South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.
Come play in the Garden
BEHIND THE SCENES • Years ago, Sophia van Taak (pictured) was driving around Cape Town and saw a Datsun bakkie with a bumper sticker that read: “I Love homing pigeons”. Since then, she has made it her mission to find out more about these birds and their fanciers. Read her story on p 46.
Learn to take better photos – in Botswana!
LETTERS
Q&A
CHECK THIS
NEED TO KNOW
Bring your camera – you’re invited!
Johan Marais • The well-known reptile expert has written various reference books and he also established the African Snake Bite Institute (ASI). But is there a southern African snake species he hasn’t seen?
PIT STOP
NIGHT WATCH
At home among the rocks
BOOKS • This month, Erns Grundling pages through a geology guide and two excellent books about the history of the Cape Colony.
Where do South Africans like to soak up the sun? • During the summer months, South Africans flock to beach destinations around the country. Here’s where all those cars on the highway are going.
5 EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
YOUR TICKET TO ANTARCTICA! • Once the exclusive domain of scientists and adventurers, now you can sail south to the White Continent with Unique Destinations. Get ready for a journey like no other...
The city slicker’s guide to the rest of South Africa • After cycling around the country for six months, plaasjapie-turned-Capetonian Ian McNaught Davis is reminded that South Africa is bigger than the city he used to live in.
Your ultimate guide to THE GARDEN ROUTE • Rivers, mountains, forests and a coastline that even dolphins dream of… Yes, the Garden Route can compete with the best destinations in the world. Here’s your eight-day travel plan for a family holiday you’ll remember for years to come.
THE PIGEON FANCIERS • The ability of a homing pigeon to navigate vast distances back to its loft is something that has fascinated people for centuries. It’s still celebrated today, by hundreds of dedicated amateur pigeon racers who spend each Saturday scanning the sky…
A refuge in the Waterberg • If you know where to look, Limpopo offers several great weekend hiking destinations. Like Skeurkrans near Mookgophong, where you can re-wild your city soul in double-quick time.
THE VOICE OF THE INKOSI • Vultures are threatened all over the world, including in Namibia where Peter Bridgeford works tirelessly to reverse the trend.
COME ON TOUR WITH US!
TAKE YOUR PIC • READER PHOTOS •TIPS •PORTFOLIO
The ghost of Che Guevara
JUST ADD WATER • We’ve chosen the best bottles, hydration packs and purifiers on the market. All you have to do is bring the H›O.
Leatherman Tread • Wearable tech is the next big thing. But what about wearable tools? Enter this clever invention…
THE GREAT HOLIDAY BAKE OFF
WINE • Wines that won’t break the bank
The new Freelander • Does the world need another Land Rover? Apparently it does. Meet the Discovery Sport, which aims to combine the elegance of the Range Rover Evoque with the off-road ability of the Discovery 4. We drove the flagship HSE Luxury model to see where it fits into the Land Rover line-up.
MTB ADWENTURE WITH TOYOTA • Reader Ferdie Colyn from Oudtshoorn was the winner of the go!/Toyota #TellBetterStories...
