IOL Travel Digimag - Summer 2021

TRAVEL IOL

SUMMER 2021

Sun, sea

sand!

Inside... Welcome To The Cape

Contents Travel summer guide Making waves Day trips for locals Island escapes Celebs on holiday: Who’s doing what and where Ship shape

CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”

Van Morrison

PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@iol.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@iol.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

Editor’s Note I AM terrified of the ocean. It could be that I’m a terrible swimmer or that I’m afraid of being swallowed up by its strong current.

When the itinerary of a recent Maldives trip landed in my mailbox, I vowed to steer clear of any snorkel activities.

“There’s no pressure to partake. You can view from the boat,” our host Karina told me on the phone.

The first time we snorkelled, the sea was choppy. Storm clouds hung over our dhow boat.

With no pressure, I retreated to the top of the boat to watch others bravely explore the ocean in search of fish and turtles.

Our next snorkel trip took place at Turtle Bay, an activity hosted by The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. The activity promised turtle sightings, coral and other fish under the sea.

I decided not to participate again, but midway through the boat ride I had a change of heart.

“You don’t have to be a good swimmer,” said our snorkel guide, Ahmed Shamrooh.

“Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we will bring you back to the boat,” he added.

I put on the life vest, slipped on my fins and paced around the small boat.

When it was my turn to jump into the ocean, the cheers of support allowed me to conquer any fears still floating around in my mind. It took a while to adjust to the gear, but thankfully Shamrooh was close by to ensure I was safe.

During my water adventure, I got to see a baby and adult turtle, schools of fish and coral.

Although the rough waters were challenging, my body kept pushing, my mind determined to enjoy the experience. Would I do it again? Hell, yes! Hopefully without a life jacket.

Many travellers, like myself, will be indulging in an array of water sports and other outdoor activities this summer season.

And if you need help planning, our last edition for 2021 has everything you need to plan an epic local or international holiday.

We feature top SA destinations for those who want to enjoy the beach, day trip options, and a list of island destinations South African travellers can visit.

There’s plenty more to keep you occupied this holiday season. Have a safe summer.

Clinton

Summer travel guide Planning a holiday this summer? Here are some tips and tricks to make it enjoyable

What to pack Bikini and swim shorts Bikini or swim shorts are perfect for lazy days on the beach or a swim in your hotel’s infinity pool on sweltering days.

T-shirts Pack a few T-shirts to pair with jeans or shorts. They’re also handy when there are unforeseen accidents that require a change of clothing.

Sunscreen Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen before you step outside.

Be generous with it!

A good moisturiser Summer is the perfect time to moisturise and hydrate your skin. Ask your dermatologist to recommend the best products for you.

A shoe for every occasion Pack a pair of sandals, a good pair of running shoes and something formal.

Road safety l Ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Check that the lights, windows and wipers, wheels and tyres, brakes, suspension, battery, belts and chains, cooling system, filters and fluids, safety and warning equipment and child car seats work in perfect order. l Plan out the route of their road trip.

Consider how long the trip will be, the number of pitstops, and whether you will need to book accommodation along the way.

The plan will help guide your spending habits. Be mindful of your families needs and preferences as not all travellers are the same. l Eating out can be expensive, so opt to pack food and beverages. Depending on the duration of your trip, set daily food budgets to ensure that you are not overspending.

The budget can be for purchasing groceries, snacks or even takeaway if cooking isn’t your thing. l Create a playlist with everyone's favourite music or podcasts.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.

John Lubbock

Holiday rental tips l Make sure hot electrical appliances, toxic substances and sharp objects are locked away or out of reach of children. The same applies to matches, paraffin and lighters. l Search the home for objects that may cause harm. Read the labels on items you’re not sure about. l Don’t let children near candles, fireplaces or the braai unless there is continuous supervision. l Keep cabinets locked, especially ones where you keep chemicals. l Be wary of little ones being near the bath or geyser. l Keep toxic indoor plants out of reach. l Make sure the pool cover is secure whenever the pool is unattended.

Beach safety While you may want a spontaneous beach day, planning is vital. When at the beach, swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty and swim between their red and yellow flags. Rip currents are the greatest cause of drowning accidents along the coast.

A rip current is a section of water that flows fast out to sea against the incoming waves.

Anyone caught in a rip current will realise they are being swept out to sea faster than they can swim towards shore.

If you are caught in a rip current, here's what to do: l Do not panic and do not try to swim against the current. Let the current take you out to sea. It will not take you more than a few 100m and will not pull

you under the water. There is no such thing as an undertow in the sea. l Raise one arm in the air and wave for help to alert people on the shore that you are in trouble. l The rip current force gets weaker the further out to sea it gets. At your first opportunity, swim parallel to the beach until you are free of the rip current and then use the incoming waves to aid your progress to get back to shore.

General tips Stay vigilant: Always check your surroundings at all times. No matter how safe a place seems, it’s best to remain alert even on holiday.

Minimalism is key: Sure, you want to flash your latest smartphone or watch, but those expensive items may lure criminals. Take essential items and leave the bling back at your hotel. If you are carrying valuables, keep them safely hidden.

Sun safety Long hours in the sun could result in heatrelated conditions such as sunburn, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Babies and young children are also at risk of developing heatstroke.

Heatstroke, in particular, occurs when the body’s

core temperature increases beyond 40°C. It can cause an individual to slip into a coma or suffer organ failure and can be fatal if not treated properly.

The symptoms of heatstroke may differ from person to person and may include heat exhaustion, nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps, aches and dizziness.

Other symptoms include a high temperature with dry flushed skin and an absence of sweating as well as a rapid pulse with trouble breathing.

It is vital to attempt to get your child’s body temperature down to prevent the risk of organ damage. If possible, place the child in a bath filled with cool or tepid water, if they are conscious, and keep a close eye on the child to make sure they don’t lose consciousness.

Don’t use very cold water as it can cause peripheral circulation to shut down, thereby preventing the heat from escaping the core of the body.

Alternatively, move the child into the shade, and remove excessive clothing. Give the child water to drink or isotonic drinks containing electrolytes, if available and if they can take any liquids orally

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

Anthony Bourdain

BI R T H DAY

16 to 19 December 2021

For more information call 021 505 7777 or visit suninternational.com @GrandWestSA

GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World

Whether you prefer to roll the dice, spin the wheel, or watch reels spinning, Sun International’s GrandWest has a game for you.

At Sun International’s GrandWest, punters have the option of a smokers’ or non-smokers’ floor, with all Covid-19 protocols in place.

GET THE PARTY VIBE AT GRANDWEST One of South Africa’s biggest and grandest leisure and entertainment venues is coming of age

As GrandWest gets ready to turn 21 on December 19, 2021, the casino is turning up the vibe to treat customers to the hottest ever birthday party.

To keep those good vibrations coming, visit GrandWest over its birthday weekend between December 16 and 19, 2021 and be in line to win R1.2 million in cash, Xtra Play and cool prizes.

If you visit the tables area on the main non-smokers’ casino floor on Friday, December, 17, 2021 you can immerse yourself in a birthday party vibe of note. Between 7pm and 9pm expect a DJ, dancers, hot-seat moments, cocktails, fun giveaways and a share of up to R50 000 in cash.

And if a new set of wheels is on your bucket list, GrandWest is also giving away 13 cars in 13 weeks, with the last draw taking place on December 30, 2021.

But that’s not all. Between November 2021 and January 31, 2022, members of the Most Valued Guests loyalty programme (MVGs) who download Sun International’s slick new app, will receive Xtra Play the following week and a chance to win a two-night stay in the Grand Hotel at GrandWest in the month they downloaded the app.

They will also be entered into a draw to win a seven-night stay in The Palace at Sun City, valued at R630 000.

Flashback to fun facts • GrandWest first opened its doors on December 19, 2000 - becoming Cape Town’s first and only legal casino.

• Between 9am and 9pm on opening day, more than 23 000 Capeto-

nians visited the new complex. By its 10th birthday, GrandWest had welcomed 46 million people - averaging roughly 12 000 visitors per day.

• By lunchtime on opening day, more than 1 500 cars had already entered the main complex gates. Almost 1.9 million cars entered the property every year thereafter, and by 2007, 13 million cars had been recorded driving into the complex.

• On its first day of opening, the casino paid out R1.5 million in jackpots from the 1 750 slot machines on the main casino floor.

About GrandWest Whether you prefer to roll the dice, spin the wheel, or watch reels spinning, Sun International’s GrandWest has a game for you.

Choose from smart card slot machines with a wide variety of exciting games, or from tables offering Roulette, Blackjack, Poker and Baccarat.

Punters have the option of a smokers’ or non-smokers’ floor. For Platinum and Diamond MVG members, there is an exclusive Salon Privé. Serious table players can concentrate on their game in a special high-stakes tables area.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, GrandWest has introduced several stringent protocols to protect guests, which includes limiting entry into the casino to MVG members to control the numbers inside.

Other Covid-19 protocols include disabling every second slot machine and removing seats at tables. Plastic screens have been erected between slots and table seats to protect players. Guests are required to keep their social distance and masks are mandatory.

Making waves South Africa boasts some of the continent’s most remarkable beaches. Below are a few recommendations of where to visit this summer Clinton Moodley

Cape Town Cape Town ticks all the boxes when it comes to the perfect beach destination. From its scenic beach locations like Clifton, Camps Bay and Muizenberg to its hiking and outdoor activities, the city doesn’t disappoint on the experience front. Top beaches include Beta Beach, Llandudno and Bloubergstrand Beach. Don’t forget to see the penguins at Boulders Beach.

No trip to Cape Town is complete without a trip to a wine estate. Places to include on your bucket list include Groot Constantia, Durbanville Hills and Vergelegen Wine Estate.

Other activities include a sunrise Lion’s Head hike, sunset picnic at Signal Hill, The Cape Wheel and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Durban The coastal city is home to blue flag status beaches, culture, cuisine and award-winning activities.

Durban enthrals visitors who seek a balance of exploring and relaxation.

The city’s iconic beachfront amusement park, Durban Funworld, is a must-visit attraction. Enjoy fun-filled rides or savour the glorious views of the Indian Ocean and parts of Durban when you go on the cable car.

Another place to include on your itinerary is Thompson’s Bay, located on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Here, you find the most incredible sunrises and sunsets. Durban is also known for its immersive township tourism experiences that delve into the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Gqeberha Another coastal city that offers travellers plenty to see and do is Gqeberha. Soak up the sea views at popular beaches such as Sardinia Bay Beach and Humewood Beach, or learn about the “Windy City” during a walking tour Outdoor and animal enthusiasts should see Addo Elephant National Park, home to the Big 7.

Conveniently located only 40km from Gqeberha, Addo offers the best elephant viewing in the country.

The adventurous can enjoy a few hours at Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre or spend the morning looking for whales and dolphins during an ocean safari.

For those who love history, Route 67 celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela and includes 67 giant steps and 67 public art pieces by 67 local Eastern Cape artists.

Theescombe Estate Wine, dubbed as Gqeberha’s only wine farm, is also worth a visit.

Plettenberg Bay A trip to Plettenberg Bay will introduce guests to wine tasting, wildlife experiences, outdoor adventure and more. Dubbed one of South Africa’s favourite outdoor playgrounds along the Garden Route, the destination is famous for its adventure activities like paragliding, kayaking and bungee jumping.

Eatery options are plenty – from petfriendly restaurants, pubs and cafes to fine dining options.

Hermanus This whale-watching destination is a town just an hour and a half away from Cape Town. Hermanus boasts two Blue Flag beaches, Grotto and Hawston beach, offering water activities, an eatery and picnic areas.

There’s also Kammabaai Beach, Langbaai Beach and Sandbaai Beach.

Tourists to Hermanus can enjoy paragliding, kayaking, abalone tours, game viewing, horse riding, surfing and guided walks that delve into the area’s history.

The food scene is equally impressive, with some eateries offering ocean views like Burgundy Restaurant and Bientang’s Cave.

Babylonstoren

Day trips for locals The Soweto Towers. @jkaisimm Instagram

Sacha van Niekerk

Die Strandloper in Langebaan | @urbaneddie Instagram

There’s no need to venture far if you’re looking to get away from the city. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban are surrounded by a plethora of thrilling game reserves and small towns with a rustic appeal that is ideal for day trips

Durban The Midlands Just an easy one-hour drive from Durban and four and a half hours on the N3 highway from Johannesburg, the Midlands Meander is a collection of arranged routes situated in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. The landscape is vast and green, boasting stretches of open land and clusters of trees. From an assortment of fabulous restaurants to artisanal crafts with the warmest hospitality in naturally beautiful surroundings, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Attend a wine tasting at one of the boutique wineries or perhaps seek out some R&R at one of the many spas offering luxurious treatments in the most tranquil settings.

Oribi Gorge Whether it’s an adventure you’re seeking or family time, head to Oribi Gorge for a day of fun. The majestic canyon is situated in southern KwaZulu-Natal, 120km south of Durban.

Surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, the road trip is worth it for the scenery alone.

For the best views, visit Leopard’s Rock or Lake Eland Game Reserve. At Lake Eland, the experience of traversing the suspension bridge can only be described as awe-inspiring as you get to witness the grandeur of the Oribi Gorge from a very unique point. While there, pack a picnic basket of your favourite foods because, apart from the restaurants and tea garden, there is also a site for picnics and braaing. Guests have the choice to go on a self-guided game drive through one of their various routes.

Lake St Lucia iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a huge protected area along the coast of KZN. It stretches 220km from Cape St Lucia to the Mozambique border and is a World Heritage Site. The area is dominated by Lake St Lucia and St Lucia Estuary with its network of coastal lakes, dunes, subtropical forests, swamps and wetland systems that are a haven for indigenous fauna and flora. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty that surrounds St Lucia – from bush and beach safaris, hippo and croc boat cruises, Big 5 safaris, bicycle tours and rentals to Zulu cultural tours, and deep-sea fishing.

Leopard’s Rock | @melissabrownza Instagram

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Dinokeng Game Reserve Rattling over winding dirt roads in a 4x4, passing thorny acacia trees and the golden and green landscape that’s home to South African wildlife is the adventure we all seem to be craving this year.

Just over two hours from Johannesburg, Dinokeng Game Reserve is one of the closest safaris to the city. There are several ways to spend your day in the game reserve, with thousands of acres of wildness at your disposal. Take your time driving through a meandering self-drive route, stopping at a bird hide or for a break and a braai at one of the picnic areas.

Take a guided wildlife drive or a guided bush walk with one of the many expert rangers to get even closer to nature.

Franschhoek Majestic mountains, luscious rolling hills and crisp countryside air with a charming European atmosphere, Franschhoek is a quaint town in the Western Cape. About 75km from Cape Town, it is the perfect distance for a day trip. Dotted with beautiful vineyards, original Cape Dutch farmhouses and palatial villa hotels, the options for exploring are plentiful. You could hop on the wine tram touring some of the country’s best vineyards and taste a range of exquisite wines or indulge in cuisine from some of the culinary gems boasting freshly sourced ingredients and flavours and techniques harnessed from across the globe. If you fancy something more fitting for the whole family, why not get lost meandering Babylonstoren and their many paths that lead you through 15 clusters spanning vegetable patches, stone and pome fruits, nuts, citrus, berries, bees, herbs, ducks and chickens and even their iconic prickly pear maze.

Sterkfontein Caves Plan your next road trip around the history and intrigue of the magnificent Sterkfontein Caves – one of the world’s most important fossil sites in the world. The set of limestone caves is located in Gauteng province, about 40km from Johannesburg.

From the only virtually complete Australopithecus skeleton, “Little Foot”, to the oldest stone tools, the world-famous site can be explored for hours.

You can spend the day venturing through the caves on walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where globally acclaimed fossils have been discovered. With so much natural beauty to soak up, take a rest at the Sterkfontein restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the views.

Soweto Soweto is located south west of Johannesburg’s city centre. It is South Africa’s most renowned township and one of its largest too. Encapsulating the rich culture of its people as well as the time before our country’s democracy, there are an array of museums ranging from the Hector Pieterson to Nelson Mandela museums that offer a deeper, more meaningful travel experience. Soweto also has a vibrant and thriving music and social scene with soccer at the very centre. Taste the local cuisine or perhaps book a guided tour to get the most out of your day trip. For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping off of the Soweto Towers is an exhilarating way to soak up the views while ticking off a bucket-list item.

Paternoster Paternoster is one of South Africa’s oldest fishing settlements on the West Coast. It is located 145km north of Cape Town, between Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay, near Cape Columbine. The town has a population of just over 1 880 people. The quiet village comes complete with quaint fishermen’s huts, an array of sublime restaurants boasting delicious seafood and the laidback lifestyle of its inhabitants. Seals, dolphins, and whales may all be seen here on a daily basis. The area’s coastal birds will delight bird enthusiasts.

Langebaan Langebaan was founded in 1922 as a whaling station, but it has since been turned into the West Coast’s busiest vacation resort. The town clusters around a small lagoon that’s just an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Langebaan is a haven for water sport enthusiasts, especially kite surfers, boaters, yachtsmen and fishermen because of the almost year-round sunlight and consistent winds.

Whatever your palate desires, Langebaan offers a range of restaurants including fine dining options if you’re looking for more of an experience. There are monthly artisan markets and art exhibitions.

Island escapes Travellers are searching for out-of-this-world island getaways to soak up the sea, sand and sun. Here are a few island destinations on our radar, writes Clinton Moodley

Zanzibar The island of Zanzibar in Tanzania is the ultimate destination for those looking to kick back and marvel at the sea.

Zanzibar, often dubbed “Spice Island”, is the perfect mix of culture, history and white-sand beaches. Travellers typically stay at luxury all-inclusive resorts, but there are also budget-

friendly options. Spend a few hours in Stone Town, Nungwi Beach or take a spice tour.

Depending on your location, you can enjoy ocean experiences such as diving, marine safaris, dhow cruises, game fishing or catamaran charters.

Zanzibar’s food scene features dishes with loads of spice including Zanzibar pizza, biryani and urojo soup.

Mauritius Postcard-perfect Mauritius boasts activities that incorporate history, culture, food and dramatic landscapes. Places like Port Louis, Grand Baie, Mahebourg, Le Morne, Chamarel and Rodrigues are worth exploring.

Mauritius offers the likes of kitesurfing, diving, nature reserves, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding and beach yoga, so visitors have many options to keep themselves occupied.

For a more immersive experience, hit the market scene where you get to meet and chat with locals, or book a tour guide to delve into the history and culture.

Of course, spending time on the island’s blue-flag status beaches is a must.

Mauritius has Indian, French, English, Creole and Chinese cuisine influences. Items like the dholl puri, the country’s national dish, biryani, vindaye and an upsidedown bowl called bol renverse are worth trying.

Mozambique Mozambique, famous for its striking beaches and seafood, makes the perfect road trip from South Africa. There are flights to Mozambique if road trips are not your thing. Maputo, Inhambane, Ponta do Ouro, and Vilankulos are popular destinations because of the many different activities and picturesque landscapes it offers.

In Ponta do Ouro travellers can laze on whitesand beaches, scuba dive or dabble in other

watersport activities.

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, boasts attractions like Tunduru Botanical Gardens and Catedral de Maputo.

For those wanting some privacy, Bazaruto Island, off the coast of southern Mozambique, boasts luxurious and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Mozambique is known for its peri peri chicken, but the fresh seafood barbeques are also worth trying.

Thailand Besides its storied history, tantalising cuisine, world-class beaches and spas, Thailand is among the most affordable destinations for travellers, offering plenty of value for money.

Wellness retreats with indulgent spa treatments, as well as watersports like snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing, are some of the activities on offer.

For those who want some privacy, rent a catamaran for a day at sea or island hopping.

Culture and history buffs can explore the temples and historical sites or learn the way of life through thought-provoking agri tours. Elephant sanctuaries (not those that promote elephant riding) are also popular.

For nature enthusiasts, places like Khao Lak, just under two hours from Phuket, and Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand tick all the right boxes.

For those travelling to Bangkok, take an excursion along the Chao Phraya River, which isn’t heavily populated by tourists.

Eat your way through Thailand with delicious food offerings like pad thai, Panang curry, fresh seafood and mango sticky rice.

Seychelles With dramatic landscapes, unspoilt beaches and some of the most delicious food there’s plenty to see and do in this East African country.

The Seychelles archipelago includes around 115 islands.

Visit Mahe for its immersive experiences or Praslin for its breathtaking scenery.

For those seeking privacy and added luxury, there are allinclusive resorts that will cater to every whim.

Visitors can also take part in a wide range of water activities, such as snorkelling and diving.

The Seychelles food scene is fascinating, too.

Serving Creole cuisine, each meal tells a beautiful story. So, whether you dine in a 5-star hotel or at a night bazaar, you are bound to learn and experience something new.

Maldives With white sandy beaches, alluring turquoise waters, luxury resorts and a string of activities, the Maldives is fast becoming the summer destination of choice for travellers.

The destination, consists of 26 ring-shaped atolls and made up of more than 1 000

coral islands, has an array of activities to suit all kinds of travellers.

Watersports are incredibly attractive for travellers, from snorkelling, paddleboarding to kayaking, jet skis and flyboarding.

The local cuisine features heavily at some resorts, with some offering cooking classes for guests.

A floating breakfast, for example, is not only perfect for Instaworthy images but includes delicious foods you can savour as you feast on the views.

The Maldives is home to many beautiful mosques, so plan a trip with a tour guide to learn about its history.

Be mindful of the prayer times and wear modest clothing.

African celebs on holiday Who’s doing what and where Shingai Darangwa

FENTSE Twenty-one year-old South African singer and songwriter Fentse has crafted an evolving sound that transcends typical genre boundaries.

Her unique style of alternative R&B blends the sounds of some of her major influences, including the likes of Billie Eilish, Solange, Blood Orange and Willow Smith.

Where’s your next travel destination?

Knysna What do you plan on doing there?

I’ve been wanting to go camping or experience a unique stay the whole year. I found this glamping cabin in one of the beautiful forests of Knysna. I plan to do as many outdoor activities as possible.

What kind of traveller are you?

I’m also an architecture student, so I’m a bit of a nature buff and a sucker for beautifully designed spaces on a budget. Airbnb is a great resource for unique stays with amazing architectural stays.

What’s the one thing you make sure to take on every trip?

My travel journal.

What music do you like to play on your travels?

Music from Frank Ocean, Men I Trust, Cigarettes After Sex and Daniel Caesar. Anything that makes me feel nostalgic.

What’s your favourite destination you’ve visited and why?

My favourite destination has to be Bali. Their villas are gorgeous and they implement a lot of sustainable indigenous design in their rentals at a relatively reasonable price. I also love how dramatically scenic and magical the landscape is, from the mountains to the volcanos and the forests. It also has a great blend of culture, people, nature and activities to do.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?

Check out the best restaurant in the area.

DJ TARICO One of the top DJ producers across the continent in 2021, DJ Tàrico is steadily making his mark on African music. His single, the amapiano-infused “Yaba Buluku Remix” featuring Burna Boy, has been one of the year’s biggest African hits and continues to break the DJ into new territories.

Where’s your next travel destination?

Nigeria What music do you like to play on your travels?

Yaba Buluku, of course.

What’s your favourite destination you’ve visited and why?

I love all countries I’ve been to, so I can’t choose one of them because they always love our music and they show us love.

NELSON TIVANE Mozambican singer Nelson Tivane is one-third of the Mozambican trio, Yaba Buluku Boys. Hailing from the streets of Maputo, he doubles as not just an artist but also as the skilled songwriter of the trio. He is also arguably the sharpest dresser out of Mozambique, with a penchant for unique combos and slick shoes.

Where’s your next travel destination?

I’m off to Nigeria soon.

What’s the one thing you make sure to take on every trip?

I have to say my phone. I need it with me all the time.

Favourite food you’ve eaten on your travels?

Seafood. I really love seafood

Ship shape Cruising is making a comeback, writes Clinton Moodley

SOME of the world’s leading cruise companies are docking in SA ahead of its summer cruise season that starts from December 2021.

Cruising may be different in a pandemic world, but the lure of activities and shore excursions remain attractive for passengers.

Nick Wilkinson, the regional VP of Business Development Middle East and Africa for Norwegian Cruise Line, said South African travellers were eager to start cruising.

NCL will start their cruise season on December 21 with voyages exploring the South African coastline and Namibia. There are also cruises from Cape Town to Dubai.

“Cruise companies have put a lot of work to ensure guests’ overall health and safety onboard,” he said.

Some only allow fully vaccinated travellers and require PCR tests at least 48 hours before departure.

Once onboard the ship, maskwearing is mandatory in all public spaces.

Wilkinson foresees a travel boom for South African travellers.

“South Africans are resilient, and their love for travel hasn’t waned during the pandemic.”

HERE ARE 5 TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF YOUR TRIP You may need to be fully vaccinated?

Most cruise lines require their passengers to be fully vaccinated before boarding the ship, including children.

The purpose of allowing only vaccinated guests is to make passengers feel more comfortable during their cruise. That way, they get to enjoy the full cruise experience without any Covid-19 fears. In some cases, they may require a negative PCR test.

Cash in on discounted rates Cruise companies are trying to woo guests to book with attractive deals. These deals can include price cuts on accommodation, beverage and meals and land activities.

Compare the value for money on the different cruise ships before making a booking.

Plan an itinerary While cruising is meant for leisure and lazy days by the

pool, planning an itinerary allows you to balance your time between exploring and relaxing. Since a cruise ship is a destination in itself and offers guests a variety of experiences, you should make time to enjoy them.

Purchase all your vouchers ahead of time For those not taking an all-inclusive package, book vouchers before the cruise.

In the weeks leading up to the cruise, most cruise lines offer significant discounts on food, beverages and activities. As soon as you set sail, you’ll find that the price increases.

Stay safe While cruise companies are taking all the precautions, having implemented new Covid19 cleanliness protocols, travellers are encouraged to practise social distancing, sanitise and follow regulations on board.