutes from Howick – up a winding dirt road which is not for sissies – sits this splendid architectural deconstructed barn. The house was designed by Nick Crooks, also the owner along with wife Mandy, a graphic designer and Iyengar Yoga teacher. Both had a hand in the interiors and you can see the family’s creativity everywhere.

Built using local bricks from Pietermaritzburg, the walls are exposed and glow in pinks and reds and in some places darker where charred bricks hide a hundred stories. Soft light is allowed in through tall rectangular steel window frames, plotted around the north-facing house symmetrically. The result is slick and artistic. The inside is just as clever.

The living area is one big room and seems enormous thanks to its double volume and exposed ceiling rafters. The towering window frames echo the height

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and create a dramatic space that seems to creep towards the heavens. The floors are teak parquet and the effect is warm and comforting. A centrepiece fireplace (that swivels) emphasises the cosiness of the space despite its size. To one side an exposed loft houses four beds, to the other, a double-story collection of bedrooms, which mirror each other upstairs and down. All ensuite.

Furniture is sparse because it’s not needed. A lounge suite, a dining room table and a simple kitchen space with an island is all one requires because the shell of the property is simply beautiful alone.

Family art that has been collected over the years and handed down through the generations sits alongside paintings by Nick and aircraft screenprints by the artist Ted Dutch. The result is simple yet striking.

Forest House sits in front of large woodland of Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima) and overlooks the Dargle Valley, populated with many a cow. The property is surrounded by a manicured lawn and the beds populated with Aloes and Agave. Today a shroud of mist hangs low. There are multiple walking trails in the forest, which is reminiscent of the home of the Gruffalo and further up the rocky road are two other properties belonging to the Crooks family, The Lakehouse and Hillhouse, the latter being the original family warehouse, which has been lovingly converted into a mammoth 12 sleeper. It’s just as glamorous with Persians strewn on concrete floors and plenty of space for the whole family, their cuzzies and the kitchen sink.

Forest House is a unique space. It offers all the necessities and comforts of the usual self catering holiday places you will find on the many accommodation websites, yet there is something about it and its architecture and design make you feel rather special just for staying there.

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EXPLORE, VISIT & DO MANDELA’S CAPTURE SITE There is now an exhibition space and restaurant on site to commemorate Mandela’s arrest on August 5th, 1962. It is free to view the sculpture although donations are welcome. Designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli (of Apartheid Museum fame) with the help of architect Jeremy Rose, the sculpture creates an optical illusion. From a distance, the 50 steel poles of varying heights simply look like a random collection of poles, but as you approach, they merge to form an image of Mandela’s face. Open Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm.

WALKS at Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick | BOAT HIRE, Midmar Dam | KARKLOOF CANOPY TOURS, Karkloof | BROOKDALE HEALTH HYDRO, Nottingham Road | BOSCHHOEK GOLF CLUB, Balgowan | Fishing at St Ives, Lions River | CRANFORD HORSE TRAILS, Currys Post | CYCLE anywhere

SHOP PIGGLY WIGGLY, R103 With changing times many of the farms who were part of the Midlands Meander have set up shop at Piggly Wiggly so it’s a great place to shop for local crafts like homegrown lavender products. There is a lot on offer for the kids such as mini putt putt, candle making, sand art and more and restaurants too.

GOURMET GREEK DELI, Lions River | HILTON’S FARMER MARKET, Hilton | LILAC CRANE DÉCOR AND GIFTS, Nottingham Road | IMBIZA DESIGNS, Balgowan | CULAMOYA CHIMES, Lidgetton | ROSETTA COUNTRY MARKET, Rosetta | AARDMORE CERAMICS, Lidgetton | THE JUNCTION, Nottingham Road | SWISSLAND CHEESE, Balgowan | ANTIQUES AT CRYSTAL BARN, Nottingham Road

EAT & DRINK STEAMPUNK COFFEE, Lions River | FARMER’S DAUGHTER, Howick LOVE BREAD, Lidgetton | CAFÉ BLOOM, Nottingham Road | BLUEBERRY CAFÉ, Nottingham Road | CAVERSHAM MILL, R103 | BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD CAFÉ, Nottingham Road | LA LAMPARA, Balgowan, R103 | YELLOWWOOD CAFÉ, Howick | IL POSTINO, Balgowan | THE CORNER POST, Howick

SLEEP FOREST HOUSE, 084 530 5281, www.hillhouse.co.za | MIDLANDS COTTAGES, Lions River | AZALEA BNB, Howick | THE BROOK COTTAGE, Balgowan | SPRING WATER FARM, Mooi River | FORDOUN SPA HOTEL RESTAURANT, Nottingham Road | 11 KARKLOOF, Karkloof | GRANNY MOUSE COUNTRY HOUSE, Balgowan

promotion

ablissfulbreak Nestled on

the outskirts of White River you will find Lyttle Irving, a perfect hideaway for anyone looking to enjoy the Lowveld in a beautiful and tranquil setting. The shabby chic French Provencal style is juxtaposed with the indigenous surrounds of the Botanical Bliss nursery, all adding to the country feel.

Owned and managed by husband and wife team, Belinda and Vaughan McLintock, the property and ensuing businesses were as much an entrepreneurial coming together as the marriage of these hard working individuals. With a background in construction, Vaughan provided the muscle and building prowess needed to transform the stables into the remarkable rooms they are today. Whilst Belinda put her horticultural and landscaping qualifications into action creating an inviting courtyard of ‘green walls’ which all four of the self-catering units feed off of, and a park-like setting for the gardens.

“When we found the property in 2008 it housed a collection of 10 stables, avo trees, veld and just the most spectacular setting,” says Belinda. “At the time we had no plan of what we would do, but just that it was something we had to have!”

Nine years later and both Lyttle Irving and Botanical Bliss are institutions, boasting a range of customers both near and far.

“Our first visitors to Lyttle Irving were eight Chilean men who travelled in to attend the 2010 World Cup. They all squeezed quite happily into our one family suite, which

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didn’t even have a TV so they ended up watching soccer in our living room and rented my car when they wanted to go out,” laughs Belinda.

That family feel remains. The five dogs, numerous white-faced ducks and of course Tilly the pig, all add to the home away from home feel. This is added to by the hospitality of Vaughan who is the go-to person onsite for all guest queries, and Belinda who when not off being the ‘garden angel’ as she is affectionately known as by locals, adds her environmental touch to the place.

Belinda’s influence is marked by the environmental and sustainable approach taken at Lyttle Irving. “With our menagerie of animals and the later addition of our son, Matthew, it was important for us keep the natural balance.

We only use chemical free products in the garden, making our own fish and duck fertiliser, and ensure that we recycle whatever we can.”

“Finding the Lyttle Irving property has been a dream come true for Vaughan and I. We are so incredibly blessed to be able to both live and work in this idyllic spot as well as to share it with our guests.”

So, if you are looking for somewhere to call home in the Lowveld whilst on your travels look no further. We can highly recommend a G&T in hand whilst watching the sunset from the gorgeous wooden deck. One might even say it is blissful…

INFO Lyttle Irving 083 252 7270, info@lyttleirving.co.za, www.lyttleirving.co.za, Botanical Bliss, 083 407 1969, belinda@inx.co.za

Photos Hilton Kotze Africa Photographic Services

Lyttle Irving and Botanical Bliss share a beautiful property on Coolmore Road, just outside White River

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The bush pilots of Skukuza Hoedspruit’s secret leopard society Ellies and the war on poaching

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a different perspective

It’s not every day one gets to meet and chat to four pilots at once – let alone ones who fly the skies of the Kruger National Park. So when one does, it’s wonderfully refreshing to find that although they spend most of their days up in the clouds, this close-knit group of high fliers all have their feet firmly on the ground.

Words and photos Jenny Chaplin

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Immobilising a white rhino for research purposes.

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before the

interview even starts, the banter amongst SANParks helicopter pilots Grant Knight (Chief Pilot), Brad Grafton, Jaco Mol and fixed wing pilot Robert Baxter is in full swing.

(Absent from the group is helicopter pilot and safety officer, Charles Thompson, who was taking a well-earned break).

Baxter is ragging the helicopter pilots – calling their aircraft ‘leaf blowers’ – and saying he’s the only one that flies a ‘real’ plane. Laughter abounds and the camaraderie between this group is evident. “It’s like this all day long,” says Jaco with a wry smile.

Given the pressure these guys are constantly under, it’s no surprise they find release in humour. It’s also no surprise just how much they absolutely love what they do. Whether it’s doing a game census, flying for a medical emergency, doing anti-rhino poaching work, game capture or animal relocation, every day is an absolute adventure, with no two days ever the same.

Without exception, each of the men dreamt of being a pilot from a young age. With lots of grit and determination they succeeded. Most of them, interestingly enough through conservation.

“I always wanted to fly like a bird, but instead went on to do a degree in geography and grassland science,” says Brad.

While studying, he spent a lot of time hopping in and out of choppers and he realised flying was his true calling. Jaco’s story echoes this, as he too has an extensive background in nature conservation.

Grant meanwhile spent a year doing the practical component of his conservation course in Kruger, working specifically in game capture. After seeing the role helicopters played, he decided this was what he was going to do. “A person with an interest or background in conservation, who is also a pilot, is a person who won’t just do this as a job. It’ll be their passion, their lifeblood and they’ll give it 150% all the time,” says Grant.

The helicopter the guys fly is the AS350 B3 Squirrel – which everyone simply calls ‘the Squirrel’. “It’s a really powerful single engine helicopter that allows you to take maximum fuel and passengers. It’s simple to operate, reliable and allows you to focus on the job at hand – whether that’s following an animal or chasing poachers,” explains Brad.

Jaco says nothing beats it. “It’s like a workhorse. It’ll give you anything you want during the week. You can wash it on Saturday and take it to church on Sunday!”

The fixed wings are both Cessnas – the 4-seater 182 and 6-seater 206. “For anti-poaching, the 182 is ideal as it allows you to go slower and it’s not as heavy to fly. It’s also very forgiving and you don’t constantly have to look at your airspeed – you know how the aircraft is flying by sound of the engine,” says Baxter.

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Helicopter pilot Brad Grafton

Fixed wing pilot Robert Baxter

“I CAN’T THINK OF A SINGLE DAY THAT GOES BY WHERE YOUR HEART RATE DOESN’T INCREASE.”

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Helicopter pilots Jaco Mol (left) and Brad Grafton (right).

Brad and Jaco ready for action.

Chief pilot Grant Knight and Dr Markus Hofmeyer in the field.

Safety is paramount and Grant says they have very strict safety policies and training programmes in place. “In aviation you don’t get old, bold pilots. You cannot be complacent.

Having an experience that scares the living daylights out of you (that often no-one else will even notice), provides perspective and reminds you of the risks involved in flying.

Also, we’re remote and we generally fly solo, so there’s noone to keep an eye on you. Safety has to be top priority.”

That said, the pilots have had their fair share of adrenaline. Baxter tells of the time he had an engine fire – luckily still on the ground. “Even landing on unprepared strips is something else – they’re pretty rough and rugged.”

“I can’t think of a single day that goes by where your heart rate doesn’t increase. It could be flying in horrible weather or having an engine failure. But your training kicks in and you make sure you land,” says Jaco.

Grant tells of a nasty bird-strike while out doing game capture work a few years ago. “A Bateleur came through the window, passed under my seat, went out through the side door and through the tail rotor. We had to do an emergency landing just north of Letaba. When we got back to Skukuza we popped in at the golf club where prize giving was on the go. They gave me a prize for being the only one that day to get an eagle!” More recently, Grant was shot at by poachers.

“It’s frightening, but at the time, the focus is on flying and keeping the crew and aircraft safe.”

Besides not knowing what’s going to come their way each day, what also makes the work incredibly interesting is learning about animal behaviour. “When doing game capture work, you get to understand the interactions between animals and between them and the aircraft. The more you study them, the more you understand the uniqueness of each species,” enthuses Grant, who says he now sees animals in a completely different way.

As exciting as it all is, there are some cons to living and working remotely. “Like when your fridge breaks or dealing with Bateleurs who seem to think they own the sky when actually we do,” chirps Brad. “Or being far away from Nelspruit when you need just one thing to finish a DIY project,” says Grant. “ The pros far outweigh the downsides though. “The antipoaching work is very satisfying – especially when you have a successful operation,” says Brad, while making a difference and helping a cause is what Baxter loves most about his job.

For Jaco it’s as simple as being in the Kruger. “It took me 18 years to get here. You want to be out in the bush flying these brilliant machines.”

When asked what’s next on the horizon, the guys all agree. They want to stay right here. Grant sums it up perfectly when he says “How can you ask what’s next when you have everything you’ve ever wanted.”

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while you were

sleeping

We talk to guide and photographer Villiers Steyn about the (not so) secret life of leopards on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Words Dianne Tipping-Woods

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The variety

of shots and video clips is astounding; leopards mating, leopards sneaking through a fence, leopards on a kill, leopard cubs… “This is not a scientific project,” stresses Villiers Steyn as he brings up dozens of leopard images on his screen. It may not be research in the academic sense, but Steyn’s informal crowd-sourced camera trap survey of the leopards on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is none-the-less yielding a lot of interesting information about living with leopards.

“The moment we moved to Hoedspruit from Pretoria in November 2013, these leopards became a part of our life,” says the well-known guide and photographer. He had studied leopards in the Tuli block as a Conservation Masters Student between 2004 and 2007, and regularly photographs them while leading safaris in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.

When he bumped into a leopard known as Big Boy on the 600ha Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in 2014, he realised these cats were once again going to be part of his daily life.

Of his first 12 leopard sightings on the estate, 11 were of Big Boy, “but I knew he couldn’t be the only leopard making use of the property. I was curious about the others,” he explains.

Studying leopards is generally quite hard – they are solitary, quiet, secretive and camouflaged – but Villiers and his wife Tabby started actively looking and listening for them. He paid attention to alarm calls, followed spoor and took every opportunity he could to find them. Occasionally, Big Boy made it easy, sauntering through their garden at least three times that Steyn is aware of and once stopping for a drink at his birdbath.

In June 2015, Big Boy mysteriously disappeared, but Steyn was right about the other leopards; he’s since positively identified 10 individuals making use of the estate; an impressive tally for an area with a relatively high human density and about 320 houses built on half hectare plots.

“The turning point for this project was in November of 2015.

I was out early cycling and found a drag mark. I put my bike down and followed it, eventually finding a half-eaten duiker deep under a bush,” he recalls. Steyn moved the camera trap he

A leopard known as Junior and an unknown female Villiers Steyn (right).

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Big Boy was seen regularly on the Estate.

and Tabby had received as a wedding present to the carcass and the footage the next day was spectacular. “As well as three curious porcupines, we had captured a female leopard called Nsuku. She fed, growled and fell asleep in front of the camera,” he recalls.

Realising how much more he could learn about leopards (and other wildlife on the estate), he started a crowd-funding campaign to purchase an additional unit. The response was overwhelming. Within 48 hours, he had raised enough money. Footage he captured then won him an additional camera, with sponsors coming on board to supply and maintain another two. He now had five sets of non-invasive eyes on the ground to play with.

“We don’t know the challenges leopards face when they leave the reserve; there are many different land uses in the area but no physical or man-made barrier can keep a leopard out,” he explains. He has evidence of just how adept they are at sliding under the fence through holes made by warthogs.

“I move the cameras around a lot and have found three main entrance points into the estate,” he explains.

“I can’t make any claims about density – that is a complex science – and we don’t know why these leopards use the estate. With spot pattern analysis though, we can learn where they go to and come from. We know for example that Big Boy moved from Thornybush, which may explain why he seemed particularly relaxed around people. We also know that seven leopards are regularly using the estate as part of their home range,” he adds.

A male leopard’s home range can easily be much more than 600ha depending on competition, prey availability and factors like the females in the area. The current dominant male on the estate is known as Houdini. He is bigger than

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Matu, Kulua’s son.

Big Boy and, although he seems to use a different part of the estate to the other male known as Junior, they are competitors.

The constantly changing dynamics make Steyn’s project such an interesting one; the cats roam across boundaries, facing threats from lions, snakes, other leopards, as well as people. One of Nsuku’s cubs was killed south of the estate; one female was only seen once with Junior – “they were probably mating”– and it’s anyone’s guess what happened to Big Boy. What’s clear though is that these leopards are relatively unconcerned by the people they co-exist with. “I think of us as having moved into their home. They were always here and we’ve come in and built houses. The estate doesn’t restrict movement or break corridors so why should they leave?” he asks.

The leopards are active mainly at night, avoiding people during the day. “For people, there are obvious risks to living in the bush, but we all know that,” Steyn suggests. He believes that the majority of residents seem to have enough love for these animals to be cautious and respectful of them.

The traps have also shown that there are at least four spotted hyena that use the estate, along with honey badgers, aardvarks, civets and more. “Living together like this is not necessarily unique to this area. The camera traps have just opened our eyes to this amazing nocturnal world. It’s incredible what goes on while we sleep.”

INFO Camera trap sponsors are Camera Traps CC, Lowveld Camp & Gas, 4x4 Shop, MJ’s Photographic. Batteries were sponsored by Badger Projects. There were, of course, also a long list of private individuals that contributed to the crowd funding campaign.

Note: Another estate in Hoedspruit, Raptor’s View, is also running a camera trap survey to better understand the distribution and abundance of shy, nocturnal species including leopard.

Camera trap footage captures porcupines, a spotted hyena and a honey badger.

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Lindie Hensman and friend

Here Chishuru is at work on a sensing experiment at AWE, demonstrating a truly remarkable partnership between humans and ellies. And at the same time, addressing some of the 21st century’s most acute security problems.

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developing a

nose for peace

In 2015, a remarkable news clip came to the author’s attention about how an understanding of the sensory superpowers of the elephant could contribute to making the world a little safer Words Sally Roper Photos Graham Alexander, Adventures with Elephants, Pexels

the original

news snippet reported that research with elephants and their extraordinary sense of small had tested whether they could detect TNT, the explosive used in land mines. This was in the hope that trained elephants might help identify landmine fields in past and present conflict zones.

Integral to this story is a Bela Bela organisation called Adventures With Elephants (AWE), a homebase for groundbreaking scientific research with elephants operated by the Hensman family, whose half century-plus of work in conservation has culminated in the creation of the facility.

The Hensmans’ story began decades ago, when, while farming commercially in Zimbabwe, the late Rory Hensman

noticed that when game was shot out for agriculture, the conditions of the environment deteriorated. This prompted Hensman to experiment with mixed land use that re-opened space in the eco-system for the constellation of Africa’s wild creatures. This pioneering approach worked superbly, as charismatic animals – such as the sable antelope, an early success – were brought back from the brink.

The Hensmans’ most spectacular work, however, began with Rory’s acceptance of ‘a problem’ elephant onto their farm. Practising a system of humane conditioning which uses only positive reinforcement of ‘good’ behaviour through praise and food treats, Hensman was able to create bonds of deep trust with animals that had been previously

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live been in conflict with humans. Such was the quality of the connection, that one day Rory saw one of the animals allowing a staff member to ride it. Soon the pachyderms and their human cohorts were engaged in jointly tackling farm tasks, such as patrolling fences for snares, and even tracking the perpetrators of a neighbour’s household robbery, with the animals ceaselessly employing their trunks and acute sense of smell.

After leaving Zimbabwe and relocating to Bela Bela, the Hensmans were further inspired by the work of Elephants Without Borders (EWB) in Botswana, where researchers had recorded herds of elephant in Angola appearing to consciously navigate around landmine fields left over from the civil war. AWE’s research took on new life when they partnered with Wits University to investigate further via a set of experiments designed to meet rigorous scientific criteria.

Zoologist Ashadee Kay Miller explained that a set of experiments was designed to test firstly, whether elephants could in fact detect TNT, and secondly, whether they possess sufficient ability and memory to identify TNT when it was masked by off-putting distractor smells. The tests consisted of setting up rows of buckets containing a mix

THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL NOSES COULD HAVE IMMENSE APPLICATION IN COMBATTING THE ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED ANIMALS of substances including strong-smelling liquids like petrol.

Tacked underneath some of the buckets were materials impregnated with TNT. The elephants were invited to smell each bucket and to signal by means of ‘saluting’ (lifting a foot) if they identified TNT. The elephants passed the tests at a hit rate that was way above chance.

It was at this point that the US Army became interested because the research built on work done earlier on mechanical canine noses, which currently have applications at sites vulnerable to attacks, such as airports. The world’s most powerful noses could also have immense application in combatting the illegal trade in endangered animals, such as pangolins (amongst the most trafficked animals worldwide) and poached ivory. In terms of landmines, drones could collect soil samples in affected areas and bring them to trained biosensor elephants in a sanctuary like AWE to smelltest for explosives. Of course, no animals would be used near any actual or suspected buried ordnance.

So this is the inspiring story of how a collar-andtracking exercise done years ago has brought the olfactory superpowers of the elephant to the forefront of the international fight against terror and poaching.

With thanks: Adventures With Elephants and the Hensman family, Wits scientists Ashadee Kay Miller and Dr Paul Manger, Elephants Without Borders, and Dr Stephen Lee, Chief Scientist, US Army Research Office.

Further reading: Ashadee Kay Miller et al, Journal: Applied Animal Behaviour Science, August 2015

NOTE ABOUT THE ETHICS OF ANIMAL INTERACTIONS WORLDWIDE

Rory Hensman, who died in 2013, is remembered through the foundation that bears his name, and which carries the message of the many ways in which the conservation of wild ecosystems benefits humanity – and the animals themselves.

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Global tourism giant TripAdvisor recently introduced a screening policy which prohibits animal encounter programmes that do not meet strict ethical standards from featuring on the site. Unlike the situation of elephants in Asia, where animals are often destined for unregulated labour like logging, the habituation of elephants in ethical local operations locates them in expansive gamepark-like areas where they live an elephant-centred life, interspersed with carefully managed, conservation-focused interactions with the public, as ambassador animals.

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A slick Zandspruit holiday home defies expectation in the style stakes The Observatory in Limpopo is an architect’s playground

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A safari fantasy in South Africa’s Waterberg is not only architecturally spectacular, but is also a haven for the Jules Verne-ish interests of its owner... including a unique copper-domed observatory for stargazing Text Graham Wood/bureaux.co.za Production Sven Alberding/bureaux.co.za Photographs Greg Cox/bureaux.co.za

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it all started

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in about 2000 when a friend of mine knew someone in South Africa who was selling some land,” says British IT entrepreneur Rory Sweet, who built the spectacular African bush villa known as The Observatory overlooking the Palala Valley at Leobo, a private game reserve in the Waterberg. “We thought it would be quite a fun trip to go and have a look at it.” And so began a love affair with an empty piece of land that, a bit more than a decade later, would be the site of a fantastical holiday home beyond most safari lodge owners’ wildest dreams.

Rory snapped up the 800ha on offer at the time. “It didn’t have any accommodation on it, but it was next door to where the lodge is now,” says Rory. “We were able to stay in the lodge, which was run by this kind of eccentric Italian.” One by one Rory began buying the surrounding farms, eventually accumulating 8000ha, and the lodge as well. “Then we removed all the fences,” he says. “Along the way we stocked it with game and we tried to return it to how it used to be, letting it all regenerate.”

Rory and his wife Lizzy began contemplating building a villa for themselves and their children separate from the existing lodge. They had stayed at North Island in the Seychelles, the exclusive resort designed by renowned South African architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. (It is where Prince William and Kate honeymooned.) They have been likened to African Gaudis, sculpting organic forms and creating rich sensory, tactile experiences and decorative details. Rory and Lizzy asked them to design their bush villa.

While The Observatory, as the house has been dubbed, was to be a “proper home” for Rory and his family to stay in for long spans at a time, they weren’t looking for anything conventional. Silvio says Rory and Lizzy’s ideas were abundant, imaginative and exhilarating.

The Observatory is a spatial adventure in itself – rational and carefully thought through, but designed to provide experiences, surprises and delight around every corner. “It’s essentially a veranda house concept with all these other little accretions,” says architect Silvio, explaining how the large, central living area and veranda has other “cells” clustered around it, interconnecting and “growing onto” it, “honeycombing” their way into the spaces between. “It’s like a house turned into a little urban design,” he says. “It’s a citadel almost.”

The large central living area has a massive volume and wide, open spaces spilling out onto a veranda. Its huge glass doors create dramatic views forward and backward. “The central space is the heart of everything,” says Silvio. In it there’s a sunken circular lounge with a fireplace, a dining room and a kitchen, and a floating mezzanine like a nest in midair where you can watch movies and lounge around when it’s raining. Of course, the veranda extends the space outwards and leads down to a swimming pool. Decks on various levels offer views and alternative outdoor leisure

The library and observatory look like something out of Jules Verne’s 20 000 Leagues Under The Sea. There are three levels. From the study, you climb up a covered submarine-style ladder into a gantry filled with skulls, bones, a century-old crocodile skin, military kists, and antique book presses.

From there you climb into the observatory itself, where the stargazing awaits.

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A striking mud and concrete sculptural staircase.

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spaces spaces. The private areas like the bedrooms and bathrooms are housed in the surrounding huts, vaults, turrets, corbelled domes and long termitemound-like towers.

The Observatory takes its name from a late addition to the plan: a seven-metre-high tower with a library crowned with an automated rotating copper dome brought in from California, which houses a 20inch telescope for stargazing. “The skies are so good that we’ve always had telescopes of varying complexity, but nothing very serious,” says Rory. “When we were doing the house, we thought a library would be a really cool thing and then we just had this idea to put an observatory on top, and the whole idea changed into something much more interesting and unusual.”

The wonder of The Observatory is not just in the spaces themselves, but also in the finishes – the textures, the materials, and the building and decorative techniques throughout. The finishes range from spare to opulent. Some exploit the natural characteristics of the materials themselves, like the irregular, faceted four-metre-long sandstone dining table. But then there are embellishments and decorations that go right over the top, like the suspended hippopotamus skeleton chandelier above the dining room table. (The hippo was the victim of a murderous rhino, and the skeleton was bleached and hung, reassembled, with wires and chrome callipers and brackets.)

The wood finishes include a range of Silvio and Lesley’s classic designs, including leadwood beds, tables and vanities made from trees saved and stockpiled when land in the Lowveld was cleared for agriculture. “There aren’t many of them left, but we managed to get a couple,” says Silvio.

The Zanzibari carving on the doors and window frames is delicate while the use of extra-wide carefully distressed floor planks is more rustic.

Recycled railway sleepers are reinvented as refined and modern and used for the kitchen cabinets.

Every detail has been considered, thought through and carefully articulated to mediate an architectural interaction with the bush, with refined craft and a profound understanding of architecture as experience.

It may be a fantasy playground, a cultural hybrid of architectural expression and a personal extravagance, but it is also a sophisticated building that takes African-inspired architecture, craft and context and pushes its levels of refinement in the exploration of a new aesthetic.

The Jacuzzi and rooftop seating area share the space with an Angus Taylor sculpture.

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The bedrooms and bathrooms (right)vare housed in separate huts and turrets like this shower.

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The bleached skeleton of a hippo hangs above the dining room table, facing the floating mezzanine TV room ‘the nest’, which in turn, sits above a sunken circular lounge area.

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Architect profile Klippie du Toit

What style do you build in? I was trained as a Contemporary Architect at university, and this is the style that I prefer to design in. The historical Modern movement (early 1900s to 1980s) had a lot of influence on construction technology, material type and design principles, that feature in contemporary architecture today. Design styles can also adapt to region and available materials, to create architecture that is unique to place.

Do you incorporate green building trends?

Always. We as architects have a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings, ranging from material choices to energy usage. We all have a combined responsibility to protect the earth’s natural resources.

Important aspects of design today? Architecture requires an understanding and a responsibility to the ecological, economic and social footprint of each building designed. Buildings inevitably interact with people and the environment. We must design consciously to ensure buildings can enhance the lives of future generations and reduce the impact on the environment.

Biggest challenges of design? Convincing some clients to go green.

Special traits unique to Earthswitch? Our design almost always includes materials such as concrete, steel and glass with a mix of natural materials.

Your dream build? I love both design in an urban environment and in nature, so my dream build involves a high-rise design in an urban landscape and a 5-star lodge in the Lowveld or somewhere in Africa.

Your favourite designs and designers? Some of my favourite international designers include Le Corbusier, Glen Murcutt, Zaha Hadid, Lake Flato, Renzo Piano and Miguel Angel Roca. One of my favourite buildings is the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

INFO 084 248 0777, kdt@earthswitch.co.za, www.earthswitch.co.za

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A BEAUTIFUL SPACE WITH INTERLEADING WALKWAYS AND VIEWS OF THE BUSH THROUGHOUT LENDS ITSELF COMFORTABLY AS A FAMILY GETAWAY

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bush glam Words NIcky Manson Photos Villiers Steyn

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Zandspruit

Bush & Aero Estate OWN YOUR DREAM HOME AND LIVE IN A WILD PLACE YOU THOUGHT NO LONGER EXISTED...

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Redefining Bushveld Living!

• Estate size 1 000 hectares • Only 200 Full Title stands • House styles are Pavilion, Farmhouse and Thatch • An untouched wilderness area of 650ha for game viewing • Breathtaking mountain views • Sundowner locations and waterholes within the wilderness area • Hard surfaced internal roads • 1 000m paved, private runway • Magnificent trees along the 4km riverfront • Bird hide, view points and walking trails • Zandspruit Equestrian Centre for all levels of equestrian adventures • Luxury Bush Camp for home owners to enjoy • Close to all retailers, doctors, restaurants and recreational facilities of Hoedspruit (2 km)

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Villa Kudu

was built as a holiday home and future retirement space for Stephanie and Philippe and their family. Friends already lived on the Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate in Hoedspruit and they too immediately fell in love with the estate, the bush and its surrounds.

Designed by architects Förtsch Associates, the property was built by Property Projects. The owners knew what they wanted and shared their ideas with the designer. Important aspects that topped their list included a thatch roof to give it an African influence, covered outdoor areas to relax in, and most essential, viewing decks to enjoy the panoramas of the Sandspruit River and its daily visitors.

Tick, tick and tick. The designers complied and there are in fact three covered patios. The first is fully enclosed with an inside garden, boma and built-in braai. The second is built around a giant chess set while the third comprises a bar, outside dining table and the lap pool.

Moving indoors, the living areas are spacious, elegant and comfortable. seamlessly flowing into one another. Even the TV room is chic. Cozy seating, a library, a vast DVD collection and a large 65-inch screen ensure ideal movie watching conditions.

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The large African portraits come from Amatuli Artifacts. Art by Sarah Danes Jarrett from the W Series at the Hout Bay Gallery and an original Graham Springer share wall space. The dining room tables, sofas, striking black and white pool loungers and some of the interesting lighting fixtures were sourced from Weylandts.

spaces Villa Kudu derives its name from the beautiful antelope you find in the area. The bedrooms are also named after animals the family love, including the cheetah, zebra and giraffe. In the sleep zone, there are four air-conditioned king size bedrooms, three bathrooms with inside and outside showers, and in the main space, a fully equipped kitchen and gym.

The owners travel a lot and collected most of the furniture and décor for the villa. “We are not art collectors,” they explained.

“But we do appreciate art and interior design. Our inspiration comes from the ideas we discover when travelling around the world. We also worked with Bianca Black from Darkie Design for the beds, linen, towels, curtains, Kudu lights and wildlife photography.”

INFO www.villakudu.co.za

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the observation deck

rejuvenescene Words Lynn Haken

Lowveld winters

always amaze me… notwithstanding the beautiful, warm and sunny days, but the local shops are filled with knitted beanies, fur rimmed boots, fingerless gloves and thick woven scarves. And one sees locals walking around as if ready to go off-piste, all whilst the sun rises higher in the sky and casts its blissful rays to melt perceived frosty-carpeted grasses.

The lack of rain dries out the veld very quickly and the colours change from green to brown… no Canadian autumnal hues here, apart from a few small leaves that become brown and brittle and float away to become mulch in the spring rains. Game in the reserves is easily viewed, migrating to the water holes between the sparsely leaved flora. The sun dips earlier, the marmalade coloured skies spreading the cirrus clouds and the final sinking light flares up golden arms to embrace the night. The breeze stirs and whips up coolness, as if a heavenly air-conditioner has been activated. The night stars appear brittle, flickering through the celestial sphere and the nightjars lie on the lonely roads, soaking up what heat is left from the remains of the day. The seasonal aromas change too … from the rich earthy loams of summer, filled from muddy river overflows, to a banked-down scent of bitter coffee and a thatched sky. Crisp and clean, the chilled air carries the winds from the wings of migrating birds and their departure heralds the onset of winter as they wing their way towards climes that really DO require those knitted caps and boots with fur rims. I watch my swallows dive and swoop, fattening up on small, flying insects before beginning their hazardous journey across the Sahara, north over Morocco, up into eastern Spain and on through the Pyrenees. One minute they’re above my eaves and then… like teenagers…are suddenly gone from my life. Only to reappear with the advent of spring, but without mountains of washing!

And the love-grasses turning pink, their fronds gently swaying in the breeze, the seeds having dispersed, ready for the next season. Their blushing tips dance seductively in the early mornings and the veld is hushed and tired from its long growth spurt. Time to bed down and snooze until ready to re-emerge, stretching towards a new season.

My lone African bullfrog goes into estivation, shedding several layers of skin and forming a virtually waterproof cocoon that envelops him as he burrows deep into the mud, leaving only his nostrils exposed.

When the rains return, he’ll release himself from his shroud and get busy looking for a lady with a keen ear to his masculine, deep-throated wooing.

And in the Kruger Park, the aloes are a nectar feast for the Scarlet Chested Sunbird and the Black-headed Oriole, whilst the Mopaneveld becomes wheat coloured. The Red Bushwillow offers its four-winged pods so favoured by elephant, kudu and giraffe and the porcupines scuffle at the Tamboti bark. The Apple Leaf delivers its reliable winter-browsing for giraffe, kudu, nyala and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, the ground around it being sodden from the falling secretions from millions of aphids. The ebony Jackal-berry riverine tree offers its winter fruits, attracting baboons, green pigeons and brown-headed parrots whilst the fallen fruit is feasted upon by jackal, impala and kudu.

The seasons each offer their feasts from nature, and once the curtain of autumn is drawn, the Lowveld winter brings with it the joy of respite from the relentless summer heat and applause for the arrival of the cycle of seasons’ finale.

Nature looks dead in winter because her life is gathered into her heart. She withers the plant down to the root that she may grow it up again fairer and stronger. She calls her family together within her inmost home to prepare them for being scattered abroad upon the face of the earth.

Hugh Macmillan, “Rejuvenescence” – The Ministry of Nature, 1871

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