Pretoria

PRETORIA

CAROLINE LINDE &

ANÉL VAN NIEKERK

The Kokkedoor duo who

serve up flavour, fun

and plenty of laughs

FALLING

IN LOVE...

with juicy fruits, creamy cheeses, chocolatey

treats, bold brews, irresistible scents and

slow days spent exploring the countryside.

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

FEBRUARY 26

CONTENTS

GET IT

Editorial

Instagram: @getitptamagazine

Facebook: Get It Pretoria Magazine

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/pretoria

National Group Editor and National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

getitmagazine.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

@getitnationalmagazines

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Journalist Rialien Furstenberg

rialienf@caxton.co.za

Sales Manager

Sajedah Ameer

067 658 4933

sajedaha@rekord.co.za

Distribution

12 000 copies monthly

Get It Pretoria is distributed free

of charge. For a full list contact

distribution@rekord.co.za

THIS MONTH

04 Sip, shop, laugh, and swoon

06 Book Club ... reads that will steal your heart

08 Lust List ... all the things we love the most

PEOPLE

10 Get to know Kokkedoor’s fun mother and daughter duo, Caroline and Anél

20 A whiff of whimsy with interior designer Marilize Jacobs

BEAUTY & HEALTH

12 Love is in the air ... with scents for him and her

14 A dozen reasons to love rooibos

FOOD

16 Chocolate and coffee ... a match made in heaven

18 Serve up flavour and freshness

DECOR & GARDENING

22 Make the vase the statement piece

24 Spread romance in your garden

TRAVEL

30 Six must-see spots for a perfect day in the country

32 Slow safari living at Nambiti Hills Lodge

WIN

20 A virtual consultation with interior designer Marilize Jacobs

34 The Kate Spade New York Pop fragrance

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically and

need to collect their prizes from Caxton Northern

branch within 10 days or they will be forfeited.

COVER PHOTO CREDIT

GYS LOUBSER

08

February 2 Get It Magazine 03

A hot date!

Sip, shop, laugh, and swoon — there’s something for everyone this month

If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least a month in advance to rialienf@caxton.co.za

07

Plan, browse, and be inspired at the Ek’s Verloof Exhibition. From dreamy

dresses and breathtaking décor to top photographers and venues,

discounts, live music and a spa corner, you’ll find absolutely everything you need

to create the wedding of your dreams, all under one stylish, exciting roof. 9am to

4pm at Woodlands Boulevard. Taking place on February 7 and 8. Entry is free.

07

Treat yourself and a friend to a fun girls’ day out at a non-interactive

make-up workshop with The Glitterpot Hair & Make-Up Artistry, in association

with Halouw Professional, hosted by Louise Volschenk from The Mommy Club:

Van Die Hoofstad. Expect expert tips, delicious snacks, and a gift bag packed with

surprises and discount vouchers because every girl deserves a little pampering!

10am–2pm at Lapaside Venue, Graham Road, Pretoria East. Tickets are R550 per

person from quicket.co.za. Spots are limited.

12

Taste, savour, and unwind at a

three-course food pairing and

wine tasting. Sit back, savour slowly,

and allow Strandveld Vineyards to

guide you through an evening of

character, craftsmanship, and coastal

elegance. 6pm at Kleinkaap Boutique

Hotel, Centurion. Tickets are R695 per

person from tickets.tixsa.co.za

12

Laugh, cry, and be wowed by

Catch Me, Love - Nataniël.

Set in a world that’s increasingly

unpredictable, from secretive families

in the woods to billionaires in

space, this show follows the lengths

people will go to survive. Hilarious,

heartbreaking, and visually stunning,

it’s being called a bold new direction

for Nataniël. Sharing the stage with

him are Charl du Plessis, Werner Spies,

and Peter Auret. February 12 to 15 at

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre. Tickets from

R200 per person via seatme.co.za.

15

Celebrate the month of love

with an afternoon of music and

romance at A Valentine’s Serenade:

Heartstrings and High Notes.

Soprano Michelle Veenemans and

violinist Miroslav Chakaryan, joined

by pianist Gisela Scriba, perform light

classical favourites and beloved arias.

4pm at Die Centurion Teater. Tickets

are R200 per person from quicket.

co.za. All proceeds go to the SA

Animal Cancer Association (SAACA).

27

Shop, play, and discover at

the Flair Baby and Toddler

Market. With loads of handpicked

stalls from across the country, you’ll

find everything from nursery furniture

and décor to baby food, toys, clothing,

nappy bags, cloth nappies, maternity

wear, and so much more. February

27 to March 1 at the Heartfelt Arena.

Tickets are R150 per adult for a

weekend pass, kids under 16 enter

free. Grab yours at the doors or from

flairmarket.co.za

04 Get It Magazine February 26

Book club

Books passionate readers will adore.

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

“When you think of everyone you love...“,

said the fox “I hope you include yourself.”

Charlie Mackesy’s Always Remember -

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse

and The Storm is page after gloriously

thoughtful page of his drawings and

sentiments about being brave, being loved,

being kind and patient and gentle. With

others, but mostly with yourself. “Be patient

with yourself. Shouting at a flower won’t

make it bloom.” If you, or someone close to

you, is struggling, it’s a gem. It’s a gem even

if you aren’t. Penguin

The purpose of A Beautiful World

is not, says author and artist James

Norbury, to make you happy. It’s

simply to give you a little poke and

help you remember that the world

can be beautiful if you choose to look

at it that way. In the book, Big Panda

and Tiny Dragon look at loss and

living with the past, fear and anxiety,

anger and finding peace, self-doubt,

depression and feeling incomplete,

recognising beauty where you are

right now. You can read it as a story, or

open it on a random page each day

to see the wisdom of how to face a

challenge. Micheal Joseph

All these, and more exciting new

releases, available in store and online

at Exclusive Books.

Light aromas of berries, orange blossom and grapefruit, with fresh, lively and

fruity flavours ... serve Lillet Rose as a long cocktail ... pour 50ml of Lillet Rose and

100ml premium tonic water over ice in a tall wine glass, add a slice of citrus and

happy days. R389 from Takealot.


Freida McFadden has a

bit of a cult following ...

with fans snapping up her

new titles as they hit the

bookshelves. Look out for

Dear Debbie this month.

And if you haven’t already

read The Surrogate

Mother, it’s a humdinger ...

failed infertility, adoptions

falling through, surrogacy

and secrets. Poisoned Pen

A baby given

away by a

teenage mum. A

family estranged.

A secret kept

for more than

two decades.

And a carefully

constructed

new life that’s

about to unravel.

Grace by Chika

Unigwe is about

motherhood,

finding meaning

and fighting for

those you love.

Canongate

An abandoned house with a tragic history.

Threatening notes and unfriendly locals. A

daughter with increasingly erratic behaviour. And,

in Lauren Oliver’s What Happened to Lucy Vale,

a true-crime writer who may have decided to

investigate the wrong story! Hodder & Stoughton

What’s book club without

a cocktail? Not much fun

at all. This month, before

we get all librarian, we’re

going to up the glam

stakes with creations from

Thea Engst’s Sex and the

City Cocktails. We’ll go

Manhattan glitzy party

vibes ... with step-by-step

recipes curated to fit the

show’s chic spirit. There’s a

recipe for every character

and key scene, including

some spirit-free options

... cocktails sure to bring

a touch of the wit and

glamour Sex and the City is

famous for straight to your

bar cart. Insight Edition

All We Once Had ... an emotional,

heartfelt contemporary YA

romance from Katy Upperman

(author of Everything I Promised

You), exploring the complicated

nature of grief, family, growing

up, and the beauty of second

chances. Penguin

One of Us Is Dead

by Jeneva Rose is

set in Buckhead - a

place of expensive

cars, huge houses,

and competitive

friendships. When the

queen bee position

becomes available,

it’s all backstabbing

and manipulation and

underhand tricks. And

things get seriously

deadly! Orion

In Anatomy of an

Alibi by Ashley Elston,

two women hatch

a plan to exchange

places for a night,

so as to find out the

truth about one of

their husbands, who

is hiding a secret and

tracking her every

move. But when the

husband is murdered,

they each need an

alibi ... and only one

has it. Headline


Lust list

Rosé. Middle Eastern Food. Strawberry preserve. All the things we love the most.

In Persiana Easy, Sabrina

Ghayour shares more than

100 Middle Eastern-inspired

dishes ... all delicious, all

achievable, all easier than

you’d think. She has, she

says, used every shortcut to

create fuss-free recipes for

every mood, craving, occasion

and time frame. R810 from

Exclusive Books.

Victoria Gin is

turning up the

sunshine with two

limited-edition

striped designs

that embody the

joy of Summer

... fresh, stylish,

and ready to

elevate every

celebration. There’s

a Pink Edition,

as well as this

Orange Blossom

with rose hip ...

all sun-soaked

Mediterranean

charm. R379 from

Checkers Sixty60.

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

Delaire Graff Cabernet

Franc Rosé ... crisp and

fresh, this wine displays

flavours of cassis,

strawberries and ripe

cherries with a seductive

hint of spice. R219

from Woolworths.


Strawberries and rose petals have been paired perfectly

for a preserve to posh up toast with cheese, or to use

as a cake filling. Strawberry & Rose Flower Preserve,

R95 from babylonstoren.com

All we need is love.

Quite right! These

Tavola luxe, large,

biodegradable

paper napkins add

a little romance

to your table

setting. R99 for a

pack of 24 from

yuppiechef.com

Meet your new body BFF. Sol de Janeiro’s Rosa Charmosa range

includes the Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream - a dreamy water-whipped

cream that hydrates skin for up to 72 hours. Because who doesn’t want

to be luminous and feel confident? And the Cheirosa 91 fragrance

... think a refreshing cocktail made with Rio Pink Rose, passion fruit

and honey caramel. Bright, playful and totally addictive. Perfect for

any mood, any day. These Brazilian-inspired skincare rituals, with an

irresistible rose scent, are R560 and R610, at ARC, Woolworths, Edgars,

Takealot, Truworths, BASH, Foschini and Superbalist.

Sweet on

You plate for

treats, biscuits,

berries.

It’s locally

handmade

stoneware with a

satin glaze and 18ct

gold hand-painted rim.

R1200. And a little kiss

with every cup of coffee.

Bisou Mug, R750. Both from

madisonboutique.co.za


From tuckshop

to the telly

When you’ve fed thousands in one day, a national cooking show should be easy

… right? Step into the slightly chaotic, always delicious world of Kokkedoor’s fun

mother and daughter duo, Caroline and Anél – the snoepietannies who prove that

laughter, love, and good food are always better served together.

Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: GYS LOUBSER.

The first thing you notice about

Caroline Linde and her daughter,

Anél van Niekerk, is their energy –

the kind that makes you smile even

before a single dish hits the table.

Known across Pretoria as the beloved

snoepietannies – Caroline at Afrikaans

Hoër Seunskool and Anél at Laerskool

Tygerpoort, they are the school

tuckshop aunties who feed thousands

of learners with heart and humour –

proving that good food, big laughs,

and a shared love of life are better

when seasoned with family.

The mother–daughter duo didn’t

just stroll onto Kokkedoor: Son &

See for a casual cook-off. They threw

themselves into the competition with

a dash of bravado and a lot of love.

After reaching the top three, they

became household names for their

infectious chemistry, culinary courage,

and, of course, a healthy side of chaos.

“We would do everything we love –

entertaining, cooking, baking, and

making snacks,” Caroline says. “And

Anél and I? We work at separate

schools, but when we cook together,

the main priority is always our people.

The ones we want to keep happy.”

It is this devotion that makes the

snoepietannies so beloved. Caroline

has spent decades feeding Affies’

students, mastering comforting,

hearty boerekos. Anél is equally

fearless in the kitchen, often

experimenting with daring flavours

and techniques – keeping everyone

on their toes along the way.

Their kitchens are battlegrounds of

love, laughter, and the occasional

culinary mishap. One legendary event

had them preparing more than 2

000 of their famous curry sosaties for

Affies’ annual Grey Derby.

“We nurtured them for more than five

days in the sauce,” Caroline recalls.

“On the last mix, it was chaos, and

Anél didn’t realise her engagement

ring had fallen off. Needless to say,

we were standing there with all those

sosaties and sauce, sifting through

our hands to find the ring. Luckily

we did. We never told anyone. Help

was offered – but we insist on doing

it ourselves.”

‘‘The whole experience

of Kokkedoor was one

of the craziest things

we’ve ever done”

“When everything gets

overwhelming, it’s good to take a

step back,” Anél adds thoughtfully. “Be

hard on the work and soft on people.

That is something I will carry with me

forever.”

Their bond is evident in how they

describe each other. Caroline likens

herself to a trifle – “more than enough

space for everything and everyone,

fully loaded with love” – while Anél is

a chocolate lava cake, “always layered

with a surprise in the centre.” Together,

they are a perfect mix of nurturing

warmth and playful unpredictability.

“My mum is like a bottomless,

comforting stew,” Anél says. “She keeps

giving and making everyone happy.

Her door is always open. Nothing is

ever too much to ask.”

If Anél could bottle the smell of

her childhood kitchen with her

grandmothers, what would it be?

“My grandma, who lived on the farm,

would definitely be vetkoek. She used

to make it with Lena at least every

second day. My other gran would

be the smell of sweet pumpkin and

cinnamon. Put the two together and

you get pumpkin fritters – warm,

hearty, welcoming, and very much

loved. That’s what made me love

cooking, seeing people happy over a

good plate of food,” Anél says.

Caroline adds, “It’s all about sharing.

Whether it’s at home with family, at

the tuckshop, or on Kokkedoor, we

try to make everyone feel welcome.

That’s what food is for us – it’s love on

a plate.”

For all their experience feeding

thousands, Kokkedoor tested them

in unexpected ways. Caroline says

the real challenge was the “man up”

moments – high-pressure rounds,

complex plating, and proving that

even after decades of running huge

events, there is always something new

to learn.

“The whole experience of Kokkedoor


was one of the craziest things we’ve

ever done,” Caroline admits.

Anél echoes the sentiment with

humour and humility. “I sometimes

think I am too honest. My facial

expressions give me away more

than my words,” she says. “But I love

working under pressure. It keeps me

sharp and creative. I learnt a lot about

myself and about my mom during the

show. And to plate food so that it is

Instagrammable!”

Despite their busy schedules, their

favourite mother–daughter time

is simple ... window shopping and

dreaming about their ultimate

kitchens, with laughter and

daydreams flowing freely.

When asked what home-cooked

dish best represents ‘love lives here’,

Caroline and Anél have no hesitation.

Hearty, comforting classics. Caroline’s

family favourites include lamb chops,

crispy roast potatoes, and sweet

pumpkin. Anél’s husband Burger

cannot resist her bacon, butternut,

and gorgonzola pasta – the ultimate

expression of her care.

“We feed thousands, but it is the little

things. The smiles over a toastie or

a warm plate of bobotie that really

matter,” Caroline says.

Humour and humility blend naturally

in their everyday lives. Butter over

olive oil? Check. Cook rather than

bake? Check. Team vetkoek all the

way. Guilty pleasure? Always a second

dessert. If Pretoria had a signature

flavour, they agree it would be steak,

generously buttered, naturally.

From tuck shop counters to primetime

kitchens, Caroline and Anél

prove that food is about connection,

courage, and a dash of chaos. They

have stirred more than pots, they

have stirred hearts.

“It is about making people feel

welcome,” Caroline says softly.

“Whether it is 40 000 meals or

one plate, it is the love you put in

that counts.”

Equal parts laughter, love, and just

a hint of controlled chaos – that’s

Caroline and Anél, proving that the

best recipes are always shared.

Follow @snoepietannies on Facebook

or @snoepie_tannies on Insta.

Fast facts:

Anél:

Proud of her sporting roots –

shotput was her thing! Coached

by dad and grandpa, and she

even competed at the SA

Championships.

Always chasing the next challenge:

signed up for the Comrades (yet

to run it), dreaming of the 100 km

in a couple of years, and currently

training for the Ironman in Durban

this July. She’s also completed the

Two Oceans Marathon twice.

Kitchen rule: Will never give up a

whisk… but a mandolin? Nope, still

doesn’t get it.

Caroline:

Life motto? “Man up!” She’s all about

believing in yourself and grabbing

opportunities head-on.

Cooking inspiration? Mum taught

her the fancy stuff, mother-in-law

brought the classic boerekos – the

perfect combo of tradition and flair.

She is a qualified somatologist and

started her first tuck shop after

her son finished school. Talk about

turning passion into action!


Find your match

Love is in the air ... with scents for him and her.

Revlon Fire & Ice Blaze for men -

fresh and sporty with citrus bursts

and a modern woody body. A

captivating everyday fragrance that

balances spicy, woody and musky

notes. From R380 from clicks.co.za

• Jimmy Choo Man Extreme ...

a potent fragrance signifying

red hot adventure. It is fiery

at its core, with the intense

piquancy of red thyme and

black pepper making up its

top notes, combined with

an aromatic accord of fresh

and crisp geranium fused

with clary sage. Vibrant

amber woods, tonka beans

and punchy vetiver linger

afterwards. R1725 from Dis-Chem.

• A little flirty and aromatically fruity

... Club De Nuit Intense Man is all

lemon, pineapple, bergamot, black

currant and apple, followed by

birch, jasmine and rose, ambergris,

musk, patchouli and vanilla. R1915

from Dis-Chem. • Bergamot stands

out. The spiced cardamom and

ginger add depth. At the heart,

an elegant bouquet of lavender

and violet leaves. And the

potent patchouli, combined

with tonka bean and amber

amplifies the intensity.

Say a warm and

handsome hello to

Lacoste Original

Parfum where elegance

meets assertive power.

R1799 from Edgars.

• Dressed in a black

leather-sheathed bottle

and evoking the true

spirit of exploration is

Montblanc Explorer

Extreme. . Vibrant bergamot,

woody patchouli and

fiery vetiver mingle

with sensual accords of

amber and leather. R2199

from Edgars.


Defined by its floral ambery vanilla character, Montblanc Signature Elixir is a love note to opulence and luxury. It’s all red

orchid and vanilla absolute and is sensational! R1999 from edgars.co.za. • Pure perfume. No spills. No spray. No Fuss. Just a

clean, natural, and alcohol-free perfume that goes where you do. SoyLites Solid Perfumes are available in six variants.

This month, we are loving the Kindred ... a sweet wild-litchi profile that’s vibrant, creative, and full of heart. R220 from

soylites.co.za • NUXE Prodigieux le Parfum ... a feminine blend of sunshine and warm sand, with notes of orange flowers,

magnolia and vanilla. R1250 from Truworths. • Viva La Juicy. Think sweet, sexy and classic. Think bright mandarin and wild

berries meeting honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine, all wrapped in caramel, vanilla, and sandalwood. R1990 for 100ml

from Dis-Chem. • Bursting with pear and ginger, jasmine and solar accord, and sensual vanilla and amber. Lacoste Original

celebrates timeless femininity with a touch of modern grace. R1199 from superbalist.com


12

REASONS TO

LOVE ROOIBOS

Think rooibos is only good for a cosy cuppa? Think again. This homegrown hero is

basically the Swiss Army knife of ingredients ... soothing, flavourful and versatile.

We’ve rounded up the top reasons it deserves a permanent spot in your home.

IT MAKES THE PERFECT

PINK SMOOTHIE

Bright, berry-packed and full of

goodness, this rooibos smoothie

bowl is as pretty as it is nourishing.

Early research suggests rooibos

may offer protective benefits

when it comes to breast health –

while more studies are needed,

it’s a delicious way to toast to

wellness. Simply blend some

frozen berries, a banana, a dollop

of Greek yoghurt and a cup of

rooibos for a refreshing, nutrientpacked

smoothie bowl. Garnish

with seeds and fresh fruit.

IT UPGRADES BREAKFAST

WITH EASE

Cooking oats with strongly brewed

rooibos tea instead of water adds a

subtle, earthy sweetness and a gentle

antioxidant boost. Finish with honey or

maple syrup, nuts and berries. Or make

your own muesli by mixing oats, nuts,

coconut flakes, a splash of Rooibos

tea, maple syrup and toast in the oven.

Decant into glass jars and store for

when the craving hits!

IT BRINGS DULL HAIR BACK TO LIFE

When your hair starts looking a little

tired (we’ve all been there), a simple

rooibos rinse can work wonders. A

strong, cooled brew poured over

your hair once a week adds shine,

soothes a dry or itchy scalp, and gives

your locks that soft, healthy feel we

all love. It’s one of those old-school

tricks that actually works - thanks to

rooibos’ natural antioxidants that help

strengthen the follicles and boost

overall hair health.

IT TURNS INTO THE ULTIMATE

COMFORT DRINK

When the day calls for something

warm and soothing, rooibos delivers

without the caffeine kick.

Rooibos hot chocolate... Brew a

strong cup of rooibos, add dark

chocolate pieces or a teaspoon

of cocoa powder and a drizzle of

honey while hot. Stir in warm milk

until smooth and creamy. For extra

indulgence, top with marshmallows

or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

IT FRESHENS UP YOUR HOME

Dried rooibos leaves work

beautifully as a natural deodoriser.

Place them in a small bowl in the

fridge, or pop some into a sachet

for shoes or cupboards to absorb

unwanted odours.


IT TURNS BATHTIME INTO

A MINI SPA MOMENT

If you need a little TLC, rooibos bath

bombs are a good way to unwind.

Packed with antioxidants, they help

soothe tired skin while the warm

scent instantly melts away the day.

They’re ridiculously easy to make too

and once you’ve tried them, you’ll

wonder why you ever bought bath

bombs in the first place.

You’ll need: 1 cup bicarbonate of soda;

½ cup citric acid; ½ cup Epsom salt; ¼

cup cornstarch; 2 Tbsp dried rooibos

leaves; 2 Tbsp coconut oil; 10 drops

essential oil (lavender or vanilla work

perfectly.)

To make: Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

Stir in the melted coconut oil and

essential oil until the mixture looks

crumbly. Press into moulds and let

them set for 24 hours.

Drop one into your bath and let the

stress dissolve.

IT SUPPORTS A

ZERO-WASTE LIFESTYLE

Rooibos proves that loving well also

means wasting less. Used leaves

can be repurposed as natural dye

for fabric or paper or even dried

and used as a fire starter for braais,

fireplaces or camping.

IT TREATS YOUR LIPS

WHILE YOU SLEEP

If your pout needs a little extra love,

a DIY rooibos lip balm is the sweetest

way to keep dryness at bay.

You’ll need: 1 Tbsp beeswax; 1 Tbsp

coconut oil; 1 tsp shea butter; 1 tsp

strong, cooled rooibos

To make: Melt the beeswax, coconut

oil and shea butter in a double boiler

until smooth. Remove from the heat

and stir in a tsp of strong cooled

rooibos. Pour the mixture into small

containers or tins and let it set. This

nourishing balm keeps lips hydrated.

IT LOVES YOUR FUR BABIES

Rooibos isn’t just kind to humans – it

can be gentle on our furry friends too.

Plain, cooled rooibos tea is generally

considered safe for dogs and may

help soothe itchy skin, mild allergies

and digestion issues thanks to its

antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

properties. You can use it as a cooled

rinse for irritated skin or offer small

amounts to drink. Just remember,

rooibos should always be plain (no

milk, sugar or flavourings), and it’s best

to check with your vet first – especially

for cats or if your pet has an existing

health condition.

IT MAKES A GENTLE SKIN STEAM

A rooibos facial steam helps

open pores, refresh skin and clear

congestion. Brew a strong batch of

rooibos, pour into a bowl, lean over

with a towel and steam your face for

5 to 10 minutes. Follow with your

favourite moisturiser while skin is

still warm.

IT SOOTHES ITCHY BUG BITES

Summer brings sunshine … and

the occasional pesky bites. Instead

of harsh chemicals, try this simple

hack. Place a cooled rooibos tea bag

directly onto the bite. Its natural antiinflammatory

properties help calm

irritation and ease itching fast.

IT FEEDS YOUR GARDEN

Before you toss those used rooibos leaves, take them outside – your plants will

thank you. Add used rooibos leaves or sachets to compost.

Sprinkle dried leaves around plants to improve soil quality. Brew a weak rooibos

tea, cool it, and use as liquid fertiliser. It’s especially beneficial for acid-loving

plants like roses, azaleas and ferns. Follow @sarooiboscouncil on Insta and

@rooiboscouncil on Facebook for more Rooibos-inspired ideas.


Sweet cravings

Chocolate and coffee. All you need to kick start the month of love.

FIVE INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE POTS

You’ll need: 125ml milk, 250ml cream, 3 Tbsp castor

sugar, 5 egg yolks, 200g dark chocolate - chopped

To make: Heat the milk and cream in a small

saucepan over medium heat to just before boiling

point. Remove from the heat. Whisk the sugar

and egg yolks in a heatproof bowl. Slowly add

the cream mixture to the yolks, while beating to

prevent the eggs from scrambling. Return the

custard to low heat and cook, while stirring, for

about 5 minutes or until the mixture coats the

back of a spoon. Strain the custard through a sieve.

Stir through the chocolate until melted. Spoon

into 6 x 125 ml bowls. Set in the fridge.

Optional: Place 2 egg whites and 125 ml (½ cup)

castor sugar in a medium heatproof bowl set over

a small saucepan with simmering water. Beat with

a hand beater on medium speed until the sugar

has dissolved and the mixture is heated. Take off

the heat and continue beating until the meringue

reaches room temperature and soft peaks form.

Spread dollops onto the chocolate pots. Char with

a blowtorch. Serve with berries and shortbread

biscuits/cigars (optional).

NUTTY MOCHA MOUSSE

A bold, no-bake dessert made to impress.

You’ll need: 500ml fresh cream, 60g Babylonstoren Dark Chocolate

with Rye - finely chopped, 125ml Babylonstoren Coffee Nut

Butter, 60ml Babylonstoren Salted Caramel, Maldon salt to serve,

Babylonstoren koffiekoekies to serve

To make: Heat half a cup of cream in a small saucepan over

medium heat or in the microwave until just below boiling point.

Stir in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Cover

directly with plastic wrap and set aside to cool.

Whisk the remaining cream in a bowl until medium

peaks form. Add the nut butter and salted caramel

and whisk until smooth. Pour into six ramekins

or glasses (about 160 ml each) and place in the

fridge to set.

Divide the cooled chocolate ganache over the

mousse and place in the fridge until needed.

Serve with a pinch of flaky salt and koffiekoekies.

Details: Visit babylonstoren.com to order the coffee

and chocolate treats needed for this recipe.


We’re loving Lady Eclipse, a chocolate–orange glitter

liqueur crafted to bring indulgence, elegance, and

a touch of sparkle to every celebration. A blend of

velvety dark chocolate and bright orange citrus, it’s

rich and luxurious and vibrant and smooth. And the

glam factor’s high ... the addition of edible shimmer

elevates every pour. Serve neat, poured over ice,

stirred into cocktails, or used as a dessert drizzle.

Launched by the Bush Whisper Foundation where

a portion of proceeds will support anti-poaching

initiatives and the fight against human trafficking.

R600 per bottle. Details: Order on 082-377-0085 or

email talitha@bushwhisper.co.za

CHERRY & CHOCOLATE COFFEE CHARLOTTE

Serves 6 to 8

You’ll need: Some oil for the mould, 175g Boudoir finger biscuits,

2–3 Tbsp brandy, 1 small cup of strong Jacobs coffee, 300ml

cream, 200g mascarpone cheese, 2 Tbsp cocoa powder (plus

extra for dusting), 2 Tbsp powdered sugar (plus extra for

dusting), 300g cherries, pitted and halved (plus 3 cherries for

garnish), 100g dark chocolate, melted

To make: Lightly brush a deep bowl with oil and line the base

with baking paper. Set aside 5 biscuits. Mix brandy and Jacobs

coffee, soak the remaining biscuits briefly. Line the bowl with

halved biscuits at the bottom and whole biscuits around the

edge (sweet side facing out).

Whip cream until stiff and fold in mascarpone. Divide into two

bowls - mix cocoa and powdered sugar into one, and cherries

into the other.

Alternate layering cream mixtures in the biscuit-lined bowl. Add

spoonfuls of leftover soaked biscuits on top and press down

firmly. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to set.

Before serving, invert onto a plate. Dust generously with cocoa

and powdered sugar, garnish with cherries, and drizzle melted

dark chocolate. Serve and enjoy!

Whether enjoyed at a long family lunch, shared around a

sparkling table, or gifted to someone special, the Jacobs Festive

Cherry & Chocolate Coffee Charlotte elevates every moment.

Infused with the signature bold flavour of Jacobs coffee, it’s

more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of meaningful moments

shared with loved ones.

Here’s a new way to get

your iced caffeine fix.

Nescafé Espresso

Concentrate is made

from a rich Arabica blend.

All you need are a few

cubes of ice in a glass,

add 250ml of water,

milk or plant-based

alternatives, and then add

50ml of Nescafé Espresso

Concentrate. There are

two options ... Sweet

Vanilla for a soft, smooth

and creamy finish and

Black for a more bold,

deep and intense flavour.

R119.99 from Pick n Pay.


Flavour & freshness

Cheese and stone fruit – a beautiful Summer friendship

Peaches, nectarines and plums are at their peak of flavour and juiciness. But

they bring more than that to your table. These Summer favourites are also

naturally rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants, supporting

hydration and everyday well-being in this hotter weather. Cheese, too,

is packed with goodness. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein,

calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, while adding those creamy, salty or tangy

notes that make stone fruit truly shine. We share delicious fruit and cheese

recipes that appeal to all ages.

Details: @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or www.juicydelicious.co.za and

@rediscoverdairy on Instagram or www.rediscoverdairy.co.za

SUMMER CHEESE & FRUIT BOARD

A cheeseboard that’s vibrant, fresh and indulgent. Juicy grilled nectarines

pair beautifully with creamy mozzarella, and the peach and ginger compote

brings out the best in mature cheddar and gouda. Add crisp slices of fresh

plums and a few simple extras, and you’ve got a stunning spread.

You’ll need: Peach and ginger compote, 4 peaches - peeled, pitted and cut

into chunks, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 3 slices

of fresh ginger, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, grilled nectarines, 4 nectarines - halved

and pitted, 10ml olive oil, balsamic reduction for drizzling

To assemble: 250g plain chunky cottage cheese, mixed olives, assorted

cheeses – white cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, camembert and chevin, 3

plums (cut into wedges), crostini or baguette slices, Italian cold meats like

prosciutto and coppa, fresh thyme to garnish.

Method: To make the peach compote

place all of the ingredients into a

saucepan. Stir over a medium heat to

dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil, then

lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes,

stirring occasionally, until the peaches

are tender and the liquid is syrupy. Set

aside to cool. Brush the cut side of the

nectarines lightly with some olive oil. Heat

a griddle pan and cook the nectarines

cut side down for 5 minutes until charred

and slightly softened. Transfer to the

cheeseboard and drizzle with balsamic

reduction just before serving. Remove

the ginger from the peach compote

and transfer to a small bowl. Scoop the

cottage cheese into a bowl. Place the

olives in a small bowl and arrange on

a large serving board with the cottage

cheese and compote. Arrange the

cheeses on the board around the bowls.

Add the fresh plum wedges, crostini and

cold meats. Garnish with fresh thyme and

serve immediately.

Recipes: JUICY DELICIOUS and REDISCOVER DAIRY

A good

choice of wine to

accompany the cheese

and fruit board is the Beau

Constantia Pas de Nom Rosé.

A harmonious blend of Syrah

and Mataro, it offers a fine

line of acidity, supple

tannins and layers of

juicy fruit.


HARISSA YOGHURT MARINATED CHICKEN WITH CHARRED NECTARINES,

FENNEL, TOMATO, FETA SALSA & MINT DRESSING ON CORN TACOS

You’ll need: 2 Tbsp harissa spice or paste, 80ml full cream yoghurt, 1 Tbsp lemon

juice, 800g chicken thighs, 2 nectarines or peaches - quartered, 1 fennel bulb -

sliced, 2 tomatoes - diced, 100g feta - crumbled

For the dressing, you’ll need: 2 Tbsp full cream yoghurt, 2 Tbsp mint, 1 Tbsp olive oil,

6 to 8 soft corn tacos

To make: Combine the yoghurt, harissa, lemon juice, and salt, and mix until well

combined. Add chicken and coat with yoghurt marinade. Allow to rest, covered

for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.

Braai chicken on medium coals for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 to

8 minutes. If the chicken was refrigerated, bring it to room temperature

before cooking.

Cut nectarines and fennel into quarters, char on the fire rotating every minute for

about 4 minutes. Dice nectarines once charred.

In a bowl combine tomatoes, feta, charred fennel and nectarines.

To make dressing: Add mint, olive oil, yoghurt into a food processor and blitz till

smooth. Add a teaspoon of feta brine to loosen the mixture up if needed. Slice or

shred chicken and serve in a warm taco with nectarine salsa and a drizzle of the

mint dressing.

NECTARINE AND PLUM GALETTE

For the dough, you’ll need: 280g allpurpose

flour, pinch salt, pinch sugar,

170g butter – must be cold and cut

into cubes; 4 to 5 Tbsp water – must

be cold

For the pie filling, you’ll need: 4 to 5

fresh nectarines – thinly sliced, 3-4

plums (depending on the size) –

thinly sliced, 100g goat’s cheese, ±125

grams cream cheese, fresh thyme, 1

egg – beaten, honey

To make: Pulse the flour, salt, sugar

and butter in a food processor until

you have coarse crumbs. Add the

cold water a tablespoon at a time

until the dough comes together. Turn

it out onto a floured surface, lightly

knead into a ball, wrap and chill for

at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to

180°C and line a baking sheet with

baking paper. Roll out the chilled

dough into a rough circle and place

it on the baking tray. Spread cream

cheese over the centre, leaving about

a 5cm border all around the edge.

Layer the sliced nectarines and plums

over the cream cheese, sprinkling

goat’s cheese as you go.

Add a sprinkling of fresh thyme to the

top of your fruit layer.

Gently fold the 5cm border over the

filling before brushing the pastry

border with the egg wash.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until

golden and the stone fruit is soft.

Remove from the oven and drizzle

honey over the warm fruit.


A whiff of whimsy

How do you design a bedroom that

delights a tween, impresses a teen, and

still makes the parents happy? You call

Marilize Jacobs. The interior designer

who thinks wildly outside the box and

brings a dash of quirky fun to every

space she touches.

When Marilize Jacobs from Pigs Can Fly Interiors

received the brief for this project, she laughed and

said, “This is the kind of job that’s equal parts dream …

and challenge.”

A Woodhill Estate family reached out with a request that

most parents of Gen Alpha daughters will understand all

too well. “We have two girls, Katryn and Nina, sharing a

room,” the mom told her. “And they’re definitely not ready

for a boring adult space.”

What they wanted instead was something vibrant,

personal and Marilize’s favourite word, intelligent. A room

with staying power. A room that could take them from

their tweens into their teenage years without needing

a full redesign every time their taste changed … as it

so often does.

Images: FRANCOIS PISTORIUS.

Where it all began …

“When I walked into that first

consultation, it felt like stepping into

a fizzy, creative tornado.” Between

colour combos, concept boards,

(Marilize prefers that term to mood

board), and two girls bubbling with

completely different tastes, it was

clear this was going to be fun.

Katryn, the eldest, loves her greens.

Nina, her younger sister, lives solidly

in the land of pink. Their parents,

however, had one non-negotiable.

The new space needed to fit in with

the home’s elegant French-inspired

interior and it had to last.

“Future-proofing the room was key,”

Marilize explains. “I needed to design

a space that feels magical right now,

but that will also still feel right five

years from now.”


A colour story with personality

Instead of choosing one daughter’s

favourite colour over the other’s,

Marilize leaned right into the contrast.

“Pink and green actually love each

other,” she laughs. “As long as their

intensity matches.”

To keep things timeless, the walls

were kept neutral and warm. “Wall

colour is the easiest and most

disruptive thing to change. So your

base? That needs to be calm and

classic. Everything fun can happen on

top of that.”

And fun … did happen.

WIN! Want

to transform

your space? Stand a

chance to win a virtual

consultation! Head to

@GetItPretoriaMagazine

on Facebook or Insta, find

the post, and follow the

prompts.

The big reveal

There’s a special moment in every design

project. The first time the client sees

their new space. When Katryn and Nina

walked into their room, the reactions were

priceless.

“Their eyes got huge. They flopped onto

their beds. They pointed at everything. It

was magic,” Marilize recalls with a smile.

But it was Nina who delivered the

moment Marilize will never forget. She

looked around, beaming, and said, “Wow,

aunty Marilize, thank you so much.”

“That is the highest praise. That’s when

you know you got it right.”

Custom pieces with heart (and a

touch of mischief)

“Mass produced?” Marilize says, shaking

her head. “Not for a space like this.”

Every key piece in Katryn and Nina’s

room was either custom-made or

sourced from local artisans. But the

stars of the show? A pair of occasional

chairs upholstered in fabric handpainted

with the quirkiest, most

charming little beetles.

“They’re elegant, but a little

mischievous. Perfect for girls who

love personality.”

Speaking of mischievous … one

accessory always gets a reaction. A little

pup caught mid-sprinkle. “The girls

burst out laughing when they saw it.

That’s the point. A kids’ room should

make you smile. It should feel lived-in,

loved-in … and a little cheeky.”

The lesson for parents designing a kids’ room

According to Marilize, designing for children requires “a bit of vision in

both directions.”

“You have to honour who they are right now, but also create a solid design

foundation for who they’re becoming.”

Her advice?

• Invest in custom, quality pieces that don’t date.

• Keep the walls neutral and the base classic.

• Add personality through colour, texture and unique accents.

• And don’t be afraid of maximalism. When it’s curated, it’s magical.

Because, as this project shows, kids’ rooms don’t have to be babyish or adult.

With thoughtful design, they can be beautiful, joyful and timeless all at once.

Details: Follow @pigscanflyinteriors on Facebook and Insta.


I can buy myself

f lowers

Glass vase, R191 from

Sixth Floor at Superbalist

Small stoneware

vase, R99 from

H&M at Superbalist

Tall vase with decorative

handles, R990 from

netdecor.co.za

Strawberry bud

vase, R59.99 from

Mr Price Home

Bold striped planter,

R299 from bedbathhome.co.za

Lemon leaf vase,

R299.99 from Mr Price Home


Ribbed glass vase,

R34.99 from Pep Home

Coral round vase,

R1380 from netdecor.co.za

Mervyn Gers

ceramic jug, R475

from perfect

hideaways.co.za

Embossed lemon

ceramic urn, R499.99

from Mr Price Home

Pink Ceramic Vase

R 830 from netdecor.co.za

Lissa Claassens’ aqua

glazed vase, R895 from

shop/perfecthideaways.co.za


Let love grow

Romance in the garden. Vivid red flowers. The herb of love. And exotic Curcuma.

Text: ALICE COETZEE

We’re planting … Dipladenia

Diamantina (Jade Scarlet) in

pots or hanging baskets for

the patio. This is the first really

compact, bushy Dipladenia that

fills its container with bright red

trumpet-shaped flowers. Plants

perform best with plenty of

morning sun and some afternoon

shade, so don’t position them

against a hot, west facing wall.

Water when the topsoil feels

slightly dry. Fertilise monthly in

summer and trim to keep neat.

Details: ballstraathof.co.za


Garden tasks for February

• In very hot weather set the lawnmower on its highest setting so that the grass is

higher to shade the roots. • Watering in the evening helps plants to start the day

moist and they will be less heat stressed. • If it is very hot, delay fertilising until it

gets cooler. This puts less stress on the plants. • Succession crops of bush beans,

beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard and rocket can still be sown. • If annual herbs have

gone to seed, sow a new crop of basil, rocket and coriander. • Keep birdbaths

filled with fresh water.

Herb of the month

Did you know that Summer Savory

(Satureja Hortensis) was known as

the herb of love during Roman times?

They believed this aromatic herb was

a natural aphrodisiac and used it to

make love potions. While we don’t

have the recipe for the potions, you

can still work culinary magic by using

this herb to flavour roast chicken, slow

cooked stews, and to season grilled

meat on the braai.

The small, delicate, light green leaves

have a peppery, thyme-like flavour

with a hint of marjoram. Use it fresh or

dried, but in small quantities so that it

doesn’t overpower the dish. It can also

substitute for sage.

To grow: Sow seed directly into the

ground or in seed trays or pots.

Transplant when seedlings are big

enough to handle and space or thin

out seedlings 20cm apart. Summer

Savory thrives in full sun in fertile,

well-draining soil. The aromatic

leaves deter pests and it is a good

companion plant for garden beans.

The first leaves can be harvested

within 60 days from planting, or the

whole plant can be harvested in the

bud stage. Leave some plants to

flower for the bees and butterflies. To

dry, hang the plants in a warm, dark

room. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za or buy

seed online from www.gropak.co.za

Indoor plant of the month

Exotic and romantic, Curcuma, also known as Siamese Tulips, are the perfect gift

plant for Valentine’s Day. Their unusual pink, white or purple flowers are carried

on tall stems above the spear-shaped green leaves. To keep curcuma flowering

for the rest of summer, cut down faded flowers at soil level to encourage new

flowers and feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month. Place plants where they will

receive bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

When they go dormant in winter, put the pot in a cool, dry place and let the soil

dry out. Start watering again in spring for new growth. Details: lvgplant.co.za


ADVERTORIAL

Where little lives find their float

Across Pretoria’s warm

indoor pools, babies and

toddlers are learning

skills that could one day

save their lives. Guiding

this life-changing work is

Lizette Botha, a pioneer

who has reshaped how

little ones learn to survive

and enjoy water safely.

Lizette Botha’s journey began almost

four decades ago, long before baby

self-rescue swimming was widely

known or accepted. “Teaching babies

and young children to swim is my

God-given talent and passion,” she

says. “My wish is that every child in

this country has the opportunity to

become water safe at an early age,

thereby helping to prevent high

drowning rates.”

With a BA in Human Movement

Science and years of specialist training

both locally and abroad, Lizette has

worked alongside world leaders in

swimming, including Jean Fouace of

Switzerland, the founder of Les Bébés

Amphibies International, and Olympic

medallists like Ryk Neethling, Gustavo

Borges, and Josh Davis. Her expertise

has even been sought by Princess

Charlene of Monaco, whose twins she

personally taught water safety and

floating skills.

Together with Jean Fouace, Lizette

co-founded Amphibies Babies Africa,

bringing internationally recognised

infant water-safety techniques to

Africa. Today, she and her husband

Arrie run Kiddies Aqua Swimming

Academy, now the largest baby and

children’s swimming academy in

Africa, with four company-owned

and thirteen franchised branches. In

Pretoria alone, nine heated indoor

facilities, including one in Mamelodi,

are making specialised baby and

toddler swimming more accessible

than ever.

Kiddies Aqua isn’t just about fun

in the pool. Babies start with the

Self-Rescue Water Safety Program,

learning calmness, breath control,

independent floating, and survival

responses to accidental submersion.

Toddlers move on to learn-toswim

lessons, followed by stroke

development and water-safety

training. For budding swimmers,

competitive pathways are offered

in partnership with recognised

institutions like Tuks Swimming.

Adults, too, find their place, whether

it’s learning from scratch, correcting

strokes, or overcoming fear of water.

Lizette personally trains every

specialist Baby Floating instructor

across all branches, each completing

400 in-water training hours under

her guidance. “Safety and excellence

aren’t optional,” she notes.

Swimming is a family affair for the

Bothas. Daughters Mikal and Carmen,

both former national age-group

champions and U.S. swim scholarship

athletes, now teach at Kiddies Aqua,

carrying forward a tradition built on

discipline, care, and service.

In 2025, Kiddies Aqua was voted

Best Swim School in the Best of

Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards,

but for Lizette, the real reward is

quieter ... every child who learns to

float, breathe, and trust themselves

in water.

Details: For branch locations, more

information, or to book a free evaluation

lesson, visit www.kiddiesaqua.co.za or

call 082-570-9925.

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

You’re reading this.

So are your neighbours.

At least 30 000* of them.

You want those neighbours to know your business.

And to buy your products.

Tell them here!

Bookings for our March issue are open.

Mail sajedaha@rekord.co.za for a rate card.

*12000 circulation, with 2.5 readers per magazine.

Excluding readers of digital emag.

Lovin’ Magalies

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a day out in the country … the marvellous Magalies

Meander is about an hour’s drive away. Wherever you travel along this route, expect to see

spectacular, sweeping views of the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains. There are so many

things to do and see …We’ve highlighted six of our favourite stops.

Pour yourself a little happiness

If you’re looking for the kind of place where

you can really slow down, Black Horse

Brewery is a gem. Picture yourself settling

in with a cold craft beer or a smooth gin,

sunlight on your face, mountain views

stretching out in every direction, and that

easy, open-air feeling that makes you just

… breathe. The brewery has a relaxed,

welcoming vibe with long tables, tasty bites

to match your drink, and a way of making

even a quiet afternoon feel special. If you’re

curious, you can also pop into their tasting

room or take a behind-the-scenes tour to

see how the beers and spirits are made,

but honestly, just soaking up the scenery

with a drink in hand is enough to make

the day unforgettable. Take friends, take

family, or enjoy a peaceful solo sip – either

way, it’s a proper escape from the city.

Details: blackhorsedistillery.co.za


A taste of farm-life bliss

If you ever need a day out that just fills your cup, you

have to pop into The Donkey Dairy. It’s honestly the

ultimate farm experience. The moment you arrive,

you’re greeted by the cutest crew; donkeys (of course),

llamas, alpacas, guanacos, dwarf goats… and that’s

only the start. And go hungry, because their farmstyle

dining is ridiculously good. Think famous Wagyu

boerie rolls and burgers, or even a veggie braai-style

boerie, all sizzling away with a proper Magalies view.

Then wander over to the farm shop ... it’s packed with

handmade jams, rusks, sweet treats and their iconic

Donkey Milk skincare range (the perfect spoil-yourself

moment). You can do gentle donkey or horse rides, sip

on a donkey milk tasting (yes, it’s nature’s liquid gold),

nibble a donkey-milk brownie, bottle-feed baby goats,

and head out on one of their scenic trails, Jack’s Trek

or Brayer’s Eye. Trust us … it’s pure countryside joy. Oh,

and if you’re not ready to leave? They’ve got lovely

accommodation options too. Booking is essential.

Details: thedonkeydairy.com

Up, up and away

If you’re after a larger-than-life moment, the kind you’ll talk about for years, then

Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris should be on your Magalies must-do

list. Tucked in the heart of the valley, this is where adventure meets absolute

tranquillity. Picture it. It’s sunrise, the world is still waking up, and you’re floating

effortlessly above the treetops. The only sounds? The whoosh of the burners and

the distant call of a bird somewhere far below. It’s peaceful, surreal … a little bit

magical. One minute you’re skimming the Magalies River Valley, the next you’re

drifting high above the mountain range as the sun spills gold over the horizon.

It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you have to try. And once you’re

back on solid ground, a delish breakfast awaits at the Clubhouse Pavilion patio, the

perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure. Details: balloon.co.za

For the love of cheese …

This may sound cheesy (we had

to!), but a trip to Van Gaalen

Kaasmakerij is truly something

special. Start with a tour of the

cheese farm, a relaxed, behind-thescenes

look at how their famous

cheeses are made, complete with a

tasting that’ll have you saying ‘just

one more bite’ more than once.

Prefer to linger? Grab a spot under

the trees at the Terrace Restaurant,

where those gorgeous Magaliesberg

views pair perfectly with gooey,

creamy, crumbly cheeses and

beautifully cured meats. Sip on a

glass of wine, slow down, and just

enjoy the farm atmosphere. They also

offer so much more than cheese …

Think tractor rides, hiking trails, farm

animals, and a jungle gym to keep

the little ones happy. Picnic hampers

are available too. And before you

head home, pop into the Farm Shop

for a lineup of Dutch favourites.

Details: vangaalen.co.za

Elephants, bush and bliss

African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa

situated on the Plumari Private Reserve

has a gentle, easy charm, wide open

bushveld, gorgeous silence, and little

moments that just settle your soul. The

elephant experience alone is worth

the drive. Damara and Nzewe are

absolute sweethearts, and standing

that close to them … it’s something

you don’t forget. Then there are the

game drives, the spa treatments that

make you want to cancel the rest of

your day, and the guided walks where

you stumble on ancient rock art like

it’s the most normal thing in the world.

And the lodge? Lovely rooms, proper

good food, beautiful views ... the whole

package. It’s only an hour from Joburg

or Pretoria, but it feels like you slipped

away to somewhere special.

Details: africanhillslodge.co.za

Nature, thrills and views

If you’re in the mood for something

a little wild and wonderfully out

of the ordinary, the Magaliesberg

Canopy Tour is such a rush. Imagine

this ... eleven platforms tucked

high into the kloof’s rock faces, ten

ziplines stretching up to 140 metres,

and you, soaring 30 metres above

streams, waterfalls, and lush forest

canopies. The air is fresh, the trees

are calling, and the views across the

Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve

are just wow. Trained guides keep

you safe while sharing fascinating

snippets about the mountains,

wildlife, and the area’s 2 500-millionyear-old

history. It’s fun, it’s familyfriendly,

and it’s one of those

“why didn’t we do this sooner?”

experiences. Details: canopytour.

co.za/locations/magaliesberg/


Slow safari living

Game drives, long dinners, lazy pool days and unforgettable wildlife

moments - a stay at Nambiti Hills Lodge is a gentle reminder of

how good it feels to slow down and let the bush set the pace.

Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

We arrived at Nambiti Hills

Lodge in that in-between

hour of late afternoon,

when the light softens

and the bush seems to hold its breath.

As we drove into the reserve, the

skies cracked open with a proper

thunderstorm, rain drumming down

as our guide, Lebo, greeted us and

whisked us off towards the lodge.

The lodge reveals itself slowly - and

then all at once. You step inside, and

the view opens up over the reserve,

with rolling hills stretching into the

distance. Even with the rain still falling,

it was impossible not to pause and

take it all in.

Where comfort meets the wild

The décor is understated but luxurious.

Natural textures, soft neutral tones,

leather and wood are layered with

carefully chosen African details that

feel thoughtful rather than themed.

The shared spaces invite you to linger,

while the rooms feel calm and private.

Each room has its own bathtub framed

by floor-to-ceiling windows, making

it easy to soak quietly and watch the

bush go about its business.

A reserve with a story

Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve

may feel timeless, but it is one of

KwaZulu-Natal’s newer conservation

success stories. Established in the

early 2000s, the reserve was once

a patchwork of cattle farms and

agricultural land. A long-term vision

saw fences removed, alien vegetation

cleared and indigenous wildlife

reintroduced, allowing the landscape

to return to its natural state.

Today, the reserve spans more than 23

000 acres of malaria-free bush and is

home to the Big Five, abundant plains

game and prolific birdlife. Importantly,

Nambiti is rooted in community

conservation - it is owned by a local

trust and managed in partnership with

conservationists, ensuring the land is

protected for generations to come.


Mains strike a satisfying balance

between comfort and refinement.

Linguine Neapolitan comes tossed

in a homemade tomato sauce with

ricotta and Parmesan, while the grilled

kingklip is light and fresh, served with

baby potatoes, seasonal vegetables and

lemon-garlic sauce. The herb-crusted

lamb rack is a standout, served with

creamy pea risotto.

Dessert is simple and comforting: apple

crumble with whipped cream, poached

pear in red wine with vanilla ice cream,

or a classic cheese board.

Our first game drive

We visited Nambiti in early Summer and

the reserve felt alive with new life. We

spotted cheetahs and elephants, while

the birdlife alone would keep any birder

happily occupied. Everywhere we looked

there were babies, from impala lambs

and wildebeest calves to hippos with

tiny ears just visible above the water.

Sundowners and long,

lingering dinners

As the sun dipped low, we stopped for

sundowners, sipping gin and tonics

with biltong in the bush while the sky

softened into evening. Back at the lodge,

dinner was a relaxed three-course affair

and very much part of the experience.

The menu changes daily and includes

starter options such as a creamy

butternut soup with sage and toasted

pumpkin seeds, a fresh caprese salad

with basil pesto and balsamic reduction,

or rich peri-peri chicken livers cooked

with lemongrass and coconut milk.

Early mornings and slow days

The next morning began early, as

safari mornings should. We headed

out with blankets and coffee,

stopping along the way for a proper

coffee-and-rusk break as the bush

woke up around us. Breakfast back

at the lodge was served on the deck,

with giraffes moving slowly in the

distance. The spread was generous

and fresh, with granola, fruit, yoghurt

and a cooked breakfast made to order.

The rest of the day unfolded at an

unhurried pace. We spent hours by the

pool, listening to the quiet hum of the

reserve, before heading out for another

afternoon game drive and dinner.

A final thrill before farewell

Nambiti saved something special for our

final morning. We were lucky enough

to witness lions chasing a warthog - a

dramatic burst of action that ended with

the warthog narrowly escaping. It was

the perfect reminder of just how alive

this place is and the kind of sighting that

stays with you long after you’ve left.

Details: www.nambitihills.com

THE DETAILS

Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve is located

near Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, about 3 hours

from Durban or 4 hours from Johannesburg. Rates

range from R6180 to R7900 per person sharing

per night. Prices vary by season and availability.

What’s included:

· Two game drives daily with an expert guide

· Brunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily

· Selected beverages and snacks on drives


Spoil

February

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playful modernity. This floral, fruity, woody Eau de Parfum was inspired

by the bright colours of the Kate Spade universe.

From R999 from stores including Woolies,

Edgars, Dis-Chem, Takealot, Superbalist.

For a chance to win a bottle, pop over to

@getitpretoriamagazine on Instagram

or Facebook and follow the prompts

on our February Spoil post.


McCarthy T

Meet your Bidvest McCarthy

Centurion team!

Here for all your sales, service, and parts needs.

Sales

Manager

Sales

Executive

Sales

Executive

Service

Advisor

Sumesh

Padayachie

065 832 4828 | 012 641 3012

sumeshp@mcmotor.co.za

Tumi

Mathole

061 067 4925 | 012 641 3083

tumim@mcmotor.co.za

Gerrie Van Der

Westhuizen

076 578 1423 | 012 641 3009

gertvdw@mcmotor.co.za

Michael

Motiang

012 641 3035

michaelm@mcmotor.co.za

Cnr Lenchen Avenue & Old

Johannesburg Rd, Centurion, 0163

012 641 3010

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