I don’t know who needs to hear this, but the journey is just as important as the destination.
- Cape Town is also known as the Mother City. Some Vaalies (people living in the northern parts of South Africa) also call it Slaapstad thanks to Capetonians’ slow way of doing things.
- The Castle used to have a view of the sea but land reclamation put an end to that. The Castle of Good Hope is also the oldest building in South Africa.
- The world’s first heart transplant occurred at Groote Schuur in Cape Town.
- Cape Town is geographically divided by Table Mountain.
- Bo-Kaap is home to one of South Africa’s oldest mosques.
- The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway took its first visitors up the mountain on 4 October 1929. Don’t worry, they have upgrade everything now.
- An old cannon at the top of Signal Hill is fired off every single day at midday – since 1806.
- They have shitty weater most of the time. Their summers run from November through to March, and their winters span May to September. Thank goodness I live in Gauteng!
- Robben Island was once used as a training station for WW2. It was also used to house leprosy patients. It also hosted South Africa’s first democratically elected president as a prisoner.
- You can kick out a “lekker Afrikaanse mense” just about anywhere. It is the most spoken language in the Western Cape.
What to do while in Cape Town
I’ve been waiting for this launch for months… It was delayed here in South Africa due to that virus we shall not name.
A few weeks ago I excitedly turned to my husband and said I orderd my Barbie MAC lipstick. He got stuck on who MAC is and completely missed that I just bought a Barbie lipstick for myself. Men…
Introducing Barbie’s next venture: an exclusive M·A·C collaboration! As the newest M·A·C Maker, Barbie – the original doll, global icon and influencer with @barbiestyle – designs her own Lipstick. Read more here.
The Barbie cool-toned bubblegum-pink shade with a Matte finish embraces endless possibilities – working wherever your day or career path takes you. It’s all in the details with special packaging in Barbie’s iconic power-pink with gold – ready for anything!
To put us all back in touch with nature, WWF South Africa has launched a restful playlist of the unique sounds and features of Africa’s natural heritage for enjoyment safely at home, while observing the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.
The WWF playlist, titled ‘Bring Nature Inside’, captures the soundscapes of our beautiful natural world and features the sounds of projects and areas where WWF is actively working.
“We wanted to allow people to experience the richness of nature. With many of us feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world and the unique disruptions we are facing, it is imperative for us to take care of our mental and emotional well-being. Nature provides the perfect ‘escape’ that we need during this time,” says Justin Smith, head of business development at WWF South Africa.
From the enchanting sounds of rhino translocations, to the soothing backdrop of a free-flowing river and the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic Ocean, each authentic track features immersive sounds with a description that brings together the beauty and significance of our natural resources, and showcases the work WWF is doing to help protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
Contribute by listening
“Fostering a connection with nature during these unsettling times is essential for our well-being and a reminder of the ways in which we can look after our environment, especially as the world searches for a new normal in how we live,” says Justin.
With its 10-hour long mix of different calming and inspirational tracks, the WWF SA soundscapes can be enjoyed in any setting; whether you are working, exercising, cooking, gardening or simply taking a break from your home desk. For access to the WWF SA Soundscape Playlist please visit wwf.org.za or click on the below links:
The soundscapes will also be available on various streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, Google Play and Amazon. A percentage of the streaming royalties will go to support WWF SA’s ongoing conservation work, at no cost to the platform user.
“We are excited to share soundscapes with our audiences. Distance does not mean disconnect, and we hope that with this platform we can help bring some solace and peace to people in these extraordinarily trying times. At the same time, we want to highlight that nature still matters; we must continue safeguarding it so that we can all enjoy it together again in the future. As an added benefit, every time a track is streamed, WWF will earn a modest amount of much-needed money to put towards its conservation efforts,” says Justin.
Who knew Gauteng had so many (little) nature reserves that we could escape to? I used to jump over into Limpopo to get my “wild fix” – but now I am forced to make do with what’s inside a provincial border… and it’s not that bad.
Last weekend we decided to check out Groenkloof Nature Reserve by Pretoria.
- Pros
- It is a hikers’ paradise with little footpaths up and down hills
- There are herbivores like wildebeest and rooibokkies – and ostriches (we didn’t see anything else)
- There are horses
- You don’t need to pay for your car if you are just going for a hike
- Cons
- Not much to see and takes about 20 minutes to drive around once (including to stop and watch animals)
- You can however get out of your car and hike to a viewpoint for some fresh air
- They don’t let you know how far you will wander to a viewpoint
- It costs R120 for a vehicle plus then some per person
The horse pictured was surrounded by grazing wildebeest. Suddenly it neighed wildly and the wildebeest scattered over the road. A few minutes later they were right back next to the horse. I wonder what that was about?
While driving you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Voortrekker Monument and if you walk the first viewpoint route up the koppie, a view of Pretoria.
There is also a 4×4 track, but obviously we gave this a skip. I’m not really a bundu basher.
What to do with kids while in Gauteng
These little weekend road trips have become my lifeline. I’ve never felt this trapped – and it doesn’t help that I live in the smallest province (with the most people) in a penthouse with no garden but beautiful views.
How many times do you have to see a lion to get tired of seeing said lion? The answer is there is no such thing as seeing lions or big cats too much. This is the conclusion I come to each time we visit the Lion Park somewhere between Gauteng and North West Provinces.
I always excitedly press my nose against the window in the hopes of getting a better look at the lazy lions basking in the sun. I catch myself hoping to see one twitch a whisker, lift a tail or just moving its head. The kids do the same, but with a little more vocal focus. We keep our distance from these big cats, but just far enough so that we won’t be the first thing they’ll want to perch on. We are still very cautious still after that time a young lion decided to peek at us from the top of our car… through a sunroof. His derriere was a bit heavy and cracked said sunroof. It was a thrilling experience but not one we are too keen to repeat – even sans the sunroof!
What I appreciate most about the Lion Park is that even if the animals are in enclosures, they are still freer than in a zoo. They still maintain some of that “wild” that you’ll see in lions that live in the Kruger Park. It never is an ideal situation to keep the wild enclosed, but sometimes the pros outweighs the cons when it comes to their welfare.
This time around in the Lion Park there were 2 camps with lions, 1 with cheetahs, 1 with wild dogs and a whole open area with zebras, wildebeest, springbucks, warthogs and more. The herbivores outnumbers the carnivores by miles. They stand in groups, species interacting.
The little 4x4s of the bush, warthogs, had a dozen piglets. The stormed from across the ridge down to where the zebra and wildebeest grazed. Little dust clouds danced around them as they kneeled into the ground pulling who knows what from the barren spot of ground. One piglet got too close to a wildebeest and was swiftly given a kick that made it fly and plop back onto the ground. It quickly got up again and rejoined its many siblings.
We followed each and every road, slowly crawling on the tracks, stopping to look at little groups of animals just being free. I even cracked open my window where the herbivores roamed and felt the sun on my skin. It was a beautiful day.
We spent around 4 hours in the Lion Park – and it was a welcome relief from being locked up during level 5 and 4 lockdown regulations.
They prefer that you book online and bring your proof of tickets along. They strictly adhere to social distancing and you will be required to wear a mask when speaking to staff at the gate. On entrance they also take your temperature.
What to do with kids while in Gauteng
FUJIFILM South Africa is proud to announce the launch of the instax mini 11, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s best-selling mini 9. The mini 11 instant camera provides on-the-spot photo printing and comes with a number of features never seen before on instax mini cameras.
New features for better photos
The new instax mini 11 is the first entry-level model to feature the ‘Automatic Exposure’ function, providing better-looking photos in darker lighting conditions. Here the camera automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimising the shutter speed and flash output according to the surrounding brightness. The result is less flash ‘blowout’ indoors, with both the subject and background now correctly exposed.
Another feature that makes taking instax photos easier than ever before is the Selfie Mode, which is ideal for both selfies and close-ups photos. On the previous instax mini 9 camera, an adapter needed to be placed on the lens for selfies. On the new mini 11, the Selfie Mode can be activated by simply pulling out the front-end edge of the lens after powering the camera on.
Users will see the “Selfie On” mark on the edge of the lens, with the mini 11 now able to take photos at a closer focussing distance, around 30-50cm away. They can also conveniently frame their selfie by checking the little mirror panel on the side of the lens for composition.
Even more fun than before
The instax mini 11’s rounder, softer and compact style builds on the popular design of its mini 9 predecessor. The mini 11 is actually smaller in size than its older sister, making it easier to carry around, also weighing a bit less at 293g (without batteries, strap, and film). All said, it’s a fun looking camera, with contrasting design elements on the mini 11 achieved by using a different material around the lens from the rest of the camera body.
Those looking to customise their mini 11 can do so via two included accessories – a glow in the dark button and a jewel button which can be placed on top of the shutter button. There’s also a colour coded strap included in the box which fits around the wrist.
Powering the mini 11 are two AA-size alkaline batteries (included), able to provide enough battery life for 100 exposures. Talking of which, the mini 11 is just as quick to print out your photos, with an instax mini print ready in about 90 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.
Price and Availability
To capture a photo and see it develop instantly remains a satisfying experience. But being able to give that print to a friend or a loved one is what instax instant photography is all about – don’t just take, give!
The FUJIFILM instax mini 11 is coming to South Africa in five pale tone colours, namely Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The camera will be available locally in select retail stores and online starting mid-July 2020, retailing for R1 199 (incl.VAT), or as a kit with one pack of instax film (10 prints) for R1 349 (incl. VAT).
Fans of the instax will be happy to know that it will come with a range of accessories, including new camera cases and photo albums.
The Winter ‘20 monochrome selection from Timberland comprises a number of key influences and innovations, resulting in a comprehensive and accessible offering. For the refined customer, this season, the brand offers a selection of black and white footwear styles with functional details and a sophisticated aesthetic. Key features include materials like waterproof shells and nubuck leather, as well as styles made using ReBotl, a fabric created from recycled plastic bottles.
The two-tone Premium Puffer Boot is ideal piece to make a bold fashion statement. Fully waterproof and insulated, with rubber lug treads to power through winter weather, these 6-inch boots feature quilted panels with the timberland logo for a unique cold-weather style. This boot is also made from Primaloft insulation, an eco-conscious insulation which not only keeps your feet warm but is also made from 60% recycled plastic. This puffer retails at R3999.
The Brooklyn Alpine Chukka is for all sneaker enthusiasts who want to take nature to the streets. It is also made from the Timberland ReBOTL material, this is where the millions of recycled bottles collected across the globe are turned into yarn to create ReBOTL material. This style truly depicts its natural flare while ensuring breathability with its mesh lining and its durability through its rubber outsole. This chukka is available in various colourways and retails at R2999.
The Brooklyn Fabric Oxford is the perfect loungewear sneaker. The sneaker has a mesh lining and a rubber outsole. It spots a bold Timberland logo detailing on the front as well as on the side. The Brooklyn Fabric Oxford is made with Aerocore energy system, which is a lightweight sole that provides the wearer with comfortable cushioning allowing you to be on your feet for longer. This also comes in various colourways and retails at R2799.
The Timberland Euro Sprint Hiker is a perfect lace-up boot. The padded collar and EVA midsole provide ultimate comfort. It has the Timberland logo extending around the back giving the boot a bold look. The logo is also embossed on the tongue of the shoe which ties the look together. This boot is available in dark grey and white and retails at R2999.
The Timberland Authentic Waterproof Boot is a perfect Winter boot. The upper is made from a Silver-Rated tannery and mesh fabric. It has a 50% recycled PET lining and waterproof membrane which makes it ideal for our unpredictable winters. The double buckle on the boot elevates the shoe, giving it a trendy utility feel. This bold boot retails at R4399.
The 6-Inch Timberland Icon is a staple in the Timberland family. this waterproof boot is made with seam-sealed construction and a rubber outsole. The velvet collar has Timberland branding which extended around the back of the boot creating a street style statement. This boot has 200 grams of PrimaLoft eco-conscious insulation to keep your feet extra warm. The satin laces and detailing add a feminine finish to the boot. This boot is available in black and white and retails at R3999.
The Delphiville Knit Sneaker is Timberland’s take on the knit sneaker trend. The sneaker has a dual density lightweight EVA midsole for all-day comfort, lightweight cushioning, and shock absorption. The sneaker also comes in Light Grey and White and can be easily paired with your winter loungewear. This trendy knit sneaker retails at R2099.
The Marblesea leather sneaker pairs also well with loungewear, this sneaker is also made from the ReBOTL material and has a 50% recycled PET lining. It has flat branded cotton laces, with a heel height of 3.5cm and a rubber outsole. This feminine sneaker retails at R2299.
* These styles are available online and at selected Timberland outlets.
About Timberland
Founded in 1973, Timberland is a global outdoor lifestyle brand based in Stratham, New Hampshire, with international headquarters in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Best known for its original yellow boot designed for the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories for people who value purposeful style and share the brand’s passion for enjoying – and protecting – nature.
At the heart of the Timberland® brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future.This comes to life through a decades-long commitment tomake products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world. To share in Timberland’s mission to step outside, work together and make it better, visit one of our stores, www.timberland.co.za follow us @timberland_south_africa. Timberland is a VF Corporation brand.
We all know that some monuments rely almost solely on tourism to survive. This lockdown has not been kind to this landmark. Right now they have a few initiatives on the go to make enough to pay taxes and rates – and more importantly, it’s employees.
- Save 50% on entrance tickets for future visits
- Donate to get your name listed in the register who “owns” a part of the monument
- Buy a raffle ticket
- Exercise on the grounds with your entrance ticket
What to do with kids while in Gauteng
Perched atop a mountain above the Kudu River Valley, lies Graceland Eco Retreat. A place where you will find quiet, endless views and a free-roaming family of giraffes.
Graceland Eco Retreat is where your hosts, Anders and Douglas, have created a farm-style eco-friendly retreat in a beautiful setting.
Stay a while
The accommodation at Graceland Eco Retreat was designed to take advantage of it’s beautiful location. At sunrise you can watch the valley wake up while the sun slowly rises over the mountain – but if you sleep in, you might just find a curious giraffe staring at you through a window.
Enjoying your morning coffee or sundowners on one of the terraces, pergolas or at the splash pool with a view of the valley may just be one of the highlights of any stay here.
Wildlife
At Graceland Eco Retreat you will meet giraffes named Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie and their children born on the farm named, Tennessee, Nashville and Phoenix. There are also Kudu, Impala, Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck and more that you may catch a glimpse of whilst hiking.
Birding enthusiasts will be spoilt with sightings of birds such as the Verreaux, Crowned and Long-Crested Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Alpine, Purple Crested Turaco, African Black Swift as well as the famous African Fish Eagle. Since they also border the forests and plantations of Magoebaskloof and the Woodbush Forest Reserve, you might even spot Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon and Black-fronted Bush Shrike and the rare Samango monkey.
Off the grid and just 50km North-East of Polokwane
Graceland Eco Estate is totally off the grid and the sun is responsible for pumping their water, clean the pool, run their fridges and keep you connected.
The retreat is perched on the side of the mountain with the sunlit Olyfberg to one side and the fertile Kudu River Valley to the other side.
What else can you do while staying at Graceland Eco Retreat?
- Walk through the Modjadji Rain Forest
- Visit the Pioneer House (just a kilometre or 2 away)
- Stroll through Haenertsburg
- Snack on cheese at Wegraakbosch Organic Cheese Dairy
- Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours
- See the cherry blossoms at Cheerio during September
- Picnic at the Debegeni Falls and take a dip in the cold mountain water
PAUSE to eat
Pause, a new addition to the offering at Graceland, is a converted steel barn enclosed in glass panels with views overlooking the Kudu River Valley. The restaurant has a large fire-place in the dining area with a collection of art created by a variety of well-known South African artists.
The kitchen at PAUSE aims to create meals through a fusion of flavours, aromas and impressions with strong influences from the Scandinavian, Asian and Mediterranean palates, creating a bold taste fusion to tease your senses.
Pause is not open for walk-ins, but they do open up the venue once a month for their Table D’hôte (The Host’s Table) during which guests can feast on a 5-course luncheon. The menu is advertised 2 weeks in advance and bookings are essential.
Covid-19 may have an impact on Pause restaurant’s service. Please contact Graceland Eco Retreat for more information.
Add Graceland Eco Retreat to your Limpopo bucketlist
- 23°47.212 S, 29°55.875 E Portion 9, Escatre Farm, Kudu’s River Valley road going from Houtbosdorp to Mooketsi, Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
- www.gracelandeco.co.za
- info@gracelandeco.co.za
- +27 (0) 83 277 5553
- www.facebook.com/gracelandeco
- www.instagram.com/gracelandeco