Vol 1 • Issue 4 • Feb-Mar 2015
Namibia
Etosha National Park
Gulf of Mexico Underwater Art
Port Elizabeth
Beaches, museums and wildlife
revolutionary thinking
Happy New Year The first months of each year are often the most dynamic and exciting. Plans and targets get put in place for what you wish to accomplish and the rest of the year is dedicated to delivering on those plans. It is the same with the team at flyafrica.com. We spent the end of 2014 planning what we want to do in 2015; and we can’t wait to get moving. We ended 2014 flying three routes: Harare-Johannesburg, Victoria FallsJohannesburg and Harare-Victoria Falls. In 2014 we also announced flights in early 2015 between: Johannesburg-Windhoek, Cape Town-Windhoek, Bulawayo-Johannesburg and Lusaka-Johannesburg. Making flyafrica.com the fastest growing airline in Africa. 2015 promises to be even busier. In 2015 we will be launching three more airlines: one in West Africa and two in Southern Africa. Flyafrica.com will operate to 14 African cities from five bases by the end of 2015 and will operate more than 360 weekly flights. To meet the growth requirements that 2015 will place upon us we have announced a need to purchase 20 more Boeing 737s — for delivery over the next 36 months. This commitment in growth and aircraft reinforces our commitment to bringing low fares to Africa. Each airline will be part of the flyafrica.com family, offering identical service standards, onboard experience and low fares. In keeping with our established model we guarantee no fuel surcharges and a product that allows you, our customer, to decide what you want to pay for and what you do not. We will continue to meet our promise to be Africa’s Low Fare Airline. We have already lowered fares by 60-70% and with flyafrica.com you can now pay $39 to fly between Johannesburg and Harare. It’s a great surprise that the competitors do not drop their fuel surcharges to match the drop in fuel prices. The travelling public has been told that they are in place to compensate for the change in fuel price; perhaps South African airlines don’t realise that what goes up should also go down. With lower fuel prices we have already lowered our fares by 10%; one day others may follow. Thank you for supporting Africa’s Low Fare Airline; enjoy your journey with us.
Adrian Hamilton-Manns
Group CEO flyafrica.com
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In 2015 we will be launching three more airlines: one in West Africa and two in Southern Africa
February-March 2015
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revolutionary thinking
Namibia joins the low-fare revolution! Welcome onboard the newest airline in the flyafrica.com family; we are proud to be part of this exciting venture and my team thank you for your support. Being a proud Namibian I believe that the beauty and the potential of this marvellous country is endless. However, it is very expensive for people to travel here so many opportunities are lost. That is now changing with the launch of flyafrica.com. I sincerely believe that aviation is the key to unlocking Africa’s great potential. This has been spoken about and agreed by many leaders and visionaries. But nobody has made any effort to address the high costs and attempt to make flying affordable. The comment ‘flying is expensive in Africa’ has been repeated so many times that it is now an accepted policy. That is wrong. Africa is not expensive, airport fees and other charges are a small amount of your ticket. It is the airline charges, like fuel surcharges, that have been passed off as a tax that make flying expensive. Consider this: landing and airport fees are no more expensive in Harare than in Singapore or Bangkok yet we do not have low fare airlines and Singapore and Bangkok do. Why is that? The creation of the flyafrica.com family and the vision behind this model is such that we can offer fares 60-70% lower than other carriers. These fares are not gimmicks or limited to a low number of seats. They are available every day and in large numbers. Flyafrica.com has promised to revolutionise air travel in Africa, and I am very proud that Namibia can be part of this evolution. We will commence with flights between Windhoek and Johannesburg. From there we will expand our operations to include Cape Town. Our expansion will also include Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The reason for your flight today is personal to you. It could be for business, for holiday, to visit family or any other reason. Prior to flyafrica today’s flight would have cost you a significant amount of money — a hurdle that perhaps would have stopped you from flying. Thank you for flying with us today and for supporting the airline revolution.
Clifford Strydom
CEO Flyafrica Namibia
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The creation of the flyafrica.com family and the vision behind this model is such that we can offer fares 60-70% lower than other carriers
flyafrica.com GROUP CEO: Adrian Hamilton-Manns CEO FLYAFRICA ZIMBABWE: Professor Chakanyuka Karase
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Flyafrica.com is a bimonthly in-flight magazine of flyafrica.com. It is published by Subcontinental Media Pvt. Ltd. (Smpl) for flyafrica.com at B28, Second Floor, Kailash Colony Zamurdpur, New Delhi – 110048, India. This is a free copy for in-flight reading only. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of SMpl. SMpl/flyafrica.com does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the flyafrica.com or Smpl. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. Smpl/ flyafrica.com does not assume any liability for services or products advertised herein.
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Inside this issue Volume I • Issue IV • Feb-Mar 2015
flyafrica.com
14 Vol 1 • Issue 4 • Feb-Mar 2015
Cov er Story-por t elizab eth
14 Bay Watch Namibia
Etosha National Park
Gulf of Mexico Underwater Art
Port Elizabeth
On the cover
Beaches, museums and wildlife
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Situated in the Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa. The city, often shortened to PE or ‘The Windy City’ is one of the major seaports in South Africa.
flyafrica.com
With stunning beaches, magnificent museums and exotic wildlife destinations, Port Elizabeth has something for everybody
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on the move Raw, gritty and exciting
Etosha Pan National Park is one of the best sites to see Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat
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snap shots City of kings
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A popular base for trips to Khami Ruins and Matobo National Park, it’s worth spending a night or two in Bulawayo
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explore Ghana’s door of no return
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adventure Underwater wonders
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action Mysterious Chinhoyi caves
The people of Zimbabwe allege that there’s more to the Chinhoyi Caves than what meets the eyes
01. Group CEO Note
From bazaars to bijoux boutiques, Delhi’s 02. Namibia CEO Note street markets are a fabulous place to 06. Inside Flyafrica shop for an array of stuff 12. Where To Be
leisure 5 best dining options
72. In-Flight Menu
machines Engineering adventure
Part spaceship, part racing car, part jet fighter, we discover Bloodhound SSC that might reach 1,000mph on land
Cancun’s underwater museum MUSA is one of the many attractions that can leave you awestruck and astounded
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REGULARS
From the hottest table to the sexiest starter, we take a look at the best restaurants in South Africa
The European-built castles and forts clustered on Ghana’s southern coast reveal some of the horrors of West Africa’s past
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shopping High-street shopping
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Q&a Oumou Sangare
Born in Mali, Oumou Sangaré is a Grammy Award winning musician. She is also called the Songbird of Wassoulou
February-March 2015
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inside flyafrica
The revolution continues!
flyafrica.com will operate seven routes in Southern Africa by March 16, 2015. With a fleet of 5 x 737s, the rapid expansion of Africa’s Low Fare Airline will continue through 2015.
Route
Frequency
Flights Commence
Mon, Wed, Fri
Operating
Harare-Johannesburg
Daily
Operating
Bulawayo-Johannesburg
Daily
02 March 2015
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Operating
Windhoek-Johannesburg
Daily
02 March 2015
Windhoek-Cape Town
Daily
16 March 2015
Johannesburg-Lusaka
Daily
09 March 2015
Harare-Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls-Johannesburg
*subject to change
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where to be
Bike Show The London Bike Show — driven by SEAT — is the United Kingdom’s premier cycling exhibition. Whether road cycling, mountain biking, BMX, cycle cross, a family cycle at the weekend or commuting to work is your thing — you’ll have a fantastic day out at the show. Visit www.thelondonbikeshow. co.uk for tickets. When: February 12-15 Where: Exhibition Centre, London
ICC Cricket World Cup The flagship event of the international cricket calendar, the ICC Cricket World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Top cricketplaying nations will take part in this tournament to prove their superiority over the other. Visit www.icc-cricket. com/cricket-world-cup for tickets, match schedule etc. When: February 14-March 28 Where: Australia & New Zealand
Michael Buble The multi Grammy award winning Canadian superstar Michael Bublé is returning to South Africa in 2015 for four special concert dates. Michael Bublé has achieved global sales of 45 million albums in the course of his extraordinary decade long career. His latest release ‘To Be Loved’ debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Magazine Top 200 pop charts. For tickets and more information, visit www.bigconcerts.com. When: March 17, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban When: March 19, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town When: March 21 and 22, The Dome, Johannesburg
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The Script Irish smash hit pop/rock band The Script will be returning to South Africa in February 2015 in support of their new album ‘No Sound Without Silence’. Presented by KFM, East Coast Radio and M-Net, the Johannesburg event will also feature a host of local bands, including Gangs of Ballet, Beatenberg. Fans will be treated to an evening of all their hit songs, including The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven, For the First Time, Nothing and Hall of Fame, etc. For more information, visit www.bigconcerts.co.za. When: February 4, Grand Arena, Cape Town When: February 6, ICC Durban Arena, Durban When: February 7, Crocodile Creek, Johannesburg
Dubai Food Festival 2015 Dubai Food Festival is a city-wide culinary celebration that brings together some of the Dubai’s most popular business and consumer food events, including Gulfood and the Dubai Food Carnival. DFF also features a wide range of food-related activities, tastings, offers and events that showcase the emirate’s diverse food offering. Visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com to know more. When: February 6-28 Where: Dubai
Women of the World Festival This festival celebrating all that is great about women and girls is back for a fifth year with a week of talks, debates, concerts, film, comedy and workshops. The line-up features an impressive selection of guests. Feminist Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Bridget Christie leads the comedy line-up. To book tickets, visit wow.southbankcentre.co.uk. When: March 1-8 Where: Southbank Centre, London
February-March 2015
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where to be
Jozi Film Festival The first festival on the yearly South African film festival calendar, the Jozi Film Festival is an annual event that showcases the latest films made by South African and international filmmakers. An exciting line up of South African and international films will be screened over a three-day period at several venues throughout the city, including The Bioscope Independent Cinema, in the heart of Johannesburg. When: February 20-22 Where: Johannesburg
Addo Elephant Marathon Extreme marathon running is becoming quite popular, after all who wouldn’t want to run alongside (or away from) lions and elephants on a sunny day in March? This is the fourth Addo Elephant marathon, which is held in a beautiful national wildlife park near Port Elizabeth in South Africa. There are two runs, a 50 mile and a 100 mile run, both require extreme fitness since most of the running takes place on dirt trails through the African bush. For more information, visit www.extrememarathons.com. When: March 1 Where: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
NWJ Bridal and Events Show This trade show will give supreme importance to all kinds of products and services related to the wedding industry. By getting familiar with latest products and interacting with the wedding planners, couples can get familiar with various kinds of wedding accessories as well as modern ideas and concepts to make a wedding unique and attractive. This expo brings forward innovative ideas and wedding products like jewellery, cakes, invitations and many more. When: March 7-8 Where: Durban, South Africa
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Lambert’s Bay Kreeffees
Scifest Africa
Kreef is Afrikaans for crayfish, and a fees can be both festival and feast. Located approximately 280 km (a two-hour drive) from Cape Town, Lambert’s Bay is known as the Diamond of the West Coast and is considered to be Mzansi’s crayfish mecca. The festival is held every March in the West Coast town of Lambert’s Bay, where you’ll feast on fresh crayfish and get festive at rock concerts by some of South Africa’s favourite musicians. There’s also bungee jumping, aerial displays, a half-marathon, beer tents and more. The little ones can enjoy a host of activities, including puppet shows, a jumping castle, balloon modelling, treasure hunts and arts and crafts projects. When: March 20-21 Where: Lambert’s Bay, West Coast, Western Cape
SciFest Africa, or the National Festival of Science, Engineering and Technology, will be held in late March in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Held over seven days, the festival will feature about 600 events, which includes lectures, game drives, a laser show, workshops, sunset shows, robotics competitions, science olympics, school quizzes, interactive exhibitions, the PlayFair, field trips, talk shops and a film festival. Attendance now exceeds 35,000 visitors every year. When: March 18-24 Where: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
Tonteldoos Country Festival The Tonteldoos Country Festival, previously known as the Peach Festival, happens in late March or early April in the village of Tonteldoos, some 20km northwest of Dullstroom and two hours from Johannesburg. It offers peaches and pretty much everything that can be made from the fruit, including peach mampoer. When: Late March Where: Tonteldoos, Mpumalanga
February-March 2015
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where to go
Reader’s Guide Lizard Island (Australia) Almost 12 months down the track, following a massive rebuild and remodeling effort, the isle and its resort are set to reopen on March 1. From March, guests will have access to Lizard Island’s understated, barefoot luxury once more, with new resort additions including a standalone twobedroom suite, The Villa, which comes with its own plunge pool, wraparound deck and views of the Coral Sea.
The Reverie Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Part of the new Times Square building in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, this lavish lodging doesn’t cut corners. Situated in the upper echelon of Ho Chi Minh City’s newest, most luxurious building, here you can indulge in world-class service amidst the finest interior and design. The 286 rooms and suites have been fitted out by four of Italy’s finest interior designers — Colombostile, Giorgetti, Provasi and Visonaire — and come with elaborate chandeliers, jewelled beds and velvet curtains. Cantonese food is dished up by a Michelin-starred chef, there’s traditional Italian in a dining room named after Romeo and Juliet (R&J), a deli and one of the longest bar counters in HCMC (reportedly the length of a city block). You can arrive in one of the property’s fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragons or, if you’re short for time, chopper in — the hotel has its own helipad. Please note that The Reverie Saigon is a non-smoking hotel. For bookings and more information, visit www.thereveriesaigon.com.
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The Pavilion now features a separate lounge offering ocean vistas, and the Sunset Point Villas now have more plunge pools. With 24 powdery white private beaches to explore and access only by private plane, there are no day trippers here — the island is reserved for a fortunate few experiencing an unforgettable holiday on the Great Barrier Reef. A dedicated wine and cheese room has been added and the island’s spa has been relocated and expanded to include a dedicated manicure and pedicure room. One thing that hasn’t changed is the spectacular diving and snorkeling, with some of the world’s most dazzling marine life steps from your room. For more information, visit www.lizardisland.com.au.
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MILLION VISITORS EVERY YEAR (MORE THAN NEW YORK CITY): DUBAI MALL IS THE WORLD’S PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION FLIGHTS EVERY WEEK CARRY PEOPLE BETWEEN INDIA AND DUBAI
MILLION INDIAN NATIONALS WERE WELCOMED HERE LAST YEAR: DUBAI IS TRULY A HOME FROM HOME
WHEN YOU RUN THE NUMBERS, DUBAI MEANS BUSINESS. SEE THE FILM AT VISION.AE/VIDEOS/NUMBERS
INFO@FALCONANDASSOCIATES.AE
cover story
Bay watch With stunning beaches, magnificent museums and exotic wildlife destinations, Port Elizabeth in South Africa has something for everybody
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February-March 2015
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cover story
P
ort Elizabeth, or simply PE, is known variously as the Friendly City and the Windy City. The nicknames are not without a reason though. While the local population, a mix of immigrants from both Europe and India, Malaysia and other Asian countries, is reputed for its laid-back attitude, the city in turn is characterised by strong winds of the subtropical climate. Located in the Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa and forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. The bustling seaport flaunts an atmosphere of relaxed yearround fun, many hours of sunshine, superb weather conditions and a wonderful temperate climate with mild winters. This is not to forget the interesting museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife destinations and cultural and historical nuggets that the city so proudly offers. If you’re planning to visit this city, here are a few places that are worth checking out. Museums, galleries and heritage The area surrounding the central business district (CBD) of Port Elizabeth has a number of historic attractions, many of which are linked by the Donkin Heritage Trail. These include the Campanile (bell tower), built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of the 1820 settlers and offering a great viewpoint over the city; the city hall (1862); the Donkin Reserve park and monument; and the old stone Fort Frederick itself (1799). The CBD also boasts the towering Eastern Cape post office headquarters.
1 View of the beach 2 Tourists at Kings Beach 3 Donkin Reserve is a historical attraction founded by Sir Rufane Donkin
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Then there is the Red Location Museum, a museum in New Brighton township that portrays ‘both the horrors of institutionalised racism and the heroic efforts of the anti-apartheid movement’. Also worth visiting are the South African Air Force Museum; the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (which houses collections of South African art, with an emphasis on art of and from the Eastern Cape, as well as British art); and Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial, a provincial heritage site in St. George’s Park. Transport buffs will enjoy a ride on the Apple Express, a narrow gauge steam train, or a visit to the St. Croix Motor Museum with over a hundred vintage cars.
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PE spirit
While famous for its beaches, PE is also quite a wild place. No, not in terms of nightlife, we meant wildlife. There are many reserves where you can go game spotting, including the Addo Elephant Park that is dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo. It’s also home to South Africa’s oldest cricket club and hosts the annual Iron Man competition, a global sporting phenomenon. PE is also known as The Friendly City, The Windy City, Sport Elizabeth (for its love of all things activitybased), Ibhayi, Nelson Mandela Bay (although this includes Uitenhage and Despatch), The 10-minute City.
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The Donkin Heritage Trail include the Campanile, the city hall, the Donkin Reserve park and monument and the old stone Fort Frederick itself
4 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a 46,000-seater stadium in PE
5 Donkin Heritage Trail links 51 places of historical interest in the old hill area
6 The St. Croix Motor Museum, has a private collection of vintage and classic vehicles dating back to 1901
7 Entrance to The Boardwalk Shopping Centre and Casino from Marine Drive
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8 Addo Elephant Park houses more than 600 elephants
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Sea, sun and sand Also known as The Bay, Port Elizabeth stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, the coastal strip of Nelson Mandela Bay. There are several protected areas for swimming such as the Kings Beach, Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach, Pollock Beach and Denville Beach. Port Elizabeth is known commonly as the watersports capital of South Africa. Algoa Bay is home to scuba diving, fishing charters, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding to name but a few. There are many cruises offered from the harbour from sunset cruises to view dolphins to whalewatching tours. Port Elizabeth is also a great destination for whale watching with humpback whales sighted between June and August, and again between November and January, Southern right whales sighted between July and November, and Bryde’s whales sighted all year round. Boat-based whale watching trips are run out of the Port Elizabeth harbour where guests are allowed close encounters with these majestic creatures, among other marine animals. A walk on the wild side The wider area surrounding PE also features a number of game-viewing opportunities, including the famous Addo Elephant Park, 72 km to the north near the Zuurberg mountain range and National Park. The park houses more than 600 elephants, 400 cape buffaloes, over 48 endangered black rhinos as well as a variety of antelope species. At the Kragga Kamma Game Park just outside Port Elizabeth, the animals roam freely in natural surroundings. This owner-operated park does not allow hunting or other disturbances — that means you can always get close-up views and great photo opportunities of animals. Visitors can also check out the Pumba Private Game Reserve, where day guests can experience the day safaris conducted all year round; and the African Dawn February-March 2015
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cover story
9 Pollock Beach is favoured by surfers because of its excellent waves and surfing opportunities cuba diving is 10 S quite popular in Algoa Bay
11 Shark Rock Pier is the most prominent feature on PE’s shoreline besides the harbour
Port Elizabeth is also the watersports capital of South Africa. Algoa Bay is home to scuba diving, fishing charters, surfing, windsurfing etc Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary (for bird lovers, there are over 250 species of birds indigenous to South Africa and from further afield). Malls and meals The Boardwalk in Marine Drive is a good place to loosen your purse strings after a ‘hard day’ of sight-seeing. The shopping complex offers several shops, fast-food restaurants and a casino. One can also try out Greenacres Shopping Centre. It’s an excellent place to spend the afternoons, especially on Saturdays. There are several shops and restaurants dotting the area. There is a lively vibe over the weekend, and the mall can be reached easily. It is also commonly referred to as ‘The Bridge’ because it is joined to the mall of that name. Another place worth checking is the Walmer Park Shopping Centre, a nice place to eat at, besides the shops on offer. If you’re hungry, you can also go to Brooke’s Pavilion, which has excellent views over the beaches and ocean. Any one of the restaurants there are a good idea for breakfast with a view. Words: Kunal Doley
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on the move
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Raw, gritty and exciting
Etosha Pan National Park is one of the best sites to see Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat
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ebras, dozens of them, milled around a waterhole just inside the southern end of Etosha Pan National Park. There were enough stripes to make my eyes go funny. As I stopped and watched, a few raised their heads to look at me; then resumed drinking and socialising. Most ignored me and my pick-up truck. That’s typical of the wildlife in Etosha: they feel safe in the national park. Etosha covers thousands of square kilometres of north-central Namibia. The name means ‘huge white area’ and refers to the enormous dry salt lake, or pan, which covers one-third of the park. No one is allowed to drive on the salt pan: that stark area is reserved for wildlife — though few venture out onto its desolate wastes and relentless heat. Visitors have to stay on marked trails around the perimeter, but always within sight of Africa’s wonderful creatures. There are 114 species of mammals, 340 different types of birds and over 50 different reptiles — mostly snakes — in Etosha. Most visitors do their best to avoid the latter category and concentrate on the big mammals. On a typical day roaming Etosha, I encountered rhinos, water buffalos, elephants, a pride of lions hunting, giraffes, hundreds of gazelles (Thompson’s and springboks), Oryx, black-backed jackals, warthogs, ostriches and, of course, all those zebras. I watched from the safety of my 4WD car as three lionesses stalked across an open plain. They were February-March 2015
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on the move
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1 African elephants here are a common sight 2 Ostrich in Etosha ntrance of Etosha 3E Pan National Park
4 Zebras and Springbok roam freely in Etosha
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Park Facts Etosha National Park spans an area of 22,270 sq km The park was elevated to the status of National Park in 1967 It got its name from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park.
menacing in the focus on prey. Their mate, a big-maned male, rested under the shade of a bush and watched the action unfold, not far from where I sat. Facing the three predatory cats stood a semi-circle of potential meals. They were all nervous and showing the strain of wondering, “Who will it be today?�
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The giraffes backed up and tried to merge with camel-thorn trees. Gazelles tapped their dainty hooves, getting ready to flee, singly and en masse if necessary. The ostriches fluffed out their useless wings; peered intently at the approaching danger. Zebras followed the giraffes lead and walked slowly backwards to hide among the few trees. The tension was palpable. Three cats spread out, waiting for a signal. The middle lioness changed her forward movement from a determined walk to a full charge in the blink of an eye. She had singled out her target, a Thompson’s gazelle. Her two partners raced with her, cutting off the terrified gazelle each time it turned to seek safety. Within seconds the chase was over. Between them, the three downed the gazelle in a cloud of dust. With the immediate danger over, the remaining creatures breathed a collective sigh of relief and resumed grazing. The male lion, the strenuous work done for him, rose to his feet, stretched, and wandered over to the kill to take his place at the head of the open-air banquet table. On the plains the lions had shown their dominance. At night around a large waterhole at Okaukuejo, where arc-lights illuminated the scene, the elephants took control. When the matriarch arrived by like a great grey ghost, all by herself, the other creature at the drinking point slipped quietly out of sight. The huge elephant spent a while drinking and then, as if at a pre-arranged signal, the herd of 20 February-March 2015
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on the move
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There are 114 species of mammals, 340 types of birds and over 50 different reptiles in Etosha or so beasts, came silently along the path to the water. They drank together for a long time while lesser creatures waited their turn. Even the lions stayed hidden.
Fast Facts Etosha has five camps available to the public
4 Lions here are a common sight
5 One-horned black rhino 6 Oryx in Etosha
7 Tockus leucomelas is found only in southern Africa
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The opening and closing times are based on sunrise and sunset Accommodation are equipped with restaurants, shops and petrol station.
Etosha Pan National Park is one of the best sites at which to see Africa’s wild creatures in their natural elements. It is raw; it is gritty and it is exciting — every day of the year. Words: Anthony Dalton
Flyafrica will commence flights between Bulawayo and Johannesburg in March 2015. And currently flies daily between Harare and Johannesburg.
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snap shots
City of
Kings
A popular base for trips to Khami Ruins and Matobo National Park, and an ideal staging point for Hwange National Park, on the way to Victoria Falls, it’s worth spending a night or two in Bulawayo
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1 Opened in 1972, Bulawayo Railway Museum is owned by the National Railways of Zimbabwe, and it displays a wealth of small exhibits and models as well as steam and diesel electric locomotives
2 The Khami ruins, close to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, mark the site of the Kingdom of Butua’s capital, a civilisation that thrived under the Torwa dynasty, following the decline of Great Zimbabwe.
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3 The Natural History Museum is home to extensive displays of history, geology, animals, birds and insects and holds a library as a major source for scientific and educational activities.
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View of the beautiful Bulawayo city.
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5 Set in a beautiful 100-year-old classical Edwardian building, the National Art Gallery has temporary and permanent exhibitions of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture and paintings.
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Go for an extraordinary shopping experience in the bend down boutique.
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The Matobo National Park forms the core of the Matobo or Matopos Hills, an area of granite kopjes and wooded valleys commencing some 35 kilometres south of Bulawayo.
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The Matobo National Park has one of the largest concentrations of black and white rhinoceros making it easy to sight one or more of the large population of this endangered species.
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The area around Maleme Dam has the advantage of being easily accessible, offering good possibilities for accommodation.
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explore
Ghana’s door of no return
The European-built castles and forts clustered on Ghana’s southern coast reveal some of the horrors of West Africa’s past
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hana’s attractions may include the clubs that play the local music known as highlife, contact with nature and wildlife in the country’s national parks and shopping for handicrafts in local markets. But perhaps the most-sought-after site along the Cape Coast is the centuries-old castles perched above the beach along the Gulf of Guinea. No other stretch of African coastline carries the scars of history as this one does. Along a 156-mile span of Ghana’s southern coast, more than 30 castles remain as testaments to the slave trade that reached across the Gulf of Guinea to the Americas from the mid-1500s to the late 1800s. The history of these bastions — built by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British, the Danes, the Swedes, the French and the Germans — is one of exploration, exploitation, greed and freedom lost. In their damp dungeons, the unimaginable becomes real. Dark history From 1480 to 1786, a myriad of castles and forts were erected along the over 500-km-long coastline of Ghana between Keta in the east and Beyin in the west. Back then, Ghana was called the Gold Coast due to its vast quantities of gold, and these strongholds served as fortified trading posts offering protection from other foreign settlers. However, since the 15th century, the forts were seized, attacked, exchanged, sold and abandoned for almost four centuries of struggle between European powers for domination over the Gold Coast. As early as the 1500s, the settlers’ interest turned to the slave trade in light of the growing demand for human labour in the Americas. From holding gold, ivory and other wares, the castles gradually imprisoned slaves, who were reduced to yet another commodity. The majestic fortresses housed dark dungeons, overflowing with misery and despair, right up until the slave trade was gradually abolished in the 1800s. But till then, the damage was already done. Cape Coast Castle One of the most famous castles in Ghana’s dark episode of slavery is the Cape Coast Castle, built in 1653. Initially a wooden building, the castle was February-March 2015
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Preparing yourself Elmina Castle, the most famous castle, sits astride a rocky promontory along the coast of Ghana. It is from Fort St. Jago that the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle. Cape Coast Castle became the seat of British colonial administration until 1877.
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constructed for trade in timber and gold by the Swedish Africa Company, under the direction of Hendrik Carloff, for the King of Sweden. Later rebuilt in stone, the castle, along with its surrounding area, was the site of the European struggle for domination of the major sea ports along the Atlantic coast of Africa. By 1700, the fort had been transformed into a castle and also served as the headquarters of the British colonial governor. However, today it is one of Ghana’s major tourist attractions. It houses the Cape Coast Castle Museum too where visitors can view maps of slave trade routes and look at examples of the objects which were traded in for slaves — such as glass beads, whiskey bottles and firearms. There is also a 45-minute guided tour, which allows visitors to view the castle’s dungeons, the condemned cell and the ‘Door of No Return’.
Over 30 castles remain as testaments to the slave trade that reached across the Gulf of Guinea to the Americas Elmina Castle Similar to the Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle (often called St. George’s Castle) was also transferred between the European powers. Situated in the town of Elmina about 13 km from the Cape Coast, it is known as the oldest European structure in Ghana, the castle’s construction started in 1482 following the arrival of the Portuguese at the Gold Coast in 1471 and served to protect the Portuguese settlement area, named São Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mines). Over the decades, various parts of the Castle were rebuilt, with trade remaining as its main focus. However, by the 17th century most of this trade was in people. Though the days of the slave trade may be long gone, the interior of the castle is still haunting. Like other slave fortresses, Elmina too housed luxury suites for the Europeans in the upper levels. The slave dungeons below were cramped and filthy, each cell often housing as many as 1,000 people at a time, without enough space to even lie down for 200. The floor of the dungeon, as result of centuries of impacted filth and human excrement, is now several inches higher than it was when it was built. However, today, Elmina’s economy is sustained by tourism and fishing. Elmina Castle is preserved as a Ghanaian national museum and monument and is designated as a World Heritage Monument under Unesco. It offers daily historical tours and is an extremely popular destination for African American tourists seeking to connect with their heritage. Words: Amit Ranjan Paul
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Underwater
wonders Cancun’s underwater museum MUSA is one of the many attractions that can leave you awestruck and astounded
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icture this. You see a headless businessmen kneeling beside their briefcases; an overweight, near-naked man watching TV; a crying figure with coral for hair; a crowd of 400 haunting figures, praying, mourning, waiting, hoping... etc. If you think I am talking about some art exhibition, think again. These phenomenal creations are the work of Jason deCaires Taylor, a British artist and pioneer of sub-aquatic art, installed at Cancun, in the Gulf coast of Mexico. Most of you visit an art exhibit with a comfortable pair of shoes, but Taylor’s work requires you to wear flippers, and that too at a depth of at least 12 feet under the water. Cancun Offers To anyone who has ever visited the Gulf coast of Mexico, Cancun is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The crystal clear waters, constant sunshine and the heavenly white-sand beaches of the city’s coast draw in millions of visitors each year. Add into the mix a plethora of majestic attractions under the water, and it’s no wonder why Cancun tops the charts annually for tourism in Mexico. Cancun’s numerous treasures hidden off and under the beaten path can turn any normal vacation into an amazing adventure. MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), Cancun’s underwater museum, is one of the many attractions that can leave you awestruck and astounded. This sunken museum, which exhibits sculptures from various Mexican and British artists, has become an impressive dive site not only for its exquisite artwork but also for the interesting coral reef which has grown around the display. Whether scuba diving, snorkelling or just viewing the impressive spectacle from a glassbottom boat, the unique combination of artwork February-March 2015
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adventure
MUSA, off the coast of Cancún in the Gulf of Mexico, features more than 500 sculptures and marine life in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea are sure to lure you. Little history Jason deCaires Taylor is a pioneer in public art projects that seek to encourage environmental awareness and instigate social change. Born in 1974 to an English father and Guyanese mother, Taylor grew up in Europe and Asia, where he spent much of his early childhood exploring the coral reefs of Malaysia. “I got started while I was studying public sculpture at university and the motivation was the desire to create artworks that benefited the environment,” says Taylor. In 2006, he founded the world’s first permanent underwater art installation at Grenada in the Caribbean and went on to develop the MUSA off the coast of Cancún in the Gulf of Mexico, which today features more than 500 sculptures from Taylor. Now he’s turned his sights on Lanzarote. Having moved to Play a Blanca last year, he’s working on the Museo Atlántico, Europe’s first underwater art museum, which is due to open in 2016, with a series of installations built around an underwater botanical garden. Visitors can see the work by submarine, glass-bottomed boat or by scubadiving and snorkelling. For the Nature With the aim to demonstrate interaction between art and environmental science, the museum forms a complex reef structure for marine life to colonise, inhabit and increase biomass on a grand scale. Each of the sculptures is made from specialised materials used to promote coral life, with the total installations occupying an area of over 420 sq metres of barren seabed and weighing over 200 tons.
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1 Anthropocene 006 2 Anthropocene 013
3 Reclamation 10 4 The Banker 008
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5 Anthropocene 678 6 Ocean Atlas
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The Cancun Marine Park is one of the most visited stretches of water in the world with large number of visitors each year, placing immense pressure on its resources. The location of the sculptures promotes the recovery of the natural reefs at it relieves pressure on them by drawing visitors away. The museum is divided into two galleries called Salon Manchones and Salon Nizuc. The first is eight meters deep and suitable for both divers and snorkelers and the second four meters deep and only permitted for snorkeling. Words - Abhishek Chakraborty Sculpture: Jason deCaires Taylor Photography: The-Stills LifeStyle Agency Underwater Art Museum
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action
Mysterious
Chinhoyi Caves Zimbabweans allege that there’s more to the Chinhoyi Caves than what meets the eyes. Remember not to laugh or throw stones‌ lest the legend holds true and you disappear forever
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here’s something undefinable about Africa. It is not just another continent, but a mystical place of enchantment said to harbour the origins of life. Just when you think you have this sacred terrain figured out, you come across places such Chinhoyi Recreational Park and everything changes in an instant. According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’s website, “The traditional name for the caves is ‘Chirorodziva’, which means the ‘Pool of the Fallen’. The name was derived from an incident that took place in the 1830s when the Angoni Tribe, who were moving northwards, surprised people living near the caves and flung them into the pool.” Located just under 10 km from the town of Chinhoyi — and 120 km from the capital city of Harare — the group of caves is said to be so much more than just popular tourist attractions for locals and international guests alike. There’s arguably more to them than what meets the eye. It is not just the blue waters located in them or the scuba diving opportunities that makes them stand out; but the ‘rules’ that locals give one when entering therein. Failure to abide by these rules can allegedly lead to perplexing outcomes. ‘Don’t laugh!’ “Whatever happens, if you see something funny inside the caves, do not laugh! When I went to the Chinhoyi Caves, I was told that it is not just a piece of land, but sacred land,” says Nokuthula Bulle (24). According to Nokuthula who went there as a tourist, there are a lot of mysterious things that happen at these caves, such as when they were there to visit, the lights went off without any explanation . Spiritual hub It is common to see a lot of people assembling at this area for religious and spiritual purposes. The reasons why people come to the caves vary, however, while talking to people who have been there, it soon becomes apparent that a
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Fast Facts Its traditional name is ‘Chirorodziva’, which means ‘The Pool of the Fallen’ These caves are the most elaborate cave system in Zimbabwe The cave system is composed of limestone and dolomite.
Keep in mind Whatever happens, you are asked not laugh while inside the cave! Obey the instructions one is told when visiting the caves. Arguably, there is more to them than what meets the eyes.
considerable amount go for some sort of spiritual encounter. “It is believed that long ago people used to clap their hands and fruits would fall off the trees. When I visited the [Chinhoyi] caves, some people told us not to eat the fruits because they were enchanted. People believe this place is full of mysteries. You still find a lot of people coming for prayers and spiritual pilgrimage,” says Thandiwe Bulle, (30) who has both South African and Zimbabwean citizenship. Thandiwe alleges that during her visit to the caves, it was clear why the place is alleged to be some sort of spiritual hub and the hype around what and what not to do when there, merely solidified that line of thought. Lest you disappear… What is interesting about this place and other alleged extraordinary places in Zimbabwe is that so many locals believe that they are not just made up. February-March 2015
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Getting there The caves are located about 9 km northwest of Chinhoyi, 120 km from Harare The journey is about 900 km from Pretoria or Johannesburg. You can also fly into Harare and go to Chinhoyi.
The notions, especially among villagers, are that these places are real. “I am from Zimbabwe and am a Zimbabwean citizen. My village of Murombedzi, Zvimba, is about 40 km from Chinhoyi Caves. I believe that this place is real in the sense that it is sacred. I don’t think that all these people are making up these rules and hype for the sake of being difficult,” alleges Trish Mavhingu (21). Trish warns prospective tourists to be careful to obey the instructions one is told when visiting the caves. When asked if she believes whether or not the place is sacred, she is quick to state that she believes it. “When entering, you are told instructions such as not to throw a stone in the water because it will bounce back and hit you. People say a lot of things can happen there. I believe it because I know someone who vanished there after not following the rules… we ended up performing rituals and burying an empty coffin,” alleges Trish who also strongly recommends the caves as an interesting place to visit when in Zimbabwe.
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‘There are a lot of mysterious things that happen at these caves, such as the lights going off unexplainably’ Conclusion If you are a nature lover and desire an experience where nature herself has an opportunity to captivate you, then look no further than the Chinhoyi Caves. This is also an ideal location for picnic and camp enthusiasts. This is one destination that will have something for guests who are seeking a spiritual escapade or just the awe from gazing at the cobalt blue water from somewhere in a cave. The views from both those who believed — and didn’t believe — in the mystery of the place was that it was definitely a place worth visiting if you were in Zimbabwe. One thing that was clear was that you should visit at your own risk… just in case the legend is true. Words: Phindiwe Nkosi
Flyafrica will commence flights between Bulawayo and Johannesburg in March 2015. And currently flies daily between Harare and Johannesburg.
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shopping
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High-street
shopping From bamboozling bazaars to bijoux boutiques, Delhi’s street markets are a fabulous place to shop for an array of stuff
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ith a history that spans millennia, New Delhi is replete with ancient monuments and wonders of the world. Be it the towering minaret of Qutab Minar, the glorious Humayun’s Tomb, or the huge Red Fort, tourists are swamped by the sheer abundance of history on display. But the capital city of India is much more than just visiting the monuments of ancient past. With a sheer abundance of stalls, bazaars, shopping malls and street vendors, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Delhi. The distinct feature of the markets in Delhi is that every shopping street has its own ambience and speciality. So if you want to know the real culture and traditions of the city, it is best to stroll or wander around through its market places. Because for a true fashionista, the ‘where’ of shopping doesn’t really matter as long as she can lay her hands on some exclusive finds. Dilli Haat If you are one who is looking for the most authentic and down-to-earth shopping experience, head straight to ‘Dilli Haat’ in south-west Delhi. This tourist market has the feel of a village bazaar, hence the name ‘Haat’. Small thatched roofs with cottages will remind you of a village and offer you a great ambiance. Offering a blend of handicrafts from different states of India, Dilli Haat boasts of delicious Indian cuisines and mesmerising cultural performances. You must try the delicious momos and pork dishes at the Nagaland stall. February-March 2015
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With an abundance of stalls, bazaars and street vendors, visitors are spoilt for choice in Delhi’s markets Tip The prices of the goods here are often unexpectedly high. The shops here are on a rotation basis, so don’t wait for your next visit to buy stuff. Chandni Chowk Suppose you saw a designer lehenga that appeased your eyes, but not your pocket? Don’t worry. Take a metro ride to Chandni Chowk. Yes, it is crowded and congested. But a palpable upside is the sheer variety on offer. And no, the shopkeepers here are not clueless uncles not understanding what you are looking for. In fact, they speak fashion and will tell you about the latest trends. There are a slew of shops selling replicas of the works of established designers. Some, say they house ‘inspired by Bollywood’ pieces, like the shop Anarkali Bazaar. Tip The market here is too crowded, so avoid hiring a taxi to reach this place. There are many food joints here, including the famous Karim’s, who serve delicious mutton dishes.
1 Wedding lehengas is very popular in Chandni Chowk view of the 2A Janpath market
3 Dilli Haat houses handicrafts from different states of India 4 Authentic jewellery sale in Janpath
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Sarojini Nagar Famous for its really cheap designer clothes and reputable brands that have been rejected from export, either because of surplus quantity or small manufacturing defects, Sarojini Nagar is one of the most-visited markets in Delhi. From runway looks to high-street merchandise, starlets, fashion designers, college students, hard-working professionals and women of leisure know one thing — everything here is defined by just one rule — inside Rs 500 ($8.09). “Every time I visit this market, I am surprised by the labels I find — Armani, Zara, Calvin Klein,” says Ruben Mehra, who never misses this market whenever in city. Though the shopkeepers say products are export surplus and the labels are authentic, it is up to you whether you want to believe this or not. There’s also a sweet market (Babu Market) and vegetable market (Subzi Mundi) in the area.
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shopping
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Famous for its cheap designer clothes and brands, Sarojini Nagar is one of the most-visited markets in Delhi
5 Shops and stalls, selling all kinds of clothes and fashion accessories in Sarojini Nagar 6 Gaffar Market is best known for mobile phones
7 For food lovers, Chandni Chowk is the place to be
8 Shop selling winter clothes in Janpath 9 Bangles for sale in Dilli Haat
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Tip If you get hungry while shopping, visit the Haldiram outlet at Lane G to enjoy the typical mouth watering Dilli chat or grab a glass of juice at the juice corners to refresh yourself. The market gets very crowded in the evening, so it’s better to shop as soon as the market opens in the morning. Janpath Situated just opposite the famous Connaught Place, New Delhi, Janpath Market is a mix of fixed small shops and local stalls. Here you’ll find the latest fashion goods, all decorated in the pomp and glory of their arrival, embellishing the entire market. Other than the fixed small shops and local
Fast Facts Khari Baoli Market is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market Chandni Chowk houses some of the most delicious eateries in New Delhi Janpath market was originally called Queen’s Way and came into existence in 1933.
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stalls, there are also local cloth/footwear/purse and other handicraft artisans sitting between the lanes of fixed shops. Their products are mostly traditional but worth souvenirs to be stored in your backpack in case you want to keep a piece of the ‘trendy Delhi’ with you. Remember to bargain here. Prices sometime fall beyond the half of the ‘fixed prices’ set by the shopkeepers. Tip It may seem to you that items are overpriced and no bargain is done, but that’s not true! You can find original quality Pashmina Shawls from Kashmir at some of the shops here.
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Gaffar Market Started in 1952, with about 500 shops, Gaffar Market is the unofficial grey market capital and is located near Karol Bagh. It is one of the best spots in New Delhi to buy electronic stuffs, especially mobile phones, cameras and digital stuff. This market is unique and ahead at various fronts. It is said that the phones that have not even been officially launched in India can be traced out here. “We have parts for each and every kind of handset. You name any mobile phone brand, and it is available in our market. If a particular model has not been launched in India, that model won’t work here, but we have software to unlock the model and make it functional here,” says a shopkeeper who doesn’t want to be named. Tip You can buy the gadgets and gizmos at a lower price but they do not have a proper bill and there is no guarantee! Beware of the pickpockets active in this market! Words: Nancy Pathak
leisure
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5 best dining
options
From the hottest table to the sexiest starter and most enticing menu, we take a look at the restaurants that are making news in South Africa’s culinary circuit
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here are you eating tonight? With new food joints opening each month, it’s tough to keep track of the best South African restaurants—the impeccable landmarks that never disappoint. Whether you’re craving for an artful tasting menu, a soul-satisfying platter of traditional food or simply a great place to be, there’s quite a few here to satisfy your soul. We bring you the top restaurants that you might want to enjoy while travelling some of the most popular destinations in South Africa. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town) Voted the ‘Best Restaurant in Africa’ and 48th in the 2014 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, The Test Kitchen has been making waves since it started in Woodstock. Named the One To Watch in 2013, The Test Kitchen has seen its chef Dale-Roberts’ unique culinary style bringing a mix of techniques and flavours inspired and influenced by his stint at Bali Sugar, one of London’s first fusion restaurants, as well as his extensive travels in Asia. Local and international food lovers alike flock to this foodies’ paradise, often after a month-long wait to get a table.
Nine-course African-inspired Surprise Menu at The Tasting Room highlights African flavours
Five Hundred (Sandton, Johannesburg) With over 20 years of experience as a chef, David Higgs pours all his passion, expertise and creativity into Five Hundred at the Saxon. Known for showcasing simplicity and sourcing only the freshest hand-picked ingredients for superior fragrance and flavour, Higgs interacts with guests and serves a February-March 2015
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leisure unique gallery of artistic cuisine and wine pairings. The menus reflect the chefs’ passion to serve people with delicious food taken to a new level.
Fast Facts The Tasting Room always aims to be 100% African Five Hundred focuses on hand-picked ingredients for superior fragrance and flavour Jordan Restaurant’s format for lunch and dinner remain the same throughout the year.
Dale Robert’s is the executive chef of The Test Kitchen
The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français (Franschhoek, Western Cape) Located within the luxurious Le Quartier Francais inn, the only Relais & Châteaux property in Franschhoeck, The Tasting Room takes diners on an African culinary treat. Dutch-born chef Margot Janse’s nine-course African-inspired Surprise Menu, paired with local wines, highlights southern African flavours, many of which are sourced from Le Quartier’s gardens. Janse, who was also named South Africa’s Chef of the Year 2012, aims to be 100% African in all her produce. Jordan Restaurant (Stellenbosch) Chef George Jardine heads the Jordan Restaurant on the Jordan Wine Estate. The restaurant offers set menus to choose from, ensuring orchestrated flavours and textures above all else. Guests can opt for two, three or four courses, all with or without specific wine pairings to compliment the dishes. Chef Jardine’s sensitively sourced ingredients are prepared with complete confidence, and the end result is food that is delicious to the core. Though menus change daily here, the format for lunch and dinner remain the same throughout the year.
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DW Eleven-13 (Dunkeld West, Johannesburg) For people looking for a strictly family setting, this enterprise in Johannesburg is the right choice. With celebrity chef Marthinus Ferreira — he has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal — at the helm of affairs here, the food showcases seasonal ingredients, with a lot of attention being paid to the colour and texture. One of the most interesting reasons for this restaurant to flourish is the backing of Ferreira’s father, mother and sister, who all play key roles in DW Eleven-13. Words: Archana
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1 People enjoying food at the scenic Jordan Restaurant 2 Bruschetta with tomato, spring onion and goats cheese salsa from DW Eleven-13 3 Grilled Scallop from The Test Kitchen
4 Dining at Five Hundred has always been a luxurious affair
5 Margot Janse with her team at The Testing Room
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machines
Engineering adventure
Part spaceship, part racing car, part jet fighter, we discover the car that can reach 1,000mph on land
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n the morning of October 15, 1997, a dust trail streaked across Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Behind its wheel was former fighter jet pilot Royal Air Force (RAF) Wing Commander Andy Green who braced himself at the wheel of Thrust SSC — SSC stands for supersonic car — as the jet-powered car achieved a speed of 1,228 kph. In case you haven’t heard about the Thrust SSC, that’s the fastest wheeled vehicle to have travelled on Earth so far. It broke the world land speed record clocking 1,228 kph (763 mph), also becoming the first car to break the sound barrier. Nothing has been able to beat it, but if things go as planned, the Bloodhound SSC is scheduled to break that in 2016. Hakskeen Pan, a dry lake bed in South Africa, has been selected for the car to fulfil this record breaking attempt.
The car is a mix of car and aircraft technology, with the front like a racing car and the back an aircraft Next fall, the Bloodhound SSC will line up on a South African plain and try to go faster than 763 mph. If successful, then it will try to break its own record one year later by going 1,609 kph (1,000 mph), 381 kph (237 mph) more than the Thrust SSC achieved. Twenty-seven square kilometres of South African desert are being cleared by hand for the Bloodhound supersonic car, which will attempt to break the record next year.
1 Royal Air Force Wing Commander Andy Green will be driving the Bloodhound SSC 2 View of the Bloodhound SSC
The ‘supercar’ The supersonic car is a mix of car and aircraft technology, with the front half being a carbon fibre Monocoque like a racing car and the back half being a metallic framework with panels like an aircraft. It has a slender body where the outer body has been made using Tata Steel and is approximately 14m in length with two February-March 2015
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machines Facts & Figures
Length: 13.47m Height: 3m 0-1,000 mph: 55 sec Car Mass: 7786kg
27 sq km of South African desert are being cleared for the car, which will attempt to break the record next year front wheels within the body and two rear wheels mounted externally within wheel fairings. It weighs over 7 tonnes and the engines produce more than 135,000 horsepower — more than six times the power of all the Formula 1 cars on a starting grid put together! At full speed, Bloodhound SSC can cover a mile in 3.6 seconds. “Project Bloodhound is a thrilling piece of British technology, aiming to raise the world land speed record to over 1,600 kph,” says Green, the former jet ace, who has flown combat missions over Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. Challenges ahead Green feels that there are many challenges ahead if the car is going to travel at such a speed. “A thousand miles an hour at ground level is faster than any jet fighter has ever travelled in history, so it’s obvious to have some major challenges,” Green said. The first question that comes to mind is what will happen when the car deploys its air brakes at a speed of over 800 mph. Or how its aluminum wheels will behave? Green answers, “Beyond about 450mph it’s really, really hard to keep a tire on — they just get flung off. So we have used solid aluminum.” During one run from zero to 1000mph and back again, Bloodhound SSC will travel through three very different ‘environments’ — subsonic, transonic (as the car travels through the sound barrier) and supersonic, the rarefied world beyond 760mph. And each zone presents its own factors to be considered. Adding to the problem is weight. During the 40-second dash from standstill to 1,050mph, Bloodhound’s three engines will use up 1.5 tonnes of fuel. This is a very high proportion of the car’s total 6,500 kg mass. Words: Abhishek Chakraborty
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q& a
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The Songbird of
Wassoulou Born in Mali, Oumou Sangaré is a Grammy Award-winning Malian Wassoulou musician, sometimes referred to as the Songbird of Wassoulou. She speaks about her early life and about her passion for music with flyafrica.com
When you first realise you wanted to be a singer? I started singing in public celebrations and other events since my childhood. Singing came so naturally into my life that I can´t think of any specific time or decision that led me to become a singer. Why did you choose Wassoulou to express yourself? I´m from Wassoulou region in Mali, so as a natural choice I heard and reproduce the folklore of my region. I find it so entertaining that I then started experimentation with my music, like adding certain elements from Western countries. However, I am still proud of my origins. Tell us about your childhood and growing up? I have always been a joyful person. However, my early life taught me how hard life can become when you are born in a family living in West Africa. My father left us to marry a second wife when I was very young. This was a very difficult time for me and my family. I had to help my mother at home and also work to bring money for the family. I am really thankful that I found success early in my life when I started doing music. You launched your first album, Moussolou (Women), in 1990 at the age of 21. How did you manage to do so? As I said, I started singing very early. Soon, I collaborated with different bands. I was lucky that the bands I worked with realised my potential and proposed me to lead a band and get discovered all over the world. Which is your favourite song from the album? I love all the songs. When do you take breaks? What do you do then? I never got a break still! Jaja probably when I´m on February-March 2015
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q& a international tour is my break because when I´m in Bamako, taking care of so many things at the same time, I never stop. It’s my way of doing things and I don´t regret of it. How did you become the United Nations Goodwill ambassador? It came to me for the work I did in my beloved continent. They kindly proposed for me to be the Goodwill Ambassador, for my work, for women and children and the whole of Africa. You, as United Nations Goodwill ambassador, have been very vocal against Polygamy. What has been the reason behind this? I suffered polygamy at my home as a child. Though things have changed now and polygamy is an isolated practice these days, there is still a long way to go and lots of work needs to be done. Tell us something about the album Seya (Joy), one of your biggest hits? The album was an expression of my current time. I now need to work on the next one!
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flyafrica.com
I suffered polygamy at my home as a child. Though it is an isolated practice these days, lot needs to be done Apart from music, you are also a successful entrepreneur. How do you manage both? This country needs initiatives and investment and I am just trying to develop my country. It is just the beginning and there is still lots to be done. There is a car ‘Oum Sang’ in China named after you. How did this happen? I have a 4x4 company named ‘Oum Sang’ that I bring from China. They make it specially under my brand. I sell them in Africa. Whom do you consider a music legend? Miriam Makeba, she is my inspiration and my queen. What is your favourite African delicacy? There are many, it is hard to choose just one.
At a glance... Sangare was born in Bamako, the capital of Mali, in 1968 She made her first public performance at Stade des Omnisports, Bamako, in 1974 Received European World Music Album of the Year for Ko Sira in 1993.
Other than music, what do you like to do in your leisure time? Spend time with my kids. That has always been my priority. What are the other forms of music that you enjoy? I enjoy each and every kind of music. Any sports you like and watch? Football. What is your biggest strength? That there are things to change and it has to be done. What do you think is your biggest accomplishment? If at least one woman can say that my music helped them afford life, that is the most I’m proud of. If you want to do one good thing for your country, what it would be? I would do whatever needed so that we fellow countrymen can leave in peace always. Words - Abhishek Chakraborty
February-March 2015
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gadgets
Six things you want in 2015 Here’s some of the wildest, smartest gear you would love to have
The Vaya Travel
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The Vaya Travel is just the dream touring bike. The Vaya is our touring and road adventure bike, designed to handle any surface, from pavement to gravel to dirt. It’s beautiful and fully equipped with rack and fender mounts, ultegra drivetrain and shifters, and actually comes with Tomson seatpost and stem. Available in a stainless steel travel version and steel models, the tubing selection and stable geometry make for a bike that feels great both loaded and unloaded, soaking up unpredictable surfaces mile after mile, from one town to the next. Oh and don’t forget a titanium frame with couplers so you can separate the bike in half and then pack it up for your travels.
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in-flight menu
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i t b e k s
Are you hungry?
Savoury Snacks Crisps Savoury biscuits Biltong (chilli/plain)
ZAR 20,00 20,00 40,00
USD $2,00 $2,00 $4,00
Sweets Chocolate bar Packet of sweets
20,00 20,00
$2,00 $2,00
Cold Beverages Cold drinks 20,00 Juice 200ml 20,00 Water Still 330 ml 20,00
$2,00 $2,00 $2,00
Alcoholic Beer 40,00 $4,00 Wine 187 ml 50,00 $5,00 Hot Beverages Coffee 20,00 Tea 20,00 Hot Chocolate 20,00
$2,00 $2,00 $2,00
* The above items may not be available on the aircraft at all times ** In case of pre-booked snacks not available the closest alternative will be offered.