Travelsmart – Issue 14

Your free fastjet magazine

Sauti Sol

Kenya’s most exciting music group Page 10

Page 15

A GUIDE TO ZANZIBAR

Making the most of the island

Page 22

WHERE TO STAY IN ZIMBABWE From city hotels to intimate lodges

Page 43

FLOATING BOOK FAIR The talk of the town

Issue 14

April - June 2016

Visit Zanzibar An island of magical adventures

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CONTENTS Issue 14 | April - June 2016

REGULAR FEATURES

SPECIAL FEATURES

USEFUL INFORMATION

5 WELCOME ON BOARD

15 ZANZIBAR

6 FASTJET COMPETITION

6 FASTJET NEWS 9 HALL OF FAME 54 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

20 MORRIS MINOR

62 TRAVEL INFORMATION 64 THE FASTJET NETWORK

A message from the fastjet team

The Hussar Grill

57 LOOK INSIDE

An Island of magical adventures Little big car keeps trekking

22 ZIMBABWE GUIDE

travelsmart’s guide to becoming a wine connoisseur

58 CAR REVIEW

29 GOOD HEALTH

61 LATEST RELEASES

30 TILAPIA

Jaguar F-Pace

What’s new in your bookshop and cinema

A cup a day keeps the doctor away Could tilapia help Tanzania’s economy?

32 ART DECO

10 COVER STORY

Africa’s art deco love child

36 48 HOURS IN NAIROBI

Your dream getaway starts here

40 RIVER CRUISE

Win 2 return flights

Your guide to hotel heaven

26 WINE

African Tulip

All aboard!

travelsmart Smart Thinking

Smart Shopping

Smart Travel

Published by LAND & MARINE PUBLICATIONS LTD 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex CO4 9RA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com ADVERTISING: Catherine O’Callaghan, Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Cell: +44 (0)7769 110343 (WhatsApp) Email: travelsmart@landmarine.org

on behalf of

43 BOOK FAIR

Come on in the literature’s lovely

46 CAR IMPORTING

Too much of a good thing?

48 PROFILER

SAUTI SOL Live and die in Afrika

Maurice is the master chef

50 TANZANIA HOCKEY

Sticks at the ready!

52 AFRICAN ECONOMY

fastjet Tanzania Head Office 2nd floor, Ten West Office, 10 Vingunguti Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Call Centre: +255 784 108 900 Email: info@fastjet.com www.fastjet.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2016 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

A chilly wind from China

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FROM THE CONTROL TOWER

SAFARI MPYA NCHI ZA KENYA NA ZIMBABWE

A message from the fastjet team

WELCOME ON BOARD KARIBU KWENYE NDEGE YETU WELKOM AAN BOORD New horizons in Kenya and Zimbabwe

W

elcome aboard! Whether you’re heading home after a busy week’s work, visiting family and friends or off to discover one of Africa’s hidden gems, we’re delighted you have chosen to fly with fastjet today.

This quarter, fastjet reached another milestone when we flew our 2 millionth passenger. This wouldn’t be possible without the loyalty of our customers and we want to say a big thank-you. Clearly, travellers across East and Southern Africa have taken fastjet to their hearts.

In return, we have set our sights firmly on further expansion of our network across Africa. This year we have already launched daily flights to Zanzibar from both Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg; flights to Johannesburg from both Harare and Victoria Falls; and flights from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi.

For over three months we have been flying to Kenya and this has quickly became a favourite destination, with twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Fares for this route are available from only KES 13,200 (inclusive of taxes) or Tsh 176,000 (exclusive of taxes) for a one way fare.

Meanwhile, customers travelling to and from Zimbabwe now have a wider choice of routes than ever, including our newest service

FASTJET IN NUMBERS since November 2012

2 MILLION

passengers flown

+21,000

flights flown

18 MILLION

kilometres flown

DAR – MWANZA

Most popular domestic destination

DAR – JOHANNESBURG

Most popular international destination between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. Always wanted to see the natural wonders of Zimbabwe, with its spectacular wildlife and many top attractions? Check out our extensive network on Page 64 and start planning your next trip. fastjet is your ‘go to’ airline for services across East and Southern Africa, now connecting Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and Uganda with affordable flights.

Until we see you again, have a wonderful flight!

The fastjet team

Karibu kwenye ndege yetu, Tunafurahi kwa kuchagua kusafiri na fastjet leo bila kujali unaenda nyumbani kutembelea familia na marafiki au mapumziko kwenda kuangalia vivutio vya Afrika baada ya kazi nyingi za wiki.

Msimu huu wa mwanzo wa miezi mitatu ya mwanzo wa mwaka, fastjet tumefika mbali zaidi baada ya kusafirisha abiria milioni mbili.

Hii haingekuwa rahisi bila ya kuwa na wateja wanaoipenda na kuiamini fastjet, na tunapenda kusema ahsanteni sana. Kweli kabisa, wasafiri wa ukanda wa mashariki na kusini mwa Afrika wameipenda na kuiweka fastjet kwenye mioyo yao.

Kwa kuwajali, tumeweka malengo yetu mahsusi kwa kupanua zaidi mtandao wetu katika bara la Afrika.

Mwaka huu tumezindua safari za kila siku kwenda Zanzibar kutoka Dar es Salaam na Johannesburg; safari kwenda Johannesburg kutoka Harare na Victoria Falls; na safari kutoka Dar Es Salaam kwenda Nairobi Kwa zaidi ya miezi mitatu tumekuwa tukiruka kwenda Kenya na kwa haraka imekuwa safari maarufu, ikiwa na safari za kila siku kati ya Nairobi na Dar es Salaam. Nauli kwa safari hizi zinapatikana kuanzia KES 13,200 tu (ikijumuisha kodi) au TZS 176,000 (bila ya kodi) kwa njia moja.

Kwa sasa, wateja wanaosafiri kwenda au kutoka Zimbabwe sasa wana wigo mpana wa kuchagua safari kuliko siku zote, ikijumuisha na huduma yetu mpya kati ya Victoria Falls na Johannesburg. Siku zote unapendelea kujionea mandhari ya asili na maajabu ya Zimbabwe, ikiwa na uzuri wa wanyamapori na vivutio vingi vya hali ya juu? Angalia ukurasa wa 64 kwa ajili ya kuona jinsi mtandao wetu ulivyopanuka na uanze kupanga safari yako.

Fastjet ni shirika lako la ndege la ‘kulitegemea’ kwa huduma za usafiri wa anga katika ukanda wa Mashariki na Kusini mwa Afrika, sasa linaunganisha Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Afrika Kusini, Kenya, Zambia na Uganda kwa safari za bei nafuu.

Hadi hapo tutakapokuona tena, uwe na safari njema!

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06 Meet and greet Great shots from our crew who go the extra mile to make you smile.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS UNTIL 30 OCTOBER To plan your next trip, check out our new flight schedule, with flights available until 30 October 2016.

01 KILIFAIR 2016 Join fastjet at KILIFAIR 2016 at the Ushirika Sports Stadium in Kilimanjaro. Meet tourism professionals at the 17,000 square metre venue from 3 to 5 June and be part of one of the biggest business networking events in Tanzanian tourism. Don’t miss out – book your flight to Kilimanjaro at fastjet.com.

02 Baggage offer Worried about that extra baggage? We’re here to help.

Book online for your next trip and save 50 per cent off Freighty, allowing you to travel with up to 80 kg for USD 40.

03 Thank you!

Thank-you to our customers who voted for us in the World Travel Awards.

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04 Supporting charitable causes Recently we had the privilege of flying five customers from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza free of charge, to support them in their preparations for a Media car wash event for cancer, taking place mid-June 2016.

This event is expected to raise funds for assisting more than 200 media personnel around Lake Zone as well as 500 others elsewhere in the country to join available health insurance schemes.

We were very happy to have them aboard, and wish them luck with the event in June.

05 We’re expanding internationally Our second international route of fastjet Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, has taken off, with twice-weekly flights between the two destinations on Fridays and Sundays.

Our fares start from USD 80 one-way (plus government taxes), considerably lower than other carriers on this route.

Wondering where to travel next?

Book a flight on our newest route at fastjet.com. We can’t wait to welcome you on board.

COMPETITION TIME Your billboard snaps We know how you love to enter our competitions. So now it’s time to snap your picture with one of our fastjet billboards for the chance to win two return flights on a fastjet route of your choice.

Jump in the air or hang upside down. Just make sure your picture is truly original to be in with a chance of winning.

To enter, share your picture on Instagram and tell us why you want to fly fastjet. Don’t forget to tag your photo with #fastjetandme.

09 Take little breaks for lots of fun.

Fly to Zanzibar!

DID YOU KNOW ?

DID YOU KNOW ?

You can read travelsmart anytime by subscribing for FREE at: www.fastjet.com/ travelsmart-inflight-magazine

Fastjet reached another milestone this quarter when we flew our 2 millionth passenger.

07 Affordable business travel Expanding your business across East and Southern Africa couldn’t be easier with fastjet. Whether you’re flying in for a meeting in Harare or welcoming a client in Dar es Salaam, we’ll get you there.

Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to attend Oil & Gas Tanzania on 7 to 9 July in Dar es Salaam.

08 fastjet Trunki

30% DISCOUNT

If you’re looking for crystal-clear waters, great food and beautiful beaches, then you must visit Zanzibar. We’re now offering a 30 per cent discount on our Johannesburg to Zanzibar route.

Book online before 30 May 2016 and use the EVoucher ‘GOZANZIBAR’ at fastjet.com to travel between 1 April and 30 June 2016. We fly daily from Johannesburg to Zanzibar, so you can travel from home to paradise in comfort and style.

Follow us Trunki Travel in style

www.facebook.com/fastjet www.facebook.com/fastjetZA www.facebook.com/fastjetZM

www.facebook.com/fastjetZimbabwe www.twitter.com/fastjet

Introducing fastjet’s own Trunki, our number one children’s travel accessory for adventures across East Africa. As well as providing lots of fun for kids, Trunki offers comfort to both parents and children: • Children always have a place to sit.

• Parents can move their children easily through the airport.

• Trunki fits perfectly under your aircraft seat.

• There’s room in Trunki for snacks and toys to while away the flight.

Follow Trunki’s adventures with fastjet on our social media pages and you might win a fastjet Trunki of your own in the future!

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travelsmart

www.instagram.com/fastjetofficial Thank you, fastjetters!

Our social following is growing all the time, underlining our position as the most followed African Airline on Facebook. We already have over 950,000 followers across our channels.

We couldn’t have done this without you and we appreciate your support in making affordable air travel in Africa possible.

SautiSol

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travelsmart

By Kirsten Alexander

The stars of one of Kenya’s most popular and exciting music groups are at the top of their game after releasing their third album ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ at the end of last year. Travelsmart’s Kirsten Alexander met up with Bien-Aimé, Willis, Savara and Polycarp, better known as Sauti Sol.

A

fter unknowingly disrupting their energetic rehearsals at the Treehouse Club in Nairobi, I was lucky enough to catch up with the members of Sauti Sol – afro-pop sensations, passionate education advocates and all-round incredibly nice guys – before their standout show at the Ngong Racecourse on Valentine’s weekend.

Q. Good afternoon! How are you guys?

A. We are all good, thank you.

Just doing some rehearsals here in Nairobi. We’ve been working very hard, but it’s not really hard work because we enjoy it so much.

Q. What are you currently rehearsing for?

A. We’re rehearsing for our official album launch for Valentine’s weekend.

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SautiSol We released the album last year, but we were looking for a perfect launch date. We’ve wanted to do something like this for a while, so Valentine’s seemed like the perfect time, with it being the holidays and the season of love. For us, the gig is our Valentine – and our fans, of course.

Q. Your new album ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ reached 400,000 downloads in just 48 hours. How does that feel?

A. It feels great because we introduced the culture of albums here. Most other artists used to just do singles, so the fans expect us to do albums now. I guess you could say we’re the pioneers of albums.

Also, the fans had been waiting for ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ for so long.

Ever since we released the album artwork, they have really been excited. Because it took a long time to create the album, we decided to treat them with 48 hours to download it for free. Our fans are really loyal, too, so we are lucky.

Q. Do you have a favourite award from your collection?

A. Each award means something different to us. The fact that a human being has taken time to give you an award and to recognise your effort is such a good thing. But all of the awards represent something different in our lives. With each award, you remember which point of your musical life you were at, so there isn’t one really that is the best. But those early awards, where we didn’t have as many fans but still won, are quite special.

Q. Any awards you’re aiming for in future?

A. You know what everyone says: a Grammy! Or a Brit or a MOBO. That would be so cool.

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Q. What does 2016 hold in store for Sauti Sol? A. We’re doing a sixcity tour around Kenya, playing in Machakos, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and another place whose name we can’t think of right now. After the tour here in Kenya, we’re taking it across Africa.

We have gigs lined up in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and then on the second leg in South Africa, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Hopefully some festivals across the continent, too. ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ means so much to us, so we’re taking it back to the people of Africa and for anybody doing something for Africa. We will also be touring Europe later on in the year. I think we’re playing in London in July, so that will be epic.

Role models The Sauti Sol team

Education is something we hold very dearly, and from travelling around Africa we have seen what education can do and the positive impact it can have Q. Are you taking any time out in the next year?

A. We don’t know. We’ve taken time to plan activities, but not actually planned to take time out for the last seven or eight years. I guess we don’t feel the need to take time out because we enjoy what we do so much. It doesn’t feel like work.

If we did take time out, I think we’d just end up missing each other too much. Culturally, Africans don’t tend to go on holiday much anyway, and when the weather is this nice, every

day is a holiday here. I think when we need it, we will do it, but not for now.

Q. What is your Soma Soma initiative?

A. Soma Soma was launched in 2012 and is our idea of helping to improve education for all the youth in Kenya and in Africa. Everyone in Sauti Sol is who they are because of education. But not just an education, a quality education. We all met in school around 10 to 15 years ago and have been friends and then

SAUTI FACTS MEMBERS: Bien-Aimé Baraza Vocals, guitar, songwriter Willis Austin Chimano Vocals, keytar, saxophone Polycarp “Fancyfingers” Otieno Guitar, producer Savara Mudigi Vocals, percussion, drums, producer ALBUMS: Mwanzo (2008) Sol Filosofia (2011) Live and Die in Afrika (2015) NOTABLE AWARDS: MTV Europe Music Awards 2014 Best African Act Google Recognition 2014 Most Watched Music Video on YouTube in Kenya – ‘Nishike (Touch Me)’ African Entertainment Awards 2015 Hottest Group Bingwa Music Awards 2015 East African Artist of the Year Mdundo Music Awards 2015 Most Downloaded Single, Most Downloaded Song, Most Downloaded Afro-pop Single ‘Sura Yako’ OLX SoMA Awards 2015 YouTube Channel Award, Instagram Personality Award AFRIMA 2015 Best African Group, Producers of the Year (Savara Mudigi and Polycarp “Fancyfingers” Otieno) Live and Die in Afrika Sauti Sol’s third album was launched in 2016

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: BBC Africa’s Top 10 Tracks of 2015 - ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ Okayafrica’s top 15 albums of 2015 - ‘Live and Die in Afrika’ Billboard Africa - Most Promising Music Group The Standard Newspaper - 2016 Agenda Setters DRUM Magazine - East Africa’s 2015 Movers and Shakers

bandmates ever since. Education is something we hold very dearly, and from travelling around Africa we have seen what education can do and the positive impact it can have.

Education is what makes people great, and access to a quality education is even better. The way people are in the West, in London, is because of education, but unfortunately is it not the same story in Africa. However, we have taken it upon ourselves to make sure as many African children as possible can access quality education like we did.

Q. How does the initiative work?

A. We have partnered with a Canadian company who have helped us install libraries across Kenya and distribute new books to students.

Brand-new books, as donated books aren’t always relevant. I mean, a book on fishing in Japan isn’t going to help children in Africa much.

But there is a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books which help the children learn and also express themselves better.

I guess we are kind of role models, as we are helping children realise you can be whatever you want to be. No career or profession is better than the rest, and by helping children develop their education, they are aiming higher now. The libraries are also run by the children, so it helps with vital skills like leadership and discipline.

Q. Any final thoughts?

A. Success is not about the amount of money in your bank or driving the latest Range Rover or Jaguar. It’s about when you find yourself and realise what you have made of yourself. That, for us, is success and something we are very proud of.

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Zanzibar

fastjet’s guide to Zanzibar

By Kate Wingar

An island of magical

ADVENTURES W

ith many families and young couples on a tight budget, not wanting to travel far from home, the popularity of modern city breaks has soared.

Yet, these days, holidaymakers often return home feeling more exhausted than before they left. They end up spending most of the trip either stranded in traffic, battling to find a sun bed by the overpopulated pool, arguing while they put up that worn-out tent – or just listening to grouchy arguments between bored children.

But don’t panic – I know how you can spice things up in the travel department.

Zanzibar is a magical island full of beauty, history and, above all, mystery. Crowned as one of the Spice Islands due to its illustrious role in the trade of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper, Zanzibar is a destination I have wanted to visit for years. And I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got the chance to go. Unlike most holiday spots, it has managed to keep its unique culture, pristine seafronts and stunning architecture. Above all, the local people are some of the friendliest I have met on my travels.

Until a few years ago, Zanzibar was mostly seen as a backpacking destination. But recently, with its reputation as an untouched paradise, the island has hit the top of many bucket lists. Jet setters from all walks of life are making a beeline for a place that is rich in history and natural wildlife and (most importantly for me) home to world-class food.

Zanzibar is a magical island full of beauty, history and mystery

DID YOU KNOW? David Livingstone used Zanzibar as a base in his search for the source of the River Nile.

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Stone Town Swahili culture at its best

LMspencer/shutterstock.com

Unfortunately, holidaymakers are too quick to head to the beaches. In doing so, they miss out on one of the most fascinating parts of Zanzibar.

Stone Town, with its cobbled streets, famous framed doors and traditional architecture, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and the cultural hub of the island. The colourful history of Zanzibar can be seen in the many forts, ancient buildings and magnificent mosques of Stone Town, just a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Great food aand beautiful buildings In the heart of Stone Town

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Zanzibar

WHAT TO DO:

WHERE TO STAY: You can’t get any closer to the action in Stone Town than the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

This beautifully refurbished building blends culture and comfort for a perfect stay.

Impressive furniture and handcarved woodwork add to its unique style. Eat some of the best food in town while enjoying panoramic views from the rooftop Taarab Restaurant. This hotel has it all.

For the ultimate in luxury, treat yourself to a stay in one of the island’s newest and most lavish hotels. The Park Hyatt Zanzibar has possibly the

best views of the beach and surrounding waters. The hotel is housed in two buildings. The first, Mambo Msiige, is a typical Zanzibari mansion steeped in history and centred on a peaceful courtyard. The newer second building blends old Swahili culture with contemporary Arab, Persian and Indian architecture. From elegant guest rooms and authentic cuisine to a top spa, an exceptional fitness centre and fully equipped meeting facilities, Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers luxury holidaymakers a rare and unforgettable experience.

Experience some of Zanzibar’s heritage by visiting one of the many forts. My favourite is the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe in Swahili) which was the first defensive structure built by the Busaidi Omani Arabs in 1698. In British colonial times it became a ladies’ tennis club in 1949 and today it is an open-air amphitheatre for the famous Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Spend a penny or two at one of the town’s many gift shops and stalls. The quirky streets are filled with hand-made memorabilia. The Darajani Bazaar offers the perfect opportunity to haggle and bag yourself a bargain.

Spices are a key ingredient in the everyday life of a Zanzibari.

It may be one of the more obvious things to do, but you can’t visit the island without taking a Spice Tour. A guided walk through rural villages and

spice plantations is a fantastic opportunity to see the real and wonderful Zanzibar.

The House of Wonders cannot be missed. No, seriously – it’s the largest and tallest building in Stone Town. The museum has a permanent exhibition of Swahili and Zanzibari culture, from ancient fishing tools and ships to ceremonial dresses (kangas), portraits of previous sultans and furniture from their palaces.

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Forodhani Gardens (also known as Jubilee Gardens) is at sunset. The seafront area comes alive with the nightly food market, selling a range of Swahili delicacies, from fresh crab, lobster and octopus to pressed sugar cane juice with ginger and lime. Both tourists and local people come together to enjoy a snack or two in a vibrant atmosphere.

WHERE TO EAT: Emerson Spice, an 11-room boutique hotel in the heart of old Stone Town, has become well known for its delicious food.

The hotel’s cute rooftop restaurant offers five-star food in a peaceful atmosphere. Eat fresh seafood, caught that morning, while looking across the town and listening to the muezzin call of the mosques. The set dinner menu allows diners to experience unique blends of food such as duck and watermelon, quail egg and anchovies, and cinna-

mon and avocado.

It’s likely that, after roaming the town’s many winding alleyways, you will have worked up a thirst. Nothing beats the smell of fresh coffee, so make your next stop the Zanzibar Coffee House Café in the centre of Stone Town. It serves a variety of coffees grown by the hotel’s owners on estates in Zanzibar and the Southern Highlands in Tanzania as well as delicious cakes and a range of continental foods.

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Zanzibar

Hit the shores

WHAT TO DO:

Sandals at the ready There are many good reasons to head for the coast. The sand between your toes, the sea breeze in your hair and picturesque waters on your doorstep. A beach holiday is the most relaxing of all – and Zanzibar has a whole lot of it to offer. With so many top resorts to choose from, it can be hard to decide. Here are my suggestions:

WHERE TO STAY: Ocean Paradise Resort epitomises its name. Situated on Zanzibar’s picturesque north-east coast, the resort comprises 98 traditional round chalets with makuti roofs, and a splendid waterfall feature overlooking the turquoise ocean. Relax among coconut palms whispering in the breeze, amid beautiful landscaped gardens or on a private white sandy beach. With some of the island’s friendliest staff, this four-star resort offers great

service in an idyllic setting.

For those looking for a more private holiday, the five-star Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa is an ideal spot. Spoil yourself in one of the 100 spacious beachfront suites, all decorated to the highest standard. With a variety of restaurants, lounges and bars, guests are spoilt for choice at this exclusive retreat.

While it may set you back a few bob, the guarantee of a peaceful stay in ultimate luxury is surely worth it.

Looking for a great day out?

Laid-back or lively, a Safari Blue adventure is filled with aquatic choice. Make the most of the crystal-clear waters and sail, snorkel or swim around Menai Bay to find isolated sandbanks, rugged island scenery, uninhabited islets and pristine marine life. To book your Safari Blue, Zanzibar’s most talked about sea escapade, visit: www. safariblue.net If you’re trying to go stressfree in 2016, then make your way to Zanzi Yoga Retreat in the north of the island. Join Marisa and her team of qualified yoga instructors for an hour and a half of relaxing and energising gentle exercise at Flame Tree Cottages. Choose a morning or sunset yoga team and don’t panic if you’re about as flexible as a wooden spoon.

The team caters for all levels, breaking down one’s postures in different stages and giving variations accordingly.

The idea of the full moon party is thought to have originated in Finland, where friends would gather in a remote forest to enjoy nature and good company and, of course, the magic of the full moon.

Since then, full moon parties have become a backpacker’s favourite. Zanzibar’s very own Kendwa Rocks sees thousands of tourists and locals party together at the full moon of every month. The island’s event has even been rated in the top 10 full moon parties in the world. Usually, but not always, on a Saturday, big crowds are drawn by a delicious grill menu, dance music and displays by acrobats and fire-eaters.

Take a dive In the warm, clear waters

DID YOU KNOW? Mnemba Atoll, just off the north-east coast of Zanzibar, is one the best and least known diving spots in the world.

SO EASY BY AIR fastjet has made it easier and cheaper than ever to visit one of the most idyllic spots in East Africa.

With daily flights to Zanzibar from both Dar es Salaam and Jo’burg, there’s no reason not to take a break on this lovely island.

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MorrisMinor

LITTLE BIG CAR KEEPS TREKKING Morris Minor fans are to be found all over the world, including South Africa, where the ‘little big car’ was once made in large numbers. Today, the national owners’ club is still firing on all four cylinders. We talked to long-term member Tommy Smith.

By John Tavner

Cute curves That famous bonnet

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T

he Morris Minor has won a place in the hearts of fond admirers ever since the famous bubble-shaped car was launched at the London Motor Show in 1948.

Today, there are well over 900 vehicles listed by the Morris Minor Owners Club South Africa and right now its members are gearing up for their biennial national rally at the end of April, when saloons, convertibles, station wagons, panel vans and pickups will converge on Maselspoort, in the Free State, for a five-day event hosted by the Bloemfontein branch of the national club.

As well as enjoying the idyllic scenery, club members will be putting the Moggies through their paces at a range of events that include driving skills and a fun run as well as special categories like Most Original Morris Minor, Tops Only and a Concours d’Elegance.

In the land of its birth, the Minor is

still a regular sight on country roads and high streets despite the ravages of a typical British winter. So how does that compare with South Africa?

“The dry climate helps to preserve the Traveller’s wood, but the coastal branches have rust problems,” says Tommy Smith, of the Johannesburg club. “The coastal clubs are always seeking upcountry cars. The roads are fairly good in South Africa and the Minor’s torsion bar suspension copes well with all conditions.”

Tradition Looking further down the road – as it were – what does the future hold for this enjoyable hobby? Will the next generation be upholding the Morris Minor tradition in South Africa?

Tommy says the challenge for his club – and indeed for all classic car clubs of this kind – is that young people today may not be interested in restoring or owning classic and

Ben Smith/shutterstock.com

On parade

For more information about the Morris Minor Owners Club South Africa, please visit: www.morrisminor.co.za

A MINOR CLASSIC

SOUTH AFRICAN CLUB

The Morris Minor was designed by the legendary Alec Issigonis to offer the comfort and convenience of a good motor car at a price that ordinary working people could afford.

The South African owners’ club can trace its origins to 1983 – a decade or so after worldwide production of the Morris Minor came to an end – when Gary Dodds got together with fellow enthusiasts in Port Elizabeth. Today, the club has five branches – in Johannesburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – with a total of some 200 members.

Demand was high and the Minor was exported worldwide. Over 1.3 million vehicles were built between 1948 and 1972 in three series, which embraced a range of body types including a convertible, a station wagon (the Traveller) and commercial vehicles.

Moggies and owners

vintage cars. “A lot of youngsters are modifying cars in order to make them quicker,” he says. “There are numerous modified and hot rod models at car events. But our club actively discourages these.”

So you may still see a Morris Minor being driven across the veld or along the waterfront in Cape Town years from now – but it may be jacked up on giant slicks, painted a garish shade of purple and sporting a V8 engine.

It’s enough to make Alec Issigonis do a wheelspin...

In addition to its ‘mother’ plant at Cowley in Oxford, England, the Minor was assembled from packs of British-made components at plants in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, The Netherlands, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland.

Given the enormous size of South Africa, it’s not surprising that the five branches operate independently most of the time, each having its own committee and programme of events. But their shared love of the Moggie spurs them on to keep in touch, to help each other out with advice and spare parts – and, of course, to make the pilgrimage every two years to the national rally.

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ZimbabweGuide

Where to stay in Zimbabwe

YOUR GUIDE TO HOTEL HEAVEN If you thought that staying in Zimbabwe was all about safari camps or impersonal corporate hotels, think again. Here, in one of East Africa’s friendliest countries, visitors can look forward to genuine hospitality in hotels and lodges that are not only distinctive but, in many cases, world-class.

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From homely lodges to five-star business hotels and from historical properties to modern resorts, Zimbabwe has something to suit every taste. To guide you on your way to hotel heaven, here are a few of our accommodation highlights.

HARARE As in any capital city, there’s a demand for quality accommodation for businessmen and women – somewhere to relax after a tiring day of meetings or stay over in comfort before an onward flight – and that demand is fully met in Harare.

Meikles Hotel, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, is renowned as Zimbabwe’s most luxurious five-star property. Set in the heart of Harare – on the corner of 3rd street and Jason Moyo Avenue to be exact – Meikles is legendary. Every feature measures up to expectations, from its stylish rooms and suites to the excellent food and world-class facilities.

Despite its large size (with 312 guest rooms, numerous conference rooms, a gym and salon, restaurants and a tearoom housed in two wings and 11 floors) the hotel seems remarkably cosy. Zimbabwe’s famous hospitality is epitomised by Meikles. The hotel’s unmatched customer service and welcoming atmosphere make guests feel immediately at home.

World-class standards Meikles Hotel

Harare also offers a choice of lodges for those looking for a more intimate stay. Two of our favourites are Highlands House and Kingsmead Guest House.

Highlands House is an attractive boutique guest lodge in the leafy suburb of Highlands. Its 14 beautifully decorated rooms offer comfort and peace in a beautiful location. Guests can relax in the pool or enjoy the excellent food prepared by chefs on site.

The newly built Kingsmead Guest House, in the residential suburb of Borrowdale, also offers quality accommodation in a serene atmosphere. It has 10 tastefully furnished en-suite rooms with a full range of facilities. Visitors can make the most of its excellent location and go shopping at Sam Levy’s Village by day and unwind with an evening drink by the fire.

Book well in advance though, as these small lodges are in high demand.

Hustle and bustle Zimbabwe’s capital

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VICTORIA FALLS

ZimbabweGuide

Home to one of Africa’s biggest tourist draws and visited by thousands each year, it comes as no surprise that the area around Victoria Falls has an abundance of places to stay. But how do you choose the venue that suits you best?

If you really want to stand out from the hotel crowd in Zimbabwe’s adrenalin and tourism capital, there is one very special place to stay: the Victoria Falls Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Africa. Built by the British in 1904, the hotel is a must-see attraction in its own right. In addition to dramatic views of the gorges, this hotel offers 161 lavish rooms, grand staircases, splendid lobbies and two exquisite restaurants. Arguably its greatest feature, though, is the view of Victoria Falls Bridge from Stanley’s Terrace. Guests can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while looking at one of Zimbabwe’s bestknown tourist spots. And the view never gets old.

The hotel is ideally located in the centre of the town, just a five-minute walk from shops and restaurants. And what’s more, the hotel even has its own private pathway leading to the falls.

One quick tip: Keep an eye out for the playful monkeys and a young family of warthogs living on the hotel grounds!

Ultimate luxury Vic Falls Hotel

ON A BUDGET Being on a budget is no barrier to staying in this tourism hot spot. Victoria Falls Rest Camp offers good as well as affordable accommodation with a choice of campsites, dormitories, self-catering chalets and luxury tents – perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. The camp is within easy walking distance of the town centre, while the popular In Da Belly restaurant is located in the camp grounds.

A historic venue In a great location (Vic Falls Hotel)

Enjoy a drink or dinner while looking at one of Zimbabwe’s bestknown tourist spots fastjet.com

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Wine

travelsmart’s guide to becoming a

WINE CONNOISSEUR Unleash your inner sommelier with travelsmart’s guide to wine. Wise up on your whites, read about reds and revise your rosés with our handy bite-size (or should we say sip-size?) wine guide.

KNOW YOUR WINES

WINES OF THE WORLD

We all know there are four general types of wine – red, white, rosé and sparkling – but within these broad terms there are many sub-categories, with many names, which could leave you a bit baffled.

Here are some of the most popular types you should definitely have in your repertoire:

Although wine is enjoyed the world over, there are only a few areas that are really well known for producing quality grapes to turn into quality wines. Look out for any of these when next browsing a menu or the wine aisle of your local supermarket.

GERMANY

Red Merlot – Soft, fruity, dry Chianti – Herbal, dry Shiraz – Spicy, fruity, dry White Pino grigio – Light, citrusy, dry Chardonnay – Rich, dry Chenin blanc – Floral, peachy, sweet Rosé White zinfandel – Off-dry Grenache rosé – Fruity, floral, dry

FRANCE

ITALY

USA SPAIN

CHILE

ARGENTINA SOUTH AFRICA

AUSTRALIA

SIZE MATTERS If you want to raise your dinner party game, it’s a good idea to invest in different wine glasses to match your chosen tipples. There are several types of wine glass, but only three you really need to know:

Sparkling Champagne (vintage) – Rich, dry Prosecco – Floral, off-dry Cava – Light, dry

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Sparkling wine glass

White wine glass

Red wine glass

WHAT TO PAIR WITH WINE

WINE ETIQUETTE

Matching wines with food may seem like an arduous task (unless you are a refined connoisseur, of course). It needn’t be, though, as it is easier than you may think. Our handy guide shows you some of the best tipples to go with various foods. This list isn’t exhaustive, however, and people have different tastes and preferences. But serving up a bottle of malbec to accompany a beef stew will no doubt impress your taste buds.

Fish:

Chicken:

Chardonnay Sauvignon blanc Pinot grigio

Chardonnay

1. Hold your wine glass from the bottom of the stem, never the glass itself. Use your thumb, forefinger and middle finger to hold the bottom of the stem and rest your other fingers on the base.

2. Ladies, if you’re wearing lipstick, try to drink from the same position each time you take a sip. This will reduce unsightly lipstick marks all round the rim of the glass.

Champagne Prosecco

Merlot Zinfandel Grenache Pinot noir

Red meat:

Hard cheese:

Soft cheese:

Zinfandel Grenach Tempranillo Malbec Syrah Cabernet sauvignon

Moscato Riesling

Moscato Chardonnay

Merlot Zinfandel Malbec Syrah

Champagne Prosecco Cava

Prosecco Cava

Short of drinking straight from the bottle, there isn’t much you need to remember when drinking wine, right?

Wrong! There are a few subtle things you can do to convince your comrades that you are a seasoned wine connoisseur:

3. Red wine should never be chilled or stored in the fridge. It’s meant to be served – and tastes best – at room temperature. White and rosé, however, are best served chilled.

Merlot Grenache

4. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to fill your glass to the brim. Not only will it inevitably spill, but a good wine needs room to breathe, so a half glass is just right.

5. Incorrect pronunciation is a major social faux pas. Be careful with names such as merlot, pinot and cabernet as the final T is silent.

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GoodHealth

A CUP A DAY keeps the doctor away

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CAMOMILE TEA

PEPPERMINT TEA

LEMON TEA

GREEN TEA

HIBISCUS

It is thought that camomile tea was first used thousands of years ago in Ancient Egypt. Since then it has become one of the most popular health teas on the planet.

Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? Then peppermint tea (also called mint tea) may be for you. This caffeine-free tea has been shown to combat sleep deprivation quickly and effectively by relaxing the body. It also tastes very nice.

Lemon is a bit like Marmite: you either love or hate it. But given that so many previous generations have claimed that drinking lemon tea first thing in the morning is the secret to staying healthy, we think we could get used to the taste.

Probably the most famous of all the health teas, green tea certainly lives up to its expectations. Today, many skin products from deodorants to creams contain green tea. Its useful properties are endless.

Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, hibiscus tea is a mild diuretic and is packed with Vitamin C. In addition to its main benefits, the tea is thought to be a remedy for stress and weight loss as well as controlling mood swings (we all know someone who needs a cup of this).

When to drink it: Drink a cup during each meal and you will see the effects within three weeks.

Main benefits: • Fights fevers and colds • Combats insomnia • Improves wound healing • Stimulates the digestive system.

When to drink it: A cup of peppermint herb tea just before bed is a great way to prepare yourself for a sound night’s sleep.

Main benefits: • As a sleep aid

When to drink it: Wake up to a nice warm cuppa in the morning and drink before any food.

Main benefits: • Removes toxins from the blood

• Relaxes muscle tension and pain

• Cleanses the body

Can also be used for: • Sensitive stomachs and bowels

• Fights stress

• Aids healthy digestion.

• Relieves stomach pains.

• Soothing menstrual cramps

Can also be used for: • Treating irritable bowel syndrome

Can also be used for: • Energising the mind and body

• Treating back pain • Reducing anxiety • As an anti-inflammatory.

• Promotes healthy skin

• Fighting diseases

• Easing nausea and vomiting

• Reducing the chance of some cancers

• Fighting bad breath

• Preventing infections

• Aiding the immune system

• Boosting the immune system.

• Clearing congestion.

t seems that tea has been around forever, but with it has come – in recent times – a long list of reasons not to drink it. Today, however, tea lovers can sigh with relief as modern scientific research has shown how some types of health tea can actually do amazing things for your wellbeing. Did you know that tea can brighten your skin and help keep you fit and trim, all while improving your digestive system? Here are five of our favourite teas and their many benefits.

When to drink it: Drink green tea every day to see a multitude of health benefits. But never exceed five cups a day to avoid caffeine-related side effects.

Main benefits: • Cancer prevention

When to drink it: One cup any time during the day.

Main benefits: • Lowers blood pressure • Expels toxins

• Helps high cholesterol

• Strengthens the immune system

• Promotes weight loss

• Fights infections.

• Destroys harmful bacteria.

Can also be used for: • Preventing tooth decay • Helping cardiovascular disease • Kills cancer cells • Tackles rheumatoid arthritis • Inhibits formation of blood clots.

Can also be used for: • Lowering cholesterol • Helping those with Type 2 diabetes • Combating heart disease • Treating liver problems • Bladder function and health.

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COULD TILAPIA HELP TANZANIA’S ECONOMY? Thousands of farmers across Tanzania are involved in small-scale farming of tilapia fish. It benefits not only farmers but also local communities, as in the Babati project in Northern Tanzania. But aquaculture has a long way to go before it can impact the national economy.

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quaculture in Tanzania has a vast but as yet untapped potential, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The industry is dominated by freshwater fish farming in which small-scale farmers practise both extensive and semi-intensive fish farming. Small fish ponds with an average size of 150 square metres are integrated with other agricultural activities such as gardening and animal and bird production on small pieces of land.

Tanzania is currently estimated to have a total of 14,100 freshwater fish ponds scattered across the

Fish ponds An economic potential

TILAPIA AT A GLANCE Tilapia is the common name for nearly 100 species of cichlid fish.

This mainly freshwater species has become the third most important fish in aquaculture after carp and salmon worldwide.

Tilapia has been farmed in Tanzania since 1949.

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mainland. In addition, there is a large rainbow trout farm in Arusha.

The distribution of fish ponds is determined by availability of water, suitable land for fish farming and awareness and motivation within the community of the economic potential of fish farming.

Shrimp farming – which has proved very profitable in other parts of the world – is still in the experimental phase in Tanzania. It has the potential to be a profitable activity in Tanzania, says the FAO, but there are widespread concerns about its potential environmental and socioeconomic impact.

Source of income In recent years seaweed farming has become popular in some coastal areas as a source of income. Smallscale seaweed farms – some of them run by groups of women and young people – can be found all along the coast of Tanzania. Seaweed is now a serious cash crop in Tanga and Zanzibar, generating enough income to cover household costs.

The government’s Fisheries Division has studied the viability of expanding aquaculture by diversifying production into other species

Tilapia

and developing the export market.

Exports of seaweed are on an upward trend, but the vast potential for mariculture is largely untapped, according to the FAO. There has not yet been any move to integrate aquaculture with other sectors such as the environment because the industry is still at subsistence level.

BABATI PROJECT A good example of how tilapia farming can benefit a local community is the project run by the Livingstone Tanzania Trust (LTT) in the Babati District in the north of the country.

Who would have believed you could have sustainable fish farming on the side of a mountain? Yet, for those with access to local springs, it has proved a viable source of income. In fact, one young man is supporting himself through college from the sale of fish.

LTT now has fish ponds at three locations. Two of the ponds are at Waangwaray Primary school and now provide the school with an income.

Early experimental designs proved that brick and cement ponds are the most cost-effective because they retain the water and last longer than plastic sheeting.

Once built, the ponds fill with algae, which keep the water cool, inject oxygen into the water and hide the fish from the watchful eyes of passing birds of prey. The algae are good for the fish’s diet and increase their levels of fatty acid, which is good for us when we eat them. People in the community rarely get to eat meat and this source of protein is in great demand.

At the end of each year, the ponds can be emptied and the mud, fish

waste, dead baby fish and rich water are used to improve the fertility of the soil in an area. It has proved ideal for growing tomatoes.

WHAT IS LTT? The Livingstone Tanzania Trust is a grassroots charity that supports community and education-focused projects. It works with communities in the Babati District of the Manyara Region of Northern Tanzania.

The trust helps members of the local community by sponsoring their enterprise initiatives, providing skills training and resources.

LTT’s education programme targets the specific needs of each school in cooperation with schools development committees and other stakeholders.

Tanzania is currently estimated to have a total of 14,100 freshwater fish ponds fastjet.com

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ArtDeco

By Iga Motylska

AFRICA’S ART DECO LOVE CHILD The legacy of Johannesburg’s heyday as a booming gold mining town remains in the facades and architectural details of its art deco buildings – surprisingly the world’s second-highest concentration.

EKHURULENI If I were to tell you that Miami, Florida, has the highest number of small-scale art deco buildings in the world, it may seem a far stretch to suppose that a city on the southern tip of Africa comes second. But such is the reality with the curious case of Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.

Ekurhuleni is commonly referred to as ‘Africa’s art deco love child’ by architects and heritage fanatics for its numerous examples of art deco buildings, located mainly in the small neighbouring towns of Benoni, Brakpan, Germiston and Springs.

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Although you would not say so now, in the mid 1930s Springs – which was established as a gold mining town – was one of the six largest towns in the country. Today it’s considered part of greater Johannesburg, even though it lies about 50 km outside the central business district. Springs is home to the largest collection of art deco buildings in South Africa (34 to be exact) making it the best place to start a self-drive tour of what is being developed as Johannesburg’s architectural route. So jump into your hired car or grab an Uber and let’s be off.

Heading Caption

The art deco style is recognised for its multi-dimensionality, whereby vertical and horizontal elements dissect a building into different levels or sections

WHAT IS ART DECO? When I say art deco, you may think of the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building in Manhattan; but many of Ekurhuleni’s buildings are also characterised by pastoral and wildlife motifs, along with geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation and letter work that became popular in the inter bella period – a time of rapid industrialisation after the First World War. The cubist artist Picasso, along with futurists, all had a hand in influencing the style, as did the surrealism of Dali. The art deco style is recognised for its multidimensionality, whereby vertical and horizontal elements dissect a building into different levels or sections.

It is also known for its decorative wall tiles and elaborate door entrances.

The topmost portion of an art deco building is finished off with decorative parapets and finials that accentuate each building’s individuality.

While art deco architecture was

first recognised in 1925 in France at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts (the exhibition from which its name derived), this South African collection has added tropical and industrial elements to the architectural style that are seldom found elsewhere.

BENONI Go to Princess Avenue for a view of some of the best examples in this part of the city. Wall surfaces are decorated with vertical shadow lines that resemble car radiators, a true reflection of the ‘age of the machine’ when they were built.

The Benoni Town Hall is my favourite: it’s famous for its geometric shapes, smooth lines and 37 metre high central tower. It also happened to opened in 1938, the year that saw Benoni’s first female mayor. After a bit of exploring, stop for refreshments at the red, blue and white Korsmans Famous Ice Cream building on Woburn Avenue.

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ArtDeco

SPRINGS

BRAKPAN

Most of the art deco wonders in Springs were residential buildings with names like Mansion, Towers and Chambers. The yellow Court Chambers at 25 Second Street is perhaps the most popular, with its inner courtyard, parallel vertical lines and balconies.

Meanwhile, the Central Fire Station (at the corner of Boksburg and Welgedacht Road) is the best known public building. It has even been granted national monument status. It’s a prime example of the use of the curved lines that bend around the corners of the building, as well as portholes, reminiscent of a ship or aeroplane, and geometric windows.

The colourful Manitoba House on 3rd Street is known for its red pillars and rounded balconies. Along the same street you’ll also find what is now called the KFC Building (painted red and beige in line with the fast food shop that now occupies the ground floor); while Renesta House has decorative wall tiles and cubes as well as vertical and horizontal streamlining, which divides the building into different levels.

By now it should be midday and The Casbah Roadhouse is the ideal place for lunch. This grey building with its geometric paint job is like something out of a 1930s Hollywood movie and you can either sit in your car or at the wooden benches outside. There’s even the chance to braai your own meat in true South African barbecue style. Across the street you’ll see the facebrick Hotel Savoy, which now houses an upholstery shop on the ground floor.

GERMISTON The Germiston Fire Station on Angus Street is all about symmetry, which is accentuated by its modelled corners and sailing ceiling slab. Visit the redbrick Germiston Town Hall (corner of President and Lambert Street) with the clock atop its tower and flat roof slabs, where flag masts indicate the building’s entrances.

Art deco wonders Housed in Jo’burg

Before you leave, drop by the Rand Airport (Lake Road). It has spectacular cantilevered balconies that are inspired by aeroplanes (again harking back to the industrialisation of the time). ‘Amelia’, the film about Amelia Earhart starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere, was filmed here because of its 1930s look that resembles Miami and Burbank airports.

WHEN YOU VISIT The Heritage Portal is a news platform and the best place to learn about the historical value of Johannesburg’s various buildings. www.theheritageportal.co.za The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation occasionally runs art deco and architectural tours, as does the Gauteng Institute for Architecture. www.joburgheritage.co.za www.gifa.org.za

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48Hours

From fabulous food to wonderful wildlife‌

YOUR DREAM GETAWAY STARTS HERE

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Nairobi National Park

F

Seven Seafood & Grill

astjet’s new route between Dar es Salaam and Nairobi has opened up a whole new level of East African exploration.

And with twice-daily flights to and from the Kenyan capital, you can tailor your trip to suit your needs. However, if you only have a weekend free to explore the safari capital of the world, here are our tips for making the most out of 48 hours in Nairobi.

Luckily, fastjet’s Nairobi flights depart from Dar es Salaam at either 06:00 or 12:50 so you still have a

Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi

generous portion of your day to enjoy the sights after landing. Being the keen adventurers we are, we hopped on the 06:00 flight on a Friday. We shortly arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, gliding in above Nairobi National Park, just a stone’s throw from the airport.

Having failed to spot any wildlife from our window seat, we hopped in a taxi and headed straight to the gates of the park to explore properly. On a half-day tour, we were pleasantly surprised by the range of wildlife we saw, including giraffe,

KICC

zebra, warthog, buffalo, lion and even a rhino.

City by night

Make the most Of Kenya’s capital

As our tour came to an end, we headed up Uhuru Highway and into the city for an evening of wonderful food and drinks. Kenya’s bustling capital has a very exciting gastronomy scene, so deciding where to eat is harder than you think. Eventually, we plumped for the renowned Seven Seafood & Grill at ABC Place. Thanks to the annual Nairobi Restaurant Week, we enjoyed three courses of

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48Hours

©Mighty Travels

©Andrew Moore

©LMspencer/Shutterstock-com

National Museum

Karura Forest

sublime food for a very reasonable price, perfectly matched with a large glass of specially selected wine.

A few glasses later, it was time to retire back to our hotel. Like the restaurant industry, the hospitality sector is positively booming, with new properties opening their doors seemingly on every corner.

We stayed in the Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi, an affordable hotel in an excellent location, with the friendliest staff you could wish for.

Adventure After an excellent night’s sleep, and the best buffet breakfast we’d ever had, we were eager to set out on another adventure. First stop was the central business district, home to the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Surrounded by official buildings, fountains and greenery, KICC is more than a meetings venue; it is also famous for its helipad, which visitors can access (on payment of a USD 4 entry fee) for breathtaking views of the city.

Next stop was the Nairobi National Museum, one of the city’s most popular

Fairmont The Norfolk

attractions. Kenya’s rich history is displayed throughout the museum, including exhibits on human evolution and a good collection of stuffed animals. If you are not squeamish – unlike us – there is a snake park next to the museum and combination tickets can be purchased for both museum and park.

You can’t visit Nairobi and not stop for a bite to eat at one of the many Nairobi Java House outlets.

This ever-popular chain serves up quick and tasty food at decent prices. After a delicious halloumi and avocado wrap, accompanied by iced coffee, we were on our way to Karura Forest, north of the city centre. This expanse of greenery is a great place to stroll, cycle or jog for an afternoon of relaxation and fresh air. Or, if you’re not the energetic type, bring a blanket and a book and enjoy the moment. We explored the forest on foot and were lucky enough to see a few monkeys and plenty of birdlife.

For dinner, we headed to Tatu Restaurant at Fairmont The Norfolk.

This fine establishment serves impeccable food and is especially

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage famous for its steak. For the less carnivorous, there are plenty of fish and vegetarian options across the menu. The grilled brie was outstanding, followed by a serving of giant prawns from the Kenyan coast.

Elephant Orphanage

Baby elephants At Sheldrick Orphanage

With Sunday’s flight departing at 20:15, we still had plenty of time to enjoy a bit more of Nairobi before leaving. We decided to take a quick trip to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, close to Nairobi National Park. Open between 11 am and 12 noon each day, the orphanage allows you to get up close to some of the elephant orphans. The keepers are very knowledgeable, and it is a pure delight to watch the baby elephants drinking from their bottles and splashing around in the mud to cool off. Even if you don’t have time to spend the whole hour there, just 15 minutes is enough to see – and touch, if they are feeling friendly – these gentle giants.

Then it’s back to JKIA to check in for our fastjet flight, and arrive at Julius Nyerere in time for another working week.

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RiverCruise

ALL ABOARD! Ultimate relaxation on the Zambezi

After an action-packed day of adrenaline-fuelled activities during my recent trip to Vic Falls, a relaxing evening was well needed. The rush from bungee jumping and kayaking left me tired, hungry and in dire need of a strong drink and decent food. Not knowing what to expect, I arrived at the shores of the Zambezi River for my sunset cruise….

By Kate Wingar

A

s I stepped out of the taxi, I sighed with relief. There she was - the Zambezi Explorer – one of Zimbabwe’s most luxurious vessels. I couldn’t help but stand and admire the flagship boat, which boasts three decks and a capacity of 150 guests. I made my way around the boat, each deck furnished with lavish chairs and tables, cosy cushions and even fluffy throws to keep guests warm throughout the journey. It felt more like I was at home on the sofa than about to embark on a boat trip down the fourth-longest river in Africa. It was clear that every aspect of the cruise had been carefully thought about to ensure ultimate passenger comfort.

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After setting off, I could instantly see why the Explorer sunset cruise is voted one of the best activities, and the top cruise in Vic Falls, on Tripadvisor time and time again. With Zimbabwe on one side of the boat and Zambia on the other (after all, the Zambezi River separates the two countries), the gentle cruise offers a very unique experience. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff (and maybe an alcoholic drink, or two) encouraged guests to unwind and mingle, which only made my evening more memorable.

There’s nothing better than viewing the famous wildlife of Zimbabwe (and Zambia) with a drink in one hand and Zambezi style gourmet snacks in the other. And, unlike many excur-

sions I’ve been on, the wildlife didn’t disappoint. In fact, the animals came out in full force. Myself and my fellow voyagers managed to spot elephant, zebra, antelope, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and warthog all in the space of 30 minutes, which was rather remarkable seeing as we spent most of the time recounting our travel tales to one another.

High standards I was particularly impressed by the high standard of food served on board. Guests of the two lower Luxury Decks can enjoy a five star cruise, whilst being served a wide range of snacks and drinks. And for those who wish to spend a little extra, the Signature Deck offers a VIP

TAKE A TRIP The Zambezi Explorer Cruise Company vessels are available for breakfast and sunrise, lunch, dinner and sunset cruises in Victoria Falls, as well as corporate conferences, weddings and special functions.

Breakfast cruise: Don’t miss the opportunity to capture this precious time of day in all its glory. Enjoy tea, coffee, juice, croissants, muffins and fruits for just USD 45.

Lunch cruise: Dine on the boat as it sails away from the commotion of the town to explore the islands of the Zambezi. Lunch costs USD 50.

Sunset cruise: At the end of the day, the Zambezi Explorer sails upstream to view the setting African sun. Prices vary from USD 55-80 for the cruise, and from USD 85-110 for the cruise and Signature Lounge dinner.

Floating luxury On the Zambezi

cruise with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and premium beverages. But it’s the quality of service from the staff that really makes the Zambezi Explorer stand out from the cruising crowd.

Before I knew it, and before I was ready, the boat made a U-turn and headed back down the river to Vic Falls. As the staff sung the national anthem to the Zambezi Explorer

passengers, I knew the wonderful evening was sadly coming to an end.

If you’re looking for a sociable evening full of delicious food, beautiful river views, and wildlife in their natural habitat, then an eco-friendly cruise along the Zambezi is the perfect choice.

For more information, please visit: www.zambeziexplorer.com

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BookFair

COME ON IN the literature’s lovely

Dar visit by floating book fair is talk of the town

By Elizabeth Emmanuel*

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t seems like everyone in Dar es Salaam was talking about a very particular ship call in January and February when the port welcomed nearly 50,000 members of the public on board the ‘Logos Hope’.

Run by a German Christian charitable organisation, and with nine decks and 492 berths, ‘Logos Hope’ is the world’s largest floating book fair. Dar’s book lovers of all ages, religions and ethnic backgrounds, including myself, did not let this

opportunity pass us by. We turned out in full force to welcome the ship to Dar.

Cultural diversity I was lucky enough to visit the floating book fair and while on board I experienced a great unity in cultural diversity that is sadly rare in modern

Book lovers Enjoy a day on the ship

society. And at only TZS 1,000 (less than a dollar), the experience was good value for money. ‘Logos Hope’ has over 400 crew members from 60 countries who all work as volunteers.

As soon as I entered the book fair, the unbeatable smell of new books hit my nose. The ship’s wide range of strategically labelled titles was a bookworm’s dream. There were over 5,000 titles including children’s books, hobbies, arts, medicine, languages, religion and cookery. At such decent prices, I couldn’t help

*Elizabeth is a photographer based in Dar es Salaam. To follow more of Elizabeth’s journeys, visit:

www.elleemmanuel.com Instagram: @elle_emmanuel

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BookFair

GBA SHIPS GBA Ships pioneered the concept of using vessels to transport literature, humanitarian aid and people resources. GBA is short for Gute Bücher für Alle (‘good books for all’). It began in 1970 with the organisation’s first ship, ‘Logos’. Its fourth ship is ‘Logos Hope’, which entered service with GBA in February 2009.

Operational costs are met by sponsorship of crew members, general donations and gifts, reduction or waiving of fees by civic and port authorities, book sales and corporate support.

buying some children’s books for my nephew and treating myself to books on leadership and devotion.

It’s hard to distract me from a good book, but the smell of popcorn did exactly that. My nose led me to the International Café, where I also indulged in ice cream, brownies and dried mangoes.

Unique experience What helped make this experience unique was the chance to go behind the scenes of the port and see the ships docked, with cranes offloading containers and views of the Indian Ocean. On a normal day, I would have needed a very valid reason to set foot inside the port. So thankyou, ‘Logos Hope’.

As well as bringing knowledge and opportunities to Dar, the ship and its

What helped make this experience unique was the chance to go behind the scenes of the port

crew are on a mission to offer help and hope to the communities they visit. While in port, ‘Logos Hope’ sent teams ashore to work with the community, churches, schools, universities and orphanages.

To date, the ‘Logos Hope’ has visited over 50 countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. It has welcomed more than 5 million visitors and sold over 5 million books. Its next stop is Durban and then four other ports in South Africa.

So keep an eye out for the ‘Logos Hope’ visiting a port near you.

VISITOR INFORMATION Entrance fee: TZS 1,000 (USD 1) Past and future ship calls: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 26 January to 17 Feb Maputo, Mozambique 24 February to 15 March Durban, South Africa 3 May to 18 May Richards Bay, South Africa 19 May to 31 May East London, South Africa 1 June to 21 June Port Elizabeth, South Africa 1 June to 21 June Cape Town, South Africa 23 June to 12 July Walvis Bay, Namibia 15 July to 28 July

For more information, visit: Bringing knowledge To Dar

www.facebook.com/logoshope www.gbaships.org

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CarImporting

Too much of a GOOD THING? Cheap Japanese car imports are good news for East African motorists – but the environmental impact is a growing headache for national governments. Gary Gimson reports.

E

veryone loves a bargain, especially when they’re splashing out on a new car; and, of course, no one likes to think they have been duped into buying a dud.

With showroom prices prohibitively expensive and beyond the reach of many middle-income earners, there is only one way to get a ‘new’ car and that is to buy secondhand. Yet in East Africa we are lucky, because buying second-hand almost feels like buying brand-new.

We have the Japanese to thank for this. Here is a nation of ultra-careful drivers who, anecdotally, take out their cars only on high days and holidays and keep their cherished runabouts in almost pristine condition – and then only for a couple of years before buying a new one.

Ultimately, it’s East Africa that benefits from this oriental carefulness. So, with a limited market in Japan for these nearly new, regularly maintained, sparingly used and mint right-hand-drive Toyotas and Nissans, there is little option but to sell overseas. As a result, these cars are exported to meet the almost insatiable demand for cheap used vehicles in destinations such as East and Southern Africa.

As a consequence, second-hand imports outnumber new in East Africa by more than five to one.

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And second-hand Japanese cars make up well over 90 per cent of all ‘grey’ imports*. There is also a much smaller market for higher-value European models, mostly sourced from the UK. In many ways, the key to the success of this trade is to be found at the Japanese end of the deal.

Before being shipped, exported cars must be inspected by independent bodies such as the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre and the Japan Auto Appraisal Institute. It’s this vigorous inspection regime that gives buyers the confidence to make their purchase before or after the vehicle arrives in East Africa.

Revenue African governments, meanwhile, seem ambivalent about the import of second-hand cars. On the one hand, the taxes and duties levied on the landed metal brings in a serious amount of revenue; but on the other, more cars on the roads means more congestion in big cities and, eventually, the environmental headaches associated with scrappage – a process that Japan no longer really has to worry about. The six-nation East African Community is considering plans to ban the import of second-hand cars along with shoes and mitumba (used clothes).

*A grey import is a new or used motor vehicle legally imported from another country through channels other than the manufacturer’s official distribution system.

In order to ensure that cars are not scrapped comparatively soon after arriving in the country, many African states have set an age limit on second-hand imported vehicles.

Tanzania is an exception. As a deterrent, the authorities skew the import tariff so that the duty on cars over 10 years old is much higher than on newer vehicles. Similarly, vehicles with engines over 2,000 cc tend to get clobbered by the revenue services. Kenya, meanwhile, has an eight-year age limit and a righthand-drive-only import policy (with exceptions for specialised vehicles).

So what does the government get from the import of each ‘new’ car?

In essence, here are the comparative charges when importing a car into, say, Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.

For Kenya, these are: • 25 per cent of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) amount paid for the car as import duty • 2.25 per cent of the CIF amount as import declaration fee or KES 5,000 – whichever amount is higher • KES 150,000 for a car less than three years old and KES 200,000 for a car over three years old as excise duty • 16 per cent of (CIF amount + import duty + excise duty) as value added tax (VAT) In Tanzania: • 25 per cent of the CIF amount paid for the car as import duty. For trucks, vans and buses it’s just 15 per cent

• 18 per cent VAT on all imported vehicles • Excise duty ranges from zero on cars under 1,000 cc and utility vehicles to five per cent on cars up to 2,000 cc and 10 per cent on non-utility vehicles over 2,000 cc.

There are, of course, any number of other fees and costs such as insurance, port and storage charges to be taken into account by the importer.

The big dilemma is whether to buy straight from Japan yourself or to use a specialist importer. Clearly, it can be cheaper to buy directly from Japan and there are websites where you can view cars for sale and awaiting export.

But it’s not for the inexperienced.

Don’t be fooled by the amazingly low prices on offer as there are all those

A long line of bargains Spoilt for choice

charges (listed earlier) to add before you can get your hands on your beloved new wheels.

One way to save money, though, is to buy from an importer based at the port of entry. This avoids the pitfalls of self-importing but cuts out some of the transport costs. So in Kenya, for example, it’s possible to save a few shillings by popping down to Mombasa and driving the car yourself back to Nairobi. You could even make a weekend of it.

The big dilemma is whether to buy straight from Japan yourself or to use a specialist importer fastjet.com

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Profiler

If music be the food of love…

MAURICE IS THE MASTER CHEF

By Kate Wingar

F

or the past 10 years, Maurice Kirya has been one of Uganda’s shining stars, doing what he does best – singing and song writing. Born in 1984, the multiaward-winning artist is known for his unique style of soul music, which he calls Mwooyo. Having played 40 cities in 35 countries across Africa, Europe and America, it’s no wonder Kirya is known by fans as ‘The King of Mwooyo’.

As well as being a great singing talent, Kirya has built a reputable acting career for himself with a role in the Ugandan hit series ‘The Hostel’. And as if his schedule weren’t busy enough, the 32-yearold is also CEO of one of the most loved restaurants in Kampala, The Sound Cup.

Success Kirya is arguably one of East Africa’s most influential musicians. His first album, released in 2009, was an instant success both locally and internationally. Since then, he has performed at concerts, appeared on international TV and radio shows and won many accolades.

His second album, ‘The Book of

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Kirya’, was released in October 2012 and his third, ‘Mwooyo’, was one of Uganda’s most anticipated albums ever. While some argue that he has pioneered Ugandan soul music over the past few years, one thing is for sure – Kirya is a unique artist who has made himself a household name in Uganda’s music industry.

Q. When did you first know you wanted a music career?

A. I think I always knew as I came from a musical family. Music was something my family was known for. We sang about everything, anywhere. It was my best form of communication and it was clear to me that this was what I wanted to do.

Q. Was it hard breaking into the industry?

A. Oh yes, it really was. From financial constraints to creating a brand without necessarily having the money. Let’s just say if I wasn’t persistent and stuck to my guns, I would not be here. So I must thank my fans.

Q. Highlight of your career so far?

A. That would be my previous concert #KiryaLive in 2015. It was so nice to see how my team and I have

evolved. People flew from many other countries just to catch this annual show that I do, and it hit me that it was more than just music for them – it resonated with how they feel about the topics in my music.

Q. How would you describe your music?

A. I have always called my music Mwooyo, which means Ugandan soul music. However, this year I am branching out to express myself rather differently.

Q. How was your ‘Mwooyo’ album received?

A. Fans were shocked that we kept the project silent only to announce it just two months before release. It has been received well and is by far my most personal album.

Q. Your plans for 2016?

A. I will be releasing a new album this year, performing at two major concerts and playing a large part in two movies, including one with Lupita Nyong’o. I will also be opening my second restaurant, The Sound Cup, located at Bugolobi Village Mall.

Having played 40 cities in 35 countries across Africa, Europe and America, it’s no wonder Kirya is known by fans as ‘The King of Mwooyo’ Q. Will you follow the music scene or continue down the film path?

A. I love both heavily. One will always affect the other. But my plan is to just give my very best and the fates will decide.

Q. You’ve toured many countries. Which is your favourite?

A. Rwanda has always been my favourite. The way the fans receive every melody is intensely different.

When Rwandans watch you, they are as good as being on stage with you.

Q. What is the Ugandan music industry like just now?

A. The Ugandan music scene never really falters. New stars are constantly being born in my country. One of my favourite artists right now is A Pass [stage name of Alexander Bagonza].

Q. Any message for your fans?

A. I am where I am because of my fans. You guys are my friends, my family and an inspiration for the music I create. I love you all.

A pioneer Of Uganda’s soul music

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TanzaniaHockey

STICKS AT THE READY!

By Kate Wingar

T

here are still many preconceptions about the game of hockey. We all squeal and flinch as we hear our grandmothers recount embellished tales of battered shins and bruised knees suffered while running around aimlessly on an uneven grass pitch in a small skirt.

But this image is very out of date. Nowadays, hockey is quickly becoming one of the most played

sports in many communities. While it will probably never reach the audiences and commercialism that football has, it is still a widely appreciated game.

Many more schools across East Africa are offering hockey either as part of the sporting curriculum or through after-school clubs. And there are now clubs for both adults and children to join, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran.

Much of the progress in the sport and the rise in its popularity can

There are many benefits to be had from team sports, such as developing social skills, gaining willpower, improving self-esteem and keeping active through exercise 50

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be put down to a joint venture between the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) and the Twende Hockey foundation.

Inspire and empower

Future stars Developing skills

The two organisations aim to use hockey to inspire and empower young Tanzanians. After all, there are many benefits to be had from team sports, such as developing social skills, gaining willpower, improving self-esteem and, most obviously, keeping active through exercise.

Twende (meaning ‘Let’s go!’ in Swahili) focuses on supporting the development of hockey in schools in Tanzania by training coaches and players, collecting hockey equipment in Europe for future Tanzanian players, supporting the national teams with high-level coaching and helping the THA to find sponsors.

Chicks with sticks Tanzania’s female players

Both the THA and Twende Hockey Foundation have brought the sport on in leaps and bounds within Tanzania. From the country’s first hockey schools tournament, in November 2015, involving over 200 youngsters, to the new six-a-side Astroturf hockey pitch at Jakaya Kikwete Youth Park in Dar es Salaam, hockey is growing more popular by the day.

The national teams are also seeing the benefit of this surge. With more and more talented players coming forward, and improved levels of funding, coaching and equipment, both the men and women’s teams travelled to the Africa Olympic Qualifying tournament in Johannesburg last year more confident than ever. Although neither team qualified for this year’s Olympics in Brazil, the fact that the teams played so well, competing against some of the continent’s

best and even beating the Botswana men’s team, shows how far hockey has come. And, for the first time ever, Tanzania was represented in the Junior African Cup, held in March 2016 in Namibia – yet another significant stepping stone to the future of hockey in Tanzania.

Although still a small family, Tanzania’s hockey community is becoming a force to reckon with.

Whether you want to kick-start your fitness regime without going to the dreaded gym, fancy trying a new sport or feel like renewing your old hockey days, be sure to get involved.

For more information on hockey in Tanzania or to sponsor and support the sport, visit: www.twendehockey.com

fastjet flew Tanzania’s national teams to the Africa Olympic Qualifying tournament in Jo’burg last year.

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AfricanEconomy

A CHILLY WIND FROM CHINA To mangle an old cliché, when China sneezes, Africa catches a cold. And with the Chinese economy in an uncharacteristic spot of bother, Africa has already started to feel the effects of what could be a chilly wind from the east.

O

ver the last 10 years, and more rapidly in the last two or three, China has become Africa’s top trading partner, buying up or extracting all kinds of raw materials and in return – not always altruistically – financing a series of world-scale infrastructure projects. Once complete, these will dramatically transform the economic fortunes of many African states, while also speeding the movement of various commodities to meet the voracious demand of the Chinese industry.

The authoritative and widely respected African Economic Outlook in its 2015 report spelled out the background to the present situation: “During the 2000s Africa has been benefiting from a shift of global wealth. World output growth has

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accelerated, mainly driven by China and other emerging nations. This has boosted demand for oil and minerals and increased commodity prices, which has benefited Africa’s resource-rich countries, whose reserves are among the least exploited globally. Over the

first decade of the century, African exports to Europe doubled, exports to emerging economies quadrupled and exports to China alone increased by a factor of 12. By the middle of that decade, foreign investment, stimulated by a global savings glut, poured into mines and biofuels, but also into the infrastructure necessary to exploit them, such as ports, roads, electricity and support services.”

Tumbling world prices are actually a mixed blessing for many East and southern African economies imported crude and refined oil means a lower outflow of foreign exchange.

While volatile – or simply falling – energy prices have grabbed the headlines, it’s the overall drop in commodity markets that is so worrying and troublesome for African finance ministries with debts to settle and bills to pay. The most obvious example is the price of copper, on which Zambia is particularly dependent. Despite a brief upturn in copper prices in the three months to March, the price per tonne had dropped from around USD 4,500 to USD 2,000 between early 2011 and end 2015.

The impact of this on the Zambian economy cannot be overstated.

Export earner But is this mutually beneficial twoway relationship now under threat?

China’s economic slowdown, leading to a reduced demand for oil and minerals, has had a notable impact on global commodity prices, on which much of Africa is heavily reliant.

Tumbling world prices are actually a mixed blessing for many East and Southern African economies. Some states – for example, Tanzania and Mozambique – are nascent energy exporters and others – Kenya and Uganda – have longer-term hopes of becoming so. So falling oil and gas prices inevitably mean a drop-off in exploration and production; but in the short term, the reduced cost of

Coal, meanwhile, a big export earner for both Mozambique and South Africa, saw a halving of world prices between 2011 and 2016 from USD 80 to USD 40 per tonne.

China’s woes have also contributed to a general lowering of tea and coffee prices around the world. Earnings from these two commodities are critical to states such as Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

With ratings agency Moody’s having just downgraded China’s credit rating from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’, it seems unlikely that Africa’s commodity prices are going to rise significantly any time soon. More worryingly, the economic slowdown in China may have an impact on the country’s recent penchant for mega infrastruc-

ture building – although it’s unlikely to affect those already under way, such the USD 3.8 billion Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Line (which will eventually reach Uganda), the USD 23 billion LAPSSET corridor scheme and the various multi-billion-dollar port and rail projects in Tanzania. But it may take away China’s appetite for future projects of this kind.

Meanwhile, on a more positive note, industry experts say tourism is set for a strong recovery in 2016. A major revenue earner for almost all regional states, tourism suffered badly from the fall-out of the Ebola crisis in West Africa, even though the deadly outbreak happened many thousands of kilometres from key destinations in East and Southern Africa.

Remittances held up well and billions of dollars poured back into Southern Africa as pure foreign exchange or quickly turned into smallscale investments from those working overseas. In spite of the current economic uncertainty around the world, there is no sign of this inward flow tailing off in the months ahead.

So it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. But until the increasingly gloomy picture surrounding China shows some sign of improvement until the economic dark cloud over China gives way to clearer skies, Africa may struggle in the coming period to match the impressive growth rates it has seen in recent years – and despite some good economic news in some sectors.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Hussar Grill

FROM FRAZZLE

TO DAZZLE…

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By Lucy Makinda

A chic and delicious antidote to city’s heat and bustle The year Zambia gained its independence, 1964, also witnessed the opening of the first Hussar Grill in Rondebosch, Cape Town.

Forward 52 years and The Hussar Grill has become a distinguished culinary brand known for its specialty steaks, excellent service and celebrated wine list. And now those in Lusaka can taste a piece of the action too.

I

had been battling through Lusaka traffic on a Friday afternoon, feeling baked in the cab of a truck with an air con system that had given up, when I arrived at East Park Mall, Lusaka.

I stumbled across Hussar Grill – a tranquil sight for my very sore eyes. My attention was drawn to pristine white tablecloths, modern chairs and pavement side tables. I glanced enviously at the restaurant’s relaxed, cool-looking diners. My head swivelled as my attention was drawn to the glistening tableware and, in particular, the large, finestemmed wine glasses.

Hot and frazzled, at this point nothing could have appealed to me more than swishing some cool wine around in a nice large glass – an experience that has not been common in my travels when dining at other eateries. So I earmarked The Hussar Grill for my late lunch.

The appeal of the grill is obvious: it’s chic, clean and friendly; it has a great location; delicious food; and attentive but not overwhelming service.

Delicious food With attentive service

As I waited for my meal, complimentary snacks were brought to my table; the fresh olives and tasty chip slivers were all very moreish. I decided on a dry rosé called Casa de Ouro Graça. “Crisp and lively,” it said on the label – and it was (unlike me, after a week of getting lost, being cut up, heckled by bus drivers and facing the general trauma of traffic jams). “I so deserve this,” I thought as it arrived, served in – yes! – a lovely, large glass.

Impressive My request for extra ice (OK, I admit to any wine buffs out there, I’m a philistine) came in a cute little bucket with tongs. A finger bowl was produced without me having to ask, which may not seem impressive, but compared to another Lusaka restaurant chain where the finger bowl was the size of a small washing up bowl.

The Hussar Grill menu is extensive. In terms of starters, it serves everything from soups and salads to calamari and camembert, while the main courses range from its renowned steaks and meat on the

bone to house specialties such as Madagascan pepper fillets, house burgers, parmesan chicken breasts and an array of seafood dishes.

I ordered spatchcock chicken from the grill. Cooked from fresh, it took a little time, but it was well worth the wait; extremely moist and tender, and eaten with perhaps an overly generous helping of piri piri sauce. The sides of creamed spinach and sweet potato mash, which was dressed with a dusting of cinnamon, was actually the winner of the day.

It’s a combination I have not had before; but, being such a simple and tasty dish, I’ve added it to my own repertoire of recipes. As the hostess came over to check that I was happy, it was an easy ‘Yes’.

All in all, The Hussar Grill gets it right. Attentive service with charm and courtesy, delicious wine and succulent meat, all while dining alfresco, catching a breeze underneath a shady canopy and people watching. The perfect lunchtime experience.

www.hussargrill.co.za

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LOOK INSIDE African Tulip

By Grace Nyondo

OLD-WORLD COMFORT IN AN IDEAL CITY LOCATION

I

t’s rare to find a boutique hotel that offers a genuine and authentic African experience.

Combine this with passionate staff, a quiet location and a relaxed atmosphere and you have the African Tulip hotel.

Located in the calm suburbs of Arusha, yet just five minutes’ drive from the city centre with its shops and restaurants, the African Tulip opened in 2008. Since then, the word has spread about its comfortable rooms, (extremely) large beds and courtyard pool. Despite the hype, it doesn’t disappoint.

A sense of ‘old Africa’ merged with modern personal touches makes this hotel an Arusha favourite.

With its dark beams, old wood and rustic shades of orange and brown, the African Tulip is wonderfully decorated to create a home away

from home. Guests can choose from a variety of Indian food in the hotel restaurant, or unwind with a drink (or two) in the Zanzibar Lounge.

Personal experience

‘Old Africa’ In the heart of Arusha

With just a few rooms, travellers really do gain a personal experience. Each room comes with modern en-suite facilities and a beautiful bay window, so there’s no excuse for not finishing that book that has now gathered dust.

However, the most striking aspect of the rooms are the beds; for such a small hotel, they are incredibly large.

It’s a wonder they fit through the door.

But at least you can’t argue about who takes up the most space or who wanders over to the other’s side.

The African Tulip is the perfect base for those brave enough to take on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.

But it’s also an excellent retreat

for business guests who want to put their feet up in a cosy environment after a long day of meetings.

Whether you’re by the pool or in the bar, you’re guaranteed a peaceful stay with top-notch service while surrounded by African culture.

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CAR REVIEW Jaguar F-Pace

CAPABLE CAT

HAS REAL PEDIGREE P

orsche, with its chunky Cayenne, more or less kicked off the craze some time back and was joined by the likes of the Mercedes G-Class and Audi with its Q7. More recently, this trend has been followed by niche marques such as Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Bentley and even builders of Italian exotica such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

Clearly, there is a market for upmarket all-wheel-drive cars (although Ferrari is adamant that its SUV concept will never be put into production).

Pricey I hope to review Maserati’s new Levante AWD in a future issue of this magazine, but for the time being let’s concentrate on Jaguar’s new F-Pace. The Jaguar sits in the pricey but mid-size SUV segment populated by the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. None of these high-end SUVs could be said to be an object of sublime beauty, but Jaguar certainly seems to have come up with the best of the bunch in the good looks department. In fact, I’m really quite taken with the F-Pace.

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Here is a car that’s light and nimble for a cruiserweight. The reason is that some 80 per cent of the F-Pace’s bodywork is aluminium.

At the same time, and despite the fact that it shares a platform with Jaguar’s XE and XF models, about 90 per cent of its components are totally new.

The F-Pace is Jaguar through and through. There’s still the faint whiff of a venerable gentlemen’s club about the interior, and it’s none the worse for that. There are four trim levels: Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio and S. Even the entry-level Prestige comes with 18 inch alloys, a powered tailgate, heated front seats, an 8 inch touch screen infotainment system with satnav, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. As you work your way up the trim levels, then comfort and convenience increase, with rear-view cameras, 10-way adjustable leather seats, folding mirrors, panoramic roofs and a Meridian sound system as standard.

The F-Pace was launched in its home UK market in April and is expected to go on sale in Eastern and Southern Africa in August.

Sanjiv Shah of Nairobi’s Jaguar Land

Jaguar certainly seems to have come up with the best of the bunch in the good looks department

By Gary Gimson Pics courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover Limited

The 375 bhp 3.0 litre V6 supercharged engine that’s coming to Africa provides plenty of grunt and a mightily impressive top speed of 250 kph. The engine is a slightly uprated version (in terms of output) of the power plant that is fitted to all other Jaguar models – the XE, XF, XJ and F-Type.

Home markets Sublime beauty The first Jaguar AWD

Rover dealer, RMA, told Travelsmart: “Initially, only the 3.0 litre supercharged petrol version will be sold here. We will then introduce the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel versions later, probably in early 2017.”

For the time being, African dealers remain coy about retail prices in their respective home markets, so we shall have to wait some months before we learn how much the F-Pace is going to cost.

And if you’ve thought about buying a Jaguar but have felt, perhaps, that Africa was not necessarily the right environment for such a prestige marque, then the F-Pace would seem to assuage any such concerns. Here is a classy and wellbuilt car that can tackle all on-road and off-road conditions while maintaining a serene presence – especially from behind the wheel.

In fact, I think the F-Pace is going to be a hit. Sadly, we are going to have to wait a while for stocks to hit dealer showrooms in our part of the world. But I’m sure the wait will be worth it. Roll on August.

The perfect profile A real rival for Porsche and Audi

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LATEST RELEASES

What’s new in your bookshop and cinema

BLOCKBUSTERS

BOOKWORM

FINDING DORY

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

THE LAST GIRL

THE DAL COOKBOOK

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Idris Elba, Michael Sheen Directors: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence Director: Bryan Singer Genre: Action, Adventure

By Joe Hart

By Krishna Dutta

A mysterious epidemic reduces the female birthrate from 50 per cent to less than one per cent. The whole world scrambles to try and find a solution to the epidemic, but after 25 years, medical science is no closer to a cure. An entire generation grows up with less than a thousand women. Some of those women that remain, including Zoey, are housed in a scientific research compound, used by scientists to try and discover the cause of the epidemic. But for 20 years, Zoey has been away from her family, and told that the virus has wiped out the rest of the population.

Determined to escape from captivity before she undergoes the next round of tests, which so far have proven lethal to all participants, Zoey is ready to escape, but it won’t be easy. She has no idea what awaits her on the other side.

Dal is a staple Indian meal which is enjoyed the world over, not to mention is incredibly tasty and nutritious. Krishna Dutta’s cookbook takes you through the basics of learning to cook the lentil-based dish and other accompaniments to complement the flavours.

The cookbook features a huge variety of dal dishes, ranging from the traditional vegetarian offerings, to more experimental flavour combinations, such as Goan prawn and coconut.

The instructions are easy to follow, and the recipes are accompanied by mouthwatering pictures of the finished products. Whether you are a novice chef, or a die-hard Indian-food fan, The Dal Cookbook is an easy-touse compendium of recipes which will no doubt impress your dinner guests, or simply diversify your own culinary repertoire.

Following on from 2003’s hugely successful ‘Finding Nemo’, Dory (DeGeneres) the very forgetful fish reunites with her underwater pals for a new adventure. Dory wakes up one morning with an image in her head. She soon realises that she has finally remembered something. This image in her head sparks a desire to go and find out about her past, and answers to the questions she has. Who are her parents?

Where did she come from? And, of course, how did she learn to speak Whale? Accompanied

by Nemo and Marlin, Dory sets off to find her family, after remembering about “the jewel of Monterey, California”. When she arrives at the Monterey Marine Life Institute looking for her parents, she meets Bailey the beluga whale, Destiny, a whale shark and an octopus called Hank who help guide her.

In the next offering from the mega X-Men franchise, an all-star cast return to take on Apocalypse. Apocalypse has been worshipped as a god since the dawn of civilisation, and became immortal after harnessing the powers of many other mutants in the X-Men universe. Apocalypse wakes up after thousands of years to find the world is not how he remembered. Angry and frustrated, he recruits a team of powerful mutants, including Magneto, to cleanse mankind and create a new world order. In order to stop Apocalypse taking over, and reigning over the world, a group of young X-Men must join together and combine their powers to try to defeat their enemy. Led by Raven Darkhölme (Lawrence), with the help of Professor X (McAvoy), the X-Men must defend and try to save the Earth from destruction.

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01 BOOKING Remember: secirp egaggaB

Baggage prices* • Book at fastjet.com or via our call centre +255 784 108 900 to pay at the c i t s e m o D Domestic International lowest prices.

Pre-paid - Pre paid Paid at airport Paid airport diap erP - •yt hBook gierF astrearly diato pat -eget rP the Freighty opria tPre-paid aasdipossible aP best price.

20kg 80kg 20kg gk08 gk0220kg gk20kg 02 •

Pay directly at the of booking to save $10 moment $25 $80 now $40! money. $15 $30 !04$ won 08$ 52$ R 170 01R425 $ R680 R 225 R 510 086 • R For a small fee 524 RTshyou 0Tsh 71 R55,000 your flight 22,000 can change Tsh 88,000 Tsh 33,000 Tsh 66,000 up to 6 hours before departure.

000,88 hsT 000,55 hZMW sT 120 000ZMW ,22 hs300 T ZMW 480 ZMW 180 ZMW 360 Ush 160,000 Ush 60,000 Ush 120,000 084 WMZ 003 WUsh MZ40,000 02Ush 1 W100,000 MZ •

You can pre-book your favourite seat.

KES 1,100 KES 2,750 KES 4,400 KES 1,650 KES 3,300 000,061 hsU 000,001 hsU 000,04 hsU

FASTJETTER’S TOP TIPS 004,4 SEK

057,2 SEK

001,1 SEK

02 BAGGAGE Remember:

CREDIT CARD

• To pre-book your hold luggage to get the best price. Passengers can checkin a maximum of 2 bags (20kg each) on domestic and international flights.

• Every ticket allows you to take 1 piece of hand luggage on board for free. Your hand luggage must be no bigger than 56 x 45 x 25 cm. See the CREDIT CARD illustration below for further guidance.

Dar es Salaam to • Passengers travelling Johannefrom sburg South Africa may bring one item of hand luggage at a maximum weight of 7kg.

• Passengers wanting to carry more baggage weight on flights may purchase in advance ‘Freighty’. Now 50% off with 80 kg of luggage for $40!

Baggage prices* • Pre-book sports & music equipment half price than when paid for at the airport.

1234 5678 8765 4321 Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg

DRAC TIDERC

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FASTJETTER’S TOP TIPS

1234 5678 8765 4321

estic

International

t airport 0kg

Freighty - Pre paid BaggagePre-paid prices* CREDIT CARD

1234 5678 8765 4321 Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg

Pre-paid $80 now Paid $40! at airport DRAC TIDERC 20kg 20kg R680

$25 R 425 55,000 W 300 100,000 S 2,750

20kg

80kg Domestic $10 R 170 Tsh 22,000 ZMW 120 Ush 40,000 KES 1,100

Freighty - Pre $15paid

1 3 2D 78S8s76e5 r4a 4 a56la 12 3a ot m

nnahoJ grubse$25 Tsh 88,000 R 425 ZMW 480 Tsh 55,000 ZMW 300 Ush 160,000 Ush 100,000 KES 2,750 KES 4,400

* Subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

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travelsmart

80kgR225

$80 Tsh now $40!

33,000 R680 ZMW 180 Tsh 88,000 ZMW 480 Ush 60,000 Ush 160,000 KESKES 4,4001,650

Paid at airport International 20kg Pre-paid

Paid at airport $30 R51020kg $15 $30 Tsh 66,000 R225 R510 Tsh 33,000 ZMW 360 Tsh 66,000 ZMW 180 ZMW 360 Ush 120,000 Ush 60,000 Ush 120,000 KES 1,650 KES 3,300 KES 3,300 20kg

03 CHECK-IN Remember: • To have already checked in 40 minutes before the departure time.

• To bring the credit card you booked your flight with. A photocopy of both sides of the credit card will also suffice.

• In the unlikely event of a long delay or cancellation, fastjet will put you on the next available flight or refund your ticket in full.

04 ON-BOARD Remember: • We offer food and beverages on-board all our flights for an additional fee.

CREDIT CARD 1234 5678 8765 4321 Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg

International Freighty - Pre paid

Pre-paid

Paid at airport

80kg

20kg

20kg

$80 now $40!

R680 Tsh 88,000 ZMW 480 Ush 160,000 KES 4,400

$15 R 225 Tsh 33,000 ZMW 180 Ush 60,000 KES 1,650

$30 R 510 Tsh 66,000 ZMW 360 Ush 120,000 KES 3,300

VISA INFORMATION Most nationals require visas to enter East Africa.

Citizens from the five East African states require no visas while those from the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa.

However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.

Tanzanian visas All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived.

Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, New Zealand or Australia.

Tanzanian visas are issued by the following: • The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar.

• Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma Port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport.

South African visas Visitors’ visas are a requirement for many travellers entering South Africa on a temporary basis. The purpose of visit can be for either business or leisure but is restricted to 90 days or less when using a visitor’s visa. For longer trips a different type of visa is required and information regarding this can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.

The visa application must be produced on arrival and visitors are restricted to the activities given as the reason for travel during the visa application process.

For a smooth trip, ensure that visas are applied for before departure as they are not issued on arrival in South Africa.

Moreover, the visa must be fixed to a passport and shown to immigration upon landing. Visa applications do not need to be submitted in person but can be submitted on behalf of the traveller, for example, by a travel agent.

Non-South African nationals travelling to South Africa must provide evidence of an onward ticket (return ticket). Buses and train tickets are not accepted. If travelling with children under 18 a long form birth certificate in English language is required for each child as of 1 June, 2015 There are other visa requirements that must be adhered to for entry into South Africa: • A valid passport needs to be produced which must not expire for at least 30 days after the duration of the intended visit

• Any other gazetted entry point.

• At least two full, unused pages left in the passport

• From Tanzania High Commissions or embassies abroad.

• Travellers also require a completed application for visa form

For more information on Tanzanian diplomatic missions visit: www.tanzania.go.tz

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if over one year of age and travelling from a yellow fever belt country

• Documentation confirming the purpose of stay • Two colour passport photographs • A return or onward ticket is also a necessity There is a fee associated with obtaining a visa, this fee can change often but can be checked by contacting the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. For this and further information on visa requirements for entering South Africa visit www.home-affairs.gov.za

FLEET INFORMATION Airbus A319 – Quick facts Length:............................................ 33.84 m / 111 ft Height:..................................... 11.76 m / 38 ft 7 in Wingspan:........................... 34.1 m / 111 ft 11 in Maximum capacity:........................ 156 seats Cabin length:........................... 23.78 m / 78 ft Range:........................... 6,850 km / 3,700 Nm Maximum speed:.......................... Mach 0.82 Number of aircraft:.............................................. 5

Greener flights through innovative design Fastjet operates a fleet of A319 jets manufactured by Airbus as part of the A320 family of aircraft. Identical to the A320 except in length, the A319 is a single aisle twin-engine jet designed to carry up to 156 passengers. These highly efficient aircraft have a low environmental impact. Moreover, comfort has been improved for the smaller jet and the state-of-the-art A319 has a wide single-aisle fuselage, which gives a generous seat width, thus helping to maintain the high level of comfort that modern air travellers have come to expect.

fastjet.com

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Route Map Mar 2 THE FASTJET NETWORK

Home page web 8th February

FASTJET CONTACTS CALL CENTRE: +255 784 108 900 To book tickets or for any customer service enquiries.

Tanzania customer.tanzania@fastjet.com

fastjet Samora office

fastjet Moshi Town office Kaunda Street, opposite Kilimanjaro Crane Hotel

fastjet Kilimanjaro Airport office fastjet Mbeya Airport office at Songwe fastjet Mwanza Airport office fastjet Mwanza Town office Mwanza Hotel, Kenyatta Road

Samora Tower, Shop No 1, Ground floor, opposite the NHC House, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam

fastjet Zanzibar Town office

fastjet Ten West office

South Africa

Muzammil Centre Building, Mlandege Road

Tel: +255 777 212 191 / +255 777 313 181

Tel: + 255 784 108 900

Ten West Office, Ground floor, 10 Vingunguti, Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam

fastjet Julius Nyerere International Airport fastjet Arusha Town office Corridor Springs Hotel, Ground floor, Ingira Road

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Zambia

Uganda

customer.zambia@fastjet.com

fastjet Entebbe Airport office Tel: +256 750 080 190

c/o InterContinental Hotel, Haile Selassie Ave, Lusaka

Tel: +260 971 683 891

Lugogo Mall, Kampala

Zimbabwe customer.zimbabwe@fastjet.com c/o Star Travel, 9 Philips Avenue Belgravia Harare

Tel: + 263 86 44 55 66 77 Domestic Terminal Office

Ground Floor, Harare International Airport

International Terminal Office Harare International Airport

customer.southafrica@fastjet.com

Victoria Falls Town Office

Fastjet Johannesburg Airport office

Victoria Falls Airport Office

AVIAREPS counter, Terminal A, International departures, OR Tambo International Airport

Tel: +27 11 722 0226

fastjet Travelcare office

Shop 1 Centre, Corner of Livingstone Way and Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls Shearwater Aviation Office, Victoria Falls

fastjet Simba Travel office 8 Colville Street, Kampala

Kenya fastjet Nairobi Airport office Tel: +254 773 944 940 / +254 773 944 941 fastjet Town office Air Promotion Group, Karen connection 19, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport