South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.
Life cycles
BEHIND THE SCENES • Freelance illustrator Nicolene Louw usually does the artwork for our column. This month, we extended her brief to illustrate our feature about memorable childhood holidays (p 30), which she interpreted in her typically magical way.
go!
LETTERS
Um, elephant behind you!
WRITE TO US & WIN!
SPEAK TO US
Q & A • Every month our experts answer your questions about birds, bugs and beasts. Send your photos and questions to editor@gomag.co.za
CHECK THIS
GOOD TO KNOW • SA has 10 World Heritage Sites – how many have 10 you been to?
Snake myths, busted
JuJu’s Spaza Shop, Masisi, Limpopo
The crescent moon challenge
Maggie & Peter Slingsby • In the world of cartography, Peter and Maggie Slingsby are in a league of their own. From blue cranes marked down in the Overberg to phantom towns in the Karoo, nobody knows the South African landscape quite like they do. This year, they’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Garden Route map.
BOOKS & MUSIC • A guide to Namibia’s wildlife, an in-depth look at the history and future of Greenland, Denis Beckett being Denis Beckett, and uplifting highway harmonies.
MEET THE AUTHORS
ROAD MUSIC
LEKKER READ
Simply summer • Most people have fond memories of December holidays – when the days stretch out languidly and the only pressing concern is what to eat next. Our writers remember impractical swimming pools, thunderstorms, roast lamb and family rituals.
RUN FOR THE HILLS! • Want to escape the summer crush on the coast? Head inland to the Outeniqua Mountains – there’s pinot noir to be sipped and cool forest trails waiting to be explored.
IN OTHER WORDS
On foot in the land of dunes and shipwrecks • Hiking the Namib 100 – yes, 100 km – takes you through one of the world’s last truly wild places. It allows you to escape all humanity, and lets you rediscover your own.
IN OTHER WORDS
Namaqualand’s Grand Canyon • Want to sleep under the stars in a hidden canyon? Susan Skog and her friends were the first to do a new two-day trail in the Schaap River Canyon.
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READER PHOTOS
SEND US YOUR BEST TRAVEL AND NATURE PHOTOS!
TAKE THE WINNING PHOTO
The little camera that can
Tales from the bush
Tropical treats • Celebrate summer with the tropical flavour of pineapple. This versatile fruit is delicious fresh, and also lends a sweet-and-sour flavour to meat and salads.
Sunshine in a glass
Good Nature • These quality outdoor items are all made using recycled or upcycled materials. Do your bit for the planet next time you’re shopping for new gear. The time for ignorance is over!
JOIN THE ANTI-PLASTIC MOVEMENT • Here are practical steps with long-term results
Slick but sensible • You can’t really fault the second-generation Audi Q3, but it’s competing in a segment where there are many other excellent vehicles vying for your rands. Is it worth the price tag?
TOURS & MORE
WALK THIS WAY • Spain, Peru, Japan… Expand your horizons on one of our incredible overseas hikes. Or tailor your own tour in Italy via our new travel portal.
Weg! REIS • You can now book a tour through our sister magazine Weg’s new travel...