Travelmagsa_Issue_17

17 01 February - 01 April 2015

ISSN 2220 – 413X

Travel Trends 2015 Swaziland the Kingdom of Adventure

Travelling to a Mystery Destination with Open Africa & Mzansigirl

Daktari Bush School - A Worthy Cause

WIN

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in W

fie S

tick

s e n ti n r e e l p a a V Ham k o o B

Even ts, Ar t , T he a t re a n d m o re . ..

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Read online for FREE

www.travelmagsa.com • www.teamofprofessionals.co.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

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Travel Trends

Travel Trends in 2015 We did a little research to see what is happening in the Global Travel industry and who is setting the trends for the year ahead.

I

t is little surprise that Millenials, people born after 1980, the mobile 24/7 networking generation, are the market segment to target. Millenials are looking for instant gratification, they demand faster and more customised service, and while Millenials may love style, they do not necessarily have disposable income therefore their influence is greater than their numbers. Needless to say hotels and destinations around the world are making changes to accommodate the changing demographics. Technology has taken over the way we do things, we have moved into a mobile world, where our Smart phones are our navigators, reservationists, and organisers, and we use them to tell others about our holidays, with braggies in the form of selfies, which are taken when we arrive at hotels, visit new restaurants and exciting places. Wearable tech is on the rise with products like Sony SmartWatch and Google Glass, and the Apple Watch, which goes on sale this year. And what with instant messaging, everything is shared, and information is moving like never before, shaping the way people think and the future of the industry. 2015 is also about putting back into the community, broadening our horizons, and networking globally. The world has become smaller, more accessible and the possibilities are endless.

The Middle East

UK

Singapore

Poshtels - or hostels with style are gaining in popularity among the stylish and cost-conscious.

Europe A new concept called Peer-to-peer dining is taking off, amateur chefs looking to host dinner in their own homes, are attracting diners willing to pay for the experience, enjoying home cooking, cooking lessons and guided food tours.

America Americans enjoy multi- gen holidays, where the whole family gets together to getaway and enjoy holidays filled with exploration, spiritual journeys and enriching activities.

Africa Africa is tipped to become the surfing capital of the world, Victoria Falls is on the list, as are Safari’s and all eyes are on the Design Capital of the World 2014 – Cape Town.

The Middle East is repositioning itself with design tourism in an effort to revitalise visitor arrivals and attract creative minds.

China WeChat, the second largest global messaging service after WhatsApp, has emerged as a viable sales channel for Chinese travel companies. Chinese messaging service WeChat has 440 million active users.

India India’s rail network is expecting an increase in online and mobile bookings.

Japan Japan, notoriously expensive for foreign visitors, is set to become more affordable because of the depreciation of the yen, which has lost nearly a quarter of its value since 2012. There is increased interest in Okinawa, “the Hawaii of Japan.”

Thailand Thailand is expected to bounce back, and tourists will be back for its great food and glorious beaches.

Singapore will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence in 2015, Famed for its eclectic cuisine, soaring skyscrapers and ambitions to transform itself into a city in a garden. Singapore is putting on a number of events to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.

Market Research Company Euromonitor International just released a new ranking of the top 100 city destinations in terms of international tourist arrivals for 2013.

The top three cities on the list remained unchanged from 2012: Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. These Asian mega-cities benefited from their locations in heavily populated areas, large economies and proximity to China.

• • • • •

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (25,587.3 arrivals) Singapore, Singapore (22,455.4 arrivals) Bangkok, Thailand (17,467.8 arrivals) London, United Kingdom (16,784.1 arrivals) Paris, France (15,200.0 arrivals)

CLICK HERE To learn more about the top 100 city destination list Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Contents

Publishers Details: Team of Professionals Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa Director & Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@teamofprofessionals.co.za 074 440 8668 Contact for all Editorial enquiries.

Advertising & Art Director: Eva Govender eva@teamofprofessionals.co.za 071 059 8301

Idube Game Reserve

Contributors in this Issue: Ingrid Geertsema Blogger Mzansigirl Media Partnerships: Media Partner TEP - Hidden Treasures Media Partner - Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) Working Partner - Fairtrade Label ®

e-Published 2015 © Bi Monthly by Team of Professionals Publishing (Pty) Ltd All rights reserved. Travelmagsa is registered by Team of Professionals Publishing (Pty) Ltd SA. ISSN 2220 – 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 17th 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 17th edition.

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Travel Travel Trends in 2015

1

Travel SA Klaserie Walking Trails

3

Editor’s Note Are You Romantic?

4

Travel Africa Swaziland - The Kingdom of Adventure Blogger Mzansigirl

6 8

Special Feature Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphange

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Giveaways 12 Events 13 Art 14 Theatre 15

17 01 February - 01 April 2015

ISSN 2220 – 413X

Books 16

Travel Trends 2015 Swaziland

DVD’s

the Kingdom of Adventure

INSIDE BACK COVER

Travelling to a Mystery Destination with Open Africa & Mzansigirl

- A Worthy Cause

WIN

Ithembelihle LSEN School

a Selfi e Stic

Win

k

s tine len per a Va Ham k Boo

Ev ents, A r t , T heatre and more . . .

Read online for FREE • www.travelmagsa.com

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.

James 1:17

Read our Travel Blog: www.teamofprofessionals.co.za for latest News, Articles and Posts.

Follow us on

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BACK COVER

@Travelmagsa and Like us on

/Justine Engelbrecht • Travelmagsa • Issue 17

/Travelmagsa

/Eva Govender

Download or Print: www.issuu.com • www.teamofprofessionals.co.za

Eva Govender Advertising & Art Director

Daktari Bush School

Justine Engelbrecht Director & Editor

Courtesy of Swaziland Tourism

On The Cover:

Travel SA

Klaserie Walking Trails Dates: 26-29 April 2015 (3 nights) • 22-26 May 2015 (4 nights) Price: R2,500 pp per night sharing, no single supplement Min 2 people, max 8

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•

• • • • •

A real wilderness experience, on foot, sleeping in the wild Fly camp in the bush, unfenced, canvas dome tents 2.5 x 2.5 m Outdoor shower with hot water boiler and flush toilet Fully catered, home-style cooking A fantastic spot to be based, great walking areas Big game densities very high Evenings around the camp fire

These walking safaris offer on average 3-4 hours of walking and tracking in the mornings and 1-2 hours in the afternoon, alternated with open vehicle game drives and night drives. There is no fixed itinerary however you will go with the flow of nature. You will be hosted by Brett Horley, an exceptional and highly experienced trails guide, who is also an excellent birder and photographer.

Inclusive of accommodation, bedding, meals, walks and drives Exclusive of transport to and from camp, drinks and entrance fees

For more information contact Backroads Africa • ingrid@backroadsafrica.com • +27 (0)73 573 9622 Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Editor’s Note

This Valentines, ask yourself,

Are you

he word romance while conjuring pictures of destinations secluded enough to provide privacy to couples recently wed, actually means ardent, passionate, fervent, to have strong affection, to express love, to desire adventure.

T

next trip, which will be driving from Johannesburg to Durban down the East Coast to East London, Port Elizabeth, through the Garden Route and onto Cape Town and then back. I look forward to sharing this romantic South African Adventure with you.

Looking abroad I have an ardent desire to go to St Petersburg, and go to the Russian Ballet, I have a passionate need to go to France and stay in a castle in Normandy, walk along the Avenue des Champ Elysees and drink wine in Provence.

Romance while sweetened by chocolates and flowers and gifts, is an expression of, who you are! What are you fervent about? What do you desire? What adventure beckons you for the year ahead?

I am fervent that I would like to return too, but this time with my family, for whom I feel great love, to Seychelles, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zanzibar.

This Valentine’s day, I encourage you to express love, to show passion and fervour and let those around you know that they, are your destination, and together you can enjoy the adventure that is your life!

I would like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I desire trips to Mauritius, Reunion, Bali, Madagascar, the Grand Canyon in the USA, and I would like to take a cruise into the Baltic sea, and stay overnight in an ice castle in Norway. I am passionate about South Africa and Africa; I am excited about my

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Love Justine

Editor’s Note

Romantic?

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Travel Africa

Swaziland I “

spent a week in Swaziland many years back, and like all worthwhile destinations it has beckoned for my return. Waking up in the morning in the Malolotja Nature Reserve, and being welcomed by a clear sky, and the vast beauty of rolling hills of this unparalleled wilderness area, encouraging a morning walk, was just one of many special memories.”

Something that will always remain with me is having the pleasure of being in the presence of 16 Rhinocerous at the Hlane Royal National Park, sadly an encounter that today would be considered a privilege. To watch nature as it passes by us quietly, unassuming in its innocence of our existence, as we perceive their greatness, we stood uncomfortably close and watched as two of the Rhino’s fought for territory, and feeling the tremble of the ground as it shuddered under their great mass, was truly exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Swaziland…Aah, a kingdom that should be a home away from home for all South Africans, as it provides the ideal holiday destination. If it is adventure you are looking for then you need to look no further, as it provides the perfect sojourn for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts and outdoor explorers.

Despite being the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, Swaziland is big in offerings, making up for its size in beauty with its mountains, valleys, rivers, and other natural wonders.

Those who want to get beneath the surface of Swaziland can try Adventure Caving, one of Swazilands top adventure activities.

The Malolotaja Nature Reserve is home to Swaziland’s first and only Tree Top Canopy Tour, this is located in the Sihlotswane Gorge, where one 50m suspension bridge and 11 wooden platforms have been ingeniously affixed to the steep sides - zipping between the platforms, at tree height and crossing the gorge is an experience of a lifetime.

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Travel Africa

the Kingdom of Adventure The kingdom’s highlands, mountains and gorges also offer opportunities to both climb and descend a number of rock faces, and if you are up to exploring Swaziland on foot, there are many varied highlands, forests, and reserves. There are paths and trails in many locations across the country, allowing for hikes, from a couple of hours too many days in duration, and give access to places and views that are inaccessible by vehicle.

Another way to explore Swaziland’s stunning landscapes is by mountain bike, and the Kingdom offers visitors spectacular mountain bike trails in a number of locations, including Mhlambanyatsi, Hawane, Hlane, Malolotja, Mbuluzi and Shewula.

An adventure not to be missed is tubing or white water rafting with Swazi Trails, on the Bulungapoort section of the Usutu River, between Sidvokodvo and Siphofaneni, in the centre of Swaziland, this is a secluded and inspiring stretch of river.

For those days when you need to just wind-down, you can enjoy a game of golf, or why not book a golfing adventure, as Swaziland has two championship-standard 18-hole courses; the Royal Swazi Spa Golf Club and the Nkonyeni Golf Estate.

You can also enjoy a spot of fishing; available at a number of dams, reservoirs and rivers around the country.

No matter which adventure thrill you are seeking, there is no better destination than the beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland. Join the adventure movement on social media, and keep up-to-date with the latest Kingdom of Swaziland news, on the recently launched Facebook and Twitter pages, dedicated to South Africans interested in visiting this diverse and beautiful destination.

My Swaziland South Africa • #IloveSwaziland www.thekingdomofswaziland.com

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Travel Africa

Travelling to a

Mystery

with Open Africa and Blogger, Who is Mzansi Girl?

I’m Meruschka a.k.a Mzansigirl – African travel activist, experience seeker, and tourism thinker. I’m a passionate South African, obsessed with sharing everything awesome about my country, and continent, particularly anything related to travel or culture.

The travel bug bit when I discovered South Africa through countless road trips with my family. My first independent African travel experience was backpacking from Joburg to Malawi via Mozambique in 2003, after which I was hooked! I chose @Mzansigirl as my Twitter handle during the 2010 World Cup. Micro-blogging with Twitter allowed me to share my love for Africa with the world. I recently founded the #Afritravel hashtag on Twitter to help curate great African travel related content.

Mzansi never ceases to amaze me. Step just across our borders there is so much in amazing Africa to be explored, so many stories. Be ready to share the Mzansi love with me!

Mzansi Girl was selected by Open Africa to go on an epic ‘SECRET’ trip.

The best part about travel is the new experiences, it’s the unexpected moments, the ones that surprise you, open you up to seeing the world differently, that make the best memories. It’s adventure time! The destination is a secret. The only brief we were given was to do travel differently and travel with an open mind.

Open Africa is a social enterprise that aims to stimulate rural development by leveraging communities’ collective tourism assets. They do this by connecting remote areas with travel markets in a sustainable and innovative way.

I travelled to the mystery destination with my photographer friend Yann Macherez.

The destination - Kalahari Red Dune Route

This ancient and beautiful land is not only rich in diversity it reflects an endless variety of moods, making each new encounter refreshingly different from the previous ones. The Kalahari Red Dune Route extends north of Upington into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that forms and shares its borders with Namibia and Botswana, and is one of the largest conservation areas in the world.

The colour of the dunes in the southern Kalahari can be attributed to the high iron oxide content of the sand. In areas of higher rainfall and in shallow areas where water collects, the iron oxide is leached out, causing the sand ultimately to turn white. The gradual effect of the leaching transforms the desert into a wonderful variety of colours.

Besides the red dunes, some of the most obvious features of the Kalahari landscape are the nests of the sociable weaver birds. The colonies have up to 50 chambers housing, as many as, 300 birds.

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Travel Africa

l r i g i s n a z M

Destination

In the Kalahari daytime temperatures can be extremely high and in winter, night-time temperatures can drop below zero. The days are usually warm and pleasant; thunderstorms are common during the rainy season between November and April.

Reasons to visit

The Kalahari Red Dune Route showcases the Kalahari through a wide range of activities including desert walks, dune-boarding, 4x4 trailing, game drives, guided walks, birding expeditions and other eco-inclined activities for nature-lovers. For visitors attuned to culture and history, the Kalahari Red Dune Route offers the opportunity to experience regional customs and folklore, sample traditional cuisine, and meet the warm and welcoming people of the Kalahari. Accommodation options are as diverse as the landscape, and vary from camping to homely bed and breakfasts to luxury lodges.

The People

The Khomani San are descended from several original San groups, including the Ngu (close relatives of the Xam, who lived south of the Gariep River, the Khomani and others whose names are now lost to us. Most San of this bloodline now speak Khoekhoegowap and/or Afrikaans as their primary language. There are believed to be only seven of the original 23 confirmed speakers of the ancient Ngu language, constituting an important component of the few surviving aboriginal South African San. Approximately 1 500 adults are spread over an area of more than 1 000 square kilometres in the Northern Cape Province.

The Experience

The tour took us into the Heart of Kgalagadi to !Xaus Lodge , which is part of The Kalahari Red Dune Route, a rural tourism route developed by tourism NGO @open_africa.

The lodge is community-owned and employs people from the local Khomani San and Mier communities. I met Habu, he is 19 and goes to veldskool (bush school), where he learns ancient bush craft from the elders. He learns how to be self-sufficient in the bush, and how to make handicrafts like the San bushmen have been doing for centuries. Sadly many of these ancient traditions are being lost, Habu has a cellphone and aspires to be like any young man, but understands the importance of his heritage.

We visited the Living Museum and met Ouche and Barbara, Ouche took us for a bushwalk where we learnt about medicinal plants, how bushman found water, and hunted with small poison arrows, he also showed us the tracks and droppings. Barbara demonstrated traditional bead-making techniques to us, she runs Boesmansrus Grass Huts. We visited a crafters village set up by the Lodge, where they employ local San crafters from the neighbouring Khomani and Meir communities. These young men go to veldskool to learn to preserve their cultural heritage, as a lot of it has been lost. Habu tried to teach me to shoot a bow, not as easy as it looks. We went on a morning walk with Koos Visser and he read the Kalahari news - analysing the spoor of animals and insects that had crossed the dunes - fascinating the stories the dunes can tell. A special treat was Spotting two cheetahs cross the pan. I love the wide open landscapes of the Kalahari, we found a spot high on the red sand dunes overlooking one of the salt pans, as the sun set over the red dunes, the moon was rising on the other side of the horizon. Koos asked us to be quiet for a few minutes, and to touch the red Kalahari sand. Legend has it that if you touch the red sand, you’ll definitely come back, it was a spiritual moment for me.

#OpenAfrica •

@Mzansigirl &

Photographs Courtesy of Yann Macherez

@YannMacherez.

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Travel South Africa – Special Feature

DAKTARI Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage Ingrid Geertsema spent 2 days at the DAKTARI Bush School to find out more about this worthy cause!

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Travel South Africa – Special Feature

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meerkat that inevitably started to bite. A mongoose that turned out to be not such a great pet. A Verraux Eagle whose wing had to be amputated because it flew into a power line. A blind donkey found aimlessly wandering around Phalaborwa. The list goes on. All the animals at DAKTARI have a story to tell, their fates sealed by human ignorance and relentless encroachment, and then altered by human kindness. Some will live out their days in captivity but many of DAKTARI’s animals have been rehabilitated and returned to the wild. All the animals, whether they stay or are prepared to be released, are part of a unique educational system that helps teach rural children about the importance of respect and kindness to animals and the conservation of our planet. Small successes perhaps on the scale of the damage being done by people to our planet, but at DAKTARI I became convinced that without these small successes we would all be lost, if not doomed. DAKTARI inspired me to feel hope, and what is more important than hope?

The mission of DAKTARI is to educate and inspire underprivileged children to care for their environment through the medium of a wildlife orphanage. The concept of DAKTARI was registered in 2002 and after selling everything they owned to pursue their lifelong dream, Ian and Michèle Merrifield opened the doors of DAKTARI on a private property just outside of Hoedspruit in January 2006. Surrounded by Big Five reserves, rural villages and three big towns, they were perfectly situated, but the process of convincing rural schools to send their children and international volunteers to pay to come and work took time and patience, and for many years they struggled to make ends meet. Now, nine years later, they have a team of one full-time employed South African, four dedicated long-term volunteers and several short-term volunteers. Together they take care of the animals and the children as well as the running and marketing of the project.

The long-term volunteers are required to stay for a minimum of twelve months and their living expenses are covered. Their responsibilities include marketing, fund-raising, coordinating the volunteers and managing DAKTARI’s Outreach Program. Shortterm volunteers pay for food and board and stay for a minimum

of one week, which is the length of stay for the children as well. All the volunteers work with the children from Monday to Friday and over the weekends they rest, prepare for the new group to arrive and take care of the animals.

Every Monday morning a group of eight children (grade 8, age 13-16 in rural communities) are collected from one of the local schools with whom DAKTARI has established a relationship. At rural schools the children are taught in sparsely furnished classrooms with sometimes 50 + students, leaving little room for personal attention and guidance. At DAKTARI they aim to give each child one-on-one tutoring, one volunteer for each child, enhancing trust, understanding and accountability. The parents of the children pay a symbolic fee of R20 per child towards the housing, meals and education they will receive for a period of five days.

Most of the children have only ever seen domestic livestock, cats, dogs and donkeys, and so you can imagine their surprise upon being introduced to animals such as a meerkat, a Giant Eagle Owl or a Rock Hyrax. Simultaneously, their relationship with the animals in their villages hardly ever has an emotional aspect, this so interestingly reflected in the word ‘nyama’, the word that means both ‘meat’ and ‘animal’ in all Nguni languages. So when they come to DAKTARI and are taught that all animals deserve our kindness and respect, you can only imagine their confusion.

Throughout the five days they spend at DAKTARI they learn to care for the animals, to clean their cages and feed them. Every morning they walk the dogs and in the afternoon they go for a swim in the pool. They are taken on a Big Five game drive and given extra classes in English, maths, environmental job opportunities, life skills and important social issues like drugs, alcohol and safe sex. Through work and play they are given the opportunity to improve, discover, learn and become passionate about wildlife and its conservation, which is ultimately their heritage.

To bring rural children and orphaned or injured animals together is a brilliant concept. It is a WIN-WIN situation that will hopefully invoke more passion and compassion for animals both wild and domesticated, and create more awareness of their role in their conservation.

DAKTARI is a non-profit organisation and although its dedicated people will never become rich, when you walk through their gates their great sense of passion and love for the animals and the children envelopes you. And next to hope, there is nothing more important than love!

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Giveaways

Win

an “Old Fashioned”

Valentines Hamper through Christian Art Books

Tell us who wrote the screenplay that the books are based upon?

Email your Name, Physical Address and Answer to justine@teamofprofessionals.co.za to be entered into the draw.

The Selfie Stick phenomenon is taking the world by storm, now

can

5 lucky readers

WIN A SELFIE STICK

Selfie Stick is used for taking Selfie photos without extending your own arm or asking a stranger to take the photo for you. Great for taking Selfie Photo’s while travelling, concerts, hiking, group photos, and many more applications. There a various options: For phones that have a Bluetooth remote; Bluetooth built into the stick, and the latest version has a cable that plugs directly into your headphone socket – so no losing remotes, no charging battery, for iPhone, Samsung and other smart phones.

Selfie Stick SA • info@selfiesticksa.co.za • 071 194 8561 • Retail Price: R299 incl vat

Email your Name and Physical Address to

justine@teamofprofessionals.co.za to be entered into the draw.

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Valentine’s Events

VALENTINE’S UNDER THE STARS ‘TOP GUN’ LIGHTS UP THE SCREEN AT THE HOPE @ PAUL CLUVER AMPHITHEATRE Watching a film in a forest theatre is not something a lot of Valentine’s sweethearts will be expecting this Valentine’s Day, but romantics who want to surprise their partners with an extraordinary experience need do no more than buy their tickets and pack their picnic.

Set in beautiful Elgin, the Hope @ Paul Cluver Amphitheatre will be screening old-school classic ‘Top Gun’ this Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14 February. With tickets at a mere R100 each, it’s a date that won’t break the budget either.

Picnicking at Hope @ Paul Cluver. Image courtesy of David Morris.

Spreading the love a little further - the proceeds of all Hope Festival events go to the Thembalitsha Foundation; an organisation that supports and rehabilitates some of the most vulnerable and desperate people in our society. The organisation is very active in the Grabouw area - as well as across Cape Town.

The Hope Festival series is a programme of live music, theatre and cinema held on the Paul Cluver Estate. The programme kicked off in November and will run until the end of March.

Gates for Top Gun open at 18h00 and the show starts at 19h30.

The event is supported by The Department of Arts of Culture, Business Arts South Africa and Appletiser. Bookings can be made through Computicket: www.computicket.com.

Love is in the air this February...

At the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa

Thinking of ways to celebrate the month of love with your belle or beau? Say ‘Be my Valentine’ in style this Valentine’s Day and treat your loved one to a romantic evening at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Cape Town, Pepperclub Hotel & Spa invites couples to enjoy the lavish - Love is in the Air - dinner and movie package on Saturday, 14 February 2015. The package includes entry to an exclusive champagne tasting in the hotel’s chic Paparazzi Bar & Lounge, courtesy of G.H. Mumm, where guests will have the opportunity to sample the world class French champagne known for its elegant and vintage flavours.Couples will then enjoy a mouth-watering three course dinner at the hotel’s continental style cuisine restaurant, Sinatra’s, which includes an appetising chicken and avocado salad for starters, an option between grilled line fish with local half shell mussels or a tender sirloin steak with a rocket and parmesan salad for main course, and a decadent triple chocolate terrine, served with fresh berries, for dessert.

Each couple will also receive a bottle of red or white wine with their meal. Following dinner, couples will be escorted to the hotel’s retro 60s style, state-of-the-art Odeon cinema for a private screening of the romantic movie, P.S. I love you. Complimentary popcorn and cocktails will be served to guests to enjoy during the movie. Love birds looking to extend their celebrations on Valentine’s Day can take advantage of a special rate of R 1 600.00 for Deluxe Studio suite, inclusive of breakfast at Sinatra’s restaurant. (Valid only for the night of Saturday, 14 February 2015). Couples who purchase the dinner and movie package will also automatically be entered into an exclusive competition, which will see the lucky pair win one night’s accommodation at the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, valued at R 3 500.00, inclusive of breakfast at Sinatra’s restaurant. The prize also includes a bottle of G.H. Mumm champagne for you and your partner to enjoy during your stay at the hotel.

Valentine’s Day dinner & a movie package: R 600.00 per couple This package includes access to an exclusive G.H. Mumm champagne tasting, three course dinner at Sinatra’s restaurant, a bottle of red or white wine and a movie at the luxury Odeon cinema, inclusive of popcorn and cocktail.

The G.H. Mumm Champagne tasting will commence from 18h30, dinner will be served from 19h00 and the movie will be screened at 21h00 on Saturday, 14 February 2015.

To book contact 021 812 8888 or email us on Travelmagsa • Issue 17 banqueting@pepperclub.co.za

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Art

n

G

r le al

y:

rna Ma

H

gh attin

Art Fair T

he third edition of Cape Town Art Fair will feature work presented

by prominent Italian, Pan African, South African and a variety of

other top international galleries. Apart from the sensational works

on display, visitors may also look forward to a series of talks held by

Er d

m an

Cape Town

the likes of renowned curator and Director of Performa, RoseLee Goldberg, and artist, critic and writer, Sue Williams.

Matthew Blackman, the current Director of the Association for Visual Arts and editor of ArtThrob, is curating the Cape Town Art Fair talks programme. Some of the topics include: ComicArtAfrica: comics and the rise of comic art in South Africa and Africa; photography and film; and networking, transformation and opportunities for young people in Africa brought to you by Art South Africa.

The V&A Waterfront will be transformed by art installations in public spaces presented to visitors by Cape Town Art fair.

This is to be curated by Vulindlela Nyoni, a lecturer in Fine Art at Stellenbosch University. The Cape Town Art Fair takes place in the Avenue (situated between the One & Only Hotel and The Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town) from Thursday 26 February until Sunday 01 March 2015.

Circle Gallery: Michael Soi

Circle Gallery: Anthony O’Kello

Brundyn Gallery: Pamela Sunstrum

to the Chavonnes Battery Museum which is situated in the Waterfront’s Clock Tower precinct.

Beyond the Art Avenue itself, The Cape Town Art Fair is also connecting its visitors with participating galleries in Woodstock and the CBD. Don’t forget to join museum night (Thursday 26 February), in collaboration with Iziko Museum of South Africa, after the fair closes. There will be notable exhibitions in and around the Company’s Garden, where visitors may experience work by the likes of: William Kentridge’s “The Refusal of Time”, Penny Siopis’s “Retrospective”, Sue Williamson’s installation “Rembrandt in South Africa”, and the 50th edition of the World Wildlife Photographer. Visitors may make use of the available shuttle busses for transportation.

www.capetownartfair.co.za 14

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

Brundyn Gallery: Mohau Modisakeng

A new art route – called the Art Avenue - extends from the Avenue, through the North Wharf, where galleries will be exhibiting, right up

Theatre

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE!

BRINGS ONE COLOSSAL PARTY ON ICE TO SOUTH AFRICA All-New Production Showcases A Magical Medley of Holidays and Celebrations with more than 50 popular Disney characters!

Showtime

Management

and

Feld

Entertainment invite families to turn the chilly 2015 winter school holidays into an extraordinary outing at its new ice extravaganza, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Featuring more than 50 classic and contemporary Disney characters in a captivating compilation of favourite holidays and celebrations from around the globe. Audiences will experience the ultimate celebration of celebrations as they join Mickey Mouse and friends on a delightful tour of festivities jam-packed with fun surprises, spectacular skating and vibrant costumes. The production’s original storyline transports audiences to exciting events with their favourite Disney characters, including a Valentine’s Day Royal Ball with Disney Princesses, including Tiana, Cinderella and Ariel; a Very Merry UnBirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Jack Skellington’s frightfully festive Halloween party with the Disney Villains; and a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch.

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate opens on Friday, 26 June 2015 at the The Dome, Johannesburg and runs until Sunday, 05 July 2015. “New seating at this venue, especially installed for Let’s Celebrate ensures that Disney on Ice fans of all ages have a clear view of the ice and the wonderful characters,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. Floor seats have been removed and the new configuration is made up of raked seating only to make Let’s Celebrate a wonderful experience for the whole family.

The production moves to the GrandWest Arena, Cape Town for 10 shows only from Wednesday, 8 July 2015 to Sunday, 12 July 2015. Tickets are on sale now at Computicket. Patrons are asked to please note that owing to safety regulations each person, irrespective of age must have a purchased ticket. “Come join your favourite Disney characters at the biggest fun filled party on ice – this winter it’s time for kids and families to celebrate the enchanting world of Disney.” says Feldman.

With a contemporary flair and eclectic mixture of creative elements, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! is an incredible party that will inspire families to celebrate year round.

Book now at Computicket by calling Travelmagsa • Issue 17 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com 15

Book Reviews ‘Things ewe never Kn’ewe about South African place names’

MapStudio’s new book, Things ewe never Kn’ewe about South African place names is a humorous look at the origins, mysteries and folklore surrounding some odd place names in South Africa, written by well-known author and artist Ann Gadd. Historians and local inhabitants may sometimes disagree as to the origins of certain place names. This has arisen partly because various groups of people gave different names to the same place, or because the meaning changed through mistranslations, variations in spelling sometimes occurred, people at the time were often only barely literate if literate at all, or place names were, over time, condensed into one word, which could change the original meaning considerably. In time, fiction becomes fact and only considerable delving lets an older truth emerge. As a result, the examination of place name origins is seldom an exact science and various bits of research can result in different opinions. From Pearston to Pofadder, Klein Mier Nommer Een to Knapdaar, each place has a fascinating story to tell about the name origin, overlaid with Ann’s irrepressible humour and quirky sheep illustrations. This book has been written with loads of humour and is the ideal gift for family and friends.

Price: R220 / ISBN: 978-1-77026-646-9

Road Tripping Namibia

Road Tripping Namibia will take you on an iconic journey through this truly beautiful country. Namibia is a land of contrasts with miles of beautiful rolling sand dunes as well as breath-taking landscapes, as well as diverse and bountiful bird and wildlife. The book covers 15 iconic road trips, all perfectly manageable in a normal sedan, showcasing the highlights of Namibia together with great overview maps and stunning photographs. Routes include: Namib Route, Diamond Towns and Wild Horses, Adventure Route, Ai/Ai5 Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Kalahari Route, Windhoek Passes, Floral Route, ‘Twitching’ Namibia – A Birder’s Paradise, Kavango and Zambezi, Cultural Route, Kunene and the Four ‘O’s, Wildlife Route, Rocks and Rock Art, Damaraland and the Kaokoveld, Skeleton Coast – An Angler’s Paradise. For each route you can map your driving distance, see the driving time, look at the highlights, check the driving conditions, child-friendly ratings, logistics, low-slung vehicle ratings, emergency numbers and see the author’s tips as well as when best times are to visit the area. This book is a must-have for any adventure traveller or tourist wanting to experience the back roads throughout Namibia. With Road Tripping Namibia travelling in Namibia becomes a journey of adventure and discovery, so hop into your car and explore Namibia as you never have before. Price: R295 / ISBN: 978-1-77026-641-4

God’s Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions

How can I … cope with stress? Rebound from failure? Defeat depression? Have peace of mind? Life’s difficult questions have answers. Answers from the Bible that can change your outlook and your life. Rick Warren writes, “In each of these studies, you will discover simple ways to apply God’s truth to your personal life, your family, and your job. The way to get the most out of this book is to act on it.” Rick Warren takes you inside the Scriptures to see what they reveal about twelve of the most pressing questions people ask. They are questions you yourself either have asked or most likely will ask. This book provides simple, straightforward answers you can begin to apply right away to move past your worst sticking points and enjoy a life of purpose, peace, and significance. The Bible is filled with examples of real people who faced the same dilemmas we all face today: How to handle discouragement. How to respond to crises. Why bad things happen. What to do about loneliness. Taking you inside the lives of biblical characters such as Moses, Paul, and Jesus himself, Rick Warren will show you how to handle your circumstances with wisdom and faith in God. From their stories you’ll gain a few concrete, easy-to-understand insights that will help you move past y Author: Rick Warren (ISBN: 9780310340768)our worst sticking points and enjoy a life of purpose, peace, and significancestarting today. Author: Rick Warren / ISBN: 9780310340751

God’s Power to Change Your Life

What does it take to…Become more loving? Live more peacefully? Develop patience? Have self-control?

“In the years I have been a pastor,” writes Rick Warren, “the number-one question I’m asked is, ‘Rick, why can’t I change?’” People want to change—but they’re stuck. Do you want to get unstuck? Here’s how.

Drawing simple but powerful truths from the Bible, this book gives you practical guidance for specific types of change, and it links you up with the power to actually make the changes you long to make. As you apply the truth of God’s Word by the power of his Spirit, your life will change. You’ll move out of your rut—and get on track with God’s wonderful purposes for your life.

Author: Rick Warren / ISBN: 9780310340768

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17

MUSIC / DVD’s LUKEWARM

UNCOMMON

ISBN: 9781432122171

ISBN: 9781432122188

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER

Luke Rogers (Jeremy Jones, Decision) started out on the right path, but when his dad (John Schneider, What Would Jesus Do?) walked out when Luke was just a boy, his world came crashing down.

Now working as a bartender to make ends meet, Luke is slowly losing his way. Between the enticements of the nightclub scene and a reluctance to fully commit to his devoted girlfriend (Nicole Gale Anderson, “Jonas”), Luke’s crisis of faith is coming to a head. Will he ultimately succumb to temptation or can he take control of his life and try to forge a new bond with his estranged father? Featuring a great cast including Jason Burkey (October Baby), Jenna von Oÿ (“Blossom”) and Bill Cobbs (The Ultimate Gift), and a universal message of hope, Lukewarm is an inspiring tale of faith, forgiveness and redemption.

Jesus combined diverse people and assorted stories to change the world!

Now, He wants to use you! When the students of Rosewood High School lose their theatre, music and dance departments due to budgets cuts, they create their own.

Struggling to find the right script, music & choreography the students get advice from an uncommon source; the Bible!

Each student becomes uniquely influenced as they discover that God takes them personally. Equipped with unique talents, they bond together to prepare the perfect production by exploring the diversity of parables taught in the Bible. Fighting overwhelming challenges, the teens fight against political correctness to defend their privilege to worship, meet and perform.

Will months of constant bullying by the establishment defeat the production and dismantle their faith? Armed with expert legal counsel and unexpected help from Christian music’s finest, these teens realise what it means to be…

UNCOMMON!

TEN COMMANDMENTS 2014 ISBN: D9781432121778

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER One biblical figure is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. His name is Moses (Dougray Scott, Arabian Nights), the man who rose in power to defend a people, to free them, and to live in history like no other…A time of danger approaches for the entire Kingdom. Danger from a child - a child who will become a Prince of Egypt. With the soothsayer’s dire prophecy, the Pharoah (Paul Rhys, From Hell) orders the slaughter of all newborn males.

But one child, born of Hebrew slave Amram (Louis Hilyer, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) and his wife Jochebed (Emmy nominee Lisa Jacobs, The Attic), is put in the care of others to ensure his own safety. As years pass, Moses is raised in a royal Egyptian household and, with no memory of his true family, rises to the stature of prince. Upon discovery of his heritage, and inspired by a fiery message from God, Moses implores his stepbrother Menerith (Emmy nominee Naveen Andrews, Lost), a high-ranking official in Ramses’ army, to join him on a fight to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people. But when Ramses rejects his demands, Moses issues the curse of a coming plague. From a swarming cloud of locusts to a river transformed in to a rushing stream of human blood to a downpour of frogs from the heavens, the prophesized scourge has been unleashed— Moses has taken the first step toward accomplishing his mission. Charting the dramatic story of the Hebrew leader—from his narrow escape from death to his leadership of the Hebrew people to the parting of the Red Sea, The Ten Commandments unfolds with all the spectacle, the violent human drama, and grand inspiration that has earned its stature as the greatest story ever told.

THE PERFECT SUMMER ISBN: 9781432122409

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER Sometimes you have to find the courage to make some waves.

In The Perfect Summer, fatherless teenager Jake (Adam Horner) was happy living in Chicago, until his mother (Sydney Penny) decided to uproot them to a small surfing town where her estranged father (Eric Roberts), Jake’s grandfather, lives.

The transition isn’t easy for anyone and it seems everywhere he goes, Jake manages to make enemies, including the town bully, Tyler (JD Banks), who doesn’t like the new interloper or his interest in young surfing prodigy, Kayla (Katie Garfield).

Stuck in the beach town with no friends and no knowledge of surfing, Jake has nowhere to turn until Cody (Jason Castro), the local surf shop owner, reveals that Jake’s grandfather is a surf legend. Tired of feeling like an outcast, Jake asks Lou to teach him about surfing.

Jake learns to face his fears, push through inhibitions and realises that winning the respect of his new peers and Katie’s heart might mean facing the biggest challenge of his life.

Travelmagsa • Issue 17

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Travelmagsa • Issue 17