Retreat, Issue 3, The Waterberg Issue

re treat D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E

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EXPERIENCE THE WATERBERG Where to stay and what to do

WIN WIN WIN -

Gorge swing and two nights at Vic Falls Open water diving course for two Digital cameras Beauty treatments Books

the waterberg issue YOUR GUIDE TO SA’S BEST HOLIDAY SPOTS

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2 Editorial

Retr eat 3 f you love the bush, but have small kids or simply hate taking malaria tablets, the Waterberg is an ideal option. Unspoilt Bushveld and home to the Big 5; we explored Bela Bela, Modimolle, Vaalwater and Lephalale during our road trip.

We review two brilliant GPS devices and also tell you about a couple of fantastic new South African travel books – one focusing on mountain passes and poorts and the other on lighthouses. Two copies of each book, beauty treatments for 10 lucky readers, an open water diving course for two, and a weekend’s accommodation at Vic Falls with a gorge swing for two thrown into the mix, are up for grabs in this issue.

Check out our brand new Retreat Guide section at the back of the mag for a directory of places to go and things to do, and keep an eye out for our next issue which will focus on Gauteng’s shopping malls, restaurants, activities, and more.

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I am standing in front of the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas situated at the most southerly point in Africa. Send me a picture and letter about your ideal “retreat” to stand in line to win great Canon cameras (p4). – Suzanne Grobler <suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za>

Inside Regulars 4 18 19 30

Letters Retreat Traveller’s Tales Food & Wine: Recipe Industry News

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Deputy Editor Renier van Vuuren Advertising Renier van Vuuren > 073-166-1515 renier@smartpublishing.co.za Anneke Kirchner > 083-301-9134 anneke@smartpublishing.co.za Key Accounts Suzanne Grobler > 083-742-6370 suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za Design & Layout Brett Wilson Esta van Niekerk Contributors Mike Joubert Thomas McKinnon Suzanne Grobler Linda Pretorius Christina Rupp Hanleigh Daniels Coenraad Rall Renier van Vuuren Charl Beukes Raymond Grobler Accounts & Subscriptions Ronel Keet > 012-362-2732

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Editor Suzanne Grobler

Distribution Renier van Vuuren > 073-166-1515 renier@smartpublishing.co.za

The Waterberg: Unspoilt Bushveld

Places to stay: Waterberg

Business Manager George Grobler > 083-460-0402 george@smartpublishing.co.za

12 Thaba Monaté 13 ABBA Game Lodge 14 Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge

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15 Published by

Business Traveller 15 Zuikerkop Country Game Lodge

Lifestyle: Décor 16 www.livingspacetoday.co.za

Books 17 Lighthouses of South Africa 17 A Guide to South Africa’s Mountain Passes and Poorts

Facial Therapy | Chemical Peels | Reflexology Liposun Africa Slimming | Acrylic/Gel Nails NEW! Brush-on Instant Tan Soft laser light therapy for treatment of: • pigmentation, age spots, skin rejuvenation and wrinkles • strechmarks, scarring, infections and hair removal • sports injuries and recovery

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Tools for the bush 20 TomTom XXL 20 Navigon 6310 21 Ovi Maps ease holiday frustration

Eco Smart 22 Titbits 23 Betta Lights Solar Power Lighting Solutions

Competitions 17 Book give-aways 17 Win beauty treatments 22 Win an open water diving course for two 24 Win an adventure-filled weekend for two at Victoria Falls

Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved. No material, text or photo graphs may be reproduced, copied or in any other way transmitted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the editor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their respective owners. Retreat shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon. All prices were correct at time of going to print.

All photo and video equipment used by Retreat is sponsored by:

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D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E

Retreat Guide 25 Accommodation / Activities 28 Products / Services Retr eat 3

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M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

4 Letters Dear Retr eat

W in ni ng H a p py Snap & Lett er Dear Retreat, I happen to live near the Kruger and love to visit the park at every opportunity I get. Like so many people I love unwinding in nature. On this particular day we had been driving around the middle of the park and decided to head south toward Crocodile bridge. As we made our way down we bumped into a herd of elephant, the little ones were so hot that they were lying at their mothers feet asleep in the midday heat.

We gently moved on and met another vehicle looking a little lost so we told them about the wonderful sighting we had just had, they said they had had a pretty interesting sighting a little further down the road of a dead impala and cheetah in a tree.

We immediately headed in the direction they had told us and sure enough bumped into the sighting. We sat and looked through the binos for a while and decided to head off when suddenly a big tom leopard jumped into the tree and started to eat the impala. All this took place in full daylight at 14h00 ±100 m off the road.

It truly is the best sighting I have ever experienced, one can only wonder at what happened to the poor cheetah, but it looks like it and the leopard had a punch-up, judging by the leopards right eye.

The scene amazed us as predator can become prey in a flash, it also showed the harshness of nature, its beauty but above all its endless mystery.

Sean Hensman

Hi Retreat, This picture was taken early morning in the Pilansberg Nature Reserve. We don’t very often get the opportunity for the whole family to be able to go away for a weekend together, but this was one of the few lucky ones. The other problem is to get everybody out of bed early in the morning to go on a game drive (you can imagine the moans and groans).

So, this was worth the complaints, coming over the mountain and finding these hot air balloons right in front of us.

It was a spectacular view.

Anneliese van Aardt A close second, well done.

Hi Sean, Wow, what an awesome moment to have captured in pixels! This is certainly a once in a lifetime experience.

Congratulations on winning the second of five Canon PowerShot A470 cameras (sponsored

by Canon). –Suzanne

“Retreat” Happy Snap & Letter Competition 5x prizes of R1499 each

Win a Canon PowerShot A470 every issue for the next 3 issues of Retreat magazine by sending us your picture and letter combo with the theme “Retreat”. Only the best combo will win! All the entries will go into the draw for the grand prize (a Canon EOS 450D) which will be announced in Retreat 7. Happy snapping!

Send your “Retreat” Happy Snap & Letter combo to the Editor at letters@retreatmag.co.za (Please ensure your pics do not exceed 2MB).

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Grand prize of R9999

Sponsored by:

Competition runs from Retreat 2–7.

Competition open to SA Residents only.

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

5 Letters Dear Retr eat Dear Retreat,

Hi Retreat,

I have very dear friends with a game farm in Natal near Empangeni, and once a year I am fortunate enough to spend time with them, away from the stress of what it means to live and work in Johannesburg.

My encounters with God’s creation during these times are a source of refreshment and quietness that goes a long way to helping me just pull myself towards myself.

One morning last April, I got up just as the sun was rising to see if there was any game at the waterhole near the cottage I was staying in. This photograph of the rising sun is a wonderful reminder of just how privileged we are to live in Africa – a continent where some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be seen. The freshness of a new day is exciting! Despite the many problems we may face living in this country, we are always guaranteed that just as the sun sets on one day with all its challenges, the sun will rise again the following morning and we have fresh opportunities to meet new challenges and rise above our circumstances with a positive outlook.

Naomi Binns

This picture is of our “anniversary” retreat. We spent a beautiful and relaxing weekend on the Hartebeespoort dam. The pic is of my husband on the banks of the dam.

It is only 45 min away from JHB but once you are there it’s like you are far away from the hustle and bustle!

What a treat!

Karen Lochmberg

Hi Retreat, This photo was taken on a recent trip to Letaba in the Kruger National Park. Letaba is a magical place set roughly halfway up in the KNP. Bushbuck roam freely in the camp, such as this one having a much needed drink from the pond outside the Elephant Museum in the extreme heat.

Due to Letaba being further north, there are less tourists which makes it more of a relaxed place than some of the busier camps further down south.

The campsite was lovely and clean, and not busy at all. During the midafternoon drive, the temperature hit 40° C! Thank goodness for aircon.

We will most definitely be visiting the KNP again next year, and hopefully see that “ghost” of the bushveld, the Leopard, as it avoided us yet again.

Chris Van Wyk

Dear Retreat, On Women’s Day I had planned to take my partner on a surprise escape to Durban Ushaka Marine World, but had to opt for a lower budget yet equally fulfilling outing to the Pretoria Zoo. We had lovely weather and learnt a lot about marine living and wildlife. The day went by and as the Zoo was about to close, some of the animals were oozing sounds as if to say to us: “Goodbye and thank you for visiting”. The trip was a spiritual and therapeutic experience.

Reuben Rankapole

Hi Retreat, This photo was taken during our visit to Mabula lodge in the Waterberg district in the Limpopo region. Being so close to the Rhinos and other animals was by far the most wonderful and fulfilling experience I have ever had. We learned so much about the animals and the way they live. One thing that I always remember is the way the hyenas relate to each other and the fact that they have a sense of love and unity among themselves (and that they mate for life!).

During our trip I felt so renewed and relaxed away from traffic and all the city has to offer. I have indeed enjoyed myself. We can learn so much from the animal kingdom; tolerance, love and unity.

Helen Tladi

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M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

6 Road Trips

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The Waterberg: Unspoilt Bushveld For this month’s Road Trip we packed the car and set off to Limpopo’s unspoilt Waterberg district. f it’s magnificent Bushveld you’re after, then your heart will find rest in Limpopo’s rustic Waterberg. Running from the south of the province to the west on the border to Botswana, the Waterberg mountains stretch for more than 14 500 km².

Due to its ruggedness a lot of land cannot be cultivated, so the Waterberg is home to a massive amount of game and bird species. In fact, the Waterberg Biosphere was the first region in the northern part of South Africa named as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The Waterberg is also extremely accessible, with the N1 highway out of Pretoria and Johannesburg your primary route.

Picture: Reuben Heydenrych

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Bela Bela (Warmbaths) rom the N1 take a left onto the R516 and you’ll soon enough find yourself in Bela Bela (formerly Warmbad), South Africa’s premier hot springs resort town.

Bela Bela is known for its temperate climate, and as a family holiday destination it comes highly recommended.

Two resorts dominate the scene, both equally entertaining. Forever Resorts is where most of the hot springs action is.

20 000 litres of water per hour, naturally heated to 53ºC, makes it way into the beautifully developed resort. The resort sports a vast amount of water sport activity including water ski-ing, tubing and super tubes.

Klein Kariba is one of the best kept resorts in South Africa. Their beautiful

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camping and self-catering facilities makes it one of the most popular resorts in the country.

If you can, try to stay in one of the beautiful wood cabins overlooking the dam.

Two game reserves near Bela Bela that are testament to the Waterberg’s beautiful wildlife are Mabalingwe and Mabula game lodges, while a multitude of smaller game lodges are dotted around the area. A final mention must be made of Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, South Africa’s only 5-star golfing resort, situated just outside Bela Bela.

Modimolle (Nylstroom) 7 km up the (curvy) road from Bela Bela you’ll find yourself in Modimolle, the commercial centre of the Waterberg district. On your way try to stop at one of the many roadstalls to try some of the region’s lovely peaches, watermelon or grapes on offer (or their mampoer if they stock it!). During January Modimolle plays host to a Grape Festival, with good reason, since locals will tell you this region produces some of the sweetest grapes in SA.

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Villa Olien Guesthouse is set in Modimolle, in the Waterberg region, some 130 km north of Pretoria, surrounded by splendid hot mineral springs, peaceful nature reserves and a choice of game farms.

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Seven luxury villas available Each can accommodate five guests sharing in twin or double rooms Spacious lounge with television and individually controlled satellite channels A fully equipped kitchen is available for self catering purposes Scrump ous breakfast prepared by our professional chef on request Private braai facili es are available and each unit is surrounded by its own in mate evergreen garden Each unit offers safe parking in lock-up garages 4 km away from the Waterberg Conven on Centre

Self Catering Villa R1 600 per night max five persons

www.villaolien.co.za Tel: 083 443 2118 | Fax: 014 717 3772 | Email: guesthouse@villaolien.co.za

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Modimolle (Nylstroom)

Waterberg Eiendomme Properties Attie Louwrens 083-236-4387 ajlouwrens@telkomsa.net

Jan Blignaut 083-355-2144 014-755-3760

<< From p 7 <<

For bird lovers getting your binoculars out at Nylsvley bird and nature reserve is a must, since a massive 370 different bird species can be found there. Nylsvley is situated to the north of the town, with SA’s largest floodplain vlei forming part of the reserve.

Various properties from 21 to 8 000 ha. Game, cattle, irrigation farms and small holdings. Fully developed and undeveloped farms available. All properties on the Waterberg plateau.

A trip to Thaba Kwena will be a treat for the kids. It is the largest commercial crocodile farm in the southern hemisphere and plays host to some 22 000 crocodiles. They get fed every Saturday, so make sure you go then. Crocodile meat (tastes like chicken we think), and skin are available to buy.

Anglers should get a line wet in the Donkerpoort dam, just outside Modimolle, where you’ll find Carp, Bream, Black bass as well as Barbel.

Vaalwater 1 km from Bela Bela you’ll find yourself in Vaalwater, right on the edge of the Waterberg Biosphere. The Waterberg Nature Conservancy was established in 1990 to conserve more than 150 000 hectares of Waterberg habitat. It plays host to a number of animal species and incorporates local farms and nature reserves, as well as a number of rural villages in the area.

Close to Vaalwater you’ll find St John’s Church. Built in 1914, the church, with its thatched roof, was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, also of course responsible for the Union Buildings.

For those looking for an “opskop”, Vaalwater lets its hair down with the annual Waterberg Game Festival. It’s timed to coincide with the last game auction of the year, and takes place from 23 to 25 September.

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M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

9 Road Trips

Wat erb er g Vaalwater

SEBE SEBE Lodge The Marekele National Park near Vaalwater offers four of the big five including Lion and Leopard, and is also home to the largest colony of Cape Vultures in SA, with about 800 breeding pairs.

Between Modimolle and Vaalwater we found a beautiful waterfall hidden away off the road, which seemed ideal for a quiet little picnic.

“Place of Peace and Tranquility” Sebe Sebe Lodge lies on the banks of the Limpopo River, near Lephalale on the Botswana border: • Perfect for weekend breakaways • Overnight spot enroute to Botswana • Conference and func on venue

South Africans have enjoyed the Waterberg since the Stone Age, when the first inhabitants settled here about three million years ago. With its large amount of game reserves, camping sites, dams and a lot of local flavour, all in a malaria free area, the Waterberg should be on your “top 5 places to explore” list.

• Numerous game species and other wildlife • Home to abundant bird species • Wide range of ac vi es: game viewing, night drives, fishing, mountain biking, bush walks, hun ng can be arranged.

Contact Sebe Sebe Lodge +27-83-456-6940 Email: sebesebe@telkomsa.net Retr eat 3

www.sebesebelodge.co.za

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Lephalale (Ellisras)

The heartbeat of the Waterberg bushveld Diverse Lephalale, previously known as Ellisras, is situated on the northern side of the Waterberg Biosphere. Only three hours from Gauteng, Lephalale is one of the last big towns you’ll pass through on your way to the South African / Botswana border at Stockpoort, situated 70 km further north, and Groblersbrug, about ± 110 km away. It has become a major stop-over for safaris into Botswana, but as a des na on on its own, Lephalale is definitely well worth pursuing.

Into the wild…

Driving through this beautiful region it’s easy to see why Lephalale has become synonymous with the Bushveld. Here you’ll find miles and miles of untouched nature, ancient trees and rolling landscapes that whisper of memories made under the wide African sky. This is big five country, while an evening camp fire is never far away. About 250 game farms are scattered across the region, with rustic to five star experiences on offer. Game viewing, eco-tourism and trophy hunting are big draw cards for both local and international visitors. All this with the peace of mind that Lepahlale is a malaria free area.

Sporty… or not?

Those looking for thrills and spills are well catered for, since a wide range of adventure sports are offered in the region. Teeing off on an 18 hole ‘evergreen’ golf course, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, 4x4ing, microlighting, boating and fishing are just a few of the sports to get the adrenaline pumping. For those looking for a more Retr eat 3

reserved past time, over 300 bird species can be viewed in the Lephalale region, with quite a few rare and unique species on display.

The Lephalale region truly caters for every need. Everyone is welcome here: from the discerning tourist looking for five star lodge luxury, (flown in via the Lephalale airstrip), to the come-with-atent, braai-all-weekend camper looking for care-free peace and quiet under the amazing Bushveld stars.

Where it all started…

As a town Lephalale is not particularly old. Established on the farm Waterkloof in 1960, Ellisras was named after the original farm owners Patrick Ellis and Piet Erasmus. The growth of the town owes a lot to the development of the Grootegeluk Coal Mine. It is currently South Africa’s largest coal operation and also the world’s largest coal beneficiation complex. You may also come across Matimba, the largest direct air-cooled power station in the world, which is supplied with coal from Grootegeluk. www.r etr eatmag.co.za

Facing a bright future…

Lephalale is not only about the past or the present, but also, very much, about the future. Eskom is building a new drycooled, coal fired power station, called Medupi, in Lephalale. Another big player in the energy field, Sasol, is currently undertaking a feasibility study to build a new coal-to-liquid fuel (CTL) plant in the region, while Anglo American has also been investigating possibilities in the area. All these operations are conducted with a well managed impact on the environment.

Lephalale continues to capture the true spirit of the Bushveld. There is enough space here for nature and man, traditional values and modern development, to co-exist. Once you have felt the heartbeat of the Waterberg, you will feel it calling you back for ever more…

Contact Visit www.lephalaletourism.co.za, www.lephalale.com, call 076-2380342 / 014-763-2193 or email info@ lephalaletourism.co.za for more info.

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

12 Places to stay Wat erb er g

Thaba Monaté

To do a lot, or not to do a lot 10 km north of Bela Bela, Limpopo, you’ll find yourself in the outer reaches of the Waterberg.

Situated here on the edge of small hills is the lovely Thaba Monaté bushveld and nature resort. Here the choice is yours – you can take your me to unwind and make your way through their 400 ha of bushveld, or partake in what could be your most ac ve holiday ever.

Game viewing There is truly a lot to keep yourself, and the kids, busy with at Thaba Monaté.

First and foremost is the fact that it is a game farm, with access to the beautiful surroundings and wildlife through a number of ways. The twice daily game drives are always a popular choice, while 4x4 enthusiasts can also explore the game drive routes on their own. If you’re up for the challenge you can attempt to tackle the routes via mountain bike, while hikers have two walking trails to explore.

The Koedoebessie trail lasts two and a half hours, while the more challenging Kiepersol route takes five hours to complete. Some of the game along the routes include Kudu, Nyala, Red Duiker, Klipspringer, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog, Zebra and Giraffe. As expected, bird watching is also top-notch.

Fishing and sport Just a short walk from the main reception area you’ll find yourself coming across the local dam, stocked with Bass and Carp. If you are up for a spot of fishing there are canoes for hire, while you can also try to catch them from the banks. (A catch and release policy is in place.)

If this is not enough to keep sport fanatics happy, there are also squash, tennis and volley ball courts ready for Retr eat 3

some action. A putt-putt course, jungle gym and trampoline are there for both the young and the young at heart.

Swimming pool What is a resort without a nice swimming pool?

Thaba Monaté offers two, with holiday goers being able to relax next to both a cool water pool (fitted with a crossbeam for watersports) or a cold water pool with a heated section.

Having these to cool you down when the sun is at its hottest makes a big difference.

and has a braai, as well as water and electricity. The scullery and ablution blocks are kept clean through-out the day.

Contact With all this on offer, Thaba Monaté has very competitive prices. Visit their website at http://thabamonate.co.za, email thabam@ctec.co.za or call them on 014-736-2291/4131.

The Bush Pig Inn At the end of the day a relaxing drink is in order, down at the Bush Pig Inn. With DSTV on offer you won’t miss that important Super 14 clash, while there is also a pool table available if the rugby doesn’t keep you entertained. The fully licensed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast as well as an á la Carte menu during the day.

Corporate booking and facilities Corporate companies looking for conference facilities will find Thaba Monaté a perfect choice. The Big Five boardroom offers seating for up to 150 people, with a range of seating styles available, including U-shape, Cinema, Boardroom and Schoolroom. The following conference aids are also available: proksima and screen, flip charts with pens, white boards and white board markers. Audio visual technology such as a DVD player, VCR, overhead projector and a television can also be booked.

Chalets Thaba Monaté offers secluded, beautiful, thatched chalets that either sleep two, four or six people. These chalets include a braai area with linen, a microwave oven, stove and fridge. To keep the bushveld atmosphere intact, there is no television or radio on offer.

Caravan and camping The caravan and camping facilities at Thaba Monaté have attracted campers from across SA. Each site is spacious,

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M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

13 Places to stay Wat erb er g

ABBA Game Lodge

Game or fish?

Natural dam There are a couple of standout features at ABBA, one of them being the lovely dam located on the doorstep of its selfcatering units. It’s small enough not be imposing, while being big enough not to be mistaken it for a splash pool. A big benefit of the dam is that it is only open for fishing to people camping at ABBA. Anglers can look forward to catching Carp, Barbel, Bass and Kurper in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The name of the game though is catch and release, and for those looking to take their catch home, the much larger Donkerpoort dam is literally just round the corner.

Wildlife While some might enjoy the fishing, others will delight in the amazing

If you are looking for a break-away with the family in the midst of 1100 ha game farm, then ABBA Game Lodge is the perfect choice. ABBA is situated just outside of Modimolle (Nylstroom) next to a natural dam, far away from any big city hustle and bustle.

wildlife on offer. There is no fence separating the camp from the game, and we encountered Impala roaming very close to the camping area (don’t worry there are no predators in the mix). From the caravan sites you have a view over a big part of ABBA’s 1100 ha of grassland. Here one finds a wide variety of buck species, including Eland, Kudu, Njala, Waterbuck and Springbok.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Zebra and Giraffe, while the Bush pigs come and go as they please. The game can be viewed while hiking through the game park, or simply from your front porch, since they roam around the lodge. If the game is not enough, consider the multitude of bird species or 52 tree species growing on the farm.

Caravan camping ABBA’s neat caravan stands are a big treat, since it’s not everyday that you have a thatched roof to park a caravan under. There are 15 of these sites, each equipped with their own braai and electricity. There is a comfortable space between all sites, and clean communal ablution facilities are situated close by.

Self-catering There are eleven self-catering chalets available, we recommend the four chalets overlooking the dam. Holiday makers can relax in these fully furnished thatch roofed chalets, available in 2, 4, 6, and 8 sleeper arrangements.

Activities There is a lot for any family to do at ABBA, making it ideal for vacationers either on a weekend stay or on a longer break-away. It can get hot during the

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day, so cooling down in the pool can be a very soothing experience. There is also a heated pool for those with cold blood running through their veins.

Holiday makers looking for a tad more adventure can go canoeing or pedal boating on the dam, while mountain bikes can be hired to explore the game lodge via pedal power. Old faithfulls like the trampoline, a volleyball court and outdoor chess offer an easy way to pass the time. For the smaller kids, there is enough to do at the children’s playground and farmyard, while they can also enjoy a ride on the tractor and trailer.

The Warthog’s Den For evening entertainment the Warthog’s Den is always open. The dining area is fully licensed, and an á la Carte menu is on offer, while breakfast can be enjoyed in the morning. There are pool tables available for those up for an eight-ball challenge.

The on-site shop will provide you with everything you need during your stay, including milk, firewood, sweets and cooldrinks.

Contact ABBA game lodge has very decent prices for their caravan stands and thatched self-catering units. Contact them on 014-717-2362 or visit www.abbagamelodge.co.za for more info.

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

14 Places to stay Wat erb er g

Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge

Honest bushveld comfort Ernest Hemingway famously said: “All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not le it yet, but when I would wake in the night, I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.”

This by the man who popularised the word ‘Safari’ in the West, when he we was enjoying Africa in fully-furnished and accommodated East-African Safari tents, now commonly known as Hemingway-style tents. hile you can only truly experience the bush if your lodgings are a tent, there is no reason why this tent shouldn’t be anything but comfortable.

Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge, situated on the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province, offers this true bushveld experience. With nine Hemingway-style tents, complete with ensuite bathrooms and airconditioning, a little R&R in rugged-luxury is assured.

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Honest comfort Each tent is furnished with a double bed, rattan furniture and a bar fridge.

The well adorned bathrooms are fully equipped with all that is necessary to ensure a comfortable stay.

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Dining Breakfast, lunch and dinners are simple and refreshing and enjoyed in the open Lapa dining room.

There is truly something special about enjoying one of the dishes less than 100 m from plains game like Wildebees and Sable, quenching their thirst at the watering hole in front of the lodge.

Pontoon cruise Sundowner Pontoon cruises can be enjoyed on the Palala river while admiring a true bushveld sunset. The Palala river is ideal for bird watching, casual fishing and crocodile spotting.

Clay pigeon shooting Shouldering a 12 gage in the cool morning hours and spraying orange disks ‘full of lead’ is a real stress reliever.

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Other activities Beyond the usual facilities and activities, Bateleur offers Big Five game drives and night drives, walking safaris, game tracking and casual fishing.

To make the stay unforgettable you can also enjoy off-lodge activities like an outing to the White Lion project; Elephant back safaris and a visit to an archaeological pots site.

Basic Conference Facilities Seating 40 delegates, Bateleur offers basic conferencing facilities in true bushveld style from R175pp (includes lunch and snack and drinks midmorning and afternoon).

Other facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, lapa bar and boma.

Rates R595 per person sharing or R695 per person sharing (including breakfast, dinner and a game drive). Self-catering options are available at R395 per person.

Contact Bateleur has too much to offer for just a one night stay – a weekend is needed to truly experience the African bushveld and the warm and welcome hospitality offered by Bateleur Tented Safari Lodge and its staff.

For more info, contact them on 014763-4064, 082-529-5997, email at info@bateleurlodge.co.za or visit their website www.bateleurlodge.co.za.

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M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

15 Business Traveller F r e e S t a t e

Advertorial

Open spaces enchance open minds

ituated just outside Clocolan, between the wide landscapes of the Eastern Free State, Zuikerkop Country Game Lodge is ideal for a function or conference with a difference.

Far away from the city’s rush, Zuikerkop allows you to clear your head and invite innovative ideas to make the most out of your conference. The lodge hosts a practical and stylish conference venue, equipped with the latest technology in projection hardware, seating up to 80 delegates.

Groups of up to 80 can also use the open air boma to brainstorm or to relax and mingle around a warm fire. A deck, which overlooks the private reserve, is excellent for crisp outdoor breakfasts or cocktails at sunset.

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Activities Outdoor activities include game drives on their 1200 hectare estate, hikes for a more upclose experience with the more than 20 species of game roaming the property, swimming or miniature golf.

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Restaurant The lodge’s upmarket restaurant offers exclusive dishes like “Brie wrapped in bacon, accompanied by sun-dried tomatoes, drizzled with an exotic strawberry pesto,” giving you a taste of Zuikerkop’s unique way of spoiling their guests.

Accommodation Guest accommodation includes twosleeper rondavels, double- and twinsleeper chalets, and one charming honeymoon suite.

With the right balance of tranquility, good service and attention to detail, Zuikerkop proves to be a great getaway and a premium conference and function venue.

Conference packages, which include a light lunch and refreshments, are available from R250 per person.

For more information contact them on 083-389-0587, info@zuikerkop.co.za or visit www.zuikerkop.co.za. www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

Lifestyle Décor Advertorial

www.livingspacetoday.co.za

Design your lifestyle

At your service Centurion Business Hotel is designed for business people and fulfills all their special expectations. The hotel is small enough to feel personal but big enough to cater for all your needs.

This Executive hotel is conveniently located in Centurion, and has easy access to major highways, is in reach of major Gauteng urban centres and OR Tambo Airport.

Centurion Business Hotel offers a vast range of services, including a full concierge, business assistance, conference, wi-fi and chauffeur services.

Itching to make your living space what you’ve always wanted it to be?

Trust Living Space to procure the decora ve materials and make it happen.

They can put you in touch with all the design and building exper se you will ever need. In a nutshell, let Living Space facilitate your project, whether it be home improvement, at the office, a development project or at your travel lodge. iving Space (www.livingspacetoday.co.za) is one of South Africa’s prime online furnishing and decorative finishing resources. Grace your project with their elegant tiles, stylish bathroom suites and range of branded furniture. To top it all off, when you buy from Living Space’s online store, you are guaranteed competitive prices and personal service.

What makes Living Space unique is that they are able to put the customer in touch with service suppliers like architects and expert builders and plumbers. For instance, Living Space’s partnership with top interior architectural designer, Phil Darby, allows you to benefit from amazingly real 3D architectural visualisations.

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Find elegance online At www.livingspacetoday.co.za you will find a comprehensive selection of tiles, bathroom fittings, mosaics, bedroom and lounge furniture. Through its extensive network of manufacturers Living Space can supply these products online.

Brand names in the range include Dado Quartz baths, Cloud Nine and Rest Assured premium beds, Cobra taps and Bathroom Butler heated towel rails. Take time to browse their online catalogue.

Not only for individuals Living Space’s services are not limited to the individual.

Property developers requiring products and design advice; hotels and lodges requiring elegant furniture, curtaining and linen; or an architect’s dreams can be brought to life.

Focus on beds Accommodation is a prime objective with the 2010 World Cup ahead. Living Space has a wide range of beds which will be delivered to you at prices that cannot be beaten. Bed sales have sharply increased as the need and opportunity to accommodate spectators is being realised.

Solution providers Struggling to come up with an elegant dining room solution?

Is your bathroom lacking that stylish designer touch? Living Space will work their magic. These are challenges they cannot resist, making a consultation with their experts your obvious next step.

+27 82 884 2177 | +27 72 287 0575 reservations@centurionbusinesshotel.co.za www.centurionbusinesshotel.co.za

Visit www.livingspacetoday.co.za for more info or call them on 082-890-9398.

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

17 Books

Lighthouses of South Africa Gerald Hoberman, The Hoberman Collec on (Pty) Ltd (2009) outh Africa’s shores are among the most dangerous in the world.

Treacherous waters, rough weather conditions and razor sharp reefs have for centuries brought about a sad fate to many sailors. To guide the way to a safer journey, there are a myriad of lighthouses scattered along our shoreline. Gerald Hoberman’s book pays homage to all the lives lighthouses have saved and to the dedicated work of lighthouse keepers throughout the years.

Beautifully portrayed through dramatic, as well as detailed photographs, Hoberman brings the stories of these guiding lights back to life. This collection comprises technical specifications of different lighthouses, gripping shipwreck stories as well as myth-enshrouded legends, like the one of the notorious Flying Dutchman. This hard cover book is a timeless example of the wealth and diversity of South African maritime history and surely deserves a special place on every coffee table.

It costs R600 for the Flagship edition and R300 for the Boatswain edition. Available at all leading bookstores or you can order from www.hobermancollection.com or 021-5510270.

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A Guide to South Africa’s Mountain Passes and Poorts Patrick Coyne, Osborne Porter Literary Services (2010) gem of a guide for those who love to explore roads less travelled, Patrick Coyne takes readers on a fascinating ride to and through 50 of South Africa’s most lovely places. The paperback book describes the winding roads over passes, through kloofs and poorts connecting towns that would otherwise be very bothersome to travel to. It explores the dramatic and unforgiving natural wonders of mountains and ridges barricading land bound travels via direct route in the days of old, complete with GPS coordinates for every stop mentioned.

To add to this enjoyable and almost nostalgic read, Coyne gives useful information on things to do and see enroute, as well as historical facts and tales. It is a pity that not all the publication’s illustrations and photographs are reproduced in full colour or at the best quality, but it takes nothing away from a highly recommendable publication.

R195 (incl VAT & postage in SA). For more info visit www.osborne-porter.com.

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Book give-away Retreat has two copies of each title to give away to four lucky readers. Send your name, surname, suburb and age with either “Lighthouses” or “Mountain” in the subject line to competition@retreatmag.co.za Competition closing date: 31 May 2010

Win one of ten so laser light therapy sessions courtesy of Soft laser light therapy for treatment of: pigmentation, age spots, skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, strechmarks, scarring, infections, hair removal, sports injuries and recovery.

How to enter Send your name, surname, suburb and age with “L’abri” in the subject line to competition@ retreatmag.co.za Competition closing date: 31 May 2010 Retr eat 3

Winner: Retreat 2 A family trip (two adults and two kids under 12 years) to BushBabies and the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort.

Congratulations to Gafsah Davids from Eldorado Park!

www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

18 Reader’s Column

Retr eat Tr aveller ’s Tale s

Zambian Elephant Rescue

By Charl Beukes We have been fortunate in having various groups of Elephants pass through the Croc Valley campsite. They come to feast on the various indigenous trees that line the Luangwa River bank. O en the Ellies also stop to have a drink at the Hippo friendly pool. On this par cular day we were thrown into the deep end... ust after 5 am in Crock Valley Camp, Zambia, a loud splashing was heard coming from the camp’s swimming pool.

On closer inspection we saw it was one of our regular groups of Elephant, a matriarch, two juveniles and baby that had come for their morning drink. They were inside the pool, splashing, dunking each other and having loads of fun. As the bar area was filling up with clients to watch the spectacle in the pool, the mother Elephant decided that it was time for them to leave.

Croc Valley’s Hippo friendly swimming pool was specifically designed, shaped like half an egg with sloped sides, so that Hippo and Elephant could get in and out. Unfortunately we had just finished painting the pool with a fancy new rubberized pool paint, and this stuff was slippery when wet – very slippery.

After several attempts of slipping, falling, gauging holes into the cement with her tusks, and trumpeting, the mother managed to get herself out of the water. While the onlookers were still happily snapping away at a distance, oblivious of the inherent dangers, the mother demolished the pool pump house with a couple of shakes of her head and tusks. Grass, iron sheets, and pieces of bricks went flying in all directions.

She then set about getting her infant out of the pool. She put her trunk over the baby Elephant, pulling it out while one of the juveniles pushed from the bottom, push and pull until baby was safely out. Mom and baby strolled off to find a tasty morsel to eat while the two juveniles were still stuck in the pool.

We were deliberating on how to quickly get the two out, because if the mom returned while we were busy trying, we would be in big trouble.

First we tied together some hammocks, then tied them around a tree and threw them into the pool. The Ellies could use them to walk on and get out that way, or so we thought, but as soon as the Elephants put their feet on them they slipped again and fell back down. We then tried a long piece of sturdy Mopani tree to maneuver the Ellies from behind. Snap, it broke.

Suddenly the mother returned, trumpeting in distress probably saying

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“leave them kids alone”.

To scare her away, a shot was fired over her head and in an instant she turned, and was off. During all this commotion one of the juvies had managed to get himself out, probably urged on by the noise from the shot. He ran, furiously trumpeting and searching for his kin.

At least now we could concentrate on one Elephant only with a watchful eye on the rest of the brood. We were out of ideas when someone suggested tarpaulin that you wrap around the Elephant’s backside, like a nappy, but not tied in the front, supporting the weight as the Elephant inched his way out of the pool. After numerous attempts, even trying to get out in reverse gear, the Elephant smelt freedom, and was out.

With ears flaring and tail up in the air like a car aerial, he trumpeted towards his family. People went scattering in all directions but luckily no one was hurt.

We were still trembling through the cheers of the onlookers now wanting to congratulate everybody on the successful rescue.

Two days later the pump house was rebuilt, the water drained out of the

pool, and eight twenty liter buckets of elephant dung unceremoniously dunked into the river. It was the first time ever we have seen a pool muddier than the river.

We have had many exciting days at Croc Valley Camp, but I think this one tops the list...

Retreat Traveller’s Tales Share your humourous, peculiar or inspirational Traveller’s Tale with us by emailing 400 words and pics (please ensure your pics do not exceed 2 MB) to suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za. www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

19 Food & Wine

Recipe

Braai deboned leg of lamb on an open fire Ingredients 1x deboned leg of lamb 5x large sprigs of fresh rosemary 1x clove of garlic (crushed) 1 tbl spoon of butter 100 ml of balsamic vinegar 100 ml of olive oil 100 ml red wine

Step 2 Mix together all other ingredients to make a basting for the leg of lamb.

Step 1 You can use a closing grid or a regular grid on the braai, but make sure you turn it constantly to prevent the meat from burning. Also ensure that you make a big enough fire to have coals for a course of at least an hour and a half.

Re cip e

Step 3 Brush on the basting every time you turn the leg of lamb. (Make sure there are no flames when cooking, COALS ONLY!) Step 4 Even though the leg of lamb has been deboned and flattened, some pieces will be thicker than others. About 40 mins into the cooking time of the leg, you may want to cut off thicker pieces if there are diners who like their meat a little more well done.

Step 5 This step is optional: If you are in possession of a double roaster, and not afraid to use it outside, you can place it over the leg every time you have turned and basted. This will speed up cooking time by 20 mins and will add a smokey flavour to your leg of lamb.

le

by Ra ym ond Grob

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Rosemary potatoes • Boil potatoes until soft, peel and cut into desired sized blocks.

• Melt 1 tbl spoon of butter in a frying pan.

• Sauté the potatoes in the butter along with a pinch of salt, pepper and three sprigs of finely chopped rosemary.

Cheesy brussels sprouts • Use a 2:1 ratio with cheese and cream (2 cheese:1 cream) e.g. 200 g cheese with 100 g cream • Grate your cheese as fine as possible and add it to the cream. Place it in the microwave for 30 second intervals until the cheese is slightly melted and a thick enough consistency to cover the back of a table spoon.

• Boil sprouts until soft, then add sauce as topping.

Experience the REAL Africa Croc Valley Camp South Luangwa, Zambia

Tel: +260 216 246074 | Cell: +260 977 175 172 Email crocvalleycamp@iwayafrica.com | Web www.crocvalley.com

20 Tools for the bush

Pr o du ct r eviews

V isi t w w w. t e c h sm a r t. c o . z a fo r m or e r evi ews.

Navigon 6310

TomTom XXL

A lot more screen All this for only…

The TomTom XXL with its 5" screen looks par cularly smart with its bezel finished in a cool black with a silver lining. As such it would not look out of place in a pricey German sedan, but seems equally at home in a bakkie or 4x4.

A er only entering the SA market in November last year, it’s no surprise that Navigon GPSs are well priced.

Their 6310 with its 4.3" screen for example is about R2000 cheaper than compe ng GPSs with similar features. here’s no catch to this as we were thoroughly impressed by the Navigon 6310, apart for its slow satellite fixing which is frustrating. The 6310 is loaded with features, with one of the more impressive being 3D maps. We were really impressed with the unit’s 3D terrain maps which offer a topographical view of your route, highlighting the bends and slopes of terrain.

Features like text-to-speech, lane assist and MyRoutes (which offers up to three route options based on various factors like distance, time and traffic) are also present and work as expected.

Maps look great on the unit; they are clear and offer tons of information without cluttering up your view. We did find that zooming into the maps was less intuitive than we would have liked though, as you are taken to a different screen.

The Navigon 6310 retails for R3299, contact Hi-Fi Corporation for more details.

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" is a lot of screen to play with, and it makes not just navigating the menu a breeze, but also viewing the device, with especially the text being easier to read.The user interface on the XXL is identical to TomTom’s smaller models such as the TomTom Pearl, in fact it’s much the same except for the bigger screen. Their Help Me! functionality is as excellent as ever, with emergency numbers, the nearest emergency services and a First Aid guide never more than a few presses away.

TomTom is kind enough to not just load maps for the Republic, but also for the rest of Southern Africa including Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique amongst others.

The TomTom XXL costs R2249, which is about R250 more than the entry level Pearl at R2000. The delicious 5" screen makes the extra bucks worth it though.

Available from Matrix Warehouse on 011-869-2613/4 or visit www.matrixwarehouse.co.za.

5

We bea t any quotati on 60 Mitchell street, Pretoria-West

TENTS GASSTOVES GASLAMPS BEDS CAMPING EQUIPMENT CADAC ACCESSORIES GROUND SHEETS MOSQUITO NETS MATTRESSES Military Backpack

Battle jacket

Water bottle

S E R O T RPLUS S

U S Y M R A Mosquito net

Backpack

Camouflage nets

Camping cot

Tel: 012-327-3282 Cell: 082-898-7961 Fax: 012-327-1194 Email: army@armystores.co.za www.armystores.co.za

21 Tools for the bush

Ovi Maps ease holiday frustra on Nokia recently made Ovi Maps free on their range of smartphones, a move which resulted in over 1 million downloads of the free maps from the Ovi Store in the ďŹ rst week. Nokia have now made 3D maps available as part of the free download, making it easier for travellers to recognise their surrounding landmarks and therefore makes naviga on even easier. here is nothing more frustrating than when you are lost in a strange location whilst on holiday. The great thing about Ovi Maps is that it allows you to plan routes either directly on your mobile device or on your PC in advance. The 3D mapping also makes it easy for you to recognise exactly where you are and where you are going. For example, if you are going from the Coca-Cola Dome to Ellis Park, both venues will look as they do in real life on the maps and any other landmarks you may pass on route will be shown too. Getting lost is now a thing of the past.

Other features of the Ovi Maps include Lifecasting, a service which enables you to share and tag your current location with friends on social media networks to which you can add relevant photographs. This means that when meeting up with people they will know exactly where to find you and they will also have the exact co-ordinates and mapping details of the location for future reference.

Ovi Maps is immediately available for download on selected Nokia handsets including the popular Nokia N97, Nokia N97 Mini, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia E72.

For a list of compatible devices go to www.ovi.com/services.

King Fisher Lodge lower Zambezi Our Lodge is situated at the lower end and start of the magnificent Mpata gorge, which runs for almost 20 km before it opens out into wide sand channels and small islands, all part of the lower Zambezi National park, all premier Tigerfish areas.

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WINNERS OF THE

COMPETITION

1st Prize: Wynand du Toit R15 000 towards your dream holiday + a Nokia 6710 Navigator handset 2nd Prize: Cheryl Malek R5 000 towards your dream holiday + a Nokia 6710 Navigator handset 3rd Prize: Lizzy Mahapa A Nokia 6710 Navigator handset Congratulations!

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30 km down stream from our Lodge is the start of the Cahora Bassa dam another prime Tigerfish area, we are at the centre of it all!

Accommodation is four thatched comfortable ensuite chalets overlooking the river.

Four boats fully equipped for conventional and fly fishing (two fishermen per boat).

Email: baillieeng@gmail.com Cell: +26 097-743-7270 and +26 09- 785-7873, Contact persons: Vernon, Alister or Roz

22

Eco Smart T i t b i ts

We tell you about environmental efforts and research around the world and find that some are definitely greener than others... By Linda Pretorius Gardener on the roof esearch at Michigan State University has shown that green rooftops really do make a difference in the concrete jungle. Studies showed that test plots of 1 m2 each, planted with a thin foliage cover could, on average, capture 375 g of CO2 during a growing season. The researchers estimate that if all the rooftops in the city were converted into green spaces instead of being just open concrete slabs, it would be the same as taking 10 000 SUVs off the road. Read more at www.hrt.msu.edu/greenroof.

R Green journeys reen Maps is a New York-based NGO which engages communities across the world to create online, downloadable maps detailing green events, activities and service providers. With the map now available as a smartphone app it’s even easier to stay on the green route while travelling.

We found a Cape Town map already available (www.capetowngreenmap.co.za) and one for Joburg in the making. Have a look at www.greenmap.org if you want to plan your route or upload a new map for your area.

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Not-so-green greens

Bright idea he city council of Coventry in the UK recently announced plans to install dimmer switches in street lights over the next five years (http://tinyurl.com/ dimlights). They estimate that adjusting the lamps’ brightness according to specific lighting needs and switching to more efficient white light bulbs could cut energy use by 40%. Critics, however, say that the plan would have to be carefully implemented to deliver on the promise. A step in the right direction nonetheless.

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recent study shows that city landscapers’ good intentions may be doing more harm than good. University of California, scientists compared the amount of greenhouse gases that park lawns in California remove from the air to the amount emitted as a result of maintenance activities. They found that mowing, fertiliser use and management of lawns produce at least four times more carbon dioxide emissions than what they trap through photosynthesis. The findings show that the environmental benefits of green spaces should be calculated according to a more balanced approach. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/ungreen.

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Win an open water diving course for two courtesy of Prize includes: • Tuition by a teaching status PADI instructor; • PADI OW Crew pack with manuals and Electronic RDP; • Course theory & pool sessions;

• Rental of full scuba gear for all training and qualifying dives; • Three nights tented accommodation at Sodwana Bay; • Five dives at Sodwana Bay.

Competition closing date: 31 May 2010

How to enter Send your name, surname, suburb and age with “Diving” in the subject line to competition@retreatmag.co.za Retr eat 3

www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

23 Eco Smart Pr o du ct s Advertorial

Betta Lights

Betta Lights Solar Power Lighting Solutions With Eskom’s current electricity supply problem and a new tariff increase of 24.8%, solar energy is an idea worth inves ga ng. etta Lights is a South African company that specialises in solar energy solutions, and was one of the 702 Small Business Awards 2009 finalists. Betta Lights have a number of ready-made solar products suitable for the SA market.

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Betta.Life.Light For small houses or cottages (about 50 sq meters), the Betta.Life.Light offers an all-in-one solar lighting solution. The system supports seven LED lights, one reading light and a cellphone multi-charger. A solar panel facing north charges a six volt battery during the day, which of course powers the lights at night.

The LED lights, including the reading lamp, are supplied with the system, with the whole solution ready for DIY installation.

The lamps can work for a 15 hour period off the battery with no extra power needed.

A good battery is one of the essential ingredients in a solar power set-up, and the rechargeable Lead Crystal battery used

by Betta Lights is one of the best in the business. Lead Crystal

batteries have a very good shelf life, with a good high-rate discharge. It’s also one of the greenest batteries on the market since there are no gaseous emissions, while the electrolyte is non-corrosive and neutral plus it cannot filter into the ground. The Betta.Life.Light system costs R3800.

Betta.Room.Light The Betta.Room.Light is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a backup light in case of a power emergency. The light has an array of 33 LED lights, providing efficient light to cover a 20 m² room. Connected to the unit is a 12 V battery that is charged via a 10 Watt solar panel, taking about six to seven hours. Once done the unit can provide light for 12 hours. It includes a built-in light sensor to prevent the unit being left on during daylight. The Betta.Room.Light should be wall mounted approximately 1.6 m above ground.

The Betta.Room.Light costs R1500 to R2000 depending on delivery. Contact Natural Power on 083-403-8056 or 012-656-8467.

The Zambezi Swing

COMPETITION Win an adventure-filled weekend for two at Vic Falls

Abseil

Rap Jump

Gorge Swing

High Wire

Whoopie Slide • Experienced instructors • Top of the line safety equipment • Unparalleled views of Batoka Gorge • Full days include lunch & cool drinks • 100% SAFETY RECORD All activities can be booked separately and we welcome visitors and spectators. www.thezambeziswing.com

Tel: +260 213 321188 | Email: theswing@zamnet.zm Cell: 082 440 5051 | Email: ndebele@mweb.co.za

Two nights accommodation for two people (dinner, bed and breakfast), Airport transfers return (Livingstone Airport), one complimentary bottle of wine with every meal, courtesy of Maramba River Lodge

The Zambezi Swing Gorge swing at Batoka Gorge for two people courtesy of The Zambezi Swing

Ideally located just 4 km from the Victoria Falls, Maramba River Lodge provides a most attractive all-year-round base in a shaded woodland setting. The Lodge is situated in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on a bluff overlooking the Maramba River. We are often visited by the resident wildlife with Elephant wandering through the grounds at certain times of the year.

Terms & conditions • Entrants must be over 18 years and be in possession of a valid passport.

• Prize excludes flights and airport taxes.

• Prize can not be exchanged for cash.

• Winners must pre-book with sponsors to ensure availability.

Tel: (+26) 0213 324189 Cell: (+26) 0976 587511 Fax: (+26) 0213 323130 Email: maramba@zamnet.zm www.maramba-zambia.com

How to enter Send your name, surname, suburb and age with “Vic Falls” in the subject line to competition@retreatmag.co.za Competition closing date: 31 May 2010

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

25 Retreat Guide

Acco m m o d atio n / Activitie s

D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E

INCREASE your company’s visibility

Conference and Wedding venue

GAUTENG

re treat

Pumulani’s huge trees, verdant gardens and charming old farm house dating from the 1950s, will immediately make you feel at home.

Tel: 012-808-0719 / 1426 www.pumulanilodge.co.za

Retreat introduces our new DINOKENG

Retreat Guide Smaller businesses are given the opportunity to adver se with Retreat in our new Guide and obtain maximum exposure of 100 000 copies distributed in Gauteng on a bi-monthly basis. The Guide will be organised into sec ons for Accommoda on, Ac vi es, Restaurants, Products, Services, etc.

REDUCED RATES! Take advantage of Retreat magazine’s 100 000 copies distributed bi-monthly!

Adver se in our print guide from only R540 per month.

Tamboti Bush Lodge is in the middle of the proposed Dinokeng Game Reserve, one hour’s drive from Johannesburg. The six suites at the lodge are stunning, each with their own décor and style. Undoubtedly the best á la carte restaurant in the area with a wonderful variety of food, fabulous bushveld cuisine and friendly service.

Talk to us to see how we can help you Anneke Kirchner 012-362-2732 • 083-301-9134 anneke@smartpublishing.co.za

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www.r etr eatmag.co.za

Tel: 012 711 0909 | Cell: 078 459 4822 Email: info@tamboti.co.za Web: www.tamboti.co.za M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

Acco m m o d atio n / Activitie s

L O D G E

BRITS

HAR T BEES PO O R T

26 Retreat Guide

Six thatched cottages nestled on top of a hill with breathtaking views over Pecanwood, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Hartbeespoort dam. Each unit is fully equipped and has a private patio and braai area overlooking the dam.

Our thatched lapa can accommodate up to 20 people.

We also have a swimming pool and tennis court.

At Benlize our clients arrive as strangers and leave as friends.

Rates R300 pppn

AMA ZWING ZWING

Only 2 hours drive from Pretoria in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, close to the town of Vaalwater.

Hartbeespoort

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s e n i ip L

Lodge sleeps 22. Conferencing, hun ng, eco-tourism, quad bikes, horse rides, game viewing, swimming pool, DSTV, river walks , bird watching.

View the game below, while sliding through the air. With a total length of 1.3 km, this adventure in the sky is made up of 7 slides, of which the longest is 240 m. Ideal for team building, corporate conference groups, school groups and family fun days. Situated at Amazingwe, close to the scenic Hartbeespoort Dam.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.mount-hope.com Tel: 082-803-7731 / 071-670-0238 Fax: 086-637-4206 Email: info@amazwingzwing.co.za www.amazwingzwing.co.za Retr eat 3

Contact details: Chere du Toit 082 496 8888 Fax: 086 617 2537 chere@mount-hope.com

www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

VAALWATER

HAR TBEESPOOR T

For more info call Bennie on 082-338-3977

27 Retreat Guide

Acco m m o d atio n / Activitie s

LEPHAL ALE

Herman Street 76, Lephalale (Ellisras)

home of the happy fisherman Bring your boat, jet ski and quad bikes - they’re all welcome!

Whether you would like an adventure Holiday or just prefer to relax and get away from it all, it’s waiting here for you!

M O Z AM BIQUE

De La Vee B & B

Chalets 2, 4 and 8 sleepers / Camping / 5 star Ablution

Tel: Cell: Fax: Email:

For bookings call Penny Rautenbach +27 82 829 7910 Sara +27 13 744 0313 / Solly Senekal + 258 84 611 3562 or 071 370 7310 Email: penny@lvr-nst.co.za or sarah@lvr-nst.co.za http://www.bdmacaneta.com

014-763-4177 083-658-9746 086-628-7979 delavee@xsinet.co.za

SABIE

Located in the heart of the Lowveld, Jock Sabie lodge offers a breathtaking view of the Drakensberg Mountains and it’s the ideal destination for exploring the surrounding Lowveld.

Wide variety of accommodation; hotel suites, youth hostel, selfcatering family units and log cabins.

Conference facilities available.

Rates from R380 per person sharing breakfast included or R880 selfcatering unit accommodating four people.

Tel: 013-764-2178 Email: info@jock.co.za Retr eat 3

This magnificent property is 50,000 acres in extent and offers 20 km of Luangwa River frontage. Roan Antelope herds said to be the largest population outside a park in Africa.

Other game species like Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, Crocodile, Waterbuck, Puku and many more roam freely. 5 ensuite lodge situated on the Luangwa River. Registered 1200 m airstrip. Price: Available on request.

Contact: Austin +26 096 675 8749 Email: bwanaspots01@hotmail.co.uk

www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

ZAMBIA

Game Ranch For Sale in Luangwa Valley, Zambia

JOCK-SABIE LODGE

P r o du ct s / S er vice s

PHOTOGRAPHY

TOOL S

CLOTHING

28 Retreat Guide

• World’s most affordable and versatile tie down tool • 4 mm carbon steel plate • breaking strength of 900 kg • no knot tying • increase tying strength by 4 times

Order your TiteTie Universal Tie Down Tool NOW! Cell: 083 507 8835 OR 083 290 3742 Fax: 086 697 3860 Email: tite-tie@leisurecare.co.za

www.titetie.co.za Retr eat 3

www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

29 Retreat Guide

P r o du ct s / S e r vice s

DIVING LESSONS

Learn to dive

Contact: Eric - 083 302 6492

PRINTING

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www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

30 Industry news T i t b i ts

Unique way to tour Mauri us

Frogging Safaris? or veteran bush trekkers who’ve been there, done that, Mantis’ Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park is offering something new – a Frogging Safari.

With an estimated 34 different species of Amphibians in Kruger, Jock Safari Lodge ranks as one of the best places for Frogging Safaris.

Froggers are issued head lights, nets and gum boots and set out after dark. Frogs are caught and identified, and then released back into their habitat. Guests get to marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours and the choir of sounds emitting from these tiny creatures, some no bigger than your thumb. For more info visit www.jocksafarilodge.com.

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Surfing while flying ango might just be the first South African airline to offer in-flight internet connectivity on board all of its aircraft later in the year. The low cost airline will be using WirelessG’s G-Connect technology to deliver this inflight service at a very reasonable price of less than R1 for every MB used. Their application is awaiting approval by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

M outh African, Christo Coetzer, became the first person to circumnavigate Mauritius on a unicycle.

Starting his journey at the Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis on 19 December last year, he rode about 35 km per day for nine days. Coetzer was appointed an Official Ambassador for Mauritius and Mauritian cycling for his achievement.

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Taking off to virtual skies rotea Hotels offers something fun and unique to guests at Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo. The 4-star hotel, which is situated 5 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport, features a flight simulator in their foyer. Flying fanatics can book a weekend away to experience the thrill of the aviation theme throughout the hotel. The flight simulator will offer guests and aviation enthusiasts a chance to fly with the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator in a very realistic environment.

The flight simulator was built to replicate the interior of a commercial aircraft cockpit and it is managed by SIMSA (Sim South Africa) an active commercial aircraft type flight-simulator group. The simulated aircraft are typically South African-used types, with routes flown around Johannesburg and to destinations around South Africa.

For more info visit www.proteahotels.com.

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Über décor idea f you’re looking for an affordable way to spruce up a boring room, you can check out www.uberdesign.co.za to browse through their catalogue of decals, which you can stick on almost any surface in the home you can think of. These aren’t just beautifully designed, but easy to apply and remove as well.

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www.r etr eatmag.co.za

M a r c h/ Apr i l 2010

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