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July 2017 - ISSUE 6
FREE COPY
Adrenalin Junkies…
welcome to paradise
SA’s Route 62
a road trip like no other
July 2017 - ISSUE 6
Amazing Journeys For Every Taste & Budget
DISCOVER SA BY TRAIN

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07
EDITOR’S NOTE
10
TRAVEL BITES -
tourism-related news and
information
16
TSHWANE…crown jewel of
Gauteng
24
WOMEN…lead the way in SA
tourism
28
HIDDEN GEMS…delightful experiences
and places off the
beaten track
38
IRON HORSES & ROMANTIC
JOURNEYS…South Africa by
train
48
ZIMBABWE…ancient world of
wonders
54
CALLING ALL ADRENALIN
JUNKIES…adventure & action
travel
62
GREAT WINTER BREAKS
70
HEALTH TRAVEL…SA a growing
destination
80
ROUTE 62…a road trip like no
other
16
38
48
C O NTENTS
54 62 80
5 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

Check-In to your
Best Night’s Sleep
Visit www.pharmaline.co.za or call us on 0861 60 60 60 for your nearest showroom

EDITOR’S NOTE
Winter 2017
Africa is now fully in the cold grip of winter…storms, rain, falling temperatures and even some
South
snow. To help you escape some of those winter blues, we are showcasing a number of great midyear
winter breaks in this edition. In our regular section, TravelBites, we also present you with a number of
handy apps for your cell phone which you can use to discover SA.
www.citypass.co.za
It has been an exciting month or two for us, with more to come. In April we attended the WTM Africa 2017
in Cape Town, and in May the Africa’s Travel Indaba. As usual, MzanziTravel this year again had a presence
at both, and was also a Gold Tier Media Partner at WTM. Both events were resounding successes and
MzanziTravel was able to meet with long-standing clients and friends, as well as make new ones. And
August is of course Women’s Month, while September is Tourism Month. To honour both, we feature a
number of women who are leading the way in tourism in SA.
Our main feature in this edition takes our readers on a romantic journey of discovery…on board SA’s
wonderful variety of trains. Who can resist the lure of those great iron horses and their carriages as they
snake, chug and charge their way across our magnificent landscape? Few people realise how many train
journeys are available in South Africa, from the most luxurious trains in the world, down to budget travel,
day runs and steam-train journeys that take you back in time. Find out all about these trains and their
routes on page 38.
Our regional feature takes an eye-opening look at Tshwane, the crown jewel of Gauteng, and a place
that offers visitors a stunning range of attractions and things to do. From there we go to Zimbabwe for
our regular featured African country. Don’t be misled by the news headlines, because politics aside, this
country, built on the ruins of an ancient kingdom, offers so many wonderful things at absolute budget
prices and in total safety.
We also feature SA as a growing destination for health travel, while adrenalin junkies are called to action on
page 54. When it comes to adventure and action, SA is truly a paradise. Last but definitely far from least, is
the greatest road trip in the world: our very own Route 62. There truly is nothing that compares with it.
So curl up in front of the fire, and enjoy this winter edition of MzanziTravel. Till next time!
Stef
CREDITS
COVER PICTURE:
Cover picture supplied
by Rovos Rail
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jane Frost
EDITOR
Stef Terblanche
SALES MANAGER
Cheryl Pinter: cheryl@mzanzitravel.co.za
SALES EXECUTIVES
Deliah Adams: deliah@mzanzitravel.co.za
Brennen Wareley : sales3@mzanzitravel.co.za
M. Salie Petersen : sales1@mzanzitravel.co.za
TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Michael Keys
DESIGN
KCDA - Design Studio
www.kcda.co.za
Second Chance Media (PTY) LTD.
REG.NO.(2015/328488/07)
1A Lester Road, ,Wynberg,7800.
Office: 021 761 6408
Fax: 021 761 5759
Email : admin@mzanzitravel.co.za
Web:www.mzanzitravel.co.za
The opinions in Mzanzi Travel are not necessarily those of the publisher.
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system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior consent or permission from the publisher.
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News & Information
TravelBites
Great travel apps to help you discover
South Africa
Many South Africans, who think the ideal holiday is somewhere overseas,
do not realise just how many absolutely wonderful and affordable travel
opportunities are available to them right here at home, at a fraction of the
price of foreign travel. If you’re on the road looking for travel attractions and
adventures, these Android apps recommended by Alcatel will help you find
your way to the best accommodation, transport and locations in South Africa:
MyCiti - Offers useful information on the Cape Town MyCiTi bus services that
helps you get around Cape Town for a reasonable fair. The app includes your
current card balance and bus times.
Awesome South Africa - From must-see places, interesting gastronomical
experiences, and fun things to do. This App is endorsed by SA Tourism, and
will help you plot your itinerary in nearly any corner of our beautiful country.
TRAVEL EDUCATION & TIPS
Ecotravel in the African Wilderness
Realising the need for humanity to make a difference through ecotravel as the
pressure on the planet and its people grows, South African-based EcoTraining
offers accredited safari guide courses, gap year travel opportunities, inspirational
wildlife guardian courses, niche wildlife photography and birding courses as well
as educational customised corporate courses. Ecotravel is an idea that shifts the
notion of what travel is and what travel should be, and travelling in Africa should
work towards a restored legacy for the generations to come, says the company.
“The principles of ecology are universal: we are part of nature and that
capitalism needs to be balanced with a strong environmental consciousness
and accountability” says Anton Lategan, Managing Director of EcoTraining.
Responsible tourism promotes the positive equilibrium between travel,
community upliftment, and the natural environment. Engaging with tourism
activities that educate you will not only empower and inspire you but it will place
you in the position to play a vital role in securing the future and conservation of
our planet.
Sleeping in an unfenced camp with animals roaming around you or taking bush
walks in prime wilderness areas confronted by the Big 5 are unique, exhilarating
experiences. The company advocates spending time in the bush as a classroom
like none other with its fluctuating environments and its culturally rich
inhabitants. In 2016, EcoTraining trained people from 33 countries around the
world from all walks of life through environmental education. EcoTraining’s goal
is to create safari guides and wildlife guardians of the natural world. For more
information about EcoTraining courses and programmes
contact enquiries@ecotraining.co.za, +27 (0)13 752 2532 or visit their website
on www.ecotraining.co.za.
Voice Maps - Experience the magic of GPS audio walks, cycles, drives and
even boat rides with VoiceMap tours in over 80 cities worldwide. They’re like
podcasts that move with you to tell stories about what you’re seeing right
now. South African locations include Johannesburg, Karoo, Cape Winelands,
Overberg, Hermanus, Cape Town and Cape Point.
The South African Guide - Even locals need to be steered off the beaten track.
This South Africa travel guide contains up-to-date city guides for Cape Town,
Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and more. It works offline.
Gautrain - The Gautrain offers quick and effective transport in Johannesburg.
Find your nearest Gautrain station and bus stops. View peak and off-peak
timetables to plan your day and calculate estimated trip, parking and bus fares.
Latest Sightings - Why wonder around Kruger National Park aimlessly? Latest
Sightings is an app where visitors to the Kruger National Park can share their
wildlife sightings, in real-time, with visitors in the game reserve and with users
worldwide.
Wild about Madiba - For those Madiba fans – you can now walk in his
proverbial steps. Travel around South Africa, following in the footsteps of the
legend – Nelson Mandela. This app covers all important tourist attractions
spanning his lifetime.
Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com
Source: Supplied by EcoTraining
10 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

News & Information
Peter Titmuss/Shutterstock.com
Trail Guide South Africa - There is nothing better than taking a walk on the wild
side. But it’s always better to do it with caution. This is a comprehensive guide to
the South African outdoors, including hiking, cycling or trail running through the
best of South African scenery. After your trail, find out where to have a drink, lunch
or even where to spend the night.
Cape Wine Farms - Whether you are a Wine Connoisseur or just love spending
the day in nature tasting its produce this Cape Wine Farms app can be very useful.
Discover wine farms and events in the Western Cape and earn badges by doing so.
AFRICA
MzanziTravel attends two major
African tourism shows
Source: IT News Africa
Two major South African-hosted travel and tourism showcase trade fairs recently
took place: the WTM Africa 2017 in Cape Town from 19-21 April, and the Africa’s
Travel Indaba in Durban from 16-18 May. As usual, MzanziTravel this year again had
a presence at both, and was also a Gold Tier Media Partner at WTM. Both events
were resounding successes and MzanziTravel was able to meet with long-standing
clients and friends, as well as make new ones. At both events MzanziTravel had a
full team of representatives on hand who were kept busy interacting with show
visitors throughout.
WTM Africa Buyers were treated to a taste of Africa at the Hosted Buyer Welcome
Party. The first day of WTM Africa 2017 proved to be very exciting, with
travel professionals buzzing around the Cape Town International Convention
Centre between meetings and events. Other highlights included the WTM Africa
2017 official opening by the host City of Cape Town, cutting edge discussions in
the Travel Tech Theatre, a dedicated programme for local outbound specialists,
and key travel trends presented by Euromonitor for the years ahead in the WTM
Africa Conference Theatre.
In Durban, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2017, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International
Convention Centre, was also hailed as an outstanding success as high-quality
buyers from across the world met with high-quality exhibitors from across
the African continent. The latter showcased a variety of tourism products and
services. This resulted in more than 20,000 confirmed meetings being held over
the three show days – an increase of over 20% compared to last year’s figure.
There were a number of exciting developments at this year’s event, including the
rebranding and renaming of Africa’s premier travel trade show to Africa’s Travel
INDABA. The new positioning fully reflects the ownership of the trade show by
the entire African travel industry and re-emphasises South Africa’s commitment
to furthering tourism and economic development on the continent. This year’s
INDABA attracted about 7,000 delegates, including 1,449 local and international
buyers, as well as more than 1,000 exhibiting businesses from 18 African countries.
Source: MzanziTravel, WTM and Indaba
WTM Africa 2017, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, reported
an increase of 17% in travel professionals at this year’s exhibition, with
over 5,000 industry professionals in attendance, while other indicators are reason
to celebrate the success of this world-class travel exhibition, says Chardonnay
Marchesi, General Manager of Africa Travel Week. WTM Africa opened with over
8,000 pre-scheduled appointments between exhibitors and buyers, a year-onyear
increase of 11%, while 66% of Buyers attended the exhibition for the first
time. With over 70 countries represented at WTM Africa 2017, it is also considered
the most diverse show yet.
Randy Miramontez/Shutterstock.com
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 11

News & Information
Frasers Hospitality expands in Middle
East and Africa
Frasers Hospitality Group, a division of Frasers Centrepoint Limited, is expanding
its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa. The
new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality Group’s global footprint to more
than 1,500 units across both regions. The recent launch of Fraser Suites West
Bay, Doha marks the first of eight properties to open, making it the group’s
second operating property in Qatar and the fifth in the Middle East.
Sarymsakov Andrey/Shutterstock.com
Frasers Hospitality Group entered the Middle East when it opened Fraser Suites
Seef, Bahrain in 2009. Tapping into the region’s business and tourism growth,
Frasers Hospitality Group will also enter the Saudi Arabian market for the first
time with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. Openings in Nigeria and
the Republic of Congo will mark Frasers Hospitality Group’s first entry into
Africa. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sub-Saharan Africa
remains a region of immense economic potential.
“The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global
expansion plans. We are targeting key business centres such as Nigeria’s capital
Abuja and Africa’s largest city, and we look forward to expanding our footprint
in the region in the coming years,” commented Mr Choe Peng Sum, Chief
Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality Group.
its route network, modernised its fleet, inaugurated three new aircraft
maintenance hangars and introduced a world-class in-flight catering facility. It
also achieved a record financial turnover and profitability – up 70% - in spite
of many challenges.
SOUTH AFRICA
Source: Victor Kiprop, The East African
Public-private partnerships in
national parks can boost tourism
Zambia Tourism Roadshow in the
UK
The Zambia Tourism Agency in partnership with KAMAGEO, a hugely dynamic
and vibrant tourism Public Relations and Marketing Company dedicated to
increasing tourism to Africa, in March coordinated one of the most successful
trade roadshow in the United Kingdom. The roadshow was borne out of a
recognition that it is important to provide detailed product information to travel
consultants and their product managers to enable them effectively sell the
various Zambian tourism products. The event was the biggest ever gathering
of Zambian tour operators in the United Kingdom in recent times. It is expected
that this will have far reaching and positive effect on the perceptions and
positive knowledge of Zambia amongst tour operators in the United Kingdom.
The road shows in the United Kingdom were held in Manchester, Cirencester,
London West and Kensington London.
Ethiopian Airlines again voted
Africa’s best airline
For the second year running, Ethiopian Airlines has been named the ‘African
Airline of the Year’ at the 26th Annual Air Finance Africa Conference & Exhibition
held in Johannesburg. The award recognises the Addis Ababa-based airline’s
continued rapid growth, increased profitability and its contribution to aviation
development in Africa. Meseret Bitew, the airline’s acting chief finance officer
said the airline was pleased to win the award for the second time in a row, and
Despite a turbulent year for airlines in Africa, the Ethiopian carrier expanded
With six million people having visited South Africa’s national parks last year,
a huge opportunity now exists for private investors, delegates were told
at the inaugural South African National Parks Tourism Investment Summit
held in Johannesburg in April. More than 50 public-private partnership (PPP)
opportunities are available for investors in South African National Parks. The
summit showcased a range of opportunities available to private investors in 10
of these public-owned parks.
The opportunities include the development of tented camps, lodges and
boutique hotels, activities such as helicopter and hot air balloon trips, ziplining
and hiking activities, and retail kiosks. In 2016, over 10-million foreign
tourists arrived in South Africa. According to Sanparks, 6-million people visited
its parks in the past financial year. The country’s tourism sector accounts for
some 730,000 jobs – 4.5% of total employment. In her keynote address at
the summit, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said partnerships
between the government and private sector could only increase tourism’s
contribution to employment.
Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock.com
12 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

There are currently 45 PPPs in operation in South Africa’s national parks. These give private partners access
to state property for a certain period, allowing them to conduct business there. Tokozile Xasa, South Africa’s
new minister of tourism, said at the conference that many of today’s investors want more than just profit,
and want to make a contribution in the lives of people. Tourism investment would help reduce poverty and
inequality. Sisa Ntshona, head of South African Tourism, said that although international tourists were flocking
to the country, domestic tourism was weak.
‘I Do Tourism’ targets domestic tourists
South African Tourism has launched their new
‘I Do Tourism’ campaign to target domestic
travellers at their annual INDABA trade show.
The initiative sets out to remind South Africans
that the tourism industry is vital to the country’s
success and how they, as individuals, can
advocate for South Africa as a destination.
With President Zuma citing the economic and
social impact of tourism for South Africa at the
opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban,
this campaign will go direct to remind citizens
of this. SA Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona said that
tourism has a ripple effect, and that each direct XCIkpro /Shutterstock.com
permanent tourism job opportunity that is
created, can have multiple spin-offs for transport, agriculture and other sectors.
South African Tourism said that for many South Africans, travel is inaccessible; something that is “for other
people”. “This is precisely the attitude we hope to change through I Do Tourism. We aim to remind South
Africans that tourism is everyone’s business because all South Africans benefit through and from tourism.
Tourism adds value to the lives of all South Africans in a range of ways,” Ntshona said.
Trail-blazing North West Tourism at Indaba 2017
The North West Tourism Board has once again taken advantage of the opportunity created by government
through South African Tourism to market
Destination North West at the annual
Tourism Indaba 2017 held in Durban. The
provincial Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono
was attending and focused more on
pushing investors to invest in Villages,
Townships and Small Dorpies of the
North West. MEC Mohono also set out
to ensure that there is integration and
coordination in her department’s drive to
woo investors.
The MEC’s efforts were boosted by the Ionut Catalin Parvu / Shutterstock.com
participation of over fifteen local North
West municipalities that are also aiming high in marketing their destinations at the Indaba, as well as other to
product owners from the province. The 2017 North West Province exhibitors included a wide range of product
owners prime attractions and companies like Sun City through Sun Intentional, Pilanesburg National Park,
Madikwe game reserve Lodge and many other major attractions.
Source: North West Tourism

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The Jacaranda City boasts many, many
wonderful attractions… including the only city in
the world with a Big 5 game reserve within the
city limits.

Discover South Africa
Jacaranda City
Image: Daleen Loest, Shutterstock
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 17

Discover South Africa
Union Buildings and Nelson Mandela, Tshwane / Veebee Design, Shutterstock
If you are planning a visit to the City of Tshwane in northern Gauteng
province, popularly called the Jacaranda City and incorporating
among others Pretoria, Cullinan, Hammanskraal, Shoshanguve, and
Centurion, consider the following.
You will be entering a unique and stately, old but modern city that
has within its city limits historical battlefields and military forts,
many heritage sites, art galleries and museums, theatres, dams
and rivers, a number of bird sanctuaries and nature reserves, a
meteorite crater, the seat of government, three universities, a
large number of resorts, monuments galore, a massive military headquarters
complex, numerous parks and public swimming pools, some of the country’s
finest hotels and restaurants, night clubs, foreign embassies, the home of Blue
Bulls rugby, modern shopping malls, zoological gardens and the country’s
oldest zoo.
And, wait for it, Tshwane claims to be the only city in the world with its own
Big 5 game reserve right in the city, as well as the biggest hole resulting from
diamond digging, four times bigger than the famous Kimberley Hole, it is
claimed.
All of this within the city limits and within a radius of about 30 to 60km from
historical Church Square in the city centre!
Pretoria city centre, in the heart of Tshwane / mage: Francesco Dazzi, Shutterstock
Perhaps now you will pause a moment and re-plan your trip the next time
you have to pop over from Johannesburg or some other nearby location for
business, a visit to a friend or family, to pop in at some government office, or
even that boring Sunday drive, to truly discover this fabulous city. Or, if travelling
from farther away en route to, say the Kruger National Park, consider adding on
a few days for an exhilarating stopover in Tshwane.
Dig just a little deeper, and you will discover a treasure trove of wonderful
experiences just waiting for you.
Tshwane is the second largest of South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities
by land area at 6,298Km2, but has the third lowest population density at 520
18 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL
people per square kilometre. It has a total population of 3.3-million people. The
city occupies almost all of the northern half of the province of Gauteng, which it
shares with two other metros, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.
History
The first inhabitants of the area were the Southern Ndebele who settled here
in a river valley around 1600, followed by refugees led by Mzilikazi during the
Difaqane, also known as the Mfecane, a period of widespread warfare and chaos
among indigenous ethnic communities, many of whom were displaced, absorbed
into other tribes or, some, even wiped out. The latter were forced to flee the area
again when Zulu raiders arrived in 1832.
The first white settler, or Boer, believed to have settled here was J.G.S.

Discover South Africa
Paul Kruger statue on historic Church Square / Attila Jandi, Shutterstock
spectacular display of purple Jacaranda flowers that form a carpet over it. In
1888 a resident and avid gardener, one J.D. Cilliers, imported Jacaranda trees
from Rio de Janeiro to plant in his garden. These trees flourished and quickly
multiplied, and today about 50,000 Jacarandas line the city’s streets, giving rise
to its popular name of the Jacaranda City.
Each year thousands of visitors come to the city, one of the older South African
cities with a rich heritage and wonderful cultural diversity. Yet many who live
just on its doorstep are not even aware of all it has to offer.
Heritage
The heritage centre is Church Square with its imposing Boer era statue of
President Paul Kruger, surrounded by Boer warriors. All around the square
are magnificent examples of the city’s original architecture, including the old
Raadsaal (former Transvaal parliament), Old Reserve Bank Building, and the
Palace of Justice.
A short distance to the south is Freedom Park, a 52-hectare site where a
memorial has been built for those who lost their lives in the struggle for
freedom. It is a centre for culture, history, indigenous knowledge, heritage and
spirituality. With Pretoria lying in a valley surrounded by hills, Freedom Park
was naturally built on a hill overlooking the city.
Bronkhorst who settled in the Fountains Valley in 1840. More Boer families
soon started settling around Elandspoort. Pretoria was officially founded by
Boer commandant-general Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, who had bought
a large piece of land here for the purpose, and named it after his father, the
Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius.
It became the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (South African
Republic, also known as Transvaal) in May 1860. In 1910 Pretoria became the
administrative capital of the Union of South Africa, with Cape Town being the
legislative capital and Bloemfontein the judicial capital. The Union Buildings
were constructed on a hill overlooking the city for the purpose, and are still the
administrative seat of government today, where the Presidency is also located.
From September onwards each year, the city transforms itself into a
Northeast of Church Square, in the suburb of Arcadia, the Union Buildings
occupy another hill, in front of which stands an imposing 9m-tall statue of Nelson
Mandela who was sworn in here as South Africa’s first post-1994 president.
And southwest of Church Square, the massive Voortrekker Monument sits
astride its own hill. This monument commemorates the pioneer (Voortrekker)
history of Southern Africa and most of the history of the Afrikaner, and is one
of the most visited heritage sites in Gauteng. The monument was inaugurated
in 1949.
Military history & museums
Next-doors to it, on its own hill too, lies the sprawling major South African
military complex of Thaba Tshwane, established around 1905 as Roberts
Heights by the British imperial army, and later renamed Voortrekkerhoogte,
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 19

Discover South Africa
before again being renamed after 1994 to its current name. Located here
are, among others, the SA Army College, SA Air Force College, the Air Force
Memorial, and 1 Military Hospital. On nearby Bays Hill in Swartkop, overlooking
Air Force Base Swartkop, the first air force base of the SA Air Force, is the Air
Force Memorial.
Driving down the hill into the city you will pass the majestic old buildings of
what was once the barracks of the Transvaal State Artillery, built in 1896 in the
neo-Renaissance style with red brick and yellow sandstone. It was later used by
the British occupying forces as their headquarters during the Anglo-Boer War,
then used as the Union Defence Headquarters and still later as the SA Defence
Headquarters. Keep on driving north and you will pass the Kgosi Mampuru II
Correctional Centre, one of the largest prisons in the country previously known
as Pretoria Central Prison. When South Africa still had the death penalty, its
gallows were housed here. Mampuru II, after whom the prison is named, was
hanged here in 1883 after he killed rival leader Sekhukhune.
Pretoria city centre, in the heart of Tshwane / mage: Francesco Dazzi, Shutterstock
Staying in the hills, you can visit four military forts built on surrounding
hills by the Boer republic’s government to protect the city, just before the
outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War. Three of these - Fort Schanskop,
Fort Wonderboompoort and Fort Klapperkop - were designed and built by
the German engineering company Krupp. The fourth, Fort Daspoortrand, was
built by a French company. Of these Klapperkop and Schanskop are the most
impressive, having been meticulously restored, with Klapperkop housing a
military museum with life-like exhibitions and relics from the Anglo-Boer War.
On another hill south of the city, is the huge, impressive building of the
University of South Africa, with a view to the city’s oldest higher education
institution, the University of Pretoria. The city is also home to the Tshwane
University of Technology. Numerous research centres are found across the city,
making it South Africa’s research capital.
Museums are plentiful, depicting every facet of South Africa’s history, from
natural to military, and everything in-between. Museums include the National
Museum of Cultural History; Freedom Park; SA Air Force Museum; Geoscience
Museum; Kruger Museum; National Film, Video and Sound Archive; Pioneer
Museum; SA Air Force Memorial; Sammy Marks Museum; Science and
Technology Museum; Pretoria Art Museum; Melrose House Museum; Smuts
House Museum; National Museum of Natural History; Voortrekker Monument
and Museum; Correctional Services Museum; and the Willem Prinsloo
Agricultural Museum.
Freedom Park, Tshwane / Image: Neha Hrovat, Shutterstock
Natural attractions
Just north of the city centre lies the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, prompting
the city’s claim that it is the only city in the world that has a Big 5 game reserve
within the city. Here, living in close proximity to human city dwellers, you will
find elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo roaming freely within the reserve.
And a few street blocks north of Church Square are the National Zoological
Gardens with its zoo, the oldest and largest zoo in South Africa. The 85-hectare
zoo houses 3,117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1,358 specimens of
202 bird species, 3,871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4
invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens
of 7 amphibian species.
20 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL
For nature lovers these there is much more than just these two attractions,
such as: Luton Valley Bird Sanctuary; Moreleta Kloof Nature Area;
Pierre van Ryneveld Nature Area; Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary; Austin Roberts
9m tall Nelson Mandela looking over the city / Image: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock

Memorial Bird Sanctuary; Bishop Bird Nature Area; Boardwalk Bird Sanctuary;
Wonderboom Nature Reserve; Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve; Chamberlain
Bird Sanctuary; Kwaggaspruit Nature Area; Colbyn Nature Area; Klapperkop
Nature Reserve; Faerie Glen Nature Reserve; Groenkloof Nature Reserve; and
Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Discover South Africa
Northwest of the city centre lies the only ecotourism destination of its kind
in South Africa: the Tswaing Meteorite Crater (a Northern Flagship project),
that explores the past, protects the present, and serves the future. It is the
site where some 220,000 years ago a fiery meteorite the size of half a football
field slammed into the earth’s crust. The impact formed a crater, 1.4Km in
diameter and 200m deep. This crater, formerly known as the Pretoria Saltpan
(or Zoutpan), is one of the best-preserved terrestrial meteorite impact craters
anywhere in the world.
Voortrekker Monument / Image: Barry Tuck, Shutterstock
Many recreational attractions
Other great attractions offered by the city include an antique route with 12
antique shops that house furniture, crafts and art within a radius of about 5km.
Some twenty minutes’ drive from the city centre is the quaint little diamond
mining town of Cullinan where a big hole four times the size of the Kimberley
‘Big Hole’ was dug. Also discovered here, was the largest diamond ever found
in the world, the Cullinan Diamond, which now forms part of the British crown
jewels.
With numerous recreational resorts and areas, and some two dozen public
swimming pools spread across the city, a leisurely family picnic is another
option when visiting the city.
Other well-known attractions around the city include Burgers Park, the oldest
park; Church Street Cemetery Heroes Acre, established in 1867; the City Hall;
Diamond Hill battlefield where a major battle was fought between 14,000
English troops and 4,000 Boer fighters on 11 and 12 June 1900; Fort West
Village, a 389ha property with more than 250 historic buildings; Jan Cilliers
Park, an indigenous park with water features and beautiful views of the city;
Magnolia Dell, a park known for its arts and crafts market; Mariammen Temple,
the oldest Hindu Temple in Pretoria; the National Botanical Gardens; the SA
Mint; Loftus Versfeld Stadium, home of Blue Bulls rugby; the South African
Reserve Bank; the South African State Theatre; and Irene Concentration Camp
Cemetery.
Famous Melrose House / Image: Attila Jandi, Shutterstock
In addition there are numerous large and modern shopping malls spread
around the city, as well as many fine hotels, restaurants, cinema complexes,
clubs and pubs. The City of Tshwane truly is a city that caters for every taste
or experience. Don’t miss it next time you are in or headed towards Gauteng.
Museum of Natural History / Image: Nataly Reinch, Shutterstock
Air Force Museum / Image: Dina_1, Shutterstock
Big 5 game reserve in the city / Image: kamira777, Shutterstock

Embrace Nature while Rejuvenating Your Senses!
Manyane Resort
MANYANA RESORT is nestled at the gateway
to the Pilanesberg National Park, set in the
tranquil and relaxing surroundings. Consisting
of 55 Thatched African Style Chalets with the
option of BB or D/BB, Camping &
Caravanning with electrified and
non-electrified sites are available with
superior ablution facilities makes this resort a
firm favourite, 2 Swimming pools, a
trampoline, outdoor chess set, mini golf
walking trails, onsite aviary available for
guest to enjoy, not forgetting game drives
within the Pilanesberg National Park where
guests can view the “Big Five” and 24Hour
Generator Support
3 – Star Graded resorts that offers
affordable accommodation to the keep
Outdoor Enthusiast.
Contact Details:
Tel: 014 555-1000 \ Fax: 014 555-1048
Email: reservations@goldenleopardresorts.co.za
Website: www.goldenleopardresorts.co.za
Bakgatla Resort
BAKGATLA RESORT is at the foot of the Garamoga
Hills, set in the serene peaceful bush environment.
Consisting of 55 Thatched African Style Chalets with
the option of BB or D/BB, Camping & Caravanning
with electrified and non-electrified sites are
available with superior ablution facilities, an Olympic
size salt water swimming pool surrounded by rolling
lawns, a trampoline, outdoor chess set, game drives
are also available and 24Hour Generator Support.
3 – Star Graded resorts that offers affordable
accommodation to the keep Outdoor Enthusiast.
Contact Details:
Tel: 014 556-8500 / Fax: 014 556-8585
Email: reservations@goldenleopardresorts.co.za
Website: www.goldenleopardresorts.co.za

Tel: 014 555 1000
Fax: 014 555 1048
Email: reservations@goldenleopardresorts.co.za
www.goldenleopardresorts.co.za
COOKE’S LAKE is situated at the capital of
the North West Province Mahikeng. A serene
haven overlooking the lake while enjoying a
sundowner lunch or dinner on the deck.
Experience the tranquility when watching
Springbok and warthogs grazing. We have 10
non self-catering units, A La Carte
Restaurant (100pax) which caters for buffet
lunches, dinners, braais, weddings,
conferences, workshops, and special events,
Small Conference room (10-20 pax), Large
conference room (300 pax), beautiful deck to
relax an enjoy the view.
3 – Star Graded resorts that offers
affordable accommodation to the keep
Outdoor Enthusiast. (show the 3 stars )
Cooke’s Lake
Contact Details:
Tel: 018 381 6380 6019
Fax: 018 381 1007
Fax to email: 086 583 6524
CHRISTIANA ALL SEASONS RESORT – Escape to
tranquility and experience luxury , comfort and
soulful dining. Our luxury accommodation has
made us a favourite among guests who want
spacious rooms with stellar amenities. We offer 5
distinct conference venues that can be
configured according to our client’s needs and
preferences from an intimate boardroom to
classroom – style or workshop set-up, even an
on-site theatre complete with a stage. For
fairytale weddings we provide arrangements for
intimate garden functions or receptions on the
restaurant terrace with a fully licensed bar.
4 – Star Graded resort that offers affordable
accommodation to the keep Outdoor Enthusiast.
Christiana All Seasons Resort
Contact Details:
Tel: 061 463 3848
Email: bookings@casr.co.za

WOMEN LEAD THE
WAY IN SA TOURISM
The ever-growing tourism industry in South Africa is one of the country’s biggest
contributors to jobs and revenue, contributing around 3% to the national economy
and having created around 500,000 jobs. Thousands of these positions are filled by
women, from tour guides right up to Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa.
Despite women still being a minority in the tourism industry, these women are
all playing a leading role in ensuring tourism remains one of the most dynamic
industries in the country.
With Women’s Month and Tourism Month coming up in August and September
respectively, we spoke to four leading women in tourism to get their views on the
industry and their jobs.
Lulama Tshabalala, Executive
for Tourism Marketing, Limpopo
Tourism Agency
Lulama Tshabalala has been in her current
position at the head of tourism marketing in
Limpopo province since 2007. Before that
she held several managerial positions in the
education, tourism and hospitality sectors.
She holds a degree in business administration,
as well as a travel bag full of diplomas and
certificates, notably in public relations,
PC training, business management, brand
management, communication and marketing
for government officials, strategic destination management and knowledge
management.
So how did she get into a career in tourism?
Back in 1992, whilst on holiday in Cape Town, a tour guide, with a heavy British
accent made her decide that she wouldn’t have a foreigner educate her on her own
country. Unable to take up a scholarship for hospitality studies at Lincoln University,
she jumped at the opportunity of a job as admin clerk at the Asia desk of the former
SA Tourism (Satour) when it presented itself. She found new friends and mentors
who taught her all about the industry. Among others, she became actively involved
in the ShotLeft and Welcome initiaves, as well as in activating township tourism.
How does she see the role of women in tourism?
“I absolutely believe that women occupy a special place in the tourism and travel
industry. It is all about service; it is very emotional; so who better than the mighty
woman,” she says. She mentions several African sayings to illustrate the point that women
are born nurturers and have the relevant background for the job.
Lulama believes community-based tourism initiatives and co-operatives can be accessible
as a suitable entry point for women. But, she says, there is room for fast-tracking more
qualified women into more senior position, for instance at director’s and board level.
Gender aspects remain a challenge, she says.
To this end she believes the upcoming Women’s and Tourism months are important
reminders of the role women should play in tourism and the economy.
Her best travel experiences?
She says she has been blessed and privileged to have travelled widely around the world,
and no one destination can be singled out over the others. But inter-acting with fellow
Africans, doing the Levuvhu trails and crisscrossing the rivers of southern Africa, do stand
out for her. She adds, there is no better destination than travelling in South Africa.
Lulama sees tourism as being essential to the domestic economy. In her view, some
of the main challenges revolve around maintenance of facilities and roads, pricing and
remaining competitive.
Advocate Neo
Sephoti, Head of
North West Tourism
Advocate Neo Sephoti leads a demanding life,
being a practising advocate while at the same
time heading up North West province’s tourism
department, which she joined in February 2016.
Before that she held the positions of Corporate
Affairs Manager at SA Breweries and Director:
Regulatory Services with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. At one
time she also was a lieutenant in the South African Defence Force.
How does she feel about her work in tourism?
“I have enjoyed every bit of my professional life and am still as passionate about my work
as I was when I started working in 1993. For someone who has always had a love of life
and people, the choice of a career has always cantered on what good and joy I could bring
into the workplace. It has always been my belief that you should find work that you love
doing and are passionate about.”
She believes that a solid family structure is important for female professionals. “We are
not wonder women. We just have to strike a balance between our work and family life,”
she says.
24 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

Her advice to others: “Do yourself a favour: travel. It broadens the mind and makes you
appreciate the world all the more”.
“I have met some incredible people on my travels and nothing gives you joy like finding
a stranger who speaks your mother tongue on the other side of the world. Tourism is all
about the people and experiences and if we can help people build memories, then our
job is halfway done.”
Reuann Smith,
Coordinator of Public
Relations at Nelson
Mandela Bay Tourism
In her position as Coordinator: Public Relations
at Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, Reuann Smith is
responsible for all communications, advertising and
digital marketing within a destination marketing
organisation.
Reuann started her career in tourism and public relations as a stakeholder assistant.
“From there my passion and immense interest in the combination of tourism and public
relations just grew,” she says. She has been with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism for 8 years,
which she says is a great honour as her job in tourism impacts the lives of so many people.
Reuann says many people do not realise the immense opportunities that are available
in the tourism sector as destination marketing always requires teams with a variety
of skills sets. For her, she says, there have been many adventures, memories and also
challenges, all of which have made a stronger person. She says highlights have included
participating in sustainable tourism and empowerment projects, being part of “and living
the spirit of the FIFA 2010 World Cup”, but most of all seeing small businesses flourishing
as sustainable enterprises, making a difference for their families and other businesses
around them.
How does she see the role of women in tourism?
Reuann believes we should guard against the South African tourism industry being
adversely affected by incidents beyond the industry’s control, which she says are often
incorrectly perceived. With local travel being
made more affordable and accessible for South
Africans, there can be no better ambassadors for
the industry.
Tokozile Xasa, MP and
Minister of Tourism
At the helm of South Africa’s tourism industry
stands Minister Xasa.
“I am honoured to serve my country in this capacity as it affords me the opportunity to
market and promote my country internationally so that more tourists visit the country,
and domestically for South Africans to travel and appreciate their own country. Through
this, we enable levers and mechanisms to drive economic transformation,” she says.
Although women are making great strides in the industry, and the majority of employees
in the sector are women, Minister Xasa still wants to see many more women in tourism.
At the fourth annual Women in Tourism event, part of the recent Africa Travel Indaba in
Durban, she launched WiT 30in5, an initiative aiming to get 30% of tourism management
positions filled by women over the next 5 years.
Minister Xasa has a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Her career has spanned
various positions in education as well as having held political office as a mayor, MPL, MEC
and Deputy Minister of Tourism before becoming the minister this year. She has also held
different positions in the ANC and the ANC Women’s
Minister Tokozile Xasa League over the years.
Regarding the role of women in the industry, she says a talent pool of empowered women
can only strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness.
She believes women occupy a special place in tourism, but does not want to see
differentiation based on gender, but rather to be seen, accepted, challenged and
rewarded on an equal basis as men.
The significance of Women’s Month and Tourism Month?
“We should strive to honour and uphold what the more than 20,000 women fought
for when they marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the
extension of Pass Laws to women. Tourism Month is also rather significant as it reminds
and encourages women of their significance in the sector.”
Do any personal travel experiences stand out?
“There are still many beautiful experiences on my bucket list that have not been ticked
off. I have been fortunate to travel internationally. But I remain proudly South African. Our
country has a beat and a soul that no other does. Our hidden gems and experiences right
on our door step are much underestimated.
“My single most favorite experience is stand on the expanses of our beautiful Sardinia Bay
beach right here in Nelson Mandela Bay, feel the golden sand in my toes and listen to the
ocean roar messages to my soul - truly breath-taking. My favourite overseas destination
would be India.”
“Various studies have also shown that the leadership style that women bring to
organisations tends to create more responsible organisations that achieve sustained
growth over time. More insight is needed to create support programmes for women
across all stages of their careers.”
Minister Xasa believes the significance of August as Women’s Month followed by Tourism
Month in September is that “while we are all energized to support women, the month
of September provides everyone in the Tourism sector with an opportunity to put
into practice that support and affirm women in the sector. September is also further
dedicated to showcasing support as part of our transformation agenda targeting women
and children”.
She says her position has afforded her the opportunity to visit many places, but says there
is none as beautiful as South Africa.
“We are so blessed with many beautiful destinations – one for every type of activity. It’s
really a world in one country. Meeting people, interacting and learning different cultures
and heritage in each country, will always be a part of me,” she says.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 25

BOAT-BASED WHALE WALE WATCHING
Hermanus New Harbour, Westcliff road, Hermanus
Tel: +27 (0) 28 312 4957 | Cell: +27 (0) 82 931 8064
e-mail: bookings@whalewatchers.biz | www.hermanuswhalewatchers.co.za
Whale Watching with Whale watchers gives one the opportunity to experience the Southern Right Whale up close. A trip on
the registered whale watching boat almost guarantees an unforgettable encounter with these awesome creatures.
• Hermanus is less than a 2-hour drive from Cape Town.
• Over 120 Southern Right Whales come to Hermanus in South Africa each year between June and December
to breed, calf, mate and frolic.
• The vessel used, UNATHI, takes 36 passengers, ensuring good viewing from both the lower and the upper
deck.
• The vessel is equipped with bathroom facilities.

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

Discover
Natursports / Shutterstock
HIDDEN GEMS
OUR REGULAR FEATURE IN WHICH WE VISIT SOME
UNIQUE, HIDDEN-AWAY AND OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW
EXISTED…BUT WHICH ARE TRULY WORTH A VISIT.
By Stef Terblanche
Shipwreck trails … a different way to
discover SA’s beautiful coast
Like the lighthouses that failed to save them from disaster, shipwrecks have a
strange kind of lure for many. While there’s something nostalgic and romantic
about lighthouses, with shipwrecks it’s perhaps more the history, tragedy,
or evidence of nature’s awesome power that draws one. Plus of course the
awesome scenery. With a coastline of almost 3,000km and sections of our
coast bearing names like Cape of Storms, Wild Coast and Danger Point, there
are bound to be many shipwrecks along this coast…in fact some 3,000 of them.
That’s one for every kilometre of coastline. Following the trail of shipwrecks can
be a fascinating experience.
Following the trail of shipwrecks along South Africa’s rugged and dramatic
coast, opens up an entirely new world of exploration and discovery through
hiking trails, 4X4 trails, kayaking and diving excursions. There are also museums
containing exhibits, pictures and the stories of many of these unfortunate ships.
Whichever way one chooses to explore the coast in search of these stricken
vessels, it will take you to locations entirely off the beaten path, along some of
the most beautiful stretches of our coast. These trails will unlock places and bits
of history few of us probably know about, while you might even find a washedup
old gold coin or two.
28 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL

Discover
Michael Potter11/Shutterstock
Richard Whitcombe / Shutterstock
Oliver Cherryman / Shutterstock
Michael Potter11/Shutterstock
The shipwreck trails will lead you to some of the more famous wreck sites, like
that of the Grosvenor, the Arniston, HMS Birkenhead, the Joanna, the Nolloth,
the Waterloo, the Clan Stuart, the Waratah, the Oceanos, the Seafarer, the
Santo Alberto, and many others. But they will also take you to some lesser
known ones, yet with equally fascinating tales of disaster, heroism or treasures
attached. In fact, quite a number of shipwrecks still jealously guard the
whereabouts of the fabulous treasures they are known to have had on board
when they went down. Some shipwrecks have never been found despite the
approximate locations of their demise being known.
It is easy to obtain a list of shipwrecks and some maps by searching online, and
go off wreck-hunting on your own. Or you could let informed guides take you
on any one of number of shipwreck trails. There are shipwreck hiking trails like
the Cape Point Shipwreck Trail, the Diamond Coast Shipwreck Eco- Trail, the
Cape Agulhas Shipwreck Hiking Trail, the Thomas T Tucker Shipwreck Trail, the
Port Alfred Shipwreck Hiking and Canoe Trail, the Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hiking
Trail, among more. Lists of shipwrecks and their locations dating back to the
1500s are available. All of these trails can be combined with excellent hikes in
nature and marine reserves. One of the more beautiful hikes is along the Wild
Coast, Eastern Cape, along a route from the Kei River mouth, past the wellknown
Trennery’s Hotel to where the wreck of the Jacaranda suddenly looms.
The Wild Coast is also home to numerous other wrecks, such as the Grosvenor.
A number of diving operators in coastal cities and resorts take scuba and
snorkel divers to wreck sites where they can explore some of the best preserved
wrecks. Within the Cape Peninsula there are literally hundreds of wrecks on
which to dive. From Smitswinkel Bay to Glencairn and Miller’s Point, you can
dive on well-known wrecks like the Maori, Astor, Katzu Maru, Pietermaritzburg
and the Clan Stuart. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Knysna Heads on
the Garden Route you can dive on Paquita, a German vessel that sank on the
eastern side of the Knysna Heads in 1903. At Port Elizabeth you can dive on the
wreck of the Haerlem. In fact there are wreck diving sites on just about any part
of the coast between Port Nolloth on the upper West Coast and Kosi Bay on the
northern KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Several maritime, shipwreck and other museums located in coastal towns
and cities have fascinating displays and histories of many of these shipwrecks,
complete with salvaged pieces of the wrecks, artefacts and cargo. Among
these are the Maritime Services Museum at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town,
the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp, the Mossel Bay Maritime Museum, and
a section of the East London Museum.
Contact:
Cape Point Information Centre Tel: +27 (0)21 780 9010/11,
Email: info@capepoint.co.za;
4X4 Shipwreck Tour of Namaqualand Tel:+27 (0)27 877 0028,
Email: coast.of.diamonds@gmail.com;
Mile by Mile Tours (Cape Agulhas day tours) Tel: +27 (0)21 418 0907,
Email: info@milebymile.co.za;
Cape Agulhas Shipwreck Hiking Trail Mobile +27 (0)83 2346 428,
Email: info@awoltours.co.za;
West Coast / Diamond Coast Shipwreck Trail Tel +27(0)27 807 2999; S
outh African Maritime Services Centre Tel: +27 (0)21 405 2884,
Email: marsh@iziko.org.za;
Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum Tel: +27 (0)28 424 1240;
East London Museum Tel: +27 (0)43 743 0686,
Email: derekh@elmuseum.za.org;
Pisces Divers Tel +27 (0)21 782 7205, Email info@piscesdivers.co.za;
Into the Blue Tel +27 (0)21 434 3358, Email info@intotheblue.co.za;
Dive Action Tel +27 (0)21 511 0800, Email info@diveaction.co.za;
Aliwal Dive Centre Tel +27 (0) 39 973 2233, Mobile +27 (0) 82 893 2852,
Email dive@aliwalshoal.co.za.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 29

Discover
Cape Point’s nature reserve… natural
extravaganza at land’s end
between Cape Point and the Western Table of Table Mountain close to the
outskirts of the City of Cape Town.
One of the top tourist destinations in South Africa is Cape Point. Yet surprisingly
few people who visit it take the time to explore the beautiful Cape of Good
Hope Nature Reserve that surrounds Cape Point. The nature reserve forms
part of Table Mountain National Park, which in turn forms part of the Cape
Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Table Mountain of course is also
one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The nature reserve at Cape Point has a number of hiking or walking routes
along well-maintained paths and boardwalks, while one can also drive through
for better game viewing. The dramatic coastline here with its many secluded
coves and beaches are a true nature-lover’s delight…and it’s all within easy
reach.
After visiting the historic light houses and information centre at Cape Point,
you can follow a shipwreck trail, hike or cycle along the paths, braai or picnic
on the beach, do some surfing or diving, or go game viewing and see the eland,
red hartebeest, bontebok and zebra living in the reserve. Due to the variety of
wildlife here it is the only section of the overall park that is fenced.
However, several activities require permits, so best to find out about these
beforehand. A visit to the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre will tell you all about the
plants and animals to look out for in a particular season.
While at Cape Point, you may want to extend your excursion to visit the
penguins at nearby Boulders beach, or explore Smitswinkel Bay, Simonstown,
Scarborough, Misty Cliffs and a number of other nearby attractions. If you
have more time on hand, consider doing the 5-day, 4-night Hoerikwaggo Trail
Cape Point is often billed as the site where two oceans meet – the cold Atlantic
and the warm Indian Ocean. However, their meeting is really stretched out
between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas. But the cold Benguela Current and the
warm Agulhas Current do part ways more or less at Cape Point. This is why the
sea water on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula is much colder than on the
False Bay side where you find the Indian Ocean. Cape Point has them on either
side of its jagged, 800m high cliffs.
Upon rounding the Cape Point and the peninsula in 1488, Portuguese explorer
Bartolomeu Dias named it the Cape of Storms. In 1580 Sir Francis Drake called
it the ‘The Fairest Cape in all the World’. A decade later, another Portuguese
seafarer, Vasco da Gama, sailed around and successfully opened a new trading
route for Europe with India and the Far East, prompting King John II of Portugal
to rename it the Cape of Good Hope.
After completing your hike or drive through the reserve, you may want to get
something really good to eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant. And for shoppers
there is Tigers Eye Curio Shop. You can also leave your car safely in the public
parking area and take the popular “Flying Dutchman” funicular railway car up
the steep slope to the steps leading to the Old Lighthouse Lookout Point. From
there, just follow the signs, boardwalks and footpaths.
Contact: TMNP - Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre Tel +27(0) 21 780 9204;
Cape Point Visitor Centre Tel +27 (0)21 780 9010 or Email info@capepoint.
co.za; Hoerikwaggo Trails Booking Office Tel +27 (0)21 422 2816 or Email
hoerikwaggobookings@sanparks.org.
30 |ISSUE 6|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZI TRAVEL
JaySi / Shutterstock

Discover
Naeblys / Shutterstock
Francesco Dazzi / Shutterstock
Pilgrims’ Rest…reliving the gold rush
Walk down the main street. Close your eyes and hear the rowdy celebrations in
the saloons of panners and diggers who found gold today. There’s loud music,
even louder voices, gambling, drinking and good-time dancing girls kicking their
legs high in the air. A digger walks into the Church Bar at the Royal Hotel, slaps
a gold nugget on the counter and orders drinks for everybody. He is loudly
cheered and a gun shot or two are even fired off in drunken appreciation.
Some of the less rowdy town folk are buying supplies in the general dealerships,
bakery and other tin-roofed, corrugated iron shops lining the street. Welcome
to Pilgrim’s Rest, the miner’s town still frozen in the time of South Africa’s
second gold rush in 1873.
In 1873 gold was discovered on the farm Geelhoutboom in present-day
Mpumalanga. The president of the Transvaal (or old South African Republic)
gave it the official name of the New Caledonian Gold Fields, but the miners and
farmers of the area preferred calling it Mac Mac because of the many Scottish
diggers at the camp that quickly sprang up. Within that same year, gold was also
discovered nearby at what was to become the town of Pilgrim’s Rest. The third
gold rush took place at Millwood in the forest outside Knysna in 1876, followed
by the Barberton gold rush of 1881. Only in 1886 did the great gold rush at
Langlaagte take place where the metropolis of Johannesburg stands today.
The mining camps and early towns of Mac Mac and Millwood have disappeared,
those of Langlaagte grew into one of Africa’s biggest and wealthiest cities. But
Pilgrim’s Rest, clinging to the side of a steep, forested hill near the Blyde River
Canyon, remained. It has hardly changed since the heady gold rush days, with
most of its old buildings restored to their original. Unfortunately the town has
not been well maintained the last few years and tourist numbers here have
fallen. But it’s still very much worth a visit, and perhaps the partial dilapidation
gives it even more of an atmosphere going back in time.
Steve Heap / Shutterstock
After crossing the Joubert Bridge built in 1896 into town, you can visit the
many restored buildings still housing shops, pubs, restaurants, curios shops, a
hotel and museums, among others. At Alanglade House, an elegant Edwardian
house built in 1915 and furnished with period pieces, you can see how the mine
manager once lived. There are also a print shop, general dealers, hairdresser,
bakery and more.
In the Royal Hotel you can still sleep in a Victorian-era room, or have a drink
at the bar that first saw service as a Roman Catholic chapel in old Lourenco
Marques (now Maputo) in neighbouring Mozambique. It was at this very same
bar where Tommy Dennyson, the village laundryman, used to drink, before he
rode his horse up into the hills above the village to carry out South Africa’s last
stagecoach robbery. After the robbery he was arrested in the bar, busy paying
off his debts with his robbery haul, and Pretoria Central Prison became his next
home.
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Aqua Images / Shutterstock

Discover
Other characters that used to walk along the busy high street or visit the
hotels and saloons, included famous author Sir James Percy FitzPatrick and
his equally famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld; Alec ‘Wheelbarrow’ Patterson,
who discovered the gold here, but who later became a familiar sight pushing
all his earthly belongings on a wheelbarrow while aimlessly wandering around
the village and surrounding hills, possibly looking for new discoveries; Matthias
Mockett ‘The Bosun’, who had sailed the seven seas before settling here and
was affectionately known for his big sense of humour; Florrie, the Golden
Dane, who was expert at arm wrestling the miners and said they were all her
‘sweethearts’, but that none owned her; Cockney Liz who auctioned herself off
to the highest bidder each night; or one Walter Scott, who committed suicide
or was lynched after murdering his friend Roy Spencer, and who was buried
here. His grave can still be seen: it is the only grave not facing the rising sun, and
its headstone simply reads ‘Robber’s Grave’.
The town lies on the Mpumalanga Panorama Route. Among its other attractions
are a Prospectors’ Hiking Trail, a mountain bike trail at Crystal Springs, a 5-hour
interactive tour of the village, as well as many nearby attractions like God’s
Window, the Lowveld, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the spectacular Blyde
River Canyon. It also hosts an annual gold panning competition in September.
Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a National Monument and a provincial heritage site,
and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in the Cultural
category in 2004.
Contact: Royal Hotel Tel +27 (0)13 768 1044 or Email royal@rhpilgrims.co.za;
Pilgrim’s Rest Tourism Information Centre Tel +27 (0)13 768 1060.
the sea surges with great force; Nguni cattle resting on the rocks and beaches;
and quaint hotels and resorts set on river banks or within forests that cover the
dunes, usually far apart and pretty isolated.
You could make some inland detours along the way to take in some of the
forests, nature reserves and spectacles such as the fabulous Magwa Falls. Many
of the operator-offered hiking tours include visits to cultural and educational
attractions, traditional villages, museums, historical places, resorts and more.
Apart from the small hotels and resorts, there are buzzing backpackers’ lodges
all along the coast in some of the most beautiful surroundings too.
A number of hiking trail tour operators are active along this coast, offering a
variety of hiking trails to choose from. For instance, there is the 5-day Wild
Coast Meander that takes you from Kob Inn to Morgan’s Bay. On the way you
will pass Mazeppa Bay where a suspension bridge connects the mainland to
an island that is a favourite fishing spot for locals. Local guides and porters are
available to assist you, while nights are spent in small hotels along the way.
A more challenging, but very popular hike is the 5-day Wild Coast Hiking Trail
from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay. Hikers overnight in local villages where they
will experience hospitality second to none. It is one of the most beautiful and
unspoilt trails starting at Port St Johns at the mouth of the Mzimvubu River. It
takes you past Second Beach, the Silaka Wildlife Reserve, the beautiful Mngazi
River mouth, several more river mouths and estuaries including Hluleka and
Mdumbi, and on to Coffee Bay.
Wild Coast hikes…bonding with
spectacular nature
It is truly a wild coast…magnificently wild, pristine and beautiful. Its shoreline,
cliffs, hills, beaches, estuaries, high dunes, waterfalls, wide rivers, forests,
and even the way of life of the locals, have remained largely untouched for
centuries. And it’s all waiting there just for you: just put on your hiking boots,
grab a backpack and bottle of water, and off you go on one of those life
experiences never to be forgotten. There are a large number of lovely hiking
trails to choose from, plus enchanting little hotels and lodges tucked away in
the unspoilt wild.
Many of the best and most rewarding hiking trails in South Africa are to be
found along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, a 300km stretch of coastline
that many will tell you is one of the most beautiful in the world. Although
villages and traditional homes are dotted across the surrounding landscape,
as well as the occasional holiday resort or hotel, you won’t find many people
crowding your hike. For most of the time it will be just you, your companions
and nature. The Wild Coast stretches south from Port Edward on the KwaZulu-
Natal border to Cintsa, just north of East London.
The landscape is one of dramatic beauty ranging from jagged cliffs, to gently
rolling grass-covered hills, indigenous forests, forest-covered dunes, rocky
bays, miles of golden beaches and mangrove swamps in sheltered estuaries.
Wide river mouths open into the sea at regular intervals. Along the way you will
find magnificent sites such as a high waterfall plunging directly into the sea; a
large, grass-covered rock in the sea with a giant hole in its base through which
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PhotoSky / Shutterstock

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Alternatively you may consider the Drifters Wild Coast Trail covering the more
northern section of the Wild Coast and taking you past places such as Waterfall
Bluff and Cathedral Rock. The trail is a short 59km. A slightly longer one at 80km
is the more southern Diaz Cross Trail starting at Woody Cape in the Alexandria
State Forest and which takes you via the Diaz Cross and Kenton-on-Sea to the
mouth of the Great Fish River in the south.
Another operator offers the self-catered Pondo Explore Trails; or the fully
supported Pondo Hopper Trail; the Mtentu Explorer Trail which is easily
accessible from Durban; the Haven to Cebe Trail which has hikers staying in
a community lodge on the stunning Nqabarha River, approximately half-way
between the Haven and Kob Inn hotels; a Port St Johns to Coffee Bay trail;
another from Coffee Bay to Bulungula; as well as tailor-made trails. A great
variety of trails and itineraries are offered by these and other hiking tour
operators here.
Contact: Active Escape Tel +27 (0)33 3295259 or Cell +27 (0)84 2407277, or
Email tours@active-escapes.co.za; Wild Tours Cell +27 (0)82 507 2256 or +27
(0)82 507 2256, or Email jimmy.toursandhikes@gmail.com; SA Adventure Trails
Tel +27 (0)33 343 1564 or Cell +27 (0)82-323 4022, or Skype paulmiles2809;
Dirty Boots Tel +27 (0)33 343 1564 or Cell +27 (0)82 323 4022.
Solms-Delta…so much more than a
wine estate
There are many wine estates one can visit in the Winelands of the Western
Cape, either to taste some wine, enjoy live entertainment, eat in their topclass
restaurants, or picnic under trees alongside the vineyards. But there is
one wine estate very different from all the rest: Soms-Delta. For here you can
meet and mingle with the workers who now co-own this wine estate, many of
them descendants of slaves. In their own museum you can learn about their
fascinating history and heritage, as well as the story of how they came to own
their own piece of wine-making heaven. And you can still also do all of the
things all the other wine estates offer, and more.
Following South Africa’s democratic elections in 1994, Professor Mark Solms
returned home to South Africa in 2001 as a sixth-generation member of a
farming family, to breathe new life into the neglected Delta farm. As part of
an initiative to restore the dignity and sense of belonging of workers and their
families living on the farm, and to facilitate their right to own a fair share of the
land, Solms and the workers literally started digging up the past of this farm.
During the archaeological excavations they uncovered artefacts and evidence
from different periods in the history of the farm. With it came the fascinating
story of the slaves who had lived there, and the realisation that everything on
the farm – from the vineyards to the elegant Cape Dutch buildings – was built
by slaves.
PhotoSky / Shutterstock
Realising that the tenants and workers who live on the farm today deserved
a fair share of their ancestors’ sacrifices and their own current effort, Solms,
with the help of British social entrepreneur Richard Astor, launched an initiative
through which ownership of land and equity in the business could be shared
by all living on the farm. The workers and residents of Solms-Delta initially
acquired a 33.3% interest in the business of Solms-Delta, increased in 2016 to
45%.
The historical and cultural treasures that were uncovered during the
excavations that uncovered the history of the farm, now form a rich storytelling
tapestry of the lives of the people of Solms-Delta. These can be viewed at
the Museum van de Caab social history museum and Music van de Caab centre
located on the farm. Learning from its past, the wine estate now is a daily, living
celebration of co-ownership and co-operation, as well as a celebration of the
food, the people, the music and, of course, the wine, of Solms-Delta, and of
South Africans in general.
Michael Potter11 / Shutterstock
Visitors to Solms-Delta – which is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and lies
just off the R45 between Franschhoek and Paarl along Delta Road – can now
indulge in good food, good wines, entertainment, a sense of heritage and a
fascinating historical education. Picnics, with food baskets from the farm’s
Fyndraai Restaurant and deli can be enjoyed on a lush lawn alongside the
forest, or on a sandy riverbank or a shady spot overlooking the dam. Wine
tasting and farm tours are also offered.
A highlight is the journey back in time at the Museum van de Caab, housed
in the farm’s original wine cellar dating back to the 1740’s. The Music van de
Caab museum and project, sponsored by Solms-Delta and Boschendal wine
estate, shares research on the traditional music of the Cape and celebrates it by
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Discover
supporting various local music ensembles and projects. Visitors are entertained
to live performances while events such as the annual ATKV-Oesfees (harvest
festival) are also held here. An annual ATKV-Oesfees highlight is a performance
by winners of the ATKV Riel Dance Final – the riel dancers were featured in
the previous edition of MzanziTravel. Next time you visit the Winelands of the
Cape, be sure to include this hidden gem.
Contact: Solms-Delta Tel + 27 (0)21 874 3937; Website www.solms-delta.co.za;
or Email info@solms-delta.co.za.
Maropeng…welcoming Homo naledi
back to the Cradle of Humankind
An amazing new addition to Maropeng’s brand new exhibition space, The
Gallery, at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site near Johannesburg,
is the astonishing ‘Almost Human’ Exhibition. This world first exhibit tracks
the incredible story of the Rising Star cave and the extraordinary discovery
of a new hominin species made by Professor Lee Berger of the University of
Witwatersrand. Apart from this exhibition there is much else to do and enjoy at
Maropeng as you embark on a fascinating journey going back millions of years
in time to the origin of all humans who now inhabit our planet.
Join the journey. From the discovery itself; to the ongoing research on this new
hominin, you can be part of this fascinating story that has gripped the world.
Visit the original Homo naledi exhibition to view this find and the brand new
discovery all at Maropeng, which opened on the 25th May 2017.The 2,500sqm
interactive exhibition comes complete with an underground lake boat ride and
a vortex to take you through the big bang experience that changed the world
millions of years ago. All tours are guided and open at 09h00 with the last tour
departing at 16h00.
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Spend some time at Maropeng exploring the walking trail with over 60 species
of birds to discover. Enjoy one of the restaurants’ delicious meals whilst
overlooking the Magaliesburg and Witwatersberg mountain ranges. For the
complete experience, combine a tour of Maropeng with one at the Sterkfontein
Caves for a bit of underground exploration and adventure! Or, if you are looking
for a quiet escape in beautiful surroundings with breath-taking views, spend
the night at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel in four star luxury.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS) was listed as a
World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999.This site of global significance located about
50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, occupies 53,000 hectares of land.
Its complex of fossil-bearing caves contains a superbly preserved record of the
various stages in the evolution of humankind within the past 3.5 million years
which have yielded some of the most iconic fossils of extinct ancient human
ancestors and relatives, and associated fauna.
There are over 400 tourism destinations and a range of eight visitor experiences
to enjoy within the Cradle of Humankind during your stay. These range from
Heritage and Culture; adrenaline pumping outdoor adventures; wildlife
encounters to a range of hotels and lodges to suit any budget.
Contact: Tel +27 (0)14 577 9000 or Website www.maropeng.co.za – Maropeng
can also be found on Twitter at @MaropengSA and Facebook at Maropeng-
Cradle of Humankind.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 35

THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
(COHWHS) was listed as a World Heritage Site by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999.This site of global
significance located about 50 kilometres northwest of
Johannesburg, occupies 53 000 hectares of land. Its
complex of fossil-bearing caves contains a superbly
preserved record of the various stages in the evolution of
humankind within the past 3.5 million years which have
yielded some of the most iconic fossils of extinct ancient
human ancestors and relatives, and associated fauna.
These include “Mrs Ples”, “Little Foot”, Australopithecus
sediba, and the latest ground-breaking discovery – Homo
naledi. The COH WHS is an area of outstanding universal
value. As Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site, and a
premier tourism destination, the site is based on the
conservation, exploration and interpretation of the story
of humanity and its brand value encompasses ancient
history, human beginnings, adventure, discovery and a
whole lot more.
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Entry to ‘Almost Human’ is included in the standard ticket price
for the Maropeng exhibition experience. For more information
contact (014) 577 9000 or www.maropeng.co.za

Explore
IRON HORSES &
ROMANTIC JOURNEYS
DISCOVERING SOUTH AFRICA BY TRAIN
by Stef Terblanche
Few forms of travel beat the romanticism and sheer
enjoyment of a train journey. It also allows for one
of the best ways to discover a country, its scenery,
its towns and its people, whether in utmost luxury
or simply ‘roughing it’ with the locals.
There is no better perspective on the world than
from a train carriage as you peer out the window
at the passing scenery and listen to the rhythmic
clickety-clack of the wheels on the rails beneath
you. There is also no nicer way to fall asleep than listening to that sound and
feeling your carriage gently swaying from side to side. And this is enhanced
even more if there is a huffing and puffing steam engine at the front.
Let’s face it: few of us can resist the romantic lure of a train. As the famous
travel writer Paul Theroux once said: “I have seldom heard a train go by and
not wished I was on it”.
Some of the world’s greatest travel experiences can be enjoyed on board any
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number of famous trains: the Trans-Siberian train, the Settle-Carlisle Railway
across England, the Orient Express across Europe, the Rocky Mountaineer in
Canada, the Eastern & Oriental Express across Southeast Asia, India’s Palace
on Wheels, Switzerland’s Glacier Express and Bernina Express, the Ghan across
Australia, the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, the Danube
Express, and of course South Africa’s very famous Blue Train and Rovos Rail.
In fact, many lists of famous train journeys compiled by travel writers place
South Africa’s Blue Train or Rovos Rail right at the top.
What is perhaps less known is that South Africa offers a far greater variety of
train travel than just the luxurious top-of-the-range journeys…from day trips
to epic long distance journeys, from top-of-the-range luxury to budget and
daily commutes, from steam to diesel or electric, from old to new, slow to highspeed,
local or cross-border. You name it, we have it all.
Travelling by train in South Africa you can experience the country’s dramatic
coastline, cross its beautiful mountains, traverse the vast plains of the Karoo,
stop in small out-of-way hamlets and villages, get a first-hand ‘inside’ look
at our cities, visit the famous Cape Winelands or even watch game from the
comfort of a lounge car.

Explore
Rovos Rail...Pride of Africa
Blue Train
This is without a doubt South Africa’s most famous train…a 5-star luxury hotel
on wheels that will take you through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful
parts of the country.
The Blue Train offers unparalleled luxury, from your very own personal butler, to
cordon bleu dining, the best South African wines on board, the finest bed linen,
marble floors, gold fittings in the bathrooms, elegant lounges, cocktails and
sundowners in the Club Car, watching the passing landscape from the luxurious
Lounge Car, and more. Meals are prepared by top chefs and presented on fine
china, and wine comes in delicate crystal.
The train is truly worthy of its claim to offer “a window to the soul of Africa” as
it travels the 1,600km between Cape Town and Pretoria in 31 hours. There are
currently two standard routes: the original Pretoria-aCape Town route, and the
Pretoria-Hoedspruit/Kruger National Park route added in 2016. The train can
also be chartered and can host on-board conferences.
The first Blue Train was launched in the 1920s, making the service almost a
century old. The idea for the train came from a desire at the time to be able to
travel from the Cape to Cairo and subsequently grew from two earlier trains,
the Union Express and the Union Limited. While it never made it to Cairo, the
train did at times travel to the misty, thundering Victoria Falls on the border
between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sadly it no longer does so due to incompatible
infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
During World War II the train was pressed into military service, reincarnated in
1946 and has undergone several refurbishments, upgrades and modernisations
since then, also switching from steam to electric and finally to diesel.
The northbound train stops in the historic little hamlet of Matjiesfontein in the
Karoo, fittingly founded in 1884 by the legendary Scottish railwayman James
Douglas Logan. Today the hamlet still boasts a number of splendid historical
buildings and sites, including the Lord Milner Hotel while relics from the Anglo-
Boer War can still be found in the surrounding fields. The southbound train
stops in Kimberley with its diamond mining history and Big Hole, as well as
numerous other attractions. Both the stops in Matjiesfontein and Kimberley
allow time for excursions.
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Pictures: Supplied
Bear in mind though that this train does not come cheap: the lowest rate
currently is R15,500 per person sharing a De Luxe Double suite. However,
some consolation for South Africans: locals can get better deals – anything
between R10,500 to R 15,500 per person sharing – if they book through local
tour operators and travel agents. This would include The Blue Train (one way)
between Pretoria and Cape Town, two nights’ accommodation at a 4 or 5 star
hotel, car hire and flights. These packages are available throughout the year.
Reservations: Pretoria Tel +27 (0)12 334-8459 or +27 (0)12 334-8460;
Cape Town Tel +27 (0)21 449 2672
Website: http://www.bluetrain.co.za/
Rovos Rail
A worthy rival to the Blue Train for the title of South Africa’s most luxurious
train, the trains operated by private rail company Rovos Rail are often hailed
as the most luxurious in the world. One of the more unique offerings of Rovos
Rail is that on some parts of their journeys passengers can sit in the comfort of
a luxurious viewing lounge, or stand on an open observation platform at the
end of the train and actually watch a passing parade of wildlife as they travel
through game reserves. No other train journey anywhere in the world can
probably offer anything like this
Entrepreneur Rohan Vos started Rovos Rail as a small operation in 1986. Since
then it has grown into a rail enterprise that enjoys worldwide recognition and
offers at least eight unparalleled itineraries.
Topping the list is the 15-day ‘Pride of Africa’ trip from Cape Town all the way
to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Along the way you will pass through Matjiesfontein
and Kimberley, spend 2 nights in the Madikwe Game Reserve, and continue
on through the northern parts of South Africa, then through Botswana,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and finally Tanzania. This epic train journey is hailed as one
of the most famous in the world.
Another unique three-night adventure will take you north from Pretoria
crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, passing into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge, and on
to Bulawayo, the capital of Matabeleland. The train then traverses Hwange
National Park, rich in wildlife that can be spotted from the train, before ending
its journey in the misty spray of the mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.
Then there is a 1,600km meander through the grasslands of the Highveld
gold country, to the haunting planes of the Great Karoo, then snaking through
the Cape’s awesome mountain ranges and on through the scenic Winelands,
before ending the journey in Cape Town, the Mother City at the foot of Table
Mountain.
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Shongololo Express
Rovos Rail also offers an alternative more casual than Rovos or the Blue Train
but still coming with high-end luxury, namely its Shongololo Express, named
after the African millipede. Also based at Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria, this
service offers three journeys of between 12 to 15 days each across South
Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These come with
golfing and non-golfing itineraries and include visits to most of the destinations
listed for Rovos Rail packages.
Rates start at around R52,000 one way per person sharing and include
accommodation, excursions, entrance fees to places of interest, off-train
lunches, off-train accommodation at lodges, resorts, hotels and clubs, all
beverages, laundry, gratuities, and golf course fees.
Most of these journeys start at Rovos Rail’s own station in Pretoria, which
also boasts a railway museum. All trains consist of meticulously restored
vintage train coaches, with Rovos Rail now owning one of the biggest private
collections of vintage trains in the world. Careful attention has been given to
every detail to live up to the company’s slogan of ‘The most luxurious train in
the world’. Style, grandeur and old-world charm is the order of the day – from
the superbly appointed suites to the cosy lounge cars, 1940s style dining coach
and everything in-between.
Rates vary per type of accommodation and per itinerary, but start at around
R18,950 per person sharing.
Contact: Tel Pretoria +27 (0) 12 315 8242, or Tel Cape Town +27 (0) 21 421 4020.
Website: www.shongololo.com
Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe
If you cannot quite afford Rovos, the Blue Train or the Shongololo Express but
still want excellent service, luxury, safe and comfortable train travel, and see
some of the best of South Africa, there is nothing better than the Shosholoza
Meyl or Premier Classe. Operated by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA),
the Premier Classe train offers mainline train travel services on routes between
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Contact: Pretoria Tel +27 (0) 12 315 8242; Cape Town Tel +27 (0) 21 421 4020.
Email: reservations@rovos.co.za. Website: www.rovos.com
Priced very competitively – the Johannesburg-Cape Town journey costing
R3,120 per person single - Premier Classe trains are less expensive and a great
alternative to all other luxury train travel services in South Africa.
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The Premier Classe trains come with fully refurbished air-conditioned deluxe
sleeper cars that offer more space than tourist class trains: one passenger per
2-berth coupé and two passengers per 4-berth compartment. Bedding and
luxury amenities are inclusive and there is a special restaurant car, a lounge
car with TV, and the train fare includes all meals, tea/coffee and soft drinks.
During the day, sleeper compartments are converted into suites with hot and
cold water from a basin underneath a fold-up table.
The Premier Classe offers travellers with one of the great South African train
experiences, namely the route from Cape Town to Johannesburg that crosses
the Great Karoo, while the Johannesburg-Durban route also takes travellers
through some of the most beautiful natural scenery the country has to offer.
Contact: Reservations Tel 021 449 2252 / 011 773 8785
Website: www.premierclasse.co.za
Shosaloza Meyl Tourist Class
The Shosholoza Meyl Tourist Class, or ‘ordinary train’, offers budget train travel
at its best – safe, comfortable, good service and with lots of beautiful scenery
thrown in as you cross South Africa to your destination. Also operated by
PRASA, it comes dirt cheap: a berth in a 4-person compartment or a 2-person
coupé travelling one way between Johannesburg and Cape Town will only set
you back R690 per person single.
All berths, whether in compartments or coupés, include bunk beds, a
communal toilet and hot shower at the end of each coach. Couples travel in
2-berth coupés and families in 4-berth compartments. Solo travellers share a 4
berth with fellow travellers of the same gender.
The Tourist Class restaurant coach offers South African meals and beverages
on a cash basis. Snacks can be purchased from the service trolley while bringing
one’s own food is allowed. Bedding can be purchased on the train at R60 per
person. The service also provides transport for private vehicles on train routes
between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban or Port Elizabeth. Fares are
quoted on the Shosholoza Meyl website for three months in advance while
bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance.
Some Tourist Class trains have air-conditioning, but the windows open to allow
for cool air circulation. Travelling on Shosholoza Meyl Tourist Class is perfectly
safe. All trains have 24-hour security personnel on board, while on certain
routes members of the SA Police Service are also deployed. Each train has an
on-board manager who will see to any requirements travellers may have.
Contact: Reservations Tel 011 773 6566 / 012 315 2090 / 021 449 3474 / 041
994 2002 / 051 408 2555 or online www.shosholozameyl.co.za.
Website www.shosholozameyl.co.za.
Gautrain
If you are arriving at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport from
overseas or elsewhere in South Africa, your very first train experience
might well be the high-speed Gautrain connecting Tshwane, Ekurhuleni,
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Explore
Johannesburg with a dedicated airport link from Sandton to the OR Tambo
International Airport.
Perhaps not quite as fast as Japan or France’s bullet trains, but fast enough at
160km/hour and every bit as comfortable and luxurious. Its state-of-the-art
stations have fast self-service ticket vending machines and these stations have
become hubs of local development.
The rapid-transit Gautrain is safe and convenient, with trains departing every
12 minutes at peak times and every 20 to 30 minutes outside peak times. A
one-way ticket between Pretoria and Johannesburg’s Park Station costs
an affordable R76. You first have to purchase a Gold Card at R16, then load
credit onto it for your journey, while children under 3 travel free. A number of
different product passes can be purchased and the integrated ticketing system
allows passengers to pay for the train, bus rides and parking with a single card.
The Gautrain, with its distinctive gold, silver and blue livery and sleek,
aerodynamic appearance, has become a favourite with people seeking fast
and convenient connections between the airport and local destinations, or for
commuting between Gauteng’s three major cities.
The train runs along two corridors: the north-south route from Johannesburg
to Tshwane, and the west-east route from Sandton to OR International Airport.
A journey on the train will have you travelling at high speed through the suburbs
of the three cities, through industrial areas, flashing across open countryside,
zipping through high-end residential areas, passing the busy airport, riding
elevated high above the ground, or down below the surface through sections
of tunnels. Buses and shuttles are available to transport passengers during
weekdays to and from all stations excluding the OR Tambo station.
sorted out and the train is very safe.
Tickets can be bought at Cape Town Station or any of the stations along the
route.
Atlantic Rail
For steam train enthusiasts, South Africa has an abundance of unique offerings,
mostly private operations using Transnet rail lines, but some operating on their
own private lines.
One such company, Atlantic Rail, offers some of the most scenic trips from Cape
Town through the famous Cape Winelands to Stellenbosch and to wine estates
such as Spier and Vredenheim. Atlantic Rail uses a Class 16DA steam locomotive
built in 1929, while its wooden-bodied vintage coaches date from 1922 to 1938.
Each train has a lounge car with a full cash bar service.
The company has several more steam train trips scheduled for most of the
remainder of the year. One trip takes you to Stellenbosch where you will
have about 3 ½ hours to yourself to explore the town and its many delightful
experiences. Another trip to Stellenbosch includes a return steam train journey,
a tour of Distell’s Berg Kelder wine museum and cellars, and wine tasting.
After it leaves Cape Town Station the train travels to Bellville, passing Century
City, then branches off to Eerste River after which it crosses through the
The trip from Sandton to the airport takes 15 minutes, and from Johannesburg
to Pretoria a mere 40 minutes. It is truly Africa’s most state-of-the-art train and
a magnificent world-class rail experience.
Contact: Call Centre Tel 0800 428 87246
Website: http://www.gautrain.co.za/
Metrorail Cape Town-to-Simonstown
While part of Metrorail’s regular Cape Town commuter train services, the
service from Cape Town to Simonstown has long been very popular for
weekend picnic excursions with locals. The train departs at regular intervals
from Cape Town’s main station, travels through the southern suburbs,
and eventually hugs some of the most scenic coastline in South Africa from
Muizenburg to Simonstown. From Muizenburg all stops are at stations sitting
virtually on the beach.
Take the train from Cape Town or any station along the route, get off in
Simonstown and visit the naval dockyards, small craft harbour, restaurants,
museums, pubs, various historic sites and more, all within walking distance
from the station. After a leisurely day exploring historic Simonstown, take the
late afternoon train back to Cape Town.
Sand drifts onto the lines may however cause part of the line between Fish
Hoek and Simonstown to be closed periodically. As this is a daily commuter
train tickets are very affordable. Past security problems have generally been
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 43

Explore
Winelands, stopping at the Spier and Vredenheim wine estates, before
steaming into the still original old Stellenbosch Station. At this station you
can see the stationmaster still working the hand-operated switches of the
semaphore signals that switch the lines. The station is just 700m from Dorp
Street, which leads into the heart of the old town with its many historic,
architectural, heritage, culinary and other attractions.
The return steam train journey to Spier Wine Estate includes wine tasting at
Spier, visiting the wild animal and bird sanctuary on the farm, and lunch on
the estate. The return journey to Vredenheim Wine Estate includes a similar
package. Train trip packages start at R300 for adults and R200 for children
aged 3-12 years.
For more information go to www.atlanticrail.co.za, or for bookings send an
email to info@atlanticrail.co.za with name, phone number, number of adults
and children, and date on which you wish to travel.
Sandstone Private Railway
For steam engine enthusiasts and day-trippers seeking a unique experience,
there is the private railway system of the Sandstone Heritage Trust situated on
the Sandstone Estates, a large agricultural estate close to the Maluti Mountain
Range in the eastern Free State.
Apart from 26km of private railway line and the biggest collection of 2ft.
narrow gauge steam locomotives in the world, the estate also houses museum
collections of farm equipment dating back to the 1800s, a Stationery Engine
Museum (water pumping and electricity generating equipment), military
vehicles, tractors, ox wagons and more.
Trains range from a kiddies’ steam train right up to a monster triple-headed
Garratt engine. Train journeys are open to the public on scheduled weekends,
but these will only be resumed in the coming summer as sections of the railway
line are currently being upgraded and repairs to locomotives are being done.
Two different trips, the Mountain Wanderer and the Lesotho Meander, depart
from Sandstone Estate’s Hoekfontein station, travel southwards to Grootdraai,
and turn close to the Maluti Mountains and the Lesotho border, before
returning to Hoekfontein.
Ceres Rail Company
Another unique steam train experience is offered by the privately-owned
Ceres Rail Company, with trips through the beautiful Ceres Valley, the Western
Cape Winelands, and a Flower Trip up the West Coast.
Started by Derick du Toit with the help of Simon Beckett and Transnet, part
of the company’s mission is preserve and promote South African rail heritage,
which involves restoring and refurbishing old locomotives and coaches. The
company uses a Class 19D locomotive named Jessica and manufactured in
1948 in the UK, a Class 19B locomotive named Bailey, and the very famous,
one of a kind South African-built Class 26, fondly known as the Red Devil.
Journeys run from the town of Ceres and Cape Town and takes travellers
through the beautiful Ceres Valley, one of the biggest deciduous fruit producing
areas in the Western Cape. The valley is lined by rivers and mountains and
the train travels mostly above Michell’s Pass, known for its beautiful scenery
and jaw-dropping rock formations. In winter the mountains of the areas are
covered in snow.
Packages to choose from include a local Ceres trip, Winelands trips from Ceres
to Robertson, Worcester and Ashton, with stops at many very well-known wine
estates. Or from 18-20 August 2017you can do the West Coast Flower trip from
Cape Town to Graafwater station, from where you will be transported by bus to
either Clanwilliam or Lamberts Bay. En route you will be able to view the famous
annual spring wild flower spectacle of the West Coast and Namaqualand.
The trips start from R450 per person for the Ceres Valley, going up to R5,950 per
person sharing for the 3-day West Coast trip. See their website for itineraries.
Contact: Cell +27 (0)79 077 5332 or email events@ceresrail.co.za.
Diamond Express
Another journey down memory lane by steam train is offered on the Diamond
Express run by he Friends of the Rail, a non-profit group of steam enthusiasts
based in Pretoria. They use vintage steam engines and 60-year old restored
train coaches. The trips run between their own private station at Hermanstad
and the historic diamond mining town of Cullinan, with shorter trips around
Pretoria. Refreshments are served from an on-board kiosk.
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Knysna and its lagoon/
Dominique de La Croix / Shutterstock

Explore
Visit their website for s schedule of train trips for 2017. Return fares are R275
for adults with discounts for pensioners, teenagers and children. Charters and
special occasion trips can be arranged. At present passengers are transferred
a short distance between Rayton station and Cullinan onto vintage buses as a
section of the railway line has been stolen by thieves. The company hopes this
will soon be repaired.
Contact: Tel: +27 (0)12-767-7913 or +27 (0)82-098-6186;
email sales@friendsoftherail.com; website www.friendsoftherail.com.
Umgeni Steam Railway
Outenique Choo-Tjoe
Unfortunately some of South Africa’s most beloved train journeys have
been suspended due to various circumstances. Among them is the famous
Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe that used to run along the historic 52-kilometre railway
line between George and Knysna on the Garden Route, before flood damage
rendered the line unusable in 2006.
The good news is that the train has new owners and repairs to the line are being
undertaking with a view to reviving this popular train journey.
For more information go online to www.outeniquachootjoe.com/contact/
contact-and-enquiries/.
This is another vintage steam train operation run by volunteer enthusiasts
dedicated to preserving the heritage of railways in South Africa. The Umgeni
Steam Railway, associated with the Railway Society of South Africa – Natal,
operates train trips at least once a month through the rolling hills and lush
greenery of the KwaZulu-Natal countryside. They also maintain a museum and
library.
Trains run through the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Hills between Kloof
and Inchanga on the last Sunday of each month, with additional trains during
school holidays and for special events, such as Christmas holiday trains in
December. Their Inchanga Choo Choo train departs from the Stokers Arms
in Kloof, stops at Inchanga where the Inchanga conservancy organise a craft
market and picnic area with food stalls, and returns to Stokers Arms in Kloof.
Fares are R240 for adults, and R170 for pensioners and children 2 – 12 years
old. For a schedule of upcoming trips, visit their website where there is an
online booking form.
Apple Express
The equally famous Apple Express, Port Elizabeth’s historic narrow gauge
railway experience, was suspended in 2011 until further notice. The train used
to run between Humewood Road Station, Port Elizabeth and Loerie Station,
approximately a two and half hour ride from Port Elizabeth. Hauled either
by a steam locomotive or a diesel locomotive depending on the weather, the
train would stop at the Van Stadens River Bridge, the highest narrow-gauge
bridge in the world. We can only hope this unique train experience will soon
become available again.
For more information call Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, or +27 (0)41-583 4480
or (0)729319813, or go to www.nmbt.co.za/listing/apple_express.html.
Contact: Tel Umgeni Steam Railway +27 82 353 6003 or Inchanga
Conservancy +27 74 184 0004; website www.umgenisteamrailway.com.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 45

Live your wildlife dream
I am looking for a Gap Year or Career in the African bush!
If you love the idea of taking safari guests from all over the world on walks
and game-drives into Africa’s big five reserves, finding wildlife for them,
teaching them fascinang facts about animals and ecosystems, then
EcoTraining’s Professional Field Guide course is for you.
Four to five months of theorecal and praccal training by our highly qualified
instructors will qualify you with various cerficate courses. The next five to
six months you will work at a lodge with experienced guides and lodge
managers, mentoring you and developing your newly acquired skills.
For one year you will be exposed to diverse ecological and geological terrains,
landscapes, wildlife species and so much more.
Where you will train
Courses are conducted from unfenced tented bush camps in Africa’s magical
wilderness areas, including the Kruger Park and Mashatu Game Reserve in
Botswana. All teem with the big five, antelope and a huge diversity of birds.
Learners at camp co-exist with the environment, immersed in nature.
2017 upcoming courses: 4 September, 2 October
CONTACT US: +27 (0)13 752 2532
www.ecotraining.co.za
enquiries@ecotraining.co.za

Explore Africa
Victoria Falls
TravelNerd / Shutterstock
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ZIMBABWE
ANCIENT WORLD OF
WONDERS
By AB Gondwe
Most people will equate Zimbabwe
with three things: the Victoria
Falls, the Zimbabwe Ruins and
Lake Kariba. While all three are
captivating in their own right,
that’s still only scratching the
surface. Spend enough time to
explore the country thoroughly
and you will discover a richness of
diverse natural scenery, wildlife,
archaeological and heritage wonders, culture, dynamic cities, food, and
friendly people that defy words.
News reports of the country’s political and economic woes, while true
in essence, really do not do the country justice. Ask any recent visitor to
Zimbabwe and they will tell you that on the ground, for a tourist, it rates
as one of the friendliest, safest and most beautiful countries of Africa.
And one of the cheapest.
Unless entering the country by road, you will probably begin your visit
in the capital Harare. The city is one of the more attractive capitals in
Africa with its wide avenues, modern buildings and its hustle and bustle.
It offers a wonderful variety of good hotels, excellent dining, South
African wines, pulsating nightlife, interesting museums, craft markets
and plenty of pubs. Each year in September this laid-back, friendly city
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 49

Explore Africa
Houseboat on Lake Kariba
Lynn Y / Shutterstock
Cultural festival
Cecil Bo Dzwowa / Shutterstock
Modern Harare
Ulrichh Mueller / Shutterstock
undergoes a magical transformation as thousands of Jacaranda trees cover
the city in a blaze of purple as they start blossoming.
From Harare you can travel to its second city, Bulawayo, by road or air. The
city is even more laid-back than Harare, and with its colonial architecture
and wide, tree-lined avenues it exudes a charm all of its own.
From these two cities the roads and air routes spread to all corners of the
country, taking the traveller across a landscape that dramatically changes
character from region to region. It is an endless vista of Highveld, rolling
green hills, impressive mountains, lakes, rivers, nature reserves, game parks,
towns and villages.
Visit the splendour of the Victoria Falls, truly one of the most wonderful
sights in the world. Here you can sip a gin and tonic on the edge of the river
gorge as the misty spray of the falls engulf you. The river below the falls also
offers some exhilarating white water rafting opportunities, while there are
plenty of hiking trails and wildlife in the area. The rainforest area of Victoria
Falls is filled with many unique species of flora and fauna.
The David Livingstone statue can be found here next to the falls near the
spectacular Devil’s Cataract viewpoint. On 16 November 1855, Livingstone
(the first Western explorer to view the falls) wrote in his journal: “...scenes so
lovely must have been gazed on by angels in their flight.” A bridge straddles
the Zambezi River here between Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing excellent
vantage points from which to admire the scenery.
Or you can spend a leisurely cruise on a ferry on Lake Kariba, the world’s
largest man-made lake, and watch the sun go down from the cocktail deck,
with Nile crocodiles and hippopotami vying for your attention just meters
away.
In the south-eastern hills of the country you can travel back in time as you
wander among the narrow stone-walled corridors of Great Zimbabwe, also
known as the Zimbabwe Ruins. It lies just south of the town of Masvingo and
Mutirikwi National Park with its beautiful lake. The ruins, an architectural
marvel that puzzled historians and archaeologists for more than a century,
was once home to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Zimbabwe that
flourished here. The most widely-accepted current theory is that the edifices
and stonewalls were erected by the ancestral Shona who created several
empires and states on the Zimbabwe plateau between the 12th and 16th
centuries.
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Explore Africa
Sunset, Lake Kariba
outdoorsman / Shutterstock
Big Five parks
Great Stock / Shutterstock
Young girls at cultural festival
Cecil Bo Dzwowa / Shutterstock
Not far from here and just south of Bulawayo is the Matobo National Park,
a United Nations heritage site where granite spires, other unusual rock
formations and views to the end of the world captivate visitors. It is said
by the locals that ancestral spirits dwell here. And also here, on a granite
hill lies the grave of the British colonial empire-builder, Cecil John Rhodes.
The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority manages one of
the largest estates in the country, about 5 million hectares of land or 13%
of Zimbabwe’s total land area. This vast piece of unspoilt natural real estate
comprises 11 national parks, 11 recreational parks, 4 botanical gardens and
reserves, 4 safari areas, and 3 sanctuaries. In these parks you can see not
only Africa’s Big Five - buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino – but also
antelopes, zebras, giraffes and just about every animal found in Southern
Africa. It also has 685 bird species which includes 10 globally threatened
species and two introduced species. There are also many private parks and
reserves in the country with 5-star accommodation in most of them.
In the east of the country are the beautiful, tranquil and mystical Eastern
Highlands, a panorama of high, rugged mountains, green forests, rivers and
waterfalls. The region, stretching along the border between Zimbabwe and
Mozambique, is sparsely populated, with a cooler and wetter climate than
other parts of Africa. There are many hiking routes, fishing spots and the
47,000-hectare Nyanga National Park which features Zimbabwe’s highest
peak, as well as the beautiful Chimanimani National Park to be found here.
Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Hwange National Park, is situated
in the west on the border with Botswana and is home to one of Africa’s
largest elephant populations and many other species.
The country also offers an abundance of cultural and heritage experiences.
It hosts a number of festivals and international entertainment events
annually, while adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. Wake up to
the sounds of thousands of birds, or a nearby hippopotamus snorting in
the water. Dine in style in fine restaurants in modern cities. Spend the
day watching the Big Five or the mist-covered Victoria Falls. Engage with
the locals in a traditional village or market. Lose yourself in the mystical
highlands. Whatever your fancy, it is guaranteed you will want to come
back.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6| 51

Useful Information
Languages - English (official); various indigenous languages.
Capital – Harare
Regions – 10 provinces: Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland
Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo; Midlands,
Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South.
Climate - Varied by altitude, with a dry season, including a short cool
season during the period May to September when the whole country
has very little rain; and a rainy season with heavy rainfall from November
to March.
Time Zone - UTC + 2
Currency – Zimbabwe dollar, although US dollar is commonly used, as
well as other currencies.
Airlines - Emirates, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya
Airways, British Airways.
Airports – Harare International Airport.
Entry Requirements - All visitors require a valid passport, but some
countries are visa exempted.
Useful Contacts
Experience Zimbabwe - Tel: +44 (0)845 431 0224
Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority - Tel: +263 (0)4
706077/8;
Email: bookings@zimparks.org.zw; Website www.zimparks.org.
Zimbabwe Tourism / Visit Zimbabwe – Tel: Harare Office: Tel +263 (0)86
770 05948; Bulawayo Office: Tel +263 9 72333; Email info@ztazim.
co.zw; Website www.zimbabwetourism.net.
Indigenous art Els Jooren / Shutterstock
Explore Africa

CALLING ALL
ADRENALIN JUNKIES
SA PARADISE FOR ADVENTURE AND ACTION
PhotoSky, SAPhotog, Vitali Nesterchuck, LMspencer/shutterstock
By Staff Writer
People travel to different places for different
reasons. Some are looking for history or local
culture, others for scenery or wildlife, health
and wellness, or just to spend lazy days on
palm-fringed beaches with a cocktail in hand.
And others are looking for adventure
and action…the adrenalin rush and sheer
excitement of taking on and beating the next
outrageous challenge.
The country’s warm, sunny climate, its geographic and topographic
features, its wide open spaces, and the fact that its natural attributes range
from varying oceanic and coastal conditions, to rivers, mountains, forests,
arid semi-desert plains, desert dunes and more, makes it a natural home
for outdoor sports and adventure. Thrown into the mix are many manmade
features and facilities that add to the range of options on offer. On
top of it all South Africans love the outdoors and all the action, adventure
and challenges associated with it.
The Sea
In the latter department, South Africa is the adrenalin junkie’s undisputed
paradise.
Some of the best surfing conditions in the world are found along our coast,
regardless of whether for regular, body board or big wave surfing. Not only
do these surfing spots offer quality waves and conditions, but they are
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Andrea Izzotti/shutterstock
usually located in places of much natural beauty. Many excellent surfing
destinations come to mind, such as Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay to surfers), which
has several superb surfing spots, among them the world-famous Super
Tubes, and where international competitions such as the Billabong Pro are
hosted.
Dungeons, at Hout Bay, Cape Town, is legendary among big wave surfers
who once a year do battle with giant waves here in the local leg of the Red
Bull Big Wave Competition. There are many other excellent surfing spots
at Elands Bay on the West Coast, or the various beaches at and around
Durban, where former world champion Shaun Tomson grew up, or Long
Beach and Kommetjie at Cape Town, Muizenberg, Big Bay, Melkbosstrand,
Mossel Bay with its Inner and Outer Pools, Victoria Bay (Vic Bay in surfer
language), Port Elizabeth, East London, Port St Johns and many more.
Other popular activities up and down our coastline include stand-up
paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, rubber-ducking, windsurfing, and
sailing all classes of boats and yachts. There’s also rock angling or deep sea
fishing, as well as scuba diving, snorkelling and spearfishing to consider.
With about 3,000 shipwrecks along South Africa’s 3,000km-long coastline,
wreck diving is very popular.
Some of the more popular diving sites are found on the Aliwal Shoal
and Protea Banks off KwaZulu-Natal, the various reefs off Sodwana
Bay, Rooiels and Hangklip on the southern side of False Bay, Cape Point,
Jongensfontein and Gourits River mouth in the Southern Cape, The Point
area, Roman Bank and Mitch’s Reef around Mossel Bay, the Arniston wreck
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Delpixel/shutterstock
mooinblack/shutterstock
at Waenhuiskrans, the Gamtoos and Storm’s River mouths in the Eastern
Cape, and various dive sites off East London and the Wild Coast, to name
but a few.
For all of the above activities there are numerous clubs at all the major
cities, towns and beaches, where visitors will find many locals eager to
guide them around. There are a large number of scuba diving academies
where novices can learn and be certified, or where gear can be rented.
For those looking for charter opportunities or just wanting to learn more
about the local yachting scene, there are world-famous yacht clubs like the
Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town (Tel: +27 (0)21-421-1354), the Royal
Natal Yacht Club in Durbann (Tel: +27 (0)31 301 5425), or the Algoa Bay
Yacht Club in Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay).
The beaches at Table View, Big Bay, Melkbosstrand, Langebaan Lagoon
and others along the West Coast are renowned as a global mecca for kite
surfers, when raging Southeasters churn up these seas in summer and the
kite surfers reach awesome speeds and jumping heights. (Contact the SA
Kitesurfing Association at Tel: +27 (0) 829 0344/56 for more info).
Shark cage diving is very popular too, and a large number of operators are
found in coastal cities and towns from Cape Town to Sodwana Bay.
The Mountains
South Africa’s many majestic mountain ranges, from Table Mountain in the
Western Cape, to the Drakensberg Range in the northeast of the country,
offer superb opportunities for alpine climbers, rock climbers, traditional
climbers, sport climbers, bouldering, top rope climbing, free solo climbing,
abseiling, hang gliding, and more.
Some of the more popular climbs are to be found at Waterval Boven
and Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga; Magaliesburg in Gauteng; Table
Mountain, Hottentots Holland Mountains, Cederberg Mountains, Du
Toitskloof, Klein Winterhoek, the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains
in the Western Cape; Hogsback and Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape;
and the Drakensberg which can be approached from the Eastern Cape,
KwaZulu-Natal, or Free State. For visitors a good starting point for advice
and assistance would be the Mountain Club of South Africa (Tel: +27
(0)21 465 3412), which has 14 sections or branches distributed across the
country.
If you are less adventurous or daring and simply want to enjoy the
mountains on a good walk, there are numerous lovely hiking trails ranging
from absolutely easy to very difficult in mountainous areas all across the
country. Local tourism organisations can provide details of these or you
can call SANParks at +27 (0)12 426 5000.
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LouisLotterPhotography/shutterstock
Andre Gie/shutterstock
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RSP/shutterstock
Among the more demanding, but more beautiful hikes are the Hole
in the Wall, Amatola, Dolphin or Otter trails in the Eastern Cape; the
Blyderivierspoort and Fanie Botha trails in Mpumalanga; the Magoebaskloof
trail in Limpopo; the Leopard’s Kloof, various Table Mountain, Swellendam,
Du Toitskoof, Cedereberg, Outeniqua, and Cape Point / Olifantsbos trails in
the Western Cape; the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Sentinel Peak
trails in KwaZulu-Natal. Of course, these are but just a very few of the many
superb hiking trails around the country.
The Rivers
South Africa has a very large number of rivers that run through some of the
most spectacularly scenic parts of the country, and they accommodate a
wide variety of river-based sports and adventure.
Some great whitewater river rafting and kayaking trips can be undertaken
down the Orange, Breede, Doring, Blyde, Umkomaas, Vaal and Palmiet
Rivers, among others. These range from easy-going one-day downstream
floats to more demanding challenges and multiple-day river safaris with
overnight camps along the way. You will be exposed to some of the best
natural scenery in the country, while some parts also have wildlife along the
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Moobatto/shutterstock

CoraG/shutterstock
SAPhotog/shutterstock

Snap2art/shutterstock
Grobler du Preez/shutterstock Liz Glasco/shutterstock Mark Atkins/shutterstock
banks. Many of these rivers are within under a day’s drive of Johannesburg,
Cape Town, and other major South African cities and towns.
There are also a number of blackwater tube rides to be found on major
rivers around the country. Many rivers also allow for more mellow kayaking
trips. Many of these rafting and kayaking experiences can be enjoyed with
national parks.
Among the many other river-based activities to be found in South Africa,
some of them on lakes and dams, include canoeing, fly-fishing, power
boating, water skiing, paragliding, river cruises, crocodile cave diving,
sunset cruises, and houseboat safaris. For more information the excellent
website of SA Venues at www.sa-venues.com/activities can be consulted.
On Land & in the Air
A great number of land-based activities are also to be found. These range
from 4X4 trails, to hiking trails, bird watching, canopy tours, clay pigeon
shooting, cycling, elephant back safaris, game viewing, horse riding,
bungee jumping, kloofing (boulder hopping), mountain biking trails, pony
treks, quad biking, rhino tracking, running, sand boarding, skate boarding,
turtle tours, and walking safaris with game watching.
Grobler du Preez/shutterstock
For those who believe in getting out of aeroplanes before they have
landed, or doing other silly things hundreds of meters above terra firma,
the options include helicopter flips, skydiving, paragliding, hot air balloon
flips, microlight flying and hang-gliding.
Again the website of SA Venues at www.sa-venues.com/activities can be
consulted for more information.
So, if its adventure, adrenalin, testing your limits, or simply just being close
to nature in the great outdoors, there is no better place to experience it all
than South Africa.
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Avkhom Hotel
Avkhom Hotel is a small 45 rooms (72 Beds) Hotel situated in the
North-Eastern area of the Limpopo Province in the town of Thohoyandou.It
was established in 2003 with the aim of providing accommodation mainly for
the corporate travellers ,the tourist and for local travellers.provide conference
facilities,venues for events and catering for groups and individuals.
Over the years we have added to this list the exciting service of Touring around
the Limpopo ,showing guests exciting places in the North via the Kruger
National Park through the Punda Maria and the Pafuri gates,which gates are
within 30 minutes drive from our hotel.The Mapungubwe world heritage
national park where you can see three countries at once i.e RSA,Botswana and
Zimbabwe.We also tour the legendary Fundudzi Lake ,Dzata Ruins,The Big
Tree where you will see the biggest tree in the world and many other exciting
mysteries.
We also do tours to Victoria falls and to the Zimbabwe ruins in Zimbabwe. We
have a well developed route in the Kruger National Park ( The Buffalo Route)
where you will sight herds of buffaloes and the big five.Our area is rich in
culture and tradition.We can take you to the villages and to the chiefs kraals
where you can learn the way of life for the Venda and Shangaan people of
South Africa.
We are also the nearest affordable Hotel to the University of Venda.You are
welcome to our place if you are an academic visitor or you want to conduct
research around this area.Thohoyandou itself is a small but very busy town.it is
a peaceful town full of malls and street vendors.there are fruit markets
,entertainment areas and even a casino hotel within walking distance to us.
We are open for business 24/7 to anyone who needs any of our services.We
will be honored to be of service to you.
TELEPHONE:
015 962 1928
015 962 1929
FAX:
015 962 1929
CELLPHONES:
0728088311
EMAILS:
info@avkhomhotel.co.za
avkhomhotel@telkomsa.net
avkhomhotel@gmail.com
WEBSITE:
www.avkhomhotel.co.za
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/avkhom
CERTIFIED BY THE TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

GREAT WINTER
BREAKS
Winter is upon us, and with many people
looking to take a mid-year break, we selected
a few enjoyable winter getaways…from day
trips to longer sojourns. So relax, light a fire
and get your feet up, or take a cosy winter
drive to some amazing places.
Lion & Safari Park
For those who live in Gauteng, North West or close by, the Lion & Safari
Park, now located within the Cradle of Humankind complex, offers an
ideal day-long getaway that will take your mind completely off your daily
stresses.
The Lion & Safari Park, is well-known to both local and foreign tourists,
having become an amazing experience for all over the last 50 years. Having
moved to a brand new world-class facility in the Cradle of Humankind
in July 2016, the Lion and Safari Park offers guests an incredible day out.
Immersed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the area, guests can
experience guided game drives, safari drives or self-drives. Now is the time
to explore and discover the untamed natural bushveld.
Guests will be able to engage in the incredible experience of hand feeding
a selection of animals including the graceful giraffes. The opportunity to
interact with a multitude of animals, including cheetah, is also available at
the park. Guided safari drives are one of the biggest attractions at the
park, allowing visitors to experience a plethora of wildlife within their
natural habitat. The tour options vary in length, depending on your time
schedule from 45-minute guided drives to 3-hour safari drives. Self-drive is
also now available, allowing you to drive your own vehicle through the lion
and wild dog enclosures.
Guests can also enjoy a scrumptious meal at one of the top-class
restaurants while at the same time viewing various wildlife species grazing
and drinking in their natural habitat. No visit to the park will be complete
without a stop at the Wetlands Bar. The view overlooking the wetlands is
nothing short of breath taking.
Nestled amongst the foothills of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains,
a mere 10-minute drive from Lanseria Airport, off the scenic R512 towards
Hartbeespoort dam, the park is within the Cradle of Humankind area,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The new location, now boasting 600
hectares of open land, allows the animals more space to roam freely.
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A day visit to the park provides the perfect opportunity and platform
for schools and children to learn about the animals and various research
programmes that the Lion and Safari Park are involved in.
Apart from being a world-class tourist destination, the Lion and Safari
Park can also turn your next conference, team-building or other event into
something unique. Great packages are available, also for the first time on
packages that include adventure activities such as river rafting, quad biking
and abseiling. A shopping experience also awaits in the form of the ‘5 dome
shopping experience’, while there is a vast selection of unique handcrafted
curios, crafts and clothing. The park is open 365 days a year, and is certainly
an experience not to be missed.
For more information: Tel Lion Park at +27 (0) 73 083 2358 or +27 (0) 87
1500 100; Email catherine@lionpark.com.
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Premier Hotels & Resorts
Whether you want to unwind amongst wildlife, take a breather by the
beach or mellow out in the mountains, Premier Hotels & Resorts offers
unique getaways in some of South Africa’s most stunning locations.
Looking for a haven from the hustle and bustle? Head to Premier Hotel
Himeville Arms, located on the tree-lined main road of the quaint village
of Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal. This country inn provides 17 comfortable
rooms furnished with antiques that reflect its 100-year-old heritage,
whilst being equipped with all the modern amenities required by today’s
travellers.
It is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding natural beauty
and attractions of the Southern Drakensberg, such as hiking trails past
rocks adorned with San art, the popular Himeville Museum and the River
Glen Cheese Farm – a foodie favourite. After a thirsty day of sightseeing,
pop by the hotel’s historic pub for a cold beverage and a bite to eat.
A mere 12km away is the newly refurbished Premier Hotel Sani Pass which
opened mid-May. This 4-star resort boasts a variety of entertainment,
facilities and outdoor adventure activities, including a nine-hole golf
course, heated swimming pool and bowling green. The resort is renowned
for its hiking and biking trails, horse rides up the mountain to Lesotho and
river fishing. Lodgings range from standard and executive rooms to suites
- all of which feature spectacular views of the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve.
For a getaway that offers game viewing and true South African hospitality,
pick Mpongo Private Game Reserve. Only 35km from the popular coastal
city of East London, the reserve allows for a unique blend of luxury and
wildlife experiences on more than 3,500 hectares of conservation land.
Home to a multitude of wildlife, from elephant, lions and buffalos, to
hippos, giraffes and birds, guests can explore the reserve with a guide
on a 2 ½ hour game drive. Alternatively, horseback safaris as well as bush
walks are provided for the more adventurous. Guests can choose to stay in
various lodges within the reserve where wildlife wonder comes standard.
If tranquillity is top of mind when making travel plans, Premier Hotel
Knysna – The Moorings is the ideal escape. The resort, situated on the
banks of the Knysna Lagoon, offers guests luxury accommodation in a
serene setting. This piece of paradise enables guests to enjoy a wide range
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of activities such as exploring the Garden Route National Park, enjoying a
sunset paddle on the Knysna Lagoon or indulging in a Zipline Tour of the
Tsitsikamma. Within the nearby town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy
cafés beckon.
Deneys Swart, Resorts Operations Manager for Premier Hotels & Resorts
says: “With resorts in eco-friendly, marine and mountain settings, we offer
a variety of luxury accommodation in exciting destinations for the leisure
and business travellers”.
For more information: Tel 086 111 5555; or go to their Website at www.
premierhotels.co.za.
Lighthouse Accommodation
For a truly unique winter-getaway experience, what could be more fun
than staying in one of the 45 lighthouses along South Africa’s 3,000km
long shoreline? Many of these you can simply visit for the day, with some
of them surrounded by or near nature reserves and other attractions. A
number of them also offer self-catering accommodation in what used to
be the lighthouse keepers’ cottages. All of them are located in some of the
most beautiful and dramatic settings.
Few experiences can be more rewarding than staying in a lighthouse
keeper’s cottage surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery overlooking the
ocean. The experience also offers a nostalgic peek into a proud history of
a bygone world that paradoxically somehow endures to this modern age.
At the same time it offers a sense of adventure, exposure to the great
outdoors, spectacular settings incorporating sea and land, recounting
real life and death dramas, and a close-up view of the workings of an
indispensable service.
Among the lighthouses one can actually stay in are those at Cape
Columbine near the West Coast town of Paternoster; Danger Point
lighthouse near Gansbaai south of Cape Town; Cape St Blaize lighthouse
in Mossel Bay on the Southern Cape coast; Great Fish Point lighthouse at
Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape; and the North Sand Bluff lighthouse at Port
Edward in KwaZulu-Natal.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 65

Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock
Michaeljung / Shutterstock Naeblys / Shutterstock Moobatto / Shutterstock
Only seventeen of the lighthouses are still manned following the
automation of South Africa’s lighthouses. Those that are manned generally
offer guided tours of the lighthouse.
While visiting or staying at a lighthouse you can climb the stairs to the
lookout and light platform at the top, or learn about the history of the
lighthouse and the tragic shipping disasters of the area. Some have coffee
and memorabilia shops. And the surrounding areas of all offer much to do.
For instance, Cape Columbine lighthouse is situated on Castle Rock, a
windswept headland in the Columbine Nature Reserve, while the historic
and picturesque nearby fisherman’s village of Paternoster offers nice food
and plenty to do. For day visitors there is a lovely boardwalk from Slangkop
lighthouse along the beach for those wanting to explore the Marine
Protected Area of Table Mountain National Park in which it stands.
The Cape Point lighthouse sits spectacularly atop a rocky peninsula of sheer
cliffs surrounded by a restless sea where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
meet. It is within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is part of
the larger Table Mountain National Park, offering delightful hikes, a superb
restaurant, game watching and a shipwreck trail. While staying in one of
the cottages of Danger Point lighthouse, you can explore the surrounding
reserve and learn about the tragic fate of the HMS Birkenhead. At Cape
Agulhas lighthouse you can visit the lighthouse museum.
Cape St Blaize lighthouse at Mossel Bay sits atop an awesome cliff with
views of the coast and the sea that will keep you entertained and in awe.
Below the lighthouse is a cave which is an important archaeological site,
while the lighthouse is also the starting point of an awesome cliff-face
hiking trail with breath-taking views. Great Fish Point lighthouse has views
of some incredible sand dunes that are worth climbing. The list of unique
experiences goes on.
For more information: Tel +27 (0)21 449 2400 or
email lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net.
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Daleen Loest / Shutterstock
Help ensure
their tomorrow
DAILY TOURS
2 HOUR TOURS
7 days a week from
9h00 - 15h00
What you can expect on a tour:
See the rare king cheetah up
close. See how the cheetah
breeding programme runs. Learn
about the animals from qualified
guides. Visit animal enclosures
and learn about Rescued Rhinos
@ HESC.
Game Drives: Morning and
evening 3-hour game drives
offered on the Kapama Private
Game Reserve, giving guests a
chance to see the Big 5 (no
children under 6). Times: 6 to 9am
and 4 to 7pm. Light snack and
beverage included.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL!
Accommodation: An eco-friendly
self-catering cottage is set within
the Centre, in its own private
T: +27 15 793 1633
enclosed and protected area,
offering an authentic bush
M: +27 83 654 2299
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 67
experience with value for money. E: frontoffice@cheetahcentre.co.za
HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE

MEDIA EDUCATIONAL TRIP
Guided Tours of Nkqubele AfriCamps Melozhori Private Game Reserve
Saggy Stone
Marbrin Olive Farm Edna Fourie Art Gallery Wahnfried in McGregor ( theatre)
Game Drive at Melozhori
Private Resort
Rialheim - Ceramic Factory &
Sculptures
Owls Rest Olive and Lavender
Farm
Cheryl Pinter at Four Cousins
Exdiem Olive & Wine Tasting
Mzanzitravel was invited to visit the enchanting Langeberg region. We had such an enjoyable stay as they had so much to offer from
great foods and wines to beautiful scenery. We were taken on a guided tour and introduced to the Nkqubela township culture. We spent
some time doing wine and olive tasting at places like Galloway Guest House (Exdiem Wine and Olive Tasting), The Original Four Cousins,
Mabrin Olive Farm, Owl’s Rest Olive and Lavender Farm … honestly, there are just too many to mention. We had the privilege of visiting
Edna Fourie’s Art Gallery and got to watch a screened movie like in the olden days from a reel in the cosy, homely theatre of Wahnfried in
McGregor. Can’t forget to mention the visit at Rialheim pottery factory and sculpture garden. We got the opportunity to make our own
pieces of pottery; what a great experience. Sheilam Cactus Nursery was such an unbelievable experience: so much to look at, and the range
of cacti was exquisite. Always saving the best for last, we have to mention our stay at AfriCamp at Pat Bush and the amazing Melozhori
Private Game Reserve. We had a stunning breakfast followed by an exhilarating game drive. Thank you Langeberg Municipality, especially
Mr Dave van Schalkwyk for allowing us to share this with our readers.

FAMILY RESTAURANT • GARDEN WITH CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS • A LA CARTE-MENU •
AL FRESCO DINING • WEDDINGS • FUNCTIONS • KIDS’ PARTIES
Shop 6, Floradale Centre, Old Transkei Rd, East London.
WWW.COUNTRYBUMPKIN.CO.ZA; INFO@COUNTRYBUMPKIN.CO.ZA
TEL: 043-7484840
Website: www.stelmus.co.za
VILLAGE MUSEUM:
18 Ryneveld Street, Telephone 021 887 2937
A cultural history museum with an exhibion of the
pre-colonial history, informaon on the founder of
Stellenbosch as well as an interacve meline of the people
of Stellenbosch from 1679 to the year 2000. It also consists
of four period houses each depicng the way in which
people lived, dressed and the architectural development for
the period 1709 to 1880. In each house visitors will find a
guide, dressed in period costume who will provide
explanaons on furniture and fashion, and share intrigued
stories.
TOY MUSEUM:
Market Street, Telephone 021 882 8861
This museum is housed in the old Rhenish Missionary
Parsonage which was acquired by the Rhenish Mission
Society in 1832. The museum house a splendid collecon of
anque dolls, dolls’ house furniture and other old toys.
Amongst the most popular displays in the museum are the
fascinang miniature rooms with their finely detailed
furniture and fings all built in 1:12 scale. The splendid
exhibion of Dinky cars and lifelike miniature of the Blue
Train will fascinate both young and old.

Health & Wellness
SOUTH AFRICA A
GROWING HEALTH
TRAVEL DESTINATION
A.B. Gondwe
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Health & Wellness
As health and wellness travel continues its global growth as
a sub-sector of the tourism and travel industry, South Africa
is emerging as a prime health travel destination, both for
corporate and private tourists.
Wellness. Health. Meditation. Yoga.
Hiking. Swimming. Chakra healing
sessions. Daily massages. Open-air gym
workouts. Relaxing sauna treatments.
Spas. Wellness clinics. Health farms.
Wellness retreats.
These have all become buzz words in the booming, multi-billion dollar
health travel industry that seems to have taken the world by storm. The
Global Wellness Tourism Congress says the global wellness travel market
is already worth more than $565 billion. It is expected that this market will
grow 50 percent faster than the rest of the tourism industry over the next
five years.
Another study last year, by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), found
that wellness tourism showed revenue growth of 14% between 2013 and
2015—and now accounts for 15.6% of total tourism revenues. Wellness
tourists spend 61% more than the average international tourist, and
generates close to 18 million jobs worldwide, the study found.
According to Beth Mcgroarty, research director of the Global Wellness
Institute, spa-focused travel accounts for 41% of the market, with the rest
coming from fitness activities, yoga and lifestyle retreats, thermal baths
and hot springs, stays at healthy hotels and the purchase of healthy food.
The Global Spa and Wellness Economy Monitor report says that with more
than 32,000 spas, Europe had the highest revenue in this sector with $29.8
billion, followed by the Asia-Pacific region with $18.8 billion and North
America with $18.3 billion.
South Africa, however, cannot be far behind with its world-renowned
health and spa centres such as the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape
Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat in the
Cederberg Mountains, The Hydro at Stellenbosch, Trogon House & Forest
Spa at Plettenberg Bay, the Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa at Port St
Johns on the Wild Coast, Karkloof Safari Spa in KwaZulu-Natal, the Mount
Grace Country House & Spa in Magaliesberg, Namasté Detox Retreat at
the Fordoun Hotel & Spa in the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal, the Hoogland
Health Hydro in Gauteng, and many more.
Wellness or health travel to far-flung resorts from Costa Rica to Cape Town
has become the new norm as people everywhere have grown more health
and fitness-conscious over the last decade. Hamburgers by the pool have
been exchanged for a salad and juice after yoga classes. Lazing drink-inhand
in the casino, where the only exercise is pushing the spin button, has
made way for gym workouts with a personal trainer in the health resort.
And in South Africa world-class health facilities and excellent doctors that
come cheap relatively speaking, given the rand exchange rate to the dollar
or euro, have become favourite destinations for corporate entities sending
their executives for medical treatment. It has long been the destination
to which businessmen and politicians from all over Africa have come for
health and medical reasons.
Increasingly top hotels and resorts now offer their guests holistic healing
centres where they can take advantage of anything ranging from gyms
and personal trainers, to acupuncture, meditation classes, stress-relief
Michaeljung / Shutterstock
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 71

Health & Wellness
therapy, metabolism testing, yoga sessions, health food bars and more.
Many health resorts have a holistic approach that caters not only for
physical wellness, but includes programs such as daily meditation, or
isolating guests from television and cell phones, spiritual health exercises,
among other things. The focus is on the entire being, not just the physical
body.
In others the focus is on physical rejuvenation and beauty, or on physical
fitness and getting office-weary bodies back into shape.
Greenart / Shutterstock
The World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2016 identified “wellness
in the wilderness” as one of the most significant new travel trends to
emerge in African tourism. This concept, favoured by older, well-heeled
international travellers, combines the traditional safari with activities such
as exercise, yoga, meditation and spa treatments.
In South Africa one of the first wellness-focused travel companies, Satori
Africa, based in Cape Town, opened its doors a year ago. The company
founded by Mark Bland, a qualified chef, marketer and hospitality industry
expert, says the name Satori Africa is inspired by the beautiful restorative
power and healing nature of the African continent.
“This land lends itself to a vacation and safari experience of sheer
relaxation, indulgence and restoration. In short, the perfect wellness
destination!”
Harm Kruyshaar / Shutterstock
Its custom-made itineraries combine luxury accommodation, good food
and sightseeing with a host of different wellness experiences, including
yoga, life-coaching, Ayurveda, Reiki, Pilates and meditation — all guided
by experts. A typical itinerary may include a sunrise walk on Cape Towns’
Table Mountain; a full day yoga immersion with the company’s Wellness
Endorser Sharni Quinn; the starlit sky and sounds of the African night; a
seaside fish braai and a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc; yoga and meditation
in some of the most breath-taking of venues; all combined with the
restorative power of nature.
There are also a large number of weight-loss and detox clinics, spas, and
resorts in South Africa.
In another development Budapest has come to Johannesburg. For many
years the city of Budapest has been offering wellness to travellers with
their thermal baths. In the 1800s, the Omorovicza family built the famous
Racz Bath on the site of the medieval healing spring. Now, a descendent
of the this family, Stephen de Heinrich de Omoroviczamet and his wife
Margaret, have decided to launch their beauty and spa products in South
Africa, which they recently did at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westcliff,
Johannesburg. Instead of having to travel to Hungary for these famous
spa treatments with natural spring thermal waters which are known for
healing all sorts of ailments, you can now do so right here in Johannesburg.
South Africa is, of course, also home to a large number of thermal hot
springs, all claiming healing properties, and to which many people stream
each year. Among them are the well-known The Baths, a hot spring
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Eviled / Shutterstock

Health & Wellness
resort nestled on a citrus farm near Citrusdal in the Western Cape; the
world-famous Avalon Springs Hotel and Resort at Montague, also in the
Western Cape; the Cradock Spa in the Eastern Cape; Aliwal North Spa and
Badfontein Guest Farm on the banks of the Orange River; the Goudini Spa
at Rawsonville; the Warm Baths at Bela Bela in Limpopo; and Badplaas in
Mpumalanga, among many others.
Health and medical travel in the corporate sphere is also big in Africa,
particularly in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco,
Tunisia and Egypt. As already mentioned, South Africa has become
favourite destination in this regard due to its excellent private health
facilities, highly-trained and renowned medical professionals, its airports
that are linked to all major cities around the world, and the rand exchange
rate which has become big factor.
To this end the Pan African Industry Health Tourism Industry stakeholders
in June hosted the first ever Pan African Health Tourism Congress at the
uMfolozi Hotel, Casino and Convention Centre in Empangeni, Richards Bay,
in KwaZulu-Natal, under the banner “tapping a larger share of the health
wallet”.
Photosky / Shutterstock
There is an ever growing demand for health services as a global
phenomenon, linked to economic development that generates rising
incomes and education. Demographic change, especially population ageing
and older people’s requirements for more medical services, coupled with
epidemiological change, i.e. rising incidence of chronic conditions, also fuel
demand for more and better health services, said the organisers.
Waiting times and/or the increasing cost of health services at home,
coupled with the availability of cheaper alternatives in developing
countries, has lead new healthcare consumers, or medical tourists, to
seek treatment overseas. The correspondent growth in the global health
service sector reflects this demand, said the organisers of the conference.
According to them, South Africa has in the past decade grown into a
sophisticated healthcare hub with the world taking advantage of the
Gangis Khan / Shutterstock
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LongJon / Shutterstock

Health & Wellness
Diplomedia / Shutterstock
Joachim Heng / Shutterstock Marko Poplasen / Shutterstock Simon_g / Shutterstock
outstanding medical care available here and elsewhere in Africa.
“The continent is well positioned to play a significant role within this global industry given its
pioneering role in the medical field, highly trained doctors, excellent medical care supported
by world class facilities along with one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations in
the world.”
While medical tourism is gaining in leaps and bounds in South Africa, a specific sub-sector
that is cashing in is dental tourism. In this regard South Africa has seen an increase because of
the superior quality of dental care available here, while this can be combined with traditional
tourist offerings in South Africa. So, having had your dental issues seen to by one of over 4,500
registered dentistry practitioners in the country, what better place to go and recuperate than
the Kruger National Park, or the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape?
So, next time you want to knock that body and mind back into shape, find some peace and
tranquillity, get rid of some premature wrinkles, lose some weight, or have that operation that
would have bankrupted you in the UK or USA, look no further: South Africa has all it takes to
cater for everything in health and wellness travel.
Daniel M Ernst / Shutterstock
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Bonjanala District
The Elephant Sanctuary has African elephants and offers an interactive elephant experience,
elephant back riding and overnight accommodation. It also offers hands-on educational elephant
interactions. This provides guests with a far more intimate experience with the elephants. The rates for
Elephant Interaction program are as follows:
Adults: R725, Pensioners: R595, Children: R315 (4-14yrs),
Elephant back riding rates:
Adults: R525, Children: R350 (8-14yrs)
Lodge accommodation:
R650 per person sharing, R1,170.00 , single R450 (4-14 years)
Contact details: 012 258 9904/ 9905/ 9906/ 9907
reservations@elephantsanctuary.co.za
Ukutula is known as the “place of quiet”. The Lodge is situated on a 260 hectare bushveld farm
in Brits, less than an hour from Pretoria and Johannesburg. The lodge boasts a variety of game and
bird life and is also a home to a fascinating lion education centre. It offers guests luxury self-catering
accommodation and the unique opportunity to interact with lions and to handle the lion cubs. Also offers
game drives and game-viewing on quad bikes. Ukutula Conservation Centre is
managed and operated by a group of highly qualified professionals, dedicated to
wildlife conservation and the preservation of Genetic Diversity.
Contact details: 012 254 4780 /084 510 1046
info@ukutula.com
Sediba Kwele is situated 52 kilometres from the centre of Brits. It is known for its excellent service,
accommodation and stunning beauty. It provide a variety of experiences and adventures for all groups
and Individuals. Sediba Kwele has great facilities that are ideal for conferencing and corporate team
building. There are 2 waterfalls with rivers flowing past the chalets, and alluring gardens with a wooden
bridge secured with electric fencing. The game reserve is 450 hectares with a dam that serves as an
accomplished ecosystem for black bass, carp and catfish.
The conference venue can host up to 200 delegates in comfortable conference style.
Contact details: 012 277 1632/ 083 266 1752/ 083 415 3864
info@sedibakwele.co.za
Kedar Lodge is built on a portion of Boekenhoutfontein, the historic farm that once belonged to
President Paul Kruger. The land around Kedar has been game fenced and is populated with a variety
of game, including eland, blesbok, impala, nyala, kudu, zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe and sable.
Kedar is also an ideal venue for functions, weddings, and conferences. It can cater for up to 100 guests.
Accommodation is offered in 66 African themed stone and thatched rooms and
suites. Facilities include a renowned Paul Kruger Country House Museum, Kedar
Spa in the country, 3 themed restaurants, a large swimming pool and private game
drives.
Contact details: 0861 007 428 / 011 950 6000
hmkedar@rali.co.za
Modizen Guest House is situated in Mogwase unit 4. It is a 4 star graded guest house. It
provides bed, breakfast and guest house facilities. Also provides catering services for each guest
according to his/her taste and requirements. The establishment is one of its kind. It has its own special
attractions, high standard of customer care, African experience, wildlife experience and game drives. The
guest house is located close to many amenities and major roads. They have 24
en-suite rooms. There is a swimming pool, braai area, children playing ground,
a lovely garden, bar and restaurant. There is a conference centre of up to 400
delegates and boardroom of up to 35 delegates.
Contact details: 014 555 5434/ 079 496 4533
modizenguesthouse@telkomsa.net

Ngaka Modiri Molema District
Groot Marico Mampoer Farms - Mampoer is a home-made brandy named after Pedi chief Mampuru.
, whose battles against colonial groups saw land being lost by local tribes and ceded to small time
white farmers. The new owners proved better at distilling peach brandy than farming and named their
“moonshine” after the chief who was ultimately responsible for their gift of land. in the Groot Marico area
that still operate pot stills, such as M&M Mampoer and Sara Mouton’s Mampoer Still. These can be visited
for a demonstration on the production process and mampoer tasting sessions. Arrangements often have
to be made in advance - the Information Centre in Paul Kruger Street in Groot Marico will assist.
Information Centre Phone Santa at Cell083 2722 958
or send an Email message to: info@marico.co.za
The Oog Marico Eye’ is the largest of these pools and is a popular freshwater
diving spot due to the unusual clarity of the water. The Eye is 17 m deep and 40 m wide.
The river starts off as the Groot Marico River at the Eye of Marico, near Rustenburg and
Swartruggens in the North West Province of South Africa. The source of the river is a large
dolomite hole in the ground with clear water, which is also a spectacular scuba diving spot.
It flows northwards as the Great Marico (Groot Marico) and further downstream the smaller
Klein Marico River joins forces. For a stretch it is named Madikwene River, but after the
Sehubyane River (Sandsloot) joins its left bank, it reverts to the name Marico.
Contact: Ayesha Rajan on 014 503 0750
Rajan’s Predator Camp here at the Predator Camp you will be able to walk
along side brown and white lions - A reinforced wire fence will separate you
from the lions.Animal to see up close - Brown lions, White Lions, Tigers,
Leopards, Wolves and Rooikat.
Contact: Ayesha Rajan on 014 503 0750
Mafikeng Museum - Mahikeng (formerly, and still
commonly, known as Mafikeng)
is the capital of the North West Province of South Africa and it is a cultural jewel. It offers
so much to visitors in terms of fascinating history, culture and hospitality. For historians,
archaeologists, casual visitors, and nature enthusiasts. The Museum is housed in the
former Old Town Hall that was built in 1902. Standing proudly outside the museum is a 6-H
class steam locomotive, This locomotive pulled trains on the route between Mafikeng and
Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) until 1971.
The museum is located on the corner of Martin Street and Carrington Street in Mahikeng and
admission to the museum is free.
For more information please contact:Tel: +27-18-3816102

greater taung Local municipality
Morathong is in Tlapeng village next to the Kolong river. The area has potential to be a charming picnic site. The area
locally known for its pieces of moth flora and birds.
Kaping
Kaping area is not far form Taung Skull
word heritage site. The area is suitable
for hiking and camping activities.
The sare should be incorporated into
the heritage route as if offers site of
womders. From the Hill one can have an
arial view of graeter Taung area.
Information
Mr. Letlhogonolo Morolong : 061 499
2152
(Local Youth Tourism association)
Ms Kearabetswe Moshwang :
Tshweung is situated in Maeakgoro
village. The place is of heritage and
cultural significance. The history if this
place is more on indigenous cultural
rituals. The place is commonly known for
its periodic spring water.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 6 | 77

Road Travel
Route 62
A ROAD TRIP LIKE NO OTHER
By Stef Terblanche
Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
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Road Travel
Looking for a road trip with a difference that will
surprise, delight and have you coming back time
and again for more? Then South Africa’s famous
Route 62 is the answer.
This is the absolute must-do scenic journey of
discovery and adventurous alternative to the N2
highway if you are travelling between Cape Town
and Port Elizabeth.
The towns and districts along the route are also filled with many interesting,
sometimes eccentric, and creative people, extremely hospitable locals,
architectural treasures, some extraordinary experiences, superb culinary
and wine offerings, unique shops, galleries, hotels, B&Bs, and plenty to
explore and do. And while the towns have changed with the times, most
of them have retained their 19th century charm. Delightful surprises await
the visitor around every corner.
The route, which follows the R62 national road, can be divided into two
sections: from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn, and the other through the
Langkoof from Oudtshoorn to Port Elizabeth. This article covers the first,
while the second section will be covered in a future edition.
Route 62 has earned itself the admiration of countless travellers locally and
from around the globe, many of whom keep on returning. A CNN Travel
poll of travel writers and tourists voted Route 62 the top road trip in the
world. It is truly a road trip of discovery, fun and easy adventure like no
other.
An excellent tarred road winds its way through valleys, mountains, wine
lands, across rivers, through postcard towns and hamlets, through a hole in
a mountain, as well as through South Africa’s longest mountain tunnel, and
you can even stop for an ice cold beer or wine at a ‘sex shop’ in the veld.
There’s plenty to do along the way, apart from visiting Ronnie’s Sex Shop,
which is really only a pub in the veld alongside the road providing nothing
but food, alcohol, music and good company…but by now quite a worldfamous
pub.
Travellers can stop at picnic spots to enjoy the towering mountains
and strange rock formations; enjoy local cuisine at the many first-class
restaurants and coffee shops along the way; wander around in the quaint
streets of picturesque little towns or browse around in the many interesting
little shops; book into one of many excellent B&Bs, hotels and lodges; visit
any of the numerous art galleries and craft shops; or enjoy wine cellar tours
and taste some wine, brandy or Cape port.
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Road Travel
Beautiful Victorian home, Robertson Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Town centre, Robertson / Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Or you can do some rock and mountain climbing; visit some of the many
heritage sites; go on safari drives and meet wild animals from cheetahs to
crocodiles; visit an ostrich farm; do some fresh water fishing, swim in rivers
or go on boat cruises; do some bird watching; explore the valleys hidden
deep among the mountains; tour in vintage American cars; buy cheese
from a real cheese factory; soak in the healing waters of a hot water spring;
or, if it’s that time of the year, stop in Oudtshoorn and enjoy some of the
fantastic shows staged at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
Or just take a slow drive to enjoy the awesome natural scenery, and stop
for a sumptuous lunch anywhere along the route. Whatever you decide,
you are guaranteed to come back for more. The list of things to discover
and do is almost endless.
From Cape Town follow the N1 towards Paarl and through the 3.9km-long
Huguenot Tunnel. Turn right off the N1 to Worcester and on the other
side of this bustling town turn right again towards Robertson along the
R60. Although Robertson is on the R60 and not the R62, the town is often
considered to be the start of Route 62. But you could make Cape Town
your starting point and add the towns of Paarl and Worcester to your
itinerary. Both also have much to offer discerning travellers.
Race horse breeding, Robertson LongJon / Shutterstock
Robertson
Robertson is home to one of the best wine-producing districts you will
find along Route 62. The route covers two wine routes, the Roberston
Wine Route and the Klein Karoo Wine Route. Between Worcester and
Robertson you will pass several very well-known wine estates. The town,
together with other towns in the region, hosts the annual Whacky Wine
Weekend in June, as well as other festivals, a number of which also involve
wine.
The town of Robertson is very close to the Breede River and the magnificent
Silwerstrand river resort, with lots of boating activity. You can enjoy the
Viljoensdrift River Cruise, or the Kolgans River Boat cruise while having
brunch, sundowners or a braai on board. Also close by are the Robertson
Golf Club and the Silwerstrand Golf Estate if you feel like a quick nine holes
before continuing on your journey.
Founded in 1853, the town has managed to retain much of its original
architecture and old-world charm, which in itself makes for a pleasurable
sightseeing expedition. Several Western Cape provincial heritage sites are
situated in the town, among them the Pink Church (dating to 1859), the
Robertson Museum (1860), the Edwardian-style house at 12 Piet Retief
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Road Travel
Wine route & vineyardsToscanini / Shutterstock
Platform 62, Ashton Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Hole through the mountain, Montagu Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Street (1904), the Victorian-style house at 59 Van Reenen Street (1914) and
the Powder House (which was used as a store for gunpowder).
Situated in the fertile Robertson Valley, known also as the valley of wine
and roses, it originally owed its existence to farming and a wagon-building
industry. Today wine and fruit farming, race-horse breeding, and tourism
form the mainstay of the town’s economy. The town also has interesting
little shops, eateries, pubs, a vibrant art route, a number of resident artists,
galleries, museums and much more.
Other attractions include hiking trails, water skiing, river rafting, kayaking,
the 2-day 20km Arangieskop hiking trail, or if you are brave enough, you
can engage in some tandem skydiving at the local skydiving club, the oldest
existing one in South Africa.
Ashton
Next stop is Ashton. Upon leaving Robertson, follow the R60 to Ashton
where, a short distance on the other side of the town, the R62 proper
begins. The town nestles at the foot of the Langeberg mountain range
within the Breede River Valley and is renowned for its wine and fruit.
Ashton is also home to rose nurseries, two large fruit canneries and
number of wineries, and is one of the main wine-producing districts on the
Roberston Wine Route.
Wine tasting can be done at the Ashton Cellars or any one of a number of
well-known wine estates. Or you can visit the restaurant at Platform 62,
the beehives at Farmer Redbeard, or stop at the Mabrin Olive Farm. Hikers
can enjoy the abundance of fynbos in the foothills of the Langeberg, or the
more adventurous can try their hand at rock climbing or a hiking trail, both
in the Kogmanskloof, just 2 km out of Ashton. In the Kogmanskloof gorge
you can marvel at the strange and ancient rock formations that are also
found further along the route, formations that were deposited, folded and
faulted over 500 million years ago.
There are plenty of quaint and cosy B&B cottages, guest houses and
hotels in and around Ashton for those wanting to overnight here. The
town also has a variety of shopping, cultural, culinary, historical and other
experiences to offer.
Montagu
Just outside Ashton the road forks, with Route 62 going to the left and,
through a manmade hole in the mountain, to Montague. It is more hole
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Road Travel
than tunnel. Here, atop the rock formations, sits an old English fort dating
back to 1899 and the Anglo-Boer War. You will also find the Kogmanskloof
Mountain Pass built in 1877 and the Montagu Mountain Local Nature
Reserve here.
With numerous hotels, lodges and B&Bs, and the famous Montagu
or Avalon Hot Springs resort, there is no shortage of accommodation.
Much of it comes in the form of old cottages in the Cape Dutch building
style, historical homesteads or other buildings, some even being national
monuments. Some of the best preserved examples of Victorian, Cape
Dutch and Georgian architecture are found here. Resident artists, writers,
charismatic characters and other interesting and hospitable people
abound in this charming little town that has retained its 19th century soul,
charm and appearance.
The town is also known for its dried fruit, orchards, vineyards, herbs, and
of course the healing hot waters from the mineral springs. A walk through
the tranquil and beautiful Montague Nature Garden is a must. For more
boisterous fun there is the annual Whacky Wine Weekend and Muscadel
Wine Festival.
Other things to do include mountain biking, hiking routes, kloofing,
abseiling, 4x4 routes, paragliding, fishing, river boat trips up the Breede
River, the Saturday farmers’ market, the Museum Art Gallery, three
museums, a donkey sanctuary, a tour of the district in classic American
dream cars, the Montagu arts and crafts route, wine tasting and tractor
drives to the Guano Cave. And plenty more.
Barrydale
Continuing our journey to the town of Barrydale, Route 62 now winds its
way through a long valley flanked by the 250km-long Langeberg range,
passing the Twistniet ans Zuurberg Nature Reserves and Boosmansbos
Wilderness Area. A picturesque patchwork of mountains, vineyards, fruit
orchards and veld accompanies you all the way.
Just before you enter Barrydale, the R324 branches off to the right and
becomes the 16km-long Tradouw’s Pass, built by the famous Thomas
Bain. It follows the course of the river by the same name as it winds its
way through the mountains to Swellendam and Heidelberg, providing a
window on some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery in
the Langeberg. Here you can still see part of the first path through the
mountains made by the original Attequa Khoi inhabitants of the area.
Barrydale is situated on the border between the Overberg and Klein Karoo
(Little Karoo) regions and is named after the legendary James Barry, a
trader, lawyer, agent, auctioneer, deputy sheriff and military commander
who established a trading empire at nearby Swellendam. It is said the wife
of Adolph van Coller, the first white settler in the valley, was in love with
Barry and persuaded her husband to name the town after him. Which adds
a wicked little romantic touch to the delightfully maverick character of the
place.
The town developed around its first building, a magnificent church that still
dominates the surrounding buildings to this day. Barrydale is home to the
Karoo Art Hotel, previously the Barrydale Hotel, with each room designed
as a work of art. With its lively bar, restaurant and Bioscope Theater, the
hotel is a favourite meeting place for locals and travellers.
Guided walking tours of the town and area will enlighten you about the
history, people and heritage of Barrydale. Some 30km out of town you
will find the Warmwaterberg Spa, a collection of mineral springs in the
mountains. Don’t be surprised to find an authentic vintage American diner
in the town, called Diesel and Crème, which serves delicious burgers, fries
and milkshakes. It is right next to the strangely-named Karoo Moon Motel,
in an old stone building that appears to have been a church at one time.
Other hotels and B7Bs in the town also have eccentric names like Blue Cow
Barn, The Whitehouse (but without Donald Trump), Red Rooster, Gila’s
Artistic Home, Plaaswegbreek and Ruth62.
On Van Riebeeck Street you will find the House of Books, a treasure trove of
second-hand books. Pubs, restaurants, the Net-vir-Pret youth project, art
galleries, a brandy distillery, wine cellars, a labyrinth, crafts, hand weavers,
and an abundance of outdoor activities are among the many things to be
discovered here. Be warned: you will need more than a weekend to take
it all in.
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Diesel & Crème, Barrydale Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Karoo Moon Motel, Barrydale Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock

Road Travel
Ronnies Sex Shop…a pub on Route 62 Wallix / Shutterstock
Ladismith main street Grobler du Preez / Shutterstock
Ronnies Sex Shop
Leaving Barrydale, the road rises up the mountainside and then cuts across
a plateau above the valley, crossing the Doring River and passing farms and
nature reserves. Some 20km out of Barrydale a most unexpected sight
greets you - a square white building in the parched veld on the right-hand
side of the road, with large red letters proclaiming: Ronnies Sex Shop.
This is where international travellers, local townspeople, bikers, weekend
trippers, people on their way to the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, local
farmers, and just about any other body passing by, stop to come together
over an ice cold beer, some good food, loud rock music, and even louder
conversation. You will also find an impressive collection of women’s bras
and undies hanging from the rafters, left behind by female visitors…the
closest the place comes to doing justice to its name.
Here you can party till you drop without disturbing the neighbours, and
those who have had one too many can even sleep over.
The charismatic, and now legendary, Ronnie Price bought a small cottage
here some years ago with the idea of turning it into a farm stall. He painted
the name ‘Ronnies Shop’ on one whitewashed wall, to which his prankster
friends added the word “sex”. At first annoyed by the prank, Ronnie soon
started smiling again as curious visitors started pulling up. He created the
pub and later added the Roadkill Café.
Thus a legend was born, known around the world, as is attested by the
hundreds of graffiti-like messages scrawled on the walls inside by the
legions of curious visitors from around the globe who have stopped here.
Who said ‘sex’ doesn’t sell?
Ladismith
After a cold beer at Ronnie’s, we saddle up and head east again, soon
crossing the Touws River. Just after the river, to the left, lies the entrance
to the Wolverfontein Guest Farm. The original homestead was an ostrich
baron’s palace dating back to 1890. Right next door’s is Touwsberg Private
Game and Nature Reserve. The entire area is paradise for hikers, nature
lovers and mountain bikers.
Our next stop is the town of Ladismith…no, not misspelt. The original
spelling was changed in 1879 to avoid confusion with the town of
Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal. Ladismith was named after Lady Juana Smith,
wife of the one-time Governor of the Cape, Sir Harry Smith.
Looming over the town is the 2,198m Towerkop (Magic Peak), part of
the Klein Swartberg mountain range. Local folklore has it that an angry
witch flying by struck the peak with her wand because it stood in her way,
causing the peak to split in two, giving it its strange appearance. The large
split changes magically as you view it from different angles.
As is the case with all the towns along Route 62, a measure of eccentricity,
plenty of hospitality and ingenuity are the hallmark of the townsfolk. For
instance, in 1963 local resident Stanley de Wit constructed a lamp halfway
up the Elandsberg peak consisting of a bicycle lamp and dynamo being
powered by a water stream. The purpose? To inform local farmers and
the town of the availability of water when the light goes on. The lamp has
become a famous landmark, known as Stanley’s Light and is considered by
locals to be Ladismith’s extra star in the galaxy.
The district is prime fruit country, with orchards and vineyards everywhere.
One third of South Africa’s apricots are produced here. Some excellent
wines are also produced here and can be tasted at the local winery which
has a wide selection of local Towerkop wines.
The town also boasts an impressive architectural heritage from neo-Gothic
to Victorian, Georgian, Regency, Lithuanian, Edwardian, Cape Revival and
Rural Karoo style, as well as its own unique building style, the Ladismith
style. The latter is a simplified Georgian design dating from the 1830’s.
There are also a number of beautiful churches.
However, the cherry on the visitor’s cake here is reserved for cheese lovers.
The Ladismith Cheese Factory and Parmalat’s chees factory sell delicious
big wheels of cheese at bargaining prices. Make sure you leave room in
your car to take some home.
The town is surrounded by many scenic routes such as Hoeko Valley, the
gorge at Seweweekspoort and the valleys and orchards of Dwarsrivier,
Voorbaat and Van Zylsdamme. The area also offers nature lovers an
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Road Travel
Artist’s studio along the road Grobler du Preez/Shutterstock
The Hell, Gamkaskloof Dominique de la Croix/Shutterstock
abundance of flora ranging from mountain fynbos to Karoo to broken
veld and succulent Karoo. Birdwatchers can indulge in some 180 different
species, while animals range from rheebok, klipspringer, the occasional
kudu, Cape mountain zebra, springbok to leopards, and numerous other
small species.
The Hell
After Ladismith Route 62 takes you to Calitzdorp. Just before reaching the
small town, the road crosses the Gamka River near the south-western
end of the mysterious, hidden valley known as The Hell, or Gamkaskloof,
although the valley cannot be accessed by vehicle from this end.
For about 160 years a small farming community lived deep down in this
isolated valley in the formidable Swartberg mountain range, cut off from
the outside world until the late 1950s. After a road had been built into the
valley from the Swartberg Pass on its north-eastern side, most inhabitants
gradually left. Today their cottages serve as guest houses owned and
managed by Cape Nature in the Swartberg Nature Reserve, Boplaas
Guest Cottages and Annatjie Joubert, one of the original inhabitants who
returned to the valley.
You can add The Hell to your itinerary via Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg
Pass, or you can drive up along the Gamka River towards the valley from
the R62. While you won’t be able to enter the valley by car, one can stay
in any number of lovely guest farms and cottages on the south-western
side. There are a number of hiking and 4X4 trails here that will allow you
glimpses up the Gamkaskloof valley.
Calitzdorp
Known variously as the port wine capital of South Africa, the fruit basket of
Kannaland (as the area and the local district municipality are known), or the
heart of the Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp is a uniquely charming little village that
will blow you away. The town, surrounded by mountains on all sides, falls
within the Klein Karoo Wine Route and the Cape Floral Region, the latter
being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The valley’s climate and dry soil, similar to that of Portugal’s Douro Valley
and home of Port, makes it ideal for the production of its port wines. Several
other wines, similar in taste to Portuguese wines, are also produced here.
After touring the outlying areas of the district, park your car in the village
and explore on foot: pleasant surprises await you around each corner. Walk
down the historic Queen Street with its fascinating and well-preserved
old buildings, most of them now housing restaurants, galleries and guest
houses.
There are some fine examples too of the sandstone architecture typical of
the region dating back to the heyday of the ostrich feather industry. A good
example is the town’s original church built in 1912 in a neo-Byzantine style
with a Marseilles roof, declared a national monument in 1991.
Turn off Queen Street at Saayman Street to Boplaas, or at Station Street
to De Krans, and try their outstanding port and other wines. Or visit any
one of a number of excellent wine cellars, such as Axehill, Calitzdorp Cellar,
Du’SwaRoo, or Peter Bailey Winery, most of them within walking distance
from the centre of town.
Evidence of the area’s early San and Khoi settlements and rock art examples
are found in the district, but not all of these are accessible as their locations
are being kept secret to protect them.
The area has several nature reserves, mineral springs, and mountain
passes that can be explored. In addition the town offers good eating and
drinking plus entertainment, excellent accommodation, art and culture, a
museum, much history, and plenty of heritage attractions. There are also
guided hiking and canoeing excursions, horse and donkey trails, heritage
and biodiversity tours, and more, to be enjoyed.
Oudtshoorn, Volmoed and De
Rust
Finally we come to our end destination on this section of Route 62…the
erstwhile ostrich feather capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. It lies at the
centre of the full Route 62 from Robertson to Port Elizabeth.
From Calitzdorp it is a short 47km drive to Oudtshoorn on the way passing
close to the historic and interesting little settlement of Volmoed. On the
other side of Oudtshoorn, just before the awesome Meiringspoort, is
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Country lane, Calitzdorp Grobler du Preez/Shuttersock
De Rust, another charming little village that has been preserved from a
bygone century.
Now you are in ostrich country, and although the heyday of the feather
industry together with the fabulously wealthy ostrich barons have gone,
the ostrich meat, feather and leather industry is still a lucrative and vibrant
one, still forming much of the economic backbone of the district.
A number of ostrich farms in the area are open to visitors. Also dotted
throughout the district and the town are still many of the palatial homes of
the erstwhile ostrich barons, who formed such a large Jewish community
here that it was sometimes called Little Jerusalem.
Oudtshoorn also still has many fine examples of the sandstone architecture
unique to the area and the ostrich feather era, including the CP Nel
Museum. The museum houses exhibits depicting the role of the ostrich
trade in the town’s history and many other interesting displays in a building
that was once the Oudtshoorn Boys’ High School.
The town also has a rich cultural history and was the home of the great
Afrikaans language poet, playwright and author, CJ Langehoven. He wrote
the words of Die Stem, South Africa’s pre-1994 national anthem which still
forms part of the current national anthem. His house on Jan van Riebeeck
Drive is now a museum. As part of its ongoing cultural contribution,
Oudtshoorn annually hosts the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, one of
South Africa’s largest and oldest arts festivals.
Other attractions in and around Oudtshoorn include the world-famous
Cango Caves, a crockodile and cheetah farm, the towering rock formations
of the beautiful Meiringspoort, hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges,
the Swartberg Pass with access to The Hell (Gamkaskloof), 4X4 routes,
wine tours, arts and crafts, and much more.
Like Rome, all roads lead to and from Oudtshoorn, with several roads
connecting it across the mountains to nearby Mossel Bay, George, Prince
Albert, Knysna and the Garden Route, and of course, along the R62 to
Uniondale, the start of the second, eastern section of Route 62. But that is
another story for another day and edition.

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