Sawubona March/April 2025

FLY TO PERTH; CONNECT TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER

African Natural Treasures

Africa’s diamond and Tanzanite treasures captivate globally with beauty, rarity, and immense value. Diamonds shaped history and economy, while Tanzanite’s unique blue hues enchant as a sought-after gemstone found solely in Tanzania. Symbolizing luxury and elegance, these precious stones mesmerize admirers worldwide.

Discover ethically sourced diamonds and Tanzanite jewelry at Shimansky in Cape Town. With international certification and a commitment to sustainability, their exquisite pieces embody both beauty and ethical integrity. Enjoy guilt-free shopping and support responsible practices while indulging in the allure of their precious gems.

“Your African legacy for generations to come “

NATURAL FANCY YELLOW

Diamonds from the West Coast of South Africa

Extraordinarily rare and mesmerising, Fancy Yellow Diamonds are beautifully transformed into exclusive Shimansky creations, allowing you to savour the South African sun wherever you go.

Cont ts

26 Into the wild - Discovering the Eastern Cape’s untamed beauty

FEATURES

14 Destination: Perth

Heading for Perth and looking for things to do that are a little o the beaten track? Here are some suggestions.

20 Wanderlust at the end of the world

Discover the macabre, the madcap, and the magni cent in one of Earth’s most far- ung places

When acclaimed South African wildlife photographer Marlon du Toit set foot in the Eastern Cape, he uncovered a wilderness unlike any he had known – proving there’s always more to explore, even for seasoned adventurers

32 A land of superlatives

Embark on a journey through time in Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the world’s tallest sand dunes in the oldest desert on Earth that also happens to be Africa’s largest conservation area

38 Green travel adventures beckon Exciting outdoor experiences and adventures await in Durban

CONTRIBUTORS

DEBBIE HATHWAY

Into the wild – discovering the Eastern Cape’s untamed beauty 26

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

45 The latest news from SAA, plus ight information, routes and travel tips

TOUCHDOWN

69 Visa success

Here’s how to get all your ducks in a row for a smooth visa application

MIKATEKO MEDIA

Executive Director/Managing Director

Desireé Johnson | desiree.johnson@mikatekomedia.co.za

Executive Director/Content Director Ingrid Jones

Contact us info@mikatekomedia.co.za

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Jones

Commissioning Editor Leanne Feris

Designer Hanri Gerischer

Copy Editor Candice Landie

Proofreader Tamlyn Cramer

Digital Editor Liesl Frankson

Contributors Na sa Akabor, Keith Bain, Connel James Fortuin, Debbie Hathway, Iga Motylska, and Steve Smith

ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION

Sales Director Desireé Johnson

Advertising Sales Manager Merle Philander

+27 (0) 83 700 2700 merle.philander@mikatekomedia.co.za

Sales Team

Nick Armstrong

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Glenda Kulp

+27 (0) 73 917 2247 glenda.kulp@mikatekomedia.co.za

saasawubona.com

72 The connected traveller A round-up of the latest tech gear for all your needs

77 The understated option

The VolkswagenTouareg o ers a compelling alternative to established German luxury rivals for those seeking understated luxury with robust performance

80 Column: Connel James Fortuin: The trips that made me

“Award-winning writer collecting life lessons around the globe. Love dogs, dance, music, watches, jewellery, nature, and Champagne.”

IGA MOTYLSKA

A land of superlatives 32

“UNESCO site chaser, salsa dancer, unashamed greenie, deep-dive nerd, baked cheesecake addict.”

CONNEL JAMES FORTUIN

The trips that made me 80

“Walk, eat, repeat…Camino obsessed; choice of travel destination often sparked by the lure of an exotic food experience.”

Billy Masemola

+27 (0) 71 562 8564

masemolabmw@gmail.com

Sally Young +27 (0) 82 490 6961 sally.young@mikatekomedia.co.za

Production Manager Neilton Adams

PUBLISHED BY MIKATEKO MEDIA ON BEHALF OF SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (SAA)

www.mikatekomedia.co.za | info@mikatekomedia.co.za

SAA EDITORIAL

Vimla Maistry

Head: Group Corporate A airs, South African Airways (SAA)

SAA CONTACTS

Customer Service:

Email: saacustomerservice@ ysaa.com

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The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Board and Management of South African Airways and Mikateko Media (Pty) Ltd, nor do we take responsibility for third-party advertising and pricing supplied. All correspondence regarding the publication should be directed to Mikateko Media.

Make the most of your travels.

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SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY

South Africa officially took over the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) on 1 December 2024 from Brazil, following last year’s G20 Summit that took place in Rio de Janeiro from 18 – 19 November 2024. South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency until 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, with the aim of ensuring that no one is left behind and with a strong focus on Africa’s development.

By Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and G20 Sherpa

South Africa’s presidency of the G20 takes place when the world is facing a series of overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, including climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment, technological changes and geopolitical instability.

It is worth recalling that the G20 was originally established in response to the Asian financial crisis of 1997–99. As a meeting of Finance Ministers, it was aimed at coordinating policies to “promote international financial stability”. The G20 was elevated to a leaders’ forum in 2008 when it was convened by United States President George W. Bush to address the global financial crisis of the time.

The G20 represents approximately 85% of the world's GDP, more than 75% of world trade and around twothirds of the world's population, all of which make it a relevant and important platform.

During its presidency of the G20, South Africa intends to address prevailing global challenges by building partnerships across all sectors of society, acting in the interests of our shared humanity. We recognise that individual nations cannot thrive in isolation. Countries that attempt to prosper alone amid widespread poverty and underdevelopment contradict the essence of our collective humanity.

South Africa has adopted the theme, “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, for its G20 presidency. Our

country has identified three high-level priorities to be pursued. The first of these is inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment and reduced inequality. The second is food security. The last is artificial intelligence and innovation for sustainable development.

The first priority acknowledges the importance of the fair and equitable inclusion of developing countries in renewable energy and transition minerals valuechains for a just transition. A high-level expert report will examine the role of renewable energy technology and critical minerals in driving industrialisation, creating employment and fostering global equity, including through beneficiation at source.

On the question of food security, which Brazil put firmly on the agenda of the G20, South Africa will seek the support of the group in establishing a Task Force on Food Security. This Task Force will build on and complement the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which was launched in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the recent Summit.

The new Task Force under South Africa’s presidency will be supported by several key reports from leading international organisations and experts, which will inform the task force’s deliberations. The first study will explore policy interventions that link national strategies with regional food security approaches that are climateresilient and sustainable, such as the AU Special Envoy on Food Systems initiative to create regional ‘food baskets’.

The second regional study will examine the feasibility of various commodity price stabilisation techniques at regional and global levels to mitigate food price shocks, thus preventing increases in hunger and poverty.

At the global level, the Financial Stability Board (FSB), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), will be tasked with developing regulations and standards related to international commodity markets, corporations in the food sector and cross-border flows, while also addressing the intersections of these issues with climate change, all to improve food security.

Under the last priority, South Africa will propose the establishment of a G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development. This Task Force will ensure that regional perspectives are integrated into the international discourse on inclusive digital transformation.

South Africa will leverage the G20 platform to highlight the barriers to AI readiness and opportunity facing developing countries, including unequal, disproportionate access to digital infrastructure; market concentration of AI and digital technologies; the potential impact of AI on employment; and major shortfalls in data and AI governance, regulatory frameworks and implementation.

Given that South Africa’s presidency of the G20 comes in the 20th year since the grouping was broadened and elevated from being solely a grouping of finance ministers, South Africa will undertakes a study

of the achievements and challenges facing the group. Titled “The G20 at 20: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the Way Forward”, the study will set the scene for the planned reforms to G20 processes expected under the 2026 G20 presidency of the United States.

The study will entail a qualitative assessment of progress against the G20’s key commitments and targets since 2008. This will feature a list of key G20 commitments and targets that have been successfully delivered, those that are on track, and those that require renewed or increased G20 engagement and action.

The study will also cover the evolution of G20 working methods and internal processes since 2008, with major innovations that have improved efficiency and the inclusiveness of G20 dialogue and decision-making.

In 2023, the AU became a full member of the G20, which now comprises 19 countries and two regional organisations (i.e. the European Union and the African Union). The leaders’ summit to be hosted by South Africa in November will be the first to be hosted in Africa. We are already working with the AU to ensure seamless coordination and synergy.

The South African government recognises the significant strides made by the Brazilian G20 presidency in enhancing the G20 as a site of democratic global engagement. The South African presidency will continue this trajectory. A comprehensive dialogue with civil society and other state and non-state institutions will be conducted.

Uniting global leaders and policy makers to shape our collective future.

INTRODUCING

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South African Airways, Connecting Africa to the world, One flight at a time.

The world of travel is evolving

rapidly, and South African Airways (SAA) is soaring ahead with cutting-edge digital enhancements designed to make your journey smoother, smarter, and more rewarding. From a revamped booking engine to innovative mobile technology, SAA is redefining convenience at every step of your travel experience.

We’ve banished frustrating booking experiences. Our new booking engine is designed with you in mind, offering a faster, more intuitive interface that takes you from flight search to payment in just a few clicks. Customers can now use our self-service check-in feature for hassle-free check-in which enables them to select a seat, buy ancillaries and get access to the boarding pass before they step out of their home to start the journey.

Start your journey on flysaa.com.

Similarly, the SAA mobile app has been reimagined with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your journey. Now you can sync your boarding pass with your smartwatch, ensuring hassle-free boarding at the tap of your wrist.The Voyager digital card makes it effortless to manage your loyalty benefits, while real-time updates keep you informed every step of the way. The power of seamless travel is now right at your fingertips.

Download the app from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei App Gallery.

Provide your mobile number and you will receive information about your flight such as boarding time, schedule changes, boarding pass and gate changes via the Mobile App, WhatsApp and smartwatch.

For frequent flyers, the SAA Flight Pass is a game-changer. This innovative option allows you to purchase flights in bulk, offering greater flexibility and savings. Flight Pass helps you lock in the best fares while providing the freedom to choose your travel dates later. It’s convenience, control, and costefficiency all in one package.

Continuing with our digital enhancements, SAA now offers eSIM technology, allowing you to stay connected globally with ease. No more struggling with expensive roaming charges or searching for SIM cards in a new country. Simply activate your

eSIM before departure and enjoy instant access to mobile data upon arrival.

These digital enhancements are just the beginning of SAA’s commitment to providing world-class travel experiences.With every innovation, we’re making your journey smoother, your choices smarter, and your travel truly effortless.

Welcome to the future of flying with South African Airways.

M JOHN LAMOLA, INTERIM CEO South African Airways

It seems like

2025 is going to be a humdinger of a year. So many world events have already taken place and sparked global conversations. South Africa is hosting the G20 and we can’t wait to showcase our beautiful country. In January, six of the planets in our solar system lined up in a ‘planetary parade’ that could be seen with the naked eye. TikTok had American content creators in a spin when it was closed down for about 14 hours, but in that time, amidst the social media outcry, a Chinese app, RedNote, caused a frenzy among content creators. It seems we want to be connected with each other across the globe. World politics have us holding our collective breath, and all we crave is another holiday to settle our uneasiness.

We all need a break; a flight to a destination where we can kick off our shoes, stick our toes in the sand, stroll through cobbled streets, eat ice cream sitting on a hundred steps overlooking a cityscape, walk among the fynbos, watch the whales, have braaibroodjie. All that’s needed for braaibroodjie is two slices of bread, a few slices of tomato and onion, add some cheese if you want to (apparently it’s sacrilege), and some pepper. It has to be made outside on a grid over coals. Meanwhile, you sip on a Negroni while you wait to hear the sizzle of the broodjie as it nicely browns on each side. One bite. With a little bit of sauce dripping down your chin. Heaven. And deeply South African.

BOOK YOUR TICKET. FLY WITH US.

Ingrid Jones & the team

The Collection

FROM CITY STREETS TO VINEYARD RETREATS

Two destinations. One effortless standard of luxury. Exquisite interiors, the ultimate in comfort, and something for everyone—whether you’re in the heart of Sandton or surrounded by the vineyards of Franschhoek.

Sandton At the Center of It All

Ideally located in Johannesburg’s Sandton district, this is where business, lifestyle, and convenience meet. Designed for effortless stays, it offers top-tier in-room amenities, multiple dining options, a luxury spa, private cinema, and curated retail spaces—all just steps away. With a central location and seamless access to key destinations, it’s the perfect base to work, unwind, and explore.

sandton-hotel.com

reservations@sandton-hotel.co.za

+27 11 395 4777

Franschhoek

Where

Luxury Meets Tranquility

Nestled within Hey Joe Brewery, this boutique retreat offers an unforgettable Franschhoek escape. With artisanal craft beer, bistro-style dining, and elegant interiors, every stay is defined by refined indulgence. Premium wellness facilities, a sleek indoor aerobics pool, and beautifully designed rooms enhance the experience, while lush gardens, vineyard views, and a tranquil private dam immerse guests in the charm of South Africa’s culinary capital.

franschhoek-hotel.com

reservations@franschhoek-hotel.co.za

+27 21 753 1680

FRANSCHHOEK

Heading for Perth and looking for things to do that are a little off the beaten track? Here are some suggestions.

PERTH DESTINATION

GETTING THERE

SAA now has a codeshare agreement with Qantas. In addition to the direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth, and Cape Town and Perth, you now also have access to all Qantas destinations. Visit flysaa.com

1

TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

Head to the beautiful Avon Valley, an hour outside Perth. After your tranquil early-morning flight over the countryside, explore the historic towns of the region. Since it was Western Australia’s first inland settlement, the area has a rich heritage of the Ballardong Noongar people and the early pioneers. Stroll through the country towns, browse the craft shops, or picnic by the Avon River.

2

SWIM WITH BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

Being able to swim with these cute warmblooded mammals is an experience you will never forget. Swim with wild dolphins in the waters of Rockingham, where aquatic adventure abounds. Between September and May is the best time to spot dolphins in Perth.You are most likely to spot them in Perth along the Swan River, off the coast near Ocean Reef and Sorrento, or in Rockingham and Mandurah. However, you will only be able to swim with dolphins on a dolphin swim tour with reputable tour operators, such as Perth Wildlife Encounters in Rockingham, who offer swims with an experienced guide for both human and animal safety.

3

GO ON AN ADVENTURE IN FREMANTLE PRISON

A far cry from its original purpose, the Fremantle Prison is now a tourist attraction that combines history, mystery and fun. Experienced guides take visitors on a fascinating tour, or explore the labyrinth of tunnels 20 metres beneath the prison by foot and by boat.You can also opt for the spooky Torchlight Tour to delve into the darker side of the prison’s history.

saasawubona.com

4

HIKE PART OF THE BIBBULMUN TRACK

Just 45 minutes from the Perth CBD lies this internationally-acclaimed hiking trail. While the Bibbulmun Track is a long distance walk trail, stretching nearly 1 000 kilometres from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany, you can do only a section. The Perth Hills are the ideal place for a weekend away on the Bibbulmun Track. The track was designed for people with varying fitness levels. Enjoy a relaxing day-walk in the bush, an overnight camping adventure, or discover the highlights of the track and hidden treasures of the South West.

FIND HIDDEN GIANTS IN MANDURAH

MATAGARUP BRIDGE ZIP & CLIMB

Walk up this landmark bridge in Perth and zipline down! The walk is really a climb: up 314 steps at a 45 degree angle, and a shimmy, slide and squeeze through tight spaces to reach the Sky View Deck – an open-air viewing platform 72 metres above the Swan River. There, you will clip onto the 400-metre zipline for an exhilarating slide down the bottom. If you are feeling less adventurous, simply walk down instead.

FIRM FAVOURITES

These are the top recommendations for a reason, so don’t miss out on:

•• STROLL THROUGH KINGS PARK and its beautiful Botanic Garden full of native blooms.

On until 7 August 2025, The Giants of Mandurah is a free outdoor exhibition celebrating the extraordinary beauty of our natural world, and the importance of protecting it. Visitors begin their journey at the Mandurah Visitor Centre where they can choose their own adventure and collect clues along the way to discover each hidden Giant scattered throughout Mandurah’s outdoors.

Created by Thomas Dambo, considered the world’s leading recycle artist, these larger-than-life sculptures are made from recycled wood and placed all over the world, but this is the first time his giants are in Australia. He was taught from a young age about the value of recycling, sustainability, and unlimited imagination and shares that message through his sculptures.

GO

SANDBOARDING

If you’re going sandboarding in Lancelin, you may as well add a buggy, quad bike or dirt bike ride to your list and experience an adrenaline rush on the dunes against the backdrop of the most beautiful beaches of Western Australia. Afterwards, relax on the beach, or enjoy world-class windsurfing, swimming, surfing, snorkelling, diving, boating and fishing.

•• CRUISE ON THE SWAN RIVER to take in the scenery.

•• SIPPING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SWAN VALLEY, sampling artisan spirits, wines and beers as you tour this award-winning wine region.

•• LEARNING ABOUT ANCIENT ABORIGINAL CUSTOMS and connecting with the country on an Aboriginal cultural tour.

•• VISITING THE QUOKKAS on Rottnest Island. While you’re there, rent a bike to explore the island’s gorgeous beaches.

•• ANIMAL FUN at Caversham Wildlife Park where the kids can meet wombats, koalas and other cute critters.

•• BEACH SUNDOWNERS in Western Australia, the only state where you can watch a beautiful sunset from the beach as the sun sets across the Indian Ocean.

The nine metre high sculpture on Yagan Square, Perth, embodies the spirit and culture of the Noongar people.

PERTH-JOHANNESBURG ROUTE –1 YEAR LATER

fter a four-year absence in Australia, SAA returned its direct services from Johannesburg to Perth a year ago, with our first flight on 28 April 2024. The initial schedule was three flights per week. Our relaunch marketing and PR activations were very successful, cementing SAA’s return to the market.

Both direct consumers and our travel trade partners welcomed SAA back, and their support has exceeded all expectations. The aircraft loads from the initial launch have been strong, and demand has strengthened. Prior to our return to Australia there was only one other airline that flew directly from Australia to South Africa, although there were many indirect alternatives. The pent-up demand for our services was palpable and we were able to add additional flights. By December 2024, we had added a fourth weekly service, then in January this year we added the fifth weekly service.

Our trade and direct customers were extremely appreciative that SAA broke the monopoly on the direct services from Australia to South Africa. Not only because there was more availability for customers, but also because tickets became more affordable, which enabled more customers to travel to Africa.

MICHAEL HALL, SAA

Country Manager: Perth, reflects on the PerthJohannesburg Route one year after its relaunch.

Strategic partnerships were critical to the success of our return. We quickly moved to secure commercial partnerships with the large travel retail consortiums in Australia, which has proven very effective. Similarly, we also entered into agreements with large corporate customers within the mining and energy sector, which again has proved valuable. In addition to these agreements, we worked closely with South African Tourism and Perth Airport to drive the market interest from Australia to Southern Africa, and optimise the destinations exposure, and explore new market segments.

We also entered into an agreement with Tourism Western Australia, which has significant co-operative funding. This is to promote and drive South Africans to visit Perth and Western Australia and we are seeing change now as passenger numbers originating from Africa increase.

SAA acknowledges its airline partners within Australia, which also form a critical pillar to our success. Although we fly directly into Perth, a large portion of our passengers are flying to/from east coast cities in Australia, or from New Zealand. Airline partners allow us to market and sell through fares, which allow our customers to access markets beyond Perth.

SAA has strong competitors in the Australian aviation environment, but we are confident that our excellent in-cabin service, outstanding meal offering and our warm South African flair set us apart. We are mindful of the changing landscape in Australian aviation and we remain vigilant, with new entrants, new alliances and changes in regulatory requirements.

Australians have a strong wanderlust, and even though the population is only 27 million, there are 11.4 million international departures each year. Sub-Saharan Africa received less than 2% of these departures, and we view this as a very exciting opportunity to grow the market substantially, and for SAA to be the carrier of choice from Australia to Africa.

The value to South Africa’s economy for Australian-originating passengers cannot be underestimated. We are working closely with South African Tourism to grow the leisure market significantly by opening up new value segments, not just focusing on the high-end markets. We are already seeing some positive results from our initiatives.

Although we know there will be challenges along the way, we look forward to Australia contributing favorably to SAA’s overall long-term growth and success.

LEAVE THE EVERYDAY BEHIND AND HIT THE OPEN ROAD IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Drives that take you through dreamlike landscapes and into wondrous worlds. The freedom to embark on one-of-a-kind experiences and the opportunity to truly reconnect. From captivating 4WD tracks to surreal coastal highways, Western Australia is brimming with boundless road trip adventures.

Come along for the drive as Daniel Ricciardo and his best mate, Blake, leave the everyday behind and hit the open road from Perth / Boorloo through the Margaret River Region and beyond along the South West Nature and Wine Drive

WATCH DANIEL RICCIARDO DRIVE THE DREAM WESTERNAUSTRALIA.COM/ROADTRIPS

GETTING THERE

SAA now has a codeshare agreement with Qantas. So in addition to the direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth, and Cape Town and Perth, you now also have access to all Qantas destinations. Simply book a connecting flight to Tasmania. Visit flysaa.com

Discover the macabre, the madcap, and the magnificent in one of Earth’s most far-flung places.

WORDS KEITH BAIN

From the moment I could read a map,

I began tracing a finger around the contours of far-flung Tasmania, fantasising about seeing its curious marsupials and dipping into its reputation as the world’s nastiest convict colony. What boy doesn’t relish an adventure set on an exotic island at the edge of the world?

Once upon a time, what was then known as Van Diemen’s Land was a rough, inhospitable wilderness so far from civilisation that any connection with humanity apparently disintegrated upon arrival. Tasmania’s reputation as a living hell inspired Jonathan Swift to set Gulliver’s Travels there in 1726; Lilliput, the novel’s enchanted island, was supposedly just off Tasmania’s coast.

What was once Tasmania’s biggest penal settlement, Port Arthur, is now a World Heritage-listed museum where the lingering energies of thousands of miserable convicts are captured during an after-dark ghost tour. We were led around by a lantern-wielding man who frightened the daylights out of us using haunted buildings, half-true tales of torment and torture, strange glowing shapes in the trees and, of course, assistants hiding in the dark so they could scare us.

By day, though, the place seemed perfectly harmless, albeit strewn with time-ravaged ruins from the mid-1800s. Between 1830 and 1877, some 13,000 of Australia’s worst convicts and repeat offenders ended up there. Apparently, prisoners were dissuaded from escaping by a combination of ill-tempered, under-fed patrol dogs and exaggerated rumours of shark-infested waters.

Escape by swimming would in any case have proven impossible. Not only is the water icy-cold but much of Tasmania’s ragged southern coastline rises vertiginously from the sea, forming dramatic drop-away cliffs pounded by ocean swell. Around the penal settlement were walks leading to views of monumental sea stacks, arches, blowholes, and a sheer cleft of rock known as the Devil’s Kitchen into which the sea surged in and out with deadly force.

Some convicts who did escape the prison are said to have attempted to reach China on foot but obviously lost their way somewhere in the island’s wild interior, and resorted to cannibalism.

Exploring today, it’s hard to imagine what drove them to such barbarism. Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is a small, sprawling harbour town once famous only as the birthplace of Hollywood heartthrob, Errol Flynn, and the place where the last Tasmanian tiger died, in Hobart Zoo in 1936.

Nowadays, there’s plenty going on in the friendly little city. At Sullivan’s Cove, there was a wooden punt selling freshly-caught fish and chips which I ate on the docks while watching the comings-and-goings of fishing boats, tall-mast schooners, Antarctica-bound ships and millionaire leisure yachts.

If you’re in town on a Saturday, you can eat your way through the mile-long labyrinth of hippie-farmer stalls at Salamanca Market, fuel for a hike up snow-dusted Mount Wellington, which looms over the town. Salamanca Place is a strip of restored Georgian-era warehouses, hewn from yellow sandstone by convict labourers in the 1800s. Today, they’re transformed into spiffy galleries and bookstores, outdoor cafés, cosy pubs, and a few smart restaurants where you can usually find plenty of fresh Tasmanian seafood.

Since 2011, Hobart’s biggest attraction has been one of the world’s most unusual galleries. MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, was built by a local celebrity millionaire who calls it a “subversive adult Disneyland”, with plenty of controversial and confrontational exhibits. A kind of Tasmanian philanthropist-superhero, Walsh is a mathematical savant who made a fortune gambling, mostly on computerised horse-betting. He started collecting art by accident, after a gambling trip to South Africa where

IMAGES: Matthew Donovan, MONA/Brett Boardman, Wish you Were Here Australia, and Jess Bonde (all courtesy of Tourism Tasmania); Tristan Pokornyi via Pexels.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Considered one of the world’s best beaches, Wineglass Bay is enfolded by the granite peaks of the Hazards mountain range. ABOVE LEFT: Utzinger, a winery on the western side of Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, established by a Swiss winemaker and his Tassie wife. ABOVE RIGHT: The Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, can be seen year-round in Tasmania. BELOW LEFT: One of the MONA Pavilions at night. BELOW RIGHT: On Tasmania’s northeastern coast, Bay of Fires is known for its white sand, turquoise water and boulders covered in orange lichen.

customs laws prevented him from taking all his winnings out of the country. Instead, he invested in his first cultural artefact – a Nigerian doorway – inadvertently kickstarting a 100 million dollar art collection spanning everything from rare antiquities to crazy conceptual installations.

Exploring his museum – built to the tune of A$75 million – is a curious experience. Walsh’s architects ignored the “white cube” gallery aesthetic, instead creating three subterranean levels linked by convoluted stairways and labyrinthine passages that you work your way through using a sophisticated downloadable audio guide known as “The O”. The gallery is situated 11 kilometres north of Hobart; you can drive there, but far better is the 30-minute highspeed catamaran ferry. Adjacent to the gallery is Walsh’s winery Moorilla, and there are a series of swanky villas to stay in, too. Cantilevered above the bush and the Derwent River, they are filled with original artworks, designer furnishings, and every imaginable mod-con and convenience.

Prison poltergeists and postmodern art aside, Tasmania’s real virtue is its bewitching natural beauty. About one-fifth of Tasmania is World Heritage-listed, and about a third is protected. Its wilderness areas are rife with rainforests, craggy mountains, alpine moors, sweeping valleys and some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. So much of it is worth exploring, but if there’s one must-see place, it’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a stunning primordial wilderness that will absolutely take your breath away.

It’s worth signing up for the Overland Track, a hiking trail

connecting Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. It covers 65 kilometres for a five- or six-day adventure across a majestic landscape of lemon-scented boronia scrub, buttongrass plains dusted with coral-like cushion plants and wildflowers, and jungly rainforests older than humanity. Plus there are moss-covered streams, wild rivers and waterfalls tumbling off rugged mountains that reflect in the glassy surfaces of glacial lakes and tarns. It’s cold, but there are gas-warmed huts to sleep in, and nights are when you can watch for marsupials moving in the bushes, perhaps hear the strangled hissing of Tasmanian devils.

North of Hobart on Tasmania’s sun-drenched east coast, another stunner is Freycinet, a protected peninsula where you can stay. Saffire is a chic eco-lodge shaped like a gigantic stingray overlooking the sea. Through the glass walls of my sleek cabin were views of The Hazards, three pink granite peaks – Amos, Mayson, and Dove – that protrude high above the mirrored expanse of lime-coloured ocean. There was so much to do. One day, I hiked over the mountain saddle to Wineglass Bay, where I saw wallabies hopping along the pearl-white sand and then braved a dip in the Arctic-cold sea. Next, I joined a boat trip to see Freycinet’s seal colonies and visited a vineyard and a distillery. And still there were the flawless, eucalyptus-fringed Southern Friendly Beaches to explore.

It struck me that I really had, finally, found my “edge of the world”. It wasn’t merely some far-flung paradise out of a childhood fantasy, though. It was heaven on earth.

Essentials

GETTING THERE & AROUND

It is around 4 hours from Perth to either Hobart or Launceston, and there are flights from other Australian cities. Spirit of Tasmania is a ferry connecting Geelong (75 kilometres from Melbourne) to Devonport in northern Tasmania. You can get around Tasmania by bus, but with so much to explore, it’s best to rent a car.

WEATHER

Prepare for cold. In summer, temperatures range between 17–23°C, in winter it’s 3–11°C.

WHERE TO STAY

Every imaginable accommodation is available, including affordable backpacking lodges and glamping resorts in some of the most beautiful spots on Earth. On the Freycinet Peninsula, Saffire (saffire-freycinet.com.au) is unrivalled, and in Hobart nothing beats time in a swanky MONA Pavilion (mona.net.au).

VISAS

South Africans require a visa for Australia; you can apply online (tlscontact.com) and will also need to visit a biometrics collection facility.

MONEY

AUD$1 = ZAR11.60.

GETTING THERE

SAA flies between Johannesburg and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) several times a day. Visit flysaa.com

WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY

PHOTOGRAPHY MARLON DU TOIT

Image of lodge: Sam Pegg, Supplied.

When acclaimed South African wildlife photographer and Panerai ambassador Marlon du Toit set foot in the Eastern Cape, he uncovered a wilderness unlike any he had known – proving there’s always more to explore, even for seasoned adventurers.

hen you’ve travelled the world as a highly respected South African wildlife photographer, safari guide, and explorer, you would think you’d know your home ground like the back of your hand. But for Panerai ambassador Marlon du Toit, the Eastern Cape revealed surprises he never expected. A recent trip to Lalibela Wildlife Reserve opened his eyes to a world he had yet to explore.

Marlon grew up honing his camera skills and passion for conservation in the northeastern parts of South Africa, near the Kruger National Park. On the other hand, my upbringing was spent along the Eastern Cape coastline, where ‘vitamin sea’ became my lifeblood. When faced with choosing a holiday destination, we both instinctively leaned toward our comfort zones—the bush for Marlon and the ocean for me. Yet, discovering that Marlon had never ventured into the Eastern Cape’s wild terrain was an irresistible opportunity to introduce him to this unique corner of South Africa.

A mere hour’s drive from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, Lalibela Wildlife Reserve stretches over rolling landscapes reminiscent of East Africa’s Serengeti. Once a hunting ground, Lalibela has transformed into a haven for conservation, with the Big Five and herds of plains game roaming free. Lalibela Chief Executive Johann Lombard highlights the reserve’s ambitious vision: “We’re very much still an island reserve, planning to grow and rewild other landscapes. The goal is to open fences with neighbours, creating a massive biosphere where genetic diversity thrives.”

Johann’s passion for the region is evident in his words and approach to tourism. “You don’t come here for the food; it’s a by-product,” he explains. “You come for an experience that is remarkably different. But it’s not just the animals or the vehicles; it’s the guides who bring the magic. They connect, tell stories with conviction, and adapt their knowledge to the unique ecology of the Albany Thicket biome.”

Guides at Lalibela are trained to blend research, storytelling and passion. “We want guides who can showcase the science of the area, from Bushman rock art hidden in nearby kloofs to the slow restoration of the Albany Thicket, where plant successions can take anywhere from 5 to 300 years,”

PREVIOUS PAGE (left and right): No animal draws more emotion from viewers than a male lion. For Marlon, that’s not enough. There must be more substance, like the golden light in this image. “Elephants can be challenging to photograph... think creatively, and paying attention to posture is often best. In this case, the elephant cow leans into the frame, and the elephant further back completes the scene. The white tusks contrast with the dark mood, too.” THIS PAGE: Tree Tops Safari Lodge at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve offers luxury canvas tents on thatched platforms at treetop level with views over the valley (above); “Cheetah cubs are some of my favourite photographic subjects. They’re always active and love playing. If you’re patient, you’ll get great photos. A good guide, like the one we had here, can add tremendously to the shot by placing you ahead of the cheetahs in the best position for the money shot!” (left); “It’s important to pay homage to the region you’re in. I try to capture animals within their environments to add to the sense of place. Lalibela is beautiful; it’s big-sky country, almost like the Serengeti. This scenery can make the world’s tallest mammal appear small, which was the aim of this photo.”

Johann says.

For Marlon, it was a revelation.“It’s my first time here, and it’s incredible,” he shared during our game drive. “Coming from Phalaborwa, I understand the Lowveld – there’s a certain pull to the Kruger and similar areas. But the Eastern Cape offers something unique. It’s close to Cape Town, making it a great option for travellers who want something different without venturing too far.”

One of Lalibela’s key draws is its photographic potential. Johann recounts how a seasoned safari photographer, initially sceptical, declared the Eastern Cape his best photographic safari experience. “Here, you get to see the full animal. The landscape’s diversity and the changing weather patterns create opportunities to capture animals adapting to their environment,” Johann explains. Plans are underway to cater specifically to photographers, with vehicles outfitted for their needs, including charging stations and customised seating.

During our visit, the charm of Lalibela unfolded in unexpected ways. From the Knysna turaco hopping outside Marlon’s room to the promise of Cape vultures soaring above – a result of rewilding initiatives with Shamwari and VulPro – every moment felt like a discovery. “It’s these small details that make this place special,” Marlon noted. “Seeing species you don’t encounter often and knowing the efforts behind their conservation is inspiring.”

The reserve’s layered history adds to its allure. “Some of these lands were once chicory and broccoli fields,” Johann explains. “Decades later, you can still see remnants of old farming practices. Yet, the rewilding efforts have brought back thickets, birdsong, and the essence of wilderness. In some valleys, you would think you were in the Serengeti, completely mesmerised by the scenery.”

Despite its proximity to urban areas, Lalibela feels remote and untouched, a contrast that adds to its charm. Johann elaborates, “You can hear a delivery truck in the distance, but a few steps deeper into the valley, and you’re transported into another world. The birdlife alone is exquisite, unlike anything in the northeast.”

As we traversed the reserve, the importance of storytelling became clear. “Guides are the heartbeat of this experience,” Johann emphasises. “They are not just leading game drives; they’re crafting memories. Our goal is to create safari trails that offer exclusive experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully, whether it’s a morning watching a pride of lions or an afternoon spent tracking elephants.”

For Marlon, the trip was a blend of personal and professional discovery. “This place shows what’s possible when conservation and tourism work hand in hand,” he said. “The Eastern Cape is carving out a niche that’s both accessible and extraordinary. It’s an exciting time to be part of this journey.”

Our time at Lalibela ended with a sense of awe – for the landscape, the wildlife, and the people driving its transformation. Introducing Marlon to this hidden gem felt like sharing a piece of home. For him, it was the beginning of a new adventure, proving that even for seasoned explorers, there’s always more to discover.

>> SANCTUARY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE AFRICAN BUSH

There’s a unique bliss in the African bushveld, an unmatched sanctuary where protected lands offer a rare tranquillity that only Mother Nature can deliver on a perfect-weather day. At Lentaba, from the comfort of a well-positioned deck, I could spend endless hours watching elephant herds gracefully move through the bush or along well-trodden game paths, accompanied by the soothing soundtrack of birdsong and the rustling breeze.

Lalibela, a 10,500-hectare conservation haven, is home to the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard –alongside other predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lynxes. Its expansive Savannah Grasslands host large herds of plains game, including zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck, and eland, providing sustenance for a thriving lion population. Lalibela is committed to sustainability and preserving indigenous flora and fauna while fostering meaningful integration with the local community. Meanwhile, two new initiatives from Lalibela Community Outreach are empowering the children of Seven Fountains for the 2025 school year. For every donation of R300, two pairs of school shoes are added to the Shoes for Africa shoe exchange initiative or two fully stocked pencil cases are provided to primary school learners through the School is Cool initiative. So far, both initiatives have far exceeded their targets and will continue throughout the year to include high school learners and those living in other surrounding communities.

Email: development.lco@lalibela.travel to learn more.

How to get there

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve is an hour’s drive from Gqeberha, flying in from Joburg (1h45) or Cape Town (1h15). Picture a local rendition of the Serengeti, with its sweeping landscapes and abundant wildlife, where no more than two vehicles are allowed at any sighting, ensuring an intimate and undisturbed experience. lalibela.net

GETTING THERE

SAA flies between Johannesburg and Windhoek several times a week. Visit flysaa.com

A LAND OF SUPERLATIVES

IGA MOTYLSKA embarks on a journey through time in Namib-Naukluft

National Park – a land of superlatives, where she summits the world’s tallest sand dunes in the oldest desert on Earth that also happens to be Africa’s largest conservation area.

For every two steps we take forward, we slide one back. “The trick is to climb along the ridge (or the spine) of the dune where the sand is more compacted. It will give you a firmer footing, so there’s less slipping and sliding backwards,” explains Imanuel Stefanus, our guide from Wilderness’ Kulala Desert Lodge.

Even though my father and I are in somewhat good shape, Big Daddy Dune really takes it out of us in the hour it takes to trudge through ankle- and sometimes calf-deep sand to the summit. Standing as tall as a seven-storey building, the 360-metre dune holds the title of being the world’s tallest, and it’s located within the world’s oldest desert. “Dune 45,” Imanuel says pointing off into the distance, “is around 5 million years old. A stable climate over the last 50 million years, combined with very little rainfall and a consistent lack of moisture, has contributed to the desert dune formations.”

Big Daddy and Dune 45 are just some of the many natural wonders found within Namib-Naukluft National Park –Africa's largest conservation area and the fourth-largest national park in the world. Measuring 12.2 million acres and covering a tenth of the country’s area, this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site stretches 400 kilometres long and 150 kilometres wide along the southern part of Namibia’s coastline from Walvis Bay to Lüderitz. Due to its size, the park unfolds across five distinct parts, with Sossusvlei being the most recognisable.

The time of day transforms the desertscape from golden hues and shades of ochre at sunrise to dusty desert rose and hints of deep crimson that creep into sandy folds at sundown. If you were to watch a timelapse of the landscape, you would see how the crescent-shaped barchan dunes migrate up to three yards a year, covering and uncovering anything in their path, like ever-changing abstract sculptures shaped by the wind. The stationary star-shaped dunes are

formed by multidirectional winds that tease and splay the sands back and forth from different directions.

Upon seeing speckles of sweat shimmer on our foreheads and hearing our laboured breathing, Imanuel pauses to explain how gemsbok have an incredible ability to withstand extreme heat conditions and a scarcity of water. They regulate their body temperatures and brains through a

network of specialised nasal blood vessels called the carotid rete. The cool air in their nasal passages cools the blood flowing through the carotid rete to the brain, allowing the antelope to survive harsh desert conditions, even as its body temperature reaches above 40°C, which would be deadly for most other mammals. It seems supernatural, magical almost; no wonder many believe the gemsbok to be the inspiration behind the unicorn myth.

Noticing that we need a little more time to recover our energy, Imanuel encourages us to have a sip of water in what is one of the Earth’s driest places with an average annual rainfall of 1.4 centimetres. He crouches to point out a black, blueberry-sized Namib Desert beetle scuttling to avoid the sheets of sliding sand that take their cue from gravity as we shift our footing. He narrates how these longlegged beetles strike a distinctive yoga-like pose with their heads down and abdomen raised to the sky as part of their

IMAGES: Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge; Iga Motylska.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Namib-Naukluft National Park unfolds across five distinct parts with classic desert scenery alongside windswept gravel plains, the Naukluft Mountains and rocky outcrops, which are home to numerous desert-adapted creatures and plants. THIS PAGE: the fastest (and easiest) way to the top of Big Daddy is to walk along the dune’s ‘spine’ (above); each canvas and thatch room at Kulala Desert Lodge has a flat rooftop, ideal for open-air sleep-outs under Namibia’s starry night sky (below left); indulge in delectable, homemade cuisine at Wilderness

Lodge (below right).

Kulala Desert

early-morning “fog basking” ritual.

The Namib ‘Sand Sea’ is the world’s only coastal desert with extensive dune fields influenced by fog, its primary water source. As the fog rolls over the dunes from the icy Atlantic, tiny water droplets condense on the beetle’s bumpy outer shell, eventually merging into a larger water droplet that flows into its mouth, before the sun burns off the fog.

From the summit, sand spills as far as the eye can see. It is heaped in mounds as if by a child in a sandbox. I marvel

at Dead Vlei below, where 1,000-year-old camelthorn skeletons jut up from the white, cracked salt pan encircled by the Namib’s characteristic red sand dunes.

Soon enough, the wind is whipping through my hair as I bounce down the dune, full speed ahead. Each stride sends small avalanches cascading down the dune slope. All that time and effort scrambling to the top and I’m at the bottom once again – a heartfelt reminder to always savour the view from the summit for as long as you can.

Essentials

NEED TO KNOW: NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

Northern section: The area between the Kuiseb and Swakops rivers is characterised by rugged terrain with isolated granite inselbergs rising from the plains. Middle section: This 80-millionyear-old heart of the desert is defined by the iconic Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon that’s carved by the Tsauchab River, offering glimpses of the area’s geology. Naukluft Mountains: Meaning “narrow gorge”, the mountains are home to Kuiseb Canyon that shelters an abundance of desert creatures. Western section: The coastal area is defined by lichencovered plains. Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour are important wetlands in the region. Southern section: Borders Lüderitz, which is a base for exploring the deserted mining town of Kolmanskop.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Most people self-drive the 280-kilometre stretch along the C26 and C14 from Windhoek, but there are also shuttles from the capital city. The last 5 kilometres to Sossusvlei require a 4x4 vehicle, but dunes are easily accessible by foot from the sedan car park or you can pay for the NWR shuttle that runs all day. If you’re self-driving, the lichen and gravel plains are extremely fragile and tyre tracks can last for hundreds of years, which is why it’s forbidden to go off-roading.

WHEN TO VISIT

Temperatures are extremely variable, with hot days (exceeding 40°C) in summer and below-zero conditions at night in winter. Park gates open an hour before sunrise and close at sunset. It’s best to climb the dunes in the early morning, especially in summer (September–March).

SEE IT FROM ABOVE

Scenic flights over the dunes showcase them from a different vantage point as the sun’s shadows play in their creases. desertair.com.na

STAY HERE

Kulala Desert Lodge (and its adjoining property, Little Kulala) is a luxurious ecotourism lodge with a strong social responsibility ethos, set on a 66,718-acre private wilderness reserve bordering the park. These are the only properties with an exclusive-use entrance gate to the park, making it the closest you can stay to Sossusvlei to avoid waiting at the park’s main entrance gate, which means you have the dunes all to yourself before it gets busy. wildernessdestinations.com

TRAVEL ADVICE

Bring sufficient water, snacks, light-coloured and breathable clothes, suncream, a hat and sunglasses.

CURRENCY

The Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African rand.You will find ATMs in all major towns, however, really remote fuel stations might only accept cash (in both currencies).

A Journey Like No Other.

Unveiling THE

As the new year begins, there’s no better way to recharge than by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Namibia. A place where space, serenity, and time come together, offering a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.”

Imagine yourself before the high dunes of Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert, as the vibrant colors of sunrise light up the sky. Experience the excitement of spotting wildlife in Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most renowned game reserves, where elephants, lions, and rhinos roam freely. Or lose yourself in the vast, tranquil expanse of the Namibian wilderness, where the only sound is the whisper of the wind shifting across the sand.”

WONDERS OF

Namibia

Namibia offers a matchless escape from the bustle of everyday life, where you can disconnect and rediscover what truly matters. With wide-open spaces, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a welcoming culture, it’s the perfect place to reset your mind, body, and spirit.

If you’re seeking thrilling adventures, moments of peaceful solitude, or the perfect blend of both, the Namibia Tourism Board welcomes you to experience everything this incredible destination has to offer. From stunning landscapes to abundant wildlife, Namibia promises unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and unique places.

Create unforgettable memories this year by embarking on a journey to Namibia.

Let the beauty of this remarkable destination leave a lasting imprint on your heart and inspire you in ways you’ve never imagined.”

TRAVEL ADVENTURES BECKON

Exciting outdoor experiences and adventures await in Durban. GETTING THERE

he April public holidays are upon us, and with a host of outdoor adventures and leisure activities on Durban’s doorstep, you are spoilt for choice with multiple Green Corridors tourism spots.

With these experiences just a short distance from the heart of the city, escaping the hustle and bustle is easy. So get ready to indulge in a range of fantastic activities, whether it's a self-drive exploration or a guided adventure.

The breathtaking eNanda Adventure Park on the expansive Inanda Dam features water’s edge picnic spots, a thrilling pump bike track, and guided biking, birding, hiking, and canoeing excursions. The centre also has safe, shady camping areas on the shores of the dam.

The magical Valley of 1000 Hills offers a culturally warm and welcoming

PREVIOUS PAGE: explore a network of adrenalin pumping walkways along the cliff faces of Overock in the magnificent Upper Molweni Valley (main); canoeing on Mnini dam; Mqeku picnic site is on the confluence of the uMngeni and Mqueku rivers; pristine waterfalls on the Amatata Adventures hike around Maphepetheni; enjoy the views on the Amatata Adventures hike around Maphepetheni. THIS PAGE: hiking Lower Molweni; cycling in Isithumba; tubing at Mqeku picnic site.

IMAGES: Green Corridors

experience at Isithumba Adventures with walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as authentic cultural tours. For a delightful laughter filled day out, the Mqeku Picnic Site becomes a choice, featuring a natural waterslide along the pristine tributary into the Umgeni. With braai facilities and ample shade, it becomes the perfect spot for families to unwind and revel in nature.

Alternatively, the seven and 14 kilometre trails in Amaphephetheni by Amatata Adventures offer more rigorous hikes, with heart-stopping views of the Inanda Dam and the Valley of 1000 Hills. For the more adventurous, one can also hike from Amatata Adventures to Mqeku picnic spot for an experience and views you will not soon forget.

Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, awaits nature enthusiasts with a network of community-developed nature trails that are supported by Kloof Conservancy. In the same reserve in Upper Molweni, the challenging Nogxaza Falls Hike, that begins at Overrock Rasta Camp, with its series of cliff face walkways and custom-made viewpoints, allows you to experience aweinspiring views of rural KwaZulu-Natal. Overrock is fast becoming one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Green Corridors network.

Just south of Durban, in the welcoming community of uMgababa, Mnini Dam boasts two fantastic sites: Thulas’

Adventures and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort. Ideal for picnics, canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking trails, these sites promise a warm and memorable experience.

Close to the Blue Lagoon on Durban’s scenic beachfront, the GreenHub offers an array of eco-tourism activities. Individuals can immerse themselves in birding, hiking, canoeing and, on select days, discover the enchanting Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves with its truly unique ecosystem.

Most Green Corridors sites can be accessed as self-drives, although guided tours are recommended to enhance the experience. All guides are trained and accredited and have deep knowledge of the areas in which they live and work. The guided experience includes a shuttle tour in an airconditioned mini-bus.

Additionally, guests can be accommodated overnight in the very comfortable “pop-up camp”, with or without catering.

A range of cultural tours is also available, including a visit to the Rasta Caves in Inanda, and the Inanda Heritage Route, and Waterfalls.

Camping and activity fees may vary and contribute to the growth of the local tourism economy in these vibrant areas.

Visit durbangreencorridor.co.za/our-work/tourism to explore more.

An elevated boardwalk trail takes you through the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve at the mouth of the Umgeni River, just 5 minutes outside Durban. Birdlife, includes Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew and Water Thick-knee.

Cape Town, get ready for an upgraded lounge experience!

An exciting transformation is in progress at our Cape Town Domestic lounge. The Lounge will be closed for a full revamp from March to July 2025.

Experience more luxury and convenience at The Lounge

The Lounge at Cape Town International Airport will be closed for a full revamp from March to July 2025. This forms part of a series of upgrades to create an elevated preflight experience for passengers.

Upon completion, our domestic departures lounge at Cape Town International Airport will offer new levels of luxury and comfort, bringing you a world-class airport lounge experience like no other:

• Welcome experience:

Individual copper-clad concierge desks for a warm, personal welcome.

• Mixology show-bar:

Simply iconic. Our expert baristas are ready to take your order.

• Buffet dining:

Bountiful breakfasts, delectable lunches and dinners as well as a choice of snacks throughout the day

• Focus Booths:

Ideal for catching up on work, your favourite show or a private call.

• Connect and be connected:

Universal charge ports and fast WiFi available throughout the lounge.

RELAUNCHING DAR ES SALAAM ROUTE

SAA relaunched daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in January.

Speaking at a dinner in Tanzania to celebrate SAA’s relaunch of daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, SAA’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the milestone was an important one, and not just for SAA.

“This flight is not simply about linking Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam through air travel; it heralds a bridge that connects two of Africa’s most influential economies and strengthens the friendship between our nations.

“It brings together industries, communities and resources, enabling us to unlock greater prosperity, foster collaboration and generate new opportunities for trade, investment and development for both our economies, and for the people of South Africa and Tanzania.”

BROADER ECONOMIC GROWTH

Dar es Salaam is East Africa’s largest city by population size and is an important regional economic and logistical hub. It is also a gateway for popular tourist attractions in the region.

South Africa accounts for a significant proportion of foreign direct investment in Tanzania, and the two countries have a robust trade in agricultural products, precious metals, chemicals and machinery.

Lamola said the relaunch represents SAA’s strategic initiative to strengthen the airline’s presence across Africa.

“SAA’s regional network has emerged as a top performer, contributing significantly to the revenue of the SAA Group. More importantly, these regional connections are crucial for the broader economic growth of South Africa,” he said.

High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Noluthando MayendeMalepe, added: “I would like to thank the SAA officials, and the representation office of SAA based in the United Republic of Tanzania for their tireless efforts to re-operationalise this strategic route between our two sister countries.

“The SAA regular passenger flights between OR Tambo International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport will deepen economic relations, particularly in the field of commerce and tourism. It would further strengthen the peopleto-people relations for the socio-economic development of our two countries.”

Executive Director of Tanzania Public Private Partnerships Centre, Mr David Kafulila, said: “As we welcome back SAA, a new chapter of renewed collaboration begins and a gateway to countless opportunities in tourism, trade, infrastructure, agriculture, and beyond opens.

“For Tanzania, this partnership is of great significance. South

SAA officials and Tanzanian delegates celebrate the relaunch of the SAA route between South Africa and Tanzania in January 2025.

African businesses have long been a key part of our economic development.”

“There is a clear indication of Tanzania’s willingness and readiness to forge new partnerships,” he added.

“Our government is fully committed to ensuring that opportunities are not just available but accessible for investment and collaboration. We are ready to partner with South Africa and other nations, not just in aviation, but across sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, and health.

“The aviation sector plays a pivotal role in transforming economies. SAA’s return signifies a golden opportunity to enhance trade, foster business connections, and increase tourism.

“Tanzania is committed to welcoming partnerships that can drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success. With the recent amendments of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act in 2023, we have reinforced our legal and institutional framework to encourage more strategic collaboration. Our aim is to streamline procurement processes, ensuring that projects move forward efficiently and that the spirit of partnership thrives.”

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Daily flights will depart OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 10pm (SAST) and arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam at 2.30am (EAT). The daily service from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg will depart at 5.10am (EAT) to arrive in Johannesburg at 7.55am (SAST). Dar es Salaam is one hour ahead of Johannesburg.

Lamola said the schedule of seven weekly return flights has been engineered to accommodate both point-to-point and connecting passengers.

CONSOLIDATING SAA’S REGIONAL NETWORK

In November last year, SAA expanded its services to Harare (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka (Zambia) to 12 flights per week, up from 10 and seven flights a week, respectively. Flights to Lagos (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana) have been increased from three to four times a week, while SAA is flying to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) five times a week. SAA also began flying to the DRC’s mining hub, Lubumbashi, in November.

Further, SAA increased its intercontinental flight frequency to Perth in Australia to five weekly flights from 7 January this year.

Reservations are open at www.flysaa.com.

SAA LUSAKA OFFICE REOPENS

South Africa and Zambia ties strengthened.

The office was officially opened on 31 January, in Lusaka, Zambia. Speaking at the launch, Director of Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr Nkumbu Siame, said, “This is not just about business expansion but also a reaffirmation of the confidence SAA has in Zambia’s aviation industry and economic potential. Our government is committed to fostering an environment that supports aviation growth, enhances connectivity, and ultimately benefits the Zambian people,”

Mrs Mildred Chalikulima, Country Manager for SAA in Zambia, added, “We are strategically positioned to better serve our customers, enhance accessibility, and strengthen ties with our trade and business partners. SAA remains committed to supporting Zambia’s aviation landscape and facilitating regional connectivity.”

Mrs Hellen Ngwira Mwamba, General Manager of AirlinePros Zambia, the General Sales Agent for SAA, reinforced the importance of this milestone. “This new office represents more than just a location – it symbolises growth, accessibility, and progress,” Mrs Mwamba said. “We are honoured to be managing commercial operations of SAA in Zambia and we are committed to ensuring that this partnership flourishes. This is a huge responsibility that SAA entrusted AirlinePros with, and we appreciate the recognition and trust that SAA placed on us. Our dedicated team is ready to serve our customers and provide seamless travel experiences.”

Mrs Mildred Chalikulima, Country Manager for SAA in Zambia at the reopening of the SAA Zambia office in Arcades Shopping Mall.

VIDEO SELECTION

SAA offers in-flight entertainment on all domestic and regional flights on overhead screens. The A340 and A330 aircraft are equipped with personal TV screens and offer an audio-video-on-demand entertainment selection. Please refer to the content on your personal screen for the latest updated entertainment choices.

MOVIES

JUROR #2 • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish From legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood comes Juror #2 which follows family man Justin Kemp who, while serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma... one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict – or free – the accused killer.

CADDO LAKE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish When an 8-year-old girl disappears on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, altering a broken family’s history.

BEETLEJUICE

BEETLEJUICE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.

TRAP • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realise they’re at the centre of a dark and sinister event.

SUPER/MAN: THE

CHRISTOPHER REEVE

STORY • English Neverbefore-seen home movies and personal archives recount the tragic and redemptive story of actor and activist Christopher Reeve.

JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Arthur Fleck is institutionalised at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

THE WATCHERS • English; French; Spanish A young artist gets stranded in a forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

AM I OK? • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Lucy and Jane have been best friends their entire lives. Only when Lucy embarks on a personal journey, will she face a test of her friendship, and her sense of self, on a path she may not be entirely ready to take.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS

PART THREE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Trapped in a pocket universe, surviving Earths face annihilation by the AntiMonitor.Time shatters, bringing past heroes to aid Justice League against the epitome of evil.Their sacrifice may lead to victory.

TWISTERS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A retired tornado chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.

INVICTUS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Nelson Mandela, in his first

term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

JUPITER ASCENDING

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry.

TOMB RAIDER • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.

POINT BREAK (2015)

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists.

BEETLEJUICE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish When a couple of nice, young homebody ghosts try to haunt the pretentious humans who have moved into their house, they ask for help from a demonic wraith they cannot

control in this comic fantasy that mixes the quick and the dead with a laugh and a fright.

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A teenager finds love at a difficult time in her family’s life.

WINTER'S TALE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms.When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her.

A STAR IS BORN • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A musician helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.

THE DARK KNIGHT • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish When the menace known as the Joker emerges from his mysterious past, he wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, the Dark Knight must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.

CRY MACHO• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man’s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom.

ELF • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.

THE MULE• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A ninety-yearold horticulturist and Korean War veteran turns drug mule for a Mexican cartel.

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A daughter tries to remedy her dysfunctional relationship with her ailing father, a decorated baseball scout,

by helping him in a recruiting trip which could be his last.

ME BEFORE YOU • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recentlyparalysed man she’s taking care of.

TENET • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Armed with only one word – Tenet – and ghting for the survival of the entire world, the protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

THE GOOD LIAR • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Career con artist Roy Courtnay can hardly believe his luck when he meets wellto-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to nd himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish O ered a plea deal by the FBI, William O’Neal in ltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton.

BARBIE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential

crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

DUNE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in

forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.

DON'T WORRY DARLING • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish While her husband leaves home every day to work in a top secret facility, a young 1950s housewife begins to question her life when she notices strange behaviour from

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT ABOVE THE CLOUDS!

Entertaining you and your family with a wide selection of movies, TV programmes, games, and music, streamed directly to your own mobile device or tablet. USB and PC powerports are available below your seat to keep your devices charged. Now available on select A320 aircraft. Simply scan the QR code below to enjoy entertainment above the clouds.

AIRSCAPE

Stream movies and more to your device

A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Follows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child.

8-BIT CHRISTMAS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish In 1980s Chicago, a 10 year old sets out on a quest to get the Christmas gift of his generation: the latest and greatest videogame system.

Switch to airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi

the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. THE FLASH • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes,

the other wives in the neighborhood.

HOUSE PARTY • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A high school student decides to host a house party while his parents are away. A remake of the 1990 comedy, House Party

BLACK ADAM • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish In ancient Kahndaq, the slave Teth Adam was gifted the almighty powers of the gods. But he used those powers for vengeance and was imprisoned. Now, 5,000 years later, he is freed and once again wields his dark sense of justice onto the world.

THE MATRIX

RESURRECTIONS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish To nd out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.

BATMAN: THE DOOM THAT CAME TO GOTHAM • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish An ancient evil awakens and only Bruce Wayne can save 1920s Gotham City.

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish To save the city from The Joker, he may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, and maybe, just maybe, lighten up.

SA’S CULINARY PRINCESS

Get to know renowned chef and South Africa’s culinary princess, LORNA MASEKO, the chef behind the à la carte menu that can be enjoyed in the SAA Premium International Lounge and on board by SAA Business passengers on international and regional routes.

South African Chef Lorna Maseko is a ballet dancer turned awardwinning celebrity TV chef. Chef Lorna, often referred to as South Africa’s culinary princess, discovered her passion for cooking during the Celebrity edition of MasterChef South Africa. In 2016, she hosted the cooking reality series Top Chef South Africa, and the following year, she launched her own series, The Hostess with Lorna Maseko, on SABC3. Lorna is dedicated to empowering and inspiring African women to pursue their dreams through her talks and cooking events.

In 2019, Chef Lorna took her cooking to an international level by appearing on the cover of Women’s Health and hosting the World Restaurant Awards in Paris. She was also invited to Stockholm to participate in the EAT Forum, discussing global issues of hunger and famine with Chefs’ Manifesto. Chef Lorna has been a guest chef at Taste of London and Taste of Dubai, and has curated numerous pop-up events worldwide.

Princess. In each episode, Lorna demonstrates the art of transforming South African pantry staples into delectable, budget-friendly meals, establishing herself as a true kitchen savant, particularly in these economically challenging times.

Currently, she hosts Homegrown Tastes South Africa, now in its second season, where she explores South Africa’s unique landscapes and local cuisines. The show airs on BBC Lifestyle. In 2024, Chef Lorna was nominated for two SAFTA awards: Best TV Presenter and Best Lifestyle Programme. Additionally, she has appeared as a guest judge on Top Chef All Stars season 20 and has a cookware line available on HSN.

Lorna wrapped up 2024 with Celebrate with Lorna - The Festive Edition. This special was a one part, 48-minute cooking and lifestyle Christmas programme that celebrated the unique essence of a South African festive season. Viewers took a food and décor journey, gaining insights on how to host the perfect festive season event in true South African style.

•• LOOKING AHEAD

2025 kicked o with Lorna’s Pantry, which launched in January. This captivating cooking series showcases the charismatic and talented Lorna Maseko, celebrated as the International Culinary

Lorna is executive producer of these shows, marking her debut in the director's chair, where she oversees every aspect from top to tail. This new role further expands her creative endeavours and solidi es her in uence in the culinary world. Moreover, Lorna is in the process of opening a restaurant in Atlanta, further expanding her presence in the US with pop-up South African dinners in LA and NYC. She is excited to launch Zania, a quintessential modern South African restaurant aimed at making a signi cant impact in Atlanta. Lorna is set to make her debut as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay, a ground-breaking opportunity that marks the rst time any South African chef has appeared on the show.

Additionally, in collaboration with the international production and management company IFactoryLive, Lorna is working on a show that aims to take African cuisine global through her perspective. This initiative has already begun with the pop-up series she’s been hosting across the US.

With boldness, tenacity, and a heart full of grit, Lorna Maseko is re-carving her life and reaching new heights as a young, ambitious woman from South Africa.

Chef Lorna Maseko developed the menu and trained the Air Chefs team to prepare the dishes that are served on international and regiongal routes in Business Class, and in the Premium Lounge. The lounge is open to SAA Business, SAA Voyager Gold, Platinum, Platinum Elect, and Lifetime Platinum members travelling on SAA flights. It is also open to Discovery Bank, Investec Enigma, and Star Alliance Gold members.

Important information regarding SunExpress operated SAA flights

For additional comfort the middle seat is kept open

Business Class benefits: • Luggage allowance • Priority check-in • Lounge access • Premium Class meal

ENROLMENT BONUS

Voyager rewards you with 2 500 Enrolment Bonus Miles on registration after your rst activity.

SAA EXCLUSIVE EARNING

Earn 1 mile for every R1.60 spent on base fare and carrierimposed fees.

SAA EXCLUSIVE SPENDING

Spend miles on any available seat on a SAA-operated ight for the base fare and carrierimposed fees.

EARNING OF MILES

>> Earn SAAVoyager miles at an accelerated rate when ying on SAA operated ights. Voyager members earn 1 mile for every R1.60 spent exclusively on South African Airways. Miles are also earned by ying with

VOYAGER PARTNERS

SAA LOYALTY PROGRAMME

our airline partners, including the Star Alliance global network, and by using the services of our non-airline partners, ranging from travel-related to lifestyle, retail and nancial services.

SPENDING MILES

>> Spend your SAA Voyager Miles on global ights (more

than 30 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network) or non-airline Awards, such as car rental, retail, and more.

>> If you do not have enough Miles for your desired Award, you can transfer Miles in denominations of 1000 miles for R120, or buy Miles for R100 (SAA ight Awards) and R250 (other airline Awards).

Voyager Miles can be earned and/or spent when using the following Voyager partners:

>> Awards available on SAA, other partner airlines and nonairline partners are listed below.

DYNAMIC AWARDS

>> SAA Voyager members are guaranteed at least 5% return on your SAA spend when requesting an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award for an SAA-operated ight. You may spend your miles on any available airfare, inclusive of carrier-imposed fees for your desired SAA operating ight, thus con rming your redemption seat request immediately.

Non-Air Awards

SAA Voyager members can spend miles on non-airline Awards including car rental, retail, and more.

You can spend your miles online; simply login to your account (go to voyager. ysaa. com and click on “My Voyager”) or contact our call centres. To use your miles for products on NetFlorist or Wine-ofthe-Month Club, log onto their respective websites and choose Voyager miles as a payment option. Your miles are valid for three years from the date they were earned, and you can nominate any person of your choice to utilise your Awards.

>> You can spend your miles on car rental or Uber SA.

>> You can spend your miles on any of the lifestyle partners listed on the left.

Book a ticket by miles, apply for a Voyager Credit Card, or find out more on voyager.flysaa.com

A NEW HAVEN FOR TRAVELLERS

Star Alliance unveils its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China.

The lounge is available to First and Business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airline ights departing from Terminal 1.

The new lounge is on the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge in the Terminal 1 international area, and is close to the departure gates for Star Alliance member airlines. The lounge features an open layout and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Open around the clock, it welcomes travellers with varying ight schedules.

“Lounges are a critical component for the e ortless travel experience we aim to provide to our member airline passengers,” said Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias. “As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests. We are excited to inaugurate our rst lounge in Asia, given the signi cance of the continent to aviation growth today and in the years to come.”

Ambar Franco, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience, added,“Our rst Star Alliance branded lounge in Asia is an exciting milestone for us.Thoughtfully designed with the modern traveller in mind, it o ers an e ortless blend of comfort and functionality. ”

The lounge includes practical amenities, such as workstations and comfortable seating areas for both relaxation and productivity. Tucked in a quiet space, the VIP room is ideal for group or private business meetings, available upon request. Guests are also welcome to use the state-of-the-art shower suites to refresh themselves before their onward journey. In addition, guests can enjoy the exclusive Tea Appreciation Corner, a range of food options, or specially curated drinks at the bar counter.

Qi Yaoming, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, said,“The fact that Star Alliance has chosen to open its rst branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is not only a sign of trust and support for us, but also an acknowledgment of the status of Baiyun Airport as an important international hub. Baiyun Airport will continue to uphold the service concept of ‘Customer First’ and continuously build itself into an airline-friendly airport to provide even better service guarantees for Star Alliance and its member airlines.”

>> For more information, visit staralliance.com

UNPARALLELED LOYALTY RECOGNITION

STEPS TO REDEEM MILES

Enrolling as a member of any Star Alliance member airline frequent- yer programme is your gateway to exceptional rewards and bene ts. By accumulating miles and points from all your ights across the network into a uni ed account, you gain the signi cant advantage of quicker redemption opportunities and exciting bene ts. Star Alliance o ers online redemption of miles and points for award ights and upgrade awards across the 25-member airline network, making it convenient and hassle-free for travellers. Redeeming miles and points is easy with three simple steps: LOG IN Go to your airline’s frequent-flyer programme website and log in. CHECK

MENDOZA

MANAUS

BELEM

CUIABÁ FORTALEZA

BRASÍLIA

GOIÂNIA

CAMPO GRANDE

FOZ DO IGUAÇU

CURITIBA

BUENOS AIRES

NATAL RECIFE

JOÃO PESSOA

MACEIÓ

ARACAJU

SALVADOR

BELO HORIZONTE

VITORIA

RIO DE JANEIRO

SÃO PAULO

NAVEGANTES

FLORIANÓPOLIS

PORTO ALEGRE

Codeshare routes

South African Airways

Routes at time of going to press.

Schedule subject to change.

MAURITIUS

CAPE TOWN

DURBAN

LAGOS

KINSHASA

CAIRO

SHARM EL SHEIKH

LUXOR DUBAI

ADDIS ABABA

ENTEBBE

NAIROBI JUBA

SINGAPORE

LUSAKA

VICTORIA FALLS

MAPUTO HARARE

MOMBASA

KISUMU

GQEBERHA

JOHANNESBURG

LUBUMBASHI

DAR ES SALAAM

ABIDJAN

WINDHOEK

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TIMETABLE

NOROUTEDEPARR MTWTFSS

Between Johannesburg and Accra

SA 052JNB - ACC18:2022:25 x

**SA 052JNB - ACC14:5519:00 x

SA 053ACC - JNB23:5507:50 x

**SA 053ACC - JNB20:3004:25 x

*SA 056JNB - ACC10:5515:00 xxx

*SA 057ACC - JNB20:1504:10 xxx Between Accra and Abidjan *SA 056ACC - ABJ16:0017:00 xxx *SA 057ABJ - ACC18:0019:05 xxx Between Johannesburg and Abidjan *SA 056JNB - ABJ10:5517:00 xxx

*SA 057ABJ - JNB18:0004:10 xxx

Between Johannesburg and Cape Town

SA 303JNB - CPT06:0508:20 xxxxx

SA 307JNB - CPT07:1009:25 xxxxxxx

SA 313JNB - CPT08:1010:25 xxxxx

SA 317JNB - CPT08:4010:55 xx

SA 319JNB - CPT09:2511:40 xxxxxxx

SA 323JNB - CPT09:5512:10 xx

SA 327JNB - CPT11:4013:55 xxxxxxx

SA 337JNB - CPT13:0015:15 xxxxxxx

SA 343JNB - CPT14:3016:45 xxxxx

SA 347JNB - CPT15:1517:30 xxxxxxx

SA 355JNB - CPT16:4018:55 xxxxxxx

SA 359JNB - CPT17:2519:40 xxxxxxx

SA 363JNB - CPT18:3020:45 xxxxxx

SA 369JNB - CPT20:3022:45 xxxxxxx

SA 302CPT - JNB06:0008:00 xxxxxx

SA 304CPT - JNB06:4008:40 xxxxxx

SA 308CPT - JNB07:2509:25 xx *SA 314CPT - JNB08:1010:10 xx

SA 316CPT - JNB09:0011:00 xxxxx

SA 322CPT - JNB10:0512:05 xxxxxxx

SA 326CPT - JNB11:0513:05 xxxxx

SA 332CPT - JNB12:2014:20 xxxxxxx

SA 334CPT - JNB12:1015:10 x **SA 336CPT - JNB14:1016:10 x

SAA 342CPT - JNB14:4016:40 xxxxxxx

SA 352CPT - JNB15:5517:50 xxxxxxx

SA 354CPT - JNB17:2519:25 xxxxx

SA 362CPT - JNB18:1020:10 xxxxxxx

SA 366CPT - JNB19:3521:35 xxxxxxx

SA 372CPT - JNB20:2022:20 xxxxxxx Between Johannesburg and Durban

SA 527 JNB - DUR 06:3007:40 xxxxx

SA 531 JNB - DUR 07:3008:40 xxxxxxx

SA 539 JNB - DUR 09:2010:30 xxxxxxx

SA551 JNB - DUR 12:4513:55 xxxxxxx

SA 555 JNB - DUR 13:4014:50 xxxxx

SA 571 JNB - DUR 16:5518:05 xxxxxxx

SA 581 JNB - DUR 20:3521:45 xxx

SA 530 DUR - JNB 07:0008:10 xxx

SA 534 DUR - JNB 08:1009:20 xxxxx

SA 538 DUR - JNB 09:1010:20 xxxxxxx

SA 546 DUR - JNB 11:0012:10 xxxxxxx

SA558 DUR - JNB 14:2515:35 xxxxxxx

SA 562 DUR - JNB 15:2016:30 xxxxx

SA 578 DUR - JNB 18:4019:50 xxxxxxx

Between Johannesburg and

SAA LOUNGES OPERATING TIMES

OUR FLEET

AIRBUS A320-200

• Number of aircraft: 11 • Maximum passengers: between 138 to 186 • Maximum fuel capacity: 23 860L • Typical cruising speed: 820km/h

BOEING B737-800 (DAMP LEASE)

• Number of aircraft: 4 • Maximum passengers: 175

• Maximum fuel capacity: 23 860L • Typical cruising speed: 820km/h

AIRBUS A330-300

• Number of aircraft: 2 • Maximum passengers: 249 • Maximum fuel capacity: 97 530L • Typical cruising speed: 871km/h

CUSTOMS INFO

Everything you need to know to ensure your entry to South Africa is hassle-free

>> CUSTOMS DUTY

Customs duty is levied on imported goods and is usually calculated on the value of the goods.

>> PERSONS ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA

People may enter South Africa at any appointed place of entry. All the goods in their possession must be declared to a customs o cial at the port of entry. When dutiable goods are in their possession, the relevant duties and VAT must be paid.

>> GOODS THAT MAY BE IMPORTED WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF CUSTOMS DUTY AND VAT

(A) Visitors: Personal e ects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, imported either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage for their own use during their stay in South Africa.

AIRBUS A340-300E

• Number of aircraft: 2 • Maximum passengers: 253 • Maximum fuel capacity: 141 500L • Typical cruising speed: 860km/h

CONTACT US

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Weekdays 08:00-16:30, excluding South African public holidays saacustomerservice@ flysaa.com

• +27 11 978 2888

RESERVATIONS 24 hours reservationsjnb@flysaa.com

• +27 11 978 1111

BAGGAGE SERVICE (lost/ damaged) Daily 07:00-19:00 baggageservices@flysaa.com

• +27 11 978 2888

REFUNDS Weekdays 08:0016:30, excluding South African public holidays. New refund

saasawubona.com

request: +27 11 978 1786

flysaa.com/refund-application

CARGO Weekdays 06:00-21:00, excluding South African public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, 08:00-16:00 saacargoreservations@flysaa. com • +27 11 978 1119/3366

WEBSITE QUERIES

webhelp@flysaa.com

VOYAGER Weekdays 07:0021:00, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 08:00-14:00 voyagerservicerecovery@flysaa. com • +27 11 978 1234

(B) Residents: Personal e ects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, exported by residents of South Africa for their own use while abroad and subsequently re-imported either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage.

(C) Limits in respect of certain goods: The following goods may be included in passengers’ baggage either by residents or non-residents, but not exceeding the following limits:

• Wine: 2 litres per person.

• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages: 1 litre per person.

• Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes per person.

• Cigars: 20 cigars per person.

• Cigarette or pipe tobacco: 250g per person.

• Perfume: 50ml per person.

• Eau de toilette: 250ml per person.

• Other new or used goods to a total value not exceeding R5 000 per person, excluding consumables. The limit for crew members is R700.

• Allowances may not be pooled or transferred to other persons.

PLEASE NOTE: Visitors may be required to pay a cash deposit to cover duties and tax on expensive articles such as video cameras. The deposit on the goods is refunded on departure from South Africa.

>>

CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS

• Children under 18 may claim duty-free allowances on goods used by them.

• Children under 18 may not claim allowances for tobacco and alcohol.

• Parents may make a customs declaration on behalf of their children.

Customs clearance procedures for passengers:

• Passengers may select either the red or green channel upon arrival in South Africa.

• By selecting the red channel, a passenger indicates that he/she has goods to declare.

• The customs officer in the red channel must ascertain the value of the goods declared and the duties payable by the passenger’s duty-free allowances.

• By selecting the g reen channel, a passenger indicates that he/she has no goods to declare.

• Random searches of passengers and baggage in the green channel are conducted.

The following goods are prohibited from import: Vegetables, groundnuts, firewood, honey, used pneumatic tyres, raw animal wool and hair, electric blankets, coins, video recorders and reproducers, revolvers and pistols.

The following goods are prohibited from export unless special permits are obtained from the relevant government department: Human bodies or body parts; meat and edible portions from cattle, sheep, goats or pigs; meat and edible animal offal salted, in brine, dried or smoked; edible flours and meals of meat or offal; cane or beet sugar and chemicals; pure sucrose in solid form; raw hides and skins of bovine or equine animals (fresh or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchmentdressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split; bank notes, securities or foreign currency.

>> PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

Apart from the requirements of the Export Control Regulations, the exportation and importation of a wide variety of goods is either totally prohibited or is subject to inspection by other authorities and/or production of special permits/licences, issued by certain authorities only. A

comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted imports and exports is available on the South African Revenue Service website (sars.gov.za).

PLEASE NOTE: Baggage is cleared at the first point of entry in South Africa. In case of connecting on a domestic flight, baggage must be collected, customs cleared and rechecked.

CUSTOMER BAGGAGE

Help us make sure your baggage gets there with you

At SAA, our goal is to deliver your baggage to you at your destination safely and timeously. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, baggage may be delayed, lost or damaged. In that case, our representatives at all SAA destinations will do their best to retrieve it or compensate you and minimise any inconvenience to you. Kindly note the following guidelines:

>> LABELLING YOUR LUGGAGE

• Unique identification: ensure your bag’s easy to recognise by tagging the outside with a colourful ribbon, and using a name tag with your correct name, address, telephone number, email address and destination address.

• The following items should NOT be packed in your check-in bags, but rather carried in your hand luggage: money, passports or visas, computer equipment, laptops, electronic devices, mobile phones, fragile items, business documents, keys, jewellery, lithium-ion batteries and e-cigarettes.

• Always ensure that your bags are locked prior to check-in, as this acts as a deterrent.

• Take advantage of the wrapping services provided at the airport as an additional preventative measure against damage and pilferage.

PLEASE NOTE: SAA does not take responsibility for the loss of valuable items in checked baggage, including money, passports or visas, computer equipment, electronic devices, mobile phones, fragile items, business documents, keys, and jewellery.

>> SECURITY AND HAND LUGGAGE

• Due to limited space in the overhead compartments, your hand luggage may be placed in the cargo hold.

• Remove all valuables, powerbanks, lithium-ion batteries and e-cigarettes from your hand luggage before it’s taken for stowage in the cargo hold.

• Ask for an airline tag with your name and flight details.

• For international travel, liquids, aerosols and gels measuring more than 100ml aren’t permitted in hand luggage. If they measure less than 100ml, they must be secured in a Ziploc bag.

>> BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE (ROUTE-SPECIFIC)

• Economy Class: One to two pieces at a maximum of 23kg each.

• Business Class: One to two pieces at a maximum of 32kg each.

• Inf ants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted one piece of luggage up to 23kg and one collapsible pram, car seat or collapsible buggy.

>>

REPORTING MISHANDLED LUGGAGE

Report your mishandled baggage to the Baggage Services office at the airport.

• A file will be created for tracing purposes.

• Your personal and travel information will be key.

>>

LOST BAGGAGE

If your baggage has been lost, report the incident immediately or within seven calendar days to the office of SAA’s Baggage Services, where you’ll receive a unique reporting number. We’ll initiate the tracing of the baggage and will continue for up to 120 hours, although most misdirected baggage is located sooner. You’ll be informed as soon as your baggage is traced and (where local customs regulations permit), it will be delivered to the address you have provided.

>> TRACKING AND TRACING

During the tracing period, you may contact our office for information on progress made at the telephone number below or via WorldTracer, a computerised tracking system that can be found at flysaa.com under “Essential Information”.

>> DAMAGED BAGS

If your baggage is damaged, we’ll carry out all repairs and replacements (where necessary) according to the Carrier’s Baggage Liability Limitations. This excludes normal wear and tear, and manufacturers’ defects. The incident must be reported immediately or within 7 (seven) days of receipt of the baggage for international travel and within 24 (twenty-four) hours for domestic travel to the office of SAA’s Baggage Services, where you’ll receive a unique reporting number.

>> CLAIMS PROCEDURE

The next step is to submit a completed claim form to the Passenger Claims office. The finalisation of claims takes up to 21 working days. Please complete the form as thoroughly as possible, and attach all required documentation, including proof of bank account, to expedite the process.

ENQUIRIES:

Customer Services: +27 11 978 2888 Baggage Enquiries: baggageservices@flysaa.com

>> SEATS

OUR CABIN GUIDE

In order to make your journey a pleasant one, please note the information on the following pages

• Time to relax! The backrest of your seat can be adjusted. For extra comfort during the flight, you may wish to lean back. Press the button in the armrest of your seat for the backrest to tilt slightly. Note that on the narrow-bodied aircraft, seats forward of the emergency exit rows have limited tilt or do not recline.

• When seated in Economy Class, for the comfort of the person behind you, kindly ensure that your seat is in the upright position whenever meals or refreshments are served.

>>

IN-SEAT POWER SUPPLY

In-seat power is available at every seat in Premium Class on board the Airbus A330-300 and in Business Class on the A320. The sockets are designed for:

• Two-pin European plugs, as illustrated.

• Two- or three-pin US plugs. Other types of plugs will require an adaptor.

• Power supply is intended for the charging of portable electronic devices only. 110-240Vac, 50-60Hz, max 75-100W per seat, subject to aircraft type.

• With laptop use, when the battery is very low or completely flat, it is advisable to remove the battery before connecting the laptop to the power supply. This will allow for optimal laptop usage and power supply.

• The A333 and A320 aircraft have a shared USB and laptop-charging point in Economy Class.

• The in-seat power supply is not sufficient to power medical assistive devices such as oxygen concentrators and CPAPs, because the wattage required by the devices exceeds the in-seat power capability.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ONE OF OUR CABIN CREW MEMBERS

>> DRINKING WATER

Bottled water is available on request from our cabin crew members.

>> IN-FLIGHT SERVICE

The cabin crew members are always at your service. Should you require attendance, please ring the service bell, which is situated either in your armrest or in the passenger service unit above your seat.

>> READING LIGHT

Each seat has an individual reading light that enables you to read when the cabin lights are set to dim without disturbing your fellow passengers. You’ll find the switch in the armrest of your seat or in the service unit above you.

>> DISINSECTION

SPRAY

Health regulations in some countries require that the aircraft cabin be sprayed with disinsectant. The spray is harmless, but if you think it might affect you, please cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

>> MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

• For the convenience of mothers with babies, diaper boards are available in certain toilets on all our aircraft.

• Toys and games to keep little ones occupied during international flights are available on request from the cabin crew.

>>

ACHES AND PAINS

Medical supplies for minor ailments are available on board. Ask a cabin crew member for assistance.

>>

FOR YOUR COMFORT

• Blankets and pillows are available.

• Please lower your window shutter at night to ensure that you and your fellow passengers do not wake up a few hours later with the sun shining in your eyes.

This is also applicable on daylight flights for passengers who want to get some rest.

>> IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Once cruising altitude has been reached, the cabin crew will switch on the entertainment system. If you are travelling on board the Airbus A330-300, kindly refer to the AudioVideo on Demand system for the entertainment line-up.

>> DUTY-FREE SALES

Duty-free articles are for sale on international flights. Please consult the Extraordinair catalogue for details.

>> ADMISSION TO THE FLIGHT DECK

Admission to the flight deck is no longer allowed for security reasons.

>> INTERFERENCE WITH CABIN CREW DUTIES

It is an offence to interfere with the duties of the cabin crew members on board.

>> CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL

Only alcohol served by a cabin crew member can be consumed on board SAA aircraft.

>> USE OF LAVATORIES

Kindly make use of the lavatories in your respective class of travel. Please do not throw foreign objects into the toilets, as this may cause them to become blocked.

>> HEALTHY FLYING TIPS

To make your flight more comfortable, we have included several healthy flying tips at the back of this section.

>> COMFORT DEVICES

The use of in-flight travel accessories and non-certified comfort devices, e.g. CoziGo, Flyaway Kids Bed, Fly Tot, Fly LegsUp, Foot Hammock, JetBed, etc, which attach to aircraft seats, are inserted between seats, or otherwise block access to seat rows or aisles, are prohibited.

UNRULY/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ON BOARD

In terms of the Civil Aviation Act (No. 13 of 2009), any person who on board any aeroplane:

• By force or threat of force or by any other form of intimidation and without lawful reason seizes, or exercises control of, that aeroplane;

• Commits an act of violence, including an assault or threat, whether of a physical or verbal nature, against any person, including a crew member, which is likely to endanger the safety of that aeroplane;

• Wilfully interferes with any member of the crew of that aeroplane in the performance of his or her duties;

• Commits any nuisance or disorderly or indecent act;

• Is in a state of intoxication;

• Behaves in a violent manner towards any person, including a crew member, which is likely to endanger the safety or security of the aeroplane or of any person on board such aeroplane;

• Smokes in a toilet or any other place on the aeroplane where smoking is prohibited;

• Tampers with a smoke detector or any other safety-related device on board the aeroplane;

• Operates a portable electronic device when the operation of such a device is prohibited;

• Refuses to obey a lawful instruction given by or on behalf of the pilot-in-command for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aeroplane or of any person or property on board, or for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on board the aeroplane; or

• Conveys any conventional arms, drugs or animal product in an aeroplane; is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.

FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS CHAPTER:

1. “Animal Product” means any part or portion of, or product derived from, any animal, including any such part, portion or product in any processed form which is possessed contrary to the provisions of any other Act of Parliament or regulation promulgated in terms of such Act; 2. “Drugs” means any drug as defined in Chapter 1 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992), that has not been acquired, bought or possessed lawfully as contemplated in Chapter 4 of that Act; 3. “Conventional Arms” bears the meaning assigned thereto in Chapter 1 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act, 2002 (Act No. 41 of 2002), some exceptions exist.

PLEASE NOTE: In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation, the Commander (Captain) of the aircraft is authorised/empowered to take any action deemed necessary, including restraint of any persons or property on board. In terms of this authority, the Commander may request and/or authorise any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint of, or action against such offenders. In terms of SAA’s right of refusal of carriage, SAA reserves the right to refuse boarding to any person who is intoxicated or who, under reasonable grounds, is believed to pose a potential danger to safety and/or good order and discipline on board its aircraft.

OUR SAFETY GUIDE

SAA has your safety at heart. Please read these pages carefully

SAFETY PAMPHLET

A safety pamphlet is provided at your seat. Please familiarise yourself with its important information and note the location of your nearest emergency exit.

SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR IS PROHIBITED

For your own safety, sleeping on the floor is prohibited. In the event of an irregular occurrence and/or emergency, passengers sleeping on the floor would not have access to seat belts and oxygen masks.

SEAT BELTS

Seat belt signs are visible throughout the cabin. Whenever the signs are illuminated, fasten your seat belt. Keep it fastened throughout the flight. If sleeping under a blanket or duvet, fasten the seat belt over it so the cabin crew does not need to wake you in the event of turbulence.

On the Airbus 330-300, if you are seated in Premium Class, ensure your shoulder belt is fastened for take-off and landing. Passengers less than 1.3m in height are not required to make use of the shoulder belt.

LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS AND GELS (LAGS)

REMAIN SEATED

After landing, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the Commander has switched off the seat belt signs.

PRIOR TO TAKE-OFF AND LANDING

In preparation for take-off or landing, ensure flight mode is selected on your PED and it is switched off, your baggage is stowed, your tray table, footrest, armrest and TV screen are stowed, your window shutter is open, your seat is in the upright position and your seat belt is fastened.

SMOKING

As per South African Civil Aviation Authority regulations, smoking on board is prohibited. This includes the smoking of any artificial device or e-cigarettes.

BASSINETS

The use of the bassinet is restricted by infant size and weight. The bassinet can comfortably accommodate an infant of 75cm in length. The bassinet is designed to carry a maximum load of 11kg. In the interest of safety and to prevent exceeding the weight limitation of the bassinet, it is recommended that the weight limitation of the infant not exceed 10kg. The size and weight limitation of the bassinet must not be exceeded. The infant must fit into the bassinet. Note: An infant aged 9 to 12 months has an average length of 74cm and a weight between 9,2kg and 11,4kg.

When travelling on international flights from South Africa, passengers are restricted from carrying certain LAGs in the aircraft cabin. These rules are aligned to International Civil Aviation Authority standards. Passengers wishing to carry essential liquids with them on board the aircraft must place them in a resealable, clear plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre and a total diameter of 80cm. No item containing liquid may exceed 100ml and it must fit comfortably inside the sealed bag. If these limitations are not adhered to, items will be confiscated by airport security, and SAA will not be in a position to recover them for passengers. When proceeding through airport security checkpoints, the bag holding these items must be separated from other cabin baggage. Items that are exempt from LAG restrictions and that may be carried on board, without being placed in a clear plastic bag, are:

• Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers, provided the child is travelling with the person carrying these.

• Essential and other nonprescription medicines not exceeding 100ml per container, including saline solution and products such as eye drops and contact lens solution.

• Liquids, gels and juice for diabetic passengers who require them for medical reasons.

• Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipsticks in tubes, solid deodorants and lip balms.

Any duty-free LAG products purchased after security checkpoints should be placed in special security bags at the store, and passengers connecting to further destinations are advised to keep these sealed throughout their journey.

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Storage for your cabin baggage is provided either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead stowage compartment. For your own safety and that of the passengers around you, please do not exceed the weight limitations of these compartments and ensure that items placed in them are securely positioned. Be careful when opening the overhead stowage compartments as some luggage may have shifted during the flight.

BUSINESS CLASS

SAA will accept two pieces of cabin baggage, neither of which may exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in dimension and 8kg in weight.

ECONOMY CLASS

SAA will accept one piece of cabin baggage not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in dimension and 8kg in weight. These baggage limitations apply to all passengers travelling in Economy Class, regardless of their Voyager or other status.

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

In accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, each passenger may carry a maximum of 15 PEDs on board.

The use of PEDs is restricted due to the possibility of electromagnetic interference (EMI) with aircraft frequencies that may adversely affect the performance of aircraft systems and/or equipment.

PEDs are categorised into nontransmitting and transmitting electronic devices.

Non-transmitting devices (PEDs) are not designed to transmit or receive data, but can still emit EMI at low levels; Transmitting devices (T-PEDs) are designed to transmit or receive data through various technologies, including cellular, wireless (Wi-Fi) and other radio frequencies (i.e. Bluetooth and infrared).

Many T-PEDs allow the user to disable the transmitting function (e.g. flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode, Wi-Fi disabled, Bluetooth disabled). When disabled, the T-PED becomes a non-transmitting device.

To manage the safe use of PEDs in the passenger cabin, PEDs are divided into four categories: unrestricted, limited, restricted and prohibited. Each category provides restrictions governing the use of the PEDs during each phase of flight. The following table provides a summary pertaining to the restrictions governing each category.

UNRESTRICTED

• Electronic watches;

• Cameras;

• Hearing aids;

• Heart pacemakers;

• Approved medical portable electronic devices (MPEDs).

Can be used any time.

RESTRICTED

• Electronic games with Wi-Fi disabled/not installed;

• Digital media players;

• Virtual reality headsets.

Prohibited during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing. May be used in-flight once the seat belt/ PED sign has been switched off.

Transmitting function must be disabled on aircraft door closing.

LIMITED

• Mobile phones and smartphones;

• Laptops, tablets, PDAs;

• eReaders.

Transmitting function may be used before doors close and after landing once the aircraft has left the active runway.

Lightweight/small handheld devices may be used during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach, landing with flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode activated and/or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth disabled. Transmitting function must be disabled on aircraft door closing.

PROHIBITED

The items below are prohibited at all times:

• Mobile phones without flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode;

• AM/FM transmitters & receivers (including televisions, radios);

• Remote-controlled devices (passenger owned);

• VHF scanners/receivers;

• Two-way transmitters such as walkie-talkies, amateur radios.

NOTE: Lightweight/small handheld PEDs are devices that can be held firmly in one hand or in the user’s pockets, allowing one hand free to release the restraint belt. Larger PEDs, such as laptops, must be placed in an approved stowage location during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing. Seat pockets might not be approved to hold the weight of a laptop. CCMs should ensure that the stowage location used is appropriate to accommodate the size and weight of the device.

Trailing cables from devices (and/or headsets/headphones) must be secured to prevent trip/entanglement hazards via the following means: To be placed on the seat, in the seat pocket, or in an approved stowage location; or to be kept on one’s person, or placed in one’s cabin baggage. Due to the risks involved with overheating lithium batteries and ensuring effective crew response, charging of devices is prohibited during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing.

SPECIAL TRAVEL NEEDS

Because your health, comfort and safety are very important to us, SAA offers services for travellers who require special assistance or have special medical needs.

>> SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Travelling should always be a pleasure, and we go out of our way to make sure that anybody with special needs feels particularly cared for. That can be a disability, a medical condition, a dietary requirement, or the fact that you are travelling with young babies or children.

Many of these services need to be booked in advance, so please read the information below.

For further information, details of services offered, or any other queries, contact: SAA Special Bookings

• specialhandling@flysaa.com

>> TRAVELLING WITH SPECIAL TRAVEL NEEDS

If you have special travel needs, we recommend that you make your travel plans as early as possible, so that we can serve you better. Should you require any medical assistance, please request it when making your reservation, or at least 48 hours prior to the departure of your flight through your local SAA office. It is important that you provide SAA with detailed information at the time of booking. Please let us know:

• The type of mobility aids you are travelling with

• Whether they are collapsible, electric or non-electric

• The dimensions, in adjusted or disassembled state, and weight of the mobility aids

• If you require access to a wheelchair at the airport and/or on the aircraft

• If you require transfer from wheelchair to aircraft seat and vice versa

• If you have a service dog (e.g. emotional-support dogs) that needs amenities. For conditions pertaining to the transportation of such animals, please visit gov.za/ services/import/import-animalsand-animal-products

• If you need elderly care

• If you need on-board facilities for the use of medical equipment, e.g. a battery-operated C-PAP machine

• If you need an adjacent seat for your carer

>> BEFORE THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

Please ensure the assistance you requested has been confirmed and authorised by SAA before you arrive at the airport. Ensure that you have all the relevant documentation, including a Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card (FREMEC) and medical clearance, if applicable.

>> FREMEC

In order to make travelling easier for passengers with a disability, stable medical conditions or special needs, we offer the FREMEC card. This card’s validity is dependent on passenger condition; it varies from one to two years. The card helps you to avoid the hassle of obtaining medical clearance for each journey, and automatically determines your special requirements. Such cards are usually honoured by other airlines. For card renewal, your doctor needs to complete the application on your behalf.

Fax the completed form to SAA Special Bookings: +27 11 978 1111 or visit your local SAA reservations office.

>> ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

It is advisable that you check in early so that we will have enough time to assist you.

• Flights within South Africa: Arrive at least 90 minutes before flight departure.

• Inter national flights: Arrive three hours before departure time.

INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE

SAA is covered by the United States rule for non-discrimination on the basis of disability. A full copy of the rule is available on request.

GUIDANCE FOR PHYSICIANS AND PASSENGERS

>> SICK PASSENGERS MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING:

• Reduced atmospher ic pressure. (Cabin air pressure changes greatly 15-30 minutes after take-off and before landing, and gas expansion and contraction can cause pain and pressure.)

• Reduced oxygen tension. (The cabin is at a pressure equivalent to an altitude of 6 000-8 000 feet, and partial oxygen pressure is ± 20% less than on the ground.)

>> THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS/CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE MEDICAL CLEARANCE FROM SAA:

The following is not exhaustive, and if you are in any doubt as to whether your condition may require clearance, we urge you to contact SAA Special Bookings before flying:

Passengers who require us to provide in-flight oxygen

• Oxygen equipment used will be subject to aircraft type and medical condition.

Please visit faa.gov for the approved list of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).

• SAA can provide a POC that supplies oxygen on demand at a flow rate of 1 – 5LPM. The POC may only be used after take-off and shall be stowed in preparation for the landing.

(NOTE: The cost to the passenger for this service is US$150 per flight segment.)

• SAA can provide an oxygen cylinder for regional flights and domestic flights that supply continuous oxygen at a flow rate of 2LPM and 4LPM.

(NOTE: The cost to the passenger for this service is US$150.)

• A passenger may elect to use their personal battery-powered POC

approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This device may be used to supply continuous oxygen. The POC may not be used with a mask. The passenger must provide a nasal cannula.

(NOTE: No additional cost will apply when passengers provide their own FAA-approved battery-powered POC.)

• The passenger must supply the extra batteries. The spare batteries must be carried in the passenger’s hand baggage and declared to the cabin crew. The spare batteries must be fully charged.

• The spare batteries must be individually protected in order to prevent short circuits – by placement, and in the original retail packaging, or by otherwise insulating the terminals (e.g. taping over the exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate bag or pouch).

• The spare batteries must be carried in the passenger’s cabin hand baggage.

• Only three batteries are allowed on board: one inside the machine and two spares. The power of each battery must not exceed 160Wh.

• The permissible watt-hour rating is 160Wh. Because the 24-cell battery packs of the Inogen One G2 consist of two 12-cell battery packs delivering 195,4Wh, exceeding the permissible rating, this battery pack is not permissible on board. The Inogen One G2 must be powered with an alternate acceptable battery pack.

• A passenger who requires continuous-flow oxygen must book an oxygen cylinder (for regional and domestic flights only), and not a concentrator, subject to operational requirements. However, passengers may bring their own batteryoperated continuous-flow oxygen concentrators.

• Some oxygen concentrators work on demand; therefore, passengers are advised that they will receive oxygen flow only on inhalation.

• Medical portable electronic devices provided by passengers must be battery-operated.

• Because aircraft power is not the same as other electrical power, equipment plugged into an electrical power outlet in an aircraft could cause damage to both the aircraft and the equipment.

• The safety of the aircraft may be compromised due to electro-magnetic interference (EMI), especially during the critical phases of take-off and landing, and on the ground during alignment of the instrumentation and software loading.

>> THE FOLLOWING PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK VIA THE CALL CENTRE OR TRAVEL AGENT:

• Travellers who require a medical escort or in-flight medical treatment

• Travellers who have a communicable disease or infection

• Your doctor must state whether the condition poses a direct threat to the safety or health of others, and advise about precautions necessary to prevent transmission.

• Travellers who have been operated on or admitted to hospital in the two weeks before the flight

• Your doctor must state whether you have recovered sufficiently, and whether your condition has stabilised enough to travel by commercial air transport.

• Travellers suffering from an acute or chronic medical condition for which they might need to take medication during the flight

• Travellers who suffer from any acute or severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, high fever, severe pain, etc.

• Travellers who recently suffered a major medical incident (heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and respiratory failure or recent pneumothorax)

• Travellers who had thrombophlebitis

• Travellers who might develop any symptoms or behaviour that could have an adverse effect on the welfare of other passengers on board

• Travellers whose medical condition might be aggravated during or because of the flight

• Travellers who are travelling with a premature infant or an infant with a medical condition

• An unaccompanied minor with a medical condition

• Travellers with an unstable mental illness or impairment

SPECIFIC CASES

SERVICE DOGS

• A ser vice dog accompanying its owner is accepted on most flights in the passenger cabin of any class, free of charge.

• The dog may, however, not occupy a seat, and must not be kept in a location that would block escape routes in the event of an emergency.

• The ser vice dog must be properly harnessed, and remain with the traveller at all times.

• Travellers with service dogs are required to contact their local South African Airways office prior to booking for further information, flight eligibility, and to be allocated a suitable seat.

• Ask our staff at O.R. Tambo International Airport where the local animal relief area is situated. For service dog transportation, please visit gov.za/services/import/importanimals-and-animal-products

>> WHEELCHAIRS AND MOBILITY AIDS

For travellers with limited mobility, we offer the following assistance:

• Wheelchair s at the airport: We can arrange for wheelchair transport from check-in to the boarding gate, and from the aircraft to the arrivals hall at your destination.

• Travelling with your own wheelchair:You are welcome to check in one wheelchair as baggage, free of charge.

• Each traveller is entitled to one mobility aid, e.g. wheelchair, crane or crutches, free of charge, in addition to their standard baggage allowance. These items must be small enough to be stowed without obstruction, and must meet SAA baggage policy requirements.

• Travellers requiring the use of wheelchairs or mobility aids are advised to make their travel arrangements in advance.

>> TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATION

Passengers should ensure that they keep their medication in their hand luggage, and have a medical letter on hand outlining their condition and medication in case they encounter difficulties while travelling.

• Medicines required on board must be carried in cabin baggage, and passengers must carry a letter from their treating physician. All excess medicines and liquids are to be carried in checked baggage. When taking liquids through security control, passengers should please ensure that they comply with the airport’s restrictions.

• All prescription medicine, syringes and needles used by diabetics must be sealed and properly labelled.

• The quantity of syr inges and needles is limited to the amount required for the flight.

• They must be disposed of in a safe manner.

• For medication requiring refrigeration, passengers should make sure that they bring a cooler box with ice packs, and keep the medication with them for the duration of the flight.

>> EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND PARENTS WITH BABIES

• Medical clearance to fly is only necessar y if you are having complications with your pregnancy.

• Domestic travel is permitted up to 36 weeks for a routine pregnancy.

• Inter national travel is permitted up to 35 weeks for a routine pregnancy.

All pregnant women beyond 28 weeks of gestation must provide a letter from their obstetrician, general practitioner or midwife stating the following:

• Term of pregnancy

• Fitness to travel

• Whether it is a single, multiple or high-risk pregnancy

• Any possible complications, including hypertensive passengers, history of premature labour, etc.

Infants are allowed to travel from seven days of age. Passengers are allowed to fly 10 days after major abdominal surgery. The special-bookings process must be followed.

>> COLOSTOMY BAGS

Travellers dependent on colostomy bags must ensure that they have an empty bag at the start of the journey. Passengers are responsible for carrying enough bags for the duration of the flight, and disposing of them in a responsible manner upon arrival at destination.

>> NUT AND OTHER ALLERGIES

Passengers who have serious allergies must bring it to the attention of our reservations department. Passengers are required to bring their own emergency medication, e.g. injectable epinephrine, such as an EpiPen.

South African Airways does not take responsibility for any allergens that may arise from food, medications, pets, rodents, dust mites, or nut and other allergens.

>> STOWAGE OF CARRY-ON ITEMS

Our cabin crew will assist with loading and retrieval of carry-on items, and small assistive devices stowed on board the aircraft. These items must be small enough to be stowed without obstruction, and must meet SAA baggage policy requirements.

>> ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIR

All our aircrafts are equipped with an on-board wheelchair, allowing passengers to be escorted to and from the toilets. We also have seats with movable armrests that facilitate the transfer of a passenger from the on-board wheelchair to the seat and vice versa.

@ The Medical Hub in Harare, Zimbabwe

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Situated in the safe haven of Borrowdale, Harare, the facility’s experienced professionals offer essential medical care, healthcare and wellness programmes, as well as aesthetic treatments, in a comfortable and pleasant environment.

24-hour emergency | 30 specialists | Aesthetics | Audiology | Aviation medicine | Cardiology | Cath lab

Concierge service VIP rooms | Dental | Ob gyne | ICU surgical and medical | In-house ambulance | IVF

Jet fuel bar | Laboratory | Liposuction | Endolift laser | Minimally invasive surgery | Orthopaedic | Paediatrics

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Stroke clinic | Vaccinations | Vitamin drips | Weight loss | Neurocalvarial paediatric neurosurgery

NEW FACILITIES! Ambulance service | Airport clinic | Dialysis clinic | Training institute

With over 37 years experience, Dr Vivek Solanki (MBChB: SDAME) has special interests in Aesthetics and Regenerative Health.

Visa success

Here’s how to get all your ducks in a row for a smooth and successful visa application.

ue to the weak rand and high cost of living in popular foreign destinations, overseas travel has become quite expensive for South Africans. A two-week trip to France, for example, can cost between R48,000 to R91,000: round-trip flight (R12,000 and R20,000), accommodation (R1,500 to R3,000 daily), food and dining out (R500 to R1,000 daily), transport (R3,000 to R5,000), and sightseeing and activities (R5,000 to R10,000).

Because travel is a significant investment for a middle-income earner, it’s vital to ensure your travel plans are not scuppered at the last minute due to a visa mishap, says Sarah Nicholson, Operations Manager of JustMoney.co.za.

THECOSTS

South Africans travelling to most European countries require a Schengen visa. This currently costs $80 – roughly R1,530 – per adult, subject to currency fluctuations. A United States tourist or business visa costs $185, or R3,500.

A six-month British visitor visa costs £117 or R2,750.

“You may also need to cover travel to the visa application centre for a Schengen visa, or US consulate for an interview; courier fees for visa delivery; and service fees if you use a visa agency,” says Nicholson.

“In addition to the set fees, you may have to pay priority fees if you don’t

have enough processing time before departure,” says Visa Specialist Dirk Bouwer, Founder of Bridging the Gap, an immigration consultancy.

Visa service/agency fees range between R500 and R2,000, depending on the service needed. Document courier fees can range between R200 and R1,500, depending on the courier service requested.

THEPROCESS

It’s crucial to identify reputable companies to assist with your visa

arrangements, says Bouwer. “If one document in a sequence is omitted, your visa could be refused. If you trust a pop-up company you might lose the fees you paid,” he cautions.

JustMoney offers the following tips to help you navigate the visa application process. Be aware that requirements can change quickly, and exchange rates fluctuate.

1. Ensure your passport is valid. Many countries require passports that are valid for at least three to six months beyond your planned departure date

from your destination country. Your passport must have a minimum number of blank pages, usually at least two, for entry and exit stamps.

2. Set a travel budget. Calculate the cost of ights, accommodation, meals, transport, travel insurance, and sightseeing. It’s wise to have an emergency fund, too.

3. Fill in forms correctly. Ensure you ll in your full name, passport number, and date of birth exactly as they appear in your passport. If your name appears in reverse order in o cial documents, copy this format when lling in a form.

4. Understand flight requirements.

Some countries require con rmed ight bookings, while others accept tentative plans. Compile an itinerary showing round-trip reservations. Include dates and ight numbers for your entry and exit.

5. Provide detailed travel plans. If friends or relatives are hosting you, provide a detailed invitation letter according to regulations. If you are on a prepaid tour, provide the itinerary and proof of payment to the tour operator.

6. Select refundable or flexible bookings. This limits your nancial risk if your visa application is rejected or your trip is delayed.

7. Provide proof of employment. Obtain a work letter stating your continued employment and monthly

salary. If you’re self-employed, provide the required business documents. If you're behind on your tax returns, sort this out, especially if applying for a work visa.

8. Organise your bank statements. Visa applications generally require at least three months’ worth of bank statements. Ensure your account is active and re ects regular income. Also, ensure your bank statements are attested – that is, signed and stamped by a bank o cial.

9. Prove you have su cient funds. You can use a combination of accounts, such as savings and investment portfolios, to meet this requirement. It’s advisable to obtain a letter from your nancial adviser con rming this.

10. Explain large cash deposits. Visa authorities might ag sudden, large cash deposits into your account. If you have received a gift or loan from family or friends, provide a letter or documentation explaining the deposit.

11. Ensure photos meet requirements.

Note rules about size, quality, background, appearance, expression, glasses, lighting, and framing. Budget R100-R250 for these.

12. Obtain insurance. Check what’s covered by your medical aid and personal insurance policies. Free cover is available when you pay for your ight by credit card, but this is

generally limited, and excesses can be high. Extra travel insurance could cost R350-R1,200, depending on coverage.

13. Be on time for your appointment.

If an appointment is part of the process, give yourself plenty of time to reach the visa application centre, embassy, or consulate.

BEFOREYOUEMBARK

Once you’ve collected your passport with visa, JustMoney advises taking care of the following items before you embark on your adventure.

1. Notify your bank. Inform your bank of your travel dates and destinations and activate your debit and credit cards for international use.

2. Check transaction fees. Banks often charge additional fees for international card usage, including foreign ATMs. Ask about partner banks with reduced or waived fees. Some banks o er prepaid travel cards with reduced fees. Load these with foreign currency and use them like a debit card.

3. Carry back-up cards. Take at least two forms of payment, such as a debit and credit card, in case one gets lost or stolen, or doesn’t work overseas.

4. Store emergency contacts. Note helpline numbers should your cards be lost or stolen, or if you need to access healthcare or make an insurance claim. Be sure to install any apps needed to access these services, before you depart for your trip.

5. Keep copies of documents: Scan and store your passport and nancial documents for easy access in case of follow-ups or emergencies.

“Preparing your nances, gathering the necessary documents, and understanding the country’s speci c visa requirements helps reduce the risk of delays or rejections,” concludes Nicholson. This preparation not only helps avoid last-minute complications but also allows you to focus on the excitement of your trip, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy the experience.

BY Na sa Akabor

The Connected Travell

SAMSUNG

GALAXY RING

For an elegant wearable, check out Samsung’s new titanium Galaxy Ring, available in silver, gold and black. Three sensors discreetly track health, tness and activity, including heart rate and sleep. Battery life is between 7-14 days, which is ideal for travel. It covers a variety of sizes from ve to 15. Price: R8 000.

Gear to get you travel-ready: the Vivo X200 Pro with 200MP camera, the elegant Galaxy Ring, the smart JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds, and the lightweight Thule Indago backpack. Plus, check out MTN’s travel eSIM.

JBL TOUR PRO 3

The JBL Tour Pro 3 noise-cancelling earbuds with Smart Charging Case also doubles up as an audio transmitter for in- ight use. Manage calls, playback, and settings from the case without picking up your phone. It supports spatial 360 sound, six mics for clarity, and up to 44 hours of playback. Pairs on Android and iOS. Price: R6 399.

IMAGES: Supplied

THULE INDAGO BACKPACK

The Thule Indago 23L backpack is a slim laptop bag for business travel. It ts a 16-inch laptop, has zipped slots inside the main compartment, two exterior zipped pockets, and side ones for water and other small accessories. It is made from recycled materials and comes in black, grey, green and navy. Price: R2 299.

VIVO X200 PRO

MTN KNOWROAMING ESIM

MTN’s new travel eSIM through KnowRoaming gives travellers cheaper data rates to over 150 destinations. Bundles ranging from 1GB to 20GB are on o er, with prices tailored by country. Regional eSIMs for multiple destinations like Europe are also available. Prices start at R79 for 1GB.

Visit: travelesim.mtn.co.za

The new Vivo X200 Pro agship is the ideal travel companion due to its 200MP Zeiss telephoto lens with a 1/1.4-inch sensor to capture landscapes, nightscapes, zoom and macro shots. It has built-in AI, powered by Google Gemini, and with a whopping 6000mAh battery, you don’t need a power bank. Price: R39 999.

SAA DESTINATIONS

As we head into the late summer and autumn holiday period, you may be looking for family holiday destinations. SAA is continuously expanding its routes, covering a variety of regional ones, such as Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Tanzania, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. International destinations that you can fly directly to include Brazil via São Paulo and Australia via Perth, which both share similar seasons to South Africa. Did you know SAA also has codeshare agreements to take you even further? If you want to explore more of Africa, this includes Uganda for gorilla trekking, Mozambique via Maputo to explore a variety of islands and archipelagos, or Egypt via Cairo and onwards to tourist destinations like Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh. Globally, this extends to the United Arab Emirates via Dubai to get a taste of the Middle East, Singapore to explore a smart city, which also serves as a stepping stone to Malaysia, plus Brazil if you want to go directly to Rio de Janeiro for the Rio Carnival. Visit flysaa.com to book.

Discover even more exciting travel content on our Sawubona digital platforms, and download the digital version. Visit saasawubona.com

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We love having conversations with our loyal readers on Twitter. Join the conversation by following @sawubonaSAA, or tag us with #SawubonaWorld and let us know which articles you enjoyed reading the most – and whether any have inspired your travels!

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Toward the end of last year, Volkswagen unveiled a mid-life revision of their apex SUV. It’s the third generation of a vehicle that has been criminally underrated in our market, especially when one considers it shares the same underpinnings as the current Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus.

STYLING

The understated option

Up against established German luxury rivals, the new revised VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG offers a compelling alternative for those seeking understated luxury with robust performance.

With this new refresh,Volkswagen’s design department have sharpened their pencils and given the Touareg a perfectly pitched update, giving it a more contemporary look while still maintaining its classic, understated elegance. Its nose now sports a new radiator grille anked by reshaped

WORDS Steve Smith

IQ.Light HD matrix headlights and L-shaped daytime running lights, and a horizontal illuminated strip extends from the Volkswagen logo, adding a more current VW design DNA. These advanced lighting systems not only improve visibility, but also lend the SUV a striking presence on the road. On the rear hatch is another nod to current VW styling with a continuous LED taillight strip and red-illuminated Volkswagen badge.

INTERIOR

Inside, the Touareg's cabin gets more standard equipment, improved materials, and thoughtful design touches. The updated infotainment system is a highlight, o ering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

New IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights offer a glare-free main beam with interactive LEDs that mask the area in front of oncoming traffic; USB-C connections with a charging capacity of 45 watts allow for significantly faster charging of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The screen resolution and feedback are excellent, making navigation and media controls intuitive. However, some users may find the reliance on the touchscreen for climate control adjustments and the haptic pads on the multifunction steering wheel less convenient. Despite this, the digitised instrument cluster stands out for its configurability, clarity, and user-friendly layout.

Practicality has always been a Touarag strong suit and, with an impressive 810 litres of boot space that expands to 1 800 litres with the rear seats folded flat, the SUV is wellsuited for family trips and 190kW and 600Nm of outdoor adventures. Decent ground clearance (216mm) combined with various off-road driving modes also means the Touareg can handle diverse terrains with ease. Sure, it may lack a lowrange transfer case, but the adaptive air suspension system and off-road capabilities make it more capable than its roadorientated tyres might suggest.

ON THE ROAD

Under the hood, the revised Touareg is still powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel and is paired with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive –a punchy drivetrain that makes for a smooth and responsive performance in various driving conditions. The V6 produces a pleasing growl and delivers power effortlessly, making long-

distance drives a cinch.The 90-litre fuel tank, combined with the engine's frugality, offers exceptional range and, as the automotive industry transitions toward electrification, the Touareg's diesel engine stands as a reminder of the efficiency and reliability of internal combustion engines.

Another standout feature is the adaptive air suspension system, giving the Touareg a supple and comfortable ride quality, despite its big 21-inch alloy wheels and low-profile rubber. Add to that semi-autonomous driving aids like Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist), Area View (a surround view camera system), and Night Vision (the digitised instrument cluster displays vehicles, pedestrians and objects you wouldn’t normally see), and this new Touareg genuinely offers a premium driving experience.

It’s a very impressive luxury SUV that deserves more attention, excelling in comfort, technology, space, and performance. Yes, its Teutonic rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7 may offer slightly more desirability in terms of brand cachet and driving dynamics, but the Touareg holds its own with its refined elegance and practicality. If you’re looking for a luxurious, capable, and understated SUV, this VW is a worthy choice. It may not shout for attention, but its quiet confidence and wellrounded capabilities ensure it delivers a truly satisfying ownership experience.

PRICING

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Elegance) R1 462 00

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (R-Line) R1 763 900

Included is a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan and a 3-year/120,000km warranty.

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9 December 1989,

JAN SMUTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

I was the first person to check in for the flight to Tel Aviv, and the last to board. Fully aware of the rigorous, some would say invasive, security checks carried out by El Al, by the time I was in my seat, I needed a stiff drink.

Within a few hours after landing, my bus was heading for Kibbutz Evron, my home for the next three months.

I would meet and work and play with many curious, adventurous people from every corner of the world. Mission accomplished. I escaped segregated South Africa.

Sometime during month four, a cheap one-way ferry ticket to Istanbul via Cyprus and Rhodes, guaranteed me a space on the open deck. A supply of sun-kissed overripe tomatoes and cucumbers, tins of sardines and stale bread, washed down with mouthfuls of cheap Raki, sustained me. One day merged into another; nights of stargazing, wrapped up in my sleeping bag.

discounted theatre tickets in Leicester Square. I saw Joan Collins on stage in Noel Coward’s “Private Lives”. Diana, Princess of Wales, was in attendance. At Wembley Arena, I experienced the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna.

The trips that made me

For CONNEL JAMES FORTUIN, it’s all about the adventure of travelling.

In Istanbul, at a youth hostel on the banks of the Bosphorous, I met a drag queen of a certain age, who was born in The Bronx, NYC. He presided over the youth hostel and his late-night boozesoaked tales made our surroundings sound, look and feel even more exotic and fantastical.

My last few travellers’ cheques bagged me a bucket flight to London. An hour of customs-police interrogation and I could enter the UK. My return ticket was for Tel AvivJohannesburg. To this day, my mind still boggles. How on earth did I convince them?

Despite my employment agency taking a 50 per cent cut of my weekly pay, London life was thrilling. Home was a three-bedroom council flat in the East End. No central heating. A skinhead in the room to my left, a leather queen to my right. My own room, the size of a broom-cupboard. Dinner was either mushroom chow-mein or McDonald’s takeaway. Most end-of-work days saw me queuing for

Early January 1991, and I woke up, frozen to the bone despite wearing every sock I owned, flannels, and a woollen hat. I could not stop thinking that in sunny South Africa, everyone I knew was probably heading to the beach.

A few days later, I was on my way to my favourite beach back home and, browsing the job offer pages in the paper for teaching vacancies, when a job at Herzlia caught my eye. I applied and was invited for an interview. My recent travels came up and my time spent in Israel was mentioned. I got the job.

The next 12 years in private school education were among the most formative of my life: I was as good at my job as my last lesson. I had to acquire chutzpah very quickly in order to swim and not sink. The impact of those years continues to this day in the most positive, affirming way. Threaded through these years of challenging and rewarding work, in equal measure, opportunities for travel increased dramatically. A relationship and eventually marriage, managed from two different continents, required detailed planning to meet up somewhere, somehow, regularly.

The last day of any of the four school terms,often meant heading to the airport.

They say a couple that travels together, stays together. Nothing thrills us more than to plan our next travel adventure.

To this day.