TOURISM GUIDE
AFRICA FEBRUARY - MAY 2018 EDITION
Travel GUIDE
www.tourismguideafrica.com
DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA’S
MARINE BIG 5
How to make ocean friendly 10 Romantic Take your taste 26 seafood 12 Waterfalls in Africa 24 buds on a unique African culinary experience choices PA G E
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IN THIS ISSUE
Relax and melt away the stress with the Mama Africa experience p. 22
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DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE BIG 5
credits.
contents.
08 ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SHARK CAGE DIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA 10
5 COOL THINGS TO DO ON SAFARI DURING THE GREEN SEASON IN MALAWI
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10 ROMANTIC WATERFALLS IN AFRICA
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WTM AFRICA 2018 TO CELEBRATE WOMEN IN TRAVEL
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DWELL WITH SOUTH AFRICA’S INDIGENOUS TREES AT SUMMERFIELDS
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GOLD RESTAURANT: AN EXTRAORDINARY AFRICAN DINING EXPERIENCE
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YOUR CHOICE OF SEAFOOD CAN IMPACT OUR OCEANS
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CAPE TOWN AND THE WESTERN CAPE NEEDS TOURISM NOW MORE THAN EVER
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
CONTRIBUTORS: Josh Musokeri, Marine Dynamics, Chris Badger, Paul Kilham, Richard Chimwala, Samuel Chihana
PROJECT MANAGER: thandie@tourismguideafrica.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@tourismguideafrica.com
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER: Tresor Melusi
DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Julia Tsyrkin ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: thandie@tourismguideafrica.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: info@tourismguideafrica.com
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.
Welcome Note
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hearty welcome to the February - May 2018 edition for the Tourism Guide Africa Travel Guide. Travel is a gift that we give ourselves and if you planning a trip to Africa and not sure what
to do, don’t worry we have put together some great travel ideas and packages to make your planning easy. In this issue we look at a range of marine travel destinations, we guide you to discover South Africa’s marine big 5 and how to make sustainable seafood choices to help you make ocean friendly choices about the sea food you eat. We look at eco tourism destinations in Africa in the dwell with South Africa’s indigenous trees article as well as the green season in Malawi article. We also take your taste buds on a journey that will make you look forward to a unique African culinary experience. We hope this issue inspires you to leap towards your next Africa trip.
Happy Travels! Tourism Guide Africa Team
Discover South Africa’s Marine Big 5
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outh Africa has on its East the warm currents of the Indian Ocean and on its West the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This provides habitats for an abundance of amazing sea creatures. Among those creatures are the Marine Big 5: Great White Shark, Cape Fur Seals, Bottlenose Dolphin, Southern Right Whale, and African Penguin.
HERE’S AN INTRO TO THE MARINE BIG 5:
1. GREAT WHITE SHARK The Great White is an ancient and adapted species of the ocean. It is believed to have been around for more than 70 million years. It keeps the oceans balanced because it is at the top of the food chain. In contrast to the common belief, Great White Sharks are not the mindless killers people believe them to be; they are in fact highly selective predators that feed on a wide range of fish, dolphins, and seals. Once their senses are fully developed, they can even detect the electrical impulses of their prey. There is still much to discover about these awe-inspiring creatures of the deep.
2. CAPE FUR SEALS Just off the coast of Gansbaai, you can find a colony of over sixty thousand Cape Fur Seals at Geyser Rock. They are the only resident seals in the region. They are playful and proud and most of their diet consists of bony fish, however they also eat octopus, squid, and sometimes crayfish (rock lobster). Fullygrown male seals (also called ‘bulls’) can weigh over 300 kg while females (also called ‘cows’) weigh around 80 kg.
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3. HUMPBACK DOLPHIN AND BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN Make sure to visit Dyer Island when you are in South Africa. There, you will have the opportunity to encounter Humpback dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. Humpback dolphins have large hump on their back, that’s why they are known as such. Bottlenose dolphins on the other hand are archetypal dolphins that you commonly see in aquariums and on television. Neither of these species ventures into waters deeper than 30 meters, that’s why human encounters are pretty common.
4. SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE Southern Right Whales are seen in South Africa from June to December. Early whalers called them the ‘right whales’ to hunt because they were easy prey and also fetched a good market price. Hence the name Southern Right. Nowadays, they are the “right whales” to watch. Apart from the huge concentration of these whales in Walker Bay, the coastal pathways and the cliffs of Hermanus offer the best whale watching experience in the world.
5. AFRICAN PENGUIN African Penguin is a rare species these days. In the 1900s, penguin eggs were highly sought-after because of their delicacy which as a result almost whipped out their entire population. Add overfishing and pollution to the equation and you will understand why this species isn’t doing so well. Because of their donkey-like bray, they are also known as Jackass Penguins. Their black and white tuxedo is known as counter shading because it is a form of camouflage. Their black backs confuse predators looking down towards the dark water below and their white bellies confuse predators swimming below looking up towards the light. T O U R I S M
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Ultimate Guide to Shark Cage Diving in South Africa
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he great white shark (Carcharodoncarcharias) is on the bucket list for many and where better to see this legendary species than in South Africa. With only a few places in the world one can view white sharks, South Africa has the most accessible population of white sharks and is the most affordable. Other sites are Guadalupe (USA) and the Neptune Islands (Australia), both renowned for their visibility and large sharks. However, both require considerably more distance to be covered and are a lot more expensive than South Africa. In South Africa, there are three key sites: False Bay, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai. False Bay has a limited season of the winter months due to its proximity to Cape Townbut Gansbaai and Mossel Bay are year round accessible sites for white shark viewing. Gansbaai operators work around the Dyer Island ecosystem. The natural scent from the almost 60 000 Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock naturally attracts white sharks as they move through the area. White sharks are migratory often travelling large distances before they are seen again at coastal sites. During the winter months they hunt around the island system as young Cape Fur Seal pups take to the water for the first time. In the summer months the sharks are found in the inshore areas where the boats will follow
in order to get an encounter. Often when encountering naturevarious factors may affectspecies sightings. Weather also plays a part and the Western Cape of SA experiences winter storms so always plan a few extra days in the schedule if this activity is really on your bucket list. In understanding shark cage diving in South Africa, one first has to understand the great white shark. The white shark has been demonised for many years when once the thought was that the only good shark was a dead shark. Thankfully, South Africa was progressive in protecting this critical apex predator and did so from 1991, although looking at the low estimate of numbers in Gansbaai, South Africa (possibly around 800 to 1000) and the slow maturing of the species, their recovery is alarmingly slow. World estimates are debated due to the difficulty of modelling populations of white sharks but it is generally agreed that their numbers are considered low throughout their global range. White shark cage diving has been recognised as a vital conservation tool, critically important for the species’ conservation in Southern Africa where it is a highly threatened species. Without shark cage diving, white sharks would not be monitored and policed daily in South Africa. This would then open up the very real threat of illegal fishing
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for them once again. One analogy to consider would be the Mountain Gorillas that have trackers monitoring them daily – this is only possible through the funding generated by gorilla eco-tourism itself. Without this form of tourism it is not likely the gorillas would have survived poaching. There are also positive spin offs for the community which is the same with shark cage diving. The white shark population in Gansbaai is open, thus sharks do not live in the bay year round. They are transient, and usually spend a few weeks to a maximum of a few months per visit and there seems to be a high degree of site fidelity where individuals return back to the site intermittently between migrations. Preliminary satellite tracking data shows that white sharks undertake extensive longshore migrations and will often remain away fromGansbaai for as long as a year or two. The majority of the Gansbaai white shark popula-
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tion migrates east, temporarily residing in other coastal areas along the South Western Cape to Mozambique. Certain individuals, particularly large females, make large forays into the Indian Ocean, the furthest journey on record being a return visit to the west coast of Australia and back, a distance of 22,000km. They also migrate to unprotected waters such as those off Mozambique where they are targeted by local fishermen and sadly their fins are sent off to the Far East.Even along the South African coastline, they face dangers such as the bather protection shark nets in Kwazulu Natal. Research of the great white shark is key to their survival and daily monitoring by biologists working in the shark cage diving industry has been essential in understanding the pressure on the population. If we understand the pressures on this species we can help drive conservation decisions at a government level. Another positive spin off is the change in perceptions and after observing the species in its natural environment, people from all over the world are becoming great white shark ambassadors. We are also privileged to see another shark species around the boat – the bronze whaler shark (Carcharinusbrachyurus) otherwise known as the copper shark because of its distinctive golden colouration. This species is found in temperate waters and usually seen in groups. Bronze whalers can grow up to 3.3m in length during its 25 to 30 year lifespan. Nowhere else in the world can one dive with this shark so close to shore. Should you be anoverall nature lover, there are whale watching / eco tours available. In a bid to view the Marine Big 5 – sharks, seals, dolphins, whales and the endangered African Penguin plus many seabird species. We encourage tourists and tour operators to choose an operator that is actively supporting conservation efforts. Marine Dynamics believed that “YOUR CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.” Marine Dynamics with their ten year established Dyer Island Conservation Trust has initiated many conservation projects. Besides invaluable shark research on population, wound healing, movement patterns and predator movement ecology and pressure, there are major penguin conservation strides being made from the nest project addressing fledgling success to the establishment of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Visitors to the area can also visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Open every day, entrance is free and there is a public feeding time at 3pm. www.dict.org.za Article and photographs courtesy of Marine Dynamics Tours
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When the long-awaited Green Season arrives in Malawi, the dust and smog of the hot dry season vanishes and the country flourishes, yielding ample greenery. During this time, the country’s key wilderness areas become full of life and energy, allowing avid wildlife enthusiasts and nature-lovers to experience the best of Malawi’s wildlife and natural heritage. Here is a list of five must-dos for guests embarking on safaris in Liwonde and Nyika National Park during the Green Season:
5 COOL THINGS TO DO on safari during the Green Season in Malawi Those visiting Mvuu Camp and Lodge in Liwonde National Park can embark on boat safaris, nature walks and game drives which are sure to yield spectacular sightings of a wide array of migrant, indigenous and endemic bird species. From the 19th -21st of January, a dedicated birding weekend will be held at Mvuu Camp and Lodge – e-mail mvuu@ cawsmw.com to find out more.
where they can enjoy an array of wildlife sightings right at the doorstep of their tents and chalets. Each chalet and tent is situated at a unique vantage point, offering views of the Shire River. Despite participating in lots of interesting game activities, remember to also spend a few quiet moments, soaking up the sights and sounds of Liwonde from the comfort of your room.
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EMBARK ON A BOAT SAFARI ACROSS THE SHIRE: One of the most prominent highlights and an absolute must-do in Liwonde National Park during the Green Season is a boat safari across the scenic Shire River. Cruising through the waters of this mighty river which serves as the park’s lifeline allows guests to enjoy spectacular sightings of a wide array of different wildlife and bird species, whilst taking in the tranquil backdrops of lush and far-stretching greenery. The endless variety of incredible wildlife sightings, coupled with the park’s pristine and picturesque natural surroundings make boat safaris in Liwonde National Park during the rainy season extremely memorable. Often guests will have to travel to and from the camp by boat, which is the ideal way to start any getaway in the bush during the rains.
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TAKE A BIRDING TOUR: The Green Season is a time when both Liwonde National Park and Nyika National Park are teeming with an abundance of bird species. Guests visiting Chelinda camp and Lodge in Nyika National Park can enjoy personalized birding tours and attempt to tick numerous species off their lists.
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EXPLORE ONE OF THE REGION’S MOST INCREDIBLE BIOMES ON FOOT: During the rainy season, one of the most rewarding activities that guests visiting the Nyika Plateau can engage in is a nature walk across the scenic highlands and montane grasslands of Nyika National Park, whilst breathing in some of the cleanest and purest mountain air on the planet. Guests can enjoy a special detour to the headwater of a river, where they can witness one of the very few remaining peat bogs on the continent, or learn more about the 99 different species of grass that cover the surface of the plateau during the season.
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SOAK UP THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF LIWONDE’S NATURAL SURROUNDINGS FROM YOUR CHALET: Built to blend harmoniously with the park’s natural surroundings, Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Lodge allow guests to enjoy an authentic experience in the wilderness, T O U R I S M
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WITNESS THE MOST CAPTIVATING SUNSETS WHILST ENJOYING A SUNDOWNER: During the Green Season, guests visiting both Liwonde and Nyika National Park can opt to enjoy captivating and spectacular sunsets whilst sipping on a refreshing sundowner, after an adventurous day filled with safaris. In Nyika, guests will have the opportunity to watch the sun set from one of the many great viewpoints atop the plateau, whilst guests visiting Liwonde National Park can enjoy the beautiful sight of the sun setting over the glimmering waters of the Shire. About Central African Wilderness Safaris: Central African Wilderness Safaris (CAWS) is an ecotourism company that offers the finest quality safari experiences and the ultimate holiday getaways in Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. CAWS offers both up-market tailor-made luxury safaris as well as more affordable budget safari options. The company is dedicated to offering personalised and authentic travel experiences that have a minimal impact on the planet and a lasting impact on people. Photo credits: Dave Clark, Dana Allen & CAWS Archive Contributors: Chris Badger, Paul Kilham, Richard Chimwala and Samuel Chihana. Contact: marketing@cawsmw.com for more information
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Spanning the magnificent Kariega Estuary on its course to meet the warm Indian Ocean, malaria-free Sibuya is South Africa’s only game reserve accessed solely by boat.
With just 12 luxury tents in two camps, and 4 elegant suites in the lodge, professional guides are able to offer personalised game drives, exclusive boat trips and sumptuous beach or bush picnics. The ancient floodplains and pris�ne coastal forest host an abundance of birds and game (45 species including the “Big Five”) and the splendour of the vistas will leave you saying “Sibuya” – we will return.
T: 046 6481 040 E: res2@sibuya.com W: www.sibuya.co.za Kenton on Sea
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10 Romantic Waterfalls in Africa
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The word Africa conjures up many things e.g. the Sahara, wildlife safaris, etc. But waterfalls are the real romantic aspects of nature that are located all across this continent.Discovering the beautiful waterfalls are a great way to go when you are planning your journey with your loved one. Following are 10 romantic waterfalls in Africa: 1. VICTORIA FALLS No doubt Victoria Falls is the most popular waterfall in Africa. Located on the Zambezi River, this waterfall is a breathtaking sight for sore eyes. It forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world with a length of over one kilometer and a height of over hundred meters.
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2. BLUE NILE FALLS Situatedin Ethiopiaon the Blue Nile river, the Blue Nile Falls is another beautiful waterfall that measures a height of 3550 meters.It is alsonamed“Tis Abay” in Amharic, which means“smoking water”. The vapor it creates plunges into the gorge, which is pretty amazing sight to see. 3. TUGELA FALLS Located in the Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall on Earth.After a heavy rain, Tugela Falls can be easily seen from the main road into the park. It can be visited by walking two different trails.
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4. OUZOUD FALLS Ouzoud Falls is known as one of the most beautiful, romantic, and surprising attractions in Morocco. The view it provides is a mixture of red sandstone and power waterfalls which is nothing short of scenic. It is definitely a priceless view that is worth relishing.
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5. OWU FALLS Located in Ifelodun, Kwara, Owu Falls is the most spectacular and the highest natural waterfall in West Africa. The waterfalls are surrounded by magnificent hills and a beautiful natural ambience, which make sightseeing anunforgettable experience. 6. GURARA WATERFALLS Gurara Waterfalls is located on the road between Minna and Suleja in the Niger State.With a sheer drop of 30 meters, the waterfalls span 200 meters across. The sparkling water falling into a pond some 20 meters before returning to serenity is a purely marvelous sight.
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7. FARIN RUWA FALLS Itis one of the tallest waterfalls in Nigeria that provides a spectacular sight. Split across three tiers, this waterfall is surrounded by arich forest which makes it a haven for eco-tourism.
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9. LUMANGWE FALLS Located in northern Zambia on the Kalungwishi River, Lumangwe Falls is another amazing waterfall in Africa. Unlike the Kalambo Waterfalls, Lumangwe Falls is the largest waterfall within Zambia.It is also often mistaken for the Victoria Falls.
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8. KALAMBO FALLS Located on the Kalambo River, Kalambo Falls lies between two countries, Tanzania and Zambia. It is the second highest free-falling waterfall in Africa. It is also one of the most important sites in Africa, archaeologically.
10. WLI WATERFALLS Wli Falls is located in theVolta Region of Ghana, at about 20 kilometers from Hohoe. Not only is this waterfall argued to be the highest waterfall in West Africa, it is also undoubtedly the most impressive waterfall in Ghana.
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ADVERTISE WITH US
TOURISM GUIDE AFRICA is a digital travel guide that reaches and inspires digital savvy travellers to plan their next Africa trip.
If you are interested in reaching digital savvy global travellers please contact thandie@tourismguideafrica.com or call on +27
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TOURISM GUIDE AFRICA TOURS
Half Day Cape Winelands Tour CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA This Cape Winelands half day winelands tour takes you to the famous South African winelands for a cellar visit with wine tasting and a visit to the historic Stellenbosch. HIGHLIGHTS
ii Scenic drive to Cape Winelands ii Wine tasting at Stellenbosch Wine Estate ii Cellar tour ii Opportunity to purchase wine ii Second wine tasting FROM R790 PER PERSON
BOOK OR ENQUIRE NOW: E-mail: info@tourismguideafrica.com | Telephone: + 27 21Â 556 0725
WTM AFRICA 2018
TO CELEBRATE WOMEN IN TRAVEL
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n 2012, statistics released by business consultancy Prowess.org.uk, indicated that more than 126 million women entrepreneurs were starting or running both large and small businesses in 67 economies in 2012. Female entrepreneurship is also high on most governments’ agenda, and global advisory company McKinsey estimated that if women were fully contributing to enterprising, 12 trillion US Dollars could be added to global GDP. In addition, the World Bank has advised that the rate of female entrepreneurship is higher in Africa than in any other region of the world. With these strong indications that women entrepreneurs are on the rise, the WTM Africa team is pleased to announced the addition of the Women in Travel Meetup to its
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he Women in travel Meetup at WTM Africa 2018 will consist of a half-day programme inclusive of panel debates, group mentoring sessions and the opportunity to network.
2018 programme. Women in Travel, established officially as a social enterprise in 2017 following years of successful events, aims to leverage the global travel and tourism industry to provide women with the opportunity to fulfil their economic and individual potential through education, engagement and entrepreneurship. “Our vision is to provide communities in key regions (UK, Middle East, Africa and Latin America) with a sustainable livelihood by enabling women to become economically independent through entrepreneurship and a thriving career in the travel and tourism industry and in so doing, to become a recognised catalyst for women empowerment in the international travel and tourism sector,” says Alessandra Alonso, Founder of Women in Travel. T O U R I S M
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Image: Alessandra Alonso, founder of social enterprise, Women in Travel CIC
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“WTM Africa has always focused on the upliftment and growth of the travel sector, a powerful and vibrant industry that has long been a popular vocation for women. Combining our extensive network with Women in Travel is a natural progression set to empower female attendees from all over the continent, and we’re excited to add this to our already diverse programme,” says Chardonnay Marchesi, General Manager of African Travel Week.
Dwell with South Africa’s indigenous trees AT SUMMERFIELDS
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ou’d be forgiven for seeing only the pristine forests upon arrival at Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. Delving into the woods with one of South Africa’s leading indigenous tree experts, Michael Oosthuyzen, reveals the long standing tales these trees have to tell. Trees (especially indigenous trees) and how to preserve them is a subject of much debate. Many will argue that trees are the genesis to preserving an entire ecosystem. “This is about as good as it gets. I’m buoyed not only by the expansive and rare variety of indigenous trees, but also by how beautifully devoid the forests are of invader species” commented Oosthuyzen on a recent visit to the boutique, luxury family run establishment. South Africa is home to 742 species of indigenous trees. Together with their subspecies one can count over 2500 varieties. Each with its own identification number. For Oosthuyzen, they are so much more than their number. Uniquely, every tree has its identity, history and purpose (not unlike people). “Upholding the integrity of our natural surroundings is always front of mind. Nestled alongside the banks of the Sabie River, our luxury tented accommodation harmoniously leaves minimal impact. We’ve been extremely excited to hear about Michael’s findings,” said owner, Andre van Heerden. Over 70 indigenous tree species (and oftentimes as many within a hectare block) were identified. This is impressive given only 11% of South Africa’s tree species are found all over the country with the
around 100 years old. Their age suggests these were planted by former Prime Minister, Jan Smuts, who was known to have a hunting farm in this area at the time. Oosthuyzen who consults to the private sector, in addition to studying horticulture, learnt his trade from his father who was a cycad specialist at what was the Transvaal Plant Association at Hartbeeshoek. He also learns from a traditional healer (Sangoma) about the medicinal use of plants. For example, the Pioneer tree (found in the Summerfields forest) is a natural antibiotic into the environment, restoring PH levels in soil which encourages more growth. remaining 89% confined to specific geographies. Within those found a number are considered protected plants by the Department of Environmental Affairs including Jackalberry, Marula, Matumi and Yellowwood trees. “Seeing two huge (30m tall) Jackalberry trees (one male, one female), estimated at over 700 years old was a highlight. These trees grow very slowly and to be that tall is very rare. Additionally, the forest has Marulas (many over 80 years old), Stinkwood and Outeniqua Yellowwoods. I also came across several species unique to the Lowveld region including Buffalo Thorn, Fever, Wild Tobacco, Lowveld Cabbage and River Bushwillow trees” continued Oosthuyzen.
“The power of life is held within a seed. And the emphasis Summerfields places on preserving its natural vegetation is evident in its design. This is achieved alongside offering a personalised, undiscovered experience, where you can be sure the air you breathe is of the purest. An entirely rejuvenating place on many levels” concluded Oosthuyzen. Summerfields is also a working farm that grows macadamias, litchis, roses and organic vegetables. Much of the produce is used in their restaurants to create superbly authentic fare. The first rate spa also uses fruits from the land in treatments. Located at the Kruger National Park Phabeni Gate (and within an hour’s drive to the Sabi Sands) luxury safari trips are also on offer.
The variety and richness of these trees, many of which are fruit bearing, attracts a diverse range animals and birds. Notably Oosthuyzen came across two enormous Pecan nut trees (exotic to South Africa) that are over 40m high and believed to be
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CONTACT: Annelle Whyte, communications manager, 0711 638719, annellesummerfields@gmail.com
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MAMA AFRICA EXPERIENCE
at Sanctuary Signature Spa At Sanctuary Spa we pride ourselves a distinction. We have compiled a portfolio with exquisitely unique treatments that are the perfect combination of ancient and modern techniques, taking inspiration from the world’s finest therapies, rituals and healing applications involving the arts of advance massage techniques, we incorporate elements that enhance your entire being.
signed to attain deep relaxation. This package commences in our private Tylarium combining steam and sauna, allowing the heat to soothe and relax your muscles, relieving built up tension. As your journey continues, breathing techniques are used to ease you into the treatment while flowing massage techniques combine with pure fynbosoils and heated stones, target specific problem areas healing and comforting the body.
From the moment you cross the threshold, you will be transported to a world of indulgence and luxury, where no detail is spared in creating an unparalleled journey of relaxation and tranquillity.
This massage will soothe and ground you in a deep relaxing sleep. Finally the sound of the rainmaker gently will awaken you.
The Mama Africa one of Sanctuary Spas signature experiences is a must for every traveller a journey that will sweep you to a place of inner peace grounded in the four elements of earth, de-
Enter The World of Sanctuary Spa.
C O N TAC T D E TA I L S :
Tel: +27 21 425 2080 victoria@sanctuaryspas.co.za Physical Address: On the Waterfront Pierhead, Cape Town, South Africa T O U R I S M
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GOLD Restaurant: An Extraordinary African Dining Experience
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OLD Restaurant in Green Point Cape Town serves up one of the most culturally delicious African dining experiences imaginable. Operating since 2007, what makes GOLD unique is its lively atmosphere, famously friendly people, and 14-dish tasting menu, which honours traditional African dishes combined with modern flavours and techniques.
“… that African food is really healthy in its abundant use of pulses and fresh vegetables is a surprise to many.”
Restaurant co-owner, Cindy Muller says, “GOLD was born from the idea that Africa needed to be showcased in a sophisticated and creative way. The stereotypical opinion of Africa needed to be completely turned on its head. We created a restaurant that focuses on the variety of African foods. The fact that African food is healthy in its abundant use of pulses and fresh vegetables is a surprise to many”. The evening begins with guests warmly welcomed by beautifully attired servers who come from all over the African continent. They bring with them their stories, history, culture and traditional recipes, some of which influence and inspire dishes featured on the menu. Helping to design their garments, they also hand stitch their personalities and artistic ideas into the pattern detail you see on some of the table linens.
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Eager first-time and returning guests that opt for pre-dinner djembe (pronounced jem-beh) drumming are escorted to a designated space. Each participant gets their own djembe drum, a wooden goblet covered with animal hide, which rests comfortably clasped between the knees. Under the expert guidance of one of GOLD’s experienced drumming facilitators, anxiety gives way to unbridled glee as even the most rhythmically challenged
“… the flavours in our food are enhanced and not hidden by herbs and spices.” are soon cupping their hands and pounding out the pulsating sounds synonymous with the heartbeat and rhythm of Africa. After 30 minutes or so, guests are treated to a soothing traditional hand washing ceremony and are led to their tables where the 14-dish tasting feast begins. Served in generous individual and sharing portions, all dishes are freshly prepared with top quality provisions and the menu changes seasonally. Head chef, Mavis, G U I D E
who comes from Zambia says, “Real food is all about natural ingredients and what comes from the land. Back home, food retains its own natural taste. When you smell the aromas from food cooking in a neighbour’s house, you can still smell the main ingredients. At GOLD the flavours in our food are enhanced and not hidden by herbs and spices. It’s real. Like Africa”. Each dish is brought to your table with country of origin, cooking method, and spicing explained. All meat, poultry and fish dishes are Halaal-certified and come with vegetarian or vegan substitutes. Inform the restaurant of your dietary preferences when booking so that they can adjust your menu accordingly. Cindy says, “We spend time communicating with our staff in terms of whom they will be serving, where our guests come from, and we consider any cultural differences that we need to take into account when serving them”. Tuck into North African briouates, light and crisp filo pastry parcels filled with ginger and cashew nuts. Dig in to the South African boerewors, specialty sausage made from lamb and venison served with tomato smoor (sauce). Mop up the sauces of Moroccan lamb tagine, Ghanaian peanut chicken, dips and condiments with roosterkoek (bread rolls traditionally cooked on hot coals), or Xhosastyle pot bread. From Zambian sweet potato cakes, Cape Malay pea and potato samoosas to Tanzanian fried fish and shrimp with spinach and coconut, guests can expect an incredible spread of spice, flavour and texture. Desserts may include Malva pudding, a South African sweet, baked sponge, Cape Malay Boeber, a creamy sago pudding, or South African cardamom ice cream.
captivated throughout the evening. This takes the form of archetypal African stories told through music, singing and dancing, and Mali puppetry to the rhythm of marimba percussion and djembe drums. At the end of the evening all the staff come out to join in the festivities. It is their way of coming together to celebrate with you and to wish you well until they see you again. In addition to great food, GOLD’s people provide the ambience, warmth and
“Archetypal African stories are told through music, singing and dancing, accompanied by tall Mali puppets, to the rhythm of marimba percussion and djembe drums”. An essential part of any dining experience is the people with whom you share it. African food is traditionally shared and enjoyed with friends and family, and as family is central to African culture children are welcome. There is plenty of live entertainment to keep diners of all ages
knowledgeable service associated with the world’s best dining experiences. To get this consistently right for more than a decade requires an attitude that comes from the top. Cindy says, “I treat my staff with dignity and respect. If it
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comes from the top then our staff take care of our guests in the same way”. GOLD’s culture of mutual respect starts with warmly greeting one another at the beginning and at the end of a shift. Cindy says, “Its important to know each and every member of my staff. I get to know their life story, their families, likes and dislikes. It’s important to be genuinely interested, to let my staff know that they are unique and special and I make sure they feel it. This translates into how they cook and how they make our guests feel”. Consistently popular since its inception, GOLD is open for dinner and live entertainment seven days a week. Walk-ins are welcome when capacity allows but as the restaurant is high up on many a must-experience-list, availability cannot be guaranteed, so its best to pre-book.
RESTAURANT ENQUIRIES / BOOKINGS
Tel: +21 (0) 21 421 4653 Cell: +27 (0) 82 419 9663 info@goldrestaurant.co.za
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YOUR CHOICE OF SEAFOOD CAN IMPACT OUR OCEANS T O U R I S M
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and Green-listed species are the most sustainable choices available, coming from the best managed populations. The SASSI list is derived from the following information about a species: What is it? Where is it from? How is it caught? These questions unpack the current status of stocks, management in each region and the environmental impacts of a fishery. All this information has been condensed and packaged into a handy SASSI app, a pocket card you can slot into your wallet, and a nifty FishMSservice; text the name of the fish to the number 079-499-8795 and you will soon get a response telling you to tuck in, think twice or avoid completely!
outh Africa’s coastline spans two oceans, housing an extraordinary undersea diversity. It is no wonder that South Africans enjoy their seafood, not forgetting the influx of tourists who look forward to our seafood spread. Seafood is the most traded primary commodity in the world, yet how often do we acknowledge that the kind of seafood we buy or sell can have environmental impacts at both a global and a local level?Over the last few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of fish being taken out of the oceans. Latest studies estimate that 89% of all fisheries are overexploited. The way seafood is traded is primarily driven by the demand of the seafood lover. That means that it is important for us to make good choices when choosing our seafood so that we can make sure we conserve our shared oceans and ensure our favourite seafood is still around for our children, as well as their children, to enjoy.
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WWF-SASSI also works with a number of retail and restaurant partners to promote sustainably and responsibly harvested seafood products, thus contributing towards the maintenance of healthy and productive marine ecosystems, as well as economic and livelihood security in South Africa. Ultimately, your choice of one type of seafood over another really does matter to the health of our marine environment here in South Africa, and even globally. As a consumer, you have the power to ask the ‘What, Where and How’ of your seafood, wherever you go, and consult with the SASSI App to make a sustainable seafood choice. Remember, not all seafood is equal. YOU HAVE A CHOICE, SO MAKE IT GREEN!
So what can you do about it? Well, quite a lot actually. Luckily, choosing sustainably is so much easier with WWF-SASSI. The South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) offers a number of tools to empower consumers to make responsible seafood choices. The SASSI listcategorises popular seafood species according to their conservation status: seafood on the Red list should never be bought (These are either illegal to buy or sell or considered unsustainable), Orange-listed species have associated environmental reasons for concern,
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: see WWF-SASSI’s website at www.wwf.org.za/sassi
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CAPE TOWN and the Western Cape needs tourism now more than ever
CAPE TOWN AND THE WESTERN CAPE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS, AND READY TO WELCOME VISITORS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY AND PROVINCE. WE NEED TOURISM NOW MORE THAN EVER, AS WE AIM TO KEEP OUR ECONOMY GROWING AND CREATING JOBS DURING THIS CHALLENGING DROUGHT.
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his is critical. International press coverage of the drought, and on the prospects of “Day Zero”, has caused anxiety amongst foreign travellers. We have received concerned calls from the tourism trade, as travelers’ question whether they should visit Cape Town now, and even book for it in the future. One of the key concerns noted by potential tourists who are considering Cape Town, and which is also echoed by some citizens, is that they would make the situation water worse if they visited our region. We believe that this is not only incorrect, but that the opposite is true. Not visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape now would only make this challenging situation worse. THIS IS WHY: During peak season, international tourists only add 1% to the population of the entire Western Cape Province on average. These tourists on average only spend a few days in Cape Town, and then travel to other parts of the province, and then up north to attractions such as the Kruger National Park. Many hotel establishments are taking the lead in drastically reducing water consumption. The tourism industry has led the way in reducing the consumption of water by tourists, ensuring that each tourist “saves like a local”. Tsogo Sun, the largest hotel group in the Cape, has cut their consump-
tion of water by 40%. Despite this extremely small addition to the population size, tourism supported 206 000 direct jobs, 55 763 indirect jobs and 56 243 induced jobs. Therefore in total, tourism supports over 300 000 jobs across the Western Cape. As a result of these visitors, R38 billion was added to our economy in 2017. If one calculates foreign direct spend by visitors, visitors spent R9.9 billion in the Western Cape in the first half of 2017 alone. This was an 8.8% growth. Tourism is a major sector of our provincial economy, and it is growing faster than any other sector in the country – even during periods of recession. Tourism stimulates growth in small towns and rural areas in the Western Cape. According to research conducted by Wesgro, 30 of 36 local tourism offices interviewed outside of Cape Town registered an increase in tourist arrivals in December 2017. There are areas in the Western Cape where the impact of the drought is not as severe, and where tourism is desperately needed for economic growth and job creation. The drought has had a devastating impact on the agricultural sector since last year. Thousands of jobs have already been lost. Tourism can assist in shouldering this impact especially in the smaller towns. If we encourage tourism during this time, and highlight the many attrac-
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tions that exist across our beautiful province, we can continue to stimulate growth in the Cape. Events, which attract visitors to Cape Town and many places across the Western Cape, add this to this economic benefit. The Cape Town Cycle Tour, for example, contributes half a billion rands to the Cape economy. If events like these become water-neutral, as the Cycle Tour has, they can continue to provide a positive benefit. In the past financial year (2016/2017), Wesgro supported over 30 regional events outside of Cape Town. This resulted in 150 000 additional visitors to these regions, and the creation of 1600 temporary jobs. During this same
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year, the 33 bids won by the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau for conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions will have an economic benefit of nearly R500 million. The knock-on effect would be felt across South Africa. Cape Town, and its surrounding areas, is the “crown jewel” in the overall South African tourism offer, and if it falls off the travel list, South Africa may fall off the consideration list too. Visitors might start in Cape Town, but many travel to the many other beautiful attractions that our country has on offer. Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde said: “We’ve worked hard to build our tourism destination into
the award winning sector it is today: Cape Town has won the Telegraph Best City award for five consecutive years and is routinely voted as a top tourist destination in other readers’ choice polls. Our airport is the best in Africa. These polls are voted for by our visitors, and reflect the excellent experiences they have had here. We work tirelessly to uphold this reputation and ensure that all visitors to our shores are able to leave with only positive stories to recount. We urge visitors to make sure Cape Town is on their immediate bucket list, but to use water responsibly while they are visiting us. Saving water in Cape Town means saving jobs in Cape Town.” Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said: “The numbers
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are clear. Visitors add an enormous value to our province, even when they make up a tiny proportion of the population. They sustain livelihoods, and they stimulate growth even during challenging economic times. We are fortunate enough to live in arguably the most beautiful region on earth, and we must emphasise this now more than ever. We urge residents to welcome tourists during this time, so that they can help our economy grow. And we want to let visitors know that you are most welcome, but when you visit, be mindful of the drought and help us save water. If we work together in this way, we can avoid Day Zero, maintain our economy, and continue to support and create jobs across the Cape and South Africa.”
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