Innehållsförteckning för Aug/Sep 2022 från go!

Hello World! Now that international borders have been opened and pandemic restrictions are easing, travel is on our minds. Well, guess what? Your money loves to travel too. And no, we don’t mean buying air tickets (though that’s always enjoyable). We mean investing globally. Investing globally - also called offshore investing - is not just a buzzword, but sure, it does sound sophisticated. Simply put, it means investing money in a region or industry outside your home country. This allows you to invest in shares, for example, in thriving international companies, brands and currencies. It’s easy and convenient because you can leave the nitty-gritty, such as the selection of shares, to the investment professionals. You don’t even need to have bucket loads of cash to invest globally. INSIDER SECRET: From…

WINNING LETTER The one that got away My wife Marieta and I always head to Sunset Dam near Lower Sabie when we’re in the Kruger Park. There’s a great variety of game and birds to see. On our most recent visit in April 2022, we watched this yellow-billed stork on the hunt. The bird suddenly became very animated and caught a fish by its tail. Unfortunately for the stork, it didn’t have a good grip on its prey and the fish got away. GERT LAMPRECHT, Bloemfontein SPEAK TO US Send your letters to editor@gomag.co.za - include your name, surname and where you live. Please also include a photo if you have one (at least 2 MB in size). We reserve the right to edit and shorten letters, and use your…

CLOSING IN ON 100 BLUE FLAGS To be a Blue Flag beach is to rank among the best beaches in the world. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), who review all Blue Flag submissions in South Africa, have a quiet dream of achieving the big one zero zero. There are 33 strict environmental criteria to meet, and at the last count earlier this year, we currently stand at 51 full-status beaches and 33 pilot beaches. To see whether there’s a Blue Flag beach near you, check out wessa.org.za under the “Our work” tab. BY THE NUMBERS 2,1 billion The number of plastic bottles that were diverted from landfills in South Africa last year thanks to recycling efforts. This equates to 135604 tonnes of carbon emissions. Go team! Source…

IN BRIEF Letters on the moon If you know where and when to look, you can clearly see the letters L, X and V appear on the moon. This is caused by light contrasting with shadow as the sun’s rays play across the moon’s topography. (See the image.) They’re visible for much longer than shadows would be on earth, because a day on the moon is 29,5 earth days, so the “letters” remain in place for much longer. Shortly before the first quarter, an L, X and V appear simultaneously on the terminator- the line that separates the light and dark parts of the moon. The V appears very close to thfSJentre of the moon and is visible for several hours. The X isbetween a bunch of craters, about halfway…

Sentient: What animals reveal about our senses by Jackie Higgins, Picador R350 in bookstores “Each of the sentient beings with whom we share the planet offers a different perspective on how we sense, even make sense of, the world and what it means to be human,” writes Higgins in this highly readable and accessible book on sensory science. Every chapter is dedicated to the specialised sense of a specific animal, be it the keen hearing of the great grey owl or the ability of a cheetah to keep its balance when running at full tilt. We get a glimpse behind the scenes of many scientific discoveries in the animal kingdom, meeting the passionate individuals who go the extra mile to get answers - would you crawl into cramped, dark spaces…

GEAR MECER OKT 2000VA The Covid pandemic has changed our lives: Homes have become full-time living, working and playing spaces. Access to the Internet has become a necessity, especially if your work depends on it. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) device provides more than just peace of mind - you won’t lose unsaved data when the power is suddenly switched off, and you can keep your router running, too. There are plenty of UPS devices on the market. Local-is-lekker computer company Mecer produces a range for every budget. This one provides enough Internet juice to outlast two hours of loadshedding - enough for two episodes of Peaky Blinders on Netflix. Keep in mind that the staying power of a UPS diminishes over time, like any battery that has to charge…

BIRD VS BEAST, PILANESBERG A friend and I visited the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in April. We were birdwatching at Lengau Dam near Bakubung when a black-backed jackal approached. There were marabou storks on the opposite side of the dam. They flew over to this side of the dam, where the jackal was. We thought this odd, expecting them to fly to a safer spot rather, like a treetop. The jackal started to stalk the birds 1 but the marabous didn’t seem very concerned. They flew up and landed nearby in the water. 2 Two even played tug of war with a twig. 3 The jackal attempted to hunt the marabous several times, but couldn’t get near them. 4 It even leapt into the air to get at one. It came close…

I was recently the passenger in a minibus, shaking and swaying as it sped along a badly corrugated dirt road between Nothing and Nowhere. Our little group had been up since way before dawn and we’d flown far to be here, first cooped up in a plane and now in a cramped vehicle. Two lifelong friends were sitting in the last row of seats, right behind me, bouncing high every time the rear axle suffered an unexpected jolt. “You’re looking a bit tender mate,” said the one friend to the other. “It’s one of those days where I feel like the universe is pinching me,” his friend answered. I chuckled. Don’t we all sometimes feel like the universe is pinching us in a tender spot? Sometimes the pain lasts for…

With the promise of spring in the air, shrug off winter’s frosty embrace and invite the outdoors inside once more. Here are three flower farms where visitors can pick their own blooms. Adene’s Flowers (@adeneflowers) At this 5 ha flower farm in the Breede River Valley, you can pick anything from dahlias to hydrangeas. They also have an online shop where you can purchase things like seeds and floral aprons. Where? Platvlei Fruit Farm, Wolseley, Western Cape Picking time: Middle December to the first week of April, weekends only. Contact:074 228 2444; adeneflowers.co.za Jamestown Flower Farm (@jamestownflowerfarm) A beautiful, female-driven business born during lockdown… This farm, just 4 km outside Stellenbosch, has become a popular attraction along the Webersvallei Road, an area also known for its strawberry picking. Where? 58…

SNAKE FILES Mimicry is a term used when harmless snakes resemble highly venomous snakes and thereby avoid predation.There was a study in the US that showed how predatory birds kept away from banded-patterned model snakes, a harmless species, because of how closely they resemble the venomous coral snake. It’s easy to claim mimicry, but when you look at the specifics - especially in South Africa - a lot more research has to be done to prove anything definitively. Take the harmless egg-eater, for example. Its camouflage pattern is similar to that of the night adder. Is this mimicry, or just an example of convergent evolution? In other words, the colours work well for both snakes to blend in with their environment. Also, the egg-eater is nocturnal whereas the night adder…

Congo Cowboys by Congo Cowboys US$4 from bandcamp.com South African-based Congo Cowboys take a rollicking dab at UScountry (Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is covered) and folk classics (an interpretation of “The Cuckoo”) - music you might encounter in a guirky Coen brothers movie brought to life with a distinctly African flair. The lead singer is from the Congo, while the two other members used to be in the local band Freshlyground. The music is pure joy - perfect for a jol and soulful to boot. The upbeat tunes will go down like free beer at a festival, but they’ll also work as a contemplative soundtrack for that crisp winter’s morning when you get the hell out of Joburg, the air smelling like burnt grass and cold rubber, the sun peeking over…

WINNING PHOTO WILLEM KRUGER Nikon Z6 Nikon 600 mm lens WILLEM WRITES: I took this photo near the Kij Kij waterhole in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A pride of lions had caught an eland. When we returned to the carcass early the next morning, about 15 black-backed jackals were lying around it, biding their time. This photo shows what happened when the lions left and the jackals fought for dominance. My settings: shutter speed 1/4 000 second, aperture f8, ISO 1 250. TOAST SAYS: Willem’s photo has everything you want in a wildlife shot. It shows action, and the interaction between the jackals teaches you something about their behaviour. The light is even (it must have been overcast) with no stark contrast between the shadowy parts (like under the carcass)…

FOOD Goulash potjie with roasted peppers Serves about 6 Preparation time 25 minutes Cooking time 2 hours 30 minutes You need Here's how 1 Roast the chillies and sweet peppers over the coals (or under the oven’s grill) until charred on the outside and soft. Put the peppers in a container with an airtight lid to steam for about 5 minutes. Peel off the charred skins and discard. Cut open the chillies and peppers and remove the membranes and seeds. Cut the sweet peppers into pieces, chop the chillies finely and set aside. 2 Heat the olive…

PERDEKLOOF CAMPSITE, TANKWA KAROO NATIONAL PARK The Tankwa Karoo is a place of extremes, and the same can be said of its campsites. There are informal campsites, which would be better described as assigned spots in the veld. These have no facilities and you’re lucky if you get a shade tree. But it’s great if you’re a hardcore camper who likes being alone with wide views. The formal campsites, Langkloof and Perdekloof, are comparatively luxurious: You get your own bathroom with hot water and a flush toilet, and a scullery. Perdekloof’s six camping stands are about 8 km east of the reception office, in the mouth of the kloof. There are lots of routes to explore in the 1464 km2 park. If you have a 4×4, a drive to the…

BOOK NOW! LESOTHO LANDMARKS DATES AND RATES 12 - 17 February 2023 R14950 per adult sharing; half-price for children under 10 Duration: Six days, five nights (lodge and guesthouse accommodation) THE TEAM Your tour leader is an experienced nature conservationist and adventure guide. He will be in radio contact with you at all times to impart a wealth of biological, cultural, historic and 4×4 knowledge. INCLUDED IN THE RATE Lodge and guesthouse accommodation for five nights. Breakfast and supper at the guesthouses every day. During daily excursions, the Bhejane guide and his assistant will prepare picnic lunches for you. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Your own 4×4 vehicle; fuel is for your account Valid passports and documentation (required at the border post) Money for border-crossing fees To book your place,…

During the driest months of the year (October and November), Katavi National Park’s big hippo population congregates in the last mud pools to shelter from the heat. Katavi is situated in the west of Tanzania and, although seldom visited, it is one of the country’s true wilderness destinations. At the Ikuu public campsite you get to see the hippo spectacle at its best - just stay in your tent after sunset because that’s when these big fellas get out and roam around to graze……

WHY? We publish a selection of reader pictures in every issue. Don’t be shy, haul out those shots you’ve been hoarding on your computer and send them to us! We like just about anything: wildlife, landscapes, portraits, holiday snaps or bugs in your garden. HOW? Send your photos to takeyourpic@gomag.co.za Submit only your three best shots each month. Don’t send files bigger than 4 MB - if we need a bigger version, we’ll ask for it. Give the name, surname, home town and contact number of the photographer. Also include info about where and how the shot was taken, and what equipment was used. If you manipulated your photo in any way, tell us what you did. THE FINE PRINT We reserve the right to use your photos elsewhere in…

TOURS DATES AND RATES FOR 2023 1-8, 10-17, 19-26 February; 28 February-7 March; 9-16 March R15 250 per adult; half-price for children under 10. Duration: Eight days; seven nights (tented accommodation) INCLUDED IN THE RATE Camping fees Park entrance fees All advertised activities Tents, cutlery and crockery Three meals a day, plus tea and coffee in camp Professional tour leader and guides as required Two-way radio communication WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Your own vehicle (fuel, border fees and road taxes are for your account) Your own mattress and sleeping bag Camp chairs Drinks and snacks Medical emergency and evacuation insurance cover THE ADVENTURE DAY 1: TWEE RIVIEREN Our adventure through the Kalahari starts at Twee Rivieren in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Go on an optional afternoon game drive or…

When you stay at Cedarpeak Wilderness Reserve, a privately owned conservation haven in the Groot Winterhoek mountains near Porterville, you get exclusive use of their superb hiking trails, ensuring an intimate escape away from the crowds. It’s a diverse landscape of weathered rock formations and fynbos-covered plains. Streams and rivers run through the property, which is surprisingly lush and rich in birdlife, with waterfalls, rock pools, wetlands and a big dam. There are plenty of options when it comes to hiking, including the freedom to head off-path. The three main loops radiate from the guest farm in a cloverleaf formation, and there some shorter walks around the werf, the dam and the rock pools.The trails generally follow the line of least resistance in difficult terrain. Some trails link up and…