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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.

Waiting for the flowers

BEHIND THE SCENES • Travel writer and tour guide Evan Naudé has been to Nieuwoudtville many times. Read his article about this Northern Cape flower town on page 96.

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LETTERS

Q&A

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A life on the run • Some people fear geckos or finding a daddy-long-legs in the bath; others are scared of clowns. Vania Jooste lives in terror of going to jail…

IN BRIEF

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

NIGHT WATCH

Otto du Plessis Pass, Eastern Cape

LEOPARD LOUNGE • A spotted cat was here…

BOOKS AND MUSIC

When the desert blooms • The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a stripped-back place with quiver trees and rocks as your only companions. But sometimes it surprises you with a miracle. We were there in 2023, after the best rainfall in 20 years.

Our own little Serengeti • Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, just 23km off the N4 near Bronkhorstspruit, at the eastern edge of Gauteng, has been hiding in plain sight. Drive through the gate and you’ll encounter herds of game like impala, zebra, eland and wildebeest on grassy plains that – if you squint a bit – look just like the Serengeti.

WHISPERS ON THE WIND • The mountains and faded plains that British explorerWilliam Burchell traversed in 1811 still exist today, but the men and women who could speakthe language of the earth are nowhere to be found. Does anything remain of the Bushmen?

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SEND US YOUR BEST TRAVEL AND NATURE PHOTOS!

NEW GEAR

Raptor-rific!

Treat yourself! • Sweet treats are not only for special occasions. Invite some people over for afternoon tea!

Bling your braai • The modern braai doesn’t have to involve cremated chops, insipid dop and wilted salad. We used Heritage Day as an excuse to test a variety of innovative and proudly South African products to spice up your next braai.

STAY HERE • KING’S VIEW CAVE, LADY GREY, EASTERN CAPE

Off-road eye candy • Things heat up in winter because it’s traditionally when a garage of new cars is introduced. We drove SA’s most expensive bakkie, the first hybrid Toyota Hilux and a Ford SUV built in China…

TAKE A HIKE • Big thrills in the Berg

BIRDS

Secrets in the soil • Nieuwoudtville is a tiny Northern Cape town on the Bokkeveld Plateau between Vanrhynsdorp and Calvinia, uniquely positioned on the border between fynbos and Karoo. Come during flower season for a special display, or at any other time of the year for stars, silence and down-to-earth hospitality.

WITH MY OWN EYES • Ever heard of a pennant-winged nightjar?This rare bird is one of the most beautiful in South Africa and Marlou Schalkwyk from Springs was lucky enough to spend 10 minutes with one!

WIN! • A THULE SUBTERRA POWERSHUTTLE BAG WORTH R1099!

Brilliant bats! • Bats will get tangled in your hair, bats will drink your blood… No, they won’t! Those are just myths. Bats are amazing mammals that keep insect populations in check, pollinate plants and spread fruit seeds.

BACK IN THE DAY

Good vibes in Colombia • Colombia has a reputation for drugs and crime, but Hanlie and Vivian Gericke discovered a country full of spectacular landscapes and friendly, tenacious people. Their visas were only valid for 30 days, but they wished they could stay...