Innehållsförteckning för April 2022 från Getaway

I'm inexplicably dry around the eyeballs. Even when I desperately need and want to cry, I canʼt. But stick me in front of an emotionally satisfying movie, book or piece of music, and suddenly the floodgates open. Travelling does it to me, too. I recently cried in the Kalahari. Fullon tears, mercifully while the ranger wasnʼt looking. He was taking me to see meerkats somewhere in the vastness of the countryʼs biggest private reserve, and all of a sudden, on the back of Tswaluʼs Land Rover, my cheeks were wet and I felt as though every molecule in my body had dissolved into the universe. It made no sense, given how dry it was that evening. Those tears should have evaporated instantly. But I was inundated with unbidden feelings, over-come…

Some theorise that the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere – the vernal equinox – was Mother Nature’s way of fooling everyone by unleashing unpredictable weather. April Fools’ Day took off across Britain in the 18th century. The Scots had a two-day event starting with “hunting the gowk”. Gowks (or cuckoo birds, which symbolised fools) were dispatched on phony missions and fake errands. Next day – Tailie Day – people’s backsides became the focus of such pranks as sticking on “kick me” signs and attaching fake tails. In 1856, jokesters at the Tower of London sent out official-looking invitations – signed by “senior warden Herbert de Grassen” – to ‘view the annual ceremony of washing the lions’ on 1 April. In 1957, accompanied by scenes of noodles being harvested from…

Our magical week in Kaapsche Hoop With our much-needed family holiday approaching, many people were surprised that we would spend the entire week in the klein dorpie of Kaapsche Hoop, better known as an interesting stopover on the way to Kruger. But what a wonderful week it turned out to be… The road leading to Kaapsche Hoop feels like youʼre entering a magical realm with thick forests, clouds carpeting the escarpment and a road sign warning you that fairies are about! It didnʼt take long to reach our accommodation as the entire town of charming cottages consists of just a few roads. We soon met the most celebrated inhabitants – the wild horses. They happily make their way around town, munching on the grass or stopping to rest in the…

1 CROATIA That crystal blue Croatian water looks incredible. 2 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS I’ve watched so many documentaries about the Galapagos – the rare plant and animal life, the clear water. It’s certainly a world wonder. 3 MACHU PICCHU Honestly, I need to go to Machu Picchu just for the photographic scenery. Those pictures are to die for. 4 SUMMITING KILIMANJARO There’s something about reaching the very top of things… Although I have no ambition to do flipping Everest. 5 ANTARCTICA It’s hectic, I know, but something is drawing me there. Also, it would definitely upset the EFF because that place is so damn white!…

FINALIST A Dream Drive It was an early, dark winter morning in May last year. I was the first to leave Crocodile Bridge camp (Kruger National Park) and, with headlights on, turned left off the main road, onto the S25 dirt road. I drove slowly for a few hundred metres, until I saw shapes moving in the distance. I was shaking with excitement as I crawled up to them. Ahead of me was my dream come true – finding this mother cheetah and her two playful cubs. She posed perfectly, for just a few seconds, before all three disappeared over the horizon. FINALIST Dragonfly Brunch I had so much fun watching the white-fronted bee-eaters (Merops bullockoides) feeding their young at The Aloe Farm in Hartbeespoort. The menu consisted of bee,…

KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK: MORE THAN BLACK-MANED LIONS The day a lion walked right past me while I was lying prostrate on my back, a haze of April heat hugged Rooiputs campsite. Mid-afternoon is siesta time in the vast semi-arid sandy savannah known as the Kalahari. My fellow campers were napping in our rooftents, despite the furnace. Iʼd come prepared with a straw mat, hoping to catch a breeze. Flat on the ground, I read with my head propped up against the rear tyre. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a speckle in the 900 000km² Kalahari landscape, is shared between South Africa and Botswana, and the fences between the two countries have been dropped for the benefit of animals – and visitors, too. We were camping on the Botswana side, where, unlike…

I thought Iʼd seen all there was to see in Vic Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya from a helicopter; a moonbow thatʼs visible only on a few special nights each month; and the big gaping hole in the wall outside our friend Lindaroseʼs apartment, put there by an elephant obsessed with stealing mangoes from her garden. But then Matisse bit Georgia OʼKeeffe on the backside and I was sure I was about to get dragged into an equine brawl. Apparently horses hold grudges; perhaps it was some temperamental artist thing. The bite didnʼt add up to much, though; the real excitement was instead delayed for the moment Matisse caught a whiff of the hay back at the stables – or perhaps it was a mare he fancied more than Georgia – and he…

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COMPETITION AND PRIZES Entries are open for the 2021/2022 Getaway Gallery competition. Winners will be announced in August 2022 and we are happy to announce that we have a full round-up of safari and photographic gearprizes from Natural Selection and Outdoorphoto. First prize: Six nights for two people on a dream safari in Botswana with Natural Selection, plus gear from Outdoorphoto, all worth more than R120 000 The winner and their plus one will enjoy two nights at Little Sable, two nights at Hyena Pan (both in Khwai Private Reserve) and two nights at Meno a Kwena in Makgadikgadi National Park worth R75 000. Includes air transfers between Maun and Khwai, and a two-hour road transfer to Meno a Kwena. Offer valid any time except August and December peak seasons.…

In the cool pre-dawn stillness – when thereʼs just enough light to render the sky a dusty shade of mercury – the Lebombo Mountains emerge from the night. Against their rolling backdrop, Egyptian geese, herons and egrets quietly take flight; a hippo returning to the water generates ripples that break the lakeʼs surface. Where the water becomes calm again, a man is standing on the bow of a small motorboat. Itʼs tucked against a bed of weeds and, overhead – as the manʼs arm glides backwards, forwards, backwards, forwards – a silver line carves graceful arcs into the lightening sky. He is on the water for only one reason: tigerfish. Pongolapoort Dam – or Lake Jozini, as the 49-year-old dam is also known – is the southernmost home of Hydrocynus…

Stay Here Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park On the South African side of the park, accommodation options range from fenced camps with chalets and campsites to unfenced wilderness camps and a luxury lodge for those who enjoy creature comforts. Some of the newer chalets have riverside views; there are swimming pools, shops and viewing hides – even a restaurant at Twee Rivieren. Rates from R305 for two people camping to R2 370 per honeymoon riverside cabin. Conservation fee R101 per adult per day, R50 per child per day. Internationals and SADC residents pay more. Free entry for members of SANParks’ loyalty programme provided that proof of identity and Wild cards are shown on arrival. SANPARKS CENTRAL RESERVATIONS +27 (0)12 428 9111 or mobile: +27 (0)82 233 9111, reservations@sanparks.org, sanparks.org. !XAUS LODGE is…

Stay Here SHOESTRING BACKPACKERS New owners are making concerted efforts to reestablish its good name; there’s colour, a vibe, and a range of rooms, campsites and dorms, especially useful if you’re up for a party or hoping to convince a stranger to undertake some or other crazy adventure with you. There’s a huge garden with lots of nooks to disappear into, plus a bar, swimming pool and a kitchen serving decent grub. Dorms from $18, rooms from $60, two-bed dome tent $50, camping $20 for four. +263 779 073 293, shoestringsvicfalls.com NGUNI LODGE In the leafy suburbs, this familyrun establishment has 14 comfortable rooms under thatch, arranged around a pool and pleasant garden, with a lounge, bar and breakfast room. From $80 pps, family rooms $270 for four, breakfast included.…

Nepalese new year Each April, as the Nepalese new year kicks off, the city of Bhaktapur celebrates Bisket Jatra. Thousands of people from around the country gather to witness two chariots, representing the god Bhairava and goddess Bhadrakali, parade through the streets while they pay their respects and give offerings. The main event is a tug-of-war between hundreds of locals from the upper and lower parts of the city, with the Bhairava chariot acting as the rope. Whichever team wins gets to take the chariot to their neighbourhood while the other side waits their turn. It’s a lively affair, with many of the chariot pullers dipping into the local rice beer, while the crowd throws simrik coloured powder and Dhimay music reverberates through the town.…

1 | Double bedroll I have always loved the open spaces in Africa, having the freedom to stretch out on our roof was very important. Even in the cold winter months, it’s warm and comfy in a double waterproof canvas bedroll with zips on either side. 2 | Aluminium storage boxes Storage is one of the most important aspects of the vehicle. Being water- and dust proof is essential, and they need to be robust. Inlays with soft padding for camera gear and other gear like laptops and hard drives are good, too. Together with a flat laid table we can also use these to make a double bed in the back of the vehicle in case it rains and we can’t sleep on the roof. To replace your work…

First, a successful Kickstarter campaign early in 2021 secured financing for the photographic book Remembering African Wild Dogs. Then, 80 of the worldʼs top wildlife photographers – including Greg du Toit, Marsel van Oosten, Frans Lanting, Art Wolfe, Tim Laman and Michael Poliza – donated their beautiful images to the project. Its aim is to demystify painted wolves (as they are also known), create awareness of their plight and raise funds to protect them. Remembering Wildlife founder and producer Margot Raggett said: ʻThe African wild dog is one of the most misunderstood mammals and it was shocking to understand through our research the level of ignorance both about them and also about how few are left. The opportunity to not only raise awareness but also raise funds to protect them, is…

A TRANQUIL GETAWAY IN THE CONSTANTIA WINELANDS The five-star Cellars-Hohenort hotel is tucked away on nine acres of beautifully maintained land in the historic Constantia Valley, a lush green and leafy area known as ʻCape Townʼs Vineyardʼ. The hotel is well positioned to provide guests with easy access to Kirstenbosch and the wine estates in the area, yet is only a short 15-minute drive from the city centre and its attractions. Part of The Liz McGrath Collection, The Cellars-Hohenort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It has a proud culture of impeccable hospitality, complemented by a unique location, much history and splendid design, as well as luxurious amenities and services. Each of the 51 elegant guest rooms and suites – including two private villas – has…

Getaway SUBSCRIPTION OFFER WINNERS GRAND PRIZE WINNER MAGNIFICENT VIC FALLS Lauritz Hanson and three of his (very) good friends will be flying off to Victoria Falls for the holiday of a lifetime, care of British Airways (operated by Comair) and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Flights are operating, Covid quarantine in Zimbabwe is a thing of the past and the lodge is operating at full steam, ready to receive the world. Congratulations. victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com; ba.com WILD IN THE PILANESBERG Jocelin Kagan will soon be exploring Pilanesberg, courtesy of Bakubung Bush Lodge and Legacy Hotels and Resorts. The lodge, within Pilanesberg National Park, offers downtime by the magnificent pool or in the Legacy Balance Spa. as well as game drives, game walks, bush sundowners and boma dinners. legacyhotels.co.za BOSCHENDAL’S FINEST Cedric Wasmuth wins…