Travel TalkBeautiful escapes and experiences for the discerning traveller

Compiled by Ingrid Wood & Zaza Motha

Swaziland might be the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, but its big on adventure. Besides enjoying its scenic mountains, valleys, cascading rivers and natural wonders, you can experience a tree-top canopy tour at the

Malolotaja Nature Reserve, as well as tubing and white-water rafting. While youre at it, explore the stunning mountain-biking trails in Mhlambanyatsi, Hawane, Hlane, Mbuluzi and Shewula. www.thekingdomofswaziland.com

Kingdom of adventure

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1. VIENNA The First District of this romantic city has been rebuilt and renamed the Golden Quarter. With flagship stores of the worlds finest brands, gorgeous offices, beautiful apartments and an elegant Park Hyatt Hotel, the areas vibrant with new energy. www.goldenesquartier.at

2. CHARLESTON, CAROLINA, USA Known for its sedate beauty, this city has opened some of its finest and oldest mansions for visitors (and film locations). Dating back to the 17th century, the plantation homes have retained their stately elegance and are National Historic Landmarks waiting to be explored. www.filmsc.com

3. LONDON In the citys Seven Dials area is the latest member, Tredwells. Named after a butler in an Agatha Christie thriller, the modern cooking is informal and primarily gluten-free. Somewhere on its three floors is a welcoming spot just waiting for you to raise your Tredwell Collins. www.tredwells.com

4. STOCKHOLM Having undergone a full renovation, the Veranda right across the street from the Palace is the place to visit, whether you need a drink after the Nobel Prize-giving ceremony or are famished after exploring the city. Its traditional smorgasbord comes with all the trimmings, from herring to meatballs. www.grandhotel.se

5. SANKT ANTON AM ARLBERG, AUSTRIA Those wanting a tailor-made Alpine detox can now check into Hotel Tannenhof, where theyll receive expert guidance on retraining the bodys digestive system. Besides spa treatments, the five-star hotel offers an alkaline-based menu, yoga and hiking trails. www.hoteltannenhof.net

6. CAPE TOWN All designer Adam Hoets work including the Willow Lamp collection

is made in the heart of the Mother City, in Salt River. The latest designs are the Geometric Storm, inspired by abstract art forms and the Mandala No 2, based on sacred Islamic geometry. www.willowlamp.com

7. HAVANA With its passionate culture, old cars and buildings, Havana is an intriguing and rewarding destination. The Art Deco Hotel Naional is the perfect place to rest your head and think of its former famous guests, including Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner.

www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com

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By Daniel Scheffler

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Time-travel with a visit to Cape Towns Santa Maria Novella store (68 Waterkant St on the Cape Quarter Piazza), the perfumerys first boutique in Africa. Selling bespoke skincare products, oils and

fragrances, Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest perfumeries and pharmacies in the world. It was established in Florence in 1221 by Dominican monks, who cultivated herbs for medications, balms and ointments.

If youre travelling to the region, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (today the monastery is a museum) still sells traditional elixirs, along with the brands contemporary range and the modern products are still the real deal. The store creates fragranced products using herbs and natural lipids from the original centuries-old recipes. What to buy? In 1533, Catherine de Medici heard of the fragrant waters made by the monks and commissioned one that became known as acqua della regina (water of the queen). Today this cologne, called Santa Novella Maria Classic (R1 300 for 100ml), is still made using

the original ingredients of Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian citrus, neroli and rosemary. Helen Clemson 021 425 8181 www.smnovella.com

fragrances, Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest perfumeries and pharmacies in the world. It was established in Florence in 1221 by Dominican monks, who cultivated herbs for medications, balms and ointments.

Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (today the monastery is a museum) still sells traditional elixirs, along with the brands contemporary range and the modern products are still the real deal. The store creates

HEAVEN SCENT

NEWS FLASH Yellow fever vaccinations are no longer necessary for travel between Zambia, Tanzania and SA, according to the South African Department of Health, after the World Health Organisation confirmed that Zambia had low yellow fever potential exposure status. This is good news for SAA travellers to Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone in Zambia, as well as Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

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Next time youre travelling through Mpumalanga, book a stay at the new BELGRACE BOUTIQUE HOTEL (above). This luxe establishment has opulent touches like gold damask wall coverings, hand-painted finishes and crystal chandeliers. Each suite is decorated differently, while the two-bedroomed cottages are equally grand, catering for families or couples travelling together. Close to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and 20 minutes from both Nelspruit and White River, its well placed for business guests, as well as tourists wanting a glorious stay en route to the bush. www.belgrace.co.za Also in the area is SCHNEIDERS GUEST HOUSE, a five-star escape in the White River Golf & Country Estate. Small and intimate (two deluxe suites, two deluxe rooms and two luxury rooms), it also offers accommodation at Schneiders Holiday House, which is fully serviced and sleeps eight guests. www.schneidersguesthouse.com

FOREST FUN If youre in Cape Towns Constantia area, pop into the Tokai Forest Market (formerly known as the Porter Produce Estate Market)

for a shopping experience with a difference. Established in 2007, its a great day out and has something for everyone, from food and crafts to fashion and fun activities. We recommend an on-site reflexology treatment, fudge and pavlova from Sublime and recycled art from Yandiswa Mazwana. www.tokaiforestmarket.co.za

LUXE IN THELowveldtravel talk

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ITS ALL ABOUTTHE EXPERIENCE.

At Duma SPORT we tailor sports travel products

and services to match your passion, while

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Knowledge

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Peace of Mind.

www.dumasport.co.za

marketing@dumasport.co.za

Call 0860 111 667

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The sweeping plains of the Madikwe Hills Game Reserve a 75 000ha malaria-free expanse hugging the border of Botswana spread out in the distance, with a large watering hole in the foreground. In a matter of minutes, the tableaux of wildlife before you can change in completely unexpected ways. Look away for a second and when you resume your gaze, a herd of elephants may be descending on the watering hole or a giraffe may have loped into view. The species frequenting the watering hole are so diverse and frequent that you cant help feeling as if youre watching a rigged TV show, rather than real life.

The lodge boasts 10 elegant suites dotted around the hilly outcrop from which it takes its name. The suites at the foot of the koppie offer up-close, personal views of the animals coming down to drink. These are best enjoyed from the coolness of your private plunge pool, or from the air-conditioned space containing your expansive, muslin-bedecked bed. Raised wooden walkways connect these suites to the lounge, bar, library and main deck atop the hill, ensuring guests work up an appetite on their way to the delicious five-star meals. (The lodges superb cuisine is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points.)

The walkways also connect the main lodge to the upper suites, which afford equally spectacular views. Perched eyrie-like on the outcrop, the walkways floor-to-ceiling windows frame expansive vistas of the reserve in all directions.

Being nestled in the heart of the reserve gives Madikwe Hills an advantage over many of its border-bound counterparts: guests can explore most of the areas varied terrain. A morning game drive could see you tracking wild dog spoor along the northern boundary fence, while the afternoon game drive could find you heading south on the trail of a leopard.

The reserve is home to the Big Five, over 60 species of mammals and a large number of bird species, so game drives are never dull, especially with the aid of the resident skilled rangers and trackers. Theyre not only highly knowledgeable about the reserves flora and fauna, but regale guests around the campfire with spellbinding anecdotes about encounters with animals. These tales are the kind of thing great bush experiences are made of and youre guaranteed to add a few of your own stories after a stay at Madikwe Hills.Activities: Bush walks or even a five-day photographic safari, if youre a keen shutterbug. Theres also a fully equipped gym and an on-site spa offers added relaxation. Rates: R5 650-R7 550 pp per night sharing, depending on the time of year.

www.madikwe.net/MadikweHillsLodge

By Rebecca Johnson

Some views are hard to beat. The vista you see while relaxing on the main deck of Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge preferably with a cocktail in your hand is one of them

We tried it

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Head Office Johannesburg Cape Town 0860 111 667 010 593 2572 021 201 6110

Durban Pretoria Pietermaritzburg 031 940 5900 012 763 0300 033 347 5067

We look forward to hearing from you Themba and Nomvula Mthombeni.

www.dumatravel.co.za

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But what if you could change the lives of those you pass along the way?Its a possibility more and more mountain bike events are starting to explore and few epitomise this community spirit better than the Old Mutual JoBerg2c.

Covering 900km, four provinces and over 100 farms, the event assists struggling rural communities all along its route from Johannesburg to Scottburgh, leaving riders and residents irrevocably changed.

Fittingly held around Freedom Day (27 April) each year, the nine-day journey of the soul is inspired by its cousin, the Nedbank Sani2c.

The community-centred model, developed by farmer and sani2c founder Glen Haw, is fairly simple. Nine rural schools and community organisations are paid to run the 24 water points and overnight stops. Instead of using commercial service providers at the eight race villages, teachers, church members, parents and children volunteer their time on behalf of the organisations, adding a personal touch to the participants stay.

Mountains of banana bread and koeksisters are freshly baked in home kitchens, fathers turn hundreds of steaks on braai fires and kids help by washing bikes and carrying mattresses and kit bags to riders tents.

The organisers also facilitate introductions to potential product and service sponsors, which helps the communities stretch their profit margins.

For many of the schools, the JoBerg2c has become their annual fund-raising event, with profits often exceeding R250 000 per race village. More than R2 million in total profits was generated last year.

In addition, the race has helped establish six container libraries at underprivileged schools along the route as part of the Mandela Day Participate for Good initiative, with more in the pipeline.

According to organiser Craig Wapnick, the farmers open their arms and lands to riders because they see the future gains.

If rural schools thrive, their children dont need to be sent away as boarders, young farming families can settle down,

more people remain in town and the whole local economy benefits, he says.

In exchange for this feel-good factor, riders get a taste of the real SA and the experience of a lifetime. As the dramatic landscapes change, so do the cultures, languages and foods.

Leaving the fast-paced cityscapes of Gauteng behind, participants glimpse Mpumalanga as they head for the eastern Free State, where the closely-knit Afrikaans- and Sesotho-speaking communities demonstrate their well-known hospitality.

After coming down the escarpment into KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensberg mountains rise up to greet riders. Here, the locals speak mainly English and isiZulu.

When the riders finally emerge from the coastal sugarcane plantations and splash in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, they have more than a medal and memories: they have a sense of meaning.

The 2015 Old Mutual JoBerg2c takes place from 24 April-2 May.

www.joberg2c.co.za

Mountain-biking across SA can be a life-changing experience for those who choose to see the country from a different perspective

KEVI

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FINCH HATTONS, A LUXURY ECO-TENTED CAMP IN KENYAS TSAVO NATIONAL PARK, RECENTLY

RE-OPENED AFTER UNDERGOING A

MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR REFURBISHMENT

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF

RENOWNED SOUTH AFRICAN LODGE

ARCHITECT FRANCOIS THERON. IT FIRST

OPENED ITS DOORS IN 1992. SET ON 14HA, IT BOASTS

BRAND-NEW TENTED SUITES, A POOL, A SPA, CONFERENCE FACILITIES, A STAR-GAZING TERRACE

AND A YOGA DECK WITH VIEWS OVER THE

CHYULU HILLS. WWW.

FINCHHATTONS.COM

Stellenboschs Salon 58 at the PJ Olivier Art Centre is the brainchild of Jackie Burger, former Editor of Elle SA. Nearly three years ago, after visiting Chanels salon at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, she identified a gap in the market for a space showcasing African creative and design talent. The result is Salon 58, offering services that include regular soires, each with its own theme (think fashion, beauty, food and decor).

Salon 58 is the expression of my dream of creating a place of magic where we can kick off our shoes and connect, while enjoying one of lifes ultimate pleasures: good company, says Burger. As its host, shell present content shes curated, while limited numbers of guests can exchange ideas and knowledge. Soire tickets range from R550.

If group sessions arent your thing, book a personal tte-a-tte with Burger. Helen Clemson 082 5756 831 ww.salon58.co.za

FINCH HATTONS RE-OPENS

Style solution

Did you know?SAA Voyager members are able

to redeem miles on all Mango scheduled flights, including your trip to Zanzibar, the spice island, which is

a quick 3.5 hour flight away. www.flymango.com

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