MZANZI TRAVEL - ISSUE 1

APRIL 2016 - ISSUE 1 

ESCAPE INTO 

THE WILD 

SA'S NATIONAL 

PARKS 

BUDGET BREAKS 

Affordable local 

holidays 

EXPLORE AFRICA - 

Tantalizing Tanzania 

SA ON FOOT 

BEST HIKING 

TRAILS 

EXPLORING 

THE STREETS 

OF SOWETO

3 |ISSUE 1|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

Discover the world 

Space is running out. Book your stand at WTM Africa 2016 Now. 

Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC) 6-8 April 2016 

ORGANISED BY: PART OF:

78 

CONTENTS 

28 

5 EDITORS NOTE 

9 TRAVEL NEWS 

12 BUDGET BREAKS – AFFORDABLE LOCAL 

HOLIDAYS 

18 EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA ON FOOT – BEST HIKING TRAILS 

24 WALK THIS WAY – CAPE TOWN & JOZI FREE WALKING 

TOURS 

18 

26 EXPLORING THE STREETS OF SOWETO 

32 GREAT GARDEN ROUTE ADVENTURES 

36 ESCAPE INTO THE WILD TO SA’S NATIONAL PARKS 

43 EAT LIKE A LOCAL 

45 DON’T MISS OUT – UPCOMING EVENTS AROUND THE 

COUNTRY 

32 

50 AUTHENTIC, RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 

!XAUS LODGE 

58 RESPONSIBLE TOURISM – WITSIESHOEK MOUNTAIN 

LODGE 

64 BOOK REVIEWS 

68 TRAVEL APPS – MAKE YOUR TRAVELS EASIER 

70 RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLING TIPS 

64 

72 LISTINGS 

76 FEELING UNINSPIRED? 

THE ULTIMATE LIST OF INSPIRATIONAL 

TRAVEL QUOTES 

78 EXPLORE AFRICA – TANTALIZING TANZANIA 

84 IN THE NEXT ISSUE 

68 

MZANZI MZANZI TRAVEL| TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 1 | 5 1 | 5

Located a mere 800 metres from the Rhodesfield 

Gautrain Station and 1.2km from the O.R. Tambo 

International Airport. 

HOTEL 

O.R. TAMBO 

JOHANNESBURG 

275 Luxurious Rooms | Wheelchair Accessibility 

9 Conference Rooms for up to 720 Delegates 

Free Wi-Fi | Business Centre | Fitness Centre 

Swimming Pool | On-site Parking 

Free Guest Shuttle Service | 220-seater Restaurant 

73 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Tel: +27 (0)11 393 8000 | ortambo@premierhotels.co.za 

Western Cape | Eastern Cape | KwaZulu-Natal | Mpumalanga | Gauteng 

Central Reservations 086 111 5555 | www.premierhotels.co.za 

@premier_hotels

EDITORS NOTE 

We are extremely proud to bring to you this first edition of 

Mzanzi Travel magazine. 

South Africa is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful 

countries in the world! Known for its multicultural diversity, heritage 

and the natural beauty of its landscape, it offers some of the best 

travel experiences to both international visitors as well as to our 

local explorers who want to experience it all. Our vision for Mzanzi 

Travel magazine is to bring you up-to-date information and content 

on the best that South Africa has to offer. From unspoilt beaches, 

super safari ‘s, hidden gems, the deserts to the lush green forests, 

exploring our major cities to the most unique adventures that can 

only be experienced within our borders- we have something for 

every type of traveller that will make your journey exciting and 

unforgettable. 

In this edition some of the highlights include how to explore SA on 

foot by hiking on some of the most scenic and breathtaking trails 

around the country (page 28). Escape into the wild and visit one of 

our national parks and get up close with one of the big five (page 

38), and as SA is a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism, 

we showcase !Xaus Lodge, an authentic eco-travel adventure in the 

Kalahari (page 52). 

Safe travels and enjoy the read! 

We would love to hear about your South African travel adventures so send 

your holiday snaps and travel tales to editor@mzanzitravel.co.za 

CREDITS 

Second Chance Media (PTY) LTD. 

REG.NO.(2015/328488/07) 

Suite 100, 1st floor,42 Broad Rd Medical Centre, 

Broad Road,Wynberg,7800. 

Office: 021 761 6408 

Fax: 021761 5759 

Email : admin@mzanzitravel.co.za 

sales@mzanzitravel.co.za 

Web: www.mzanzitravel.co.za 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Jane Frost 

EDITOR 

Charlene Heyburgh 

SALES MANAGER 

Michael Keys 

SALES EXECUTIVES 

Cheryl Pinter 

Wendy Scullard 

Deliah Adams 

TRAFFIC CONTROLLER 

Jaco Kotze 

DESIGN 

KCDA - Design Studio 

www.kcda.co.za 

The opinions in Mzanzi Travel are not necessarily those of the publisher. 

Copyright Second Chance Media – All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced, 

stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior consent or 

permission from the publisher. 

Tickets available from V&A Waterfront Ticket Office, 

the Ticket Office at 81 Long Street, on the bus 

or purchase discounted tickets online

Conference 

Banquets 

Luxury Suites 

Epsom Bistro 

Chief’s Boma 

Mowana Spa 

INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE 

YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG 

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & 

Conference Centre. It is a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country 

atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups 

and leisure travellers. 

The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large 

Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people. Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned 

MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements. 

W: www.indabahotel.co.za | T:+27 11 840 6600 

E: indaba@indabahotel.co.za

TRAVEL NEWS 

Google Maps launches the Mzansi 

Experience 

aross the globe, people can now explore the 

beauty of South Africa virtually through 

Google Maps. From the top of Table 

Mountain to seeing the big five in the 

Kruger National Park, South Africa’s natural 

wonders are on display for the world to 

appreciate and enjoy. Google Maps has 

launched its Mzansi Experience: Discover 

South Africa for people across the world to 

discover the wonders of the country. 

“A virtual trip to South Africa awaits you 

in Google Maps,” wrote Sven Tresp, street 

view special collections program manager 

on the Google Africa blog. He said the country was well known for its 

unique array of wildlife. 

“Visiting Kruger National Park in Google Maps, you can see some of its 

majestic creatures as if you were there in real life,” Tresp wrote. 

“Catch a glimpse of a rhinoceros grazing the plains, an elephant enjoying 

a grassy snack, and a herd of buffalo charging against the wind. You may 

even spot a leopard, who often remain elusive to tourists and locals alike.” 

Tresp said climbing to the top of Table Mountain gave people a breathtaking 

view, even on cloudy days. “Feeling like you’re on top of the world has 

never been so easy as it is at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in the Western 

Cape.” 

Tresp wrote that South Africa was a must for people who loved the beach. 

“With Street View, you can watch the waves break at Sandy Beach, gaze 

at the clear blue sky and water at Clifton Beach, go parasailing at Sunset 

Beach or just take a long walk along Durban’s Golden Mile. 

He hoped that visiting the country through Google Maps would inspire 

a deeper appreciation for the country, the wildlife and Africa’s beauty. 

Source: Media Club South Africa 

5 SA airports included in 2016 World’s 

best lists 

Five of South Africa’s airports have been named among the world’s best 

at the Skytrax 2016 World Airport Awards. Airports Company South Africa 

confirmed Cape Town International took the awards for Best Airport 

in Africa, Best Airport Staff in Africa and Best Airport for 5-10 million 

passengers. 

King Shaka International won Best Regional Airport in Africa and Best 

Airport for under 5 million passengers. 

Airports Company South Africa had 3 airports ranked amongst the world’s 

top 35 airports and Cape Town International moved up four places in the 

global ranking this year to 22. 

Tickets available from V&A Waterfront Ticket Office, 

the Ticket Office at 81 Long Street, on the bus 

or purchase discounted tickets online

Introducing 

BLUESKY AIRWAYS 

your future connection 

to 

Botswana 

& 

Southern Africa 

excellence 

reliability safety 

AIRWAYS 

Based at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone. 

www.blueskyairways.co.bw 

e-mail : info@blueskyairways.com

In addition to Cape Town International’s win for Best 

Airport in Africa and Best Airport Staff in Africa, OR 

Tambo International and King Shaka International 

took second and third place respectively in both these 

categories. 

King Shaka International was once again recognised as 

Best Regional Airport in Africa, building on the same 

success of last year. 

Additionally, East London, Port Elizabeth and 

Bloemfontein followed behind King Shaka International 

by securing the top positions in the same category. 

The 2016 World Airports Awards, which took place in 

Cologne, Germany are a measurement of customer 

satisfaction across airports globally. As the benchmark 

for the aviation industry, the World Airport Awards are 

voted by customers in the largest, independent annual 

global airport customer satisfaction survey. 

West Coast launches two new 

tourist routes 

The West Coast Way has officially launched two new 

sightseeing and tourism routes in the Cape West 

Coast region, aimed at showcasing some of the most 

beautiful outlying towns and locations on the Cape 

West Coast and surrounding inland areas. 

The routes, namely the Berg Route and Scenic Routes of 

the West Coast, were officially opened on Monday, 14 

March, at the Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort and at 

Darling Brew, respectively. 

The West Coast Way Scenic Route begins in Malmesbury 

and includes Riebeek Valley, Hopefield, Koringberg, 

Moorreesburg, Yzerfontein and Darling. 

The West Coast Way Berg Route starts in Velddrif 

and follows a course through Laaiplek, Port Owen, 

Dwarskersbos, Rocherpan Nature Reserve, Elands 

Bay, Aurora, Redelinghuys and Verlorenvlei, the 

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Citrusdal, Eendekuil, 

Porterville, Piketberg, Wittewater and Goedverwacht – 

covering an area that stretches from the Berg River to 

the start of the Cederberg Mountains. 

The two new routes will enhance the existing Cape to 

Namibia route by giving the opportunity to travellers to 

stop, explore and stay at towns in the Cape West Coast 

– thereby extending their experience of the Western 

Cape’s West Coast region. 

Northern Cape named as top 

world region to visit in 2016 

While not considered your typical tourist destination, 

the border-lying province of the Northern Cape was 

named in Rough Guides’ top ten regions to visit in 2016. 

The province came in at number six on the list, beating 

the likes of Lombok in Indonesia and Castilla y Léon in 

Spain. 

“Power through the vast distances involved in 

travel here, and you’ll be rewarded with swathes of 

wildflowers blooming amid the region’s red dunes, 

mountain deserts and wildlife including the blackmaned 

lion of the Kalahari.” “Take the time to visit 

the lands of the San Bushmen, the oldest population 

of humans on Earth, or indulge your inner adrenaline 

junkie with kayak tours into Richtersveld National Park 

via the Orange River’s white-water rapids.” said Rough 

Guides of the Northern Cape. Other tourist attractions 

in the Northern Cape include the Southern African 

Large Telescope in Sutherland, Namaqualand and the 

Big Hole in Kimberley. 

While the humans are away, 

the dogs will play! 

The first-ever five-star dog hotel in South Africa, 

AtFrits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre, open in Cape 

Town, offers tailored packages to suit any furry 

friend’s specific needs. It is the perfect home away 

from home for your dog to enjoy while you are on 

holiday or business and dog owners can relax knowing 

that their dogs are very well looked after. 

Hotel facilities include round-the-clock care, a salon 

and spa, a retail store, gourmet meals from an a la carte 

menu, DSTV, webcams (allowing owners to monitor 

their pets’ stay 24-hours a day), a snack bar and a vet 

to keep your pooch’s nose wet and his tail wagging until 

you return. 

For more info visit: www.atfritsdoghotel.com 

MZANZI MZANZI TRAVEL| TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 1 | 11| 

11

BUDGET BREAKS 

AFFORDABLE LOCAL HOLIDAYS 

FEATURING 

MILKWOOD MANOR ON SEA – PLETTENBERG BAY 

GOODING’S GROVES OLIVE FARM – FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY 

AMA AMANZI LODGE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE 

Milkwood Manor , a 

four-star guesthouse, 

which offers the 

most romantic 

seaside setting on 

the world famous 

Lookout Beach, 

is ideal for a 

couples getaway. 

Offering direct 

beach access, 

180 degree views 

of the ocean, 

lagoon and the wooded hills hugging the Tsitsikamma 

Mountains, it is also the number one destination for 

nature lovers. The Manor is a Georgian-styled building 

designed for spaciousness and reflecting the vast 

unlimited landscape surrounding it, without sacrificing 

its ambiance or intimacy. This is epitomized by the airy 

MILKWOOD MANOR ON SEA – PLETTENBERG BAY 

GPS: 34*03’00.84”S - 23*22’33.84”E 

Call+27 (0)44 533 0420 | Email: reservations@milkwoodmanor.co.za 

www.milkwoodmanor.co.za 

double-storeyed foyer, the large yet cosy restaurant, the 

private patios and balconies, and large breakfast and 

sundowner terrace, that afford spectacular views over 

the Indian Ocean, Keurbooms River Mouth, Keurbooms 

Lagoon and Tsitsikamma Mountains. There is a sense of 

vastness and freedom, not easily achieved elsewhere. 

But then, the property forms a peninsula, protruding 

into the river mouth, and has no neighbours but nature. 

The eleven rooms offer guests the ultimate experience 

in seaside accommodation. 

Guests can enjoy relaxing on the terrace, watching the 

birdlife and especially the sea and mountains as they 

change all the time. The ocean’s white-crested waves 

enter the lagoon’s mouth directly in front and interact 

with the lagoon, forming a wild cauldron as they clash 

at one moment, or peacefully mingling with each other 

six hours later, leaving a surface as smooth as a mirror. 


Price: 

Milkwood Manor offers a variety of accommodation options with both upstairs and downstairs rooms and sea facing or inland 

rooms. Rates for the low season range from R790 – R1300 per night sharing and in high season from R1280 – R2180 per night 

sharing with breakfast included. 

MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 1 | 15

GOODING’S GROVES OLIVE FARM – FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY 

GPS: S 33° 53 19,8: E 19° 5 14,023*22’33.84”E 

Call: +27 (0) 21 876 2158 | Email: info@goodingsgroves.co.za | www.goodingsgroves.co.za 

A charming guest house and working olive farm a 

mere three kilometres from enchanting Franschhoek, 

Gooding´s Groves offers couples the ideal Winelands stay 

and an excellent base from which to explore the area. 

The Cape Victorian-style manor house boasts elegant 

north- and south-facing verandas that present views of 

sprawling olive groves, vineyards and the surrounding 

mountains. Cool off in the beautiful pool or enjoy a picnic 

on the lush grass around the pond. 

The four star manor house has eight luxury rooms, all 

with en-suite shower rooms and exquisite mountain 

views. 

There are two spacious barn suites (Barn Suite 1 = + 

41m² and Barn Suite 3 = + 33m²) on the edge of the 

dam, each with semi self-catering facilities, comfortable 

lounge-and dining areas, well-equipped kitchen counter, 

shower room and verandas with braai amenities and 

equally picturesque views. These suites are not star 

graded. 

For complete privacy, the free-standing Provençal–style 

Villa can be booked. Here you have sole access to a 

private and enclosed garden, plunge pool, two en-suite 

bedrooms, spacious lounge, dining and TV areas, wellappointed 

kitchen, and French doors opening on to a 

north-facing enclosed veranda. 

In the morning, a scrumptious breakfast of your choosing 

can be savoured in the manor house´s large and tastefully 

appointed dining room. 

Upon arrival, all guests are treated to a taste of the olive 

products with a glass of wine. The olive tastings are by 

appointment only. 

Price: 

Breakfast included in all rates for Manor House and 

Barn Suites. Minimum stay of 2 days only. 

Rates: 

High Season: R980 – R1300 per person sharing, b&b 

Low Season: R770 - R900 per person sharing, b&b 

Single and Corporate Rates: R1050 – R1300,b&b 


AMA AMANZI LODGE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE 

GPS: 24°03’38.85”S 27°58’39.3”E 

Call: + 27 (0) 719 170 170 | 

Email: info@ama-amanzi.com 

www.ama-amanzi.com 

Just under three hours away from Johannesburg, lies a truly 

authentic African Bush Lodge! The Ama Amanzi Lodge is a 

beautiful piece of untouched African bushveld in the middle 

of the UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Waterberg 

Biosphere. Ama Amanzi offers African lodges, the Civet luxury 

Safari tent camp, a Farm house and a Main Lodge. All meals 

are served at the Main Lodge which is central and within 

walking distance to mos t of the accommodation. The “Braai 

Area” which is a true African set barbeque is where you will 

find the most succulent steaks being chargrilled and Authentic 

African main and side dishes are prepared and served there. 

Alongside the accommodation at the Main Lodge, you will 

find a custom built nature pool. A large swimming pool in a 

natural setting where you can relax or just take a refreshing 

dive in the water to cool off after time spent under the 

African sun. On chilly nights, the Main Lodge boasts a double 

fireplace where you can read a book or relax on one of the lazy 

sofas. For that true African ambience, you will find a stunning 

lounge area situated in the middle of the bush where you will 

experience ultimate relaxation as you take in the sights and 

sounds surrounding you. You might never want to leave! As a 

bonus, Ama Amanzi also offers several workshops and courses 

throughout the year as well as game drives and hiking tours. 

Price: 

Ama Amanzi Lodge offers different options from an overnight 

stay to a complete, all inclusive holiday. Rates begin at R849 

pp sharing based on B&B and you get a 10% discount if you 

book 2 nights or more. Real time availability and rates via the 

booking system on the website http://www.ama-amanzi. 

com/en/holiday/reserveren-en.html and several specials 

are on offer at http://www.ama-amanzi.com/en/holiday/ 

arrangements.html 

LUXURIOUS 

ACCOMMODATION 

IN THE HEART OF THE KAROO 

PRINCE ALBERT 

Julie & Richard Waterston 

Tel: + 27(0) 23 541 1929 

Cell: + 27 (0) 82 882 5342 

Email: julie@karooview.co.za 

Magrieta Prinsloo Road 

Prince Albert Western Cape 


17

South African Dining 

Traditional South African menu with Cape Malay influences. 

Award-winning wines and the best view in Cape Town. 

Shop 156, The Wharf Centre, V&A Waterfront 

Tel: (021) 421 7005/6 

www.kariburestaurant.co.za

KARIBU 

SHOP 156, THE WHARF CENTER, 

V & A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN, 8000 

Karibu! Welcome!... Welcome to the 

gateway of Africa. Set between the 

picturesque view of Table Mountain 

and the tranquil blue waters of the 

Atlantic Ocean, Karibu affords you 

the opportunity to experience the 

vibrant flavours of South Africa and 

be part of our unique theatre of 

dining. We invite you to encounter 

the ruggedness of Africa within the luxurious setting of our 

restaurant where a mixed fusion of African ambiance blends 

itself with the flavours of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. 

The Karibu chefs bring to all their dishes passion based on 

many years of experience. With the organic fragrances of the 

veld blended into our food, you can experience a true feeling 

of ‘living in Africa’. Using only the finest ingredients, our chefs 

prepare the best South Africa has to offer – from succulent 

steaks and delicious seafood to Cape Malay and traditional 

local favourites like boboite, potjiekos, game, snoekbraai, putu 

and chakalaka and koeksisters. Be sure to enjoy our traditional 

‘braaivleis’ (BBQ). Top grade prime cuts of meat, fish and 

poultry are grilled to perfection right in front of your eyes int 

rue South African style over the coals of an open fire. 

Our Food creations are more than culinary delights, providing a 

true African experience and adventure, on to be savoured and 

remembered. 

We offer an exclusive wine list, including the best South African 

award-winning wines, with a large selection served by the 

glass. With friendly and professional service we cater to every 

need of our customers. 

Contact Information 

Tel: +27 21 421 7005/6 

Fax: +27 21 421 7012 

E-Mail: kariburestaurant@mweb.co.za 

Web: www.kariburestaurant.co.za 


19

EXPLORE SA 

ON FOOT 

TOP HIKING TRAILS FOR THE 

ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLER 

HIKING IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS 

TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY A GREAT 

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE 

Especially if you want to 

reconnect and appreciate the 

beauty of nature, South Africa 

has some of the finest hiking 

trails in the world, where the 

opportunities for adventure are 

endless. Whether you prefer 

to hike along rivers or tread up 

mountains, this country has 

the perfect trail for hikers of all 

levels of skill and for all ranges 

of interest. We have put 

together a list of the best hiking trails in South Africa where 

you can discover the unparalleled natural beauty of our nation. 

Lions Head, Cape Town 

This is not one of the easiest hikes in and around Cape Town, 

but undoubtedly one of the short walks with the best views by 

far. The hike takes approximately 3 hours (up and down) and 

hikers are rewarded with views of the city bowl, Table Mountain 

and the Limiet Berge (Limit Mountains) in the West, and 

as you round the first turn you have spectacular views of the 

Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay. 

A person with average fitness should be able to reach the 

summit within an hour although there is a short piece where 

you would have to use chains to get to the next level. There is 

a slightly longer route around the chains for those that do want 

to use an alternative route. 

This is also an extremely popular route at full moon. People 

usually leave before sunset, and enjoy the sunset over the 

Atlantic, and then watch the moon rise over the mountains in 

the east. Make sure you have picnic goodies with you and a 

warm jacket and torch that will last all the way down. 

Hennops Trail Gauteng 

Located just 39km from Johannesburg and about 35km from 

Pretoria, the Hennops hiking trail is perfect for taking a break 

from the city and indulging in nature without having to travel 

too far. The two trails available are the 11.3km Krokodilberg Trail 

that takes you through a mountainous area and the 6.15km 

Zebra Trail that takes you through a fenced game camp. The 

picturesque trails have much to offer including a suspension 

bridge, an old mine, ruins and a cableway to get you across 

the Hennops River. At the end of the trail there is a swimming 

pool for you to cool off and a braai facility, the perfect end to a 

great hike! The Hennops Hiking trail is low on difficulty and is 

perfect for a day trip. Overnight accommodation facilities are 

also available. 


Amatola Hiking Trail, Eastern 

Cape 

The Amatola Hiking trail is considered one of the finest 

hiking trails in South Africa, but it is a challenging one, even 

for experienced hikers. The good news is that this trail can 

be completed in instalments! The 100km trail takes 6 days to 

complete. The trail begins at the close to King Williams Town at 

the Madam Dam and ends at the Tyume river forest station in 

Hogsback. Along the way hikers will traverse some of the most 

breathtaking mountain sceneries in South Africa. More than 

half the trail passes through incredible, ancient and indigenous 

rainforests and crosses several streams and pools. The birdlife 

along the trail is incredible and hikers can view Knysna Loeries, 

Cape Parrots, Crowned Eagles, Barbets, Woodpeckers, 

Flycatchers, Robins, and even Black Eagles around Geju peak. 

The animals that you may encounter along the trail include 

Giant Golden Moles, Giant Earthworms, Bushbuck, Duiker, 

Porcupines, bush pig, otters, baboons, Samango and Vervet 

monkeys. Accommodation and ablution facilities are available 

on the way. 

Otter Trail – Garden Route, 

Western Cape 

The Otter Trail is considered one of the best for serious hikers. 

The 42km-long hiking trail that begins at the Garden Route 

National Park’s Storms River rest camp and ends at Nature’s 

Valley takes you through the Tsitsikamma Forest and along the 

Garden Route’s rugged coastline, hugging the Indian Ocean. 

Along the way, hikers will be able to view the Skilderkrans quartz 

outcrop – a great place for spotting dolphins and whales in the 

ocean below; the Bloukrans Estuary; and one can even spot the 

famous Cape Clawless Otter which can be found around the 

lowland areas of the forest. The hike takes about 5 days and 

although this is not the most difficult hike in the country it does 

require a fair level of fitness. There are beautiful rest camps 

with spectacular views along the trail. 

Wild Coast Hiking Trail, Eastern 

Cape 

The breath-taking views along the Wild Coast Hiking trail are 

nothing short of spectacular. One of the best coastal hiking 

trails in South Africa, this five-day trail from Port St Johns 

to Coffee Bay can be challenging and calls for strength and 


21

stamina. However, the natural beauty and the heart-warming 

hospitality from local villages will always keep your spirits high 

and your feet willing. Another popular hiking trail in the Eastern 

Cape is the 59km Drifters Wild Coast Trail along the northern 

Wild Coast which takes you to popular landmarks including 

Cathedral Rock and Waterfall Bluff. The 80km Diaz Cross Trail, 

which starts at Woody Cape in the Alexandria State Forest 

and ends at the mouth of the Great Fish River, is a hiking trail 

perfect for those who don’t want to leave the beachside. This 

trail offers luxury accommodation on the way. 

Diamond Coast Hiking Trail, 

Northern Cape 

The 50km long, 3-day hike along the Diamond Coast takes hikers 

deep into a pristine area that was formerly closed to the public 

due to mining activity. The hike, jointly managed by De Beers 

and the Namaqua National Park, takes hikers from Koingnaas to 

Kleinzee along a predominantly coastal terrain with gorgeous 

windswept sand dunes. Hikers get to explore the old diamond 

mines and visit the local diamond museum. You will be amazed 

by the variety of rocks and mineral remains along the trail. 

Hikers can also spot a variety of animals including Springbuck, 

Gemsbuck, Water Mongoose and Brown Hyenas. 

Golden Gate National Park, 

Free State 

The Golden Gate National Park is a great place for relaxed hikes 

and is ideal for daytrips. Along each of the hiking trails, one 

gets a grand view of the famous sandstone hills and depending 

on which trail you choose, you can view spectacular wildlife. 

The one-hour Mushroom Rock Hike, which starts at the Glen 

Reenen Rest Camp, is ideal for hikers with young children. If you 

are looking for a bit more adventure but not as much exertion 

the 120m-high Brandwag Rock Hike trail or the Eco-Ravine Hike 

should fairly challenge your abilities. The Cathedral Cave Hike 

and the Wodehouse Hike trails are both 4 hours long, the latter 

being the more challenging one. The 28km Ribbok Overnight 

Trail is the longest and offers the opportunity to conquer the 

park’s highest peaks. Hikers can spot a variety of game along 

this trail and if you are lucky, the endangered Bearded Vulture 

as well as Verreaux’s Eagles. 

Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail, 

Mpumalanga 

This 30km, 3 day iconic hiking trail takes you from Paradise 

Camp in God’s Window to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and 

transports you to a world of stunning natural wonders. Starting 

with the Blyde River Canyon, which is one of South Africa’s 

foremost tourist attractions, to the gorgeous rock pools, 

waterfalls and rock formations, the trail offers breath taking 

views of the Lowveld. The trail offers comfortable overnight 

accommodation facilities. After a good night’s rest, hikers can 

enjoy an early morning swim in the natural pools nearby. This 

trail is a challenging one and is best suited for experienced 

hikers. Persons under 16 years of age are not allowed to hike 

this trail. 

Summit Route, Kgaswane 

Mountain Reserve, North 

West 

The Summit Route located in the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve 

is about 25 km long and ascends right from the start. The trail 

requires a fair degree of fitness and can be a bit daunting in 

the heat of the summer months, but the view from the top 

will make it worth the effort. The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve 

is part of the mighty Magaliesberg Mountain range and hikers 

can find a variety of interesting rock formations along the way. 

The trail also offers a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of 

the very shy and very rare Sable Antelope, an animal known for 

their scimitar horns. Along the trail hikers will get to visit the 

beautiful Tierkloof Waterfall and take a swim in the refreshing 

natural pools in the area. 

Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail, 

Limpopo 

Another gorgeous trail set in the mountains, the Magoebaskloof 

Hiking Trail promises magnificent scenery, cascading waterfalls, 

cool natural pools, plantations and beautiful forests. The 50km, 

3-day circular trail starts at De Hoek Forest Station, which is 

situated approximately 22km from Tzaneen. Hikers have 

the chance to spot a variety of animals including Samango 

Monkeys, Bushbuck, bush pigs and an extensive number of 

birds, particularly in the Grootbosch Forest. Hikers must also 

look out for the very unique ‘huilklip’ or crying rock. This 

extraordinary natural rock sounds like a gong when it is struck 

with a stone! Birding enthusiasts enjoy the best opportunities to 

see the Black-fronted Bush Shrike in the enormous Woodbush 

and Swartbos forest areas along the trail. This is a challenging 

hike and is recommended for experienced hikers. 

The St Lucia Wilderness Trail, 

KwaZulu-Natal 

A hike through unspoilt trails of the St Lucia Wetland Wilderness 

brings true joy to the soul. The wilderness area in this wetland 

park is on the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia. The 4 day hike 

takes place every weekend from Friday to Monday. The trail 

begins at Bhangazi Base Camp and hikers are accompanied 

by trail rangers to the camp site. Along the trails hikers have 


the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife including black 

rhino, buffalo and a myriad of birds. Canoeing and snorkelling 

facilities allow hikers to enjoy the amazing aquatic flora and 

fauna that the wetland park is famous for. Hikers are provided 

with food and basic accommodation along the trail. 

HIKER SAFETY 101 – SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 

MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA WHO 

CELEBRATE 125 YEARS THIS YEAR! 

Safety Guidelines 

• Never hike alone - four is an ideal size for a party. 

• Choose the route according to the ability, fitness, 

experience, etc. of the party. 

• Tell someone exactly where you are going (up and 

down routes, as well as your expected time of return) and 

stick to this route and plan. 

• Always go prepared for bad weather, i.e. take 

proper weatherproof clothing even on a 

sunny day (wind and rain proof); torches - with spare 

batteries and globes; good footwear - 

strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles; 

food; water; a flask of tea or some other beverage; a 

rucksack to carry it all in - so as to leave your arms and 

hands free. 

• Go with somebody who genuinely knows the way, or 

carry a guidebook, map or route description - from 

someone who knows the route. 

• Until you know your way around, keep to the 

straightforward routes on well-used paths. Follow the 

same route down, or one you know well. Heed signs 

advising of danger and do not take short cuts or go down 

unknown ravines. 

• Every party should have a leader. The larger the group the 

greater the need for one. 

• Keep together and travel at the pace of the slowest. Do 

not split up and go in different directions. 

• Watch the weather and time - turn back in case of 

threatening bad weather, the route taking longer than 

expected, or the route no longer being easy to follow. 

• On your return tell whoever is expecting you that you are 

back. 

info@mzansitravelcentre.co.za 

www.mzansitravelcentre.co.za 

Tel: 011 815-6208 

Creating Balance 

for 

Corporate Travel 

Business & Leisure Travel 

Enterprise Meetings Management 

Corporate Travel Management 

Conference & Exhibitions 

What if it happens to you... 

You are with someone who is injured on the mountain: 

Should someone have an accident keep calm; stay together 

as a party until things are sorted out; ascertain to the best of 

your ability exactly what the injuries are and attend to them, 

where possible. 

• Approach the patient, if safe to do so. 

• Apply first aid. 

• Check responsiveness, then ABC: 

• Check Airway 

• Check Breathing 

• Check Circulation and stop bleeding 

• If any possibility of spinal damage (especially neck) - do 

not move the person unless it is necessary to do so for 

safety reasons. 

• Do not rush off immediately and report an accident.

Fifteen minutes or so spent observing reactions and 

making the person comfortable is time well spent. It 

happens quite often that even if someone is knocked 

out temporarily they may not be seriously injured and 

after a rest are able to walk down. 

• Leave someone with the patient if possible - it is 

imperative that they remain with them until the rescuers 

arrive. 

• Go for help - do not run if it is unsafe: you are of no help 

if you do not make it to a phone! For safety’s sake, it is 

preferable to send two persons for help. 

• On their way down they should identify landmarks so 

that they are able to describe the exact location of the 

accident or to guide a rescue party to the scene. 

• Accidents should be reported to the nearest emergency 

services, South African Police station or relevant 

authority responsible for the area in which the accident 

occurred. 

For assistance with emergencies in the Western Cape 

phone 021 937 0300 or 10177. 

Give: 

• your phone number 

• where you are 

• where the accident occurred 

• what happened 

• the nature of the injuries 

• Stay at the phone! The mountain rescue leader will 

contact you for further details. If necessary, send 

someone else back to help. 

• Remain available for questioning by the rescue leader so 

as to be able to give full details of the accident - where, 

when, how and what. 

You become lost or trapped while in the 

mountains: 

• Don’t panic. If you told someone where you were going 

and when you were returning, a rescue team will come 

looking for you. 

• If you get lost or find yourself in an area that looks 

unsafe retrace your steps - do not push on into the 

unknown. 

• If you cannot find the path you left, look for a safe route 

- preferably down broad open slopes - making sure that 

at all times you can retrace your steps. 

• If trapped, seek shelter. It is important to get out of the 

wind, but don’t hide yourself so well that you become 

impossible to find. 

• Do not descend an unknown ravine. A cliff or waterfall 

may be hard to spot in dim light or rain. 

• Someone does not return from a hike/climb:Phone 

10177 or 10111. 

• Report the incident as being mountain related. State your 

name and phone number. 

• Stay at the phone - someone will contact you for further 

details. 

• Depending on the nature of the incident, a rescue 

operation may be started immediately or the rescue 

leader may decide to postpone until first light, improved 

weather 

For more information visit: The Mountain Club of South 

Africa www.mcsacapetown.co.za 


WALK THIS WAY 

EXPLORE THE CITIES OF CAPE TOWN AND 

JOZI BY GOING ON A FREE WALKING TOUR 

Enjoy free 90 minute tours 

on foot, 365 days a year. No 

bookings needed. Just look 

out for the tour guides green 

umbrellas and even better – all 

tours work on tips alone! There 

is no better (and cheaper) way 

to explore both vibrant cities 

than by going on these walking 

adventures. So, grab those 

takkies, put on that sunblock 

and make sure you have your tip 

for your tour guide! 

Cape Town Walking Tours – Meet up at 

Greenmarket Square 

For the upcoming Winter program which starts on the 1st of 

April, travellers will be treated to a number of different tours, 

starting at different times. Look out for the Historic Tour, a 

tour of heroes and villains, political violence and peaceful 

revolutions, drama and harmony and a great deal of personal 

insight in living and being a real Capetonian. 

With the Bo-Kaap Tour you can see the colourful houses, 

smell the spices of the East, hear the mosques calling for 

prayer, let the Cape Malay food tempt your taste buds and get 

a feel of what else to do in Cape Town. 

Walk the partly rebuilt slopes of the world famous District Six 

during the District Six Tour and relive the colourful and dramatic 

history of the place that affected so many people, caused a 

world to protest and inspired Hollywood Blockbusters. 

For more information on the Free Cape Town walking Tours you 

can call: 076 636 9007 or e-mail capetownguides@gmail.com 

Joburg Free Walking Tours 

All tours start and end outside Johannesburg Park Station, on 

the Wolmarans Street Side where you have the Gautrain Park 

Station. 

City Centre Tour 

Come join a tour of Johannesburg city centre where the ghost 

skyscrapers hover over an ocean of African traders and minibus 

taxis. Walk downtown Joburg as your guide tells you the story of 

the different eras in time and shows you historical landmarks, 

such as the Chancellor House where Mandela worked as a 

lawyer in his younger days, the Beautiful Victorian Style Post 

Office or the buzzing Diagonal Street where you might enjoy a 

corn on the cob or visit an old herbal shop. 

Braamfontein Tour 

Hear the story of Braamfontein’s change over the last 10 - 20 

years and see some of the popular results, such as a beach 

bar on a roof top or the very popular Saturday food market 

where thousands flock for a craft beer or a genuine butcher’s 

boerewors. Your guide will also point out a few examples of 

street art as you pass it on the day. They might even tell you 

about what happened when 56 tonnes of Dynamite blew up at 

Braamfontein Train Station! 

For more information on the Free Joburg walking tours you 

can call: 073 919 3355 or e-mail joburgguides@gmail.com 

Private tours can be arranged upon your request.. 

These can be tailored to suit your specific interests and 

time requirements. Visit www.nielsontours.co.za for more 

information and for specific times pertaining to each tour. 


Over 300 years of history in every bottle... 

www.kleinconstantia.com

SOWETO 

THE WORLD’S MOST 

FAMOUS TOWNSHIP 

Explore the history, sights and 

sounds of Soweto 

Pictures by: Cedric Weber 

Soweto is a must-see for tourists 

(and locals) who are looking for 

more than just sun, sea and the big 

five. Being the most populous black 

urban residential area in the country, 

trend-setting Soweto, is infused with 

the history of the struggle against 

apartheid and has that distinct Jozi 

energy thanks to its proximity to 

Johannesburg, the economic hub 

of the country. With heritage sites, restaurants, shebeens 

and accommodation aplenty, this trendy town offers guided 

bicycle, tuk tuk, walking and bus tours so there is something 

for everyone’s taste and needs. Soweto is well worth the visit. 

Only In Soweto 

Must see places to visit 

The Regina Mundi Church 

With its classic high A-frame structure, sleek wooden beams 

and trimmings, and myriad stained-glass windows, the Regina 

Mundi Church is a sight to behold. Modest on the outside, 

the inside of the church is a remarkably vast area that can 

accommodate 2 000 people seated or 5 000 standing. 

Built in 1961 and officially opened in 1962, this is South Africa’s 

largest Roman Catholic Church and it lives up to its name – 

the Latin reginae mundi means “queen of the world” and is a 

reference to the Virgin Mother Mary. 

Located in Rockville in the middle of Soweto, the church played 

a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle and displays the 

bullet holes to prove it. Notably, it bears scars from the Soweto 

Uprising, which culminated on 16 June 1976 when students 

sought refuge within its walls. 

Policemen pursued them and fired live ammunition inside the 

building, damaging the marble altar and crucifix. Today the 

bullet holes in the church ceiling and the damaged marble 

serve as tangible evidence of South Africa’s violent past. 

Because of its role in the fight for freedom, the church is often 

referred to as “the people’s church”. 

A plaque at the church details its long and eventful history. 

An honorarium – a mural of the faces of distinguished freedom 

fighters, including Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Tutu and 

student leader Tsietsi Mashinini – donated by the Azanian 

People’s Organisation pays further tribute to the struggle 

heroes of the time. 

Present-day Regina Mundi is still an integral part of social life 

in Soweto, hosting weddings, funerals and baptisms of the 


famous and the ordinary alike. 

Tourists from across the world visit the church daily, and its 

garden has been transformed into a striking park. 

Visit: www.reginamundichurch.co.za 

Or Call: 011 986 2546 

KLIPTOWN OPEN AIR MUSEUM 

Innovative, compact and housed in an old hardware store 

on the edge of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, the 

Kliptown Open Air Museum brings to life the story of the 

Freedom Charter and the historic Congress of the People. 

1950s South Africa was a chaotic and discriminatory place – 

apartheid was rife and the struggle for freedom was growing 

more desperate. It was here in 1955 that a people’s parliament 

(the Congress of the People) adopted the Freedom Charter (a 

forerunner to South Africa’s current Bill of Rights). The stories 

of the thousands of people who came out and contributed 

to the drafting of the Freedom Charter are now permanently 

documented at the Kliptown Open Air Museum. 

Visitors can walk through a time pod of sorts, a commemorative 

history of “The People Shall Govern”, where stories of the 

processes and people involved in drafting the Freedom Charter 

are told through news clippings, photographs, documents, 

sculptures and oral testimonies. 

Songs from the 1955 gathering are played in the background, 

further transporting visitors to that moment in time and 

immersing them in South Africa’s history. Wire sculptures 

of leading activists and ordinary people are annotated with 

personal testimonies that portray the great excitement and 

emotions of the event. Different elements of the politics, 

area and people have been woven into the museum’s and the 

surrounding area’s architecture. 

Walter Sisulu Square is a hub of modern entertainment and 

community life with shops, restaurants, hawkers’ stalls, art 

galleries, the four-star Soweto Hotel and a tourist information 

office. There are also convention and conferencing facilities, 

restaurants and exhibition spaces in the square. 

Taxis and buses are always available on this route, and the area 

is easily accessible by car. To really experience and appreciate 

the museum you should give yourself at least half a day. The 

museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and 

Sundays from 10am to 4.30pm. 

Visit: www.waltersisulusquare.co.za 

Or Call: 011 945 2000 

ROBBY’S PLACE 

Robby’s Place is a family-run restaurant and tavern in Pimville, 

located across the road from the Soweto Country Club golf 


29

course, en route to Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown. It also 

offers B&B homestay accommodation. Husband and wife team 

Robby and Mapule Letsholo opened the establishment in 2001 

and pride themselves on making every patron and guest feel 

at home. 

The friendly tavern is an ideal stop for a drink and meals, which 

can be enjoyed indoors or outside in the courtyard. Bookings at 

least a day in advance is essential. 

Robby’s Place can accommodate up to 100 diners and also 

hosts occasional jazz sessions with local artists. It’s a great place 

to stop, have a drink and mingle with locals for an authentic 

township experience (easy-going locals are always willing to 

share stories of life in Soweto). 

Robby’s Place is known for its excellent hospitality and generous 

portions of delicious dishes. 

It is open weekdays from 10am to 10pm, and weekends from 

10am to 2am; the bar is open in the evening from 5.30pm. 

Visit: www.robbysplace.co.za 

Or Call: 011 933 7965 

VILAKAZI STREET 

One of the most famous streets in Soweto and, indeed, South 

Africa, Orlando West’s Vilakazi Street is a buzz of memorial 

attractions, restaurants, street performers, and arts and crafts. 

Vilakazi Street can also connect its world-famous status to two 

Nobel Peace Prizewinners: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond 

Tutu and the late former president Nelson Mandela, who once 

lived there. Their homes have now been turned into museums. 

Experienced tour guides will take you through the rich history 

and work these two gentlemen have achieved. 

For an authentic “kasi” meal, visitors to this street are spoilt 

for choice – restaurants such as Nambitha and Sakhumzi offer 

buffet-style serving options, a great way to experiment with 

different tastes and flavours. There are also restaurants that 

cater to the upmarket diner; try Thrive, Nexdor and Vilakazi 

Restaurant, if this is what you have in mind. 

Lichaba Car Wash offers more than just the name suggests: 

there’s also a chesa nyama (barbecue) and pub, a great way to 

spend a sunny day out in Soweto. 


Did you 

know? 

Soweto 

is an acronym 

for SOUTH WESTERN 

TOWNSHIP 

Walking Vilakazi Street, you will come across many arts and 

crafts stalls and street performers; buy some souvenirs or just 

simply admire the rhythm and dance that add to the already 

vibrant street. 

MANDELA HOUSE MUSEUM 

House 8115, Vilakazi Street, Orlando, Soweto – the most 

famous address in South Africa where our beloved Nelson 

Mandela lived on and off for 14 years. 

Now, No. 8115 has been entrenched as one of South Africa’s 

most significant heritage sites because it tells the tale, in sound, 

film, interpretive panels and guided tours, of the Mandela 

family during the apartheid era and beyond. 

You can still walk around the interior of the house as before, 

but now there is a highly narrative element to your experience, 

which is enhanced by the addition of a visitor centre. 

Visit: www.mandelahouse.co.za 

Or Call: 011 936 4244 

info@sowetooutdooradventures .co.za

ORLANDO TOWERS 

Originally the site of a coal fired power station, the Orlando 

Towers have become one of the most distinctive landmarks in 

Soweto. 

Looking for action? The Orlando Towers is the ultimate actionjunkie 

attraction with go-karting, paintball shooting, quad 

biking, rock climbing and bungee jumping! 

At the base of the Orlando Towers lies Chaf Pozi, a popular shisa 

nyama and entertainment centre. Although the venue is known 

for its meat, the menu also caters for vegetarian and Halaal 

patrons. Chaf Pozi frequently hosts well-known and up-andcoming 

local artists and DJs, and is also available for corporate 

events and general celebrations. 

At Chaf Pozi, diners get to select their own meat and spices 

from the “butchery” and to enjoy a drink on the verandah 

while their meat cooks on the braai. The menu includes 

mutton, beef,chicken, wors, samp, pap and fiery chakalaka. 

The restaurant can accomodate up to 1 000 patrons at a time 

making it a suitable venue for groups and parties. Transport 

can be arranged from other areas of the city to the restaurant. 

Open daily. 

Visit: www.orlandotowers.co.za 

or Call: 071 674 4343 

image of Pieterson’s body being carried by high school student 

Mbuyisa Makhubo, with his sister, Antoinette Sithole, running 

alongside, is a graphic representation of repression under the 

apartheid regime 

In the early 1990s, the Hector Pieterson Memorial was erected 

on Khumalo Street, not far from where Pieterson was shot. 

On 16 June 2002, the Hector Pieterson Museum opened on 

Maseko Street. The museum, dedicated to preserving the 

memory of the 1976 uprising, is home to a collection of oral 

testimonies, pictures, audiovisual displays and historical 

documents relating to the Soweto uprisings. Together with the 

memorial, it commemorates those who died in the uprisings, 

and celebrates the students’ role in the struggle for freedom. 

Visit: www.gauteng.net 

Or Call: 011 085 2500 

HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL AND 

MUSEUM 

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, situated 

in Orlando West, Soweto, commemorates the role of the 

country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. The two 

commemorative sites are just a few blocks from where 12-yearold 

Hector Pieterson was shot in 1976. 

On 16 June 1976, Soweto high school students took to the 

streets in a peaceful protest against the mandatory use of 

Afrikaans as a language of instruction in black secondary 

schools. 

The students planned to meet at Orlando Stadium before 

marching to the regional offices of the Department of Bantu 

Education, where they intended raising their grievances with 

the authorities. They carried placards that read, “Away with 

Afrikaans”, “Amandla awethu” (“Power to the people”) and 

“Free Azania” (“Free South Africa”), and sangNkosi Sikelel’ 

iAfrika (God Bless Africa), now the national anthem of South 

Africa. 

On the way to the stadium, they were met by the police, 

who ordered them to end the march and disperse. A violent 

confrontation ensued, in which students threw stones and 

police fired shots. News of the events in Soweto soon spread, 

igniting uprisings around the country in which more than 550 

people died. One of the first to die on June 16 was Pieterson. 

Sam Nzima, a photographer for The World newspaper in 

Johannesburg, was in Soweto, covering the riots. His iconic 


Tel: + 27 (0) 11 527 7300 Fax: + 27 (0) 11 527 7330 

Email: reservations@sowetohotel.co.za, (Accommodation) 

Busim@sowetohotel.co.za (Conferencing & Events) 

Cnr Union Avenue & Main Road @ Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, Kliptown, Soweto 

Website: www.sowetohotel.co.za 

ACCOMMODATION • CONFERENCING • FUNCTIONS AND FUN 

Joburg’s Best Kept Secret

GREAT GARDEN ROUTE 

ADVENTURES 

The Garden Route is a stretch of coast 

from Mossel Bay to the mouth of the 

Storms River, sandwiched between 

the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma 

Mountains and the Indian Ocean. 

The mild climate makes the Garden 

Route the perfect year round 

destination and there is an endless 

variety of activities to suit every 

type of traveller. If you are looking 

for an adventure, the Garden Route is the ultimate adventure 

destination. We have picked out some of our favourite activities 

on offer to help you plan your Garden Route adventure. 

IN SEARCH OF HIGH ADRENALIN? 

Bungee Jump at Bloukrans River Bridge – Face 

Adrenalin 

Stop over at the Bloukrans River Bridge at Face Adrenalin 

where you are guaranteed the thrill of a lifetime on the 

highest commercial bungee jump in the world! Situated at 

the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market, just 40km east of 

Plettenberg Bay, the view from Africa’s highest bridge captures 

the beauty and tranquillity of the Bloukrans River Valley. That 

will be your view as you throw yourself more than 200 metres 

down towards the valley below! But, don’t let that alarm you. 

Face Adrenalin uses pendulum bungee technology to ensure 

the smoothest and most comfortable bungee jump possible and 


all jumpers are secured in a full-body harness combined with 

an ankle connection. Face Adrenalin boasts a flawless, 100% 

safety record so all jumpers are in safe hands. If high adrenalin 

isn’t your thing, they also offer bungee tours accompanying the 

jumpers to the bridge so that you can check out the action up 

close as well as walking tours across the Bloukrans Bridge. 

Or if you prefer, just sit back, relax, perhaps grab a beer and 

a bite to eat and watch the jumpers on the big screen in the 

Cliffhanger Bar and Restaurant. 

For more information visit: www.faceadrenalin.com 

or Call: 042 281 1458 

GLIDE THROUGH THE TSITSIKAMMA FOREST 

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours – Stormsriver 

Adventures 

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours is a fun and informative 2.5 hour 

‘foofie’ slide through the Tsitsikamma Forest. Run by ecotourism 

company, Stormsriver Adventures, you are guaranteed 

to have a forest experience you will never forget! You can 

expect to see the breathtaking indigenous forest as you glide 

between 10 platforms up to 30 metres above the forest floor. 

Your guides are present throughout the tour and will share 

interesting facts about the forest at each platform. From Ages 

7 and up, the Tours depart every half an hour and advance 

bookings are essential. Stormsriver Adventures provide tours 

in all weather conditions and the tour includes a certificate on 

completion of your canopy tour. 

For more information visit: www.stormsriver.com 

Or Call: 042 281 1836 

FOR ADRENALIN SEEKING WATER BABIES 

Blackwater Tubing – Tsitsikamma Forest 

Blackwater Tubing is the sport of riding through caves and 

gorges on a large rubber tube. 

Picture yourself on a unique water adventure moving through an 

untouched gorge that the average tourist does not even know 

exists. Tubing in the Garden Route takes place at an indigenous 

forest section of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Some sections 

are fast flowing adding to the adrenaline rush while the quiet 

sections give you time to contemplate the beauty of the Storms 

River gorge. Blackwater Tubing is the ultimate aqua adventure! 

It is a unique 5 hour, fun-filled adventure of river tubing, scenic 

kloofing, rock jumping, swimming and loads of laughter while 

you experience the breathtaking unspoilt beauty of the Storms 

River Gorge and Plaatbos Nature Reserve. 

For more information visit: www.blackwatertubing. 

net or Call: 042 281 1757 

FEATHERBED CO SPECIALIZES IN UNFORTGETTABLE, 

NATURAL & REAL EXPERIENCES ON THE KNYSNA LAGOON 

Explore the natural beauty of the knysna forests at the pristine Featherbed nature 

reserve whilst enjoying interactive guided Nature walks & spectacular lunch buffets 

We offer luxury cruising and exquisite dining on the Paddle Cruiser, the only 

paddle-driven vessel in South Africa. Enjoy exclusive yacht sailing to the Knysna 

Heads on-board The Heads Explorer and savour seasonal cuisine whilst sailing 

into the sunset. The MV John Benn is a fully enclosed legendary floating 

restaurant renowned for eating, drinking and having fun offering an affordable 

dining selection from the a-la-carte menu. Our restaurant, Cruise Café, is 

situated on the banks of the Knysna lagoon where the sunsets are as 

spectacular as our exotic cocktails savoured on the deck. 

At Cruise Café restaurant we pride ourselves on our “Versatile Fusion” style of 

cuisine. Highly recommended is our famous Asian Prawns Tempura. Loved by 

all the locals for our quirky menu and affordable, scrumptious menu items. 


THE BEST WAY TO VIEW THE PICTURE- 

PERFECT SCENERY OF THE GARDEN ROUTE 

Zip Line Adventure 

A Zip Line Adventure in the Garden Route involves being 

strapped into a harness, clipped into a pulley and letting 

yourself go off the platform. From here on you are propelled 

only by gravity as you glide along tree tops and waterfalls and 

soar above gorges. 

You can view three waterfalls from a bird’s eye view while ziplining 

back and forth across the Kruis River. This is done in a full 

body harness fitted with a patented braking system to ensure 

a soft landing at the end of every slide. There are eight slides – 

the average length is 100 metres and the longest is 211 metres. 

It takes a group of 10 about 90 minutes to complete the tour 

and 2 people about 45 minutes. 

Kids from the age of 3 can participate in zip-lining so it is the 

ideal family adventure that you can enjoy with the kids. Zipline 

Tours are open every day beween 8am and 4pm. 

For more information visit: www.ziplinetour.co.za 

or Call: 082 383 9744 

Tsitsikamma Falls 

Adventure 

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SOUTH 

AFRICAN FUR SEALS 

Swim with the Seals – Plettenberg Bay 

Enjoy a boat ride aboard the Robberg Express to the seal colony 

of around 4000 Fur Seals located at Robberg Peninsula in the 

Robberg Marine Reserve. From there you can jump into the 

water (with a qualified divemaster of course) and swim among 

the playful South African Fur Seals and enjoy 30 minutes of 

unlimited fun. Don’t worry about sharks as the area around 

the colony is very shallow, the boat always stays close and they 

make use of shark shields, a device that gives off electronic 

impulses in the water and which sharks are extremely sensitive 

to. All equipment is supplied and no experience is needed. 

Another great family adventure as kids from the age of 6 are 

allowed to swim with the seals. The tour takes approximately 

1 hour and 30 minutes and tours go out daily and booking is 

essential. 

For more information visit: 

www.offshoreadventures.co.za or Call: 082 829 0809 

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH A 

WILDCAT! 

Go on a Cheetah walk – Tenikwa Wildlife 

Awareness Centre Plettenberg Bay 

The Cheetah Walk & Wild Cat Combo is a popular program 

which combines a cheetah walk and guided tour of the Tenikwa 

Wildlife Awareness Centre to see the indigenous cats of South 

Africa and other endangered wildlife at the centre. 

Join the cheetahs for a cheetah walk either in the morning or 

afternoon through Cape Floral Fynbos and wooded Tsitsikamma 

Indigenous Forest. The walk forms part of their daily enrichment 

program. Only a few guests each day are privileged to join the 

cheetahs for this special time. 

During the second part of the program, visit each of the 

indigenous cats of South Africa where you will learn interesting 

facts about each species and what is contributing to their 

decline in the wild. You will also gain an insight into their 

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

The program includes a beverage and light refreshments. 

The time of the Cheetah Walks coincides with the naturally 

active time of the cheetahs and is typical of natural behaviour 

in the wild. No person under the age of 16 or under 1.5 metres 

will be allowed to join the walk. 

For more information visit: www.tenikwa.com 

Or Call: 044 534 8170 

Phone: 082 578 1090 

www.tsitsikammaadventure.co.za 

amma A3.indd 1 

2014/09/03 1:34 PM 


Travel In Style & Comfort - Take The Train 

The Premier Classe is a luxurious but affordable train currently operating between Johannesburg and Cape Town (return) 

and Johannesburg and Durban (return). The Premier Classe was introduced in 2007 with additional features such as 

air-conditioned coaches, technological sophistication in the Lounge and Dining Cars, a Conference coach and a car carrier. 

Your journey begins when you’re greeted by our friendly and efficient staff at our stylish lounges situated in Johannesburg, 

Cape Town and Durban. Once on the train guests can relax in the stylishly appointed sleeping cabins and enjoy world class 

cuisine in the Dining Car. After Dinner guests can enjoy an ice cold soft drink and enjoy the elegant interior of the Lounge 

before retiring to the spacious cabins for single travellers or families up to four. Your cabin is prepared with crisp linen an 

elegant gown for use while on the train and all amenities for that refreshing shower. 

The following morning guests are woken up with the smell of fresh coffee/ tea in the compartment before breakfast is 

served. For the guest that require the mixture of business with pleasure, the professional yet relaxed ambience of our 

Conference Coach will make concentration simple. Wherever you travel, your journey will take you to destinations in South 

Africa that are as unforgettable as the journey itself. When reaching your destination guests will feel as if all the attention 

was on one person; YOU. 

Contact Information 

Train Reservations and Enquiries: 

National Call Centre 

Local: 086 000 8888 

International: +27 11 774 4555 /+27 11 773 8785 

www.premierclasse.co.za 

De Aar 

Kimberley 

Johannesburg 

Klerksdorp 

Standerton 

Newcastle 

Ladysmith 

Pietermaritzburg 

Durban 

Beaufort West 

Worcester 

Cape Town 

Matjiesfontein

ESCAPE INTO 

THE WILD 

TO SOUTH AFRICA’S 

NATIONAL PARKS 

Leave the hustle and bustle and 

head to one of South Africa’s 

many National Parks which offers 

breathtaking scenery, up close 

and personal encounters with 

the country’s amazing wildlife 

and stunning views of our diverse 

landscape. Once you experience 

what nature has to offer, you are 

guaranteed to keep coming back 

for more! 

Mzanzi Travel has put together a 

list of some of South Africa’s best 

national parks across the country to help you plan your next 

adventure. 

Golden Gate National Park, 

North-Eastern Free State 

This South African National Park got its name from the brilliant 

shades of gold that are cast by the sun on the Park’s sandstone 

cliffs especially on the imposing Brandwag rock which overlooks 

the main rest camp. The Golden Gate National Park rests at the 

rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern 

Free State and 300km northeast of the city of Bloemfontein. 

You can spot antelopes and kudu’s aplenty across the open 

spaces and wide horizons. 

Visit in summer to escape the heat in the lower-lying areas. 

Best for spectacular African sunsets 



CHEETAH OUTREACH 

See It, Sense It, Save It 

Visitors to Cheetah Outreach can enjoy the experience of a lifetime 

interacting with cheetahs and other small predators. 

Opening Hours: 09h30 – 17h00/Encounters: 10h00–13h00 & 14h00–17h00 

De Beers Avenue, Paardevlei, Somerset West, Western Cape 

Telephone : 021 851 6850 

General Enquiries : cheetah@intekom.co.za 

Activities & Bookings: bookings@cheetah.co.za

Karoo National Park, 

Western Cape 

The great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which 

the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. Towards late 

afternoon, the great, unyielding canopy slowly softens its 

fierceness, and from pastel shades of pink and blue, the colours 

deepen, setting the endless Karoo canvas ablaze with glorious 

hues of orange and red. The area is mostly semi-desert and 

is well known for its isolation. Being the largest ecosystem in 

South Africa, the Karoo is home to a fascinating diversity of life, 

all having adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. Karoo 

National Park is dominated by the lofty Nuweveld Mountains 

and rolling plains, where many species that originally occurred 

here now once again occupy their former ranges. 

The Karoo National Park has a wide variety of endemic wildlife. 

Many species have been relocated to their former ranges 

- such as brown hyena, lion and Cape mountain zebra. Over 

20 breeding pairs of Verreaux’s eagle find sanctuary within the 

park. There is also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small 

reptiles. 

This national park is home to several desert mammals primarily 

the Verreaux’s Eagle and various species of tortoise. You can 

also spot endangered species such as the Black Rhino and 

Riverine Rabbit that have been successfully resettled here. Best 

for spotting the Black Rhino. 

Kruger National Park, Limpopo – 

Mpumalanga 

The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in 

South Africa where all of nature’s drama is played out. Covering 

an area of nearly 2 million hectares, the Kruger National Park 

stretches over the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in 

north-eastern South Africa. This South African national park 

boasts of being home to the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, 

buffalo, leopard and rhino). The Kruger National Park also 

has the largest rhino population that can be spotted in the 

grasslands and riverine forests. Best for wildlife watching. 

Marakele National Park, 

Limpopo 

Part of the Waterburg Biosphere in the Limpopo province, 

Marakele is one of South Africa’s most stunning national parks. 

The park features majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad 

hills and deep valleys. All the large game species from elephant 

and rhino to the big cats as well as an amazing variety of birds, 

including what’s probably the largest colony of endangered 

Cape vultures in the world, have settled here. Contrasting 

majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep 

valleys characterize the park. Rare finds of yellowwood and 

cedar trees, five metre high cycads and tree ferns, are some 

of the plant species found here. All the large game species 

from elephant and rhino to the big cats as well as an amazing 

variety of birds including what’s probably the largest colony of 

endangered Cape vultures (more than 800 breeding pairs) in 

the world, have settled here. Best for close encounters with the 

endangered Cape Vulture. 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, 

KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa’s 

very first Heritage Site 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as the Greater St. 

Lucia Wetland Park) is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu- 

Natal, about 275 kilometres north of Durban. 

The 332 000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, 

eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, 

most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s 

largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old 

vegetated coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The 

name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly 

describes this unique place. 

From coral reefs and sandy beaches to subtropical dune forests, 

savannahs, and wetlands, this national park offers immense 

diversity. Animals occurring in the park include elephant, 

leopard, black and white rhino, buffalo and in the ocean, 

whales, dolphins, and marine turtles including the leatherback 

and loggerhead turtle. 

Namaqua National Park, 

Western Cape 

Namaqua National Park is a South African national park 

situated approximately 495 km north of Cape Town and 22 

km northwest of Kamieskroon. This picturesque South African 

national park is renowned for its floral displays and has valleys 

filled with Namaqualand daisies and other spring flowers and 

conserves the world’s richest succulent flora. The park is part 

of the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome, one of the most 

unusual biomes in the world. You can spot a myriad of wildlife 

that has adapted to the rigorous climate of this area and it 

is also home to the world’s smallest tortoise, the Namaqua 

Speckled Padloper. Best for the most spectacular Spring flower 

displays. 


41

30 in 30 

RECONNECT WITH NATURE 

CHALLENGE 

APRIL 2016 

JOIN OUR CHALLENGE 

IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3! 

Do you have a minute? That’s all it’ll take. Step outside for one minute on 1 April 

and let the great outdoors work its magic. Smell a flower. Watch a bird. Do nothing. 

Do anything. The next day add another minute, and another every day 

after that. By the end of the month, you will be spending 30 minutes in nature. Visit 

our website from 1 March to download our welcome pack including the journal to help 

you record your experiences and be in the running to win a stay for four at Msinsi. 

It’s our way to help you reconnect with nature. 

WIN 

1 of 3 family 

weekends for four 

people worth 

R6 300 

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 

42 |ISSUE 1|www.mzanzitravel.co.za AND TWITTER 

| MZANZI TRAVEL 

Visit www.msinsi.co.za for more information and share your 

journey on Facebook/Msinsi Resorts & Game Reserves 

Email: msinsi.marketing@msinsi.co.za | Tel: 031 765 7724

Mapungubwe National Park, 

Limpopo – World Heritage Site 

Mapungubwe lies alongside the Zimababwe and Botswana 

borders in the steamy Limpopo River Valley where elephants, 

giraffes, leopards and baboons roam between the baobob trees. 

As a World Heritage Site, this park has considerable historical 

significance, making it well worth the 550km journey north 

from Johannesburg. Mapungubwe was the heart of Southern 

Africa’s first indigenous kingdom; more than 9000 people lived 

here around AD1300 and archaeologists have discovered a 

hill-top graveyard, containing treasures including a golden 

rhino figurine. You can spot predators like lions, leopards and 

hyenas here. The National park is home to 400 species of birds 

including Kori Bustard, tropical Boubou and Pel’s Fishing Owl. 

Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the sandstone 

formations here. Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, gemsbok 

and numerous other antelope species can be spotted in the 

area. Guided tours offered. Best for history. 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, 

Northern Cape 

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is an amalgamation of the 

Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the 

Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The Park stretches 

across 3.6 million hectares of land and is home to the striking 

desert antelope – the Gemsbok, the black-maned Kalahari 

Lions, weaver birds, the pygmy falcon and the meerkat. Red 

sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the 

Nossob and Auob make spotting wildlife easier and provide 

excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is a haven for 

birders, especially those interested in birds of prey. Best for bird 

watching. 

Addo Elephant National Park, 

Eastern Cape 

Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation 

park situated close to Port Elizabeth and ranks third in size 

after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around 

Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through 

the Sundays River Valley and south to the coast between 

Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers 

about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird 

and St Croix Island groups. The Park is home to lions, elephants, 

Cape buffalo, endangered black rhino as well as a variety of 

antelope species.

23 YEARS 

OF MAGIC. 

Our story began in 1992 with a fiery passion and desire to serve quality Italian-inspired 

meals; made with love, from scratch. 23 years later, we continue to work hard at sourcing 

only the finest and freshest ingredients and take no shortcuts in our approach. 

@colcacchio 

colcacchio.co.za 

44 |ISSUE 1|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL 

To enjoy a slice of the goodness, pop into your favourite pizzeria or simply order online from colcacchio.co.za

EAT LIKE A LOCAL! 

We know that Summer has left us but a good ol’ Fish and 

Chips parcel from the harbour in Cape Town is a local 

favourite that is enjoyed throughout the year. 

FOR THE FRESHEST, CRISPIEST FISH & CHIPS (EATEN WITH 

YOUR HANDS) 

Enjoy fresh fish and chips the local way while overlooking the 

harbour at 3 of the best Fish and Chip joints in Cape Town. 

KALKY’S FISH AND CHIPS 

On the harbour, Kalk Bay, 021 7881726 

Lucky fish and chips, Kalk Bay, 157 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape 

Town, 021 788 4133 

Fish on the rocks, 1 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 021 

790 0001 

OR, IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING HOT? SPICY AROMAS, 

GLOWING COLOURS AND THE FLAVOURS OF EXOTIC MASALAS. 

Best places for Biryani, Roti, Curries & Bunny Chows 

BISMILLAH RESTAURANT 

78 Mint Road, Fordsburg, 011 838 8051 

Jaipur Palace Express, 131 Waterkant Road, Durban, 031- 

564-9215 

Solly Manjra’s, 9 Lakedale Road, Sea Cow Lake, Durban, 031- 

577-4774 

OR, AFRO-SOUL FOOD 

THE ROVING BANTU KITCHEN 

Corner of Caroline and Esher Street, Brixton, Johannesburg, 

072 2232 648 

The Roving Bantu is more than just a restaurant. This bright 

little spot is more of a meeting place for friends and for 

making new ones too. Owned and founded by Sifiso Ntuli, who 

specialises in serving “Afro-Soul Food” to his hungry guests. The 

menu changes constantly and depends on whatever Sifiso feels 

inspired to cook on any particular day. Expect to see a menu 

that reads something like, “Spicy beef prego rolls with salad, 

our ever popular braaied jerk chicken served with coconut and 

bean rice, spinach, lentil and potato curry served with fresh roti 

and washed down with a chilled homemade ginger beer.” 


45

EVENTS DIARY 

DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE AWESOME EVENTS 

HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY 

APRIL 

Cape Town International Jazz Festival 

When: 1st&2nd April 

Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 

Website: www.capetownjazzfest.com 

Affectionately referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” 

the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the largest music 

event in sub-Saharan Africa. Now in its 17th year, the festival 

is famous for delivering a star-studded lineup. A must for all 

music lovers. 

AfrikaBurn 

When: 25th April – 1st May 

Where: Tankwa Karoo, Northern Cape 

Website: www.afrikaburn.com 

AfrikaBurn is a community of participants who come together 

to create art, burning structures, costume, performance, theme 

camps, music, mutant vehicles and much, much more. All of 

this is created through the volunteer culture of the citizens of 

Tankwa Town in the Karoo once a year. In a nutshell, it’s about 

radical self-expression. 

Prince Albert Town and Olive Festival 

When: 25th – 27th April 

Where: Prince Albert, Western Cape 

Website: www.princealbert.org.za 

The Prince Albert Town and Olive Festival, held in the Swartberg 

region of the Western Cape offers a whole lot more than just 

the region’s famous olives and wine. There’s an art exhibition, 

beer tents, live music, witblits tastings, crafts for kids, historic 

tours, a cycle race, an olive pip-spitting competition, culinary 

demonstrations, a midnight ghost walk, stalls, cabaret, a dance 

and more. 

SA Cheese Festival 

When: 30th April – 2nd May 

Where: Stellenbosch, Sandringham, Cape Town 

Website: www.cheesefestival.co.za 

The increasingly popular South African Cheese Festival 

celebrates a phenomenal fifteen years in 2016 and in this 

celebration year, we place the SPOTLIGHT ON CHEESE, from 

the most well-known and popular cheeses to the more exotic, 

hand-made boutique cheeses. 

Festival goers can complement this unique experience 

with superb wines, good music, celebrity chefs and famous 

personalities that will place the spotlight on cheese. So, 

invite your friends and family to join you for a day of ultimate 

enjoyment. 

Lambert’s Bay Crayfish Festival 


Where: Lambert’s Bay, West Coast 

Website: www.kreeffees.co.za 

For all lovers of this delicacy! Expect the tastiest, fresh-fromthe-ocean 

crayfish at this event as well as local performers 

and for the first time this year, stalls to offer you the best West 

Coast cuisine, crafts, handmade clothing, best local wines and 

you can taste locally brewed craft beer while taking in the 

amazing sea views. 


47

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras 


Where: Knysna, Western Cape 

Website: www.pinkloerie.co.za 

A gay festival held in the beautiful coastal town of Knysna in 

May, the Mardi Gras offers five days of non-stop entertainment 

for anyone who enjoys a party. 

May 

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 

When: 7th and 8th May 

Where: Riebeek Valley, Western Cape 

Website: www.riebeekvalley.info 

From olives to olive oils and olive inspired produce, this 

promises to be a feast for the senses. Sample a wide range of 

olives from local South African Olive producers. Not forgetting 

the superb wines in the area too. The perfect excuse to stock 

up! Artisanal beers, an abundance of hearty local food and live 

entertainment are the perfect ingredients to what promises to 

be an unforgettable weekend. 

The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb 

When: 6th – 8th May 

Where: Knysna, Western Cape 

Website: www.speedfestival.co.za 

Whether you have attended the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb before, 

or not, you won’t want to miss the 2016 event as the line up 

of cars promises to be better than ever, while the vibe and 

excitement levels are the epitome of good entertainment. 

Whether you are a petrol head, speed lover or just someone 

who just loves a good time – you will leave satisfied and 

enthralled at the spectacle. 

Good Food and Wine Show 

When: 27th – 29th May 

Where: CTICC, Cape Town 

Website: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za 

From celebrity chef cooking demonstrations to food and wine 

tastings and kids’ workshops, there is something in store for 

everyone. In addition to workshops and ‘theatres’, there is a 

large exhibition space where you can peruse and buy the latest 

cooking gadgets and gourmet ingredients while expanding on 

your foodie knowledge with the experts. 

JUNE 

Calitzdorp Winter Festival 

When: 16th – 19th June 

Where: Calitzdorp, Western Cape 

Website: www.calitzdorpwinterfestival.co.za 

The Calitzdorp Winter Festival (originally known as the 

‘Calitzdorp Port Festival’) aims to promote Calitzdorp and 

surrounding areas as an exciting and diverse tourist destination. 

The town is steeped in history, originating from the mid 1850’s 

and has grown into a diverse and vibrant community. 

Experience the unique wine and food culture, warm hospitality, 

breathtaking views and lots of adventure for the whole family 

at this year’s Calitzdorp Winter Festival. 

Hermanus Fine Arts Show 

When: 10th – 19th June 

Where: Hermanus, Western Cape 

Website: www.hermanusfynarts.co.za 

The venues for Hermanus FynArts showcase the wide range of 

what Hermanus has to offer, from local art galleries and church 

halls in the town centre to wine farms up the Hemel-en-Aarde 

Valley. 

One of the highlights of Hermanus FynArts is the Tollman 

Bouchard Finlayson Tondo Competition exhibition in the cellar 

of the Bouchard Finlayson wine estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde 

Valley. Selected work is displayed on the heads of barrels 

newly filled with wines pressed from grapes harvested in late 

February and March. 

French will be the fine thread that runs through the events, 

from talks to demonstrations; from art to food and wine; and 

from the contribution of individuals and milestone events. 

Grahamstown National Arts Festival 

When: Starts at the end of June/beginning July and runs for 11 

days (see website for dates) 

Where: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape 

Website: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za 

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is South Africa’s 

oldest, biggest and best-known arts festival. One of the most 

important events on the South African Cultural Calendar, it 

offers culture hounds every indulgence of theatre, song, dance, 

music, film and a whole lot more. 


work or play? 

WHETHER YOU’RE VISITING FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE, YOU’LL BE WELL LOOKED 

AFTER. PAMPER YOURSELF WITH ONE OF OUR WELLNESS TREATMENTS OR RELAX 

AND SIPPING SUNDOWNERS. MARC’S TABLE, OUR IN-HOUSE RESTAURANT, OFFERS 

HEARTY BREAKFASTS, LIGHT À LA CARTE LUNCHES AND ROMANTIC DINNERS. SIP 

COGNACS, AFTER DARK, IN OUR COSY LIBRARY 

CONTACT US • Phone: +27 21 430 3780 • Email: info@sugarhotel.co.za •Web: www.sugarhotel.co.za 


SUGAR HOTEL & 

MARC’S TABLE 

1 MAIN ROAD, GREEN POINT, 

8005,CAPE TOWN, 8000 

About Us 

Sugar Hotel is an oasis of luxury offerings in upmarket award 

winning accommodation, a developing fine dining success 

story in in-house Marc’s Table, a rejuvenating Wellness Centre 

and tailor-made tour services in central and trendy Greenpoint, 

Cape Town, South Africa. 

Tasteful and functional décor defines this intimate Boutique 

Hotel which attracts and works for both the Leisure and the 

Business Travelers. 

Our Values: 

• Integrity in all our relations. 

• Reliable in delivering high quality services consistently. 

• Passionate in creating safe and aesthetic spaces for the 

enjoyment of our Guests. 

Our Products and Services 

• 7 en-suite luxury rooms two of which each feature a patio 

and a plunge. 

• Fine dining at Marc’s Table. 

• 2 wellness rooms for massages, manicures, pedicures and 

facials. 

• Tailor-made private tours in luxury vehicles with a 

registered Tour Guide. 

• Airport transfers in luxury vehicles. 

• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet throughout hotel. 

• International plug in sockets throughout hotel. 

• filter water supply in hotel. 

• Complimentary sherry on arrival. 

Our location allows our Guests unfettered access to Cape Town’s 

top attractions including the world famous V&A Waterfront, 

Table Mountain, Bo Kaap, Convention Centre, Camps Bay, the 

City and the Cape Town Stadium. 

Contact Us 

Phone: +27 21 430 3780 

Email: info@sugarhotel.co.za 

Web: www.sugarhotel.co.za 

Rates: 

Room rates are charged per occupancy i.e. single occupancy or 

double occupancy from ZAR1595.00 to ZAR4065.00 per night 

for 2016. Room rates include breakfast at Marc’s Table, access 

to Wi-Fi and VAT. 

Enquire on rates at: 

info@sugarhotel.co.za 

Children are welcome at Sugar Hotel. Children under the age 

of two stay for free with a cot bed provided upon request. A 

surcharge of 35% on the double occupancy rate is charged for 

an additional bed in the luxury rooms. 


51

!XAUS LODGE 

AN AUTHENTIC, ETHICAL 

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN 

THE KALAHARI 

LOOKING TO GO “OFF GRID” FOR A 

WHILE? NO TELECOMMUNICATION 

SIGNALS, NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES, NO 

TELEVISION, JUST HOURS AND HOURS 

OF WONDERFUL SILENCE AND THE 

OPPORTUNITY TO UNWIND FROM DAY- 

TO-DAY LIFE. !XAUS LODGE OFFERS JUST 

THAT AND SO MUCH MORE. 

!Xaus Lodge’s 4-star luxury Kgalagadi accommodation 

is situated in the heart of the beautiful Kgalagadi 

Transfrontier Park, an immense desert area with 

grass-covered sand dunes.. This conservation area 

at over 3.5 million hectares, is almost twice the 

size of the Kruger National Park. It offers stunning 

scenery, excellent birding and overpowering silence. 

This captivating landscape was formed through the 

amalgamation of The Gemsbok National Park in South 

Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. 

Managed by SANParks, it comprises over 3.6 million hectares 

making it one of the very few parks left of this magnitude in 

the world. 

How it all began 

The Khomani San and Mier communities reached a historic 

land settlement agreement with the government of South 

Africa and SANParks in May 2002 which restored a large tract 

of land to the communities that had once roamed or farmed 

this area. The agreement saw the transfer of ownership of 50 

000 hectares of land from SANParks, to the two communities 

who then leased the given land back to SANParks. It was named 

the !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park Agreement. SANParks is 

responsible for the environmental management of the park, 

while the land settlement agrees to provide the communities 

with an allocation of funds for the purpose of constructing a 

tourism facility to be jointly owned by the two communities. 

Transfrontier Parks Desinations, a black-empowered Lodge 

Management Company, manages the lodge commercially on 

behalf of the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. 

!Xaus means ‘heart’ in the Nama language and was proposed 

as a name for the lodge by a group of visiting Bushmen and 

confirmed by the representative bodies of both the ‡Khomani 

San and Mier communities. Significantly, the lodge’s name, 

‘!Xaus’, symbolises the healing of relationships, the restoration 

of dignity and the aspirations of these communities, who after 

many years of deprivation are now owners of the lodge and the 

land on which it is situated. 

The name was inspired by the fact that the lodge overlooks a 


large salt pan with a distinctive heart shape in its northwest 

corner, as well as the fact that the lodge is located at the ‘heart’ 

– the meeting line – of the land restored to each of the Mier 

and Bushman communities. It also symbolises the vision of 

the settlement agreement which was: ‘in the national interest, 

to finally settle the land claims of the community parties and 

to establish a positive, co-operative relationship between the 

community parties and SANParks.’ 

The symbol ‘!’ denotes a palatal click in the Nama language 

but for those who can’t master the click, !Xaus is pronounced 

‘kaus’. 

The Lodge 

!Xaus Lodge provides luxury accommodation for eco-tourists 

and visitors to the Kalahari. It comprises of 12 individual chalets 

accommodating 24 guests, and a central lodge building. 

Guests are accommodated in en-suite chalets each with its 

own deck overlooking the waterhole on the pan. They have 

Twin or King beds, high quality mattresses and linen, with 

winter sheets, hot water bottles and gas heaters for the cold 

months and ceiling fans for the hot months. Bedside tables 

with bedside lamps, wardrobe, writing table and chair, luggage 

rack and floor rugs complete the furnishings. 

The chalets are not air-conditioned. Traditional methods, 

using shade and damp cloths as means of keeping cool in this 

environment are explained to guests. There are no hairdryers 

in the individual chalets because of the limited supply of 

electricity, but are available on request. 

Bathrooms have a large shower, vanity and separate flush toilet. 

We provide generous quantities of rooibos soap, moisturizing 

hand-cream and shampoo because the water is very saline. 

Water is heated by on-demand gas. 

Highlights of the lodge include a cosy lounge with a fireplace, 

an art and craft shop, a large observation deck perfect for stargazing, 

a refreshing swimming pool and a heart- warming fire in 

the boma, perfect for enjoying the beauty of the silence of the 

night while keeping warm. 

Activities at !Xaus Lodge 

Morning wilderness walks with a guide and trackers. Here 

you will ‘read the newspaper’ of the night before – seeing the 


53

animal spoors, being taught about plants and desert life. The 

distance covered depends on the abilities and interest of the 

guests. 

Mid-morning walk on the pan. Go for a brief walk on the pan 

and get to understand the enormity of these desert salt pans. 

Visit the local crafting school. !Xaus Lodge is owned by 

the local ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. Guests are 

invited to meet the crafters at the school, and get an insight 

into the modern lives of the local Bushman community, as 

well as an opportunity to purchase crafts from the original 

artists. The school is set up to give elders an opportunity to 

pass on traditional skills to the younger generation who do 

not necessarily live a traditional lifestyle. Guests will thus 

experience the interaction between ancient traditions and 

modern lifestyles. 

Game drives. !Xaus Lodge offers afternoon or evening game 

drives, giving guests an opportunity to see the ‘dune streets’ 

and the game and birds in the area. This is a desert park and 

sightings are unpredictable and fascinating. 

drinking water is created through a reverse osmosis process. 

Please use this precious asset sparingly. Because linen cannot 

be washed in this saline water and is thus trucked to Twee 

Rivieren, it is not changed every day, and there are no guest 

laundry facilities. 

Electricity is generated for four hours in the evening, and 

an hour mid-morning. This means no TVs, radios, electronic 

devices or electric kettles and espresso machines. What it 

does mean is wonderful hours of silence, and an opportunity 

to unwind from day-to-day life. 

Telecommunications signals don’t reach the Lodge. No cell 

phone, Wi-Fi, telephone or TV signals. The Lodge and the 

vehicles have 2-way radio links with SANParks facilities, and 

management has a satellite phone for emergencies. The joy of 

visiting !Xaus Lodge is that you will be ‘off the grid’. 

Supplies – especially food and drink - are trucked in from 

Upington – a 720km round trip. While !Xaus Lodge does try 

to stock as well as possible, there are occasions when supplies 

run out, and they are unable to re-stock overnight. Meals are 

carefully planned, and cooked in the local Mier tradition. 

How to get there 

Coming from South Africa, visitors enter Twee Rivieren, and 

travel 64kms along Auob River Road towards Mata Mata to 

the Kamqua Picnic Site. Guests coming from Namibia enter 

at Mata Mata and travel the Auob River Road towards Twee 

Rivieren to the Kamqua Picnic Site. 

Guests are met at Kamqua Picnic Site at 2.30pm on their day 

of arrival. Those with 4x4 vehicles who wish to tackle the 90- 

dune road to the Lodge may drive in convoy with the guide. 

Those with 2x4s park their vehicles in the parking facility, and 

enjoy the 35km, 90-dune trip to the Lodge in a Game Drive 

vehicle. 

GPS Co-ordinates: -26.022388, 20.404894 

Sundowners on the dunes. A special treat for everyone is the 

evening ‘sundowners’ where guests are able to listen to the 

sunset from the top of a dune on the opposite side of the salt 

pan to the Lodge. 

Night sky viewing and stargazing. With no ambient light 

pollution, the night sky is spectacular. Learn about the 

constellations with your naked eye, or view the Milky Way 

through our telescopes. 

Living in a land of scarcity – Information for 

responsible travellers 

!Xaus Lodge is situated in a remote desert. This means that 

many of the luxuries of modern life are limited or unavailable. 

Water is an extremely scarce resource. It is hard and saline and 


55

On the day of departure, the Lodge Manager will arrange to 

return you to your vehicle at a suitable time for you to reach 

your next destination. 

Details of road access 

• Distance from Upington to Twee Rivieren is 260kms on tar. 

Travelling time is 2.5 to 3.0 hours 

• Twee Rivieren (entry gate to KTP) to Kamqua picnic site 

(meeting point for !Xaus Lodge) is 64kms. It is a game 

drive all the way along the Auob river bed and takes 

approximately 1.5 hours. 

• Kamqua picnic site to !Xaus Lodge is 30 kms on a single 

track, soft sand road through the dunes. A 4x4 vehicle is 

necessary for this leg of the journey if you do not use our 

transfer service. Travelling time is about 1.0 to 1.5 hours. 

• Travelling times in the KTP can vary according to game 

sightings en-route. 

Self-drive options 

Self-drive to Kamqua picnic site. 

Can be done in any standard sedan motor vehicle. 

Guests are met at Kamqua Picnic Site and escorted to the 

turnoff at Rooibrak to !Xaus Lodge. Guest vehicle are parked 

in a demarcated zone off the road behind the dunes for the 

duration of their stay at !Xaus Lodge. 

Guests are then transferred to !Xaus Lodge in an Open Safari 

Vehicle. 

Self-drive directly to !Xaus Lodge. 

• 4x4 vehicle is definitely required. 

• Guests are met by a lodge guide at Kamqua Picnic Site and 

drive in convoy to !Xaus Lodge. 

• Fuel can be purchased at Askham, Andriesvale (diesel 

only), Twee Rivieren and Mata Mata. 

• Tyre pressures should be reduced to 1.6 bar for travelling 

on gravel roads in the KTP and to 1.4 bar if self-driving 

through the dunes to !Xaus Lodge. 

For more information on !Xaus Lodge visit: 

Website: http://www.xauslodge.co.za 

Call: +27 (0)21-701-7860 

Info@xauslodge.co.za 


ADDERLEY 

HOTEL 

The Adderley Hotel is 

situated in the heart of 

Cape Town's city centre. 

A blend of gracious 

urban historic façades, 

with interiors boasting 

21st century luxury and 

design. 

Perfectly located on Cape Town's 

main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, 

this Cape Town accommodation 

establishment and function venue is 

the perfect destination for corporate 

travellers in town on business and 

tourists who wish to explore Cape 

Town's finest leisure attractions. 

RESERVATIONS : 087 740 9292 | cro@aha.travel | www.aha.co.za Adderley Hotel : 021 469 1900

INTRODUCTION 

At Indalu Game Reserve in the Garden Route it is not only the 

elephants that have remarkable memories; the visitors leave 

with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories to last them 

for a lifetime. 

Indalu, the Xhosa word for ‘nature’ is approximately 30 km 

from Mossel Bay and just 2 km off the N2 towards Cape Town. 

It is set between the roaming hills and valleys and has been 

created as a sanctuary for a number of the gentle giants where 

they roam free in their natural environment. 

In 2008 Indalu was founded by Gerhard and Arina van Rooyen 

who dreamt of establishing a haven for the big five, plains game 

and other wildlife, in this beautiful piece of rugged land, which 

falls within the protected Gourits Initiative area. However Indalu 

opened to the public only as recent as Dec’14. 

THE JOURNEY 

An imposing steel gate welcomes you and promises a journey 

to explore the variety of indigenous trees, fynbos and renosterbos, 

while the giant euphorbia that adorn the area lends a 

surreal ancient feel to the reserve. 

THE WILDLIFE 

The game has an uninterrupted flow through 800 hectares of 

land. While guests enjoy the freedom of the unspoilt nature 

the wildlife is eternally present. At Indalu they believe in living 

in harmony with a deep respect for all that is tamed, untamed 

and untouched. 

The highly trained guides, with their vast knowledge of the 

African bush veld, take guests on close and intimate encounters. 

Visitors are treated to game viewing in open vehicles or to 

walking safaris, which give them access to the Big Five, 10 different 

antelope species and over 200 species of bird including 

the beautiful Fish Eagle and Witkruis Eagle. 

THE AREA 

The whole area oozes a relaxed atmosphere where the pace 

is slow and the visitors catch a glimpse of Africa, only a few 

kilometres away from the shores of the Southern Coast of the 

Western Cape. 

At Indalu they believe in living in harmony with a deep respect 

for all that is tamed, untamed and untouched. 

The malaria free area boasts a moderate climate with temperatures 

between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius from October to April 

and between 5 and 18 degrees from May to September. 

ACCOMMODATION 

For the discerning visitors that want to prolong their stay at 

Indalu, there are 2 luxury chalets that sleep 4 per chalet, on 

the banks of the river with personalised service and a fully 

equipped central kitchen and outside lapa area. 

Visitors can fly in to the George airport 70 km away or jet in 

with a private craft to the Mossel Bay airfield approximately 

35 km away. It is also an easy three and a half hours drive from 

Cape Town and just around the corner from Albertinia (20km) 

and Mossel Bay (30km). 

From the mist shrouding the bush at dawn until the blazing 

sunsets behind the distant mountains, the magic of Indalu will 

provide unforgettable memories. 

ELEPHANT WALK & INTERACTION 

ACTIVITIES 

Join them for an experience of a lifetime as you go on a guided 

1km walk with their elephants. Experienced handlers will introduce 

you to these gentle African giants for an informative session 

as you get to interact with them and feed them a healthy 

snack bucket. See their website for operating hours. Comfortable 

walking shoes is recommended. Weather permitting. 

SAFARIS 

Aside from the popular game drives day trips – visitors can be 

spoiled on an up close and personal rhino interaction. Walking 

safaris can also be undertaken as well as mountain bike safari 

rides on the reserve, which is gaining momentum and is very 

popular and unique. Blankets and raincoats are made available 

to guests on the game drives. 

DIRECTIONS 

Take the N2 from Mossel Bay and drive for 30km towards Cape 

Town. Follow the Indalu information sign board at the Herbertsdale/Cooper 

turn off. Turn right, go over the railway line 

and follow the gravel road for 2km until you find the gate entrance 

for Indalu on your left, next to a big Milkwood tree. 

GPS CO-ORDINATES: S34’ 10 788; E021’ 48 318 

RESERVATIONS 

Mobile: +27 82 990 3831 or +27 82 888 0577 

Email: info@indalu.co.za 

Website: www.indalu.co.za 

Facebook: Indalu Game Reserve 



Owned by the local Batlokoa community, Witsieshoek 

Mountain Lodge, which is commercially managed by 

Transfrontier Parks Destinations is located just below 

the Drakensberg Amphitheatre’s Sentinel Peak. It’s 

the place from which all hikers and climbers tackle 

the famous Chain Ladders which give access to the 

Escarpment, the source of the Thukela (Tugela) Falls 

and Mont aux Sources. Home to the Bearded Vulture, and within easy walking 

distance of Mahai and Gudu Falls, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is the perfect 

place from which to explore the Drakensberg. 


WITSIESHOEK 

MOUNTAIN LODGE 

NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG 

Accommodation 

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge has freshly upgraded Chalets. 

Fully revamped and set up for the modern visitor, the Chalets 

boast extra-length King or Twin beds, double glazed floor to 

ceiling windows, heat-pumps with radiators for space heating, 

and newly refurbished en-suite facilities with a large walk-in 

shower. Comfortable leather tub chairs and a writing desk 

are placed to provide incomparably beautiful views of the 

mountain’s famous Amphitheatre and the Sentinel Peak. 

Witsieshoek’s bungalows have recently been upgraded to 

provide comfortable accommodation at an excellent price. 

Each round bungalow has 6 units, each with double (king, 

extra-length) or twin accommodation and an en-suite with 

shower, vanity and loo. Rooms have a wardrobe, writing desk 

with seat, tub chair and kist. A limited number of units have an 

interleading door between two units allowing guests to create 

a double room for families. 

While the actual furnishings in the Chalets and the Bungalows 

are of the same standard, the Chalets are larger and have the 

best mountain views. 

A small hikers’ cabin offers budget accommodation for hikers. 

There are 6 twin rooms, with a central self-catering kitchen/ 

dining area and shared ablutions. 

The Lodge’s central facilities include an à la carte restaurant, 

lounge and pub. The restaurant provides a buffet breakfast 



61

(provided to guests as part of their tariff), tea-time treats, light 

lunches and substantial meals. Complimentary tea and coffee 

is available all day for Lodge guests. The comfortable lounge 

is dominated by a fireplace for cosy winter evenings, and a TV 

to watch that all-important game. The pub is well stocked and 

welcoming. 

The Lodge has a transfer service to the Sentinel Car Park which 

is the starting point for a hike up the Chain Ladders. Lunch 

packs can be pre-ordered, and for those unfamiliar with the 

area, a qualified mountain guide can accompany your group. 

Rates for these services, as well as hiking fees from the car Park 

are on the Price List. 

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge has a Vulture Restaurant where 

regular sightings of the rare and endangered Bearded Vulture 

can be enjoyed. Bones put at the site on alternate clear days 

attract the birds (they won’t fly in if it’s overcast). If this is a 

special interest, please ask at Reception when the next feeding 

will take place. A well-defined vantage point for photographers 

allows for excellent photographic opportunities. 

Short and long day-hikes that do not go up the Chain Ladders 

start at Witsieshoek. A short stroll down to Mahai Falls, or a 

full-day hike to Gudu Falls is both popular and worthwhile. 

At 2200m above sea-level, the weather is variable, and can 

change dramatically in a short space of time. For that reason it 

would be wise to include a good book and your favourite board 

games in your luggage, in case the mountain mists change your 

outdoor plans. 

The local Batlokoa community who own the Lodge are 

renowned for their friendly manner, the Batlokoa people 

welcome visitors to their local church where an excellent 

choir sings on Sunday mornings. Traders in the local village of 

Tsheseng, the closest town to Phuthaditjhaba, can show you 

both modern commerce and traditional craft and art. Ask at 

Witsieshoek for more details on suggested local places to visit. 

Additional services for guests (to be booked at reception) 

• Transfers to and from the Sentinel Car Park 

• Mountain guides to guide hikers 

• Local village guide 

• Vulture Restaurant: Morning feeding to attract Bearded 

Vultures can be arranged for clear days. 

How to get there 

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is centrally located, about 4 

hours from Johannesburg, Durban or Bloemfontein. Follow 

the main routes to Harrismith. From Harrismith take the 

R712 in the direction of Clarens/Golden Gate. At the town of 

Phuthaditjhaba take the R57 and continue straight through 

Phuthaditjhaba over the Namahadi River and enter the Sentinel 

Peak at the Toll Gate. Follow the signs to Witsieshoek which 

is about 27kms from where you first entered Phuthaditjhaba. 

For more information visit: 

Landline phone: +27 (0)58 713 6361/2 

Cell phone: +27 (0)73 228 7391 

Email: info@witsiehsoek.co.za | Website: www.witsieshoek. 

co.za 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/witsieshoek 


The red, beating heart of Woodstock. 

A treasure trove of fashion, jewellery, 

accessories, bespoke décor, furniture, 

art and gifts. 

a CAPE TOWN 

Discover 

secret. 

Find something to delight 

your shopper’s soul. 

The Bromwell is also home to 

an exquisite food destination 

and dining experience. 

250 Albert Road Woodstock 

Cape Town 

T: 021 447 4730 • F: 021 448 2159 

E: enquiries@thebromwell.co.za 

michelle@thebromwell.co.za 

- 

Twitter: @breadbromwell 

Facebook/TheBromwellBoutiqueMall 

www.thebromwell.co.za

3267_Mzanzi_ad_SOS_On_Call_Half_Page_H.indd 1 

Bje Nau Triin 

2016/03/01 8:52 AM 

Registrations 

open for 2016 

and 2017 

programmes 

Professional and Recreational Nature, Marine, Trails and Conservation 

Courses in the heart of Zululand. Visit our website for more information on 

the range of courses we offer. 

• Professional Career Courses 

• Specialist Training for Qualified Guides 

•Environmental Awareness Programmes for Corporate Groups, 

School and University Groups and Clubs 

R22 Hluhluwe I 035 940 0990 I www.bhejanenaturetraining.com 

Enquiries: i n f o @ b h e j a n e n a t u r e t r a I n I n g . co m

BOOK REVIEWS 

101 KRUGER 

TALES 

ISBN: 978 0 6206 1132 9 

RRP: R250.00 

EXTRAORDINARY STORIES 

FROM ORDINARY VISITORS TO 

THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 

COMPILED AND EDITED BY JEFF 

GORDON 

Penguin Random House is delighted to 

be taking over the distribution of this 

collection of 101 jaw-dropping stories, 

as told by the ordinary tourists who 

experienced them– first-hand accounts of sightings, scrapes and 

encounters in one of Africa’s greatest National Parks. 

It details hair-raising experiences from the Kruger Park’s roads, 

camps, picnic sites and walking trails, such as: 

• An enraged elephant flips a car onto its roof 

• A lioness prises open a terrified couple’s car door 

• A fleeing impala leaps through an open car window 

• A hyena snatches a baby from a tent 

• A tourist takes a bath in a croc-infested waterhole… 

A bedside book, a travel companion, a dip-into, read-anywhere 

compilation of joyful encounters laced with terrible warnings, 

including 192 colour photos taken at the scenes of the tales. 

Wherever you are, this book will transport you directly into the 

bush. 

THE AUTHOR 

Jeff Gordon is one of the myriad of ordinary Kruger visitors, with 

no special affiliation to the Park. He happens to enjoy a good 

yarn, so he invited other ordinary Kruger visitors to submit stories 

about their experiences. The result has proved popular beyond 

his imaginings, and he has already started collecting stories for a 

second compilation. He likes his boerewors a touch underdone, his 

biltong thinly sliced and his Amarula on ice. 

BIG FIVE OF 

AFRICA 

ISBN: 978 1 77007 157 5 

RRP: R230.00 

THE BOOK 

This is a superb collection of in-your-face images of Africa’s 

magnificent Big Five – lion, leopard, 

rhino, buffalo and elephant. Award-winning wildlife 

photographer, Gerald Hinde, has long been 

enthralled by these magnificent animals and has spent 

countless hours in the field, experiencing 

them in all their different moods and behaviours. 

Big Five of Africa beautifully reproduces remarkable 


GARDEN ROUTE AND 

LITTLE KAROO NEW 

EDITION 

ISBN: 978 1 77584 027 5 

RRP: R230.00 

‘A book that is a joy to pick up and page through 

– one that will always take me back to where I’ve 

been.’ 

encounters during his visits to the 

wildlife sanctuaries of Southern and East Africa. Brief but 

informative text introduces each 

animal in turn, providing interesting insights into the nature of 

these formidable, yet 

compelling creatures. This book is the ideal tourist memento 

of Africa and will appeal to both local and international 

travellers. 

THE AUTHOR 

Gerald Hinde has won a string of photographic awards in 

competitions, including the BBC 

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, Agfa Wildlife 

Awards (overall winner, 2000), 

UN Environment Program International Wildlife Photographic 

Competition and the Fuji 

Profoto Awards. His work has been published widely in books, 

national and international 

Magazines and on calendars and postcards. 

THE BOOK 

Such is the intention behind this book, a description of the 

lush rainforest area of the Garden Route and the paradox of its 

proximity with the semi-desert of 

the Little Karoo. 

The author explores key areas 

of the coastal stretch between 

Mossel Bay and Storms River 

and of the broad valley, the Little 

Karoo, on the other side of the 

Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma 

mountains. Both regions are 

home to a great variety of plants 

and animals and are opened 

up and linked by roads built 

with great skill and massive 

effort through mountain passes 

and across rivers. Thousands 

visit these spectacular areas, heading for the sea or – in the 

opposite direction – the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees and 

the Cango Caves. 

This book will give them a glimpse of the wild and wonderful 

life along the way in a land steeped in history and natural 

diversity. 

THE AUTHOR 

Leon Nell was a nature conservation officer for 14 years and 

spent many of these managing and supervising a number 

of small nature reserves in Mpumalanga. He was named 

Conservator of the Year in 1994. He is an avid and expert 

photographer and his writing is both evocative and engaging. 

Leon lives with his wife Tilla in De Rust in the Little Karoo. 


67

GEOLOGY 

OFF THE BEATEN 

TRACK 

ISBN: 978 1 43170 082 0 

RRP: R340.00 

A must- have handbook 

for travellers in South 

Africa, or for anyone 

wanting to know more 

about our rocks and 

landforms. 

Geology off the beaten track follows on the success of 

Geological Journeys (Nick Norman and Gavin Whitfield), which 

has sold more than 20 000 copies in the last 6 years. This new 

book helps readers understand and interpret the geology 

along SA’s regional and other less-travelled roads. 

Key features include: 

• 13 detailed routes across the country, taking in 

geologically interesting areas such as the Richtersveld, 

Cape Winelands and the Valley of Desolation near Graaff- 

Reinet. 

• text richly illustrated with photos and explanatory 

diagrams, making it suitable for armchair travellers too. 

• maps for all the routes, which indicate key geosites, with 

GPS readings to pinpoint their location. 

THE AUTHOR 

Nick Norman, born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, graduated 

from the University of Natal in Durban with an M.Sc. in 

geology. He has worked in mineral exploration in Africa and 

South America, has served as honorary secretary to the 

Geological Society of SA, and currently works as a consulting 

geologist. He co-authored Geological Journeys – A traveller’s 

guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms and authored The 

Extraordinary World of Diamonds. He lives in Franschhoek in 

the Western Cape. 

THE TOURIST TRAVEL 

& FIELD GUIDE OF THE 

SERENGETI NATIONAL 

PARK 

ISBN: 978 0 62034 190 5 

RRP: R230.00 

THE BOOK 

This is an all-in-one travellers’ 

guide to the Serengeti National 

Park – the vast, iconic reserve 

in the heart of East Africa. 

The book offers detailed 

maps, travel information and 

a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. The 

scope of this guide is rich and encompassing: after a general 

introduction to the Serengeti, it discusses the history and 

people of the region; the landscape, geology and soils; tourist 

information, including recommended routes, best season, 

safaris offered and booking details; and it describes the 

important places to see. Detailed maps indicate tourist routes 

and what to look out for. The field guide section includes 

substantial check lists and colour photos of the vegetation 

(trees, flowers, grasses), mammals ,reptiles, amphibians and 

birds one is likely to see. It includes info on the habits and 

behaviours of the animals described. 

Packed with interesting facts, maps and images, and with a 

comprehensive index for easy reference, this is an essential 

guide for visitors and tourists to the Serengeti National Park. 

THE AUTHOR 

Veronica Roodt studied life sciences and the medicinal and 

nutritional uses of plants. She lived for many years in Namibia 

and Botswana and has spent much time in East Africa, 

exploring, recording, photographing and mapping the regions. 

She has published 10 books and 11 tourist maps, and has 

more in the pipeline. 

with an M.Sc. in geology. He has worked in mineral exploration 

in Africa and South America, has served as honorary secretary 

to the Geological Society of SA, and currently works as a 

consulting geologist. He co-authored Geological Journeys – A 

traveller’s guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms and 

authored The Extraordinary World of Diamonds. He lives in 

Franschhoek in the Western Cape. 


cyst. Suffice to say, it is important that 

you have it checked out by a qualified 

medical practitioner asap. 

After you have performed a few self 

examinations using the Breastlight, you 

will become familiar with the inside 

of your breasts and you will be able to 

identify any changes that may occur from 

one examination to the next. Breastlight 

is not a replacement for Mammograms or 

MRI scans. It is recommended that women have 

a mammogram every 1 – 2 years. It is the period 

between these mammograms that the Breastlight 

assists you in your breast awareness as well as your 

peace of mind. Why wait 1 or 2 years for your next 

mammogram when you now have the technology and 

added advantage of monitoring the inside of your breast as 

when you wish to do so. Ie once or twice a month. 

Statistics show that in South Africa, 1 in 29 women 

will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their 

lifetime. Even more scary is that the incidence in 

urban South African areas is as high as 1 in 8. This 

lends to the fact that the most prevalent cancer 

in women is Breast Cancer. As frightening as these statistics 

are, early detection and the associated treatment cannot be 

emphasized enough in the fight against breast cancer. 

Medloyd Healthcare (established in 1990) has identified the 

need for a hand held, rechargeable device that women can use 

in the comfort of their home, that is both simple and easy to 

use, and will allow you to “look” inside your breast tissue for 

breast abnormalities. Breastlight is manufactured and imported 

from the U.K and is successfully being marketed internationally 

with great and increasing success, realising and achieving a 

global heightened sense of breast awareness. 

Breastlight is 100 % safe and can be used for self examination 

as often and as regular as you like without any side effects. 

Many breast lumps, tumours or abnormalities are not palpable 

by hand when doing a “feel examination”. Breastlight invariably 

allows you to see these. 

How It works – The examination is performed in a darkened 

room. Once the Breastlight is applied to the breast, it shines 

a powerful adjustable red light through your breast tissue. 

That which will become visible is the veins in the breast. This 

is normal and is easily identified as darkened lines that run 

throughout your breasts. That which you are looking for is 

darkened spots or areas. If this becomes visible at any time, then 

it is important that you visit your GP for further diagnosis and 

a possible mammogram. A darkened area need not necessarily 

be a cancerous tumour and may very well just be a harmless 

Take the time to visit our dedicated website 

www.breastlightsouthafrica.co.za to view the demonstration 

video so that you can determine for yourself just how easy it is 

to use. In addition to this, there is a wide range of information 

to enhance your personal breast awareness knowledge. 

Breastlight is currently available online at 

www.breastlightsouthafrica.co.za 

The Breastlight package includes the device and charger, 

demonstration DVD, operators manual, lubricant and 

brochure. 


69

TRAVEL APPS 

MAKING YOUR TRAVELS EASIER 

Let’s take a look at some of the 

applications that have made 

travelling easier and more exciting. 

VOICEMAP 

You can access a selection of walks designed, and told, by 

locals of Cape Town simply by downloading the VoiceMap 

app. Using what is called immersive storytelling, the walks 

involve a first-person interactive account; an online compelling 

experience, which makes the user (you, the walker) part of the 

story. VoiceMap allows you to listen while you walk with GPS 

autoplay. 

Along the way, the storytellers point out the tiny details at just 

the right time, and you get directions too. A few of the walks 

are free, but the fee for those that are not is hardly likely to 

break the bank (between R14 and R82). Certainly nothing like 

you would pay for a fully-guided tour. Walks include: cycling 

the seaboard, Cape Town’s secret tunnels and lost rivers, 

Woodstock Street art tour, being a woman in Cape Town, 

Muizenberg like a local, Kirstenbosch walking tour and Green 

Point park. 

• iOs and Android 

LIVETREKKER 

This ambitious app creates a digital journal of your travels so 

you can look back on your trips on an interactive map. The app 

tracks you as you go, marking a red line along a map on the 

exact route you take; the app also monitors your speed and 

altitude, making it great for adventure travellers, though it’s 

just as fun to look back at your route around a city. You can 

add pictures, video, audio and text along the way, creating a 

multimedia travel diary you can share. 

• Free, iOS and Android, livetrekker.com 

KIDS AID APP 

In an emergency situation all knowledge of what you’re supposed 

to do can vacate your mind in the panic and adrenaline of the 

moment. This app gives emergency information to parents and 

teachers when they need it- an indispensable app for when 

you are travelling in a place where perhaps you don’t speak 

the language or when help is not easily reachable. This South- 

African built app won the 2013 MTN Business App award for 

best windows app. It includes information about how to do CPR 

and what to do in the case of poisoning. It also tells you what 

not to do. The app is available on iPhone, iPad, and Windows 

Mobile at a cost of R24.99. 

AWEZA 

Take a roadtrip across SA and you’ll quickly find that people 

change their mother tongue more often than you stop for 

petrol. Aweza offers the means to communicate with nearly 

everyone in South Africa. The aim of the app is to get South 

Africans talking to each other. The multilingual app, which is 

still in beta stage but usable, relies on contributions from the 

public to add to its library of spoken phrases. It has audio and 

text phrases in 10 languages: Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, 

Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English and 

is being updated everyday (they still need to develop a Zulu 

translation). Free on Android and iOS 

TRAILGUIDE 

The local app that lists South Africa’s hiking trails. It has plenty 

of features that include trail search, current distance from 

trail start, weather at trail head, details of trail, contact and 

emergency contact of trail authorities, directions to start of 

trail, GPS map of trail only to mention a few. 

Available on iOS and Android. 


HOW TO BE A 

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER 

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IS ABOUT HAVING MORE AUTHENTIC HOLIDAY 

EXPERIENCES THAT ENABLE YOU TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR 

TRAVELS AND TO GIVE MORE BACK TO YOUR DESTINATIONS AND 

THEIR LOCAL PEOPLE 

Below are some tips on how to 

travel responsibly. 

• Choose a responsible operator by reading up on the 

agencies, policies and feedback from clients. This will 

enable a trustworthy relationship with your agent to 

provide excellent customer service. 

• Always have a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything 

before you head off to your destination. 

• Reduce your carbon emissions by travelling by train or 

public transport. This will also be a cheaper way to travel. 

• Book direct flights avoiding any transfers. 

• Read up on the local cultures and learn a few words of 

the local language so you can communicate with locals. 

Travelling with respect earns you respect. 

• Always ask your tour operator for tips on responsible 

tourism and get as much information as possible. 

• Ask your tour operator if there are any social projects 

that you could visit on your trip and how you can support 

them. 

• Always make 2 copies of each document that you will need 

on your trip, one should be left at home with relatives and 

one always kept with you should you lose any original 

documents. 

• Always ask your tour operator for an itinerary so your tour 

can be planned to schedule before you depart. 

• Read up on airport policies regarding your luggage and 

items you pack in to avoid any delays. 

WHILE ON HOLIDAY YOU SHOULD 

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: 

• Hire a local tour guide to discover more about the places 

you want to see and the culture of the locals. 

• Always arrive 15 minutes earlier than scheduled wherever 

you go. 

• Do not buy products that are imported or made from 

endangered species, hardwoods or ancient artifacts. 

• Travel with public transport or as groups to lower 

your expenditure on all your travels in and around the 

destination. 

• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. Always 

ask if you are unsure as certain actions can offend the 

locals. 

• Use water wisely as it’s very precious to most countries. 

• Make sure that water in the destination is drinkable to 

avoid getting any sicknesses that can affect your trip. 

• Try to make use of using as less paper as possible, always 

keep brochures in a safe place to avoid losing them and 

replacing them. 

• Many travellers enjoy capturing those exciting moments 

of their trip by taking photos. Always ask locals for 

their permission if you want to photograph them. 

Many temples, mosques and holy places don’t allow 

photography, always be sure and ask a local for advice. 

Always be mindful of your actions. Dress and act modestly 

so that you don’t offend others. 

WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR TRIP 

• Write to your tour operator with any comments and 

feedback about your holiday. 

• If you have promised to 

send any locals pictures 

of your hometown, 

please do so as many 

are promised and not all 

arrive. 

• Enjoy the memories 

and reflect on your 

experiences to start 

planning your next 

trip. 


LISTINGS 

EASTERN CAPE 

• 1. Morgan Bay Hotel 043 841 1062 

• 2. Mbotyi River Lodge 039 253 7200 

• 3. Mpekweni Beach Resort 040 676 1026 

• 4. Umngazi River Spa 047 564 1115/6 

• 5. Ocean View Hotel 043 738 5000 

• 6. Kob Inn 047 499 0011 

• 7. Mazeppa Bay Hotel 047 498 0033 

• 8. Coffee Shack Backpackers 047 575 2048 

• 9. Bulungula Lodge 047 577 8900 

• 10. Elephant House 042 233 2462 

GAUTENG 

• 1. Ingwe Bush Camp 072 304 5802 

• 2. Maropeng Hotel 014 577 9100 

• 3. Avianto 011 668 3000 

• 4. Thabo Eco Hotel 086 634 0332 

• 5. Lihle Bed & Breakfast 082 743 4558 

• 6. Mangwanani Spa River Valley 012 371 2100 

• 7. Owl’s Loft 011 885 2189 

• 8. Michelangelo Hotel 011 282 7000 

• 9. Maslow Hotel 010 226 4600 

• 10. Da Vinci Hotel & Suites 011 292 7000 

FREE STATE 

• 1. Adams Luxury Accommodation 082 622 3366 

• 2. Acacia Lodge 051 522 0519 

• 3. The Urban Hotel 051 433 1555 

• 4. President Hotel 051 430 1111 

• 5. Mont D’or Hotel 058 256 1221 

• 6. Le Grand Chateau 056 811 3767 

• 7. Black Mountain Hotel 051 871 4200 

• 8. Innes Guest House 051 433 1555 

• 9. Madi-a-Thavha Lodge 015 516 0220 

• 10. Motswari Game Reserve 015 793 1718 

NORTH WEST 

• 1. Akwaaba Lodge 014 592 5321 

• 2. Amanzingwe Bush lodge 012 205 8600 

• 3. Bakubung Bush Lodge 014 552 6000 

• 4. Sparkling Water Hotel & Spa 014 535 0000/6 

• 5. De Hoek 014 577 9600 

• 6. Buffalo Thorn Hill Game Lodge 083 457 6113 

• 7. Mahikeng Lodge 082 453 8444 

• 8. Peermont Walmont Hotel 018 389 1111 

• 9. Kedar Country Hotel 011 950 6000 

• 10. Budmarsh Private Lodge 011 728 1800 

WESTERN CAPE 

• 1. The Bay Hotel 021 430 4444 

• 2. The Commodore Hotel 021 415 1000 

• 3. One & Only 021 431 5222 

• 4. The Portswood Hotel 021 418 3281 

• 5. Tarragona Lodge 021 7905080 

• 6. Erinvale Estate Hotel 021 847 1160 

• 7. The Grand Roche Hotel 021 863 5100 

• 8. Tintswald Atlantic 021 201 0025 

• 9. 40 Winks Guest House 021 434 7936 

• 10. Harbour House Hotel 028 312 1799 

NORTHERN CAPE 

• 1. Bain’s House 054 332 1333 

• 2. Dundi Lodge 054 451 9200 

• 3. Five Acres Guest House 053 861 1179 

• 4. Kalahari Gateway Hotel 054 431 0838 

• 5. The 3 Chimneys Guest House 023 414 4772 

• 6. Wagon Wheel Country Lodge 023 414 2145 

• 7. Betties’s Bed & Breakfast 023 414 2938 

• 8. Okiep Country Hotel 027 744 1000 

• 9. Orange River Lodge 027 761 8777 

• 10. Sun 1 Hotel 023 415 2421 

KWA-ZULU NATAL 

• 1. Beverly Hills Hotel 031 561 2211 

• 2. Benjamin Boutique Hotel 031 303 4233 

• 3. Fairmont Zimbali Lodge 032 538 5000 

• 4. Drakensberg Sun Resort 036 468 1000 

• 5. Garden Court South Beach 031 337 2231 

• 6. Antbear Lodge 076 441 2362 

• 7. Mvubu River Lodge 034 435 1123 

• 8. Dragon Peaks Park 036 468 1031 

• 9. Ramsgate Holiday Cottages 039 314 4308 

• 10. Mangwanani, Elangeni & 

• Maharani 031 368 4032 

LIMPOPO 

• 1. Mopani Country Lodge 015 781 9109 

• 2. Tzaneen Country Lodge 015 304 3079 

• 3. Mashutti Country Lodge 015 307 4315 

• 4. Kwa-Mbili Game Lodge 015 793 2773 

• 5. Monate Game Lodge 014 718 7000 

• 6. Thornybush Private Reserve 015 793 1976 

• 7. Motswari Game Reserve 015 463 1990 

• 8. Bushveld Terrace Hotel 015 781 3447 

• 9. Yellow-Wood Game Lodge 011 432 5014 

• 10. Glen-Shiel Hotel 015 276 4335 

MPUMALANGA 

• 1. Casa Do Sol 013 737 8111 

• 2. Graceland Resort 017 620 1000 

• 3. Greenway Woods 013 751 1094 

• 4. Hotel Numbi 013 737 7301 

• 5. Laken Forest Lodge 013 253 0550 

• 6. Tima Moon 013 492 0033 

• 7. 4 Friends Country Estate 071 853 8126 

• 8. Bee Eaters Guest House 013 755 3225 

• 9. Boven Villa Cottages 013 257 1070 

• 10. Jatinga Guest House 083 235 3460 


The glass is always greener 

on our side. 

handmade • eco friendly • recycled • locally produced in Swaziland 

P.O Box 45, Motshane, Swaziland 

T / F: +268 – 244 24053 | 244 24142 | 244 24151 | 244 24588 Fax from SA only: 086 5305 452 

www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz | ngwenya@ngwenyaglass.co.sz 

Ngwenya Glass Boutique, Watershed V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 

T: +27 21 418 0654

NGWENYA GLASS 

SWAZILAND EST. 1987 

SWIFT Fair Trade accredited 

Since its rebirth in 1987, Ngwenya Glass has been more 

than an inspiring success story. It is an environmentalist’s 

dream. The products, which include a wide range of 

tableware, art glass and ornamental African animals, are 

all handmade from 100 % recycled glass! 

Ngwenya Glass ~ Swaziland’s HOTTEST Tourist attraction! 

It is not surprising that Ngwenya Glass has become one of Swaziland’s 

major tourist attractions. The factory is situated in a charming 

complex set in large indigenous gardens. 

You can witness first-hand, the magical art of glassblowing from 

an overhead balcony, browse around the well-stocked adjoining 

showroom and purchase your little memento of a truly ‘African’ visit 

to the Kingdom of Swaziland. 

Also on the premises is a selection of boutique shops well stocked 

with locally made products of world-class quality and you can relax 

in the sunny coffee shop, overlooking the imaginative play park for 

children and enjoy a light meal and a glass of wine. 

Ngwenya Glass truly cares … 

Ngwenya Glass has proudly been using 100 % recycled glass since 

1987. This is not a new “green bandwagon” that they have jumped 

on recently; it has simply been a way of life. 

Ngwenya Glass uses waste newspaper as a very effective packaging 

material, re-uses grey water and has rainwater catchments for 

factory use. They also use purified old engine oil and KFC oil to 

fuel their furnaces. (Did you know that one litre of used oil, could 

contaminate one million litres of water?) 

Ngwenya Glass has embarked on an indigenous tree-planting 

program in the area and they also organise environmental clean-up 

days to encourage schools to pick up litter in exchange for donations 

of building materials or sports kit etc. 

Ngwenya Glass has for the past 26 years paid a percentage of 

worldwide sales to the Mkhaya Game Reserve when they started the 

Ngwenya Rhino and Elephant Wildlife Fund in 1989. 

They also support numerous orphanages and charities in Swaziland 

and South Africa and have an active HIV/AIDS policy and program. 

Ngwenya Glass holds an annual Mountain Bike Challenge in the 

mountains near the factory to promote Fair Trade in Swaziland, as 

well as to receive donations of blankets, clothing etc. for the needy 

in the area. 

Ngwenya Glass welcomes all visitors and tour buses. 

Pre-booking for tour bus lunches recommended. 

Complex open 7 days a week. (Closed on some public holidays). 

Open from 08h00 – 16h30 weekdays and 08h00 – 16h00 weekends 

and some holidays. 

Ngwenya Glass just 5 km’s from Oshoek/Ngwenya Border – Exit # 

3 from MR3 highway. 

GPS Co-ordinates: S 26 13. 328 E 31 01. 891 


77

THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 

INSPIRATIONAL TRAVEL QUOTES 

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny 

place you occupy in the world” | Gustave Flaubert 

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new 

way of seeing things” | Henry Miller 

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in 

fascination, the kind of people they ignore at 

home“ Dagobert D. Runes 

“A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, 

whether he travels or not, but a man of superior 

talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in 

the same place” | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand 

ourselves” | Henry David Thoreau 

“For the born traveller, travelling is a besetting 

vice. Like other vices, it is imperious, demanding 

its victim’s time, money, energy and the sacrifice 

of comfort” | Aldous Huxley 

how educated you are, tell me how much you 

have travelled” | Mohamed 

“The journey not the arrival matters” | T.S. Eliot 

“Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from 

God” | Kurt Vonnegut 

“Twenty years from now, you will be more 

disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the 

ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away 

from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your 

sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” | Mark Twain 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking 

new landscapes, but in having new eyes” | Marcel 

Proust 

“Travel and change of place impart new 

vigour to the mind” | Seneca 

“All journeys have secret destinations 

of which the traveller is unaware” | 

Martin Buber 

“Like all great travellers, I have seen more than 

I remember, and remember more than I have 

seen” Benjamin Disraeli 

“Two roads diverged in a wood 

and I – I took the one less travelled 

by” | Robert Frost 

“Once you have travelled, the voyage never 

ends, but is played out over and over again in the 

quietest chambers. The mind can never break 

off from the journey” | Pat Conroy“Don’t tell me 


EXPLORE 

AFRICA 

TANTALIZING TANZANIA 

With its multitude 

of uncrowded 

locations and its 

vast wilderness 

areas that are 

home to the 

famous “Big Five” 

and a staggering 

variety of other 

animals, the East 

African country of Tanzania offers what most people hope to 

see on a visit to the African continent. Imagine the drama of 

the wildebeest migration unfolding along an infinite savannah, 

the gleaming snow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain 

in Africa, the proud Masai warriors stalking the plains or the 

exotic palm-fringed beaches on the spice island of Zanzibar and 

Mafia Marine Park where whale sharks swim through the reefs. 

Tanzania is serious about protecting its natural heritage and 

almost a quarter of its landscape has been allocated to game 

reserves and national parks. It is the ultimate safari destination. 

The town of Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa and the 

starting point for trips to the Northern Circuit parks: the vast 

plains of the Serengeti where the annual wildebeest migration 

is staged, the natural beauty of Lake Manyara and the animalstuffed 

Ngorongoro Crater, to name but a few. In the south, 

less visited but equally impressive are the Selous Game Reserve 

and Ruaha National Park, which are wild, remote and virtually 

untouched. 

Tanzania’s other main attraction is a mountain that needs no 

introduction – snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Every year thousands 

of people fulfil their lifetime ambition of climbing to the ‘roof of 

Africa’ to watch the sun rise over Uhuru Peak. 

In the west of Tanzania are the great lakes: Lake Victoria is 

Africa’s largest freshwater lake and Lake Tanganyika is its 

deepest; here the highlight is visiting chimpanzees at Gombe 

or Mahale. 

The country has a long coastline steeped in Swahili culture that 


Tanzania Facts 

Founded on the 9th Dec 1961 

Capital – Dodoma 

Currency – Tanzanian Shilling 

Language: English and Swahili 



has been alive since the first dhows arrived on the trade winds 

from Asia. Tanzania’s coastal attractions include palm-fringed, 

pearly white-sand beaches, and the coral reefs surrounding the 

offshore islands teem with life and colour. A walk through the 

narrow, twisting passageways of Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town, 

reveals beautiful Arabian architecture, while the Indian Ocean 

offers excellent opportunities for diving, snorkelling, fishing, 

sailing, even swimming with dolphins. Here, on some of the 

best beaches in the world, it is impossible not to relax in the 

dazzling sun and warm azure waters. Let’s take a look at the 

ultimate Tanzanian Bucket List to help you plan your trip with 

ease. 

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 

Serengeti National Park, a vast and beautiful expanse of 14,763 

square kilometres, is perhaps the world’s most famous wildlife 

sanctuary. A World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, the 

Serengeti supports the largest concentration of plains game in 

the world. In addition to watching the incredible procession of 

almost two million wildebeest and zebra that takes place each 

year from December to August, many people visit the Serengeti 

to search for big cats. 

The park draws 90,000 visitors annually, all hoping to view the 

long files of wildebeest and the predators that stalk them. 

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA 

Often called the eighth wonder of the world, Ngorongoro 

Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, and is one 

of the only places in Africa you can view every member of the 

“big five” (rhinoceros, lion, cheetah, leopard and elephant) on a 

single game drive. Unique to Ngorongoro, indigenous tribes are 

permitted to live in the conservation area and local Masai graze 

their livestock on the crater floor in harmony with nearby herds 

of buffalo and wildebeest. Walking is permitted in Ngorongoro 

Conservation Area but not on the Crater floor. 

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK 

Tarangire National Park is famous for its giant baobab trees as 

well as the thousands of elephants and giraffes feeding along 

the banks of the Tarangire River. It is home to large lion prides 

and boasts around 500 bird species. Tarangire has the largest 

termite mounds in Tanzania, some of which reach up to fifteen 

feet in height. Many of Tarangire’s animals migrate out of the 

park during the wet season; thus Tarangire’s best game viewing 

is during the dry months of July through November when 

wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River. Bush walks and 

night drives are permitted from some camps in Tarangire. 

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK & KARATU 

Lake Manyara National Park lies 130 kilometres outside 

of Arusha town and encompasses Lake Manyara and its 

surroundings. There are five different vegetation zones 

including groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open areas 

of short grass, swamps and the lake’s alkaline flats. The park’s 

wildlife includes more than 350 species of birds, baboon, 

warthog, giraffe, hippopotamus, elephant and buffalo. If lucky, 

catch a glimpse of Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions. Night 

game drives are permitted in Lake Manyara. 

Karatu is a picturesque farming town that lies just outside 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Many upscale hotels have 

opened in Karatu over the last few years, making it an easy 

launching point for safaris to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro 

Crater. 


ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK 

The Arusha National Park offers some of the most breathtaking 

scenery in Northern Tanzania. Arusha National Park includes 

Mount Meru, and game highlights include giraffe, Cape buffalo, 

elephant, zebra, flamingo and hippo. Several primate species 

including black and white colobus monkey, Syke’s monkey 

and vervet monkey thrive in the tropical forests. The patient 

ornithologist will be rewarded with opportunities to spot 

elusive forest birds such as Hartlaub’s Turaco. Bush walks and 

canoe safaris are permitted in Arusha National Park. 

LAKE EYASI 

Lake Eyasi is a mildly alkaline lake about 50 km in length. It takes 

a little over an hour to get there from Ngorongoro Crater, and is 

mostly visited as a cultural tour to see the Hadzabe and Datoga 

Tribes. The highlight of a visit to Lake Eyasi is an early morning 

hunt with the Hadzabe. One of two remaining hunter-gatherer 

tribes in Tanzania, the Hadzabe speak a unique click language. 

LAKE NATRON 

Lake Natron is off the beaten track, with attractions including 

a river walk with two waterfalls, a hike across a soda lake with 

flamingos, and a trek up Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano. 

Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley 

and has erupted at least a dozen times over the last century. A 

challenging hike to the top of the “Mountain of God” offers an 

opportunity to view molten lava. Visitors to Lake Natron can 

also interact with the local Masai community. 

ARUSHA TOWN 

With a population of more than 500,000 people, Arusha is 

Tanzania’s fourth largest city. Lying in the shadow of Mount 

Meru, Tanzania’s second highest mountain, Arusha is situated 

at an elevation of 1,400 metres and has a pleasant year-round 

climate. 

Arusha is known as Tanzania’s safari capital and much of the 

life in the city revolves around tourism. There are excellent 

souvenir shops while many upscale restaurants and hotels have 

opened in the last few years. During a walk through Arusha, 

expect to meet vendors selling anything from art, safaris and 

last week’s newspaper. Arusha is home to the United Nations 

Rwandan War Crimes Tribunal and other economic activities in 

the area include agriculture and mining. 

SAADANI 

Saadani, one of Tanzania’s newest national parks, is the only 

park in Tanzania that offers wildlife viewing and beautiful 

beaches in one location. Saadani includes the Wami River delta, 

and it is possible to take boat trips up the Wami River to view 

hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds and mangroves. 

Few tourists visit Saadani, making it an excellent destination for 

those who want to view animals in their natural state and have 

a more personal safari experience. Game highlights include 

lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and giraffe, along with several 

species of antelope. 

MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK 

Mkomazi National Park lies just south of the Kenya border in the 

shadows of the Pare Mountains. Although it is difficult to spot 

game in Mkomazi, its dry savannah is one of the best spots to 

bird watch in Northern Tanzania. There are more than 400 bird 

species and virtually no tourists or safari vehicles, even during 

peak safari season. The reserve is also home to the Mkomazi 

Rhino Project, a conservation effort that is reintroducing black 

rhinos and African wild dogs to the area. Walking safaris are 

allowed in Mkomazi 


83

MAFIA ISLAND – EAST COAST ( INDIAN OCEAN) 

With less than 1000 visitors per year, Mafia Island is an 

undiscovered Tanzanian gem. It has a rich history, and a strong 

Swahili culture unspoilt by tourism. Much of the island and its 

beautiful beaches have been designated as a marine park. It 

is one of the best places to deep-sea fish, dive and snorkel in 

Africa. You can watch whale sharks, turtles and many other 

interesting species of wildlife. 

There are about half a dozen boutique hotels and intimate 

resorts to stay at. They include the eco-friendly and intimate 

Kinasi Lodge; Pole Pole; and Ras Mbisi Lodge. You can reach 

Mafia Island by plane from Dar es Salaam. 

KATAVI 

Katavi has all the credentials of being a top wildlife destination 

in Africa. It is teeming with animals, beautiful and unspoilt. The 

reason Katavi sees so few visitors is because it is so remote. 

This is a good reason to visit if you’re looking for a unique 

safari experience since there are only two camps and it’s only 

accessible by light aircraft. Check out Chada Katavi. Chada 

Katavi is best during the dry season (June to November) where 

the pools are literally filled to the brim with as many as 3000 

hippos. 

MAHALE MOUNTAINS 

Mahale was the research base for a team of Japanese 

anthropologists for several decades. Despite the gorgeous clear 

waters of Lake Tanganyika and the obvious draw of the chimps 

themselves, Mahale was not an established tourist destination 

until about a decade ago. It’s still remote, but absolutely worth 

the trip. Besides the 1000 chimps, there are other primates to 

see too, including the red colobus and yellow baboons. 

The best time to visit Mahale is during the dry season from May 

to October. A visit to Mahale is often combined with at least a 

few nights in Katavi. Mahale is linked by chartered aircraft to 

Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kigoma. 

THE SELOUS 

The Selous is Africa’s largest reserve, a world heritage site, 

and not as crowded as the Serengeti. You can see elephants, 

cheetahs, black rhinos, African hunting dogs, and plenty of 

hippos and crocodiles. The Selous swamps, rivers and wetlands 

allow tourists to take their safari by boat, which is a big 

drawcard. Walking safaris are also popular here and you can 

also enjoy night drives. 

Accommodation in Selous and surrounding areas are somewhat 

limited but all offer a very intimate and unique safari experience 

ZANZIBAR 

Zanzibar is one of Tanzania’s top destinations because of 

its fascinating past and its incredible beaches. Zanzibar’s 

location in the Indian Ocean has made it a natural trading 

centre throughout its history. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar 

also became an important slave trading post under its Arab 

rulers. Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital, is a World Heritage site 

and boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a 

Sultan’s palace, and many mosques. 

Zanzibar has many beautiful beaches, that can be enjoyed 

on any budget. Some of the surrounding islands offer total 

paradise for the luxury traveler, Mnemba island is absolutely 

idyllic for a romantic vacation. 

MOUNT KILIMANJARO 

Africa is known as one of the best destinations for adventure 

travel and what can be more adventurous than hiking up the 

world’s tallest free-standing mountain? Africa’s highest peak, 

Mount Kilimanjaro, stands at 19,340 feet (5896m) and will take 

you 6 days to conquer. The exciting thing about this mountain 

is that anyone who is fit and determined can make it up. No 

special climbing equipment or expertise is needed. 

Important information for your trip 

Your Health Is Vital and before you travel to Tanzania, you 

will have to take a few health precautions: 

Malaria : 

This is the most feared disease to most of the visitors. Make 

sure that before you travel you visit your doctor to get antimalaria 

tablets. You can also buy mosquito sprays. Most 

accommodation places have mosquito nets fixed to the beds 

and the rooms are sprayed with mosquito repellents too. 

Vaccination: 

The yellow-fever vaccination is no longer officially required 

when entering Tanzania, because the disease is endemic 

many doctors will recommend it as a precaution. Other 

vaccinations that might be considered before you travel include 

typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and tetanus. For more 

information, contact your doctor. 

Food and Water: 

While on a trip in Tanzania, make sure that you drink bottled 

water. There are many brands available at every retail shop. 

Make sure that if you eat food bought on the streets, the food 

is hot and avoid eating salads and drinking juices from street 

kiosks because it’s likely that they were not prepared in a 

hygienic way. Most standard and high end restaurants prepare 

their food at the required hygienic standards so you shouldn’t 

worry about eating anything there. But be advised that if you 

are not sure of what you ordered, don’t eat it. 

Money: 

Several banks which include Standard Chartered Banks and 

Barclays Banks around the country have ATM machines 

that allow you to withdraw cash from your VISA card and/ 

or MasterCard accounts. Credit cards are accepted only at 

major lodges, hotels, and travel agents. While travelling in 

Tanzania always make sure that your money is secured on your 

money belt or bag and only have some few notes close by for 

immediate use if need be. 


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IN THE NEXT ISSUE 

EXPLORE THE 

UNDERGROUND 

TUNNELS OF 

CAPE TOWN 

BEST SA 

WEDDING 

VENUES 

WARM 

WINTER 

BREAKS 

Going back 

into time – 

Maropeng, 

Cradle of 

Humankind 

The Best 

Craft Beer 

in SA 

KAROO 

CRUISING 


Ski South Africa’s 

Snow at Tiffindell 

Tucked away in the Eastern Cape Highlands is South Africa's only ski resort. Tiffindell Ski Resort 

offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and in the summer months a range of activities 

including hiking, 4X4'ing & mountain biking. 

It's in a beautiful setting and makes for a usual, 

adventurous and fun holiday for families, groups of 

friends or corporate events. The place will, they say, 

knock your ski boots off. 

The winter months are between June, July and August 

and it gets pretty cold and snows often. If it doesn't 

snow then no problem at all because Tiffindell makes 

snow. The atmosphere, as well as a variety of fun 

activities means that non-skiers will also be able to 

enjoy the magic of the snow. It is an ideal place for 

families as everyone is catered for, while groups of 

friends find it a great place to have fun together. 

Corporate's will find this an excellent team building 

destination, good skiers will be able to perfect their 

Ski South Africa’s Snow 

technique a revel in the true Ski resort atmosphere 

that rivals Europe's best! 

Tiffindell is rated number 19 on CNN's top 100 ski 

runs in the world! “There's only one ski resort in 

South Africa and Tiffindell makes it into our list simply 

because the resorts location in the shadow of Mount 

Ben McDhui is breathtaking” – CNN. 

As a ski resort it has snow, ski lifts, ski restaurant and 

ski school offering skiing and snowboarding. Book 

early because Tiffindell's popular ski season fills up 

quickly. In summer, spring and autumn Tiffindell's 

activities include high altitude hiking, mountain 

biking, grass skiing, photography, birding, some of 

South Africa's best fly fishing and 4X4 passes. 

Tiffindell is also known internationally for unique 

Alpine flowers bringing flora enthusiasts from around 

the world. 

Good to Know 

Cost: R12 900 pp for a week including DBB, ski equipment & ski lift 

pass. 

www. 

snow 

.co.za 

Travel Tips: Book early as bookings have already opened and they 

get booked up quickly (especially during school holidays) 

For more info or to make your booking, contact: 

reservations@snow.co.za 

011 781 2620 

See www.snow.co.za

INTRODUCING - NELSON 

MANDELA BAY 

UNDISCOVERED FREEDOM 

Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, 

Uitenhage, Despatch and Colchester), 

an excellent value-for-money-familyfun-in-the-sun-holiday 

destination, 

named after Nelson Mandela - 

humanitarian, freedom fighter and 

world icon of peace. Nelson Mandela 

Bay is the only geographical area 

which has been allowed to retain 

Madiba’s name and possesses 

qualities that resonate with that of our beloved hero. 

Locals from the friendly city openly invite you to “Experience 

the Spirit of Freedom” (Ikhaya lenkululeko) through the free 

smiles of their people, wide open beaches, endless wildlife 

viewing and an abundance of activities and attractions to 

be explored. With Nelson Mandela Bay being known as the 

City of Freedom, a person is able to experience the feeling 

of freedom through the stories and freedom routes fondly 

shared by locals. 

Popular to explore is Route 67 which is a route that is depicted 

through 67 artworks symbolising Madiba’s years dedicated to 

the freedom struggle. The ‘Route 67’ meanders through the 

CBD taking visitors past some of the Bay’s oldest monuments, 

art deco architecture and a series of open-air artworks. 

It is a destination where one enjoys the easy going lifestyle of 

Nelson Mandela Bay with a round of golf at the Humewood 

Golf, a true links course ranked as one of the world’s most 

challenging golf courses or a massage with cocktails at a 5 star 

facility. The climate is complementary to our breathtaking 

beaches where in summer the water temperature ranges 

from 18 to 21 degrees Celsius and in winter between 14 to 19 

degrees Celsius allowing ideal opportunities for snorkelling, 

diving or surfing. 

For the adventure seekers there are a variety of experiences 

to get the blood pumping. Adrenalin Addo is a family friendly 

attraction for anyone in pursuit of sheer fun and adventure 

and they are proud to lay claim to the longest double zip line 

in Africa and the only giant swing of its kind in South Africa. 

Sandboarding is another must do activity that is a unique 

adventure that starts with a scenic boat cruise on the Sundays 

River where you will see the local birdlife feeding in their 

natural habitat. After about 10 minutes you reach the famous 

Alexandria Coastal Dune field which is the largest, most 

impressive and least degraded dune field in South Africa. 

Due to its easy accessibility, Nelson Mandela Bay has become 

a popular tourist destination in its own right. Nelson Mandela 

Bay is a destination which is easily accessible through road, 

air, rail and sea travel. Popular among many visitors and locals 

is the “gift of time” as with little traffic congestion and the 

close proximity of attractions, accommodation facilities and 

restaurants, one can experience a multitude of activities in 

a short time frame. This is further enhanced by the Nelson 

Mandela Bay Pass card that, once purchased, allows free and 

discounted entry into a variety of attractions and activities. 

While visiting the home of the Big 7 (Lion, Leopard, Cape 

Buffalo, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Southern Wright Whale and 

Great White Shark) be sure not to miss out on a wildlife 

experience at the nearby game reserves. Alternatively if 

good vibes and flavors are your style we recommend a micro 

brewery tour, township buy and braai or a stroll through 

Stanley Street restaurant area. 

For more on these and other activities visit 

www.nmbt.co.za or phone Nelson Mandela Bay 

Tourism on 041 – 582 2575 to book your next 

adventure. 


COACH CHARTERS 

SCHOOL TOURS EVENTS CONFERENCES SPORT GROUPS 

TOURING CORPORATE FUNCTIONS DAILY EXCURSIONS 

+27 (0) 21 380 4400 

charters@intercape.co.za 

www.intercape.co.za

MAX Executive Apartments 

offers luxury serviced 

accommodation in the heart 

of Illovo, Sandton. As a MAX 

guest you’ll be staying at the 

most distinguished address in 

Sandton’s business hub, with 

award winning restaurants 

and entertainment just on 

your doorstep. 

MAX offers all the luxuries of a hotel, but with you own private, 

chic and contemporary space. The bespoke furniture and modern 

finishes are just what every business traveler loves, and are ideal 

for both short and long term stays. All apartments have been 

carefully designed, with no expense spared in attention to detail. 

Apartments vary in size from studios up to three bedrooms. Each 

apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and guests have access 

to complimentary, uncapped wi-fi. Breakfast is available (at an 

additional cost) in the on-site restaurant, the Seconds Lounge. 

There is also a bar for guests to unwind at after a long and busy day. 

No transport? No problem. MAX has both a shuttle and luxury 

chauffeur service for guests to use at their leisure. Guests also have 

the option of a complimentary pick-up from either the Rosebank 

or Sandton Gautrain station. For those who prefer an eco-friendly 

option, MAX gives their guests the option of renting a bicycle, free 

of charge, to get in and around the hustle and bustle of Sandton. 

Pre-arrival shopping is also something special – guests have the 

option of having their apartment fully stocked with groceries prior 

to arrival. 

It’s the MAX touches that make your stay with them a More Than 

experience. 

“More Than is a way of living. It is about doing more, being more, so 

that you can always expect more” 

Contact MAX Executive Apartments: 

+27 (0) 11 058 3100 

info@maxapartments.co.za 

www.maxapartments.co.za 


91

MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 1 | 92 

NOTES

IMPORTANT CONTACT 

NUMBERS 

MZANZI 93 |ISSUE TRAVEL| 1|www.mzanzitravel.co.za www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE | MZANZI 1 | TRAVEL 93

BIG 5 SAFARI 

Real Africa. Real Close To Cape Town. 

Over 10,000 hectares of Big 5 Conservancy 

Eyeballing the Big 5 Close up, together with outstanding personal service. It just does not get better than 

Award Winning Aquila Private Game Reserve. With game drives, quad bike and horseback safaris situated 

under 2 hours from Cape Town, it’s the closest you can get to real Africa. In the raw. In the lap of luxury. 

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES: 

FOUR STAR ESTABLISHMENT | PREMIER, LUXURY AND STANDARD CHALETS | LUXURY AND STANDARD LODGE ROOMS | DAY TRIP 

SAFARI | HORSEBACK SAFARI | QUAD BIKE SAFARI | STAR SAFARI | OVERNIGHT SAFARI | FLY IN SAFARI | WINE TASTING | INDOOR 

& OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS | 2 OUTDOOR POOLS | WET BAR | CIGAR LOUNGE | CONFERENCE CENTRE | LIBRARY | CURIO SHOP | 

CHILDREN’S FACILITIES & JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAMME | ARC (AQUILA ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE). 

www.aquilasafari.com Aquilasafari AquilaSafaris 

RESERVATIONS: +27(0)21 4307260 II MOBILE: +27(0)833 019 222 

E: RES@AQUILASAFARI.COM 

W 

I 

N 

N 

E 

R 

2 

0 

1 

4 

& 

2 

0 

1 

5

AQUILA PRIVATE 

GAME RESERVE 

www.aquilasafari.com 

There are two swimming pools, a pool bar, a cosy 

cigar lounge and a large dining room where the 

chef presents a rich variety of authentic South African 

cuisine. Superb South African wines are on offer 

with your meal. 

Set in the pristine Southern Karoo Highlands against 

a backdrop of dramatic mountains, the Aquila Private 

Game Reserve offers an exciting taste of real Africa just 

two short hours from Cape Town by road. 

Aquila is home to an enormous variety of game, including 

the Big 5. Two- to three-hour game drives are a perfect 

way to see the animals in four-wheel-drive vehicles, 

quad bikes or on horseback. A new activity offered for 

guests is the “Star Safari”, where guests are invited to 

join one of the knowledgeable rangers in the Boma as 

they explore the southern skies. 

2015 and 2016 was a year full of surprises and reward 

for Aquila – they had 4 rhino calves born in 3 

months. All calves are doing well and can be seen 

on most game drives at Aquila. One of the calves 

was rejected by its mother and Aquila has taken on 

the gigantic task of hand rearing this little infant. 

You can follow his progress on the Facebook page 

ARCatAquila. 

2015 saw Aquila, once again, scooping up 3 awards 

at the annual Lilizela Imvelo Tourism awards. This 

annual programme seeks to recognize and reward 

the tourism industry and its impact on the social, 

economic and environmental issues facing South 

Africa. Aquila was the winner in the Large Tourism 

Enterprise section for Best Social Involvement 

Programme and first runner up for Best Economic 

Impact and Best Single Resource Management, 

Energy. 

Aquila’s four-star cottages are built largely from rock, 

thatch and wood to blend with the environment and 

offer every comfort. A luxurious honeymoon suite is 

perched on a hill for the ultimate romantic getaway. Situated 

adjacent to the restaurant is the newly built Aquila 

Lodge, comprising 3 levels, accessible by a glass panelled 

lift with magnificent Karoo vistas, with 22 rooms 

facing the reserve and the mountains and another 22 

rooms facing away from the reserve. These two room 

types combine to form a perfect suite for a family.

MZANZI TRAVEL - ISSUE 1

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