Rove SA - Volume 6 l Issue 2

From the Editor

Beat the winter blues

It might be winter, but in Southern Africa the adventure never stops!

We are fortunate to have relatively mild wind winters for many parts of the country – yes it's cold, but nothing that some warm clothing can't fix.

In this edition the Rove team embarked on some epic adventures. Check out page 17, which highlights the team's getaway to the Eastern Cape. I was sad to have missed out on this trip as I have always thought that the Eastern Cape is quite underrated. I spent years exploring the Eastern Cape and always marvelled at its lush natural beauty. Sad to say but I have issues with directions – yes, while I have GPS it does not seem to help much! The EC is one of my favourite provinces to get lost in. Wrong turn, oh look it's a new town/village, let's explore! For me the EC is like an onion – peel back a layer and there is another.

Feel like having an adventure of a lifetime that traverses three countries? On page 77 we give you a teaser of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) that takes adventurers across Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique! This expedition truly highlights the natural wonder that is Southern Africa: rugged landscapes, thriving wildlife and warm welcomes.

Budget getting you down? Don't sweat it! This edition has some awesome getaway competitions, so be sure to enter!

Have a fab winter season!

Tashne Singh editor@rovesa.co.za

Win

Stand a chance to win an awesome getaway to Chundu Island, Zimbabwe valued at a whopping R46 000!

Chundu Island, approximately 21km from Victoria Falls, is a stunning island on the Zambezi River. Activities on the island include: morning and evening game drives, canoeing, sundowner cruises, river cruises, bushwalks, fun fishing, and visits to the Falls (excludes Park fees).

The prize on offer includes:

• 2-night stay for 2 people sharing at Chundu Island inclusive of meals

• 2 safari activities (land or water based), and basic 'bush' laundry (hand wash, dry and fold)

• Transfers from Zambezi National Park Gate to Chundu Island twice a day at set times

Excluded are Park fees, early or late and unspecified transfers, drinks from the bar or mini bar, extras from the Curio Shop, professional guided fishing and items of a personal nature.

How to Enter

Scan the QR code with your phone and fill in the entry form for Chundu Island, Zimbabwe online at rovesa.co.za/competitions

Entries close on 31 August 2024

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prize valid from 1 September 2024 to 1 September 2025. For additional T&C's, visit rovesa.co.za

Northern Cape: SA’s fastest growing events destination

The great north

Pictorial: Vanrhyns Pass

Eastern escapades: an epic road trip!

ADVERTORIAL: Eastern Cape Tourism - Seasonal travel spotlight

ADVERTORIAL: Umngazi Hotel & Spa - Discover the magic of winter

Blyde River Canyon

Test drive feature: Land Rover - Chasing golden hour

Pictorial: Sani Pass

ADVERTORIAL: Great getaways

ADVERTORIAL: aha HotelsHidden gems in the Kruger National Park

ADVERTORIAL: Great getaways

Cosy winter retreats

ADVERTORIAL: Cape Country Routes - Eendracht Hotel & Apartments

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa: where the echoes of the past resonate

ADVERTORIAL: Unique wine farms

1000s of incredible events, attractions, theatre productions, activities and more!

Tickets available at Pick n Pay stores nationwide and Webtickets.co.za

Decoding

Chilling out

Best escape anyone can

INTO AFRICA

PUBLISHER: Elroy van Heerden Mays elroy@mediaxpose.co.za

EDITOR: Tashne Singh editor@rovesa.co.za

SUB-EDITOR: Jacqueline Dyer

CONTENT MANAGER: Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

CONTENT ASSISTANT: Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

COVER IMAGE Northern Cape Tourism

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Shaun van Heerden Mays Anja Bramley

PROJECT MANAGER: Hester Kleynhans hester@rovesa.co.za

ADVERTISING SALES: Rene van Heerden rene@mediaxpose.co.za

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA Kyla van Heerden / Tia Arendse

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Shaun van Heerden Mays

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR: Justin McGregor

RETAIL DISTRIBUTION: On The Dot

AIRPORT DISTRIBUTION: Media Support

PICTURE CREDIT: 123rf.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

Tips for winter travellers

1

Safari clothing in SA winter

Layer up! Bring sweaters with hoods and windbreakers, especially since it can get windy in the open-air safari vehicle. Opt for neutral-coloured t-shirts or shirts, preferably made of cotton for comfort. Wear comfortable trail or walking shoes. For pants, choose looser-fitting khakis since there's a lot of sitting involved; jeans tend to be too tight. Consider wearing leggings or thermal layers under your pants during morning drives. Don't forget a scarf and beanie for added warmth. Fingerless gloves or mittens can be handy for taking pictures. And don't leave out your swimwear, as some hotels offer heated pools or hot tubs.

2

Revive your pout: healing dry, chapped winter lips

Public holidays in winter

Sunday 16th: Youth Day

(generally if a public holiday is on a Sunday, the Monday is a day off)

Friday 9th August: National Women’s Day

3

For peace of mind

1. Make certified copies of driver’s licence, ID and passport. It is a good idea to have a digital copy of these.

2. Carry some cash for market traders or tipping.

DIY Lip Scrub: half honey half brown sugar, massage in a circular motion to exfoliate and remove dead skin from your lips.

Overnight lip treatment: before bed apply a thick layer of coconut oil or Vaseline.

Cucumber slices: place them chilled on your lips for a few minutes, it has hydrating properties.

Green tea bag compress: once the tea bag has cooled off, place it on your lips for a few minutes.

Hydrating lip mask: apply a thin layer of honey, and leave it on for 10min. Avoid licking your lips: that actually makes your lips drier, use lip balms instead. Stay hydrated: drinking lots of water during the day will prevent lips from becoming dry

Protect from the elements: wear a scarf or face mask when outdoors. Choose the right lip product: look for lip balms and lipsticks with moisturising ingredients.

4

5 COMMON ROAD TRIP MISTAKES

1. Skipping vehicle maintenance.

2. Overpacking the itinerary (driving too much in one day, it is important to allow time for rest and unexpected delays).

3. Not filling up often (you do not want to run out of petrol on the highway or a backroad somewhere).

4. Not checking the weather (not checking the weather along the route and at destination, and ignoring worsening weather conditions is risky).

5. Not planning entertainment (if you have children, create some playlists, listen to an audiobook or plan car games).

How to prepare your car for the cold

• Batteries: check the water level, clean terminals, and charge regularly.

• Tyres: ensure proper inflation and tread depth.

• Lights: keep headlights working and remember to switch them off.

• Windscreens/Wipers: use a scraper for frost, check wiper blades, and avoid using sprayers in cold weather.

6 Outdoor apps we love

Sky Tonight: the Sky Tonight app helps users explore the night sky with features like stargazing forecasts, interactive sky maps, event calendars, and educational content. It's a handy tool for anyone interested in astronomy and stargazing. We have found it particularly useful to determine what planet we’re looking at, and if it’s a planet at all or a star, or something else entirely.

Alltrails: this app is for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a database of trails worldwide. Users can find trails by location, view detailed maps, track their activities, read reviews, and access offline maps. It's perfect for hikers, bikers, and runners looking to explore new outdoor adventures.

SA’s fastest growing events destination Northern Cape

BY DIANNA MARTIN, GENERAL MANAGER MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS, BUSINESS TOURISM

SA’S LARGEST PROVINCE IS A FAST-DEVELOPING REGION OFFERING A WIDE SELECTION OF MEETING VENUES WITH SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY AND ACCOMMODATIONS TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET. IN A LANDSCAPE BRIMMING WITH DRAMATIC BEAUTY, VISITORS CAN ENJOY THE WARM HOSPITALITY, RICH CULTURE AND HISTORY, AND SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST ‘BUCKET LIST’ EXPERIENCES

The Northern Cape has the capacity and worldclass infrastructure to host major international business events and meetings successfully. The province’s greatest strength lies in its diversity, its welcoming people and fascinating cultural history, but also its ability to deliver the world-class infrastructure of a global business events destination. All this in a dynamic, flexible, business and leisure environment with an authentic, ‘African’ feel.

Conferences and meetings

The province boasts a number of superior venues, all with easy access by road from major highways and the centrally located airports at Kimberley and Upington.

Heading the list is Kimberley’s impressive Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre, a flexible venue with the capacity to host virtually any convention, exhibition, product launch, or gala dinner accommodating up to 2 500 delegates.

Many of the Northern Cape’s hotels offer meeting venues which are versatile and fully equipped, accommodating up to 600 guests in Kimberley, 250 in Upington and 200 in Springbok. The multipurpose venues provide the ideal location for every kind of business conference and meeting.

Leisure experiences

The leisure and tourism experiences on offer make the Northern Cape especially attractive for pre-and post-tours and the incentive travel market with teambuilding, rafting, sandboarding and 4x4 challenges available in abundance.

The astonishing diversity and array of outdoor activities add to the unique tourism appeal of the province. The range of accommodation in the three main conferencing towns encompasses luxury five-star breakaways, four-star hotels, guest lodges and guest houses to suit every pocket.

Incentives – unique, memorable and inspirational

Travel incentives are highly desired rewards. There is no better way to reward your incentive groups than an unforgettable, life-enriching trip to the Northern Cape, where the natural beauty and wildlife, iconic cultures, warm hospitality and spirit of Ubuntu are joined by award-winning food and wine and luxury accommodation. The select range of products and services makes the Northern Cape an excellent choice for your incentive and meetings programmes.

Events

The Northern Cape Tourism Authority provides a “one-stop shop” for any business, leisure or travel enquiry, offering independent information and assistance on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in the province.

Our expert local knowledge informs a full spectrum of support services to ensure the best conference, meeting or event in Southern Africa. We offer:

• bid support for national and international events/ conferences/meetings;

• current databases of Northern Cape products;

• negotiating rates with hotels, tour operators etc.;

• airport welcome and departure desk;

• delegate boosting, hosting and site visits;

• pre- and post-tours and accompanied person’s programme;

• assisting with local logistical arrangements.

Email: dianna@experiencenortherncape.com/ busineesevents@experiencenortherncape.com Web: Experiencenortherncape.com