Neighbourhood 12 AUGUST 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Lesotho charm This landlocked kingdom offers great holiday adventures and unparalleled beauty all year round, page 2 2
SUBURB FOCUS: LESOTHO
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Lesotho
This kingdom is heaven-sent for the adventurous among us, whose holidays are only true holidays if they’re living partially on the edge
WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
I’ve travelled quite extensively in Africa, and there’s something about Lesotho which I haven’t found elsewhere. I suspect it’s the sense of peace, because there’s so little development, and so much nature – it’s a wonderful country. PAM KLEIN, HOLIDAYMAKER
L
esotho calls itself the Kingdom in the Sky. Surrounded entirely by South Africa, it’s the only country to boast that all of its 30,555km lies at altitudes over 1,300m above sea-level. On the flipside, it’s sometimes known as the Switzerland of Africa, because of its often snowcapped Maluti mountains. Lesotho is a patchwork of rivers and mountain ranges which beckon those for whom adrenaline is their tipple of choice. The landscapes are breathtaking, the terrain often challenging, and the opportunities for exploring endless.
Adventure
To really explore Lesotho, consider one of three 4×4 routes: the 400km Lesotho trail from Himeville (KwaZulu-Natal) to Fouriesburg (Free State) which crosses Sani Pass and much of Lesotho; the Tlaeeng Pass, the highest road pass in southern Africa; and the Quthing Valley route. The legendary Motul Roof of Africa annual event held in December for bikers and 4x4 vehicles, is ranked the world’s toughest enduro. If you’re into abseiling and rock climbing, you’ll want to tackle the 206m Maletsunyane Falls, which holds the Guinness Book of Records’ PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
title as the world’s highest commercial abseil. This is also mountain-biker territory. A typical tour covers about 200km at high altitude, requiring a decent degree of physical fitness. Martin Fitchet, a passionate motor biker, says, “I’ve been biking in Lesotho for 10 years, still do, and still find it magical. It’s one of the few remaining wildernesses in sub-Saharan Africa, and the back roads are still rough and open up the less-travelled areas. It’s a biker’s paradise, with numerous roadside shebeens with friendly locals. Beer – the local favourite is Maluti – and fuel are cheap!”
Nature
Lesotho is one large, magnificent natural environment, and there’s an extensive network of hiking trails. The Sehlabathebe National Park in the Drakensberg escarpment is the national nature reserve of some 6,500ha at an average elevation of 2,400m. The park is crisscrossed with clear rivers, and it’s ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and photography. The Liphofung Nature Reserve is the smallest Lesotho Highlands Development Authority reserve at about 4ha. It’s deemed significant in Lesotho’s history, and travellers can enjoy the scenery while quad biking,
pony trekking to the rock-art sites, or bird watching. The Tse’hlanyane National Park is located deep in the Maluti mountains’ front range. The park protects over 5,600ha of rugged mountain terrain, including one of the very few indigenous woodlands. The Bokong Nature Reserve is one of Africa’s highest nature reserves. The principal highlight is the Lepaqoa Waterfall, which freezes in winter to form a column of ice. The reserve is also a haven for hikers, with a camp and network of trails and walks, and two overnight huts. Sonya Keyser, holidaymaker, says, “Ian Worrall from St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge offers expertly guided, great-value horse trails into Lesotho. It’s a must for those with riding experience, a sense of adventure, a yearning for wide open spaces and the path not often travelled.”
Leisure and pleasure Afriski is one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, it’s located 3,222m above sea-level in the Maluti mountains, near the northern border of Lesotho and South Africa. The resort operates during the winter months (June to August), accommodates about 250 people and offers a 1km ski slope,
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beginners’ slope, and two ski lifts. Horse riding and pony trekking is the second most-used mode of transport in Lesotho, and the ponies know their way around. Staying in Basotho villages provides an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle. Fly-fishing is a favourite pastime, with many unspoilt rivers and uncharted waters. Take a trip to the legendary Sani Top, located at the Lesotho border post at the top of torturous Sani Pass. Malealea is considered one of Lesotho’s top one-stop destinations, with overnight pony treks, hiking, mountain biking, and village walks, and you can also overnight in Basotho villages en route. Angela Buckland, visitor, says, “The horse ride was a truly amazing memory. The region where we rode was totally unspoilt, and it often felt biblical and timeless.”
Culture, crafts and heritage
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There’s a great focus on preservation of Lesotho’s cultural history, and it’s rich in relics of its prehistoric past. One of Lesotho’s most important rock art sites is located on a hillside underneath a rock shelter facing the Liphiring River, and you’ll find dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone in Leribe, Subeng and Quthing and other areas.
• Lesotho is home to the largest, most ambitious civil-engineering project in the whole of Africa, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). • Lesotho’s currency is the maloti, one equals one South African rand. • Visas are available online. • The use of a local guide is strongly encouraged for challenging hikes or rides. • Lesotho can experience four seasons in a day and often does.
The Thaba Bosiu cultural village is a famous historical site where the founder of the Basotho nation King Moshoeshoe I successfully defeated his enemies.
DO:
The Kome Crafts and Information Office features locally-made crafts, pony trekking, and a guide can take you to the Ha Kome Cave village. Morija Cultural Archives preserves Lesotho’s culture and history and promotes Sesotho arts and culture.
• • • • • • • •
Hiking Fly fishing Motor biking Mountain biking Abseiling and rock climbing Four-wheel drive trails San art Pony trekking or horse riding
SLEEP: • Homestay accommodation in rural areas • Malealea Lodge • Semonkong Lodge • Oxbow Lodge • Maseru Sun • Lesotho Sun • Maliba Lodge • Sani Pub and Chalets MALEALEA
MALUTI MOUNTAINS
MALEALEA
SANI MOUNTAIN LODGE AT THE TOP OF THE SANI PASS
BUSHMAN ROCK ART IN HA KHOTSO
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
12 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood JaJa Tea Garden and Handmade Gifts is a small gift shop and tea garden in Clubview WORDS & IMAGES: ZENA LE ROUX
other attractions, such as an exciting jungle gym. Owner Tronel Joubert tells us more. Q: How did your business start? A: I bought the business from a friend on 1 April this year. Ronel Gründlingh, the previous owner, started it in its current format on 1 September last year. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always had a dream that my mom and I would have our own little pancake corner. My mom passed away over 13 years ago, but when I got the chance to buy JaJa, I just knew I had to do it. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: A s I bought the business over, I didn’t really have a say in finding the premises. There was, however, space available in the nursery, so it was a perfect match. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I’d been baking cakes for JaJa for quite a while before the possibility of buying it even occurred to me.
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aJa Tea Garden and Handmade Gifts is a lovely little shop on the premises of the Tuingenoot nursery in Clubview, Centurion. They specialise in smaller, intimate functions and serve light meals and cakes from Tuesdays until Sundays. They also offer art classes on a regular basis, are child-friendly and have many
Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: The tranquil atmosphere at the nursery complements the tea garden perfectly. Lots of people who visit the nursery also stop by for a cup of coffee. Others who come here to buy a gift or have breakfast, stop in the nursery and also support them. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: We’re based on the Tuingenoot nursery’s premises. There’s also an upholstery shop close by.
Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: We’re renting the space at a really good price. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: We’re rather busy over weekends as we often host functions such as baby showers, kitchen teas and special lunches. In the week, we have fewer customers, especially now during winter. In summer and during school holidays, we’re lucky to have loads of supporters. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Not at this moment, but there’s a possibility of incorporating a bakery somewhere in the future. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, we have a Facebook page (@jajateetuin) and many of our customers order products online through this platform. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: We’re one of a select few stockists and sellers of Granny B chalk paint. Our famous carrot cake and milk tart cake are definitely also firm favourites.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: JaJa Tea Garden and Handmade Gifts 082 650 8027 / 082 773 8936 facebook.com/jajateetuin
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
12 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
Retiring inland What makes South Africa’s interior a popular retiree destination? WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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or many retirees, living longer has to be balanced against diminishing retirement funds – sell the family home and financially downsize.
medical facilities are also a drawcard there. In addition, Durban and King Shaka International Airport are only an hour away.” He believes Midlands’ retirees come primarily from Gauteng,
Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive, Pam Golding Property group, comments, “With people experiencing ever-increasing longevity and remaining active well into their senior years, there’s been an ongoing shortage of suitable, affordablypriced retirement accommodation across all sectors of the market.”
“When it comes to locations like the Cape Winelands, many people essentially select regions similar to favourite vacation spots,” says Richard Gray, CEO, Harcourts South Africa.
Chris Cilliers, chief executive and principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Winelands, says, “The current retirement market is the baby-boomer generation, very different from their traditional, conservative predecessors. Conventional retirement does not cater to their needs.”
Proximity, accessibility, affordability
Affordability has been a key driver for KwaZulu-Natal Midlands retirees, but it goes beyond that. “The KwaZuluNatal Midlands is popular because retirees are getting a relaxed lifestyle in a country environment, but still have access to amenities and leisure activities,” says Golding. Shaun du Bois, principal, Just Property Pietermaritzburg, believes, “Excellent
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Stellenbosch and the city. It also remains a lifestyle-orientated location, with abundant property options catering to all budgets.” Belinda Driemeyer, area principal, Pam Golding Properties Pietermaritzburg and Midlands, notes the advantage of proximity to the airport, not only for those with families overseas. “It’s also popular with those from Europe – the surrounds are similar to what they’re used to, but the weather’s far nicer!”
On the flipside, he feels that generally, retirees move inland to provinces like Gauteng to be closer to family. “Young couples moving to CBD hubs like Joburg often move away from their families to pursue careers. When their parents retire, there’s usually a great desire to be closer to their children and grandchildren.”
Retirement components within gated estates
Far enough, but near enough “The Cape Winelands has become an increasingly popular retirement destination because it offers a tranquil country lifestyle in scenic surrounds, yet is less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town and close to numerous popular attractions. This has led to a spike in development in this sector, with most of the new properties being more lifestyle estates than traditional retirement homes,” says Cilliers. Gray adds, “Take Paarl – it’s central, nestled in the mountains and only a stone’s throw from
Golding explains, “There’s a trend of retirees moving away from traditional retirement homes, opting for more flexible, active living within an existing residential community – for example, a retirement component or village within an established residential development or security estate which offers an array of benefits, leisure amenities, as well as on-site medical facilities or easy access to hospitals and clinics.” There’s something to be said for the normality or community aspect of multigenerational living. Driemeyer says a number of the gated estates in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands have plans for retirement components: Intaba Ridge, Pietermaritzburg, Garlington in Hilton, and – now sold out – retiree units in St John’s Village, Howick.
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