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Ultimate
THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Inverdoorn Game Reserve • Ken Forrester Wines •Lawrence Anthony
1

Contents
now Africa, Know Bliss
REGULARS
10
6 Editor’s Letter - Welcome to Ultimate Africa
8 Snippets - From Wine to Whaling
FEATURES
10 Inverdoorn - Luxury living in the Wild
14 Moyo - Ultimate African Cuisine
18 Ken Forrester Wines - The Helderberg’s gem
On the slopes of the Helderberg mountains near
Stellenbosch in the heart of South African wine country
lies one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape. [PAGE 20]
INSPIRATIONS
22 Music - In Hot Water
24 Books - Lawrence Anthony
26 Films - One Life
DIRECTORY
28 Guide- South Africa’s top properties and services
41 Directory- Gropued Luxury Property Listing
60 In The Know- Important travel info
4
18
14
22
28

editor’s Letter
here Credit is Due
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE
The darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of
The past few months
at Ultimate Africa
have been filled
with exploration and
wonder, and it’s finally time for us to
share our experiences with you.
We have watched cheetahs run at
68mph, danced around bonfires to the
beat of a djembe drum, tasted South
Africa’s best Chenin and been inspired
by the finest in local creative offerings.
We have climbed up mountains,
paddled down rivers, enjoyed lengthy
local meals and spa treatments and
slept under stars in the bush or like
it. – George Kimble
This Month’s Cover
BE AWED BY THE MAGNIFICENCE AND GRACE
OF THE ENDANGERED CHEETAH IN ITS NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT AT INVERDOORN GAME RESERVE
AND SAFARI LODGE.
royalty in the city at the end of our
adventure-filled days.
Starting to feel a bit jealous? The
good news is that you don’t have to,
because here we are to share it all with
you in one entertaining and accessible
multimedia experience that promises
to shed some light on the southernmost
part of the continent that is so far from
dark we are absolutely exhausted from
all the splendor.
Enjoy!
Lara .
Ultimate
africa
THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Inverdoorn Game Reserve • Ken Forrester Wines •Lawrence Anthony
6
ULtimate afriCa
PUBLISHER
TCB Publishing
PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028
Tel: +27 861 THE MAG
Fax: +27 88 012 346 2367
mail@tcbpublishing.co.za
PRODUCED FOR
Under African Skies
7635 E Krall Street
Scottsdale
AZ, 85250
USA
+1 414-306-2539
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bernard Hellberg | bernard@ultimate-africa.com
EDITOR
Roger Whittle | roger@ultimate-africa.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Lara Potgieter
lara@ultimate-africa.com | +27 82 979 2395
+27 21 552 2829
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jay Marié
jay@ultimate-africa.com | +27 82 858 3014
+27 21 552 2829
DIGITAL MANAGER
Phillip Sylvano
phillip@ultimate-africa.com | +27 83 858 3014
+27 21 552 2829
ADVERTISING SALES
sales manager
Estelle van der Westhuizen
estellevdw@tcbgroup.co.za | +27 84 821 7257
+27 12 425 5800
CAPE TOWN SALES MANAGER
Nikki de Lange
nikki@tcbgroup.co.za | +27 83 415 0339
+27 21 552 2829
Ghalieb Ebrahim
ghalieb@tcbgroup.co.za | +27 82 731 2524
+27 21 552 2829
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Lisa Witepski, Nicky Furniss, Nicola Weir, Richard
Holmes
The Ultimate Guide to Southern Africa is published monthly
by TCB Publishing. Opinions expressed in the publication
are not necessarily those of TCB Publishing or any of their
clients. Information has been included in good faith by the
publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going
to online.
No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions.
No material (articles or photographs) in the publication may
be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written
permission from the Editor.
Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are
welcome, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable
care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
Please ensure that all material is posted by registered mail
to PO Box 11273, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028.
Copyright © 2012. All copyright for material appearing in
this magazine belongs to TCB Publishing and/or the
individual contributors.
All rights reserved.

“For a different experience”
Indigo Helicopters is situated in Indigo Private Game Lodge
near Ellisras, and offers the following:
•
•
•
•
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•
Helicopter Pilot Training
(CAA/0348)
Ratings / Conversions
CAA Online Testing Centre
Game Capture
Game Darting
Game Counting
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7

o out and expe
snippets
A TREE TOP TANGO
A visit to one of South Africa’s Canopy Tours promises an eco-adventure that
is enough to give any thrill-seeker goose-bumps, while satisfying nature lovers
at the same time. At each location, a system of platforms has been built high
among the trees and linked by a series of cables slides. Here, tourists, nature
lovers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts are guided through the heights of
previously inaccessible natural marvels, without disturbing these pristine habitats.
Professional, trained guides point out the highlights of the fauna and flora at each
stop, making sure that even the tiniest detail is not missed. South Africa now
boasts six Canopy Tour destinations. These include the very first site in Africa, in
the Tsitsikamma Forest, as well as Karkloof, Magaliesberg, Magoebaskloof, the
Drakensberg and now, Malolotja, Swaziland. For more information, visit
www.canopytour.co.za.
The Finest Wine & Dine Dinners in Africa
Sommelier Luvo Ntezo and celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel, have planned
a series of fabulous evenings of food and wine at the One & Only
Cape Town. One & Only Cape Town has plenty of treats in store for
gourmands and wine-lovers alike in 2012! The resort’s award-winning
sommelier, Luvo Ntezo, has worked with Chef Reuben Riffel and some of
the top winemakers in South Africa to present a baker’s dozen of dinners
where the finest ingredients are turned into culinary delights, perfectly
paired with the very best wines. Only 30 guests will be allowed to attend
each evening, giving guests the chance chat with Luvo and the various
participating winemakers as they enjoy the food and wine. Limited
guests will be accommodated at each dinner at a price of R325 per guest.
To reserve your table at Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town, call +27 21
431 4511 or email to restaurant.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com.
8
CONTINUE THE ADVENTURE
Pentax has pushed the Pentax WG adventure camera
series to the edge for the 13th time with the introduction
of the Pentax Optio WG-2 and Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS
digital compact cameras. These models feature more
durability than ever before as well as improved image
quality in high-sensitivity shooting and Full 1080p HD
movie recording capability. The Optio WG camera family
is ready for adventure in any outdoor setting. Foremost
in the latest models’ feature set is a new back-illuminated
16 megapixel CMOS image sensor and powerful imaging
engine that perform superbly in high-sensitivity settings
such as night shooting or in poorly illuminated indoor
settings. The WG-2 models deliver clear, sharp images
with less noise than previous models. They are waterproof
to 12 metres and the shockproof design protects the
camera on drops of up to 1.5 metres. Visit www.pentax.
com for more information.

ience the worl
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
SAVING OUR SEAS
Shoreline Café at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town has become
the first restaurant in Africa to gain Chain-of-Custody certification from
the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC is an international
organisation that promotes sustainability in wild-capture fisheries by means
of a certification programme. Certification against the MSC’s environmental
standard for wild-capture fisheries is widely considered to be the most
rigorous demonstration of seafood sustainability in the world. The restaurant
joined the WWF SASSI (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative)
restaurant programme in 2008, and established itself early on as a Champion
Restaurant through serving only green-listed seafood species. Visit www.
aquarium.co.za for more information.
Northern Exposure
9
CONTEMPORARY HOSPITALITY
The Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town is set to open
its doors on 1st November, just in time for summer.
Set in Cape Town’s Foreshore district, the hotel is
destined to bring a new energy to the area. It is
only the second Park Inn by Radisson to open in
South Africa, and the hotel provides the Mother
City with a contemporary urban destination. This
Park Inn promises to be the perfect base for both
business and leisure travellers, thanks to easy access
to corporate headquarters and the Cape Town
International Convention Centre, while the V&A
Waterfront is an easy ten minute stroll away. For
more information, visit www.parkinn.com.
Thompsons Africa is now offering a number of new and fascinating guided tours
and self-drive options in the land of big skies and wild flowers, the Northern
Cape. Thompsons Africa’s new four-day Kgalalagadi Transfrontier Park package
offers a remote, unique and tranquil wilderness experience, which includes a
sunset pan drive and dune walk to watch the sun set over the Kalahari, as well as
a guided walk with Bushmen. A number of other tours, ranging from one to four
days, explore the Richtersveld National Park and its surrounds. Starting at Port
Nolloth, highlights include interacting with local herders and visiting the largest
colony of Cape fur seals in the Southern Hemisphere. Self-drive packages are
also available, with the flexibility to explore the towns of this fascinating part of
the country at leisure. For more information, contact +27 31 275 3510 or email
sally.gray@thompsons.co.za.

featUre Destination
re’s Inverdoorn a cheetah
GAME RESERVE AND SAFARI LODGE
Text: Lara Potgieter | Images: © Lara Potgieter & Inverdoorn
‘Cheetah! There’s a cheetah in the garden!’
I
am not entirely sure I want to abandon the comfort of my
chalet to investigate the claim. Even if the famed Ferraris of
the wild are the only big cats not interested in consuming
human flesh, I wouldn’t really want to stand in the path of one on
its 110km/hr evening jog. Besides, this is a garden we’re talking
about. I shrug it off as a city slicker’s hallucination and roll over.
Minutes later, there is a knock at the door.
‘Ma’am – we have a certain Izzie who would like to meet you.’
This Izzie has a nerve sending someone to disturb me in my cosy
10
abode. Nonetheless, I venture out in true investigative journalist
style in my fluffy gown and slippers to see what’s going on.
As it turns out, Izzie certainly does have a nerve, and is forcing
everybody to vacate the biggest pink couch so that she can sprawl
herself across it. She also has a tail, 450 spots and a purr to put the
Aristocats to shame.
Although I am mesmerised by the glorious being a few feet
ahead of me, I instinctually begin to worry about the situation.
Why is this wild animal on a couch in the lodge’s garden – has

ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
in the garden
she been removed from her family and natural
habitat to be domesticated for the purposes of
human entertainment? Why is there a handler
with a long leash standing just behind her?
The handler picks up my evident concern and
begins to tell me the story of Izzie’s journey
into her care.
Although the sale of African wildlife as pets is
illegal, a few unfortunate cases are still brought
to light from time to time. Izzie’s was such
a case. Upon realizing the real implications
11
of keeping a fast-growing cheetah in their
household, Izzie’s owners handed her over to the
Cape Cheetah Conservation Foundation, which
operates on the reserve.
Although still young, Izzie needs to be trained
to survive in the wild. Part of this process
involves daily walks through the reserve, and
Izzie has chosen the couch as a rest stop between
the reserve-proper and the rehabilitation camp,
displaying a glorious sense of entitlement not
unlike that of a pampered domestic cat. This is
Although the sale of African wildlife as
pets is illegal, a few unfortunate cases
are still brought to light from time to
time. Izzie’s was such a case.
however not indulged for too long, as Izzie has
come to the reserve to be re-introduced to the
wild, and too much human pampering poses the
obvious problems.
The next morning, I am fortunate enough to
accompany Velvet, a slightly older member of
Inverdoorn’s cheetah rehabilitation camp, on her
daily reserve walk.
I learn from her handler that she arrived
at the reserve after a tip-off alerted the team
to the fact that she and her brother had been
bred in captivity and were spending the first
part of their lives in somebody’s bathroom.
Although she is energetic and incredibly alert
(cheetahs can spot prey up to 3km away and
Velvet is particularly fond of passing bicycles),
a neglected broken tail in her early life has left
her with a deformity that could hinder her
ability to hunt successfully. She is nonetheless
undergoing rigorous training in the hope that
she will one day be able to fend for herself.
Inverdoorn is also home to eight wild
cheetahs involved in a natural breeding project
- a more complex undertaking than one would
expect. An integral part of the process involves

featUre Destination
the daily operation of a lure in the form of an
electric pulley that entices the cheetahs to run
like kitties after a string, helping the females
to reach a high enough body temperature to
facilitate ovulation.
Watching the magnificent creatures accelerate
from 0 to 110km in under three seconds is an
experience that alone would have made the two-
and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town more
than worthwhile, but there were still so many
more spectacles hiding further in the reserve.
Inverdoorn is one of the few places where you
are almost guaranteed to experience everything
presented in the promotional material. Two
game drives (one at sunset and one at sunrise)
presented nothing less than sightings of lions,
rhinos, hippo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo,
ostrich and a variety of antelope over the short
period of a day and a half.
The lion and his two lionesses were rescued
from an illegal canned hunting farm, on
which animals are either caged or sedated
Inverdoorn is one of the few places
where you are almost guaranteed to
experience everything presented in
the promotional material.
and presented as guaranteed trophies to
international hunters.
The horns of the rhinos on the reserve have
been injected with a coloured, poisonous
substance in an attempt to make them both
difficult to smuggle out of the country and
detrimental to the consumer (although
ingestion is not fatal, it does lead to illness).
Inverdoorn’s Rhino Protect program goes
a step further by helping other reserves to
implement similar anti-poaching methods.
Although saying goodbye to Ngoni (our
highly knowledgeable yet quietly entertaining
guide) was harder after each adventure
together, it was always wonderful to return to
the comfort of a warm fire and a delicious meal
at the end of a long day out in the bush, with
a highly comfortable night’s rest in a luxury
suite, family house or chalet to look forward to
after all the excitement.
For more information or to make a
reservation, call Inverdoorn on +27 21 434 4639,
e-mail them at info@inverdoorn.com or visit
www.inverdoorn.com
12

featUre Cuisine
Moyo at
A CELEBRATION OF AFRICA
STELLENBOSCH
Text: Lara Potgieter | Images: © Claudi Versteeg & Ed Suter
14

Usually when I go to a restaurant, I sit down, order my food
immediately and sit in a salivating stupor watching the kitchen
exit out the corner of my eye. A visit to Moyo on the pristine
Spier Estate in Stellenbosch was quite a different experience.
15

featUre Cuisine
Although I was animatedly welcomed to the
‘kingdom’ and gestured towards my private
table, I was immediately distracted by the
hypnotic beat of a djembe drum and began to follow
its reverberations like a rat after the Pied Piper.
After a venture through a host of trees bearing
myriads of little lights, I found more than just
my elusive djembe. A whole performing troupe,
complete with actors, singers, musicians and
even an acrobat, delighted me with a wonderfully
resurrected version of an old Xhosa folk song. I
spent a good half hour watching the shadows of
their movements around a fire that only an African
could ignite. It was only when the spectacle calmed
to the soothing voice of a single singer that I
remembered that I had come here to eat.
Once I finally sat down on my private dining
platform in the trees (of course I first had to survey the view as if I
were Mufasa surveying his kingdom), I was delighted by another
sensual experience as my hands were gently washed in rosewater and
my face painted in traditional Xhosa and Zulu celebratory custom.
I was finally encouraged to make my way to the generous buffet
spread, and I soon saw why. The fact that it was a bitterly cold night
did not keep the crowds away from the big-top style tented outdoor
venue that manages to keep the cold at bay with its fires, cozy blankets
and the pure energy of its staff. Luckily the buffet that was feeding
so many never seemed to run dry, as each time I saw a dish reach the
After a few indulgent glasses of the Spier Estate’s own
rich Merlot, I sat back and reveled in the spirit of Africa
that was unfolding all around me.
bottom of its pot, more of the freshly-prepared creation was generously
ladled in. It’s no wonder each buffet station has its own residing chef!
I was guided from station to station by Head Chef Colin Oldham,
who handed me over with dismay to his deputy, Mavis Goba, on
hearing the evidently disappointing news of my vegetarian habits.
Originally from Idutywa in the Eastern Cape, Mavis is a beautiful and
warm woman who fits her surroundings at Moyo perfectly. She loves
to cook traditional African dishes for visiting foreigners and laments
the fact that many restaurants call themselves ‘African’ when they
in fact serve more Malay-type dishes. Although she is very proud of
her traditional oxtail or ‘wors’ (sausage) with mielie pap and tomato
and onion sauce, she carefully explains each of the many colorful
vegetarian salad and main course offerings to me. I finally settle on
a vegetable briyani with an aubergine and spinach side. This was a
winner for me, with the steak and calamari proving to be favorites
amongst the other diners, one of whom excitedly declared her meal
to be ‘the best calamari in Africa!’ Mavis, who also has a passion for
experimenting with seasonal seafood dishes, was duly chuffed by this.
I must admit, though, that the dessert station was by far my favorite
stop. I ploughed my way through most of the treats on offer, from
the traditional Afrikaans ‘koeksister’ (dough dipped in syrup) to the
16
standards like pecan nut pie and chocolate brownies to the crowning
glory – the Moyo Mojo upside-down malva pudding. While I did
appreciate Mavis’s musings on how she likes to ‘play around’ with the
fruits of the season, I must say I went straight for the decadence.
After a few indulgent glasses of the Spier Estate’s own rich Merlot,
I sat back and reveled in the spirit of Africa that was unfolding all
around me. Entertainers at a table behind me were trying to teach
a group of Jamaicans how to ‘click the right way’, my host was filling
me in on the developments in his home country of Zimbabwe, a
German diner was learning the ins and outs of the Cape township of
Khayelitsha and a brave South African guest was called up to stage to
partake in the virtuosic percussion presentation unfolding beneath top
hats and sequins on the stage.
Ah, Africa. Energetic, incomprehensible, magical Africa. I really did
not expect to find it at a restaurant.
For more information or to book, visit www.moyo.co.za or contact
Moyo Stellenbosch directly on +27 21 809 1133
Oh, and here’s a little starter to get you in the mood.
If you are not planning a visit to Stellenbosch or
even the Western Cape, do not despair! There is an
array of Moyo restaurants throughout South Africa,
with each one presenting its own unique energy
and surprises.
GAUTENG KWAZULU-NATAL WESTERN CAPE
Zoo Lake
Johannesburg
+27 11 646 0058
Melrose Arch
Johannesburg
+27 11 684 1477
Fountains
Pretoria
+27 12 341 5729
uShaka
Durban
+27 31 332 0606
uShaka Pier Bar
Durban
+27 31 332 0606
Blouberg
Cape Town
+27 21 554 9671
Spier Estate
Stellenbosch
+27 809 1133

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Text: Lara Potgieter & Ken Forrester Wines | Images: © Ken Forrester Wines
featUre Terroir
KEN FORRESTER
Wines
ACHIEVING THROUGH SERVING
On the slopes of the Helderberg mountains near Stellenbosch in the heart of South African wine
country lies one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape.
18

It is a fitting setting for the famed Ken Forrester, a top figure in the South
African wine industry and a lover of quality, energy, nature and people.
Before coming under ownership of the highly capable Ken,
the farm had been through the hands of many powerful figures of
South African society.
In the late seventeenth century Simon van der Stel, the then-
governor of the Cape, granted the property to the late Vryburger
Frederick Boot, who later changed his name to Botha and was the
forefather of both President Botha of the old Free State Republic
and President Botha of the old South African Republic. Then called
19
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Zandbergh, the farm was later taken over, named Scholtzenberg and
farmed for over 100 years before falling into dilapidation.
In 1993 the Forrester family moved in, restored the exquisite
homestead and lovingly revived the land to its current forty hectares
of premium-producing vineyard - all proudly manicured, pruned
and picked by hand.
Old bush vines produce the Forrester flagship – a Chenin Blanc
of complex structure and deep molded character. Other vines, some
older than fifty years, produce a range of top quality wines that can all
be sampled at the vineyard.

featUre Terroir
96 Winery Road
What is good wine without good food?
In partnership with brother Alan, Ken created 96 Winery Road, a top
winelands restaurant that frequently features in the top ten restaurants of
South Africa.
Executive Chef Natasha Harris presents a fresh seasonal menu that changes
almost every day, while winemaker and poet Martin Meinert pairs each item
on the menu with a perfectly complimentary wine on the shelf (the restaurant
offers a spectacular array of wines from all over the world).
It is no surprise that 96 Winery Road is the first in South Africa to have
featured in the Wine Spectator Wine List Awards.
20
The Forrester range operates on a three-tiered system.
THE PETIT RANGE is all negotiant fruit, specifically
sourced to suit a fruit-forward profile offering soft,
market-ready, instantly pleasing everyday drinking
wines across three styles.
THE KEN FORRESTER RANGE is the product of
vines cultivated and fruit selected mainly from the
farm itself.
THE ICON RANGE includes stand-alone parcels
from single vineyards where the vines are nurtured
and coaxed to perfection. The team may pass through
the vineyards up to six times during harvest, hand
picking and selecting the bunches individually. After
barrel aging, only the very best individual barrels to
go into bottle, ensuring a unique superlative wine -
justifiably the pinnacle of the Forrester efforts.
The wines of each range have shown consistent
excellence, boasting over 70 prestigious awards (to
date) across all three ranges.
Yet despite the spectacular success and high-profile
nature of the brand, Ken never loses sight of that
which is really important.
It is his vision to improve the situation of his labor
force by growing the business and thereby providing
maximum job opportunities in a market that is
desperate for support.
The land is farmed sustainably, with no herbicides or
pesticides. Tilling is done by hand, a process which
Ken describes as a hugely labor intensive but very
satisfying exercise. Thin bunches and leaves are all
pruned by hand and harvesting is finally done by
hand too.
Ken hopes that the additional employment
necessitated by these hands-on methods will go some
way in improving the quality of life in the community
both on the farm and in surrounding areas.
The Forresters have also restored the old cattle owners’
cottage on the farm, renovating it into an adult basic
education and training facility for farm workers.
‘If every community looked after their own, no-
one would go wanting. This is our proposal, and
consequently each bottle is a victory and represents a
small change – for the better – in someone’s life.’
Ken’s social and environmental efforts have been
acknowledged by Madiba himself, who enlisted the
Forresters to host his 85th birthday celebrations in
Johannesburg in 2003.
Open up a bottle of Ken Forrester wine and celebrate an
astounding South African businessman and citizen.
For more information or to arrange a visit to the farm,
call +27 21 855 2374, e-mail info@kenforresterwines.
com or visit www.kenforresterwines.com

inspirations Listen
DANCING IN
Hot Water
A
splendid example of this can be seen in the music of
Hot Water, a Cape Town-based band that defies Western
genre categorization in its offering of a real melting pot of
traditional South African music such as kwela, mbaganga, sakkie-
sakkie, ghoema, maskandi and kwasa kwasa mixed up with some folk,
blues and indie pop rock.
I like to view their latest album, South, as a musical presentation of
life in South Africa.
The title of the opening track,
Wamkelekile, translates as ‘welcome’ in
isiXhosa. The song itself, with its joyous
‘blikkitaar’ (a guitar made out of a strung
motor oil tin) and enthusiastic ululating,
serves as a warm and excited welcome to our
beautiful country.
The glowing hospitality of this track gives
way, in typical African fashion, to a song
that presents lyrics of suffering accompanied
by a brave and victorious melody.
The Big Bang track delivers a clever,
albeit slightly sordid twist on the
traditional Jack and Jill nursery rhyme,
presenting what some may interpret as
a subtle allusion to the plight of too many a young South African
parent, presented in an ironically seductive blues rock piece
accompanied by typically African percussion.
An African marimba melody accompanied by the standard
instruments of any rock band provides a refreshing intercultural mash-
up that builds up to the greatest intercultural musical experience that I
have yet to encounter – a typically African piece of music accompanied
by lyrics that praise the traditional Afrikaans ‘sakkie sakkie’ dance.
This song had fans at a recent outdoor concert in Cape Town
Text: Lara Potgieter & Ken Forrester Wines | Images: © Deborah Rossouw
22
Of the many unique offerings of
African culture, one of my favorites
has to be the ability to sing and
dance through hardship, celebrating
survival and determination rather than
lamenting scarcity and suffering.
combining the sakkie dance with the traditional toyi-toyi protest dance
in a glorious celebration of what it is to be South African today.
A gentle and heartfelt cover of Paul McCartney’s Blackbird relates so
aptly to a people who for so long ‘were only waiting for this moment to
be free’.
Tribal Man echoes the seemingly laidback and carefree attitude
of the many young South Africans who have chosen it as a favorite,
possibly because the lyrics reflect the almost spiritual strength of their
connection to the land and people that
have raised them.
A hypnotic didgeridoo solo famous for
getting a crowd writhing like serpents
pushes the intensity further and further
upwards and inwards until all that is left
is a sweaty mess of a listener who is ready
to be consoled by Wounded Soldier, a
portrayal of the small inner triumphs that
can be achieved amidst the chaos of outer
battle. A gentle, at times falsetto voice
accompanied by a string addition sings the
compassion and empathy of many South
Africans, fellow ‘soldiers’ of the land.
Of course, to round it all off is a soccer
(football) anthem, Laduma, that joyfully coveys the story of a boy
who grew up ‘in the heartland’, dreaming of following ‘the goals in
his heart’. It might have read like a terribly corny piece of literature,
had it not been accompanied by such a catchy and evidently jubilant
piece of music.
Have a listen for yourself and see how you feel about it.
For more info on the band and upcoming gigs,
visit www.hotwater.co.za

23
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE

inspirations Read
LOVE AND LOSS IN THE WILD
THE WORDS OF
Lawrence Anthony
Text: Lara Potgieter & Ken Forrester Wines | Images: © Andre Swanepoel
Every wild thing is in tune with its surroundings, awake to its
fate and in absolute harmony with the planet. Their attention is
focused totally outwards. Humans, on the other hand, tend to focus
introspectively on their own lives too often, brooding and magnifying
problems that the animal kingdom would not waste a millisecond of
energy upon. To most people, the magnificent order of the natural
world where life and death actually mean something has become
unrecognizable. - Lawrence Anthony, The Last Rhinos
Tucked away under layers of blankets
on a rainy night in the middle
of the city, I feel in tune with my
surroundings. Not the four white walls or the
relentless hum of traffic three floors down,
but all that surrounds me as a child of this
magnificent continent.
I see the thousands of wrinkles that criss-cross
over an elephant’s skin and hear the peals of
thunder that announce the first resurrecting
rains of spring. But I also hear the crack of a
rifle, see the ominous descent of a vulture and
feel the horror of the conservationist, ranger,
parent or child who discovers the aftermath.
I’m far from it all right now, of course, but
I have a worn paperback in my hand and
Lawrence Anthony is telling me a story.
He tells me about his beloved rhino Heidi,
her brutal slaughter and the endless challenges
involved in the fight for life. He tells me about
politics, poverty, war and warthogs in South and
North Africa and beyond.
Fires, floods, sunsets and soldiers unfold
before that precious part of my mind that is
still able to run through the bush on another
goddamn beautiful day in Africa (when it is in
fact quite miserable outside and the only place I
can really run is the bathroom when I’m feeling
particularly energetic).
I imagine the slimy tip of a trunk on my
forehead and the untold difficulty of eventually
having to walk away. Nana, Frankie, Mandla,
bush pigs and tokoloshes populate my dreams,
and the waking day is really just spent waiting for
story time to come around once more.
There is, however, nothing fantastical about
these stories. They tell of the reality of the
African bush, of two majestic yet endangered
species and of the initiative, perseverance and
bravery of one man on a farm in Kwazulu-Natal.
I would have given my two front teeth
(wouldn’t it be wonderful if we started trading
those illegally instead?) to hear the stories told
by his tongue. His books, however, will sustain
me (and a whole generation I am sure) through
the long, hard and at times beautiful battle for
life, above all, for all.
For more information or to order a copy of
the books, visit www.panmacmillan.co.za. To
find out how you can become involved with The
Lawrence Anthony Earth Foundation, visit www.
lawrenceanthony.co.za
24
Image: © Pan Macmillan

“FIRES, FLOODS, SUNSETS AND SOLDIERS UNFOLD BEFORE THAT
PRECIOUS PART OF MY MIND THAT IS STILL ABLE TO RUN THROUGH
THE BUSH ON ANOTHER GODDAMN BEAUTIFUL DAY IN AFRICA...”
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Image: © Suki Dhanda

inspirations Watch
Many of the people of Africa bestow a spiritual significance
upon the animals of their land, displaying recognition of
the latter’s status as powerful and intriguing fellow beings.
One Life, a superb wildlife documentary by BBC Earth Films,
successfully presents a variety of remarkable species throughout the
world in light of those qualities that make them both comparable and
in some cases superior to their homo sapien neighbours.
Whether it’s a close-up that provides an impossibly intimate gaze at
a wild beast in its natural habitat, a breathtaking survey of a foreign
landscape or a spot-on non-verbal musical description of the visual
magic that unfolds, One Life is able to afford its subjects the aweinspiring
showcase that they deserve.
Moreover, these sentiments are inspired not through unnecessary
anthropomorphic dramatization, but by the everyday lives of
these creatures. From the uncannily human facial expressions of a
bathing snow monkey to the tireless journey of a tiny frog up and
down a tall tree to feed each of its young individually, what unfolds
is none other than what Richard Dawkins has famously coined ‘The
Magic of Reality’.
An ant has a brain the size of a pinhead, but when it joins forces
with its army, it becomes both an architect and an engineer, designing
specially ventilated feeding structures to avoid the toxic dose of carbon
dioxide released by its fungal food. A capuchin peels its nuts and then
leaves them to dry in the sun for exactly two weeks before returning
with a rock with which to crack them. The triggers on a Venus Flytrap
are only released when two are touched within a period of twenty
seconds. These are just some facts of the natural world that point to
its inherent form of ‘intelligence’, or at least of an adaptability that we
would be proud to match.
Aside from the natural success of the hunting chameleon who
can change the color of its skin to disguise itself in its surroundings,
fire a missile of a tongue at 15 feet per second and move its eyes
independently, there are also a great deal of innovative survival
techniques to be admired in the animal kingdom. The Ethiopian
Lammergeier spends years teaching its young to drop bones from
One Life :
THE ORIGINALITY OF
THE SPECIES
Text: Lara Potgieter & Ken Forrester Wines | Images: © www.heyuguys.co.uk
One cannot visit Africa without observing a deep respect for
the myriads of non-human species that inhabit its soil, making
it the continent that it is – full of diversity, and full of life.
extraordinary heights onto strategically selected rocky surfaces to
break them for the purposes of obtaining the marrow inside. The
Kenyan Sengi memorizes intricate mazes with tight twists and turns
because it knows that, although it cannot outrun its lizard predators, it
is much better at taking sharp corners than these nemeses. A newborn
Israeli Ibex knows to run, when chased by a hungry fox, to the one
edge of a cliff-surface upon which only an Ibex can stand. A school of
bottlenose dolphins works together to create a perfect circular ‘fishing
net’ out of mud, while fish quickly disperse into tight and intricate
patterns that make it almost impossible for a larger mammal to grab
hold of any one of them at a time.
Skill is just the seed of the success of many of the species
showcased in the film. It takes courage for a lone goat to descend
a steep cliff to fetch food for her young. It takes patience for
a komodo dragon to wait weeks alongside its large prey until
the poison of its bite finally takes effect and it can eat without
threat. And it takes a showcase like One Life to remind us of the
intelligence, ingenuity, strength, grace and determination of the
beings over which we too often believe ourselves to reign.
If the everyday occurrences of the animal kingdom are not enough
to inspire this kind of recognition, then the unrivalled beauty of a
winged lover’s dance or the humor inspired by the evident grumpiness
of a woken gorilla dad should pull at a few homo sapien heart strings.
One Life is an important reminder of the reality that, if the entire
life-span of the Earth were to be compressed into a year, human beings
would only have been around for part of the last minute of December.
As narrator Daniel Craig relates at the film’s close:
‘Every living thing on this planet seeks the same goal – not just to
live, but to foster new life… their lives, our lives, all life on earth will
be richer if we choose to remember everything we have in common –
realize we share one planet, one future’
And it certainly shouldn’t take the presentation of a lizard walking
on water or a toad turning as hard as a pebble and falling, unscathed,
off a mountain to remind us of that.
Watch the trailer here.
26

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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE

PRESENTING
A guide to South Africa’s top
properties and services
28

GUide National
&Beyond
29
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
&Beyond is a leader in luxury adventure travel and safaris. Their roots are in Africa, where they run 33
magical safari lodges and camps in the most breathtaking parts of the continent, all the while sustaining
hundreds of rural communities and millions of acres of precious, sometimes endangered wildlife land.
From the deserts of Namibia to the Okavango swamps, the plains of the
Serengeti and Masai Mara to the Indian Ocean archipelagos and South Africa’s
famous Big Five game parks, &Beyond shows guests the very best that the
wilderness has to offer. &Beyond also offers a full range of travel services,
designing journeys for their guests to over 1 200 hand-picked luxury and
adventure travel destinations, hotels and resorts in Africa and India.
CONTACT • Call: +27 11 809 4300
• E-mail: safaris@andBeyond.com
• Website: www.andbeyond.com
Safari Lodges

GUide National
1time
Since its inception, 1time airline has satisfied the public’s hunger for an airline that is focused on the lowest
airfares and the best service – a need that is summarized in their company ethos of “More Nice, Less Price”.
1time airline currently travels to six South African destinations, including
Johannesburg, Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London and
Durban. Regionally, 1time airline is the only low cost airline in South Africa
to offer budget flights to regional destinations in Southern Africa. These
include Zanzibar and Zambia. A flight to Kenya has also recently been
added to the schedule.
CONTACT • Call: +27 86 8000
• Website: www.1time.aero
30
Airline

Peermont
CONTACT
31
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts is a hospitality and gaming company that operates in South
Africa and Botswana.
Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts is a hospitality and gaming
company that operates in South Africa and Botswana. Peermont has
an excellent track record in the design, development, management,
ownership and operation of multi-faceted integrated resorts, including
hotels, casinos, convention centres, retail centres, health spas,
restaurants, bars and other sport and entertainment facilities.
• Call: +27 11 557 0557
• E-mail: info@peermont.com
• Website: www.peermont.com
Hotels

GUide National
Bidvest Premier
Premier Lounge is the business lounge service of choice for high-end business and leisure travelers
across South Africa.
Avoid the crowds, make a phone call in peace, surf the net, use business
facilities or just relax with a drink and a snack. There are smoking and
non-smoking rooms to suit your style. You can find a Premier Lounge in
every local and international departure terminal of all major South African
airports. The lounges are open daily from one hour prior to the first flight
leaving to 30 minutes after the last flight has left from O R Tambo, Cape
Town, King Shaka, George, East London and Port Elizabeth airports.
CONTACT
• Call: +27 86 124 3247
• Email: rosalynb@bidair.co.za
• Website: www.bidvestlounge.co.za
Lounges
32

Signature Life
CONTACT
33
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Signature Life Hotels was named Africa’s leading Innovative hospitality company by the World Travel
Awards in 2010.
Signature Life offers the hospitality industry, particularly the owners
of hotel and leisure properties, unique and profitable hospitality
solutions. The goal of the group is to operate sustainable, profitable,
well-developed hotels throughout Africa. All Life Hotels, Quarters
Hotels Signature Safaris and Signature Hotels fall under Signature Life
Hotels management.
• Call: +27 31 312 6250
• E-mail: info@lifehospitality.com
• Website: www.signaturelifehotels.com
Hotels

GUide National
The Blue Train
For more than 60 years, The Blue Train has enjoyed an international reputation as one of the world’s
unsurpassed travelling experiences.
In 2010 alone, The Blue Train won the coveted accolade of “Africa’s Leading
Luxury Train” at The World Travel Awards, and was voted “Condé Nast
Traveller Reader’s Favourite Specialist Train.” The routes of The Blue Train
– both scheduled and chartered – take guests through some of the most
breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. Routes include
Cape Town/Pretoria; Pretoria/ Durban and Pretoria/Pilanesberg.
CONTACT
• Call: +27 12 334 8459
• E-mail: info@bluetrain.co.za
• Website: www.bluetrain.co.za
34

ThreeCities
CONTACT
35
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
The Three Cities Group was formed in 1988 as a hospitality group offering specialized services in the
tourism industry.
The Three Cities Group offers specialized services in the tourism industry,
managing and marketing over 30 quality tourism and leisure properties
with a strong network of sales and marketing specialists working out of
Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and London. The group’s distinctively
unique portfolio of properties includes city hotels, resorts, exceptional
safaris and three campuses of The International Hotel School.
• Call: +27 31 310 3333
• E-mail: developments@threecities.co.za
• Website: www.threecities.co.za
International Hotels

GUide WesternCape
Dutch East Restaurant
The Dutch East restaurant in Franschhoek believes in the values of simplicity and preserving the
integrity of the main ingredient of a dish.
At Dutch East, fresh is best and the freshest available ingredients are
sourced each day. Head Chef Pasch du Plooy is a leading figure in the
culinary world of the Cape Winelands, pioneering the way with his exciting
mix of local Dutch and Eastern cuisine.
CONTACT
• Call: +27 21 876 3547
• Website: www.dutcheast.co.za
36

Reuben’s
CONTACT
37
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Chef Rueben Riffel’s passion for creating fine yet uncomplicated cuisine is celebrated at his top yet
laid-back restaurant in Franschhoek.
The menu offers staunch South African favorites as well as specials
that are updated daily to take advantage of the finest ingredients on the
market. In the heart of the South African winelands, the restaurant boasts
an excellent wine menu. Reuben’s restaurant and bar combines all the
ingredients for the perfect get together.
• Call: +27 21 876 3772
• E-mail: reubens@mweb.co.za
• Website: www.reubens.co.za
Restaurant & Bar

GUide Limpopo
Indigo
Helicopters
Indigo Helicopters offers helicopter pilot training (CAA/0348) by PPL and CPL instructors, hour building
towards a commercial license and conversions and type ratings at a CAA approved training facility.
It also offers aerial game viewing and management opportunities as well as flights to
celebrate special occasions. Their Alert HeliTrack service provides air support to assist in
tracing the perpetrators of rhino poaching and farm attacks. Indigo Helicopters is situated
in Onverwacht and offer lodge-style accommodation.
CONTACT
• Call: 082 927 4031
• E-mail: Gerhard@indigohelicopters.co.za
• Website: www.indigohelicopters.co.za
38

GUide North West
Madikwe
Boasting 27 major species of game, Madikwe is the fourth largest game reserve in the country. The perfect
South African luxury safari holiday destination, Tau Game Lodge offers both Big Five and bird-watching
safaris. Overlooking a vast natural waterhole, it offers an idyllic wedding as well as conference venue. Adults
can indulge in a range of decadent treatments at the Tau Spa while children enjoy the myriad of kiddies’
activities available.
CONTACT
39
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
The privately-owned Tau Game Lodge is situated in the Madikwe Game reserve in the beautiful Great Marico
area on the far northern border of South Africa.
• Call: +27 11 314 4350
• E-mail: taugame@mweb.co.za
• Website: www.taugamelodge.co.za
Game Lodge

DIRECTORY
A concise, grouped luxury property listing
for your convenience
41

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Eastern Cape
Kuzuko Lodge
Location: Olivenfontein Farm, Kommadagga, Addo
Elephant National Park
Tel: 0800 468 357 or +2711 806 6888
E-mail: hotels@legacyhotels.co.za
Web: www.legacyhotels.co.za
Blue Lagoon Hotel & Conference Centre
Location: Blue Bend Place, Beacon Bay, East London
Tel: +2743 748 4821
E-mail: reservations@bluelagoonhotel.co.za
Web: www.bluelagoonhotel.co.za
Quarry Lake Inn
Location: Quartzite Drive, off Pearce St, The Quarry, EL
Tel: +2743 707 5400
E-mail: info@quarrylakein.co.za
Web: www.quarrylakeinn.co.za
Location: Naudes Nek Pass, Rhodes
Tel: +2745 971 8901
E-mail: reservations@riverhotels.co.za
Web: www.riverhotels.co.za/tenahead
42
Kwantu Game Reserve
Location: 1 Sidbury Farm, Sidbury, Makana District,
Port Elizabeth
Tel: +2742 203 1400
E-mail: reservations@kwantu.co.za
Web: www.kwantu.co.za
Tenahead Mountain Lodge & Spa
Mpekweni Beach Resort
Location: R72 Coastal Rd, Between Port Alfred and
East London
Tel: +2740 676 1026
E-mail: info@mpekweni.co.za
Web: www.mpekweni.com

The Sands River Lodge
Location: 8 Frank Road, St Francis Bay
Tel: +2742 294 1888
Email: thesands@pehotels.co.za
Web: www.thesands.co.za
Moya Manzi Beach House
Location: 17 Toevlugs Place , Paradise Beach,
Jeffery’s Bay
Tel: +2742 292 0780
E-mail: info@moyamanzi.com
Web: www.moyamanzi.com
Kichaka Private Game Lodge
Location: Assegaai Bush, Grahamstown
Tel: +2746 622 6024
E-mail: reservations@kichaka.co.za
Web: www.kichaka.co.za
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location: Kariega Game Reserve, Kenton-on-Sea
Tel: +2741 581 2606
E-mail: reservations@kariega.net
Web: www.kariega.co.za
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Location: Hunters Estate, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: +2744 501 1111
E-mail: res@hunterhotels.com
Web: www.hunterhotels.com
Prana Lodge
Location: Chintsa East. Wild Coast
Tel: +2743 704 5119
E-mail: info@pranalodge.co.za
Web: www.pranalodge.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Free State
Lazy Lizard Guest House
Location: 109 Henry Street, Park West, Bloemfontein
Tel: +27 51 444 5075
E-mail: info@lizard.co.za
Web: www.lizard.co.za
De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa
Location: 35km South of Bloemfontein
Tel: +27 51 5640 733
E-mail: info@deoudekraal.co.za
Web: www.deoudekraal.co.za
A Summer Place Boutique Guest House
Location: 18 Stegmann St, Universitas, Bloemfontein
Tel: +27 51 522 2412
E-mail: info@thesummerplace.co.za
Web: www.thesummerplace.co.za
Location: Fouriesberg
Tel: +27 58 223 0412
Email: oranjegh@mweb.co.za
Web: www.oranjegasteplaas.co.za
44
Lavender Hill Country Estate
Location: Bethlehem
Tel: +27 58 303 1673
E-mail: info@lavenderhillestate.co.za
Web: www.lavenderhillestate.co.za
Oranje Guest Farm
Wild Horses Mountain Lodge
Location: Amanzi Amakhulu Estate, Sterkfontein Dam
Harrismith
Tel: +27 58 622 7000
E-mail: hawkinsgroup@telkomsa.net
Web: www.wildhorses.co.za

Lekoa Game Lodge Corporate Boutique Hotel
Location: Wolfenfontein Farm, Villiers, Helibron
Tel: +27 58 821 0601
E-mail: riette@lekoalodge.com
Web: www.lekoalodge.com
De Stijl Gariep Hotel
Location: 2 Aasvoel St, Gariep Dam
Tel: +27 51 754 0060
Email: info@destijl.co.za
Web: www.destijl.co.za
Emoya Hotel & Spa
Location: Frans Kleynhans Drive, Groenvlei
Tel: +27 51 436 8471
E-mail: info@emoya.co.za
Web: www.emoya.co.za
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location: C/O Third Ave & Brill St, Westdene
Bloemfontein
Tel: + 27 51 406 0900
E-mail: info@cbhc.co.za
Web: www.cbhc.co.za
Hobbit Boutique Hotel
Location: 19 President Steyn Avenue, Brandwag
Bloemfontein
Tel: +27 51 447 0663
E-mail: info@hobbit.co.za
Web: www.hobbit.co.za
San Rock Guest House
Location: Clarens
Tel: +27 83 292 3371
E-mail: janetjam@netactive.co.za
Web: www.sanrock-guesthouse.com

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Gauteng
The Palazzo Montecasino
Location: Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 21 794 9050
E-mail: palazzo@palazzomontecasino.com
Web: http://www.southernsun.com/deluxe/thepalazzo-montecasino
Shumba Valley Lodge
Location: Malibongwe Drive Extension, Lanseria
West Rand
Tel: +27 11 790 8000
E-mail: shumbavalley@shumbavalley.co.za
Web: www.shumbavalley.co.za
Location: Cnr Union Ave & Main Rd, Kliptown, Soweto
Tel: +27 21 794 9050
E-mail: reservations@sowetohotel.co.za
Web: www.sowetohotel.co.za
Location: 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 481 6000
E-mail: reservations@westcliff.co.za
Web: www.westcliff.co.za
Location: 72 Dale Road, President Park, Midrand
Tel: +27 11 022 3668
E-mail: accommodation@accolades.org.za
Web: www.accolades.org.za
46
Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square
The Westcliff Hotel
Accolades Bed and Breakfast

Idwala Guest House
Location: 13 Garrick Rd, Darrenwood, Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 888 1437
E-mail: info@idwala.com
Web: www.idwala.com
Goodnight Lodge
Location: 13 Arterial Road, West Oriel, Bedfordview
Tel: +27 11 615 8363
E-mail: res@goodnight.co.za
Web: www.goodnight.co.za
De Hoek Country Hotel
Location: Plot 7, Zeekoehoek, Magaliesburg
Tel: +27 14 577 9600
E-mail: reservations@dehoek.com
Web: www.dehoek.com
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
Location: 643 Corner of Church & Wessels Streets,
Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 429 9999
E-mail: pretoria@sheraton.co.za
Web: www.sheratonpretoria.com
The Michelangelo Hotel
Location: 153 West St, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
Tel: +27 11 806 6888
E-mail: michelangelo@legacyhotels.com
Web: www.michelangelo.co.za
The Winston Hotel
Location: 6 Tottenham Avenue, Melrose Estate, Sandton
Tel: +27 11 268 3140
E-mail: info@thewinstonhotel.co.za
Web: www.thewinstonhotel.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Hilton Durban Hotel
Location: 12–14 Walnut Rd, Durban Central
Tel: +27 31 336 8100
E-mail:
Web: www.hilton.com/durban
Ammazulu African Palace
Location: 20 Windsor Road, Kloof, Durban
Tel: +27 31 764 8000
E-mail: info@ammazulupalace.com
Web: www.ammazulupalace.com
Upton Hall Boutique Guesthouse
Location: 16 Eastbourne Road, Morningside, Durban
Tel: +27 31 303 7987
E-mail: info@uptonhall.co.za
Web: www.uptonhall.co.za
Location: 75 Marine Drive, Ramsgate, South Coast
Tel: +27 39 317 4473
E-mail: info@beachcomberbay.co.za
Web: www.beachcomberbay.co.za
48
The Oyster Box Hotel
Location: 2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban
Tel: : +27 21 794 9050
E-mail: info@oysterbox.co.za
Web: www.oysterbox.co.za
Beachcomber Bay
The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa
Location: Lot 14, Pengaan Farm, Oribi Gorge, South Coast
Tel: +27 39 687 4000
E-mail: info@thegorge.co.za
Web: www.thegorge.co.za

The Estuary Country Hotel Amakhosi Safari Lodge
Location: Old Main Road, Port Edward, South Coast
Tel: +27 39 311 2675
E-mail: reservations@estuaryhotel.co.za
Web: www.estuaryhotel.co.za
Hartford House
Location: Hlatikulu Rd, Mooi River, Natal Midlands
Tel: +27 21 794 9050
E-mail: info@hartford.co.za
Web: www.hartford.co.za
Isandlwana Lodge
Location: Isandlwana, Zululand
Tel: +27 34 271 8301
E-mail: www.isandlwana.co.za
Web: www.isandlwana.co.za
49
ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location: AmaZulu Private Game Reserve, Pongola
Northern Zululand
Tel: +27 34 414 1157
E-mail: info@amakhosi.com
Web: www.amakhosi.com
Thanda Game Lodge & Tented Safari Camp
Location: Thanda Private Game Reserve, Between
Hluhluwe & Mkuze
Tel: +27 86 184 2632,
E-mail: reservations@thanda.co.za
Web: www.thanda.com
The Vineyard on Ballito
Location: 1 Ashley Road, Ballito, Dolphin Coast
Tel: +27 32 946 1204
E-mail: info@vineyardonballito.co.za
Web: www.vineyardonballito.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Limpopo
Angasii Game Lodge
Location: Koedoeskop Road, Northam
Tel: +27 14 784 0497
E-mail: info@angasii.co.za
Web: www.angasii.co.za
Bivack Game Lodge
Location: Alldays
Tel: +27 12 343 0115
E-mail: reservations@bivack.com
Web: www.bivack.com
Di-Ella Game Lodge
Location: Matjiesfontein, Kopermyn Road, Polokwane
Tel: +27 82 808 9205
E-mail: info@diellagamelodge.co.za
Web: www.diellagamelodge.co.za
Location: Harmony Block, Gravelott Road, Hoedspruit
Tel: +27 15 793 9300
E-mail: reservations@aha.travel
Web: www.makalali.co.za
50
Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge
Location: R522 from Louis Trichardt to Vivo,
Louis Trichardt
Tel: +27 15 516 0220
E-mail: info@madiathava.com
Web: www.mountainfarmlodge.com
Makalali Private Game Lodge
Mopane Bush Lodge
Location: R572 Musina Pontdrif Road, Mapungubwe
Tel: +27 83 633 0765
E-mail: info@mopanebushlodge.co.za
Web: www.mopanebushlodge.co.za

Location: Melkrivier Road, Between Melkrivier
and Vaalwater
Tel: +27 14 755 4170
E-mail: enquiries@nkonkabushlodge.co.za
Web: www.nkonkabushlodge.co.za
Location: Balule Game Reserve, Hoedspruit District,
Greater Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 31 764 5049
E-mail: pondoro@mweb.co.za
Web: www.pondoro.co.za
Location:Olienhout Street, Nylstroom
Tel: +27 14 717 3737
E-mail: admin@nylstene.co.za
Web: www.waterbergconventioncentre.co.za
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Nkonka Bush Lodge Witwater Safari Lodge and Spa
Pondoro Game Lodge
Waterberg Convention Centre
Location:Marken / Witwater Dirt Road, Naboomspruit
Tel: +27 11 675 0000
E-mail: info@witwater.com
Web: www.witwater.com
Zebula Golf Estate & Spa
Location: Bela Bela
Tel: +27 14 734 7700
E-mail: reception@zebula.co.za
Web: www.zebula.co.za
Zwahili Private Game Lodge
Location: Modimolle / Nylstroom
Tel: +27 12 653 4340
E-mail: zwahili@iafrica.com
Web: www.zwahili.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Mpumalanga
Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Location:Blyde River Botanical Reserve, Panorama Route
Tel: +27 15 795 5305
E-mail: canyon@worldonline.co.za
Web: www.blyderivercanyon.co.za
Francolin Lodge
Location: 4 Du Preez St, Nelspruit
Tel: +27 13 744 1251
E-mail: info@francolinlodge.co.za
Web: www.francolinlodge.co.za
Highgrove House Country Hotel
Location: 1 Highgrove Avenue, Kiepersol
Tel: +27 13 764 1844
E-mail: house@highgrove.co.za
Web: www.highgrove.co.za
Location: Halfway between Skukuza & Malelane
Kruger Park
Tel: +27 41 509 3000
E-mail: reservations@jocksafarilodge.com
Web: www.jocksafarilodge.com
52
Iketla Lodge
Location: Ohrigstad
Tel: +27 (0)13 238-8900
E-mail: relax@iketla.com
Web: www.iketla.com
Jock Safari Lodge
Komati Gorge Lodge
Location: Farm Waterval JT424, Machadodorp,
Tel: +27 17 843 3920
E-mail: komatigorge@telkomsa.net
Web: www.komatigorge.co.za

Mount Sheba Country Lodge Umbhaba Lodge
Location: Pilgrim’s Rest
Tel: +27 13 768 1241
E-mail: shebares@foreversa.co.za
Web: www.mountsheba.co.za
Porcupine Ridge Guest House
Location: 5 Vanaxe Estate, Hazyview Road, Sabie
Tel: +27 (0)82 818-0277
E-mail: stay@porcupineridge.co.za
Web: www.porcupineridge.co.za
Tinga Private Game Lodge
Location: Skukuza, Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 11 880 9992
Email: tinga@morehotels.co.za
Web: www.tingalodge.co.za
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location: Hazyview
Tel: +27 13 737 7636
E-mail: reservations@umbhaba.co.za
Web: www.umbhaba.co.za
umSisi House
Location: Portion 38 Farm, Peebles, White River
Tel: + 27 82 479 9700
E-mail: amanda@umsisihouse.co.za
Web: www.umsisihouse.co.za
Walkersons Hotel and Spa
Location: Walkersons Private Estate, Dullstroom
Tel: +27 13 253 7000
E-mail: reservations@walkersons.co.za
Web: www.walkersons.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
North West
Kedar Country Hotel
Location: R565, Boekenhoutfontein, Phokeng
Tel: +27 11 679 2994
E-mail: reservation@kedarcountryhotel.com
Web: www.kedarcountryhotel.com
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Location: Pilanesberg National Park
Tel: +27 21 794 9050
E-mail: kwamaritane@legacyhotels.com
Web: www.kwamaritane.co.za
Boschdal Guesthouse
Location: 42 Witstinkhout Avenue, Rustenburg
Tel: +27 14 533 3783
E-mail: guest1@boschdal.co.za
Web: www.boschdal.co.za
Location: R560 Scheerpoort, Kosmos, Hartbeespoort Dam
Tel: +27 12 207 1130
E-mail: info@leopardlodge.co.za
Web: www.leopardlodge.co.za
54
Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House
Location: 38 Scott Street, Schoemansville,
Hartbeespoort Dam
Tel: +27 12 253 2532
E-mail: info@stirling-manor.com
Web: www.stirling-manor.com
Leopard Lodge
Scott’s Manor Guest House
Location: 21 Bree Street, Lichtenburg
Tel: +27 18 632 0255
E-mail: scottsmanor@intekom.co.za
Web: www.scottsmanor.co.za

Thakadu River Camp Protea Hotel Mafikeng
Location: Madikwe Game Reserve
Tel: +27 11 805 9995
E-mail: reservations1@aha.travel
Web: www.thakadurivercamp.com
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
Location: 2Buffalo Ridge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Tel: +27 11 805 9995
E-mail: reservations@buffaloridgesafari.com
Web: www.buffaloridgesafari.com
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Location: Madikwe Game Reserve
Tel: +27 11 781 5384
E-mail: reservations@tuningi.co.za
Web: www.tuningi.com
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location:80 Nelson Mandela Drive, Mafikeng
Tel: +27 18 381 0400
E-mail: res2@phmafikeng.co.za
Web: http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotelmafikeng.html
Impodimo Game Lodge
Location: Madikwe Game Reserve
Tel: +27 18 350 9400
E-mail: reservations@impodimo.com
Web: www.impomdimo.com
Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
Location: Pilanesberg National Park
Tel: +27 11 781 1661
E-mail: res@shepherdstree.co.za
Web: www.shepherdstree.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Northern Cape
@Belurana River Manor
Location: 2 Brug St, Upington
Tel: +27 54 332 4323
E-mail: belurana@mweb.co.za
Web: beluranaupington.com
Daisy Country Lodge
Location: 25 Blesjesfontein, Springbok
Tel: +27 27 712 3335/7
E-mail: info@daisylodge.co.za
Web: www.daisylodge.co.za
Dundi Lodge
Location: 4 Airport Boulevard, Rooipad, Kakamus
Tel: +27 54 451 9200
E-mail: info@dundilodge.co.za
Web: www.dundilodge.co.za
Location: 35 Currey Street, CBD, Kimberley
Tel: +27 53 832 4224
E-mail: Linda@kimberleyclub.co.za
Web: www.kimberleyclub.co.za
56
The Estate Private Hotel
Location: 7 Lodge Street, Belgravia, Kimberley
Tel: +27 53 83 22 668
Email: kimjo@absamail.co.za
Web: http://www.theestate.co.za
The Kimberley Club
Kuilfontein Stable Cottages
Location: Route N1, Colesberg
Tel: +27 51 753 1364
E-mail: info@kuilfontein.co.za
Web: www.colesbergtourism.co.za

Mattanu Private Game Reserve
Location: 3 Boschendal Avenue, Barkley West
Tel: +27 83 235 1993
E-mail: info@mattanu.com
Web: www.mattanu.com
New Holme Karoo Guest Farm
Location: 20km North of Hanover & 50km South of Colesberg
Tel: +27 (0)53 643-0193
E-mail: info@karoogariep.co.za
Web: www.karoogariep.co.za
Protea Hotel Kimberley
Location:The Kimberley Big Hole, Circular Rd, Kimberley
Tel: +27 53 802 8200
E-mail: info@phkimberley.com
Web: www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-kimberley
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Skitterland Guest House
Location:15 Piet Retief St, Sutherland
Tel: +27 23 571 1115
E-mail: bookings@skitterland.co.za
Web: www.skitterland.co.za
Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve
Location: 1Kalahari Desert, Near Kuruman
Tel: +27 52 781 9331
E-mail: info@tswalu.com
Web: www.tswalu.com
Vergelegen Guest House
Location: On N14, 3km before Kakamas, Near
Augrabies Falls
Tel: +27 54 431 0976
E-mail: vergelegen@electronet.co.za
Web: www.augrabiesfalls.co.za

direCtory Accomodation
ACCOMMODATION
Western Cape
Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat
Location: Pakhuis Pass Road, Clanwilliam
Tel: +2727 482 8200
E-mail: lodge@bushmanskloof.co.za
Web: www.bushmanskloof.co.za
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Location: Montagu, Breede River Valley
Tel: +2741 509 3000
E-mail: reservations@sanbona.com
Web: www.sanbona.com
Steenberg Hotel
Location: 10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Rd, Constantia
Tel: +2721 713 2222
E-mail:info@steenberghotel.com
Web: www.steenberghotel.com
Location: 746 North St, Wilderness
Tel: +2744 877 1097
E-mail: info@lodgeonthelake.co.za
Web: www.accommodation-wilderness.com
58
Ellerman House Hotel
Location: 180 Kloof Rd, Bantry Bay
Tel: +2721 430 3200
E-mail: info@ellerman.co.za
Web: www.ellerman.co.za
Lodge on the Lake
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
Location: Polkadraai Rd, Stellenbosch
Tel: +27 21 888 8000
E-mail: info@asara.co.za
Web: www.asara.co.za

African Oceans Manor on the Beach Romney Park Hotel
Location: 7 Bob Bouwer Crescent, Bayview, Mossel Bay
Tel: +27 44 695 1846
E-mail: info@africanoceans.co.za
Web: www.africanoceans.co.za
Bellavista Country Place
Location: Stanford
Tel: +27 82 901 76 50
E-mail: Bellavista@hermanus.co.za
Web: www.bella.co.za
The Robertson Small Hotel
Location: 58 Van Reenen St, Robertson
Tel: +27 23 626 7200
E-mail: info@therobertsonsmallhotel.com
Web: www.therobertsonsmallhotel.com
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
Location: Cnr Hill/Romney Rd, Greenpoint, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 439 4555
E-mail: info@romneypark.co.za
Web: www.romneypark.co.za
Ivory Heights Boutique Guest House
Location: 17 Louis Botha Avenue, Somerset West
Greater Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 852 8333
E-mail: info@ivoryheights.co.za
Web: www.ivoryheights.co.za
Altes Landhaus Country House
Location: Oudtshoorn, Klein Karro
Tel: +2744 272-6112
E-mail: altes.landhaus@pixie.co.za
Web: www.alteslandhaus.co.za

in the Know
01Health sunburn is a potential health hazard
Since most of the activities in South Africa happen outdoors, sunburn is a potential health hazard.
Cover up and use sun screen lotion whenever you are outside.
Malaria risk areas include Northern KZN and Zululand, the Northern Province and Mpumalanga.
The risk of contraction in South Africa is minimal when the proper precautions are taken. These include
taking malaria tablets, using insect repellent and mosquito coils, and wearing long sleeved clothing.
Tap water in most areas is safe to drink, but be sure to double check with your hosts first.
One of the biggest health risks in South Africa is HIV and Aids. If you plan to be sexually active
during your stay in South Africa, be sure to take necessary precautions. Check out www.redribbon.co.za
for more information. Visit www.brillianttan.co.za for a safer way to obtain that holiday tan.
02Safety
• Do not to walk alone at night.
• Do not flaunt your possessions when
you are out in public.
• Only allow clearly uniformed guards and
personnel to handle your possessions.
• Be aware of what is happening around you.
• If anything should happen do not
hesitate to phone the police.
03Travel Options
AIR
There are several domestic airlines in South Africa, including South African
Airways, South African Express, Interlink, Airlink and British Airways. Lowcost
carriers include: 1time, Kulula and Mango.
BUS
Greyhound (+27 83 915 9000), InterCape (+27 21 380 4400) and Translux (+27
861 589 282) are the three main bus services in South Africa.
All flights and bus tickets can be booked via Computicket at
www.computicket.com or by calling +27 83 915 8000.
TRAINS
For budget trips across the country, Shosholoza Meyl is the best service available.
Book online at www.shosholozameyl.co.za and enquiries can be directed to +27 86 000 8888.
If you decide to splurge, though, there are three outstanding options. The famous Blue Train (+27 12 334 8459), Rovos Rail
(+27 12 315 8242) and Premier Classe (+27 86 000 8888) are luxurious liners with all the bells and whistles.
CARS
Most of the main car rental companies have outlets at the international airports and in major centres.
In South Africa, we drive on the left side of the road. The general speed limits are 120 km/h on the freeways, 100 km/h on
major roads outside built-up areas and 60 km/h in built-up areas.
Foreign members of the Automobile Association (AA) can register as a temporary member in South Africa at any local AA
branch. For more information, phone +27 83 843 2222.
60

USA
+27 12 431 4000 | www.southafrica.usembassy.gov
CANADA
+27 12 422 3000 | www.canada.co.za
UK
+27 12 421 7500
GERMANY
+27 12 427 8900 | www.pretoria.diplo.de
NETHERLANDS
+27 12 425 4500 | www.dutchembassy.co.za
JAPAN
+27 12 452 1500 | www.za.emb-japan.go.jp
CHINA
+27 12 342 4194 | www.chinese-embassy.org.za
AUSTRALIA
+27 12 423 6000 | www.australia.co.za
NEW ZEALAND
+27 12 435 9000 | www.nzembassy.com
POLICE
AMBULANCE/FIRE
TRAVEL CLINIC
TRAVEL VACCINE HELPLINE
NATIONAL INFO & SAFETY LINE
AIRPORT INFORMATION (ACSA
WEATHERLIN
TIME
ENQUIRIES LOCAL NUMBERS
ENQUIRIES INTERNATIONAL NO.
TOURIST INFO
10111
10177
+27 21 419 3172 (Cape Town)
+27 11 647 3654 (Johannesburg)
+27 860 160 160
+27 83 123 2345
+27 86 727 7888
082 162
1026
1023 or 10118
10903
+27 83 123 6789
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ULTIMATE AFRICA - THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
CAPE TOWN CENTRE JOHANNESBURG CENTRE
Avis Car Rental +27 21 934 0330 +27 861 021 111
Budget Rent-a-Car +27 21 380 3140 +27 11 230 1200
Europcar +27 21 935 8600 +27 11 394 8831
Hertz Car Hire +27 21 935 3000 +27 11 390 9700
Tempest Car Hire +27 21 935 8650 +27 11 578 0160
04
Foreign Embassies and Consuates
IN SOUTH AFRICA
02Useful Numbers
A NOTE FOR SMOKERS
South Africa became one of the
first countries in the world to ban
smoking in public places in 2000
when it introduced its Tobacco
Products Control Amendment
Act. The Act prohibits smoking
in restaurants, pubs, shopping
centres and offices where there
are no separate, enclosed smoking
rooms. Smoking in partially
enclosed public places such as
covered patios, verandas, balconies,
walkways and parking areas is
also prohibited. Children under
the age of 18 are prohibited from
entering designated smoking areas
and purchasing cigarettes. There
are stiff penalties associated with
anti-smoking legislation in South
Africa, including hefty fines
for both the smoker and venue
operator. Be aware that smoking is
banned on all domestic flights in
South Africa. Keep a look out for
‘no smoking’ signs and only smoke
in designated smoking areas.

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THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
CALL: +27 12 425 5800 | +27 21 552 2829 | EMAIL: SALES@TCBGROUP.CO.ZA