Montagu

New big 5 private game reserve opens in the Klein Karoo

May 2023 marks the opening of Mont Eco, a stunning private game reserve situated in the Klein Karoo region. Mont Eco spans an impressive 6,500 hectares, offering a unique and malaria-free environment. Located just 25 km outside the town of Montagu, this remarkable reserve offers visitors a quintessential African wildlife experience. The allure of immersing oneself in the bush and witnessing the marvels of nature attracts millions of people from around the globe, as it offers both pleasure and privilege.

What sets this reserve apart is its location within the Cape floral kingdom, encompassing three distinct biomes: Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, and Fynbos. As a result, Mont Eco is home to a diverse array of succulent plant species, adding to its ecological significance.

True to its name, Mont Eco places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The reserve has been rehabilitated and aims to provide an off-grid experience for its guests. In addition to a wide variety of wildlife, visitors can also revel in the vast open plains, majestic mountains, rugged rock formations, and tranquil riverbeds that define the area.

Through a meticulous re-introduction program based on extensive research into historical animal species in the region, Mont Eco proudly boasts not only the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—but also rare Karoo species such as the Brown hyena, aardvark, eland, oryx, and klipspringer.

Kingsley Lodge provides accommodation at Mont Eco, featuring seven spacious and intimate suites that can comfortably host up to 14 guests. The reserve offers

Cape Town

a wide range of experiences, including thrilling game drives, wine tasting, intimate dinners in nature, tree planting activities, and captivating stargazing sessions.

Conscious travellers have the opportunity to contribute to offsetting their carbon footprint by participating in tree planting initiatives. Mont Eco adheres to the philosophy of “less is better,” promoting a sustainable approach to tourism.

Discover the vibrant energy of South Africa’s Klein Karoo region and immerse yourself in the wonders of African wildlife at Mont Eco Private Game Reserve.

Reimagined iconic building meets major travel trend

Cape Town’s skyline is dominated by a remarkable building that has now been redesigned to cater to the changing needs of travellers. One Thibault Square, formerly known as the LG Building, stands tall as a modernist skyscraper. It has been transformed into an aparthotel, offering stylish studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent. The apartments boast breath-taking views of the city, Table Bay harbour, the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, and Table Mountain. Situated on the 28th floor, it offers some of the highest accommodation in Cape Town, providing unparalleled views.

These spacious suites at One Thibault are available for short or long stays, accommodating the growing demand from both corporate and leisure travellers visiting Cape Town. The rise of the aparthotel concept has been instrumental in meeting the evolving preferences of travellers. Sean Cleary-Le Grange and Kobie Le Grange, the owners and founders of ITC Hospitality Group, explain that travellers now seek flexibility and convenience, combining the benefits of a hotel setting with the option of independent, apartment-style living. Guests enjoy access to hotel services, while having the choice to use fully-equipped kitchens and stateof-the-art amenities such as Smart TVs and uncapped fibre Wi-Fi. This trend aligns with the desire for more comfortable and upscale accommodations.

The demand for aparthotels in Cape Town is further fuelled by the influx of professionals relocating to the city, known as “semigration,” as well as business travellers seeking a blend of work and leisure experiences, known as “bleisure” travellers. The aparthotel concept serves these diverse needs, offering an affordable and spacious alternative to traditional accommodations.

The transformation of One Thibault, a prominent feature in Cape Town’s cityscape, marks a new chapter for the building. It now features 270 deluxe and premium studios, as well as luxury one-bedroom suites, available for short-term or long-term rentals, even extending to a month or more. Additionally, the aparthotel is unaffected by load-shedding and is conveniently situated near Cape Town’s financial district, a short distance from popular attractions such as the CTICC, V&A Waterfront, and Cape Quarter.

The evolution of One Thibault into a trendy aparthotel brings a fresh life to a Cape Town icon, offering travellers a modern and flexible accommodation option with stunning views and convenient amenities.

A S T O R Y O F S O P H I S T I C A T I O N A S O L D A S T I M

Karl Bremer

First Western Cape hospital with gold status

The stroke unit at Karl Bremer Hospital in the Western Cape is garnering recognition for its exceptional contribution to stroke care. Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, stands as one of the leading global causes of disease and mortality, often resulting in strokes, heart disease, and other complications.