Issue
10
01 December 2013 - 01 February 2014
Travelling to India
- Discover Incredible India! Meet Travelista
MUSA Wins Idols 2013! Camping
in SA
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Global Trends Driving Travel
Festive
Walking Safaris, Travel SA & Discover exciting new places and adventure, Theatre, Music, CD’s, DVD’s, Books, Events and more... 1
Jen Su
Menu!
Tugela Gorge
Hiking Trail
Read Online for FREE! • www.travelmagsa.com
Hoedspruit, Limpopo province: Otter Trail balloon flight. Photographer: Chris Kirchhoff, www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com
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TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Maruleng Municipality is wedged between some of Limpopo Provinces prime tourist attractions, including the Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Game Reserve and the Blyde River Canyon. The area falls within the Limpopo Tourism, Valley of the Oliphant’s, Tourism Route.
tourist attractions and facilities in Maruleng. The Blyde River Canyon offers bird watching, and is globally recognised as an important bird area. The R527 route gives access to Khamai Reptile Park, Bombyx Mori Silk farm and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation centre.
Significant tourism related activities exist, as well as numerous private lodges and guesthouses. There are an estimated 2814 beds in 70 lodges, 10 guesthouses and 10 resorts in the municipality, with an estimated 70 to 80% being Lowveld Luxury Lodges. The Maruleng Municipality boasts some of the major Private Game Reserves and 5-star Luxury Lodges, namely; Thornybush, Kapama, Timbavati (home of the white lions), Klaserie, Balule and the Oliphants. It also houses Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, the world famous Cheetah Breeding Centre; and Klaserie dam.
The Maruleng Municipality serves as the centre of the Kruger 2 Canyon Biosphere and this includes the Drakensberg Mountain Range with its scenic mountain view Mariepskop, and provides the perfect destination for Adventure Tourism, including white water rafting, abseiling, hot air ballooning, rock climbing and hiking.
An existing airport plays a significant role to increase tourist traffic, and establish the area as a gateway to the Kruger, and the surrounding
Email: info@maruleng.gov.za
For More Information Contact: Telephone: 015 793 2409 Fax: 015 793 2341 www.maruleng.gov.za
EMAIL: info@idube.com
•
info@lukimbi.com
WEBSITE: Lukimbi Safari Lodge: www.lukimbi.com • Idube Game Reserve: www.idube.com Tel: +27 11 792 6165 • Fax: +27 11 792 5026 P.O.Box 2617, Northcliff, 2115, South Africa TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, Johannesburg, South Africa
Travelmagsa Editor appeals for support for the Ithembile Lsen School
Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@travelmagsa.com • 074 440 8668
TravelmagSA supports the Ithembile Lsen School in Primrose in Johannesburg, and we have sponsored the back page advert of TravelmagSA from Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 to the Lsen School, in the hope that it will assist, in creating awareness for them, as they are very much in need.
Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Eye-4-Design Eva Govender • eva@eye-4-design.co.za 011 051 6230 • 082 610 1653 Regular contributors: Ingrid Geertsema, Penn Jolliffe, Michael Bagraim Attorney, TEP, MNET Sales & Marketing: Justine Engelbrecht justine@travelmagsa.com • 074 440 8668 Penn Jolliffe • travelmagsa@telkomsa.net 081 393 6717 Partnership: Working Partner Fairtrade e-Published 2013 © Bi Monthly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc. All rights reserved. Travelmagsa is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing. SA. ISSN 2220 - 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 10th edition of TravelmagSA, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers and sponsors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations. Concept, text, covers and title of TravelmagSA is Copyright© and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting 10th edition.
®
Ithembile Lsen School means Place of Good Hope. It works under the philosophy that a healthy child is a happy child and a visit to the school is certain to tug at your heart strings, as you will meet 246 special needs children, who are indeed incredibly special. These children are living through the hope and initiative of their educators, who are dedicated and devoted to them. Only 30 children are day scholars. All of the children are provided with three meals a day and the hostel children all have a bed to sleep in, and receive constant care and assistance from the care givers and staff. The children have disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal injuries, congenital physical disabilities, learning disabilities and specific medical conditions. Each one of them is a beacon of hope. They are hoping to have a skills centre in the future, which will facilitate physiotherapists, and house a heated pool. However there are also many basic necessities
needed, to improve the lives of these children. As you can imagine this is no mean feat, and there is an endless list of things that they need. This Christmas they have asked if we can assist in collecting towels and dressing gowns, as believe it or not, there are 246 children (from Grade R - Grade 7) and not one towel with which to dry themselves, or dressing gown to wrap around themselves before going to bed. There is also a list of other things they need, which range from grey school socks to bandages and basic medical items. I would also like to appeal for any non-perishable foods / dry goods - like rice / tins / cereals / and treats (like suckers / crisps) for these children. Even if you can donate one towel or dressing gown for this very worthy cause, that would be very much appreciated, as we would like to collect 250 towels and other items for the school so that we can deliver this to them. We have extended the drive to the end of January 2013. Please contact me if you can assist in any way. Please remember nothing is too small. :) I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your contribution for this very worthy cause.
Click here for the Schools Wish List
Editor’s Note Happy 3rd Birthday TravelmagSA. We launched the first issue in December 2010, and TravelmagSA has enjoyed three incredible teething years, and while they seem to have gone in the blink of an eye, we are excited that we can now offer you a magazine that is visually exciting and diverse in its content. While the magazine is smaller in size, it is visually more appealing and is now catering to a much wider readership, as you our readers are literally dotted throughout the globe! We appreciate your feedback and we love to hear from you. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for reading, and to thank all of our contributors, sponsors and advertisers for the incredible support we have received and wish you all a blessed Festive Season. We hope you enjoy our Holiday Issue. We will now be bi-monthly so our next issue will be out 01 Feb 2014.
Love Justine
“Everything in heaven and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honour come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.” 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
Contents Maruleng Municipality
INSIDE FRONT COVER
Idube Game Reserve
1
Theatre 17 Food & Wine
18
Travel South Africa
3
MNET Idols
20
Camping in South Africa
8
Music 21
Interview - Jensu
10
Books & DVD’s
International Travel - India
12
Events 24
Business 16
2
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Ithembile LSEN School
22
BACK COVER
ON THE COVER Issue
10
Travelling to
- Discover Incre
01 Decembe r - 01 February 2013 2014
India
dible India!
MUSA Wins Idols 2013!
Meet Travel
Jen Su
ista
Global Tren
Driving Travds el
Camping
in SA
Festive
Walking Safaris, Travel SA & Disc over exciting new places and adventure, Thea tre, Music, CD’s, DVD’s, Books, Events and more...
Read Online
Menu!
Tugela Gorg
Hiking Traile for FREE! • www.trave
lmagsa.com
Travel South Africa - Hoedspruit
In the valley of the Olifants On the banks of the Sandspruit River a travelling pioneer threw his hat into the water and declared it home...
A
decade ago if you drove through the town of Hoedspruit and blinked your eyes, you would miss it. Now due to the town’s enthusiasm and the passion of many of its inhabitants it is a gateway to the Kruger National Park and Private Game Reserves, that home some of the most prestigious game lodges South Africa has to offer. Hoedspruit is situated at the base of the Klein Drakensberg Mountains, a place where looming cliffs meet endless expanses of bushveld, Marula, Acacia, Combretum and Mopane woodlands, providing unspoilt beauty and home to a prolific diversity of wildlife. One such game lodge is Raptors Lodge, the perfect respite from which to explore the diversity and abundance of this Limpopo region. Beautifully decorated luxury chalets provide for your every modern convenience. Guests enjoy still afternoons in splendour of the views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the intoxicating sounds of the bushveld. A day spent exploring and discovering the area and its many offerings is relieved by a cool soak in the swimming pool, allowing the heat of the day to be washed away before the evening sundowners beckons with the flicker of firelight and happy companionship. Raptors lodge will ensure your creature comforts are satisfied.
Raptors Lodge Fact File
Each luxury unit comprises the following: • • • • • • • • • • •
2 Bedrooms (One king size bedroom & 1 bedroom with 2 single beds) En-suite bathrooms with indoor bath & outside showers in garden setting Fully equipped kitchen for self catering – including cutlery and crockery, stove,microwave, fridge and freezer & Tea and coffee replaced daily. Lounge/sitting room with TV & DSTV (selected bouquet) Mosquito nets hanging over all beds Thatched wooden deck & private braai area Linen and towels provided Air-conditioning & fans Serviced daily Swimming Pool with sun bathing area, and stunning mountain views. Booking service for activities. Email: info@raptorslodge.co.za • www.raptorslodge.co.za
Hoedspruit also provides the solution to the dream of unspoilt living, and wilderness areas have become available for people to buy their own little piece of South African bushveld.
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Travel South Africa - Hoedspruit
Affordable walking safaris in the exclusive
Big Five T
Greater Kruger National Park
here is a world of difference between experiencing a safari in Africa on foot, “old style”, than say, from the tinted windows of a luxury bus! A walking safari is about getting out there with the African wildlife; sharing their paths and waterholes - the daily dramas of their lives - sharing their space, following their tracks, and feeling the tingle of your own senses, hearing the beating of your own heart, as you edge closer to a herd of elephant resting in the shade. A safari is a journey of the body and the soul, a venture into the unknown, and an opportunity to face some of the mysteries of nature. We still believe in the magic of the bush, and strive to offer that ‘once in a lifetime experience’ to all our guests. The safaris appeal to everyone with an adventurous mind, keen on a learning experience. Every walk is a book on its own, with the emphasis on information on all the wonders of nature, big and small. Because of the dangerous aspects of a walking safari, the minimum age is 16. Although there is no maximum age, the walks can last up to six hours and tracking might lead the trail through thick bush, riverbeds and gullies. Therefore an average fitness level is required, especially in the hotter summer months (Nov - March). A maximum of eight people makes up a trail, no minimum. The scheduled safaris run twice a week – either Friday to Monday (Four day / Three nights) or Monday to Friday (Five day / Four nights). The camp is private and secluded and not open to day visitors. The camp can sleep up to eight people in twin-bedded accommodation. Linen and towels are provided. The combination of walks and drives in the open 4x4 Landrover are dependent on weather and animal movements, and are conducted from camp at the sole discretion of the trails guide. Each safari is designed to experience the bush the way one should - on foot. Although in Big Five areas, there are no guarantees on sightings – what you see is what you get. We do however guarantee a real bush experience!
Safari Camp This private establishment, constructed in the traditional style of an African Safari Lodge has recently been refurbished and is now available to the public. Built on a small riverbed underneath huge Marula, Leadwood and Fever trees, the birdlife is magnificent and elephants often wander past in search of some shade. Situated on 3200 ha within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (Big Five Greater Kruger National Park), this select eight bedded camp offers families, friends and small business groups a truly private wildlife experience. The camp has electricity, and facilities include a comfortable lounge area, an indoor dining room in case of bad weather, as well as an outside deck with a small pool, perfect for cooling down during the heat of the day. There is also a fireplace around which guests enjoy morning coffee, and evening drinks. Inclusive: • Accommodation in luxury rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities • Professional and qualified guides • All meals, coffee/tea, water, juice at breakfast • All bush walks and game drives Exclusive: • Transport between Johannesburg / Pretoria and the meeting point (R750 pp) • Transport between the meeting point and the camp (R150 pp) • Transport between Eastgate Airport and the camp (R350 pp) • Drinks – Cash only • Entrance fees (R100 pp) • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature • Travel insurance
Classic Kruger Walking Safari
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Location:
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Dates:
Every Monday (4 nights) and Friday (3 nights) Min 4 - Max 8 people
Price:
R7, 800 pp sharing (Mon-Fri) and R5, 850 pp sharing (Fri-Mon)
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Tel: 073 573 9622 Fax: 086 634 7903 www.backroadsafrica.com Skype / backroadsafrica Facebook / Backroads Africa Twitter / Backroadsafrica
W
S
hen I look at the list of things that you can do in SA considering all nine provinces and the many hidden gems, I realise that I have been truly blessed in that I have been to some of those corners that take your breath away. I have had experiences that I will remember and treasure forever, I have been on that open road, I have detoured off the beaten track, I have met with some of Africa’s most feared and revered on foot, and on game drive vehicle. South Africa is a vast, dense, contrasting country, and it offers some exciting opportunities for the adventurous, and some unforgettable moments for those who just like to get out and appreciate it all. Whether it is getting on that 4x4 and taking the not so travelled road, or quad-biking off road, bungee jumping, caving, geckoing, or game viewing in some of the most spectacular reserves, bird watching from a hide, walking in a Big Five reserve, camping, hiking, gliding, horse riding, hot air ballooning, kloofing, mountain biking in some remote area that just happens to have the perfect trail, sandboarding on the dunes, scuba diving or snorkelling, shark cage diving, sky diving or snow-boarding, surfing, zip lining, white water rafting or merely gazing at the stars or cruising at sunset - I promise you not only does South Africa tantalise and tempt - it provides. I have enjoyed the thrill of many of the adventures above, and I will share with you where I enjoyed some of these special memories. Living and working in the SA bushveld, and managing game lodges for many years, fresh from a corporate Cape lifestyle it is not hard for me to remember the first time I had to tackle a thick sandy bushveld road in a 4 x 4. While I am not a driving enthusiast I am grateful for the many hours spent driving around the ‘farm’ me and my ‘bakkie’, with nature boundless and wild at my disposal. This reminds me of a moment when a White Rhino was literally running alongside my vehicle, the same White Rhino that came into my garden one night and stood an arm’s length away from me, I could have reached out and touched his horn, and I do not think he even knew I was there. To experience working on a game reserve why not volunteer for a period of time, what I can tell you is that it was a lifestyle that took me six months to appreciate, and after nine years of living there, it became home. There were moments, as small as putting my head back on the game drive vehicle with the star-filled sky racing above me, to large moments where I was literally listening to the loud throbbing of my heart beating as a five ton elephant bull was shaking its head furiously close. To the surreal experience of walking into lions on foot, and having gazed into those deep yellow eyes, only 20 metres away for what seemed like an eternity. There is something about the savannah plains and the wide open spaces followed by thick lush bushveld of seemingly endless marula and acacia, the smell of the potato bush and the endless birdlife -yellow billed hornbill, lilac breasted rollers, the call of the grey loerie, the incredible power of the martial eagle. Each and every day in the bush provides a new sighting and a new experience, a new awakening of the senses. The lowveld offers some incredible private lodges from which to choose, and I would definitely recommend experiencing a two night stay at one of these establishments to experience a firsthand personalised experience, referred to as ‘magazine lifestyle’ by some, it definitely is worth every cent. http://www.lukimbi.com/ Do not rule out an essential visit to the Kruger National Park; visiting and enjoying the park, at your own steam, is an experience that is typical to South Africa and you will not be disappointed! Be prepared for the unexpected and take the time to enjoy the small things. http://www.sanparks.org/
outh Africa offers endless opportunities to discover exciting new places and adventure! By Justine Engelbrecht
Elephant from deck 2
rve
Bush Dinner supplied by Idube Game Rese
Travel South Africa
During my years working in game lodges, I enjoyed helicopter flights over the bush, rides on quadbikes, camping in a big five reserve under the stars - enjoying the sounds of the night, staring into a sky filled with more stars imaginable, while appreciating the warmth and flicker of a leadwood fire and hiking in a riverbed come morning, discovering the smaller animals and plants. For walking safaris contact www.backroadsafrica.com and for an exclusive luxury tented camp in a Big Five Reserve visit http://www.sausagetree.co.za/ A hot air balloon flight in the Magaliesberg is a beautiful calming experience and even if you are afraid of heights, as soon as you are drifting above the earth you will forget your fear, and will be encompassed by this breathtaking experience. http://www.balloon.co.za The place I enjoyed hiking the most was the Cederberg Mountains, part of the Cape Floral Kingdom this area provides the perfect escape from it all, bearing in mind this majestic mountain range is not without its challenges or its rewards. Memorable hikes include Maltese Cross and Wolfberg Arch. Home to the snow protea and beautiful fynbos, there are waterfalls and picnic spots for welcome respites, and it definitely beckons my return. http://www.capenature.co.za/ Surfing was something I tried in the Cape and if kneeling on the board for just a moment was an achievement, then it was worthwhile, for me personally Boogie Boarding in Yzerfontein on the West Coast was the most fun. http://www.capetownsurfing.com/ Four days in Hermanus watching Whales brings back special memories, and while it is not on the list above it is a must. http://whalehermanus.com/. I completed my Scuba Diving Course but did not get past my first ocean dive at Boulders Beach (home to the penguins), as four metres down I bumped into a shark. Not a terribly large one, but big enough to have me back on the beach in no time at all. These days I prefer snorkelling, or perhaps that sunset cruise is really what blows my hair back, and to be honest I cannot think of a better place to do this than the Knysna Lagoon. http://www.knysnacharters.com/ For bungee, kloofing, abseiling or sky diving and other activities contact http://www.adventurebookings.co.za The list of things to do in South Africa, whether you are in the Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg, on the Wild Coast, the Garden Route, Golden Gate or Table mountain, the sights, the beauty, the contrast is just endless. No matter which province you choose to visit, South Africans are providing top class accommodation, and world class experiences in surroundings that will literally take your breath away. http://www.southafrica.net
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Travel South Africa
Tugela Gorge Hiking Trail – a Drakensberg Favourite! By Ingrid Geertsema
A
bout 12 years ago I was lucky enough to hike the Drakensberg Escarpment up to Cleft Peak (3280 meters), close to Cathedral Peak. It took our little group two days to get up there, and we slept huddled together in caves, which in the middle of May offered very little warmth. Fresh from the Netherlands (where the highest hill is about 400 meters) it was incredibly tough, but to stand on top of that ridge with the sun on my face, and the wind in my hair, looking up to see a rare Bearded Vulture soaring on a thermal only 10 meters above me, made every drop of sweat and every aching muscle worth my while. Standing there I felt my soul being touched by greatness, and it changed my life forever. It was the moment I fell in love with South Africa. Twelve years later, I still yearn for the Drakensberg mountains. I love how they make me push myself to
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TravelmagSA • Issue 10
exhaustion, only to be rewarded by them. Mountains humble me with their strength, and dazzle me with their beauty. They make me and my terrestrial problems, feel small and insignificant, setting me free, if only for a few hours. After Cleft Peak, my favourite Drakensberg hike is the Tugela Gorge Hiking Trail, which starts and ends at the Royal Natal National Park. This awesome walk meanders through the Tugela Valley following the river, and climbs up steadily until you reach the gorge. You face the majestic Amphitheatre the whole way, and while you make your way through the protea belt, and patches of indigenous forest, you witness the most spectacular views and birdlife. The easy part is over when you reach the gorge, and from here you will do some climbing and boulder hopping, which is best done when it has been dry for a few days. From the beginning of the Gorge you can
Travel South Africa boulder hop to the ‘Tunnel’, best explored when the water level is low. If you climb the ladder on the left hand side you can follow the path up for a few minutes to the Tunnel Cave, from where you can enjoy inspiring views of the Tugela Falls. You can also climb the longer ladder on the right hand side, and after a serious squeeze of a steep climb up a fissure, the path takes you around the boulders, that have blocked the river, and joins the river on the other side. Make sure you take the paths bearing left to get down to the river - a perfect isolated place to take a dip if the temperature is high! You walk the same way back to Thendele Camp or the Tugela Car Park if you are not staying in the Park, but walking down you enjoy sweeping views of the valley and the river, making this hike twice as rewarding.
Length of the hike and what to take: At a leisurely pace you can finish the walk within six hours, but expect to spend some time climbing around the gorge. If you are a bird lover, you will definitely be delayed in the forests. An average fitness is required,
especially in summer. You will need to bring at least two litres of water (the water from the river at the gorge is crystal clear and drinkable), some food, sunscreen, a hat, a torch and a mobile phone if you have. There is signal right up until you reach the gorge.
Where to stay: By far the nicest camp in the area is Royal Natal’s Upper Thendele Camp. The two-or four-bedded chalets are very spacious and well-equipped, and from the camp you can do various stunning hikes. If you are a bigger group you can also stay in the six-bedded chalets in Lower Thendele, which is just as beautiful, just situated a bit lower down. The camp has a reception and a shop with the basic necessities, but you need to be fully self-catering.
When to go: To enjoy the hike to the fullest the best time of the year is spring or early summer (Oct-Nov). When the area has received some rain everything is bursting with life and temperatures are just perfect. The river will be low, which makes hiking up the gorge much easier.
How to get there: You need to enter Royal Natal National Park from Bergville. About 30 km further north along the R74 you will see the turn-off on your left that will take you to the Park.
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Camping in South Africa
Caravanners lead the way... in lifestyle by enjoying the best of both worlds!
T
he ability to hitch up your ‘home’ and go where the spirit moves you is beyond price. With so many South Africans now basing their breaks on caravanning, this independence from holiday booking traumas is only part of the pleasing picture. Fact is, caravans give holidaymakers the best of both worlds - all the privacy and comfort of your own accommodation plus all the freedom of the open road and choice of destination. Fleeing the masses and retreating to the fresh outdoors has to be the greatest way to rejuvenate the soul and recharge the batteries. An oyster, that’s your world, thanks to the ease with which you can jet off to its farthest corners, but the pearl remains South Africa, with its sensational landscapes, profusion of animal and plant life, and rainbow of cultures. You can have an utterly fabulous holiday enjoying the best of our land, with a caravan. And not just one holiday, but an endless round of getaways that
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TravelmagSA • Issue 10
will quickly draw you into a welcoming new lifestyle. Whether you want to be near a wildlife park or entertainment centre, enjoy a popular tourist route or more adventurous trail, in the mountains or at the beach, there is a caravan site nearby. The best places to caravan in South Africa are the Blyde River Canyon, Cradle of Humankind, Drakensberg, Golden Gate, Kruger National Park, Namaqualand, Table Mountain, Garden Route, Wild Coast and the Zoutpansberg. You can visit www.caravanparks.com to find out more about these destinations, and with over 700 sites you will not be left for choice.
Camping in South Africa Jurgens provided TravelmagSA with some information on their latest caravan. There is the traditional caravan, which allows South Africans to holiday economically but in comfort and style. The Jurgens Penta known as ‘the family’s favourite’ is scientifically designed to deliver the greatest structural integrity at the lowest possible weight. Add the aerodynamic efficiency and Jurgens caravans are a pleasure to tow and easy to handle on site. Jurgens has continually investigated ways in which to improve their products and the new specifications for the Jurgens Penta are the latest results of such research. In the re-designing of ‘the family’s favourite’, the dimensions were increased – the gross vehicle mass is now 1 400kg. The kitchen has been updated and fitted with an exterior 220 volt multi-plug to run appliances and a 270 litre refrigerator. It includes a glass top two-burner stove, a 19 litre microwave, a kitchen basin, hand basin, 25 litre water bottle, a submersible 12 volt water pump and liquor cabinets. The inside berths comfortably sleep four with a dinette which can be transformed into a double bed. A full tent and a ground sheet are included to provide extra sleeping and living space. We also know that storage is as important as a comfortable sleep; the Jurgens Penta has four overhead lockers, two wardrobes and 10 cupboards to ensure that your luggage is neatly stored away. A great money-saver is the LED 12V lighting since it
reduces power usage and extends battery life. Outside there is a detachable metal bowl with an external hot and cold water tap. With all our customer’s recommendations and suggestions for better and beautiful, the Jurgens designers have carried the new materials and technology available onto the re-designing of the Jurgens Penta. This has brought a new era of sophistication and luxury to ‘the family’s favourite’. The finishes include heavy-duty cushion flooring, washable Renolit wall and furniture covering, colour coordinated upholstery and window blinds. In short, Jurgens Ci has the caravanning lifestyle covered, with fine caravans, motorhomes and trailers for every use, plus all the camping equipment, tents and canvas imaginable.
Hook up your home on wheels and get going! www.jurgens.co.za TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Interview
Jensu TravelmagSA: Tell us more about yourself - Who is Jen Su? Jen Su: I’m a TV news presenter on Business Day TV and Sky News “The African Business Report.” I present on 5’s Gareth Cliff Mornings for “The Hollywood Report”, and am a contributor on SABC3 “Expresso”. I act in the popular drama series “Isibaya” and am a MC for many corporate events. Born in the US, schooled in Taiwan, worked in Thailand and Hong Kong, I am now, loving South Africa! I have a wonderful husband and two amazing boys, and love to collect hats, sing, and play classical piano. I am fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Thai and English. I also enjoy going to parties and meeting people, and travelling overseas to cover international events.
TravelmagSA: What does being a Travelista mean to you? Jen Su: A ‘Travelista’ is a modern-day term for someone who loves travel and all the finer things that go hand in hand with travel. Whether it’s sightseeing, shopping and fashion, food, family fun, sports, beach, mountains or discovering new places, a ‘Travelista’ is a person who travels, and enhances his or her experience, by getting out and discovering new, funky, edgy or glamorous aspects of a place. ‘Travelistas’ can be like me, someone who travels avidly, about 40 times a year, or they can be someone who aspires to travel more, and enjoys a bit of glamour and pampering when on holiday.
TV & Radio Presenter & Travelista
TravelmagSA: How exactly can South Africans become savvy shoppers and Travel more? Jen Su: South Africa is an incredible country with so much natural beauty, safaris, great food and superb wine. Just travelling in SA is an amazing experience. The best way to become a savvier shopper and to travel more is to sign up for a card, which offers a travel rewards program. So when you shop or dine out you are also accumulating into a rewards program which you can redeem for air travel. I’ve been a member of Avios for over 5 years overseas, and our combined household Avios have surpassed 500,000 points. It’s given me the opportunity to redeem many flights overseas and within SA and every year, I visit my family in the U.S. from the Avios I have accumulated. TravelmagSA: How can the Avios Travel rewards program help South Africans? Jen Su: The Avios Travel rewards program, newly launched in South Africa, is a fantastic way for South Africans to make free flights happen easily and quickly! When you do your grocery shopping, buy stuff for the kids, or go out for dinner, you can swipe your Avios Card, to accumulate Avios, which can be redeemed for flights. You can receive double the amount of points, when you shop at Pick ‘n Pay or fill up
your car with petrol at the BP. A one-way ticket from Joburg to Durban can be redeemed with just 4,500 Avios, and if you are a family of four, you could easily earn that many Avios in a week. Unlike other travel rewards programs, Avios don’t expire, so you can accumulate enough Avios do a quick trip from Joburg to Cape Town, or you could keep accumulating Avios for many months to redeem a flight to go overseas. TravelmagSA: How can the Avios Travel rewards program benefit our readers not living in South Africa? Jen Su: If you are overseas, you can still use the card in the same way to redeem flights. The only thing is that the number of Avios required
would vary depending on your country of origin and where you are travelling to and from, but the principle is exactly the same, buy, collect, fly! TravelmagSA: What is your favourite South African Destination and Why? Jen Su: Cape Town is my favourite SA destination, with its ocean, beautiful Table Mountain, and the gorgeous winelands. The V&A Waterfront, and all the fantastic parties, makes this place my fave! There is something magical about Cape Town, and with all of the Hollywood movies and international conferences that are being staged there, you can see that I’m not alone in loving the Mother City! TravelmagSA: What is your favourite International Destination and Why? Jen Su: It’s a tie between Thailand and Hong Kong. Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” and it really is a country full of absolutely warm, friendly, and gentle people with a special exotic charm. The shopping is excellent and it’s a travel destination that is also great value for money. I love Hong Kong as the shopping, nightlife, and parties are on another level of wow! It’s a place that is pulsating with life and excitement, and the variety of brands and styles at duty-free prices definitely make it a shopping heaven!
TravelmagSA: What Travel Tips would you give TravelmagSA readers? Jen Su: Book flights, cars, and hotels in advance, especially during peak travel times. Research flight and price options online, and use reputable agencies. Pack lightly and leave room for shopping! Check visa and vaccine information and check travel restrictions. Allow enough time for flight connections and check over your logistics. Check-in online 24 hours before the flight, so you can choose your seats and go into the faster “Bag Drop” line at the airport. Double check you’ve got your passport and travel documents in order. Allow extra time if you’re travelling with children. Most of all relax and enjoy!
You can contact Jen Su on Twitter: @flytravelista / @jennifer_su - Happy Travels! 10
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL - INDIA
Travelling to India Essential Information High Commission of India - Pretoria 852 Schoeman Street, Arcadia 0083, Pretoria, South Africa, P.O. Box No. 40216, Arcadia 0007, Pretoria, South Africa Telephone: +27-12-3425392,95 Fax: +27-12-3425310 Email: polinf@hicomind.co.za Web: http://www.indiainsouthafrica.com Consulate General of India, Johannesburg No.1, Eton Road (Corner Jan Smuts Avenue & Eton Road), Park Town 2193 PO Box 6805 Johannesburg 2000 Office Hours: 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs (Monday to Friday) Telephone: +27 11 581 9800 - 9998 +27 11 482 8484 Facsimile: +27 11 482 4648/482 8492 Facsimile (CG): +27 11 482 3640 High Commission of India, Cape Town The Terraces, 9th Floor, 34 Bree Street, Cape Town 8001, P.O. Box No. 3316, Cape Town 8000, South Africa Telephone: +27-21-4198110, 4198111 Fax: +27-21-4198112 Email: info@hcict.org.za Web: http://www.indiainsouthafrica.com Consulate General of India, Durban 1 Kingsmead Boulvard (2nd Floor), Kingsmead Office Park, Durban 4001, South Africa P O BOX 3276, Durban 4000, South Africa Office Hours: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs (Monday to Friday) Visa application: 0900 hrs to Noon Telephone: General +27 31 335 0300 Facsimile: +27 31 332 7008
TravelmagSA • • Issue Issue1010 14 TravelmagSA 14
Tourism Office in South Africa South Africa (Johannesburg) Mr Manas Pattanaik, Director India Tourism (Ministry of Tourism Govt. of India) Cnr of Jan Smuts & William Nicol Hyde Park Lane Manor Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park 2196 P O Box: 412542,Craighall 2024, Hyde Lane, Lancaster Gate, Johannesburg-2000,South Africa. Phone: 27-11-3250880, Fax: 27-11-3250882, E-mail: goito@global.co.za, For more information and to book flights from South Africa to India: http://www.flysaa.com/ http://www.emirates.com/za/english/ http://www.etihad.com/en-za/ http://www.qatarairways.com/za/en/ http://www.kenya-airways.com/za/ http://www.airmauritius.com/index_za.htm http://www.flyethiopian.com/en/default.aspx http://www.egyptair.com/English/Pages/Default.aspx For domestic flights in India: http://www.airindia.com/ http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/Home.aspx https://book.goindigo.in/ http://www.spicejet.com/ http://www.jetkonnect.com/ http://www.goair.in/ For more details to discover India visit http://www.incredibleindia.org/ travel-discover-india/discover-india CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR Brochure CLICK HERE FOR OUR Tour Packages
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL - INDIA
Travelling to India
need a VISA?
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid International Travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid Visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Port abroad. Visit: http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/
The signed physical copy and supporting documents are to be submitted at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC), details of which can be found at http://www.blsindia-southafrica.com/ and including instructions for filling out the form and scheduling an appointment.
To apply for the Indian Visa visit https://indianvisaonline. gov.in/visa/indianVisaReg.jsp
For More information on Incredible India! Visit http://www.incredibleindia.org/
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Business
Global Trends Driving Travel!
E
uromonitor International released their annual World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2013 at London’s World Travel Market (WTM) trade show. Their findings include: • Economic growth in Africa is driving international business tourism, whilst rising incomes and urbanisation mean that domestic travel is growing on the continent • Driven by the demand for multi-generational holidays (parents, grandparents and children travelling together), family-friendly safaris are very popular • Most popular are safaris in malaria-free sub-Saharan Africa • Disney films such as Madagascar and The Lion King have captured the imagination of children across the world and play an important role in promoting African safari holidays for families. • The report identifies a new market demographic emerging in America; PANKS – ‘Professional Aunt, No Kids’, a woman over 18 who has no children but travels to remain close to the children of close friends and relatives, with some taking these children on holidays. • Increasing Air Passenger Duty (APD) is continuing to have an adverse effect on inbound and outbound holiday markets. Nearly half (41%) of holidaymakers polled by WTM will change their holiday plans because of the controversial tax’s next increase on April 1, 2014. • No-frills airlines could introduce ‘low-cost business class’ sections being pioneered by Middle Eastern budget carriers such as Jazeera Airways and Flydubai. • Middle Eastern markets continue to pursue luxury experiences and destinations. • UK holidaymakers “have been left cold by 2013’s summer heat wave”; with almost two-thirds saying it won’t make them more likely to ‘staycation’ in the UK next year. • Asia is tipped to become a global travel and tourism leader, with almost one-third of the countries listed for tourism potential being Asian nations. • China remains the most important emerging economy for the global travel and tourism industry - the Chinese are said to be the most important BRICS market in terms of outbound and inbound travel, followed by Russia, Brazil, India and South Africa. • TripAdvisor and similar peer review websites continue to have the biggest impact on how UK holidaymakers plan their holidays. The report found that TripAdvisor was a key resource for holiday information for 27% of the UK public. Guide books keep a place in the hearts and minds of UK travelers (14% chose guidebooks), whilst
• • • •
blogs (3%) appear to be struggling to gain widespread adoption. Other factors in the decision-making process of travelers include personal recommendations, tourist board websites, travel magazines and newspaper travel sections. Much further down the list of influences were travel agents. The Travel Tech Show at WTM revealed that social media and mobile trends continue apace for most destinations. The report found that mobile technology was increasingly being used to support customer experience before, during and after travel. In India, tech savvy travel companies are using social media to target India’s urban youth travellers. China is a growing market for cruise tourism. A further highlight of the Travel Tech Show was that Germany is set to become Europe’s biggest online travel market within the next five years.
The World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2013 can be found here: *Source Cape Town Tourism • Website: www.capetown.travel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTown.Travel Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapeTownTourism
Books Dot Complicated
How to make it through life online in one piece… Author: Randi Zuckerberg ISBN-13: 9780593073490
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon
The definitive fly-on-the-wall account of the rise and rise of Amazon
Author: Brad Stone ISBN-13 9780593070468
TravelmagSA is now a Fairtrade at Work partner: “At Travelmagsa we believe that every small change can make a big difference. As a green initiative digital magazine we support sustainability. We agree that everyone deserves improved living conditions and fair practice and we hope that by joining Fairtrade at Work, and promoting Fairtrade in the magazine, others will follow, realising that their small efforts can assist in ensuring better lives, and a better world, for our children and the generations to come.” - Justine Engelbrecht, Publishing Editor. We would like to encourage you to make your office Fairtrade-proof, use Fairtrade products in your everyday working environment.
Click here to find out more about Fairtrade
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TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Theatre
The Imperial Ice Stars SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE Pieter Toerien presents The World Premiere of a brand new production of The Imperial Ice Stars, the Sleeping Beauty on Ice, this dazzling production opens at the The Teatro at Montecasino from the 5th December to the 12th January 2014, followed by a season at Artscape Opera House from 16 January 2014 – 9 February 2014.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Box Office: (011) 511 1818 or (011) 340 8000 www.computicket.com Full show information can be found at www.imperialicestars.com
BLOOD BROTHERS
- 24 YEARS IN THE WEST END - NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE FIRST TIME! David Kramer has adapted and directs Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, acclaimed West End smash-hit musical for South Africa. The production started its national season at Pieter Toerien’s Theatre on the Bay on 10 September 2013, before moving to Montecasino in Johannesburg in November and finally to the Fugard Theatre in February 2014.
Tickets available at the Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818 or at Computicket www.computicket.com Pics by Jesse Kramer of Bianca Le Grange as Mrs Johnstone and Carlo Daniels (Sammy) in a scene from the show TravelmagSA • Issue 10
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Food & Wine This year we want to encourage you to try tantalising Christmas Fare with a difference, Chef Nadia Louw Smith from Clos Malverne Estate in the Devon Valley • Chilli & Lime Prawns outside Stellenbosch, has provided TravelmagSA with an exciting Festive • Pork Belly Menu, complete with recipes for you • Lamb Shanks to enjoy!
Starter Main
Tempura prawns with cucumber and mango salad and a hot sweet chilli sauce - 6 portions
For prawns • 18 large Tiger Prawns, just tail, cleaned and deveined • 1 tsp lemon juice for prawns • Salt and black pepper • 2 limes for wedges For tempura batter • 1 cup tempura flour • ½ cup sparkling water • Oil for deep frying
For salad • Zest of one lime • ½ cucumber • 1 mango (if not in season you can use tinned ones). • 1 fresh chilli • 2 tsp chopped coriander For chilli sauce • ½ cup dried chilli for chilli sauce • ¼ cups raspberry vinegar • 1 tbsp lemon juice for chilli sauce • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce • ½ cup sugar • 1 cup water 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Salt and pepper the prawns and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Mix the tempura flour with the sparkling water. Don’t mix too much, the less you mix the crispier the batter will be. For the salad remove the seeds from the cucumber and dice into small pieces. Cut the mango into thin strips. Chop the chilli finely without its seeds. (If you want it very hot you can leave the seeds) Mix the chopped chilli, chopped coriander, sliced mango, chopped cucumber and lime zest to form a salad. For the chilli sauce, place all the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour or till the mixture becomes a thicker consistency. Leave to cool before using. Dip the prawns into the tempura batter and deep fry till golden brown. (This takes about 2-3 min.) Plate your prawns on top of the salad and put your dipping sauce in a small container on the plate. Garnish with lime wedges.
Slow Roasted pork belly - Serves 6 • • • •
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1.3kg piece pork belly, boned, rind left on and scored (ask your butcher to do this) 2 tsp sunflower oil 1 tsp white peppercorns, crushed 3 large onions, sliced
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Trio of Desserts
• Pecan Nut Pie with Rooibos & Honey Ice Cream • Apple Crumble • Malva Pudding with Butternut & Pistachio Ice Cream
• 2-3 tbsp clear honey • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped Method 1. Heat oven to 1800C/fan 1600C/gas 4. Lay the pork, skin-side up, on a rack in a roasting tin. Trickle with a little oil, and then lightly press on the crushed peppercorns and a sprinkling of coarse sea salt. Place in the oven and then cook for 1 hr. Remove from the oven and baste with the juices. Continue to cook for a further 1½ hrs, basting every 20 min. 2. Put the sliced onions in the roasting tin under the pork. Mix the honey together with the cumin and chilli, brush it over the pork, then increase the oven to 2000C/fan 1800C/ gas 6. Cook for a further 30-40 min, basting occasionally, until caramelised with a rich, golden glaze over the pork. Once cooked and tender (this can be easily tested by piercing the flesh with a knife), remove pork from the oven, then leave to rest for 10 -15 min. 3. While the pork is resting, heat the tin on the stove with the onions, adding 2 tbsp water. This will lift any residue from the pan, creating moist cooking liquid. Season the onions with salt and pepper, then divide between 6 plates. Carve pork into 6 portions, and then serve on top of the onions. Serve with coleslaw or mashed potatoes.
Slow roasted lamb shank - Serves 6 1 tbsp olive oil 6 French trimmed lamb shanks 2 brown onions, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 cup (250ml) dry red wine 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes 2 tbsp rosemary sprigs 4 cups beef stock 8 potatoes ¼ cup finely grated parmesan ¼ cup mascarpone Method 1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Heat the oil in a large flame-proof casserole dish over high heat. Add half the lamb and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until brown all over. 2. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining lamb. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Return the lamb and pour over the red wine. Bring to the boil. 3. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wine reduces by half. Remove from heat. Add the tomato and rosemary. Bake, covered at 1600C for 2 hours or until lamb is almost falling off the bone. 4. To make the mashed potatoes, cook the potatoes until soft 5. Mash the potatoes and season to taste, add the mascarpone and grated parmesan. 6. Serve the lamb shank with the mashed potatoes.
Food & Wine Pecan nut pie - Serves 6 Pastry 140g cake flour 1ml salt 80g cold butter, cut into small cubes 8ml castor sugar 1 large egg yolk 10ml iced water 2.5ml lemon juice Filling 3 eggs 60g butter melted 225ml brown sugar 80ml golden sugar 5ml vanilla essence 125g unbroken pecan halves Method 1. To make the pastry, sift the cake flour and the salt together. 2. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. 3. Add the castor sugar to the flour mixture. 4. Mix the egg yolk, water and lemon juice, add to the dry ingredients to make a stiff dough and knead well. 5. Leave the dough to rest in the fridge for about an hour. 6. Roll out the pastry and line a greased 23cm loose-bottomed pie dish. 7. Prick the base with a fork. 8. Bake blind in a preheated 1800C for 10min. 9. To make the filling, lightly beat the eggs. 10. Continue beating while adding the butter and brown sugar. 11. Add the golden syrup and continue beating until the mixture is foamy. 12. Add the vanilla essence. 13. Arrange the nuts in the pastry case and pour the egg mix on top. 14. Bake in a preheated oven for 40min. 15. Allow to cool until the pie is set.
Apple crumble tart with rooibos and honey ice cream - Serves 6 125 ml Marie biscuit crumbs 125 ml cake flour 125 ml soft brown sugar 125 g butter 1 x 397 g unsweetened pie apples 65 ml apple juice 10 ml fine cinnamon 90 ml castor sugar Lemon zest of 1 lemon method 1. Place the Marie biscuits in a container and sift in the flour. 2. Add the sugar and using your fingertips, rub butter into flour until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 3. Cut the apples and mix with the apple juice, cinnamon, castor sugar and lemon zest. 4. Place the apples in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumbs on top. 5. Bake in a heated oven at 200oC for 15-20min or till the crumbs are golden brown. 6. Serve hot with rooibos ice cream. Rooibos and honey ice cream 1. 5 egg yolks 2. 100g castor sugar 3. 375ml full cream milk 4. 375ml double cream 5. 5 rooibos tea bags 6. 2 tsp honey
Method 1. Pour the milk, cream and tea bags in a pot and bring to boiling point. 2. Whisk the egg and castor sugar together. 3. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. 4. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve. 5. Cook the custard mixture over a double boiler till it thickens. It should cover the back of a wooden spoon. Be careful for it not to overcook, because it will curdle. 6. When the custard mixture is completely cooled add the honey. 7. Pour the mixture in the ice cream machine and turn till the ice cream is ready.
Malva pudding - Serves 6 1 egg 1 cup sugar 3 tsp apricot jam melted 1 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarb of soda 1 tsp white vinegar 1 cup milk 100g butter melted 1. 2. 3. 4.
Mix the eggs, sugar, melted butter and melted apricot jam together. Mix the above mentioned mixture with the remaining ingredients. Bake in a pre heated oven at 1800C for 30 min. Serve warm with butternut and pistachio ice cream.
Butternut and pistachio ice cream 1. 5 egg yolks 2. 100g castor sugar 3. 375ml full cream milk 4. 375ml double cream 5. 200g cooked mashed butternut 6. ½ teaspoon cinnamon 7. 100g chopped pistachio nuts Method 1. Pour the milk and the cream in a pot and bring to boiling point. 2. Whisk the egg and castor sugar together. 3. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. 4. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve. 5. Cook the custard mixture over a double boiler till it thickens. It should cover the back of a wooden spoon. Be careful for it not to overcook, because it will curdle. 6. When the custard mixture is completely cooled down add the cooled down butternut mix and the chopped pistachio nuts. 7. Pour the mixture in the ice cream machine and turn till the ice cream is ready. “To those we love and see each day and other loved ones far away. To all our loyal Food & Wine friends who mean so much and those with whom we’re out of touch. May you find the true spirit of the season and may it follow you throughout the coming year. The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne thanks you for your loyal support during 2013 and please do come and visit us in our beautiful Devon Valley during the festive season. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and generous New Year.” Nadia Louw Smith. www.closmalverne.co.za
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2013 MNET IDOL
M
! s l o d I s n i Musa w
usa Sukwene (26), the gentle giant from eMalahleni made history when he became the first contestant ever from Mpumalanga Province to win Idols SA!
As the winner of Idols SA Season 9, Musa walked away with over a million Rand in prizes. Universal will release a 4-track mini-album from their latest Idols SA superstar in time for Christmas, and it will be available exclusively for Samsung customers to download and keep from the KLEEK music app. Fans can download the Kleek music app from Samsung Apps and the Google Play store, exclusive to Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Both Brenden (Idols SA Season 9 runner-up) and Musa’s original singles are still available for download and their music videos are on the official Idols website at www.mnet.co.za/Idols. To download Brenden’s single “Fingerprints” simply SMS his number 01 to 39200 and for Musa’s single “I Still Feel It” SMS his number 09 to 39200. Each download costs R15. M-Net and Mzansi Magic announced that there would be another season of Idols in 2014. Auditions for the tenth season will kick off in February and wannabe Idols can jot down the following audition dates in their diaries: 15 February 22 February 7March 22 March
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Johannesburg – Carnival City Durban – Playhouse Theatre Cape Town – GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World Pretoria – State Theatre
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
To stay on top of the latest Idols SA news, visit the Idols website at www.mnet.co.za/Idols or go to the official Facebook page at “Idols South Africa”. Follow Idols on Twitter @IdolsSA and support Musa and Brenden directly at @musathevoice and @brenden_praise. Idols SA is a co-production between M-Net and Mzansi Magic.
Music
MUSIC GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SOUL SUPERSTAR MAXWELL’s 3 CITY SA TOUR Castle Milk Stout and Canoc Productions in association with Mzansi Magic and media partners Heart 104.9FM in Cape Town, Kaya FM 95.9 in Johannesburg and Gagasi FM in Durban presents the SA Tour by two-time GRAMMY Award winning soul superstar, Maxwell. This chart-topping, arena-filling singer, songwriter, musician and producer will be in South Africa for three concerts only commencing on Thursday, 5 December at Grandwest in Cape Town followed by the Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg on Saturday, 7 December 2013 and ending on Monday, 9 December 2013 at the Wavehouse, Durban. Tickets are on sale at Computicket. Don’t miss an evening of superlative soul and R&B entertainment in the company of soul brother, Maxwell. Book now at Computicket Call: 0861 915 8000 • Visit: www.computicket.com / www.maxwellsatour.co.za
CD’s Casting Crowns, “Thrive” “Joy unspeakable! Faith unsinkable! Love Unstoppable! Anything is possible!” Hearing Casting Crowns’ front-man Mark Hall singing those words in the title track of the band’s new album Thrive, it is hard not to feel peace wash over your soul. Life can be so challenging and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. What a gift to be reminded we were made to thrive! Casting Crowns will be released in Jan 2014.
Jamie Grace, “Ready To Fly” As a result, in part of the huge success of “Hold Me” and of her first GMA Dove Award – for new artist of the year, Jamie Grace has experienced a major wave of acclaim and popularity, evident in her YouTube’s channel combined 14 million views. Jamie will appear on the silver screen with the release of the LIONSGATE film GRACE UNPLUGGED. 21-year old singer-songwriter Jamie Grace hails from outside of Atlanta in Lithonia, Georgia. At age 11, she was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and has since travelled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking.’ Ready to Fly’ will be released in Jan 2014.
Paul Baloche, “Christmas Worship” The overall concept of the Christmas Worship album was to take classic Christmas carols and combine them with modern worship choruses to help facilitate a “singing your prayers” style of worship throughout the Christmas season. Most Christmas carols speak about the Lord, but don’t necessarily facilitate a “to the Lord” experience.
JARS OF CLAY – INLAND Grammy Award winners Jars of Clay have released their eleventh studio album Inland, produced by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Beth Orton, The Decemberists) and mixed by Beau Sorenson and Jacquire King. Jars of Clay once again harness the youthful ambition and uninhibited creativity of their beginnings while cultivating a maturity in sound with embellishments of violin, horns and ambient melodies that attests two decades of experience. It’s the sound of a band that is comfortable in its skin, having wrestled their demons and won. “These are songs for the ordinary dayswhen life is weighty and uncertain,” reflects Matthew Odmark. “It is this middle space that we have inhabited over the years. It’s where you and I do the gritty work of actually living.” The music on Inland has a rich cinematic quality, marked by Lowell’s lush keyboard melodies, Odmark’s strong acoustic rhythm guitar, and Mason’s serpentine bass lines.
Nicole C. Mullen – Crown Him Nicole has recently completed her 11th full length album, a Hymn’s project entitled “Crown Him - Hymns Old and New”. This 12 track album is packed with timeless songs that many of us have been singing since we were kids, as well as original classics written by Mullen. Including popular hymns such as “All Hail The Power,” “It is Well” and “Redeemer” . A new song by Mullen is also in the mix titled “Teach Me”.
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Books & DVD’s
DVD... Destiny Road This inspirational movie focuses on destiny, a theme everyone can relate to! The themes that are featured are greed and its consequences, forgiveness, a prodigal son returning to the church and perseverance. The film centres on three families: Pastor Frank and wife Anne - Pastor Frank is tempted by greed and power Jeremiah (alone) who is tempted to steal Elizabeth and Johnny - are a young couple that grow apart from each other and away from God and have to find their way back. This movie does a terrific job of encouraging the viewer to think about the future and one’s destiny.
books... Children’s Book: 9 – 11 years
Stay Where You Are And Then Leave Author: John Boyne ISBN-13 9780552570589
The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield’s father promised he wouldn’t go away and fight – but he broke that promise the next day. Four years later, Alfie doesn’t know where his father might be, other than that he is on a special secret mission. Then, while shining his shoes at King’s Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father’s name, on a sheet of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by – a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange and unnerving place. www.randomstruik.co.za
One Summer America 1927 Author: Bill Bryson
In the summer of 1927, America had a booming stock-market, a president who worked four hours a day (and slept much of the rest of the time) a semi-crazed sculptor – with a mad plan to carve four giant heads into an inaccessible mountain named Rushmore, a devastating flood in Mississippi, a sensational murder trial, and a youthful aviator called Charles Lindbergh who started the summer wholly unknown, and finished it as the most famous man on earth, so famous that Minnesota considered renaming itself after him. It was the summer that saw the birth of talking pictures, the invention of television, the peak of Al Capone’s reign of terror, the horrifying bombing of a school in Michigan by a madman, the ill-conceived decision that led to the thrillingly improbable return to greatness of a wheezing over-the-hill baseball player named Babe Ruth and an almost impossible amount more. In this hugely entertaining book, Bill Bryson spins a story of brawling adventure, reckless optimism and delirious energy with an unforgettable cast of vivid and eccentric personalities. www.randomstruik.co.za
Cape Town Then and Now Author: Vincent van Graan ISBN: 978 1 92054 591 8
Cape Town Then and Now is a unique visual portrait of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, contrasting rare archival photographs with stunning contemporary views. The book draws on the superb photographic collections of the Western Cape Archives, including the work of Arthur Elliott, Thomas Ravenscroft and Henry Steer. These images portray the changing Cape Town scene from the 1880s to the 1930s – landscape, architecture, transport, recreation and the march of history. Where possible, the modern-day photographs, which include spectacular aerial panoramas, have been shot from the same locations as the originals. Detailed captions explain the differences between the old and the new views, and bring out fascinating continuities over time. Cape Town Then and Now is a visual journey that will appeal to Capetonians and visitors alike. www.randomstruik.co.za 22
TravelmagSA • Issue 10
Books & DVD’s
books... Field Guide to Battlefields of South Africa Author: Nicki von der Heyde ISBN: 978-1-43170-100-1
Expert battlefields guide Nicki von der Heyde presents 71 battles covering three wars and a series of conflicts that shaped the course of South Africa’s history – from the colonial clashes that characterised the 18th and 19th centuries to the 2nd Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902. Comprehensive, compelling and vividly illustrated, the Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa is an indispensable tool for professional and amateur military historians, as well as anyone interested in exploring South Africa’s fascinating history. www.randomstruik.co.za
The Platinum Road - The road to Botswana Author: Peter Delmar
The Platinum Highway; a treasure trove of South African history – now captured on paper Did you know that the N4 platinum highway takes you past vast ruined cities that were suddenly and mysteriously abandoned 200 years ago? Or that explorer David Livingstone had his first mission station in a little village very near the modern highway? Fortunately these and many other intriguing stories have been captured in a book by acclaimed author, journalist and editor, Peter Delmar, who has now captured the rich heritage of the areas along the Platinum Highway in his latest book; ‘The Platinum Road’. Sponsored by Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena), the concessionaire responsible for the design, maintenance and upgrades to the Platinum road, The Platinum Road covers many fascinating stories relevant to areas along the route. By recording, collating and publishing information that was previously accessible to only a few, Delmar takes the reader on a journey through time and distance that will add value to South African society for generations to come. The Platinum Road is available as an e-book from both Amazon.com and from the Apple iBooks Store. For more on Bakwena and the projects that they are involved in, visit www.bakwena.co.za
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 ISBN 9781743217283
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 is the highly anticipated collection of the world’s hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the year ahead. The bestselling, inspirational travel yearbook from the world’s number one travel publisher, highlights the top ten countries, cities and regions that Lonely Planet’s experts recommend travellers experience in 2014. Brazil receives the accolade of the number one country in the world to visit next year, followed by Antarctica and Scotland, whilst Paris comes top of the cities list, beating Trinidad in Cuba and Cape Town in South Africa. The region which Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 declares a must-see in the coming year is Sikkim in India, with the Kimberley in Australia and Yorkshire in the UK also making the top 3. The destinations featured in the book are selected because they meet certain criteria; it could be that there is something special going on that year, that there’s been recent development and a lot of buzz about the place, or that we think it’s up-and-coming and suggest travellers visit before the crowds do. Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel content provider, supplying inspiring and trustworthy information for those planning a trip, on the road or browsing as an armchair traveller. This year marks the company’s 40th anniversary and to-date, Lonely Planet has printed over 120 million books in nine languages to almost every destination on the planet. It also boasts mobile apps, a complete eBook portfolio, an award-winning website, and a dedicated traveller community. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com, join us on Facebook (facebook. com/lonelyplanet) and Twitter (@lonelyplanet).
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EVENTS
27 Nov – 16 Dec 2013 Wavescape Surf Festival 2013 presented by Pick ‘n Pay
The Great White Shark is more endangered than the rhino, and ocean acidification could mean the end of fish in the next 20 years. Dramatic warnings by scientists, which underline the importance of ocean conservation, will be covered by films and speakers at the 10th edition of the Wavescape Surf Festival, presented by Pick n Pay. The festival includes a screening of Revolution, a hard hitting documentary about the future of the ocean, and a talk by a shark scientist that brings home the state of the ocean. Films will be shown outdoors and indoors at four venues. An addition to the beach lifestyle and cultural festival activity is the Wavescape Fish Fry, a surfboard market and community get together at the historical heart of surfing in South Africa, Muizenberg. For more info: visit www.wavescapefestival.com or call Shani Judes, Wavescape Surf Festival Coordinator on 083 509 5106.
13 & 14 December 2013 Gabriëlskloof gets festooned with Favourite Things Market!
Gabriëlskloof, the awe-inspiring wine cellar on the outskirts of Bot River in the Overberg, will be transformed into a festive and fun ‘happy place’ when its 4th annual Favourite Things Market. Ranging from prized Kokkedoor koeksisters and homemade pestos to fresh oysters and bubbly, this authentic and trendy market showcases more than 30 passionate producers who will make, bake, curate, craft, sew and share their seasonal delights for you to stock up in style. With beautiful tables brimming with organic produce, local cheeses, artisan beers, real Dutch stroopwafels, handmade butter, cured meats and much more, this lets-get-together-and-revel-in-all-things-beautiful-and-favourite feast is ideal for that last minute Christmas shopping. This is your ticket to the perfect day out with the whole family. For more info: Contact Nicolene Finlayson at Tel: 082 852 6547, send an email to nicolene@gabrielskloof.co.za
14 December 2013 Cape Town Summer Market
The Cape Town Summer Market will run from 14-30 December 2013 (excl. 25&26) , from 12pm to 11pm every day in the Company’s Garden between Queen Victoria St, Adderley St, Orange St and Hatfield Street in Cape Town City Centre. For more info: Contact ctsummermarket@gmail.com
16 December 2013
Market at DeLaRey Farm outside Yzerfontein (trade enquiries: christele@iloveyzer.co.za)
28 December 2013
Koos Kombuis at DeLaRey Farm outside Yzerfontein
(ticket enquiries: elder@iloveyzer.co.za) www.iloveyzer.co.za
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EVENTS
31st December 2013 Clos Malverne salutes New Year with a stylish Hats Off Party
Don a funky fedora or flip on your favourite Stetson and make your way to Clos Malverne Estate on the 31st of December, when this family-owned wine farm, situated in the heart of the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, will host a stylish Hats Off New Year’s Celebration for you to salute the new year in good, gourmet company. The popular Restaurant @ Clos Malverne will pull out all the stops with an extravagant eight course food and wine feast, whilst guests, all dolled up with their favourite hats, will bob and jive the night away to the classic sounds of the live band, Double Jeopardy. This extravagant Food & Wine Experience comprises eight sumptuous dishes prepared by resident chef Nadia Louw Smith and matched with eight exceptional Clos Malverne cellar gems. Tickets cost R595 per person, which include all the wines on the evening, and this not-to-be-missed event starts at 20h00 and will carry on until the wee hours of 2014. Pre-bookings are essential as seating is limited. For more information or to reserve your table, contact Clos Malverne at Tel: (+27)21 865 2022 or send an email to info@closmalverne.co.za.
25 & 26 January 2014
01 February 2014
The J&B Met will celebrate its 37th anniversary with the theme ‘Made to Conquer.’ The theme celebrates those with the courage and determination to never give up in the face of any obstacle, an attitude that is found in the spirit of J&B, a spirit that inspires us to go and show the world what we’re made of because we are all, ‘Made to Conquer.’ Prepare for a remarkable afternoon as sixteen majestic thoroughbreds race 2000 meters to claim a stake of R 2.5 million in Mzanzi’s most prestigious horse race.
Add to this the most inspired fashion and captivating garments worn by celebrities, fashionistas and guests, all mixing and mingling in and around the spectacular J&B Lifestyle Village, and you have the makings of an unforgettable day at the races. This year, you are called on to ‘Dress Victorious.’ Take your lead from J&B’s vibrant, irrepressible spirit and interpret the theme your way. Tickets to the J&B Met are available through Computicket. Conquer the J&B 2014 Met in style. Follow @OfficialJBMet on Twitter for regular updates.
Delheim hauls out the barrels for Start of Harvest Celebration 2014
Delheim Wine Estate, will stomp in the 2014 harvest in high spirits, when it hauls out the barrels for its ever-popular Start of Harvest Celebration. This is a vibrant celebration for young and old to get knee deep in grape juice and close to the harvesting action and enjoy a fun-filled ‘Day in the life of Delheim’. At noon, guests are welcomed with a glass of fermenting grape must and a sweet ‘mosbolletjie’, a traditional harvest treat, to toast the new vintage. The Winelands fun then rolls on at a leisurely pace with a guided cellar tour, for enthusiasts to catch a rare glimpse of the inner-works of a winery in the midst of harvest. A sumptuous buffetstyle lunch will be laid out in the Vat Cellar, where families and friends help themselves and enjoy their picnic on the shaded lawn at the river’s edge. Tickets cost R220 per adult (R110 per child under 12; kids under 2 are free). Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment. For more info or to book your spot Contact Delheim Estate Juliet du Toit Tel: 021 888 4600 or send an email to pr@delheim.com.
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TravelmagSA • Issue 10