TOURISM GUIDE
AFRICA JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2018 EDITION
Travel GUIDE
www.tourismguideafrica.com
Southern Africa’s
top 15 OUTDOOR
adventure activities
African Railway
Adventure across Southern Africa
PA G E
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An insider’s guide
to Cape Town
PA G E
24 T O U R I S M
Guide to become
an eco conscious
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traveler
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PA G E
28 G U I D E
6 must visit
Restaurants in Southern Africa
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The moment you felt the golden winter sun.
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An insider’s guide to Cape Town
*Terms & Conditions: Rates are per person sharing, per night, based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Room. Room increments will apply. The rate includes breakfast at Coral Tree Restaurant. Additional breakfast charges will apply for children travelling with parents. Children under 5 eat for free and children under 12 qualify for a 50% discount on the buffet offering. This offer is valid from 2 April to 30 September 2018, subject to availability. Further blackout dates may apply. This offer is for new bookings only and is only applicable to leisure travellers. This offer is not valid for corporate group travel. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, packages or special rates. Rates include VAT and exclude 1% tourism levy. Terms and conditions apply.
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Welcome Note TOURISM GUIDE
credits.
contents.
AFRICA JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2018 EDITION
06
Southern Africa’s Top 15 Outdoor Adventure Activities
08
frican Railway Adventure across Southern Africa onboard A the Shongololo Express
12
An insider’s Guide to Cape Town: Advice from a Local
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Limpopo, the land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes
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FAST FACTS ON ANGOLA
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FAST FACTS ON BOTSWANA
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Star dunes and African massages: road tripping from Cape Town to Swakopmund
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Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Do it in unassailable style
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Guide to become an Eco - Conscious Traveller
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NEW ATTRACTIONS AND OLD FAVOURITES AT THE PICK N PAY KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
26
WTM AFRICA 2018 RECORDS 18% INCREASE IN ATTENDEES
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6 Must Visit Restaurants in Southern Africa
Travel GUIDE
www.tourismguideafrica.com
Southern Africa’s
TOP 15 OUTDOOR
adventure activities
African Railway
Adventure across Southern Africa
PA G E
12
An insider’s guide
to Cape Town
PA G E
24 T O U R I S M
Guide to become
an eco conscious
G U I D E
A F R I C A
traveler
1
T R AV E L
PA G E
28 G U I D E
6 must visit
Restaurants in Southern Africa
Publisher: Tourism Guide Africa (Pty) Ltd Unit 28 Park Royal Cape Town Western Cape 7441 South Africa Tel: +27 21 556 0725 Fax: +27 86 551 2590 Project Manager: thandie@tourismguideafrica.com Production Controller: Tresor Melusi
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Disclaimer: Reproduction without permission by Tourism Guide Africa is forbidden. Every care is taken in compiling this digital travel guide but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. Information in this digital travel guide is given as a guide only and is believed to be correct at the time of publication.
I
magine we are already half way through 2018 and the June – September 2018 issue for Tourism Guide Africa Travel Guide is just in time to guide you in planning your next vacation around Southern Africa. This edition focuses a lot on adventure travel around Southern Africa as we showcase the incredible beauty and tourism potential of Southern Africa’s destinations to the world. There are very few countries in the world that can rival Southern Africa when it comes to outdoor adventure activities. If outdoor adventure travel is high on your travel bucket list then you will enjoy our feature on Southern Africa’s top 15 outdoor adventure activities (pages 6 – 7). How about exploring Southern Africa in a fully serviced hotel train. This exciting African Railway Adventure across Southern Africa is a must do (page 8 – 9). As you plan your trip to Cape Town kindly check out the very informative travel guide and advice around Cape Town from a local (page 12 – 13). So you are a tourist or traveller embarking on a well-earned vacation to Africa and wishing to explore. You consider yourself a person who loves nature and you care about the planet and natural spaces. You love wildlife and consider yourself a person who makes a difference in small ways. This feature will guide you on how you can be a conscious traveller (page 24). Check out our restaurant guide to see some of the best restaurants to eat from (pages 28-29). We always love hearing about your travels. Drop us an email on info@ tourismguideafrica.com or get in touch on one of our social media channels.
Happy Travels! Tourism Guide Africa Team T O U R I S M
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Southern Africa’s
There are very few countries in the world that can rival Southern Africa when it comes to outdoor adventure activities. Southern Africa has everything from endless desert plains to mountains, crashing waves and rushing rivers, wetlands and big five reserves, fynbos-covered hills and lush forests that beg to be explored.
Top 15
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Following are Southern Africa’s top 10 outdoor adventure activities:
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Trekking in Cape Town
Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
There are many scenic routes to choose from in order to reach the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The oldest and the shortest way up is Platteklip Gorge. It is also one of the most popular. Skeleton Gorge is also considered the best when it comes to natural charm.
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai is an outdoor adventure activity highly recommended for those adventurers who want to get up close and personal with the most feared apex predators on the planet. Gansbaai is approximately 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town and features one of the highest concentrations of Great Whites in the world.
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Mountain Climbing
Surfing
in Eastern Cape
at Durban,
Eastern Cape is a truly magnificent region that offers a wide range of mountain climbing hikes. When climbing, you will observe the lush valleys and magnificent famed waterfalls. Be careful of the hog that makes Eastern Cape famous.
Dungeons, and
Exploring the Cango Caves
Sandboarding in Mossel Bay Dragon Dune in Mossel Bay South Africa is the world famous biggest and longest sandboard ride in South Africa. It provides the ultimate ride on sand.
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These amazing caves are located at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. It is an approximately 20-minute drive from Oudshoorn, a town in Western Cape. This is one of the best outdoor adventure activities in Southern Africa. You will be crawling through small crevasses and climbing through narrow passages.
Rock Climbing in Mpumalanga
Namibia Desert trekking in Namibia doesn’t involve heights, but it is just as adventurous. Here, you can hike one of the world’s highest sand dunes. It is recommended that you camp in the mist of Sossusvlei if you are seeking an even more exciting experience.
Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga is the best rock-climbing spot that offers excellent climbing on quartzite mesas. Waterval Boven has numerous paths on orange quartzite. With routes for every taste and level, this is the best sport climbing destination in Southern Africa.
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The scenic coastline of Southern Africa is a surfing paradise. It is a home to surf spots like Durban, Dungeons, and Jeffrey’s Bay. The renowned Supertubes is one of the world’s fastest waves at Jeffery’s Bay.
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Oudtshoorn, and Sabie The most famous spots for hot-air balloon trips are in Magaliesberg, Oudtshoorn, and Sabie. You can also find great hot-air balloon trips in Natal Midlands as well as in Drakensberg during the summer months.
11 Skiing in the Kingdom of Lesotho Afriski Mountain Resort in the Kingdom of Lesotho is an all year mountain adventure destination with a multitude of winter and summer activities. Afriski is an outdoor adventure enthusiasts playground where you can learn how to ski and snow boarding.
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Unforgettable Zipling Adventure with
Bungee Jumping in Victoria Falls
Canopy Tours
With the Victoria Falls behind you and the river rushing below the Victoria Falls Bridge this is certainly no ordinary bungee jump. At 111 metres it is also one of the highest jumps in the world and the adrenaline rush is as wild as the river itself.
Experience the closest thing to flying free when you join Canopy Tours South Africa for an unforgettable zip line adventure. Canopy Tours gives you an unforgettable adventure as you zipline from one platform to the next along a series of steel cables set amongst magnificent natural surroundings.
(Camels,
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Elephants,
Abseiling in Swaziland
Horses) in
Abseiling is a thrilling adventure activity that is sure to spice up any trip. In Swaziland you can abseil at a variety of sites. Go vertical along the Holomi or Mantenga Waterfall or get up close and personal with Execution Rock.
Riding Safaris
Botswana
07
Desert Trekking in
Hot-Air Balloon Trips in Magaliesberg,
Jeffery’s Bay
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10
Riding Safaris are available in a very few places across Southern Africa. Botswana is one of those places. It is known for a wide range of options it offers for riding safaris.
15 Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi River Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best white water rafting destination in the world. T O U R I S M
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African Railway Adventure across Southern Africa onboard
the Shongololo Express
the world-heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. On day seven, the train arrives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, where guests have the opportunity to visit the local markets followed by a battlefields tour of Spionkop. After a city tour in Bloemfontein, a visit to Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the historic town of
a tour of the city awaits.
Southern Cross Tour (12 Days) Pretoria to Victoria Falls and reverse This 12-day train journey crosses through South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Starting in Pretoria, travellers are taken passed the
When the indigenous people of the southern continent observed the first trains in Africa, the lines of rolling stock passing on the distant horizons recalled the profile and sinuous movement of a creature they called Shongololo – the millipede.
followed by a relaxing day on the train while it heads for the Great Zimbabwe Ruins for a visit. A tour of the Antelope Park and the Matobas National Park, the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, is scheduled for day nine and ten before continuing to Hwange where game-viewing activities await. The final day of this journey takes train passengers to the magnificent Victoria Falls where traveller have the chance to participate in a tour of the village and the falls with an afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
The Shongololo Express, based at Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria, began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. The three journeys of between 12 to 15 days offer tours that traverse South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Dune Express Tour (12 Days) Pretoria to Swakopmund and reverse
72 guests are accommodated in two categories of comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds. Two historically appointed dining cars set the scene for meals, which are taken in one sitting. Modern and traditional local cuisine is on offer with a selection of distinguished South African wines available. Guests can also relax in the bar car, small smoking lounge or the observation car with an open-air balcony situated at the back of the train.
The Dune Express trip begins in Pretoria and takes 12 days. Guests explore the country of Namibia, which is known for its beauty, wilderness, the sunshine and seemingly endless space. The first stop of the journey is Kimberley where passengers visit the ‘Big Hole’ as well as the charming diamond mine museum village. The tour continues to Upington where a walking tour and wine tasting await.
The journeys offer a variety of off-train excursions that are undertaken in our airconditioned vehicles. On occasion we will employ the expertise of local service providers who are better positioned to arrange our transport requirements. Come and join us on one of our captivating tours and allow us to provide the friendly and efficient service for which we are renowned.
Once the train crossed the border from South Africa to Namibia, travellers visit the breathtaking Fish River Canyon, which is second in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. After that, the historical towns of Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and Keetmanshoop are visited. Day seven of the trip offers an overnight stay at the Sossusvlei Lodge which is surrounded by the incredible dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Good Hope Golf Tour (15 Days) / Cape Town to Pretoria and reverse The 15-day Good Hope Golf Tour through South Africa and Swaziland provides a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. Departing from Pretoria, guests are taken through the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains to Nelspruit, the Kruger National Park and the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes as well as God’s Window. After exploring the scenic Panorama Route, the train continues its journey to the Kingdom of Swaziland, followed by the Hluhluwe Wildlife Reserve and T O U R I S M
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Graaff-Reinet, travellers arrive in Oudtshoorn where they visit an ostrich farm and the not to be missed Cango Caves. Traversing the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains, the Shongololo Express comes in Knysna, Garden Route, where travellers enjoy a lagoon ferry ride to the Featherbed Nature Reserve which is followed by a spectacular meander along the Garden Route towards Worcester. On day 14, passengers travel by road over the mountain passes to the coastal town of Hermanus before arriving on the final day in Cape Town where
Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger National Park. Adventurous game drives with strange wildlife encounter await here. The beautiful sights of the Panorama Route are visited which include Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.
A visit to the Sesriem Canyon and the 175m-high star-dune “45” is also included. Then, Shongololo Express leaves the vastness of the Kalahari Desert and head to the city of Windhoek where a city tour is on offer. On day ten, passengers travel to the Etosha National Park with a planned overnight stay complete with exciting game-viewing activities. This memorable train journey through South Africa and Namibia ends in the famous seaside town of Swakopmund.
A city tour through Maputo, which is the capital of Mozambique, takes place on day four before crossing through the Kingdom of Swaziland. Guests may participate in a game drive through the Kapama Game Reserve which is
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street smarts and sensibility. By that, I mean don’t go wandering off into dark roads alone, or get too intoxicated to the point where you can become a victim. No more or less than what you would do when visiting any other new country.
Top Tip: nn When it comes to buying souvenirs, it is always better to opt for our
One thing you do have to look out for is pickpocketing, so make sure to keep your eyes on your belongings, don’t carry too much cash on you (major cards are accepted everywhere) and keep your phone out of your back pocket (I learned this the hard way).
sustainable and community-led options. I see this time and time again; tourists get to the V&A Waterfront and are swept away by the festive atmosphere which lulls them into spending extortionate
The take home is this: You will be fine!
amounts of money on designer “African” labels inside the mall.
as Honest Chocolate and Fairtrade.
1. The People and Culture:
Better yet, get to know the locals
Capetonians, as we’re called in South Africa, are an eclectic mélange of cultures. We aren’t called the “rainbow nation” for nothing. Here you will find people from all walks of life and a variety of cultures, from Xhosa to Zulu, Dutch, French, Cape Malay and everything in between.
Perhaps this is why we’re such a healthy bunch. Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking are a few of the most popular sports around. Not a fan of mountains? How about braving the icy Atlantic waters for some of the best surfing and windsurfing adventures in the world?
I am a gypsy at heart, so staying in one place for too long has never been an option for me. I love the romance of being lost in a new city, overhearing snippets of conversation in foreign tongues, and totally immersing into new cultures that push me out of my westernized comfort-zone. Thankfully, I was born in South Africa. Throughout my life I have had the privilege of living in (almost) every major city in the country and even spent a year volunteering, waitressing, and surfing my way along the country’s coastline in an epic road trip (in a not so epic car) that took me from Mozambique to Cape Town. This was an incredibly eye-opening experience, as my mind truly began to comprehend the complexity of my country. South Africa is as beautiful as it is diverse and is home to 11 official languages, 12 major tribes and countless other cultures (I’ll be writing about this soon). There is enough variety here to satiate the most curious explorers and then some!
Now that we’ve covered the basics and touched on the not so good parts, let’s get stuck into the things you have to look forward to.
heading to the V&A’s waterside markets that offer locally-made and sustainable products such
An insider’s Guide
to Cape Town: Advice from a Local By Jodi Lucas Although each region is beautiful in its own right, Cape Town became my home and there is no way I’ll be leaving any time soon. I don’t know if it’s the jaw-dropping beauty of the landscape, the ever-changing urban scene, or the deep, tumultuous history that makes this city so alluring. Maybe it is the combination of all of these. But one thing is for certain, you cannot come to South Africa without making your way through to the Mother City. It is usually after saying this that many people ask; “But is it safe?”, “What about all the wild animals?’’, “Will there be electricity”, “What else is there to do other than going on a safari?”, among many other questions. So, to put your mind at ease and hopefully shatter just a few of the myths that are out there, here is Cape Town in a nutshell.
The basics: Did you know that Cape Town was voted the best city in the world for five consecutive years in a row? Want to know why that is? Well, I can tell you but, the truth is that you’re only really going to find out by booking that flight. Before you do though, here are a couple standard things you should know before you go.
1. Cost of living: There are often mixed reviews about how expensive it really is to explore Cape Town, and truth is, there just isn’t one correct answer. Are you looking for a luxury escape? A budget getaway? Or maybe something in between? Good thing is, we have it all. Due to the ongoing drought and perceived political and social instability, many foreign investors are quickly pulling their money out of South Africa. This is terrible news for us locals, but good news for those just visiting, as the value of the Rand has dropped and your Euros, Dollars, and Pounds can get you quite far. So, here’s a little break down in USD: (please keep in mind that the below are averages and do fluctuate depending on the season) For a stay in a comfortable hostel/hotel $50 per night Meals in neighborhood restaurants $60 per day Entertainment such as theatre shows, etc. $30 per show Sightseeing tours $15 per adult
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The art and music scene is a blend of our country’s tragic past, diverse present, and exciting future, while our ever-changing music scene is currently dominated by the smooth sounds of live jazz and blues. This probably makes up 80 percent of the reason why people visit Cape Town. It is a city that truly has it all, from rugged mountains to verdant forests, rolling vineyards, barren deserts and glittering oceans. It is a nature lovers paradise and offers an array of beautiful escapes.
is amazing, but you’re better off
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From world-acclaimed jazz festivals to intimate underground live music venues, art and music festivals in the middle of the desert, modern galleries in cobbled stone alleyways and ancient museums in verdant parks, Cape Town’s art, and music scene has it all.
4. The Nature and scenery
The Fun Stuff:
nn Don’t get me wrong, the place
h, South Africa. Home to the legendary Big Five, fascinating tribes, vast open plains and… me. So, if you’re planning a trip to the motherland and are fretting over all the negative stories on the news and tedious travel guides written by once-off visitors, then you’re finally in the right place. Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab a comfy chair and sit back, because I’m about to give you the inside scoop on Cape Town. The good, the bad, and the beautiful!
3. The Art and Music:
(and spend much less) by purchasing goods from smaller community markets such as the Pan African Market and Street Wires.
2. Wh ere to stay Generally speaking, the city is divided by Table Mountain into two main areas; the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard. The City Bowl is where all the action happens as it is home to our eclectic nightlife scene, amazing restaurants, art galleries, and monuments. On the other hand, the Atlantic Seaboard is great for those who prefer tranquility but still want to be within close proximity to major attractions. Thankfully getting around is easy with the local buses and Uber, so no matter where you are, you’ll still be able to see other places without much hassle.
3. Safety Finally, we get to the topic that is on everyone’s mind. “Is Cape Town safe”. The honest answer is yes and no. I’m not going to sugar coat this topic. There are stats that show that the western cape is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Violent crimes, including sexual violence, and drug-related crimes are unfortunately a part of this beautiful city’s underbelly. BUT, crimes of this magnitude occur in remote townships, areas that you would not end up visiting, even if you happened to take a wrong turn on a night out. In fact, you would have to really, go out of your way to even get close to those areas as they are on the far outskirts of Cape Town. To put it into perspective, I’ve lived here for five years and have not even seen the starting point of these areas. Think about it this way, why would it be voted the best city in the world if a substantial amount of visitors ended up being a victim of a serious crime?
The best part is that we’re mostly friendly, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, because chances are, you will learn a lot of interesting things they don’t tell you on the news.
2. The Food: They say that you can tell a lot about a nation by their food, and that is certainly true for South Africa and Cape Town in particular. On the traditional front, South African food is all about bringing people together, which is why our world famous “braais” are so popular (We even have a public holiday called Braai Day). There is hardly anything more South African than gathering your friends around on a warm summer day and cooking various kinds of meat on an open fire. All while drinking an icecold Black Label beer. It is, however, the modern dining scene that really gets me excited and is worthy of an article on its own. It’s a mouthwatering blend of European, Pan African, Indian and everything in between. Not only are we’re home to two of the top 100 World’s Best Restaurants, The Test Kitchen ranked 22nd world’s best in 2016, but you’ll also find a host of Michelin starred gems serving up the best of molecular gastronomy. Feeling thirsty? Cape Town is home to an endless list of modern bars that boast craft cocktail lists longer than our constitution. Okay, that last part is an exaggeration, but there is a very good reason why this city was recently voted number 1 on Condé Nast Traveler‘s Best Food Cities in the World. The dining scene is fast paced with new restaurants popping up faster than you can say “Bon appetite”, so heading on a culinary vacation is probably the best way to taste it all.
Like with any city in the world, things can happen. But, all you really need here are a few
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If you came here for the wildlife then you’re in luck too. Although you won’t find any game reserves in the city center, there are a host of nature reserves, such as the Limietberg and Kogelberg, that are just a scenic drive awa
The Do’s and Don’ts: Do: Save water and leave a minimal footprint Don’t: Be afraid to explore the city on your own (during the day that is) Do: Learn a few phrases from various languages Don’t: Assume that we all speak those languages Do: Get curious about our political and social history
The Take Home: No matter where in the world you go, your travel experience is what you make of it! Cape Town is no exception to this and has so much to explore that it definitely requires more than one visit to get the entire scope. So, instead of being put off by what you see and hear in the media, why not just dive in and experience it for yourself? I can’t promise you that it will be the best city you’ve ever visited, but I can guarantee that you will leave here with new friends and stories that you will want to tell for the rest of your life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jodi Lucas Jodi is a Travel Writer for Bookallsafaris. com and an adventure enthusiast. She lives in South Africa and has a passion for surfing, ocean conservation and exploring Africa’s diverse landscapes through various sports.
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he Elgin Valley, one of the Cape’s most beautiful fruit growing areas, is literally an hour’s drive from Cape Town and one of the Western Cape’s better kept secrets in the sense that it is yet to be inundated with crowds over weekends. Who wouldn’t want to remain schtumm about this gorgeous fertile valley filled with vineyards, orchards, forests and sweeping views of mountains that hover in a way that feels not only protective but slightly magical? The drive from Cape Town to the Elgin Valley is not only worth a mention but remains one of the most beautiful. The N2 heads up Sir Lowry’s Pass where, on a clear day, views over False Bay are simply spectacular. You then descend into the Elgin Valley, over the mountain - hence the term ‘overberg’. The Elgin Valley falls into the UNESCO protected Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is very much geared for life in the outdoors. There are private game
reserves, incredible hikes, birding, mountain bike routes, bass and trout fishing, kloofing, fly-fishing - the list of tours, trails and things to do is endless. The Elgin Valley, which is part of the Four Passes Fruit Route, is famous for its cool-climate wines, fruit trees and roses. Add to this the creation of the world’s first biodiversity wine route - the Green Mountain Eco Route - which encompasses Grabouw in the Elgin Valley, Bot River, Houw Hoek and Villiersdorp, and you can understand why scenic beauty, coupled with acres of preserved fynbos might be attractive. Elgin is also the site of one of the country’s finest examples of transformation where the Oaks Village, including 106 homes, has been handed to the families who have worked on the Molteno fruit farm for up to four generations, giving over 700 people ownership of their homes. https://elginvalley.co.za/
TAKE A SLICE OF LIMPOPO,
MORE TO ENJOY Limpopo, the land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes
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reviously called the Northern Province, Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, which is typical of Africa. Hence it has become a favourite destination for leisure and adventure travellers worldwide. Come to a region of infinite scenic beauty with a great diversity of both natural and man-made attractions, rich cultural heritage and an abundance of wildlife and nature-based tourism opportunities. Our network of protected areas and nature reserves is amongst the best on the African continent. Through these nature reserves, we seek to preserve our natural heritage for future generations and for sharing with the international community. We have spectacular mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and possibly the best in the country - hence we are the preferred Ecotourism destination in Southern Africa. Limpopo Province is located in the far Northern part of South Africa and shares borders with three neighboring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For this reason, the Province is
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also known as the gateway to other African countries. The Province also shares provincial borders with Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces. Limpopo landscape and vegetation varies from one area to the other. The vegetation ranges from Tropical Forests, Bush and ShrubsiSto areas tosemi-desert ck: with small treesSh and bushes. The 7 145 landutt ermountainous scape also ranges to Shu from 3 tte Stock 4991 flat land. r :
the province include Tshivenda, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Isindebele and Afrikaans.
English is regarded as a business language but other native languages of
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Limpopo has a predominant Christian religious society. However there are other traditional religions such as Islam and Hinduism.
Most of the businesses operate normally from 09:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m and also accept credit cards (e.g. Visa). National Sto 1 0 0 ck: 830 Banks are also available and they offer 673 straservices of international standards, e.g. Limpopo is divided into five regions, 1 3 90FNB, 1 tegically located according to the 7cul712 0 Standard Bank, Nedbank, African tural inhabitants. Capricorn is the central Bank and ABSA. region predominantly occupied by the Bapedi People. Waterberg is the largest Limpopo’s land area takes 123.910 region in the province with the majority km2 with a population of 5.3 million. of people being the Batswana people. Polokwane International Airport is the The Vhembe region in the far north is main airport along with other local airdominated by Vhavenda and Vatsonga ports, such as Eastgate Airport in Hoepeople. The Mopani region towards the dspruit and Kruger National Park Airport Kruger National Park is dominated by in Phalaborwa. Vatsonga, whereas the Sekhukhuni reThe Province has a network of tarred gion is dominated by Bapedi and Nderoads which cover the entire area, includbele people. ing the tarred road inside the Kruger NaLimpopo is the only Province in South Af- tional Park. rica with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. Other ethnic groups include the English and Afrikaner people.
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Internet operates in all areas and there are internet cafés available in major towns around the province. The value added tax is charged at 15%. Visitors may claim VAT refunds at major border posts and at international airports on departure from South Africa.
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For more information on our tourist attractions, visit www.golimpopo.com Limpopo Tourism www.facebook.com/golimpopo
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@GoLimpopo www.instagram.com/go_limpopo
CAPITAL: Gaborone NATIONAL DAY: 30 September 1966 AIRPORT: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, but the Maun and Kasane airports up north are more popular among tourists
FAST FACTS ON ANGOLA
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ngola is a Southern African nation whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. The country’s colonial history is reflected in its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and its landmarks including Fortaleza de São Miguel, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend the capital, Luanda.
MAIN LANGUAGES: English, Setswana
FAST FACTS ON BOTSWANA
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otswana is known for its peace and tranquillity, its diverse cultures, and its wonderful parks and wildlife.
NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia TIME ZONE: GMT +2 CAPITAL: Luanda NATIONAL DAY: 11 November 1975 AIRPORT: Luanda International Airport MAIN LANGUAGES: Portuguese, several local dialects NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES: Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Namibia and the Republic of Congo TIME ZONE: GMT +1 SIZE: 1 247 000km2
SIZE: 582 000km2 POPULATION: 2.15-million CURRENCY: Pula CLIMATE: Semi-arid, hot and dry with summer rainfall. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 44°C, while in winter the average day temperature is 25°C, although it turns cold at night PLACES TO SEE: Okavango Delta; Makgadikgadi Pans; Nxai Pan National Park; Chobe National Park; Central Kalahari Game Reserve https://www.retosa.co.za/ countries/botswana
POPULATION: Approx. 24-million CURRENCY: Kwanza CLIMATE: Tropical in the north, drier plateau in the centre and arid in the south. Average coastal summer temperature 21°C; 16°C in winter PLACES TO SEE: Luanda and Luanda’s beaches – Ilha do Cabo, Ilha do Mussulo, Palmeirinhas, Corimba and Santiago; Lubango and the Serra de Leba mountain pass; Kissama National Park; Iona National Park www.retosa.co.za/countries/ angola
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ome journeys are meant to be taken by road. Travelling from South Africa to Namibia is exactly this type of trip. Driving through the desert during the day and camping under the stars at night, largely with no phone signal, is my favourite way to travel.
clay. Dead, blackened camel thorn trees stand eerily at intervals. Their branches twisted and barren. They date back around 900 years, the desert’s dry climate preventing their decomposition. It’s an otherworldly sight. On the way to our next campsite, we paused for refreshments in Solitaire. A pit-stop surrounded by the rusted carcasses of vehicles, it’s partially swallowed up by the desert sand.
An ever-changing terrain From Cape Town, we drove north for two days to reach the South Africa-Namibia border. Our route took us through rolling winelands and pancake-flat farmland. We passed neat rows of orange trees and navigated undulating hills dressed in moss-green jumpers.
Six days one way, two hours the other In the afternoon of day six, we reached Swakopmund, the German colonial city located halfway up the Namibian coast. The temperature dropped to a more comfortable level and I had a bed for the first time in a week. Wi-Fi was available, but I was almost nervous to reconnect and unleash the chorus of notification pings.
On day two, we reached the terracottacoloured Namib Desert, which sprawls from South Africa all the way through Namibia and up into Angola. It’s thought to be the oldest desert in the world, dating back some 55 million years. We camped for a night by the Orange River, which runs along the border, enjoying a peaceful morning canoeing down it. Along the way, we were flanked by sandstone cliffs and accompanied only by angling waterbirds.
Entering canyon land In Namibia, the terrain changes yet again. Table-top mountains sit either side of deep gorges, the earth looking like it’s been torn apart by a furious god. Rays of sunshine break through the clouds, casting pillars of light onto the dramatic landscape. Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world, up to 27 kilometres wide
From here, it’s only a two-hour flight back to Cape Town. But that’s kind of missing the point isn’t it?
Images Credit: Heather Richardson
Star dunes and African massages: road tripping from Cape Town to Swakopmund By Heather Richardson and 550 metres deep. The river winds its way through, a jade-green sliver between rock faces of layered colours like coffeebrown, warm copper, and earth-red. We walked along the edge of the canyon to a look-out point, which we reached just before sunset. Relaxed and in awe, we watched the colours changing as the shadows lengthened. The Fish River shined in the onset of darkness as the sun disappeared, the sky pink in the afterglow.
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Sunrise across the dunescape Day four was spent on the empty road with nothing to do except enjoy the ‘African massage’, courtesy of the dirt roads, and gaze out at the vast Namib Desert. I watched the world go by, slowly. Two ostriches sprinted in opposite directions. I observed a lone kudu, and spotted a royal blue stationary train – completely incongruous in the dusty desert.
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We stopped in the tiny town of Bethany. It was a Sunday, with just one shop open. Eventually we reached our camp, the nearest site to Dune 45. Our location paid off the next morning, when we arose at 4am to reach the iconic star dune for sunrise. The light had already started to seep into the sky as we clambered up, our bare feet in the cool sand, and found a seat at the top. The swelling sea of ancient dunes around us changed from a dusky pink to a brilliant rust-orange as the sun’s first rays darted over the horizon. Everyone on the dune was respectfully quiet. When I turned my face away from the breeze, I was suddenly in a muffled world of absolute silence.
The dead marsh When we arrived at the Deadvlei – the ‘dead marsh’ – before 9am, it was already about 40°C with no shade. We had to walk to reach the site but it was certainly worth it. Nestled between the bright tangerinetoned dunes, is a pan of dried, ash-white
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Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Do it in unassailable style
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he difference between a traditional balloon safari which departs at dawn, lasts about an hour, preceded by tea, coffee and biscuits and followed by breakfast, and Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris is panache and “unassailable style”. Flights depart from Skeerpoort in the Magalies River Valley in the World Heirtage Cradle of Humankind, an area steeped in natural history and beauty boasting some of the safest and most reliable ballooning weather in the world. Combine this with Harrop’s traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant situated at the launch site, providing, comfort, shelter and the opportunity to freshen up in stylish facilities prior to the flight,
and you have a winning and lasting first impression. Having watched the balloons being set up under floodlights against a backdrop of the Magaliesburg mountains and with a cup of coffee to counter the early start, you board the balloon and prepare for take off. Whether in one of their three biggest balloons, each able to carry up to eighteen passengers, or in smaller craft, the silent ascent and gentle flight punctuated by the occasional blast of the burners and some informative (and amusing) commentary from Harrop’s highly experienced and fully qualified pilots, makes for an incredible and unforgettable experience.
After landing, whilst the professional and efficient crew pack away the balloon, you can reflect on your time spent in the heavens and toast the occasion with a glass of South African Champagne. Fully licensed retrieval vehicles, then return you to the welcome of the prestigious Harrop’s Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant where their food and beverage team and attentive staff present a delicious full English breakfast, concluding with the awarding of personalised Citations for braving the African skies. Whether catering to a large corporate group or an intimate engagement, you can be assured of a personal, professional service and an unforgettable, unassailably stylish experience!
a Lifetime Winter Special nn VIP Gift and Sparkling Wine in room on arrival at
Indaba Hotel
nn Overnight at Indaba Hotel nn Coffee and Rusks at Indaba Hotel
nn Welcome Cocktail and Snacks on arrival at Mowana
Spa nn 3 decadent pamper treatments (Full Body Massage,
Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Foot Massage)
nn Transport to Balloon Launch Site nn Balloon Safari of an hour nn Sparkling wine served either in flight or on landing nn A souvenir certificate for bravery
2-course Spa Dinner
nn Breakfast served at Bill Harrop’s beautiful club-
nn Complimentary Beverage nn Departure beverage and treat from Mowana Spa
house Pavilion and Restaurant nn Transport to Indaba Hotel
Rate: R7049 per couple To book this winter special email info@tourismguideafrica.com Call +27 21 556 0725
Valid from 1 June - 31 August 2018 (Please note the Spa is closed on Sun, Mon and Tue nights)
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o you are a tourist or traveller embarking on a well-earned vacation to Africa and wishing to explore, explore, explore…. You consider yourself a person who loves nature and you care about the planet and natural spaces. You love wildlife and consider yourself a person who makes a difference in small ways. Are you then one of those people who cannot resist the temptation to cuddle a lion cub? I mean, you have been told that it is going to be released into the wild and your tourism experience is after all conservation education, is it not?
managers who should be managing the reserves for biodiversity are now being influenced to manage the reserve for tourism. This means that the shareholders are driving their reserve managers to hold popular animals on their reserves to attract tourists who want to see these popular animals, however do not have the space or biodiversity to support these particular species. Let’s take lion species for example. Very popular amongst tourists and a definite attraction if a reserve holds lion.
than an animal centric approach.
Guide to become an Eco Conscious Traveller By Conservation Guardians
Let me share with you how powerful the need of some reserves is to serve the will of the tourist. The influence extends beyond that of interactive wildlife experience to top-end game reserves. Reserve
Sport-specific
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Flavourful foodie fun
But in the instances where the reserve cannot sustain the lion on their reserve they begin manipulating the management of the lion in various ways. The most obvious is placing the lion in camps where they feed them artificially. Other strategies are to create coalition groups where the lion males commit infanticide to reduce the population growth. The former strategy usually disappoints the tourist when they realise the lion are in camps. And in the case of the latter example, the tourists are never told the facts. Conservation Guardians recognises the need to educate the visitor and guide them responsibly. If the tourism demand is informed and focused on enjoying nature for its biodiversity rather than seeing a lion kill, this tourist demand will inspire a focus on biodiversity conservation rather
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works in tandem with the criteria set by the IUCN to achieve biodiversity targets. Countries who are signatories to the commitment to achieve these biodiversity targets are committed to conserve biodiversity and meet the area targets set out.
In an exciting development this year, the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour has confirmed that the 115km road race, along with the 80km and 50km mountain bike races will be seeding qualifying events for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour.
NEW ATTRACTIONS AND OLD FAVOURITES AT THE PICK N PAY KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL f you aren’t already planning to be at the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival from Friday, 29 June – Sunday, 8 July, here are a few ‘tasters’ to entice you to book your holiday now and join the festival for “the best 10 days of winter”.
Why is it that informed and educated people actually spend well earned dollars cuddling a lion cub thinking that they are contributing to conservation, and what is conservation anyway?
Without the demand, the supply would not be sustained, so it is critical that we have an open discussion about the responsibility of the traveller in influencing what happens at grass routes tourism.
The Comedy Festival is always an entertainment highlight and will take place at Mitchell’s Brewery. Don’t miss the chance to see some of SA’s top comedians and other well-known comedy personalities in action.
Conservation Guardians has designed a Conservation Achievement Score that
Really?
The global community of travellers interested in wildlife experiences create the demand that is resulting in a supply of different experiences involving wild animals. This supply unfortunately resides in predominantly third world countries where legislation fails the good care of these wild animals.
Loerie Parkwill this year play host to various kiddies’ entertainment options and sporting events such as the Athletics SWD, Oyster Festival rugby and soccer and netball tournaments.
It is important that tourists know that there is a world conservation strategy that is biodiversity focused and not animal focused. This strategy places the emphasis on us protecting natural spaces that are rich in biodiversity. Healthy eco-systems should be our focus because it is these eco-systems that support and sustain wildlife populations.
Among the more than 100 activities arranged over the 10-day period, a first this year is the fun “Flavours of Knysna Tour”, a culinary journey to some of the best restaurants in and around Knysna. Taking place on Wednesday, 4 July, you’ll plan your own route using our hop-onhop-off shuttles to visit some of the best eateries in the area and experience delicious tasters and signature dishes. An exciting competition will also run on the night, where you can cast your vote for
your favourite restaurants in various categories. Tickets can be purchased online via Webtickets or at the Money Counter at Pick n Pay stores in Knysna and George. Make sure you don’t miss – space is limited! Date: Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Old favourites, new venues The Knysna Wine Festival presented by Pick n Pay may be an institution, but this year’s location on Thesen Island will be a first. Come and experience the best of South Africa’s wine farms on Monday, 2 and Tuesday, 3 July. Tickets cost R150 and include tasting glass, available at www.webtickets.co.za or the Monday Counter at Pick n Pay stores in Knysna and George.
An e-bike event was introduced last year and will again be on offer, in the form of the 30km Electric Bike MTB race. The Momentum Big5 Challenge and Big5 Lite multisport events cater for the seriously adventurous.
Get the T-shirt! Look out for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival pop-up shops and info desks located in Festival zones, where you’ll be able to be to purchase Festival-branded goodies and get any info you may need. Knysna has plenty on offer during the Festival. Visit www.oysterfestival.co.za/ accommodation for bookings and packages, and for activities and things to see and do in the area visit at www.visitknysna.co.za.
We believe that the disconnect between tourism structures and conservation structures has caused this simple but straightforward oversight. The Conservation Guardians ‘Conservation Achievement Score’ identifies places with high conservation integrity and highlights these places for the tourist to understand that if they go to these places, their spend will be invested into ‘real’ conservation efforts. Our vision is to nurture a global community of conscious travellers. https://www.conservationguardians.africa/
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WTM AFRICA 2018
RECORDS 18% INCREASE IN ATTENDEES After a successful three days in the Host City of Cape Town, WTM Africa is pleased to report that its pre-audited statistics show an 18% increase in visitor numbers in comparison to 2017, with over 600 companies exhibiting at this prestigious travel trade exhibition.
WTM Africa 2018 represented a crosssection of over 50 different countries from across the world, with an increase in buyers from Africa in particular who are looking to grow tourism on the continent.
“
All images courtesy of WTM Africa
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e have had an overwhelming
attendees of this year’s WTM Africa,” explains Chardonnay Marchesi, South Africa Portfolio Director for Reed Exhibitions’ Travel, Tourism & Sports Portfolio. “We saw an increase in exhibitors, visitor numbers, media and countries represented and are eagerly awaiting the release of the audited numbers for WTM Africa 2018!”
2018 also saw buyers from a range of new markets present, including Mexico, Greece, Romania, Spain, Argentina, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Rwanda, Algeria and Ivory Coast. There was a total of 37 African countries represented at WTM Africa across a variety of exhibitors and tourism boards, says Marchesi. “We continue to strengthen our presence as the pre-eminent African travel trade exhibition, and the trust of these
Hosted buyers for WTM Africa 2018 represented a cross-section of over
exhibitors is testament to that.” Marchesi also reported that media
50 different countries from across the world, with an increase in buyers from Africa in particular who are looking to grow tourism on the continent.
attendance was up by 8% at WTM Africa 2018 when compared to the previous year, indicating a high interest for the exhibition from local and international media.
amount of positive feedback from exhibitors, buyers and
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Looking to book your stand for #WTMA19? Remember that if you book before the end of July, you’ll qualify for the Early Bird discount! Visit www.africa.wtm.com or call +2711 549 8300 for more detail.
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6 Must Visit Restaurants
in Southern Africa One of the questions you will find yourself asking is where to eat which is why we have put together 6 highly recommended restaurants you must try out while travelling in Southern Africa. Here they are in no particular order.
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Mundos Restaurant, Maputo Mozambique
From its humble beginnings as a stand that sold burgers Mundos has grown to become a favourite restaurant for many tourists to Maputo. The vibrant and relaxing environment is ideal for families or meeting spot for friends. Some of the favourite dishes amongst others are pizzas, delicious hamburgers and the best steaks in Mozambique. www.mundosmaputo.com/
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Petiscos Restaurant, Cape Town South Africa
Petiscos Restaurant located in Cape Town’s West Coast is a place for everyone, a romantic dinner date and watching the 2018 Soccer World Cup with friends. This restaurant offers soul satisfying food like the Mozambican – inspired nacional cream sauce accented with beer from the region. https://www.petiscos.co.za
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Amanzi Restaurant, Harare Zimbabwe
Situated in the heart of the Northern Surburbs of Harare Amanzi Restaurant brings flavor and taste to the African dining experience. Amanzi Restaurant is set well back from the road in 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. An old farmhouse, architecturally converted to a stylish modern restaurant and very quiet environment for those who want to run away from noisy city Some food to try is the lamb and pistachio skewers, mixed sushi platter or the delectable Portuguese calamari tubes.
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Joe’s Beerhouse, Windhoek Namibia
Joe’s Beerhouse is inspired by the fascinating character of Namibia and its people. Even if you’re just passing through, you have to have at least one meal there, or at least an ice cold draught of Namibian beer. The many nooks and crannies are safe havens for countless old relics and memorabilia Joe Gross collected over the years on his travels and some that were given to Joe by friends and guests. Be sure to have a look around carefully, and ask about them – just about every item has a story http://www.joesbeerhouse.com/
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Mamma Mia, Lilongwe Malawi
Mamma Mia is Lilongwe’s top Italian restaurant, loved a lot by the expatriate community. It serves Italian pizza, pasta, salmon pasta and so much more. Mamma Mia is a perfect place for lunch and dinner even Bill and Chelsea Clinton have dined there too. Be sure to visit them when you are in Lilongwe.
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Marlin Restaurant, Lusaka Zambia
Marlin Restaurant is very popular with locals and international travellers. The restaurant offers meals of excellent quality and pass through when you are in Lusaka to try their delicious. You can look forward to various foods like Chinese, Steaks, and Creole cuisine in a friendly environment with friends and family. https://www.marlinzambia.com/
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