NOTE FROM THE CEO
Departure
Lounge
I t’s wonderful to feel so positive at
the start of a new year. And no matter
what The Donald says about African
countries being…well, you know…
more qualified people, businesses and
institutions are investing in African
economies. Following the ANC’s
December elective conference, where
Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as the
party’s leader, Goldman Sachs identified
South Africa as the “big emerging market
story for 2018”. There is renewed hope.
On 9 May 1994, in his inauguration
speech, President Nelson Mandela said,
“My fellow South Africans, today we are
entering a new era for our country and
our people. Today we celebrate not the
victory of a party, but a victory for all
the people of South Africa.” I feel these
ripples of optimism again; the future
looks promising.
In the wonderful world of travel, we
experience the good, the bad and the…
jet lag (page 18). Jet lag occurs when the
body’s internal clock is out of sync from
crossing multiple time zones. A few years
ago I invited my sister to join me at the
Grammys in Los Angeles, compliments of
Delta Air Lines. I travelled from London
and she set out from Cape Town. I arrived
feeling wrecked, while she arrived looking
like a rock star and ready to party. Some
do it better than others!
Requests for healthy holidays have
increased significantly (page 38). Whether
it’s a beach holiday or a quest for
adventure, to achieve relaxation, fitness
and a sense of wellbeing, there’s an
itinerary just right for you. My next active
holiday adventure is inspired by the TV
programme Life Below Zero and my own
husky – I’m planning a mushing trip to
learn more about these beautiful dogs in
their natural environment.
Reading Alan van Gysen’s article on the
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (page 42), I was
reminded of the movie I Dreamed of
Africa starring Kim Basinger, which was
filmed there some years ago. It didn’t get
rave reviews but it did boost tourism and
an interest in the park’s rhino conservation
programme. We’re lucky to have this
underrated gem on our doorstep.
Speaking of close-by gems, the
International Dark-Sky Association has
certified the NamibRand as Africa’s only
Dark Sky Reserve (page 26). So if you’re
a stargazer, go get nocturnal in Namibia.
And of course we have our usual range
of interesting travellers in this edition,
from a travel photographer who’s clocked
more than 66 countries in six years
(page 12) to the first person to make an
unsupported crossing of the Atlantic
Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard
(page 60).
Finally, for a good laugh turn to page 52.
What’s your profile?
Wishing you peace and magical travel
experiences,
journey
Published by Bonzai Media
for Sure Travel
Editor: Melany Bendix
082-200-7088
[email protected]
Associate Editor: Will Bendix
Contributors: Franki Black, Thomas
Cartwright, Cameron Ewart-Smith, Rebekah
Funk, Richard Holmes, Natasha Johnson,
Ami Kapilevich, TO Molefe, Samantha
Reinders, Daniel Smith,
Alan van Gysen, Craig Wilson
SURE TRAVEL (Pty) Ltd
Chief Executive: Vanya Lessing
Marketing Assistant:
Martin Janse van Rensburg
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CEO
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