Windhoek - Air Namibia
Transcription
Windhoek - Air Namibia
|1 2| FLAMINGO Flamingo is published by Media Nova Namibia www.media-namibia.com Publisher Mynard Slabbert Contributors • Anne Schauffer • Dr. A. Vogt • Alexia Krug von Nidda • Elle Matthews • Andre Fiore • James Siddall • Anna Mart Kruger 32 [email protected] [email protected] Advertising Sales Media Nova Namibia Ferreira’s Garden Centre Shop #2 Maxwell Street Southern Industrial Area Windhoek, NAMIBIA Namibia and Africa Mynard Slabbert +264 (0)85 227 2380 [email protected] Chris Coetzee +264 (0)81 668 0697 [email protected] Art & layout design Ministry of Magic +264 (0)85 149 9608 [email protected] Printers: Solitaire Press, Brahman Street Northern Industria Windhoek, NAMIBIA TEAM NAMIBIA Media Nova Namibia cc is a proud partner of Team Namibia IN THIS MONTH’S FLAMINGO 7 Air Namibia Information Travel information, Frequent Flyer Information, Cargo Service, Destination Map and Fleet Information 17 Visitors’ Filo-facts Usefull and interesting information on Namibia 20 Events Calendar Your reasons to travel Namibia and the rest of the world 28 Profile on Matheus Ipinge An interview wth an experienced chef at The Gourmet 32 The Amarula Insight into a field guide sponsorship programme 46 38 Water for Namibia Innovative technologies for Africa’s dry regions 46 Community Spirit Below the surface of Kavango 56 Trip Switch Taking a look at Trip Advisor - the travel companion 64 Out of Steam Old locomotives of a bygone era 70 Swede Temptation Driving the Volvo XC60 74 BMW 5 Series Desireability as served up by Bavaria 78 Vultures Namibia Observing, tagging and conserving of an increasingly rare species 84 Living on the Edge Experiencing Etambura camp with the world at your feet 90 Riveting Freda Lühl’s metal and more 64 78 100 Bend over Backwards Yoga for urban health Disclaimer All material is strictly copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in Flamingo are not necessarily those of Air Namibia. 108 Swift Style Expert tips on growing aloes 109 Entertainment Try your hand at sudoku 110 Air Namibia’s Flight Sechedule Plan your next trip on your favourite airline |3 Windhoek Lager, Namibia’s finest export, has been made to the exacting standards of the Reinheitsgebot since we started brewing lager in 1920. This commitment to making lager the right way has won us seven consecutive international DLG* gold medals. *DLG is a quality award held in Germany to recognise excellence in brewing beer the right way, the Reinheitsgebot way – with only malted barley, hops and water. Find out more at www.windhoekbeer.com.na 4| Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly. |5 Coming Soon NAC transforming Ondangwa Airport into an Air Transportation hub for the North The construction of a new passenger terminal building at Ondangwa Airport to the tune of an estimated N$75.3 million will elevate Ondangwa Airport into a global standard airport over the next few years. Completion of the project is expected to be in May 2014. This new passenger terminal will handle up to 120 passengers per peak hour, which means that it will be able to handle a Boeing 737 at full load with ease. During 2012 Ondangwa Airport handled 34,448 passenger- and 2,941 aircraft movements. Given that the Ondangwa Airport catchment area is over 200 kilometres, this state of the art amenity will be able to cater for the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, Otjikoto and Kunene Regions. Arguably, this is the only airport in Namibia with such a wide catchment area. Through this endeavour, the NAC will significantly contribute to foster economic activities by encouraging international commerce and tourism and generating of employment opportunities. The funding for the expansion of the terminal building is made available by our shareholders, the Ministry of Works and Transport. This addresses the need to transform the airport, which served as a military airport in the past, to a civilian airport in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. CONTACT DETAILS Namibia Airports Company (NAC); P.O. Box 23061, Windhoek, Namibia; Tel: +264 61 295 5000; Fax: +264 61 295 5022; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.airports.com.na 6| NAMIBIA AIRPORTS COMPANY t I True True True True True e u r T y is reall TrueTrue True True True Air Namibia’s second Airbus A330-200 Coming in November 2013 Call Centre +264 61 2996111 or contact your Travel Agent. Call Centre: [email protected] |7 Welcome aboard Thank you for choosing Air Namibia to fly you to your destination. For the purpose of ensuring that you have a safe, pleasant and comfortable flight with us, it is important that you read and familiarize yourself with the flight information provided herein below. Your safety is our number one priority. We request that you pay attention and watch the safety demonstration or video before take-off. For additional information, we suggest that you refer to the safety card stored in the seat pocket in front of you. Our highly trained and professional crew are on board with you for your safety and comfort. If you need assistance or have a query, we encourage you to feel free to ask any one of them. Smoking is strictly prohibited on all our flights. This prohibition includes smoking artificial devices and electronic cigarettes. Passengers should be aware that there are smoke detectors in all our aircraft’s toilets and any breach of this rule is a criminal offense punishable by applicable laws. Seat Adjustments Use of electronic devices is not permitted during taxiing, take off and during landing. Electronic devices referred to include laptop computers, remote-controlled games, radios, portable TV’s and mobile phones, all of which may interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft. Some passengers may experience slight discomfort in the ears during take-off and during landing. This happens due to changes in cabin pressure as the aircraft ascends or descends and is normal. This can be relieved by swallowing, yawning or pinching the nostrils gently and breathing out while lips are sealed. After landing, passengers are to remain seated until the engines have been switched off and doors opened. Depending on the aircraft type, you will find the switch for the reading light either in the armrest or above your seat under the overhead bin. The air vent which can be adjusted to provide you with a stream of air flow is available on our Airbus A319 and Embraer ERJ 135 fleet. Hand luggage must be stored in the overhead bin or under a seat. This is not only a safety precaution but it also affords you more legroom and comfort. Valuable items such as camera’s mobile phones, jewellery, cash, etc should not be checked-in but should be brought on board in the hand luggage. It is advisable to use lockable suitcases or bags for checked-in luggage, which should ideally be locked to mitigate against pilferage and to have proof or evidence if the lock or bag was tampered with. On arrival at your destination and when as a passenger you reconcile with your bag, it is advisable to inspect your bag to ensure the zips and locks are secured. Claims for possible pilferage or missing luggage should be immediately reported at the Air Namibia or Appointed Representative Service Counter before leaving the baggage collection area and the airport. 8| Seats can be adjusted to offer a more comfortable position. Your seat can be adjusted using the nob or buttons found in the armrest. Seat must be in the upright position during “take off” and during landing. We offer a variety of beverages on all our flights on a complimentary basis (free of charge). Your cabin attendant will assist by indicating the different options available and on offer. Alcoholic beverages shall only be offered to persons over the age of 18 years. Cabin attendants are on watch and will not serve alcohol to persons who appear intoxicated. Only beverages served by Air Namibia may be consumed while on board. Passengers who consume beverages they brought or bought from duty free will have these items removed from them and only handed back to them on arrival at their destinations. Normal meals, as well as special meals are provided on our flights on a complimentary basis. Passengers needing special meals such as Halaal, Hindu, Oriental, Seafood, Vegetarian, Diabetic, Kiddies and baby food should provide their requests at time of making the reservation. Our crew will assist to prepare baby food when needed, please feel free to call on them for assistance. On our flights to and from Luanda, Accra and Frankfurt, we offer a variety of carefully selected duty free products for sale at highly competitive prices. Please consult your cabin crew for assistance and also our duty free catalogue called Sky Mall to see what we have on offer. Audio and visual entertainment programmes are available on our long-haul and medium-haul flights. The flamingo, our inflight magazine forms part of the entertainment as this contains many interesting articles about Namibia and some of the destinations we fly to. Feel free to take your copy with you on arrival at your destination. Passengers with reduced mobility needing a wheelchair should state this requirement at the time of making the booking. A First-aid kit is carried on board our flights. We encourage passengers to call the cabin attendant for assistance should you require eye drops, or medication for headaches, nausea, heartburn or any other relatively minor or even serious conditions. We offer a special service for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 to 12 years. Details can be obtained at the time of making the reservation. All our aircraft have toilets on board. Please ensure you lock the door while in the toilet, and note that each toilet is equipped with a soap, towels, cleansing pads and air freshener. The toilets on our fleet are equipped with baby changing tables. |9 Reward$ - Our automated Frequent Flyer Programme Welcome to Air Namibia’s Frequent Flyer Programme called “Reward$”. Joining, becoming and remaining a member of our Reward$ Programme enables you to earn valuable miles generously from all your future travels with Air Namibia: From domestic, regional to our international flights, you can earn award miles on virtually every flight operated by Air Namibia. These valuable miles can be redeemed and exchanged for free tickets, discounts on future ticket purchases, and can also be used to upgrade from economy to premium and business class cabins. In addition, accumulated miles can be used to pay for excess baggage. Miles are transferable between members, and can also be used to purchase a ticket for another person other than the member. Joining and becoming a member is absolutely free, PLUS you get up to 500 free complimentary miles upon successfully subscribing to become a member. For information and how the programme works, please select the appropriate topic below: Registration You can register online by visiting our website: www.airnamibia. com.na, onboard or at any Air Namibia Ticketing office. You will receive a membership pack including your permanent card 2-3 weeks after your first flight on any Air Namibia flight after registration. To be able to register for Reward$ a member should be 12 years of age. Activation Rules A membership account will automatically be activated after the first activity/flight after registration and the transaction is successfully processed and miles are allocated to the member’s account. Once the account is activated a membership pack will be generated and communicated via normal postage (traditional mail) to the member. The membership pack will include items as specified within the Member Communication Section. Electronic Bonus An Electronic Bonus of 300 will be allocated to the member on first activity if the member has registered online and selected his communication preference to be e-mail. Miles Expiry Miles are valid for five (5) years after the year in which they were earned. Miles due to expire will always be reflected on your Mileage Summary. Awards can be requested before miles expire and can be used anytime within 12 months from the date of issue. However, if they are not used within this period they will be forfeited. Miles will expire at the end of each financial year on 31 March. Enrolment Bonus Enrolment Bonus is 500 miles. Enrolment bonuses are allocated to the member’s account on first activity after registration. Missing Miles If your Miles are not credited for any reason, they can be promptly credited provided the relevant documentation is submitted timeously. It is essential to keep all the relevant documentation including original boarding passes, copies of airline tickets and copies of e-ticket receipts. Members can also claim missing miles online by entering the e-ticket number without the airline code “186”, or contact our Call Center for assistance. Spending Miles Corporate Clients Visit www.airnamibia.com.na and for Air Namibia has also introduced the more information. If you do not have Corporate Client component to the enough miles for a free ticket you can Reward$ purchase miles in batches of 1000 miles at Management enables the companies to N$220 – this is only applicable if you have accumulate miles through its employees, 50% or more of the value of the Award consultants, etc. Members can accumulate ticket available. Award tickets are valid miles in both corporate as well as personal for 12 months from the date of issue; and accounts, depending on directives from are processed and issued after payment of the Corporate. Airport taxes is received. 10 | Programme. Corporate For more information on the Corporate Client enrollment, please contact our Call Centre at Tel: +264 61 2996111/6333/6444 or [email protected] Very Important Note: Members need to fly once after registration in order to activate their accounts before miles can be used to redeem tickets, request for an upgrade or transfer miles from his account to another member’s account. Air Namibia ServiceCargo +Cargo We offer an unrivalled intercontinental, regional and domestic route network, allowing seamless connections within Southern Africa, West Africa, Europe and beyond. Book Now Call Centre > +264 61 299 6111 Air Namibia Offices Windhoek Head Office +264 61 299 6000 • Ongwediva + 264 65 230492 [email protected] Call Center +264 61 299 6111 [email protected] +27 21 936 2755/8 [email protected] Air Namibia Cargo +264 61 299 6610/11 [email protected] +27 11 783 1181 [email protected] Swakopmund +264 64 40 5123 [email protected] Cape Town Johannesburg ticketing Walvis Bay +264 64 20 2938 [email protected] Johannesburg Airport +27 11 978 5055 Ondangwa +264 65 24 0655 [email protected] Luanda +244 222 336726 johannesburg.reservations@ airnamibia.aero [email protected] Frankfurt +49 69 77 06 73 030 [email protected] Lusaka +260 955 043156/7/8 [email protected] Accra +233 21 766 600/2 [email protected] Lagos +234 1 7671151 [email protected] Maun +267 686 0391 [email protected] Harare +263(4) 752 322 Forbes.Zaranyika@ airnamibia.aero Ondangwa Town Office +065 230492/238014 [email protected] Katima Mulilo +264 66 25 3191 [email protected] Luderitz +264 63 202 045 [email protected] Oranjemund +264 66 232 764 [email protected] Rundu +264 66 25 5806 [email protected] Air Namibia Contacts Europe, USA and Asia United Kingdom +44-870 774 0965 [email protected] Canada + 1-416-561-8243 Germany +49-69-770673030 [email protected] Poland +48-22-631-1084 [email protected] Scandinavia +46 555 6 91 26 [email protected] Hungary + 36 1 411 3884 [email protected] Czech Republic +420-296368273 [email protected] Estonia +372 6681 001 [email protected] Switzerland +41-44-2869988 [email protected] Ukraine +38 044 490 6501 [email protected] Austria +43-1-585363035 [email protected] Russian - Moscow + 7 495 937 5950 [email protected] Benelux +32-2-7120560 [email protected] airnamibia.bru @aviareps.com Russian St. Petersburg +7 812 740 3820 [email protected] Italy + 39 06 59602148 [email protected] Japan +81-3-32 25 00 08 [email protected] Spain +34-93-914585733 [email protected] Korea +822-777-81 78 [email protected] France + 33-1-53437905 [email protected] China +8610-8532-4326/166 [email protected] USA + 1-646-4679671/72 [email protected] India +91-222 66 01 226 [email protected] [email protected] Cargo Contacts Africa, Europe, USA and Asia Air Namibia Cargo Offices and Agencies in more than 20 cities of the world are ready to handle your cargo as well as items “in aviation” categorized as dangerous goods. We transport perishable goods (such as Fish, Meat & Fresh Flowers); Mail & Documents; Live Animals, Personal Effects, Human Remains & Ashes, Hunting Trophies, and other commodities. On the international flights, we carry up to 3 vehicles at a time. HEAD OFFICE WINDHOEK: Tel: +264 (0)61 2996226 e-mail: [email protected] website: http://www.airnamibia.com.na AIRCONSULT TEL : +39 06 54242538 CEL : +39 3498274776 email : [email protected] SOUTH AFRICA, KENYA, ZIMBABWE, TANZANIA, MADAGASCAR The Cargo Connection Tel: +27 11 394 4405 [email protected] AUSTRIA, CROATIA, YUGOSLAVIA, GREECE, CZECH REPUBLIC Air MIX CONSULT Mr. Peter Seizinger Tel: +39 (0)6 6529440 / +39 (0)6 65956542 e-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] GERMANY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, LUXEMBOURG & SWITZERLAND Aerotrans Mrs Gunnemann Tel: +49 (0)69 - 695890-0 e-mail: [email protected] ITALY Mr Bruno Miggiano Cargo Manager Italy FRANCE PRIME AIR SERVICE Tel: +33 (0)1 48 64 66 94 e-mail: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM , IRELAND REPUBLIC, ISRAEL, UAE, INDIA AND ASIA Select Airline Management Tel: +44 208 5870930 Mobile: +44 078 3403011 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] USA & CANADA Avia Cargo Michael J. Cox [email protected] Tel +1 212-899-3310 HOLLAND, SWEDEN, NORWAY, DENMARK, FINLAND AND BELGIUM Air Cargo Brokers e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +31 (0)20 648 4861 e-mail: [email protected] ANGOLA AIR NAMIBIA Mobile: +244 923 595 698 e-mail: [email protected] Fleet: QAirbus A340 QAirbus A319 QEmbraer ERJ135 | 11 . We get you there Accra to Frankfurt and beyond Luanda Lusaka Katima Ondangwa Rundu Mulilo Victoria Falls Harare Maun Windhoek Walvis Bay Luderitz Oranjemund Johannesburg Cape Town Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 or contact your local Travel Agent 12 | Book Online: www.airnamibia.com.na Air Namibia: Fleet Number of Aircraft 1 Maximum Passengers 244 Length(m) 59 Wing Span (m) 60.3 Height (m) 17.4 Maximum Fuel Capacity 138 000l Cruising Speed 860 km/h Maximum Take-off Weight 233 000 kg Number of Aircraft 2 Maximum Passengers 278 Length(m) 63.6 Wing Span (m) 60.3 Height (m) 16.7 Maximum Fuel Capacity 141 500l Cruising Speed 860 km/h Maximum Take-off Weight 257 000 kg Number of Aircraft 4 Maximum Passengers 112 Length(m) 33.84 Wing Span (m) 34.09 Height (m) 11.76 Maximum Fuel Capacity 23 860l Cruising Speed 820 km/h Maximum Take-off Weight 70 000 kg Number of Aircraft 4 Maximum Passengers 37 Length(m) 26.33 Wing Span (m) 20.04 Height (m) 6.76 Maximum Fuel Capacity 4 198l Cruising Speed 820 km/h Maximum Take-off Weight 19 000 kg Airbus A330-200 Airbus A340-300 Airbus A319 -100 Embraer ERJ135 | 13 14 | ALL ROADS LEAD TO �OE�S An Essential Part of the Namibian Experience 160 Nelson Mandela Ave Windhoek Namibia Live the legend t: +264 61 232 457 e: [email protected] w: www.joesbeerhouse.com | 15 16 | Visitors’ Filo-facts General Surface area: 824,268 km² Capital: Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 Current president: Hifikepunye Pohamba Multiparty Parliament Democratic Constitution Division of power between executive, legislature and judiciary Secular state – freedom of religion (90% Christian) Freedom of the press/media Environment Nature reserves, 15% of surface area Highest mountain: Brandberg Other prominent mountains: Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, Gamsberg Perennial rivers: Orange, Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/Linyanti/ Chobe Ephemeral rivers: Numerous, including Fish, Kuiseb, Swakop and Ugab Flora 14 Vegetation zones 120 species of trees 200 endemic plant species 100 plus species of lichen Living fossil plant: Welwitschia mirabilis Main Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, 46 airstrips Rail network: 2,382 km narrow gauge 6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants Direct-dialing facilities to 221 countries Mobile communication system: GSM Agreements with 117 countries/255 networks Postal Service affiliated to Universal Postal Union contact Ministry of Information and Communication Technology – Tel +264 (0)61 282-9111 Social infrastructure One medical doctor per 3,650 people Two privately run hospitals in Windhoek with intensive-care units Medical practitioners (world standard) 24-hour medical emergency services Climate in °C 16-30°C Feb Apr 13-29°C Jun 7-22°C Aug 9-24°C 12-30°C Oct Dec 16-30°C Population 2.1 million Density: 2.2 per km² 240,000 in habitants in Windhoek (15% of total) Official language: English 13 regions, 13 ethnic cultures 16 languages and dialects Adult literacy rate: 85% Population growth rate: 2.6% Schools: 1,450 Economy Main sectors: Mining, Fishing, Tourism and Agriculture Biggest employer: Agriculture (46%) Fastest-growing sector: Tourism Mining: Diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, silver and gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many semi-precious stones Fauna Big game: Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, 20 antelope species 240 mammal species 250 reptile species 50 frog species 676 bird species Endemic birds include: Herero Chat, Ruckrunner, Damara Tern, Monteiro’s Hornbill Physical infrastructure 5,450 km tarred roads, 37,000 km gravel roads Harbours: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz Foreign representation More than 50 countries have Namibian consular or embassy representation in Windhoek. For information, Tax and customs All goods and services are priced to include value-added tax of 15%. Visitors may reclaim VAT. Enquiries: Ministry of Finance – Tel +264 (0)61 23-0773 in Windhoek 60-86°F 65-84°F 45-72°F 48-75°F 54-86°F 61-86°F Money matters The Namibian dollar (N$) is fixed to and equals the SA rand. The South African rand is also legal tender. Traveler’s cheques, foreign currency, international Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted Drinking water Most tap water is purified and safe to drink. Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas Transport Public transport is NOT available to all destinations in Namibia. There are bus services from Windhoek to Cape Town/ Johannesburg/Vic Falls/Swakopmund. Namibia’s main railway line runs from the South African border, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund in the west and Tsumeb in the north. There is an extensive network of international and regional flights from Windhoek. Domestic charters to all destinations. www.namibiatourism.com.na | 17 Fly Air Namibia and get 50% discount at any Protea Hotels in Namibia Take advantage of the exclusive discount that is offered to all Air Namibia passengers Participating Hotels in Windhoek, Ondangwa, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Luderitz & Katima Mulilo Terms and Conditions 1. 2. Present your valid Air Namibia boarding pass stub at the hotel check-in to qualify for the 50% discount on room rate. The boarding pass date should be same date of hotel check-in or one day prior to hotel check-in 3. The 50% discount is for a maximum three nights. 4. Proof of identification which matches boarding pass details to be provide during hotel check-in session. Offer valid from 20 May 2013 until 31 December 2013 For flight tickets book at: +264 61 2996111 | E-mail: [email protected] www.airnamibia.com.na or contact your local Travel Agent For accommodation book at: +264 (0) 61 213 231 (Namibia) | +27 (0) 21 430 5300 (RSA) [email protected] 18 | PFB320 Financial expertise that will help grow your tourism business. We bank on Tourism, and look forward to help you grow your tourism business with our team of industry experts. For more information contact the Business Banking Division, Tel 061 411 211 or visit our offices at the Old Power Station Complex. www.fnbnamibia.com.na Terms and conditions apply. A4 Tourism V without logo.indd 1 10/11/13 9:03 AM | 19 events calendar UNAM Fashion Show The Biomarket Franco Namibian Cultural Centre - Windhoek Windhoek - Stephanus Church 22 November 2013 Saturdays 8h00 – 12h00 The University of Namibia (UNAM) presents fashion designers in the making, showcasing the work of their design students at their annual fashion show at the FNCC. By now it is nothing less than an institution: Every November the Visual and Performing Arts Department of the University of Namibia is showcasing the work of its fashion design students at a spectacular annual show at the FNCC. The event has been growing from strength to strength with each consecutive year, both with regard to the quality of the designs and their professional presentation. T h i s time the work of student and graduate designers will be complemented by the latest collections of two invited alumnis of UNAM, who by now have started successful careers as independent fashion designers in Namibia. The show is made possible with the support of the National Arts Council of Namibia and Standard Bank Namibia. Tickets: N$ 50 or N$ 20 for students with valid student card Organised by: Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) & UNAM 20 | The Biomarket has been described as one of Windhoek’s best kept secrets, and for anyone interested in pleasing their palettes with eats and drinks that taste as good as they look, this is a must-visit. This bustling market has a wide selection of locally grown organic fruit and vegetables (cabbages, spinach, broccoli, leeks, parsnips, radishes, lettuce, herbs, chives, mint, parsley and rocket) to homemade cheeses, jams and preserves, breads and biscuits. You can also pick up milk, eggs, nuts, meats and fish as well as prepared dishes such as quiche, strudel, rollmops, roti and samoosas. Pickles, relishes, juices are available too – top them off with a fun selection of drinks with zing and you have a line up of mouth watering meals! events calendar NOVEMBER = MOVEMBER!! The time for change is now. Stand with us as we fight the good fight. Join the ranks of the Movember army today! About Movember: During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches around the world. With their “Mos” men raise vital funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and men’s health. Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. How it works: Movember challenges men to grow a moustache for the 30-days of November, thereby changing their appearance and the face of men’s health. In October, Mo Bros sign up at the Cancer Association of Namibia, and on the 1st of Movember, with a clean-shaven face, start their Mo growing journey. Then for the entire month, these selfless and generous men known as Mo Bros, effectively become walking, talking billboards for 30 days. Through their growing efforts they raise awareness for the often ignored issues of men’s health, by prompting conversations wherever they go. Another crucial part of being a Mo Bro is to raise funds for men’s health. Men donate their face, and much like taking part in a run or a walk for charity, ask their family, friends and colleagues to sponsor their efforts. Movember’s not just for men. The women of Movember, are known as Mo Sistas. They play a vital role in the success of Movember by supporting and encouraging the men in their lives to get involved. Mo Sistas also get involved by signing up at the Cancer Association of Namibia, and participate by raising funds and awareness themselves. Essentially, Mo Sistas do everything that Mo Bros do, without a Mo. At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their Movember journey by attending the Movember End function hosted by the Cancer Association of Namibia. Sports Events Windhoek / Rehoboth / Swakopmund November and December 2013 For the fitter amongst us, below you can find some fitness events to look forward to. Support your charity for fun, go extreme or take on the desert - it’s really up to you. Sporting events in Namibia are well organised, but be sure to get the finer detail from the organisers directly. Date Venue Event Type Contact 9 November Windhoek Urban Extreme Urban obstacle road run Jackie Cell: +264 81 260 0209 [email protected] 9 November Rehoboth Block E RKC Half Marathon 21km, 10km, 5km Road run RKC Cell: +264 81 784 1189 [email protected] 16 November Windhoek St. George’s School Run for Diabetes Fun run / fun walk Linda Cell: +264(0)812474292 [email protected] 23 November Windhoek Heja Lodge Breakfast Run 21km & 10km Road run / road walk Windhoek Harriers Club 9 December Swakopmund Desert Triathlon Triathlon OTB www.otbsport.com | 21 events calendar Hyundai Paintball Challenge Action Arena - Windhoek 16 Nov 2013 The Hyundai Paintball Challenge is a series of Paintball Tournaments aimed at: • Providing competitive paintball on a fun level for all • Promoting the sport of Paintball in Namibia • Teams can be Corporate or a group of friends • Bringing company staff or friends together in a team orientated, action packed sport Event details • • • • • Teams consist of at least 5 players. Teams can have an unlimited amout of reserves, however only 5 players play in each point. A maximum of 20 teams per event. All competing for the grand prize of N$5000 in cash. Plus a trophy with all its bragging rights. All teams will use the same equipment – all equipment and ammunition will be provided Each team will play at least three round robin matches. Teams progressing from the round robin stages will then play Quarter finals, Semi-finals and Finals. Depending on amount of teams. To win a point a member of the team must touch the opposing team’s start station, without being ‘hit’ or marked with paint by either his opponents or his team mates. This can be done once the entire opposing team is eliminated from the game or if the opposing team is distracted. The annual Toy Run Windhoek 9 November 2013 Since February 1995, the Live to Ride Motorcycle Club in Namibia – the oldest in the country - has raised considerable funds for charity. By hosting major annual events such as the annual Toy Run, this brotherhood of bikers is not only raising funds, but elevating their profile in their communities. The Toy Run is among the largest international motorcycle events with more than 50 000 motorcycles participating annually in South Africa alone – it’s become one of the largest combined service club events in Africa! The main objective of the Toy Run is to collect and distribute toys and gifts to under-privileged children under 18 years, and in the process, elevate the biker image! The Honorable Minister Mr. Nahas Angula is an Honorary Member of Live to Ride MCC Windhoek and received his Honorary Club Colours in 2007. He is also the patron of Toy Run. You don’t need to be a biker to be part of the action! The Toy Run starts off with a Mass Ride departing from Bike & Quad Clinic at 09H00 to Vintage Bar & Grill (Jukskei Club) in Olympia, where the fun begins! Hollard Namibia is a main sponsor for this event; other sponsors include Bike & Quad Clinic, Moon Mountain Lodge, Madisa, MC Bed & Breakfast & Ugab Terrace Lodge. Come on...this is what the Christmas spirit is all about! 22 | events calendar THE MAGIC OF BUBBLES Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival 30 November and 1 December Out with your diaries. Note this year’s not-to-be-missed event if you’re in the Cape and enjoy fine bubbly in beautiful surroundings. The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival ‘The ‘Magic of Bubbles’, presented by MasterCard, takes place in the glorious Franschhoek Wine Valley over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December 2013. It’s a culinary extravaganza, set in a grand marquee on the lawns around the Huguenot Monument, where local winemakers have pulled out all the corks to offer their finest Methode Cap Classiques (MCC). Participants include the esteemed likes of Pierre Jourdan, Morena, Môreson, La Motte, Boschendal, Leopard’s Leap, Noble Hill, Plaisir de Merle, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Graham Beck Wines, Krone, Simonsig, Steenberg and Villiera. And, for a little French accent, some of France’s best Champagnes will be represented by brands such as Billecart Salmon, Champagne Guy Charbaut and Veuve Clicquot. MasterCard is the proud sponsor of this gourmet experience destined to delight South Africans from all corners of the country, and indeed all visitors to the Western Cape. “What better way to enjoy the natural beauty and heritage of Franschhoek while sampling exquisite, locally produced food and Cap Classiques at the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival,” says Philip Panaino, Division President, MasterCard, South Africa. Franschhoek has long been considered home to a number of world-class local restaurants, and on this weekend, you’ll find delectable treats from, amongst others, SalmonBar, Haute Cabrière Cellar Restaurant, Bread & Wine, Le Franschhoek and Mont Rochelle. Stay the night or the weekend in some of the finest bed and breakfasts and luxurious boutique hotels in the area; eat, drink and be merry, safely. This year’s theme is black and white, with an emphasis on spots and stripes. On with your themed glad rags, you might bag the prize! Tickets are R200 per person and include access to the festival (open between 12pm and 5pm daily), a complimentary tasting glass and tasting coupons. Additional vouchers can be purchased on the day. Children under 18 years free entry to the festival. Book through www. webtickets.co.za, use your MasterCard card to pay and receive a 10% discount on your ticket purchase, as well as a 10% discount on purchases made at the Festival. For more information visit www.franschhoekmcc.co.za, or Twitter @Franschhoek_SA. | 23 events calendar The International Short Film Festival Berlin – Germany 12 – 17 November Berlin’s second largest international film festival, the International Short Film Festival Berlin was founded in 1982 and showcases films ranging from documentary through to cartoons. The festival gives a fascinating glimpse into film tendencies of selected genres, countries and regions. Last year a new green section was added to the programme. Andy Warhol Exhibition - Pinakothek der Moderne Munich 19 September – 17 November Drawings from the 1950’s is a presentation of largely unknown works by Andy Warhol, one of the most discussed artists of the late C20. Executed in varied www.interfilm.de techniques, the exhibition comprises almost 180 graphic works on loan from private collectors and comprises early work which was found in Warhol’s estate in 2011. www.pinakothek.de Berlin Jazz Festival Berlin – Germany 31 October – 3 November The Berlin Jazz Festival 2013 presents a full and varied programme including the Trio Ivoire, the Gnawa Jazz Voodoo project, Joachim Kühn’s Africa Connection, trumpeter Christian Scott, John Scofield and his current Überjam Band, Jack DeJohnette, as well as the “Wunderkammer XXL” a magical world of key sounds and Michael Riessler’s “Big Circle”, where the barrel organ is integrated with the futuristic sounds of an unconventional big band. Abraham Inc. has klezmer, funk and hip hop sometimes dancing together, The Monika Roscher Bigband promises a youthful, cheeky and boisterous appearance and from Poland there’s pianist Michał Wróblewski, while from Britain there’s saxophonist and clarinetist Shabaka Hutchings, with his band Sons of Kemet. www.berlinerfestspiele.de 24 | events calendar Design Indaba Expo 2014 February 2014 Cape Town February 2014 Design Indaba is planning a ground-breaking exhibition of African design and innovation for the Design Indaba Expo 2014 in Cape Town, from Friday 28 February to 2 March (Buyers’ Day Thursday 27 February). Design Indaba Expo is the largest exhibition of design on the African continent, and this is the first year the Expo will look beyond South Africa’s borders to showcase work from other countries on the continent. This is an opportunity for Africans to be part of a major exhibition that will form the focus of Design Indaba Expo. The project will showcase African ingenuity in finding solutions to its own problems, using local materials wherever possible. It will be an up-to-the-minute survey of emerging, established and unexpected talent from across the continent. Design Indaba has tapped into their network of international design leaders to act as advisors. The panel consists of practising designers, retailers and journalists at the cutting edge of the design world, including designers Tom Dixon, Bibi Seck and Ayse Birsel; fashion designer Ozwald Boateng; architects David Adjaye and Kunle Adeyemi; Financial Times writer Lucia van der Post and others. They will be calling on their respective networks to help identify the top emerging talent coming out of Africa. The exhibition will address questions such as: What are some of the characteristics that make African cities unique, and how should we be designing for them? How is traditional craft finding a more contemporary voice? Why have African Fashion Weeks mushroomed up around the world? How is mobile technology meeting the needs of everyday Africans? The organisers want to hear about developments in any field of design that is making strides in Africa and affecting the way people live. They’re particularly interested in solutions tailor-made to conditions in Africa in any industry where design has played a role. They’re focussing strongly on design by Africans for Africans and about developments taking place in Africa. Preference will be given to work by African-born or residing designers (any country in Africa). However, if your work focuses on delivering solutions to African environments, we are interested in seeing it regardless of who you are or where you live. Deadline for submissions is Friday November 29, 2013, and all queries to: [email protected] or +27 21 465 9966. If you don’t have Internet access, post submissions to: Kelly Berman, Interactive Africa, Box 7735, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa. | 25 26 | For Bookings ,Contact us at [email protected] or on +264 61 2996111 or Book online >>www.airnamibia.com.na or contact your nearest Travel Agent Tel: +264 61 232 360 • Fax: +264 61 232 882 • Post Street Mall www.thegourmet-restaurant.com A hidden gem and oasis in a concrete jungle (CBD) The meeting place for your business lunch Cosy dinners at a romantic fireplace complemented with a glowing glass of Glühwein Ideal Venue for special function for up to 80 persons with great catering options Most delectable Venison dishes Great Vegetarian options plus Pizzas | 27 profile ON A PLATE M atheus Ipinge has been with The Gourmet team for over 15 years, and food wise there’s very little he doesn’t know. From traditional Namibian food, to Italian to contemporary flavours and unique twists, he’s equally Did you always want to cook, or did you have other dreams/ambitions when you were growing up? Well, I wanted to go into welding or mechanics. When I left the farm after two years, I moved to Tsumeb but again was assigned to the kitchen brigade. An Italian gentleman by the name of Romano took me under his tutelage. He took a little time between a pesto and a burger to chat to Flamingo. You have background as an Italian chef and you speak the language. Tell us about that. Yes, Romano taught me a lot about Italian cooking - pasta, ravioli, cannelloni, gnocchi - I can do it all. And as Romano and I communicated in German, we learnt each other’s home languages too. I learnt Italian and he learnt Oshivambo with German as our medium, as Romano was married to a German lady. comfortable. Tell us a bit about where you were born, where you grew up and your family. I was born on the 12th August 1950 in Ruacana, where I also grew up. I was the firstborn of the family and was close to my mother and from an early age assisted her with traditional cooking. Tell us about your first job? Where did you start? In 1967 at the age of 17 I left home and started my first job on a farm near Stampriet. I was assigned to tasks around the house under the watchful eye of the German lady of the house. There I soon learnt to speak German and was introduced to the European style of food and cooking. You have been with The Gourmet team for many years. Yes, later I moved to Windhoek and started working in restaurants. I was introduced to industrial cooking. When Thomas and Carol took over The Gourmet in 1988, I met them. I left shortly afterwards, but returned two years later and have been with them until today. Thomas is a German trained chef. Have you learnt any secrets from him? Thomas and I have become a formidable team – and we complement each other with our cooking skills. Thomas taught me about spätzle and the traditional European methods of cooking sauces, as well as the art of cooking roasts and Thomas, in turn, learnt a lot about the Italian cuisine from me. Thomas also introduced me to crocodile, which is ironic as, having grown up in Ruacana, I was surrounded by crocodiles in all my young years and did not realise that there was a great source of food on my doorstep. You have no doubt cooked for many interesting people. Who was your favourite? During the time that I wasn’t at The Gourmet, I worked at a restaurant called Casa Blanca, which does not exist anymore. While I was 28 | there, I was privileged to cook for the then Prime Minister, the honourable Hage Geingob and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, honourable Hidipo Hamutenya. What is your favourite dish? My favourite food in the European kitchen is roast lamb or pork and lamb or pork stir fries. Your favourite herb or seasoning? My favourite spices are rosemary, oregano and garlic. Any culinary drawbacks? I love fish, but unfortunately I am allergic to it. I’ve found ways to circumvent the allergies though, when preparing fish, like washing my hands with lemon. Thomas is well-known for his skill at preparing fish, as he comes from the north of Germany, an area reputed for the cooking of fish. So although I can’t eat it, I have expanded my skills in the preparation of fish. A kitchen rule you live by? My first and golden rule in the kitchen is cleanliness and tidiness. Without these virtues, no good cooking can come out of it. Your favourite kitchen treat? I don’t really have a sweet tooth but I do like chocolate pudding and cream caramel. When you’re not cooking, what do you do? How do you spend your free time? While I do love cooking, when I’m at home I leave it to my family; and in my spare time I most enjoy breeding animals on my plot in the north. | 29 express your style Lower Level MAERUA MALL Windhoek +264 61 307 620 SPES BONA RENT-A-CAR • Unlimited mileage for 4 days or longer. • NO Credit Card required. • Bookings Essential GREAT SEASON SPECIAL Fiat Punto 1.2 • N$ 250.00 /day * * insurance included www.spesbona.com.na 30 | Peugeot 208 • N$ 390.00 /day * Fiat Scudo (9 seater) • N$850.00 /day * Nicci +264 61 279 714 | 31 the Amarula Field Guide Scholarship Programme A ccording to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Africa received 52 million international arrivals in 2012, representing US$34bn and for 2013 a forecast growth of 4% to 6% is projected. The tourism industry plays an important role in the Namibian economy and there is a need to provide visitors with a top level service, which includes qualified people sharing the best of Namibia, in order to sustain the tourism industry. And with this in mind, the not-for-profit Amarula Trust started the Amarula Field Guide Scholarship Programme in Namibia, aiming to equip locals with the skills to create memorable experiences for tourists and at the same time create job opportunities within the eco-tourism industry. Eight Namibians were sponsored in October to complete a Level 1 Field Guide training, the second group to be sponsored by the Amarula Trust. The course, accredited by the Field Guide Association of South Africa, is an intensive one month which assists people already in the tourism industry, to further their careers and, on successful completion, graduate as field guides for tourists. Offered at Erindi Private Game Reserve and Wilderness Safaris’ Damaraland Adventure Camp, the course is presented by Eco Training and includes an introduction to botany, ecology, zoology, reptiles, birds, geology, as well as tracking, conservation and habitat management, intended to advance eco-sustainability and provide critical employment skills. The students were chosen from the N/a’ankuse Lodge, Wilderness 32 | Eight Namibians were sponsored in October to complete a Level 1 Field Guide training. The marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea) that grow wild on the savannah plains of sub-Saharan Africa are used to create the Amarula liqueur. The trees provide enough for the animals in the wild that love to feast on them... especially the elephants. by: LINDA CHRISTENSEN | 33 Safaris - Torra Conservancy, Sesfontein Conservancy and Erindi Private Game Reserve, who demonstrated not only a desire to improve themselves through education, but who also have an interest in tourism, wildlife and nature conservation. The group includes rural community members, as well as those who were employed as waiters, workshop assistants, security and bartenders at these establishments. After successful completion of the course, they will be integrated back into their respective environments, with a view to operate as qualified field guides. Adéle Ankiewicz, Amarula global marketing manager and spokesperson for the Amarula Trust, says the programme aims to preserve nature and wildlife, while creating employment and symbiotic relationships between local inhabitants and the environment. Top student Aaron Kahengombe, started as a petrol attendant and workshop assistant at Erindi Private Game Reserve and will now be employed as a field guide, offering tourists guided tours of the reserve. The eight students to complete the Amarula Field Guide Scholarship course, from left to right: Erwin Kasupi, Aaron Kahengombe, De Villiers van Jaarsveld, Hillary Roman, Immanuel Stefanus, Solomon Tsueb, Tanigu Uiseb, Mattheus Kemp 34 | “The initiative started in Botswana a few years ago and since then has branched out into South Africa and Namibia. When these students return to their establishments they will be employed as field guides, opening up new job opportunities for those who fill their vacancies, thus further developing local employment.” She adds that the programme also aims to establish symbiotic relationships between local inhabitants and their environments. “Candidates are encouraged to share their new-found knowledge within their immediate communities, to promote a wider understanding of the need to protect and to live in a harmonious, beneficial relationship with our natural habitat.” Jermain Ketji, community liaison manager for Wilderness Safaris - Torra Conservancy and one of the establishments that put community members forward for the course, says the Amarula Field Guide Scholarship Programme initiative is an invaluable tool in empowering the community. “We try to up-skill members within our community, so that we have a pool of resources to draw from when employment opportunities arise at one of our five partner lodges. It’s important for us to work together and rectify urban migration, creating job opportunities within our communities and promoting sustainability. We have been working towards this aim for many years now, but with the assistance and initiative taken by Amarula, we can work together towards strengthening our local people’s knowledge and personal development. This wisdom that they have attained, empowers them to give back to their communities.” | 35 8718 MAKING 0% DEPOSIT 0% STRESS ON YOUR FIRST HOME LOAN HAPPEN Buying a home? No deposit to put down on your home loan? No problem. With Nedbank, first-time homebuyers can get a home loan with 0% deposit. Things don’t get much better than that. To apply, just visit any Nedbank branch, call 061 295 2837 or email [email protected] nedbank.com.na Nedbank Limited Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16). Water for Namibia Innovative technologies for Africa’s dry regions 38 | by: ALEXIA KRUG VON NIDDA | 39 I n Namibia, the CuveWaters project has taken a quantum leap in innovation: In a region ruled in equal parts by floods and droughts, natural water resources can now be used year round. Drinking and irrigation water is being won with the help of different pilot plants. The joint research project coordinated by ISOE – Institute for Social- 40 | Ecological Research – will present the results of its work at the IWA Water Reuse in Windhoek/Namibia at the end of October. During the last seven years, the German-Namibian research project CuveWaters has developed tailored solutions for a decentralised and sustainable water supply for the population of the northern Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. Around 850,000 people – almost half the population – live here, in an area of 34,723 km². Water is a scarce resource: Highly variable rainfall and contrasting extremes such as droughts and floods define the pattern of life, limiting the people’s food supply and income. The effects of climate change, rapid population growth, and rural exodus pose additional challenges and threaten the people’s livelihood, as well as the balance of the ecosystem. The two main sources of water for this region come from Angola: from the hydrologically important upper part of the Cuvelai-Basin, and from the Kunene River which feeds a long-distance canal as well as a pipeline system that provides drinking water. The water supply system provides many of the communities with drinking water. But where this supply network ends, people are dependent on water from hand-dug wells. At lower layers, the groundwater is salty. Additional problems arise from increasing urbanisation and a lack of sanitation facilities. This was the starting point for the Namibian Sanitation Strategy in 2009: The Namibian government has clearly stated that the “benefits of the provision of sanitation are promoted as a public good and include health, environment, energy generation (biogas) and food production (water reuse)”. The water supply and wastewater treatment systems of the future need to be able to adapt flexibly to urban development, with considerable impact on the quality and spatial distribution of demand. Via Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), a complex supply system has been established, in cooperation with the local population and Namibian governmental and industrial partners: pilot plants for harvesting rainwater and storing floodwater, as well as for treating and re-using wastewater, generate water for produce gardening. Solar-driven desalination units produce drinking water for the local population. CuveWaters technologies commercially viable are becoming This integrated approach is now making these new technologies commercially viable: They allow people living in arid regions to supply themselves with water without being dependent on the rainy season. Even far away from central water conduits, drinking water becomes accessible. Individual families or whole villages can also provide for themselves by growing produce, or they can develop new sources of income. The CuveWaters project is also developing a new kind of energy-efficient sanitation and wastewater concept, which is producing nutrient-rich processed water for field irrigation. It is also being used to produce biogas for generating power and heat. This innovative concept offers new perspectives for small | 41 settlements in rural areas, but also for fast-growing urban neighbourhoods. Sustainable knowledge and technology transfer The next phase of CuveWaters, which is planned to run untill 2015, will focus primarily on exploiting the pilot project’s results for the southern part of Africa. “Transferring this knowledge and these technologies can lead to sustainable improvements in the population’s living conditions,” says ISOE project leader Thomas Kluge. “That means: Reducing poverty, safeguarding health and nutrition and enabling adaptations to climate change”. Kluge adds that substantive benefits balance the investment into these new kinds of technologies. In 2012 CuveWaters was selected among the top three projects for the research prize “Sustainable Developments” by the jury of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. CuveWaters promotes the millenium goals and sustainability on a local level, is how the jury justified its choice. The project is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Namibian project partners are the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) and the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN). www.cuvewaters.net 42 | CuveWaters: Integrated Water Resources Management in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin www.cuvewaters.net Project Lead: ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Frankfurt/Main Dr. Thomas Kluge Alexia Krug von Nidda (Coordination) Phone +49 (0)69 707 6919 20 Cell +264 (0)81 210 71 28 [email protected] Project Partner: Darmstadt University of Technology, Institute WAR www.iwar-bauing.tu-darmstadt.de Industry Partners: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg pro|aqua, Mainz Terrawater, Kiel Solarinstitut Jülich Ingenieurbüro für Energie- und Umwelttechnik IBEU, Jülich Roediger Vacuum, Hanau Namibian Partners: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) Media Contact: Melanie Neugart (ISOE) Phone +49 (0)69 707 6919 51 [email protected] | 43 DBN Trade Finance. For entrepreneurs with wider horizons. If the only obstacle to opening a new market, and selling Namibian products across the border, is the cost of the exercise, we believe that sound short-term trade finance will be the passport to your success. If you have an export-oriented business plan, call us. + 264 61 290 8000. We’re waiting to hear from you. Good business is good for development. www.dbn.com.na 44 | KINGJAMES 27771 Distraction is the enemy. We believe distractions are an obstacle to success. That’s why we’ll never give in to them. We won’t be distracted by trends, hype or popular opinion and stick to our tried and tested investment philosophy. A philosophy that has worked very well for our clients over the last 39 years. Call Allan Gray on (061) 22 11 03 or your financial adviser, or visit www.allangray.com.na | 45 Community Spirit by: ELLE MATTHEWS pictures by: PETER MATTHEWS 46 | Elle and Peter Matthews of Green Shoot are film makers, storytellers and photographers who dug below the surface of Kavango in northern Namibia T he air is quiet, the evening pleasantly warm, as we drift lazily down the Kavango River in our fishing boat, towards the fiery ochre ball that is sunset, descending on the horizon. In the distance we can see Kayova River Lodge edging the high riverbank. Our river guide, Edmund, points out the children splashing in the shallows as they take their daily bath. We watch them in curious silence, cold drinks in hand, cooled occasionally by a slight breeze that flits across the water of the Kavango River. Nearby, a herd of thirsty Nguni cattle wait impatiently to be herded into the water to drink. As their cowherd approaches, the children wade out of the water and dress into their tattered clothes, giving the cows a turn. They know the importance of water in this thirsty land. They understand that the river means life. As we drift past them, waving, an old man with a weathered face glides in front of us silently, balancing in a dugout canoe. We are captivated by the moment – as we have been by almost everything since arriving at Kayova River Lodge in the beautiful, untouched Kavango Region of Northern Namibia. We are completely in awe of the way life is lived here – raw, real, uncomplicated. And we’re smitten by the authenticity. From the moment we stepped off the plane at Rundu airport, and breathed in the promise of adventure that filled our lungs with warm air, to the minute we found ourselves trapped in our vehicle in the middle of a large herd of patterned Nguni on a dusty dirty road, we knew this was going to be another special trip. As photographers and filmmakers we are always looking for creative fodder, and in the 50-minute road transfer trip from Rundu airport to Kayova River Lodge, | 47 we were completely blown away by the visual beauty of the landscape and people of Northern Namibia. Simple. Desolate. Peaceful. Perfect. Kavango is a place of stark contrasts: the poverty of the people versus the richness of the landscape; the harshness of the weather versus the softness of the old people’s smiles; the sorrow of suffering versus the simple joy of living. Here, time slows down and allows you to notice the details - a chameleon crossing the endless road, the pale mauve on the beak of a Blue Waxbill, the memories locked in the dark pools of an old man’s 48 | eyes as he slides by in his dugout canoe, the wisps of smoke that filter across the sunset as it slips behind the edge of the river. And it is these contrasts that make for the most incredible images…and unforgettable memories. Being given the freedom to indulge in a lazy day of fishing, photographing and bird-viewing from the comfort of the lodge’s eight-seater, customized fishing boat, complete with live well and electric trawling motor has made this day a really wonderful experience for us, and afforded us the opportunity of capturing incredible moments. Edmund’s expertise and knowledge of fauna and flora, as well as his own passion for photography is an asset. He knows how to position the boat for the best angle of light and background, where to look for interesting sightings, and shares insights into the region that give us a whole new perspective on this beautiful place we are privileged to explore. By the time we arrive back at the lodge to the smiling greetings of lodge manager Roelien and the local lodge staff, fishing rods and a couple of bream in hand, there is a fire crackling in the outside cooking area. Our dinner tonight will be a traditional Namibian ‘braai’ featuring local game. Head Chef Deupoldt and his trained kitchen staff source the best ingredients to serve up delicious local and international cuisine in a charming African-themed restaurant, or al fresco in the garden overlooking the river when the weather is good. And that’s pretty often here! A quick plunge in the swimming pool is a wonderful respite from the warmth of the day, followed by a refreshing shower and welcome rest in the rustically chic rooms. There are eight airconditioned thatched bungalows at Kayova River Lodge, each with a private deck affording panoramic views over the river. A swimming pool, bar and WiFi are available, as are conference facilities for up to 22 people. For the roaming traveller, a fully equipped campsite is also on offer at the lodge. The lodge offers an authentically African experience and the tranquil setting allows one to unwind without the stresses of everyday life. Perched right on the banks of the Kavango River, Kayova River Lodge is affectionately known by the locals as ‘shiwangundu’ (pearl) of the Okavango and is situated between the towns of Rundu and Divundu. It was officially opened in 2012 and is home to a variety of wildlife and diverse vegetation, as well as water-dwelling creatures like crocodiles, hippo, tigerfish and bream. But apart from some of the finest fishing in Namibia, Kayova River Lodge offers opportunities for spectacular photography and bird-viewing. This section of the Kavango is a natural haven for over four hundred species of birds and is located right on the migratory path. One of the biggest attractions of Kayova River Lodge for birding enthusiasts is that it participates in the seasonal wetlands bird count, overseen by well-known birding experts who live in the area. Edmund tells us that the recent summer bird count revealed a rare sighting of a Red-chested Flufftail in the Kayova area. This is indeed a birder’s paradise. Close to the Caprivi Strip, Kayova River Lodge is perfectly positioned for guests to explore the natural beauty of Northern Namibia, including the Caprivi Game Park with its clear streams, lush islands and hordes of game. Nearby Mahangu National Park is rich in fauna and flora, while Khaudum Game Park – ‘Namibia’s forgotten wilderness’ – offers the adventurous traveller an ‘off the beaten track’ experience. Also in the vicinity is Popa Falls, threemetre drop rapids over a rocky area that are best experienced as part of a boat trip. As a stopover en route from Caprivi to Ethosha, Kayova River Lodge is the perfect place to recharge and rediscover yourself. | 49 There is something really special about a river vacation, and watching the rhythm and flow of water through the orange flames of a sizzling fire as you sip on an iced tea cannot help but reconnect you with your spirit. But the river is not all that Kayova River Lodge is about. This 100-percent community based lodge is also an oasis in the stark, surrounding Ndoyoni area, with its employees being drawn from the region, and the profits from the lodge being ploughed back into many different community projects; all for the benefit of the local people in the Kavango area. This is not surprising, since it is owned by the Catholic Church in Germany and overseen by Fr. Angelo Stipinovich, a South African priest living and working in Germany, who believes strongly in the principle of ‘giving a hand up, and not a hand out’. With the participation and support of the local Hompa and his people, Kayova River Lodge has brought significant upliftment to this beautifully barren piece of Africa. Kayova River Lodge offers an interesting community programme for students wanting to experience a meaningful gap year, or church ministries looking to participate in the social upliftment of the Kavango Community, by getting involved in the construction and improvement of the crèches, in the water projects to supply villages with clean water, and in the establishment of the Aids orphanage. 50 | | 51 The gratitude and hope of the people is tangible when we visit the four recently renovated crèches, where the children get a free education and a cooked meal every day, and when we stand on the foundations of what will soon be a home for children left destitute due to the loss of their parents through Aids, with solar power and its own organic garden. But the project that has had the most far-reaching consequences in this remote community is the water project, which enables households to store water in tanks near their homes, rather than having to walk miles to the river to fetch it, risking attacks by crocodiles and hippo. There is no denying that this beautiful land is harsh, and for us this adds to its interest and appeal. On one visit to the Hompa we are told the story of his 17-year old grandson, who didn’t survive after being bitten by a black mamba while out walking with his cousin. On another, we hear about a man taken by a crocodile while fetching water from the river. Life is fragile in Kavango, and the people here live it gratefully. This is clear to us each and every day in this incredible place, but most especially when we get the privilege to watch a local praise dance by dancers regaled in traditional orange and white-beaded costumes, and to experience the local customs and traditions. Even a visit to a Sunday church service reveals a Northern Namibian twist, complete with drums, singing and 52 | dancing. Here, people celebrate life. For tourists seeking excitement or adventure, the sense of peace and solitude of the Kavango region may prove to be a little disappointing. But for those who love stillness, bare open landscapes and want to feel a million miles away from the tedium of daily routine, one visit will not be enough. Roelien suggests that next time we visit we fly into Livingstone and hire a vehicle, drive through the Caprivi and then onto Kayova River Lodge. The roads are in good nick and there are many places to stay along the way. As the fragrant aroma of ‘braai’ fills the air, and the Namibian night creatures play out their nocturnal symphony against the melody of rushing river water, we look up at the stars in the clear night sky and silently agree that yes, we will do this when we return. And we will. Kayova River Lodge: 066 258 212/206 Lodge Manager: 081 786 6058 www.kayovariverlodge.com [email protected] | 53 54 | Handigas for any application Windhoek (061) 387000 • Tsumeb (067) 220042 • Otjiwarongo (067) 304432 • Rundu (066) 256050 • Walvis Bay (064) 205818 Oshakati (065) 221853 • Rosh Pinah (063) 274585 • Rehoboth (062) 522443 • Keetmanshoop (063) 223009 | 55 TRIP SWITCH? by: ANDRE FIORE 56 | Whether you’re a business or leisure traveller, or indeed, a hotel, lodge or safari operator, you can’t afford to ignore the electronic power surge of e-tourism. Take TripAdvisor, it’s the travel companion few make travel decisions - or even leave home without... | 57 E ver needed advice when planning travel? Ever asked for a recommendation about where to stay in a certain destination, or which restaurant would be a good choice? Sure you do or did or will. Most people seek out recommendations and advice before deciding on a hotel or place to eat when travelling. In fact, when planning and researching a trip, 43% of us consult family and friends, but almost 70% of us turn to travel review websites for information. And the boot’s on the other foot too. For anybody in the hospitality industry, sites like TripAdvisor offer opportunities to show off your true hospitality colours...equally, if you aren’t up to speed yet with this brave new world, you’re not only missing out on a vast marketing opportunity, but it can leave you out in the cold. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, continues to attract more and more users each year. Globally, 260 million people visit TripAdvisor sites to consult reviews and ratings from fellow travellers. Traditional word of mouth has become even more powerful online with a recent TripAdvisor study revealing that 93% of travellers worldwide say that online reviews have an impact on their booking decisions. 58 | TripAdvisor was launched in 2000, and enables travellers to plan and have the perfect trip. The website is the largest travel community in the world, with over 100 million reviews and opinions, operating in 30 countries, in 21 languages. The forum pages on TripAdvisor are a popular place for travellers with questions about their trips to get answers from those in the know, whether they are ‘destination experts’ or just fellow travellers who have been there before. The site offers trusted advice from travellers as well as information about destinations and businesses around the world; there are currently over 2.7 million hotels, restaurants and attractions on the site. In the 13 years since it launched, TripAdvisor has developed a number of great features to help people research and have great holidays. These include innovations in social media integration, mobile applications and planning tools. | 59 Here are just a few of the things you can do on TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor and Facebook: Wisdom of Friends – The groundbreaking personalisation feature allows travellers to get advice from their Facebook friends on TripAdvisor to plan their next trip. Supplementing the site’s more than 100 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the world, the wisdom of crowds on TripAdvisor is now enhanced by the wisdom of friends, delivering personalised travel recommendations. Reviews at a Glance – Reviews at a Glance allows travellers to quickly analyse the wisdom of the crowds when visiting any property, with at least 50 reviews on TripAdvisor. This feature summarizes the most common review phrases, such as “Great Location,” and “Free Internet,” in a box above the most recent reviews – allowing visitors to the page to get a quick snapshot of the overall traveller sentiment on a property, without having to read through all of the reviews. City Guides – City Guides are mobile applications for smartphones that offer convenient access to a wealth of detailed destination information ,including traveller reviews and opinions on hotels, restaurants and attractions, as well as suggested itineraries and offline-accessible interactive walking tours. Access to offline information is particularly useful for travellers abroad, who can download the apps before they go, sparing them from expensive roaming charges. Popularity Index Hotel – Dynamically ranks hospitality businesses worldwide based on the popularity of a given business, as measured by the quality, quantity, and recency of content written about the business on TripAdvisor. Check Rates – Compares hotel pricing and availability across multiple commerce sites with one click. TripWatch – Offers customised e-mail alerts on the specific hotels, attractions and destinations requested by the traveller, in the first personalised, time-sensitive e-mail newsletter for trip planners. 60 | With so many hospitality businesses listed on TripAdvisor, the site also presents a great opportunity for business owners to promote themselves to an international audience. In 2010, we launched TripAdvisor for Business to listen to, communicate with and better serve the hospitality sector and travel industry. Business owners are encouraged to update their property’s profile on the site, by adding additional details, photos and signing up for notification emails to make sure they know whenever they have received a new review. Perhaps the most important thing that business owners can do on TripAdvisor is respond to their reviews. Recent PhoCusWright research shows us that 84% of users agree that an appropriate management response to a bad review improves their impression of the hotel. Responding to reviews shows travellers that a business cares about the kind of feedback they receive from previous guests and customers and is a great way to highlight the kind of service they offer to potential visitors! All in all, TripAdvisor has become a hub for travel, on a global scale. Travellers from all over the world consult the site before planning their trips, and write reviews of their experiences when they get home: Good, bad and indifferent. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for hotels, restaurants and attractions to be seen by international visitors, and to showcase their great feedback from travellers. | 61 62 | | 63 They ran out of steam Old locomotives remind one of a bygone era by: DR. ANDREAS VOGT 64 | T hey look like black monsters made from steel and iron – the few old steam locomotives scattered around Namibia. Today, displayed in front of some old station buildings and museums, they are a reminder of a period when there was no such thing as air travel and when modern tarred roads had not yet been built. The issue of transport has shaped Namibia’s economical growth and development of its infrastructure ever since. freight offloaded from sailing ships (mainly from the Cape), in the few natural harbours along the Namibian coast. They supplied the missionaries, traders, a few settlers and the indigenous people with merchandise and consumer goods. The first roads from the coast to the interior, like those from Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, were gradually developed. These roads initially consisted of little more than the two tracks made by previous ox-wagons. During the pre-colonial period in Namibia, the most important means of transport was the ox-wagon. This was a flat and heavy wooden vehicle with spoked wheels held together by massive iron rims. It was drawn by up to 40 oxen, spanned in pairs into yokes, which hauled the heavy wagon and its load over rocks and through the deep sand. The ox-wagons shuttled But ox-wagon transport had some major disadvantages: It was extremely slow and cumbersome, and therefore very expensive. It was entirely dependent on the availability of oxen which had to graze at night and be watered regularly. The stretches through the Namib Desert were the most challenging, the oxen succumbing to thirst and sheer exhaustion. The socalled Bay Roads were littered with the skeletons of oxen that had not made it. A severe crisis in the ox-wagon traffic, caused by an outbreak of rinderpest in 1897, led to the collapse of transport in Namibia. The German colonial government was obliged to resolve the crisis by building a railway line. The first stretch in narrow-gauge format, was built from 1897 until 1902 between Swakopmund and Windhoek. It was called the Staatsbahn (Government Railway) because it had been financed with public funds by the German government. The railway line was further extended by the Otavibahn (Otavi Railway Line), which had been built privately by the Otavi Minen- und Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft (O.M.E.G.). It was constructed during 1903-1906 and mainly used to transport copper ore from the Tsumeb Mine to Swakopmund. Between 1907 and 1908 the South West Africa Company (SWACO) extended this railway line with the Otavi-Grootfontein section, to unlock the agricultural potential of the area around Grootfontein. Transport in the south had been a problem because of its remoteness, the enormous distances and the scarcity of water. Here, too, the railway line was constructed mainly because of military intervention. Only as a result of the Nama War (1904-7) and because there had been no rainfall at all in 1905/06, the German Imperial government was compelled to build the Südbahn (Southern Railway Line) from Lüderitz to the interior as from 1905. During the construction of this section in 1908, the first diamonds were discovered. Shortly | 65 thereafter, from 1908 to 1909, the railway line was extended from Seeheim to Kalkfontein-South (today Karasburg). In central Namibia, the Karibib-Windhoek section was slightly widened and brought into line with the Cape gauge during 1910 and 1911. Between 1910 and 1912 the two existing, separate parts of the railway network were linked by the Nordsüdbahn (North-South Railway Line), which ran from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop. All that remained from the days of the ox-wagons was the steam locomotives’ heavy dependency on already scarce water resources. Also, the brackish water and the coal used for stoking caused severe corrosive damage to the locomotives’ boilers. Nevertheless, the building of the railway line constituted a major improvement. As a result of the First World War, the rail network was extended further. Again for military (this time South African) reasons, the sections from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund (1915) and Kalkfontein-South (Karasburg) to Upington were built, connecting the South African and the former German colonial railway lines. After 1919, the South African mandatory power extended the network by adding the small Otjiwarongo-Outjo (1921) and Windhoek-Gobabis (1921-29) sections. Otherwise, during the entire South African mandatory and colonial period (1915-1990), the Namibian rail network remained virtually as it had been before the outbreak of WWI. Only recently in our time, construction of the Tsumeb-Ondangwa extension was recommenced. A major innovation in rail transport was the introduction of diesel locomotives in the late fifties. This was accompanied by the removal of the last remaining narrow-gauge railroad track in the country. The new diesel locos, which operated independently of water and coal, sounded the death knell of the 66 | steam locomotives. Those still in service were returned to South Africa, where they remained in use for a long time in harbours, or were sold to scrap metal dealers. Others are still used for tourism purposes today. Only seven individual veteran locomotives remained in Namibia, where most are now exhibited in front of old railway buildings or museums. They constitute all that is left of this part of Namibia’s industrial heritage. At several old railway stations such as Usakos and Garub, the enormous water tanks from which the steam locomotives were watered can still be seen. During the past twenty years railroad traffic has been subjected to enormous pressure from road traffic (especially by bus and truck), but also from public and private vehicles. Transport has become faster and the private motor vehicle greatly enhances mobility and personal independence. The romance of rail travel, however, lives on in the luxurious comfort of the Desert Express, which offers its passengers a nostalgic trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund (with special schedules to Mokuti Lodge and to Lüderitz and back). As for the old locomotives in front of our station buildings – they are mute reminders and witnesses of an era long gone. Nestled inside the 4000ha Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, Sun Karros Daan Viljoen is located 20km west of Windhoek. The Game Reserve is home to healthy population of giraffe, eland, kudu, oryx, zebra, baboon, springbok, warthog, black back jackal and over 200 species of birds. The perfect getaway, be it for luxury chalets, camping, conferencing and private events or scrumptious breakfast, lunch and diners. Sun Karros Daan Viljoen - truly luxury by nature. Tel: +264 61 232393 Email: [email protected] | 67 68 | PABX SPECIAL Buy an Amazing PABX special and get 50% Off On Installations Samsung OfficeServ 7030 PABX 2x ISDN lines, 4x Digital extension cards, 2x Analogue extensions, Voicemail, Auto Attendant. FREE 1x 7 button digital phone FREE 2x ShareCalls Telecom Namibia offers you the best and latest PABX Solutions for Small Enterprises, Small Office and Home Office (SOHO). Offer valid while stock last! For More information visit your nearest Teleshop, call us Toll Free on 1100 or SMS PABX to 060123 | 69 70 | SWEDE TEMPTATION Volvo XC60 The facelifted and upgraded Volvo XC60 range brims with brilliantly useful technology by: JAMES SIDDALL | 71 P erhaps the most attractive aspect of the Volvo brand is that, well, it never seems to try too hard. Yet its vehicles are effortlessly elegant, even understated – and, of course, safe. In fact, the Swedish company clearly says that its aim is “that no person shall be killed or injured in a new Volvo by 2020.”That’s quite a lofty goal, but with its S60, V60 and XC60 ranges having just undergone a midlife update, it’s beginning to seem achievable. Road Sign Information “reads” road signs and shows them on the instrument display, while new auto-dim exterior mirrors automatically dim to avoid glare from the other traffic. Just like the inner rear-view mirror. The best-selling XC60 – a mid-sized SUV – has long been arguably my favourite Volvo in the range, and now with a wide range of cosmetic and technological enhancements, it’s more covetable than ever. Volvo is especially proud of its new Permanent Active On the outside, the XC60 comes with new headlamps and a new hood, while any black trim has been deleted, so the machine is now all in one body colour. In the cossetting cabin – which is just as understated as the exterior, and quite beautifully finished – the commanding driving position stays the same, but buyers can now opt for a new sport seat, while upgrades make it more cossetting than ever. Meanwhile, three-spoke steering wheels can now be equipped with new paddle shifters, at least on automatic models. But it’s on the safety front that Volvo has really gone big with this all-wheel-drive SUV. And it’s simply loaded with active and passive features that only a decade or two ago would have seemed distinctly science-fiction like. New Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology (the capitals are Volvo’s) will basically first warn the driver, and then automatically hit the brakes if the vehicle is on a collision course with a pedestrian or cyclist. Then there’s new Driver Alert Control which warns tired drivers with a little coffee cup symbol on the vehicle’s information display. Another new piece of technology debuting on the Volvo is Cross Traffic Alert, a remarkably clever system. Essentially it uses radar sensors at the rear end of the machine to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out of a parking slot. This is especially useful if you’re flanked by larger vehicles and can’t see what’s coming when, for instance, moving out of a shopping mall parking lot. 72 | The list of tech continues, with an upgraded Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which warns the driver of approaching vehicles up to 70 metres behind the car. Volvo’s much-lauded City Safety System is also upgraded, and will brake the vehicle if the car in front slows down or stops. The upgraded Volvo XC60 is positively carlike to drive, yet commendably capable when the terrain turns treacherous. High Beam Control. Simply put, you can drive with your brights permanently on, and the vehicle will automatically shade out as much of the headlights as need be, so you don’t blind oncoming drivers. Were it not for space restraints, I could go on with the list of new and cutting-edge technology that this Volvo is loaded with. Especially as this isn’t just technology for technology’s sake, but rather it’s aimed at enhancing the driving experience and making the vehicle superbly safe – something that it does admirably. Even more so than its predecessors, the upgraded XC60 is positively car-like to drive, yet commendably capable when the terrain turns treacherous. The 15-model range starts with the XC60 D4 Manual Essential at R464 800, although if you’re already spending that much rather pay an extra R15 000 or so and opt instead for an even more desirable automatic version. | 73 BMW 5 sERIES Difficult as it might be to believe, BMW’s 5 Series range has become yet more desirable following a recent facelift, writes JAMES SIDDALL… T o call the BMW 5 Series a fine machine, is like calling a Bugatti Veyron “quite quick” – in other words, it’s an epic understatement. Now the desirability of the range – which excludes the lithe Touring on this market – has been substantially upped. Aesthetically, for instance, the likes of even more striking rear lights and new contour lines for the surround of the famed BMW kidney grille, help accentuate the inherent sporting character of the machine. Some light cosmetic enhancements do likewise for the Gran Turismo models, while Xenon headlights are now fitted as standard on all derivatives. Also new to the 5 Series is the choice between BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line packages, while an M Sport package can also be specified. The interiors of these vehicles do have some upgrades, too, for instance the boot of the 5 Series Grand Turismo is increased by 60 litres to 500 litres, while new exterior paint colours, upholstery colours, and interior trim elements mean that buyers will be able to yet further individualise their machines. Under the bonnet, improvements aren’t neglected. Fuel consumption is down, while aerodynamics are improved. Even better news is that the top-range engine for all BWM 5 Series models is a new BMW TwinPower Turbo motor. Expect this V8 unit to make nothing less than 330kW. In fact, the powerplant range for the 5 Series Sedan now encompasses four petrol and three diesel units, while buyers going for the Gran Turismo can select between two petrol and two diesel motors. And with BMW ConnectedDrive technology, the 5 Series line-up opens almost unprecedented levels of infotainment, connectivity, and safety. As BMW – a company not known for hyperbolic statements – itself puts it: “The range of BMW ConnectedDrive business solutions and driver assistance systems is more advanced and richer in variety than ever. The BMW 5 Series enables a scope of intelligent connectivity unique in the marketplace, allowing it to set the benchmark for in-car use of office applications.” And we haven’t even told you about this machine’s cutting-edge driver-assistance systems, which include the glare-free High Beam Assistant and the BMW Night Vision system, which includes human and animal detection. Meanwhile, by the time you read this, the optional Traffic Jam Assistant will be available. And on the Sedan models, buyers will be able to avail themselves of the fully automatic Parking Assistant. All of which are not only the sort of high-tech enhancements that only a few short years ago would have had a distinctly science-fiction-like aura to them, but they’re also the sort of technologies that you’d expect from this Bavarian automotive manufacturer…. 74 | Danric Auto www.bmw.co.za Sheer Driving Pleasure SERVICE EXCELLENCE. Danric Auto is everything a BMW Dealership should be and more. When entering our premises, you’ll be greeted by friendly and dedicated staff ready to assist with all your BMW requirements. Whether it’s sales or service, test drives or tailored finance, parts or professional advice, look no further than Danric Auto. For information on the latest models, trade-in valuations or to book a test drive in any of our models, please contact one of our Sales Executives for assistance. BMW SALES, PARTS AND SERVICE. Danric Auto Cnr Bismarck Street & David Hosea Meroro Rd Windhoek, Namibia, Tel. 061 295 81 00 Danric Auto Motorrad www.bmwmotorrad .co.za The Ultimate Riding Machine WHEN THE OPEN ROAD CALLS, YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHOICE. If you enjoy the freedom of the open road, there is only one natural choice for a BMW Motorcycle - Danric Auto Motorrad. With a selection of new and BMW Pre-owned motorcycles, a state-of-the-art workshop and BMW Rider Gear that is manufactured to the same stringent standards as each BMW motorcycle, we’re equipped to handle all your motorcycle requirements. Leaving you to focus on the most important thing – finding new thrills on two wheels. BMW MOTORRAD SALES, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES. Danric Auto Motorrad Cnr Bismarck Street & David Hosea Meroro Rd Windhoek, Namibia, Tel. 061 295 81 00 | 75 76 | | 77 Vultures by: Liz and Joris Komen pictures by: NARREC and John Paterson 78 | Namibia When next you see a tagged vulture, please ‘crowdmap’ your resighting! A ll our vulture populations are in trouble, from being critically endangered to threatened and vulnerable. Poison has been the biggest threat to scavenging birds of prey in southern African over the past decades. This threat typically came from commercial livestock farmers who indiscriminately used poisons like strychnine to kill mammalian predators, with the result that vultures were often the indirect victims of such poisoning activities. These days, in Namibia and elsewhere, the value of scavengers such as vultures has mostly been recognized by land owners and managers. Farming activities have diversified, and vultures are appreciated for their many useful roles, including the fact that when spiraling over an area, they alert a land manager to mortality of livestock or game in the field. It appears that this aerial spiraling is the reason for a horrible new trend in Africa; poachers kill vultures with fast-acting poisons to avoid immediate detection. These mass poisoning events are not caused so much by small-time meat hunters or traditional medicine (‘muti’) traders anymore, but by the perpetrators of wildlife crimes such as the illegal elephant ivory and rhino horn trade. The resultant carcasses are large, and can attract hundreds of scavenging birds. The latest mass vulture poisoning in Namibia’s Bwabwata national park killed some 400-600 birds in July 2013. These birds came to feed on a poached elephant carcass deliberately contaminated with poison to kill them. This is not the first mass poisoning incident by poachers in the area, nor is Namibia alone in this devastating scourge, with Botswana and South Africa also having experienced large scale poisoning events this year. Given vultures’ ability to fly great distances, vultures from anywhere in southern Africa can become victims of such poisoning events. Bird ringers throughout southern Africa have been catching and marking vultures, using metal rings with identifying colour rings or wing tags for more than 30 years. In Namibia some 3,000 vultures have been marked in this way. The reason for this marking activity is to better understand aspects of vulture movements, biology and ecology, with long-term conservation and protection in mind. Conventional recoveries of marked birds from incidental re-traps and re-sightings, | 79 or finding dead birds, usually account for no more than 0.1 - 3% of birds ringed, yet provide valuable information about these species, thanks to the recovery reports provided by mostly interested citizens, or more appropriately, citizen scientists. One way to encourage citizen science by mostly nonscientist citizens, is through scientists collaborating with software developers to provide a friendly platform where citizens can contribute to a joint venture that manages, utilizes and grows internet-based citizen science projects. To further scientific knowledge, a collaborating public use their time, resources, abilities and energies to assist with environmental issues by reporting on a participatory platform such as a crowdmap. Crowd-maps designed for specific conservation action will increase knowledge, and strengthen public participation on environmental issues. Vultures Namibia is using a free online crowd-map to engage Namibia’s farmers and land managers, adventure tourists on safari and tour operators to report re-sightings of tagged vultures. This new crowd-map can be found at https:// vulturesresightings.crowdmap.com, and will allow us to map re-sightings of threatened and endangered vultures species in order to gain maximum information for direct conservation action. 80 | Within a period of just a few months, the vultures resightings crowd-map has been able to accumulate records of some 150 re-sightings of marked vultures. This represents nearly 5% of all vultures marked in Namibia! Not only that, but vulture nestlings ringed in the Kimberley area of South Africa have also been re-sighted in Namibia and northern Botswana, emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts for full regional cooperation when dealing with all the threats to scavenging birds of prey, such as illegal use of poison. We expect a lot of people to become aware of the plight of vultures and other avian scavengers, not only in Namibia, but also South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Angola. A mixture of crowd-mapping, crowd-sourcing and some social media attention; blogs, Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ seevultures) and Twitter (#seevultures) - have clearly helped this vulture-awareness campaign! https://vulturesresightings.crowdmap.com | 81 OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 11AM - 7PM FOR SUNDOWNERS MONDAY BY APPOINTMENT - FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US ANNANDALE ROAD . STELLENBOSCH . 7613 . SOUTH AFRICA + 27 21 8813677 . + 2 7 2 1 8 8 1 3 6 6 7 . W W W. P E T E R F A L K E W I N E S . C O M PF Flamingo Advert.indd 1 2013/07/26 3:21 PM Experience magnificent sunsets and the sounds of continuous breaking surf from each of our ocean facing luxury rooms Luxury sea-facing accommodation • Spa • Sauna • Steam room • Jacuzzis • 36 Beachfront rooms Upmarket restaurant • Conference centre • WiFi and Business Desk • Weddings • Corporate functions Sea Side Hotel and Spa Swakopmund Namibia 82 | [email protected] www.seasidehotelnamibia.com Tel: +264 64 415 900 Fax: +264 64 415 999 Mobile: +264 81 129 6022 | 83 LIVING ON THE EDGE by: ANNE SCHAUFFER 84 | Right on high, Etambura Camp has only five canvas and thatch chalets literally perched on a hilltop, with the world way down there at your feet | 85 C onservancy Safaris Namibia is behind the extraordinary Etambura Camp, which lies 25 kilometres north of Orupembe, on the main route to the Marienfluss and Kunene Rivers. Its currently self-catering accommodation – with a dinner, bed and breakfast option to be launched later – is designed for those who need to step off the planet to breathe a while, either for some solitary ‘me’ or ‘us’ time, or for a secluded business meeting or retreat. Set in the Orupembe Conservancy, Etambura is Namibia’s first Himba coowned camp. Poised on top of one of one of the highest hills above the holy plains of Onjuva, livestock and springbok graze together in harmony. The holy plains are steeped in mystery, with several different stories of why the area was consecrated by the semi-nomadic Himba herders who live here. Hunting is strictly prohibited. Tradition has it that animals on the plains are protected by the ancestral spirits. Etambura is designed for the highest level of relaxation. With only five canvas and thatch chalets, each has its own private deck which extends from the hill outwards. You’re literally suspended in space, and the sensation – not to mention the 86 | view – is beyond spectacular. Each twin-bedded room is comfortably furnished – the bathroom is either built into the surrounding marble outcrops, or so as not to encroach on the endemic flora. Each chalet is built on a wooden platform, often on stilts, and each unit is positioned so as to optimise the view. After you’ve lived through sunrise at Etambura, that moment will never be the same again; stargazing, too, is a nearmeditative experience. As you enjoy a chilled sundowner on one of the circular lookout decks, distant fires from surrounding Himba villages light up and flicker, and you’ll know for sure you’re in Africa. From your 360 degree viewpoint, you might see a klipspringer or a Jameson’s rock rabbit, a genet or an African wildcat. You’ll be astounded at the wealth of bird life and the richness of the flora. You may be fortunate enough to see a black rhino. Conservancy staff are available to assist with briefing guests, help with preparation and clearing after meals, taking guests on guided walks in the area, and arranging activities. The walking trails and drives include indemic plants, a marble mine, Himba villages, rhino tracking, and a day’s excursion to Marienfluss and Kunene River. Etambura Camp is another string to the bow of Conservancy Safaris, Namibia, an organisation whose business model builds on Namibia’s community-based natural resource management success, linking conservation to economic and social development. Your stay here makes a real difference to the people who live there, and own it. http://www.kcs-namibia.com.na 00 264 64 406136 [email protected] | 87 UNDERDECK WATERPROOF CEILING SYSTEMS This patented design creates waterproof ceilings for use under wooden decks. It creates extra usable space under the deck which was previously unused because of water and dust coming through. Used for leaking existing roofs and ceilings where the leaks cannot be fixed or detected. Ceiling and Fixed Roof in one. Finished with a gutter-cornice where the water collects and is lead away by a downpipe. Awnings • Blinds • Car ports • Shutters +264 61 301 845 [email protected] www.underdeck.co.za 88 | 8 Dominus Park Prosperita Windhoek NAMIBIA | 89 RIVETING... A STORY IN METAL AND MORE by: ANNE SCHAUFFER 90 | Goldsmith Frieda Lühl has exhibited her jewellery worldwide, and is currently working towards a major exhibition “Riveting”, opening at the Omba Gallery in Windhoek on November 15. Interestingly, most of her work is in silver. | 91 Frieda Lühl was born in Windhoek and grew up on a cattle farm outside the city. After boarding school, she left Namibia to study jewellery design in Schwabisch Gmund in Germany: “I knew from age 19 that I wanted to become a goldsmith. It wasn’t a conscious decision in the beginning, but each year, the creativity of, it plus the pleasure of working with my hands, grew on me more and more.” After a one-and-a-half year apprenticeship as a goldsmith in a workshop in Aachen, Frieda spent three years in different workshops in Germany and Namibia, before opening her own studio in Cape Town in 2004. Her years in Cape Town were clearly highly productive. She took part in over 30 group exhibitions worldwide, and two solo shows in Namibia. She, together with two colleagues, founded a jewellery-making hobby course, which was - and still is - very popular. In 2011, the group founded the Cape Townbased goldsmith collective, Fine Ounce. She explained, “The Collective stands for unique handmade art jewellery, and has proved to be a very successful initiative. Last month, we hosted our third exhibition, ‘Between the Lines’, work which will be exhibited in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Johannesburg and Namibia. In 2011, Frieda won a six-weeks’ artist residency in Liverpool, and worked at the Liverpool Hope University. Here, she had the opportunity to experiment with etching and print, a technique which has had a major influence on her jewellery. After nine years in Cape Town, it was time to come home. Frieda moved back to Namibia, and opened her studio in Windhoek: “I always wanted to come home eventually, and work in Namibia. I believe this country has very interesting possibilities for a goldsmith, even if it’s currently necessary to look over the country’s borders for Expo and exhibition opportunities.” Frieda’s studio is just off her home, in Liszt Street. With ample room, she’s started teaching jewellery hobby classes in the evenings – she only takes six students, and currently has two fully subscribed evening classes, filled – she says – “with people who love to do something creative and work with their hands.” Alongside the class room, is a showroom where she exhibits her jewellery. It’s rarely an easy question to answer as to what inspires an artist, and Frieda is no different: “I can’t pigeonhole it simply 92 | to nature or techniques. Sometimes an idea is triggered by something someone says, or by a sound or colour, and then I try to find a way to put this experience into a piece of jewellery. I even dreamt about a piece which I then made. I draw very little and most of my ideas come together in my head; I only really draw to finalise some technical aspect or proportions. It also happens regularly that I begin work on a piece and as it grows, I alter things and the outcome is completely different. For me there is no recipe to what inspires me.” Having said that, she does admit to being inspired by big cities, and she’ll be visiting New York and Mexico City at the end of this year. Frieda creates bespoke pieces - tailored exactly to clients’ needs - as well as her own ranges. On November 15, she opens her third solo exhibition ‘RIVETING’ at the Omba Gallery in the Namibian Craft Centre. She hints at the style of work she’ll be showing: “During my stay in Liverpool, I discovered the technique of riveting. It’s a very popular technique in England, and very neglected in South Africa and Namibia. Although not all pieces will show this technique, it will be the main focus. When the exhibition closes, I’ve been invited to take it to a gallery in Santa Fe, USA, where it will be opened midDecember.” She may be a goldsmith, but wisely, perhaps because of the price of gold and platinum, she’s working mainly in silver. She hastens to add though: “That’s not the only reason. Lately, I’ve really been enjoying oxidising my silver pieces, which creates a great contrast between the stone and the metal. The prints I do on fine silver also get oxidised to bring out the patterns of the print plates. This is a quality only silver has - more precious metals only have one colour. I do like to add gold though, to accentuate a stone or other features. Apart from the metals, I like to use precious stones, natural materials and often things I’ve found. | 93 These materials I try to frame in metal in a way that they stand out. I often use materials in a non-traditional way, for example pearls, and I love it if the viewer, who might not like pearls, suddenly realises what a beautiful material it actually is.” Frieda has a long list of favourite artists, jewellers and other creative people, and she says: “With this fantastic internet which I cannot live without anymore, we can see so much of what everyone else is doing in the world. I love street art, like Faith 47 and many others; also, Art Nouveau - Vienna Kolo Moser - as well as the fashion drawings from that time by Mela Köhler. My alltime favourite jewellery is found in Atelier Zobel in Konstanz in Germany, now run by Peter Schmid; I also like Todd Reed’s diamond jewellery, and jewellery by Sidney Lynch.” And when it comes to other areas of creativity, she’s crazy about Nic Bladens’ sculptures of plants and Jane Eppel’s accompanying prints: “And there are so many ceramic artists whose work I love, like Clementina van der Walt, Karen Sinowich, and Barbara Jackson. Also love Alexander Calder’s mobiles. This list could go on forever.” 94 | If you aren’t here for Frieda’s exhibition in November, you’ll find her work in her Windhoek studio at 6 Liszt Street, at the Pambili shop in the Namibian Craft Centre, the Hilton in Windhoek, at Tinsel in Johannesburg, at Capes Best in Milano, at Casa Nova Gallery in Santa Fe. www.frieda.co.za; [email protected] +264-81-7513026 Namibia Aesthetics Estética na Namíbia 4D - High Definition VASER® Lipo Sculpture Acne Clinic Botox Breast Augmentation Chemical Peels Dermal Fillers Dynamic Piercings Liquid Face Lifts Micro Needling Scar Management Sclerotheraphy¹ Slender Wonder Weight Loss Program 1. Sclerotheraphy is the treatment of varicose blood vessels by injection. 4D - Alta Definição LipoesculturaVASER® Tratament do Acne Botox Aumento mamário sem implantes Peelings químicos Preenchimento dérmicos Piercings dinâmicos Rejuvenescimento Facial Líquido Micro Acupuntura Tratamento de Cicatrizes Escleroterapia¹ Programa de Emagrecimento Wonder Slender 1. Escleroterapia: O tratamento de vasos sanguíneos através da injecҫão varicosas namibia-aesthetics www.namibia-aesthetics.com Recommended accommodation Book your appointment @ +264 61 402 807 Part of the CMC Group | 95 OLDMUTUAL 96 | LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AFRICA Inspiring thought leadership across Africa and beyond Senior Management Development Programme | Management Development Programme New Managers’ Development Programme | Project Management USBED130053E The following programmes will be presented in Windhoek in 2014 OurInterventions interventionsmay maybebepresented presentedin-house, in-house,anywhere anywhereininAfrica. Africa.Contact Contactus: us:[email protected] [email protected]/ +27 +27(0)21 4488 21 918918 4488 www.usb-ed.com USB-ED ranked no 50. in the 2013 Financial Times Global Executive Education Survey. | 97 Choose Namibia Scenic package Wildlife package Adventure package Return flight on Air Namibia Ex Cape Town: N$13,510 pp sharing Ex Johannesburg: N$12,960 pp sharing Return flight on Air Namibia Ex Cape Town: N$10,670 pp sharing Ex Johannesburg: N$9,820 pp sharing Return flight on Air Namibia Ex Cape Town, arr Walvis Bay: N$11,400 pp sharing Ex Johannesburg: N$12,445 pp sharing Inclusive of: 3 nights and 4 days luxury tented lodge Full board per person sharing 6 days 4x4 car rental Park permits 2 luxury overnights in Windhoek Inclusive of: 3 nights and 4 days luxury lodge Fully inclusive per person sharing 4 days sedan car rental Inclusive of: 4 nights and 5 days luxury hotel Bed and breakfast 5 days sedan car rental 3 x activities (catamaran cruise, quad biking, living desert tour - All three packages can be combined - (terms and conditions apply) Cape Wine Tours Package 1: from N$6 206 per person sharing a standard room Package 2: from N$6720 per person sharing a standard room • Return economy class airfare on Air Namibia • Return economy class airfare on Air Namibia • Car Hire with driver • Car Hire with driver • 2 night accommodation at the Spier Hotel • 2 night accommodation at the Spier Hotel • Breakfast daily • Breakfast daily • Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour to Peter Falke Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Mont Rochelle, Lynx Wines, Noble Hill Wines and Arra Wines • Lunch with Spier Wine • Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour to Peter Falke Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Mont Rochelle, Lynx Wines, Noble Hill Wines and Arra Wines [email protected] 221 - 224 Independence Avenue Windhoek Tel: +264 61 285 5700 Fax: +264 61 225 430 www.trip.com.na 98 | Choose your beach Mauritius Zanzibar Seychelles Thailand Valid for travel on set departure dates : Valid for travel : 01 Nov – 06 Dec 2013 Valid for travel : 01 Nov – 20 Dec 2013 3 star Sunset Beach Resort | 7/8 nights 05, 07, 08, 09, 10 December 2013 4 star Le Mauricia 4 star Le Canonnier 4 star Le Victoria 5 star Shandrani 5 star Trou aux Biches 5 star Paradis 5 star Dinarobin 5 star Royal Palm N$ 13 310 N$ 13 580 N$ 14 440 N$ 19 715 N$ 22 820 N$ 22 695 N$ 25 240 N$ 38 020 Rates are per person sharing, and include: • Return Air Mauritius set departure airfare ex Johannesburg. (Add taxes of N$3 730) • 6 nights - including 30% early bird discount rates • Return transfers (private transfers for five star plus resorts) • Breakfast and dinner daily for all hotels, except for Shandrani which is a premium fully inclusive resort • Free land- and motorised water sports, as per brochure • Departure flight is overnight. Check-in is at 2pm on day of arrival. (Complimentary breakfast included on morning of arrival.) Langi Langi Beach Bungalows N$11 599 Berjaya Beau Vallon - Mahe Island N$11 165 Fly to Zanzibar DIRECT with scheduled Rates are per person sharing and Mango flights every TUESDAY & include: SATURDAY – Stay for 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 • 7 nights accommodation nights or more - the choice is yours! • Bed & breakfast • Economy class on Air Seychelles ex Rates are per person sharing and Johannesburg include: • Return transfers • Return economy class airfare to Taxes Zanzibar ex Johannesburg • All prepayable airport departure taxes and airline fuel surcharges and insurance levies • Return Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers • 7 nights Langi Langi Beach Bungalows – garden view room • Breakfast 1 - 31 Oct N$11 110 1 Nov - 30 Nov N$11 910 1 - 19 Dec N$12 850 20 Dec - 6 Jan 2014 N$21 980 11 Jan - 31 Mar 2014 N$13 580 Rates are per person sharing and include: • Return flights ex Johannesburg, approximate airport taxes • Hotel transfers • 7 nights accommodation as specified • Breakfast daily Dates that include the evening of 24 and 31 December may involve compulsory gala dinners – charges are not included in the above prices. All rates exclude : Return Air Namibia flight from Windhoek to Johannesburg – from N$3 367 [email protected] 221 - 224 Independence Avenue Windhoek Tel: +264 61 285 5700 Fax: +264 61 225 430 www.trip.com.na | 99 by: ANNE SCHAUFFER 100 | BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR YOUR HEALTH? In the last few decades, yoga has jumped from relative obscurity in the West into everyday awareness…and from unfamiliar to trendy. Certified yoga instructor Sigi Kolbe unbundles the whys and wherefores T wenty-five years ago, I lived and studied in South Africa and I don’t recall ever seeing a yoga studio in Johannesburg. Most of my generation frequented gyms or the new health clubs that began to surface with their shiny trimmings and juice bars. Today, you’ll find yoga studios sprinkled all over the larger cities of South Africa, and in the past five years, Namibia has certainly seen similar trends, with Windhoek alone offering a number of yoga classes. So, what happened, why has yoga become so popular? A 2012 survey indicated that 20 million people in the USA practice yoga, and its popularity has spread worldwide; today yoga is everywhere! | 101 The yoga explosion can be attributed to a variety of reasons, among those the media and western celebrities like Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Sting, to name a few who have propelled it into the spotlight. Some feel that the media has trivialised the yoga movement and portrayed it as a fitness fad hanging on the coat tails of multi-million dollar business enterprises but, be that as it may, yoga is now more popular than ever among both celebrities and the man and woman in the street. Most gyms offer yoga classes and many stores sell yoga books, equipment and videos. 102 | People are drawn to yoga for many reasons, by far the most popular reasons being health/fitness and flexibility/muscle tone. Some practice yoga to manage stress and to a lesser degree depression; the percentage of students who seek yoga as a means of spiritual exploration and ultimately enlightenment, remains low. Yoga has evolved and adapted to a changing world - some feel that the change has little to do with its ancient origins and intent; the focus appears to be directed at physical improvement, skimpy leotards and designer mats. This doesn’t mean that the direction yoga has taken is wrong, on the contrary, the poses, used appropriately, can be paths that lead us deeper What does yoga do for you? • Low impact, gentle form of exercise that improves joint mobility and posture, releases muscle tension and builds strength and flexibility • Increased wellbeing through stress reduction and a sense of spiritual connectedness • Calming of the mind and reduction of anxiety through meditation • Improves circulation the blood which digestive, nervous assists and cardiovascular systems • Builds immunity and eliminates toxins into the true self and that, after all, is what yoga has always been about. Consistent yoga practice inspires many people toward a deeper understanding of themselves and, hopefully, selftransformation. Despite its ancient roots, many people are still strangely wary of yoga. Some see it as a rather odd Eastern religion, and others as a form of soft stretching practiced by bored middle-aged housewives. The Sanskrit word for yoga has several translations and can be interpreted in various ways. It comes from the word ‘yuj’ which means ‘yoke or join’ and is the union between our individual consciousness and the universal consciousness. Yoga has firm spiritual roots, although these are less evident in the West with the emphasis on the physical aspect of the practice. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, and a female, a yogini. Yoga is believed to be more than 5000 years old and yet the exact history remains uncertain. We know yoga began in the | 103 East and followed an oral tradition from teacher to student. The yoga postures known as asanas, which form the physical aspect of yoga, were essentially developed to prepare the physical body for the ‘relative’ strain of meditation. Asanas are practiced and repeated, and described as Hatha Yoga, the ‘yoga of activity’, which requires discipline and effort. Hatha yoga is a powerful method of personal growth and transformation, as the student of yoga gains mastery over his body through practicing the asanas and through breath control, pranayama. Inevitably in the wake of the yoga ‘boom’, unqualified teachers have appeared on the scene and students are put at risk physically and emotionally. Unlike the USA, UK and South Africa (which have Yoga Alliances in place to ensure certification and standards), Namibia has yet to follow suit. At this point, the onus lies squarely on students to ensure that their yoga teacher has the necessary qualifications and certification to teach yoga. extraordinarily beautiful for a weekend. One thing’s for sure, there are significant health benefits associated with regular yoga practice. If you’re experienced, you probably do your yoga practice every day or at least, very often, and even alone. For those visiting Namibia, you may choose to join in a class during your stay, or even consider a yoga retreat somewhere 104 | Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits on our DNA* from practicing yoga. It seems science is slowly catching up with what the old yoga masters have always known! *Deoxyribonucleic Acid Sigi Kolbe is owner/certified instructor at Urban Zen Yoga, in Windhoek, Namibia. www.yoga-namibia.com www.pwc.com/na Sustainable Namibian Business With a sustained environment that supports the ecosystem and economy, Namibia’s beautiful, contrasting landscape is filled with opportunities for tourism and investment. Understanding the business environment and adhering to local business and tax laws are key to build and maintain your Namibian investment. With rigorous training and hard earned experience, our team of professionals are highly skilled to support your Namibian ventures. Talk to PwC about setting up and running a sustainable business in Namibia. Nangula Uaandja Country Senior Partner Advisory Leader Tel: +264 61 284 1065 E-mail: [email protected] Ansie Rossouw Partner in Charge Walvis Bay Tel: +264 64 217 720 E-mail: [email protected] Louis van der Riet Assurance Leader Tel: +264 61 284 1018 E-mail: [email protected] Tax Leader Tel: +264 61 284 1102 E-mail: [email protected] Stéfan Hugo PwC Namibia is a majority Namibian owned firm and a member of PwC Africa. © 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. In this document, PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. | 105 106 | Pty Ltd • Concrete • Mortar • Plaster • Screed Mixes P.O. Box 5092 Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 61 237 187/8 • Fax: +264 61 233 784 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] | 107 Swift style K nown for their fine form and immense variety, aloes are impressive, indigenous and right on trend! They look great both indoors and outdoors, are water-wise and very lowmaintenance. One of the best-known of our indigenous species, there are a few hundred species of aloe in southern Africa, so there’s something for every taste and climatic condition, with each region having its own specialities. Aloes range in shape and size from miniature perennials to sprawling shrubs, rambling creepers and tall tree-like plants. They make great accent plants, grow well in large and small gardens and are ideal for rockeries and dry windy areas. Their sharp prickles make some species natural barrier plants. For those without garden space, aloes do well in pots on patios and in courtyards and last for months in a vase indoors. Their fascinating shapes and textures, and explosions of bright colour when in flower, can add interest to any outdoor area as well as creating a truly local look. Where to get aloes: Aloes are protected plants in Namibia - and in most countries - and generally it’s against the law to remove them from the wild. There are, however, a number of aloe growers who supply nurseries and garden centres where they can be bought. What to look for when buying aloes: Choose plants that are healthy and pest free (check the leaves for mildew, white scale or rust) and make sure the aloe seems to have a firm and established root system. Caring for your aloes: Location Most aloes do best on sloping ground, raised beds, ridges and in rockeries. Other than this, open sunny positions and fairly good soil are advisable. Soil Good drainage is essential for aloes to do well. Dig in stones, large and small, as well as compost, humus or old manure to improve drainage if in doubt. Transplanting Only cover the roots with soil when you are planting new aloes, as leaves and stems that are covered with soil can rot. Tallgrowing aloes may need to be staked or supported when they are transplanted, as they can be very top-heavy. 108 | Cool, contemporary and eco-friendly, aloes are stylish and sculptural. Namibia hosts 27 different species of aloe in a variety of geographical systems throughout the country. Watering Although aloes can go a long time without water, they do like to be watered during their natural growing season, and species that are indigenous to high rainfall regions will need much more water than varieties from very dry regions. Find out the requirements of your particular plants from a local nursery. The best time to water aloes is early morning, unless there is a danger of frost damage, in which case water a little later in the day when it’s warmer. Feeding Aloes don’t really need any artificial fertilisers, but if you think your soil is very poor, you can dig a little welldecomposed compost or dolomite gravel around the plant, or sprinkle some Epsom salts around it. Diseases Aloes are quite hardy and don’t suffer from many diseases; however if you do see mildew, white scale or rust developing on your plants, a nursery or plant centre will be able to advise on the best treatment. Ants can be a problem as they carry aphids to the crevices of the rosette and this can cause aloes to rot. Spray plants with a mild solution of dishwashing liquid, lemon juice and water to get rid of ants. Propagating While aloes can be grown from seed, it can take a very long time, so once you have aloes in your garden, the best way of propagating is by offsets (young side plants that develop from the base of the mother plant) or stem cuttings. Usually, offsets or stem cuttings can be placed straight into the ground where roots will grow quickly. SUDOKU | 109 Schedule: 27 October to 30 November 2013 (All time local) Note: check-in time should be two hours before departure Flight No SW 508 SW 508 SW 702 SW 704 SW 704 SW 101 SW 107 SW 107 SW 125 SW 125 SW 286 SW 286/SW 703 SW 286/SW 723 SW 373 SW 413 SW 413 SW 722 SW 724 SW 724 SW 724 SW 125 SW 304 SW 143 SW 143 SW 373 SW 373 SW 413 SW 403 SW 403 SW 405 SW 143 SW 102 SW 108 From Accra Accra Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town Eros Eros Eros Eros Eros Frankfurt Frankfurt Frankfurt Harare Harare Harare Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Katima Mulilo Luanda Luderitz Luderitz Lusaka Lusaka Lusaka Maun Maun Maun Oranjemund Ondangwa Ondangwa To Windhoek Johannesburg (via Windhoek) Windhoek Windhoek Frankfurt (via Windhoek) Ondangwa Ondangwa Ondangwa Rundu Katima Mulilo (via Rundu) Windhoek Cape Town (via Windhoek) Johannesburg (via Windhoek) Windhoek Lusaka Windhoek ( via Lusaka) Windhoek Windhoek Frankfurt (via Windhoek) Accra (via Windhoek) Eros Windhoek Oranjemund Windhoek ( via Oranjemund) Harare Windhoek (via Harare) Windhoek Victoria Falls Windhoek (via Victoria falls) Windhoek Windhoek Eros Eros Days Wed, Fri, Sun Wed, Fri, Sun Daily Daily Daily Daily Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun Sat Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Daily Daily Daily Mon, Fri Wed, Sun Wed, Sun Daily Daily Daily Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Daily Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Fri Mon, Fri Wed, Sun Tue, Wed Tue, Wed Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Daily Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun SW 108 SW 125 SW 125 SW 166 SW 166 SW 168 SW 724 SW 285 SW 703 SW 709 SW 709 SW 723 SW 508 SW 729 SW 373 SW 413 SW 303 SW 373 SW 413 SW 403 SW 405 SW 403 SW 405 SW 143 SW 143 SW 165 SW 167 SW 403 SW 405 SW 405 Ondangwa Rundu Rundu Walvis Bay Walvis Bay Walvis Bay Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Eros Katima Mulilo Eros (via Katima) Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Accra Frankfurt Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Harare (via Lusaka) Harare Luanda Lusaka Lusaka (via Harare) Maun Maun (via Victoria Falls) Victoria Falls ( via Maun) Victoria Falls Luderitz Oranjemund (via Luderitz ) Walvis Bay Walvis Bay Windhoek Maun Windhoek (via Maun) Sat Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Tue, Thu, Sat Fri, Sun Mon, Wed Wed, Fri, Sun Daily Daily Mon, Wed Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Thu, Sat Daily Mon, Fri Wed, Sun Daily Mon, Fri Wed, Sun Mon, Wed Fri, Sun Mon, Wed Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Mon, Wed Mon, Wed Fri, Sun Fri, Sun Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 or contact your local Travel Agent 110 | Departure 22:50 22:50 06:35 17:00 17:00 07:00 17:00 15:55 10:15 10:15 20:10 20:10 20:10 13:15 11:45 11:45 06:40 12:30 12:30 12:30 13:35 12:15 12:20 12:20 11:45 11:45 13:15 11:05 11: 05 18:25 13:40 08:35 18:35 Arrival 06:05+1 10:15+1 08:35 19:00 06:55+1 08:05 18:05 17:00 11:30 12:50 07:30+1 10:35+1 10:15+1 15:40 12:40 15:40 08:40 14:30 06:55+1 20:20 15:15 15:45 13:10 14:55 12:40 15:40 15:40 11:50 14:10 19:40 14:55 09:40 19:40 17:35 11:50 11:50 14:20 13:20 16:00 16:50 21:35 08:35 17:35 16:35 08:30 08:30 17:00 09:15 09:15 09:35 09:15 09:15 09:15 14:50 09:15 14:50 11:00 11:00 11:10 14:50 12:30 16:55 16:55 18:40 12:50 15:15 15:00 14:00 16:40 20:20 06:55+1 10:35 19:35 18:35 10:15 10:15 18:45 12:40 11:20 11:15 11:20 12:40 10:30 17:40 11:50 16:25 12:00 13:10 10:50 15:30 14:10 17:40 19:40 Book Online: www.airnamibia.com.na | 111 Imagine your future You can afford that exotic holiday that you’ve been dreaming of. With Bank Windhoek’s wide range of savings and investment solutions, we can help you to achieve your financial goals. Whatever you may see in your future, contact us today on (061) 299 1705 or visit your nearest branch to see how, together we do better. Terms & Conditions apply 112 | www.bankwindhoek.com.na