TravelMagSa Issue01

DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA, SEYCHELLES...

WILDLIFE & NATURE, ART, THEATRE, SHOPPING - BUY WINE, BOOK CAR RENTAL, SAFARI’S, TOURS AND TRAVEL, PROMOTIONS, INNOVATIONS, BOOK REVIEWS, INDULGENCES AND MORE...

ISSUE01

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

with CEO of South African Tourism Thandiwe January-McClean

look inside CELEBRITY TRAVEL WITH

JOHAN STEMMET JC ENGELBRECHT CATHY O’ DOWD & JO DA SILVA

CHERRYBERRYBLUEPUBLISHING.COM

2011001

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{ Visual Journey }

A DAY IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Photographs courtesy of Luke Engelbrecht

{ Insights }

EDITORS VOICE TravelMagsa is built on passion and enthusiasm, Luke and I have been in the Wedding & Tourism Industry for more than a decade, and we love the people, the places, the heart and the beauty of it all.

We have entered an electronic and technological era and we hope you will enjoy our digital diversion to the Travel world and that you will share with us some of the extremes, plenitudes, diversions and accomplishments that this fabulous continent, country, place, have to offer you.

We hope these pages will keep you coming back for more...

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“Success takes growth and development; it’s using an achievement as a stepping stone to rise higher up the mountain of accomplishment.”

Blessed are those whose strength is in you. They go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5, 7.

JUSTINE

READERS INSIGHT Tell us about your extremes, plenitudes, diversions, accomplishments, events, views, and travel experiences!

Write to me here... editor@cherryberrybluepublishing.com

FACT FILE This issue includes South Africa, Tanzania - Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Namibia and Seychelles.

INTERESTING WEBSITES THAT WILL HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY! South African National Parks ~ www.sanparks.org SAT South African Tourism ~ www.southafrica.net Freestate Tourism ~ www.freestatetourism.org Mpumelanga Tourism & Parks ~ www.mpumalanga.com North West Tourism ~ www.tourismnorthwest.co.za Gauteng Tourism ~ www.gauteng.net Western Cape ~ www.tourismcapetown.co.za Kwazulu Natal Tourism ~ www.zulu.org.za Zanzibar, Namibia, Madagascar ~ www.dkafricatravel.co.za Mount Kilimanjaro ~ www.climbingkilimanjaro.co.za Namibia Tourism Board ~ www.namibiatourism.com.na Zanzibar Tourism ~ www.zanzibartourism.net Tanzania Tourist Board ~ www.tanzaniatouristboard.com Seychelles ~ www.seychelles.travel

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INSIGHTS

Editors Voice, Publishers details, Readers Insight, Fact File

INTERVIEW

Interview with the CEO of South African Tourism

CELEBRITY TRAVEL

‘Local is Lekker!’

West Coast Wonderland Meandering through the Midlands Luxury in Limpopo Gorgeous Garden Route

HEALTH & SPA

Rejuvenate your skin with the help of little spa-fishes

TRAVEL ZANZIBAR

Escape to the exotic romantic spice island of Zanzibar

TRAVEL TANZANIA

4 6 -11 13-16 13 14 15 16 19 21 22-24

Climbing Kili

INNOVATION

25

InfoStrap

SHOPPING

Shopping - Buy Wine, Book Car rental, Book Safaris, Tours & Travel

TRAVEL NAMIBIA

26-28 29

Surfing in the desert

TRANSFRONTIER TOURISM

Three Cities, Three Countries

ART

30 38-39

Taking Art to a new dimension

THEATRE

First time in South Africa, the phenomenal flying footwork of the original Riverdance on stage in 2011 36 For the first time ever in South Africa, The legendary original Cirque du Soleil presents the signature production Saltimbanco 37 Dreamgirls dream cast announced for the smash hit musical making its South African premier in 2011 37 WIN Riverdance Tickets 27

WILDLIFE & NATURE

A smorgasbord of culture, history and nature, The Maloti Route Place of great noise For the love of Cheetahs

BIRDING

32 31 33 34

Nylsvley is for the birds

YESTERYEAR

35

Relishing ancestral legacies

PROMOTION

Quick-fix, high-tech cucumber slice

cherryberrybluepublishing.com

41

BOOKS

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Cape Town & the Winelands Hiking Trails of South Africa South Africa by Road: A regional guide The rough guide to South Africa Touring South Africa’s National Parks

40 40 40 40 40

INDULGENCES

17 42 43

South Africa’s Premier Diamond Tour Carnival time in the Seychelles Introducing Armand de Brignac the worlds No 1 Champagne

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS, CONTRIBUTORS & SPONSORS

Africa Cape Tours African Romance Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre Back Roads to Africa Big Concerts, Debra de Souza Cathy O’ Dowd Climbing Kilimanjaro D&K Africa Travel Destination African Tours Ellerines Holdings Errol Westoll Eye Slices, Kerryn Krause – Neufeldt First Car Rental Grapefuel Imagine Africa Safaris Infostrap – Deidre Geldenhuys Jannie Grobler JC Engelbrecht Jo Da Silva Johan Stemmet Kingdom House of language and communication Lanzerac Hotel & Spa Marion Dunkeld-Mengell Mpumelanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) Penguin Travel Books South African Tourism Struik Travel & Leisure Zest

26 2, 17, 27 33 26 27, 36, 37 16 22, 23, 24 20, 21 22, 23, 24 12 38,39 41 26 27 26 25 35 15 14 13 26 18, 19 34 30 40 6-11 40 47, 28

CHERRY BERRY BLUE PUBLISHING SA CC, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA EDITOR: JUSTINE ENGELBRECHT EDITORIAL DESIGN CONCEPT, PRODUCTION & LAYOUT: ONE2LOVE.CO.ZA WEBSITE DESIGN: WWW.TRAVELMAGSA.COM, ONE2LOVE.CO.ZA FEATURE WRITERS: GINA HARTOOG, HENDRINA WESTOLL SALES DIRECTOR: LUKE ENGELBRECHT, NATIONAL FREELANCE SALES: PENN, WESTERN CAPE ADMINISTRATION: MICHELLE MAIA, JOHANNESBURG PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT: PAT BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHERS: LUKE ENGELBRECHT, ERROL WESTOLL, SAMUEL SAMPI KAMFFER, SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM (SAT), MEDIA CLUB SOUTH AFRICA E-PUBLISHED 2010 © QUARTERLY BY CHERRY BERRY BLUE PUBLISHING SA CC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED EMAIL: INFO@CHERRYBERRYBLUEPUBLISHING.COM MOBILE: 0744408668 TELEPHONE: 011 615 66 63 MORNINGS ONLY FAX: 086 658 7936 TRAVELMAGSA IS REGISTERED BY CHERRY BERRY BLUE PUBLISHING SA While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this edition of Travelmagsa, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations. Concept, text, covers and title of Travelmagsa is Copyright © and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting first edition.

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VISUAL JOURNEY

A day in the Kruger

{ Interview }

Oh yes, it’s possible!

Travelmagsa Feature Writer Hendrina Westoll had an exclusive interview with Thandiwe January-McClean, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism (SAT) and Oh yes – it’s possible!

BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

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Nowhere else on the planet will you find this inebriating and often bewildering melange of life, adventure and discovery; first and third world intertwine. Culture and history blend in with leisure, sport and entertainment activities. Arts and crafts, traditional customs and costumes are glittering beads in this complex tapestry. Global conferences and international conventions provide a note of solemnity.

This can only be South Africa. Already known and loved by millions of tourists who disregarded distances and rumours driven by curiosity and a sense of excitement, discovered a country whose wealth of diversity made them drunk with experiences and emotions.

Recently unveiled by the explosive 2010 Word Cup media which exposed its warmth, its humanity, its unutterable beauty, its never-ending range of landscapes, eco-systems and activities that offered new insights and perspectives even to the most jaded and cynical visitor. South Africa suddenly appeared as a glittering jewel in the world’s tourist treasure trove. Above all, the world saw South Africa in its true rainbow colours and met its vibrant, energetic, optimistic and enormously welcoming people.

“This colourful South Africa, brimming with hope, passion and pride was a far cry from the bleak colours that most of the world seemed to associate us with,” comments Thandiwe January-McClean, chief executive officer of South African Tourism (SAT).

“While we were long prepared for the 90 degree turn-around in perception and appreciation by foreign visitors, we were overwhelmed by the way in which South Africans themselves united in unprecedented ways, opening their arms to tourists

and engaging with people everywhere, in the street, the pub, the shops, at restaurants, at game lodges, in hotels and homes.

Somehow, we have tapped into a psyche that was just waiting to be stimulated, and have given our true South African spirit an opportunity to emerge and flood onto the scene.”

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

“Many tourists were taken completely unawares by the breathtaking diversity of our country,” January-McClean points out.

“Holding the World Cup matches in different regions meant that fans followed their teams and in between matches, discovered landscapes, environments, sights, cultures and activities they never realised existed in South Africa. They didn’t even wait to go home before telling friends and families about their experiences!” SAT has cannily sourced some of the shots and videos enthusiastic new fans of South Africa created and has placed them on its site for all to see. www.southafrica.net “Nothing convinces more than words from the horse’s mouth,” she smiles.

In line with this approach, she mentioned the recent, highly successful initiative which brought four couples to South Africa from India, the United States, Nigeria and the UK. “We put them out there to live the whole experience, from five-star hotels to township life, adventures and scenic beauty, wildlife and culture. Countless videos were filmed and these were recently released, allowing the enthusiasts to talk personally and directly about their emotions and thoughts. It has been another arrow in our ‘dispelling the myths about South Africa’ quiver that we are using to great effect.

These personal testimonies carry far more weight than any official advertisement.”

January-McClean’s own passion and pride in the country bubble out of her words. Her inspiration has motivated the entire SAT team and infuses the SAT website. Visiting www.southafrica.net however, should be done with caution: you risk overload!

It’s almost impossible to believe that this incredibly rich gamut of life and discovery can exist in one country at one time.

OPPOSITE: Gods Window – August Sycholt BELOW: Thandiwe January-McClean

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{ Interview }

6 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM Lion Indaba – Robin Taylor

MORE THAN JUST GAME PARKS

“Tourists have always associated South Africa with game parks and wildlife safaris,” continues January-McClean. “But now we have been able to demonstrate that game parks are not just game parks, and that wildlife safaris in the Cape are dramatically different from a similar tour in Mpumalanga.

“But of course the great exposé for millions throughout the world is that South Africa is not just game parks and wildlife safaris,” she stresses. “Over 400 million people followed the World Cup on television. In addition to those, we made very sure that every individual at the matches and the fan parks was exposed to amazing shots and scenes of the ‘other’ South Africa and its great tourism wealth.”

South Africans themselves leapt into the fray, and enthusiastic South Africans were eagerly telling tourists about the tastes, the specialities, the attractions and activities in their particular part of the country.

Marketing and advertising this spectrum of things to do, see and live was part of the World Cup tourism strategy developed

by SAT, and it is making glorious amounts of hay to strew all over the world while the sun still reflects its light and heat from this event.

will lure thousands more to experience the weather, wide-open spaces and countless adventures once they have been released!”

TEAMING UP TO PROMOTE THE GOOD NEWS

A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE

“Our stakeholder relationships form a crucial part of our local and international strategy,” explains January-McClean. “These are as varied as the many activities available for both local and international tourists and include big business, roleplayers in the public and private sector and a multitude of operators in the sport, entertainment, leisure, transport, hospitality and touristrelated sectors.

“Our partnerships with the media are crucial and received a significant boost during the World Cup,” she points out. “The BBC, Eurosport and National Geographic are vital elements of our on-going strategy to market South Africa at various levels. For instance, we co-operated with the National Geographic’s ‘Adventurers Wanted campaign’, and seven winners from multiple countries were selected to embark on an adventure tour in South Africa. I have no doubt that the Adventure Tribe’s exploits

South Africa has immense potential for sport and other events at a global level. Few realise just how many of these international events it has already staged: the 1995 Rugby World Cup; the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations; the 1997 World Cup of Golf; the 1998 World Cup of Athletics; the 1999 All Africa Games; the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development; the 2003 Cricket World Cup; the 2003 President’s Cup; the 2005-2007 Women’s World Cup of Golf; the 2006 A1 GP; the 2007 World Twenty20 Championships; not to mention of course the Confederations Cup and the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. In addition, South Africa has also successfully staged numerous swimming and surfing events, including the FINA Swimming World Cup; the Paralympic Swimming World Championships; the Red Bull Big Wave surfing championship; the six-star rated event for the World Championship tour; and the Surf Ski World Cup, the first

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ever officially accredited surf ski world cup event.

It has also been the birthplace of many homegrown competitions which have gained international stature. These include the Nedbank Golf Challenge; the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest individually timed cycling event in the world; the Giro del Capo, the foremost professional cycling stage race; the Cape Epic, a huge draw card for mountain bikers from around the world; the Comrades’ Marathon, the world's greatest ultra-marathon; the Two Oceans Marathon, covering the most beautiful route in the world; and the Dusi Canoe Marathon, one of the toughest canoe marathons in the world.

Through its 10 international offices as well as its 130 embassies, SAT is working to keep South Africa ‘first in mind’, drawing on the enormous successes generated by the World Cup event.

“We co-operate closely with our Tourism Business Council,” she adds, “Also marketing business tourism, which is growing in importance, particularly with the BRIC countries, (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and of course, through our Embassies. We

share research with the Business Council and are studying ways of encouraging business tourists to embark on small voyages of discovery while they are here to promote their commercial and trade activities.”

A CONFERENCE DESTINATION OF CHOICE

SAT always has a significant presence in the more prestigious international conferences on Tourism and has become well known for its ingenious, informative and entertaining displays. For instance at “IMEX” in Germany, South Africa increased its exhibition space due to a growth in demand from South African trade and introduced a Lekgotla area, where highly popular group presentations were hosted.

“In this respect, South Africa is becoming increasingly known as a convention and conference destination of preference,” January-McClean states. “Our facilities are world-class, whether in terms of technology or accommodation, cuisine or transport.

Visitors can also experience so many different aspects of our culture and history while they are here. They have opportunities to discover our wildlife or partake in adventure sports: the range of choice is signifi-

cant and we make sure that these products are marketed in hotels and other establishments where they stay.”

‘BusinessUnusual’ one of the products that SAT will be marketing even more extensively into the future. “This puts a unique twist on business tourism,” January-McClean explains. “It’s a blend of ancient and modern culture, solving business challenges using inclusive and collaborative methods, including a wide range of experiences infused with African values, spirit and wisdoms.” The ‘BusinessUnusual’ “incentive products” include ‘African cultural immersion’ and ‘The wilderness experience’ and they have been greeted with enthusiasm by those who have embarked on them.

Since 2001, the World Travel Awards have annually named one of South Africa’s International Convention Centres (ICC) as the best conferencing venue in Africa and SAT fully intends maximising on this accolade as it builds its tourism initiatives into 2011 and beyond.

“We have hosted everything from relatively small conferences of about 500 delegates to massive, complex and multi-layered conventions with thousands of visitors and

Sabie River – SAT

{ Interview } simply defined, it can be called responsible tourism, a gentler, more integrative way of travelling, paying attention to the environment, the indigenous way of life, and actually going beyond just being ‘eco-friendly’.

“For instance, we make sure that communities neighbouring on renowned game parks can also benefit from them.” The recently upgraded Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West province is a prime example, creating jobs and benefits while promoting conservation.

“We also pioneered the Fair Trade label for tourism products, a uniquely South African innovation, which includes five-star game lodges through to adventure operators, bicycle tours and community-owned guest houses. Then we have our Heritage SA label, which accredits green tourism and social responsibility initiatives, while the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards run by the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa have identified and celebrated the efforts of sustainable initiatives.”

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The projects have received international acclaim, including Green World Travel Awards, the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, the Guardian/Observer Ethical Travel Awards and the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.

Lisbon Falls – Lanz Von Horsten

delegates streaming in and out daily,” she points out.

Cape Town’s ICC has been selected for the World Critical Care Conference in 2013, the World Social Security Forum in 2010 and the International Federation of Dental Hygiene in 2013.

This year, Sandton ICC is the venue for the International Scrapbook Convention, the World Conference on Science and Technology Parks and the Africa Rail Exhibition and Conference. Durban ICC will house the International Society of Radiographers, the International Congress of Entomology, the International Veterinary Society and the International Association of Schools of Social Work.

“And now we will also be hosting the 2011 Global Climate Warming Conference,” she states proudly. “So we have a huge resource of abilities and potential to market to the world, and we are busily engaged in doing just that.”

GREEN TOURISM IS THE “IN” THING

With its finger constantly on the pulse of international trends, SAT makes sure that it exploits every opportunity to keep the country top of mind in every development. “Sustainable and ‘green’ tourism are growing in popularity,” January-McClean points out.

“Over the decades, it has become something of a South African speciality. More

“National Geographic has also granted adventure awards to three South African eco-lodges which showcase the desert and savannah,” she adds. South Africa has about 100 of these eco-lodges countrywide which provide more meaningful travel experiences and offer guests close contact with cultures and with environmental initiatives while also providing an element of adventure.

“This is a trend which we will definitely be pursuing, and we have been using the September Tourism Month and International Year of Biodiversity initiatives as one way to boost our potential,” she adds.

“This year’s theme for World Tourism Day, which is being celebrated in Limpopo, is ‘Tourism and Biodiversity’. The province of Limpopo was selected because of its own rich biodiversity which offers conservation, beautiful scenery and rich culture.

We anticipated that people visiting South Africa for the World Cup would be fascinated by the people of our country and the almost bewildering variety of cultures. So this project boosts the link between tourism and cultural tourism, another trend which is becoming increasingly popular internationally.”

UTILISING EVERY COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

In line with keeping abreast of international trends, SAT has a beady eye on the most effective use of the burgeoning social

networking phenomenon. “It is absolutely amazing what one can achieve through making oneself known on sites like Facebook and Twitter,” she enthuses. “Here it’s not about advertising puffery or marketing spin – this is where ‘the tekkie hits the turf’, as we say in South Africa, and these direct personal testimonies have a powerful influence on future visitors to the country.”

Then there are sites like www.wayn.com and www.expedia.com and others that SAT is using extensively. “We are also entering into joint marketing agreements which will provide us with powerful on-line booking platforms, and we are looking at expanding the scope of some of our other relationships, such as the train, plane, bus and tour operators, to be able to utilise their networks to market the country more effectively. Constant communication is the key – not only with all our stakeholders, but with the wider domestic and global public, keeping them updated with everything that is the latest.”

MARKETING TO AFRICA

It’s not only the international travellers that SAT is bent on enticing to the country. “We are actively marketing South Africa to the rest of the continent,” January-McClean states, “As well as marketing the country to South Africans themselves. I think it is a known phenomenon that people tend to take their own environment for granted, and want the thrill of an adventure in a foreign country without really knowing what their own country offers. We want to reverse this habit.

“Huge numbers of Africans come to the country mainly for shopping – they arrive, complete their purchases and then leave.

We are aiming at converting these casual visitors. It started with those who came to visit the World Cup and were exposed to what else the province they normally enter can offer.”

She points out that many Africans from SADEC countries will fly overseas for holidays or purchases, mainly because they are unaware of what South Africa offers.

The domestic tourism market is also coming increasingly into the spotlight. “We are really promoting the inherent attractions of each province, and also encouraging provinces to market and boost one another,” she says. “For instance, when one says ‘Durban’, South Africans tend to think, ‘beaches’. We want to embroider on this so that Durban means cultural experiences, King Shaka World, the Drakensberg, shark diving and so on. ‘Johannesburg’ should not conjure up just images of a big city that serves as a launch pad to surrounding game parks. It is a First World centre of culture, offering drama, theatre and ballet, it has venues of great historical interest, it has the fascination of a trip to a township, it is one of the homes of jazz – the list goes on

life, endless beaches and a multitude of cultural possibilities make South Africa a mecca for the backpacker.

A further advantage of South Africans being enthused about their own country is that they act as ambassadors when travelling elsewhere!

Dealing with challenges SAT also has some rather complex challenges to face. South Africa’s very geographic location is not the least of the issues. “We are quite a long distance away from countries such as the United States, China and India, so we have to develop routes that are going to favour travel.”

FIND IT ON THE WEB

SAT’s website is inundated with the countless tourist offerings available – it brims with excitement and invitation. It is an Aladdin’s cave for those – increasingly in the majority – who love to research their holidays before selecting destinations – a fact of which SAT has taken full advantage. “People want to know more about the countries and regions they are visiting,” January-McClean claims. “This is a truth which our own on-going research has revealed, so we try to ensure that every possible aspect of an event, a product, an area or whatever is made available on our site – plus a wealth of additional interesting facts and figures, as well as suggestions that might not have occurred to the enquirer.”

“There is the added advantage that a holiday in South Africa will cost only a fraction of a vacation overseas. This, of course, is a further draw card for our valued international visitors as well. They will be able to experience luxuries, adventures, events and activities for a minimal sum compared to what they are used to.”

REACHING OUT TO THE EMERGING MARKET AND THE YOUNG

The emerging market is also enjoying more focused attention from SAT. “The most obvious of these countries is Brazil, which will be the next to host the Soccer World Cup, and whose citizens have evinced growing interest in South Africa as both a tourist and business destination,” she comments.

China is also high on the list of priorities.

Africa has become a focal point of Chinese interest and more and more Chinese citizens are entering the continent.

Backpackers are tourists who often fall off the radar screen, but not so with SAT. “The majority of almost any population is composed of people under the age of 35,” comments January-McClean. “These are the adventurers, those who want to discover and experience life for themselves among different nations, cultures and regions.”

Soweto was jam-packed with eager young backpackers during the World Cup, exploring township life, tasting traditional dishes and hobnobbing with youngsters of their own age to share opinions and thoughts.

Vibrant modern cities, rural villages, heartstopping scenery, adventure sports, wild-

To facilitate more long-haul trips SAT is negotiating with various stakeholders concerning an increase in the number of direct flights. “Interestingly, we have seen a growth in this respect in what we would normally consider as non-core markets, such as Argentina and the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates airline considering flying directly to Durban,” she comments.

SAT is also liaising with the Department of Home Affairs to ease visa requirements which some countries consider onerous and discouraging. “Lobbying such Departments will also facilitate the collection of vital information such as statistics on numbers of tourists arriving, their accommodation and travel arrangements and the like which will assist us with future planning.”

TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE

But SAT’s sights are set far beyond the actual tourism horizon itself. “If we don’t train our tourism ‘interface’, our entire image can be tarnished and the industry itself damaged,” she cautions. “So exten-

sive skills training programmes are necessary to boost the present and ensure the future of our tourism industry. And if we intend to attract people from foreign nations, it means ensuring that there are interpreters for those who cannot speak English – currently a big ask.”

SAT is collaborating with embassies to provide some of that training. The private sector too is being encouraged to assist with skills development and language training.

This includes visits to various educational institutions by January-McClean to highlight the importance of tourism and the many careers it offers.

Obviously the ambitious plans and hopes which SAT envisages for South Africa will not come to pass overnight and neither will they be realised by one party alone. “We are strongly encouraging the co-operation of stakeholders from both public and private sectors,” January-McClean stresses.

“We have seen first-hand what can be achieved when people come together from all sectors of society and all parts of the country to join forces in showcasing the nation. We intend to build on this, keeping our strong national spirit, passion and pride at a high to show the world what a magnificent country this is and what the glorious possibilities are. I am confident that if we all work together – it’s possible!”

Photographs supplied courtesy of South African Tourism www.southafrica.net Photographs taken by the respective photographers as indicated.

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and on, and it is these aspects of the different cities and provinces that we are intent on publicising to South Africans themselves as well as to our overseas visitors.”

Lowveld View – Walter Knirr

{ Celebrity Travel }

LOCAL IS LEKKER!

West Coast Wonderland

Johan Stemmet is a renowned South African singer, presenter and producer.

He was born in Springbok in the Northern Cape and grew up in the diamond mining town of Kleinzee in Namaqualand. His music game show ‘Noot vir Noot’ is currently in its 34th season on South African television. Johan has won many prestigious awards, both for his music career and his contribution to television in the country.

Where in South Africa have you enjoyed a fantastic holiday?

JS: Langebaan and the Club Mykonos Marina.

What was your motivation behind selecting this holiday destination?

JS: It’s the ideal marina on the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon and Saldanha Bay. What type of accommodation did you stay in?

JS: We always stay on my yacht.

What is spectacular about the area?

BY GINA HARTOOG

JS: You have the lagoon which is a nature reserve and then there is Kraal Bay, the beauty of the West Coast. It’s just a few hours sailing from many spectacular anchorage spots, like Paternoster.

Why should our readers go there?

JS: The West Coast has a special charm and is within close proximity of Cape Town. You have the best of the city life close at hand and the peaceful country life if you want that.

What part of South Africa do you hope to visit next?

JS: I would like to sail around the coast to Knysna.

ABOUT THE AREA The town of Langebaan was once a whaling station but is now renowned for its delightful holiday atmosphere and hospitality. From amazing sunsets to the spectacular show of the late winter/early spring flower wonderland, the town has something to offer tourists in any season.

Summers are hot and dry while winters can be chilly and wet. The region is wellknown for its decadent seafood delights with treats to tantalise the taste buds and surprise even the most seasoned food connoisseur.

STAR ATTRACTION The West Coast National Park is a nature-lover and bird watchers paradise.

The Langebaan Lagoon is part of the Park and plays an integral role in conserving essential wetland for wading bird species. The area is home to many different mammal and bird species, including eland, ostrich and the endangered black oystercatcher.

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Ever wonder where prominent South Africans spend their holidays? Whether it is the hot, bushveld region of Limpopo or the lush paradise of the Garden Route, our celebs are making the most out of the phrase: Local is Lekker!

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Meandering through the Midlands

Jo da Silva, a respected actress of stage and screen, is currently captivating viewers with her portrayal of the complex Gita McGreggor in the soapie 7de Laan. She is also known for roles in Isidingo and stage productions like My Fat Friend and Death of a Salesman. Jo is an avid crafter and dedicated mother to Caitlin Rabe (13).

Where in South Africa have you enjoyed a fantastic holiday?

JD: My favourite place is without a doubt the Midlands Meander and I head into Natal to do it every chance I get.

What was your motivation behind selecting this destination?

JD: I had always heard about the incredible crafters and artists living and working there.

I loved the idea of driving from one place to another and making constant discoveries along the way. I am a creative person by nature so being able to see and learn from other people’s creativity is just a delight for me.

What is spectacular about the venue and the area?

JD: The Sycamore Avenue Treehouses will charm and delight young and old alike. Each house belongs to the world of Tolkien and mine was complete with a treetop jacuzzi... sinking under those bubbles with that view and a glass of wine in one hand....that takes some beating!

Can you share a few memorable moments from the trip?

JD: My first visit to Culamoya Chimes also moved me deeply. The view is spectacular, the chimes sound through your soul and Frik and Lola Haupt make you so welcome you never want to leave. I have now lost count of how many of their chimes hang around my home.

I can never do the Meander without collecting just one more...

Why should our readers visit this area?

JD: The Meander is a road trip with benefits.

Each bend in the road brings a new discov-

ery - from a coffee shop with pastries to kill for to an out of the way potter’s home where you discover treasures in the garden. There are more than enough venues that cater for children and there are also plenty of places just for two if you want a romantic getaway.

ABOUT THE AREA The Midlands Meander stretches from the majestic Drakensberg mountain range to Pietermaritzburg in the province of Kwazulu Natal. Several towns along the route like Howick, Hilton, Lidgetton and Nottingham Road, offer the adventurer a chance to discover many creative treasures at shops, studios and potter’s havens along the way. The summer climate is temperate and winters can be chilly, especially if there is snow on the high-reaching mountain peaks. The Midlands Meander is a popular fly-fishing, holiday and wedding destination.

STAR ATTRACTION The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains are a vast range stretching from Mpumalanga in the north, down to the Eastern Cape in the south. uKhahlamba, or Barrier of Spears, is a Mecca of diverse fauna and flora, protected within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a South African UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains are a paradise for thrillseekers. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy action activities like hiking, mountain climbing, white water rafting, abseiling and paragliding in the area.

{ Celebrity Travel }

JC Engelbrecht, the popular ‘weatherman’ on SABC 3, is now also a presenter on the award-winning environmental programme 50/50. JC is a musician, singer and avid handyman. He studied teaching in Potchefstroom and Stellenbosch and is currently the headmaster at Abbots College in Northcliff. JC is married to gospel singer Tasha Taljaard.

Where in South Africa have you enjoyed a fantastic holiday?

JE: Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa near Phalaborwa.

What was your motivation behind selecting this destination?

JE: I’d heard about it and read more on the Internet.

What is spectacular about the venue and the area?

JE: The Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa is situated on the border of the world renowned Kruger National Park and offers you the opportunity to experience the unique Lowveld environment. We were able to experience luxury accommodation, enjoy a wonderful golf course and watch a wide variety of game and birds – all in one holiday! The drive to the resort takes you through the spectacular Magoebaskloof and over the eastern escarpment with amazing views of the Lowveld.

ABOUT THE AREA The Limpopo Province with its hot, dry summers and spectacular afternoon thunderstorms is a region of South Africa known for its rich cultural heritage and luxury bushveld lodges. Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa and Tzaneen are three of the province’s larger towns. A famous marker of the region is the majestic African baobab, a tree which captures the spirit of Africa and her people. The Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the Limpopo Valley, on the banks of the great Limpopo River.

STAR ATTRACTION The northern region of the Kruger National Park is part of the Limpopo Province. The Park is home to African’s Big Five and was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1926. It is South Africa’s oldest and largest National Park. No visit to the province is complete without a trip into the Kruger and a visit to the Olifants or Letaba rest camps and the Masorini Iron Age Site near the Phalaborwa gate.

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Luxury in Limpopo

Can you share any memorable moments from the trip?

JE: Game viewing and night game drives after enjoying sundowners next to the Olifants River. The visit to the Kapama Cheetah Breeding Project was a highlight. The daily breakfasts in the Leadwood restaurant were the perfect way to start every day. We also visited Die Eiland/The Island Holiday Resort with its heated mineral baths and hydro spa.

Why should our readers go there?

JE: This venue offers every visitor the opportunity to experience the peace and quiet of the bush while enjoying the luxury of this 4-star hotel. The golf course is magnificent and the game viewing something to remember.

{ Celebrity Travel }

14 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM

Woodall, the team leader of her first Everest expedition.

Gorgeous Garden Route

Adventurer and author Cathy O’Dowd was the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest from both the north and south sides. Cathy was born in Johannesburg and has travelled extensively - from dog-sledding through the arctic to rock climbing in Yosemite National Park in the United States. Cathy, an acclaimed motivational speaker, is married to Ian

Where in South Africa have you enjoyed a fantastic holiday?

CO: In and around Sedgefield, a small town between George and Knysna along the N2, on the Garden Route.

What was your motivation behind selecting this destination?

CO: My family went there every summer holiday right through my childhood and my parents eventually retired there. I am not sure why they first selected it.

What type of accommodation did you stay in?

CO: At first we stayed in a little holiday bungalow on the shores of Swartvlei.

Later my parents built a small log cabin in the village of Sedgefield, then later still they sold that and built a bigger retirement home on the big hill above the village.

What is spectacular about the venue and the area?

CO: Everything! There are beautiful beaches with safe areas for families at the various river mouths, including the mouth of the river in Sedgefield itself.

There is a string of lakes, providing everything from bird-watching to water

sports. The area boasts some of the last indigenous forest left in the southern Cape. An ancient and mysterious tangle of trees, hiding Coca-Cola coloured rivers that are wonderful to swim in. Then there is the Outeniqua Mountains, lush with fynbos that provide spectacular views south to the sea and north to the desert of the little Karoo and the Cango Caves. As an outdoor enthusiast I love the network of well maintained but not overcrowded hiking trails that criss-cross the area.

What part of South Africa do you hope to visit next?

CO: Hard to say… there are so many lovely places I would like to go back to.

That being said, I’ll probably be going back to Sedgefield!

ABOUT THE AREA The famous Garden Route stretches from Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape to the Witsand and Heidelberg area of the Western Cape. Its Mediterraneantype climate with a high average annual rainfall makes it a holiday paradise frequented by tourists from around the world. The main attraction of the area is surely the diversity it offers travellers from all walks of life. Enjoy pristine

beaches and rocky coastline to lush forests of indigenous trees and bird life, all within close proximity of each other.

Action sports enthusiasts can enjoy windsurfing, rafting, paragliding, horse riding trials and Bungee jumping at various stations along the route.

STAR ATTRACTION The town of Sedgefield is surrounded by two lakes. To the east lies Groenvlei, a fresh water lake within the Goukamma Nature Reserve. To the west of the town lies Swartvlei, a natural inland brackish water lake, with forms part of the Garden Route National Park. Fishing, hiking and bird watching are popular activities in the area. The Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area stretches along 14km of the coastline. Many bushpig, vervet moneys, grysbok and other wildlife make their home in the Reserve.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: WEST COAST: Courtesy of West Coast Peninsula Tourism MIDLANDS: Courtesy of Stephen Pryke LIMPOPO: Courtesy of Han Merensky Hotel & Spa GARDEN ROUTE: Courtesy of Knysna Tourism (Photo by: Desmond Scholtz)

{ Indulgence }

african romance

AFRICAN ROMANCE FACTS & FIGURES • African Romance will create 120 jobs related to the beneficiation of diamonds.

The needs of its production process will support as many as 208 jobs created indirectly

see page 25 to book the Diamond Tour

• African Romance supports Government training programmes and makes a significant contribution to the beneficiation sector.

Unskilled graduates, who attended the Soweto Jewellery School, and other schools that form part of the Imfundiso Skills Development Initiative, are given the opportunity to perfect their skills learnt by developing designs for the company

•

Diamond polishing in South Africa has been in existence since the mid 1800s

•

African Romance is Africa's first homegrown international diamond brand and offers its clientele the most comprehensive and insightful diamond tour on the continent, showcasing the latest diamond technologies under one roof in the heart of Sandton.

At African Romance diamonds and romance are very personal and engaging journeys. Clients witness how rough diamonds are marked, laser cut and polished to the highest international standards, as well as learn about the 4 Cs that are used to determine the value of a diamond.

Sourcing and beneficiating diamonds in South Africa, African Romance subscribes to an unprecedented and comprehensive triple-bottom-line beneficiation model, to the protection of South Africa’s natural resources, value adding exported raw minerals and the future downstream absorption of jobs created in the mining sector due to depletion of resources. The wholly black-owned company notches up an

impressive 94% in terms of its black staff equity component, whilst 41% of its employees are women.

tute of America (GIA), making them some of the most desirable diamonds in the world.

The pioneering African Romance ‘finger printing’ barcode inscription system, which allows for the tracking of every single diamond from its origination to its manufacture, ensures an ethically and environmentally sustainable diamond value chain. The topic of conflict diamonds – the so-called ‘blood diamonds’ – is never far from discussions around the diamond sector. African Romance complies with the Kimberley Process through preventing the trade in conflict diamonds and using stateof-the-art technologies to meaningfully support legitimate rough and polished diamond trade.

African Romance offers clients the opportunity to invest in their dream diamond and browse the showroom for the perfect setting, or buy one of its branded items. Talented designers can also create unique bespoke masterpieces, utilising the diamonds that the clients select.

What is more, the certification of every diamond is completed by internationally renowned certification laboratories to ensure total consumer confidence.

The majority of all diamonds polished

by African Romance receives a Triple X grading from the Gemmological Insti-

At African Romance you will find the mysterious spirit of Africa, first world sophistication and breathtaking quality diamonds – all in one. It’s a completely unique African experience, a real African experience.

Contact 011 384 5600 to book your Free Diamond Tour.

For more information about African Romance please visit www.africanromance.com email: info@africanromance.com

The world’s primary producers of diamonds are South Africa, Botswana, the DRC, Australia and Russia. Although Southern Africa produces the biggest percentage of rough diamonds mined in the world, approximately 15%, including De Beers' production, South Africa’s diamond beneficiation industry captures less than 1% of the international market share

•

The principal diamond cutting centres in the world are Belgium, Israel, India, the USA and China

•

The world’s primary diamond markets are Antwerp, New York and Dubai

•

India and China have overtaken Antwerp and Tel Aviv as the world’s primary polishing houses. Indian and Chinese factories employ as many as 10,000 polishers in a single factory.

•

The 4 Cs of diamond marking: Carat, Cut, Clarity, Colour

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South Africa's Premier Diamond Tour African Romance sets global benchmark

Spectacular vistas of craggy mountains, rolling valleys, oak-lined pathways & lush vineyards form the backdrop to one of South Africa’s most beautiful private hotels & spas.

The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, situated on the outskirts of the historic university town of Stellenbosch.

Established over 300 years ago, today the estate is renowned for superb luxury, first-class service, the finest wine & cuisine, superior pampering & wellness, thereby earning it a coveted place amongst the most prestigious luxury hotels in the world.

The hotels gracious opulence earns the hotel a 5 star rating. In addition to 48 luxurious rooms, the hotel offers a state of the art conference & event facility plus two boardrooms in the historical Manor House.

The Estate boasts numerous picturesque creative opportunities for indoor and outdoor events, specializing in customised dining, conference, functions, special events and wedding packages to suit your every need.

Just like the fine wine it produces, The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa has proved that it too, only gets better with age.

Tel: (27) 21 887 1132 info@lanzerac.co.za www.lanzerac.co.za

{ Health & Spa }

Rejuvenate your skin with the help of little spa-fishes!

The Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre is situated on the historic Lanzerac Hotel & Estate in Stellenbosch and is well-renowned for their highly-advanced health and beauty techniques - locally as well as abroad. They are equally well-known for their holistic approach, top-class facilities and detailed individual attention. A huge honour was bestowed upon the Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre when they were selected as one of the “Best 100” spa’s in Africa in 2009. This bears testimony to their high standards and commitment to excellence.

Owners Max and Marna Lourens now also offer an exciting natural skin treatment, which is known as the Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy. This ancient technique originated in the previous century in the hot water springs of Turkey’s Kangal-region. It is completely safe and painless.

Therapy sessions are conducted in the privacy of Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre’s Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy area. For pedicure and manicure treatments, clients first cleanse their hands or feet in warm salt water in order to get rid of any perfume or traces of chemical skin products which could be harmful to the Doctor Fish™. For the more adventurous who are prepared to try out the so-called “Bodycure” - which is more than just a manicure or pedicure – clients first take a warm shower to cleanse the whole body, they then ease into the water gently; firstly to protect the Doctor Fish™ from being harmed or scared off by loud splashes, and secondly to get used to the hot water and ticklish feeling that you get when the fish start nibbling.

The water is nice and warm - approximately 35°Celcius.

One experiences a pleasant tingling sensation when dozens of tiny and tame spa fishes gently nibble and suck on loose skin flakes. These fishes are completely harmless as they have no teeth and only utilise their lips to rid the body of dead skin. Positive results are already noticeable within 15 minutes. A typical Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy treatment for the whole body normally lasts an hour and leaves the skin with a cleansed and rejuvenated feeling. This includes a session with the spa-fishes as well as a fantastic and unique massage - the so-called “Wave Massage”.

The Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy is also renowned for offering temporary relief from skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and acne as they target the sore, red and hard

plaques as well as flaked skin. It can also render your pores unobstructed, which promotes blood circulation. The skin is renewed and protected and left with a tingling, healthy feeling. Acupuncture points are stimulated, which allows the body’s nervous system to move into a state of complete relaxation, shedding any fatigue.

This wonderfully refreshing and therapeutic treatment forms part of the Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre’s commitment to total harmony between man and nature.

Some patrons in spas of this nature have reportedly experienced a complete cure of ailments after repeated Doctor Fish™ treatments . However, due to the endogenous factors, this is hard to prove. The Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy does not claim to be an alternative treatment, but that it merely offers temporary relief of the symptoms.

More about the little spa fishes: they are tiny, tame and delicate and members of the Carp family. They thrive in pleasant warm water up to 43° Celcius and have become famous around the world as “pedicurists”, “manicurists” and “biotherapists”. Although unconventional and unusual, this treatment is extremely relaxing,

Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy manicure treatments start from R450. This includes a 15 minute nibble, a glass of sparkling wine, a unique hand massage as well as a traditional manicure. Pedicure treatments are priced from R550, whilst the Deluxe programme includes an additional and innovative therapy treatment. Special group rates are also available.

Besides their Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy, the Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre is also very well-known for their allencompassing and luxurious facilities. These include the Vibes Studio-Power Plate and the Total Revolution Fitness Gymnasium. Clients can select from various options, ranging from Pilates, Yoga, Holistic Lifestyle, Capoeira, Kick Boxing and Attention Focus Control, amongst others.

It also offers a pristine heated pool, private steam and sauna rooms for males and females, personal lockers, shower rooms, a Relaxation Hydro Jet bath which is situated in an enclosed private area. Outdoor massages the so-called “Spafari” – can be enjoyed under a pergola or in the shade of a majestic Willow tree.

Treat mind, body and soul with a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands by visiting The Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre.

For bookings or information contact the Lanzerac Spa & Wellness Centre; Tel 021 883-9444, email spa@lanzerac.co.za. Visit their website on www. lanzeracspa.co.za and find out more about Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy at www.drfish.co.za.

17 \ ISSUE #01

DR.FISH

rejuvenating and a lot of fun. The younger spa fishes are only 2-3 cm in length.

zanzibar!

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Unguja and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. BOOK THESE EXCITING PACKAGES NOW!

ARABIAN NIGHTS

B&B - November 2010 – February 2011 Suite with Jacuzzi 4 nights: FROM ZAR 7700-00 per person sharing Suite with Jacuzzi 7 nights: FROM ZAR 9840-00 per person sharing

OCEAN PARADISE

Half Board - 16 Nov – 19 Dec 10 Superior room Stay 7 nights/ pay 6 nights: FROM ZAR 984500 per person sharing Superior room 4 nights special: FROM ZAR 7995-00 per person sharing 20 Dec 10 – 05 Mar 11 Superior room Stay 7 nights/ pay 6 nights: FROM ZAR 10 430-00 per person sharing Superior room 4 nights Special: FROM ZAR 8330-00 per person sharing

***Honeymoon couples additional discount or special gift***

SULTAN SANDS ISLAND RESORT Half Board - 01 Nov – 21 Dec 10 Superior rooms 4 nights: FROM ZAR 8150-00 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 9740-00 per person sharing 22 Dec – 31 Mar 2011 4 nights: FROM ZAR 8653-00 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 10 430-00 per person sharing

***Honeymooners complimentary BOTTLE of wine and flowers, minimum 7 nights stay receive complimentary seafood dinner***

BLUE BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

Half Board - 01 Nov – 21 Dec 10 - Superior rooms 4 nights: FROM ZAR 955000 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 10 01100 per person sharing 22 Dec – 31 Mar 2011 - Superior rooms 4 nights: FROM ZAR 904500 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 11 22900 per person sharing

***Stay 7 pay 5/ Stay 7 pay 6 special***

KARAFUU HOTEL BEACH RESORT

Half Board - 01 Nov – 21 Dec 10 – Garden room 4 nights: FROM ZAR 879000 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 12 44700 per person sharing 22 Dec – 31 Mar 2011 – Garden room 4 nights: FROM ZAR 7115 -00 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 950700 per person sharing

BREEZES BEACH CLUB & SPA Half Board - 01 Nov – 21 Dec 10 22 Dec – 31 Mar 2011 – Standard room 4 nights: FROM ZAR 871000 per person sharing 7 nights: FROM ZAR 1173300 per person sharing

*** Special offers: Early bird discount get 10% discount on bookings made in advance, stay 7 pay for 6, kids for free children under the age of 16 sharing a room with parents, Honeymoon offer***.

Rates include: Return airfare from Johannesburg to Zanzibar on 1 time airlines including departure taxes, Return road transfers, Accommodation as specified on rates, full day Stone Town Tour. Rates exclude: Visa fee, Yellow fever certificate, Beverages, Items of a personal nature, Gratuities. All packages are per person sharing, ex Johannesburg, are subject to currency fluctuations or airfare increases.

Enquire within for specials. Contact: Wendy Fogg or Erica Green +27114629344 /+27828916406 | www.dkafricatravel.com

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Escape to the exotic romantic spice island of...

Hikers are treated to amazing views of the mountain’s glaciers.

The beautiful landscape on the way to Lava Tower.

The great Kilimanjaro rises out of the dusty savannah of Tanzania.

20 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM

Africa’s highest point – Uhuru Peak

The Summit

CLIMBING KILI GINA HARTOOG

{ Travel Tanzania }

Africa’s highest point stands at 5896 metres above sea level. It’s the magnificent Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. The great mountain, with its snow-capped peak, rises out of Africa’s dusty savannah to tower over north-eastern Tanzania near the country’s border with Kenya. Kili is an icon of Africa and the tallest free standing mountain on the planet.

GOING ON UP...

The source of the name ‘Kilimanjaro’ is as mysterious as the mountain itself. Some say the name means ‘White Mountain’ while others believe it’s meaning to be ‘Mountain of Light’. Geologically, Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano. It is made up of three volcanic cones – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.

The highest point, Uhuru, is on the rim of the Kibo crater rim. The last volcanic activity on Kili was recorded more than two centuries ago.

The area was established as a game park in the early part of the 20th century and the Kilimanjaro National Park, the area about the 2700m contour, was opened to tourists in 1977. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1989. The mountain itself is an enchanting mix of five vegetative zones from the cultivated zone or farmlands of the lower mountain, to the forest, moorlands and highland deserts rising from 1800m to 5000m above sea level and opening up to a spectacular panorama of ice and snow.

INSPIRATION When Elizabeth Myburgh, a biokineticist from Centurion, was given the opportunity to join the African contingent to climb Kilimanjaro for the Global Day of Prayer 2007, she jumped at the chance. “The idea was to climb to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain and pray for Africa there,” recalls Elizabeth.

For her it was a challenge, not only to conquer the mountain, but also an emotional journey on which she grew and changed. “It was the highlight of my life,” she says.

Elizabeth says that the journey helped to prove her own worth, determination and inner strength to herself. A group of 40 climbers took on the challenge and Elizabeth was one of only 10 women.

“We carried up a cross in three kilogram pieces,” she recalls. “Once we got to the summit after the summit night climb, we built the cross and stood there and prayed for Africa at her highest point. It was the most awesome, emotional and inspiring moment of my life.”

ROAD TO THE SUMMIT Are you considering a Kili climb? Your journey to the summit starts some months before you actually arrive in Tanzania. Let’s take a look at the preparation procedures for climbing Africa’s highest mountain.

FIRST STEPS Nikki van Veelen, manager of Climbing Kilimanjaro and Tanzania Wildlife Safaris, says that the very first decision anyone should make is when to attempt the hike and which route to follow to the summit.

Most tour operators offering trips to East Africa include a ‘Climb Kilimanjaro’ package. Approach several operators for comparative quotes and know exactly what they cover. Nikki says that packages offered by his company are inclusive of flights, travel, ground arrangements, park fees and meals on the mountain. Most packages exclude visas and travel insurance, personal items, snacks, medication and hiking gear.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW “Knowledge is power,” says Elizabeth Myburgh.

“I studied up everything I could before my trip.

Knowing what to expect can help you to mentally prepare for the trip and the challenges that lie ahead. It can help you to visualise where you are going and what you will experience.”

Nikki identifies the following eight points as essential for every climber to know before the trip.

• Find out all you can about the company you intend to book with. Ask about their guides and what experience they have on the different routes.

• Go for a full medical check-up with your doctor – before you book and before your start physical fitness training.

• Research the different route options before you make any decision.

• Decide when you are going to climb. July to September is the best period for hiking Kilimanjaro.

• Read all you can about the mountain, the terrain and the weather.

• Know exactly what equipment you need and why. Ask your tour operator for a complete list of the gear needed.

• Read up about altitude sickness and know what the symptoms are.

• Ask about nutrition on the mountain, what you will be eating, how much water you need to take in per day and what snacks you need to provide for yourself.

PHYSICAL TRAINING You must take your training for the expedition very seriously. “An unconditioned body can usually be pushed to the summit one way or another,” says Nikki. “But considerably more suffering than necessary is involved and less is gained and remembered from the experience.” The longer you need to prepare will depend on your current fitness level. Usually three to four months are sufficient. “If you are reasonably fit when you fly out your body will deal with the rigours of adapting to high altitude much better,” advises Nikki. “You will enjoy the whole experience much more and will be that much more likely to reach the summit.”

MOST VALUED POSSESSIONS Most of the gear will be carried up the mountain by the Sherpas, but you will be responsible for your ‘summit night’ clothes. The clothing is placed in your hiking bag, along with other personal items

Route 2 - Machame route This is one of the most beautiful routes to follow and is nicknamed the ‘whiskey’ route. All supplies are ported up the mountain by Sherpas and meals are prepared by a trail cook.

The geography of the landscape allows the body adequate time to acclimatise and this helps to minimise the effects of altitude sickness. The Machame route includes the great Barranco Wall, a famous Kili ‘landmark’.

Climbers sleep in tents at camps along the way. You can complete this route in six days but have the option to add a seventh day to slow the pace for better acclimatisation.

Route 3 - Lemosho Lemosho is one of the newer routes on the mountain. It offers beautiful panoramic scenery and unspoilt landscapes. Climbers may still see wild game through the forest sections. Lemosho is a quiet route away from the crowds and can be completed in six days, although eight is recommended. It joins the Machame Route just before Lava Tower and offers a high summit success rate.

Route 4 – Rongai Climbers can take on Kilimanjaro from the north, along the Kenya/Tanzania border by following the Rongai route. This route offers a different perspective of the mountain and is quieter with less traffic than Machame.

The main disadvantage of this route is time it takes to travel to the starting point. The route intersects the Marangu route close to the Kibo hut and both share the same summit.

Climbers sleep in tents.

Route 5 - Shira Shira approaches the mountain from the west and is almost the same as Lemosho, but hikers start their climb at an altitude of 3600m. Hikers who are acclimatised to 4000m from a recent ascent of Mount Kenya or Mount Meru will find the Shira route an ideal choice. The route then joins the Lemosho route and follows the same path to the summit.

Route 6 – Umbwe Fit hikers may opt to tackle the Umbwe route.

It’s considered the most difficult Kili climb – steep and direct. The assent into high altitude is quick and can be quite taxing on the body. The route has much to offer in terms of scenery and forest but because of the lack of proper acclimatisation, summit success rates are low.

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TOURS AND PACKAGES

Route 1 - Marangu The Marangu or ‘Coca-Cola’ route is the oldest route up the mountain. It is possible to do this route in five days, or to take an extra day acclimatising on the mountain, which is generally recommended. This route has huts along the way, so climbers have the luxury of sleeping indoors as opposed to tents.

Huts are ‘dorm’ style, sleeping eight to 10 people. The assent and descent are on the same path.

{ Travel Tanzania }

22 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM The summit - within reach.

you will be asked to bring along. “This was definitely my most valuable possession on the mountain,” recalls Elizabeth.

“You need three layers of clothes for summit night and these have to stay dry in your bag. If you don’t have this gear or your boots get wet you will not be able to go for the summit.”

YELLOW FEVER AND MALARIA South Africans must get vaccinated and receive a Yellow Fever Certificate. You may or may not be asked for it when you enter Tanzania from SA, but you will be asked for it when you arrive back. If you enter Tanzania from any yellow fever endemic country (even if it is just a stopover in such a country during a flight from Europe), you will be asked to pres-

ent the certificate. If you are planning on visiting other countries after your climb, you may need to present the certificate to enter from Tanzania, as some countries consider Tanzania to be endemic. Both yellow fever and malaria are transmitted by mosquitoes. Ask your doctor or tour operator for guidelines on what medication to take and make sure you take adequate precautions not to get bitten.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS This is a serious condition that climbers can develop in high altitudes. About 60 percent of Kili climbers develop the condition. Symptoms may be triggered in altitudes in excess of 2500m. Common problems are headaches and vomiting.

The only way to try and prevent mountain sickness is to take the assent slowly

and allow your body to acclimatise. Read up as much as you can on the condition.

Know the symptoms and the warning signs to watch for. If Acute Mountain Sickness is not treated quickly it can progress to High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (fluid in the lungs) or Cerebral Oedema (fluid in the brain). Both these conditions are life-threatening.

REACHING THE SUMMIT When you board the plane for Tanzania there is no guarantee that you will make the summit of Kilimanjaro. A mantra on the mountain is ‘pole-pole’ or walk slowly. Pace your hike, walk slowly and enjoy every moment of the experience to give your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen level. This will greatly improve your chances of reaching your ultimate

goal. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a race but a journey which takes time and reflection. “It is definitely something I would recommend,” says Elizabeth. “It teaches you so much about yourself and about the camaraderie of the human spirit.”

Sources: Climbing Kilimanjaro – 012333-7110; e-mail: datinfo@mweb.co.za or www.climbingkilimanjaro.co.za.

All pictures courtesy of Climbing Kilimanjaro (Destination Africa Tours).

Click on here to view the exciting response to Infostrap at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

{ Innovation }

infostrap© “What's the most resilient parasite? An idea. A single idea from the human mind can build cities. An idea can transform the world and rewrite all the rules” – (Inception) Leonardo Di Caprio

In June of 2009 in an attempt to be part of the first Soccer World Cup in South Africa in 2010, the Brela team came together headed by Deirdre Geldenhuys, and partnered by O.j.

Modikwe and Nicolene Kearney. They revisited the idea of using symbols to help travelers overcome simple communication needs. After much brain storming, it was decided the most practical application for the symbols would be a good quality silicone bracelet. The silicone Infostrap© could be comfortably worn 24/7 by its wearer, in all the conditions of the human lifestyle and yet still remain conspicuous under clothing or, fashionable, as is the current trend in silicone bracelets.

Research was done and the most “important” symbols were selected.

The design was registered in July of 2009 as Infobracelet©. The international license was taken up by a dynamic company Big Bang International, who are based in the Netherlands. The combined teams provided instant synergy, with common visions and with the experience of Big Bang International with their Mini Horn as well as other products being a suc-

cess in the corporate gifting markets of the world to backup Infobracelet ©. The combined teams decided that the name should be changed to Infostrap© and the final patent of the Infostrap© was then registered world wide.

“Some things start out big and some things start out small, but sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference of all” The genius of Infostrap© is its simplicity. We have surpassed attempts in advanced technology to translate languages, just to find the universal language of our ancestors – that of symbols.

Infostrap© is bridging language barriers across the world using universal ISO public symbols to communicate our most basic day to day needs, not just for travellers but for the deaf

societies of the world. Infobracelet is the founding vision of how we will be introducing new lines of communication and associated technologies plus a unique comprehensive method of brand exposure for Marketing The reaction to the Infostrap© was astounding once it was introduced to the public, we discovered new markets for Infobracelet every day and continue to do so. Where ever there is a need to overcome simple language barriers across the world at any point in time there is a need for Infostrap© from popular tourist destinations to the taxi driver, to nurses in hospitals.

The most exciting discovery was the Infostraps© for the deaf society of the world in that Infostrap© applies to a deaf persons life every time they are out in public, Infostraps© has added a great level of assistance in their communications to a world that is not versed in sign language. Projects to supply Infostraps© to underprivileged deaf people across the world are underway and the charities supported by Infostrap© are those aimed at these people.

Each time Infostrap© is used a brand is exposed to an “assistor”.

Each wearer using the Infostrap© is exposed to a brand and relevant contact details during the entire period it is worn and used as a language tool.

The brand goes wherever the traveller goes – travellers touring the globe give your brand international exposure. To our knowledge there is nothing to compare to Infobracelets form of brand exposure in the world today.

This in essence makes the 4.5cm x 1.5cm available for branding on

Infostrap© one of the most effective and valuable in the world today.

We will soon be converting the silicone of the Infostrap© to a 100% recyclable rubber which will make Infostrap© a green environmentally friendly product. Watch out for Infobracelets with holograms to promote interesting branding. Infostraps© will soon be used to replace keys and access cards in hotels. Due to their affordability Infostraps© will be replacing bar coded lanyard dog tags at exhibitions for exhibitors and visitors.

A simple dream by a typically South African group headed by a single Mother and supported by two good friends, who with sheer drive and passion have proved that taking a good idea with a dash of great risk you can achieve anything. South African’s are innovative problem solvers and we along with many other great inventors here in South Africa will continue to make a difference to the quality of life across the world. www.infostrap.com – Click on the banner to view the exciting response to Infostrap at the 2010 FIFA World Cup!

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Infostraps© is a silicone strap worn on the wrist as a bracelet, it houses eleven ISO international public symbols and by pointing to these symbols the wearer can ask important information, if the local language is foreign to their own, for instance when they are travelling. They can ask for: the toilet, a public phone, medical assistance, a policeman or security, for a place to eat, for a taxi or bus, for the train, for the airport, for accommodation or an atm or bank and for the information stands.

Travelling to Southern Africa provides endless choices and we hope our shopping page will narrow this down for you; putting you in direct contact with a few of the exciting, innovative and talented tour companies and operators in South Africa.

Imagine Africa Safaris, Backroads to Africa, African Cape Tours, Kingdom House English Language Tours are specialists that should not be left out of your holidays plans. If it is adventure, specialised safaris, day and overnight tours while learning the English language, guided safaris, self-drive tours, accommodation bookings and fly-in packages these operators can assist you. Alternatively access exciting specials - Island Hopping, Yacht Charters, Beach holidays and Kruger Park Luxury is available!

Cape Town – Bushveld, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia - there is something for everyone.

Enjoy real-time vehicle rental bookings with First Car Rental and Solve, Book, and Confirm your self-drive solutions; Order your Wine through the TravelMagsa online wine store and get your favourite wines delivered to your door.

IMAGINE AFRICA

BACKROADS AFRICA

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AFRICAN CAPE TOURS

KINGDOM HOUSE

FIRST FOR CAR RENTAL Book your leisure and corporate car rental here now in real-time by clicking on the logo

BUY WINE HERE NOW! Travelmagsa Online Wine Shop

People, however, are still reluctant to part with their credit card details when shopping online. We acknowledge this fact, so when buying wine online you can keep your credit card in your wallet. The day after you have placed a wine order a friendly human being by the name of Bridgette will give you a call to confirm grapefuel.co.za banking details for you to process an EFT at your leisure. Easy as that!

The site is a pleasure to navigate and prices include VAT and delivery to your doorstep. In other words, the price you see is the price you pay, making your wine buying experience simple and easy. With almost 1000 wines to choose from and new wines and vintages being loaded constantly, we focus on bringing you the best, the South African wine-lands has on offer. If you are looking for a specific wine that is

not on the site, no problem. All you have to do is send an email to fillup@grapefuel.co.za and post your request. Someone will answer you the same day and before you know it your favourite wine will be on your doorstep. Shopping online has many benefits, not least of which is convenience - no parking hassles or getting to the store only to find your favourite wine is out of stock. Not to mention carting and carrying cases to your car and then into the house …

A wine experience has to be exciting and fun. Now you can buy when it’s convenient for you, whatever time of day or night, with the freedom to browse and seek out new finds! One thing is for sure – all the wines on the site are in stock, ready and waiting for your click, to be delivered to your home. Travelmagsa makes wine shopping for both your corporate and leisure functions or personal pleasure, just that little bit easier…Enjoy! travelmag.winetribe.co.za

To Book your sparkling morning with African Romance Diamonds and to indulge in a guided Diamond Tour in the heart of Sandton, as well as a private diamond and bespoke design consultation ~ Contact: +27 11 384 5600

win riverdance tickets

Three lucky readers in Johannesburg and three Lucky readers in Cape Town can win double Riverdance tickets for the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg Valid only for Tuesday, 25 January 2011, commencing at 20h00 and double Riverdance tickets for the performance at Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino, Cape Town valid only for Thursday, 24 February 2011, commencing at 20h00 To enter tell us in one short paragraph why you want to see Riverdance!

Email: competition@cherryberrybluepublishing.com Terms and conditions:

Entry into the competition constitutes acceptance by the entrant of the rules and conditions of the competition. Tickets are only valid for the date stipulated and may not be exchanged for cash or for any other performance. To collect their show tickets the prize-winners must visit their nearest Computicket outlet at least 48 hours prior to show time, quoting the Computicket reference number provided. The reference number may be quoted at any Computicket outlet in order to draw the tickets. Reference numbers will be given to the Winning readers by Travelmagsa. The Judges decision is final.

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In association with grapefuel.co.za Travelmagsa can now offer you instant access to South Africa’s latest and arguably the user-friendliest online wine shop. Internet shopping is starting to take off in our country and buying wine online is enjoying its fair share of consumer interest out there …

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MOZAMBIQUE AND YACHT CHARTERS ISLAND HOPPING AND BEACH HOLIDAYS Special offers and deals available! @ mozambique.oisafrica.com To qualify for these special offers quote Travelmagsa on your enquiry!

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – LUXURY FOR LESS Up to 60% off at luxury lodges and camps... go to www.zest247.com/en/page/extra-crazy-specials.php To qualify for these crazy specials quote Travelmagsa on your enquiry!

{ Travel Namibia }

SURFING IN THE DESERT

BY ELDAD VILJOEN AND SAMPI KAMFFER

Since its "discovery" in 2007 the collective dream of four friends was embodied in this holy grail of surf spots.

Sometimes all it takes is for the first guy to say, "let's do it� and the next thing you know you are on a 30 hour non-stop drive from Plettenberg Bay to Walvis Bay. Never had we seen a road as straight, long and hot as that desert highway, with a wrong turn extending our journey by 4 hours. Even on the national roads we were able to spot wildlife; Giraffe, Gemsbok, Zebra, Hartbees, Sable and a rather hungry looking Hyena.

STARTING TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Namibian Architecture.

Swakopmund beach.

Eldad and John running off into the desert.

The entrance to Ai-Ai resort.

Jackal on the beach.

The long and very straight road.

The crew, on our first entry into Namibia Dax, Sampi, John and Eldad.

Dune buggies.

The elusive wave.

Images by Sampi from one2love.co.za

Our arrival at Walvis Bay was perfectly timed. 7am, swell was running, wind was offshore, boards were waxed, all we needed was to find the legendary sandbar. Taking a wrong turn at the beach cost us dearly!

With only a few minutes of sunshine remaining we arrived; it was firing (surfer talk for 'awesome'). With a few hastily snapped photos and wanderlust filling our heads, we decided to call it a night and power up for the next morning's predicted surf.

WOW. DID WE MESS UP? THE WAVE DIDN'T BREAK AGAIN. NOT ONCE! Plan B: We spent the rest of our stay frequenting the magnificent German bakeries, loading our braaigrill with game (game is cheaper than beef in Namibia), and blasting the dunes in sand-buggies. The latter took us over some of the highest dunes in the world with sunsets unrivalled.

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Trying to enumerate the many and varied good reasons to go to Namibia is like counting the stars in the desert. For the four of us it was finding the perfect wave.

{ Transfrontier Tourism }

three cities three countries!

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“The place where the sun rises” – is an apt description for Mpumalanga, arguably one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa. It is the home of ‘God’s Window’, a view over exquisite landscape which no visitor can ever forget.

Mpumalanga claims the most famous game reserve – the Kruger National Park – and the world’s oldest cave, and apart from its teeming wildlife, it is one of the preferred destinations for adventure sports.

BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

Now imagine combining all this with the unending, sun-drenched beaches and the vibrant nightlife of Mozambique as well as the culture, heritage and exquisite countryside Swaziland has to offer.

for,” says Kholo Nkambule, manager of communications at MPTA. “I don’t think there is any doubt that Mpumalanga is the most geographically diverse province in the country. We are known throughout the world for some of the most remarkThis is the ingenious vision created by able natural features, such as the Bourke’s the tourism authorities of Mpumalanga, Luck potholes, the Blyde River Canyon and Mozambique and Swaziland as they focus our many waterfalls, as well as the famed on sustainable development of the entire ‘Gods Window’.” region’s potential, bridging political divides and geographic borders in a move of true Mozambique calls itself “The Land of brilliance. It is set to expand horizons for Smiles” and is already hugely popular for tourists as never before, making the dream its glorious beaches and related activities: of transfrontier tourism a reality. scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, fly- fishing, sailing and dolphin tours.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agen- Its nightlife is intoxicating, with its blend of cy (MTPA), the Swaziland Tourism Author- western and African music, dancing and ity and the National Tourism Institute of culture, spiced by food that tempts even Mozambique, INATUR, signed the initial the most jaded tastebuds. memorandum of understanding to launch this new initiative in 2009 and since then, The Kingdom of Swaziland has been ruled have been developing holiday packages by King Maswati III since 1986 and is well and products for local and international known for its famous annual Reed Dance, tourists. when maidens from around the kingdom dance to honour the queen mother. Fre“The Three Cities, Three Countries project quently, the King will choose another wife is really like the cherry on top of the won- from among these girls. The Incwala cerders which Mpumalanga itself is renowned emony, generally held in December, is

the most sacred of all Swazi rituals when youths and young men celebrate their solidarity and valour, joined on the fourth day by the King in full ceremonial dress.

Three Cities,Three Countries is bound to occupy one of the highest priorities in future travel plans to Southern Africa with its heady mix of adventure, wildlife, nightlife, leisure, recreation and culture.

Photographs Supplied by South African Tourism www.southafrica.net

{ Wildlife & Nature }

“PLACE OF GREAT NOISE”

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The “Place of Great Noise” has enthralled visitors for decades: thunderous avalanches of roaring water plummeting 56 metres over the Augrabies Falls to crash and boil down the18 kilometre gorge of the Orange River, the longest river in South Africa.

The “Place of Great Noise” has enthralled visitors for decades: thunderous avalanches of roaring water plummeting 56 metres over the Augrabies Falls to crash and boil down the18 kilometre gorge of the Orange River, the longest river in South Africa.

This pristine wilderness snaking through the Northern Cape presents mind-raking contrasts; stark mountainous desert rock; koppies and lunar landscapes alternate with thick green bush; heavy curtains of trees accompanied by twisting riverbanks, wonder like moon rock massive exfoliation domes; Swart Rante, brooding black hills; Ararat, a soaring viewpoint which opens up an astounding vista over the gorge, and Echo Corner, which winds through some of the park’s most awesome scenery.

The wildlife abounds, from the smallest birds and reptiles to Springbok, Gemsbok and Giraffe on both sides of the Orange River.

The flora and fauna have had to develop strong survival skills and unique adaptations to endure the extremes of temperature in the area. It’s not only the birders who will thrill to the poignant cry of the Fish Eagles – the

eerie call that echoes almost mystically over the landscape.

The area lends itself to game drives, hikes, mountain bike and 4x4 trails, but those who are truly in the know maintain that there is only one way to get in touch with this raw nature and experience its marvels first hand and that is by river-rafting. One can not only absorb the beauties of the natural environment with its huge diversity of animals, birds and vegetation, but also experience the rush and triumph of conquering a fierce river rapid on this mighty and majestic river.

The rapids range in intensity from gentle to raging cauldron, from simple to almost impossible. It is definitely not recommended that one undertake even a small portion of this river alone. The best way to live this oncein-a-lifetime experience is with professional guides, who know the river and its moods and can read the dangers, lead you to the lesser-known marvels and wonders and point out the natural highlights.

Half-day trips provide a taste of the river’s potential and are ideal for those would love

to feel the power and also the calm of this mighty river, but really do not have the desire to confront its viciousness. Then there is a range of alternatives to suit the casually interested and the wildly passionate: from full day and overnight trips to weekends, 4-5 days or two full weeks.

If you are looking for “out-of-the-ordinary”, this is your destination. The beauty of the Orange River and Augrabies Falls venues is their extreme adaptability to a huge gamut of options: perfect for families, ideal for the adventurer, a dream for the nature-lover, a new world for the photographer; and for those who just want to experience the wild, unspoiled splendour of South Africa it is a melting pot of tastes, sounds, scents, sights and feelings that will remain precious lifetime memories.

BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

PHOTOGRAPH Northern Cape Province: As the Orange River approaches Augrabies Falls it divides itself into numerous channels before cascading down the 56-metre high waterfall. The river then continues its path through an 18-kilometre gorge.

By Graeme Williams, MediaClubSouthAfrica. com

{ Meanders }

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BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

A SMORGASBORD

The Maloti Route from the Free State to the Orange River, including the mountain kingdom of Lesotho is a spectacular scenic journey that embraces art, culture, rock art sites and history and casts up the amazing contrast between these two countries with their startlingly different histories that are intertwined socially, culturally, economically and geographically.

You can start in Ladybrand, a quaint yet beautiful town with buildings in warm sandstone and surrounded by the mountains that give a foretaste of the exquisite landscapes to come. All along the route, tourists have the choice of a terrific selection of accommodation, from luxury hotels for the more fastidious, to B&Bs and even traditional huts.

The next stop is Hobhouse, named after the famous human rights campaigner during the Anglo-Boer War, and the centre of a farming area where you can taste cheeses that are unbelievably flavourful if you’re used to the commercially mass-produced varieties.

From there you move to tiny, quaint Jammersdrif – literally, “Ford of sorrow”, which conjures up all kinds of historical possibilities

...of nature, culture and history

and is surrounded by typical rolling Free State countryside.

Then you arrive at Wepener, right on the Lesotho border and home to the Caledon Nature Reserve which teems with birds and game. Travelling through Van Stadensrus famed for the “Ou Mook Guest House” with its traditional “boerekos” (farmers’ food) you can stop for watersport on the Egmont Dam or just carry right on to Zastron at the foot of the Aasvoëlberg, (vulture mountain) the highest peak in the Free State.

Then it’s into Lesotho – awe-inspiring mountains, the warm, friendly people with their familiar triangular hats and compulsory blankets (you’re not properly dressed without your blanket!). And when you see a yellow flag flying from a tall pole in a village, stop and buy the maize beer its advertising!

Red stands for meat, green for vegetables and white means “joala” a locally brewed sorghum beer. If the white flag is at each corner of the home, it’s announcing a wedding.

That’s just the bare bones. The Maloti route overflows with natural beauty, gems of his-

PHOTOGRAPH Free State province: A summer thunderstorm brews over the Maluti Mountains in the east of Free State province. The landscape is marked by flat agricultural plains rising to Sandstone Mountains on the border of the Kingdom of Lesotho, a high and remote mountainous country entirely surrounded by South African territory. By Graeme Williams, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

torical fascination in each little town, overwhelming scenic vistas of majestic mountains, startling cultural contrasts between Xhosa, Basuto, English and Afrikaans people. There are San rock paintings that dazzle and amaze, reflecting the religious and cultural practices of ancient cave people.

Go on a 4x4 trail, or on horseback, hike or even ski. You will be charmed, fascinated and exhilarated by the constant transformation of the landscape, drawn by the countless experiences on offer and captivated by the unspoiled nature. If you are a lover of the outdoors and want to feel the true pulse of lives spent in contact with a world still unaffected by the madness of big-city “civilisation”, meander through the idyllic Maloti Route – it will welcome you home.

♥

For the of cheetahs

{ Wildlife & Nature } IMAGES FROM LEFT TOP RIGHT: One year-old Heathcliff Lord Byron with Handler Marilyn Hull Painted Dog

BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

No neon lights. No huge Walt Disney-type billboards.

No kiosks selling candy floss, hot-dogs or ice-cream.

In fact, getting there from Johannesburg entails a very bumpy drive across badly maintained roads through areas that might seem daunting to tourists unfamiliar with Africa. Yet this should be the culmination, indeed the high point, of any visit to South Africa.

Here you will feel the true heartbeat of the wild, where the endangered cheetah struggles against incredible odds to survive. You will be immersed in the intense love and passion poured out unstintingly for this regal creature in the battle against commercialism, ignorance, materialism and selfish shortsightedness, revelling in the successes, awed at the triumphs, exhilarated by the vision and buoyed up by the hopes for the future.

Ann van Dyk has played an almost immeasurable role in understanding the life, the challenges and the fate of this secretive animal. When, in 1971, together with the National Zoological gardens in Pretoria and Nature Conservation, she established a centre on her farm to pilot the breeding of cheetahs in captivity, almost nothing was known about cheetahs. Today, a massive proportion of the global knowledge about cheetahs has been discovered and documented by her and her team. She has in no small part helped to bring the cheetah back from the verge of extinction.

Prior to the immense sacrifices, dedication and sheer love she and her team poured into the breeding project, it was considered almost impossible to breed cheetahs in captivity. Today, Ann has been instrumental in breeding well over 850 cheetahs, many of which have been sent to zoos, nature reserves

and parks all over the world, not only as attractions for visitors to these sites, but as invaluable breeding stock to preserve the future of this elegant, graceful and yet powerful animal.

on this crucial education programme run by Marilyn Hull, to create awareness among farmers, the wider public and particularly future generations about the importance of the role the cheetah plays in nature.

It was Ann who discovered that the majestic King Cheetah was not, as had been surmised, a sub species, but the result of a recessive gene, and through her detailed breeding lines and painstaking documentation, she has been able to breed a large number of Kings, previously almost impossibly rare.

When Byron deigns to grace you with his presence, he does so with just a touch of condescension, acknowledging you with a brief glance from deep, honey-gold eyes and then nonchalantly ignoring you altogether. Like scores of children before you, you will run your hands over his sleek, streamlined body and feel the power of the muscles beneath the hide, and yet his complete relaxation as he stretches out peacefully, confident in Marilyn’s care. Move your hands to his tummy and you will feel the thrumming of his satisfied purr – this is an experience you will never forget.

The Centre is a delight, a constant discovery and an intensely emotional experience which will remain etched in one’s life. The tour takes visitors through a myriad of breath-catching sights: the Wild dogs, or aptly named “ornamental wolf”, with their crazily coloured patches and spots, dancing gait and bird-like twitters; endangered vultures, intimidating and imposing on their artificial cliff; graceful impala, clustering eagerly around the afternoon feed; brown hyena, wary and poised for escape – and then of course, the cheetahs.

A drive down “Lovers’ Lane” reveals the amazing, intimate love-life of the cheetah, with camps on each side for the females, each with her own territory, so that they can select one of the males who walks down the centre aisle. You will be thrilled by the cubs, covered in dark fur, but with the distinctive mantle down their backs, mimicking the colouring of the honey badger, which is always given a respectfully wide berth by predators because of its ferocity.

But the highlight will be an encounter with Lord Byron, the first and hugely influential ambassador

As you listen to the story of the Centre and learn of the dreadful plight facing cheetahs if mankind does not rectify the damage it has set in motion, you will be inspired to do whatever you can in your own circles to reach out to the people fighting for the cheetahs’ future.

As Ann so eloquently says in her book; “The Cheetahs of de Wildt”: “It is for this present generation to decide whether cheetahs, wild or captive-born should survive or die – we are the custodians and each one of us must play a part in ensuring its future.

We must not be blamed by future generations for the annihilation of so regal and charismatic a cat.”

Photographs supplied courtesy of Errol Westoll

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Stretched out on the lower flanks of the Magaliesburg in South Africa’s North West province, the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre seems quite unprepossessing from the outside.

{ Birding }

Nylsvley is for the birds

“An avifaunal paradise” is how one blogger described the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, an internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland conservation site in the upper reaches of the Nyl River near Naboomspruit in the Limpopo Province.

For birdwatchers, it is the closest thing to heaven on earth.

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BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

Photographs supplied courtesy of Marion Dunkeld-Mengell.

The Nyl Floodplain is the largest inland floodplain in South Africa, embracing 16 000 hectares when fully inundated. It is considered one of the top birding spots in southern Africa, with at least 365 species recorded. Over 104 water bird species visit, many of which breed there. During a good rainy season, it is not unusual for as many as 80 000 birds to be counted in the Reserve.

grounds for the endangered Roan Antelope and Tsessebe while the biodiversity of the reserve is the subject of intensive local and international scientific research.

But the cherry on top is provided by the activities of the Friends of Nylsvley and Nyl Floodplain, dedicated volunteers who promote the conservation of the area, undertake improvements, provide hides and walkways and maintain watering sites.

The Friends run courses, work parties, an annual bird census and a range of other events which are immensely popular with local and international birding enthusiasts.

As a foretaste, consider the statistics; 58 species of waterbird breed in the wetland, and this has to be a record. Of these, 23 of those seen in the wetland are in the Red Data Book of threatened bird species.

Some species have been recorded only at “Our 11th Woodland Bird Census was held the Reserve, including the Striped Crake recently, with dozens of people flocking in and Streaky-breasted Flufftail as well as to help,” says Marion Dunkeld-Mengell of the Rufous-bellied Heron. The list of sta- the Friends. “Quite apart from the birds, tistics seems endless, and breathtaking some amazing sights were also witnessed, to fans of birding; the names impossibly such as a large olive toad eating what we exotic; Tinkling Cisticola, Greater Painted think was a juvenile brown snake!”

Snipe, Squacco Heron, Fork-tailed Drongo, Neddicky, to name but a few.

The floodplain itself, she claims, is the highlight of any trip, even during a dry spell.

Other conservation projects on the reserve “During and after flooding, water birds coninclude the provision of safe breeding verge in their thousands, with huge flocks

of storks and raptors in their wake, so it’s a unique birding experience.”

The Friends have introduced more than 100 courses over the years on an amazing range of topics. “The warm environment of the group camp is a perfect venue and the reserve an excellent outdoor classroom,” she smiles. “On 16 October we will be hosting ‘Useful Plants of Nylsvley’ presented by the Members of the Herbal Association of South Africa’ and on 20 November, by popular demand, ‘Warblers & Larks, Cisticolas and other LBJs by Ulrich Oberprieler.’”

The best place to stay is the Nylsvley Birding Lodge offering chalets sleeping 2 each and one lodge that sleeps 6, as well as camping sites. There is a group camp and picnic facilities.

For more information and to register for the courses, contact Marion Dunkeld-Mengell on 012 667 2183

{ Yesteryear }

The hot, crusty aroma of homemade bread straight out the oven wafts mouthwateringly through this old building that has witnessed almost a century’s history.

RELISHING ANCESTRAL LEGACIES Tan’ Malie determinedly faced down government officials intent on demolishing the building in the 1980s, installed her outside oven and the “mampoer” still and began decorating the rooms with a myriad of utensils, bottles, ornaments, implements and other memorabilia dating from the 19th Century. As word spread, so other old established Afrikaans families of Dutch, German and French descent began to donate objects: the old coal iron women used to heat on the stove, antique biscuit-making mills, ancient typewriters, photographs and leather-work – all those treasured objects that occupied a meaningful place in families and were passed down from mother to daughter and father to son.

up memories of yesteryear in many a nostalgic heart. ning), whose recipes are jealously guarded and coveted.

Once they have visited, patrons become addictedly “Licences to manufacture mampoer are actually inherloyal. “Weekends we have a braai, with customers pur- ited,” Jannie claims, “And they are treasured like gold!” chasing all their meat and drink here. They braai their own meat and most come for the entire day, relaxing Tan’ Malie has become a national institution whose in the shade, watching their children ride ponies and renown has spread to many now living overseas – foremost of whom of course is Charlize Theron, who turned up unexpectedly during her last visit to the country to savour some genuine Boer cuisine, much to the delight of locals.

“Thousands of what we consider deprived city-dwellers flock here over weekends,” says Jannie. “They never feel grass under their feet or smell pure air and they live in what we consider to be boxes – so this is a sense of paradise for them.”

The rooms abound with fascinating discoveries; bottles unearthed from Edwardian and Victorian middens near Kimberley and other old settlements: pearl coloured, blue, misty, with wonderful aesthetic shapes - some clearly scent bottles, others possibly pills or medications, some beer? The rest, who knows? An ancient ledger, dating from 1921, written in exquisite copper plate script, faded sepia and black-and-white photographs, little snippets of history brought alive in an atmosphere of care and love.

Tan’ Malie se Winkel is like a conservatory for the preservation of a rapidly disappearing past. “These recipes are untampered with,” explains Tan’ Malie’s great nephew, Jannie Grobler, whose aunt took over the reigns when Tan’ Malie passed away and who now owns and runs the shop. Home-baked bread, rusks, “nat beskuit” (rusks not yet dried), soet-koekies, (sweet biscuits), gemmer-koekies (ginger biscuits) – time-honoured favourites of Boer cuisine make taste buds delirious with flavour.

donkeys, sipping home-made ginger beer, wine or beer.” explains Jannie.

The traditional jams – tomato with a hint of ginger, apricot with kernels included, marmalade, quince – cry out to be eaten, by the spoonful even! The sweets conjure

Unfortunately though, he no longer makes mampoer.

This is a powerful spirit, made from almost any fruit or vegetable, sometimes called “Witblitz” (white light-

For those who want a true taste of the genuine old Boer culture that abounded in this area, Tan’ Malie se Winkel is not to be missed. It will carve a special niche in one’s heart and remain a treasured memory for decades.

Photographs supplied courtesy of Errol Westoll

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Originally a government office, it is now the home of “Tan’ Malie se Winkel” Aunt Malie’s Shop in Hartebeespoort in North West Province. The favoured haven of seekers of original Dutch and Boer foods, cakes, jams and other specialities made from recipes that have been handed down unaltered over countless generations.

{ Theatre }

First time in south africa, the phenomenal flying footwork of the original riverdance on stage in 2011

riverdance

Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance.

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Early 2011 sees this enormous production of no less than 65 cast and crew featuring the remarkable Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe, a spectacular array of talent from Spain, Russia and America grace the stages of The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Tuesday, 25 January 2011 to Sunday, 20 February 2011 and Cape Town’s Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino for just six shows from Thursday, 24 February to Sunday, 27 February 2011. As a consequence of exceptional demand the show has just been extended by two weeks, making its Johannesburg season a full three week run.Book now at Computicket.

“This show is a mammoth not-to-bemissed entertainment experience which we are proud to stage in South Africa for the first time. During the past ten years, local audiences had the opportunity to see other Irish dance styled shows but never before have they seen Riverdance, the original and probably the most successful show of its kind to come out of Ireland in recent times,” says Attie van Wyk, CEO of BIG Concerts International. “The unbelievable precision of the dancers footwork is a sight to behold,” adds van Wyk. Presented in association with Mnet, Riverdance is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into present day. The fusion of Irish dancing with such diverse dance styles as Flamenco, American tap and Russian folk dancing captures the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures.

See page 25 on how to win tickets to Riverdance

With its fusion of Irish and International music and dance, the show broke all box office records during its world premiere run in Dublin in early 1995. When the show transferred to London in June of that year, the reaction was unprecedented, with the original 10 performances being increased to 151 in subsequent months.

There followed a hugely successful tour to New York, Belfast and Cork. Since then, it has packed theatres throughout North America, Oceania, Asia and Europe.

For the first time ever in south africa, the legendary, original cirque du soleil presents -the signature production

DREAM CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL DREAM GIRLS MAKING ITS SOUTH AFRICAN PREMIERE IN 2011

SALTIMBANCO The critically celebrated international entertainment group Cirque du Soleil will perform for the first time ever in South Africa with its vibrant signature production Saltimbanco in March and April 2011. This timeless Cirque du Soleil opus hits new territories with a series of exclusive shows in Johannesburg from March 9 - 13 at the Coca-Cola Dome and in Cape Town from March 23 March 27 at Grand Arena GrandWest Casino.

Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running touring show and has performed since 1992 to widespread acclaim to sell-out audiences in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand for more than 11.5 million enthusiastic fans. “Only the original Cirque du Soleil can offer the grand and unique style of entertainment they invented over 25 years ago,” says Attie van Wyk, Chief Executive Officer, BIG Concerts.

“Saltimbanco offers an exciting performance that is grandiose in size

and scope, colourful and breathtaking in its performance diversity, and unmatched by lesser competitors.”

Classic Cirque du Soleil at its best, Saltimbanco is a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe inspiring artistry and agility. With a cast of 50 high-caliber artists hailing from 20 different countries, Saltimbanco features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles. From the seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese Poles or the Russian Swing to the gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze, the crowd pleasing Juggling and Acrobatic Bicycle, to the celebrated and very unique Clowns.

Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together by uplifting spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humour and enchanting music and magic. Full of colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy.

Saltimbanco —from the Italian “saltare in banco,” which literally means “to jump on a bench”— explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. A signature show, it is inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants.

Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.

Saltimbanco is another Big Concerts Experience, presented in association with 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm and MNET. Book at Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit www. computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet.

True to its star-making script, this multi award-winning production is about discovering, developing and nurturing fresh, new talent. The American creative team will spend seven weeks in rehearsal with the SA company – with the view of not only mounting a worldclass SA production but with the vision to ensuring that many members of this cast will be able to star internationally in other Dreamgirls productions around the world. The show brings a wealth of fresh, new talent to musical theatre. Principal performers Lindiwe Bungane, Tracey Lee Oliver, Caroline Borole, Hayley Christian, Shane Wellington and from the ensemble, Ziyanda Yako will be performing for the first time in a major international musical theatre production. For principal performer, Bjorn Blignaut and ensemble members, Mmabatho Moepowa, Clint Lesh, Nicholas Nkuna and Sifiso Mazibuko, Dreamgirls is their second musical theatre production. The show gives these newcomers to musical theatre the opportunity to literally live the Dreamgirls dream.

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Hopeful talents Deena Jones, Lorrell Robinson and Effie White are performing as The Dreamettes when ambitious agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. discovers them. He lands them a job as backup singers for the soul and rock ‘n’ roll sensation James “Thunder” Early and begins to guide their quickly rising career.

However, when the beautiful Deena emerges as the star of the group rather than the full-voiced Effie, the girls are brought to personal and professional crossroads.

Book at Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet. For all Teatro group hospitality bookings contact Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events on 011 510 7905 or montecasino.hospitality@tsogosun.com

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Dreamgirls South Africa Producer, Hazel Feldman and American Producer, John Breglio, for Vienna Waits Productions recently announced casting for the sensational hit musical, Dreamgirls, coming to The Teatro at Montecasino from Friday, 11 March 2011 and Artscape, Cape Town from Wednesday, 08 June 2011. Featuring an entirely South African cast and band, this the first time an international award-winning Broadway show of this scale will showcase black South African performers.

{ Art }

TAKING ART TO A NEW DIMENSION 36 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM

To see the world in a grain of sand And heaven in a wildflower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour

BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

The words of William Blake in his “Auguries of Innocence” hint at the intensity and meaning in the evocative paintings and photographs of Errol Westoll, a South African artist whose works intrigue and tantalise, drawing onlookers into their depths with subtle urgings to look beyond, to look within, to allow the colours, contrasts and tensions to resonate without constraint.

Westoll dislikes giving distinctive names to his work, “People must bring themselves to the pictures,” he explains. “The moment you define something with a name, you limit others’ interpretations and emotional responses to it, they try to see it in that confined space and miss out on the richness of meaning their own experiences and thoughts bring.”

long recognised photography as a legitimate art form worthy of serious consideration.”

Westoll’s paintings, photographs and “photographix” are skillfully crafted, their composition, colour, contrasts and tones presenting intriguing abstracts. His lomographics are arousing considerable interest, with images that at times are brazen and forceful or sometimes subtle and suggestive. His range is amazing. Photographs of bygone days are poignant, sometimes wistful, but never lose sight of often harsh reality. Paintings vary from sombre to quirky, from powerful abstracts to delicate forms and shapes. His “Photographix”, he claims, have captured only a whisper of their almost overwhelming potential, creating a symbiotic relationship between painting and photography.

Almost 100 of Westoll’s art works were selected for the prestigious Saxon Villa and Presidential Suites “Art is about exploration,” he says. “I enjoy the excitewhich were introduced to the art world with great ment of crazy juxtapositions and of capturing the fanfare in October 2010. The Saxon has received the beauty of everyday scenes or objects usually taken Global Best Boutique Hotel Award for six years run- for granted, isolating them so that they demand ning and had the vision to invest an impressive sum attention and recognition. This, with lomography and in what is arguably the single largest corporate art computer graphics, allows the manipulation of the purchase for interior design purposes. art form, taking it to a new dimension.”

According to Ian Coetser of MasterArt, the agent responsible for the collection, the Saxon has shown amazing foresight in acquiring Westoll’s limited edition photo-images. “Photography has always been the Cinderella of the local art circuit,” he points out.

“Where-as collectors in Europe and the USA have

37 \ ISSUE #01 I enjoy the freedom of expression that comes with using "out-of-date" analogue technology in a mad-cap kind of way in which the image rules rather than strict adherence to perfect photographic technique. You don't always know what you're going to get and there are many "failures", but just like superstar baseballer Babe Ruth struck out more times than he hit home runs, the special ones are there to be found.

READ { Books }

BOOK REVIEWS BY GINA HARTOOG

1

DK EYEWITNESS TOP 10 CAPE TOWN & THE WINELANDS

it’s a handy pocket-sized guide to lead you to the best attractions that Cape Town has to offer. The book comes with a free pull-out map for the easy navigation to any area of the region. The book lists the Top 10 of everything and anything within the Cape and Wine lands region – from the best wildlife viewing and sports activities to ways to stay within your holiday budget. This is an enjoyable book designed to help you make the most of your holiday and experience the very best of the region – even if your time is limited. Penguin.

ISBN: 9781405351959. R130.

2 HIKING TRAILS OF SOUTH AFRICA

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Willie Olivier’s updated edition of Hiking Trails of South Africa is a comprehensive trail directory that contains information and maps of South Africa’s most exhilarating hikes. Descriptions include accommodation, booking information, maps, facilities and activities you can experience in the area. The first section of the book is a handy guide to hiking, with an important section on first aid. Both seasoned and casual hikers will find the book a valuable trail asset. There is also a handy glossary of environmental and geological terms and an explanation of Afrikaans words used in the book. Struik Travel & Heritage. ISBN: 9781770078895.

R190.

3 SOUTH AFRICA BY ROAD: A REGIONAL GUIDE

South Africa is a country of hidden treasures in the small towns that dot the landscape to the great metropolis cities which measure up to the best in the world. South Africa by Road: A Regional Guide is a comprehensive handbook, a must-have companion for any road traveller. The book is divided into 29 regions – each with a dedicated chapter. The section gives a detailed description of the main attractions, flora, fauna, towns, activities, hikes, game parks and reserves for that region. The detailed road maps and street plans for all major cities are a worthy addition to this guide. Struik Travel & Heritage. ISBN: 9781770076990. R250.

4 THE ROUGH GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

The Rough Guide is perfect for local and foreign tourists to get the most out of a visit to any part of South Africa. The 2010 edition was updated with an eye on World Cup tourism and excludes Lesotho and Swaziland. The Guide contains the latest accommodation information as well as a comprehensive guide on how to find the best restaurants, clubs, bars and shops for visitors on a variety of different budgets. Nature lovers can learn more about the countries amazing natural areas from Cape Point and the Garden Route to the sights and sounds of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Northern Cape. Penguin. ISBN: 9781848364332.

R250.

5 TOURING SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

South Africa’s first national park was proclaimed in 1926. The country now has a further 18 pristine Parks which form an essential part of its tourism appeal. This handy guide is a travel companion for any tourist wanting to experience South Africa’s biodiversity. Explore our country from the rocky shoreline of the beautiful Garden Route National Park in the south, to the splendour of the majestic Kruger National Park in the north. The book provides detailed information on the establishment of the different reserves, ecological regions of the Parks and the wildlife found there. Also included are details on accommodation and activities, facilities, booking information and maps of all 19 Parks. Struik Travel & Heritage. ISBN: 9781770077645.

R110.

For more information: Struik Travel & Leisure Book visit: www.randomstruik.co.za Penguin Travel Books, log on to www.pengiunbooks.co.za.

{ Promotion } PROMOTION RESEARCH BY HENDRINA WESTOLL

"Eye-slices" is the first cosmetic product to target effectively the five woes that beset eyes; wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, tiredness and redness. Wholly South African developed, Eye-slices is already making waves in the global market and will relieve, relax and restore millions of eyes the world over.

"The initial technology was developed as long ago as 1993 by the CSIR," stated Director of iSlices Innovations Pty (Ltd), Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt. "Once we purchased the exclusive global licence to develop and market the product, we spent seven intensive years perfecting the technology, improving the formulation and adding active ingredients and biodynes, completing the testing to comply with European Union specifications and introducing the product first to salons and spas." Notoriously demanding for products with proven therapeutic value, the salon/

spa sector was the ideal proofing ground for this unique cosmetic. Already over 100 spas and salons in South Africa stock Eye-slice, the first order is being filled for the United States and it is already in demand in Dubai. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and repeat orders are flooding in.

Eye-slices, implements cryo-gel technology, which uses a physical cross-linking process to produce solids from liquids. Krause-Neufeldt and her two colleagues set up their own laboratory to investigate countless variables in determining the most suitable temperatures and times for the various stages of the process. "We were extremely fortunate to partner with Chemcity," she continued. "Their support, technical assistance and know-how have been invaluable in refining the formulation and conducting all the necessary tests." Chemcity has also developed the voluminous and comprehensive product information dossier required for EU compliance.

Krause-Neufeldt is full of praise for support also received from numerous government organisations.

To design appropriate and attractive packaging which would lend itself to mass production during the actual manufacturing procedure, KrauseNeufeldt turned to an originally sceptical food services industry. "Tools and drawings were customised, a fully automated pilot plant built and we are producing packaging through thermo-vac forming, the first time this application has ever been utilised for the

cosmetics industry." The current reactor vessel has the potential to manufacture 20 000 pairs of Eyeslices per day.

To cater for the hungry retail market, KrauseNeufeldt has developed a retail version of Eye-slices.

Whereas the spa/salon formulation is more therapeutically targeted to give fast and exact results on the five symptoms mentioned, the retail range focuses more on botanicals and has a somewhat gentler reaction. Testimonials are already pouring in from users of Eye-slices, praising its effectiveness. A national distributor is being appointed to concentrate on the South African market. "This will be our strategy going forward," she explained. "We will partner with distributors in the markets, one in retail and one in spas, who have existing distribution channels and relationships and support them through manufacturing."

The company is now strategising for expansion. The intention is to form a holding company responsible for intellectual property, patents, trademarks, design and registration and to license trading and manufacturing rights to partners, particularly in the emerging market. Capital-intensive development plans include the construction of a clean-room facility and installation of sophisticated equipment.

Products are available in Clicks stores (top 100), pharmacies & salons. www.eyeslices.co.za

39 \ ISSUE #01

QUICK-FIX, HIGH-TECH CUCUMBER SLICE*

{ Seychelles }

Photo: Barbara & Hartmut Röder

carnaval international de victoria

40 \ TRAVELMAGSA.COM

culinary skills. The official opening of the Carnival, to be attended by visiting dignitaries’ from the various participating countries, will take place on a day when festivities are expected to last throughout the night.

e Seychelles Islands... deliciously different

Swelled by sailors from international navies whose visits are being planned to coincide with the three–day carnival, this spectacular event will then move into the Carnival Day featuring a carnival procession of participants floats on a circular itinerary through the streets of the capital, and against the back drop of music, dance and colourful costumes. The event will have its very The opening ceremony: The offiown carnival song composed by local cial opening of the 2011 Seychelles artists to reflect the countries three ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ will national languages: Creole, English take place in the afternoon of Day and French as well as music from the 1. Visiting dignitaries representing participant’s countries. The local pop- various participating countries will be ulation and visitors will all be encour- invited to be present to witness the aged to participate in the spirit of the official launch of the 2011 edition for carnival and its various activities. the Seychelles Carnival which will take place in the centre of Victoria.

Seychelles is also expected to add its own floats to the procession featur- Day 2 - Carnival Day: The Carniing the attributes of its main islands, val Day itself is set for the 5th March so completing the picture of a vibrant where floats will gather at the stadium international event celebrating the fact at Roche Caiman and move in a Carthat Seychelles remains an important nival Procession from 10am onwards harmonious melting pot of people towards Victoria. The carnival procesfrom across the world. sion will then tour the main Victoria roads using Frances Rachel Street as its entry point and return to Roche CaiTHE CARNAVAL man stadium via Independence AveINTERNATIONAL DE nue and Frances Rachel Street. The VICTORIA procession will follow a circular route Day 1. The Three day carnival will starting at Roche Caiman with school start with a large, open al fresco res- children and spectators, local and taurant – styled activity on the 4th international press lining the streets March, when the city of Victoria will from start to finish. Music and carnival www.seychelles.travel

Photo: Barbara & Hartmut Röder

lles Islands...where nature, tranquility and lifestyle meet

nds... Nature’s most cunning conspiracy

Seychelles is planning an international carnival scheduled to take place in its capital, Victoria, in March 2011, echoing the time when Seychelles first became a melting pot of different cultures from the four corners of the planet.

From the 4th to 6th of March 2011, Victoria is set to revisit its multi-ethnic origins when the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ comes to town. With participants from several countries with famous carnivals of their own, the Victoria Carnival is on course to bring the capital to life with a grand, open air restaurant featuring food- and- music from across the world as local hotels, in coordination with participating countries, set up al fresco restaurants showcasing their particular culture’s

be turned into an entertainment venue with music from across the world and with food from the four corner of the planet. Participating countries are being encouraged to work with local hotels to set up al fresco restaurants in Victoria to showcase the different cultures culinary skills and delights and to sell their products to the public.

Music and food will set the stage for the theme of the carnival – ‘the melting pot of cultures’. The Victoria cities celebrations will take place all day and all night during which time the melting pot of cultures will truly come alive.

www.seychelles.travel

costumes will be in line with the different national floats. Seychelles will launch a dedicated ‘Carnaval Song’ which is being composed by a range of local artists to incorporate the countries three national languages; Creole, English and French. Victoria will showcase music from different parts of the world to create the ambience for the different participating countries and to set the scene for Seychelles as the capital city of the melting pot of cultures. After the carnival procession, the carnival participants will take the show to Victoria supported by the local population who will be invited to join in the spirit of the carnival with their own costumes and accessories.

Day 3: The carnival floats will all assemble at the Roche Caiman stadium for a family fun day where the different participants will mingle with the local tourist population and with the Seychellois coming from all over Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette and the other islands. Food stalls and beverage outlets will be set about the stadium where an ‘all day musical show’ will be performed by Seychellois artists and by musical and cultural groups from the various participating countries.

Information and photographs supplied

by Seychelles High Commission www.seychelles.travel Tel +27 12 348 9072

{ Indulgence }

ARMAND DE BRIGNAC

Armand de Brignac is a limited-production prestige cuvée receiving phenomenal international critical acclaim. The Champagne was recently rated No. 1 among the world’s best Champagnes in a tasting competition of 1,000 brands and counts among its other accolades a score of 98 (out of 100) points from world-renowned wine critic José Peñín and a glowing review from Jancis Robinson.

Armand de Brignac is currently available in approximately 50 countries worldwide and is produced by the award-winning Champagne Cattier house of Chigny-les-Roses, France.

The Cattier family has owned and cultivated vineyards in the Montagne de Reims terroir in the French Champagne region since 1763, and patriarch Jean-Jacques Cattier oversees the production of Armand de Brignac. Today, he tells Travelmagsa what makes Armand de Brignac so special.

{ Watch the video } When considering which Champagne to purchase for your next special occasion, perhaps something different is in order. Of course, one could easily visit the local wine store and purchase some bottles of whatever happens to be available, but suppose one was to seek out a truly special Champagne – one that complements the celebrations that are often all too rare in life. It was to this end that our family created the prestige cuvée Armand de Brignac, which is the result of our goal of producing the finest possible Champagne with the strictest possible attention to quality and detail.

To understand what we mean, allow me to tell you a bit about how Armand de Brignac is made. In each outstanding vintage year, my son Alexandre and I visit the best vineyards in the three most famous terroirs of our La Marne region of Champagne: the Montagne de Reims (home of our own village of Chigny-les-Roses), the Cote des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne. Choosing from among villages all rated Premier Cru or Grand Cru, we select only the grapes whose character and quality will allow us to meet the requirements of this special cuvée.

At our winery, we press these grapes on a traditional Coquart device and retain only the top fraction of the first pressing, ensuring that we obtain the purest and most desirable juice. For Armand de Brignac, this pressing is blended with that of harvests of two prior outstanding vintages, each obtained by these same careful methods. The bottles are then aged for at least three years in our cellars – considered among the deepest in Champagne, and thus most conducive to a slow aging process. At the final stage of their aging, the bottles are each riddled by hand – a process seldom done today – and then disgorged. The final touch is another unique one to Armand de Brignac – we use a -liqueur de dosage aged in oaken casks from Burgundy to impart a subtle “touch of soul” to the blend.

Of course, after going to all this work, with Alexandre and I supervising each step of the process and employing a staff of just eight of our craftspeople for the whole endeavour, the Champagne must be presented suitably. The Armand de Brignac bottle is unique in the world – it is an opaque gold vessel (silver for our Blanc de Blancs, and pink-gold for our Rosé) adorned with pewter labels – no paper is to be found anywhere on the package, and the bottle certainly stands out on a shelf of other wines.

The goal in all this, as I mentioned before, is to present something authentically luxurious and which does justice to the once-in-a-lifetime events at which Champagne is so often present. Armand de Brignac is not meant to overshadow these events, simply to commemorate them with a toast worthy of these special memories.

For further information please visit www.armanddebrignac. com Armand de Brignac Champagne is available Nationally from CK House of Premium. Head Office (021) 421 9091, No 4, Newport House, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001. www.cksa.co.za

41 \ ISSUE #01

World’s No.1 Champagne