Travelmagsa_Issue_23 by TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous

Issue 23 • 1 May 2016

SA Destination of the Month – Addo

Food Capital of the World – Cape Town

Beat a path to Bali Bushwise – More than just field guiding

WIN

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

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

P.O.Box 2617, Northcliff, 2115, South Africa 2

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

w.idube.com

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

From the Editor... There have been some amazing things that have crossed my desk this month, from books like ‘The War Room’ and ‘The End of Average’, both definite must reads, and fantastic shows that are coming soon. Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment has offered two Lucky Readers family tickets to this ‘fabulous’ show. Read more about what happened at the 6th Edition Hotelier Summit, World Travel Market Africa, and meet Chardonnay Marchesi General Manager of Africa Travel Week, as she answers a few questions for us. Cape Town has been proclaimed Food Capital of the World, and we are celebrating our new Wine Column ‘Fern of the Vine’. The SA Destination for May is Addo Elephant Park and this SANP Reserve should definitely be considered for your next family holiday as there is so much to do and see. Heading away from SA Shores Contiki takes us to Bali, and the pictures speak a thousand words. Finally, we asked Bushwise Director and Owner Sophie Niemann for some more insight into Field Guiding in South Africa. We hope you enjoy this exciting issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you!

Love Justine

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living, Luke 20:38

(If you want to walk by Faith you have to get to know the God of Faith. He is Alive, and He is a friend who sticks close and will be with you in your darkest times.)

Contents Idube Game Reserve

Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, Johannesburg, South Africa Publishing Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@findingfabulous.co.za Celll: 074 440 8668 Contact for all Editorial & Advertising enquiries. Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Eye-4-Design • Eva Govender eva@eye-4-design.co.za 071 059 8301 Contributors in this Issue: Penelope Jolliffe – CT Freelance Writer Fern Ostrowick – Jnb Freelance Writer e-Published 2016© Monthly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc. All rights reserved. Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA - ISSN 2220 – 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 23rd 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 23rd edition.

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Fern of the Vine 3 SA Destination of the Month Addo 4

On The Cover:

Industry News

6th Edition Hotelier Summit Africa 7 Africa Travel Week 8 World Travel Market Africa 9 Fair Trade Tourism 10

SA Destination of the Month

Local Travel

Food Capital of the World

Food Capital of the World 11

International Travel Beat a path to Bali 12

Issue 23 • 1 May 2016

– Addo

– Cape Town

Beat a path to Bali Bushwise – More than just field guiding

Special Feature

Bushwise – more than just field guiding 14

Theatre 16 Books

WIN

A set of Family Tickets to see Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment

InsidE Back Cover

click here to Book Accommodation on our website

Read our Blog: www.findingfabulous.co.za for Latest Travel & Tourism News, Articles and Posts. Follow us on

@JustFindFab and Like us on

/Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous

/Justine Engelbrecht Download or Print TravelmagSA: www.issuu.com • Download on Google Play:

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

NEW AT ROAD MAP - WALKING CAPE TOWN ISBN: 978-1-77026-834-0 PRICE: R99.95

This map can fit comfortably in your handbag, and it takes you through the heart of the Mother city. If you are walking around the City then this super map of Cape Town details 139 sites, 171 landmarks, 112 Activity points and 120 Food and drink venues. There is also a historical description of all the major heritage sites. So if you are visiting Cape Town, pick up the Walking Cape Town Map from Map Studio and mark off all the awesome places you want to visit…enjoy the walk or catch the City Busses…and of course keep the map for that scrap book.

Children’s Facts 72 pages of fun facts for children six years and older. This book is filled with facts and statistics, and provides a fun visual way for children to learn new things about varied subjects, from classic books to famous people, wild animals and weird dishes. My favourite page is the World History from 2000 to 2015 - Facebook was launched in 2004, YouTube was launched in 2005, Twitter was launched in 2006 and the iPhone was only released in 2007 and the iPad in 2010. All in my daughter’s life time, which means I spent most of my life without these things, and now even I cannot live without them. Get this creative book, which was researched exclusively by Map Studio’s in-house team, for statistics, fun facts and bit of necessary trivia. Fabulous for teachers, parents and children.

ISBN 978 – 1 77026-698 / Price: R120

www.mapstudio.co.za

wine o’clock

Fern Of The Vine

“Hi, my name is Fern and I am a serial killer.” Many people, on meeting me for the first time, like to remark that my parents must have a sadistic sense of humour to have given me such an unusual, yet beautiful name. You would think, with a name like Fern, that I would have been supernaturally endowed with a keen green thumb. Alas, this is not the case. Over the years I have senselessly murdered hundreds of shrubs, trees, seedlings and pot plants. I either overwater, underwater, forget to water - you get the picture. This is the reason my husband has banned me from all things gardening related which suits me just fine because thankfully, I can leave the cultivation of grapevines and creation of excellent wines up to the viticulture and oenology professionals - which just leaves the drinking up to me. You see, I am a self-confessed oenophile – and I have never, nor will I ever, seek professional help for my condition. Travel, food and wine are a match made in Fern heaven and there is nothing better when journeying to new locations, near or far, to taste and experience the local cuisine and the fruit of their vines. However, the beauty of wine is that even if you cannot afford to travel too far, you can still enjoy the experience in the comfort of your home, being transported to another realm while savouring a new bottle of wine from somewhere in the world, paired with a suitable meal and some charming company. I am no wine snob nor am I an expert. I am just an ordinary working wife and mom on an endless mission to find the next exceptional wine (hopefully at a bargain price) and if you’re fortunate, I may share my discoveries with you and boldly drink what no wine writer has drunk before.

Hic!

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h

Addo by Penelope Jolliffe

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D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h

eading towards Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, one is filled with the anticipation of seeing the beauty of the malaria free Sundays River Valley, which is well known for fantastic fishing and bird-life. It is also home to South Africa’s third largest national reserve Addo Elephant Park. Encompassed by the semi-arid karoo and the rugged Zuurberg Mountains – Addo will take your breath away it offers vast diversity to the traveler from various wildlife and cultural experiences, natural landscapes and many outdoor adventures. Addo is sanctuary to both the largest and the smallest creatures in the world, with more than 600 African elephants, and the Flightless Dung Beetle who is almost exclusive to Addo. The reserve stretches along the Indian Ocean coast from the Sundays River to Alexandria, where chicory and pineapples are produced, and the Woody Cape Nature Reserve with one of the largest active dune fields in the world. The dunefields house many archeological sites, such as the middens of the nomadic ‘Strandloper’, and the ‘Melkhoutboom Cave’ the Stone Age archeological site in the Zuurberg Mountains.

The offshore marine reserve of six islands; St Croix, Jahleel Islands, Brenton Rocks and the Bird Island group, all form part of the Addo sanctuary. The largest African Penguin Colony on the planet lives in Algoa Bay and Cape gannets and African black oystercatchers can be seen, to name a few. The Addo Elephant Park now boasts the ‘Big Seven,’ elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and the great white shark. This incredibly diverse area in the Eastern Cape, is a treasure for any holiday maker - in winter, mile after mile of citrus trees can be seen and game viewing, bush, horseriding and 4x4 trails, and plenty of elephants and other wild animals can be viewed in the Addo Elephant Park. You can contact Crisscross Adventures who can provide you with the Ultimate Fun Addo experience, and if you are looking for more excitement experience the Indian Ocean with its protected island species and go shark cage diving or whale watching. You can also take ‘The Sundays River Ferry’ and enjoy a slow, two and a half hour cruise, on the magnificent waters of the Sundays River estuary. Whatever you decide to experience on your holiday, you will not be disappointed and Addo will beckon your return.

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Crisscross Adventures can provide you with the Ultimate Addo experience! This passionate company will go out of their way to ensure your Addo experience is memorable, with safe, fun filled tours run by qualified and experienced guides. They specialise in Addo Full Day Tours, with delicious BBQ lunches and viewing of both the north and south sections of the Addo Park, as well as River Safari’s on the Sunday’s River - a tonic for the soul and the chance of spotting a fish eagle being fed. What Crisscross Adventures does best: Addo Elephant Park tours- ½ day and Full day options: 3 hr River Safaris on the Sundays River – a great way to see a completely different side of Addo. Addo Quad Biking 1,5 to 3hrs, Sandboarding trips in Addo’s marine section, Birdwatching & Hiking in Addo, Great Safari and accommodation Packages, PE-Addo transfers/taxi. Return transfers if staying in Addo Village area, drinks and snacks, all entrance fees, and lunches on full day tours are included.

Cell: 0833300480

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Email: tours@crisscrossadventures.co.za

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www.crisscrossadventures.co.za

m u si c

Loyiso Bala & Don Moen collaborate on one of the worlds most loved hymns “How Great Thou Art” out now. “Kingdom Come” album releasing May 2016 South African singer, songwriter, TV & radio show host Loyiso Bala has collaborated with Content Connect Africa and one of the world’s greatest worship leaders from America, Don Moen in an epic rendition of “How Great Thou Art”, the second single from Loyiso’s forthcoming album “Kingdom Come”. The 12 track studio album produced by multi South African Music Award (SAMA) winning producer Crighton Goodwill, will be in stores in May 2016, through Christian Art Media. A six time SAMA winner, Loyiso Bala knows that character is key to an artist’s success, it’s about being relatable on and off stage and that is what he sees in Don Moen. “Don defined worship music, especially what contemporary worship should mean to us as worship leaders. I follow him on social media, and every other day he posts leadership tips, messages and music teaching videos and I’ve learnt a lot! It’s an incredible feeling to have collaborated with the greatest worship leader of our time.” says, Loyiso. Ask Don Moen what he does, and the answer might surprise you. He won’t say he’s a songwriter even though he’s written more than 100 songs. He won’t say he’s a worship leader even though he’s led worship on every continent but Antarctica and recorded numerous albums. He won’t say he’s a businessman or producer even though he has produced and directed hundreds of successful projects. If you ask Don Moen why God put him on this planet, he’ll tell you, “To be an architect who designs products and events that help people experience God’s presence in a new and fresh way.” And in more than three decades of ministry, he’s had lots of opportunity to fulfil that purpose. 2016 marks Loyiso’s fifth year in the gospel music industry. “It is widely known that the numeral 5 symbolises God’s grace, which is Christ personified. In other words, His grace with us and in us is Kingdom Come, the very essence of this album”. “Honoured to be working with Loyiso on this new album. Kingdom Come is a definite stand-out/highlight to the 2016 South African music release schedule.”, says Edward Geach, Product Manager at Christian Art Media.

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golf

Fabulous Fancourt

Enjoy it Self-catering

he Fancourt Golf Lodges are all privately owned, and each lodge is individually decorated with extraordinary finishes fit for this 5* Resort. Two and three bedroom Lodge options are available, and they are fully equipped with a kitchen, lounge and dining room and patios with amazing views of the golf courses. Golf in South Africa has fabulous selfcatering packages at Fancourt, which include accommodation, a round of golf on Montagu or Outeniqua per each night’s stay, and a ladies exchange golf for a spa voucher. It excludes all meals, golf cart and items not mentioned. There is also a daily cleaning service available at an additional cost. For more information on this package and other exciting Golf Destinations, visit www.golfinsouthafrica.com

I N D U S T R Y NEW S

6th Edition Hotelier Summit Africa - more business, more interaction, more education

rganised by IDE Consulting Services on the 21st and 22nd April 2016,the highly sought after industry show provided a comprehensive and diverse platform for leading businesses in the hospitality and hotel sectors to do business at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton. Hotelier Summit Africa, a specialist invitation-only table top and conference event, welcomed African suppliers of hospitality products and services, and buyers from 35 countries over two days, Hotelier Summit Africa held over 1500 quality face-to-face meetings, and was praised by visitors as an “excellent event for business development, and knowledge enhancement” in the region with global relevance.

programmes running, that will help boost international arrivals both business and leisure. These programmes include: food safety, Tourism Buddies Programme, which encourages the youth to get involved in the hospitality industry and lastly a programme that will launch in July, the Executive Development for Women which will up skill black women and empower them to step into leadership roles within the industry.

Hotelier Summit Africa contained high quality content driven education panel discussions and the conference brought together key industry leaders from some of the foremost corporates in South Africa and suppliers from the hospitality industry. The conference gave visitors insight into understanding the best practices for procurement, future trends, international and domestic trade opportunities and challenges, the role of the industry in boosting tourism and lastly what lies ahead in terms of investment opportunities.

With 53 million international visitors entering the continent, there is room, and in the panel discussion led by a few hotel giants, the focus was on the mid-market, with unbranded hotels having an opportunity in this sector. Branded hotels are targeting the big African cities, and owners are encouraged to brand if they intend to reach the luxury sector.

In her Key note address on day two, Deputy Minister Tokozile Xasa described South Africa as a gateway into Africa, as the business hub of the continent. The South African Department of Tourism have a number of

“IDE has placed focus on Africa, even though 10 years ago, The Economist referred to Africa as a ‘hopeless continent’ it has since evolved to calling the continent a ‘rising star’. The increase in urbanisation, leads to a growing need for quality hospitality. Hotelier Summit Africa has come of age, and continues to strive to meet the needs of the industry.

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I N D U S T R Y NEW S

hree events, one week, one venue; this is what Africa Travel Week comprises. A nexus for travel professionals across South Africa, the continent and the globe, and this year’s events exceeded all expectations. Organised by Thebe Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions in the week of 4-8 April 2016, three highly sought after industry shows; ILTM Africa, WTM® Africa and IBTM Africa provided a comprehensive and diverse platform for leading businesses in the inbound and outbound travel sectors to do business, all under one roof at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC).

event in previous years to a high quality content driven education programme. This change occurred due to a gap in market education. The conference brought together key meeting planners from some of the leading corporates in South Africa and suppliers from the meetings industry. Throughout the last day, the conference gave visitors insights into technology, future trends, procurement and consolidation, the benefits of foreign exchange and the convergence of the travel and meetings industry.

ILTM Africa, the specialist invitation-only table top event, was the first experience of Africa Travel Week, and welcomed African suppliers of luxury travel experiences, products and services and international buyers from 28 countries over three days. ILTM Africa held 4263 quality face-to-face meetings, which is a 7% increase on 2015 and this fourth annual ILTM Africa event was hailed as “excellent value for business” by all stakeholders that attended.

The third annual World Travel Market® Africa delivered another impressive show, which successfully contributed to the economic impact on the continent’s tourism sector. With more than 600 exhibitors participating in more than 7500 prescheduled appointments before the show began, as well as an increase of over 20% on 2015 visitors and an increase on overall travel professionals at the event, WTM® Africa certainly meant business this year, with remarkable results recorded. These results have reaffirmed WTM Africa, as the African continent’s leading travel trade event.

IBTM Africa, was praised by visitors as an “excellent event for business development, and knowledge enhancement” in the region with global relevance. Held on the last day of Africa Travel Week, IBTM Africa evolved from a table top

For all three days CTICC was abuzz with participants taking opportunities to engage in valuable business conversations, meet new contacts, exchange ideas and share best practices.

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I N D U S T R Y NEW S

TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous Editor asked Chardonnay Marchesi, General Manager of Africa Travel Week to answer a few questions. Please can you give our readers some insight as to what you were hoping to achieve at WTM Africa 2016 and whether these goals where achieved? “I am so impressed with quality of the buyers”, “Made great contacts for my business” “Exceeded my expectations totally” These were just some of the superlatives heard in the aisles during the show. The three jam-packed days of prescheduled appointments and conference seminars produced an increase of over 20% in visitors in what, by all indications, was a very successful 3rd edition of one of Africa’s leading B2B travel and tourism trade exhibition. The increase in visitors from 2015 indicates that this mustattend event is continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate with widespread local, regional and international interest. Simply, we aimed to deliver a quality event that facilitated real opportunities for business growth and it was satisfying to achieve the objectives, and exceed expectations where possible. The 2016 show, had over 600 exhibitors, showcasing our continuous annual growth. WTM® Africa has come of age, and we will continue to strive to meet the needs of our travel and tourism partners to deliver an annual event that is even more relevant, topical and productive. WTM Africa 2016 was the largest show we have had to date, with quality participation surpassing our expectations and we look forward to the 2017 edition where WTM® Africa will aim to continue to grow. What important issues where raised and what were the solutions? A focal point of the 2016 WTM Africa event programme was Responsible Tourism. Responsible Tourism is an approach to the management of tourism, aimed at maximising economic, social and environmental benefits and minimising costs to destinations. The WTM Africa solution

to this issue, is to create awareness through education. WTM Africa hosted a number of seminars by Prof Harold Goodwin who is a Professor of Responsible Tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University and Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. This was in an effort to educate visitors on the issue of sustainability. WTM Africa partnered with a number of Responsible Tourism partners such as The Code, and Rhino Art to bring these issues to the forefront of the industry. The African Responsible Tourism Awards, an initiative that pays homage to the heroes in tourism that practice responsible tourism, was held at WTM Africa. How does WTM Africa benefit the SA Tourism industry as a whole? WTM Africa means business, and 2016 was no different. By providing exhibitors and visitors with a platform to do business, create new contacts and network; new business is generated in the country. Many of our stakeholders have reported doing real business at their events and thereafter. This all bodes well for developing business in the region which will benefit the economies of SA and Africa as a whole. We have heard rumours of WTM Africa and Indaba South Africa joining forces in the future, can you shed some light on your short to long term plans? Thebe Reed Exhibitions responded to an RFP put out by SAT to exhibitions organisers. We have had a positive conversation with them since our submission, and are currently awaiting further feedback. Our plans in general are to grow the events of Africa Travel Week, of which one of the events is WTM Africa and to continue to deliver events that provide relevant content and that generate real business opportunities for our stakeholders in the inbound and outbound sectors of the travel and tourism industry.

*All facts stated are subject to audited results. WTM® Africa 2017 will be taking place from 19-21 April at the CTICC. Save the date and avoid disappointment.

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I N D U S T R Y NEW S

Implementing the

Tourism Child Protection Code – South African tourism industry leaders take action!

hile tourism is not responsible for crimes against children, there is a very clear connection between the industry and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism. Individuals may take advantage of the access to children afforded to them by tour operators, accommodation providers, leisure venues, and other tourism-related products and services, and may use advantages they hold over local communities to exploit children sexually. Tackling this issue is not the responsibility of a single sector or stakeholder. In fact, many different actors must join hands in order to construct an effective front line. Business and leisure travel and tourism products and services can play a direct role towards combatting this deplorable crime. NGOs and agencies that focus on children’s rights, welfare and safety need to become involved in this fight, and governments, whose primary function is to ensure the well-being of citizens, also need to participate.

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Fair Trade Tourism, a leading Southern African responsible tourism NGO and the officially appointed Local Code Representative of the international industry-driven Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) has been working to mobilise the tourism industry in South Africa to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism. At the recently held World Travel Market Africa (in Cape Town) Fair Trade Tourism’s launched its new new awareness raising video on this issue. Production of this video was made possible by ECPAT Netherlands. Fair Trade Tourism has partnered with leading South African child protection NGO Molo Songololo to build capacity of the tourism private sector to identify and report suspected child sexual exploitation in travel and tourism cases. To date, 256 staff have been trained representing 22 businesses around the country. Training was made possible with proud support from SAYTC, FEDHASA, SAACI, and the South African National Department of Tourism.

Food Capital

L o c a l Tr av e l

of the world By Enver Duminy

Cape Malay cooking is something we as locals hold very close to our hearts. From spicy samoosas to syrupy koeksisters, you simply have to taste these delicacies, preferably with a huge portion of bobotie, butter chicken and biryani in between. Most importantly, this food offering represents a part of our history and culture that is inextricably Capetonian. A number of venues offer Cape Malay food, many of these being Halaal for our Muslim visitors. Bo-Kaap is a great place to explore with this in mind. Tasting menus are a fantastic way to eat your way around the city, with The Test Kitchen, Pot Luck Club and La Mouette offering these. Their menus are fresh, imaginative and a huge hit with locals. What’s fantastic about these is that they represent our city, a fusion of cultures and tastes. Have you really visited Cape Town unless you’ve had a ches nyama experience? I’d say that this should make every visitor’s list, a hearty, meaty grill in the township, best eaten with locals who will tell you their stories and washed down with a beer or two.

Enver Duminy, CEO, Cape Town Tourism Cape. Wine farms outdo each other in terms of presenting more than a simple wine-tasting experience, some cater for whole families, and have tours, entertainment, picnics, live music and concerts among the vines. You can take home a bottled souvenir of your trip to open on a special occasion. Everyone has their own favourite restaurant; if you want to get to know some off-the-beaten track venues, speak to the locals and find out where the best bakeries, coffee shops, craft brewers and food markets are, you may be surprised at some of the suggestions. Travel like a local – it’s the most authentic way of discovering all that Cape Town has to offer. In fact, it’s not even just about restaurants, if you make friends, you could find yourself over at someone’s house for a braai! Most of all, we acknowledge that the hard work of those in hospitality and tourism contributes to the value of these experiences, and that those experiences, in turn, contribute to the transformative economy of the city, providing welcomed employment. Bon appétit!

As a city wrapped by the ocean all the way down the peninsula there is no shortage of venues to experience the taste of the sea. Whether you prefer your calamari in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the breakers or tucking into your fish wrapped in paper while sitting on the rocks you simply have to have a fishy time. Fortunately, our restaurants and their suppliers are well-aware of issues around sustainability in terms of our marine resources, so you can enjoy your meal with the knowledge that what you’re eating is not endangered. South Africa’s wines are regarded as new world wines, although wine production has been in place for over 300 years in the Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

Seared Tuna at the Codfather Seafood & Sushi Restaurant in Camps Bay

ape Town has just been named number one food city in the world in Condé Nast’s Reader’s Choice Awards. If you think that’s because we have a few nice restaurants, you’re sorely mistaken. You could spend a year experiencing all the culinary delights you could wish to and still not have even scraped the surface of what’s on offer. Food is a central part to the traveler’s experience, the tastes, smells and textures can provide a lifetime of memories. Although we have a huge range of fine dining establishments, the richness of what the taste buds can explore goes far deeper, and I’d like to highlight the some of the food experiences you should have on your food bucket list (or menu) when considering a visit to the Mother City.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr av e l

Beat a

path to

Bali

It’s the epitome of a laid-back luxury holiday. Take just one week off work leave Saturday and arrive back the following weekend. Chill out on Bali, Gili Trawangan and Lombok. Think 3 and 4 star hotels, pristine private beaches, cocktails by the pool and delicious Indonesian cuisine. This is the Contiki way to do Bali and there’s nothing else like it. And best of all – SA passport holders are issued with a visa on arrival.

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I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr av e l Bali Bali is a fantastic destination for water babies, lovers of the outdoors and surfers in particular. Rated to have some of the best surf breaks in the Indian Ocean, surfers of all levels are in for a real treat. And if you’re not quite hang-ten competent there’s always surf school.

of sea-life in Gili Trawangan. You can also go fishing, water skiing, horse riding, take a yoga class or catch a round of golf. Gili Trawangan also has one of the largest turtle populations in the Indonesian Islands and you’ll have the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

Lazy days in unspoilt Lombok

If it’s a bit of exciting nightlife you’re after then this is the place to be. There are hundreds of pubs, clubs and beach bars to choose from and the party really only gets going after midnight. But be advised – no shirt – no entrance. Baring your body on the beach is totally cool but don’t try it after hours.

While Bali might be the hub of all activity, Lombok is where it’s at for a super-chilled flop and drop getaway. This gorgeous island is virtually untouched and has dreamy, isolated beaches, friendly people, delicious food and wonderful wildlife. Visit the second highest volcanic peak, Mount Rinjani, for spectacular views of the crater.

Getting Gili with it

Contiki’s Bali Island Hopper is priced from R9689 per person sharing and includes accommodation with breakfast daily, one dinner, transport between the islands, your experience Contiki Trip manager and all local taxes, payments and service charges

Bali Fact Box

With crystal clear waters, incredible dive spots and over 100 dive centres available to give qualified training you’ll also find that Bali is scuba heaven. Whether you choose to snorkel or scuba dive you can expect to see a plethora

Climate: Daytime average 30°C. Dry season, April to September; wet season, October to March. Famous for: Friendly, artistic people, breathtaking panoramas, beaches, colourful festivals and flowers everywhere. Local language: Using the local language is always a good idea ‘selamat pagi’ (good morning), ‘tolong’ (please) and ‘terima kasih’ (thank you) are a good starting point. Best buys: Handicrafts, fine art, wood and stone carvings, antiques and clothing. For more information on Contiki’s trips throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Asia and Latin America check out contiki.com.

Life’s an adventure – make it count with absolutely #NOREGRETS.

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BUSH

S P EC I A L FEATU R E

More Than Just Field Guiding!

“Sophie is the director of Bushwise, she has an MSc and spent seven years setting up and running GVI programs in Africa. She started out working for CCAfrica for a number of years as a field guide on the Makalali game reserve and then moved over to student programs, predator research, program planning, logistics and management with GVI. Sophie ran over 15 research and training programs in Africa (Namibia, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa), including a South African National Parks training and internship program; wildlife and marine programs in Kenya working with the Kenyan Wildlife Service; and predator research programs in South Africa. She brings huge experience in student management, training and logistics to the team.”

outh Africa with its abundant and unsurpassed flora and fauna is driving the demand for local and international BSc. (Zoology) students wishing to complete their post-graduate studies in a real-world environment. Bushwise, South Africa’s leading FGSA training services provider is leading the herd with their admission of a number of these students having continuously demonstrated for the past seven years that their training programmes provide a deep understanding of the forces that shape the highly structured ecosystems and behaviour of which Zoology, a core biological discipline underpinning current interest and research in conservation, requires. “Through our various FGASA training programmes we provide learners the opportunity to study animals and their habitats which are not only diverse but continually evolve and are at the core to the future of conservation not just within Southern Africa but the world” explains Sophie Niemann, director of Bushwise. “These real-

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world experiences reflect the evolutionary relationships of the animals, identifying and understanding the requirements of the studies in anatomy, physiology, reproduction, behaviour, community ecology and molecular genetics and how they contribute to ensuring a high-standard of knowledge learners take with them in the future after graduating.” Not only a flash-point for post-graduate students who are wanting to further their field practical experience, Bushwise’s Professional Field Guide Course offers in-depth theoretical and practical training over 23 weeks and a 50-week programme which includes an internship at various top safari lodges and conservation organisations within South Africa. This intensive course underpins the belief of why so many South African trained field guides are in such high demand, not just within Africa but abroad as well. In addition to this Bushwise have recently launched the Introductory Field Guide and Wildlife career course, offering a 65 day

WISE

S P EC I A L FEATU R E

by Sophie Niemann, Bushwise Director and Owner

theoretical course or an 83 day course, which includes an 18 day practical component. However, the industry is plagued by many service providers offering quick, superficial training that doesn’t equip students with the skills that they need to get a job, advance their career or, in some cases meet many of the key experience required by post-graduate students. While the national priority is to grow the tourism industry as a whole, and despite the strong finish for South African tourism statistics in the final quarter of last year, overall SA tourist arrivals are down 6.8% for 2015, compared to those arrivals recorded for 2014. More important in these tough economic times is the ongoing investment in upskilling and retraining South Africans who will be working in the lodges, game reserves and national parks supporting the campaigns drawing people to our fair shores. However, though the current exchange rate is favourable to international visitors the industry has to balance the advantage that the exchange rate holds for foreign travellers, i.e. potentially more demand and spend, with the rising costs of inputs in their pricing and planning for 2016. Over the past six years an average of 94% of students have passed the FGASA examinations at first attempt with its most recent group of 29 graduates in 2015 achieving an average mark of 90.76% which is testament to Bushwise’s focuses on experiences of collaboration in a problem-based learning (PBL). Lead by Ben Coley, Head Trainer and supported by a team of three trainers who work directly with learners to negotiate and construct new understandings of their environment and develop life-long learning skills grounded in genuine situations of practice in which a high degree

of collaboration is essential for a successful outcome. Contributing to a challenging tourism environment is the continued drought which is devastating key bushveld and game stock and disrupting agriculture growth and exports and the aim of many commercial farmers to convert land from farming to bushveld. The specialised knowledge that comes with FGASA training and Zoology degrees ensures that the biospheres in which many tourism hubs are created around continue to thrive and grow. Although it is a double edged-sword that creating and sustaining jobs while balancing growth of any entrepreneurial venture must now deal with the predicted water shortages and electricity supply interruptions through load shedding into account when setting up the tourism business in the future. These are some of the challenges which are addressed in the training that learners undertake when examining the future of the eco-tourism and hospitality industries and the need to be more sustainable and zero-impacting to the environment while at Bushwise. “The BSc. (Zoology) major requirements of integrating theory with real-world practical [both field and laboratory] studies are best explored at the Bushwise campus purposefully designed to showcase interaction and exploration of animals and fragile ecosystems found in within Southern Africa” concludes Niemann.

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23

T h e a t r e / m u si c

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment Rev up for non-stop Disney fun live on ice with four of your favorite Disney stories that showcase many of the beloved characters from Disney•Pixar’s Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck. Joining them are the stars of Disney’s Frozen featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. Presented by Feld Entertainment Inc and leading local promoter, Showtime Management in association with DSTV, Worlds of Enchantment opens on Friday, 24 June 2016 at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg and runs until Sunday, 03 July 2016. The production moves to the Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town from Wednesday, 06 July 2016 to Sunday, 10 July 2016. To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.co.za

Two Lucky Readers can WIN! * One set of family tickets (4 tickets for the prizewinner –2 adults and 2 children) for the performance in Johannesburg at the Ticketpro Dome on 24th June 2016 commencing 18h00 or one set for the performance in Cape Town at GrandWest on 6th July 2016 at 14h00. * Terms and conditions: 1. Tickets are only valid for the specified date and performance time and may not be upgraded, exchanged for cash or for an alternate performance. 2. The prize comprises of four show tickets per prizewinner. Please note that owing to safety regulations each person attending a performance, irrespective of age must have a ticket. 3. Tickets will be available for collection from the BOX OFFICE/COMPUTICKET at the venue from one hour prior to performance time, on the date of the performance. 4. No-shows will not receive replacement tickets. 5.By entering this competition the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.

Unprecedented demand brings Cirque Éloize iD back to SA

Worldwide sensation,

When Cirque Éloize iD (pronounced Sirk-ehl-waz eyedee) made its South African debut at Montecasino’s Teatro in 2014, audiences were literally blown away by this bewildering high-energy production that blends breathtaking acrobatics and street dance. Word spread quickly and “iD” became the hottest ticket in town. Owing to critical acclaim and rave reviews, “iD” sold out fast, thereby creating an unprecedented demand for its return. Cirque Éloize iD is back! This popular show makes its Cape Town debut at Artscape on Wednesday, 16 November 2016 for a limited season of just 15 performances, ending on Sunday, 27 November 2016. Thereafter, Cirque Éloize iD returns to Montecasino’s Teatro on Wednesday, 30 November 2016, running until 24 December 2016. There are special midweek show times and matinees scheduled during peak holiday season.

SLAVA’s SNOWSHOW Storms Into SA For the first time ever, the multi-award winning critically acclaimed international sensation, Slava’s Snowshow opens at Montecasino’s Teatro from 26 July to 14 August then moves to Cape Town’s Artscape Opera House from 17 to 28 August 2016. Get ready to be catapulted back to your childhood as Slava’s Snowshow takes you on a uniquely spontaneous interactive and wildly entertaining journey under a snowy blanket. A wordless show that leaves you speechless – laughter through tears – the most heart-warming show on earth – rare theatrical beauty – a pure form of human kindness. After the show ends, nobody wants to leave the theatre – the joy is remembered forever – each person sees his or her own story in the show, your own world comes to life.

Booking for all shows are now at Computicket 0861 915 8000, or visit or your nearest Computicket service centre Travelmagsa - Findingwww.computicket.com Fabulous | Issue 23

books The End of Average How to Succeed in a World that Values Sameness - Todd Rose I am thoroughly enjoying this book, and I say enjoying as at the time of writing I am still reading it, and sharing its information with those around me. I am all for the individual, and I love the way the book reveals the norms and standards by which we manage our lives, and the way the system manages our lives for us by means of standardized tests, academic grading systems, job applicant profiling, job performance reviews, job training, even medical treatments. These systems ignore our differences and ultimately fail at measuring and maximizing our potential. This book encourages the individual to reach their true potential and adequately shows why Meyers-Briggs personality tests don’t really work? Why are HR tests for new employees often meaningless? Why doesn’t BMI - body mass index correlate to actual health or physical fitness? Individuals behave, learn, and develop in different ways, but these unique patterns of human behaviour get lost in massive systems that play to average performance and average abilities, instead of individual performance and abilities. The End of Average draws upon the very latest findings in the fields of psychology and sociology. I highly suggest everyone should read this book, to become empowered, think out of the mould and take a step into rethinking the world and our place in it.

ISBN: 9780241184233 9780241184233

War Room Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon - Chris Fabry and Kendrick Bros. LLC After watching the incredibly powerful movie, I was thrilled to receive this book about a women juggling motherhood and her job as a real-estate agent, and her marriage. I think all of us women can relate to the trials that come with having and keeping a family together. This book teaches us how to step out in blind faith and fight through prayer for the people we love, and with our future in God’s hands life takes on a whole new focus. This Book is for everyone.

/WarRoomSA

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 23