TravelmagSA_Issue_18

18 01 April - 01 June 2015

ISSN 2220 – 413X

Swaziland’s Hidden Gems Enjoy a

Game of Golf this holiday

Rocking the

iSimangaliso

Wetland Park

What’s Happening Where to go, What to do!

B.T.D.T Been. There. Done. That

Theatre, Books and more...

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

Read online for FREE

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

Eve Marshall - Winner of Advanced Wide Angle Category, iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Shootout 2014

Travel News

EMAIL: info@idube.com

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info@lukimbi.com

WEBSITE: Lukimbi Safari Lodge: www.lukimbi.com • Idube Game Reserve: www Tel: +27 11 792 6165

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Fax: +27 11 792 5026

Travelmagsa • Issue 18Northcliff, 2617, 2P.O.Box

2115, South Africa

w.idube.com Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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From the Contents Editor

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.

Idube Game Reserve

INSIDE FRONT COVER

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

This holiday I challenge you to train your brain. While eating right and getting regular exercise are great, the brain also requires demanding cognitive activities, to keep it operating at its peak. Believe it or not, Travel - Anywhere, is right up there with doing crossword puzzles , playing cards, joining a book club, reading magazines and attending lectures. Seeing the holidays are upon us I definitely suggest, absolutely NO lectures, MUCH travel, and your digital copy of TravelmagSA Magazine.

Columnist: Sarah Tringham info@teamofprofessionals.co.za 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 18th 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 18th edition.

Download the ISSUU app on your phone.

This month we take you to Swaziland, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, encourage you to play a Game of Golf, and to visit some of the stunning venues and locations in our new and exciting Travel News section, South Africa has so much to offer, we really are spoiled for choice.

On The Cover:

Whether you stay at home and visit some local spots or travel locally or abroad, we would love to hear from you. Email me on justine@teamofprofessionals.co.za

Fairtrade Fortnight The Power of You

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Travel SA Rocking the ISimangaliso Wetland Park

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Golf Enjoy a Game of Golf this Holiday

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Travel Africa Swaziland’s Hidden Gems

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B.T.D.T Been There Done That

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Travel News What’s happening, Where to go, What to do

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Swaziland’s Hidden Gems Enjoy a

Game of Golf this holiday

Rocking the

iSimangaliso

Wetland Park

What’s Happening Where to go, What to do!

B.T.D.T Been. There. Done. That

Theatre, Books and more...

Eve Marshall - Winner of Advanced Wide Angle Category, iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Shootout 2014

Travel News

Read online for FREE

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

Courtesy of ISimangaliso Wetland Park

Welcome to our new B.T.D.T Columnist Sarah Tringham , you can email her on info@teamofprofessionals.co.za, if you know of somewhere that we absolutely have to talk about and if you want to share your story!

Theatre 16

Wishing you a blessed and Happy Easter.

GreenPOP

Love Justine

www.teamofprofessionals.co.za for latest News, Articles and Posts.

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@Travelmagsa and Like us on

/Justine Engelbrecht • Travelmagsa • Issue 18

INSIDE BACK COVER

Compost Creations Competition

BACK COVER

‘I am the resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’ - John 11:25-26

Read our Travel Blog: Follow us on

Books / CD’s

/Travelmagsa

/Eva Govender

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

Eva Govender Advertising & Art Director

ISSN 2220 – 413X

Justine Engelbrecht Director & Editor

01 April - 01 June 2015

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT: THE POWER OF YOU 30 March - 12 April 2015

Our annual premier campaign is back in a fresh, uncut edition! FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT will run over Easter from 30 March to 12 April 2015 with the theme THE POWER OF YOU. The campaign aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and decision-makers to activate the immense power they have to change the world by simply purchasing Fairtrade products.

WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2015 PICK N PAY FAIRTRADE PROMOTION Buy a Fairtrade labelled product at any Pick n Pay nationwide and earn double points on your SmartShopper card! This promotion is valid for the duration of the campaign.

FACEBOOK COMPETITION: SNAP A SELFIE AND WIN! Snap a fun superhero selfie with your favourite Fairtrade product and post in on our Facebook page! The Top 10 pictures will be entered into a draw to win: (1) a Fairtrade weekend away for 2 in Cape Town with a master Fairtrade wine tasting, (2) a hamper bursting with delicious Fairtrade products, and (3) the opportunity to be featured in THE POWER OF YOU video! #THEPOWEROFYOU Follow the hashtag #thepowerofyou and utilise this pre-loaded tweet to invite your friends and followers to use their power to change the world JOIN US AT TASTE OF CAPE TOWN Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 will end with a bang at the Taste of Cape Town, which takes place from 10-12 April at the Green Point Cricket Club. Come taste a wide range of Fairtrade products and learn about the impact of Fairtrade directly from the producers.

TODAY YOU HAVE THE POWER TO: SEEK JUSTICE WITH A CHOCOLATE BAR By choosing a bar of Fairtrade chocolate you have the power to fight child labour in cocoa farms in West Africa. Fairtrade chocolate is available at all leading retailers RIGHT WRONGS WITH A GLASS OF WINE By choosing Fairtrade wine you have the power to increase the opportunities for farm workers and their kids in the Cape Winelands.

For the widest range of Fairtrade wines visit your nearest Pick n Pay. Fairtrade wines are also available at all good liquor stores (and restaurants!).

CHANGE THE WORLD ON YOUR COFFEE BREAK By choosing Fairtrade coffee, you have the power to incentivise smallscale farmers in Africa in improving the quality of their coffee and in using the land sustainably. Fairtrade coffees are becoming everpopular and are increasingly available at leading retailers, coffee shops, restaurants...basically everywhere where coffee is taken seriously!

CHANGE THE WORLD ON YOUR TEA BREAK By choosing Fairtrade tea you have the power to support small-scale rooibos farmers in South Africa earn a better price for their tea and thus create a better life for themselves and their communities.

SWEETEN BITTER TRADE ON YOUR WAY TO GYM By choosing a Fairtrade energy drink, you have the power to provide small-scale sugarcane farmers in rural areas with better farming knowledge and equipment. From petrol stations to supermarkets, Scheckter’s is available across Mzansi.

For more information about Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.za

Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Travel South Africa

Rocking the

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

T

he iSimangaliso Wetland Park world heritage site is better known for its natural beauty and sights than its alter-ego action persona – but don’t let that fool you for a moment. For in this 332000ha terrestrial and marine wildscape, there are a fair number of ways to get yourself wet, dirty or just plain thrilled.

Bring (or rent) a bike and hit a few of the self-guided trails like the Igwalagwala Trail on the banks of the Lake St Lucia Estuary, the Game Park area of the Eastern Shores or the rare sand forest and lake edge of the False Bay section. They’re scenic, off-road and just a bit challenging. Consider them a warm-up for the real event: the multi-stage, 280km, bucket-list iSimangaliso MTB 4 Day each August. Of course these trails can be run as well – and if your preference is an organised event, then the iSimangaliso St

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

Lucia Half Marathon and Fun Run in May is the event to aim for.

Since walking in the presence of the ‘Big 5’ seems to tick most people’s boxes for fear factor, it’s good news that the uMkhuze section of the Park promises just that. With an armed ranger leading the way, you can get out of your comfort zone on a walking trail to the Fig Forest and aerial canopy board walk. You can even do short walks in other sections of the Park by yourself, like the 600m long path to the uMthoma aerial boardwalk in the Western Shores (no lions here but plenty of ellies). Or book a guided wilderness trail, spending nights out in the wild open with nothing between you and the stars but a thin sleeping bag.

Due to the presence of South Africa’s greatest concentration of hippos (around 800) and crocodiles (1200 and counting) in the Lake St Lucia system, swimming is prohibited there; however

Travel South Africa

you CAN get within a few metres of these beasties on a kayak, under the watchful eye of a guide. They’re a lot bigger up close.

If you HAVE to get your thrills under the water, then scuba diving is just the ticket. At Sodwana Bay, Thonga Beach Lodge or Rocktail Beach Camp, licensed operators take groups onto pristine reefs teeming with tropical species and even the odd Ragged-tooth shark, whale shark or turtle. Or just grab a snorkel and mask, and take a day trip to one of many small bays along the coast like Mabibi, Dog Point, Black Rock, Lala Nek, Kosi Bay mouth, Cape Vidal or Perriers Rocks. (There are whales out there too but these are probably best viewed from the confines of a boat between June and November).

If you’re handy with a camera, a perfect time to test the waters is during the annual iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Shootout pho-

tographic competition – what a bonus if you also bag one of the fantastic prizes while having fun on the reefs!

The mile-long golden beaches and warm ocean are perfect for surfing, body boarding, jet skiing and paddling – bring your own equipment - particularly at St Lucia, Sodwana Bay and Cape Vidal. Super-fit action types tackle cycling or marathon walks along the beach between some of the Park’s key resorts, under special permit. This is not for the faint-hearted. It’s far easier and more leisurely to ride a horse, which you can do through St Lucia-based Bhangazi Horse Safaris, either on the beach or game park area, or along the shores and forests of False Bay with Hluhluwe Horse Safaris. There’s a load more to do and all it takes is a bit of net-surfing on www.isimangaliso.com to choose your thrills in the untamed north.

Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Golf

Enjoy a Game of G

T

here is much enthusiasm around Golf, and it can be combined perfectly with South Africa’s diverse offerings.

Whether you are a local traveller wanting to get away for a business trip, or a golf trip, and want to play a few courses over a few days, or whether you are travelling with the family, and want to incorporate a game or two of Golf. Self-catering or hotel on a golf resort, there are solutions that can accommodate everyone.

If you are looking to play golf in South Africa and prefer to book a tour, one or two weeks then Golf in South Africa offers some awesome options in Cape Town and the Winelands, enjoy three

Rounds at De Zalze, Stellenbosch & Devonvale. For Golf along the Garden Route click here for the Best of the Western Cape, this exciting package includes Klein Zalze, Arabella, Fancourt, Simola and Pezula.

Fancourt is the #1 golf destination in South Africa for both local and international travellers and you can stay and play at Fancourt from R950pps. Fancourt has three courses on one estate, a hotel, three restaurants, an award winning spa and massive child facilities. The Links golf course is rated #1 in SA with Montagu at #6.

Wild Coast Country Club

If you are looking for a week-end break then Golfing enthusiasts in the Cape can visit Hermanus and enjoy three Rounds at Hermanus, Arabella & Gansbaai.

Jozi golfers can go to Limpopo and the Lowveld, and for Jozi golfers and our Durbanites there are some fantastic options on both the North, two Rounds at Zimbali & Umhlali, and South Coast enjoy three Rounds at San Lameer, Southbroom and the Wild Coast Sun.

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Golf this Holiday

Golf

All these destinations have two – three night, week-end packages.

See Golf package specials.

As we are now entering the winter low season, golf prices become more reasonable, as do prices for accommodation and you can save up to R250 per person on a game.

Arabella

Combine your passion for Golf with a sojourn to the bushveld this winter holiday, there are some incredible destinations to consider where the family can have loads of fun, the game viewing is more prolific and malaria is less of a risk, combine game viewing, relaxation, spa, fun, food and Golf and it’s a winwin this holiday.

Golf in South Africa has some incredible competitions running that are well worth entering.

Click here www.golfinsouthafrica.com , follow us on

and

, for weekly last minute specials throughout SA

! g n fi l o G y p p a

H

Montagu

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Travel Africa

Swaziland’s

Hidden Gems W

hether it is your first time in the Kingdom of Swaziland or not, the grand landscapes can always take your breath away. Although Swaziland is the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, the Kingdom more than makes up for its lack of size, with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.

Regardless of age or interest, Swaziland has an adventure that awaits you.

Visitors driving to Swaziland can use the Piggs Peak area in Hhohho Region as a rest stop, on route to the Kingdom’s capital. Nestled in the forests in a mountainous area, the Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve offer an array of accommodation such as cottages, luxury safari tents and beehive huts. Within the exqui-

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site and peaceful ambience, are waterfalls, small animals and birdlife, making this a nature lover’s paradise.

If it is natural wonders and adventure you seek, the Malalotja Falls are the highest in Swaziland, dropping over 100meters into a forested gorge, whilst the Great Usutu River is the largest in Swaziland and offers full day white water rafting and tubing. The highest mountain in Swaziland at 1863meters, is Embembe “place of the spider”, which lies on the western border and is one of the peaks of the granite range known as the uKhahlamba “the barrier”. Swaziland is also home to what is reputed to be the largest unbroken granite dome and the third largest rock in the world, Sibebe Rock. This spectacular natural feature is known for its

Travel Africa challenging hiking trails and is one of the steepest walks in the world. As summer is slowly fading away, an overnight Horse Cave Trail is something visitors need to strike off their bucket lists before the cold months creep in. The trail follows the slopes of Swaziland’s infamous ‘Rock of Execution’ and offers unparalleled views of the Kingdom. On arrival at the cave just before sunset, riders enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on the fire, with toasted marshmallows and a drop of sherry, while viewing rock art on the cave walls. Horseback is also one of the most unusual ways to experience Swaziland. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Kingdom’s Ezulwini Valley, ‘Valley of Heavens’, located between Mbabane and Manzini, offers guests the ultimate in undisturbed upclose game viewing on horseback.

animals. In addition, the museum also offers an excellent introduction to the way in which Swazi people have lived since prehistoric times. A chronological sequence of displays guides the visitor from the earliest hunter – gathers right through to their independence, with everything from beadwork to missionaries.

Just east of Lobamba, the countryside opens out into broad, cattle-cropped plains. At the end of a palm, sized avenue to the South is eLudzidzini where the Queen mother’s royal kraal sits among the clustered dwellings of the royal village.

Just four hours from South Africa by road, Swaziland provides the perfect getaway for individuals looking for a local holiday with a difference.

For those looking for an unforgettable cultural experience; Swaziland’s spiritual, cultural and political heart lies at Lobamba.

This area has been playing host to Swaziland’s royalty for over 200 years and is located where the nation gathers for the annual Incwala and Umhlanga ceremonies.

Swaziland’s national museum, known as Umsamo Wesive (Our Heritage) was built in 1972 and is located just behind parliament. Visitors to the museum will find several impressive dioramas illustrating Swaziland’s various habitats and mounted

Visit Swaziland!

A unique Kingdom in Southern Africa boasting beautiful scenery, wildlife and culture.

/MySwazilandSA •

#IloveSwaziland

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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B.T.D.T

Been.There. Done.That M

y love for food and travelling started when I was young, with parents who love to travel locally and internationally – each trip bringing new adventures, scents and tastes. The beginning of my Itchy feet syndrome.

Sarah Tringham

I studied to be a Chef , this was my key to unlocking the adventures that lay ahead of me and how it has changed me forever. B.T.D.T is a column to inspire and ignite your inner traveller with eventful pieces that inform and more…

Easter - A Time of New Life!

Every country celebrates this Easter month differently; Norway reads crime novels and watches crime series, while others eat pickled food in Sweden or fly kites in Bermuda ...started by a missionary many moons ago.

desserts and most certainly a few tricks up my chef’s jacket.

Easy, fun ideas that I know everyone will enjoy.

Easter traditions around the world can vary dramatically, and be celebrated either with a deep religious meaning, or just a family feast providing time to relax.

Create some fun memories of your own this month, whether it is to visit Acrobranch Jozi filled with obstacles, speeding down zip lines, camping under the stars in Cullinan or creating your own weekend traditions, this is the month to start.

FOOD is my tradition, it brings friends and family together to remember this month of new life. My Menu will definitely have Roast chicken stuffed with pork and walnuts, along with crunchy potatoes, glazed carrots, cream spinach and several

I am a huge believer in creating memories and some of my most memorable are not the fancy or the most comfortable trips, it’s the ones that challenged me and brought out a side of me I never knew I had.

Easter Recipe Easter Egg Marshmallow Croissants and Custard Pudding Not for the faint hearted!

6 croissants 6 Easter eggs or more if you fancy Slice the croissants in half and place a marshmallow egg or more inside of the croissants and close the croissants and place in the baking dish. Repeat until every croissant is stuffed nicely with the eggs and placed in the baking dish.

Time to do the custard that goes over....

For the Custard: 4 egg yolks only. Leave the egg whites to one side.

800ml of Milk 5 tbsp Sugar 5ml Vanilla essence Mix all the above ingredients until egg yolks are properly blended with the milk and pour over the croissants and bake for 30min on 180/200. Ideally served with cold whipped cream.

Optional: Whip the egg whites with 2tblsp sugar until stiff and

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

dollop evenly on top of the dish before baking, adds a little crunch on top.

B.T.D.T Life is a Story worth Telling After being in the hotel and restaurant industry for nine years, I have now leapt into my other passion, Exploring! Whether it is to a new place in South Africa or hopping on a plane to Rio, it’s all an adventure and exposing local and international treasures is a bonus.

Soul Kitchen I love this idea! A man with Fame and money doing something unheard of - Soul Kitchen, I realise is not about money, it’s about Food, Friends and Fun! And most importantly John Bon Jovi’s vision is to give back to the community. The menu is healthy and mostly organic along with the importance of celebrating the community.

This month we journey to Austria with Jade le Plastrier as she shares her

“Zell Am See – my experience of a lifetime” One of the best places that I have travelled to has to be Austria. I went to a town called Zell Am See with my family on a snow skiing trip. It was not the first time, and it will definitely not be the last! We went over Christmas which just added to the magical feeling of being somewhere that is covered in snow.

Being on the slopes is one of my favourite places to be in the world. The first day of skiing, you are always a little bit wobbly on your skis, but once you get the hang of it, it really starts getting fun.

The gondola ride up from the town to the slopes is breath-taking. It’s just white and patches of Fir trees as far as the eye can see. Once you get off the gondola at the top, you put your skis on and then get onto a chair lift, which is another experience entirely. You stand there and the chair sweeps you off your feet at quite a speed and once again you are dangling above the ground to get to a higher slope.

Lunch on the slopes is unlike anything I’ve done. You order some Goulash and of course a Gluwine and find a table that isn’t entirely covered in snow. Lunch on the slopes is quite fast, as there are constantly people coming in and it fills up at an alarming rate. Of course, you also want to get back on the snow as soon as possible.

Bum boarding is an activity that cannot be left out on a holiday like this! A bum board looks like an oddly shaped spade. It is very wide at the bottom, to accommodate your bottom, and there is a handle which you hold onto in between your legs. You sit down at the top of a small slope, grab on, lift your feet and slide all the way to the end of the slope. It is not controlled at all, you end up spinning around and going in all different directions, but that’s the part that makes it exciting!

Everything that I experienced in Austria was utterly life changing and given the opportunity, I would go back again and again. The snow, the people, the excitement and overall experience is something everyone should try at least once in their life.

Have a great Easter month with loads of fantastic food, friends and family creating memories together.

Don’t forget to explore and discover beautiful destinations that wish to delight and ignite your life!

Sarah x Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Travel News

What’s Happening Where to go What to do!

The Travel Industry is booming with activity and daily there are things trending, establishments receiving accolades, and venues enticing you to visit them, with offerings you simply cannot refuse. South Africa teems with amazing destinations, locations and venues, and organisations that will both encourage and assist you, in your discovery to enjoy our beautiful country.

Associations

Travel agency group Travel Counsellors and its 143 agents have officially joined the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) as members, substantially growing the level of professionalism and customer satisfaction within South Africa’s outbound travel industry. As one of the leading agencies in South Africa, Travel Counsellors comprises of travel professionals who have consultancy experience in the travel industry and supports home-based Travel Counsellors with such services as marketing, training, technology, and emergency contact and supplier deals, among others. Being an ASATA member helps guarantee that clients are offered expert travel guidance, personalised service and professional advice for ultimate travel satisfaction.

Airlines

EC Air Equatorial Congo Airlines have recently inaugurated two new flights to Bamako and Dakar just after they established daily flights from Brazzaville / Paris and Brazzaville/ Dubai, an expansion that will see this company grow from their Boeing 757200 to a Boeing 737700 sometime this year.

fastjet plc is pleased to announce that, as part of its plans to grow its footprint in Sub- Saharan Africa, it has received an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development of the Government of Zimbabwe responsible for administering the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). This is a significant step towards the Company obtaining an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and its plans to launch fastjet Zimbabwe in due course.

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

fastjet PLC

Food & Wine

WaterKloof vineyards recently celebrated a decade of fine wine making by Paul Boutinot, and wine maker Nadia Barnard.

His labour of love, passion, knowledge and dedication has paid off.

On the elevated, windswept slopes of the Schapenberg, where a natural amphitheatre of vineyards, mountains and uninterrupted views of False Bay, exude the fairest Cape’s natural beauty, was where Paul established Waterkloof and began making wine in 2005.

Waterkloof’s first harvest saw only three grape varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay harvested from 20 hectares of conventionally farmed vines that had been planted there since the mid-1990s. There was no cellar, so they had to haul the grapes to Paarl for vinification. Those vines, which were once planted in depleted, conventionally farmed soils, have slowly but surely been transformed, and ten years on, in their own gravitational cellar, Waterkloof vinify grapes from vines which thrive on a living, biodynamic farm. Today Waterkloof has 56 hectares under vineyards.

Waterkloof’s expertly designed, 500 ton cellar is both ultra-modern and geared for traditional winemaking practices such as

Waterkloof

Travel News new interiors, a smart black and white exterior, ample contemporary conferencing spaces, an extended golf offering, a busy new restaurant and a kiddies club.

open top, wooden fermenters for red wines; whole bunch pressing for white wines to guarantee gentle extraction, and the use of gravity to avoid excessive pumping. In pursuit of more individually styled wines, Waterkloof relies only on naturally present, wild yeasts during fermentation.

Waterkloof currently produces four wine collections: Its flagship Waterkloof range which comprises a Sauvignon Blanc that epitomises their decade-long goal of producing pure, inimitable and world-class wines; the Circle of Life Red and White duo which encapsulate the ultimate essence of Waterkloof’s terroir and farming philosophy; the elegantly expressive site specific Circumstance range and its Seriously Cool range, which features a seriously cool Cinsault and Chenin Blanc, hailing from some of the oldest vineyards in Stellenbosch.

Peninsula All-Suite Hotel

The River Club offers can accommodate catered functions ranging from board meetings and networking sessions, to conferences, banquets and celebrations. There is a 90 bay golf driving range, putting facilities and chipping green – as well as the ninehole, 27 par Mashie Course. River Rascals Club is a supervised indoor and outdoor play area where children of three and over are entertained, and the new Slug & Lettuce has brought generous portions of homely food and a laid-back café style look to the Club’s public restaurant.

At Granny Mouse County House & Spa, nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, one does not even have to venture off the property to feel the effects of relaxation and revival. Whether you spend the day taking in the magnificent gardens, walking along the Lion’s River, or being pampered in the Spa with its signature treatments, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa offers it all.

Granny Mouse

Known for the popular monthly Wine & Dine evenings, which combine world-class cuisine with some of Cape Town’s foremost wine estates, The Peninsula AllSuite Hotel will now offer a Three Course Carvery Buffet every Thursday at R165 per person.

The Three Course Carvery Buffet will be a mixture of home-cooked, comforting meals and refreshing culinary twists on old favourites. Offering meats of all varieties, classic rice and potato side-dishes, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, this buffet is sure to make you feel at home in the subtle elegance and understated style of The Peninsula.

Internationally acclaimed and ideally situated on Cape Town’s Platinum Mile, The Peninsula is home to visitors from around the globe. Guest enjoy the convenience of being a short drive from the excitement of Cape Town’s City Centre, the spectacular wine routes, beautiful beaches and the famous botanical gardens.

Once something of a grand lady, the historic River Club in Observatory, Cape Town had, in recent years, fallen into decay. Now under new ownership, the sizeable property encompasses fresh

River Club

If you are looking for a taste extravaganza, Granny Mouse boasts an award winning food and wine offering guaranteed to wow even the harshest critic. Spoil yourself with a fine dining experience in the Eaves Restaurant, or if a more relaxed setting is your style, then enjoy the bustling Bistro. With so much on offer just in one place, it’s hard not to be lured back to the Midlands time and time again, as Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is your home away from home.

Awards

World Travel Awards

Pepperclub Hotel and Spa the reigning

Paparazzi Bar & Lounge - Pepperclub Hotel & Spa

title holder of the 2013 and 2014 Africa’s Leading City Hotel award, and a 2014 nominee for Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences award, has once again been nominated in the same categories. This year also sees the hotel’s luxurious 20th floor Penthouse nominated in the South Africa’s Leading Hotel Suite category.

Pepperclub Hotel & Spa has been nominated alongside three other South African hotels for the title of Africa’s Leading City Hotel,

Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Travel News namely Hilton Durban, Sandton Sun and The Michaelangelo, and alongside the Taj Cape Town and Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa for the Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences 2015 category.

To Vote Click here. Voting closes on 26 April 2015.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel situated in the heart of green

ness of the impacts of tourism or looking at the benefits to local people and destinations.

The TravelGround Awards recognise the most outstanding establishments in various towns, cities, and tourism regions in South Africa. These establishments offer quality customer service to all of their guests and consistently receive excellent customer feedback. The 100 awards cover a range of popular tourism regions, cities, and smaller towns in South Africa. The winners were selected from establishments listed on the TravelGround platform based on consistently excellent feedback and high quality reviews from guests during the previous year. TGCSA grading’s and facilities offered were not major considerations, meaning that all establishments that deliver service excellence were considered.

point close to the V&A waterfront and Cape Town’s CBD and it is in the running for this year’s London Based 22nd annual World Travel Awards. The Cape Town based Cape Royale Luxury Hotel is an all-suite (one, two and three bedroom) Parisian-style hotel based in the bustling and cosmopolitan heart of Green Point, just a stone’s throw from the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town’s CBD. Each designer suite Cape Royale Foyer features contemporary décor, luxurious fabrics, fine textures and carefully selected artwork to create an ambiance of elegance and understated opulence. Home to the renowned Banting Kitchen restaurant, as well as a plethora of other dining options, the hotel is a culinary hot spot on the green mile. The 9th floor Penthouse Villas and pool top VIP Sky Bar boasts unobstructed vistas, ideal for those seeking the perfect sunset sanctuary.

Dreaming of staying in a Castle then look no further - First Car Rental’s recognised as one of the top car rental companies in the country having been selected, for the fourth consecutive year, as one of South Africa’s Top 500 Best Managed Companies, and they shared with us some enchanting Castle escapes.

This year’s World Travel Award nominations include: Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences, South Africa’s Leading Hotel, South Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences. Those who feel passionately about the Cape Royale Hotel are encouraged to vote. Voting is now open online at

The Conrad Pezula Castle in Knysna is on the exquisite Noetzie Beach, definitely one of the most romantic places to visit.

Guests can also enjoy horse riding, hiking and nature trails in Pezula’s ancient indigenous forest and canoeing on the tranquil Noetzie River.

www.worldtravelawards.com/vote World Responsible Tourism Awards Tourism businesses and organisations around the world are now being invited to submit themselves for consideration in the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 at WTM London this November.

The prestigious awards scheme, co-founded and organised by Responsible Travel, is part of World Travel Market’s World Responsible Tourism Day – the largest day of responsible tourism action in the world – which takes place on Wednesday 4 November and celebrates the most inspiring and innovative examples of responsible tourism in practice globally.

Tourism businesses, organisations, initiatives and destinations across the industry are now being invited to submit themselves for consideration in the 2015 awards on this link on Monday 6th April 2015.

This year, Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is proud to be sponsoring the category for the Best Responsible Tourism Blog, a new category celebrating a blog that encourages and inspires travellers to holiday responsibly. The category is seeking examples of writing that showcase how responsible tourism makes better, more enjoyable holiday experiences. This can also include raising aware-

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18

TravelGround Awards 2015 Winners

Castles

You don’t have to kiss a frog to stay in the Camelot Castle in Hillcrest, if a Renaissance wedding is something you have dreamed of, the Camelot Castle has a beautiful stone chapel, honeymoon suites and a medieval-style dining hall perfect for the after-wedding feast.

Castle in Clarens is dubbed Rapunzel’s Tower by the locals, and it is a charming fairy tale castle situated in the heart of the Maluti Mountains. The castle isn’t huge or extravagant, but it’s fantastic in every sense. The castle has two bedrooms complete Castle in Clarens

Travel News with life-size murals, Parisian carpets and silk curtains and the garden is especially designed to fit in with the Rapunzel fairy tale.

Thorns trees, small pathways and a vegetable garden with the famous Rampion plant create a truly enchanting ambience.

friends keen for a taste of luxury living at the hottest address in Cape Town. May is the month to play at Lawhill, when a ‘Pay for 2, Stay for 3’ promotion is on offer, whilst a ‘Pay for 3, Stay for 4’ promotion is available from June to September. Rates start from R3450 per night for a 2-bedroom apartment shared by up to four

Destiny Castle is a majestic medieval-style castle that stands proudly at the top of a 460-hectare mountain estate on the South Africa / Lesotho border. The castle has perfectly recreated the fairy tale like charm that the only thing it’s missing is a moat. During the day, guests can enjoy scenic walks, fly fishing, bird-watching, visit San rock art sites, read in the library, relax in the personal spa, or simply sit and enjoy the breath-taking views.

The 17th century Italian-style Flycatcher Castle is perched on the edge of Graskop on the Drakensburg escarpment. The castle boasts breath taking views of the Lowveld and is in close proximity to the Kruger National Park, God’s Window and the Three Rondawels. There are six individually decorated suites, each named after a classical composer, to choose from.

So put on your tiara, pack your sceptre and get set for a king size vacation!

Game Lodge

Molenvliet Lodge is a true bush experience in the heart of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. MolenVliet provides a secluded and personalised 5-star offering in tranquil surroundings.

Molenvliet

Lawhill Luxury Apartments guests, and from R4420 per night for a 3-bedroom apartment for up to six guests. This promotion is applicable for two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments only. Overlooking Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront marina, Lawhill Luxury Apartments is the ideal base for families and friends to explore the Mother City and all it has to offer this winter.

Fun Run

The iSimangaliso St Lucia Half Marathon and Fun Run – 10 May 2015 The annual iSimangaliso Half Marathon, Fun Run / Walk powered by USM - now in its 6th year - is becoming an increasingly popular event. Set in the lush vegetation of the Lake St Lucia Estuary section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, it is not only the most pleasant month of the year - it also caters for absolutely everybody. From serious athletes to grannies, toddlers and even babies in strollers – the event is open to anyone who would like the opportunity to run in South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.

Various distances on offer include a 21.1km race – which is officially registered with KZN Athletics – while a 10km and 5km event offer a timed and fun component for runners and walkers alike.

Art

Enjoy an evening around the fire in the lapa, in the wine cellar or simply relish the African sunset on the main deck with a sundowner of your choice. Suitable for corporate breakaways, strategic planning or large family and friend gatherings, MolenVliet Lodge offers the very best in quality service.

A truly inspiring Artist - Grada Djeri’s Memorial Exhibition is going to be held on the 14 April at Erdmann Contemporary, 84 Kloof Street, Gardens. Resonating black and white photos and paintings that speak volumes of a creative mind behind the work, this Artist has left a strong impression within the film industry in Cape Town and continues to make an impact.

A must see for this month if you are in Cape Town.

Well trained guides offer a wealth of knowledge and have mastered the art of spotting the big five during exclusive and private game drives. There are two game drives per day which meander through various biomes in the exceptionally well managed park, guided by strong scientific and conservation principles. The park offers an abundance of bird life, and night fall brings the exciting calls of owls, jackals and lions.

Luxury Apartments

Recently voted South Africa’s best Exclusive Self Catering apartments, the 5-star Lawhill Luxury Apartments has introduced two great value winter promotions that will appeal to families and

Jorge Sierra Rubia Travelmagsa • Issue 18

15

Theatre ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S HISTORIC RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA AFTER 17 YEARS. SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER WITH FIRST VISIT LED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ROBERT BATTLE, AMERICA’S CULTURAL AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD PRESENTING INSPIRING PERFORMANCES IN JOHANNESBURG AND CAPE TOWN AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR AREA STUDENTS The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular global dance companies, is planning an historic return to South Africa in September after 17 years with a robust schedule of 20 performances and a variety of educational activities for area students. The first visit to this continent led by Artistic Director Robert Battle includes a 13-performance engagement in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 13 September 2015 and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from 16 to 20 September 2015. Presented by leading local promoters Showtime Management together with Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, the visit is made possible by lead sponsor B l o o m b e r g Philanthropies with major support from the Ford Foundation and assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.

“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last visited Johannesburg in 1998 and we are delighted to welcome back this iconic dance company for a groundbreaking return,” says local promoter, Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management. Previously, Time Magazine proclaimed that “The Ailey company’s tour leaves South Africa dancing in the aisles.” Audiences and critics the world-over rave about the performance, presentation and uniqueness

Pieter Toerien is delighted to announce the return of the 2008 HIT show, Roy Smile’s MONTY PYTHON Biography, Directed

By Alan Swerdlow

of this dance phenomenon. “Unbelievable. Go see Alvin Ailey. It’s change-your-life good” says The Today Show while The Miami Herald claims; “… a distinctive profile – theatrical, energetic, heartfelt with powerhouse dancers – that has helped make it the most successful and widely seen modern dance company in the world.”

“I know that South African audiences will be transfixed and inspired by the company’s performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the fantastic educational outreach programs that the group is planning during their visit,” stated United States Ambassador to South Africa Patrick H. Gaspard. “Receiving the Ailey company in South Africa in September will truly be a highlight of my tenure as Ambassador.” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 23 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents, inspiring all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. For further details on the Ailey organization’s performances, training programs and educational activities, visit www.alvinailey.org.

Book now at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre or discover more about the visit at www.showtime.co.za

PYTHONESQUE

PYTHONESQUE tells the story of the Oxford and Cambridge graduates John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and the previously American, Terry Gilliam, who came together in 1969 to form one of the best loved comedy troupes ever – Monty Python’s Starring Graham Hopkins as John Cleese, Flying Circus! (... who the hell was Monty Python Theo Landey as Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle, anyway?) At least one of them is dead. There are Robert Fridjhon as Terry Jones & Michael Palin, only four actors on stage. Theatrical magic, a & Russel Savadier as Graham Chapman. touch of genius and a lot of ingenuity is called for.

And what about the women? There were women in Monty Python, whatever you may recall - the most important one being Carol Cleveland and she’s a little ticked off that you don’t remember her! Through some brilliant pastiches of the indelibly remembered sketches, SMILES tells the story of the Pythons and delivers some wry and very funny commentary on the world we live in at the same time. Do you remember The Dead Parrot, The Lumberjack Song, Nudge-Nudge Wink-Wink, The Spanish Inquisition, The Cheese Shop and The Ministry of Silly Walks? And the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life? Good, because we remember them, too! Amongst the cast of thousands (well, four, as we mentioned that before, but they are called upon to portray an awful lot of people and it’s very demanding and tiring on them as performers, but you probably don’t care about that at all, to which we say, “We quite understand”…) you will find some of this country’s most skilled and dazzling performers 16 Travelmagsa • Issue 18

Graham Hopkins (Ying Tong, Around the World in 80 Days, The 39 Steps, SABCTV’s The Lab, JEEVES & WOOSTER in Perfect Nonsense), Theo Landey (Address Unknown, Around The World in 80 Days), Robert Fridjohn (Modern Othodox, It’s A Dad Thing, WILD, Boeing Boeing, The Mousetrap, JEEVES & WOOSTER in Perfect Nonsense) and Russel Savadier (Twitch) They have accepted that their payment for their labours will probably be in tins of Spam, but they don’t mind, because they love the Pythons and think ROY SMILES is a genius.

They will jump through hoops and commit deathdefying acts like making the whole of Montecasino disappear (we’re lying, of course) under the direction of Alan Swerdlow (Ying Tong, Around the World in 80 Days, Good Evening, The 39 Steps, Address Unknown, Honor, Constellations) who also happens to think ROY SMILES is a comic genius. The Pythons became so influential in their style of satire and comedy that they became an adjective in the dictionary – Pythonesque – hence the title of the play. They even have a long-running musical on Broadway, “Spamalot”. For fans, this is going to be the treat of the decade, as well as the chance to introduce a whole new generation to the wild, insane, hilarious, rude, silly, inspired and uncompromisingly funny world of Monty Python!

BOOK NOW: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre 15 April to 17 May 2015 Performances: Tue – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm Tickets: R170, R130 & R100

Books Buried Secrets (9780800721268)

They both wanted quieter, safer lives. But crime never sleeps... and killers keep killing.

After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES OF YOUR FAMILY (9780802413338)

Are you expressing love in a language your family understands?

Every child and teenager (like every adult) expresses and received love through one of five communication styled, or “Love Languages”.

If your love language is different from your child’s or teen’s, you’d better learn to translate - and fast - or you could miss your chance to meet their deepest emotional needs. Find out which one of these languages your child or teenager speaks: • Words of Affirmation • Quality time • Physical Touch • Receiving Gifts • Acts of Service Unconditional love is something everyone needs. “The Five Love Languages of Children” and “The Five Love Languages of Teenagers” will help you make your child or teenager feel secure, loved, and more willing and open to interact with you and your family. Learn to fluently speak the love languages of your family members!

CDs

Calling all hikers/walkers & nature lovers of the Cape Peninsula Explore and discover the beauty of the Cape Peninsula with the new ParkSpotter: Table Mountain which includes 50 hikes walks and maps with stunning photography, 3D walking route images as well as detailed route information.

Each hiking walking route has a difficulty grading, parking information, the average time to complete the hike walk, water availability, childfriendly recommendations and a detailed description to the start, route description in detail with descent information.

This park also includes an interactive contour map (at 20m intervals) of the entire Cape Peninsula showing over 500 points of interest, accommodation and, of course, the hiking routes. Colour images and interesting facts about fauna and flora found in the park help you to identify the Cape’s ‘fynbos’ & birdlife making your hike

more enjoyable. Share your sightings with family and friends via social media feeds.

The contour map allows you to track your progress along the hiking / walking routes in real time. It also highlights the Hoerikwagga trail from the Cape Point to

Table Mountain National Park features: • 50 hiking walking trails within the Cape Peninsula • Interactive contour map that can track your progress • Park & accommodation information for all 10 rest camps with high quality images & up-to-date contact details & information • Points of interest: information on a total of 500** points of interests • Fauna: interesting information and facts on 77 animal species including their common & scientific names, size, habitat, appearance, interesting facts, status, spoor and photographs.

• Flora: interesting information and facts on 56 flower and tree species including their common & scientific names, size, habitat, appearance, interesting facts, status and photographs • Content and maps are stored within the app, so it can be used without needing internet connectivity • User friendly interface with easy swiping and navigation between different features and view options • Spot, tag and share sighting with family and friends

Download this innovative new wildlife app free from the App iStore / iTunes store and select one free demo park of your choice: Kruger NP (north), Kruger NP (south), Etosha NP, Kgalagadi TP Addo Elephant NP and Table Mountain. For full Park features you would need to purchase each park through the App iStore / iTunes ParkSpotter Africa is currently available exclusively on the iTunes App Store and is suitable for any iPhone or iPad with iOS 7.0 or higher.

the Table Mountain cable way - so you’ll never get lost again.

Maps of access points include gate opening and closing times. You can also get accommodation details and contact information in rest camps within the park.

What’s New in Version 1.1.7 • Enhanced iOS 7 compatibility • Packaging maps with the app • Fixed content bugs *(This app is designed for iPhone but will function on iPad with slightly lower resolution images at full size) ** (some with information) For more information, please visit www.parkspotter.com

CLICK HERE

to watch the preview video of the app

Travelmagsa • Issue 18

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Travelmagsa • Issue 18