Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i go!

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it difficult to disembark from the bullet train of euphoria after the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup. The leadership of Siya Kolisi, the tactical nous of Rassie Erasmus, the fleet-footed brilliance of Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi, the unselfishness of Lukhanyo Am, the belligerence (and eccentricity) of Faf de Klerk, those scrums (!) and the focused camaraderie of the whole team proved again what our people are capable of if they stand together. I’ve watched the match three times now and I’ve enjoyed reams of analysis, especially the postmortems in the British press. This was a circus extraordinaire, and it makes me proud to enter 2020 as world champions. One of the interesting asides is that we like to win World…

As a child, I spent most of my school holidays on family farms. In places like Ermelo in Mpumalanga and Stella in the North West, snakes are killed on sight and there is no shortage of myths surrounding the creatures. Thinking back, all those old wives’tales may have been what triggered my interest in snakes and got me asking more questions about them. Perhaps you’ve heard some of these myths, too? One myth goes that if you kill a snake, you must burn its body immediately otherwise its mate will come and take revenge on you. It’s also said that someone may step on the bones years later and get envenomated. This is all nonsense. For starters, snakes don’t move or hunt in pairs; they only get together during mating…

Stay Gold by First Aid Kit R80 at Google Play Store Sweden has given us great music. Think back to classic groups like ABBA and Roxette, and now sister folk duo Klara and Johanna Söderberg of First Aid Kit, who are making waves with their beautiful harmonies and honest lyrics. Stay Gold (2014) is their third album. The sound is noticeably different from their first two, which are stripped down and bare. This time around, they have the support of a thirteen-piece orchestra. The first song, “Silver Lining”became one of their biggest hits and is an absolute pleasure to listen to on the open road, especially with these inspiring lyrics: “Got to keep on going, looking straight out on the road / Can’t worry ’bout what’s behind you or what’s…

Franci Swanepoel Swellendam “Take care of your feet. And then take care of them some more! Make sure you can pitch and pack away your own tent. Don’t hike without your camera, even if it’s heavy.” Pierre Botes Worcester “This is where you get to know your inner self. It’s a time of reflection, but you’ll also make good friends. It tests you physically, so you have to be reasonably fit, but you can still enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.” Merwe Erasmus Stellenbosch “It’s a completely different experience hiking here compared to driving. The terrain changes constantly. Forget all the extra snacks. There’s plenty to eat and they really take care of you. Just remember your water bottles and charger for your camera.”…

Hannes’s photos are featured in go! regularly – in fact, this is his seventh portfolio. I’m sure that’s a record for the most portfolios in the magazine! No wonder, since he has the ability to immerse himself completely in the wilderness. His patience and dedication always result in mesmerising images. Once Hannes settles in an area, he spends years there, trying to capture its very essence. He lived in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for five years and spent three years in the Okavango Delta. For the past two years, he and his wife Noa have been scouting areas to begin a new project in 2020. He wants to focus on a smaller area this time, a place where there are lots of interactions between different species. After all, as Hannes…

Sealand Gear Roamer Bag Like the Dune Duffel, this is one of Sealand’s bestsellers, thanks to the practical size (21 litres), the simple-to-use design and the versatile compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve. It’s good for everyone, whether you ride a scooter or a bicycle to work, or if you’re a surfer or a photographer. This specific Ocean Roamer is made from canvas, with a reinforced ripstop base. There are other Roamers available, in yacht sail or Recover material, and in a range of different colours. All are handmade and come with a lifetime warranty. R2900 at sealandgear.com K-Way Cove Eco Softshell Jacket The best softshell jacket is like Jacques Kallis – an all-rounder that performs consistently regardless of the conditions. More flexible, breathable and comfortable than a bigger, thicker…

DOORNKOP FISH & WILDLIFE RESERVE, NEAR CAROLINA Trout dams, rolling green hills and murmuring streams of water… When you sit on the porch of your self-catering unit in Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve in Mpumalanga, it’s easy to imagine you’re somewhere in the English countryside. But then a Verreauxs’ eagle calls from the cliffs and the sun sets in a red blaze behind thunderclouds and you know you’re in Africa. After all, you also saw kudu, giraffe and a porcupine on your game drive a little while ago. The reserve is less than three hours’ drive from Gauteng, but it feels like a whole different world. More than a hundred bird species have been recorded here, including pretty ones like swee waxbill, long-tailed widowbird and African paradise-flycatcher. If you don’t…

Why did you become an illustrator? I’ve loved drawing since I can remember, but I never thought I’d be able to do something so fun for a living. I started working on a horse farm in Belfast, Mpumalanga, because I love animals, but then I applied to study occupational therapy. Soon after I was accepted, I changed my mind and decided to study graphic design at the University of Pretoria instead. It was the right choice. I went on to do a master’s degree in illustration at Stellenbosch University and started freelancing. I love what I do! Did you resonate with the stories you illustrated for this issue? All of them felt so familiar, but “A tradition for every taste” by Marcelle van Niekerk resonated with me the most. My…

What a headache Q JUDY AUCAMP from Heilbron writes: This happened in the Kruger Park in April 2018: The small bird circled the eagle and then landed on its head! The eagle didn’t seem too bothered and remained in place. Can you explain the bird’s behaviour? A Bird expert LUKAS NIEMAND says: This brave little bird is a fork-tailed drongo, and it’s trying to chase off the martial eagle. Drongos are aggressive towards birds of prey – it’s common for them to mob the bigger bird by repeatedly dive-bombing it. Drongos will also try to chase off crows and sometimes smaller mammals, by attacking them in a similar manner. Something’s afoot Q CARY KROEGER from Pinetown writes: I noticed this kudu with curiously misshapen front hoofs at Thirteenth Borehole in…

The Ice at the End of the World by Jon Gertner Icon Books, R408 at takealot.com I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever think about Greenland. I’m not sure why, since it’s the biggest island on earth; a mysterious ice-covered desert with a population of only 56 000. Now, thanks to US journalist and historian Jon Gertner, the secrets of Greenland have been unveiled in a series of gripping chapters. Gertner tells the stories of several adventurers and scientists who have explored Greenland over the past 150 years. The Norwegian explorer, Fridtjof Nansen, for example, made the first crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888 and called his plan “the scheme of a lunatic”. Indeed, the official name of his expedition was “Death or the west…

Forty Million Footsteps By Denis Beckett Saga Press, 2004 Advocate, publisher, political activist, TV producer… Denis Beckett (73) is a household name in South Africa, mostly thanks to his TV show Beckett’s Trek, which aired on SABC from 1994 to 2001. In the Preface, Beckett describes Forty Million Footsteps – South Africa Up Close and Sweaty as follows: “In one way this book is a tribute to the people who pressed pedals, trod tar, arranged, backed and otherwise sweated over this strange and lovely trek across the nation. In another, it is a tribute to, a reflection on, and a dipstick reading of that nation.” The book is a reworked collection of articles that he wrote for The Citizen newspaper about the Long Run – an 18-day, 2300km relay through…

Meike & Martin Prenzel Avenues Guesthouse, Mossel Bay “Here’s a beautiful drive if you want to escape for the day: From Mossel Bay, take the R327 to Herbertsdale, turn right over Cloete’s Pass and come back over the mountains via Garcia’s Pass to Riversdale, then home along the N2. You’ll see plenty of wildflowers in spring.” Alison Nell Botlierskop Private Game Reserve “Jakkalsvlei is a wonderful winery in a valley near Herbertsdale. Go for a tasting and stay for lunch.” Candice James Boerqi Bistro, Ruiterbos “Try the venison pie. You’ll want to order another one!” Fanie Smuts Harmony Distillery “We make craft gin using honeybush grown on our farm in the Ruiterbos area. We’ve recently opened a restaurant and tasting room in Hartenbos – it’s called Salt & Copper and…

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

Roast chicken with pineapple salsa Serves 6 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 1½ hours The fresh pineapple salsa complements the smoky garlic chicken perfectly. Buy a sage plant at the nursery and take it along on holiday so you can harvest fresh leaves while you cook. You need • 3 sprigs pineapple sage or thyme • ¼ cup garlic butter, softened • 1 whole chicken • ½ teaspoon each braai salt and paprika • 1 can (330 ml) Fanta, pineapple flavour • ½ pineapple, peeled, core removed and chopped • ½ red pepper, seeded and finely chopped • ½ cup finely chopped red onion • 1 ripe avocado, cut in blocks • 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved • juice of ½ lemon • fresh coriander leaves Here’s how 1 Strip the sage leaves off the sprigs. Rub the sage and garlic…

Stop using once-off plastic bottles and coffee cups. Rather get a metal canteen and reuse it. The Klean Kanteen Classic is our pick (BPA-free and virtually indestructible; R380 at Wellness Warehouse; there are also insulated options). Klean Kanteen donates a percentage of their sales towards the preservation of the environment. You get bonus points for investing in a reusable coffee cup, too. Keep a Tupperware or plastic container in the car. When buying a pie or a takeaway meal on the road, ask the staff to put the meal directly into your container instead of into their usual box or packet. Steer clear of serviettes – take a jammerlappie with you in a Ziploc bag. Start making eco-bricks. These are plastic bottles packed tightly with clean, dry, non-biodegradable waste. They’re…

INCA TRAIL Experience Peruvian culture and walk the famous Inca Trail in the Andes to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The trail is short – about 45 km over four days – and the longest daily distance is only 16 km, but it’s at an altitude of more than 3 000 m and there are steep hills. The tour starts with a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, so you can acclimatise. go! says: This is a bucket-list hike – the trail is spectacular. Machu Picchu is the highlight, but you’ll see many other Inca sites along the way that you won’t have to share with crowds of tourists. Beginners are welcome, but are encouraged to do lots of hill training. You have…

Britstown is far from everywhere. Even De Aar, famous for being in the middle of nowhere, is 54 km distant – east, on the N10. Vosburg, which you’d be excused for never having been to, is 65 km west along the R384. Victoria West, a Karoo capital of sorts, is 107 km south-east along the N12, and Strydenburg is 78 km in the opposite direction. Prieska? It’s 133 km to the north. All this means that you’ll probably be hungry when you arrive in Britstown, and keen for a good cup of coffee, especially if you’re from a city where a cappuccino has become part of what you need to make it through a day. Enter Talita Pringle (pictured above), and The Old Mill Coffee Shop. Talita and her husband…

Lionel Domingo Manager, Pili Pili restaurant “In summer, everyone is partying; the vibe is lekker, but there’s hardly any time to rest. That’s what winter is for. It’s my down-time with my family, and Witsand is the perfect place for rest.” Helen Jarman and her dog, Coco Barry’s Holiday Accommodation “My husband Owen and I came to the Western Cape on a holiday from Zimbabwe in April 2016. We popped into Witsand for lunch and liked it so much that we decided to stay for a night. “We went to the Pam Golding office to make a general enquiry about property prices in the area – we had no intention of buying! We were shown Barry’s Holiday Accommodation and spontaneously put in an offer. “Six months later we drove for…

SEABIRDS AND SEASICKNESS I tried my best to stare at the horizon. The only problem was the horizon was moving up and down. I was trying to chew an apple, I had a patch behind my ear and an Avomine tablet in my stomach, and I was standing as far away from the engine’s diesel fumes as I could possibly get on the small boat. But there was nothing I could do. Out came my breakfast. That’s the thing about seasickness: First you fear that you’re going to die, then you wish you would. Eventually the ordeal subsided, and I was able to add a few ticks to my life list – my first albatross, petrel and skua. I had finally made a dent in the section of the field…

This butterfly is called the clear-spotted acraea. Wings Next time you see a butterfly, look at its wings – you can see scales and a network of veins that support the wings like the bars on a kite. Body Butterflies have slender bodies and long, thin antennae. In contrast, moths are usually a dull colour with thick hairy bodies and feathery antennae. Antenna Butterflies use their antennae to smell – some can pick up the scent of flowers and other butterflies from as far as 3 km away! Proboscis Most butterflies have a proboscis, a tongue they keep coiled up until they use it like a straw to eat the nectar from flowers. A butterfly or moth’s proboscis can be between 1 cm and 30 cm long! The proboscis of…

“I’m originally from Iringa in Tanzania and I’ve worked at Londolozi for the past three years. What I like about my job is that there is something to look forward to every day – no drive is ever the same. I learn new things all the time, about animals, myself, as well as other people. “Londolozi is one of the most incredible places to view different species of animals, because of the different habitats you get in the area. And the fact that you can drive off-road. It makes your camera and lens setup almost irrelevant because you’re guaranteed to get amazing photos. Had we not been allowed to leave the road, I would never have been able to capture these photos.” Follow Mrisho on Instagram @mrisholuge…

Rwanda might be small, but it holds its own when it comes to sensational scenery. A little tired from all the game viewing in the dusty parks of Tanzania and Kenya, we were keen for some greenery in Rwanda. We crossed from Tanzania via the Rusumo border post. All went smoothly with our EAC (East African Community) visa in hand, which we had bought when we arrived in Kenya. The EAC allows you to hop easily between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. South Africans will know of the Valley of a Thousand Hills in KZN, but Rwanda goes one step further: It claims to be the Land of a Thousand Hills. Driving the first 70 km to Kibungo, which took three hours, we experienced this first-hand. Rwanda is a sprawling mass…

They departed Valence in France (where Marie hails from) on 3 June 2018, with the aim of driving to their home in Johannesburg over 18 months. By the time they reached Rwanda, they had been on the road for 15 months, having driven through France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. MORE INFO: info@skultcha.com skultcha.com Facebook: “skultcha” Instagram: @skulcha…

I’m brandishing a cardboard Starbucks cup with “Karen” scrawled in big black letters on the side. This is a sign that I’ve undergone the country’s age-old rite of passage, a ritual observed by countless Americans every morning. It gives me an opportunity to exchange a glance or two with my fellow cup-bearers, maybe mutter something about politics: “This administration, am I right?” I’m busy infiltrating their ranks, slipping under the radar as I park my (comparatively) minuscule Toyota Corolla in a spot designed for a Sherman tank. I roll an oversized trolley between two looming aisles and spend three hours googling breads to help choose a loaf from the near-infinite selection stuffed onto the shelves. I pick out a wholewheat loaf engineered to double up as a taco. I spot…

As the name suggests, “new moon” is a time for rebirth. January’s official new moon will be at 11.42 pm on the 24th. At this time, the moon and sun will be exactly lined up in the heavens. This is why you can’t “see” the moon during a new moon (except during an eclipse) because it’s obscured by the bright light of the sun. The small crescent moon only becomes visible a day or two after new moon. It’s the same reason why a small crescent is visible a day or two before new moon, and becomes more difficult to see the closer you move to the night of new moon (and immediately after it). One problem is knowing exactly where to look, and that’s why January is special: You…

Nikos Petrou and Neil MacLeod are both experienced wildlife photographers and authors. Their latest offering, Wildlife of Namibia – A Photographic Guide, is an informative tome that will enrich your next visit to Namibia, and also fit easily in your cubbyhole. When did your interest in Namibia’s wildlife begin? Neil: When I started guiding in Namibia in 1992. I was a general guide, and eventually I developed a special interest in birds and the local wildlife. Nikos: My first visit to Namibia was in 1995 – Neil was our guide! Since then, I’ve been coming back continuously, often several times a year, to visit this special place and my good friend. What makes Namibia’s wildlife exceptional? Namibia is a land of contrasts, far more than any of its neighbouring countries.…

A tradition for every taste When I think of December, I think of Piekenierskloof Pass on the way to Citrusdal. It means we’re almost there – at my family’s farm. Every year, a few weeks before Christmas, our family has the same conversation: What’s the weather forecast for Citrusdal? Anything hotter than 42°C and we reluctantly have to make a Plan B for the holidays. Nothing beats a Citrusdal Christmas: the harsh glare of the sun on the rows of orange and naartjie trees, their leaves almost unnaturally green, and the carpets of drying peaches and apricots dotting the landscape. My mom has two brothers and three sisters, and all the families gather here for the holidays. The farm belongs to my uncles, but there’s a house built specifically for…

Have you been somewhere you think other go! readers would enjoy? Write about the experience and we might publish your story. Please keep it short (1 500 words maximum) and send us some sample photos. If we do decide to publish, we’ll need the original, high-resolution photos so make sure your camera is on the right setting. E-mail your story to editor@ gomag.co.za. We reserve the right to edit and shorten your text, and use your photos elsewhere in the magazine, on our digital platforms and in our marketing material.…

Isn’t it great to be able to say with confidence that summer has finally arrived? It seems to have been a long time coming, but now it’s here and it’s time to think of all those fresh, tropical dishes that go so well with sunshine. Such flavours can also be found in wine – here are three fabulously fruity little numbers, guaranteed to match all manner of sunshine-y food. For many people, colombard is a dull grape, best suited to making brandy. When it’s done well, though, it’s a fruit bomb of note – as demonstrated by the Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard 2019 (R58). It’s slightly off-dry, which makes it a great partner for Asian dishes with a touch of chilli, but well balanced with tingling acidity and an…

Unusual for a motoring launch, there are too few cars for the journalists to drive. It seems the guys and girls from Joburg, who landed in George earlier, were a bit greedy and didn’t leave enough Q3s for us Capetonians. The end result is that I have to sit in the back of one for the cruise along the N2 to our overnight spot near Plett. This is far from a bad thing. So often, us petrolheads focus on the act of driving a new car that we completely forget to even open one of the rear doors, let alone spend two hours in the back. Now I know what my seven-year-old son feels like! He’d love the Q3: The finishes are luxurious, the seat is comfortable (even for an…

VIA FRANCIGENA (FINAL 100 KM) The Via Francigena is Italy’s version of the Camino de Santiago. The entire route is more than 2 000 km long, but this eight-day tour starts in Viterbo and follows the final 112 km – far enough to earn a Testimonium (certificate) from the Vatican in Rome. Dates: Any time in August 2020. Cost: R27500* per person sharing. What’s included? Return flights from Johannesburg to Rome, all accommodation before and on the Via Francigena in en suite hotel rooms, plus breakfast and the transport of your luggage to the next overnight stop. VIA FRANCIGENA (SAN MINIATO TO SIENA) On this section of the Via Francigena, you don’t end your hike in Rome, but you get to see the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. The eight-day…

Forty-one years. That’s how long I’d been holidaying in Still Bay before I hiked this trail. It goes through fynbos and along the beach, with amazing views of the ocean. In fact, it’s so scenic that I plan to hike it every time I visit this coastal town from now on. The first 3,5 km section is along a sandy dirt road lined with coastal fynbos, with no sea views. The road climbs slowly until you see a lone double-storey beach house – I wish I was the lucky owner! Before you reach the house, look for a sign to a path on the right 1 . Finally, a sea view. The path will lead you to the edge of the cliff 2 – a great spot to catch your…

Gone fishing Witsand is a bonafide fisherman’s paradise. With a boat at your disposal you can go upriver or out to sea. If you don’t have a boat, cast your line off the bank. Catch that prized dusky cob or settle for a spotted grunter or a Cape stumpnose. Read up on the catch limit regulations and get your permits from The Sands supermarket in Witsand. Basic tackle is also for sale. More info 079 561 8425 (Breede River Lodge) In the summertime… People kitesurf! Welcome to one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations and trust us, word is getting out. When the southeaster blows it does so directly into the river mouth. Behind the sandbank is a 2 km section of flat water – ideal conditions for going fast…

Fly fisherman and guide Tony Kietzman tries his luck in the Bokspruit, on the farm Birnam in the Rhodes district. Here, high in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg, wily trout were introduced almost a century ago. If you want to catch them, you’ll need to know your Woolly Bugger from your Royal Wulff, and how to work a riffle. Contact: Tony Kietzman 082 894 3946; tonykietzman@webmail.co.za Fishing permit: R150 per person per day; wildtrout.co.za Dirt Road Wild Trout Festival (17 – 21 March): 045 971 9003 (Margie); info@wildtrout.co.za…