Inhaltsverzeichnis für December 2020 in Getaway

WINNING LETTER Loving Karkloof Valley KZN readers wanting to escape the restrictions of the past months due to Covid-19 need look no further than the stunning Karkloof Valley in Kwa-Zulu-Natal – home of canopy tours, craft stalls and the enchanting Benvie Gardens. On the Kululapa-indi-bos farm, which offers a choice of accommodation, we found a quaint gem aptly named Birdsong Cottage. It nestles in a forest, providing a rustic stay for a small family and manages to combine an off-the-grid adventure with all the usual creature comforts. Parking for the cottage is a short walk through indigenous bush. Walks, mountain biking, suspension bridges, strolls beside crystal streams, an enticing foefie slide or simply absorbing pure harmony is the order of the day. The surrounding forests abound with mosses, ferns, wildlife…

What does it mean to travel in a sustainable way? Where you still get to venture out and experience new places but your impact on the micro and macro environment is reduced, or at the very least, properly considered. Like a game of mental tennis, these thoughts bounced around my head as I cruised up Du Toitskloof Pass, gently feathering the throttle of my Lexus UX 250h. Chosen specifically for its lighter environmental footprint, this vehicle is a self-charging hybrid electric that cleverly combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. The energy monitoring system on the dash had me as distracted as a teen with a new smartphone. The info it spouts is fascinating and I had to force my attention back to the road ahead.…

Cainism Verreaux’s eagles lay two eggs, which hatch a few days apart. The first chick attacks the second and outcompetes it for food, resulting in death almost every time. Under pressure Each foot of the Verreaux’s eagle is able to exert the same pressure as an adult Rottweiler’s jaws. They often hunt in pairs, with the first distracting the prey while the second swoops in to catch it. Certainly not shy Verreaux’s appear indifferent to humans and will glide close by (making those with small dogs a bit nervous). However, Valerie Gargett – who monitored this species for many years in the Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe – habituated one female to the extent that she was able to remove the eggs from under it to weigh them. What’s in a…

The rather delicious 175 Coffee served at Oneon-Hely Guesthouse comes with a side story. It’s grown on Seonie’s aunt’s farm up towards Richard's Bay. About five years ago, Jill Tayfield’s gardener wanted to pull out a little tree, thinking it was a weed. When Jill told him it was a coffee plant he said: ‘Well, why don’t we plant more?’ So that’s what they did, and now Jill and her son Alan Davidson hand pick their small crop of Arabica SL28 beans which are roasted and packaged for them by Beaver Creek in Port Edward. Visit the farm by appointment, Jill 082 448 8841.…

ABSEIL Adventure operator Abseil Africa has been enabling the brave to step off the Table Top into thin air for many years. Actually, itʼs a controlled 112m descent but walking backwards off vertical Fountain Ledge is pretty white-knuckle stuff. Think of abseiling as ʻdope on a rope,ʼ says company founder (and general adrenaline junkie), Trevor Ball. Jump at the lekka local special currently on – R500 for an abseil for two people. 072 065 1520, abseilafrica.co.za TANDEM PARAGLIDING Several registered companies offer tandem paraglide flights from Lionʼs Head and Signal Hill. No experience is necessary. After a safety briefing all you, the passenger, need do is jump – and then enjoy the unfolding views as you drift over Camps Bay and Clifton. Look out for specials from R950, but expect…

GOLD ON LION’S HEAD After various small discoveries, Lion’s Head Gold Mining Company was formed in 1887 to prospect for gold on the cat-shaped mountain. Two deep shafts were dug and vast samples of quartz were sent off to Europe for assaying. The results came back saying ‘there was not an atom of anything resembling the precious metal in the whole of the quartz’. Both shafts have since been filled. UPWARDLY MOBILE After a funicular railway was discounted as a means of hauling tourists to the top, the first commercial cableway was opened in 1929. Business never really picked up until after World War II when international tourism grew. Over three upgrades and 29 million tourists later, 65 people can be whisked to the top in four minutes, revolving as…

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge is one of the most anticipated new accommodation offerings coming to South Africa. This luxury train hotel is permanently stationed on the historically significant Selati Bridge over the Sabie River adjacent to Skukuza camp in the Kruger National Park. Opening this month, the hotel offers unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which will pay homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago. All suites are tailored for immersive comfort and luxury. The train sits high above both banks of the river, which allows for stunning game-viewing from the bespoke deck with a pool. Lounging here will offer an experience unlike any other as below lies a popular watering hole for crocodile, hippo, buffalo, elephant and many more. 013…

The brand new Knysna Zipline at Harkerville Forest Station crosses a forested oceanside gorge four times, R800pp. 074 492 5603, knysnaziplines.co.za Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours in Storms River Village has 10 ziplines suspended between giant yellowwood trees, R695pp. 042 281 1863 canopytour.co.za Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures, 8km east of Storms River Bridge on the N2, has an eight-line tour over three waterfalls and down a gorge, R550pp. 042 280 3770 tsitsikammaadventure. co.za…

Alan Valkenburg TABLE MOUNTAIN CAVES Whileother Getaway journos are a terribly clean-living lot, the magʼs new sub editor/journalist, can be found walking around barefoot taking large gulps from a 500ml glass (it must be glass) Coke bottle and snacking on a packet of biscuits. A lover of sport, travel and the outdoors, Alan has summited Japanʼs Mt Fuji, white water rafted the Zambezi and wrestled gorillas in the Congo*. Heʼs watched the Springboks hammer France at Parc des Princes, the Proteas hammer England at Lordʼs and Wayne Ferreira hammer... somebody at Wimbledon. These days this father of three is torn between his desire to try new, adventurous things – and staying alive for his family. * May not be the whole truth Lucy Corne THE THREAD Originally from Britain, Lucy…

Extreme snowboard expedition high in the Andes. – Ross Sergeant Solo parachuting on a static line at Oribi Gorge. – Susanne Wright Driving from Cape Town to northern Kenya and back in a beautiful Land Rover Defender 110. – Matt Carter Looping the loop in a Tiger Moth. – Judy Rawlinson Microlighting across the Makgadikgadi Pans to Kubu Island. – Kevin Nicholas Kruger Zambezi canoe trip out of Mana Pools. We were attacked by a hippo two hours out and lost many of our possessions but the rest of the five-day trip was absolute bliss. – Penni Warncke Riding on a very lively horse through tobacco fields in Cuba. – Wilma Browne Walking the Annapurna Circuit over 17 days and going up to 5 400m. – Susan de Bruin…

My family and I once hiked the rugged coastline from Port St Johns to Hole-in-the-Wall near Coffee Bay over the festive season. We were six, plus our guide Jimmy Selani who helped navigate the many river mouths (filled with sharks) that span the 60km stretch. It was a five-day endeavour with every night spent with a different local family, each as excited as the next to share their colourful rondavel home and dining table with us. Idyllic. We suspected nothing when the taxi driver who drove us from Coffee Bay to Port St Johns questioned our timing. 'Most people can't walk these hills in summer,' he laughed. He shook his head, handed my father an ice-cold 'Zamalek' – a Black Label quart – from underneath the drivers' seat and that…

ROAD-TRIP VEHICLE Lexus UX 250h SE Featuring unique design and high levels of standard specification, this latest offering from Japan is sure to win many fans in crossover territory. The 2.0-litre motor lacks torque when unassisted. 135kW @ 6 000r/min 180 Nm+e @ 4 800r/min R756 200 CONTENDER 1 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD HSE Expensive, but an out-of-this-world package courtesy of its electric drivetrain. South African Car of the Year, 2019. 294kW 696Nm R1 854 200 CONTENDER 2 Volkswagen e-Golf Instant torque, comfortable, fun to drive, affordable to run and high levels of refinement. Except, range plummets on the highway, charging infrastructure is a headache and you can’t actually buy one. 100kW 290Nm Price unavailable…

1 | Leatherman Free T4 R1 710,  awesometools.co.za The T4 has 12 tools and built-in magnets for easy access. There are four screwdrivers, tweezers, scissors, a file, a package opener and a high-carbon blade. Unlike other Leatherman models, there are no pliers but it’s still a very handy little tool. 2 | Ledlenser Lite Wallet R1 200,  awesometools.co.za This wallet comes with a built-in 150-lumen light, with two power settings and a full-grain leather cover. It has multiple cardholders and an elastic band to secure bank notes. If you often need a torch and the one in your phone isn’t quite bright enough then bingo, this could be for you. 3 | Stonehauler 45l Duffel R3 220,  blackdiamondequipment. co.za The Stonehauler is a duffel bag that can be carried like…

GETTING THERE It’s 131km on the N2 toll road from Durban. When to go With a sub-tropical climate, it’s a year-round destination. Mid-summer is hot and humid. Do this Tour the Tapanga Rum Distillery, by appointment. 035 004 0007. Twigs in Station Road is an all-in-one décor, gift and coffee shop with a hairdresser and day spa where I enjoyed a soothing foot massage in the garden setting. 035 340 1004. For birding, book ace guide Sakhamuzi Mhlongo. From R1 200 half day or R1 700 for 6-8 hours. 083-436-2252. Mountain biking for every level; many trails are suitable for e-biking. Contact Seonie at One-on-Hely to find you a guide for routes from a few hours to a few days. 082 452 6372. Or cycle 4km out to the Twinstreams…

Come January, in the dark, damp crevices around Table Mountain, disa uniflora blooms, glistening like a ruby in a cave. Itʼs one of the largest orchids – yes, orchids – in the world and more beautiful in person than photos. German botanist Rudolph Marloth said the gorgeous colouring can only be fully appreciated ʻwhen seeing the blooms on a cliff, just touched by the early sun, or on the banks of a murmuring brook whose clear waters reflect their gloryʼ. Delicate, mystical and iconic, ʻThe Pride of Table Mountainʼ is the emblem of the Mountain Club of South Africa as well as all Western Province sports teams. ʻThe last two years people have gone dilly about them,ʼ hiking guide Tim Lundy says. ʻTheyʼre fascinated by the detail in the flower…

Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for Kruger Shalati online at getaway.co.za/ competitions. Entries close on 31 December 2020. THE PRIZE Two nights for two people sharing at Kruger Shalati, including all meals, a transfer from Skukuza Airport (if needed), and two daily game drives. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The prize is valid for a two-night stay for two adults (over 18) between 15 January 2021 and 1 December 2021. It is subject to availability and excludes public holidays. It is non-refundable, nontransferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. For further T&Cs see getaway.co.za/competitions.…

LESS WATER MORE FUN From September to December the flow over the Falls lessens. This makes white-water rafting in the gorge more dramatic as the exposed rocks intensify the water activity. AT PEAK BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL 500 million litres of water cascades over the Falls every minute THE LARGEST CURTAIN OF WATER IN THE WORLD 1 708mwide 108m high MOONBOW During a full moon, the spray from the Falls creates a lunar rainbow at night. This spectacle lasts from sunset to sunrise.…

Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for Tintswalo online at getaway.co.za/ competitions. Entries close on 31 December 2020. THE PRIZE Two midweek nights for a group of six at Tintswalo Family Camp at Welgevonden, including all meals and two daily safari activities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The prize is valid for a two-night midweek stay between 16 January 2021 and 30 November 2021. It is subject to availability and excludes weekends, public and local school holidays. It is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. It excludes transport to and from the lodge, park entry fees, conservation levy, and drinks. For other T&Cs see the winner's voucher and getaway.co.za/ competitions.…

PLANNING YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY Heading off on a break during a pandemic is going to be tricky. These tips will take some of the pressure off: Research restrictions at your destination If you’re planning to travel outside the country, make sure you find out everything you need to know, such as quarantine requirements at your destination and health certificates and requirements for your return to SA. Stay close to home The pandemic has wreaked havoc on most local industries, especially hospitality. You can support them by travelling within our wonderful country. There’s no better time to take that road trip – perhaps a route you’ve never explored. Pack an anti-pandemic kit Many places are opening up again and returning to normal but the pandemic is not over yet. Masks and…

Mans Mansdorp is a ǂKhomani San and his people have been here forever. Forever? Well, there are archaeological remains in the region showing evidence of 180 000 years of human activity, which is pretty much as long as modern humans have existed. This is what made chatting with Mans so fascinating. It’s easy to think of the Kgalagadi park as the place to witness a cheetah hunt or wake up to a lion licking your tent. And it is that... but so much more. Mans does not wear traditional San attire, and why should he? He was born in Upington. He’s not a backveld man but he’s tuned into the world, and he meets visitors from all over the planet. He knows the place he loves is on the front…

We could see the tanks lining up from the 27th floor of the Yanggakdo Hotel. Our room overlooked the Taedong River and beyond it, visible through the zoom lens of my camera, dozens and dozens of armoured vehicles sat waiting for what would be one of the worldʼs most impressive military parades. Sadly, we were not invited to watch it. In fact, our tour guides ensured we didnʼt get anywhere near the procession marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of North Korea. The countryʼs then leader, Kim Jong-il, was expected to attend and our small group of tourists was definitely not. The day began like every other on our week-long tour of the Hermit Kingdom: a rushed hotel breakfast, copious amounts of propaganda and hours spent hopping on and…

PICARDI PLACE Base yourself here for a few days, just off Slanghoek Road. Wine farms and restaurants are close by, or stay put for a pasta-making course with owner Jaco Brand. Chamomile Cottage is beautifully and rustically styled, and few spots are more inviting than the front stoep and wood-fired hot tub. The outdoor showers are also a highlight. Weddings are hosted at Picardi Place too, on the lush lawns or inside the old barn. Cottage from R1 900 for two, sharing. Rooms from R450 pps. Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville. picardiplace.co.za…

In the early 1900s, raffia palms were planted in Mtunzini believing that the fronds would make good brooms. The trees – the largest palm tree in the word – thrived and there is now a forest of them below the town, declared a national monument in 1942. Raffias grow to around 25 metres tall (with leaves almost the same length). They flower only once in a lifetime and then die. The fruit is a favoured food of the palmnut vulture, so look out for these endangered raptors on the boardwalk that meanders through the glade.…

Elephant’s Eye The mountain it’s found on looks a bit like an elephant’s head and the cave is – you guessed it – right where the eye would be. The cave’s a great viewing spot over the Southern Suburbs through to the coast and the walk from Silvermine Nature Reserve is do-able for the whole family; hikers who want a longer challenge can tackle it from the Tokai Arboretum. The cave itself has a high ceiling and offers respite from the sun as there’s not a lot of shade on the way. Legend has it the cave used to belong to a powerful Hottentot chieftain. Woodstock Cave One of the largest visible caves on Table Mountain, Woodstock Cave is basically a long horizontal crack 50m wide by 15m deep, halfway…

A vast number of streams and springs flow from this enormous mountain. They provided local inhabitants and wildlife with sustenance for eons, then the 1652 arrival of Dutch colonists marked the beginning of rapid change. It began with the erection of a fort at a river mouth flowing from what is now known as Platteklip Gorge. Named the Varsche Rivier, it was from here that a growing number of passing ships took on fresh water. If you hike up Platteklip you are scaling the source of the very thing that set Cape Townʼs transformation in motion. In 1660, the Dutch East India company installed irrigation furrows to sustain the Companyʼs Gardens where produce was grown to replenish ships, and canals or grachts soon followed (from which Heerengracht and Buitengracht streets…

The Selati Line remained in use until the 1960s, with up to 250 trains a week rumbling through the Kruger Park. The last train rolled through in 1973. James Stevenson-Hamilton was called Skukuza, which means ‘to sweep,’ a name given to him by Tsonga speaking people for his determination to sweep clean the park of poachers and other criminals in the area. The Selati Line is sometimes referred to as the ‘man-amile-line’, so called because of the high mortality rate among its builders – some died of malaria and others became the victims of lions.…

THE MALDIVES Beckons with exciting new resort offerings and remote coral beaches on which to socially distance yourself, cocktail in hand. TEES & SEA APPLY Dad loves golfing; the kids are clamouring for the beach. On KZN’s South Coast you can all have it all. We drive and putt this holiday strip’s top five golf courses and dive into myriad seaside attractions. GET LOST On an island that measures only 18km across. Rodrigues is a diminutive but diverse outlier of exotic Mauritius, with an innate sense of endless adventures on mountains, cables, in seas, caves and forests.…