NW Icons Magazine Issue 2 by MA PUBLISHING

ISSN 2223-2494 Vol 1 No 2

ADRENALIN

JUNKIE? Zip Slide 2000 is for you!

CHASING THE SUN

Is this heaven?

Tranquility in the bush

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SUN CITY

NORTH

Come visit the land of our heritage

WEST PROVINCE

NORTH WE ST P RO VI NCE

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Iconic South African Adventures

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor – Fiona Mosca Creative Director – Gwynedd Peters

PUBLISHERS Main Angel Publishing 462 Greisbok Street, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria Tel: 012 347 3630 e-mail: info@mainangel.co.za

s always... It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the much-anticipated Summer Edition of North West Icons, packed with interesting reads, thrilling adventures and memorable experiences. North West Icons, as the name suggests, focuses on the North West Province of South Africa, where the untamed splendour of the landscape is matched only by the sheer beauty and warmth of the people who call this land home. Known as the ‘Heritage destination of South Africa’, the North West Province presents travellers with a rewarding holiday destination that offers exciting wildlife and adventure encounters as well as the opportunity to participate in a rich cultural and historical heritage. There is also plenty of fun to be had, and in this edition of Icons Magazine we take a look at some of the province’s exciting activities for young and old.

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The North West Province offers up the Big 5, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies. We will be putting the spotlight on the magnificent, yet greatly endangered, Rhinoceros and emphasise the importance of rhino conservation.

The area also boasts archaeological discoveries that date back to the beginnings of humankind, as well as the world-famous Sun City hotel complex, creatively dedicated to ancient lost civilizations and modern-day pleasures. Come along with us as we take a trip to visit the Taung Heritage Site, and then head over to the renowned Sun City where you can opt to simply unwind, or join in for the adrenalin experience of a lifetime. While exploring the pages of this magazine, the story of this land will be shared with you, as well as a sense of pride in the history and culture of the province, and visitors can take home with them lasting memories of an extraordinary experience. Enjoy the journey…

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SUBSCRIPTIONS info@iconsmagazine.co.za

PRINT Paarl Media Tel 011 201 3471 www.paarlmedia.co.za

IMAGES Cover image: Mateya Safari Lodge Gwynedd Peters, An African Anthology, Tuningi Safari Lodge c/o Madikwe Collection, SA Tourism, iStockphoto, Sun Images, Graeme Williams c/o Media Club South Africa, Whale Cove, Dr. Ruth Mompati District Municipality, Ian Flemming Photography c/o Knysna Tourism, Knysna Hollow c/o Seasons in Africa. Unless otherwise agreed to, all contributions are the property of Icons Magazine, and its publishers. All editorial, business and production correspondence should be addressed to Main Angel Publishing: Postnet Suite 335, Private bag x1028, Lyttelton, 0140 © Copyright by Main Angel Publishing. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Icons Magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers, its suppliers, subsidiaries or affiliates. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary.

Tuningi Safari Lodge is an elegant, five star lodge set in a tranquil valley in the magnificent Big 5, malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West.

Chasing the sun at Sun City

Adrenalin Junkies The Zip Slide 2000

Rhino Conservation in the North West

Sun City is internationally renowned as Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier holiday resort and offers a myriad entertainment and relaxation opportunities.

This 280m high, 2km long zip slide, reaches a speed of 140km/hour and guarantees a 2 to 3 minute unadulterated adrenalin rush.

The North West is home to both black and white rhino, and is doing what it can in conjunction with the WWF to save this beautiful beast .

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Tuningi Safari Lodge

Cultural Icons 26

Taung Treasure trove The Taung Heritage Site is of enormous scientific importance. It was here that the lime encrusted skull of a child was unearthed by Prof Raymond Dart in 1924.

Dining Icons 28

Shepherd’s Tree The 5-star Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge lies within the heart of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.

Entertainment Icons 32

Nedbank Golf Challenge

The Right stuff

The Nedbank Golf Challenge is an annual golf tournament played on Sun City's Gary Player Country Club Course, situated in the North West Province.

At the southern tip of Africa, where two of the world’s greatest oceans converge, a total experience of land, sea and the rainbow culture of the Western Cape offer you the most exciting land-based whale watching venues in the world.

6 Reasons to visit Knysna

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Located in the Garden Route of South Africa , Knysna is beautifully surrounded by lush forests, clear lakes and beautiful beaches, and is one of SA’s favourite holiday destinations thanks to its selection of restaurants, activities and welcoming accommodation.

Editor’s Letter

North West Province Information Guide North West Province Accommodation Guide Traveller’s Map

37 40

COMPETITIONS Become a fan and WIN A two-night stay at the 5-star Tuningi Safari Lodge.

Knysna Hollow

WIN a trip on the Zip Slide 2000

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, retreat to a tranquil, warm and hospitable “Garden of Eden” that is Knysna Hollow.

Enter now and win a once-in-alifetime experience for two.

WINNER

Meet Adri and Francois Wiid, our

2nd Honeymoon Winners who won a 2-night stay at the EXCLUSIVE 5-Star Shepherd's Tree Lodge in the Pilanesberg

You too can be a winner Become a fan and WIN www.facebook.com/pages/Icons-Magazine/182078668505534

ICONS Volume 1 Âť No 2

"We absolutely loved it. Enjoyed every moment of it! The staff at Shepherd's Tree Lodge were too awesome for words, and spolit us rotten. Thank you so much for everything Icons Magazine!" Adri Wiid.

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Tranquil

Tuningi

Accommodation

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Tuningi Safari Lodge

They call the décor style colonial-chic, I however think I would rather call it heavenly… and at first glance I am somewhat overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of this fine establishment.

story and combines the wonders of the African bushveld with the splendours of five star luxury as well as innovative programmes that rival the best entertainment attractions in the country. The main entertainment and reception area of the lodge overlooks a waterhole that provides fantastic game viewing from the safety of an expansive wooden deck. The rim flow pool and gorgeous lounges give the lodge a sumptuous and welcoming feel. Heidi goes on to tell me that Tuningi gets it name from an ancient, sprawling fig tree under which the lodge, and boma in particular is set. And no name could be more fitting, as this setting is perfect for wonderful traditional dinners under the African sky. However, it isn’t all about the luxury, and our excellent game ranger Grant is of the best you’ll find. The daily game drives under his watchful eye are an exciting way of getting into the bush and experiencing all that it has to offer.

Operation Phoenix

Madikwe became what it is today due to Operation Phoenix, conducted in 1991. Operation Phoenix was the world’s largest game translocation exercise. Over a period of six years, eight thousand animals of 27 major species were moved to Madikwe. These included the Big Live and other endangered species such as the wild dog, spotted hyena and cheetah.

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Tuningi Safari Lodge is an elegant, five star lodge set in a tranquil valley in the magnificent Big 5, malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province. This 75 000 hectare reserve has a unique story behind it since only fifteen years ago it was arid, cattle grazing land. Through the collective effort of government, communities and investors, game was reintroduced into the area and Madikwe was created. Madikwe is also special in that its conception was a tactic to save the area from poverty and so was born out of a sense of social responsibility. The communities in the area have not only been involved in contributing to the project but also benefited greatly from the jobs that the reserve has created. All in all, the story is one of great success and illustrates the power of cooperation. I later find out from Heidi Janson, manager of Tuningi Safari Lodge, that this lodge is part of this

Accommodation

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KIDS AT TUNINGI

Birdlife of Madikwe

The birdlife in the reserve is also absolutely spectacular, with approximately 300 recorded species including resident and migrant bird species.

Contact Tuningi

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For rates and additional information on Tuningi, please access their website on: www.madikwecollection. com or their reservations office on 011 805 9995

Tuningi also offers exciting kids’ programmes so that parents do not have to compromise their family time in favour of an exclusive bush getaway as many luxury lodges do not cater for children. As part of these programmes, children will be able to experience a number of ‘firsts’ in bush activities. Children over five years will be able to enjoy the usual daily game drives along with experienced rangers, their parents and other guests, while children below five years old will be issued with a workbook and taken out on their own, for shorter ‘bumbles’. These are trips to one of the nearby waterholes where they will be asked to tick off the things they have seen on their trip, such as dung, animals, spoor, birds and trees. As a fun incentive, the child with the most ticks will receive a surprise on arrival back to the camp. During afternoon game drives, there will be treasure hunts for children where they can hunt for nests, bones, eggs, snakes skins and other fun items. An educational talk on the items found will be given by a knowledgeable staff member. In this way, you can rest assured that your little ones will be expanding their own knowledge even while on holiday.

Accomodation Tuningi accommodates 16 people in elegant free standing rooms that all have enormous bathrooms, outside showers, fireplaces and fabulous wooden decks. The rooms are set apart from each otaher to provide ultimate privacy and peace. The entire lodge has a Colonial African feel and is stylish and comfortable. Without compromising on luxury, Tuningi has not forgotten the specific needs of families, which is why the lodge was specifically designed for families and caters for children of all ages.

As Sunday afternoon approaches I begin to feel sad before we have even said our goodbyes, and I am reminded that I have to leave this magical place and return to my real city life. I reflect on my time spent at Tuningi and marvel at how much I have crammed into two days and vow to return as soon as possible to enjoy even more of what the lodge has to offer. For now however, I will have to live off the memories forever implanted in my mind… We had a spectacular time and its all thanks to the people of Tuningi Safari Lodge.

Become a fan and WIN! a 2-night stay at the EXCLUSIVE 5-Star Tuningi Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve

How to enter 1. Like Icons Magazine on Facebook; or 2. Subscribe to Icons Magazine for FREE via www.iconsmagazine.co.za, before the 31st December of June 2011.

Like Icons Magazine on Facebook, or subscribe via our website www. iconsmagazine.co.za, and stand in line to win a two-night stay at the exclusive Tuningi Safari Lodge.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

The competition is open to South African residents aged 18 or over, and excludes except employees of Icons Magazine, their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to the relevant competition. The winner will be selected randomly in accordance with the closing date specified. Winners will be notified in writing and the prize is not transferable. Icons Magazine will not be liable for any failure of receipt of entries, and takes no responsibility for any entries that are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid. By entering, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entries that do not comply with the terms and conditions are invalid. Prizes are not transferable, and cash alternatives are not available. The prize comprises accommodation costs only; travel, transfer and beverage costs are for the account of the entrant. By entering, winners agree to their names and general locations being used for publicity purposes by Icons Magazine in any and all media. Misrepresentative or fraudulent entries will invalidate an entry. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Icons Magazine reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the competition (including altering prizes) if, in our sole discretion, a competition is not capable of being conducted as specified. Icons Magazine will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of the winner’s (or their guest’s) enjoyment of the prize. In the event that part of the prize needs to be cancelled there will be no equivalent value prize offered in return.

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

Terms & Conditions

Accommodation

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Separate from the Main Safari Lodge, Little Tuningi offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

Little Tuningi

A little slice of Heaven

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t Tuningi guests can choose to stay in one of the luxurious suites or enjoy exclusive use of Little Tuningi, a family suite ideal for families wanting to spend a special safari weekend together. This is a great choice for young families with a love for the African bush as a permanent child minder is available to take care of and entertain your young ones while you explore your wilder side.. Separate from the Main Safari Lodge, Little Tuningi offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Little Tuning accommodates six guests in unsurpassed luxury with its very own designer kitchen, boma area, dining room, lounge, wrap

around wooden deck and private pool. This private lodge also includes a personal butler to take care of guests’ every need. A personal chef is also available to prepare sumptuous meals in the gourmet kitchen. Yet another personal luxury is being able to set one’s own safari game drive times, making this the ideal, exclusive family escape in Africa. The secluded environment and outstanding service ideal game reserve retreat for corporate groups. There are internet and presentation facilities and the outstanding, yet discreet, service ensures that corporate teams can stay focused on their work.

The private and exclusive, Tuningi Safari Lodge offers both local and international guests a superior product enhanced by an impressive Big 5 safari experience. Tuningi is one of the very few 5-star lodges in South Africa that welcomes children and in so doing, avails them of the wonders of nature, wildlife and our delicate eco-system.

Accommodation

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Chasing

the SUN

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Sun City is internationally renowned as Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier holiday resort and offers a myriad entertainment and relaxation opportunities, as well as enough attractions and activities to keep everyone busy. The fabulous Sun City resort complex captivates visitors with its combination of golf, game and gambling as well as world-class hotels. Sun City offers everything and more and it has become a haven for holidaymakers to South Africa.

ocated only two hours from Johannesburg, Sun City is a vibrant mix of entertainment, water sports, golf, gambling and family fun - a luxuriant and tropical fantasia nestled deep in the African bushveld. This combined with exhilarating game viewing at the adjacent Pilanesberg National Park makes for a truly memorable experience.

The Valley of Waves The Valley of Waves is the central feature of the Lost

Sun City where families go to play

City at Sun City. It is one of the most advanced water parks in the world, dominated by the Roaring Lagoon, a 6 500m2 wave pool with a palm-fringed beach. Hydraulic mechanisms can generate a 1,8m wave every 90 seconds. When waves are not generated, a bobbing cycle is generated in a diamond pattern. The Royal Bath is the large swimming pool adjacent to an amphitheatre, which can accommodate an audience of over 800 people. On the pool deck the Observatory Bar offers exotic cocktails and is covered by an antique dome.

» The Bridge of Time is the route to and from the Valley of Waves, through the magnificent Kong Gates onto the Monkey Spring Plaza. The Botanical Garden Trails go around and through the different forests surrounding the Valley of Waves, a Rain Forest, Baobab Forest, the Jacaranda and the Tropical Forest, all contain rare plant varieties. The Spider Web Bridge (swaybridge), Adventure Paths, Hidden Cave Water Falls and other exciting walkways are in the Garden.

Five most famous rides

• • •

Temple of Courage, swimmers drop a heartstopping 17 meters down a 70-meter chute, under a bridge and into a small pool at the foot of the slide. The Tarantula and The Scorpion are body slides The Viper and The Mamba allow swimmers to float on large inflated tubes. The Lazy River is a gentle tube ride that flows endlessly around a kidney-shaped island. The island offers an ethnic village with a clothing

Golfing wonderland Two visually breath-taking championship golf courses, designed by Gary Player, offer a challenge to golfers of all abilities. When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world. South Africa’s most successful professional golfer, Gary Player, was an obvious choice to route the course in what is the crater of an extinct volcano. Today, in spite of stiff competition, the Gary Player Country Club is deservedly ranked as the number one South African golf course. Some ten years after the completion of the Gary Player Country Club, the popularity of the Sun City Resort and its many attractions demanded that another golf course be built. Again Gary Player was commissioned to lay out the course, his challenge being to create a very different golfing experience.

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Did you know?

The Palace of the Lost City - with its fantastical lost-world theme - is one of the most famous destinations in the world. The Valley of Waves at the Lost City is a kids' paradise with its inland ‘oceanic’ entertainment centre, manmade pool, beach and a machine that produces real waves.

Gaming at Sun City The Sun City Resort also boasts two remarkable casinos, namely the Main Hotel Casino and the Jungle Casino, which is a slots-only casino offering the latest in Smart Card operated machines, video and poker in both smoking and non-smoking areas. Enjoy magnificent gaming at our casinos, dance along to our themed shows or bask in the limelight as international stars perform. Explore every possible pursuit from nightclubs for adults and teenagers, to cinemas, coffee shops, restaurants and curio stores, the possibilities are simply endless.

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•

store, a sweet shop and a fast food outlet, as well as a pool and playground for children.

Leisure

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Fun for little ones So we know Sun City has a little bit of everything for anyone and everyone, and we know it caters for families, but what exactly does it offer the children who visit the resort?

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recently paid a visit to Sun City (two little ones in tow) and let me tell you something; if you thought for one minute that this gaming Mecca would even consider simply lumping adult and kiddy entertainment into one category, you are sadly mistaken. Of course children are welcome at many of the more adult-centered spots, and places such as the Valley of Waves cater for both old and young, but do yourself a favour (even if you don’t belong to the "parent club"):Take a walk (or shuttle ride) over to the Cabanas and ask for the Cabanas Children’s Activity Park. Here you will find a world specially designed for children; were daydreams are encouraged and all that matters is fun and fantasy.

Welcome to Kamp Kwena Sun City’s Kamp Kwena was the first Kamp Kwena Kids Club ever created. It all started out in a little pump house next to the hotel, but in almost

no time at all they had established their very own wooden wonderland, thanks to the great demand from all the visiting boys and girls. Today the Kamp Kwena Fort offers great fun activities, daily outings and heaps of new things to learn – thereby making the Kwena kids smarter and smarter. Kamp Kwena has a special creative room for all their messy activities, a jungle gym to keep the little ones fit and strong, a fun slide and a great sandpit. There is also a video room for watching movies and cartoons, a games room with four Play Stations, a stage for happy holiday shows, a puppet stand, a doll house and so much more! Kamp Kwena offers a daily, supervised children’s program for four to 12-year-olds. Both morning (9am – 1pm) and afternoon (2pm – 5pm) sessions are offered and activities range from creative fun and games to Mini Olympics, bumper boats, wildlife excursions and sandcastle building. The great thing about Kamp Kwena is that it just keeps growing and growing. They now also have a second Kamp Kwena facility, situated in the Entertainment Centre of Sun City, called the Kamp Kwena Créche. Here those little ones who are only at Sun City for the day can also have lots of fun with the Kwena team while mom and dad are off having their own grownup fun. The crèche is open from 10am to 12pm from Sundays to Thursdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. All

Stimela and other activities Sun City has a unique addition to the fun activities for little ones and adults alike, a colourful little train called Stimela. The Stimela station is situated opposite Kamp Kwena on the Cabanas Hotel’s lawns. The train is operational from 9am to 6pm every day.

Leisure

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Just plain fun

In addition, Sun City also offers more fun in the form of Mini Golf, Trampolines, Bumper Cars and the Finders Keepers Scratch Patch.

Animal World and Birds of Prey Centre Also situated near the Cabanas and Kamp Kwena is Animal World and the Birds of Prey Centre. As the name suggests, here families can observe the wild and wonderful animal life so unique to Africa.

Waterworld

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kids, from little babies up to 12-year-olds, are welcome to come have some great fun at the crèche. Kwena is also a great planner of parties and special functions, so why not have your little one’s birthday bash at Kamp Kwena - where snacks, activities and heaps of fun are all part of the package? In my experience, Kamp Kwena always tries – and always succeeds – to provide that special bit of magic that Sun City promises.

Waterworld is operated on a man-made lake of approximately 50 000 m2 in a natural volcanic valley. Here the entire family can enjoy a wide variety of thrilling water sports, including parasailing, jet skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, tube rides, wake snake (inflatable sausage), speed boating, sailing, pedal boating and cruising. Sun City Waterworld is open to both day visitors and hotel residents, seven days a week, right through the year.

Adrenalin

Junkies

“This is totally un-freaking-natural!” my sister nervously whispered to me while observing the first of six couples readying to launch off the top of the cliff. “Just think of it as your opportunity to feel what it feels like to fly” I said, trying to placate her, and hoping to build up the same sort of enthusiasm I was feeling.

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So, what is a Zip Slide?

Four couples had left the platform, and so far not one of them had been left stranded 100m above ground or come ‘undone’, and all had safely returned to terra firma. It was my turn to go and then she would follow. Nerves were put aside and we had agreed to do it for ‘experience’ sake. “In five, four, three, two, one, GO!” and I was off, soaring through the sky with nothing but 280 metres of air between me and land, but the height, the speed, the bugs in my teeth were not even a factor. For those brief moments I was like a bird, a weightless creature… I could not have asked for a more awesome experience… and oddly enough my slightly bewildered sibling agreed. Well traditionally – and somewhat inappropriately referred to as ‘Death Slides’ –

a zip slide is very similar to what we in South Africa know as a foefie slide. Also referred to as zip wires in the USA, flying foxes in New Zealand, a Zip Slide pretty much refers to the activity whereby individuals are secured in a harness and suspended below a free running trolley that is attached to a steel cable. Started in 2005 0by Tim Dawson of Unreal Adventures, the Sun City Pronutro Zip Slide 2000 is approximately 280 meters high, two kilometers long, reaches a speed of 140 kilometers per hour and guarantees a two to three minute unadulterated adrenalin rush. “With Face Adrenalin’s Bloukrantz bridge bungie jump reaching the Guinness World Book of Records as the highest bungee jump in the world, the ProNutro Zip 2000

ICONS ICONS Volume Volume11»»No No22

Adventure

‹‹

You’ve got to try it...

Credit Card Bookings

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NOTE: If you wish to book over the phone in advance you must supply your credit card details at time of booking to secure your booking. No booking is secure without payment.

entry as the worlds longest highest and fastest zip slide has secured South Africa on the international adventurer tourists list of countries to visit”, The Zip 2000 at Sun City adheres to all necessary safety standards and is currently the only Zip Slide to be certified by the Department of Labour. Secured in two harnesses and suspended below a free running trolley that is attached to a steel cable, one experiences the feeling of flying and acceleration as you descend down the wire. Sliders are at times 100m in the air and at other times only 2.5m above the ground. The cable runs from the top of the 280m high koppie to the top of a mast 2km away. Towards the end of the ride, the decent is

slowed as you go uphill, then you roll back to the lowest point on the wire where you are assisted to dismount the ride. Solo and tandem slides are available so this ride has an appeal for even the most amateur adventure junkie. Unlike many other adventure activities, this experience is open to young ones from the age of 12, making it a fun activity for the whole family (so far the oldest person to go down the slide has been a Scottish woman of 84). The Zip 2000 brings something extraordinary, outrageous and fun to anyone seeking some action and adventure in a truly unique and unforgettable way. The Zip 2000 is more agreeable to some people than say the activity of Bungee-jumping, because there is no ‘free fall’ involved. The Zip 2000 is an ideal activity for the adventurous at heart aged 12 years and over. This includes everyone from bungee jumpers to parachutists, water-skiers to golfers, horseriders to housewives, in fact – absolutely anyone. The Zip 2000 is great fun used as part of a team building package for corporate groups visiting Sun City. With adventure activities being one of the fastest growing markets within the leisure industry, the Zip 2000 is a big draw card to the North West Province as well as Sun City Resort, securing Sun City a spot on the adventure tourist’s map. The start of the Zip 2000 is on the top of a koppie, 5-minutes from Sun City. Bookings for the Zip Slide experience can be made via the Sun City Welcome Centre Information Desk by calling 014 5571544 or 3382. The activity costs R295 per person and departures to the Zip Slide are every two hours, every day except Mondays. Tours leave at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. There is only room on the tours for 16, people 10-12 sliders and 4-6 spectators so booking is essential. Spectator fee R60 per person.

Win a trip on the Zip Slide Enter now and win a once in a lifetime experience for two... By answering one simple question you could be the next South african to conquer the Pronutro Zip Slide 2000!

How to enter 1. Tell us how long the Sun City Pronutro Zip Slide 2000 is. 2. Submit your answers via email (info@ iconsmagazine.co.za) or post before 31 January 2011.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

The competition is open to South African residents aged 21 or over, and excludes except employees of Icons Magazine, their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to the relevant competition. The winner will be selected by the editorial team of Icons Magazine based on the team’s opinion and in accordance with the closing date specified. Winners will be notified in writing and the prize is not transferable. Icons Magazine will not be liable for any failure of receipt of entries, and takes no responsibility for any entries that are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid. By entering, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entries that do not comply with the terms and conditions are invalid. Prizes are not transferable, and cash alternatives are not available. The prize comprises accommodation costs only; travel, transfer and beverage costs are for the account of the entrant. By entering, winners agree to their names and general locations being used for publicity purposes by Icons Magazine in any and all media. Misrepresentative or fraudulent entries will invalidate an entry. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Icons Magazine reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the competition (including altering prizes) if, in our sole discretion, a competition is not capable of being conducted as specified. Icons Magazine will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of the winner’s (or their guest’s) enjoyment of the prize. In the event that part of the prize needs to be cancelled there will be no equivalent value prize offered in return

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

Terms & Conditions

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

NORTH WEST PROVINCE

RHINO

CONSERVATION

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The North West Province is home to both black and white rhino, and the local authority is doing what it can in conjunction with the World Wildlife federation to save this beautiful beast whose life is being threatened by poachers.

Wildlife

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ICONS ICONS Volume Volume11»»No No22

00 23

Wildlife

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THE MOST

ENDANGERED SPECIES activities. Increased surveillance will also improve the general security of these animals. The NWPTB administers 14 protected areas within the North-West Province in South Africa. There are five parks which harbour two important white rhino populations according to criteria set by the IUCN’s Species Survival Commission’s African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG).

RESPOSNIBLE MANAGEMENT

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DID YOU KNOW?

Rhinos are one of the “Big 5” animals popular on African safaris. They can therefore contribute to economic growth and sustainable development through the tourism industry, which creates job opportunities and provides tangible benefits to local communities living alongside rhinos. In almost all rhino conservation areas, there are other valuable plants and animals. While protecting rhinos, other species such as elephant, buffalo, predators and small game are often also conserved. Egrets and other birds can be found with rhinos, feeding on the species external parasites.

Of the three Asian rhino species, two are Critically Endangered. A subspecies of Javan rhino, recently re-discovered in Vietnam, only survives as a tiny remnant population, if at all. Successful conservation efforts have seen the third species, the greater one-horned rhino increase in number, leading to a reclassification from Endangered to Vulnerable.

AFRICAN RHINO Different subspecies of the two African rhino species are similarly faring differently. Once thought to be extinct, southern white rhinos are now thriving in well-protected sanctuaries and are classified as Near Threatened. In contrast, the northern white rhino only survives as a remnant population of four individuals. Black rhinos have also increased over the past decade or so, although total numbers are still a fraction of what they were 50 years ago and one subspecies is classified as Probably Extinct. To help protect these endangered species, WWF is assisting the North-West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB), the authority responsible for a number of protected areas within the province, to improve rhino conservation. This includes range expansion, aerial and field surveys, and tagging

Responsible management and monitoring of the white rhino populations requires a better understanding of: • Structures of the populations, such as sex and age. • Reproduction, including age of first calving, inter-calving rates of the individual cows, age at which the reproductive rate drops. • Territoriality, including the size and distribution of home ranges. • The project supports the incremental earnotching of rhinos as well as implanting passive transponders into horns and rhinos in order to link specific horns to specific • rhinos. The cumulative effect of this exercise will improve both the biological and security monitoring of individual rhinos in the parks.

OBJECTIVES • Create a further important white rhino population within the NWPTB. • Further enhance the security of the white and black rhino populations by training staff in field techniques. • Improve the identification of white and black rhino populations through micro-chipping and ear-notching. • Optimise the potential for tracking and identifying rhino horns/parts within the SADC region.

SOLUTION 1. A monitoring strategy has been devised whereby the rhinos are ear notched. This allows them to be individually identifiable

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THREATS TO RHINOS •

•

Demand for rhino horn is the greatest threat. Although international trade in rhino horn has been banned under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) since 1977, demand remains high – fuelling rhino poaching in both Africa and Asia. Demand in Yemen for rhino horn dagger handles, worn as status symbols, grew in the 1970s and a 20-fold rise in the price of rhino horn had a devastating effect on rhino (mostly black) populations. Rhino horn is also used in traditional Asian medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The major markets are China, Taiwan and South Korea. Although some traditional medical practitioners are using alternatives, a TRAFFIC survey of medical practitioners showed that 60% stocked rhino horn and 27% maintained that it was essential to their work.

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through aerial or ground surveys. 2. Field staff are trained to conduct ground surveys to collect more frequent and detailed population dynamics data, such as sex and age data, breeding periods, calving intervals, home ranges, and territories of individuals and also general movement and distribution. 3. Ear-notched animals should also be implanted with transponder micro-chips to facilitate post-mortem identification. Photographic records for identification purposes of all known animals should be updated regularly. 4. In the smaller parks, each rhino can be individually marked, thus providing valuable information for management to fully understand each population. In the larger parks the strategy is to have at least one third of the population individually marked to enable the development of a statistically sound and repeatable population estimate. 5. This ‘mark-recapture’ methodology contributes to a better understanding of a wide range of general population data vital to good rhino management. The increased surveillance of the white rhinos will also improve the general security of these animals.

Wildlife

Taung

Treasure Trove The famous Taung Heritage Site is the archaeological site where the fossilized skull of a young child was discovered by miners in 1924. The skull was taken to the noted Australian archaeologist, Dr. Raymond Dart who named it “Australopithecus Africanus”, meaning the southern ape of Africa.

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Attractions

Thomeng – Small Heaven: This Limestone Waterfall is known as a “Tufa” It was formed through the movement of glaciers during the Ice Age millions of year ago. This phenomenon is found at only three sites in Southern Africa. Visit Thomeng Small Heaven where constant stream of clear water from the limestone cliffs flow through. The Taung Skull Heritage site has an attractive Blue Pool and a picnic site, a perfect spot for relaxation and outing for the whole family.

This discovery led many scientists to believe that the origin of early man was initiated on the African continent. The finding of the Taung Skull at the Buxton Quarry was noted to be one of the most significant archaeological accomplishments of time, and the Taung Site was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taung, meaning “the place of the lion” was named after Tau, the chief of the Bataung people. A monument to the discovery of the Taung Skull has been set up and an old mine tunnel has been opened for exploration. The Buxton Quarry, which is no longer being mined, remains an important scientific research site. The azure Blue Pools are situated at the Buxton Quarry and are surrounded by picturesque caves and streams. The pools were apparently discovered after a dynamite explosion occured in a mountain in which lime was being mined. This is a popular hiking, abseiling and picnic venue with barbecue facilities, set alongside these pristine springs that wind through the ancient limestone valley. The Taung Dam is an attractive picnic area situated only a short distance from the village, while on the outskirts of the village one finds the Mmabana Arts and Culture Centre. This Centre is a modern social and educational centre offering locally produced arts and crafts. The Dinkwaneng site – home to some of the country’s finest examples of San art – is located a short distance

from the town near the village of Manthestas. The Taung Skull Heritage Route Launched in 2009, the Taung Skull Heritage Route is a living treasure exhibition of the district’s remarkable heritage, history and cultural experience. This ancient pathway in the land which gave birth to mankind, the home to the famous Taung Child Skull and the area that boasts archaeological discoveries that go back to the beginnings of humankind; today considered a World Heritage Site. The Taung Heritage Route takes you through the region’s magnificent Heritage Sites as well as areas rich with roaming wildlife. Taung Tusk Hotel an exclusive luxuries hotel is also situated along N18 route. • Mmabana Taung Cultural: A modern social and educational centre where the annual Art and Cultural Calabash event is hosted during September. • Dinkgwaneng – an area rich with the Batswana history, where you will also find Bushmen’s footprints and rock engravings. Upon visiting the province, a trip to the Taung Heritage Site allows visitors to lose themselves, even for just a moment, in the rich history of the area, and in so doing allows a glimpse of a world that existed millions of years ago. It is by all accounts a richly rewarding experience.

Culture

ICONS ICONS Volume Volume11»»No No22

» ‹‹

LUNCHTIME IN THE

BUSHVELD

Victor Johnson, head chef and cullinary artist at Shepherd's Tree Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park, is a force to be recconed with. Classically trained in Botswana, and with 13 years of worldclass experience behind him, Victor serves up nothing but the best and most creative modern African cuisine. We had the pleasure of sitting down to lunch with him, and he has graciously shared the following secret recipes with us.

Caremelised Onion Bruschetta

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with egg and caviar on fresh tomato salsa

Ingredients

onion in hot oil until soft and

1 Ciabatta bread

lightly brown .

2tsp soft butter

Add vinegar and honey and cook

1/2 Onions thinly sliced

until caramelised .

1tbsp Olive oil

Prepare Tomato and Onion Salsa for

2tbsp Honey

garnish by combining finely chopped

1tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

onion, finely chopped tomatoes,

1 soft boiled egg

chilli, chopped corriander, olive oil

1tsp red Caviar

and salt and pepper.

Method

Plating up

Slice the Ciabatta bread about 1 inch

On a plate : Spoon the Salsa onto

thick , butter the sliced bread using

the centre of the plate and top with

soft butter and toast until golden

bruschetta, caramelised onion , eggs

brown.

and red caviar.

In the mean time, fry the sliced

Garnish with Parsley.

NOTE: All recipes given here are per single serving. Adjust per number of people that need to be served.

Dining

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Aubergine and Polenta Stack with tomato and cheese 1 cup Polenta 2 cups water 2 cups Milk ½ Onion finely chopped and fried 3 Aubergine slices fried 3 Slices of tomatoes ¼ cup homemade tomato sauce . 30g grated Cheddar cheese 30g grated Parmesan cheese Chopped basil Salt & pepper

Method Mix water and Milk together and bring to the boil, add polenta and onion .

Cook for about 7 minutes until thick. Spread polenta on an oiled pan or tray and let cool . Cut Polenta into discs using a scone cutter and deepfry until crispy. Arrange poleta on a baking tray. Top with a slice of aubergine. Spoon tomato sauce on top followed by cheeses, put a slice of tomato on top followed by tomato sauce and cheeses. Continue with the process finishing up with the cheese at the top, you can make the stack as high as you want. Bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Serve with salad .

ICONS ICONS Volume Volume11»»No No22

Ingredients

Dining

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Kingklip with Orange Sauce and seafood risotto Ingredients 4 tbsp Olive oil 2 tsp Lemon Juice 5 cm Piece ginger grated 1tbsp Soy sauce 1tsp seseme oil salt and pepper 1 Portion Kingklip (115g) 3 tbsp Olive oil or Butter 6 Sweet cherry tomatoes roasted with Balsamic vinegar and thyme.

Method Mix the first 6 ingredients together and marinate the Kingklip for about 2 hours. In a frying pan heat oil or Butter and fry the kingklip until golden brown. Put in the oven for 4 minutes on180 ° C. Serve with seafood risotto and garnish with roasted cherry tomatoes.

Lemon Curd Tartlet with Vanilla Ice Cream Pastry Ingredients 1½ cups Flour 125g Butter 1/3 Cup Castor sugar 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp chilled water

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Method

Combine flour, butter, and sugar in a food processor and mix until the mixture resembles bread crumbs, then add chilled water and the egg yolk . Process until dough come together. Turn the dough on the floured surface and bring the dough together. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30mins before rolling. Line the Tart tin with sweet short crust pastry and bake blind .

Lemon Curd Ingredients 2 tbsp Lemon Zest

1/3 cup Lemon Juice ¾ cup Sugar 3 tbsp butter 2 eggs

Method In a saucepan mix lemon zest, juice, and sugar and bring just to the boil, then simmer for 2 minutes . Take off heat and add butter until melted, remove from heat and cool to room tempereture. Beat eggs once cool. Return to the heat and cook over low heat stirrring continuously for 7 minutes until the mixture is thick. Do not let the mixture boil as it will curdle. Allow the mixture to cool; it will continue to thicken as it get cold. Fill the tart shells with Lemon Curd and serve with cream or Ice cream.

Dining

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Rack of Lamb with Cabernet Jus

1 x 4 bone Rack of lamb

Marinade Ingredients 3 tbsp Soy sauce 1/4 cup Olive oil 1tbsp Honey 1 Clove garlic (crushed) 1 sprig of rosemary choppes 1tsp Dijon mustard

Method Mix the marinade ingredients together and rub the rack of lamb with marinade coating both sides . Marinate for 2 hours or overnight . Heat oil in a gridlle pan and grill the Lamb till the outside is crispy . Tranfer to a roasting pan and roast in the oven for about 7 minutes at 180°C.

Cabernet Sauce Ingredients 2 tbsp Olive oil ½ Onion (sliced) 1 clove garlic (crushed) 1 stick celery chopped ½ Carrot sliced 1 sprig rosemary 2 cups Veal stock or any brown stock 1 glass Red wine (Cabernet) ½ tsp Corn flour

Method Heat the oil in the pan , add onions , garlic, celery, rosemary, carrot and fry till soft and all the flavours are released. Add corn flour and stir well. Pour in wine and simmer until all the alcohol has evapourated, then add stock. Simmer on very low heat for about 15 - 20 minutes. Take off heat and strain using a fine sieve.

ICONS ICONS Volume Volume11»»No No22

Ingredients

GOLF

CHAMPIONSHIP A short history of the challenge

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

DID YOU KNOW?

Since its inception in 1981, three players have each held the honours three times. They are Ernie Els, Nick Price and David Frost. Additionally, Ernie Els holds the title of most appearances at the Challenge at 16, followed by Bernhard Langer (14) and Nick Price (14).

The Nedbank Golf Challenge is an annual golf tournament played on the Sun City Gary Player Country Club Course which is situated in South Africa’s North West Province. Over three decades, since the inaugural event which featured a field of only five players, the tournament has grown in stature, and what began as a ‘exhibition’ of golf, soon grew into a fully fledged tournament complete with official world ranking points. The tournament has unquestionably become the greatest showcase of golf on the African continent and is fondly regarded as “Africa’s Major”. Played during the first week of December, a time of the year when both the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai have been concluded, the marquee names in professional golf consider the Nedbank Golf Challenge to be a year-end highlight, and despite the dates clashing with the Chevron

World Challenge, the 30th Nedbank Golf Challenge attracted some of the biggest names in the game. The Nedbank Golf Challenge was inaugurated in 1981 and has had several previous names. It was known as “The Million Dollar Challenge” in the early years. When it was first played in 1981 the purse was $ 1 million, with a winner’s share of $300 000. In 1987 the event was played on a “winner takes all” basis, with the winner claiming the whole of the $ 1 million. This was designed to overcome any qualms the world’s top golfers might have about competing in South Africa during the apartheid era, and it was successful in doing this in many cases. In 1988 the winner’s prize was again $1million, but additional prizes were introduced. Nedbank had been involved since inception and took the mantle of title sponsor in 1994. From 2000 to 2002 the first prize was

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course is its green’s complexes, with strategically placed bunkers, swales and mounds that protect the super slick clover shaped greens. With pristine perfect kikuyu fairways and excellent bent grass greens the course is kept in perfect condition all year round.

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

$2 million from 2003 the winner’s share of the total prize fund was reduced from more than half to around 30%. The standard winner’s share on the PGA Tour is 18% and on the European Tour it is 16.67%. In 2006 the winner received $1.2 million out of a total purse of $4.385 million, so the prize distribution is now not far from the normal pattern for a professional tournament. The total purse was increased in 2010 to $5 000 000 with the winner receiving $1 250 000. The Gary Player Country Club is acknowledged as a difficult and demanding course. Since 1981 it has been home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge. The course requires stamina and accuracy from players. Off the back markers the course measures over 7 000m which makes it one of the longest in the world. But a variety of tees make it possible to shorten the course and render it playable for all levels of golfers. A distinguishing feature of the

Entertainment

Emergency Contact Information: Hospitals & Clinics - Mahikeng Provincial Hospital:........... Tel: +27 18 383 2005 The North West Province is home to a number of public hos-

- Potchefstroom Hospital..................... Tel: +27 18 293 4400

pitals and clinics, world-class private hospitals and welfare

- Reivilo Provincial Hospital:................. Tel: +27 53 953 0015

institutions.

- Stella Provincial Hospital:.................. Tel: +27 53 983 0060

The following is a list of all the major hospitals located

- Bloemhof Provincial Hospital ............ Tel: +27 53 433 1146

- Shweizer Provincial Hospital.............. Tel: +27 53 963 1291 throughout the province, so you and your loved ones can

- Taung Community Hospital.............. Tel: +27 53 994 8100

rest assured that competent healthcare is within reach.

- Tshepong Hospital........................... Tel: +27 18 406 3111

Private Hospitals

- Vryburg provincial Hospital .............. Tel: +27 53 928 3000

- Brits

- Witrand Hospital.............................. Tel: +27 18 294 9100

- Ventersdorp Hospital........................ Tel: +27 18 264 2081

Brits Medi-Clinic:............................... Tel: +27 12 252 8000 - Klerksdorp Life Ancron/ Daylene Clinic:............... Tel: +27 18 468 0000 Wilmed Park Hospital:....................... Tel: +27 18 468 7700 Sunningdale Clinic........................... Tel: + 27 18 462 7536 Park Med Clinic................................ Tel: + 27 18 462 3072 - Mabopane Legae Medi-Clinic:............................ Tel: +27 12 797 8000 - Mahikeng Victoria Clinix Private Hospital:..... Tel: +27 18 381 2043 / 6 - Potchefstroom Potchefstroom Medi-clinic:............... Tel: +27 18 293 7000 - Rustenburg Netcare Ferncrest Hospital:................. Tel: +27 14 5684399 Life La Femme Clinic:........................ Tel: +27 14 594 9500 Life Peglerae Hospital:....................... Tel: +27 14 597 7200 - Vryburg Vryburg Private Hospital:................... Tel: +27 53 927 1004 State Hospitals - Bray Community Health Centre:........ Tel: +27 53 937 0007 - Ganyesa Provincial Hospital............... Tel: +27 53 998 6568 - Klerksdorp Hospital........................... Tel: +27 18 406 3111

Tourist Guidelines:

Madikwe Air ........................................ Tel +27 11 805 4888

Helpful advice while visiting

Road Transport The North West Province is covered by an efficient network

Banking Automated teller machines are located in all main shopping centres and around town. Credit cards accepted include

of roads. The N4 runs along the northern area to the Botswana Border in the north and the N12 meets the N14 at

Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club.

Klerksdorp, which in turn runs through Vryburg.

Foreign Exchange

Car Hire

24-hour foreign exchange is widely available. Traveller’s cheques and foreign currencies are exchangeable at most hotels and banks. Our monetary unit is the South African Rand (ZAR) Time Difference Throughout the year, standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter time.

Avis..............................Tel: 0800 021 111 | www.avis.co.za Budget.................... Tel: 0800 016 622 | www.budget.co.za Imperial....Tel: 0800 031 000 | www.imperialcarrental.co.za Tempest.......Tel: 0800 031 666 | www.tempestcarhire.co.za

Tax (VAT) Refund Visitors to South Africa are not exempt from paying VAT (Value-added Tax) on purchases. However, tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items taken out of the country with a total value exceeding R250.00

Petrol (Gas) Leaded petrol, unleaded petrol and diesel fuels are widely available at service stations on principal road routes and

The VAT can be claimed at airports and/or harbours of departure and customs offices. Visitors should present the

they are usually open 24 hours per day.

following documents at VAT Refund Administration Offices

Air Transport

control sheet and foreign passport and all items on which

and Customs Offices: Original tax invoices, a VAT refund

The airports of Gauteng serve the North West area. Flights are available from the centre of Gauteng to Madikwe and

VAT is being reclaimed.

Sun City:

Safety Measures

O.R. Tambo International Airport .........................................

importance to us. We want your visit to be special. We want

The enjoyment and well-being of our guests is of utmost

Grand Central Airport .......................................................... Tel +27 11 805 3166 Lanseria Airport ................................................................... Tel +27 11 659 2750 Rand Airport ....................................................................... Tel +27 11 827 8884

you to leave the North West with great memories and the intention to return. Take the same safety precautions you would in any other international city or town, particularly when sightseeing in built-up urban areas. Avoid unnecessary display of valuables including jewellery, cash or audio/visual recording equipment. Do not walk in deserted places or go out alone at night, as a general

The Icons Emergency Information Guide is Proudly sponsored by Fresenius Kabi South Africa (Pty) Ltd. leading suppliers of intravenous medicinal products to the critical care industry. Fresenius Kabi South Africa (Pty) Ltd. • Stand 7, Growthpoint Park • 2 Tonetti Street, Halfway House • Midrand, Gauteng www.fresenius-kabi.co.za • Phone: +27 011 545 0000

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

Tel +27 11 333 6504

Helpful advice while visiting rule. Preferably lock your car doors and keep the windows closed. The use of travellers’ cheques or credit cards is more advisable than cash. Telecommunications Directory Enquiries......................................................... 1023 International Dialing Codes..................White Page Directories International Operators.................................................. 0009 International Directory.................................................... 0903 Electronic Yellow Pages................................................ 10118 Time.............................................................................. 1026 Trunk / Collect Calls........................................................ 0020 Phonograms.................................................................. 1028 Telkom Information Centre............................... 0800 535 800

Tourism Information & Development Centres: Find out more about the North West

Telephone:................................................ + 27 14 557 1907 E-mail:......................................... infodesksunc@mweb.co.za Office Hours: ........................... Monday-Friday: 8:00 to 16:30 ...................................................... Saturday: 09:00 to 14:00

The Pilanesberg Tourism Information & Development Centre

The Mahikeng Tourism Information &

Location:................. Manyane Gate, Pilanesberg National Park

Development Centre

Telephone:................................................ + 27 14 555 5362

Location:..............................Cnr Carrington and Martin Street

E-mail:.............................................. tidcpberg@mweb.co.za

Telephone:................................................ + 27 18 381 0067

Office hours:.......................... Monday-Friday: 08:00 to 16:30

E-mail:..................................................... tidcmf@yebo.co.za Office Hours: ........................... Monday-Friday: 8:00 to 16:30

The Potchefstroom Tourism Information & Development Centre

The Sun City Information Office & Welcome Centre

Location:..................... Corner of Potgieter and Church Streets

Location:....................................................................Sun City

Telephone:................................................ + 27 18 293 1611

Telephone:................................................ + 27 14 597 0904

E-mail:.............................................. tidcpotch@mweb.co.za

E-mail:................................................. tidcrust@mweb.co.za

Office Hours:.......................... Monday-Friday: 08:00 to 17:00

Office Hours: ........................... Monday-Friday: 8:00 to 16:30

....................................................... Saturday 08:30 to 12:00

...................................................... Saturday: 08:00 to 12:00

The Rustenburg Tourism Information &

The Cape Town Information Office

Development Centre

E-mail:...............................desmond@tourismnorthwet.co.za

Location:.....................................................Van Staden Street

Office Hours: ....................... Monday-Sunday: 09:00 to 21:00

www.fresenius-kabi.co.za • Phone: +27 011 545 0000

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26 years of experience and service excellence to the industry

E G A P Air freight import and export S I Sea freight import and export TH ILL T W N Hunting trophy exports SE YOU A E R E P D T International household removals AN ECEIV OUN R ISC NCY 0861PASIWA(727492) D AGE info@pasiwa.co.za % R 0 Tel: 0027 12 342 4118 Fax: 0027 12 342 4117 1 U ! O S E 1235 Schoeman Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083 FE ON P.O. Box 6314, Pretoria, 0001, Gauteng, South Africa

ICONS Volume 1 » No 2

We offer the following services:

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THE RIGHT

STUFF ALSO: Heavenly Hermanus

•

6 Reasons to visit Knysna

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Knysna Hollow

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Explore SA’s Whale Route

THE RIGHT

STUFF

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Whale Route

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Each year Southern Right whales migrate into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young. The animals, often mere metres from the shore, provide unsurpassed whale watching opportunities between June and November.

umpbacks migrate through the region between May and December each year, while Bryde’s whales are found slightly further offshore all year round. The Whale Route starts along the south of Cape Town and extends to Durban, 1 200 plus miles of whale watching coastline. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park, and the Transkei.

At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off South Africa. However, the Route is most famous for encounters with southern right whales, humpback whales, and several coastal dolphin species. You can also see African penguins, Cape fur seals, black oystercatcher birds and a variety of other marine life. The Cape Whale Route stretches for 900 km from Doringbaai on the West Coast to Storms River Mouth

Where is the whale route?

the Breede River, Still Bay - where the Southern Rights enter the placid water to bear their calves. The whale route continues from Gouritzmond, Vleesbaai, Dana Bay, Mossel Bay - especially on the St Blaize’s hiking trail, Hartenbos, Great Brak River, Ballot’s Bay, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness especially from Dolphin’s Point on the Kaaiman’s Pass, Sedgefield, Knysna - from Brenton-on-Sea and Knysna Heads, and Plettenberg Bay, which offers a “whale hotline” and where whales often come in close, especially at Keurbooms River and beaches, as well as Robberg Peninsula.

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in the Tsitsikamma National Park, and includes the following: Lamberts Bay on the Cape West Coast, Elandsbaai and Saldanha Bay. Then Yzerfontein and Cape Town, around the Peninsula and into False Bay, where whales frolic in the protected waters, on to Bettys Bay and Hermanus, where the Whale Cryer informs on whale sightings and where whales come into the old harbour to calve. Then from Gansbaai, down to Cape Agulhas, Struisbaai and Arniston, where whales come into the protected waters, down to De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve and Witsand, at the mouth of

Whale Route

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Where is the whale route?

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n season, from June to November, the 65 km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is superbly suited to view whales. Four species are seen along this route, of which Southern Right Whales are the most commonly sighted when they come into Mossel Bay to calve. There are however also Humpback, Bryde’s and Killer Whales frequenting the route. Mossel Bay also forms part of the whale route. Four species of whales frequent Mossel Bay to calve. Informative whale interpretation boards situated at beautiful view points makes it the ideal route to view these giant mammals of the ocean. Experience the thrill of viewing the giants of the deep close up, by taking a 3-hour boat based whale-watching trip. Schools of up to 500 dolphins make a spectacular sight and can often be seen at play in the bay and along the St Blaize hiking trail. The most common dolphins found all year are Heaviside’s Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Dusky Dolphin and

Bottlenose Dolphin. The Southern Right whale migrates from Antarctica to calve in the sheltered bays of the east coast of southern Africa. From July to November, Walker Bay - about 90 minutes drive east of Cape Town - is one of the world’s most spectacular vantage points for whale-watching. Whales breach, lobtail and engage in courtship rituals often as close as 50 metres from the shore.

Behaviour Southern right whale Whales tend to show of in the following manner: • Blowing: A sound made when expelling air through the blowhole. This is accompanied by a spout of condensed water vapour. This however is the normal breathing pattern of the animal. • Breaching: Leaping out of water in an arching back flip and falling back on their sides or back with a resounding slap. This is believed to be a way of communication, exercise or

Whale Route

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Visit the whale route possibly to scratch the parasites off that live on whales. They can braech form 3 to 8 times in succesion. • Lobtailing: The slapping of flukes and tail on the water, causing a loud sound, appears to be a means of communication. • Spy hopping: The head and body are lifted vertically, as far as the flippers, above the surface. This enables them to see what is happening around them above water. There are estimated to be about 3 000 to 4 000 southern right whales at present, with South Africa receiving the major percentage visiting its coasts annually. Present populations of southern right whales are a fraction of estimated initial stocks. The southern right whale has a circumpolar distribution and inhabits sub Antarctic water between about 30° and 55° south.

Migration

recently become legal in South Africa, but only for the few operators that have been issued boat based whale watching permits. The southern right makes use of extreme coastal waters along the southern and south-eastern coastal region of the Cape, and sometimes as far north as southern KwaZulu-Natal. The KwaZulu Natal whale season starts on July 1 and continues until November. Boat-based whale-watching, previously only associated with the Western Cape, is gaining momentum in the province with a greater variety of species being spotted off the KwaZulu Natal coast. Seeing whales off the coast of KwaZulu Natal is virtually guaranteed. South Africa retains its position as the fifth fastest growing whale- watching destination in the world. Only 16 permits have been issued countrywide to ensure regulation of the industry and minimum intrusion on the whales who come to the warmer waters of the south to mate.

Did you know?

What you might see: Humpbacks Southern rights Bryde’s whales Orcas When to go: July to November Viewing options: Shoreline viewing Boating safaris

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he whales migrate south during the summer months when supplies of krill are more prolific, and north during winter and spring to mate, calve and rear their young. They appear around the South African coastline from May to December. They can be seen interacting in the sheltered bays and coves close inshore and near river mouths. Southern Right whales migrate into the extreme coastal waters off the Western Cape each year to calve, nurse their young and mate. The humpback whales are seen as they migrate along our coast between May and November enroute to their feeding and breeding grounds off Mozambique and Angola. humpback whale Bryde’s whales are found further offshore in False Bay all year round, and the orca (“killer” whale) is also occasionally seen. Heaviside’s and dusky dolphins are found in the colder waters on the western side of the Peninsula, and bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins on the eastern (False Bay) side. It is illegal to approach within 300 m of whales by boat, kayak, ski-boat, aircraft or any other means without a permit. Boat-based whale watching has

Heavenly Hermanus With so much History, Culture and Scenic Beauty it is no wonder that, Hermanus is widely regarded as one of the most Beautiful destinations within South Africa. As a result of its modern infrastructure, up market shops and endless adventure options Hermanus has most certainly grown in both size and popularity during the last decade. Best known as the whale watching capital of the world, Hermanus

welcomes the Southern right whales to Walker Bay every year from June through December, and all those wishing to view these magnificent creatures are offered the opportunity to do so from aboard a boat, and airplane, or even from the shore. Hermanus is home also to the world’s only Whale Crier, whose kelp blows can be heard all along the central sea route as he notifies travelers of the whales’ presence.

While Hermanus has definitely been transformed into a cosmopolitan town, it has still managed to retain its small town charm and hold on to its rich heritage; part of which is the Hermanus Whale Festival. The world-renowned Whale Festival is the only Enviro-Arts festival in South Africa, and is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern right whales to the waters of Walker Bay, as well as the magnificent environment and arrival of spring. Although the whales are always the star performers at the Festival, they are joined on land by musicians, crafters, sports celebrities and thousands of people celebrating spring in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Hermanus comprises spectacular coastlines, pristine beaches, lagoons and rivers and is home to two of the Western Cape’s most acclaimed golf courses. Many renowned artists, sculptors, ceramicists, writers, jewellery designers, glass designers and photographers have settled here and brought international recognition to Hermanus. These artists often hold exhibitions, which should not be missed. There are also a wide variety of shops where you can purchase anything from clothing to curios, and the museum enables visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past. For the more adventurous travelers, shark cage diving provides an unadulterated adrenaline fix second to none, and kayak or yacht

trips can also be booked. Should you prefer to keep your feet dry and nerves in tact, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks among the fynbos, and the Hermanus Wine Route offers wine connoisseurs an excellent day out. Hermanus may be a quiet town but it is definitely not an uneventful one, and with its variety of awesome attractions and activities, this certainly is a treat for the nature lovers. Whether you choose to spend a day on one of the spectacular beaches watching whales or playing a round of golf, Hermanus has something for everyone.

Stay at Whale Cove Whale Cove presents a sophisticated self-serving apartment, situated a mere 30 minutes from the seaside Village of Hermanus, offering visitors to this world-renowned area a modern accommodation opportunity, bound to meet even the wildest expectations. Centrally located in the beautiful suburb of De Kelders, the Whale Cove security apartment is positioned directly above the famous Bushman Caves of the area, and is within walking distance from most of the attractions on offer. This well-appointed apartment sleeps six and comprises one double en-suite room, as well as a double and twin room serviced by an additional full bathroom. The fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining room allow you to enjoy all the comforts of home.

Whale Cove

URL: www.hermanusaccommodations.co.za • T: +27 12 9934117

A Whale Watching Wonderland

Centrally located in the beautiful suburb of De Kelders in Gansbaai, just outside Hermanus, Whale Cove is ideal for families and friends who simply wish to get away from the stresses and strains of daily life and absorb all the beauty on offer in the area.

Whale Cove

URL: www.hermanusaccommodations.co.za

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T: +27 12 9934117

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Situated in the heart of the South african Whale Route, a stay at Whale Cove allows ample opportunity for you to spend some time watching and listening to the whales from the comfort of your very own luxury apartment, within walking distance of many of the area’s famous attractions.

6KNYSNA REASONS TO VISIT

INFORMATION

Visitor Information info@knysna-info.co.za Tel: 044 382 5510 Fax: 044 382 1646 Accommodation Enquiries bookings@knysna-info.co.za

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Tel: 044 382 6960 Fax: 044 382 1609

Located in the Garden Route of South Africa , Knysna is beautifully surrounded by lush forests, clear lakes and beautiful beaches. It has been voted South Africa ‘s favorite holiday town thanks to its wide selection of restaurants, fun activities and welcoming accommodation.

Perfect weather Spring is soft and silky. Autumn tingles on the skin like champagne. Winter is crisp as an apple. And our African summer bronzes the soul with its pure sunlight. Whatever the season, Knysna stays green. Its warm, temperate climate makes it the perfect all-year-round destination. The mild winters on the Garden Route ensure sunny and beautiful wind-still days and are often referred to as the “easy season”. In fact, Knysna has a phantom autumn - it is certainly not a real one, but we have nothing else to call it. The forest does not lose its leaves, people don’t hide indoors and children aren’t dressed like overweight sleeping bags with limbs. Truth be told, day-time temperatures rival a balmy European summer, with an average winter temperature around 19˚C

Natural Paradise In Knysna, nature quite literally knocks on your front door. The town nestles between the impres-

sive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. The 21 ha estuary is protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone “Heads” - silent sentinels down the centuries of the rich history of this unique part of “paradise of earth”. Adding to the richness of this incredible region is the spectacular Fynbos vegetation, contributing 8000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom. The Knysna forest measures some 80, 000 ha in size and is managed according to strict conservation principles. This exceptional nature’s playground of beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and rivers offers an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re an adventurous type or simply like it lolling around in the sun, Knysna has it all. Geographically it is the ideal base from which to explore a region filled with enchanting beauty and friendly people.

Knysna

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Something for everyone For the shopper, there are interesting outlets tucked away around every corner, including a quaint Waterfront shopping complex and authentic African traders. It history and culture fascinate you, Knysna will intrigue you with a Gold Rush story of its own, a Timber Trade history interwoven with rich stories of early woodcutters and their special relationships with the forest elephants and the famous John Benn family whose sole responsibility was to navigate ships and boats through the treacherous Heads.

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n and around Knysna one will find a selection of fine restaurants, activities, cultural and heritage experiences, adventure and natural encounters to match your mood, age, physique and budget. Wine and dine your way through a formidable array of fine restaurants, seafood taverns, pubs, coffee shops, delicatessens and other interesting eateries. From fusion food with an Oriental flavour to nouveau cuisine; from traditional South African dishes such as Cape Malay-inspired bobotie to a Xhosa delicacy known as umnqusho; from a meaty braai to a syrupy sweet koeksister, Knysna offers it all.

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Knysna

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BEER AND OYSTERS

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“Local is lekker” is a famous South African saying promoting the use of local products first and foremost. It Knysna this is quite easy to strive towards with two strong contenders. Mitchell’s Brewery opened 25 years ago in Knysna and is arguably the leading micro brewery in South Africa. Whether it’s Bosun’s Bitter, Forester’s Draught, Raven Stout, Ninety Shilling Ale or the new Mitchell’s Gold, the “beer that made Knysna famous” is unmistakable. Whatever your choice you can be assured that Mitchell’s Beers are unpasteurised, live ales, produced with the finest available ingredients of British mashing and German lagering techniques. Oysters and Knysna are synonymous. The earliest records we have of the consumption and marketing of oysters in Knysna town are in newspaper cuttings of 1896. The cultivated Knysna Oyster is famous for its fresh, nutty taste - unique to oysters in this area. Of course the wild coastal oyster, more salty in taste - is ever popular and also readily available at local eateries. A dozen or so Knysna oysters with either a Mitchell’s beer of a glass of Cap Classique are certainly one of the reasons to initiate a listing as a top destination!

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Awesome Animal Kingdom

nysna boasts an array of unique, some of them sadly endangered, species including the unique Knysna seahorse, the delicate Pansy shell of the lagoon and the endangered dwarf chameleon and Brenton Blue Butterfly. The Humpback and Southern Right whales visit the coastline during the months of May and September to breed in the calm, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and present a spectacular theatre of breaching, rolling, playing with calves and just generally lolling about. Spectators sit for hours watching these giant gentle creatures enjoying life on their way around the most southern tip of Africa. The Knysna area is home to a wealth of bird life. Nearendemic avian wonders include the famous Knysna Loerie with its bright red feathers highly visible in flight. Then there’s the Narina Trogon, Knysna warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, chorister robin-chat and the forest canary. The lakes play host to a wide variety including the Malachite Kingfisher, the African Fish Eagle and our beaches provides the breeding grounds for the endangered African Black Oyster Catcher. Knysna is also home to the only forest elephants in South Africa.

Adventure and sport abound

Just arrive, the rest comes naturally So there you have it, six wonderful reasons to visit Knysna on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. Begin your journey to this fascinating and still mysterious place and experience what has made the town a Top 100 destination worldwide.

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ome and play in our forests and dive into outdoor adventures like horse riding, hiking, yachting, fishing and canoeing. For a pure adrenalin rush get into the more extreme sports of abseiling, paragliding, scuba diving or water skiing and some of the best mountain bike routes in the country. Knysna has something for everyone - from the very young to the well matured and for every size, shape and temperament.

Knysna

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KNYSNA

Hollow

INFORMATION Reservation Enquiries reservations@knysnahollow. co.za Tel: 044 382 5401 Fax: 044 382 5265 Address 5 Welbedacht Lane Knysna

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GPS Coordinates 34 02.08S/23 01.01E

GARDE N ROUT E KN YS NA

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, retreat to a tranquil, warm and hospitable “Garden of Eden” that is Knysna Hollow. Set within lush gardens on a 2 hectare estate, accommodation consists of three Luxury Garden Suites, 12 Garden Chalets and 64 Garden Rooms. Tastefully decorated in a Knysna forest feel, accommodation includes TV, tea and coffee facilities, ceiling fans and private patios. Garden Chalets all have telephones and minibar fridges; whilst seven units have fireplaces, as do the Garden Suites; which also boast handcrafted furniture, satellite TV, heated towel rails and Charlotte Rhys guest amenities. Drinks can be enjoyed in the pub or on the deck of the old Manor House. The Knysna Hollow restaurant, overlooking the pool, has a warm relaxed atmosphere and offers delicious seasonal fare, whilst the Pecan Tree Grill Room offers contemporary design and cuisine. An extensive selection of South African wines complement meals.

Activities are endless... from ferry trips across the lagoon, to walking trails through the ancient forests, a game of golf, tree-top canopy tours, township experiences, whale watching - or just relaxing at one of the three sparkling swimming pools set in lush indigenous gardens with abundant birdlife. Outdoor games at Knysna Hollow are a unique feature... with a full-size Pentanque court with a Boulle set, as well as a giant-size chess board set in the Rose Garden. Knysna Hollow’s conference centre is fully equipped with all modern amenities to ensure a successful meeting, product launch or company conference. Weddings of all sizes can readily be catered for with our picturesque gardens providing the perfect backdrop to your special day.

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