go!

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.

EDITOR’S LETTER

go! Wild Places

CHECK THIS!

CHECK THIS!

In praise of wild places • Every wild place – whether it’s a biggie like the Kruger or a tiny provincial reserve – protects a truly unique part of our country, writes Toast Coetzer.

Bush therapy • Letaba Ranch and Makuya are two of Limpopo’s forgotten provincial reserves, but on the Luvuvhu 4x4 Trail – which takes you through both – the only things forgotten will be your cares in the world.

Camel thorn calm • In Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape, you can stare at a leopard tortoise for half an hour without feeling like you’re missing out on a lion down the road. Because there are no lions…

Birds and beasts of Pilanesberg • Pilanesberg Game Reserve in North West is a favourite destination for photographers from Gauteng who want to capture wildlife images. Here are some great photos taken by our readers. For accommodation, see p112.

Kick back in Kosi Bay • The Kosi Bay and Coastal Forest section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a classic beach holiday, but with unique nature experiences thrown in.

Go play outside! • What makes a reserve child-friendly? Easy: It has a place to swim, a lawn to play on, short hiking trails – and animals! Here are five reserves where you can teach your kids about nature and the cultural history of our country.

Where the sun plays piano • The Richtersveld is a wilderness destination for connoisseurs; for those who like rocks and quiver trees for company…

Wild, wilder… Kruger! • Every South African should visit the Kruger National Park at least once in their lives,says Esma Marnewick.Here’swhy.

Power to the provinces! • No one knows the smaller, lesser-known provincial reserves better than our readers. These are some of their favourite wild escapes.

Parks and reserves of South Africa • Flip to the relevant page number for each province to see all the listed reserves in that section. This is not a comprehensive list of every protected area in the country, but these are our and our readers’favourites. Most of the reserves labelled on this map are listed in our reserve guide, while some are mentioned elsewhere in the magazine.

WESTERN CAPE

EASTERN CAPE

NORTHERN CAPE

FREE STATE

KWAZULU-NATAL

GAUTENG

NORTH WEST

LIMPOPO

MPUMALANGA

LETTER FROM Ithala • Sitting alone in a wilderness like Ithala Game Reserve soon turns your thoughts to where you fit into the food chain, writes ToastCoetzer.

Beach picnic