Rove SA - Volume 4 l Issue 4

Sizzling SUMMER

Hibernate no more! It’s the summer season that makes us want to get out and about – explore, discover and experience!

Summer in South Africa marks the end of a year – it’s when a lot of us close up shop for 2022 and get the chance to be a bit more adventurous and spend quality time either solo or with friends and family. Summer also heralds a new year – we reflect on the past year, take a much-needed break, and look forward to a successful 2023 with hope and energy.

Travel feeds our soul and helps connect us to people and places. It’s also the perfect opportunity to support local business and be a tourist in your own country, whether you choose to stay in the province or city you live in, or if you travel around.

The amazing thing about South Africa, is that no matter how much you travel the country, there is always a new gem to discover.

Have a fabulous summer and stay safe on the roads!

Tashne Singh

editor@rovesa.co.za

FOLLOW US @RoveSA ON INSTAGRAM

A two-night stay for two adults and two children in a Luxury Family Suite at Safari Plains in Limpopo.

WORTH R37 000

SAFARI PLAINS

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range (Limpopo), the exquisite beauty of the surrounds with its wide-open savannahs, Big 5 and spectacular vistas is an idyllic melting pot for a majestic wilderness destination. A couple hours drive from Gauteng, this extravagant haven, Safari Plains, redefines luxury in the bush with a magnificent high-ceiling dining room, elegant lounge, impressive bar, and relaxing spa.

Rove SA readers are entitled to a 10% discount. Promo code: ROVESP10 www.safariplains.co.za

HOW TO ENTER

Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for Safari Plains online at rovesa.co.za/competitions T&Cs apply.

Competition closes 28 February 2023

Travel tips for summer 10 interesting facts abouth South Africa

Chasing adventures

Picture Perfect! A smartphone safari can work 5 reasons to try out a campervan experience

SA waves the Blue Flag high Water safety – the do’s and don’ts

Beach or bush in summer?

What’s giving KZN its buzz?

Mpumalanga Highlands Meander

Advertorial: Neethlingshof Estate

Unique Wine Farms

Chef Talk: A great dining experience brings people together

City life: The Big 5

Feel free! Driving through the Northern Cape

Safe driving & safety on the roads during summer

Endless adventures awaits on the KZN South Coast Great Getaways

Travel Tips for Summer

1Be alert!

Over summer many people are on holiday and generally relaxed. But there are always a few who have criminal intent, so be on the look out and be alert!

• Don’t flash expensive items (jewellery, cash, cameras, etc.).

• Don’t accept help from random people at ATMs.

• Keep your handbag on you at all times – preferably use a sling bag that you carry in the front of your body.

• Be alert wherever you are – criminals look like regular folk.

• Try to use your bank cards as opposed to carrying a lot of cash on you.

Be skin smart 2

Apply your sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15-20 minutes before heading out into the sun. If you go swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, particularly if wearing open shoes.

3 Mozzies

Mozzies (mosquitoes) are a regular visitor in summer. For the most part these bites are harmless and merely an irritant that can be sorted out with an antihistamine. Being bitten by a mosquito that carries malaria is more serious.

Malaria is endemic in certain areas such as north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo. September to May is considered the malaria season.

Some tips to avoid being bitten include:

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

• Spray your accommodation with an insecticide.

• Sleep under a net covering.

• Air conditioners and fans can help deter mosquitoes.

• Ensure you have your malaria shot prior to travelling to malaria areas.

Dress cool

Cotton and linen are good options to stay cool on hot days. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon and silk are not breathable materials and will most likely make you perspire.

Be environmentally conscious while staying hydrated

It is critical to stay hydrated in summer months, particularly if you are engaging in activities. If possible, try to use a reusable water bottle as opposed to buying numerous plastic bottles of water. It can work out cheaper and is more environmentally friendly.

Numbers to know

10111 – Nationwide emergency response: This number is for any emergency that requires police response. Calls made to this number from a landline are free. If you are using a cell then you are charged normal cell phone rates.

112 – Cell phone emergency: This is the emergency number that can be dialled using a South African cellphone. This number can be dialled even if you do not have airtime.

10177 – Ambulance response: This number is for medical emergencies and can be called in conjunction with both the fire and police department, respectively.

Spilling the tea… on how to stay cool

As weird as it may sound, drinking hot tea in warm weather can help cool you down. According to studies, hot beverages such as tea, triggers your body’s sweat response. The sweat then cools on the surface of your skin making you feel a bit cooler. Although this is not a one-size-fits-all, if you are wearing layers and it’s super-hot and you are super sweaty – and it is unlikely sweat will evaporate – rather opt for a cold beverage.

7Keeping track of the kiddies

Crime, unfortunately, is a global challenge, and South Africa is not immune. It sometimes happens that kids get separated from their parents or guardians. Ensure that your kids know your cell numbers and as an additional precaution, use an app to track them – kids can be tracked using wearable gadgets or cell phones etc.

8 Make a booking

Summer is a busy period for many travel, leisure and lifestyle businesses, including restaurants. While fast food restaurants will not require a booking, some restaurants and activity spots will require you to book in advance. To be on the safe side, call ahead and reserve your spot.

10 interesting facts about South Africa!

There are about 3 000 shipwrecks off the coast of South Africa.

While meat is the main ingredient in the majority of meals in SA, some unique dishes include bunny chows and koeksusters.

The national animal of South Africa is the Springbok. The Springbok is also the emblem and nickname of the national rugby team.

There are three capital cities in South Africa: Executive Capital of Pretoria, Judicial Capital of Bloemfontein, and Legislative Capital of Cape Town.

Most of the world’s macadamia nuts come from South Africa.

The unofficial meanings of the South African flag colours:

• Red: symbolic of the bloodshed and sacrifices made during the struggle for independence

• Blue: symbolic of opportunities

• White: symbolic of peace between European and South African people

• Black: symbolic of native people

• Gold/yellow: symbolic of natural resources and minerals

• Green: symbolic of the fertility of the land

South Africa is three times bigger than Texas, and five times bigger than Japan.

South Africa has wetlands, deserts, bush, grasslands, mountains, escarpments, and subtropical forests.

Wines have been produced in SA since 1659.

South Africans drive on the left side of the road.

adventures

Chasing

What made you leave the corporate life and pursue a career as an endurance adventurer, life coach, humanitarian and motivational speaker?

• Cycled solo unsupported from the Cape to Cairo in 2017.

• 4 000km solo run across four African countries in 2018.

• Island solo swim from Ilha de Mozambique to mainland in 2019.

• Founder of Get Lost Adventures.

• Recipient of the Purple Hearts of SA award in 2019.

• 388km beach run along the coast of Mozambique in 10 days (2020).

• 1 000km solo unsupported run from PE to Cape Town in 30 days (2021).

I think we’re all born with a purpose. Somewhere along the way we get caught up in the expectations of society to get a degree, get married, have kids, a secure job, life insurance, etc. I was half-way there, but I never really felt like I belonged and neither did I feel in any way fulfilled.

Towards the end of 2016, I had this nagging, gut-wrenching sensation that kept urging me to do something more with my life. A feeling that where I was, was no longer nourishing my heart and soul; that I needed to reinvent myself and focus more on a deeper purpose

Gaven Sinclair

Highlights from Gaven Sinclair's Adventures

Once part of the corporate rat race, Gaven Sinclair rose to fame in 2017 when he cycled from the Cape to Cairo. Today, he is recognised as one of South Africa’s top extreme endurance adventurers. Gaven is also the founder of Get Lost Adventures; and has secured his reputation as a leading motivational speaker, life coach and humanitarian activist. He chats to ROVE SA about his incredible journey...

– to inspire, to motivate and to make a difference to humanity.

Having been intricately involved in business partnerships and two small start-ups over the years, I had the intellectual know-how to build a business model around ‘me’ in terms of personal branding.

My main driving force for doing this? As a kid growing up, I struggled with dyslexia, ADD and chronic fatigue (in later years).

The one place I truly felt alive, focused, and in control was when I was pushing myself physically and mentally in endurance and competitive sports. And if I could overcome these challenges and become part of a cause and awakening greater than myself as an individual, I wanted to share this with others so that they too can pay it forward – and hopefully we can one day all live in a kinder, gentler and more humane world. In 2017 it all started. I got on a mountain

bike and cycled solo unsupported to Cairo. It was an unbelievable experience with some insane moments!

My endeavours have generated overwhelming support and coverage from local and international media. Being back in Johannesburg, this has afforded me opportunities to speak on stage and focus more on my corporate team-building content.

What are the core causes you support?

I supported Missing Children South Africa for a few years as ambassador, and the Syntro-P Wellbeing programme which promotes quality health and wellbeing through a holistic, integrated and connected technological means. There are a lot of charities/NPO’s out there, and I believe it’s essential to support a cause that resonates with you on a personal level. In my opinion, the only value system we all should focus on is caring for humanity and our planet.

How do you overcome challenges mentally?

I accept my current situation and the risks involved because there will always be high levels of danger when embarking on a challenge. Another tool I use is to tell myself that it could be physically and mentally far more challenging. Therefore, the current conditions are perfect – good or bad.

Would you describe yourself as fearless?

Fear isn’t a bad feeling. It enables us to function at our highest vibration. So, the next time you are really afraid to do something, or it gives you butterflies, move into it, not away from it. “Courage is the ability to have strength in the face of pain and grief”.

adventure career thus far?

The one constant is the people – locals and travellers alike. It’s because of those connections, whether brief or still active, that I remember moments more fondly with detail. Beyond mental memories, travel photos are better with the human element. It gives it character and a story. After all, all we have in the end is our memories.

What has been the most surprising factor for you?

I would say it’s support. I’ve really been blessed with incredible media coverage, such as DSTV and SuperSport’s 10-minute documentaries; as well as endorsements and sponsorships from some of the most sought-after global brands.

What have been some key learnings?

Exploring the entire continent of Africa, travelling in its truest form an exasperating place, a melting pot of culture, the environment and extraordinary African people. Africa is varied and diverse, consisting of a mixture of tribes that each have their own unique characteristics; a product of the diverse populations that today inhabit the continent of Africa.

What are the pros and cons of embarking on these adventures solo?

When you’re out there on your own, carrying a 15kg backpack while running or cycling insane distances, with daily calculated food and hydration portions, strategy and intuition become the two most important survival skills. The pro is achieving what you set out to accomplish… and coming back in one piece.

Tell us a bit about your business.

Get Lost Adventures, an extreme adventure business targets the exclusive VIP market, offering limited people the opportunity to participate in a team building adventure. This venture represents my entrepreneurial spirit, which combines with my love for adventure – it is through this platform I help people embrace and enjoy adventure while improving themselves.

Favourite place?

Each country I have visited in Africa has been equally special in its own unique way, shape and form, from culture to the people to the environment. In SA I enjoy the Wild Coast and the East coast because of the climate, energy, and flora and fauna.

What is your next adventure?

What was your most challenging travel experience?

Swimming from Ilha de Mozambique Island solo to the mainland, just because I’m not a good swimmer. Just the idea of the unknown that was lurking beneath me was interesting.

What would you say is the highlight of your endurance

How do you prepare to take on extreme challenges?

I reverse engineer my finish line and block out time and distance, so I don’t think cumulatively. For example, preparing mentally for the Cape to Cairo I told myself “I’m not cycling to Cairo”, and rather unpacked it into modular stages. Therefore, I only focused on each stage at a time.

I would love the opportunity to summit K2, trek to the South Pole or row across the ocean solo and unsupported. I have to consider budget and ROI as it’s a business. On my last extreme challenge partnership with Syntro-P Wellbeing, we generated over R9.2 million in PR value and R6.2 million in media reach in 30 days. Being back in SA I am looking forward to forging new partnerships, sponsors and motivational talks.

Business card: www.vip.beepdsmart. com/card/gaven-sinclair-adventures

Picture perfect! A smart phone safari can work

With that motto in mind, Sperka says, “I often hear it said, that when going on safari, one ‘must’ have a decent camera with a reasonable long telefocus lens. And while it is an advantage to have (and use) such a camera, nowadays most people have very good smart phones (iPhones or Android-based) and prefer to travel light.”

“I take a lot of images and video clips with my smart phones. Personally, I work with Canon DSLRs, Apple iPhones and a DJI Phantom drone. And in the last two years I’ve taught far more people ‘smart phone’ photography than ‘proper camera’ photography,“ adds Sperka.

1.

Smart phones are very good for taking a wide-angle picture (no pinching!). Focus on the beautiful scenery and the wildlife and you will create some great memories. Zooming in on pictures (pinching) should be avoided as most smart phones only provide digital zoom (equivalent to picture cropping). It’s therefore best to take the picture ‘un-zoomed’ and crop it later. Some advanced smartphones, e.g. iPhone 12/13 (and the latest one) Pro have a third telefocus lens which does provide optical telefocus capability.

The renowned photographer, Christian Sperka, based at Thanda Safari, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as the resident wildlife photographer and specialist photography guide, has a motto: “Keep it Simple”.

Christian Sperka

Sperka’s 5 reasons why a Smart Phone Safari can work

2.

Smart phones are great for those difficult light conditions such as sunsets, sunrises and interesting cloud formations over beautiful scenery. These are often easier to capture with a smart phone than with a regular camera.

Combined with a good ‘enhancement’ app, like an excellent ‘Camera+ for iPhones,’ amazing pictures can be created.

3.

Clip-on telefocus lenses are available at very little cost and having such a lens will make it possible to get a decent shot of distant targets e.g. lions, birds. Binoculars can also serve as a telefocus lens (make sure there is a small distance between the camera lens and the binoculars ocular, focusing first on the subject with your binoculars, before using your smartphone camera).

4.

Smart phones are excellent at taking macro-shots. Anything from plants to small creatures can be captured very well. Make sure to check with your guide that it is safe to get close to any creature.

5.

Private game reserves, such as Thanda Safari, are great for smart phone photography as one is usually able to get much closer to wildlife than in a National Park. A professional and experienced guide knows exactly how close he can get safely to animals to ensure a good picture. Get as close to eye-level with your picture subject as you can and you will create some great shots.

Located at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, White Lion Lodge offers a decadent, unique and intimate wildlife experience for guests. Enjoy stunning scenery featuring mountains, plains and canyons, luxurious accommodation, tantalising meals and game drives with the opportunity to spot the Big 5. A perfect trifecta of nature, tranquillity and adventure.

As your reliable, local battery partner, Willard has been helping people explore this beautiful country of ours for over 100 years. Produced locally in our Port Elizabeth factory, Willard will partner you on your travels whether you’re out on the open road, meeting up with family and friends, or exploring one of South Africa’s iconic destinations. With Willard Batteries, you’re home sweet home.

5

reasons to try out a

campervan experience

Want to experience an epic road trip, explore more and do something a bit different? Try a campervan!

01 02 03 04 05

Budget saving

Travelling in a campervan can be more budget efficient. There is the high price of petrol to consider, but if you are travelling with your family, it should still work out cheaper than flying.

Most places around South Africa have budgetfriendly camping spots with ablution facilities and activities nearby. You can also cut costs by not eating out at restaurants daily.

Freedom of choice

Don’t like a particular place, get in the van and move to another town or area. Love a particular area – stay a bit longer. If you want to see more of South Africa, you can literally sleep in a different area every day, if you choose.

The campervan experience is also a passport to take the ‘road less travelled’. Perhaps one of you wants a beach vacation and someone else wants a bush vacation – in a campervan you can do both within a short space of time.

It’s a different experience

There is a saying that “life’s a journey”. When travelling in a campervan, the journey is just as important as the destination. You find interesting spots along the way to experience. Generally, with a campervan you are surrounded by nature – no waking up to the sounds of traffic. Wake up to a scenic view and then decide what you want to do – chill and read a book, take a hike, or enjoy some water activities (if your spot is nearby water).

Socialise when you want

It’s up to you but there are opportunities to socialise at camp sites as you will most likely encounter other families nearby. There is also a good chance you will encounter people from different walks of life. Perhaps a braai and some drinks?

If you are travelling with kids, there will often be other kids around for your children to play with.

Convenience

Granted, travelling in a campervan requires a decent amount of planning in advance, but you have everything you want in your own space.

SA waves the

Africa’s

Wild Horizons Waterfront Adventures is an adventure activity operator based in Cape Town’s famous V&A Waterfront. We operate three boats, offering a variety of cruise & sail options out of the Waterfront harbour.

Namely: Spirit of Victoria, Escape Cat, Dawn

DAILY CRUISE & SAIL OPTIONS

HARBOUR CRUISE

30 minutes

The scenic guided Harbour cruise provides an introduction to Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront. Our well-informed guides will share their knowledge, history of the Cape as well as the latest harbour gossip!

CHAMPAGNE CRUISE 90 minutes

The champagne cruise offers an ideal pre-dinner experience for families and couples. Cruise out of the Harbour and enjoy spectacular mountain and stadium views.

SUNSET CRUISE 90 minutes

Enjoy a romantic sunset on the Atlantic Ocean & toast the end of another perfect day in paradise with a glass of sparkling wine as you watch the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon; a scene so typical of the Cape.

BAY SAIL

60 and 90 minutes

Enjoy a romantic sunset on the Atlantic Ocean & toast the end of another perfect day in paradise with a glass of sparkling wine as you watch the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon; a scene so typical of the Cape.

CRUISE & DINE PACKAGES

60 and 90 minutes

Enjoy either a Bay Sail, a Cruise, or Sunset Cruise followed by a meal at one of our preferred nearby eateries. Bay Sail and Cruise options are followed by lunch but a romantic option is our champagne cruise followed by dinner.

W ater s afety – t h e do’s and don’ts

By Kuhle Mkize, National Sea Rescue Institute

Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty

Lifeguards are on duty at selected beaches during summer school holidays. Listen to their advice and talk to them about safety on the beach that you are visiting. They are the experts on that beach. If lifeguards are not on duty do not swim.

Teach children that if they swim between the lifeguards flags the lifeguards will be watching them and can help if there is a problem. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.

Don’t swim alone

Don’t swim alone. Always swim with

a friend. If you are with a friend while swimming, there is someone who can call for help if you need it and you can’t wave to the lifeguards or call for help yourself.

Do not drink alcohol and then swim.

Adult supervision and barriers to water are vital

Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. This is vital if it is at a water body that does not have lifeguards on duty.

It is extremely dangerous to get into the water to rescue someone so rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty and call for help (112 from a cell phone and check for the nearest Sea Rescue station telephone number

before you visit a beach – put that number into your cell phone).

Children should not be able to get through or over barriers such as pool fences to water. Only use child safe pool fences and child safe pool covers or nets.

Don’t attempt a rescue yourself

Call a lifeguard or the NSRI by dialing 112 from your cell phone for help. If you see someone in difficulty, call a lifeguard at once or dial the nearest Sea Rescue station from your cell phone.

After calling for help try and throw something that floats to the person in difficulty. A Pink Rescue Buoy, a ball, a foam surfboard, and so on. Even if you

are a strong swimmer never go into the water to help someone without taking something that floats with you – for your own safety and to help the person who is in difficulty.

Watch children who are using floating objects in the water

Never use floating objects, toys, or tyre tubes at the beach or on dams if the wind may blow them away from the shallow water.

You can very quickly get blown away from the shore and as much fun as tubes and Styrofoam are, it is easy to fall off them. If a child can’t swim and falls off in deep water, they will drown.

Do not be distracted by your cell phone or social media

While you are looking after children in or near water you need to focus on them and nothing else. Adults who are supervising children should not be distracted or use their cell phones. It is not possible to concentrate on children in the water and be on your phone at the same time.

Learn how to do CPR

It is important that people learn how to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

You can learn how to do CPR from YouTube at https://youtu.be/ FOODoKvlCP0

Rip currents Know how to survive rip currents

If you swim between the lifeguard flags, they will make sure that you are safe and well away from rip currents. If for any reason this is not possible, do not swim. Educate yourself about rip currents, there is plenty of educational material to read at www.nsri.org.za/2017/01/ beware-of-rip-currents/, including videos of what rip currents look like.

Often rip currents move slowly enough to barely be detected. But given the right circumstances of waves and beach profile, they can develop into currents moving at speeds of up to two metres per second – faster than any of us can swim. Ranging in width from just a few metres to a hundred metres, they pull to

just behind where the waves form and then lose their power.

A rip current is not the same as a rip tide which is formed as the tide ebbs and flows through a narrow opening such as an estuary. The Knysna Heads are a great example of where you will find extremely dangerous rip tides.

Rip currents claim the lives of many people each year. Rip currents are able to develop where there are breaking waves. Bigger waves produce stronger currents, and these ‘rivers’ of current are produced by water moving from the beach back out to sea. They happen all the time at many beaches and are the biggest danger that visitors face in the water.

As with all risks, avoiding rip currents altogether is the safest strategy. To do this swim at a beach where lifeguards are on duty and swim between their flags.

Although an untrained eye may struggle to see rip currents, stronger rip currents give tell-tale signs. With patience and careful observation, it is not hard to see that water in a channel or ‘river’ between breaking waves is moving away from the beach. The current may not flow straight out from the beach. It may flow at an angle or have a bend or two in it before it gets to the backline where waves are forming.

You can learn more about rip currents by using this link https://youtu.be/9GBUBDMENfw

About National Sea Rescue Institute

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a charity organisation that saves lives on South African waters –both coastal and inland. Our goal is to prevent drowning through rescue operations, education, and prevention initiatives.

Operating from base stations along the SA coastline, and on inland dams, our rescue volunteers are on call, at all hours, every day of the year. Our rescue crew receives no payment and neither do we charge the people we rescue.

We visit schools around the country, teaching children about water safety. Our drowning prevention measures include our online training academy, with free courses for crew and the public, emergency signage, Pink Rescue Buoys for emergency flotation, rescue swimmers, lifeguards, and active patrols during peak seasons.

SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774 or 112

Beach or bush

in summer?

Sunbathing whilst sipping a cocktail, frolicking in cool or warm waters, or long walks in lush greenery with minimal interruption from others, and camp fires to sit and chill in the evening? Yes, it’s the battle of beach versus bush!

Beach pros

• Great entertainment for the kids where they can play in the water, build sand castles and basically jump around within sight.

• Activities such as water sports, rugby or volleyball can be played with friends and family.

• It’s super relaxing.

• There is a level of safety within crowds.

• Generally, eateries and other amenities can be found nearby.

Beach cons

• Sand everywhere.

• Very busy in summer – if you are looking for peace and quiet, perhaps a popular beach won’t be ideal.

• Sunburn.

• Getting stung by blue bottles.

Bush pros

• Diverse scenery.

• Exploration opportunities during hikes.

• Possible wildlife encounters.

• Tranquility – less crowds and more intimate.

• Braais and camp fires.

Bush cons

• Requires more planning and foresight.

• Remote locations can make it difficult to access conveniences if you forget something.

• Very up-close wildlife encounters… and mosquitos and other flying pests.

• Walking barefoot might become a lesson in survival.

Conclusion:

We live in South Africa and can do both!

KZN What's giving its buzz?

With around 300 days of sunshine and swimmable surf that doesn’t require a wetsuit, KwaZulu-Natal is the perfect place to add a tropical twist to your getaway cravings.

Umhlanga coastline – gem of the area

Arguably the gem of the entire KZN North Coast is the Umhlanga coastline. Despite Umhlanga’s sophistication – its fancy mansions, slick apartment blocks and rollicking restaurant scene – there’s still a sense of encroaching wilderness.

The promenade parallel to the beach connects all the way to a remnant of forest at the northern end of the strip, great for natureimmersive walks with vervet monkeys gallivanting through the treetops, duikers on the ground and raptors overhead.

Durban’s Golden Mile

Between Gateway’s sprawling mall and Umhlanga’s bustling seaside village, there’s plenty to keep you busy, but if you have children in tow (or simply need a gearshift), it’s worth driving into the city, just 20 minutes south.

At one end of Durban’s Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World is a world-class aquarium where penguins, seals and sharks are on view. Children will scream their appreciation as they ride the watery slides at Wet ‘n Wild – you can leave them to their own devices while you can sink cocktails at Moyo uShaka’s pier bar situated 100m out to sea.

If you crave more grown-up pleasures, Station Road is where you’ll find Durban’s original craft distillery. Distillery 031’s founder, Andrew Rall has made a point of reimagining classic spirits using African ingredients – taste the difference those ingredients make by signing up for a distillery tour. Or take the plunge at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where the world’s tallest bungee swing requires you to leap from the stadium’s basket-handle-shaped arch above the soccer pitch.

Premier accommodation

If you’re more intent on disconnecting from the bustle, use your base at either of the new 4-star and 3-star Premier Hotels that have opened in KwaZuluNatal’s prosperous Umhlanga Ridge, a mushrooming business district just north of Durban, as a springboard to explore KwaZulu-Natal’s more northerly stretches.

Pick the upmarket 4-star Premier Hotel Umhlanga if you favour a room with a full-on view of the ocean. Apart from its state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, guests can relax at the rooftop pool and terrace bar – another highlight is the viewing deck with its sweeping 180-degree views towards the sea, affording a sublime sense of floating above it all.

Or opt for quarters at the Premier Splendid Inn Umhlanga for more budget-friendly comforts. Done out in a clean, pearl-white palette with marinehued accents, marble surfaces and timeless furnishings, this contemporary establishment affords abundant breathing space in its public areas and a mix of soothing, light-filled rooms and elegant suites.

Both properties are conveniently close to a trove of experiences and come with Premier’s signature touch of personalised service, designed

to elevate your stay in this lush pocket of South Africa’s East Coast. Of great appeal is its immediate proximity to Gateway, where opportunities for a shopping spree are legion; besides countless eatingand-drinking spots, the vast complex also has outdoor playgrounds – a water-park full of crazy slides, a huge skatepark designed by skateboard legend Tony Hawk – and a farmer’s market.

Umhlanga Ridge’s location a perfect starting point

Beyond what’s available right at your doorstep, Umhlanga Ridge’s location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploration in just about any direction.

Umhlanga Rocks, with its distinctive lighthouse, treeshrouded promenade, rock pools and charged tropical energy, is fringed by several of South Africa’s most beautifully maintained stretches of beach with designated bathing areas and tidal rock pools where youngsters can splash around safely. All along this epic stretch, you’ll find lovely spots to wade, bodysurf, or simply stare across the distant horizon.

Bustling Ballito

Further afield, dotted along the seaboard beyond bustling Ballito are such charming holiday hamlets as Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock and Sheffield. Each has a choice of wide-open beaches (make sure you pick ones watched by lifeguards and swim between the flags as tides are unpredictable).

Charming Scottburgh

Fifty-two minutes from Durban you’ll find Scottburgh, a charming bay situated on the south bank of the Mpambanyoni River and a favourite among tourists, beachloving families and scuba divers.

The resort, situated on the beachfront, is set amidst 14 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, unspoilt indigenous vegetation and 180-degree sea views, with the grassy embankments leading to golden sandy beaches.

In addition to comfortable accommodation, families will also find amenities like a swimming pool, bar, pizza oven and a restaurant terrace. The worldrenowned Aliwal Shoal diving experience is nearby, with the Scuba Xcursion Dive Centre onsite offering various ocean activities for adventure-seekers.

Attractions and activities for the family include: Aliwal Shoal, Crocworld (animal park), Scottburgh Beach, TC Robertson Nature Reserve, a golf club, and scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal. There’s no shortage of fun things to do for the whole family at Premier Resort Cutty Sark, Scottburgh.

Mtunzini conservancy village

Further up the coast, the conservancy village of Mtunzini sits adjacent to Umlalazi Nature Reserve, where the Mlalazi River spills into the ocean and zebras freely roam the streets, saunter across the golf course and sometimes end up inside the Spar.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Things get wilder still when you head all the way into the protected areas of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for 220km along the coast. Rare turtles nest here; migrating whales, dolphins, and whale sharks congregate offshore; and there are at least 526 bird species worth noting.

St Lucia’s grazing hippos

In some areas, if you don’t watch where you’re going at night you could run into grazing hippos. Even in the little tourist village of St Lucia, you are on the fringe of incredible wilderness with dune forests and crocs basking on the banks of the estuary. Undersea safaris happen at Cape Vidal, where snorkelling is popular, and at Sodwana, one of the world’s finest scuba spots.

Game reserves

And if you want a more traditional safari experience that includes the big cats, elephant and rhino, you can make a foray into Africa’s oldest declared nature reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, or visit uMkhuze Game Reserve nearby.

Midlands Meander

And, if you tire of the seaside, you can always head inland instead. The Midlands Meander is a great network of towns, hamlets and farming communities across the KwaZulu-Natal interior where you’ll find craft emporiums, art galleries, farm stalls, haunted pubs, wineries, and a few indelible monuments such as the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. Keep your eye on the horizon, too, for the looming highaltitude expanse of the Drakensberg Mountain range.

Whether you’re in town on business, fishing for that next deal, or looking to soak up some seaside downtime, savour the province's laid back vibe.

Mpumalanga Highlands Meander

By Vivienne Brown

If you want to experience the Highlands Meander you have to be prepared to fully immerse yourself in nature in the most profound way. From the highs of the escarpment edges where you feel on top of the world, to the rolling hills of what remains of the highveld.

If you want to avoid disappointment, then you must set your expectations for adventure. Most of the small towns along this green meander are stop and go. You will find what you need but if you want to get more about the rich history from which these towns emerged, you can contact the Emgwenya Heritage Centre, NPO and tourism office in Emgwenya, Waterval Boven.

The Mpumalanga Highlands Meander winds its way east on the N4 from Gauteng. It starts in Belfast, where the farmers come together at the livestock auctions and where country life is the backbone of the community.

From Belfast you can choose to head north to Dullstroom, where the grassy hills stretch out to meet big blue skies, with trout fishing to match the peace and calm you need to free any anxiety you leave behind. If you like the nightlife and whiskey in a small town, you won’t be disappointed.

Or you can head east on the N4 to Machadodorp, now renamed Entokozweni (the happy place) and Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) where award winning hiking trails and horse

country begs your enthusiastic attention. Machadodorp was declared the seat of Government for a few months in 1900, while Paul Kruger held government there in his residential rail carriage at the station.

Machadodorp station, on this famous railway line, is allegedly where the Kruger Millions gold was last seen, and famously attracted gold diggers trying to uncover this famous treasure.

Traveling further east you come to the jewel of the Highlands Meander – Waterval Boven, now known as Emgwenya. Waterval Boven was a major station established in 1895, the largest of its kind east of Pretoria with the railway tunnel famously known as the gateway to the animal kingdom and includes Waterval Onder where Paul Kruger himself resided (moving down from Machadodorp after experiencing the cold winter) and where you can find the Krugerhof museum, in the Eland’s Valley.

Home to the Bakoni Stone Age structures

The Highlands Mender countryside is home to the Bakoni Stone Age structures of which there are thousands of stone

circles scattered on the hills (take a close look on Google Maps and you can see them), which links to the famous stone calendar in Kaapsehoop, the only one of its kind in Southern Africa. The Emgwenya Heritage Centre in Waterval Boven aims to shed light on this topic especially for tourists, and have it ultimately studied and recognised as a national treasure.

It is also the site of the Mozambican train disaster where 69 Mozambican miners died after the train fell off the rails into the valley below and where an annual pilgrimage brings the families together in their honour.

that Waterval Boven

Onder attracts visitors to view or hike to, is something to behold. It can be seen from the same place where the old railway tunnel is on the N4, before it drops down into Waterval Onder. Here the N4 following the Eland’s river, laced by the historic curling railway line, designed by a woman who understood how to move a train safely down the steep drop.

Trails, ziplines, horse riding and more…

Adventure in nature on the Mpumalanga Highlands Meander on horseback with BBK trails, taking visitors to Anglo Boer

war sites, ziplining at Mountain Strings, hike, climb or festival at Tegwaan Country Getaway. Hike and horse ride from Absolute Leisure Cottages at Wathaba award winning hiking trail or stay the weekend at Wathaba for a real hiking experience.

Experience off grid alternative lifestyle ideas at Brown Earth Tipi Village, or the luxury of restaurant food and accommodation on the river at Rocky Drift Nature Reserve with its stunning hikes. Also visit the popular ministry and church community for your wedding

or spiritual retreat with hiking trails at Zongororo, also in the Elands Valley.

The Mpumalanga Highlands Meander Tourism Organisation (NPO) enhances experiences via a tourism office officially opening in 2023 at the Emgwenya Heritage Centre.

Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) where adventure meets nature

Emgwenya, formerly Waterval Boven meaning place above the waterfall, is a railway town situated on the edge of the escarpment. It was established in 1898 when the first railway line servicing the route from Pretoria and Mozambique was commissioned.

Waterval Boven is rich in historical importance –from the Bokoni stone ruins scattered throughout the escarpment, following the route President Kruger used to escape the British along the Eastern Line. Map in hand, adventurers and treasure hunters alike have long scoured the land in search of the Kruger Millions. Following the Elands River as it cuts through the belly of the land, exposing the natural beauty that abounds, this is the perfect stop over between Johannesburg and Pretoria on your way to the world renowned Kruger National Park, home of the Big 5.

Emgwenya is the epitome of where adventure meets nature, providing you with an exhilarating and rewarding experience, whether you are an avid camper, hiker, mountain biker, nature lover or thrill seeker. It also offers amazing hiking trails, numerous mountain bike trails, ziplining, abseiling, horseback riding, fishing, birding and frogging.

Orange rock that has dramatically risen from the depths of the earth to form the crags that make the majestic Elandskrans, are home to arguably South Africa’s top sports climbing sites and highly rated worldwide.

It offers a wide array of budget friendly and exclusive accommodation catering to everyone’s needs whether you looking for camping and caravanning sites, bed and breakfasts, self-catering, eco farm stays or glamping.

Neethlingshof Estate

The wines produced are terroir driven and are of superior quality developed from expertise, over time.

Neethlingshof is a brand which has stood the test of time in one of the most recognised wine regions in South Africa.

As a WWF Conservation Champion, Neethlingshof works with nature to produce vegan wines that are a true expression of the unique terroir, ensuring a sustainable future for people and the environment.

Neethlingshof is a ‘must’ on your holiday itinerary; a destination for all wine lovers who appreciate the essence of origin of Stellenbosch and award-winning wines. The natural beauty and charm of the farm and its surrounds has been wowing visitors for decades.

Aside from the production of superb wine, the wine estate offers Cape Dutch-style architecture, picturesque mountains and rolling vineyard views as well a variety of breakfast and lunch options!

Extended opening hours for wine tasting

The Wine Tasting Centre is open seven days a week for wine tastings, wine pairings and cellar tours as well as a fantastic kiddies pairing with three bite-sized dishes paired with grape juice and milkshake.

Neethlingshof is an iconic landmark located just outside the town of Stellenbosch, based in the renowned Cape Winelands – historic and authentic with roots dating back to 1692.

Neethlingshof is a 'must' on your holiday itinerary.

For the holiday season, starting on 16 December, until 15 January, the doors will be open until 19h00 during the week and until 18h00 on weekends.

Wine, pizza and live music at SALT at Neethlingshof WINE GARDEN’

SALT at Neethlingshof Wine Garden operates from the beautiful garden at the Wine Tasting Centre and is a laid-back option for lunch, with a selection of wood fired pizzas and platters to choose from.

Every Wednesday evening for the summer season you can enjoy ‘Wine Down Wednesday’ live music evenings, the perfect mid-week break, from 17h00 to 20h00, where you can enjoy local entertainment while you sit back and ‘wine-down’.

If evenings are not for you then visit the wine estate on the first Sunday of each month for their ‘First Sundays Live music sessions’ from 12h00 to 15h00.

Breakfast and lunch with a view at ‘SALT Deli at Neethlingshof’

‘Salt Deli at Neethlingshof’ is located in the beautiful Cape Dutch Manor House on the estate, overlooking the picturesque mountain range of the Cape Winelands. The talented chef duo, Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit, invite you on a salt journey, demonstrating how their passion for salt influences their love for cooking.

Together they have prepared dishes designed to perfectly match the awardwinning Neethlingshof wines and to express how their use of salt influences all their flavours.

The summer menu paired up with a worldly view and world-class wines will most definitely leave you feeling satisfied.

Open form Wednesdays to Sundays for breakfast and lunch.

Wine Farms Unique

Cathedral Peak

In 2007, we decided to take our passion for farming and blend it with our passion for wine and planted the first 2-hectare with Pinotage and Merlot. Living in the shadow of Central Drakensberg is a privilege and we say thank you by producing wines with a clear sense of place.

+27 63 075 1123 bookings@cathpeakwines.com www.cathpeakwines.com

Franschhoek Motor Museum

The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a special opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia in the magnificent setting of L’Ormarins.

+27 (0)21 874 9002 fmm@fmm.co.za www.fmm.co.za

Bellevue Wine estate

Home of Pinotage since 1953, Bellevue is an iconic wine estate in the prestigious Stellenbosch wine growing region of South Africa. Bellevue’s vineyard produced the world’s first commercially bottled Pinotage. Come and discover how the pioneering spirit of the Morkel family helped establish Pinotage as South Africa’s signature grape variety.

+27 (0)21 865 2055 info@bellevue.co.za www.bellevue.co.za

Jordan Wine Estate

Situated 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 15 minutes from Stellenbosch, Jordan is a working wine estate. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the vineyards and Stellenbosch Mountains while enjoying breakfast, lunch, picnics, dinner or a night stay in one of the luxury suites.

+ 27 (0)21 881 3441 reservations@jordanwines.com www.jordanwines.com

Grendel Wines

Taste De Grendel wines in a setting that Table Mountain smiles upon at De Grendel’s Tasting Room, only 20 minutes from Cape Town CBD and Cape Town International Airport. +27 (0)21 558 6280 info@degrendel.co.za www.degrendel.co.za

Pink Valley

Wines

| Uniquely Rosé

At Pink Valley we embrace singularity, purpose and passion to make and express a single specialist Rosé wine. Visitors can enjoy Rosé and tapas at our relaxing restaurant, while admiring the pristine surrounds of the Helderberg mountain. Wine tasting and sales: 11:00-16:00 Sunday to Thursday l 11:00-19:00 Friday and Saturday.

+27 (0)21 855 3744 info@pinkvalleywines.com www.pinkvalleywines.com

Stellenzicht

Our Wine Pod is a unique tasting room on our estate that welcomes nature into the structure. While enjoying a glass of elegant Stellenzicht wine with a delicious meal, the Pod offers breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains making it the perfect spot to unwind.

+27 (0)21 569 0362 winepod@stellenzicht.com www.stellenzicht.com

A great dining experience brings

people together

Being a chef is about passion, skill, creativity and continuous learning.

It’s an exciting time with new Head Chef Wesley Aucamp at the helm at Ernie Els Wines Restaurant with a fresh new summer menu and loads of chef specials to explore. Chef Wesley is excited about this new journey at Ernie Els Wines, particularly considering that he loves the outdoors, food and wine – and what better place to enjoy all these if not the Cape.

Driving into Ernie Els Wines a feeling of tranquillity washes over in this stunning setting that is a mix of nature, simplicity and easy elegance. The Ernie Els Wines Restaurant had been closed for a short time, and in June 2022 hired a new Head Chef, Wesley Aucamp, who gave us a sneak peek into his plans for taking the dining experience to the next level.

Passionate about gastronomy, he notes it all began when he was a child sitting in his grandmother’s kitchen.

“From around 9 years old I loved being in my grandmother’s kitchen as she made pastries, Lebanese breads and cooked. Watching her cook showed me how much time and love goes into creating a meal that brought our whole family together. At the heart of it I believe that a great dining experience brings people together,” says Chef Wesley.

Armed with youthful charm, energy and a confidence that comes from having broad exposure to the culinary world, both locally and abroad, Chef Wesley trained under French Master Chef Michel Personnaz and spent

approximately six years in the United States before returning home.

Making the move to Ernie Els Wines

“Before joining Ernie Els Wines, I was based at an award-winning fine dining restaurant in KwaZulu Natal. I did fleetingly consider if I should go abroad again, but from a career perspective South Africa offers a chef a good amount of creativity with regard to cuisines.

“In South Africa we are not boxed into just doing one type of cuisine – we have so many cultures here which have influenced our cooking style that we are able to be more adventurous in terms of flavours and textures. I am also a big fan of wine and really love creating dishes to pair with wine – so the move to Ernie

Els Wines was a great step for my career path and passion.

“Additionally at Ernie Els Wines Restaurant we have state-of-the-art kitchen facilities including top-of-therange dry ageing units, which is great for our meat dishes that pairs very well with red wine,” Chef Wesley adds.

The art of balancing flavours and textures

He confesses that he is a bit of a perfectionist who believes that there is always room for improvement.

“Being a chef is about passion, skill, creativity and continuous learning. I am fortunate to have had the opportunities I had, which have helped shape me into the chef I am today, but I still consider it a learning experience. As a chef you revisit dishes constantly, even when it tastes amazing, because you can always find ways to bring in subtle changes that help complement flavours."

Citing soy sauce as one of his favourite ingredients for its versatility, when asked about his culinary style he comments, “I am a go-all-out kind of chef – be it at home or at work. For me it’s important to ensure that flavours are clean, balanced and dishes are well-plated to enhance the experience for diners. I like to cook differently, dabble with different flavours and bring out various textures."

Learn from each other about being creative and enhancing flavour profiles

In his personal life he can be described as a bit of an adventure junkie with hobbies including mountain biking, diving, and trying adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping. From a professional perspective, he is thoughtful, inclusive and creative.

“Every chef has a different style of how they work, and how they come up with

menus. I don’t like to dominate a menu. I have to take into account the skillset of my team as everything we prepare must be of high quality. I value my team’s input as we can all learn from each other,” he comments.

“Our new summer menu focuses on flavourful comfort meals with a twist, which diners can enjoy with a glass of wine while taking in the amazing view. We push the boundaries when it comes to our chef specials, which change according to the availability of ingredients. For example, if we get in some fresh oysters, we then run a chef special of oyster and wine pairings. We also have plans to bring in a 5-7 course tasting menu in the future for special occasions.”

For the love of food

“I love food, and being around chefs and experiencing the chaos of the kitchen," says Chef Wesley.

“We work in a challenging industry and sometimes work over 12 hours per day depending on what we need to prepare. Everything we do is about passion, and everything we serve is created from scratch with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally, as much as possible. I refuse to cook anything bought from a box! As a chef you should know how to make your own sauces, stocks and more.

“Many graduates who study at renowned institutes sometimes come out having good theory but lack the foundations. I remember when I was starting out years ago, at my first job, I spent three months just observing and chopping as I was not allowed to cook. I also spent years being a saucier. Looking back, this provided me with a great foundation.

“On this journey I love being able to mentor my team, and share my

knowledge/skills in a nurturing way whereby they are unafraid to ask questions, build their confidence and enhance their creativity.”

Artfully plated bistro-style with a spin on local cuisine

“The vision I have for the Ernie Els Wines Restaurant is to serve artfully plated, flavourful bistro-style dishes with a spin on local cuisine," comments Chef Wesley.

Chef Wesley's vision is clearly taking shape – our lunch can be best described as a sensory journey. Beautiful plating, stunning surrounds, thoughtful flavours that don't overpower the tastebuds but delight nonetheless. While it might look like fine dining, the easy atmosphere, warm service and traditional-chic meals continues the authentic Ernie Els Wines experience we have come to love and expect.

The Big 5! City life:

Cape Town:

The “mother city”

Frequently highlighted as a top destination on a global scale, Cape Town is a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers a bit of everything –nature, architecture, history, thriving nightlife, restaurants, beaches and so much more… It is also used as a base to visit stunning surrounds such as cities like Stellenbosch.

Highlights

Table Mountain: Iconic and well-known, this spot offers more than just the tabletop mountain itself. You can use the cableway to get to the top or hike the Table Mountain Park, which has more than 1 470 flower species. Enjoy some sundowners while overlooking the city or enjoy some lunch.

Clifton and Camps Bay beaches: Cool down or get your tan on at these pristine beaches. Nearby eateries, cafes and lounges make this a perfect sundowner spot, and it also boasts a thriving nightlife.

Top tip: The nearby Greenpoint has some awesome restaurants to explore, catering for even the most discerning palate.

Robben Island: The famous prison where former President Nelson Mandela was held. To get to Robben Island, pop in at the V&A Waterfront and hop onto a boat to get to the island. Bookings are essential.

South African cities compare with cities around the globe. Here are some of the highlights of cities to visit!

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth):

The friendly city

PE (as it is commonly known) has turquoise beaches, great outdoor activities, an overall relaxed vibe and sometimes extreme wind. PE is also a great base spot to visit other areas nearby such as Tsitsikamma, East London, Grahamstown, etc.

Highlights

Hobie Beach: Life’s a beach in this friendly city. Spend some time frolicking in the ocean or do a walkabout at nearby attractions such as Shark Rock Pier and the Boardwalk.

Donkin Reserve: Sir Rufane Donkin built a 10m high pyramid-shaped memorial in memory of his wife. The Donkin Reserve is a part of Donkin Heritage Trail.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum: The museum houses a comprehensive collection of South African arts and crafts.

Durban:

Beach, laid-back vibes

This coastal city is famous for its warm seas all year round. Durban is also often described as a ‘melting pot’ of cultures.

Highlights

The Golden Mile: This beach promenade with hotels, restaurants and golden sands on its doorstep has a distinct chilled vibe to it. This bustling promenade sees walkers, surfers, skateboarders, cyclists and general sun-lovers. En route visitors will encounter uShaka Marine World, Mini Town (a miniature replica of Durban’s buildings), and Suncoast.

Florida Road: Boasting well-preserved Edwardian structures, Florida Road, is a thriving spot for socialising. Cafes, boutique stores, galleries, and eateries line the street – it is also a popular nightlife spot.

Umgeni River Bird Park: Featuring more than 200 species of birds, this is a must-visit for birders.

Picture Credit: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

Picture Credit: Durban Tourism

Johannesburg:

The city of gold Johannesburg, also known as the concrete jungle or the city of gold, is possibly one of the most underrated tourist spots in SA. It has an incredible café culture, art scene and oozes vibrancy and excitement.

Highlights

Maboneng Precinct: Outgoing, artsy and hip with various rooftop bars to enjoy some drinks, dancing and socialising. The streets are also filled with quaint boutiques and art galleries.

Sandton: This sprawling corporate hub is huge. In between the various corporate buildings, visitors will find some gems of cafes and lounges to enjoy. Another plus to this area is Sandton City Mall, which not only has the usual mall vibes but offers some spectacular restaurants to enjoy.

Soweto: Daredevils can bungee off the Soweto towers, or alternatively book a tour of the area which is rich in history.

Pretoria:

The historical city SA’s administrative capital highlights a variety of monuments and museums, providing insight into SA’s history.

Highlights

Voortrekker Monument: a historic granite structure that is considered a major landmark in the city honouring the Voortrekkers (an Afrikaans colony that left the Cape Colony and moved inland following British occupation of the Cape). It’s about 40 metres high with interesting architectural features.

Freedom Park: A monument that highlights the struggle SA faced. Freedom Park includes a symbolic burial ground, a Wall of Names, an amphitheatre, an eternal flame, a gallery of leaders, a sanctuary and Pan African archives. It serves up history while you walk about in nature.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden: Home to a collection of plants and flowers, it’s a colourful stroll through the garden. In addition to stunning flora displays, there are some birds and small mammals about, a visitor's centre, eco craft gift shop, and an artificial waterfall.

Feel free!

Driving through the Northern Cape

Hitting the road with the Suzuki Safari team sets the scene for an epic adventure. Our destination was the Northern Cape, South Africa’s largest province, in search of spectacular blossoms (we set out during the flower season, which is around September) set against a backdrop of stark yet arid beauty.

Looking out of the plane, vast wheat-coloured spaces dominate the landscape. Stepping off the plane early in the morning, the air is tinged with a dryness – welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Northern Cape!

With a plan to reach Kleinsee by late afternoon, there is not much time to dally in Upington, so we hit the road in the Ignis Urban Compact SUV.

Suzuki South Africa

On the N14, we pass through towns such as Keimoes, Kakamas and Pofadder. It is just passed Pofadder that we veer off the N14 and take a road less travelled – a dirt road drive for a couple of hours. The surrounding landscape to the untrained eye might be construed as bland and desolate with the exception of a farm building or two in the distance, but to an adventurer’s soul there is something mysterious about this land. Then boom – a burst of colour heralds the arrival of flower season in the Namaqualand.

The further along we drive, the dusty landscape is transformed with a kaleidoscope of colour. Flower season happens only during a specific time in the Northern Cape – it can be argued that on certain Northern Cape routes it is the only tourist attraction for travellers.

This journey got me thinking about the appeal of the Northern Cape. If you take this journey in non-bloom season, what is there to do? People that would appreciate the lesser-known towns of the Northern Cape are dreamers, adventurers, and explorers. These towns are like hidden gems with interesting histories that speak to how these places, to a large extent while not super-popular, helped to shape South Africa.

Famed for its deeply entrenched roots to the mining industry, desert-like feel and strong Khoi-San heritage, there is a certain charm to this region and a unique beauty that arises from its ruggedness.

To philosophise for a bit, parts of the Northern Cape can be an apt analogy to describe South Africa and its people. Vast tracts of plains feel like freedom. It’s a land filled with riches and promise. It has a unique beauty and shows resilience in the face of adversity. Like the people that live here, it has a great story to tell and is warm, welcoming, enduring and hopeful.

Kleinsee – an outdoor enthusiast’s ideal

Places like Kleinsee, once a thriving coastal mining town with thousands of residents, has a population of about 800 – a few years ago the numbers had dwindled to approximately 60 after mining operations ceased.

The area is peaceful as you look out towards the Atlantic that crashes against the shores. JJ du Toit, tour leader of Suzuki Safaris, notes that there are a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast – 4x4 trails, mountain bike trails, hiking, exploring the area and secluded camping nearby the sea.

Using Kleinsee as “base camp,” our home away from home was Die Houthoop, a working farm. Staying at Die Houthoop was a true testament of Northern Cape hospitality – welcoming folk, rich traditional meals, cold beverages and chilled vibes around a fire. The accommodation itself is comfortable, clean and has a rustic charm that fits in with the area.

Nababeep – a museum highlighting the area’s rich history

Another gem is Nababeep – the name combines two Nama words, 'naba' meaning hump of an animal, and 'bib' meaning small spring.

The village is about 20km from Springbok and is predominantly known for being a copper mining town, which has sadly taken strain following the mine closure years ago.

Part of the flower road, it boasts a very interesting museum that highlights the area’s rich history linked to mining in the form of mineral artefacts, miniature replica displays of equipment and an old train with tracks.

Namaqua National Park – fairy circles and more

During the wildflower season the area is alive with colour, and all year round it seems to whisper of mysteries. We came across “fairy circles” – barren patches where nothing seems to grow.

Interestingly, people make their own assumption about the reason for these “fairy circles” such as aliens – think about the movie ‘Signs’ – whereas others accept the explanation that it is due to particular flora that bloomed, which has affected the soil so nothing grows there anymore.

Springbok – rich natural and cultural heritage

Considered a commercial hub for the surrounding towns, Springbok has many attractions including historical sites, museums and restaurants.

The town's mining history, flora and connection to the Second Boer War makes it a rich hub of natural and cultural heritage. It is still widely used as a stopover for those travelling between South Africa and Namibia. Monument Koppie, a small hill situated in the centre of town, remains a historical site and landmark.

Spektakel Pass

Spektakel Pass was aptly named by Simon van der Stel, who passed through the area during the flower season. Driving enthusiasts will have heard of the pass’s long, winding tarred road offering spectacular views of flora (during flower season), plains and rock formations.

Pic credit: Northern Cape Tourism Authority

Wildeperdhoek Pass

Just under 5km, 'Wild horse corner' Pass is a gravel road drive. It’s everything you want in a pass – panoramic views and just enough inclines and turns to keep you alert. At the summit, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the Namaqua National Park – a perfect breakfast spot if you set out early enough.

Interesting to note is that en-route you will encounter some ruins below that were once a prison. The prison was a base camp of sorts for the engineer Patrick Fletcher and a team of prisoners from Cape Town who had built passes in the area. Prior to the passes being built, goods had to be transported via ox wagon on treacherous, mountainous landscape which took a long time.

Drive Time: Suzuki Ignis Urban Compact SUV

The Suzuki Ignis Urban Compact SUV is small and zippy – great for a city drive.

Surprisingly, the Suzuki Ignis fares well on roads less travelled. It has decent ground clearance (180mm) and while it is a 1.2 engine, it packs enough power to take on hills on gravel and dirt roads without effort – we did a lot of gravel roads in the Northern Cape and at no stage did the vehicle struggle.

The actual handling of the car felt solid, which is great, particularly when driving mountain passes with twists and turns and in high winds which we encountered near the coast.

In terms of comfort, it offers gadgets like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. Another plus for me, standing tall at 1.57m, was the car seat adjustor –after a seat adjustment I could see the bonnet of the car.

A great perk of the Suzuki Ignis in addition to the above is that it has good fuel-efficiency – just over 5 litres per 100kms – so road tripping in it won’t break the bank.

Overall this is a fun, peppy vehicle to drive that packs a mean punch while looking cute at the same time!

• Engine: 1.2l

• Power kw@r/min: 6l @ 6 000

• Torque Nm Nm@r/min: 113 @ 4 200

• Features include dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and BAS, electric power steering, electric windows, air conditioner etc.

Suzuki Safaris

Led by JJ du Toit of African Expeditions, the team arranges safari adventures in South Africa and across borders. Interested parties can either book a safari or alternatively contact them to collaboratively arrange a unique expedition be it a safari, mountain biking, 4x4, camping, glamping, hiking etc. The Suzuki Safari team have a plethora of knowledge and work around the clock to ensure you enjoy a safe yet adventure-filled journey.

For more information visit www.africanexpeditions.co.za

If you want to be ready for the call of the open road, you need to make sure your machine is nely tuned.

For your body to perform optimally, also sexually, you need to keep all the elements of your urinary, reproductive and circulatory systems in order.

Vascamen, a daily herbal supplement especially formulated for men, might help you do that.

When next there is adventure beckoning in the bedroom, or wherever you choose to celebrate your love for your partner, it can be all systems go.

Available from all pharmacies, Dis-Chem and Clicks.

Safe driving & safety on the roads during summer

By Adv Johan Jonck, Arrive Alive

Summertime in the Southern Hemisphere coincides with the festive season and end-of-year travels. This is also the time that many people travel on long drives to our beautiful beaches as well as inland journeys to various nature reserves and game farms. It is a season we wish to celebrate with family and friends but also sadly, a time when many lives are lost on our roads.

Summer requires that we be attentive and also focus on our driving behaviour and how it impacts on ourselves and all those around us.

It is critical that we are calm and wellprepared for the journey and that we consider the unique dangers and challenges on and next to our roads. Here we want to create more awareness about safety advice that will make the summer road trip both enjoyable and safe!

Threats and challenges on and next to the roads during summer

The warmth of summer is not the time to switch off, simply relax and neglect our safety awareness. Some of the challenges include:

• Sharing the roads with drivers and pedestrians who are TOO festive, and celebrating the festive season impaired by alcohol.

• Overheating leading to vehicle and bodily failure.

• Warm weather leading to severe thunderstorms and flooding.

• Holiday travels include long-distance travel to our destinations and the threats of driver tiredness and fatigue.

• Long-distance travels during the heat often impact the overall mood, contributing to increased fatigue, irritability and short tempers.

• Beautiful sunny weather invites the presence of other more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, hikers, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

• You may be sharing the roads with a wide range of vehicle types, such as caravans and vehicles towing boats and other trailers.

• There is increased farming activity and a need for caution when sharing roads with tractors and farming equipment.

• Warm weather also contributes to more animal activity near the roads in their search for water.

Vehicle components and vehicle maintenance during summer

Vehicle roadworthiness is always important, irrespective of how short or slow the drive. There are some vehicle parts that may require a bit more scrutiny during summer:

• Windscreen: If you cannot see, you should not drive. Windscreens also get very dirty in dry weather and marks can amplify sun glare.

• Windscreen wipers: Inspect and replace worn windscreen wipers to help keep your windscreen clean. Wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions.

• Windscreen washer fluid: Ensure the windscreen washer fluid is topped up to help you maintain a clear view in the sun.

• Sun shield: When you are not driving, use a sun shield on your windscreen to keep your car’s interior heat lower and protect your dashboard surface from the sun’s harsh rays. It’s also a good idea to park in shady areas.

• The cooling system/radiator: Have a qualified mechanic inspect your coolant system, including

the radiator and pressure cap, to make sure they’re in good shape.

• Hoses and belts: Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade, so it’s best to replace them if they show signs of obvious wear. Check all hose connections to make sure they’re secure.

• Coolants, fluids and fluid levels: Keep your vehicle hydrated by checking for proper fuel levels and look for signs of leaks, especially of coolant. Consider bringing extra coolant, oil, and fluids along with you, especially if you’re taking a trip in a desolate area. Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

• Oil: Oil changes are an important year-round maintenance, but clean oil is especially important during the summer. Oil helps prevent your car overheating, lubricating moving parts safely.

• Air conditioning: Check your air conditioning to avoid being subjected to dangerously hot temperatures inside the vehicle.

• Tyres and tyre Inflation: Proper tyre inflation is always important for economical driving and saving on wear and tear. Keep your tyres running cool with the right amount of pressure to avoid a dangerous blowout. Use the manufacturer’s recommendation found inside your driver’s door jamb to determine the proper level for your tyre pressure. You should also visually inspect your tyres for irregular wear, low tread, and other problems. According to the AA, tyres with existing damage that are underinflated will become even more aggravated in higher temperatures, which increases the likelihood of blowouts and punctures.

• Battery: Have your mechanic check your battery, charging system, and belts, and have them make any necessary repairs or replacements.

• Vehicle cleanliness: Clean out your vehicle. Summer heat can melt or explode items in your vehicle that were once fine. Disposable lighters, batteries, and aerosol cans can be a hazard in a hot car. You should also watch out for messy items like chocolate or crayons.

Driving with extra caution in summer

Once the trip has been planned and the vehicle has been checked, also focus on adjustments to be made to your driving style:

• Keep in mind that heat exhaustion can make drivers drowsy and easily fatigued. Do not push yourself or your vehicle past the limit – that only makes it unsafe for everyone on the road.

• Slow down! Hot weather puts a higher load on your vehicle, so pushing it to drive at high speeds can wear it down even further.

• Drive within the speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and practice safe driving habits simultaneously.

• Combat driver fatigue by taking frequent breaks and paying attention to your vehicle’s warning signs to prevent vehicle breakdowns and malfunctions.

• Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge starts to go up out of control, you need to get help, as your engine is at risk of overheating. If your gauge is in or near the red zone, you have to stop driving, as your engine is overheated.

• Look out for potholes. After the winter season and during the rain, expect to find more potholes. Know the roads you’re on and keep an eye out for dangerous potholes.

• Stay alert to battery strain. Hot weather is tough on batteries. Look for signs of a failing battery, including dim lights when you start up, power drains when you turn on your air conditioning, and slow cranking on start-up. If you see these signs, take your battery to an auto parts store that offers free battery testing.

• Do not overload your car. If you’re headed out on a road trip, you may be ready to throw lots of luggage and gear on top and in the back. Be careful not to exceed your vehicle’s acceptable load limit.

• Drive with caution in areas of road construction. Road construction work often increases in the summer months. Keep a watchful eye out for construction zones and be careful to obey all signs and watch for workers on the road. Remain cautious of workers cutting grass and doing vegetation control at the side of the road.

• Watch for more vulnerable road users. Drivers have to share the roads with a lot more than just other cars during the summer months. Better weather and longer days attract far more tractors, caravans, horse riders, cyclists, walkers and joggers. Bikes and motorcycles often come out more frequently in the summer months. Keep an eye out for them and give them plenty of space. Be cautious when overtaking trailers, caravans and tractors.

Hydration during the heat of summer

The risk of dehydration is not limited to leaving children, the elderly and pets locked inside vehicles during the heat of summer. Cyclists, hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and other outdoor enthusiasts are all at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

• Focus on the most vulnerable. Children can die within minutes if left inside a parked car during the summer.

• Never leave children alone in a parked car, even if your windows are rolled down, and the air conditioning is on.

• Keep your doors locked and keys out of the reach of children.

• Have plenty of fluids at hand to prevent dehydration.

• Know the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration, including sweating, dizziness, nausea and a fast pulse.

Key to preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Drink plenty of water

• Do not exert yourself outside in hot temperatures

• Avoid the midday sun

• Avoid excessive alcohol outside in hot temperatures as this leads to dehydration

• Wear sunscreen, as sunburn contributes to a rise in body temperature

Wildlife, snakes and bee stings during summer

Not only drivers and motorcyclists but other road users such as cyclists, hikers, and mountain bikers need to remain alert to increased risks presented by wildlife during summer.

• It is important to recognise that wildlife is much more active during summer. Animals tend to cross roads frequently in search of water.

• Be extra cautious near bridges and river crossings.

• Snakes and other reptiles are more active in warm weather as they attempt to regulate their body heat.

• Blooming summer flowers attract a wide array of insects and the risk of getting stung by bees is significantly increased.

Every day and every drive are an opportunity to become safer drivers. We believe that the informed driver is a safer driver, and we should all focus on defensive driving 24/7!

Endless adventure awaits on the

KZN South Coast

With its incredible natural scenery, subtropical climate and warm Indian Ocean, the KZN South Coast is #SummerReady! There’s a wealth of outdoor adventure to be had, from the coast to the hinterland.

Beaches and waterways

When it comes to water activities, you’re spoilt for choice with beaches, rivers, lagoons and waterfalls providing the ideal space to cool off this summer.

The KZN South Coast has 58 golden beaches, six of which boast international Blue Flag status, with swells creating some of the country’s best surfing spots. In addition to having the province’s most Blue Flag beaches, the region also has the most tidal pools in KZN which make for protected bathing conditions. There are also rock pools for the little ones to snorkel and discover the incredible marine creatures found here.

If you prefer experiencing the coast further offshore, the KZN South Coast has three Marine Protected Areas – Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Trafalgar – with the first two also world-class dive sites. Scuba dive, free dive or shark cage dive among a variety of shark species, rays, dolphins, game fish, and more. There are several experienced tour operators on hand to provide ocean safaris that include: diving, whale watching and deep-sea fishing for avid anglers.

Alongside the opportunity to kitesurf, paddle and kayak at the many beaches, the KZN South Coast also offers you the chance to go white water rafting down the Umzimkhulu River.

Enjoy riverine boat rides with tube rides, wakeboarding and water skiing on the cards – or a simple sunset boat cruise. Family fun also extends to the Wild Waves Water Park where plunge pools, slides, tubes and aquatic rides are great to try.

The Golf Coast

If you enjoy a round of golf, then the KZN South Coast is the holiday destination for you. Known as The Golf Coast, there are 11 quality courses, from the seaside to the farmlands. Start your tour at the oldest course on the KZN South Coast at Umkomaas Golf Club and enjoy a braai with ocean views afterwards. The semi-links course at Scottburgh Golf Club is challenging but scenic, with Port Shepstone Country Club another must-try – just expect a sea breeze over this open course.

Pennington is home to two courses; Selborne Park Golf Estate and Umdoni Park Golf Club. Selborne is one of the country’s premium residential golf estates boasting a highquality course designed by Denis Barker. You can follow up the round with a meal, spa treatment or a drink at Barker’s Bar. Umdoni, home to the historic Botha House, will test your skills as you navigate indigenous forests and Umdoni trees.

San Lameer Golf Course is another high-end option located within South Africa’s first golf estate, with some water hazards you’ll have to watch out for! Two more popular coastal courses can be found in the region’s ‘fun capital’, Margate Country Club, as well as the popular Southbroom Golf Club. Then head inland to the timber farming town of Harding where you’ll find a lovely nine-hole course at the Country Club with two tee boxes if you want 18 holes. Finish off with rounds at Port Edward Country Club, another nine-hole course, before taking it up a notch at the Wild Coast Sun Country Club. Rated in the top 10 golf courses in South Africa, it was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr to incorporate the natural topography and geography of the region.

Adventure sports and hinterland

Continue inland for some of the most unique nature-based adventures. With two iconic gorges – Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Gorge – nature reserves, game reserves, lagoons and waterfalls, this is the setting for the ultimate thrill-seekers.

Start with the award-winning Wild 5 Adventures for a variety of adrenaline-inducing action! There’s the Wild Gorge Swing –the highest swing of its kind – which drops 55 storeys. Not to be outdone by the 80-metre cable suspension bridge which takes you 130 metres off the ground; or the zipline across Oribi Gorge. Paintball, quad biking and white-water rafting are also on the agenda.

Hiking, biking and 4x4 excursions can be enjoyed at KwaNzimakwe and Nyandezulu experiences, both of which also give you a taste of local culture. Don’t miss out on the 10km Weza Trail where you enjoy a guided walk through the rural lands near the Harding area. The Umzumbe River Trail connects the hinterland with the popular coastline with a 70km Green Flag Trail. Led by guides from Mhlabatshane Dam, visitors hike, bike, or horse ride along six trails with overnight stays at traditional Zulu homesteads. For those with a taste for farming, there’s the Agri-Tourism tours of the region’s incredible farmlands.

Get #SummerReady and we’ll ‘sea’ you on the KZN South Coast!

“Simply the best kept Art and Wine secret in the region”

Khamkirri

On the banks of the Orange River, Khamkirri in the Northern Cape, 14km upstream from the Augrabies falls National Park, is a family lodge with private and standard campsites, luxury tents and cabins, offering fully equipped self-catering units The riverside restaurant and bar offer delicious meals and ice-cold beverages. -28°6'48.6 S l 20°4'47.8 E +27 (0)82 423 9590 l +27 (0)84 244 4408 bookings@khamkirri.co.za www.khamkirri.co.za

Western Cape

La Plume Boutique Guest House is a 5-star hidden gem, in the magnificent Klein Karoo. Located just outside of Oudtshoorn and minutes from Route 62, this fourth generation, working Ostrich farm combines timeless glamour and modern comforts. Facilities include, La Bonheur luxury Spa, La Belle restaurant and daily Farm tours.

-33°65'55.3 S l 22°08'55.4 E +27 (0)44 272 7516 stay@laplume.co.za www.laplume.co.za

Northern Cape

Kololo Game Reserve in Limpopo Province

is where harmless African wildlife roams free. With accommodation on the western part of the reserve, you can walk or bike freely and safely into the reserve from your chalet or villa. Kololo also forms part of Welgevonden Game Reserve where guests are driven in a safari vehicle to observe wildlife and nature.

-24°23'20.6 S l 27°51'15.2 E +27 (0)14 721 0920 www.kololo.co.za www.whitelionlodge.co.za

Limpopo

Western Cape

Kololo Game Reserve De Rustica Olive Estate

De Rustica Olive Estate in the Western Cape in the floral diversity of the Klein Karoo, grows award-winning extra virgin olive oils. The artisanal care taken in the production and blending processes results in world class cold-pressed EVOO. De Rustica also offers charming guesthouse accommodation and is a popular destination along the famous Route 62.

-33°49'40.8 S l 22°49'45.8 E +27 (0)44 241 2177 ryan@derustica.co.za www.derustica.co.za

Makumu Private Game Lodge

Makumu Private Game Lodge in Limpopo is known for being the unfenced, intimate paradise in the heart of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, offering a true ‘African Bush Experience’ to guests from all around the world. The vision and philosophy of the lodge rely purely on becoming one with nature.

-24°14'45.4 S l 31°16'79.1 E +27 (0)87 057 4512 reservations@makumu.com www.makumu.com

Limpopo

Motswari

This inspiring game reserve and lodge has been in the care of the Geiger family for over 40 years. Motswari Game Lodge offers 15 luxury-appointed en-suite bungalows offering unrivalled bush views. Stretching over 18 000ha, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, bask in their natural habitat offering incredible -24°11'03.6 S l 31°23'34.7 E +27 (0)15 793 1718

Mount Camdeboo

Situated in a secluded part on the Camdeboo Plains you will find two eco-friendly pods that blend in seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing every comfort while leaving a light environmental footprint. The pods are unfenced, offering guests a unique opportunity to be fully immersed in nature. The pods include a luxurious queen-size bed that looks out onto the Camdeboo Plains, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and hot tub – the perfect escape for couples, honeymooners and wildlife lovers. -28.01716, 32.26677 +27 35 562 4000

Protected areas to

explore

According to the Department of Statistics SA: “Protected areas are national assets that serve as nodes in South Africa’s ecological infrastructure network, protecting ecosystems that deliver important services to people, such as the production of clean water, flood moderation, prevention of erosion, and the aesthetic value of the landscape. They provide a home for the country’s most iconic species as well as recreational spaces for South Africans and global visitors. Protected areas can also play an important role in the development of rural economies.”

Limpopo

Marakele National Park

Located in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, the area is one of contrasts – mountain landscapes, grass hills and valleys. The park is home to large game species as well as interesting flora such as Yellowwood and Cedar trees. Its location within a transition zone – the dry western region and the moist eastern region – also makes for a variety of birdlife that can be spotted.

Eastern Cape Mountain Zebra National Park

In the early 1930s, the Cape Mountain Zebra was under threat of extinction. In 1937, the area was proclaimed a reserve for endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. Today these magnificent creatures roam the park in small herds.

Many protected areas in South Africa are well-known tourist hubs, but there are more protected areas which are not so well known but definitely worth a visit…

Did you know? Protected areas in SA can include national parks, nature reserves, mountain catchment areas, world heritage sites, protected environments, forest nature reserves, forest wilderness areas, marine protected areas, biosphere reserves, conservancies and botanical gardens.

Western Cape Karoo National Park

The Karoo National Park (not to be confused with the Tankwa Karoo National Park), is a sanctuary for Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Rhino, Eland, Kudu, Foxes, Black-Backed Jackal, Springbok, Gemsbok and the endangered Riverine Rabbit, to mention a few. There are also a variety of eagles that can be spotted.

The establishment of the park in 1979 helped preserve a small portion of the Nama Karoo Biome.

Northern Cape Mokala National Park

Named after the Camel Thorn Tree, this quiet, out of the way and relative newcomer – established in 2007 – is a haven to a number of endangered species. Wildlife found here include Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino and Roan Antelope. The park is located in the transition zone of the savanna –Kalahari and Nama Karoo – biomes.

Mpumalanga

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Often characterised by two rivers (Crocodile and Nels rivers) running through it, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden hosts approximately 650 tree species. An awesome site to view is the waterfalls, which can be viewed at the Cascade and Nels viewpoints.

TAG US @RoveSA

IN YOUR IMAGES ON INSTAGRAM

Gauteng & North West Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve

Proclaimed an international biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2015, it lies at the interface of the central grassland plateau and sub-Saharan savanna. The result of this is exceptional diversity of fauna and flora.

Free State Gariep Nature Reserve

Free State’s largest reserve, it is home to one of the largest population of Springbok. Wildlife includes Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Impala, Springbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Steenbok and Duiker.

North West North-West University Botanical Garden

The only botanical garden found in the North West, this spot is home to more than 1 500 plant species, which are predominantly indigenous. In addition to viewing plants, there is also a maze and waterfall.

KwaZulu-Natal Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Possibly one of KZN’s best kept gems, it offers a variety of trails – short and long – boasting views of forest, sea and rolling hills. Some animals to spot include Samango Monkey, Blue Duiker and Leopard.

Nelson Mandela Bay

Nelson Mandela Bay is home to Gqeberha, Kariega and Despatch and is the only metropolitan area that was allowed by the former president to bear his name. Nelson Mandela Bay also holds a large percentage of South Africa’s biological diversity.

The area also boasts a marine biodiversity second to none and has been declared the ‘Bottlenose Dolphin capital’ of the world. Algoa Bay sees four whale species, two of them all year round and has the largest colonies of African Penguins and Cape Gannets in the world.

Quick facts

• Nelson Mandela Bay is the Mohair Capital of the world and processes most of the mohair produced in the world.

• The area is home to Addo Elephant National Park, the only national park in the world that is home to the Big 7 (Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant and then the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale).

• The Bay boasts 50% of the endangered African Penguin in its natural habitat on the islands of Nelson Mandela Bay.

• Bird Island has the largest colony of Cape Gannets in the World (approximately 70% of population) and can be seen in its full glory during the Sardine run.

• The Gqeberha opera house is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.

Nelson Mandela Bay is an excellent value-for-money, family fun-in-the-sun-holiday destination, Named after Nelson Mandela – humanitarian, freedom fighter and world icon of peace – Nelson Mandela Bay is located 763km east of Cape Town, and is regarded as the gateway to the scenic Eastern Cape Province and the world-renowned Garden Route.

For more info visit www.nmbt.co.za

Top experiences

The Nelson Mandela Bay Pass: This smartcard access card provides you with free admission to a wide variety of attractions & activities in Nelson Mandela Bay. www.nelsonmandelbaypass.co.za

Savour gourmet pleasures: Try-out some of the premier dining districts such as Richmond Hill, Baakens Valley and the Beachfront where many stylish restaurants serve tasty cuisine and where trendy coffee shops, deli’s and speciality wine shops have flourished.

Beach & coastal encounters: Gqeberha’s pristine beaches are legendary, three of which boast full Blue Flag status.

Authentic social and cultural community based experiences: Broaden your intercultural understanding by joining an expert guide on a vibrant, authentic and interactive tour through local communities of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Micro-breweries: Experience a micro-brewery tour and visit some trending micro-breweries as each has their own carefully crafted recipes, natural ingredients and uniquely flavoured profiles.

Historical treasures: Explore historical nuggets of interest in the city centre which showcases some of the finest architectural attractions. As the landing place of the 1820 Settlers, the area offers a wealth of treasures.

Addo Elephant National Park: The only park in the world to be home to the Big 7. View the largest density of African Elephants on the planet, Cape buffalo, leopard, black rhino, lions & great white shark and seasonal southern right whale in the marine section.

Route 67: Uniting arts, culture & heritage, the route portrays 67 public art works symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to the freedom of South Africa and includes 67 steps leading up to the second largest flag in Africa.

Fun family escapades: Speciality activities include guided Segway beachfront tours, indoor climbing at Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre, recreational trampoline activities at Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park, Indoor Go Carting at Algoa Grand Prix, Kariega Science Centre and VW Auto Pavilion automotive tour amongst others.

Scenic excursions: Venture out and explore picturesque coastal riches, hidden gems, exquisite, lush countryside with country restaurants and quaint tea gardens along the Ibhayi Sunshine Saunter. Enjoyable alternative options include a gourmet picnic or a wine and tasting at a small vineyard.

Limpopo! Bush breaks in

South Africa is well-known as a safari destination, in particular, the Kruger National Park. But in addition to Kruger, Limpopo has some of the best reserves which host a plethora of activities.

Below are just a few…

Mapungubwe National Park

Close to the border of Botswana and Zimbabwe, is Mapungubwe National Park, which boasts a vast savannah landscape. The scenery highlights amazing sandstone formations, mopane woodlands and lush rivers.

Wildlife found here include elephant, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, antelope, bird life, hyenas, leopards and lions.

D’nyala Nature Reserve

Savannah plains, riverbeds and Nyala Berry and Baobab trees can be found here. Wildlife here include nyala antelope, rhino, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, tsessebe, eland, leopard, brown hyena, jackal etc.

Atherstone Nature Reserve

Bordering the North-West province, this reserve consists predominantly of savannah plains with bushveld and Kalahari grassland eco-systems. Wildlife found here include antelope, zebra, giraffe, rhino, and abundant birdlife.

Andover

Approximately 7 000 hectares, Andover serves up a truly wild experience. Located close to Kruger National Park, Andover is a somewhat boutique reserve in the sense it does not cater to

large numbers of people, which makes it a bit more intimate.

Wildlife found here include zebra, giraffe, kudu, bushbuck, and occasional visits from rhino, buffalo and lion who pop in from the neighbouring reserve.

Selati Game Reserve

Located north of the Olifants River with views of rolling hills and savannah trees, this reserve was proclaimed as a conservancy in 2003, for the preservation and sustainability of the region characterised by six different veld types.

Wildlife found here include lion, rhino, elephant, baboon, zebra, giraffe, caracal, African wild cat, bushbaby, spring hare, jackal, honey badger, mongoose, hyrax, wildebeest, and antelope.

Welgevoden Game Reserve

A private game reserve, this luxury spot is teeming with wildlife and first-class viewing opportunities – its home to over 50 mammals.

Wildlife found here include the Big 5, kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, cheetah, brown hyena, the honey badger, and approximately 300 bird species.

Khoisan Discover the art of the – 3 places to view rock paintings

From the Drakensberg to the Cederberg, the Khoisan have left an indelible mark on our history and our landscape, with their unique rock paintings scattered across the country, says Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts. “When it comes to South Africa, there’s no shortage of local heritage, cultural landscapes and historical sites to explore and discover,” he adds.

So, if you’re in the mood to hit the road, check out these three spots to see rock paintings in South Africa.

1. The Drakensberg

There are believed to be over 40 000 rock art paintings in and around the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, making it one of the most popular destinations for seeing rock art in the country. In fact, there is one cave in the Giant’s Castle Reserve that is home to over 500 paintings alone, while the Kamberg San Rock Art Trail takes one on a tour of where rock art was first found in South Africa.

First Group’s Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort, in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, is perfectly positioned to explore the area. Located just 37km from Underberg, and

surrounded by mountains and nature, it offers exquisite views and loads of entertainment and activities, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.

2. The Cederberg

If you’re in the Cape, Bushman’s Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains is considered to be one of the best locations to view rock paintings with more than 2 500 documented rock paintings.

Be sure to plan a trip to the !Khwa Ttu: San Culture and Education Centre in Yzerfontein as well, where you’ll be able to explore restored San cottages and, of course, the Sevilla Rock Art Trail just outside Clanwilliam too.

If you’d like to stay over, accommodation at Port Owen Marina

Resort offers self-catering options in gorgeous apartments and chalets situated on the banks of the marina in Velddrif, with endless opportunities for sailing, boating, fishing and more, providing a convenient base for your holiday.

3. The Eastern Cape

On the southern end of the Drakensberg, in the remote Eastern Cape Highlands, you’ll find even more examples of San rock art. With its sweeping mountain passes and soaring sandstone cliffs, it’s no surprise that rock art is scattered throughout the landscape.

From clear paintings on Dinorben farm in the Barkly Pass, to some wonderful examples of eland, birds and dogs in Buttermeade, just outside Rhodes, there is lots to see.

Why not make a road trip of your time away and spend some time on the unspoiled beaches of the Wild Coast before travelling inland towards the mountains? Located right on the beach, the secluded Hole in The Wall Hotel and Holiday Village provides access to some of the most picturesque scenery in South Africa.

“People have never needed an excuse to get away with family and friends, but since Covid, there’s been a surge in heritage tourism, as they set out to rediscover what South Africa has to offer and gain insight into ancient ways of life,” says Shaun, who encourages local travel.

“While you’re renewing your appreciation for our beautiful country, you’re guaranteed to expand your kids’ knowledge, their respect for those who came before them and, of course, make loads of lasting memories while you’re about it,” he concludes.

For other exciting holiday destination ideas, visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za

A vacation state of mind

Let the good times roll and activate vacay mode. No need to bust your budget trying to find some exotic island resort. Paradise is right here in Ballito, Durban. Our resort is big on children’s activities plus lots of family friendly restaurants. Our entertainment programme allows you to live up and turn it up, or you could simply let go and relax. You can have it all.

Book your stay at SA’s most iconic coastal resort for up to 20% less when you join our family.

thecapital.co.za

ZIMBALI

RIGHT, WHERE YOU NEED TO BE

Spanish Farm Guest Lodge

@jeannesadventures

Raw Africa Boutique Collection’s (formerly Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection) Spanish Farm Guest Lodge, situated on a fourhectare estate in Somerset West, offers luxury, air-conditioned guest house bedrooms and 5-star self-catering villas with lush indigenous gardens, stunning scenery and panoramic views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains.

Positioned in the upper part of the estate, the guest house offers three rooms with double and king-size poster beds, all with the finest cotton linen and soft fluffy towels; en-suite bathroom with a shower and each with a private patio. The garden has an infinity swimming pool.

The secluded self-catering Rose Cottage has access to a private sundeck, the use of a private jacuzzi and views of the Helderberg Mountain.

At the lower end of the estate five luxury villas – each with a lounge inclusive of a wood-burning fireplace, a dining room and fully equipped kitchen – are set in magnificent indigenous gardens with beautiful fynbos vegetation and abundant birdlife with private nature pools with wooden decks.

The Honeymoon Villa is architecturally designed with magnificent sea views, sleeping two people. The ground floor apartment (Villa 5) is a stunning luxury 100m2 open-plan apartment, which sleeps two people and is separate from the other villas, leading down stairs through to the garden.

Spanish Farm is the ideal base from which to explore the beauty of the Western Cape. Major attractions nearby include South Africa's most famous wine routes –Stellenbosch (a 10-minute drive), as well as Franschhoek and Paarl (40 minutes). Spanish Farm is a 20-minute drive from the Cape Town International Airport, a 40-minute drive from Cape Town and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island and Table Mountain. Spanish Farm Guest Lodge is a special slice of paradise – it offers a peaceful ambience and typical warm South African hospitality. It is also the recipient of the 2020 HotelsCombined’s Recognition of Excellence Award for

Raw Africa Boutique Collection

Raw Africa Boutique Collection (formerly Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection) is a privately owned boutique collection of exclusive accommodations in the Western Cape along the Cape coast to Plettenberg Bay. Properties, well positioned within close proximity to popular tourist hotspots, offer luxury amenities and cater to the discerning guest. All the properties within the group have been carefully selected to showcase their surroundings and feature tastefully decorated interiors, the finest linen and 5-star service.

These include:

• Plettenberg Bay

• Sky Villa Boutique Hotel and Villa One @ Sky with breathtaking views over the ocean

• The Bungalow and the Bungalow Beach Villa right on Hobie Beach

• Spanish Farm Guest Lodge in Somerset West with views of False Bay and surrounding mountains

• 22 Eikehoff Apartment and The Den Apartments in the university town of Stellenbosch

• Pringle Bay Villa, on the beach in Pringle Bay

• Oubaai Villa situated in the Oubaai golf estate in close proximity to George airport

• Plett Summer Villas: Raw Africa Boutique Collection's Marketing & Management Company can assist hospitality investors with a range of services to position, market and manage their properties with custom solutions T: +27 (0)87 550 2967

Port Nolloth Summer seaside escape in

Originally known as Robbe Bay, the town of Port Nolloth was renamed in 1855. The town harbour was used for the transportation of copper and became popular again when diamonds were discovered nearby.

Following the end of mining in the area, today Port Nolloth is predominantly associated with fishing and tourism activities. Boasting a rich history, this idyllic and charming seaside village brims with outdoor relaxation and adventure – a great escape from the daily grind of city life!

McDougall's Bay

Close to Port Nolloth, this is the go-to spot for Namaqualanders and a few folk from other provinces who know that this is a gem of note, particularly for water activities. The beach, which has earned a Blue Flag status, is known for its chilly waters – great to balance the heat of the Northern Cape summers. While not great for swimming because of the cold Benguela current; boating, kite surfing, paddling, wind surfing, surfing and crayfishing are popular activities.

For the ultimate chilled beach vacation, there are a variety of accommodation options, including camping spots.

Alexander Bay Beach

Alexander Bay is perched on the banks of the Orange River which leads into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great spot for fishing, water activities such as kayaking, and there are also hiking trails nearby.

Port Nolloth Museum

Originally the Cape Copper Company’s Officers’ Club, the museum is a treasure trove about the history of Port Nolloth, which includes cool collectables of shipwreck debris, and details about the development and history of the area.

Strandveld 4×4 Trails

Surrounded by rugged landscape and running through a privately-owned

game park there are two dune trails, and the terrain can be challenging in parts. Different types of antelope as well as a wide diversity of bird species can be spotted here.

Richtersveld 4x4 Trails

While not in Port Nolloth, it is a relatively short drive to the Richtersveld 4x4 Trails, which pass alongside the Orange River. There are a number of trails where drivers can experience gravel, rocks and sand. Just a note of caution, it is very hot in summer, so it’s advisable to ensure you have packed sufficient provisions such as drinking water and food.

Hondeklipbaai Lighthouse

A novel design, the Hondeklipbaai Lighthouse is a 8-metre high steel tower. While a bit odd-looking for a lighthouse, it functions to warn ships of any danger.

Rogz Airtech! A barking awesome adventure with

Waking up early on a Saturday morning feels a bit like sacrilege – yes, the morning folk would disagree – but was completely worth it as we set off on an adventure with our furbies trying out the Rogz Airtech range, while exploring the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt Trail in Cape Town…

Featuring technology from kitesurfing, the Rogz Airtech range looks cool and shouts adventure – not to mention my furbie Trixie looked super-cute wearing this gear.

According to Rogz: “The AirTech Range – a first of its kind – was created through radical innovation inspired by the safety and durability features of extreme sports equipment with kitesurfing at the forefront. The remodelling was reimagined for the pet industry and has resulted in the ultimate patented outdoor adventure gear for dogs and their owners.”

We were given the Rogz Airtech Sport Harness, Rogz Airtech Sport Belt & Lead, and Rogz Airtech Classic Collar to try out. I confess at first, I was a bit

apprehensive of having Trixie – who chases everything, including a leaf blowing in the wind – attached to my waist. But it was a breeze to walk her with the Airtech range. The padding and ultra-light weight material ensured comfort for us both, and the adjustable leash also gave her plenty of room to explore…

Increased freedom of movement for people and dogs

And explore she did! The Klaasenbosch Greenbelt Trail is a superb treat – it’s an easy yet stunning 3km loop with plenty of flora and water spots for furbies to explore and frolic in. The lush surrounding gives off a tropical paradise vibe and there are plenty of trees, ensuring sufficient shade while walking in summer. There are a few inclines –nothing hectic – that helps to add to the

appeal and sense of adventure. While not as well-known as the nearby Alphen Trail, I figure the secret is out as we passed a number of people walking their furbies or themselves.

Overall, together with Trixie, I was impressed with the Rogz Airtech range. There is increased freedom of movement for people and dogs alike, which is perfect for exploration. There was one slight comedy of error when I first got Trixie kitted out – she was a tad eager in making friends with another dog and proceeded to circle around him, resulting in me getting tangled with her, the other dog and his owner – but with a quick flick of the clip we were untangled quickly. The lead attached to the Rogz Airtech Sport Belt is versatile and can also unclip to become a hand-held lead if wanted.

Rogz Airtech Range

• ROGZ AIRTECH SPORT HARNESS: Fully adjustable and makes for a quick and easy fit with a belay loop on the harness allowing for a lead attachment. When used with any AirTech lead, the connector will slide from side to side, giving both adventurer and fur companion freedom of movement.

• ROGZ AIRTECH SPORT BELT & LEAD: The ultimate handsfree combination that is both comfortable and lightweight. All AirTech leads are fitted with Aero grade aluminium carabiners to provide superior strength and ensure minimal weight. The shock absorbing webbing reduces strain on both adventurer and fur companion. The padded Rogz AirTech Sport Belt has been custom designed for safety and efficiency,

with a safety release toggle in case of emergency. This safety release is inspired by the kite surfing industry and has been patented.

• ROGZ AIRTECH ULTRALITE LEAD: A lightweight lead that is easy to stow-away when enjoying off-lead activities. The helium tether is another patented innovation by ROGZ. It is the world's first lead attachment that has no metal components. This means it is ultralight and noise free, making it ideal for those long outdoor adventures with 360° reflective stitching.

• ROGZ AIRTECH MULTI LEAD: The use of numerous soft tethers instead of metal rings, as well as dual aluminium carabiners, results in a lead that offers pet owners the functional benefits of a regular multi lead at a fraction

of the weight. The multi lead can be used for walking two dogs, as a temporary post tie or, when used with a harness, it can be used for control through Stop-Pull steering with the front chest lead attachment.

• ROGZ AIRTECH CLASSIC LEAD: Recommended for everyday use, Rogz AirTech Classic Leads are lightweight and offer supreme comfort with a soft padded handle that has a built-in pouch to hold a waste bag.

• ROGZ AIRTECH CLASSIC COLLAR: Also perfect for everyday use and identification, the Rogz AirTech Classic Collar is lightweight and has a soft tether for lead attachment. The safe and trusted RogLoc buckle can be locked to prevent it from being accidentally opened.

Whisky from the Japanese City of temples

an indulgence, but a necessity Self-care no longer

There has been a significant change in course when it comes to self-care says Anri Greeff, somatologist and owner of Perfect Balance at Colour Rush, The Square in Sunninghill.

Salon clients, she says, no longer view massages and other wellness therapies as luxury indulgence but rather an increasingly important aspect of personal wellness and mental health.

“Since early 2022 there has been a marked increase in people booking massages or even something as simple as having their nails and facials done, all just to escape reality for an hour or two, and to do something that makes them feel good,” she says.

People bring their lives to the sessions. She adds, “An important part of what therapists do is to listen, to allow our clients to offload while paying them physical attention during their special ‘me’ time.”

It’s becoming more prevalent and where clients previously checked in monthly, many now shorten the time between visits to weekly or fortnightly, adds Greeff.

It’s a tool for stress relief. Just like we go to gym to burn calories and to let out some stress on the circuit, so too does self-care help people relax, and let go of social and environmental pressures, the challenge of the daily grind, for a bit.”

Greeff says that when she massages an individual, the energy

absorption is immense. Stress and challenging emotions are almost tangible on someone’s body and while it manifests physically with muscle knots, for example, there’s also a flow of universal energy that is harmonized.

“It can be quite scary when you realise just how much stress you carry in your body, what we are uploading to our physical selves on a daily basis. And you don’t realise it until someone touches you and shares it with you,” she adds.

The increase in self-care points to a possible realisation, too, of the holism of the body, mind, and spirit.

“We see people moving toward more homeostatic and neoplastic ways of healing themselves because medication has been so overwhelming these last couple of years that people want to go the more natural way. They want to see how they can improve their own mental abilities and wellness by doing it,” she says.

“More interestingly, and with massages and facials, it is a way to balance it out because that is your first step. Taking care of yourself, calming your energy, calming your body, and start resetting yourself just so that you can regroup. And that starts with taking care of yourself.”

Everything you need to know about sunglasses

A timeless staple in most people’s accessory draw, sunglasses come in various shapes, sizes, lens features and budget.

While sunglasses are often a fashion style statement, they serve to protect our eyes. Ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun may contribute to damaging the cells in our eyes, which could lead to issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), which can result in blurred vision, light sensitivity, and/or even temporary blindness.

Also, important to note, even if the sun is not shining brightly on a cloudy day, UV rays can still damage eyes.

Sunglasses also help to protect eyes from sand, dust and wind.

Polarised, gradient, mirrored, photochromic…

• Polarised sunglasses help to reduce glare from bright light when it reflects off flat surfaces. This is a good option for outdoor water activities such as sailing, fishing or a beach day. People also tend to use polarised lenses for driving as it helps to minimise the glare from windows.

Top tip:

It is advisable to check that sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.

• Gradient lenses are a good choice for driving as the top of the lens is the darkest, which helps protect against sunlight, whereas the bottom half of the lens is lighter, allowing drivers to see the dashboard clearly.

• An anti-reflective coating can also assist with minimising glare.

• Mirrored sunglasses work by limiting the amount of light that enters the eyes.

• Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light, with the lenses becoming darker on bright days, and lighter when conditions get darker. Something to note here is that these lenses do not work well when driving a car as UVB rays do not penetrate your windshield.

Lens tints

Darker shades assist with glare and help to reduce eyestrain in moderate-bright conditions.

Light colours (yellow/gold/amber/rose/vermillion) work well in moderate- to low-level light conditions as they assist with depth perception and enhance contrast, improving visibility of the surroundings.

Lens coatings

A hydrophobic coating assists to repel water, while an antiscratch coating helps improve durability. An anti-fog coating is useful for humid conditions or high-energy activities, and a mirrored coating helps to reduce glare.

Lens material

Glass offers great clarity and scratch-resistance but is heavy. Polyurethane (a type of plastic) offers great clarity, impactresistance, is flexible and lightweight but is expensive.

Polycarbonate (a type of plastic) offers good clarity, great impact-resistance, and is lightweight but less scratchresistant.

Acrylic, an inexpensive alternative to polycarbonate, is suited for casual or occasional-use sunglasses. It is less durable and optically clear.

Did you know?

Aviator sunglasses were initially developed for pilots to protect their eyes while flying.

Caring for your skin

during a South African summer

By Dr Nomphelo Gantsho: Dermatologist, Cape Skin Doctor

Tanning outside or indoors can have dangerous consequences. Tanning damages your skin cells, speeds up skin aging and can lead to skin cancer. Every time you tan, you also damage the DNA in your skin. The more you damage your DNA, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer.

Wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin firmness tend to appear years earlier in people who tan. Anyone who tans can also develop leathery skin, which people who never tan do not get.

How to protect your skin in the sun

Everyone should use sunscreen, even though melanin offers some natural protection against UVB radiation.

Dark skin is said to have a natural SPF of 13.4, whereas light skin is said to

Look for sunscreens that are biodegradable, which are eco-friendly and break down naturally in the environment.

have a natural SPF of only 3.4. This means people with darker skin tones have a natural SPF of 13 — but when it comes to the sun’s damaging effects, the power of melanin is hugely overstated.

How different types of skin react to sun

While darker-skinned individuals can stay safely in the sun for longer than lighter-skinned individuals, sunburn is not out of the question.

Sometimes a sunburn on dark skin does not appear red, but rather tight, painful, or hot to the touch.

When dark skin is exposed to too much sunlight, these individuals can suffer from hyperpigmentation.

Regardless of skin tone, everyone should wear a sunscreen because anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of age, gender, or race.

Wear protective clothes, wear a large brim heat, and stay under a shade.

What to look for in a sunscreen

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation that pose a threat to our skin: UVA and UVB rays. The main culprits behind sunburn are UVB rays.

UVA rays are responsible for premature aging. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how effectively a sunscreen protects against harmful UVB rays.

There are two broad categories of sunscreen. The first is physical, which contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide minerals. Zinc oxide and titanium, blocks, and scatters UV rays before they penetrate your skin. This is the type that dark skins tend to avoid because it often leaves a white residue.

The second category is chemical. The active ingredients in many chemical sunscreens, including oxybenzone and octisalate, absorb UV rays before they damage your skin.

Ensure that you apply a broad-spectrum (protects against UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light) sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from UV rays.

Look for sunscreens that are biodegradable, which are eco-friendly and break down naturally in the environment.

Find a sunscreen that is easy to apply and is easily absorbed by the skin.

Treating sunburn, and when to get professional help

1. Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then, apply a moisturiser to help trap the water in your skin. This can help ease the dryness.

2. Use a moisturiser that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, you may want to apply a hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription. Do not treat sunburn with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine), as these may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

3. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness, and discomfort.

4. Drink extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration.

5. If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection.

6. Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals. Wear clothing that covers your skin when outdoors. Tightly woven fabrics work best. When you hold the fabric up to a bright light, you should not see any light coming through.

Sun burns usually heal on their own without treatment from a doctor. However, if your sun burn covers a large part of your body, if the victim is an infant or elderly person, or if you think your burn is more severe, go to an emergency room immediately.

Research shows it only takes one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence to nearly double a person's risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life.

Weird, wonderful and ageing like a fine wine

South Africa is filled with wonders –natural and man-made. For something a bit different we take a look at some weird, novel and old structures wellworth a visit for a unique experience!

The Mother City is an old soul. It is interesting to note that Cape Town is the oldest city in SA. As the oldest city, it would only be natural that it can claim “oldest” for a lot of spots:

• Oldest building – Castle of Good Hope built between 1666 and 1679. A cool fact is that it was built from granite obtained from Signal Hill.

• Oldest garden – The Company’s Garden was established in 1652 originally as a vegetable garden to feed hungry sailors.

• Oldest Wine Farm – Groot Constantia was established in 1685.

• Oldest Pub – It’s a bit of a toss-up. Some claim that Bathurst's Pig and Whistle in the Eastern Cape is the oldest pub in SA, whereas others claim it’s Perseverance Tavern in Cape Town.

The oldest mountains in SA are the Makhonjwa Barberton Mountains in Barberton, Mpumalanga, aged more than 3.6 billion years old.

Ageing like a fine wine – the oldest

The big pineapple in Bathurst, Eastern Cape – Known as the Pineapple Capital of South Africa, Bathurst houses the largest artificial pineapple in the world standing at

The Shoe House, 20km north of Ohrigstad in Mpumalanga, it houses a small museum that highlights the history of the Ohringstad Valley.

The Goat Tower at Fairview Cheese & Wine Farm, Paarl, Western Cape – a novel tower structure with shaggy goats making their way up.

EXPERIENCE!

The giant post box in Calvinia, Northern Cape – originally built as a water tower, it stands at just over 6 metres tall.

The giant red chair in Robertson, Western Cape – it’s approximately 9 metres tall and known to be the largest chair of its kind on the continent.

Adam’s Calendar

in Kaapsche Hoop, Mpumalanga – Adam's Calendar is believed to the oldest man-made structure on earth. It is a series of stones that remains an accurate monolithic calendar.

Pic credit: Rooiberg Winery

Since commencing operations in 2012, Fastjet has flown over 3.5 million passengers and has established itself as a reliable African award-winning airling brand, with a range of value-added products and services.

Now flying from Victoria Falls to Maun and Nelspruit MQP

As part of the airline’s commitment to offering choice, flexibility and value, customers benefit from generous free baggage allowance, flexible change options, multiple payment channels, airport lounge access on selected routes, and ancillary services such as car hire.

Today, Fastjet connects the three major cities in Zimbabwe by flying between Harare & Victoria Falls and Harare & Bulawayo. In addition, the airling offers international flights from Harare, Bulawayo & Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa, and from Victoria Falls to Kruger Nelsruit Mpumalanga in South Africa and Maun in Botswana.

Aubergine, wild rice, edamame beans & rocket salad with sweet and sour dressing

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Aubergines, cut in to 5cm x 5cm cubes

• 1 cup wild or brown rice

• 1 cup edamame beans

• 2 cups wild rocket leaves, washed

• 1 bunch spring onions

• 50ml canola oil

• toasted sesame seeds, about 2 table spoons

FOR THE DRESSING

• 50ml sweet soy sauce

• 50ml rice wine vinegar

• juice of 1 large lemon

• 50ml canola oil

• 15ml fish sauce

• 5g grated fresh ginger

• 5g grated fresh garlic

• 10ml sesame seed oil

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 200˚C to grill the aubergine. Season the aubergine cubes with salt and pepper and toss in 50ml canola oil. Mix well and transfer to a bak ing tray.

2. Bake the aubergines at 200˚C for about 20 minutes until a deep golden-brown. A couple of charred spots on the aubergine is also good. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. While the aubergines are in the oven, cook the rice till soft. With brown or wild rice make sure there is enough water in the pan to always have the rice covered – this should also take about 20-25 minutes. When your rice is soft, drain any excess water and set aside.

4. Blanche the edamame beans in boiling water for 1 minute; take out and refresh in ice cold water to stop the cooking pro cess and set aside.

5. To make the dressing combine all the ingredients in a small blender and blend on high speed for 2 minutes.

6. Now add all the salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl and then add the dressing. Mix all the ingredients well and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds before serving at room temperature. Alternatively transfer to four serving bowls for individual salads, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

7. This is a completely vegan dish but feel welcome to add some soft goat’s cheese for a vegetarian version or roasted pieces of chicken for a non-vegan, meat option.

8. Serve with Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selec tion Grenache 2021

Prawn pasta with chilli & garlic

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 40 medium to large raw prawn tails, heads and shell removed (do not use cooked prawns)

• 500g good quality tagliatelle pasta

• freshly grated garlic (1 large clove finely grated should be enough)

• fresh chilli finely chopped (1 chilli should be enough)

• 250g butter

• fresh chopped flat leaf parsley

• 50g parmesan cheese

• canola oil for cooking

METHOD

1. This is a very simple and delicious dish where the success depends on the prawn and the pasta cooked to perfec tion. The butter may seem a little exces sive, but this is needed as it forms the sauce component of the dish.

2. Cook the pasta in a big pot of salted water until done. The pasta must be al dente. This should take no more than 15 minutes from the start of boiling.

3. When the pasta is done, strain to re move the water and put back in the pot with 50g of the butter to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Put the lid back on. Remember the pasta is hot and will keep cooking so it is very important to drain the pasta when it is still a little al dente.

4. Warm two large pans, add some canola oil to the pans and heat until ready to fry the prawns. Make sure the prawns are dry and not too watery. Add the prawns to the hot oil and cook for about 2-3 minutes only.

5. Divide the remaining 200g butter in two and add 100g to each of the two pans. Turn the heat right down to the lowest setting.

6. When the butter is melted, add the chilli and garlic and cook for 30 seconds more before removing from the heat.

7. Toss in the warm pasta and shake the pans or mix gently until the butter sauce coats all the pasta and the prawns.

8. Season the whole dish with salt and pepper and the juice of one large lemon.

9. Serve immediately in a large bowl or transfer to four individual bowls for serving. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley and a grating of parmesan cheese on top before serving.

10. Serve with Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selec tion Sauvignon Blanc 2022 or Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2022.

Ashton Winery CABERNET

MERLOT 2021

Well balanced flavours of ripe dark berries and eucalyptus, complimentary of both cultivars in this blend. The fresh oak supports the flavours very well and fuses the bouquet with the medium bodied smooth palate.

Food pairing: Rack of lamb, burger and chips, or spare ribs.

Clos

Malverne

AURET 2020

The flagship of the range. A unique, full -bodied Cape blend, with Pinotage, South Africa’s own cultivar. Pleasant tannins, spicy with underlying fruit (ripe berries). It has lovely complexity with good maturation prospects – 5 to 7 years.

Food pairing: Beef wellington or a steak with berry coulis and roast root veg.

Franschhoek 1688

CHARDONNAY

Franschhoek 1688 Chardonnay is a vibrant and complex wine with a full, rich, creamy mouthfeel of almonds and vanilla with a lingering aftertaste of smoky peach and citrus. It has the ability to stay fresh for many years in the bottle.

Food pairing: Malay chicken curries, seafood and mature cheddar cheese.

Highgate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Matured for 20 months in French oak, this is a medium-bodied fruitful wine with high tannin and rich flavours of blackberry, black current, pencil lead and cedar.

Food pairing: Grilled meats, peppery sauces and dishes with high flavour.

Theuniskraal PRESTIGE 2020

Lightly oaked, approachable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Ruby red in colour, it is a medium-bodied, fruity and well-balanced wine with soft tannins and undertones of oak spice.

Food pairing: Beef, game and mushroom

Vergelegen

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

RESERVE 2016

The wine is complex, showing blackcurrants, blackcurrant leaves, blue berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and attractive wood aromas and flavours. It is full and rich with soft, fine grained tannins that bodes well for future ageing.

Food pairing: Lamb and oxtail.

Theuniskraal SAUVIGNON BLANC

An elegant, crisp wine with ripe fruit on the fore-palate backed by asparagus and gooseberries with a hint of grassiness that lingers long on the aftertaste.

Food pairing: Fresh salads, fish, poultry and pasta dishes and also stands up well to soft cheeses.

Franschhoek 1688 SHIRAZ

Franschhoek 1688 Shiraz showcases power, dimension and elegance, which brings even the most indulgent connoisseur under its long, deep and luxurious spell.

Food pairing: Hearty red meat dishes.

Vergelegen CHARDONNAY PREMIUM 2021

The wine shows an attractive lemony yellowgreen colour with a complex nose of citrus, peach, tropical fruit and mineral tones. The palate is long and full, with delicate wooding. Beautifully refined and elegant.

Food pairing: Seafood and mussel soup.

Highgate 2019 SAKKIE (PINOTAGE BLEND)

With flavours of dark cherries with a plum finish and berry undertones, this wine is beautifully dark plum colour, with a bouquet comprising of cigar box and hints of dark chocolate.

Food pairing: Marinated beef short rib and other red meats.

Clos Malverne

SHIRAZ ROSè ELLIE MCC 2017

This wine has a light feminine pink tinge, and shows ample fresh fruit intensity and body, leading to a crisp, dry finish. Saffron and strawberry aromas dominate the nose, while the delicate mousse is an explosion of extra fine bubbles that charm the palate.

Food pairing: Tempura prawn, sushi and salmon.

Ashton Winery

CHENIN BLANC 2022

A very crisp wine with flinty green characters on the nose and hints of fig and tropical fruits. The sweet middle palate and dry finish ensures a well balanced taste and compliments the bouquet.

Food pairing: Tapas platters or game carpaccio.

Fishing

hot spots this summer

By Anglinks, www.anglinks.co.za

Longer days, warmer weather and more fish, it’s the perfect time to be casting.

While fishing is enjoyed all year round, in summer it's a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few of the top fishing spots to experience around the country.

Free State

The Free State province is blessed with a vast array of fishing locations, including the biggest waters in South Africa. Gariep, Vanderkloof and Sterkfontein are the largest dams by volume in the country, and all of them are known for great fishing. With those in mind it’s amazing to think there are even better options in the Free State.

The fourth largest South African dam, the Vaal dam, is also in the Free State. It has the usual suspects from barbel to mudfish, large and smallmouth yellows, all kinds of carp and even largemouth bass. And because it has the longest shoreline of all our waters there are dozens of venues along it’s sandy banks that cater for all kinds of fishermen. Check out places like Mihanzi and Fisherman’s Hangout who offer great facilities and excellent fishing.

Gauteng

Our smallest province does not contain many large dams or lakes but there are still lots of venues to choose from. The Muldersdrift area is especially popular because there are a multitude of small fishing venues like Bergsig, Brookwood and Gnu Valley. Bronkhorstspruit Dam is another popular fishing venue where you catch bass, carp and barbel from the side at places like Baja Dam.

But probably the most visited fishing spot in Gauteng has to be Rietvlei Dam near Irene in Pretoria. It’s well-known for being a carp specimen venue but conventional fishermen have also been consistently successful in recent times. And when the bass are biting you will have lots of fun. The camping area has many decent spots and if you book months in advance, you can secure one of the comfortable, well-equipped chalets situated right on the water.

Limpopo

The Limpopo is bush country but is also littered with some spectacular fishing havens. Bass and carp fishing is big here and dams like Mokolo, Doorndraai, De Hoop and Rust de Winter stand out. The Magoebaskloof area also has quite a few smaller venues (like Stanford Lake) and plays host to the beautiful Ebenezer Dam. The Nyl Dam in Mokopane is a specimen carp fishing paradise.

However, Arabie Dam (Flag Boshielo, Schuinsdraai) is probably the most lucrative fishing spot in the Limpopo. Besides a very healthy population of huge bass, it also has big carp and lots of kurper, and even a few rare species like Asian carp. In terms of accommodation there are camping spots around the dam but the most comfortable is Aloe Park. They have lots of amenities and even houses to rent in the resort. Just watch out for the crocs!

Mpumalanga

The lowveld is rich in beautiful, lush scenery and of course a little place called the Kruger National Park. It also hosts a few spectacular dams like Da Gama, Klipkoppie, Driekoppies, Jericho and Heyshope. You can even catch smallmouth bass at Shiyalongubo Dam in the mountains near Barberton. Or go tiger fishing in the Komati river.

The best overall venue though is Loskop Dam. With its spectacular scenery and crystal clear water it’s easy to see why fishermen flock here. The carp, barbel and kurper population is very healthy and the current SA record bass was caught here not too long ago. Forever Resorts is the main accommodation option and has some fantastic facilities. But there are other affordable options like Kwemvubu Lodge and Marulani Kloof Lodge.

Kwazulu-Natal

This province has lots to offer all fishermen. From flyfishing in the Drakensberg mountains to catching tiger fish at Jozini, the options are endless. A favourite fishing area though has to be the Midlands around Howick and Pietermaritsburg. Here you are spoilt for choice. With dams like Albert Falls, Nagle, Inanda and Mearns there is an abundance of fishing available. And there is also a multitude of smaller establishments like the spectacular Beacon Vlei to choose from.

However, Midmar Dam is possibly the go-to fishing destination in the area. A few record bass have been caught in the last few years and the carp fishing is also very good. There are decent chalets in the reserve, as well as lots of camping options. And the facilities are normally some of the cleanest in the country.

Our other coastal provinces have some spectacular freshwater fishing options as well, like Theewaterskloof or Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape for example. But saltwater fishing is the name of the game in those areas. And that’s a whole article on its own...

W E ' L L E X C E E D Y O U R E X P E C T A T I O N S

Expect breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Table Bay, and False Bay when you visit Zevenwacht. Whether you are enjoying the tranquillity of our accommodation, savouring the finely crafted elegance of our wines, or indulging your taste buds at The Manor House Restaurant, there’s an experience waiting for you. Our suites are spacious, bathrooms include a separate bathtub and shower, and have private patios with spectacular views. Our cottages are ideal for families or groups traveling together. Our Estate also offers visitors relaxation at the Bakwena Spa, Walking and Mountain Bike Trails as well as an outdoor pool.

Braided Cord Clip Straps

A long cord that clips on/off to a protective phone cover, enabling easy access to your phone at all times!

R449 – Available online at www.womanonthemove.co.za

ATLANTIS

Travel with confidence with this Paklite 72cm Trolley Case, which is durable and hard-wearing. The 4 wheels offer easy mobility. Combination locks on each size.

Large Champagne

R1 999 – Available at Makro

Semelia Fat burner

An amazing natural weight loss product. Reduces cholesterol, balances blood pressure, helps strengthen the hair and improves skin, tones muscles, reduces cravings and more. Lose weight and feel great. Improve your overall health.

R395 – Available online at www.semelia.com

AQUA MARINA BEAST 10’6” STAND UP

PADDLE BOARD

South Africa’s favourite SUP brand, brings you their flagship Stand Up Paddleboard, perfect for all water conditions, river to sea.

R9 899 – Available online at: www.outstylesa.com

The best overland gear at the best prices. Skitch Overland Gear specialises in weather-proof storage solutions, bicycle racks, bed racks, kayaks and what can only be described as The Ultimate Cooler-Box range. Skitch products are your best choice for your next overland trip. Contact us today for further information.

info@skitch.co.za l www.skitch.co.za

ALONG THE MAPUTO CORRIDOR

PET FRIENDLY STAYS_

VISIT THE WITZENBERG AREA THIS

The Witzenberg area, a mere hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, is nestled in the Cape Winelands and consists of five gems, namely Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet. The area is a tourist destination for all seasons, providing you with an excellent base from which to tour the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas. The Witzenberg area also lends itself to a superb holiday experience for tourist groups, with a variety of outdoor activities and wide-open spaces.

TOP LEFT In the dry Kalahari a grazing springbok glows in the last rays of the setting sun.

(Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

TOP RIGHT The pale chanting goshawk hunts predominantly from elevated perches such as trees but will also walk on the ground in pursuit of prey. It is an opportunistic raptor that eats a wide variety of food items including small mammals, lizards, birds and large insects.

(Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

BOTTOM RIGHT Male lions are known to many as the King of Beasts, majestic, beautiful, and powerful creatures. At the top of the food chain and the most dominant force in the African bush.

(Pilanesberg National Park)

TOP Dawn in the Kalahari Desert, as the sun rises over the grassy savanna of the southern Kalahari the veld awakes with the most beautiful desert bird song.

(Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)

LEFT Like ballet dancers in a boxing match two male giraffes do battle in a display of aggression. When male giraffes engage in combat, they use their necks as weapons to fight with, a behaviour known as "necking".

(Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park).