Dream now, Dakar later Senegal is calling – think beats, beaches and wild colour. We’ve got the fantasy and the budget guide.
Local motion
9 No boarding pass needed
From luxe escapes to nearby nooks, explore top local travel picks for weekend unwinding without the long-haul hustle.
Sleep out
13 Pack your bags and time-travel
South African heritage stays that blend culture and cool –get grounded, inspired and maybe spiritually rebooted en route.
14 Harbouring history and serving cutlets
More than just a hotel: The Commodore mixes old dockyard soul with comfort food and mountain-facing charm.
HIGH-FLYERS
Dine out
16 Where SA’s taste buds soar
A joyous, avour- lled road trip through Mzansi’s most iconic dishes, from home kitchens to hidden foodie gems.
Local is lekker
18 Made of Mzansi, with soul Celebrating local brands that honour culture and community through what we drink, wear and put on our skin.
Kids corner
21 Pitstops, pancakes and popcorn
A snack-loving Gen Alpha shares his top travel munchies and detour stops for drama-free, kid-approved road trips.
21 Plane brain
Travel trivia for curious travellers – keep little minds busy while wheels or wings roll.
Mzansi star
25 TikToks, telenovelas and a touch of Cardi B
“Youngins’” Kea Masango talks fame, calm in chaos and the low-key Joburg spots that help her reset.
here’s a quiet revolution happening right under our noses – and it's dressed in local threads, scented with homegrown skincare, served with hand-stirred umqombothi and road-tripped in second-hand boots to places we once overlooked.
This issue is a love letter to home. To the textures, tastes and tales that make up South Africa’s living heritage. We’re not just talking about the past; we’re celebrating the present. The places we drive past but rarely stop to see. The brands born in townships and back kitchens that are now taking up space globally. And the It-girls, snack-loving tweens and Gen Z creators who are rewriting what it means to belong
Because here’s the thing: when locals explore their land, everything changes. We see our stories with new eyes. We realise our value isn’t imported; it’s brewed, stitched, lmed and grilled right here. Travelling local, buying local and being local isn’t just a patriotic gesture; it’s a power move.
So, go on, take the scenic route. Make that pitstop. Pack local. Eat local. Be proudly, beautifully here
This issue is your passport – no visa required.
Picasso Headline, A proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za
Cover images: City Sightseeing South Africa, Showmax
SALES
Sales Manager: Richard White Tel: +27 83 229 4040
Email: RichardW@picasso.co.za
Sales: Stephen Crawford, Gavin Payne, Robert Skeen
PRODUCTION
Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner
Advertising Co-ordinator: Johan Labuschagne
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Printer: CTP Printers, Cape Town Online Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za
MANAGEMENT
Management Accountant: Deidre Musha Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer
COPYRIGHT: Picasso Headline.
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. HIGH-FLYERS is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher
DREAM NOW,
From street beats in Dakar to flamingo-pink lakes, let’s plot an escape plan to Senegal – with costs, chaos and carry-on tips included. Why? Because wanderlust is free and budgeting for flights keeps hope alive. By RAINA
JULIES
Today I allowed myself to dream in Wolof, French and drumbeats. I stumbled on a reel of a golden sunset in Dakar, and suddenly, I was there. At least in my mind – barefoot on the sand, tangled in a printed wrap dress, with the smell of grilled sh and mango in the air. Everyone always dreams of Paris or Zanzibar, and don’t get me wrong, so do I, but Insta now has me salivating on Senegal. Loud, layered, luxurious Senegal – where fashion meets history and rhythm lives in the streets. Here’s the thing – I haven’t booked a ight. My passport’s sulking in a drawer. And, my travel fund? Let’s just say it’s more “Checkers sale trolley” than “jet-set chic” at the moment. But I’m dreaming in full colour – and right now, the dream smells like spiced yassa onions and sounds like mbalax drums.
Dear diary, is this yet another of my budget-savvy, slightly delusional travel fantasies, or can I make it to West Africa’s cultural crown jewel?
I'm thinking yes, I can ...
Of course, I’ll be ying in from Cape Town, cradled by the same economy seat that now knows the shape of my spine – roughly R20 000 return if I book like a responsible adult and not the night before. The ight will be long, sure, but not soul-crushing. When we touch down in Dakar – Senegal’s breezy seaside capital where taxis have no meters, the music never stops and Google Maps quietly gives up – I’ll be sweaty but optimistic. I’ll check into a stylish guesthouse in Parcelles Assainies – nothing too ashy, just something between R500 and R700 a night, breakfast included, complete with that “mosquito-net chic” vibe.
Note to self: bring ip- ops and a decent charger – power cuts are part of the Senegalese charm.
Enjoy a thieboudienne (Senegal's national dish) inspired meal.
First stop: the legendary Marché Sandaga, where I’ll politely pretend I’m “just browsing” while secretly haggling for woven baskets, bold fabrics – and possibly my soul – from a charming vendor named Mamadou.
Hungry? I’ll grab a plate of thieboudienne – Senegal’s national dish ( sh, rice and veg) – from a street spot for around R50, according to the internet. That’s cheaper than my airport iced coffee and, I bet, ten times more satisfying.
As the sun melts into the Atlantic in streaks of gold and tangerine, I imagine that Dakar changes gears. The chaos softens into rhythms and the city’s heartbeat turns up. I’ll head to one of Dakar’s vibey night club venues where live bands blend high-energy mbalax with Afrobeats. Think Fela Kuti meets Nando’s extra hot. Cover charge?
Averages at around R100. Beer? Less than R40. Vibes? Priceless. Wait – I don’t drink beer. Score! R40 saved.
Back at the hotel after a full Day 1 sensory overload, I collapse into my R500-a-night slice of budget bliss at Casa Djoko – a beachfront guesthouse
near Yoff Beach with sea views, sweet calm and just enough charm to make me feel like I’m living in a Wes Anderson lm (minus the pastel suits, plus some sand in my sandals). The air-conditioned room is basic but comfy. There’s free Wi-Fi –because even dreamers need Google Maps.
Breakfast the next morning is delightfully Italian: juice, bread and
enough coffee to restart a brain. I take it on the sun terrace, trying not to cry at how good life feels. Genius discounts are a thing here too, so – note to self –sign in and save. With Yoff Beach a short stroll away and the airport just 8km out, it’s ideal for this wanderlust-on-a-wallet traveller.
I dally off after breakfast – sunhat slightly skew – into the hum of Dakar for another day of dreamy chaos and colour.
What you need to know
Currency: Senegal uses the West African CFA franc. R100 gets you about +/- 3100 CFA. Maths required.
Visa situation: South Africans can get a visa on arrival. Thank you, diplomatic angels.
Vaccines: ask your GP, not TikTok. Yellow fever is required. Typhoid and Hep A are recommended.
Language: French + Wolof + dramatic hand gestures = survival.
Yoff Beach
Later, I hop on a ferry to Gorée Island – a hauntingly beautiful relic of the slave trade. The R100 return fare is minor, but the perspective? Free, and deeply necessary. History hits differently here.
Day 3: Lac Rose and other pink dreams
I’m up early (miracles happen) to visit Lac Rose – the famous pink lake. About 30km from Dakar, this is where tourists oat like croissants, and I’ll likely bob like a blissed-out dumpling while trying (and failing) to nail the perfect oating sel e. Locals harvest salt by hand – it’s oddly poetic.
A round-trip taxi might cost R400, if I negotiate like an aunty. I hate being called that in SA, but in Senegal? Aunty me away.
Entry to the lake is minimal. The vibe? Maximal.
Note to future me: pack sunscreen. Leave space in the budget for roadside grilled corn and impulsive souvenir buying.
looks like it belongs in a Marvel lm. Entry is around R20, and the climb? All 198 steps; pray for my knees. And my back. And my soul. But the panoramic views? They’ll scream “post this immediately”.
Next stop: Village des Arts, where local artists exhibit in open studios. Perfect for pretending I’m cultured while discreetly hunting for Instagram backdrops. If I’m still standing, Ngor Island is a must – just a short pirogue ride from the mainland. It has boho beach bars, crashing waves and the kind of sunshine that makes you believe in second chances (and waterproof sunscreen).
Because I refuse to be the kind of tourist who only scratches the surface, I’ll make time for the African Renaissance Monument – a giant bronze statue that
Reality check (aka budget breakdown)
• Flights: depending on airline and booking date, you can get a fl ight from Cape Town to Dakar for around R20 000. Flying from Joburg is sometimes signifi cantly cheaper .
• Accommodation (7 nights): R3 500–R5 000.
• Transport and tours: R1 500.
• Food and fun: R2 000.
• Travel insurance, visas, small incidentals: R800.
Dear diary, remind me to pack an extra SD card. Senegal will be showing off, and I want receipts. We all know that you haven’t really been there unless you post it on Instagram!
I think this might actually be possible. It won’t be luxe, but it’ll be loud and lovely. I’ll dance. I’ll eat with my hands. I’ll get hopelessly lost and not care. And, even if I don’t make it this year, dreaming of Senegal already feels like a little holiday.
Now, to resurrect my passport and start manifesting ight deals.
Love,
Your culturally curious alter ego
Gorée Island
The African Rennaissance Monument
Pink Lake, Lac Rose
NO BOARDING PASS
Whether you're craving a slow weekend in the mountains or a five-star pillowfest, we've rounded up the best nearby spots (no more than three hours away) for maximum impact with minimal effort
The Free State’s golden child
A three-hour drive from Johannesburg, this artsy mountain village is full of sandstone cliffs, cobbled streets and galleries selling everything from handcrafted ceramics to wildly overpriced fudge (worth it). Tackle the Golden Gate hiking trails or sip coffee with a view of the Maluti Mountains.
Little-known fact:
Clarens was named after a town in Switzerland – for the same fresh air and Alpine feel, minus the snow boots.
The West Coast’s best-kept secret
All whitewashed cottages and wild ocean skies, Paternoster is a postcard come to life – just a two-hour drive from Cape Town. Feast on seafood, nap in hammocks and watch locals pull in nets the same way their great-grandfathers did.
Little-known fact: the town's name means "Our Father" in Latin, possibly linked to shipwrecked Catholic sailors praying for rescue. It worked – you should visit.
Trending eats nearby
Clementines Restaurant & Bar
An old bus-shed turned cosy eatery, Clementines nails country-style comfort. Expect mains like slow-cooked lamb shank, pan-fried trout and legendary oxtail, with starters like avo ritz and blue cheese salad. It’s warm, welcoming and still a Clarens classic. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.clementines.co.za
The Noisy Oyster
This iconic West Coast spot has had a recent glow-up, but it’s still serving quirky seafood in a whimsical courtyard setting. Think oysters five ways, mussels in garlic butter, fish croquettes and even springbok carpaccio. The vibe? Flip-flops, fairy lights and serious flavour.
The Edge Restaurant
The forest fantasy you didn’t know you needed
Three hours from East London, Hogsback is rumoured to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Expect misty forests, fairies (really), and cafes serving pancakes the size of your face.
Little-known fact: there’s a labyrinth built to match the one at Chartres Cathedral in France – just in case you’re in the mood for some spiritual detours.
The Edge boasts panoramic mountain and garden views. Open daily 8am–8pm, it serves wood-fired pizzas, Greek salads, lamb shank, trout pasta and more. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Guests love the maze-like herb garden and fireplace ambience. Outdoor seating welcomes four-legged diners.
Paternoster
Hogsback
Harbouring history and serving
If you like your hotel stays with a side of Table Mountain views, a dash of dockyard history and a full plate of dukkah-crusted cutlets, The Commodore might just be your spirit animal
ust a lazy ve-minute stroll from Cape Town’s beloved V&A Waterfront, The Commodore Hotel stands where the sea once ruled. Long before it was pouring cappuccinos and plating lamb cutlets, this very land was part of the original Cape Town harbour complex – a gateway for explorers, spice traders and seafarers from the mid-1800s. Today, the hotel pays quiet tribute to its maritime past with polished wood, ship motifs and a Time Ball Tower standing proudly next door.
But history aside, let’s talk breakfast because that’s where every memorable stay truly begins. At The Clipper Restaurant, mornings kick off with a buffet that balances indulgence with intention. Think pillowy eggs, aky pastries, fresh fruit, and bottomless coffee poured by staff who treat you like family. Unpretentious, generous and polished – just like the hotel.
Come dinnertime, the lights dim and those dukkah-crusted lamb cutlets steal the show. Spiced with just enough swagger and plated
Did you know?
As for location
with zero fuss, they’re reason enough to skip the Waterfront’s bustle and dine in. Between the attentive service, wood-panelled interiors and quiet clinking of glasses, you can practically hear echoes of Cape Town’s golden age of trade and travel.
The rooms? Spacious and fuss-free with big comfy beds, fast Wi-Fi, and proper views if you score a mountain- or harbour-facing suite. At around R3 300 a night, it’s re ned without being try-hard. No plunge pool on the roof – but there is a sauna, a gym and a pool for post-breakfast resets or pre-dinner guilt management.
Just 25 minutes from the airport, walking distance from the Zeitz MOCAA, Robben Island Museum ferry, and the buzzing Watershed Market. And, if you’ve got time to explore, nearby the Bo-Kaap, District Six Museum, and Greenmarket Square offer deep dives into Cape Town’s layered, complex history.
The Commodore was built on the original Cape of Good Hope dockyard, once the heart of British naval operations. Next door, the Time Ball Tower (1894) helped ships set their clocks to Greenwich Mean Time. Look out for subtle heritage nods throughout the hotel, from salvaged anchors to ship wheels repurposed as decor.
PACK YOUR BAGS AND TIME-TRAVEL THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA’S
Whether you're following ancient trade routes or chasing that perfect Insta sundown, these heritage stays are anything but history class snoozefests. Pack light, travel deep, and remember your roots might just lead to your new favourite route
eritage isn’t just dusty archives and doeks; it’s in our land, our legends and even those long-lost cousins from two million years ago. Whether you're tracing the San people’s desert paths or sipping bubbly where Homo naledi once roamed, South Africa’s ancestral swag runs deep.
So, if your ideal holiday includes culture with a cocktail and a side of “Wait, humans were how short back then?”, keep reading.
Upington: rock art and desert royalty
Tired of limp hotel buffets and the same old skyline sel es? Upington’s got stories older than anything on your watchlist. This Northern Cape gem is your launchpad to the Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park – a vast, protected area where ancient rock art still whispers secrets about weather, animals, and possibly who spilled the traditional beer.
Nestled in the heart of the Green Kalahari, is the Sun River Kalahari Lodge that offers affordable accommodation right on the banks of the majestic Orange River.
Mossel Bay: where heritage meets high tide
Long before seafood platters and lazy beach days, Mossel Bay was where Europeans rst landed on SA shores in 1488. It’s also home to the country’s oldest “post of ce” – a milkwood tree where sailors left letters in a shoe. Gmail could never.
Cape St. Blaize Boutique Hotel: cliffside chic, buzzy vibes and just steps from St. Blaize Lighthouse. The Point Hotel & Spa: built into the rocks with crashing waves, spa luxuries and major oceanfront mood.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Upington
Located in the town centre beside the Orange River, this hotel oozes main-character energy with sundowner views and comfy beds. Sundowners are non-negotiable.
DID YOU KNOW?
San rock art wasn’t just decoration; it was sacred storytelling, often painted post-trance dance. Basically, the world’s first TED Talk with better scenery.
Fun fact:
Mossel Bay is considered the Cradle of Maritime History. It’s one of the earliest sites showing humans chilling (and fishing) by the sea. Our ancestors: the original ocean lovers.
Cradle of Humankind: back to (literal) basics Need a reality check? A trip to the Cradle won’t solve your existential crisis, but it might just reframe it. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has delivered some of the oldest human fossils on Earth – like Mrs. Ples and Homo naledi, the ancient ancestor who may have invented the cave rave.
Maropeng Boutique Hotel
Stylish, serene and situated right next to the visitor centre for quick access to everything.
Cradle Boutique Hotel Bush-meets-brain vibes with interactive museums, caves and bonus wildlife sightings (expect zebras).
Sun River Kalahari Lodge
The Point Hotel Spa
Cradle Boutique Hotel
WHERE SA’S TASTE BUDS
Forget fancy Michelin stars – if your taste buds are ready to party, buckle up – we’re taking you on a mouthwatering road trip through the country’s most iconic, home-brewed and heart-made dishes
irst stop: the Karoo, where potjiekos reigns supreme.
This isn’t your average stew; it’s a slow-simmered symphony of meat, veggies and spices cooked low and slow in a cast-iron pot over an open re. Try Karooboom Restaurant’s Sunday menu. They serve a delish potjie dish with their traditional boerekos buffet, where every bite tells a story of dry lands and hearty hospitality. Wash it down with a cold, locally brewed craft beer or a glass of Karoo red for the full experience.
Heading north to Gauteng, get ready to sip on umqombothi –the traditional sorghum beer brewed right in the townships and a staple of social gatherings. You can enjoy authentic, traditional, thick, slightly sour brew umqombothi at the Indaba Hotel’s Chef Boma Restaurant
(they also serve traditional potjiekos and melktert).
Another very Mzansi avour is chakalaka Durban markets are your go-to for this ery vegetable relish –think tomatoes, beans and peppers with a cheeky kick. Pair your chakalaka feast with a chilled lager or a local ginger beer if you want it nonalcoholic but equally zingy. It’s the kind of combo that makes your taste buds dance – spicy, refreshing and totally South African.
No South African culinary tour is complete without Cape Town’s melktert. Picture a aky, buttery crust hugging a creamy, cinnamon-kissed custard. Try Babylonstoren, Limnos Bakers or Jason Bakery,which all have a unique take on the traditional sweet delight. Sip it alongside a strong rooibos tea or a creamy Amarula on the rocks for dessert vibes that are pure local bliss.
Die potjie storie
The potjie pot is Mzansi’s original slow cooker – long before gadgets took over kitchens. Brought by Dutch settlers in the 1600s, this three-legged cast-iron pot was designed to sit steadily over uneven fi res. Its heavy lid often sports a quirky knob shaped like a rooster or other animals – a cheeky nod to old European style. The best part? The potjie only gets better with age, thanks to its cast-iron magic. It’s not just a cooking pot; it’s a portable kitchen, a storyteller and the ultimate symbol of slow-cooked, shared meals around the fi re.
Bonus insider tips
Want to cook these iconic dishes at home? Visit markets like Johannesburg’s Neighbourhoods Market or Cape Town’s Oranjezicht City Farm Market for authentic ingredients, from freshly milled sorghum to fragrant chakalaka spice mixes and local dairy perfect for melktert.
MADE OF MZANSI,
From what we drink to what we wear and how we care for our skin, proudly South African brands are making a statement – globally
The fabric of South African fashion is woven with cultural pride, sustainability and unapologetic style. Our designers and makers are not just on-trend; they’re rede ning what it means to be luxury in a local context.
Rich Mnisi , with his bold patterns, gender- uid silhouettes and fearless colours, has become a global name. From Beyoncé to Naomi Campbell, international icons are donning his designs, while local fans appreciate the modern homage he pays to Tsonga culture. Mnisi isn’t just creating clothing; he’s crafting identity and narrative through fashion.
Meanwhile, in the world of interiors, the rise of homegrown design is just as compelling. South Africa’s design renaissance is no longer dominated by a single narrative. A growing wave of black furniture and interior designers is shaping a bold, inclusive future – one where African identity is the blueprint for modern design.
Mpho Vackier of TheUrbanative is reinterpreting African heritage through furniture and homeware that’s sleek, sculptural and culturally rich. Each piece is more than décor; it’s a visual narrative of identity, lineage and pride. Log onto www.theurbanative.com
Thabisa Mjo , founder of Mash. T Design
Studio, creates lighting and furniture that blur the line between form and folklore. Her iconic “Tutu 2.0” pendant light, inspired by a Xibelani skirt, is now a modern classic. View these designs here: www.instagram.com/mashtdesignstudio/?hl=en
Rich Mnisi Unscripted
Rich Mnisi has become a global name in less than a decade. What was the very first vision you had for the brand, and has it changed over time?
Rich Mnisi: The vision was deeply personal: to create a brand that carried memory, culture and identity. I wasn’t just making clothes; I was telling stories rooted in my Tsonga heritage. It began as a creative outlet to bring African narratives into the global fashion conversation, not as trends but as timeless, evolving expressions.
Over time, the vision has expanded, but the soul remains. Today, RICH MNISI is a multidisciplinary design house spanning fashion, furniture, art, and collectables – a symbol of African innovation and storytelling with a global yet unmistakably African footprint.
Your designs are steeped in African storytelling and Tsonga heritage. How do you translate those cultural elements into pieces that feel contemporary and relevant worldwide?
Rich Mnisi: African storytelling is inherently modern – layered, emotional and ever-evolving. I draw on motifs, myths and memories from Tsonga and African heritage, reinterpreting them through contemporary silhouettes, materials and techniques.
Whether it’s a snake motif symbolising transformation or prints inspired by traditional patterns, I aim to distil heritage rather than recreate it. The key is balancing cultural specificity with a global design language –pairing traditional references with sharp tailoring, futuristic cuts or unconventional materials. Heritage, when approached with respect and creativity, becomes a tool for future-making.
Heritage brands are often known for their craftsmanship. What steps do you take to ensure every RICH MNISI piece is made to last?
Rich Mnisi: Craftsmanship is a pillar of the brand. We work with skilled artisans and seamstresses – many with us from the start – and invest in quality fabrics and ethical production.
We’re meticulous from garment construction to the storytelling in each collection. Sustainability is key: limited runs, made-to-order, slow fashion values and off-cut donations. Longevity is about durability and creating work worth preserving.
From high-fashion runways to collaborations with global brands, how do you balance creative freedom with the business side of running a fashion house?
Rich Mnisi: It’s a constant dance. Creativity is the soul, business is the structure. I treat them as partners. A strong team handles operations, allowing me to focus on vision while keeping the brand sustainable.
With global collaborations, I always ask: Does this align with our values? If yes, I protect our storytelling’s essence, even in a commercial context. It’s about building bridges, not diluting identity. Every project must still feel bold, poetic and rooted in RICH MNISI.
If we look 20 or 30 years ahead, what do you hope the RICH MNISI brand will represent in the story of South African and African fashion?
Rich Mnisi: I hope it proves African excellence is the standard. That we can lead creatively, compete globally and shape culture while staying true to ourselves.
In decades to come, I want RICH MNISI to be a cultural institution – empowering communities, shaping taste and inspiring African creatives to dream louder and bolder. This isn’t just fashion; it’s a blueprint for creative, cultural, and economic freedom.
A new generation of South African craft gin and wine makers is raising a glass to heritage, innovation and local avour. These are not just beverages; they are bottled stories, shaped by our land, history and people.
One of the brands rewriting the rules of gin is Indlovu Craft Gin. Distilled using botanicals foraged from elephant dung (yes, you read that correctly), Indlovu isn’t a gimmick; it’s an eco-conscious innovation. The brand draws inspiration from the diverse plants elephants consume in the wild, bringing uniquely African notes like aloe, acacia and wild g into each bottle. Crafted in the Cape and founded by Les and Paula Ansley, a portion of every bottle sold supports HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), the continent’s rst dedicated elephant orphanage.
Indlovu’s product line includes:
• Indlovu Original Gin – earthy and complex, this agship spirit balances wild botanicals with a re ned juniper base, offering a smooth, layered nish that speaks to the African bushveld.
• Indlovu Citrus Gin – a zesty infusion of sun-drenched citrus and wild botanicals, ideal for summer cocktails and sundowners.
• Indlovu Limited Editions – exclusive small-batch releases that vary based on the seasonal diets of speci c elephant herds, creating a truly unique avour pro le with each run. The packaging is equally elegant, with clean, modern labels and a design ethos that honours both African heritage and high-end aesthetics.
In South Africa, wellness is more than a trend; it’s a return to nature, culture and clean living. The organic beauty movement is booming with local brands delivering results-driven skincare rooted in ancestral knowledge and modern science.
Pioneers like Earth Rhythm and Wild Ferns continue to win over fans with their use of powerful botanicals such as baobab, marula, rooibos and aloe ferox. These ingredients aren’t just natural; they’re deeply African, effective and environmentally respectful.
At the recent Good Life Show in Kyalami, two standout brands captured attention.
Lola & Co Organics, a Cape Town-based family brand, offers small batch balms, oils and body butters made with coconut oil, lavender, and calendula – ideal for sensitive skin and young children. Meanwhile, Quantum Gold showcased its luxurious, high-frequency skincare range infused with colloidal gold, aloe and indigenous botanicals. The products promise to repair, hydrate and energise the skin at a cellular level.
As more consumers embrace clean, conscious living, these natively made brands are showing the way – celebrating wellness that heals, beauty that uplifts and formulations that are proudly South African.
Lola & Co Cosmetics
PITSTOPS, PANCAKES AND
Eastern Cape explorers unite Jeffreys Bay has ice cream stands that should be world famous. Especially the ones with wild avours like blue gum and fudge ripple.
Meet Eli, 11: snack royalty, backseat DJ and chief negotiator of "just one more stop". He’s mapped out the tastiest detours to keep hangry backseat riots at bay
kay, real talk – road trips can be straight re or totally mid. It all comes down to one thing: snacks. Not that sad, crushed chip packet your mom threw in “just in case”. I’m talking proper pitstops, next-level eats and maybe even some goats to ex on.
I’ve smashed the Durban drive, barely survived the Garden Route, and now I’m here to help you plan like a real boss.
If you’re heading to Durban ...
You de nitely gotta convince your parents to pull over at the Midlands Meander. It’s basically the snack kingdom of KZN – no cap.
The Windmills Kitchen (near Nottingham Road): their pies are never soggy, and the milkshakes? Straight-up worth that brain freeze.
Swissland Cheese: yup, it was a cheese farm, now a picnic spot. But you can feed goats. And no joke, you might wanna move in. For real.
Linga Lapa: biltong that actually lasts longer than three minutes. Perfect for killing boredom on the road.
Pro tip: mooing at cows gets you the weirdest side-eye from drivers. Just hit ‘em with a chill wave instead.
If you’re chilling in Cape Town ...
Sure, there’s fancy food everywhere, but if you’re under 13, you want the real MVP snacks. That’s why the V&A Food Market is straight-up GOAT.
• Rainbow popcorn that looks like it fell right out of a unicorn’s lunchbox.
• Mini pancakes drenched in chocolate sauce = sticky ngers, happy vibes.
• Fruit skewers for when you gotta pretend you’re eating healthy or whatever.
Bonus: there’s a dope playground just outside the market, and you can watch boats cruise by. On everybody's soul, I swear I once saw a seal wink at me. No cap.
Nanaga Farm Stall (near Colchester): home of the best homemade pies, scotch eggs and major windmill vibes.
Padlangs: low-key, this place is elite. Every W road trip needs a padstal stop, and this one’s not your average snacks-and-toilets vibe. It’s kinda bougie – but in a good way. Think next-level eats, Instagrammable vibes and 10/10 treats for the ride.
What city am I?
Clue 1: I have a very famous at-topped mountain.
Clue 2: Two oceans almost high- ve near me.
Clue 3: You can take a boat ride to a very famous island prison.
Travel riddle:
I’m round but I don’t roll, Full of countries from pole to pole. I help you nd places near and far –
Even where the pyramids are! What am I?
True or false?
1. Table Mountain is older than the Himalayas.
2. Penguins only live at the South Pole.
3. Johannesburg has a beach.
She’s booked, busy and just getting started. We catch up with Kea Masango – TV darling and rising It-girl – to chat about her meteoric rise, how she keeps her cool in the chaos, and the local hideaways she swears by when it’s time to hit reset.
By MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS >
TELENOVELAS AND A TOUCH OF CARDI B
he success of the Showmax Original show “Youngings” has cemented its place in South African pop culture. Not only has the series been greenlighted for its third and nal season, but it’s also produced a star who understood the assignment.
Kea Masango, who plays the ery Buhle, headgirl of Olifantsfontein, is The One to watch. At only age 21, she’s already forged her place in the local entertainment industry. The Umlazi-born creative made waves on “Rhythm City” and went on to supporting roles in “Indoda Must” and “The River”. Due to her raw and powerful performance in the youth drama “Youngins”, Masango is a hot property. The actress was nominated for Best Newcomer at last year’s National Film & TV Awards South Africa, and currently appears in “Genesis”, Mzansi Magic’s new telenovela.
Thankfully, she managed to take a break from lming for a quick chat.
Q: How has being part of “Youngins” shaped your growth as an actress and as a young woman in the spotlight?
A: Being part of “Youngins” has really stretched me – in the best way. It’s made me more open to exploring roles outside of my comfort zone and has helped me embrace versatility as an actress. At the same time, having my work reach more people has been a humbling experience. It’s made me more aware of the kind of impact storytelling can have, and that’s helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Q: What part of your character’s journey resonated most with your own life?
A: Definitely the pressure she puts on herself to do well. I’m the same; I push myself to give my best in everything I do. Over time, I’ve learned to let that pressure fuel me in a healthy way rather than overwhelm me. It’s become a source of motivation instead of anxiety, and that’s something I’ve seen in Buhle, too.
Masango has amassed over 385 000 followers on TikTok (@kealeboga_masango), and her videos are anything but ordinary. From BTS clips to showing off her sun-kissed natural beauty, her content is funny, authentic and unapologetic. One of her self-care rituals is her Get Unready With Me videos. Instead of doing a full face beat, she shares her going make-up-free routine for her sensitive skin.
Q: How important is it for you to represent authentic South African youth stories on screen?
A: It’s incredibly important. There’s so much richness in our youth’s lived experiences, and bringing those stories to life not only entertains, but also educates. It gives young people different perspectives and allows them to feel seen. That representation matters deeply, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Q: Your current beauty obsession?
A: I partnered with Lancôme to promote their Idôle fragrance, specifically the Idôle Power campaign, emphasising self-empowerment and individuality.
DID YOU KNOW?
While appearing on YouTuber Bongani Baloyi’s channel, Masango made an interesting admission. “I can fake sneeze, fake burp and fake hiccup at the same time. Well, obviously one after the other.”
Of course, the actress had to prove it and ended with, “I’m so sorry you guys had to see that!”
stop her from making regular trips to Durban
fashion. Need we say more? And, she knows
Born in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, Masango is based in Joburg. However, that doesn’t stop her from making regular trips to Durban with her gals to enjoy the soft life. Her dream destination is Paris, France. The culture. The fashion. Need we say more? And, she knows her way around the style elite. Often seen wearing RICH MNISI designs, Masango’s style is edgy streetwear with a generous dose of sass.
Despite the fame, the one thing that keeps her happy and grounded is spending quality time with her family. Talking about family, Masango’s brother is a music producer. She’s even featured on one of his tracks and has already written 25 songs, one of which she’s recorded. When it comes to her playlist, Cardi B trumps every other artist. Down to earth, humorous and not afraid to show her goofy side, Kea Masango is going places, and we’re more than happy to join her for the ride.
