Retreat Magazine, Issue 1, South Africa

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the bush retreats issue RETREAT 1

APRIL 2009
YO U R M O N T H LY G U I D E TO S A’ S B E S T H O L I D AY S P OT S
2 Editorial Retr ea t 1 The Team
e all live in stressful times and nothing revives body and soul as
W much as relaxing in luxurious surroundings, being pampered in a
spa or sipping a cocktail while enjoying a beautiful bushveld sunset.
Executive Editor
Suzanne Grobler > 083-742-6370
suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za
Welcome to our first issue of a brand new, FREE destination and Business Manager
leisure magazine, Retreat. We will inform you about the best retreats in George Grobler > 083-460-0402
South Africa and surrounds, focusing on luxury retreats, bush retreats, george@smartpublishing.co.za
Advertising
weekend retreats, budget retreats and more. Kobus Botha > 071-605-1769
100 000 copies of Retreat Magazine will be distributed monthly in high kobus@smartpublishing.co.za
traffic flow shopping centres and corporate parks of Gauteng, targeting Renier v Vuuren > 073-166-1515
business decision makers and consumers in the LSM 9–10 areas. renier@retreatmag.co.za
For our readers this is a great way to view various vacation options to Anelda Strauss > 083-748-3413
anelda@smartpublishing.co.za
plan their time off and for our advertisers a fantastic way to reach a new potential customer Designer & Layout
base. Brought to you by the publishers of TechSmart Magazine, Retreat is bound to be a popular Brett Wilson
read and effective marketing vehicle. So, sit back and wish you were there! Contributors
Suzanne Grobler
Suzanne Grobler <suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za> Mike Joubert
Thomas McKinnon
Linda Pretorius
Inside 22 Alan McSmith
Barbara Hamm
Raymond Grobler
Accounts & Subscriptions
Features 26 Ronel Keet > 012-362-2732
26 Tools for the Bush Cover picture
Chris Cosnett
Regulars 8 Published by
3 Industry News
4 April Events Diary
6 Industry Expert: Trevor Latimer
7 Hospitality Hints: Barbara Hamm
24 Eco Smart: Linda Pretorius
25 Wilderness Vision Diaries: Alan
McSmith
SMARTPUBLISHING
MASS MEDIA SPECIALISTS
Distributed by
Road Trips Day Retreats
8 Dinokeng: Gauteng’s hidden jewel 20 Spa Betesda
10 Senqu: the “got to go” area for nature 21 Mount Grace Spa
lovers and adventurers 21 L’abri Health & Beauty Spa smart distribution
Exclusive Retreats Food & Wine Copyright © 2009. All rights

12 Shakama Game Lodge & Spa 22 Lamb Shank Potjie: Raymond Grobler reserved. No material, text or
photo graphs may be
23 Wine – a practical guide to bringing out reproduced, copied or in any
Weekend Retreats the bottles this season other way transmitted without
the written consent of the
14 Sebe Sebe Lodge publisher. Opinions expressed
Win! are not necessarily those of the
publisher or of the editor. We
Budget Retreats 15 A weekend away at Sebe Sebe Lodge recognise all trademarks and
20 1 of 2 Mom and her little Fairy logos as the sole property of
18 Olifants River Lodge and Safaris their respective owners. Retreat
Treatments at Spa Betesda
shall not be liable for any errors
21 1 of 10 Laser Therapy Sessions at L’abri or for any actions in reliance
Wedding Venues Health & Beauty Spa thereon. All prices were correct
19 ATKV Klein-Kariba Chapel 23 A mixed case of Withington wines at time of going to print.
“Retreat”
Happy Snap
& Letter
Competition 6x prizes of R1499 each Grand prize of R9999
Win a Canon PowerShot A470 every issue for the next 6 issues of Retreat Magazine (2–7) Sponsored by:
by sending us your picture and letter combo with the theme “Retreat”. Only the best
combo will win! All the entries will go into the draw for the grand prize (a Canon EOS
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Send your “Retreat” Happy Snap & Letter combo to the Editor at Competition runs from Retreat 2 – 8.
letters@retreatmag.co.za (Please ensure your pics do not exceed 2MB). Competition open to SA Residents only.
www.r etr eatmag.co.za Apr il 09

3 Titbits I n d u s t r y News
New 7 Wonders of Nature

he New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich,
T Switzerland will be naming the
New7Wonders of Nature Honourees in 2011.
Earlier this year the foundation released
the names of the 261 magnificent natural
sites that will be considered in the second
round of voting. Voting to select the top 77
sites runs until July 7, 2009 and the good
news is that Table Mountain is still in the
running, ranking 26th.
To make it through to the next round of
voting, Table Mountain requires public votes
which can be cast at
www.votefortablemountain.com. 21
finalists will then be selected by a panel of
experts from the 77 sites voted for in the
second round on July 21, 2009. Thereafter
the final round will begin.
SA tourism bags gold award

arlier this year CNN won the only gold award for
E media owners at the Internationalist Awards for
Innovation in Media.
The award was won for the “My South Africa”
global advertising campaign which was produced in
partnership with South African Tourism. The
campaign was launched in June 2008 and was an
entirely user-generated content campaign.
The campaign urged CNN viewers to upload
photographs, moving images and stories that best
captured their experiences of South Africa, via the
“My South Africa” website. The campaign has been
such a resounding success primarily due to this
crowd sourcing focus; after all who better to listen
to than tourists.
The campaign will run until the end of next year,
and spans the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The My South
Africa website boasts some really beautiful images
of our country and its people; browse to
(www.mysouthafrica.tv./) to take a look.
No more smelly citronella

he smell of citronella has become synonymous with South
T African braais, but to many
burning mosquito repellent is
simply a means to an end – a
smelly price to pay for mos-
Jozi to become a “digital city” quito free evenings.
Fever-Tree scented candles
lobal telecommunications leader, Ericsson, has been offer the best of both worlds:
G chosen by the City of Johannesburg to help
establish a city-wide, high-speed broadband network.
mosquito repellancy in two
delightful fragrances – Aloe &
The first phase of the ‘Joburg Broadband Network Bamboo and Burst of Berries.
Project’ (JBNP), the rolling out of the network’s fibre This environmentally
core, which will take around three years to complete, friendly candle is manufactured
has begun in earnest on 1 April 2009. from wax that has a low
Ericsson’s JBNP proposal includes the deployment of melting point, ensuring that
a full wireless network supported by power line wax spilt on little hands will not
communications and container Kiosks to ensure the burn the skin.
transmission can be directed to points that would For more info call
otherwise be difficult and expensive to serve, and that +27-12-364-2489 or visit
every citizen has equal access. www.fever-tree.co.za.

4 Diary A pr il Eve nts
9-19 14 April
April 2009
Kings of comedy Tobie
Cronjé and Hannes
“Groet die Grotman”
Muller reunite to bring
-3 May
you “Knypie Oppie Dancing Queen –
Kant”. It’s showing in The Barnyard Theatre
the Mandela-theatre at Broadacres
the Joburg Theatre.
Tickets available from
Compucket.
14-20
Divine Dine and Décor
Experience –
14 April
-24 May
Kolonnade Shopping
Centre. View various
furniture exhibits
throughout the centre
and enjoy specials from Richard O'Brien's The Rocky
restaurants Mon – Thu. Horror show –
The Barnyard Theatre
Menlyn
17
Karen Zoid –
Centurion
Theatre
21 April
-31 May
Viva Las Vegas –
18
Cooking
The Barnyard Theatre
Cresta
Demonstraon by
Sonia Cabano –
Kolonnade
Shopping Centre

5 Diary A pr il Eve nts
re treat
19 25 D EST I N AT I O N & L E I S U R E M AG A Z I N E
Kids Sunday Out

Muppet Show
in the Bayside
Area –
Centurion
Mall
Helene Heema “Van

Retreat Magazine
Frans en Afrikaans tot has great
Italiaans en die Blues” specials on
– Centurion Theatre
offer for
23
BABASA
Anna Davel &

30 members.
Adversements in 100 000

Dean Kotze
“Die Liefde” – magazines from only R2000!
Centurion
Theatre
24 Nouveau Women at the

Square. Hosted by well-
known travel writer and
Dowwe Dolla –
talk show host, Kate
The Performer
Turkington.
Theatre
– Cedar Square
www.cedarsquare.co.za
Wine and Cocktail

Club – Centurion Mall
Members can enjoy
great
company Have your BABASA reference
and
number ready, and contact
25
food,
cocktail us today:
making
demon-
Irene Market – Smuts
straons Suzanne Grobler
House Museum
09:00 – 14:00
or learn more about 012-362-2732
wine, and what’s new
±300 stalls, a Tea
on the market.
083-742-6370
Garden, Deli and www.centurionmall.co.za suzanne@smartpublishing.co.za
Anques secon. /cocktail.htm
SMARTPUBLISHING
MASS MEDIA SPECIALISTS
6 Industry Expert Tr evor Lat i m e r
Get Exposure in
260 000 Magazines The Rosebank Hotel, situated in
Rosebank, Sandton was recently
CREDIT CRUNCH overhauled. GM, Trevor Lamer,

tells Retreat about their killer
SPECIAL! Margaritas and how to handle

famous actresses...
he Rosebank recently underwent major renovations.

T Tell us about the facilities and the new facelift of the
hotel.
The Rosebank underwent a complete overhaul. The whole
hotel was stripped down to a shell and refurbished. It’s a
brand new hotel. It’s chic, stylish and modern. The hotel offers
every convenience including ultra modern gym, spa and pool
as well as funky bar (the Circle Bar) and choice of restaurants
(including the Buther’s Block).
What percentage of your guests are local vs overseas?

The Rosebank caters predominantly for the local market.
What do you offer in terms of conferencing facilities?

We offer seven different sized venues from our 14 seat
Executive Boardroom to our largest room which can
FC Full Page AD for only FC Half Page AD for only accommodate up to 200 people for conference or banquet. We
R21 000* R12 000*

are one of the few Johannesburg hotels that can conference
and accommodate up to 200 delegates.
Massive brand & product awareness – unbeatable Where have you worked before joining The Rosebank
team?
value for money! Maximum booking of 3 monthly Quite a number of hotels in the four and five star market
inserts. *Rates exclude VAT & Agency Fees. around the country and several restaurants in London and
Dublin.
What is your favourite cocktail at the Circle Bar?

The Circle Bar makes a killer Margarita.
TechSmart Magazine Retreat Magazine

Technology Lifestyle Magazine Travel/Leisure Magazine
– 100 000 copies per month – 100 000 copies per month
Distributed for FREE to upper LSMs in Gauteng (via multi-baskets
in high traffic flow shopping centres and via specialised business What is your favourite dish at the Butcher’s Block?
distribution) I love the simplicity of the Gourmet Burger.
ProAgri Magazine How do you handle irate and overly demanding

Farming Technology Magazine – 60 000 copies per month customers?
Distributed for FREE to commercial farmers in SA via the Post Office It is always imperative to remain calm and professional.
For more info on our content, reader demographics and What has been your worst customer experience and
distribution, contact Kobus Botha (Sales Manager): why?
Looking after a young famous actress a few years back, her
012-362-6390, 071-605-1769, kobus@smartpublishing.co.za
real persona fell far short of the image created by her spin
doctors.
SMARTPUBLISHING What do you foresee to be the next big thing in the

MASS MEDIA SPECIALISTS hospitality industry?
Automated self service check-in and check-out facilities for the
corporate traveller.

7 Hospitality Hints B a r ba r a Hamm
Barbara Hamm, MD of
SNOWY’S
Executive Lodge
BABASA (The Guest
Accommodaon Associaon
of South Africa), gives us
some insight into the B&B
industry in SA.
ourism is a service industry and providing an excellent and

City sophiscaon... countryside hospitality
T professional service to your client or guest should ensure
repeat business and referrals. With the 2010 Soccer World Cup
An exquisite and peaceful execuve lodge so close to the city centre
in an evergreen garden landscape with a panoramic view. A haven
around the corner, many entrepreneurs have been requesting for those who appreciate high standards and enjoy tranquility.
information on “how to start a Bed and Breakfast” (B&B). Here
- A private lounge for guests - Luncheons and dinners
are some helpful hospitality hints:
- Secure Parking (some covered) - Small wedding recepons
- Laundry services - Private funcons
Firstly, what is a Bed and Breakfast? The accepted
- Fax and email facilies - Small conferences
Accommodation Industry definition is:
- Dinner on request - Training sessions
• Accommodation is provided in a family (private) home
- Breakfast of your choice - Business meengs
• The owner/manager lives in the house or on the property
- Conference facilies - Promoonal events
• Breakfast must be served
- Group breakfasts - Stork and kitchen pares
• Bathroom facilities may or may not be en-suite and/or
private
• In general, the guest shares the public areas with the host
family.
Things to consider before opening a B&B:

• Are you a people person?
• Will interference in your personal “life” be a problem? 10 Glyn Street, Colbyn, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
• Long term or short term commitment? www.snowys.co.za l Tel: 012-342-1617 l Cell: 073-750-5734
• Do you have managerial skills?
• Do you have sustaining capital available for 1 to 2 years?
Where to start:
• Do you need to purchase the property? OR
• Do you have property and is it mortgaged or paid up?
• Where is the property located?
• How much capital do you require to set up and run a
professional and successful B&B?
• What legalities apply to a B&B in particular?
Steps to follow:
• Complete a feasibility assessment to see if your idea will
work and the steps you need to follow to realise your
dreams.
• Completing a professional business plan is essential when
you are required to finance your operation. Thereafter the
business plan is a living document and shows you where
you are, where you are going, what you need and how to
get there.
In the end it boils down to whether you are going to make a

profit and if your business will offer value for money to the
guest and client without compromising Excellence, Service and
Quality. We do Decorative Sandblasting, on-site.
Do you have burning questions which require information?
Send them to Barbara at babasa@babasa.co.za. Wide range of designs to choose from.
• Mirrors • Granite • Marble • Front Doors
_^_^p^Ò=qÜÉ=_ÉÇ=~åÇ=_êÉ~âÑ~ëí=^ëëçÅá~íáçå=çÑ=pçìíÜ
• Shop Fronts • Bathroom Windows
^ÑêáÅ~=áë=êÉÖáëíÉêÉÇ=~ë=~=pÉÅíáçå=ON=åçåJéêçÑáí=`çãé~åóK
få=OMMS=_^_^p^=ÅÜ~åÖÉÇ=Ñêçã=qÜÉ=_ÉÇ=~åÇ=_êÉ~âÑ~ëí
^ëëçÅá~íáçå=çÑ=pçìíÜ=^ÑêáÅ~=íç=qÜÉ=dìÉëí=^ÅÅçããçÇ~íáçå
^ëëçÅá~íáçåK=qÜáë=ÅÜ~åÖÉ=Éå~ÄäÉÇ=_^_^p^=íç=áåÅçêéçê~íÉ
~ää=~ÅÅçããçÇ~íáçå=Éëí~ÄäáëÜãÉåíë=áå=pçìíÜ=^ÑêáÅ~K Cell: 083-302-0383 l Fax: 086-519-1805
ïïïKÄ~Ä~ë~KÅçKò~
e-mail: africasandblast@telkomsa.net

8 Road-trip Di no ke ng (Ga ut e ng)
Dinokeng: Gauteng’s hidden

Didimala Game Lodge 6 stops on
t is difficult not to believe that you are in
I some stylish upmarket Sandton joint
when you are sipping cocktails at one of
your Road-trip
the three bar areas at Didimala Game

Lodge. The fact is, you are in the middle of
the bush, just across the Limpopo border.
Didimala must be one of the most
unique conference facilities that SA has to
offer. It is ideal for corporate functions, not
just because it’s locationed close to Jo’burg 1
and Pretoria, but also because of its
1 unique organic straw bale construction, el-
egant accommodation and beautiful
motion sensor theatre.
Call 012-711-8500 for reservations.
www.didimala.co.za
2
Mongena Game Lodge 2

Not many “Gautengers” are
here are not many places where you
T will be greeted by a herd of Nyala
grazing on luscious green lawn between
aware of the massive
Dinokeng Big 5 Game
chalets. This is indeed the case at
Mongena Game Lodge. Mongena seems
Reserve Development
to be the ideal breakaway if you want a taking place on their
relaxing time far from the hustle and
bustle of city life, but don’t want to
doorstep. Just north-east of
sacrifice on your luxuries. Apart urban Jo’burg and Tshwane,
from the 28 upmarket, luxury
chalets, Mongena boasts a state-of-
lies the vibrant and warm,
the-art conference facility as well big-sky region of Dinokeng.
as a charming chapel for weddings
and christenings. Our
recommendation would be to arrive
at Mongena early enough to do a
game drive (R125 including 4
snacks), have lunch at the gourmet
restaurant which is open 7 days a
week, relax at the pool underneath the Acacia trees before joining
the afternoon sunset boat cruise (R150) on the 20 ha private dam.
You will be back at home in time to catch the evening movie on
M-Net or you can indulge in booking the honeymoon suite for a
3
omantic evening out of town. Call 012-711-8920/1 to book or visit
www.mongena.co.za. Bookings are essential.
Balloons over Big 5

he Dinokeng area is one of the few places that offer hot air
T ballooning over a game reserve. It’s incredible to watch the
massive old world balloon envelope billow and rise, soon to gently
lift off and head for the clouds. This is awesome game viewing with
a difference where animals are seen from above as you float past
them. They are currently running a special offer of R1990 per
person (minimum 5 people per flight).
Call Alan on 083-486-1308 for more info.

9 Road-trip Di no ke ng (Ga ut e ng)
Mysc Monkeys and 6

jewel Feathers Wildlife Park
T he Mystic Moneys and Feathers wildlife
park is an absolute treat, not only for the
Photos:
Traudi Rieggers
kids, but for the whole family. With 33

different monkey species, 27 exotic bird
species, plus Lions and Tigers it is the perfect
way to spend a day out of the city environment. Mystic Monkeys is
situated on Genius Loci Game Ranch which is also host to the four
star Tshukudu Lodge and the Mangwanani Safari spa.
6 The lodge offers full conference facilities and is also a perfect
venue for weddings. Call Genius Loci on 012-521-0335 or
071-960-6201 (Zani). www.gl.co.za
WagonDri Game Lodge 5

here are not many lodges that can
T brag about a 40% return rate of
customers, within six months. WagonDrift
can, and it is in no small measure thanks
to the homely atmosphere created by
owner Clive and his team. If you want a
quiet relaxing break-away from the city,
WagonDrift is the perfect place to come
5 to relax and unwind, go on game-drives
or go for hikes among the Duikers,
Waterbuck, Kudu, Zebras, Impala and
Warthog. Call them on 012-735-9900
www.wagondrift.co.za
The area is filled with
natural, cultural and Gabbata Tea Garden,
historical aracons, a
place where visitors can
Wedding and Conference Centre
enjoy the outdoors and the
history and culture of
Africa. Retreat shows you 4
where to go and what to
do in Dinokeng...
ust 10 km from the Zambesi off-ramp in Pretoria, in the midst of one of the largest collections
J of Cycads in South Africa, lies Gabbata Wedding and Conference centre. It is situated on the
edge of Dinokeng, and your host, Hennie, is one for treating his customers. He is an old hand
when it comes to helping plan weddings or conferences, with Gabbata’s chapel and reception
area catering for up to 140 people, and accommodation for up to 32 people. You can come and
unwind in their tea garden, or do your travel planning, since Gabbata also hosts the information
office for the Dinokeng area. Call 012-808-9911 for more info. www.gabbata.co.za
Informaon Office
he Information Office, located at Gabbata, should be your first port of call for all information
T relating to Dinokeng. From these offices you can book a whole host of activities that take
place in the surrounding area including mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, game drives,
scuba diving, micro-light flights, Lion viewing, sjebeen tours and boat cruises.
Call Alan Roxton Wiggill on 012-808-9912 for more info.

10 Road-trip S e nq u (Ea s t e r n Ca pe)
Senqu: the “got to go” area for

6 stops on
your Road-trip
Openness, space, clean

1 unpolluted air, and crystal
clear waters. The area is
Sterkspruit’s Cultural steeped in the history of
Africa. Geologically, the
Villages volcanic peaks bear
xplore the many villages including the
Ebreathtaking pottery at Ma Thabo’s home in
Thaba-Lesoba (hole in the mountain). You can
reference to the giganc
also experience the historical diversity of this

area by visiting the historic Mapet/a Mohapi Road to Free
memorial, the many battle sites and graves as well as the Bushmen paintings that are found State Zastron
throughout this district. Made by our First People, these paintings have left a captivating
mark on this fascinating landscape. Prior arrangements are to be done for all traditional
entertainment, contact Senqu Tourism.
The Cape Vulture Sanctuary 1

at Lady Grey 2 Road to
he Cape Vulture Sanctuary, in Bloemfontein, 2
T Kammelkspruit Canyon, near Lady Grey, Johannesburg,
offers a unique opportunity to see these Cape Town, 3 4
predators in a protected environment. East London
The vultures breed between April and
July and their nests can be viewed from
above on the cliffs, although binoculars
might be handy to get a good look.
Permission is needed to get on the
property, contact Senqu Tourism.
Registered tour guides can take the tourist
for historic and botanical tours around
town.
4x4 Routes on the

Wartrail / New England
3 Raspberry-picking
he spectacular mountainous terrain of the Southern Drakensberg is the
T perfect setting for awesome guided 4x4 trails that provide fun for the
whole family. Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750 m) and challenging river
4 F or the less adventurous,
raspberry-picking in the
area might be more
crossings test your technical appealing. Pick as many as
driving skills. you can of this delicious
Trails range from easy to very fruit, and enjoy the
difficult and can include trips up surrounding mountain
Naude’s Nek (highest pass in countryside. The raspberry-
South Africa) and Bastervoetpad – picking season is from late
on the edge of the escarpment January to early May
with dramatic views down to Elliot. depending on frosts.
Pre-trail assessments can be Picking by prior arrange-
done to test the driver’s skills and ment only, contact Senqu
ability. Tourism for more info.

11 Road-trip S e nq u (Ea s t e r n Ca pe)
nature lovers and adventurers

The Zugly Dolls at Rhodes
ith 74% of the town’s income brought in by tourism,
W Rhodes is a tourist’s paradise. Don’t forget to stop – and
shop – at the Red Barn, a craft workshop in a 120-year-old
stone barn at the edge of Rhodes Village.
turmoil that created the Everything in the Red Barn is hand-crafted by members of
the local community and their range of felt dolls – especially
magnificent Drakensberg the big-nose Zugly Doll – is a unique Rhodes speciality.
range with its rugged The dolls are made from local wool that’s hand-spun and
felted at the Red Barn, and then embroidered and assembled
peaks, rolling hills and on site. No two dolls are the same and each doll carries a
bubbling streams. Senqu certificate signed by the person who made it. Definitely not
Barbie dolls, maybe that’s why kids love them so much!
is a paradise, waing to be
discovered...
6
Road to Lesotho
Fly-fishing in 5
Barkley-East
f fly-fishing is your passion, then
Road to
Durban /
I Barkley-East’s Langkloof River is the
place to be. Wild trout of over 10
Wild Coast pounds can be caught in the crystal
clear waters. Float-tubing is welcomed
in the well-stocked town dam about 2
6 km from town. The Barkley-East
Angling Society was established in
1932 making it the oldest in the
Eastern Cape.
5 While in town, also make time to
visit the Barley-East Museum. The
museum houses displays of the
historical occurrence of the area’s
bushmen, European Settlers, Xhosas,
and Zulus. Also displayed are uniforms
Road to from the Anglo Boer War (1899–1902),
Durban / First World War (1914–1918) and
Wild Coast Second World War (1939–1945).
Entrance is free.

12 Exclusive Retreats Li m po po
Advertorial Shakama Game Lodge & Spa
Safari in Style
Shakama is a privately owned game farm in the
southern range of the Waterberg, near Bela Bela,
Limpopo Province and lies in the heart of 6000
hectares of bushveld reserve.
ight now there is an abundance of en-suite bathrooms. Six of these suites Conference
R game which include Rhino, Zebra,
and Giraffe. Shakama is also home to a
have outdoor showers in addition to the
bathrooms. All suites have private decks
The Induna room offers the ideal setting
for meetings (boardroom style) or
host of bird species, which is bound to overlooking a ravine of unspoilt nature. seminars (classroom style) with white
intrigue the avid bird watcher. A self-catering camp consisting of two boards, overhead projector, screens, TV
Shakama is ideally suited for eco- en-suite “split level” cottages and and VCR.
tourism offering clear views of game and communal kitchen and lapa, completes This conference room offers
an endless variety of natural habitat. the circle. This camp named “Eagles comfortable seating for up to 30
Nest” sleeps up to eight persons delegates with top quality facilities and
Accommodation (sharing) and is only rented as a unit on an atmosphere to stimulate any
Shakama’s accommodation consists of either a self-catering or accommodation conference activity. In addition, the Wine
ten fully serviced thatched suites with basis. Cellar can seat up to 10 delegates in air-
conditioned comfort and privacy. The
lodge area also offers comfortable
seating areas for four break-away
groups.
Entertainment
A full bar, lounge and dining area
opening up onto a viewing deck are the
focal point of social activities. At night,
you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and
snacks around an open fire in a boma
with a view.
Scrumptious and beautifully
presented meals are served on the patio
overlooking the ravine or in the dining
room.

13 Exclusive Retreats Li m po po
Shakama leisure acvies

• Golf at nearby Elements Course
• A visit to the nearby Shingwedzi
Cheetah and Wild dog Sanctuary
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Spa treatments & Gym
• Walking trails • Game drives
• Star gazing • Bird watching
• Mountain biking
• Swimming pool
• Pool table • Board games
• Volleyball • Table Tennis
Spa shaping treatments in a cosy thatched
Spoil yourself and experience true environment with views over African
relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa. bush.
The Shakama Wellness Centre consists person per night sharing and includes:
of a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and therapy Reservations VAT, luxury accommodation, breakfast,
rooms and is an oasis of calm, peace Lodge rates are R1850 per person per morning tea, light lunch, afternoon tea,
and relaxation that allows you to shed night sharing and includes: VAT, luxury game drive (one per stay), conference
every layer of stress laid upon you by accommodation, breakfast, buffet lunch, set up, dinner and breakaway rooms
city life. afternoon tea, game drive (one per stay) (minimum of eight delegates required).
The spa offers a wide array of beauty and dinner. Call Chantelle on 0860-777-888 or
treatments, massages, revitalising and Conference rates are R2100 per connect to www.shakama.com.

14 Weekend Retreats Li m po po
Sebe Sebe Lodge
Place of Peace and Tranquillity

Sebe Sebe, “Place of Peace and Tranquility”
in Sotho, lies on the banks of the serene
Limpopo River, which constutes South
Africa’s border with Botswana. From the
moment you turn off the tar and onto the
well maintained dirt road to the lodge, a
sense of ease, bordering on indolence,
creeps over you.
s you enter the grounds of the lodge Game viewing

A you can’t help but notice how well
maintained the gardens and out
The 300 hectares of private game farm
is alive with natural activity, home to
buildings are. This attention to detail and more than 260 bird species, numerous
commitment to a high standard of mammals and other wild life.
hospitality transcends the grounds with The highlight of our trip was a charming
the décor and design of the rooms open safari in a classic Ford F250.
offering sublime comfort and a unique Rumbling along the weaving dirt track
style. spotting and photographing game was
effortless. We spotted Eland, Blue
Accomodation Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck,
There are three individually furnished Bushbuck, Blesbuck, Tsessebe and
en-suite double bedrooms, five Giraffe, to name but a few.
individually furnished en-suite twin Night drives are also available with
bedrooms, one family unit sleeping six, the possibility of Aardwolf, Aardvark,
and one family unit sleeping four. All Brown Hyena, African Wild Cat and
rooms are air-conditioned with fresh Badger sightings on offer. Sebe Sebe is a
linen and bath towels supplied. The rate bird watcher’s paradise with Kingfishers,
also includes a daily cleaning service. Pel’s Fishing Owl, Falcon and Fish Eagle
Each room offers an inimitable some of the more notable species to
experience boasting a spiral stair case, spot. Amphibious species also abound
private stoep or immense windows with with perhaps the most peculiar being the
views of the meandering Limpopo. Foam-nest Frog, which happens to make
While the lodge lacks an á la carte foam nests in low hanging trees.
restaurant, dinner and breakfast are
included in the rate, usually served as a Other entertainment
buffet in a quaint dining room. The deck Apart from the game viewing and bird
over the river is often used as an watching the lodge offers a well rounded
alternative setting. The lodge’s lounge range of activities including fishing,
and deck area proved to be a serious mountain biking, a shooting range and
force of attraction. Sundowners on the bush walks. Hunting packages can also
deck are a real treat with the sound of be arranged through management.
the river slowly flowing and the call of
the Fish Eagle creating a romantic Sebe Sebe is an ideal weekend break
setting. The lodge can accommodate from the bustle of the city. Its location
functions catering for up to 26 persons. also makes it perfect for an overnighter
en route to Botswana.
Conference facilities Rates from R500 per night per adult
A separate conference and function sharing. Contact Sebe Sebe Lodge on
facility is located on the grounds with an +27-14-763-3825 (Tersea) or
overhead projector screen, flip chart and +27-83-456-6940 (Karel).
white board available. www.sebesebelodge.co.za

15 Weekend Retreats Li m po po
A relaxing weekend
away for you and a
companion at
Sebe Sebe Lodge.
Valid until 15 December 2009
Double / Twin Room sharing
Breakfast and Supper included
Booking essential and may be
subject to availability.
HOW TO ENTER
Send your name, surname,
suburb and age with “Sebe Sebe”
in the subject line to
competition@retreatmag.co.za
Competition runs from

10 April – 10 May 2009
L O D G E
Six thatched cottages nestled on top of a hill with breathtaking

views over Pecanwood, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and
TO LET: 208 Olievenhout - Self-catering, Hartebeespoort dam. Each unit is fully equipped and has a
5 bedroom chalet (sleeps 10), with pool, private patio and braai area overlooking the dam.
outside braai, boma area and game views. Our thatched lapa can accommodate up to 20 people.
R2500 per weekend night or R300 pppn We also have a swimming pool and tennis court.
At Benlize our clients arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
R1500 per week night or R150 pppn Rates R300 pppn
Contact De Louw on 083-297-1123 For more info call Bennie on 082-338-3977

18 Budget Retreats Li m po po
Retreat Tip
As anyone can tell you the road to
Phalaborwa can be long and hard. We
recommend that you not take the same
route twice. Going there take the toll
road via Polokwane, and on return take
the scenic route via Mpumalanga (just
watch out for those massive potholes –
and we don’t mean Bourke’s Luck).
Photo: Brenda Swart
Olifants River Lodge and Safaris
Where the river flows

When pulling into Olifants River Lodge and Safaris aer a long and
sweaty day’s drive, one is immediately drawn to the calming effect of
the Olifants River. It meanders lazily past the green banks of the lodge,
allowing an excellent unspoiled view of the Greater Kruger Naonal
Park on the opposite side. It is not long before one hears the
unmistakable grunts and snorts of hippos upriver.
lifants River Lodge and Safaris

O (ORLS) is a stone’s throw away from
the Phalaborwa gate to the Kruger
proved to be very popular with some of
the locals. Have a couple of drinks at the
bar and you’ll soon hear some of the
National Park. This makes it an local tales, such as the one about the
excellent spot for day visits to the illusive 15 ft crock supposed to reign
Kruger. It is also 70 km from the over the waters in this region.
Cheetah breeding project at Kapama,
and for those who can’t spend a Activities
weekend away from the golf course, the As expected from any decent safari
famous Hans Merensky golf course is no operator ORLS offers game drives, and
more than 20 km away. A must do at also provide guided hikes through Big 5
ORLS is their boat cruise on the territory. They can also provide special
Photo: Brenda Swart Olifants. Their boat, called “Kambaku”, breakfasts in the bush, as well as bush
leaves twice a day at 8am for the braais, both on request. For couples
morning cruise, and then again at 3pm wanting a somewhat different wedding
for the sundowner cruise. The trip lasts day; guests, bride and groom will be
about three hours, and include some escorted on the boat downriver to a
snacks plus a cash bar. From “Kambaku” specially constructed chapel.
you can lazily sit and watch elephants,
buffalo, buck and giraffe grazing on the Malaria area
banks or sipping from the river. At the The area can get very hot, but when we
same time appreciating both your beer visited at the beginning of April we
and the enchanting bushveld sunset. experienced a very temperate climate,
almost being thankful for the warm
Accommodation breeze that heated up the evenings.
At this stage ORLS can provide Alternatively a cooling plunge into the
accommodation for 13 guests. Larger pool can also provide some relief.
groups are also welcome as the extra Remember that this region is a malaria
visitors will be accommodated in lodges area.
in the surrounding area. The units can
sleep up to four people each and the Reservations
bathrooms are en-suite. TV and aircon For more info on Olifants River Lodge
are also provided. Guests are welcome to and Safaris visit
order breakfast, lunch and dinner from www.backyard-vacations.net.
the restaurant (not included in cost), Bookings and enquiries can be made via
since the units are not self-catering. the website or via email to
We can definitely recommend the olifants.safaris@gmail.com.
massive T-bones served on Wednesdays. Call Leon on 082-889-4797 or Brenda
It is renowned across the region and on 082-889-4845 for more info.

19 Wedding Venues Li m po po
ATKV Klein-Kariba Wedding Venue

Stone chapel in the bush
What beer place to say “I
do” than in Klein-Kariba’s
picturesque stone chapel.
Situated in the Waterberg, it
is the ideal venue for your
bush wedding.
ust over an hour’s drive from Pretoria, around the corner from Bela-Bela,
J lies the ATKV Klein-Kariba resort. The serene bushveld setting is home to a
wealth of wildlife, indigenous flora and an abundance of natural streams and a
waterfall. Not only does the chapel fit perfectly with the surroundings, it also
offers a secluded sanctuary for couples to tie the knot in the company of their
loved ones. The chapel can seat up to 120 guests, and the resort has all the
expertise and equipment to organise and coordinate a picture perfect wedding
ceremony and reception.
Klein-Kariba holiday resort offers a variety of self-catering accomodation,
genuine bushveld hospitality and lots of leisure and recreational activities.
Guests who stay over at the resort can treat themselves to the warm water
swimming pools, horse-back riding, quad biking, and more.
For more info or to book the stone chapel in the bush for your wedding,
contact them on +27 (0) 14 736-9800 or email then at kariba@atkv.org.za.
www.klein-kariba.co.za
Aandag alle kampeerders - R300 vir 5 nagte

Soek nie verder nie... ATKV-Klein-Kariba
Vakansieoord is net die plek vir jou!
ATKV-Klein-Kariba bied jou gratis onderdak-, buitelugwarmwater- en
kouewaterswembaddens, springmatte, minigholfbaan, ‘n waterwurm,
staproetes, tennis- en vlugbalbane, en ‘n 9-putjie-kortystergholfbaan.
Daar is perde-, vierwielaangedrewe- en wildritte teen billike tariewe om
maar net ‘n paar te noem.
As kampeerder bied ons jou die volgende pakket aan

vanaf 1 April tot 30 November 2009:
Arriveer Sondag na 12nm en vertrek Vrydag voor 12vm en
betaal slegs R300 per staanplek vir maksimum 6 persone.
Voorwaardes: Die aanbod sluit naweke, langnaweke, vakansiedae en vakansie-

seisoene uit. Die aanbod sluit ATKV-lidmaatskap- en pensioenariskorting uit.
Besprekingsheffing van R35 is betaalbaar by ontvangs.
Tel: +27 (0) 14 736-9800/04/05/06/07/08

Faks: +27 (0) 14 736-3457
E-pos: kariba@atkv.org.za
www.klein-kariba.co.za
www.atkvoorde.co.za
20 Day Retreats Ga ut e ng
PACKAGES:
• Fullday • Anniversary
• Halfday • Brides & Grooms
• His & Hers • Birthday • Friends
• Personalised • Grandma & Grandpa
• Groups • Pregnant Ladies
• Corporate Groups • Matric Dance
• Fairy & Laae
• Secretary Spa Betesda
WE ALSO OFFER:
• Conference venue
• Team building
• Workshops
“Fairylicious”
Girls will be girls, and what beer way to spoil your
daughter (and yourself) than geng pampered
together? Spa Betesda has a unique package
available for Mom and her lile Fairy...
1422 A Breyer ave, Waverley, Pretoria, 0186
www.spabetesda.co.za 084-555-1661
ituated in the Magalies Mountain Range in Waverley,
reservaons@spabetesda.co.za 012-332-1327
S Pretoria, you will find the beautifully kept spa and gardens
of Spa Betesda. They offer an inimitable girls day out for
mothers and their young daughters (from aged 7 and up). Not
only is it a treat for the young ladies, it also teaches them spa
etiquette from a very early age.
The treatment takes place over two and a half hours, and
comprises a Welcome Drink, Mini Facial, Back, Neck and
Shoulder Swedish Massage, Foot Massage with Toe Nail Paint,
coffee / tea and a muffin. The girls love the child-sized pink
gowns and slippers, having their toe nails painted the same
colour as their mother’s and the yummie muffin and marsh-
mallow coffee afterwards. At R480 per person, it’s a wonderful
way to spend quality time alone with your daughter!
For more info contact Spa Betesda on 012-332-1327,
084-555-1661, reservations@spabetesda.co.za or visit them
online at www.spabetesda.co.za.
1 of 2 Mom and her little Fairy Treatments

worth R960 each courtesy of Spa Betesda.
No children younger than 7 years allowed. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Treatment includes: Welcome Drink, Mini
Facial, Back & Neck & Shoulder Swedish Massage, Foot Massage with
Toe Nail Paint, Coffee / Tea & Muffin. (2 hours, 30 minutes)
HOW TO ENTER
Send your name, surname, suburb and age with “fairy”
in the subject line to competition@retreatmag.co.za
Competition runs from 10 April – 10 May 2009

21 Day Retreats Ga ut e ng
Mount Grace Spa

Water wonderland
When you drive up the narrow path leading to
Mount Grace, the sound of running water fills the
air. Not only does it enhance your immediate sense
of relaxaon, but the water also has healing powers
that are naturally harnessed at the spa.
ust over an hour’s drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg,
JMount Grace Spa, situated in the magnificent Magaliesberg,
offers a unique break from city life. Here you can
unwind and de-stress in the Hydrotherapy Spa
Gardens that offer their healing waters
through a heated outdoor jacuzzi pool, cold
water rock pools and waterfall, and Brine Pool
(Liquid Sound Flotation Pool). Mount Grace
Spa presents an ideal sanctuary to nurture
body, mind and spirit.
Built in the indigenous bush, with small
streams running through, the stone and
thatch of the bush spa blends with the
surroundings, to make you feel like Adam or
Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Packages include treatments for men, pre-
natal and thalasso therapy.
Call +27-14-577-5600 to book your
session. www.mountgrace.co.za
Advertorial L’abri Laser Therapy
Laser me lovely
Do you suffer from
pigmentaon, acne,
stretch marks, cellulite,
scars, varicose veins,
dark circles, sun spots or
post surgery wounds?
ll of these conditions can be treated with Suntech Laser

A Therapy. Low level lasers supply energy to the body in the
form of non-thermal photons of light. Light is transmitted
through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis and the
subcutaneous tissue or tissue fat under the skin) at all
wavelengths in the visible range. When these laser light
penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimise immune
response of the blood. This has both anti-inflammatory and
immunosuppresive effects. It’s a scientific fact that light
transmitted to the blood this way has a positive effect
throughout the entire body, supplying vital oxygen and energy
to every cell.
At L’abri Health and Beauty you will be treated by expertly
trained therapists using Suntech laser therapy. Contact
Candice on 012-803-2736 or www.labrihealth.co.za.
Win 1 of 10 free laser therapy sessions courtesy of L’abri Health and

Beauty. Simply email us at compeon@retreatmag.co.za with “laser”
in the subject line. Compeon runs from 10 April – 10 May 2009.

22 Food & Wine Rec i pe: Raym o nd Gr ob le r
Lamb Shank Potjie

Served with basma rice and accompanied
by a fresh greek salad. Serves 4–6 people.
Ingredients for Potjie

½ cup of cooking oil
2 large onions (thinly sliced)
2 punnets button mushrooms
(thinly sliced) Basmati rice
1 kg of lamb shank (ask your 2 cups of basmati rice
butcher to cut them into ±1.5 cm 1 L of water
bits) A pinch of salt
1 punnet patipan’s (cut in half)
200 g of baby carrots (keep whole) 1) Add 2 cups of basmati rice to cold water and leave
1 punnet of baby marrow (cut in half) it for 10 minutes. Rinse it under a tap with a
½ of a cabbage head (chopped up into strainer until water no longer has a milky
thin strips) consistency.
4 large potatoes (peeled and cut 2) Place a litre of water in a pot, add a pinch of salt
into pieces) and bring to a boil.
1 “dumpie” of beer 3) Add the rice and let it boil for 15 minutes.
1 L of clear apple juice 4) Strain the rice but do not rinse then add the rice
2 tsp of Robertson’s mixed herbs back into the pot to simmer for 10 minutes.
Salt & black pepper to taste
Greek salad
1) In a number 5 cast iron pot, 1 bag of mixed
heat the oil until very hot, lettuce
then add onions and cook 100 g of black
until brown. olives
2) Add the mushrooms to the ½ tub of feta
onions, but keep on stirring it cheese
constantly to prevent burning. 1 red onion (cut
3) Remove onion and mushroom mix into rings)
from the pot and add your lamb 3 large tomatoes
shanks. Stir them around in the (cut into wedges)
heated pot until they are brown. 1 green pepper (cut
4) You can now add all of your other into julien, which is
ingredients including the onion very thin strips)
and mushroom mix as well as the ½ an English cucumber (cut in half from point to
beer and apple juice. Place the lid point then cut into wedges)
on the pot and stir it every 10
minutes to prevent burning. Mix all of the above ingredients in a large salad bowl
5) After the pot has cooked and keep refrigerated until serving.
for 45 minutes, add the
white sauce (see below) and TIP: If you make this recipe Salad Dressing
continue stirring for 5 outdoors 100 ml of white wine TIP: To make your own
vinegar white wine vinegar.
minutes. Do all your preparation before
leaving home if going on a 100 ml of olive oil Buy a cheap bottle of dry
camping trip. Place all the white wine and open it. Add
chopped goods in exact Mix white wine 10 uncooked spaghetti
quantities in plastic containers to vinegar and olive oil sticks in it and leave it in
White sauce make the task easier. in a bottle and shake the fridge overnight.
250 g salted butter
well before use.
250 g flour
200 ml fresh cream
1) Melt butter over a low heat.

2) Add flour and using a standard Raymond Grobler
whisk blend it in well. You should is the Execuve
now have a thick but liquid paste.
3) Add the cream and constantly Chef at Fusion of
whisk it. Flavor Restaurant
4) If the sauce does not completely
thicken, don’t worry it will thicken in Kuruman in the
in the pot. Northern Cape.

23 Food & Wine
Wine – a praccal guide to

Advertorial
bringing out the boles this season

Right now the wine consumer is spoilt for choice by
the amazing range of wines that are available.
While the increasing numbers of producers are
sweang it out to get their wine on the shelves, the
wine lover’s only challenge is to make the right
choice. The reality is that with the general high
standard of wines available, your most reliable
guide is your own palate.
large number of consumers are under the impression that
A you have to pair certain wines with certain foods. There are
no hard and fast rules however, go according to your taste. If
you’re a red wine lover then drink it with whatever you fancy,
you don’t have to pair reds with red meat and whites with
chicken or fish. “In Summer, if you would like a cool glass of
red wine to accompany your meal, simply put the wine in the
fridge well beforehand” says Charles Withington, producer of
Withington wines.
A well-made wine is simply the best accompaniment to
food, it acts as an appetiser, it compliments the food and
experience, and it is a truly social drink in that it is shared
amongst friends, unlike beers and spirits.
If one must pair food and wine this season then keep your
selection small. It’s always nice to serve one wine with your
starter to whet the appetite, another with your mains and then
a dessert wine with the pudding. Chenin Blancs and Rose’s
have become particularly popular for lunch time affairs as they
are fruity, light and fresh with floral aromas – the perfect
accompaniment to salmon, sushi, paella or salads. While
softer, juicier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are great for braais
or potjies.
Another issue is the great screw-cap versus cork debate.
Again, it’s all a matter of taste. If you like the elegance and
romanticism around pulling a cork from the bottle then select
wines accordingly. However, keep in mind that the screw cap is
now widely used as it is easy to open and reseal. It by no
means affects the quality of the wine. In fact, it is believed to
be as close to the ideal closure as we have got so far, it just
feels strange if you are not used to it.
Whatever your preferences this season, wine is there to be
enjoyed, so live according to the old adage: ‘eat, drink and be
merry’.
For more information on Withington wines contact Kerry
Simpson on 079-438-3252; kerry@withington.co.za (Gauteng)
or Charles Withington on 021-865-2108 (Cape Town).
www.withington.co.za
A mixed case of
Withington wines
Send your name, surname,
suburb and age with “wine”
in the subject line to
competition@retreatmag.co.za
Competition runs from
10 April – 10 May 2009

24 Titbits Ec o Smar t
A background in science has

taught Linda Pretorius that
everything in Nature tends
towards equilibrium. And for a
SPECIALISTS IN: happy, lasng relaonship with
Planet Earth we need to achieve
CORREX BOARDS • BUSINESS CARDS balance between our needs and
PAMPHLETS • BANNERS those of the Earth. Linda likes
re-words: exploring ways to reduce our demand for
T-SHIRTS & CAPS
Nature’s gis, recycle what we have already used and
SIGN RIGGING above all, going about it responsibly.
SIGN MAINTENANCE
CAR DECALS • LIGHT BOXES Upcycling
heck out www.reuseum.com. It is a second-hand shop
BILL BOARDS
C with a difference in the States. Unwanted and outdated
electronic gadgets are carefully taken apart and components
are sold
Estate Agent Boards individually. DIY
geeks can browse
From R10 to their hearts’

content for stuff to
use in new
Terms & condions apply gadgets: anything
from gauges and
Tel: 012 546 9203/7 Cell: 082 326 2002 meters, to stepper
motors and timers,
Email: dpstudio@telkomsa.net to indispensable
cable, screws, nuts
and bolts. They also host regular workshops where users can
strut their stuff. Upcycling really is the fun brother of recycling.
Anyone in SA up to start something similar locally?
Ecofont
ow much ink is your
H printer using? At the cost
of replacement cartridges
even a little is a lot. SPRANQ,
a Dutch marketing and
communications company,
designed the Ecofont. It’s a
free, downloadable printer
font that promises to use 20%
less ink during printing, without compromising readability. It
would help to let a cartridge last longer, which in turn means
less manufacturing waste. See if you like it at
www.ecofont.eu/ecofont_en.html.
Longer than 60 minutes

K, so you didn’t switch off
O during last month’s Earth
Hour. But you still can – and
should. According to a recent
Croc Valley Camp in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, is an oasis of calm,
power consumption report UK
beauty and diversity for the budget traveller. Our en-suite chalets on
companies will waste about
slts, built from local materials, are perfectly in tune with the
₤300 million in 2009 because
environment. They are set in quiet surroundings, spaced for maximum
employees don’t switch off
privacy, combining luxury and comfort with a classic
PCs overnight and over
wilderness experience. Self-catering facilies are
weekends. This equates to 1.3
available, and we are open throughout the year.
million tonnes of unnecessary
Call Shaun on +26 097-9-414-505, or carbon dioxide pumped into the air – about the same as
Milinda on +26 097-7-175-172 or +26 (0) 216-246074 produced by 250 000 cars. Download the 1E report at
email: crocvalleycamp@iwayafrica.com www.1e.com/energycampaign/index.aspx to read how
other countries compare.

25 Column W i l de r ne ss V i si o n Di a r ie s
For the past 23 years

wilderness guide Alan McSmith
has walked, poled and paddled
through the wild-lands of six
Southern African countries.
Some me ago, this passionate
love of the bush developed into
dedicang his life to wilderness
and environmental conservaon.
The Old vs The New Welcome to a

personalised
experience, set on
the banks of the
Maramba River in
the Mosi-Oa-Tunya
National Park.
Ideally located just 4km from the Victoria Falls, Maramba

Photo: Chris Cosne River Lodge provides a most attractive all-year-round base
n a cool spring evening in the Okavango Delta in
in a shaded woodland setting. The Lodge is situated in the
O Botswana, a new world clashed with an old one. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on a bluff overlooking the
collision occurred on a remote island, deep in the delta, during Maramba River. We are often visited by the resident wildlife
one of our trans-Okavango dugout canoe traverses. The with elephant wandering through the grounds at certain
expeditions take us into some of the least explored regions of
the delta, camping wild beneath the stars with no form of
times of the year.
back-up. I believe I am the first wilderness guide to pole over
3000 kilometres by traditional dugout canoe, known locally as
a mokoro.
Spending such long periods in wilderness can change your
life. We have a saying on trail which goes: you need to find
balance in nature to fully understand your own grounding. And
on these 4-week expeditions, you learn to see things
differently. It can be very humbling.
I was the ‘new’; raw and armed with maps, charts and a
shiny new GPS. Sariqo Sakega, a 70 year old baYei elder with
an uncanny perception of the Okavango was the ‘old’. A
superlative guide and leader, Sariqo knows the delta better
than any man alive, or possibly that ever lived. He was armed
with no more than a lifetime of understanding.
After making camp one night, I hauled out my assortment
of maps, and pinpointed our location with the GPS. Proudly I
wandered over to Sariqo.
“Look,” I offered, “we’re on Xiniga Island.”
The old man very politely suggested that we were not.
“But you don’t understand,” I replied, waving the GPS
around like a can of insect repellent. “This is modern
technology and was designed by the US army – there’s no way
it is wrong.”
I gave Sariqo a short instruction on how it worked, and to
his eternal credit he said nothing, but merely smiled and
nodded patiently at the upstart before him.
“You see, its Xiniga island.”
For the first time in a while the wizened old poler spoke.
“Mmmmm,” he said. Tel: (+26) 0213 324189
“The map,” he suggested, “is not sure.”
Needless to say, the GPS was relegated to the bottom of the Cell: (+26) 0976 587511
food trunk in the freight mokoro, and did not see the light of
day again. The maps, as far as I can remember, ended up as Fax: (+26) 0213 323130
kindling for a campfire. Good man that Sariqo. Email: maramba@zamnet.zm
www.wildernessvision.org
www.maramba-zambia.com
26 Feature
Tools for the Bush City-slickers oen like to get Leatherman WAVE2
away for a couple of days to hat better tool to take into the bush
“rough it” in the wild. But if W than Leatherman’s best selling WAVE2
Multi-Tool. It features larger knives, stronger
you, like us, are slaves to pliers, longer wire cutters and all locking
technology, these tools will blades with large and small bit drivers
included.
make you feel so much more Best of all, the large thumbholes on
at home during your me two outside blades provide quick one-
handed access. R1130 from Outdoor
away from home... Warehouse outlets on 0800-003-051
or www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za.
Mission Trailer
he outdoors is beckoning you to enjoy our
T beautiful country. Holiday in style from
now on, with comfortable holiday camping
trailers.
The body of the Mission trailer has flip
up/flip down doors on either side which hinge
together with gas struts and lockable latches.
This makes packing and accessibility into the
trailer very easy. One side door folds down
and becomes a handy stainless steel surface for a kitchen. The nosecone is big
enough to house your fridge or other items depending on your needs. Stainless
steel profiles rubber seals ensure a dust and watertight trailer. Pricing is
dependent on specifications.
Call Kyalami Trailers on 0860 TRAILER or 011-
466-2997 to get yours today.
Kariba Combo K2
re you the type who loves the outdoors, but can’t live without your luxuries
A like a warm water shower or a stove? The Kariba Combo K2, is just the
device you are looking for. It can provide instant hot water in the bush and even
has a built-in cooker. This gas-powered marvel is SA’s own super-efficient, safe
and eco-friendly system that includes the burner and accessories and weighs
just 8 kg.
Get it for R3200 from Outdoor Warehouse outlets on 0800-003-051 or
www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za.
Protect your campsite, hunng One Pan Gourmet –

lodge or farm house Fresh Food on the Trail
urround yourself the latest in outdoor security: the ou no longer need to eat 2-minute
S Zollhaus Wiingz DIY Kit. Each sensor can detect the
presence of an intruder at 20 m away in an arc of 110°.
Y noodles or Bullybeef on Provitas when
you’re out in the bush. Don Jacobson’s One
The book says that the Wiingz alarm system is “housed Pan Gourmet – Fresh Food on the Trail
in high pressure molded Poly-Carb abs blend that shows you how to prepare simple, delicious
provides robust, weather proof protection”. These things meals in the bush. This title contains
are pretty impressive as the batteries in them can last information on cookware, outdoor stoves,
from three to five years, and never need recharging. The and water filtration, as well as: more than
Wiingz alarm system has been specially modified so you 175 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner,
can take it away with you and plant it in the ground and dessert; vegetarian options and low-fat choices;
around your campsite to protect you from any wild provisioning and packing advice; and, weekend menu
creatures (or criminals) that may be lurking around. Call plans for pan, pot, and oven. Get it for R156 (incl VAT) >>
Zollhaus on 0861-111-358 for more info.
p28
from www.intersoft.co.za.

28 Feature
Tools for the Bush cont.

Sanyo Xac VPC-CA9-
Waterproof Camcorder
he VPC-CA9 takes to water like a fish. The
T reason: it’s completely waterproof, up to 1.5
metres. That means you can take it with you to
the bush, canoeing, or beach and not worry about
water damage.
The CA9 can shoot both stills and video. The
stills camera is fair enough, with an 9 megapixel
CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom. The flash works
well and there is a full range of camera settings, including “face-chaser” to let you
get your friends in focus.
Video is recorded to SD card (not included) and is compressed into MP4 format.
It records at 1280x720 resolution at 30 fps (frames per second) for 720p high
definition video. An HDMI output to easily connect to your HDTV is also included.
R5999 (incl VAT). For more info call Sanyo SA on 011-304-6000.
>>
p29
Bushnell Trail Scout Camera
f taking pictures at night is your thing, you should set up the 5 megapixel Bushnell Trail Scout
I Camera. This cunning device allows you to take pictures and short movies of animals or anything
that moves in front of its watchful eye, 24 hours a day. After flicking a few switches, the trail camera
will sense movement and take pictures, day and night, of whatever comes across its path. The
Bushnell can take very good photos, provided that you put it up at a spot where animals are sure to
lurk. R5699 (incl VAT) from The G.A.D.G.E.T. Shop on 012-346-2726 or www.thegadgetshop.co.za.
Zollhaus’ DIY alarm system

tirelessly guards your campsite
from unwanted intruders
Frustrated by not being able to detect

unknown movement around your campsite?
• Take back control, WIINGZ is your answer
• This reliable DIY system can easily be moved around
as your security requirements change.
• Be aware at all times of movement at your campsite
• Portable detection system
• Cost-effective
• Cordless
• 3 year battery life
r
you
Buy
ack
ter p
star
ay!
tod

29 Feature
Canon PowerShot G10 ^ÑÑçêÇ~ÄäÉ=^ÅÅçããçÇ~íáçå

I f you don’t want the hassle
of carrying and caring for a
~åÇ=p~Ñ~êáë=áå=w~ãÄá~Ûë=
dSLR but still want quality
pictures, then lay your hands
pçìíÜ=iì~åÖï~=k~íáçå~ä=m~êâ
on Canon’s PowerShot G10. It
comes with a massive 14.7
megapixels, a 28 mm wide-
angle lens with 5x optical
zoom lens and Image
Stabilizer, and all the manual
functionality you can pretend you’ll use. It is also rugged so
the occasional drop won’t make you cry like a girl. Get it for
R7771 from www.take2.co.za.
Life Recorder Polarised Sunglasses

reate your
C very own TV
channel by
recording every
single moment of
your life. Don’t tell
people what you saw,
show them. These glasses
are ideal for recording everything you see and hear. 2GB built-
in memory and 2GB micro-SD expansion option. Get it for
R1499 (incl VAT) from www.gadgetshack.co.za
Tracks4Africa GPS Maps

racks4Africa produces quality GPS maps
T providing detailed coverage for self-drive tourists
across Southern and Eastern Africa. Information is
included on places such as national parks (with
listing of boundaries for 1000 reserves of which
many contain routable road data), popular
rendezvous spots and places off the beaten track.
^í=táäÇäáÑÉ=`~ãé=ïÉ=çÑÑÉê=~
It’s the only GPS map which offers routable ãìÅÜJåÉÉÇÉÇ=åáÅÜÉ=Ñçê=íÜÉ
coverage from Cape to Cairo and anywhere in íê~îÉääÉêI==éêçîáÇáåÖ
between. ~= ÑÑçêÇ~ÄäÉ==êìëíáÅ=ÉåJëìáíÉ
All roads are GPS-recorded and verified by fellow
travellers who have actually been to all the places
ÅÜ~äÉíëI=~=ëÉÅäìÇÉÇ==ÉåJëìáíÉ=íÉåíÉÇ=Å~ãéI=~=_ìëÜÅ~ãé=Ñçê=çîÉêåáÖÜí
on the map. Not only does it list more than 15 000 ï~äâáåÖ=ë~Ñ~êáë=~åÇ=~=ÄÉ~ìíáÑìä==Å~ãéëáíÉI=~ää=ëáíì~íÉÇ=çå=íÜÉ=Ä~åâë=çÑ
hotels, lodges, guest houses, amd camp sites with íÜÉ=ëíìååáåÖ=iì~åÖï~=oáîÉêK
contact details (where available), it also has
information on over 5000 restaurants, shopping
centers and markets, special places of interest, view `çåí~Åí=ìëW
points, activities, hospitals, clinics, police and qeb=tfiaifcb=`^jm
embassies. irm^kab=p^côfp=iqa
For more info, contact the PDAShop on qbi==MM=OSM=ONS=OQSMOS
012-362-8133 or visit www.pdashop.co.za. bj^fi==áåÑç]ïáäÇäáÑÉò~ãÄá~KÅçã
>>
p30 tb_==ïïïKïáäÇäáÑÉÅ~ãéJò~ãÄá~KÅçã
Photo: Chris Cosne

30 Feature
Retreat Tip
Tools for the Bush cont If you enjoyed reading about these
gadgets, go to www.techsmart.co.za
for loads more info.
Celestron SkyScout
hey say there are some of us who stare at the stars and
T experience a profound sense of longing. What exactly
is out there? We’re not sure, but at least now we can
be certain of which stars we are gazing at. The
Celestron SkyScout is an absolutely marvellous
device. Point it up to the sky to any star and it
will immediately identify it for you. Although this
is quite amazing in itself, the real value of the
device lies in how it manages to engage you in
astronomy. Want to find prominent stars or
planets? No hassle with the SkyScout’s guidance
system. Once locked on, it will provide both audio
and text facts and trivia about the star, as well as its
history and place in mythology.
If that isn’t enough, it will also guide you to other stars in
a constellation and includes a “Tonight’s Highlights” for the 20 best sights for which
ever date or part of the world you might find yourself in.
Available from The G.A.D.G.E.T Shop on 012-346-2726 for R4999 (incl VAT).
Iomega eGo Drives

he eGo Camo, complete with camouflage
T finish is perfect storage device to take on your
next adventure. It can withstand dust, heat and
not to mention extremely bumpy roads. Like the
entire eGo series, the Camo includes Drop Guard to
withstand even the toughest of travel environments. Then
there is the super-chic eGo Ruby Red – the perfect fashion
accessory and the eGo leather that will perfectly suit the
sophisticated look of a gentleman’s study.
What makes the eGo-series very handy indeed is that it plugs directly into USB, requiring no
external power at all. The eGo might be small in physical size, but it stores 250GB of all your
important documents, photos, music and video files. RRP is R1699 (incl VAT).
Adapt ADP-13200
Oregon Sailing Watch Notebook Charger
eed a backup solution for a
W hether you’re a wannabe

Survivor contestant or a real
N constantly flat notebook, phone,
digital camera or MP3 player
wilderness guide, Oregon make a battery? Adapt’s ADP-13200 will do
range of seriously good sports the trick. You simply charge the ADP-
watches, pedometers and heart 13200 via a USB AC adapter, which
rate monitors. We really like the takes about three hours, and then
Outbreaker Sailing Watch. For leave the device in your backpack or
starters you can show it to women and car to be of use in times of need.
they will probably assume you have a It is slim and weighs only 430 g
yacht or at least a canoe. It features a which means you’ll hardly notice it if
digital compass, with a bearing tracking you carry it around with you. R1200
system, altitude calculator, barometric pressure gauge, (incl VAT) from the PDAShop on
weather forecast and temperature gauge. R1849 (incl VAT) 012-362-8133 or visit
from The G.A.D.G.E.T. Shop on 012-346-2726. www.pdashop.co.za.
HyMini Wind Charger

f you are a hiker, cyclist or runner who is very much into the “Green” thing and consistently
I find yourself with a dead phone, iPod or camera, then the HyMini was designed specifically
for you. Uniross, the makers of all things rechargeable, have launched their HyMini wind
charger, a lightweight handheld device which allows you to charge your cellphone, camera or
MP3 player via wind power or its own internal lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, which
can be charged via USB, a conventional plug or wind power. R799 from Uniross on
011-312-0016, www.uniross.com.

Suppliers of skins
Oasis Tanning Co has a variety of game skins that are available at factory prices. We are one of the top
producers of upholstery and bovine leather. We also provide taxidermy services.
Tel: +27-11-416-2270/88 Email: order@oasistanning.co.za

www.oasistanning.co.za Ps 23.

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re treat RETREAT IS

the bush retreats issue RETREAT 1

Exclusive Retreats Food & Wine Copyright © 2009. All rights

www.r etr eatmag.co.za Apr il 09

New 7 Wonders of Nature

SA tourism bags gold award

No more smelly citronella

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Helene Heema “Van

Anna Davel &

Adversements in 100 000

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SPECIAL! Margaritas and how to handle

he Rosebank recently underwent major renovations.

What percentage of your guests are local vs overseas?

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ProAgri Magazine How do you handle irate and overly demanding

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ourism is a service industry and providing an excellent and

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In the end it boils down to whether you are going to make a

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the three bar areas at Didimala Game

Mongena Game Lodge 2

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kids, but for the whole family. With 33

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Openness, space, clean

also experience the historical diversity of this

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Sebe Sebe Lodge

Place of Peace and Tranquillity

s you enter the grounds of the lodge Game viewing

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Competition runs from

Six thatched cottages nestled on top of a hill with breathtaking

Contact De Louw on 083-297-1123 For more info call Bennie on 082-338-3977

www.r etr eatmag.co.za Apr il 09

Photo: Brenda Swart

Olifants River Lodge and Safaris

Where the river flows

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