TravelMagSa Issue03

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

A digtal diversion - Issue 03 - August – December 2011 – ISSN 2220-413X

Celebrity Travel - Coast to Coast Exclusive Interview with South African Tourism Protecting a Legacy The longest horse race in the world

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Insiders Guide to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup Fans.

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The BEATLES” ARE BACK!

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Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Colin Heaney Designs www.colinheaney.com

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Editors Voice We hope you enjoy this exciting third issue of Travelmagsa. Thank you to everyone for their amazing support, for it is only with the support of the people we love, the people who believe in us no matter what we face and the incredible grace of God that we can accomplish all things. Remember that everything has a season and some things are just ‘out of season’ and waiting for the full bloom of the spring that lies ahead.

We hope that you are inspired by the endurance and tenacity of some of the amazing South Africans that are featured in this issue, and may we all take steps forward to endure, succeed and make a difference! J  Contents Page 4 Pages 5- 9 Pages 10 – 12 Pages 13 – 15 Page 16 Pages 17 &18 Pages 19 – 21 Pages 22 & 23 Page 24 Pages 25 & 26 Pages 27 – 31 Pages 32 – 34 Pages 35 – 37 Pages 38 Pages 39 & 40 Pages 41 & 42 Pages 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46

Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA, Johannesburg, SA. Editor: Justine Engelbrecht Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA

Colin Heaney Collection Celebrity Travel - Coast to Coast Interview with South African Tourism SAT Bushveld Destinations WIN Earthnlove Products Protecting a Legacy Insiders Guide to New Zealand What’s in a plate?

WIN a bottle of Amarula Diving with Dinosaurs Theatre – WIN tickets to RAIN Capturing Moments in Time Iceland on Inspiration Windhoek Berg River Challenge Peaks Foundation – Charity Challenge Mongol Derby – Longest Horse Race in the World International Travel – India Book Reviews Event Guide SA Aug – Dec 2011 Contributors

Website design: One 2love Plettenberg Bay www.travelmagsa.com Freelance writers: Gina Hartoog, Hendrina Westoll, Aaron Gekoski, Penn Jolliffe, Gary Hirson Sales: sales@cherryberrybluepublishing.com Professional Accountant: Pat Buchan Photographer: Luke Engelbrecht

E-Publis hed 2011 © Quarterly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, all rights reserved. info@cherryberrybluepublishing.com Mobile: 0744408668 Travelmagsa is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA ISSN 2220 – 413X

The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting third edition.

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 mat erial 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.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

THE COLIN HEA NEY COLLECTION Visionary artist and fashion designer Colin Heaney, has just released his third collection of exquisite resort resortwear weardesigns, designs, presented at the Miami Swim Swimshow show in July.

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The Australian based women’s womenswear wear designer introduced the new designs to his expanding collection which currently includes beautiful silk kaftans, scarves, sarongs, headbands and matching swimwear.

After 25 years as a celebrat ed glass artist worldwide, Colin Heaney continues to gain inspiration from his previous artwork, including his esteemed glass creations, digitally transforming images of his art into timeless prints for his resort resortwear wear collection.

Each garment is a timeless piece of art – truly exquisite in both design and quality. The variation in colours and textures means there’s a design to suit every woman .Colin’s ultimate goal is to make the wearer feel amazing. “The kaftans and silk are transformational” says Colin Heaney, “Every woman is innately precious and beautiful”.

The Colin Heaney collection can be fund atatselect found selectboutique boutiquestores storesand and luxury resorts worldwide as well as online at www.colinheaney.com www.colinheaney.com Cover Pic Supplied by Colin H eaney

Colin Heaney Designs www.colinheaney.com

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Celebrity Travel

Celebrity Travel – Coast to Coast What’s your favourite South African coastal town? We asked three popular presenters (and seasoned travellers) for their best beach breakaway.

Stretching from Namibia in the west to Kosi Bay in the east , South Africa has over 3000 kilometres of coastline. Dotted along our shoreline are many cities, towns and villages, each with a distinct flare and flavour.

The King Protea, South Africa’s national flower, grows in the Cape Floral Region, an area which contains more plant species than the whole of Great Britian .

Natalie Germanos knows the ins and outs of the gentleman’s game. She’s been a popular cricket commentator on radio and television for the past six years. When Natalie’s not spending time with the who’s who of the cricket world, you’ll find her on the volley ball court playing her own game.

Maiden on the wicket Natalie Germanos

Which city gets your vote for the top spot?

Cape Town What’s the lure of the Mother City?

I visit ed C ape Town for the first time when I was about 11 years old. I remember not wanting to return home. Cape Town was so beautiful and has so much to offer. Every time I am there I find something new that is just incredibly beautiful.

Best place ever to visit there?

I would have to say Table Mountain. No matter where you view it from, it is majestic. It is especially amazing to be sitting at the Newlands Cricket G round commentating, and then to be able look to my right and see Table Mountain watching over the day’s play.

How do you spend a seaside holiday?

My favourite would definitely be playing any type of beach sport , especially volleyball. I have always enjoyed beach volleyball and spending time on the beach being active is a wonderful way to enjoy our beautiful coastlines. ....what’s the cricket ground like?

Newlands Cricket Ground is a very special place and one where the Proteas often play well. My favourite memory is definit ely when Jacques Kallis scored two centuries in the final Test of the 2010/2011 series against India.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Man on a mission Peter Butler Pet er Butler South African stage and screen actor is the anchor presenter of the landmark documentary, Shoreline.

Together with his trusty canine companion Jack, Peter tells the story of SA’s magical coastline as he travels from plac e to place.

What are your favourite coastal areas in SA? If like me you are the quiet, reflective type, and are stirred by isolated places and the tranquillity of nature... then there are a few gems that spring to mind. In general, I love the barren majesty of the rugged, low and open West Coast, alongside the icy Atlantic.

But beyond the big dogleg of the Cape, the subtropical, untamed splendour of the Wild Coast on our north-east ern shore the diversity is astounding and one might be forgiven for thinking that you were now on an entirely different continent.

What do you love about the coast?

I am and always have been a loner who revels in the presence of unspoilt nature. I’ve always felt drawn to the sea and felt an intimat e connection with it.

For as long as I can remember my favourite pass time has always been simply walking along the beach with my dog!

Best feature of the area?

The Wild Coast is st eeped in ancient mythology and intriguing legends. At the quirky Hole in the Wall, about 8km from Coffee Bay, for instance, the magic and mystery is almost tangible.

It’s quite possible to while away the hours there without even realising it.

The Xhosa people call the Hole in the Wall - ‘izi Khaleni’ which means ‘Place of Thunder’.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Photographs of Cape Town & Natures Valley supplied by Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Hole in the wall courtesy of Ndlambe Tourism

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Adventure Girl Pasella’s Vicky Davis is a well known South African actress, probably best known for her roles in 7de Laan and Known Gods.

Vicky attended Stellenbosch University and now makes her home in the Cape.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Celebrity Travel Which coastal regions to you enjoy?

I love the east coast because of its unspoilt beaches and lush veget ation, so I would have to say Nature’s Valley but also the Natal coast - like Mtunzini, Sodwana and Kosi Bay. What tugs at your heartstrings?

As students we use to go to Nature’s Valley every December as one of our friends’ parents had a holiday house there.

We often saw schools of dolphin pass through. Swimming there is like being on some undiscovered island because there is no development on the shore. We also swore that in Nature’s you never got a hangover...

I have family living in Durban and surrounding areas, so we always used to visit the beautiful holiday hot spots as a child.

How do you spend a beach day?

I would go together with some friends and bask in the sun, reading and playing Frisbee or beach bats.

Lately I have become wearier of spending too much time in the sun.

Most memorable place to visit?

In Nature’s Valley it would be the local restaurant (it’s also the spot where the Otter hiking trail ends) they do a real old school burger and milkshake. In Mtunzini, I would recommend the Raffia Palm Forest, a plant ation of giant raffia palms.

The Otter Trail is a popular coastal hiking trail. It stretches 42.5km from the Tsitsikamma National Park to the end point in Nature’s Valley.

Photo of Muntzini Beach

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Insights from South African Tourism Interview with the CEO of SAT on Tourism growth in South Africa Q: What are SA Tourism’s plans for the rest of 2011 and for 2012 ?

2011 and 2010 afford us the opportunity to capitalise on significant global brand awareness of destination South Africa. Our major goal over the next few years is to convert this awareness to actual arrivals, and we have several st rategies in place to achieve this. Going forward, we have taken a look at our various target markets and revised them according to global tourism trends, historic arrivals figures as well as ensuring we begin making ground in new markets. This all -encompassing approach looks to ensure the continued growth of the tourism indust ry in South Africa.

Our markets have been revised to include extending our presence in emerging markets, such as Brazil, India, China and select ed African countries, while entrenching the favourable position we enjoy in traditional core markets in Europe, North America and Aust ralia.

Most critically though, to fully align with the National Department’s goals, we are showing an even bigger focus on the domestic tourism agenda. On the domestic front, SA Tourism has launched the new Sho’t Left campaign, promoting the geographical spread of tourism and motivating South Africans to explore every corner of our country.

This overarching strategy is supported by a selection of tactical campaigns, running on both global media channels as well as within specific countries.

20 experiences in 10 days, Phase 2 campaigns. The Emerging markets of Angola, China and Brazil, together with core market Germany, have t aken part this time around. This campaign involves bringing two guests from each country to South Africa for an unrivalled experience. Each couple is given a bespoke itinerary created according to the drivers of their markets, and is taken on a phenomenal two-week trip through South Africa. Their travels are documented in a reality-TV style format and edited for the purposes of TV, cinema and online clips. These form the basis of our above the line messaging in each market.

National Geographic ‘Adventurers Wanted’ campaign, where we searched for an Adventure Ambassador within seven key markets (i.e. Australia, France, Germany, It aly, Netherlands, UK & USA). The seven ambassadors from each market were brought together to form an ‘Adventure tribe’ for an exploration trip of a lifetime in South Africa.

In 2011 we will launch the seven ‘adventure’ vignettes with in-market activations/PR to underline our travel offering to the world that entrenches South Africa’s status as the very best adventure destination in the world.

There are a number of events we are supporting in 2011.

The Sports & Events Tourism Exchange: After successfully hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, we are increasingly looking towards sports tourism as a niche sector. The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange will take place in Cape Town from the 27th – 29th July 2011. This “confex” will focus on the world class standard of facilities and services that South Africa has to offer as a host, for all top leve l international events and the exchange between sports tourism and the events industry.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Cape Town (12-16 July) and Africa Fashion Weeks: South Africa is enhancing its position as a lifestyle destination and celebrating and showcasing our culture, fashion, design and arts. SA Tourism is promoting South Africa as a destination that has a lot more to offer than just safaris and wildlife. There are a number of heartfelt connections that can be made with the South African people through activities that showcase the nation’s way of life. In t erms of cultural and arts tourism the country has a number of museums, historical landmarks and festivals that tell the world our story, for the fashion enthusiast South Africa as world renown designers and a beautiful nation that could inspire any designers.

Golf Tourism - The South African Golf Tourism Association (SAGTA) was officially launched in March this year, with the aim of marketing the country as a prime golfing destination. One of the main drivers for the creation of the South African Golf Tourism A ssociation was the fact that South Africa recently received the Golf Destination of the Year 2011 (for the African, Indian Ocean and Gulf States region) accolade from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) at the annual International Golf Travel Market.

Other events we are supporting include the National Arts F estival, the Vodacom Challenge and the Maloof international Skateboarding championships in South Africa this year. Following the successes of hosting the 2010 FIFA World cup, it is clear business tourism has been bolstered by a new sense of energy and direction. This all-important sector will continue to make a significant contribution to consolidating Africa’s position in the global arena and demonstrating our capabilities in terms of hosting international events. South Africa’s tourism sector will be boosted significantly by the 200 international events confirmed to take place in the country over the next five years. The events include meetings and conferences which are expected to attract about 300 000 delegates.

The potential economic impact of these confirmed meetings and conferences is more than R1.6-billion (US$222-million).

Q: How can the public get involve d in promoting South Africa and assisting SA Tourism in achie ving its plans?

When we at SA Tourism market the destination, we do not only promote the destination but the South African people. When tourists visit our country, the experiences and connections they have with the South African people is a major reason why they would visit South Africa again.

South Africa most oft en brands itself as the rainbow nation, an accolade that illuminates the country’s cultural diversity. Our colourful history is demonstrated most aptly in the amazing collision of cultures that present an inspiring multiplicity of people, each who have a personal story to tell.

The spirit of ubuntu – or the int erconnectedness of our people – is what sets us apart. However, this is not something that can be promot ed or developed by any company or organisation – it is up to the people of South Africa to have a personal vested interest in showcasing our country as a welcoming one. This is the biggest way in which South Africans can assist with the tourism mandates of the country – and I encourage everyone to recapture the spirit with which we welcomed the world in 2010. In addition, SA Tourism has several platforms available, celebrating companies, service providers and people who embody this welcoming spirit. By involving yourself with programmes such as the ETEYA programme, recognising emerging entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, we aid in job creation opportunities and skills development, which are critical to the sustainability of the sector.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Q: What is the most important message the CEO would like to tel l South Africa? Tourism starts at home – lit erally. Domestic tourism has historically been, and remains, the largest contributor to tourist volume in South Africa, with 79% of all volume in 2010 derived from domestic tourists. Last year, we witnessed an increase in domestic leisure travel, and SA Tourism is working hard at increasing this even more.

We’ve spent a lot of time developing a new domestic tourism campaign, and have just launched our refreshed Sho’t Left campaign. We are looking to instil a culture of travel amongst South Africans, adopting regular leisure travel as a critical part of our lives. There is something awesome around every corner, and my message to South Africans is to just go! Get out there and explore your own country.

Q: What is the most important thing SAT would like to tell international readers?

Our message to international travellers is founded on the same principles as our domestic message. Historically, global travellers find a few niche areas of South Africa and continue to return to them. We are a diverse and beautiful country and our people are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Explore a bit , take a st ep beyond your regular route and start discovering the many hidden treasures our country possesses. Once you have visited South Africa you leave with a part o f it; you simply aren’t the same person you were when you arrived.

Q: South Africa offers abundant choice and diversity to tourists, are there specific areas that SAT would like to see marketed more extensively to the local and inbound tourist market and are there some hidden gems that would be nefit from tourism?

South Africa is full of abundant choice and diversity. Tourism arrival numbers at the highest they have ever been with a total of 8,073,552 tourist arrivals for 2010. What we at SA Tourism would like to encourage is the geographical spread of tourism. We would like to see more international travellers visiting more than one province per visit to South Africa. After tourist have visited the more popular provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape & Cape Town and KwaZulu Natal they should also explore the less travelled provinces such as the Eastern Cape, M pumalanga, Limpopo, Northern C ape and North West. The idea is to encourage visitors to explore ALL of South Africa not by starting at the big cities but by showcasing ALL that the country has to offer INCLUDING the hidden treasures. Each of our provinces holds a unique opportunity to explore our diversity – whether it is cultural, cosmopolitan, wildlife or adventure related activities. When you arrive in South Africa, be open to experiencing everything we have to offer.

Q: With regards to the SADC region, how does SAT promote these regions and how would SAT like to see this valuable partnership promoted collectively? In the SADC region we are currently forming Joint Marketing Agreements with a number of trade partners to enhance the promotion of South Africa in the region. Cruise tourism is an important tourism niche in the region along with the promotion of events hosted in South Africa such as the various music festivals - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Joy of Jazz and Macufe. It is essential we creat e affordable packages for the SADC regions and packages that are specific to the interests of the people of the particular market/ country.

At present SA Tourism has identified Angola, Mozambique and Botswana as our targeted SADC countries.

Many thanks to Roshene Singh - Chief Marketing Officer at SA Tourism

Photographs http://www.southafrica.net

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Places to Stay: Bushveld Destinations

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Places to Stay: Bushveld Destination

LUKIMBI GAME RESERVE ‘Peace and tranquillity combined with some of the best game viewing in South Africa’ Lukimbi is a Five Star luxury safari lodge boasting 15000 hectares of unspoilt bush within the southern Kruger National Park of South Africa. Guests can enjoy a true wilderness experience in unspoilt bushveld and they have exclusive use of 120 km of road on which no more than 5 vehicles are on the roads at any one time, guests can even enjoy a little off road game driving under cont rolled conditions ensuring that they have that up close and personal experience. At Lukimbi guests enjoy open vehicles with guided game drives and bush walks as part of their daily routine.

For the more adventurous all day walking safaris have been int roduced and these depart from the lodge in the morning and return late afternoon. These walks are available in the winter months only and must be booked well in advance. Lukimbi is built along the Lwakhle River and all sixteen suites have fabulous views ac ross the river to the open plains beyond. Two suites have private plunge pools and there is one wheelchair friendly room.

For those that need to keep in touch while on safari, all of the suites have laptop connections and telephones; for those who like to keep fit Lukimbi has a fully equipped gym with the best view in the world and a stunning swimming pool for cooling down. Other facilities include 5 break-away rooms for conferencing and a beautiful chapel for those special safari weddings, the wedding coordinator can also arrange weddings under a huge Jackalberry Tree for those who prefer something a little different . Spa treatments can be organised and arranged when making a reservation.

The lodge itself has a whimsical sense of fun throughout and there are wonderfully different plaster carvings on the chimneys and in the lounge and dining rooms. It is a lodge that brings a smile to the guest’s faces and yet it has every luxury imaginable. Lukimbi is home to two breeding sites of the endangered Ground Hornbill. These sites are carefully monitored by both SANParks and Endangered Wildlife Trust and at the time of writing both nests have chicks. These wonderful birds can often be seen flying over the lodge early in the morning and in the evening. Research and monitoring is also being conducted on a rare species of Swazi Impala Lily that is found in the grounds of Lukimbi Safari Lodge. A stay at Lukimbi is one of peace and tranquillity combined with some of the best game viewing in South Africa

Contact: Tel: +27 11 431 1120 / Fax: +27 11 431 3597 / Email: res@lukimbi.com / http://www.lukimbi.com Photographs supplied by Lukimbi Game Reserve & Idube Game Reserve

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Places to Stay: Bushveld Destination

LUKIMBI GAME RESERVE ‘Peace and tranquillity combined with some of MAKUBELA SUITES - IDUBE GAME RESERVE the best game viewing in South Africa’ Lukimbi is a Five Star luxury safari lodge boasting 15000 hectares of unspoilt bush within the southern Kruger National Park of South Africa.

Guests can enjoy a true wilderness experience in unspoilt bushveld and they have exclusive use of 120 km of road on which no more than 5 vehicles are on the roads at any one time, guests can even enjoy a little off road game driving under controlled condit ions ensuring that they have that up close and personal experience. At Lukimbi guests enjoy open vehicles with guided game drives and bush walks as part of their daily routine.

For the more adventurous all day walking safaris have been introduced and these depart from the lodge in the morning and return late afternoon. These walks are available in the wint er months only and must be booked well in advance. Lukimbi is built along the Lwakhle River and all sixteen suites have fabulous views across the river to the open plains beyond. Two suites have private plunge pools Idube Safari Lodge celebrated the new-year with the opening of two new luxury chalets, the Makubela Suit es. andtwo there is one and wheelchair These elegant spaciousfriendly suites room. are named after one of Idube’s much loved female leopards, Makubela, who after being fatally injured by a male, returned to Idube’s gardens to die.

For those that need to keep in touch while on safari, all of the suites have laptop connections and telephones; for those who like to keep fit Lukimbi has a fully equipped gym with the best view in the Complimenting their existing ten chalets which were ext ensively refurbished lat e last year, the two new secluded world a stunning swimming pool cooling down.a Other facilities include 5 breakby-away rooms privat e suites are and perfect for honeymooners andfor those seeking romantic getaway.

Reached meandering for conferencing and a beautiful chapel for those special safari weddings, the wedding coordinator walkways, each has its own private splash pool, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a game viewing deck can also the arrange weddings under a huge Jackalberry Tree for those who prefer something a little overlooking dramatic bushveld. different . Spa treatments can be organised and arranged when making a reservation.

Room service and mini bars are available in each of the air -conditioned suit es, which also boast rain wat er t anks Theof lodge itself has a whimsical as part Idube’s eco-friendly drive.sense of fun throughout and there are wonderfully different plaster carvings on the chimneys and in the lounge and dining rooms. It is a lodge that brings a smile to the guest’s facesthe andSabi yet itSand has every imaginable.

Lukimbi home to two breeding es of theand Shadulu Situated within Gameluxury Reserve, the lodge boastsisspectacular views of thesitriverbed endangered Ground Hornbill.

These sit es are carefully monitored by both SANParks and Dam, a favourit e wat ering hole for elephants and other game.

Endangered Wildlife Trust and at the time of writing both nests have chicks. These wonderful birds caneffort oftenhas be been seen made flying over the lodge in the morning and in the the carbon evening.

Every to conserve theearly environment and reduce footprint - rain wat er is directed Research and monitoring is also being conducted on a rare species of Swazi Impala that is in found off the roofs to a holding tank and is used to water the bush, gas geysers have beenLily installed order to save in the grounds of Lukimbi Safari Lodge.

A stay at Lukimbi is one of peace and tranquillity combined electricity and the bushveld surrounding the suit es is completely natural. with some of the best game viewing in South Africa.

Makubela the leopard will always be remembered and Idube welcomes you to create your very own unforgettable memories...those that will last a lifetime. Tel: +27 11 431 1120 Fax: +27 11 431 3597 , email: info@idube.com

Contact: Tel: +27 11 431 1120 / Fax: +27 11 431 3597 / Email: res@lukimbi.com / http://www.lukimbi.com

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

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Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Environment

Photographs supplied by Rhino Africa

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Protecting a Legacy Penn Jolliffe Freelance writer had a chat with David Ryan of Rhino Africa about his vision and how business, government and the public can work together to combat Rhino Poaching.

Rhino Africa not only specialises in being a unique, luxury on-line tour operator in holidays and safaris in sub-Saharan Africa, but is committed to supporting wildlife conservation and uplifting local communities.

David Ryan, the founder of Rhino Africa has established his company as a competitive leader in the tourism industry. Driven by an unwavering passion, not only is David Ryan’s vision to further increase Rhino Africa’s footprint in Africa, but to concurrently make a significant difference by supporting endangered wildlife species, namely the Rhinoceros and particularly the Damaraland Desert Rhinoceros (Rhino) in the Kunene region of Namibia. Challenge4aCause, a cycling event held once a year in Damaraland in Namibia, was founded in order to do just that.

In 2009, R300 000 was raised, in 2010 R600 000 and in 2011 R1.2 million is hoping to be raised. The beneficiaries are Save the Rhino Trust, The Wildlife Act Fund and The Good Work Foundation which promotes education to disadvant age individuals in rural areas.

Ryan says, “Start at the grassroots and get communities to have a vested interest in their own community through education, and they will then sustain their own legacy.” In the 1970’s there were 2 50 Black Rhino’s in the Kunene region of Namibia this dwindled in the 1980’s to around 40 and by the lat e 80’s the population had started to increase to around 60 . This increase in the Black Rhino carries on today, but is only due to the fact that the Government of Namibia stepped in and took serious steps to curtail the poaching massacre of Rhino’s. Concurrently Nature Conservation, NGO’s and the privat e sector combined funds to also assist.

Dr Richard Emslie Scientific Officer for IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Species Survival C ommission’s (SSC) African Rhino Specialist Group (AFRSG) said “Where there is political will, dedicat ed conservation programs, and good law enforcement, Rhino’s have increased in Africa and Asia.” In the Kruger National Park the threat to the Rhinoceros has reached epidemic proportions, with the loss of 146 Rhino’s in 2010; 122 in 20 0 9; 83 in 2008 and already 126 have been lost in 2011 with another 67 Rhino’s lost in the rest of South Africa. The South African Government has taken action in the form of The National Joint Operational and International Structure (NA TJOINTS ).

This is a collaborative body - South African Police Force, SA National Defence Force, SANParks and Government departments in order to prot ect the Rhino and other wildlife, and to capture and prosecute those who are guilty of illegally hunting and poaching Rhinos. The Reserves, Parks and Private Lodges have introduced, rhino notching, micro -chipping, radio transmit ter, GPS monitoring and aircraft surveillance projects to protect and combat the Rhino from the continued threat of poaching and more critically total extinction.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

PEDAL POWER HELPS FIGHT RHINO POACHING “Challenge4aCause”, a series of charity cycling events, was initiated only three years ago to galvanise team spirit among staff members while simultaneously rallying funds and awareness around the issue of rhino poaching in north-west ern Namibia. Recognition and financial support for the cause has been far-reaching. After a modest target of only R200 000 in its first year, the local tour operator has been able to raise over one million Rand since.

Ryan says: “This wildlife legacy we have needs to be protected, and this can neither be sustained alone by government, business nor the private sector, everyone needs to collaborate and have a consolidat ed approach to solving the Rhino massacre and other endangered wildlife.

Otherwise the loss of our wildlife heritage will have an adverse effect not only on the tourism industry but on our legacy for generations to come.”

“It is our social responsibility as a company specialising in on-line tour operations, to encourage greater social consciousness by supporting destinations, not only in the main st ream, but also those unusual destinations in countries whose infrastructures would further develop through growth in tourism, and concurrently spread conservational awaren ess and peace across the continent. We, ourselves, need to make the changes.

South Africa relies heavily on specific traditional markets and development is much needed in new open markets.

Government needs to take stringent action to protect our wildlife heritage from the illegal poaching and slaughter, so as to create a strong and sustainable industry in tourism for South Africa.”

“It is about making small differences and these are what set one apart . This inspires others to act. It is up to us as a nation and to you as an individual to prot ect our heritage and legacy so other generations can experience it too.”

Rhino Africa - http://www.rhinoafrica.com Offers clients complimentary financial cover Offer price guarant ees ensuring that it is cheaper than booking direct Expert consultant’s book and plan highly personali sed itineraries Clients will be supporting a number of conservation and community upliftment projects by booking with Rhino Africa.

WWF South Africa – www.wwf.org.za Save The Rhino Trust – www.savetherhinotrust.org Elephant and Rhino Monitory Project – Blythe Loutit The Rhino resource centre (RRC) www.rhinoresourcecentre.com International Union for Conservation of Nature - Rhino poaching surges in Asia and Africa Dec 2009 – www.icun.org TRAFFIC – Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network – www.traffic.org

This has been achieved by offering the public the opportunity to participat e in a nine-day cycle challenge through the ruggedly mountainous and desolat e Damaraland desert in Northern Namibia, with sponsorships and donations allocated towards the event’s beneficiaries. “This is testimony to how great an impact rhino poaching is having on the hearts and minds of people both locally and abroad,” says Ross Bowers, M arketing Manager for Rhino Africa Safaris. st

On July 1 , 2011, twelve intrepid adventurers-come-cyclists cycled 340 kilometres through the Damaraland desert. Each competitor had paid their respective R20 000 participation fee and having raised a matching donation fee. Combined with the event organiser’s supporting sponsorship, this year’s target of R1 million was easily met and will benefit the daily operational funding of three charities – Save The Rhino Trust , the Wildlife ACT Fund and The Good Work Foundation. “It’s a life changing experience,” says Ryan. Over the years people have lost touch with Mother Nature. We are living in concrete buildings in New York or Europe and we have forgotten what life’s all about.

Challenge4aC ause is an inspirational experience because it’s physically and mentally challenging.” No one ever wakes up imagining that the day’s events would lead one to sign up for a seven day cycle around a desert. Our first day found us traversing through beautiful hills, on sandy t rails and through rocky riverbeds. A shocking chill coursed through my spine as my focus changed from the “challenge” to the “cause”. I was now riding for the rhino and no longer myself.” says Mark Pearce The spike in de mand has le d Challenge4aCause to launch additional mountain biking events, with the Mashatu nd th Botswana Challenge taking place this year from 22 – 27 August. But the real reward will be for the wildlife, with Bowers emphasising that, “This will afford South African, European, Asian and American wildlife enthusiasts a golden opportunity to have a direct, grassroots impact on what’s arguably the region’s greatest environmental challenge to date.”

Members of the public wishing to support next year’s initiative may contribute financially by donating online or by visiting www.givengain.co.za –click on the “Wildlife ACT” page followed by “Challenge4aCause”.

Booking with Rhino Africa also helps uplift local communities and supports wildlife conservation in Africa. David Ryan is a true pioneer of sustainable tourism in Africa. As well as challenge4aC ause, Rhino Africa also supports projects alleviating poverty and uplifting communities, such as the Khumbulani Day C are Centre, The Ark and Little Lambs. For more information contact: Ross Bowers, 021 469 2600, ross@rhinoafrica.com.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 International Trave l – New Zealand

Are you going to New Zealand’s the RUGBY WORLD CUP? If So, Get your copy of the ‘The Insiders Guide.’ A free

guide to all the nooks and crannies Aucklanders covet.

CUP VISITORS TO GET DIGITAL LOWDOWN ON CENTRAL AUCKLAND - Free App sends insider secrets to your smartphone.

World Cup visitors can now get their very own digital guide to the local ‘hood’ thanks to a new city guide, compiled by a Who’s Who of fashion, food, art, shopping and fun in downtown Auckland. The Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland enables out-of-town visitors, footy fans and their travelling companions to experience the locals’ favourite haunts and hideaways and enjoy what central Auckland has to offer beyond the rugby field.

The guide is available now in digital format as a FREE downloadable iPhone, iPad, Android App or online ebook. For the less tech -savvy it will also be available in a pocket-sized collector’s booklet in late August, when thousands of rugby fans from all over the world and New Zealand descend on Auckland. The easy to use app makes it effortless for overseas visitors and out-of-towners to navigat e to and from inner city hotspots – without incurring unwanted roaming charges.

Users can search or 'explore' for content by 'map view' or by 'neighbourhoods' and find Insiders picks, tips and hidden city secrets. The app features more than 400 references, and detailed maps covering six must-visit downtown Auckland neighbourhoods. The Insiders – foodie Ray McVinnie, architect Nat Cheshire, photographer Karen Inderbitzen -Waller, stylist Atip Wananaruks, arts critic Hamish Keith and hospit ality expert Poi Eruera – offer their picks and secrets of their favourit e bars, cafes, designer boutiques, art galleries and local restaurants and eateries.

Heart of the City CEO Alex Swney says the inner city area hosts a great mix of experiences that are oft en ‘off the beaten t rack’ and wants visitors to explore more than just Queen Street and the Queens Wharf fan zone. “The Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland concept is based on the principle that often the best things you experience in an unfamiliar city are those that have been recommended to you by someone who lives locally,” he says. “To mak e things easier for out-of-towners, the Guide divides the CBD into six districts – each with its own unique flavour – and spills the ‘what’s hot’ secrets of the locals who know this city like the back of their hand.”

Alex Swney believes the guide will be a useful navigation and social tool for international and domestic visitors and locals alike. “Come Rugby World Cup time, all Aucklanders will be asked to play tour guide at some point. Now there’s a handy prompt to help visiting friends, family or st rang ers make the most out of their st ay – and Aucklanders might even learn some new secrets themselves.”

Visiting fans can now download the free App by visiting www.biglittlecity.co.nz/InsidersGuide . Once downloaded, the App can be used anywhere without requiring a data connection, meaning it’s the ultimat e no-fuss pocket guide. For those who do need to download the app whilst on the move, enhanced Wi-Fi coverage is available in the central city . A sign up is required.

There are also a large number of businesses in the city with Wi -Fi access – many offer this free with a purchase. A collector’s pocket-sized hard copy of the book will be available from August, distributed throughout downtown Auckland at various locations to find out more, or to download the Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland App, visit: www.biglittlecity.co.nz/InsidersGuide/ The Rugby World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world and this September Auckland is expected to welcome close to 100,000 international rugby fans attending the globe’s biggest rugby tournament. Visiting fans can th pre-regist er for a phone and iPad app which has been available from July 7 for free downloads by visiting: www.biglittlecity.co.nz/InsidersGuide/ by the time visitors arrive the ins and outs of the city and all it’s the secret hot spots will be familiar t erritory for guide users. The iPad, iPhone or Android app promises to be a godsend for those panicky moments when visitors get lost in the big smoke. For the less tech-savvy, the pocket -sized hard copy will be available distributed throughout Auckland’s heart of the city on buses and in hotels, Isit es and key retail outlets.

Photographs of New Zealand supplied by Heart of the City, Insider Guide

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

This could be you!

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

You could be here!

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Environment

What’s in a Plate?

By Gary Hirson After a couple of hours of hiking up Table Mountain I made my way into the revamped restaurant, Table Mountain Cafe nestled at the top of the mountain.

Ravenously hungry I bee lined for the buffet failing to notice that the plate in my hand was slightly different to the normal crockery that I was usually used to.

Inspecting it closer I realised that I was holding what seemed to be a paper plate, my worst nightmare. I absolutely hate them. The way they shred and collapse when they get soggy, becoming useless. “Where’s the manager?” I yelled at the counter hand. The Food and Beverage manager approached me to enquire about my irritation.

“I’ve just spent two hours hiking up this natural beauty, I’m ravenous, and I want to enjoy the view while eating my breakfast. How can you expect me to eat off a paper plat e?” “Well sir it’s not actually paper. In fact they’re made from bagasse and sugar cane pulp and they’re 100% biodegr adable and compostable.”

Needing to justify my outburst, I count ered. “Well I’m sure it’s going to get soggy and crumble once I’m half way through my fruit salad and yoghurt!”

“Sir, I assure you, you won’t experience anything of the sort,” he smiled back.

Mumbling under my breath I turned to the food count er and held out my plate to be filled with some fruit and noticed a sign hanging behind the counter - We have chosen to conserve water and minimise pollution by introducing compostable containers for our food instead of using washable crockery...

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Still grumbling from my defeat I found myself a quiet spot in the corner of the balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the 12 Apostles. Tucking into my healthy breakfast I overheard an Australian accent commenting about his plate that was st acked with a full English breakfast. “So what do you think of these new biodegradable plat es. Look pretty dodgy, don’t they?”

The Queenslander replied in good Australian fashion, “If it’s good for the environment then its good enough for me mate.”

Totally dejected I sulked into my breakfast, seething at not being able to find reinforcements to take on the management.

The F&B manager noticing my displeasure came over and sat down. “Sir, Table Mountain is one of C ape Town’s most visited attractions with approximately 800 000 people visiting the summit per year,” he st arted. “We are very aware of the potential negative impact that such high traffic tourism can have and we’re committed to environmentally sound and sust ainable business practices. One of the main resources used by the Cableway is water, and fresh water has to be transport ed from the bottom and all grey water and sewerage has to be sent down using the cable cars.

The restaurant is the major user of water with the kitchen using up to 80% of all transported wat er. Among other measures to reduce the water usage at the top station, we decided that the new Table Mountain Café use compostable plates and cont ainers as dishwashing is the largest water consumer within the restaurant setting.” “Okay, so how much water are you saving then?” “Since the implementation of the compostable plates we’ve reduced water consumption from 1.3 litres to only 0.5 litres per person saving 1000 000 litres per annum. Less water used means we’ve reduced the amount of water carrying trips by as much as 215 trips per year, obviously reducing our electricity usage. Because of this initiative we’ve recently won the Imvelo Award for-Best Single Resource Management Programme, category: WATER.” “So what happens to the plates then?” “The used plates are processed and will biodegrade into compost - which is sold off for usage.” Not knowing when I’m truly beat en, and clutching at straws, I alt ered my tack. “F rom which you’ll financially benefit?”

“We make no money from the sale of the compost,” he countered before leaving. Looking down at my compostable plate, t hat hadn’t turned soggy, and was still exactly the same as when I first picked it up; I noticed that my fruit salad and yoghurt had turned to humble pie.

Photographs Supplied by Gary Hirson

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

MARULA TREES ARE BUDDING

Arbour Day reminds us that it is at the start of the African spring that the tall, densely crowned marula trees on the SubSaharan plains begin to bud. The male flowers produce the pollen but it is the female trees that will go on to produce the wonderfully fragrant, tangy and juicy, yellow -skinned marula fruits in the height of summer. Some trees can bear as much as 500 kilograms of marula’s in a single harvest.

The succulent summer fruit is the critical ingredient in Amarula that gives its unique taste. The fruit is gathered by local rural communities and taken to a series of collection points. Harvest ers are paid for every kilog ram they deliver and the proceeds of their picking have become a valued source of income for their families. In South Africa marula trees, are indigenous to the s ubSahara, and are protected with stringent controls in terms of harvesting. Amongst many comm unities the trees are considered sacred and serve as the spiritual centre for ritual activity amongst villagers.

The trees also support an extensive ecosyst em, their cooling canopies provide habitats for a range of plants and grasses, while the fruit is consumed by many animals from elephants to rhino, warthog, kudu, baboons, vervet monkeys, zebra, porcupine and even millipedes. For further information on Amarula please visit www.amarula.com and on the Amarula Trust www.amarulatrust.com .

WIN

SIX LUCKY JOZI READERS CAN WIN A BOTTLE OF AMARULA

Answer the question below and email the answer, your name and address to competition@cherryberrybluepublishing.com

Marula fruit is a critical ingredient in which famous African fruit cocktail?

Please note: Terms and conditions: By entering the competition, the prize winner agrees to the terms and conditions.

Delivery to winners in the Johannesburg area only.

Winners will be notified by email.

Prize may not be exchanged for cash.

Judges decision is final!

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Ocean Awareness

Diving with Dinosaur Just off the Cape Peninsula, close to the pretty bay of Simon’s Town lies an innocuous short st retch of ocean. Like much of the seascape here, kelp sprouts from the kryptonite green water, which laps at boulders straight out of The Flintstones. It looks a lot like the rest of this spectacular coastline. Yet this body of water harbours a prehistoric secret: just a short hop, skip and a dive away from the shore swim living, breathing dinosaurs.

The name of these astonishing creatures is the broadnose sevengill shark. Yet I prefer their more palatable, less adjective heavy name: cow shark. These fish have glided through our oceans for hundreds and millions of years, unblemished

by Mother Nature’s marauding fingers. All sharks originally possessed seven pairs of gill slit s. A period of tweaking and refining commenced and most species drop a couple of pairs. For some reason the cow sharks kept theirs. In fact, cow sharks have very few modern adaptations, which is why they remain one of the closest links we have to dinosaurs on earth.

For some unknown reason, the cow sharks just love this tiny stretch of water and congregate here en masse, just metres offshore. I’d read about this extraordinary site, yet before now had never had the opportunity to dive here. Shore diving remains one of my favourite methods of exploring the deep blue; there are no boats with their thumping motors, no launches, no travelling out for miles to sea.

A shore dive simply features you, your breathing apparatus, your buddies, and a gradual descent into an underwat er world packed full of goodies.

Unfortunately, these goodies come wrapped in a bitterly cold packaging. Even 10mm of neoprene, hoodies, gloves and boots do little to mask the freezing water here. Our dive guide was free diver and photographer Jacques de Vos. Jacques has spent countless hours underwater int eracting with the cow sharks.

Cont...

My mind turned to the ridicule that would ensue at being chomped by a shark named after a chubby, milkyielding herbivore. I’d never live it down. Thankfully the chances of being nibbled by a cow shark remain miniscule. My first encounter with a two metre male put me at ease. In fact, I could have sworn it was smiling at me. Much like dolphins, cow sharks’ stubby faces are etched with perma-smiles.

Depending on your point of view, this is either quite cute, or freakishly sinister. Either way, it’s as unusual as it is mesmerising. The other notable thing about these sharks is their curious, bold nature. Most sharks, despit e their fearsome reputations, remain skittish when encountering humans.

Cow sharks, on the other hand, will boldly check divers out, flash a wicked smile and then glide off momentarily, before returning for a second look.

They move as if in slow motion, their stout bodies propelled by long, elegant sweeps of the tail.

He has built up an intimate knowledge of their behaviour and habits.

He stressed that whilst the cow sharks may appear docile, we must maintain eye contact and not touch them. Attacks on divers are rare, yet it’s important to remain vigilant when dealing with toothy predators like sharks , especially if they grow to four metres in length and have been found with human remains in their

The sharks are a photographer’s dream; willing posers for the camera, unfazed by the flashes of strobes and enveloped by the most spectacular studio imaginable.

stomachs.

Jacques, Rob the dive master, my colleague the underwater cinematographer Chris Scarffe and I - entered the water via the rocks.

The Cape’s waters welcomed us with an icy blast, jolting our systems, priming our senses. During descents into unfamiliar (and shark infested) territories, I frequently remind myself that each year more people are killed by their Christmas tree lights, or by falling off their chairs than by sharks. However, it’s easy to lose sight of such rational thoughts in these famously murky waters.

Sadly, the fate of the cow sharks may remain a familiar one. They are being fished extensively in these waters.

Whilst I was diving there, report s began to surface of cow sharks being used as bait for great whites by several of the operators in Gansbaai.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Sharks, yet again are falling prey to the greatest predator to ever walk the earth, man. Every year, we are responsible for the deaths of up to 100 million sharks. We kill sharks for their jaws and teeth which make tacky souvenirs. We kill them for the oil in their liver, their cartilage, flesh and fins. Now, unimaginably, we are killing them to feed to their own, by those who pass themselves off as shark conservationist s.

I left this magical stretch of water full of wonder at the amazing smiling cow sharks of Cape Town, yet appalled at how; once again, we are changing the face of our oceans. Cow sharks have survived five mass extinctions and due to Man’s short sightedness and greed, they now face a sixth.

Watch a video of Aaron’s experience with the cow sharks

Aaron Gekoski is a filmmaker, writ er and photographer who has just finished filming Shiver, a documentary on Africa’s shark finning crisis. For more information, please visit www.aarongekoski.com.

Please contact Mike at Pisces Divers (www.piscesdivers.co.za) for more information on diving with the cow sharks.

Chris Scarffe’s work can be seen on his website: www.mozimages.com.

Article & Photograph court esy of Aaron Gekoski

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Theatre

WIN TICKETS TO Three lucky readers can win double tickets to the opening performance in Johannesburg - 23 August 2011.

Email your name and address to mailto:competition@cherryberrybluepublishing.com

Please note terms and conditions: 1. Show tickets, subject to availability are only valid for the 20h00 performance on 23 August 2011 at The Teatro.

2. Tickets may not be exchanged for cash or for an alternate performance.

3. By entering the competition, the prize winner agrees to the terms and conditions.

4. Tickets must be collected by the prize winners from the BOX OFFICE at Montecasino from one hour prior to showtime on 23 August 2011.

5. Prize winners will be notified by email by the 20th August - Judges Decision is final.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES WINS AWARD IN NEW YORK PRIOR TO TEATRO SEASON RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles, presented by Jacaranda 94.2, will soon perform live on stage at the Teatro at Montecasino from 23 August to 04 September 2011. The show, which is about to celebrat e its 341 Broadway performance, recently received The Drama Desk for Outstanding Revue at the 56th Annual Drama Desk Awards for excellence in New York Theatre.

Rain was originally booked to perform on Broadway for a six-week season. Nine months later, this popular family show enjoys a phenomenal run. “When we originally opened RAIN at the Neil Simon we were thrilled for the chance to share this successful touring show with the Broadway community,” producer Jeff Parry said. “The opportunity to move theat res and continue playing for an additional seven months at the Brooks Atkinson has exceeded our wildest expectations.

It’s been an incredible journey and we look forward to continuing the North American tour of RAIN and launching international engag ements in Singapore and Johannesburg this summer.”

Rave reviews from American print media such as The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune have hailed this nostalgic hit show “a multi-media and multi-dimensional production a stunning visual experience”. “Parents (and grandparents) and kids are on their feet bopping like crazy.” says The Courier Post , summing up the audiences reaction to the show while the Buffalo News review says it all: “As close to a genuine Beatles experience as is possible in this present day”.

From the clean -cut ‘Fab Four’ from Liverpool to the 70’s peace songs and the individual styles of four legendary musicians, RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-not e performance in this multi-media concert, that’s as infectious as it is transporting.

From the early hits to later classics (I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Come Together, Hey Jude and more), this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but also electrifying performers in their own right. Mac Ruffing (vocals, bass, guitar, piano), started playing drums as a teen, but found a Hofner bass and had to have it. Naturally right-handed, M ac taught himself to play left-handed. Mac’s musical talents include playing the piano and guitar.

Jimmy Pou (vocals, lead guitar, guitar synthesizer), played “G eorge” in Beatlemania in Los Angeles, Chicago and world tour; he joined “1964 The Tribute” performing at Carnegie Hall; creat ed his solo show “An Evening with George”; performed with Beatlemania Now and has recorded three CD’s of his own original musical. Douglas Cox (vocals, drums, percussion) has drummed for 16 years in Dallas’ top Beatles tribute, A H ard Night’s Day. Musicians back home say Doug has always naturally had that signature “Ringo” style, even as a 12 year old learning the trap set. Jimmy Irizarry (vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica) naturally captures the look and sound of John Lennon and transforms himself through all eras of The Beatles as well as recreating John’s famous humour and onstage antics. Chris Smallwood (keyboard and percussion) is an established musician who received a bachelor of music from Belmont University in Nashville in 2008 and in 2010 earned his master of music from the University of Louisville.

For more information visit www.raintribute.com or become a fan of RAIN on Facebook and follow RAIN on Twitter @raint ribute Tour Itinerary Johannesburg DATES: 23rd August – 04th September 2011 VENUE: Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg TICKET PRICES: F ri, Sat & Sun 2pm: Price 1: R375.00 Price 2: R320.00 Price 3: R270.00 Price 4: R215.00 Tues to Thurs and Sun 6pm: Price 1: R350.00 Price 2: R295.00 Price 3: R250.00 Price 4: R190.00 BOOKINGS: Tickets available from Computicket, www.computicket.com , 083 915 8000

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Born and raised in Denver Colorado, USA, Dianne Reeves is the only singer to have won “Best Jazz Vocal Performance” category for three consecutive album recordings namely In The Moment – Live in Concert (2001), The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan (2002) and A Little Moonlight (2003). This is a first in any Grammy Award category. In 2006 Ms Reeves received her fourth Grammy Award for the soundtrack of George Clooney’s “Good Night, and Good Luck”, the Academy Award nominated film (in which she also appeared) that chronicles Edward R. Murrow’s confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy. Her virtuosity, vocal prowess and unique jazz and R&B styles has seen Dianne Reeves performing and recording with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. Ms Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first singer to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. At the beginning of this year, Ms Reeves performed at the White House State Dinner for the President of China, Hu Jintao. In April, Ms Reeve’s th performance at the 120 Anniversary Gala of the Carnegie Hall was hailed by The Boston Globe newspaper as breathtaking’. Hosted by and featuring James Taylor, the evening also included guests Barbara Cook, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Sting and former president Bill Clinton. The New York Times said of Dianne's performance: "Although Ms. Reeves performed only one number, the Billie Holiday lament, 'Don't Explain,' it was a killer."

During the remainder of this year, Ms Reeves will tour int ernationally with Sing The Truth! a production honoring the music and spirit of great female artists.

Dianne Reeves joins Angelique Kidjo and Lizz Wright in continuing the legacies of much-loved South African artist, the legendary Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln, and Odetta, and performing songs by other great women in music ranging from Billie Holiday to Lauryn Hill, along with selections of their own original songs. The Dianne Reeves concerts are promoted by local promoter, Sponono Entertainment with media partner, KayaFM. From the White House and across the USA, to Canada and Europe, and soon for the first time at the two Dianne Reeves

FIRST TIME EVER, FOUR TIME GRAMMY AWARD JAZZ SINGER, DIANNE REEVES PERFORMS TWO CONCERTS AT THE TEATRO The internationally acclaimed four-time Grammy Award winning singer and doyenne of jazz, Dianne Reeves will perform in South Africa for the first time at the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg for t wo concerts only on Thursday, 4 August and Friday, 5 August 2011 commencing at 20h00. Tickets are now on sale at Computicket.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Theatre “A visual triumph … Cape Town Opera and Michael Williams need to be congratulated on their vision for creating a work of this ma gnitude and depth” CAPE ARGUS “A rewarding experience … a performance where there is much rejoicing even in times of sadness and where pride and self-respect shine through some of the darkest moments in South Africa’s history” OPERA

Mandela Trilogy – a musical tribute to the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela

From prisoner to President and from Nobel Laureat e to revered statesman, Nelson M andela is hailed across the globe as a treasured icon. The life of this great man who changed the course of South African history is a fascinating and inspiring tale, now told as an on st age cultural showpiece. Mandela Trilogy celebrat es the vibrant variety of South African music while dramatising the defining moments that shaped Mandela’s life. Mandela Trilogy is Cape Town Opera’s musical tribute to the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, written by Michael Williams with music by Allan Stephenson, Mike Campbell and Peter Louis van Dijk. The production began its South African tour with four performances at the Playhouse, Durban from 29 July to 31 July 2011. Thereafter the show moves to the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg for five performances from Saturday, 13 August 2011 to Friday, 19 August 2011. Tickets are now on sale at Computicket.

Funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and presented by Cape Town Opera and Rand Merchant Bank in association with KayaFM, Mandela Trilogy is a major home-grown work featuring an entirely South African 40-member cast and multiple award winning South African singer and recording artist, Gloria Bosman in a leading role. Gloria Bosman started her singing career in her local church choir and went on to share the stage with many local stars such as Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Masondo, Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela. This All Africa KORA Award Winner is very proud to have had the pleasure of singing to former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Award-winning musical theatre performer, international movie actor and star of the small screen, Aubrey Poo (Muvhango, Scandal!, Winnie – the movie) joins the cast of Mandela Trilogy as one of three singers who play the character of Nelson M andela, depicting various stages of Madiba’s life.

Talent ed Cape Town opera singer, Thato Machona, plays the young M andela; Aubrey Poo plays M andela in his early adult years and Rustenburg born opera singer, Aubrey Lodewyk plays the prisoner who became President. These three highly talented performers who have also performed internationally feel extremely honoured to have the opportunity to play South Africa’s highly revered icon on stage with the world’s eyes focused on South Africa in 2010, writ er Michael Williams felt the time was right to create a large-scale stage work about the life of Nelson Mandela. Faced with subject matter so complex and significant to our nation, Williams settled on a multifaceted triptych structure, concentrating on three key periods in M adiba’s life, each composed in a different musical style.

Mandela Trilogy opens with an oratorio dramatising formative moments in Mandela’s early years in the Transkei, as composer Allan St ephenson weaves traditional Xhosa songs into a classical framework. Mandela as revolutionary is brought to life in M i ke Campbell’s jazzy Sophiatown act, before Pet er Louis van Dijk’s final act examines the Robben Island years and the final walk to freedom. Enthusiastically received in Cape Town in 2010, a revised version of Mandela Trilogy, travels accompanied by the Voice of the Nation Ensemble and the KZN Philharmonic Orchest ra under the baton of Albert Horne to Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, in preparation of the piece’s international tour in 2012. Mandela Trilogy is enjoyable entertainment for the entire family with added educational benefits for students. Book at Computicket by calling 083 915 80 00, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet. Photo – A scene from Mandela Trilogy Credit: C ape Town Opera.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Photography/Art

Capturing a moment of life by Hendrina Westoll Eyes blinked open and for a lazy moment, the leopard lay still, sensing its surroundings. C asually it lifted its head and idly licked its paws. This was the moment. Years of guiding in the bush, following and observing animals, told Mike Myers what the next move would be. His camera was at the ready as slowly, luxuriantly, with hindquarters raised, the leopard stretched its sleek body, jaws gaping in an indolent yawn and claws digging into the branch where it had been sleeping.

With one click the moment was immortalised. An inst ant of life captured – the essence of a magnificent wild creature etched in the midst of its environment. Myers has remained as impassioned by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and its denizens as he was when he first started guiding as a young man. His perception and const antly fresh appreciation of this beauty are vividly conveyed in his photographs.

In the more than 35 years of t aking photographs of wildlife in numerous countries in southern Africa, Myers has absorbed the very soul of the bush, what poets and philosophers call “the nature of place” and this emanates from every one of his remarkable photographs of animals and the bush.

The advent of digital photography of course, introduced an exciting new dimension to his work. “Three crucial factors made a significant impact,” he explains; “Being able to change the ISO at will, that instant gratification of being able to see immediat ely what you were doing and the fact that you didn’t run out of film every 36 pictures!”

His ability to seize and recreate those intense moments of life developed exponentially and he was able to embrace more fully the artistic potential of his photographs. “However, without those vit al years of learning the craft, I would not be able to draw the maximum from what digital photography now offers wildlife photographers,” Myers says.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Photography/Art “In using software to bring out the sometimes stark reality of light and dark, of colour and shade, I add or subtract nothing. Those colours, at any time of day or night, the textures, the ‘feel’ of the subject, are ingrained in my being, and that is what I st rive to depict as realistically and naturally as possible.

I want people to know instantly what type of habit at is shown and where the photograph was t aken. I want to show how a particular animal relates to its habitat.” Myers is currently engaged on Wilderness Volume 2, which uses multiple aspects of what Wilderness Safaris does, and presents it every two years.

He works with designers on determining the publication’s look and feel, selecting images and undertaking all the colour work. This experi ence, working with software and relating to printers, he believes, has given a new dimension to his craft. “Previously, working with film, there was almost nothing the photographer could do to influence his results. Now he can be completely involved in the creative process and develop pot ential that was previously beyond his reach.”

However, it’s a considerably more exhausting process! “Whereas before you would go out and photograph what you needed, come back and put the exposed film in the fridge ready for developing next morning, now you download it on the computer and edit – spending at least a full day on the computer for every day you shoot in the bush. From that you whittle it down to a few really good shots and select the finest ones to work on.”

Myers is now planning a new phase, researching African village life as his next focus of concentration. “The beauty of photography is that there is something new to learn everyday about yourself, the world around you and your role in it, and the way you can use photography to show all that – as long as you remain open and receptive to all the possibilities.”

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Photography/Art

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Expedition 10 June Leaving Hofn From the diary of Riaan Manser.

HALFWAY AND GOING STRONG - ICELAND ON INSPIRATION In the past month Dan and I have conquered 294km of the gently curving windswept south coast, often at night when the wind is calmer, and often in two stages with a rest in the middle. I can safely say that we have broken the back of this expedition, and are finally going forward more than being held back.

At the moment we are in the picturesque town of VĂ­k, Iceland's southernmost town and our muchanticipated halfway point. It is summer now, the tourist season, and we now share this country with thousands of people from all over the world, who flock from one attraction to another.

11- 13 June

Our landing on VĂ­k's black sand beach was a fitting reminder of what difficulties we have conquered until this halfway point. After a full night of paddling with headwinds and everincreasing sea swell, we were greeted with a barrier of 15ft waves separating us from the beach and much- needed rest . After an hour of paddling back and forth behind the backline studying the sets and the breaks in bet ween, we had to make a go for it, sheltered minimally behind a short pier. We surfed one wave in, but then got pummelled from behind by another which twisted the kayak, and we were thrown out, the kayak going right over Dan. We were very lucky not to have sustained serious injuries during this treacherous landing. Dan was able to get right to his feet after this, which is usually very difficult for him, as he gets very stiff "sea-legs" after a long paddle. H e aft erwards remarked that this was due to the fact that he had adrenalin pumping through his veins, more than he has ever had before!

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Expedition After a month of being held back by gale force winds that rolled angrily over the Vatnajökull Glacier towards the sea for weeks on end, we were able to finally find a gap and leave Höfn, and our adopted mother Nina from Hafnarnes guesthouse and her puppies, both of whom we had really grown fond of. We were escorted past the entrance to Höfn's harbour by a large bright orange Sea Rescue vessel, capt ained by members of Iceland's Land and Sea Rescue Association who have always been there at our beckon call during this journey, eager to lend a hand (and a boat) at all times of the day. Our first real test of the long south coast came when we landed at Hestgerðislón, a remot e farmland area with a short beach surrounded by river mouths. We had unfortunately mislaid our Garmin GPS, and this accompanied with the onset of thick mist during the night's paddle were a real danger to us, having no bearing on where we were on the sea and where the land was.

Tracey, our expedition manager step -in, was fortunately on hand to communicate with us on radio and show us by torch -beam where to land. It was a tense few hours before we got a visual on the light, but finally we paddled quite smoothly into a river mouth. After this stressful landing and 6 hours paddling through the night, we still had to stumble over rivers and along bumpy lava-fields to reach the vehicles, which were not able to get closer to us. The next landing was at the mouth of the incredible Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, with its floating icebergs drifting down the river, having broken off the glacier above.

Avoiding these icebergs was a bit of a danger, as they roll in the water without notice, sometimes careering down the river at quite a speed. It is also easy to misjudge their size, as the top of the iceberg showing on the surface of the water only reflects 1/8 of their true size, most of which is under the wat er.

We took a wide berth around the mouth of the river, avoiding the huge pileup of icebergs, and landed on the beach, which was strewn with clear, opaque and bright blue- coloured blocks of unique sizes and shapes. It was an incredible sight!

12 June Jökulsárlón glacial lake

20 June Hiking up Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 The huge cliff and promontory of Ingólfshöfði was our next stop, 35km away. This nature reserve is home to thousands of seabirds, who nest on the sheer cliffs. Puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots- forever watched from the beach below by the huge great skuas.

These are the hunters who ravage the nests and chase and kill adult birds that stray too far, as well as chasing them to steal their catches. Our filming crew were especially targeted by these birds, which fly overhead and then dive directly at your face with fright ening sounds and razor-sharp beak ready, and then swoop up at the last minute, leaving you terrified and in a flurry of feathers. Hiking up the promontory to the lighthouse at the top of the cliff was a death- defying experience, having to run the gauntlet of about 50 pairs of skuas along the way, who take turns to drive you away.

25 June Rough La nding at Vik

One of our cameramen Brad, received the worst treatment of all, when about 20 pairs of skuas bombed him all at once, not just with sharp beaks and threats, but with spurts of vile- smelling guano, covering him from head to toe.

The great skua population was not the only bad- tempered resident of Ingólfshöfði. The farmer from the area turned from friendly and helpful one day to threatening and horrid the next, accusing us of making new tracks on his land and getting a bit fed up with us after we had got stuck in the river on the way to the promontory a few too many times. Needless to say, we have actually decided among us that he has purposely creat ed a difficult river crossing on the flooded road to Ingólfshöfði, not putting up the usual stakes to show where the path is, because when he arrives with his tractor to pull you out, he also whips out his portable credit card machine, st ating "how will you pay?", and charging the hefty sum of Kr30 000 (R2 000) per effort. We were glad to finally leave Ingólfshöfði, as the river- and beachcrossings alike had become moments of fear and much finger-crossing.

All Photographs supplied by ‘Around Iceland Media’

27 June Dyrholaey

5 July Paddling into ferry harbour at Landeyjarhöfn

Before we left the vast Vatnajökull Glacier behind us, which has been our constant companion overhead for much of the south coast, Riaan and two of the camera crew endured the difficult hike up to Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

The strenuous 15-hour hike, lead by Glacier Guides, required us to get to the summit of 2119m, of which we had to climb 2000m over just 12km. A st eep climb, tied togeth er with ropes in case one of us fell into an ice crevasse, and crampons to get us over the glacial cap. At the top we had a 360 ° view over Iceland, with mountains to the north, the recently erupted Grimsvötn volcano to the west, and the long convoluted coast to the east.

The day before yesterday Dan and I paddled through Iceland's version of South Africa's Hole in the Wall, called Dyrhólaey, translated as "the hill with the door hole", a promontory with a massive arch of volcanic rock. It was quite an exp erience having such as different point of view of this ancient place. Millions of tourists flock here every summer to photograph Dyrhólaey from the cliffs above, and we are able to sail through the hole and play hide and seek with the seals around the rock stacks and wonder at caves and their water spouts, and become one with the populations of nesting seabirds just above our heads.

This is really the best way to see Iceland! We have become night owls, working and paddling at night, making use of the calmer winds and the midnight sun. We are hoping to get to Reykjavik by 10 July, when I will be going back to South Africa for a week to partake in the Windhoek Berg River M arathon, and then return to conquer the Wild West coast of Iceland with Dan and then head east again for the homeward run toHusavik.

Good Luck Riaan for Dan for the rest of your amazing adventure!

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon When people heard that Riaan was returning to South Africa for a week, in the midst of his Iceland expedition, they may have thought he was taking a cheeky holiday or allowing himself a break to recover from the immense physical strain of paddling the cold arctic seas.

They could not be more wrong!

Riaan landed in SA and began training in his brand new canoe for his upcoming 4 day, 245km marathon of endurance, The Windheok Berg River Canoe Marathon. So why travel thousands of kilometres from chilly Iceland to paddle a river race, when you are already dealing with the task of circumnavigating Europe’s second largest island by kayak? The answer is simply that it was not to be missed. This was not only the annual event of the th toughest river race in the world but it was also its 50 anniversary.

Riaan joined a ‘Legends Lunch’ held by Windhoek Lager the day before the race started and the company he kept their cemented every motivation he’d had for returning to SA for this auspicious event. Dining with dozens of men and women who had once won the race, and with organisers, who had conceived it 50 years ago, made for an atmosphere of great pride and excitement . Even a canoe which had competed in the very first race in 1962 lay proudly at the door, perhaps unaware that it would be placed on the water again t he next day to compete again 50 years later.

On the first race day, Riaan donned his race number and lifted his Orka paddle to begin a 4 day journey from Paarl, through protruding trees, sneaky dense river grasses and over rapids to get to the finish line in Port Owen.

Day one was no fun at all as Riaan realised that his sleek new canoe left no room for his “big Zulu bum” – his circulation became compromised in his legs, making it difficult to balance. This resulted in many swims that day, some accidental and others on purpose to relieve his aching limbs. He powered through and made it to the end of the first leg. The second day saw him in the ‘physio’ tent before the sun had risen to have his elbow wrapped; aching tendons and sore legs do not make for a happy paddler but, as always, Riaan persevered. Day 3 was a killer with an enormous 74kms to tackle. A grumpy Manser got into the canoe but much to his supporters delight, his mood improved with each passing kilometre as he made distance. No matter how exhausted, no matter how many blist ers, his well being was confirmed as he made jokes at the river’s edge when he stopped to grab a banana or a Lucozade to get that quick kick. The local children got questions from Riaan about when their first race would be as he clambered back into the boat aft er port age and paddled off into the dist ance.

Day 4 was the first really cold one all week and despite the beauty of the full moon still lingering over the paddlers as they took off into the mist, it was frosty and unpleasant. Some handy advice from a fellow paddler was to line Riaan’s seat with a simple piece of plastic to allow for slipping into different positions, which provides relief for the spine and legs when needed, proving to be a great help to the adventurer that day. Riaan decided to just enjoy what was left of a great race and ended up making tremendous ground on the last day, sailing into the finish to the cheers and embraces of his supporters.

The closing ceremony was something special with great food and, of course, great beer to end off an amazing 4 days of hard work and immense beauty on The Berg River. Riaan wishes to congratulat e all the paddlers and th supporters of this 50 anniversary race and extends a special thanks to Windhoek Lager who have taken a world class race and made it a world class experience.

By Shea van Tonder

Riaan r constant companion overhead for much of the south coast , Riaan and two of the camera crew endured the

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

The Story of Peaks Australian born Chloe Chick and American Laura Hartstone founded the Peaks Foundation in December 2010 following the success of running an annual 3 Peaks 3 Weeks trip to Africa www.3peaks3weeks.org between 2007 - 2010. These all-female expeditions recruit climbers from many countries including UK, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. They aim to summit three of Africa’s highest peaks in less than three weeks raising funds and awareness for three local non -profit organisations.

Since the first 3 Peaks 3 Weeks event in January 2007, 44 women have complet ed the challenge and a total of USD $685,000 has been raised for three East African non-profit organisations. After such a successful project, Chloe Chick and Laura Hartstone decided to dedicate themselves full-time to organising challenges, thus forming the Peaks Foundation which now offers the new shorter adventure challenges, as well as a number of 3 Peaks 3 Weeks trips, the next one departing in January 2012. The Peaks Foundation is a 501c3 not-profit organisation based out of the United States and additionally will be set up as a UK Charity.

Why Peaks is different from other charity challe nges - There are two main points of difference, the first being that the challenges support causes of a very specific and local nature. In most cases the climbers will get the opportunity to visit t he organisations they are fundraising for, as part of their trip. Secondly, the fundraising and costs of travel are totally transparent, and the actual cost of travel is covered separately and personally by each climber. Peaks Fundraising Assistance: Once participants have signed up to the Peaks challenge they will be provided with a fitness training program, fundraising to ols and templat es and access to a climber forum. Also, a personal donation page will be set up on their behalf.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Peak Quotes “Standing on the roof of Africa was the most amazing feeling in the world – watching the sun rise over Tanzania whilst thinking about all the people we helped in the process was simply breathtaking – I would recommend it to anyone!”

Amy Bone, 2011 Africa Team

“Climbing Mount Kenya was an incredible and very rewarding experience; it was challenging, inspiring, exciting, humbling and most of all it made me realise that we can do more than we think we’re capable of.”

Niamh McDonnel, 2010 Africa Team

“This expedition allowed me into the heart of Morocco – the remote, rugged & stunning landscape and the beauty of the local people and their culture. A wonderful challenge which will leave you truly inspired! “ Chloe Chick, 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Africa 2007

For further information and a full listing of Peak challenges go to the newly launched website: www.peaksfoundation.org Or become a fan on Facebook – www.facebook.com/peaksfound ation or follow us them on Twitter @peaksfoundation Photograph supplied by Peak Foundation

BOOK YOUR PEAK CHALLENGE 1 – 9 October 2011 - 1 Peak 1 Week Kenya st

Depart 1 October to climb Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak, and experience the beauty of Laikipia, and support women-led development initiatives through the support of the Loisaba Community Trust. This challenge starts with a few days at Loisaba Wilderness - where you will experience the amazing wildlife of Africa as well as the community conservation projects you will support . The expedition costs $3,2 50 per person which covers all transportation and accommodation requirements once in Kenya and all meals.

Note this fee does not include international flights. Each participant has a fundraising target of $2,000 which is distributed by the Peaks Foundation to the Loisaba Community Trust .

18 – 25 March 2012 - 1 Peak 1 Week Kilimanjaro Climb to the top of the world’s highest freestanding mountain to support the education and livelihood of orphaned Tanzanian girls through Food Water Shelter. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Just 200 miles (325 Km) from the equator, Kilimanjaro's glistening peak of snow and ice looms high above the African Great Rift Valley. A place of myth and legend, this whit e mountain of the Maasai beckons to adventurers and travellers from around the world intent on capturing the spirit of Africa's highest mountain. The expedition costs are $2,995 per person, covering all transportation, accommodation, guiding and most meals. Each climber has a fundraising target of $2000. Again this does not include international flights.

28 April – 6 May, 2012 – 1 Peak 1 Week Morocco Be guided far from the trodden tourist circuit, deep into the heart of Morocco.

You will be challenged during your climb of Jbel Azourk (3,667m); see sustainable development in action; and meet the women and children benefiting from the efforts of the Atlas Cultural Foundation and local association Amezray SMNID. The expedition costs are $1,780 per person, covering all transportation, accommodation, guiding and most meals. Each climber has a fundraising target of $2000. Again this does not include international flights. The funds raised will support the Midwife Training Program in Zawiya Ahansa.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Expedition

To find out more about Paul and his ultimat e race to make a difference: Visit http://www.paulerskine.co.za

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mongol.rider

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/mongol_rider

Blog : http://www.paulerskine.co.za/blog/ Competition: http://www.facebook.com/ mongol.rider?sk=app_225461087483872

Givengain donation: https://www.givengain.com/cgibin/giga.cgi?cmd=donate&cause_id=2702&pr oject_id=9773&id=1128

About the cause: http://www.givengain.com/cgibin/giga.cgi?cmd=cause_dir_cause&cause_id =2702

Charity Details: Be a part of the ultimate race to make a difference! Paul is competing in the longest horse race in history – the Mongol Derby – to raise money for the Indlela’s Fairhaven Babies Home. Please support his journey by donating to his cause. “ Money donat ed to Fairhaven’s Babies Home from Paul’s participation in the Mongol Derby will work towards providing the home as well as providing for special requirements and needs such as furniture for the maintenance of the home.” You can donate through Givengain – an online fundraising platform, helping Indlela and Fairhavens to process donations. -Jenni Wallace

11 days - 1,000km - 1 cause Local adventurer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Paul Erskine, is currently in training to ride 1,000 km across Mongolia on horseback for 11 days in August. The Mongol Derby is the longest horse race in the world, consisting of riding semi -wild Mongolian horses through the remote wilderness of Asia. Paul is doing it to raise money for the orphaned and abandoned children of Fairhaven’s Babies Home in KwaZulu-Natal.

Paul has always had a passion for extreme adventure. To date he has crossed the North Pole on a sled pulled by huskies, visited five of the seven wonders of the world, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, travelled to 72 countries, and dived all over the world. And he still has a lot to tick off on his Bucket List. This particular adventure though is fuelled by another passion close to his heart – his desire to make a difference in the lives of abandoned babies and toddlers. Appalled at the high rate of abandonment, Paul has been inspired to raise money to benefit the children from Fairhaven’s Babies Home. Every rand donated will go towards nurturing and uplifting the lives of abandoned babies and orphaned children in South Africa.

The hostile Mongolian landscape will be Paul’s hardest challenge to date though – 20 riders testing their physical and mental m ettle against the hardiest opponent – nature itself. Paul’s on a rigorous training programme in preparation for the Mongol Derby – riding and gym every day, burning a minimum of 1,000 calories. Paul weighed 92 .5 kg in January and has to get his weight down to 85 kg to race. H e’s now sitting at 78 kg and is only allowed 5 kg’s of extras such as a tent and food.

The history of the Mongol Derby is closely tied to Genghis Khan’s rule over 800 years ago. Khan creat ed a postal system, in which horsemen travell ed thousands of miles across Asia, stopping briefly at nomadic homest eads to replenish themselves and select a fresh steed before taking off again. Mongolia’s postal syst em boasted more than 300 ,000 horses – a display of ingenuity and wealth that helped form the greatest connect ed empire in history. From the 6th of August, Paul will race semiwild horses borne of the same bloodline as these ancient steeds, while selfnavigating his way across 1,000 km of Mongolia’s steppe, only stopping to change horses every 40km.

By the end of the Mongol Derby, Paul will be one of a small handful of pe ople in the world who can say they have ridden in the footsteps of Genghis Khan.

Photographs supplied by Paul Erskine

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Expedition International Travel - India

Incredible India VIDEO

TRIP PLA NNER EXPERIENCE INDIA HOLIDAY IDEAS

His Excellency Mr. Virendra Gupta, High Commissioner of India in South Africa hosted an India Evening at the Sandton Sun Hotel. The highlight of the evening was definitely the colourful and vibrant folk dances performed by a visiting troupe from the Indian stat e of Rajasthan . This is just a small taste of what India has to offer the traveller. For more on India visit http://www.incredibleindia.org Photographs taken by Keara Edwards

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 Book Reviews

Insider’s Guide: Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa is a guide to the wildlife areas of South Africa and how to capture them on camera. Author, Shem Compion is an environmental and professional photographer and shares his expert knowledge on how to take super shots in nature. The book contains information on the best areas to visit and how to get there. It’s an easy-to-read manual packed with beautiful photographs taken by Compion. The South African edition is the first in a three part series that will include Namibia and Botswana. Jacana Media. ISBN: 9781770098350. R200.

Travels with a Roadkill Rabbit, by freelance photojournalist Catherine Lanz is a travel memoir of a different kind. Travelling with toddlers is always a challenge but one the author and her husband were definit ely up for! The book documents their 10-month circuit through South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique M alawi, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia – a trip of over 20 000 kilometres. ‘Roadi Killi’ is the name of a stuffed rabbit that joined them on the journey. The story captures the essence of travelling with a family - the warmth and humour, together with the frustrations and interesting people they met along the way. Struik Travel & Heritage. ISBN: 9781770079403. R150.

Getaway Guide to Route 62 & Overberg by Brent Naudè-Moseley and Steve Moseley is a handy guide for travellers wanting to explore a little more of South Africa’s West ern and Eastern Cape. Route 62 which includes the Winelands, Little Karoo and the Langkloof offers an alternative route to the N2 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The guide includes rout e planning, accommodation information, places of interest and the best places for wine tasting. The Overberg section is a compact region of small rural and coastal towns just an hour out of Cape Town. It includes maps and street plans for towns. Sunbird Publishers. ISBN: 9781919938912. R155.

For more information: Sunbird Publishers (an imprint of Jonathan Ball Publishers) www.sunbirdpublishers.co.za; Struik Travel & Heritage (Random St ruik) www.randomst ruik.co.za; Jacana M edia www.jacana.co.za. M aterial supplied by Gina Hartoog .

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011 What’s happening in South Africa from August to December

Travelmagsa Event Guide

2011!

4 to 10 August 2011 - Tour de Tuli 2011 Cycle Tour. Cycle through Botswana and Limpopo this August. www.tourdewilderness.com 5 - 7 August 2011 - 5th Robertson Slow will take place. 30 Wineries and Guesthouses from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson will welcome visitors into their homes, to their dining tables and onto their farms for a food & wine experience - enjoyed SLOWLY. www.robertsonslow.com.

6 – 8 August 2011 - Hermanus Food and Wine Festival, Hemel-en-Aarde Village Hermanus http://www.winevillage.co.za

Simon’s Town Penguin Festival www.simonstown.com/penguinfestival

Members of the public may contribute towards saving the African Penguin by donating funds and towels to SANCCOB: 22 Pentz Drive, Table View. Contact Darden Lotz to make a contribution: Tel: 021-557-6155 , E-mail info@sanccob.co.za

20 August 2011, Montagu Half Marathon email entries@topevents.co.za, www.topevents.co.za 28th August 2011 - Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk 2011.

Entries close 14 th August entries@topevents.co.za, www.topevents.co.za 30 August to 20 September Wild Flower shows Visit the flower shows within the Cape Floral Kingdom. Call Flower line on Tel: 083-910-1028.

01 – 03 September 2011 - Soweto Wine Festival, University of Jhb Soweto Campus www.sowetowinefestival.co.za 2 to 4 September 2011 - Getaway Show Gauteng Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg.

18 to 26 September - Magoebaskloof Spring Festival. Tel 015-276-4828.

22 to 25 September - Good Food and Wine Show, Johannesburg www.gourmetsa.com.

4 DECEMBER 2011, Die Burger

Cycle Tour, Western Cape Entries Open: 1 August 2011 For those prepping for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, this race in St ellenbosch is a qualifier. www.dieburgercycletour.co.za.

Cape Argus Pick n Pay CYCLE TOUR 2012: Entries open on 1 September 2011! RACE DAY 2012: 11 March 2012

24 – 26 September - Hogsback Arts Festival Contact: Hogsback Arts Festival on +27 (0)45 962 1174.

24th September 2011 - Steenberg Vineyard Trail Run, entries@topevents.co.za, www.topevents.co.za 30 Sep - 4 October - Hermanus Whale Festival Western Cape, http://www.whalefestival.co.za 01 – 9 October - Hogsback Spring Festival 2011.. Info Centre 045-962-1245 06 – 08 October 2011 - Cape X-treme Hiking Challenge, Nuweberg Forest Station, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve 08 October - 10 October Annual Breedekloof Outdoor and Wine festival Tel 023-349-1791, email info@breede-kloof.com, www.breedekloof.com.

14 – 16 October - Outdoor Expo www.outdoorexpo.co.za 20 – 23 October - Montagu Rose Festival www.montagu-ashton.info, Montagu Tourism on 023-6142728, Co-ordinators Marion Morrell 0799688700 or Nelda Wiese on 083-3039400. Facebook: Montagu Rose Festival

9 – 11 December, Observatory Festival of Arts (formerly Obz Festival), Cape Town Tel 021-448-7090, mailto:info@observatoryfestival ofarts.co.za

22 October 2011 - Voet Van Afrika Marathon entries@topevents.co.za, www.topevents.co.za 22 – 23 October 2011 - 17th Cape Town International Kite Festivals, http://www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite/ 10 – 12 November 2011 - FNB Whisky Live Festival contact@whiskylivefestival.co.za, www.whiskylivefestival.co.za.

12th November 2011 - Bellwood cottages Evening of Comedy and Superb Entertainment with Tony and Nicole de King, www.bellwood.co.za 13 November 2011 - The Discovery Cape Times Big Walk , Cape Town More information at www.bigwalk.co.za.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

FREELANCE WRITERS

Penn Jolliffe was born in the UK but has spent most of her youth and adult life in South Africa. She has an intense passion for Africa and its wildlife. Having travelled to Kenya a few times and around SA just enhances her passion.

Having had experience in marketing and IT, she now resides in C ape Town and is a freelance writ er, photographer and artist. Always having had a love for wildlife, conservation and travelling, experiencing the diversity of South Africa makes for fascinating subjects.

Hendrina Westoll. Hendrina Westoll’s writing skills and expertise cover everything from press releases, profiles, brochures and books spanning almost every business and industry sector in the country. She says, “Writing is a road to constant growth, deepening your understanding of people, what they do, how they think and how they interact to creat e societies.” So yes, it’s a passion!” H endrina is a freelance writer and among her clients are numbered business-to-business publications, PR agencies, organisations in public and private sectors as well as privat e individuals.

Gina Hartoog started her career as a photographer but her passion for the written word soon wiggled its way to the surface. Gina has about 700 published articles and a fiction novel. She is a full time freelancer and mother of three. She is an avid reader and her husband Bram and her children are her reason for getting up in the morning.

Gary Hirson is a professional photographer, writer and author of children’s books. His love for interesting people, places and ideas, makes his port raits, travel and reportage pieces, an easy fit with his inquisitive personality.

Outdoor hiking is one of his passions - climate changes, sustainability and renewable energies are issues that are close to his heart.

Aaron Gekoski is a wildlife filmmaker, writer and photographer. Aaron spends his time documenting conservation initiatives and travel writing, a career that has seen him journey extensively through Africa, Asia, Europe and America. His work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic Traveller, Africa Geographic, Men's Health and FHM. Aaron is a regular contributor for diving publications and blogs for www.divesite.co.za and.

Aaron has just finished working on "Shiver", a documentary on Mozambique's shark Finning crisis to see more of Aaron's work, or view a trailer of the film; you can visit www.aarongekoski.com or email info@aarongekoski.com .

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011

Contact: 0849747844 for all your hospitality industry mat requirements and for more information on fantastic specials for Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts. Email: mailto :lu ke.engelbrecht@gmail.co m.

Travelmagsa Issue 03 August 1, 2011