With My Own Eyes

The tortoise and the mongoose

The Walkers Of The Waterberg

Author and artist Clive Walker has been a well-known name in South African conservation circles since he founded the Endangered Wildlife Trust in 1973. He and his wife Conita live near Vaalwater in the Waterberg, where their son Anton and his wife René run the Waterberg Living Museum.

Where Will You Sleep Tonight?

On a long drive from the Kalahari to Cape Town, Toast Coetzer counts his blessings.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

An excellent way to determine if a blinged-up SUV like the Ford Everest Sport can face up to South African gravel roads is to take it on a 4000km cross-country expedition. So that’s what we did.

Fill Your Cup At The Source

The untarred R332 runs through the Baviaans and Kouga mountains. It’s about 200km long, but what no map will tell you is that it will probably take you days to drive. Here’s why.

STAY HERE

HOUTEMA RIVER CABINS, KOGELBERG

BIRDS

In the previous issue, you found me scratching mosquito bites and staring desperately into the canopy of a Mozambican forest.

Adrift In Time

Zanzibar might be part of Tanzania politically, but in reality, it’s a world of its own – a slice of coral and palm trees caught in the current of history that has swept up the East Coast of Africa for hundreds of years.

Take A Hike

True peace on the Swartkop Trail above False Bay.

Nottingham Road: The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker

Nottingham Road is tucked away in the hills of the KZN Midlands, where potters, weavers, farmers and painters go about their business. It’s home to the founding families of the Midlands Meander, but more importantly, to all those whose hearts yearn for the country.

The Bushveld Beckons

Ah, the Bushveld! The word alone is enough to ignite your wanderlust. This week-long travel plan includes national parks and a few secret spots… and a campfire every night.

Go Slow, Be The Flow

There’s a place in the Northern Cape where a city slicker feels like he’s between nothing (Hopetown) and nowhere (Douglas). Here, the Orange River has carved a deep trench out of black basalt, polished smooth by centuries of sun, wind and water. Come paddle with us through this ancient landscape.

Mother Earth Of The Agter-Pakhuis

The Agter-Pakhuis straddles the Karoo and the Cederberg. It’s a land of extremes – farmers here need to be bold and a little stubborn. The land will work you as hard as you work it, just ask Haffi Strauss.

Carry Your House With You

A small, lightweight tent is invaluable if you’re going adventuring, whether on foot, on a bike or in a kayak. It must be easy to pitch and pack away but still be comfortable to sleep in, and it must be as compact as possible when stowed. Here are nine of the best.

Follow Old Footsteps In The Forest

Join us as we travel deep into the Knysna Forest, into the world of Saul Barnard, Silas Miggel and Fiela Komoetie. Wemight even run into Oupoot…

Small Town Trouble

Late one night, the rugby posts at Vredendal High School uprooted themselves and moved nearly half a kilometre. Evan Naudé explains the reason behind this mysterious phenomenon.

Rocking the T

The arrival of the stylish T-Roc adds a fourth option to Volkswagen’s T-range of SUVs. But is this a case of one musketeer too many?

Can You Travel With A Baby?

Can you travel with a baby? Of course you can. The question is whether you’ll actually enjoy your holiday! Esma Marnewick remembers a few trying trips.

Take A Hike

Living on the edge at Bermanzi

In The Moment

As a teenager, Joe Welman started experimenting with his dad’s old Pentax Spotmatic camera, spending his monthly allowance on Fuji Provia 100 film and lurking around the local pond near his home in Secunda using all sorts of makeshift blinds and hides to stalk birds.

Buffy The Cold Slayer

The humble tube scarf is the multi-tool of clothing. It’s a bandana, cap, sweatband, mask, handkerchief – and an emergency bandage if necessary. These days, even Benji the bull terrier has his own Buff®.

The Little SUV That Could

The saying“you get what you pay for”holds true for most things in life, but there are exceptions to every rule. Is the new Renault Duster such an exception?

Europe In A Hilux

You’ve already travelled through Africa with them, now it’s time to go back to the beginning – to May 2018 – when Patrick and Marie Gurney set off on their 18-month overland journey from France to South Africa. In this first part of their trip, they drive through France, Italy and Croatia.

My Year Of Disas

If there’s is one thing the Covid-enforced lockdown revealed to Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa, it’s that there are important lessons to be learnt from the natural world.

Life Along The Limpopo

The Limpopo River is South Africa’s border with Botswana for about 500km. It’s also a lifeline for farmers and wildlife, and for the deep roots of ancient trees. Join us as we follow one WhatsApp message to the next, from Steenbokpan to Pontdrift.

Hear The Orange River Roar

Earlier this year, the people of the Northern Cape pricked their ears: Heavy summer rains and full dams upstream along the Orange River meant floodwaters and a great noise were coming to Augrabies Falls National Park.

Craft Beer And Pub Grub In The Midlands

Pubs have been centres of human gathering for centuries. Here’s our selection of five historic pubs in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands that guarantee fine fare, cold brew and great views.

BIRDS

BIRDING MISTAKES

Where The Dunes Roar… Or Whisper

When you arrive at Wits and Nature Reserve, you’re met with an unusual sight: white sand dunes next to the characteristic red dunes of the Kalahari. Gemsbok and springbok graze in the veld, knowing that there are no big predators to worry about. But then a roar echoes through the landscape…

In Love With The Dragon

The allure of the Drakensberg is timeless. It calls hikers, photographers and explorers – whether it’s a child discovering a rock pool or a climber scaling a new peak. It’s for everyone: families, couples, loners… In this article, our readers share their passion for South Africa’s favourite mountain range.