Air Namibia In-Flight

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September 2015

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In this month’s Flamingo

4 Visitors’ Filo Facts

Useful and interesting information on Namibia

5 Air Namibia Information

Travel information, Frequent Flyer Information, Cargo Service, Destination Map and Fleet Information

16 Skeleton Coast

A coast of loneliness, contrast and history

30 Art from stone

Have stones, will travel. Canadians Andreas and Naomi Kunert, have taken their art form to innumerable places on the planet

38 And the winners are…

The National Geographic Traveler has just announced the winners of its 2015 photography competition

48 Earthships – sustainable homes

Simple, sustainable homes from largely recycled materials

56 Two dogs, a peacock and a horse, walk into a pub….

Top boutique wines

66 Motoring

James Siddall gives us a new model roundup

80 Hook... line and sinker

Namibian festival

88 The Elephant Whisperer Remembered

Nature & compassion

98 Namibia - the land God made in anger

Roy Watts

108 The hotel and restaurant benchmark in Swakopmund

World class Elegance

118 Drones & the Druids who fly them

Technology developing at warp speed

126 Sci Tech

Gadgets, gizmos, concepts and utter innovation

132 High Humour

Time for a smile while you are high above the clouds

140 Entertainment

Try your hand at Sudoku - easy, medium and hard

142 Air Namibia’s Flight Schedule

Plan your next trip on your favourite airline

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FLAMINGOFlamingo is published by Media Nova Namibiawww.media-namibia.com

ISSN: 2026-7924

PublisherMynard Slabbert

Contributors• StefaneBerube(CoverPhoto)• AnneSchauffer• AndreasVogt• AxelKreuter• CSGlobe|TheWorldOnline• DonShimoda• JamesSiddall• tuvie.com• AfricanMonarchLodges• PhilipEllis&Partners• Alpsolut|HanneMair

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Namibia and AfricaMynard Slabbert+264(0)[email protected]

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DisclaimerAll material is strictly copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.Opinions expressed inFlamingoarenotnecessarilythoseofAirNamibia.

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September 2015

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ENJOYFIRST CLASSIN ANY CABIN

Brewed to the Reinheitsgebot Purity Law since 1920, Windhoek Lager has always remained true to the promise of World-Class beer, reaching � rst class status by being awarded eight consecutive International DLG gold medals.

TH

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Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.

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A Manufacturing Basket that Overflows with Opportunities…

Namibia is endowed with rich natural resources and offers lucrative investment opportunities across a broad spectrum of economic sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Mining, Services and Tourism.

With fast turnaround times and a professional service at all times, the Namibia Investment Centre (NIC) is proud to welcome you to the land of the brave. Contact us today for a tailored FDI solution. Namibia, a gem worth investing in…

Executive Director | Telephone: +264 61 283 7335/2837254Facsimile: +264 61 220278 | www.mti.gov.na

The Board Members in order of appearance: from left to right, Mr. Conville R Britz, Ms. Wilhencia K /Uiras, Mr. Gerson U Tjihenuna (Chairperson), The Hon. Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa, Ms. Florette Nakusera (Vice-Chairperson) and Ms.

Evelyn Zimba-Naris.

Introduction of the Board of Directors

We have the pleasure to introduce the Air Namibia Board of Directors.

The Board was appointed by the Honourable Minister of Works and Transport, Honourable Alpheus !Naruseb on 21st July 2015 and will serve until 21st July 2018.

The Board Members bring a wealth of experience, in the fields of economics, law, human resources, finance and administration. This experience will be of great value to Air Namibia.

Adv. Mandi E.P. Samson Acting Managing Director

I have only just joined the

Air Namibia Team

“ “

Acting Managing Director’s Remarks

I have only just joined the Air Namibia Team, a short while ago and I am looking forward to working with the Team of the National Air Carrier. All Namibians are proud of Air Namibia, and the Air Namibia aircrafts’ tails which are emblazoned with the Namibia flag and represents us on all flights whether local, domestic, regional or international.

We at Air Namibia believe in our Country and that by flying visitors to Namibia, via a positive experience, will ensure that the tourism sector is further boosted. This would in turn have the ripple effect of more jobs created, more infrastructure expanded and ultimately assisting the National Goals.

Enjoy the flight with us whilst we take you to new height!

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WELCOME ABOARDBEM-VINDO A BORDOWILLKOMMEN AN BORD

ENGLISH PORTUGUESE GERMAN

Thank you for choosing Air Namibia. We will do everything to ensure you have a pleasant flight. If you need assistance, please ask any of our cabin attendants.

Obrigado por ter escolhido voar com a Air Namibia. Nós prometemos fazer tudo o que podermos para garantir que você tenha um vôo agradável. Se você tiver alguma dúvida ou precisar de ajuda, não hes-ite em pedir a qualquer um dos nossos assistentes de cabine por favor.

Danke, dass Sie sich dafür entschieden haben mit Air Namibia zu fliegen. Wir werden alles tun um Ihnen den Flug so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten. Wenn Sie Fragen haben oder Hilfe benötigen, wenden Sie sich bitte an einen unserer Flugbegleiter oder Flugbegleiterinnen.

Our highly trained cabin attendants are at your service on all our flights, for your safety and comfort.

Todos os nossos voos são servidos por assistentes de cabine altamente profissionais. Eles estão à sua disposição em todos os momentos para fazer o seu voo mais confortável.

Unser versiertes Flugpersonal steht Ihnen während des Fluges jederzeit zur Verfügung. Für Ihre Sicherheit und Bequemlichkeit sind Sie bei unserer Crew in besten Händen.

We carry first-aid kits on all our flights, should a passenger need assistance for minor conditions.

Existe um kit de primeiros socorros a bordo de nossos voos, e se os passageiros precisarem de gotas para os olhos ou medicamentos para dores de cabeça, náuseas, azia ou qualquer outra condição relativamente menor.Faça mais perguntas sobre os nossos serviços especiais ao fazer reserva

Eine medizinische Erstversorgung ist auf allen unseren Flügen sicher gestellt. Eine Erste-Hilfe-Ausrüstung befindet sich immer an Bord.

As a safety precaution, it is important to read the safety card stored in the seat pocket in front of you

Por favor, leia o folheto de segurança no bolso do assento à sua frente e observe a sua saída de emergência mais próxima.Nos voos superiores a três horas (voos de longo curso), recomendamos que você revise o conteúdo do panfleto de segurança novamente.

Zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit bitten wir Sie, sich die in der Zeitschriftentasche vor Ihnen befindliche Sicherheits-Instruktionen aufmerksam durchzulesen.

Life vests are stored under your seat. Only use them as demonstrate, and only when instructed by the cabin attendants.

Por favor, tome nota que o colete salva-vidas está localizado embaixo do seu assento. O assistente de cabine vai demonstrar quando e como usar o colete salva-vidas em caso de emergência

Ihre Schwimmweste befindet sich unter Ihrem Sitz. Bitte benutzen Sie diese nur auf Anweisung der Flugbegleiter/-innen.

Smoking is prohibited on all Air Namibia flights.

De acordo com a lei da aviação é proibido fumar em todos os voos da Air Namibia, isso inclui fumar quaisquer dispositivos artificiais ou cigarro, como e/ou cigarros eletrônicos.Só é permitido fumar em áreas designadas no edifício do terminal dos aeroportos.

Auf allen Air Namibia Flügen gilt ein absolutes Rauchverbot.

Seats must be in the upright position during take-off and landing. For your own safety, you are required to fasten your seat belt whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated and we recommend that you keep your belt fastened throughout the flight.

Para a descolagem e aterragem, todos os assentos devem estar na posição vertical.Por favor, tome nota que os assentos nas linhas de saída de emergência não reclinam.Por favor, apertem o cinto de segurança sempre que o sinal do cinto de segurança se acende.Para sua segurança, recomendamos que você o mantenha apertado durante todo o vôo.

Während Start und Landung müssen sich die Sitzlehnen in aufrechter Position befinden. Bitte schnallen Sie sich an, sobald das Anschnallzeichen aufleuchtet. Zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit empfehlen wir während des gesamten Fluges angeschnallt zu bleiben.

We offer complimentary meals and beverages on all our flights. Special-diet or vegetarian meals are available upon request when making reservations.

Uma refeição quente ou um lanche é servido em todos os nossos vôos.Alimentação-Special ou refeições vegetarianas estão disponíveis mediante solicitação no momento da reserva.Nós oferecemos uma grande variedade de bebidas.

Auf unseren Flügen werden Mahlzeiten und Getränke serviert.Diätische oder vegetarische Mahlzeiten können bei der Flugbuchung angefragt werden

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ENGLISH PORTUGUESE GERMAN

We carry an extensive range of duty free products at competitive prices on selected flights. Please refer to our catalogue for details.

Nós carregamos uma grande variedade de produtos com isenção de direitos a preços competitivos.Por favor, consulte o catálogo no bolso em frente do seu assento.

An Bord ist ein umfangreiches Sortiment an Duty-Free-Produkten zu attraktiven Preisen erhältlich. Informationen hierzu entnehmen Sie bitte unserem Duty-Free-Katalog.

Audio and visual entertainment programmes are available on flights operated using our A330 and A319 aircraft.

Programas de entretenimento de áudio e vídeo estão disponíveis nos nossos voos de longo curso e de médio curso

Audio- und Videoprogramme sind an Bord unserer Airbus A330 und A319 Maschinen verfügbar.

Our A319 and ERJ 135 aircraft have individual air vents which can be adjusted to provide a refreshing stream of air.

Alguns dos nossos aviões têm saídas de ar individuais, que podem ser ajustados para fornecer um fluxo de ar.

Unsere Fluggeräte des Typs Airbus A319 und Embraer ERJ135 verfügen über individuelle Frischluftdüsen.

Health regulations in some countries require that the aircraft cabin must be sprayed. The spray is harmless, but if you think it might affect you, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

Regulamentos de saúde em determinados aeroportos exigem que a cabine da aeronave deve ser pulverizada. O spray é inofensivo, mas se você acha que pode afetá-lo, por favor, cobrir o nariz e a boca com um lenço.

Um den Gesundheitsvorschriften einiger Länder zu entsprechen, muss die Flugzeugkabine mit einem für den Menschen unbedenklichen Spray behandelt werden. Wir empfehlen dennoch, die Atemwege durch Vorhalten eines Taschentuchs zu schützen.

Should you travel with a baby we recommend you request a bassinet especially on the long-haul flights.

Se você viajar com um bebê, recomendamos que você reserve o seu voo mais cedo e não se esqueça de pedir um berço especialmente nos voos de longo curso

Sollten Sie mit einem Baby reisen, empfehlen wir Ihnen besonders auf Langstreckenflügen ein Babybett zu beantragen.

Please do not place any luggage under seats at the emergency exit seat.

Carry-on luggage should be stored in the overhead stowage.

Por favor note que no assento da saída de emergência é proibido colocar bagagem de mão debaixo dos assentos.Excesso de bagagem de mão será colocada no porão Para garantir uma gestão eficiente e minimizar os danos, certifique-se que os artigos não pesam mais de 32 kg. Certifique-se de etiquetar sua bagagem e garantir que devidamente bloqueado.

“Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Verstauen von Handgepäck unter Ihrem Sitz an den Notausgängen nicht gestattet ist.“

Handgepäck ist in den Gepäckfächern über Ihrem Sitz zu verstauen.

We suggest that passengers do stretching exercises, and move during the flight to improve blood circulation.

Exercício durante a espera para o banheiro. Esta é uma boa oportunidade para se esticar e se mover enquanto em pé na fila.Beba muita água durante todo o vôoUse roupas folgadas, confortáveis para que você se possa descolar facilmenteUse sapatos confortáveis, macios para que você possa deslizar ou descalçar facilmenteLeve apenas um pequeno saco como bagagem de mão, assim você não precisa de sobre-carregar seus pés e restringir o seu espaço para as pernas

Versuchen Sie, sich während des Fluges möglichst oft zu strecken und zu bewegen. So wird Ihr Kreislauf angeregt.

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Air Namibia’s Frequent Flyer Programme is called “Reward$”. Becoming a member

enables you to earn valuable miles from all your travels with Air Namibia. These miles

can be used to buy tickets, pay for upgrades to business class and pay for excess

baggage.

Miles are transferable between members and can also be used to purchase tickets

for persons other than the member. Joining is absolutely free, PLUS you get up to

500 complimentary miles upon successful subscription. For more specifics on the

programme, please refer to the appropriate topic below.

RegistrationYou can register online by visiting our website: www.airnamibia.com.na, or at any Air Namibia ticket office. You will receive a membership pack, including your permanent card, 2-3 weeks after your first flight after registration.

Activation RulesA membership account will automatically be activated after the first flight and successful completion of registration.

Enrolment BonusEnrolment Bonus is 500 miles. Enrolment bonuses are allocated to the member’s account on the first activity after registration.

Electronic BonusAn Electronic Bonus of 300 miles 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 ExpiryMiles 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.

Missing MilesIf your Miles are not credited for any reason, they can be promptly credited provided the relevant documentation is submitted. It is essential to keep all the relevant documentation including original boarding passes and copies of airline tickets. 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 MilesFor more information visit:

www.airnamibia.com.na. If you do not

have enough miles for a free ticket, you

can purchase miles in batches of 1000

miles at N$220 – this is only applicable

if you have 50% or more of the value of

the Award ticket available. Award tickets

are valid for 12 months from the date of

issue and are processed and issued after

payment of Airport taxes is received.

Corporate ClientsAir Namibia has also introduced the

Corporate Client component to the

Reward$ Programme. Corporate

Management enables companies

to accumulate miles through their

employees. Members can accumulate

miles in both corporate as well as personal

accounts, depending on directives from

their corporate head.

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 and before miles can be used to redeem tickets, request upgrades or to transfer miles from his/her account to another member’s account.

Our Frequent Flyer Programme

| 9

Our FleetAverage Fleet Age: 7 years

Economy Class Business Class

Economy Class Business Class

All Economy Class

Embraer ERJ135

Airbus A319 -100

Airbus A330-200

Number of Aircraft 2 Length(m) 59 Height (m) 17,4 Cruising Speed 860 km/h

Maximum Passengers 244 Wing Span (m) 60.3 Maximum Fuel Capacity 138 000l Maximum Take-off Weight 233 000 kg

Number of Aircraft 4 Length(m) 33.84 Height (m) 11.76 Cruising Speed 820 km/h


Number of Aircraft 4 Length(m) 26.33 Height (m) 6.76 Cruising Speed 820 km/h


10 |

Luderitz

Oranjemund

HarareRundu

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Cape Town

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To North America and beyond

To Asia and beyond

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| 11

KUF

ABZ - Aberdeen, United Kingdom | Aberdeen Dyce AirportAMS - Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam Schiphol AirportARN - Stockholm, Sweden | Stockholm-Arlanda AirportATH - Athens, Greece | Eleftherios Venizelos International AirportBCN- Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona International AirportBGO - Bergen, Norway | Bergen Flesland AirportBHX - Birmingham, United Kingdom | Birmingham International AirportBIO - Bilbao, Spain | Bilbao AirportBLL - Billund, Denmark | Billund AirportBLQ - Bologna, Italy | Bologna / Borgo Panigale AirportBRE - Bremen, Germany | Bremen AirportBRU - Brussels, Belgium | Brussels AirportBUD - Budapest, Hungary | Budapest Liszt Ferenc International AirportCDG - Paris, France | Charles de Gaulle International AirportCPH - Copenhagen, Denmark | Copenhagen Kastrup AirportDME- Moscow, Russia | Domodedovo International AirportDRS - Dresden, Germany | Dresden AirportDUB - Dublin, Ireland | Dublin AirportDUS - Dusseldorf, Germany | Dusseldorf International AirportEDI - Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Edingburgh AirportFAO - Faro, Portugal | Faro AirportFCO - Rome, Italy | Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) International AirportFMO - Muenster, Germany | Muenster Osnabrueck AirportFRA - Frankfurt, Germany | Frankfurt International AirportGOJ - Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | Nizhny Novgorod International AirportGOT - Gothenburg, Sweden | Gothenburg-Landvetter AirportGRZ - Graz, Austria | Graz AirportGVA - Geneva, Switzerland | Geneva Cointrin InternationalHAJ - Hannover, Germany | Hannover AirportHAM - Hamburg, Germany | Hamburg AirportHEL - Helsinki, Finland | Helsinki Vantaa AirportIST - Istanbul, Turkey | Ataturk International AirportKBP - Kiev, Ukraine | Boryspil International AirportKRK - Krakow, Poland | John Paul II International Kraków-Balice AirportKTW - Katowice, Poland | Katowice International Airport

KUF - Samara, Russia | Kurumoch International AirportLCA - Larnaca, Cyprus | Larnaca International AirportLED - St. Petersburg, Russia | Pulkovo AirportLEJ - Leipzig, Germany | Leipzig Halle AirportLHR - London, United Kingdom | London Heathrow AirportLIN - Milan, Italy | Linate AirportLIS - Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon PortelaLYS - Lyon, France | Lyon Saint-ExupéryMAD - Madrid, Spain | Madrid Barajas InternationalMAN - Manchester, United Kingdom | Manchester AirportMLA - Luqa, Malta | Luqa AirportMUC - Munich, Germany | Franz Josef Strauss International AirportMXP - Milan, Italy | Malpensa International AirportNAP - Napoli, Italy | Nápoli / Capodichino International AirportNCE - Nice, France | Nice-Côte d’AzurNUE - Nuremberg, Germany | Nuremberg AirportOPO - Porto, Portugal | Francisco de Sá CarneiroOSL - Oslo, Norway | Oslo Gardermoen AirportPOZ - Poznan, Poland | Poznan-Lawica AirportPRG - Prague, Czech Republic | Ruzyn International AirportRIX - Riga, Latvia | Riga International AirportSOFSTR - Stuttgart, Germany | Stuttgart AirportSVG - Stavanger, Norway | Stavanger Sola AirportTLL - Tallinn, Estonia | Tallinn AirportTLS - Toulouse, France | Toulouse-Blagnac AirportTRN - Torino, Italy | Torino / Caselle International AirportTXL - Berlin, Germany | Berlin-Tegel International AirportVCE - Venice, Italy | Venezia / Tessera - Marco Polo AirportVIE - Vienna, Austria | Vienna International AirportVKO - Moscow, Russia | Vnukovo International AirportVNO - Vilnius, Lithuania | Vilnius International AirportWAW - Warsaw, Poland |Warsaw Chopin AirportZRH - Zurich, Switzerland | Zurich Airport

Through interline agreements with our partner airlines, Air Namibia helps you reach your �nal destination almost anywhere in the world

12 |

We offer our passengers a generous free hand baggage allowance, with maximum weight of 10kg each, and maximum size 55 x 38 x 20 cm; plus an overcoat, an umbrella, a walking stick, a ladies hand bag, a reasonable amount of reading material, and a laptop.

We also allow a fully collapsible wheelchair and/or a pair of crutches as hand baggage.

Free allowance for checked in baggage

• No item of checked in baggage may exceed 32 kilograms.

Excess baggage fees on extra pieces of baggage carried, per bag up to 10 bags per passenger are

Applicable excess baggage fees on excess weight over the free baggage allowance per bag.

At Air Namibia we are committed to ensuring that our passengers are re-united with their luggage at end of their journey. Given the complexity of the environment in which we operate, passengers’ luggage often gets out of our control and care, (for brief moments when they are subjected to control and handling by various agencies.)

It is for this reason we request passengers to check their luggage on point of arrival (immediately after collecting their bag) to ensure that bag was not tampered with; and to report any suspected losses immediately. We request passengers not to check-in valuable items, especially those that are susceptible to theft, such as cash, jewellery, electronic devices like mobile phones, watches, sunglasses, to mention a few. In line with International Industry Conventions on passenger baggage liability, Air Namibia cannot be held liable if these valuable items are pilfered from checked-in baggage.

We encourage our passengers to lock or wrap their bags where possible.

Baggage Guidelines

Our rules pertaining to baggage include the following

Airbus A330-200 Airbus A319-100 operated flights

Embraer ERJ 135 operated flights

Business: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 32 kg’s

Business: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 32 kg’s

1 piece not exceeding 23 kg’s

Economy:1 piece weighing not more than 23 kg’s

Economy: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 23 kg’s

Domestic routes US$ 100.00 per extra bag

Routes within Southern Africa US$ 110.00 per extra bag

Frankfurt route US$ 200.00 per extra bag

Domestic routes US$ 100.00 per bag

Routes within Southern Africa US$ 110.00 per bag

Frankfurt route US$ 200.00 per bag

• For further information on sports, highly fragile items, and security guidelines, we recommend that you visit our website on www.airnamibia.com.na

| 13

Cargo

For bookings contact us on telephone number +26461299 6610/11 or via email on [email protected] more details, please visit our website on www.airnamibia.com.na, select the cargo icon and navigate easily to get all information you need.

With over 700 scheduled flights per month, our network and reliable service makes us the best solution for your freight needs. No matter how big or small your parcel is, from the size of an envelope to the size of an elephant, we will get it there for you in GOOD TIME. We provide security for valuable and dangerous goods. We also handle highly perishable goods, and even live animals.

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NAKARA SWAKOPMUNDThe Arcade, Tel/Fax: +264 64 405907

NAKARA BOUTIQUEShop G4 Mutual Tower Independence Avenue WindhoekTel/Fax +264 61 224 209

NAKARA SHOP WINDHOEK Independence Ave 131, Gustav Voigts centre Tel: +264 61 231518

NAKARA FACTORY WINDHOEK3 Solingen Str. Northern IndustrialTel/Fax +264 61 215003

www.nakara-namibia.com

16 |

Skeleton CoastA coast of loneliness, contrast and history.

A journey to the most Northwestern part of Namibia.

16 |

To be on this route is a privilege; not

many people pass through this part of

Namibia, as this is one of the most remote

areas of this beautiful country. A route

from Swakopmund to Puros or Sesfontein,

covering about 1,500kms, with the most

unusual scenery, from mountains to plains,

beaches and over dunes, with quite a few

shipwrecks. Let’s GO!

We meet with Armand

Basson of I Dream

Africa early in the

morning on the first day. We

are all ready for the experience, traveling

to the most Northern part of Namibia,

right up to the border of Angola, with

the Kunene River situated between the

two countries.

Armand supplies each car with a radio

transmitter so that he can keep in touch with

the convoy, warning us en route of the does

and don’ts. He is very strict about the tracks

that we follow so as not to make new ones.

Our first stop is at the Zeila wreck, just

before Hentiesbay. This fishing trawler

became stranded on the 25th of August 2008.

Hentiesbay is our next stop and the rest

of the convoy joins us. From here, we are

a fleet of ten cars, winding along the most

barren and lonely part of the Skeleton Coast.

First on the salt road and then later only on

a two-spoor road, making our unmarked

way over the dunes and beach. This is

Day 1

| 17 | 17

18 |

unmarked, as the tracks vanish with the

wind and the tides.

We enter the park, reflecting the

well-known skeletons on the gate.

Our first of the many shipwrecks we

see is the South West Seal, which was

beached in 1976. We take a short stop

and walk around what is left of the once

fishing trawler.

We cross a few rivers en route, namely

the Ugab-Huab and many more. They

are mostly dry and only flow in the rainy

season. We take a look at the Hoanib

River mouth; its length is 270 km long

and is a haven for bird life.

We also visit the old rusted Toscanini

oilrig that closed down in 1976. Diamonds

were never found in this area and the

ones that were found had no value. It is

now a breeding place for cormorants. We

18 |

| 19

also see fresh tracks of hyena, but I think

they smelt our scent before they even saw

us. The patterns of rust on the rig make

splendid photographic opportunities.

We quickly take a look at Torrabay,

a well-known and popular fishing and

camping area that is only open during the

December and January holidays. Next stop

is Terrace Bay, also a very popular place

for fishing, where we have lunch. This is

the last opportunity for us to refuel, as for

the next 1000kms there aren’t any shops

or life except for the animals and us.

Mowe Bay is the unofficial border

between Damaraland and Kaokoveld. This

is our last contact with people, as we enter

a park only accessible by someone who has

a permit; it is away from pollution, people

and any signs of life. From here onwards,

one hears only your own heartbeat and the

sound of the waves breaking on the beach;

with the absolute quiet pure bliss; and ten

vehicles winding their way along the most

beautiful scenery.

Just north of Mowe Bay, Armand looks

for a good overnight camping spot and he

manages to find one between some dunes.

Nessie, our cook, lights a fire and we all

pitch our tents. We enjoy a “boesman’s TV”

fire and have a wonderful “potjie” of lamb

and veggies. Our first day has passed too

quickly, but was enjoyable.

What is pleasant

about this trip is

that we are not

in a hurry to get going

in the mornings. We have a nice hot

cup of coffee or tea made by Nessie

and some breakfast. From now on, and

every morning after breakfast, we will all

make our own lunch. Cold meat, tomato,

cucumber, cheese etc., is laid out on a

table and you can then make your own

sandwich. Somewhere along the way we

stop and eat our lunch, or eat whenever

we feel like it, even while driving.

The scenery varies as we travel along

barren plains, mountains and riverbeds.

Here you realize the intense loneliness of

this part of the country. The colours vary

from the yellow of the sand to the red

from the Garnet – a silicate mineral - to

the black of the mountains.

Again we see one of the many wrecks

and it is quite something to see the way the

elements worked with the wood and a lot

of the rusted parts. Surprisingly, the bolts

on the engine are not at all rusted and are

still shiny; must have been top quality.

Day 2

20 |

We pass a rusted and forlorn bulldozer

and tractor. The Van der Westhuizen

brothers tried to mine here for diamonds

years ago, but never found any usable ones;

the area is now called the Westhies. Perhaps

they were part of the famous rescue of the

Duneden Star? If only they could talk!

Very interesting are the parts of the

Ventura Bomber plane that formed part of

the rescue team. Some parts are still visible.

The plane crash-dived into the sea, close

to the shore and all three occupants in the

plane got out alive with minor injuries.

The wreck of the plane washed ashore.

Some of the parts of the plane we could

see were spread along the shore.

We drove along stretches of the beach

and also on the dunes and again, the

scenery varies.

Something amazing to see were the

many “Ghost Crabs” popping out of their

holes on the beach,j from the vibration

of the cars wheels. They are so beautiful

and we stopped to have a proper look

at them. They race around on the beach

like little cars heading towards the sea,

which is quite amusing.

20 |

| 21

We cross the dry riverbed of the

Hoariseb; with the dried mud making the

most beautiful curls (notice the difference

between the Hoarusib River here and the

end of the trip near Puros; you cannot

believe it is the same river). We go up

and along the dunes again with Armand

showing us how the dunes speak back

to you when you drive down on them –

a beautiful sound the roaring of the dunes

make. We have the opportunity to climb the

dunes, one step up and two steps down.

We then pass the most amazing rock

formations that are nestled between the

dunes, a contrast between the hard and the

soft. We enter the Hoariseb dry riverbed

with the high mountains all around us, and

go through some water pools with a lot of

greenery. Of course the men want to show

off by rushing quickly through the water,

almost like a competition as to who can

make the highest splash.

We set up our camp against a dune and

for the children, Cooper and Piper, this is

so much fun. They can’t get enough of the

sandpit that they can play in.

This is a very

interesting day,

as the scenery

changes from the riverbed

and the high mountains to the plains

right next to us with the most stunning

colours; barren, with dark brown colours

and the yellow of the sand. The orange

of the lichen brightens up the whole

area. Lichen are a symbolic relationship

between fungus and algae and are well

adapted to survive in harsh conditions.

The desert hosts 120 species. Some are

black against the rocks and there are

even fields of them. Sprinkle some water

on them and then watch them going

green, is something remarkable to see.

Our one spoor track shows very

prominently on the ground, winding its

way through the most isolated parts of

the Skeleton Coast. Then, all of a sudden

in front of us, is the most beautiful

greenery and water oasis in the desert.

Oryx run away when they see us and

it is also a haven for birds. The oasis

is called the Sarusas Fountain, nearby

the Kumib river mouth. The contrast

is once again amazing; the dunes, the

rocks, the greenery and the water. We

stop for lunch and could not wish for a

better place.

Onward we go along the beach to

Cape Fria and see hundreds of seals. Wow!

We also see at least four to six vultures,

feasting on dead seals or baby seals. We

even see a hyena, but it runs away as fast

as it can to get away from us.

It is interesting to read the book titled

Skeleton Coast, written by John H. Marsh;

he writes the true story around the history

of the Duneden Star shipwreck and the

Day 3

| 21

24 |

rescue that took place in 1942; about the

bomber plane and what happened after

they crashed into the sea.

Almost unbelievable as to how so

many people were stranded on the beach

for almost fourteen days and how they

survived. We make camp that night on the

beach, where they had built their shelter;

they had hardly anything to eat or drink

and how they endured the sun, wind and

the absolute emptiness around them.

Except for two rescuers, everyone was

brought to safety from his or her horrible

ordeal. Thinking of them made me very

quiet. We are well organized and we have

food and shelter. You are well advised to

read the book, or even Google Skeleton

Coast by John H. Marsh.

We are excited,

as today we will

reach the Kunene

river mouth. First along

the beach and along Bosluisbay, we

climb a dune which overlooks the bay.

It is so beautiful where the cars look

like a snake winding it’s way to the top.

Then back to the beach, where we see

some whale skeletons. Here we are

right at the most Northwestern part of

Namibia and at the border of Angola....the

Kunene River mouth. We are warned not

to go too near the water, as there could be

some crocodiles. We see turtles coming up

every now and then, very curios as to what

is going on. There are a lot of pelicans and

other birds. Water, greenery and the colour

of the dunes on the other side, Angola,

make a colourful picture. It is as quiet as it

can get and it is very impressive.

From here we go on and over the

dunes... leaving behind a contrast of

dark mountains against the yellow of

the dunes. What a beautiful sight to look

back on every now and then. The sand is

very soft and traveling is slow but sure.

At an early time Armand shows us

where we are going to camp that night,

right against a dune, and, of course,

the children again love it. Rolling down

the dune and climbing up again, they

never seem to tire! Going to the top of

the dune gives a good idea of what our

campsite looks like below. Fire in the

middle, smoke going up and the lovely

smell of our food cooking; we have lots

of stories to tell around the campfire that

evening. The food is excellent; having a

Day 4

24 |

| 25

“braai” in the dunes is special and Nessie

excels himself again. The fire is going to

warm water for the shower and this is

very welcome. Another day is past, more

impressions are made and we all go to

sleep happily.

We go over the

dunes again; no

track to show

where to go as the wind

blows all the tracks away quickly. It is

pleasing to see the clean surroundings

without showing any traces of someone

else having been there. But as we go on

again the surroundings change and we

see the most beautiful mountain. Getting

nearer, we have a closer look and to

our surprise there is a cave or an arch.

Bending (as you can easily bump your

head) we enter beneath it where you

see the most unusual sight, not only the

ceiling of the arch but also the scenery.

We spent some time here and had lunch,

looking around and taking many photos.

From there we have a two-spoor

track again along the most beautiful

surroundings. I seem to be using the

Day 5

26 |

word beautiful so often, but how do you

describe an area that is so special? Around

every corner the scenery is different,

which makes it so interesting and leaves

you wondering what you will see next,

without being disappointed.

We travel over the dunes, and alongside

the dunes with a view of the mountains

on the other side of the river.

Stopping on top of a dune, we have the

most spectacular view of the Kunene River

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| 27

winding between Angola and Namibia.

The Angolan side with rocks and rugged

terrain, the Namibian side with dunes and

sand, contrasted at its best and the colour

of the river is amazing. What a privilege to

see this beauty.

As traveling on the dunes takes quite a

long time, we stop near the river to strike

up our camp. Those who would like to,

can walk to the river over the rocks and

see the flow of the river rapids. We are

warned once again to be on the look out

for crocodiles and we see some fresh

tracks of small ones.

Not far from the river we set up camp

and the next morning we walk to the

river again.

The huge boulders,

the trees and the

water at the river are

special, with some dunes

sticking out in the distance. Taking a walk

to the river in the morning is good exercise.

We once again enter the dunes and see

the most amazing scenery. Soon however,

we leave the dunes and the surroundings

become more barren once again. Here and

there we see a single tree; how do they

survive? We stop for lunch in what looks

like a riverbed and have something to eat

under the shade. From there we leave the

park and travel further into the Hartman’s

Valley with beautiful open spaces. Some

Oryx’s run away from us and then they stop

to look back at us. We stop at the “green

drum” where an old laptop is available

and those of us who want to can send

an “email” from there (no Internet). Until

now, we have hardly thought of computers

or the Internet. At this time we feel like

having a rest and we stop somewhere to

once again have a wonderful meal, to have

a shower and then off to bed.

En route today, we

see Welwitschias,

a female and a

male. At some point we

turn right to go down into the riverbed

of the Hoarusib. What awaits us there is

something you have to experience for

yourself. We see in front of us all of a

sudden, the most unusual “ Castles of clay”.

The white of the clay has a huge contrast

against the dark of the mountains, which

is very special and we wonder around

for quite a long time. Someone wrote: “If

there are any doubts as to the incredible

power of the ancient forces that played

havoc in Western Namibia many millions

years ago, the white grayish sedimentary

clay walls high up in the Hoarusib will

dispel them”. And here we are, walking

among them, where we look so tiny next

to them. That night, we stop not far from

the castles of clay, where we can wonder

around for a while the next morning.

This day is a

river day, as we

travel in Puros’

direction, through many

water streams with huge mountains

all around us. Here we may encounter

some elephants if we are lucky, or even a

desert lion. We see many Oryx, birds and

even some baboons. The famous “Poort”

is full of water and we have fun passing

through where once again we try to

make the highest splashes.

The Puros Canyon is beautiful, with a

lot of water still in the river we have to

cross over, doing zig zag. Then we see

the cattle of the Puros community and

know that we are near people again.

Puros is a small cattle settlement, with

a small shop and very remote, but with

lovely scenery.

Here we can purchase some cool

drinks and whatever else is available.

We sleep over at the Puros Community

camping site with huge trees and lovely

hot showers.

After setting up camp, we once again

travel to the river as we hadn’t seen the

desert elephants yet and we would love

to see them. Asking the locals, they told

us where to go and yes, there they were.

Some were old and some were little,

drinking at the water pool. They are very

clever animals. They dig a hole deep

enough in the riverbed to find water.

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

28 |

They seem to smell the water. What

enormous animals they are and so special.

We also see springbuck and giraffes.

Stopping at a viewpoint, you look over

a valley of palm trees and mountains. In

the distance you see the village of the

Ovahimba people, a very primitive tribe.

Back at the camp our campfire awaits

us, our food is ready and we all feel quite

sad as this is our last evening together.

From here each one will go his or her

own way, some to Windhoek, some to

Etosha or home. But each one of us is

impressed at the unreal scenery we

saw and the experiences that we had...

not to forget easily. We feel relaxed and

full of energy, ready to face a normal

busy life. It will be hard to settle down

again after travelling around in such

wide empty spaces with so much to see

and experience.

The next morning we say “totsiens”

to one another. Lovely to have met each

and every one of you and being able to

spend almost nine days together. We all

feel quite sad.

The overnight places vary from

tour to tour, depending on the weather

conditions or the speed with which the

convoy travels.

Asking some of the people afterwards

what impressed them the most, some

answers were: The changing of the scenery

in one day, the Kunene River mouth and

the wideness of it and the Castles of clay.

On the tour is a lady in a wheelchair

and someone mentions how amazing it

was how she and her husband managed

the trip and enjoyed it so much. I think if

I asked the children what they enjoyed,

it would be the never-ending sandpit

to play in. The plains were someone

else’s favourite. One man enjoyed the

experience of dune driving.

Some people in our group who were

from Australia had this to say: “When

my husband and I decided to take our

children, our boy Cooper and our girl Piper,

to Namibia to experience the desert, we

never expected the true beauty and

exceptional “nothingness” of the vast space.

There were highlights every day and to

say we left with a full memory bank, is an

understatement. The heights of the sand

dunes and the complexities of the landscape

was enough to make your mind question.

Our time in the desert was exceptional.

We learnt so much, met so many wonderful

people and were treated like royalty, not

having to cook. The craziness of having

ocean meeting desert and the fact of animals

being able to survive was mind blowing.

So, Namibia, thank you for keeping your

secret, your untouched landscape, your

campfires, and your “nothingness”. We

loved every second!”

This is how I feel myself, to

experience the absolute “nothingness”

and the realization that no people ever

lived here and still do not live here. A

piece of Namibia’s loneliness at its best.

Something for everyone to enjoy!

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86 |

Ideally situated in the heart of Windhoek CBD, Fig Tree Guesthouse operating in Bed & Breakfast Style, offers boutique accommodation to business executives and elegant tourists. This timelessly stylish guesthouse offers you comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere, with that extra personal touch. Guests can unwind at the swimming pool, gym or in the shade on our “deck”.

A delicious breakfast is served daily, while lunch and dinner can be supplied on pre-order. Enjoy a good night’s rest in one of our well-appointed and comfortably furnished, en-suite bedrooms.

A-grade beds/mattress/bed-linen, air-conditioning, satellite-TV, assist-kitchenette, safe and printer will make your stay comfortably unforgettable.

t: (+264) 61 400 966 w: www.figtree.com.na

t: (+264) 61 400 967 e: [email protected]

c: (+264) 81 140 0090 t: 11 Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek

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30 |

Art from stoneHave stones, will travel. Canadians Andreas and Naomi Kunert,

have taken their artform to innumerable places on the planet. Flamingo chatted to them about life with stones.

Andreas grew up in Vermont, USA,

and Montreal, QC, Canada. His

childhood dreams were quite specific:

“As a boy I was very creative, painting,

drawing and taking photographs. I dreamt

of being an artist when I grew up. I always

wanted to be the best at whatever I put

my mind and energy towards.” When he

completed his studies, he began working

as a Wilderness Guide and Photographer in

Canada, and later in Switzerland.

Naomi grew up outside Regina, SK,

Canada on an acreage along with ten other

siblings: “We were exposed to painting,

pottery and crafts growing up, as my

mother was an artist primarily painting in

oil. I excelled in Arts and Music through

high school and continued studying at

the University of Saskatchewan, graduating

with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Great

Distinction.” Naomi’s career began in

the healing arts: “After my BFA, I studied

neuroscience, trauma, and the mind-body-

spirit connection. I developed a private

practice assisting people on their own

healing journey.”

Andreas always considered himself an

artist, so his interest in creativity had always

been primary in his life: “During my travels

back to Western Canada, I was apprenticed

with a traditional stone mason for a year,

and found my creative drive overtook the

traditional methods. It was at that point,

I developed my own organic expression

in stone.”

Andreas’ very first commission was on

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. For a couple

who lived on a small farm, he developed the

entrance to their property with stones he’d

gathered in the area. He began working

on private commissions in people’s homes

and estates, gradually introducing his

work to architects and business people

for consideration on public installations.

These discussions developed into projects

and, he says, in many instances,

lifelong friendships.

Naomi’s interest in carving and working

with stone goes way back: “I was fascinated

by the mysteries of ancient cultures,

who built their sacred sites in stone.

I have a deep knowledge of crystals and

semi-precious stones, and Andreas and

I began working together in the Spring

of 2010, bringing semi-precious stones

to his existing body and style of work”.

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| 31 | 31

32 |

Q

32 |

Q

Q

Flamingo asked the couple about thier

lives and work:

Clients / architects commission you to

produce pieces. Do they give you a brief,

or are you free to interpret?

Our private clients and architects

commission us to create pieces for them

through a two-stage process.

First we meet them and get to know

their tastes, what they like of our work

and their current needs. We visit their

home or installation location, and

develop an understanding of the space

and what we feel it needs. From here

we create a design proposal for the

project, one which incorporates all our

observations and discussions.

Second, we create the commission

in stone. This stage is very organic and

does not involve the client as much as

the design process. We are now very

attuned to the stone and to the space

the stone is to occupy. The stone often

shows us a way which goes beyond

our own imaginings, and the final piece

always has inexplicable elements, angles

and proportions which were gifted

to us by the materials with which we

were working.

Where do you source all

the materials?

Our stone is sourced from all over the

world. It really depends on the effect

we are striving to achieve within a given

project. Probably our favourite places to

gather materials are the Pacific Northwest

of North America, Brazil and Madagascar.

Have you travelled extensively doing

this work?

Yes, we travel extensively to source

stone and meet new and existing

clients. We’ve worked across Canada,

and create pieces that have been

shipped for installation to various

places around the world.

| 33 | 33

34 | 34 |

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Contact: www.AncientArtofStone.comwww.Facebook.com/AncientArtofStone

Q

Q

Q

What is your most challenging / exciting

project, and why is it so?

We are currently involved in a very

large public project, which has been

developing for several years. It is still

under wraps, but it will involve the

setting of over 1,400 standing stones

each over five meters tall, as well as the

setting of the twelve largest stones ever

known to have been stood by man at

350 tons each!

What inspires you?

Our ultimate inspiration comes from

meeting new clients, both public and

private, seeing their space as a blank

canvas for us to offer transformative

possibilities in creating profound

dynamic stone installations for them.

Our inspiration in the design process

often comes from the natural ebb and

flow of nature, but sometimes inspiration

can come from the simplest of things,

dreams and feelings.

You’re obviously creative people.

What joy do you get from

doing this work?

Our joy comes from working with this

natural material, every stone is important

in the whole. The basic process of finding,

gathering and choosing the stones that

will be appropriate for each project brings

great elation and satisfaction. We find joy in

working creatively together and experience

great reward in the final outcome of our

stone installations. Each project is such

an accomplishment, sometimes seemingly

impossible and simply a legacy that will

outlast our lifetime. How incredible it is

to be a part of history. We feel not only

overjoyed, but blessed and honoured to

live our purpose and passion.

| 97

Rehoboth

Tsumeb

Windhoek

Mariental

KeetmanshoopAusLuderitz

Ais-Ais

Walvis Bay

GobabisSwakopmund

Uis

KhorixasOutjo

Otjiwarongo

Oshakati

Rundu

Etosha National Park

Skeleton

Coast

Park

Namibia

OkutalaEtosha Lodge

EW

N

S

Okutala Etosha L

odge

EW

N

S

38 |

And the winners are…National Geographic Traveler is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations, founded in 1888. The National Geographic Traveler has just announced the winners of its 2015 photography competition.

http://www.natgeo.com/travelerphotocontest

38 |

| 39

Grand Prize: Whale Whisperers Photo and caption by Anuar Patjane Floriuk / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

Diving with a humpback whale and her newborn calf while they cruise around Roca Partida... in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico. This is an outstanding and unique place full of pelagic life, so we need to accelerate the incorporation of the islands into UNESCO

as a natural heritage site in order to increase the protection of the islands against the prevailing illegal fishing corporations and big-game fishing

| 39

40 |

“National Geographic Traveler celebrates

and illuminates destinations around

the globe, and it was exciting to see that

same theme captured in the contest entries,”

said Maggie Zackowitz, Editor-in-Chief of

National Geographic Traveler magazine.

“I was blown away by the creativity of

the photographers.”

This year’s contest received more than

17,000 entries from photographers around

the world. There were four categories: Travel

Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place and

Spontaneous Moments. Judging consisted of

two rounds of evaluation based on creativity

and photographic quality.

Selected from more than 17,000 entries, an

underwater photograph of divers swimming

near a humpback whale taken by Anuar

Patjane Floriuk of Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico,

has won the 2015 National Geographic

Traveler Photo Contest grand prize. Floriuk

wins an eight-day National Geographic Photo

Expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama

Canal for two. Shot near Roca Partida, an

island off the western coast of Mexico, the

winning photo is titled “Whale Whisperer.”

“The photo wasn’t planned,” Floriuk said.

“I was taking photos near the head of the

whale, and all of a sudden she began to swim

toward the rest of the diving team. The divers

gave the whale and her calf space, and I just

clicked at the moment when the flow and

composition seemed right.”

Faisal Azim of Chittagong, Bangladesh,

placed second for his photo “Gravel

Workmen.” He will receive a six-day National

Geographic Photo Expedition: Winter Wildlife

in Yellowstone for two. The third-place

photo, “Camel Ardah,” was shot by Ahmed

Al Toqi of Muscat, Oman. He wins a six-

day cruise for two from Schooner American

Eagle and Heritage. Seven merit-prize winners

receive a $200 (USD) gift certificate to

B&H Photo and the National Geographic

Masters of Photography course on DVD. All

winners receive a subscription to National

Geographic Traveler magazine.

| 41

Second Place: Gravel Workmen Photo and caption by Faisal Azim / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest

This gravel-crush working place remains full of dust and sand. Three gravel workmen are looking through the window glass at their work place, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

| 41

42 |

Third Place: Camel Ardah Photo and caption by Ahmed Al Toqi / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest Ardah, as it is called in Oman, is one of the traditional styles of camel racing ... between two camels controlled by expert men. The faster camel is the loser ... so they must be running at the same speed level in the same track. The main purpose of Ardah is to show the beauty and strength of the Arabian camels and the riders’ skills. Ardah is considered one of the more risky situations, since the camel’s reactions are unpredictable as it may get wild and jump towards the audience.

Merit: A Night at Deadvlei Photo and caption by Beth McCarley / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.The night before returning to Windhoek, we spent several hours at Deadveli. The moon was bright enough to illuminate the sand dunes in the distance, but the skies were still dark enough to clearly see the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds. Deadvlei means “dead marsh.” The camelthorn trees are believed to be about 900 years old but have not decomposed because the environment is so dry.

42 |

| 43

Merit: Kushti, Indian Wrestling Photo and caption by Alain Schroeder / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

Kushti is the traditional form of Indian wrestling. Wearing only a well-adjusted loincloth (langot), wrestlers (pelwhans) enter a pit made of clay, often mixed with salt, lemon, and ghee (clarified butter). At the end of a workout, wrestlers rest against the walls of the arena, covering their heads and bodies with earth to soak up any

perspiration and avoid catching cold. This relaxation ceremony is completed with massages to soothe tired muscles and demonstrate mutual respect.

Merit: White Rhinos Photo and caption by Stefane Berube / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

The night before this photo, we tried all day to get a good photo of the endangered White Rhino. Skulking through the grass carefully, trying to stay 30 feet away to be safe didn’t provide me with the photo I was hoping for. In the morning, however, I woke up to all three rhinos grazing in front of me, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda.

| 43

44 |

Merit: Sauna in the Sky Photo and caption by Stefano Zardini / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.TA sauna at 2,800 meters high in the heart of the Dolomites, Monte Lagazuoi, Cortina, eastern Italian Alps.

Merit: Catching a Duck Photo and caption by Sarah Wouters / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Two boys are trying to catch a duck at the stream of the waterfall, Nong Khai Province, Thailand.

44 |

| 45

Merit: Highlanders Photo and caption by Bartlomiej Jurecki / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

Traditional haymaking in Poland. Many people continue to use the scythe and pitchfork to sort the hay.

Merit: Romania, Land of Fairy Tales Photo and caption by Eduard Gutescu / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

White frost over Pestera village.

| 45

| 29

IS ROCK-HARD DEDICATIONIS ROCK-HARD DEDICATIONBEHIND EVERY SMOOTH RIDE

You might not see or hear us, but we're with you: every mile of every journey. Before and after every road is created, the Roads Authority team

works tirelessly to ensure your smooth and safe journey. Please adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. Do not overtake at blind spots.

The life you safe could be yours.

Private Bag 12030, Ausspannplatz | Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 284 7000

Fax: +246 61 284 7655 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.ra.org.na



Private Bag 12030, Ausspannplatz | Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 284 7000Private Bag 12030, Ausspannplatz | Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 284 7000Private Bag 12030, Ausspannplatz | Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 284 7000

Fax: +246 61 284 7655 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.ra.org.naFax: +246 61 284 7655 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.ra.org.naFax: +246 61 284 7655 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.ra.org.na



48 |

Earthships – sustainable homesCutting-edge green buildings are, ironically, perceived as the province of the wealthy, as many of the technologies – particularly as retrofits – aren’t cheap. But these buildings are often commercial in nature. What about simple, sustainable homes from largely recycled materials?

Photographs supplied by Earthship Biotecture

48 |

| 49

Earthships are essentially green

buildings constructed from waste. It

could be car tyres, glass or plastic bottles,

or a host of other recycled materials. All

utilities emanate from the sun and rain,

and produce heat, power and water; the

buildings are constructed so as to be self-

heating, self-cooling, to harvest their own

water, and use plants to treat sewage.

These buildings are all-season structures:

rain means free water, wind allows the

generation of free power, sun allows free

heat and electricity. They not only use their

immediate resources, but employ extensive

energy efficiency and water conservation

measures, ensuring that rainwater and

renewable energy they harvest, goes as far

as possible.

Earthships didn’t, of course, just come

into being haphazardly. They’ve evolved

over decades from the pioneering work

of architect Michael Reynolds, Earthships

| 49

50 |

Biotecture and the growing numbers

worldwide of Earthship communities.

Modern life is high carbon and simply

not sustainable. The consumption of

fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas

causes the release of greenhouse gases

- vast amounts of carbon dioxide are

released, which pollute the planet and

are instrumental in climate change.

Bottom line, we’ve disturbed the natural

balance... and will continue to do so,

with potentially devastating results.

Meet Michael Reynolds Acclaimed international architect Michael

Reynolds is the founder and owner of

Earthship Biotecture. He’s spent over

forty years evolving the concept of

home, as well as the home itself. His

vision is for the home to care for the

inhabitants and not vice versa. His stated

mission was ‘to make small, believable

steps towards slowing down and

ultimately reversing the negative impact

of human development as it relates to

the Earth’s ability to continue to support

life.’ He set out to design and refine the

so-called Earthship. Designed with

concepts any person can adopt, these

50 |

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52 | 52 |

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buildings can provide housing for

the people.

He’s worked tirelessly designing

and building homes that heat and cool

themselves naturally via solar / thermal

dynamics, collect their own power from

the sun and wind, harvest their own

water from rain and snow, and contain

and treat their own sewage on site. After

intensive research and considerable

trial and error, Earthship Biotecture has

devised a range of architectural plans

which tick all the boxes, and are able to

be purchased by devotees of the concept.

There are chapters and offshoots

of Earthship worldwide, with courses

for those who’d like to eco-build their

own homes, volunteers assist those

less fortunate to build an earthship,

and lectures and workshops are held

worldwide. You’ll find Earthships in all

corners of the world, responding to the

demands and situation in which they’re

being constructed. One of Reynolds’

probing questions was ‘how do we make

it so everyone can have one, especially

in third world countries where the

functionality of these buildings would

save lives.’ Many of these earthships

have been built by and for those in

challenged communities.

54 |

In addition to wise and innovative

construction, Earthship creates an

environment in which plants are not

only aesthetic and contribute to the

health of the environment, but are also

highly functional and play a direct role

in the maintenance of the home. Having

plants that produce food within this

environment makes sense and takes

sustainable and independent living to

another level.

And, of course, the concept can’t be

static. It’s ever-evolving, because of new

techniques, new reactions to materials,

fresh ideas, second thoughts, and

changing human behaviour patterns. It’s

not simply about how much an earthship

will cost to build, it’s about what it’ll save

over its lifetime, once it’s built, because

it’s designed to be entirely sustainable –

what it will save the planet too, in terms

of negative impact.

Earthship Biotecture has as one of

its mission statements, a driving need

to empower people to make positive

changes in their own lives to reduce

their personal effect on global warming.

To spread the word, too, in simple, easy

to understand formats, it inspires people

to act.

54 |

56 |

Two dogs, a peacock and a horse, walk into a pub….Is this a start of a classic joke I here you say, well actually no, it’s a Sauvignon Blanc, a quality brand carried by the Black Elephant Vintners Company, a fitting header to the philosophy that snubs the usual high brow traditions of the wine industry, we had a chat with Kevin Swart the company’s Managing Director.

Words and pictures by Mark Pettipher

Un-assuming, down to earth and

straight talking is the best way to

describe Kevin Swart, Co-owner of the

Black Elephant Vintners Company, a 23

year veteran of the financial services

industry, a successful stockbroker who

co-founded Noah Financial Innovation,

that was later sold to Religare Capital

Markets in July 2011, which allowed

Kevin time for reflection and to find a

new passion, a new direction and a new

way of life.

Leaving Johannesburg and heading

to the hills and valleys of the Western

Cape, the Swart family fell in love with

the province and bought La Petite Vigne,

a boutique wine farm on the outskirts

of Franschhoek.

Having already joined forces with

Raymond Ndlovu in 2002 with the

formation of Noah Financial Innovation,

and after its sale in 2011, it seemed fitting

that the two families should continue

their co-existence in Franschhoek, in

a spontaneous and bold move in the

winter of 2012, Raymond moved his

family from Johannesburg to join the

Swarts in Franschhoek.

Kevin had, upon purchasing La Petite

Vigne, contracted the Amistad Wine

Company to assist with its wine making,

after which, Kevin started to get his head

round the quandaries and art of being

a (viticulturist) winemaker.

A chance conversation in November

2012 between Amistad and Black

Elephant Investment Holdings, saw the

joining of the Black Elephant’s business

skills with that of Amistad’s winemaking,

resulting in Jacques Wentzel becoming

part of the team, the trio, Kevin,

Raymond and Jacques subsequently

56 |

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 18 June 2013 Production: 8725 x 750ml

Technical Analysis:Alcohol 14.01%vol. Extract 32.0g/l Ph 3.56 TA 5.32g/l VA0.56g/l FSO2 35mg/l TSO2 90mg/l RS 2.5g/l

Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2012 Amistad Syrah were selected from four vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley. Each was selected to contribute a specific profile to the final blend ie. colour, tannin, fruit or spice.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 12 months in a combination of 225, 300 and 500 l French oak barrels. 10% New and the balance 5 - 8 years old. A further 3 months in tanks for a total of 15 months prior to bottling.

Tasting note: This maiden 2012 Syrah shows notes of black currant, cracked peppercorns, lavender and rosemary. The palate is full bodied with spicey edges, a silky texture and balanced acidity. The finish is dry with great longevity and a lasting taste of wet stone, cinnamon and cherry. Best served at 16 - 18°C and will benfit from decanting in the first 3 - 5 years.

AMiSTADSyriah 2012

| 57 | 57

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 19th June 2015 Production: 20 000 x 750ml

Technical Analysis:Alcohol 13.01%vol. Extract 20.8g/l Ph 3.23 TA 6.4g/l VA0.34g/l FSO2 40mg/l TSO2 95mg/l RS 2.1g/l

Source of Grapes: The fruit for this 2015 Sauvignon Blanc was selected from four vineyard sites around the Franschhoek valley. Each site contributes a different flavour profile to the final blend as it grows in and on diverse soil types and slopes. Each vineyard is therefore handled seperatly to capture their unique personalities.

Maturation: Three months on it’s primary lees prebottling with 5% barrelfermented oldvine Semillon.

Tasting note: The wine is translucent with a bright green hue. The nose is opulent with aromas of fynbos, lithci, peardrops and grapefruit. The palate is lively with flavours of passionfruit, gooseberry and richness from the barrel fermented portion, lingering with fresh acidity and a minerality.

TWO DOGS, A PEAcOck AnD A hORSESauvignon Blanc 2015

58 |

formed the Black Elephant Vintners Co

on 1st January 2013.

Kevin’s unique humour came out

when he explained that he is the ‘black’

in Black Elephant Vintners Co., Raymond

the ‘elephant’ and Jacques the Vintner…

Going deeper into the company’s

philosophy, Kevin explains that having

come from a background of selling

something that is not so tangible but just

as fluid, stocks and shares, it’s a greater

pleasure to invest his time in something

that has body, flavour and character.

He insists that their approach to wine

making and it’s marketing has to be

different and that they have to take the

‘snobbery’ out of what they do.

“We like to think, that like a chef

who combines ingredients from different

places, then says where they came from,

he presents the food on a platter, you

either enjoy the food or you don’t, we

do the same with our wines. We make

good wholesome quality wine, we do not

presume to tell our clients how to drink

it, it’s all about a matter of personal taste.”

Kevin’s enthusiasm is contagious as

he credits his vintner, “Jacques selects

the very best base grape varietals from a

number of vineyards in the surrounding

Franschhoek valley, each vineyard’s grapes

are harvested and vinified separately to

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 09 August 2013 Production: 8500 x 750ml

Technical Analysis:Alcohol 14.06%vol. Extract 26.8g/l Ph 3.57 TA 5.5 g/l VA 0.62g/l FSO2 34mg/l TSO2 95mg/l RS 1.8g/l

Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2013 Nicolas Red were selected from five vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley. Each vineyard is selected to contribute a specific profile to the final blend ie. colour, tannin, fruit or spice.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 12 months in a combination of 225, 300 and 500l old French oak barrels and a further 3 months in tanks after blending with 12% Mourvedre for a total of 15 months prior to bottling.

Tasting note: The wine has an intense ruby red colour. The nose shows bright red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry and a hint of liqourice and black pepper. The palate is soft and rich with a lingering sentation of aniseed and fynbos. Best served a 16-18°C and will benefit from decanting in the first 3-5 years.

NichOlAS RED 2013 Syrah 88% - Mourvedre 12%

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 16th July 2014 Production: 8500 x 750ml


Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2014 Timothy White Bland were selected from a six vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 4 months in old French oak barrels.

Tasting note: The wine has a pale lime colour, a fruit forward nose of green apples, pear and apricot with a hint of straw and honeycomb. The palate is full and rich with a mineral core and refreshing finish.

TiMOThy WhiTE 2014Savignon 57% - Semillion 33% - Viognier 9%

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 19th July 2013 Production: 2264 x 750ml


Source of Grapes: Harvest from our own Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard on La Petite Vigne,Franschhoek.

Maturation: 16 Months in 50% New French oak barrels, 50% second fill.

Tasting note: Distinctive gravelly nose. Bold, rich and tarry but still has freshness, and a savoury black currant note. The palate is fresh with pure black currant fruit. Stylish and ripe but really fresh with a spicy, gravelly, savoury twist.

ThE DANiEl cOllEcTiON Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 28 October 2014 Production: 5000 x 750ml

Technical Analysis:Alcohol 12.0%vol. Extract 14.8g/l Ph 3.1 TA 7.3 g/l VA 0.25g/l FSo2 25mg/l TSO2 65mg/l RS 9.0g/l

Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2012 Chardonnay / Pinot Noir Brut MCC were selected from 5 vineyard sites around the Franschhoek valley. Each site contributing a different flavour profile to the final blend as it grows in diverse soil types and slopes.

Maturation: 12 months on its primary lees prebottling followed by 20 months under crown cap.

Tasting note: A blend of Chardonnay (75%) contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25%) for complexity and length of flavour. Light yeasty aromas and tones of citrus and fresh picked apples on the nose with rich creamy complexity and cherries on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes freshness and finesse.

BlAck ElEPhAnT VinTnERSBrut MCC

THIS IMAGE: Kevin Swart owner of Black Elephant Vintners & Co.

with his trusted sidekick and confidante Kulula (the parrot) also affectionately known as “Nummies” (Birdy Num Nums)

named after the hilarious Peter Sellars movie “The Party”.

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insure the integrity of each of the grape

varieties; all our fruit is hand picked in

the early morning, handled carefully and

chilled in our cold-room over night. The

following day the grapes are destemmed

and transferred to 500kg fermentation bins

or barrels; we do not crush our grapes.

At this point, Jacques’ true mastery and

passion comes into being; he tests, tastes,

blends and matures the wines, they are

eventually bottled and made ready for sale

and distribution.”

Kevin went on to say “We are not in

the market to produce mass produced

fast drinking wines; we are a boutique

winery that produces quality products

using our own grapes and grapes that

are bought from other quality vineyards.

We are proud to have our wines carry

the ‘Made in Franschhoek’ label.”

“If the objective is just to get alcohol

into your system you can go to the corner

store and purchase some ‘moonshine’ or

equivalent (something for R35.00) which

probably gets the job done (tastes ok,

but in reality is quite terrible). However,

if the objective is to sit with your mates

around a dinner table, enjoying a great

meal with memorable wines, to create

lasting friendships and fond memories,

then you’re more likely to enjoy a wine

that is appealing to your common palates.

Our range of wines will do that for you;

our wines represent friendship, a sense of

community and a genuine partnership.” he

says confidently.

Kevin adds, “We’re not over priced, we

produce quality that is not pretentious, that

embodies the region, the terrior and the

character of the grape. We’d rather wine

taste with you, one to one, be part of the

process and build a relationship with you

when you’re buying your first case from us,

knowing that you’ll come back next year

for the next vintage.”

“Our brands echo a purist approach,

one that ignores ‘fancy footwork and

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 22 September 2014 Production: 2100 x 750ml


Source of Grapes: The grapes for this La Petite Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon were selected from their own vineyard.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 6 months in old 300L and 500L, and one specially made 100L French oak barrels.

Tasting note: Bright, dark pink colour; slightly sweet red berry nose with complexity from the barrel maturation; refreshing, dry, easy drinking wine with some tannin to reflect a slight red wine character. This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif, as a light midday or sundowner wine.

LA PETiTE ViGnE Cabernet Sauvignon – Rosé 2014

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek “Bakenshoek” Bottling Date: 27th June 2015 Production: 1262 x 750ml


Source of Grapes: The fruit for our The Back Roads Grenache Noir 2014 was selected from a single vineyard growing on the slopes of Bakenshoek Farm in the Franschhoek valley. This is only the second crop from these vines and they are already showing great promise for the future.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 15 months in used (5-8 year old) 500L French oak barrels.

Tasting note: This our maiden 2014 Grenache Noir shows aromas of cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and potpourri. The wine is light yet structured, shows lively freshness with some interesting savoury notes. Decanting recommended.

ThE BAck ROADS Grenache Noir 2014

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| 63

For more information about Black Elephant

Vintners visit their website www.bevintners.co.za

or call Kevin on +27 (0)83 655 6611,

40A Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek

Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek “Matoppie” Bottling Date: 27th June 2015 Production: 840 x 750ml


Source of Grapes: The grapes for our The Back Roads Petite Sirah 2014 were selected from a single vineyard growing on the slopes of “Matoppie” in the Franschhoek valley. The vineyard sits on a North-East facing slope and grows in beautiful decomposed Table Mountain sandstone.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 15months in used (5-8 y ear old) French oak barrels.

Tasting note: This our second vintage of Petite Sirah has a very dark almost ink like colour. This wine is not about elegance and finesse, it’s about POWER. The wine nose shows a wonderful fresh grape-like aroma with freshly cracked pepper and tobacco. The palate shows intense flavours of dark chocolate, pepper and black currant a healthy dose of tannins and bright acidity. Decanting recommended.

ThE BAck ROADS Petite Sirah 2014

interference’; each label captures and

celebrates the character and personality of

its particular blend. Our wines constantly

offer a high quality and being of limited

supply, they have become almost cult-

like. We view this result as a privilege to

produce real wine for real people.”

Kevin is all too aware of the greater

outside market, and bemoans the culture

of having to ‘legally bribe’ people to

accept his wines.

“To get your wines out there you need

to get onto wine lists; this takes time, and

to get onto those wine lists you need to

offer free tastings, free cases to new and

established restaurants alike, dinner

evenings and showings.” Kevin smiles and

says “Imagine if we tried to do that in the

financial industry with all the compliance

and regulations nowadays, we’d be out

quicker than you can pull the cork”.

Naturally, any good wine maker

wants to show off his wares, so, yes, he

has exhibited his wines, has got into the

‘Platter’s wine guide’, has won wine of the

year awards, and quiet rightly so, Kevin

is proud of these achievements. Its not

all been luck, its been a combination of

being in the right place at the right time,

getting into an industry and learning

from others around him, bringing a

partnership together that reflects the true

honesty of wanting to get things done

and correctly, a partnership that works

and exudes a passion for the wines.

| 65

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66 |

The wheel story: New model round upJames Siddall on what’s happening in the wonderful world of wheels...

Going topless

It might be that I’m a little short in the

imagination department, but I can’t think

of many experiences – automotive and

otherwise – that are more sublime than

driving a quality convertible on an azure

winter’s day. And so it came to pass that

I recently spent a week helming a new

BMW 220i Convertible.

It’s an alluring piece of kit this, at its

aesthetic best with the hood down, all the

better to accentuate its short overhangs,

chunky wheelbase and long bonnet. The

fabric top, incidentally, is well insulated,

transforming the car into a snug cocoon,

opening and closing as it does in 20

seconds at the prod of a button, and it

can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h.

The entry-level 220i Convertible I had

(in eight-speed automatic guise) uses a

four-cylinder, twin-turboed, two-litre motor

| 67

to make 135kW and 270Nm at 1 250 to 4

500rpm. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 7.6

seconds, and top speed is 226km/h.

It’s priced at just under R507 000.

If it’s more muscle you want, there are

228i and M235i Convertible versions to

choose from.

Parisimonious Polo

With fuel prices being what they are, the

new VW Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion is sure to

have its adherents. And never mind the fact

that the latest addition to the Polo range is

a fine little car – it sips just 4.2 litres of fuel

per 100km in the combined cycle.

Power comes courtesy of a completely

new, turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol

motor making a punchy 70kW and 160Nm

of torque from 1 500rpm giving it a top

trot of 191km/h and a zero-to-100km/h

time of 10.5 seconds. A five-speed manual

transmission is standard, as are excellent

safety features. Also contributing to its

exceptional fuel economy are the likes

of a lowered ride height, improved

aerodynamics over the radiator grille and

the underbody, and regenerative braking

and reduced rolling resistance tyres.

The Polo range also now boasts two

new 1.4-litre turbodiesel engines making

55kW and 77kW respectively. Both have a

combined fuel consumption of 4.1 litres.

The 1.0 TSI BlueMotion is yours for

R235 800, and the turbodiesel variants

start at R223 800.

Lord of the rings

In the past 20 years more than six million

Audi A4 models have been produced.

Now ahead of the launch of the all-

new A4 early next year, Audi South

Africa has released the Sport Edition

Plus package. It’s available on the 1.8T

FSI SE and 2.0 TDI 130kW SE models,

and costs an extra R8 250, which is

pretty darn reasonable.

For that you get the likes of a sporty, new-

design front bumper treatment, 19-inch Audi

Sport alloy wheels, S line sport suspension,

high-gloss black styling elements for the

front grille, window surrounds, side sills

and side mirrors, and the exclusive choice

of four Audi RS4 exterior colours. Also

included is an integrated rear boot spoiler,

S line rear bumper, S line exterior badging,

a three-spoke multi-function sport steering

wheel, and front and rear park assist.

The total value of these items actually

works out to around R65 000. So yup, it’s

pretty good value.

Pricing on the Audi A4 1.8T and

2.0 TDI models ranges from R421 250

to R446 750.

More velocity for the Veloster

Hyundai’s Veloster – that distinctive

three-door hatchback – has always been

a pretty cool machine. But an awful

lot of people felt it needed just a little

more boost. And that’s precisely what it

gets with a 1.6-litre motor that packs a

twin-scroll turbocharger and outputs of

150kW and 265Nm.

Now I’ve just spent a week tooling

around in one, and given that the

normally aspirated model makes

103kW and 167Nm, the difference is

vastly noticeable. Indeed, the six-speed

manual model does zero to 100km/h in

7.8 seconds, topping out at 224km/h,

while the seven-speed Dual Clutch

Transmission model – which is what

I’ve been driving – turns in figures of

7.3 seconds and 225km/h.

68 |

The Veloster Turbo also features unique

front and rear bumpers and fog lights, a new

rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy

wheels, projection headlights with unique

LED headlight accents, and LED taillights.

Nice. Handling and brakes are also uprated,

and equipment and safety levels are stellar.

The 1.6 Turbo GDI Elite Manual is

yours for R379 900, while the 1.6 Turbo

GDI Elite DCT costs R399 900.

Superb Scandinavian

It’s here. The all-new Volvo XC90 – that

premium Swedish SUV that has been

garnering international awards like crazy

– is now available in our part of the world,

and it ups the SUV game to a new level.

Styling, ride quality, safety levels,

economy and equipment levels all provide

a hard act for the competition (think Range

Rover Sport, BMW X5 and so forth) to

follow, and as Volvo itself says, the aim of the

vehicle was to provide “relaxed confidence”.

Prices for the six-model range start

at R804 000.

Muscle Mini

The all-new Mini John Cooper Works

is officially the fastest, punchiest and

priciest production Mini yet.

It makes 170kW and 320Nm from its

two-litre, four-cylinder petrol motor, which

uses TwinPower Turbo Technology. Zero to

100km/h takes 6.3 seconds for the six-speed

manual, and 6.1 seconds for the six-speed

automatic. Top speed is 246km/h for both

versions. And the Mini JCW is even more

entertaining than mere figures suggest. The

suspension and aerodynamics are steeped

in racing lineage, and the Mini’s greatest

allure is its sheer go-kart-like wieldiness.

It’s also loaded with funky styling

cues and lashings of technology. Try a

newly developed Brembo brake system,

and Dynamic Stability Control.

Then there are standard 17-inch

light alloy wheels (the cars we drove

68 |

| 69

on the recent launch had the option of

18-inchers), LED headlamps with white

direction indicators, a front apron replete

with big cooling inlets, eye-catching side

sill and rear apron design, and a JCW

rear spoiler.

The interior is as arresting as the

exterior. Figure on a JCW steering wheel

with multifunction controls, pedals and

driver footrest in stainless steel, anthracite

roof liner, and of course a barrage of

airbags, as well as all the standard

kit you’d expect at this price level. In

addition, you get the Mini Connected

in-car infotainment programme.

You’ll pay R418 000 for the manual,

and R440 000 for the auto, with a long

and alluring list of options available.

Rolling in business class

Say hello to the Kia Grand Sedona – the

Korean maker’s all-new large MPV. It’s

an attractive machine this, and like all

Kias of late it’s wonderfully made and

equipped, while it’s available in seven

and 11-seat configurations.

Indeed, it has already been scooping

international automotive awards, and just

some noteworthy features include high-

specification models featuring a 12-way

power-assisted driver’s seat, as well as first-

row seats offering heating and ventilation,

while the two main second row seats also

offer a heating function. Cargo space is vast

on all models, and ride quality excellent.

Rolling in this machine promises to be the

equivalent of flying business class. Power

options include a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine

or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel, both mated to

a six-speed auto. Prices start at just under

half-a-million rand.

Scirocco storm

The VW Scirocco has just been given more

firepower with the introduction of two

engines, and the entry-level 1.4 TSI 118 kW

has been replaced with a 2.0 TSI 132 kW

mill. Meanwhile, the 2.0 TSI 155 kW is now

fitted with the new Golf GTI 2.0 TSI engine

that delivers 162 kW. The latter also gets

exclusive GTS interior and exterior trim.

The 2.0 TSI Scirocco Highline 132 kW

Manual is yours for R369 900, the 2.0 TSI

Scirocco GTS 162 kW DSG costs R439 000,

and the halo model – the 2.0 TSI Scirocco

R 188 kW DSG – comes in at R494 200.

Bellissimo!

The recently unveiled Ferrari 488 GTB

simply stunned. Now meet the 488 Spider –

a yet more arresting, topless version of the

car equipped with a retractable hard top.

The world premiere of the 488 Spider

will be at the Frankfurt International Motor

Show this month, while it shares the same

heartbeat as its fixed-top counterpart in

the guise of a 3.9-litre, turbocharged V8

making 492kW and 760Nm of torque. Zero

to 100km/h comes up in three seconds flat

and top speed is 325km/h, while the top

takes just 14 seconds to open or close.

The price is, of course, still to

be announced.

Muscle Merc

In a world where superlatives have been

diluted by their overuse, it almost seems trite

and hackneyed to call the new Mercedes-

AMG GT “stunning” and “awesome.” But it’s

just that, from its seemingly never-ending

bonnet to its AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo

engine to its banging soundtrack.

Two variants are available. The GT

and the GTS. On the recent launch only

the latter, being the halo version, was

available, with its 375kW at 6 250rpm,

and 650Nm from 1 750 to 4 750rpm.

Enough to hurl it from rest to 100km/h

in 3.8 seconds, topping out at 310km/h.

The GT version is rated at 340kW and

600Nm, and is only a bit slower. On the

press launch it became quite clear on the

open road segment that this is a user-

friendly machine, while on the racetrack

it proved simply devastating. No wonder

it’s expected to take on the likes of the

Porsche 911.

You’ll pay R1 981 000 for the GTS,

and R1 642 000 for the GT (that excludes

emissions tax).

70 |

The new BMW X1 The new BMW X1 – the successor to

the model that blazed the trail for this

class of car – treats the premium compact

segment to an even more potent shot of

Sports Activity Vehicle DNA. The second

generation of this successful model, more

than 730,000 units of which have now

been sold, takes to the stage with a body

design straight out of the BMW X model

mould. The interior of the new BMW X1,

meanwhile, offers significantly more space

for passengers and luggage, a cutting-

edge premium ambience and functionality

grounded in solid engineering.

Four-cylinder engines from the BMW

Group’s latest generation of power units, an

efficiency-optimised version of the BMW

xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system

and newly developed chassis technology

all help to palpably enhance sporting

ability and ride comfort compared to the

outgoing model – with fuel consumption

and emissions reduced by approximately

17 per cent, model-on-model.

Alongside its market-leading dynamics

and efficiency, a host of innovative

equipment features also help to secure

the new BMW X1 and its stand-out

position in the segment. Among the items

on the options list are full-LED headlights,

Dynamic Damper Control, the BMW Head-

Up Display and the Driving Assistant Plus

system. Commanding presence, robust

proportions and dynamic lines.

The large, upright BMW kidney

grille, three-section lower air intake and

characteristic “six-eyed” look formed by

the twin circular headlights and fog lamps

below them are the stand-out features of

the new model’s front end. Flared wheel

arches and lines converging in an X-shape

into the kidney grille likewise contribute

to the authoritative presence customary of

BMW X models. Standard specification for

the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime

driving lights, while full-LED headlights

for low and high beam generate a

particularly white light that is close to

daylight – are available as an option.

BMW ConnectedDrive

BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW X1:

Progress through intelligent connectivity.

Pointing the way to the future – and your

destination: Navigation Plus including BMW

Head-Up Display. The Navigation option

assists route guidance on the standard-

fitted Control Display with direction arrows

and sophisticated map graphics, including

views from various angles. The destination

can also be entered by voice command.

Another, in many respects pioneering,

option is the Navigation Plus system,

which comprises a bigger, now 8.8-inch,

Control Display, an instrument cluster with

extended features, a split-screen function

for the Control Display as well as the BMW

Head-Up Display.

This system allows High

Guidance instructions including lane

recommendations to be shown in

theinstrument cluster’s TFT display or

projected onto the windscreen, as desired.

The BMW Head-Up Display projects this and

other information directly into the driver’s

field of view, allowing him or her to register

the information without having to divert their

gaze from the road ahead. The graphics are

displayed using the full spectrum of colours.

For more awe-inspiring information

about this blue-blood, contact DANRIC

Auto, Windhoek today!

Danric Auto: Cnr Bismarck Street and David Hosea Meroro Road, WindhoekTel: 061 295 8100

| 79

The best time is now.Test-drive your dream car today.Visit mzmotors.metjeziegler.com for more information.

Vehicle specifications may vary for the Southern African market.

M+Z Motors +264 61 371 000

72 |

Fiat 500X CrossoverThe Fiat 500X makes its début on

Namibian soil with a new compact

Crossover in the 500 family, that marks

the evolution of the brand and technology

through the development in its DNA.

A beauty with character, the new car

explores a brand-new dimension of being

500, where a mature, elegant, all-Italian

style “clothes” – like haute couture – the

substance of a car that is comfortable,

high-performance and always in touch

with the world: that’s the X side of beauty,

and that’s the soul of the Fiat 500X.

Heir to the Fiat 500 of 1957 – the

stylistic reference of the rounded lights

and the classic logo with chrome-

plated bonnet trim is clear – the new

Fiat Crossover extends the 500 family,

comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, and

500L Trekking models: cars which are

very different in terms of vocation and

character, but which have the same roots

in common: the iconic Fiat 500.

Built in the updated SATA plant in

Melfi (Potenza) and sold in more than 100

countries worldwide, the new Fiat 500X will

be available in three different versions –

500X Pop Star, 500X Cross and 500X Cross

Plus – equipped with two efficient petrol

engines – 1.4l MultiAir or 1.6l E-TorQ, three

types of transmission – 5-speed manual,

6-speed manual or twin-clutch 6-speed

automatic – and with front-wheel drive and

the unique Traction Plus configurations.

500X “goes beyond”

current customer targets

The Fiat 500X is a Crossover not only in

its very nature, but is also of interest to

many different types of customers in terms

of different sexes, ages, needs and tastes.

In this sense, the “X” symbol represents a

crossroads for segments that vary greatly

among themselves, each inhabited by the

young and the mature, lovers of beauty

and connoisseurs of character. They are

dynamic, with an active social life and

they cultivate different passions and

interests. What they have in common,

however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying

driving experience and express their own

personality through a distinctive style.

Today they all find a clear, exhaustive

answer: Fiat 500X. A decidedly more off-

road look and equipment make the 500X

Cross the ideal solution for lovers of leisure

and outdoor activities who don’t want to

give up the unique style of the Fiat 500.

Style and dimensions

Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the

new 500X represents a new dimension

of the unmistakable 500 where its iconic

style and the modern concept of the

Crossover collide, with the addition of the

respectable off-road capability ensured by

the Cross version.

With a big personality and distinctively

Italian design, the new car is characterized

by flexibility, rationality and quality. The

ample interior space and the choice of

premium materials and fabrics, as well as

the most sophisticated technology in the

service of safety, comfort and well-being,

is on board.

The 500X gives a nod to those who

need to tackle urban traffic every day,

thanks to its modest dimensions: it’s

4.25m long (200mm more for the Fiat

500X Cross version), 1.8m wide and

1.61m in height.

Compact outside, welcoming inside:

A comfortable passenger compartment,

which is unmistakably Made-in-Italy and

offered in no fewer than seven interior

configurations, through the matching

of various types of fabric, leather and

colours, are on offer. This is all made even

more functional through the many seat

adjustment possibilities and the spacious

luggage compartment (245 litres).

Finally, the customer can choose

from seven different exterior colours

that emphasizes the sensual form of

the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the

different designs for the 17 and 18-inch

alloy wheels.

Engine versions

The new Fiat 500X offers various

combinations of engines and transmissions

to meet all usage requirements, always

with respect for nature and maximum

efficiency in terms of performance,

consumption and emissions.

The following petrol engines will

become available: 81kW 1.6 “E-torQ”

(5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel

drive), 103 kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (front-

wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox

or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic).

“Drive Mood Selector”

and Traction Plus system

The new 500X offers the “Drive Mood

Selector”, which acts on engine, brakes,

steering and transmission, permitting

three different car behaviors, based on

the driving style most appropriate to

the situation or road surface conditions:

Auto (for the best in terms of comfort,

consumption and CO2 emissions), Sport

(for a drive that favours performance),

“All Weather” (maximizes traction on

low friction surfaces such as wet roads)

– available on Pop Star and “Traction”

(improves grip on rough and slippery

terrain) – available on Cross and

Cross Plus.

| 73

OB 06

1529

3 The

Obs

erva

tory

Ad Co

WINDHOEK: 24 Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Street, Windhoek, Namibia. Telephone: 061 373 500

WALVISBAY: Corner Dr Sam Nujoma Ave and 18th Road, Walvisbay, Namibia. Telephone: 064 20 37 92

DISTINCTIVE ITALIAN STYLEWhether you’re looking for a fun little pocket rocket, a spacious sedan or a roomy people or cargo carrier, you’ll fi nd Italian style in every Fiat vehicle. Visit M+Z Motors to test-drive the vehicle that suits your lifestyle. We’ll also help you structure a personalised and affordable deal.

Handling and safety

Equipped with MacPherson suspension at

the rear, the Fiat 500X ensures the right

balance of handling and comfort. What’s

more, to guarantee protection of occupant,

the new Fiat Crossover combines a body

designed according to the most modern

criteria with active and passive safety

content that ensures excellent performance.

As standard on the entire range is some

important content, such as six airbags

(front, window bags and side bags), front

headlights with daytime running light

function and fog lights with self-adaptive

cornering function, in addition to the

sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability

Control). In addition, depending on the

version and market, the advanced Lane

Assist (lane departure warning system) and

Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance

system to get around blind spots) devices

are available as standard or on request.

Infotainment

In terms of comfort and infotainment

equipment, the Fiat 500X stands out in

its category thanks to the sophisticated

Uconnect™ systems with 5” or 6.5”

touchscreens. Both versions come

complete with Bluetooth interface,

Aux-in connector, USB port and voice

commands. Additionally, the Uconnect

Radio Nav 5’’ device offers TomTom 2.5D

navigation while the 6.5” Uconnect Radio

Nav features satellite navigation with 3D

maps, progressive route guidance and

‘One Shot Voice Destination Entry’ to

enter addresses with voice commands.

Using the colour touchscreen, the

system lets you access all the main

functions: from the radio through to all

the main multimedia sources (media

player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone), which

can be connected via USB port or Aux-in

socket or Bluetooth audio streaming.

Namibia Launch

The new Fiat 500X will debut in the

Namibian market from 24th July 2015 and

will be available at M+Z MOTORS.

The 500X range will initially be launched

with the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed manual

transmission and limited numbers of the 1.4l

Cross with the 6-speed DDCT transmission.

The pricing will start at N$344,900.00 and

N$359,900.00 respectively.

The 500X 1.4l Cross Plus will be

launched at the end of August 2015 and the

1.6l Pop Star will be launched at the end

of September 2015. These models will be

priced at N$379,900.00 and N$310,900.00

respectively. The final model in the range,

the Cross Plus DDCT will be available in

the fourth quarter of 2015 and will be

priced at N$394,900.00.

All Fiat products come standard with

a three year / 100,000km warranty and

maintenance plan.

74 |

The Toyota special offer of the centuryHo, Ho, Ho!!! It sounds like a

long-in-the-tooth cliché, admittedly,

but in this case Christmas really does

come early with Indongo Toyota! There

are two offers, which, if they are ignored

here and now, may constitute grounds for

a rather abrupt reclassification of sanity

status, divorce, marriage, or events of

similar far-reaching magnitude!

How often does one of the most trusted

automotive brands known to man - TOYOTA

- offer many of their marquis models to the

market at below cost? Yes, that is below cost,

but with all the warrantees, guarantees and

service plans intact - as before. The good

stuff - and total peace of mind remains, but

the price goes down. Dramatically too.

This happens, once in a blue moon

- admittedly, but that very attractive

blue moon is in the sky now, and its

benevolence shines on us all for a very

short period of time!

Corolla Special Offer

The sublime Corolla is now offered at

a market redefining 12% discount off

the list price at Indongo Toyota. That

translates in savings of up to N$36,600

on a new Corolla. As can be expected,

such lunacy does not last forever, so

the offer is only valid until the end of

October 2015 - or while stocks last. The

latter is probably the proverbial ball to

keep one’s eye on!

Terms and conditions apply • Model shown may differ from standard specification • Limited Stock • Limited colours

A car to be proud of ...Corolla Grand

SAVINGS now on ...

SAVE UP TO N$ 36 600on your NEW Corolla between now

and end of October 2015.

Visit any Indongo Toyota Dealer for the best price ever !!!

www.indongotoyota.com.na

65 Rehobother RD • Windhoek

Tel: 061 237 130

15 Voortrekker RD • Okahandja

Tel: 062 501 722

58 Mupetani RD • Walvisbay

Tel: 064 203 561

Indongo Toyota

| 75

Toyota is known, and universally

respected - as the undisputed market

leaders for a magnitude of reasons.

Ask around, or delve into personal

experience, and reasons like rock-

solid reliability, unrivalled used value,

superb value for money, market leading

after sales service, and many more

jumps to mind. For reasons like the

aforementioned - and more - this offering

is the stuff legends are made of.

The combo offer of the century

It gets even better. How about a potential

N$102,800 saving on the TOYOTA combo

of the century?

See, not only the Corolla is on a special

of the century. The Bakkie of all Bakkies

- the HILUX - in all its guises - Single

Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab is also on

special until the end of September 2015 -

with savings of up to N$66,200!

It follows that - if the savvy reader

hurries, it may be possible to secure

the most attractive combination of a

COROLLA and a HILUX from Indongo

Toyota with a combined potential saving

of more than N$102,000!

The Hilux Special Offer

Emotions, marketing, and sales talk

aside: If sheer market support is used

as the most objective and un-emotional

yardstick, there is no dispute that the

HILUX has been the market leader and

trend setter for decades. When all is said

and done, the scoreboard tells the only

truth, namely - what brand does the

market trust and support above all other

offerings? HILUX.

HILUX has been ruling supreme in

sales volume for nearly 50 years. The

market - as a whole - seldom makes

emotional choices when it comes to

their vehicle of choice. Admittedly -

clever marketing does distract, but

when sanity, reliability and value for

money are the driving forces, HILUX

dominates. Every time.

Now these blue-bloods are on special

offer for a very, very limited period of

time - until end of September 2015 -

at Indongo Toyota. Savings of up to

N$66,200 are on offer - and again - while

stocks last. This covers all permutations

of the HILUX - from Single to Extra- to

Double Cab.

This once-in-a-decade offer is on now

at Indongo Toyota. In all probability

the available stocks will be depleted

long before the offers expire. The

opportunity to do the deal of a lifetime,

is now.

Contact Indongo Toyota in Windhoek,

Okahandja or Walvisbay without delay.

Terms and conditions apply • Model shown may differ from standard specification • Limited Stock • Limited colours

SAVE UP TO N$ 66 200on a Hilux of your choice

Double Cab • Single Cab • Extra CabVisit any Indongo Toyota Dealer

for the best price ever !!!

WE

ALL !!!

www.indongotoyota.com.na

65 Rehobother RD • Windhoek

Tel: 061 237 130

15 Voortrekker RD • Okahandja

Tel: 062 501 722

58 Mupetani RD • Walvisbay

Tel: 064 203 561

Indongo Toyota

76 |

Serengeti Migration

In any guise the Isuzu KB is a remarkable

machine, with models ranging from

never-say-die workhorses to sybaritically

equipped double-cabs capable of crossing

the continent in comfort.

It also so happens that these trucks are

pretty near unkillable. Witness the huge

number of Isuzu’s on our roads that have

clocked up interstellar mileages – such as

Port Elizabeth businessman Ryno Jonker’s

1995 KB 250, which has more than

720 000kms on the odometer. Yet it’s still

used on a daily basis to lug heavy loads of

equipment, and workers. As with many of

its stablemates, it just doesn’t know what

the word “quit” means.

What’s more, Isuzu has a heritage to be

conjured with, with six generations of the

machine having been produced over the

last 36 years in South Africa.

And now the range has just been

polished with the addition of an all-new

special edition in the guise of the Serengeti.

This machine is, of course, named after

those haunting, timeless plains up to our

north, and the Serengeti Special Edition is

unmistakable thanks to a wide range of

exterior enhancements that set it apart from

the pack.

These include a bumper guard with

silver accents, side steps with silver

accents, B-pillar blackout, silver roofrails,

a chrome sports bar, towbar, really cool

18-inch alloy wheels, and all-terrain tyres.

If that’s not enough, prominent decals

and badging feature, while there’s the

option of a tonneau cover. The interior

is equally exclusive, featuring an eye-

swivelling yet tasteful combination of

brushed silver, chrome and black trim,

with Serengeti Special Edition carpets

and chrome door sill plates, all of which

distinguish it from other Isuzu models.

And do we need to add that leather seats

– comfortable enough to be ensconced in

over the longest trips – with power adjust

are all part of the package?

It so happens that there are a trio

of Serengeti Special Edition models to

choose from. All are powered by Isuzu’s

renowned and respected three-litre

D-TEQ turbodiesel engine with 130kW

of power and 380Nm of peak torque on

tap. In the two 4x2 variants buyers get a

choice between a five-speed manual or

five-speed automatic gearbox, while the

4x4 variant is available with a manual

gearbox only.

The latter, incidentally, is a perfect

companion for continent-crossing

expeditions – to the Serengeti to witness

the globally famed migration perhaps?

Indeed, the Isuzu KB’s 4x4 system remains

particularly impressive, featuring a Terrain

Command rotary switch control which

allows the driver to switch between rear-

wheel drive (2H), four-wheel drive with

rear differential locking (4H) and low-range

(4L), with shift-on-the-fly capability of up

to 100km/h.

The Isuzu KB also offers exceptional

capability in all areas, including a towing

capacity of up to 3500kgs and a fiendishly

clever suspension setup that ensures

occupant safety and comfort, no matter

what the road or trail conditions are.

All Isuzu KB models are sold with a

comprehensive five-year / 120 000km

warranty and roadside assistance

programme, a five-year / unlimited mileage

anti-corrosion warranty, and a five-year /

90 000 km service plan.

Service intervals are 15 000kms or

twelve months for all derivatives.

We’ll take one, thanks!

Serengeti Pricing ● KB 300 Crew Cab LX Serengeti Edition N$472 737

● KB 300 Crew Cab LX (AUTO) Serengeti Edition N$498 864

● KB 300 4X4 Crew Cab LX Serengeti Edition N$526 595

The latest special-edition Isuzu is a beast to behold, writes James Siddall...

| 77

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

FOR YOUR WILD SIDEPURPOSE BUILT

90

47

7 A

DM

AK

ER

S.C

OM

Terms and conditions apply. Errors and omissions excepted.

Windhoek Tel: 061 389 100 Ongwediva Tel: 065 238 061Gobabis Tel: 062 563 002/3 Mariental Tel: 063 240 705Walvis Bay Tel: 064 203 610 Swakopmund Tel: 064 405 900 Otjiwarongo Tel: 067 302 037

www.auasmotors.comAUAS MOTORS The car people with a 6th sense.

78 |

The New GYPSY,a 4x4 half ton bakkiefor everyone!

ToughTHAT’SNOW

1.3 MT 4x4

N$165 000MORF

incl. VAT

Hard TopSoft Top

N$155 000MORF

incl. VAT

1 year / unlimited km warrantyGYPSY

Suzuki Windhoekc/o Mandume Ndemufayo & Lazarett Street, WindhoekTel: +264 61 401866

Suzuki Swakopmund6 Moses Garoeb Street SwakopmundTel: +264 64 406438

Mandatory insurances are excluded. Pictures shown are for illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions apply.

[email protected]

@SuzukiAutoNamibiaSuzukiWindhoekSuzukiAutoNamibia SuzukiAutoNamibia SuzukiAutoNamibiaSuzukiWindhoek

WIN with Air Namibia & I Love Namibia!

T R E E S F O R C A R S

SUZUKI AUTO NAMIBIA

58 |

Tamasa TradingFine Wine Exporters

If “Special” and “Unique” describes what you’re looking for in wine for your home,

function, party or as a special gift, Tamasa Fine Wine Merchants in

Windhoek is where you will find it.

We stock only exclusive, boutique wines

from South Africa’s top boutique wine farms. With more than 140 varieties of fine wines, we’re confident that you’ll

find something to your liking - at very reasonable prices too!

Tamasa Trading Fine Wine Merchants.

Only the best. Always unique. And affordable too!

Visit our cellar at: FERREIRAS GARDEN CENTER,

Maxwell Street, Windhoek.

For private collections, functions, or trade -contact us at:

[email protected]

+264 85 2272 380

NOBLE HILLW I N E E S T A T E

80 |

Hook...line and sinkerFour years ago, one women decided to help her Congregation with a fundraising initiative by compiling a recipe book which focuses on the abundance of seafood found on the Namibian West Coast.

The recipe book ‘Hooked’ was

produced in co-operation with Sea

Works, one of the major fish producers

and processors in Namibia. It’s a

delightfully pictorial book, including scenic

photos of the coastal towns of Walvis Bay,

Swakopmund and surrounding desert

and coastline, all shot by well-known

photographer Volker Presch. The recipes

are easy to follow, and are written in both

English and German.

The Congregation took the whole

seafood idea hook, line and sinker, and

‘hooked’ it to a festival showcasing the

West Coast of Namibia and Walvis Bay.

From this small beginning, the “Walvisfees”

was born, a true family festival, now in its

fourth year.

| 81

It’s a truly fun occasion, with artists

from as far afield as South Africa,

entertaining visitors with comedy

performances, story-telling and wonderful

music. Food and drinks, of course, are

heroes of the festival – from sushi to

oysters - and there’s a wide array of

delectable choices.

The Walvis Bay business sector is

also included, and Sea Works - one of

the major sponsors - donated most of

the seafood. They sponsor the Big Fish

Braai Competition, an opportunity for

fish fundis to show off their talents.

Every year a different fish is chosen,

and snoek, galjoen and kabeljou are

cooked on the open fire...with an

entire day spent on cooking, decorating

and designing a meal to win the eye of

the judges.

This year, the Walvis Bay Coastal

Cycling Club team up with Etosha Fishing

for the 42 kilometre multi-discipline

cycling event from Swakopmund to

Walvis Bay - the Lucky Star Marathon &

Cycle Tour. For the first time in Namibia

there will be an official Fat Bike race, on a

very unique route of 21kms in the desert

and on ride-able dunes.

The Walvisfees is under the wing of the

Walvis Bay NG Moedergemeente, and is a

charitable event, benefiting those in need

in the community.

Come and enjoy this magnificent day...

food, drinks, sports, entertainment...it’s

great fun!

82 |

Conferencing: Our state of the art conference facility features the very latesttechnology and equipment, with surround sound, seating and lighting to complement

your corporate image and colours.

Accommodation: Atlantic Villa offers five main facets, namely the Luxury Suites, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms and Self Catering units.

Atlantic villa offers the most upmarket and comprehensive accommodation and conferencing facilities at the Coast!

Plover Street, Vogelstrand, Swakopmund u PO Box 522, Swakopmund, Namibia www.atlantic-villa.com u [email protected]

Tel: +264 64 463511 u Fax: +264 64 463510

| 83

1st namibian solar powered companysupporting rhino conservation natural mountain minerals

Rhino Facts: In the late 1970s aggressive poaching took the Namibian Black Rhino to the brink of extinction. Thousands of rhino were slaughtered to satisfy the demand for fashion accessories and oriental medicines. By the early 1980s the population had plummeted from 65,000 to just 60. The ‘Rhino for Erongo’ project was established to reintroduce and conserve rhino in the Erongo region, reintrodu-cing Black Rhino into the area after the last of its kind was caught in 1974. For every bottle of OASIS sold a contribution is made to the ‘Rhino for Erongo’ project, helping to conserve and protect these beautiful creatures.

SWAKOPMUND Tel: (064) 400 318

WALVIS BAY Tel: (064) 271 400

OTJIWARONGO Tel: (067) 302 454

TSUMEB

Tel: (067) 221 161

OSHAKATI Tel: (065) 220 916

RUNDU

Tel: (066) 255 668

LÜDERITZ Tel: (063) 203 855

ROSH PINAH

Tel: (063) 274 853

WINDHOEK Tel: (061) 295 7000

KATUTURA

Tel: (061) 237 759

ANGOLA/LOBITO

Tel: +244 926 670 984

KEETMANSHOOPTel: (063) 227 800

HEAD OFFICE & WAREHOUSE 15 Newcastle Street

PO Box 726, Windhoek Tel: (+264 61) 295 6000

[email protected] www.cymot.comPROUDLY

NAMIBIAN

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

With a product range of over 25 000 articles,CYMOT is your one stop shop for any adventure!

With a wide variety of camping equipment ranging from tents, chairs and accessories, we have

everything you need for a comfortable outdoor experience.

Get into gear with our cycling department. With a range of bicycles, apparel and accessories, your

hardest decision will be deciding which trail to take on first.

With both surf and freshwater fishing equipment to choose from, CYMOT has everything you need for

that big catch.

With an extensive range of automotive parts, spares, accessories and tools, you can ensure a

safe journey.

The Greensport 4x4 range includes all products needed to equip your off-road vehicle with quality

accessories to tackle any Namibian terrain.

Protect yourself from the elements with a range of our high quality clothing. Whether it be earth,

air, fire or water, Jonsson clothing offers personal protection for any harsh environment.

Downloadthe CYMOT

Namibia app for product specials

| 79

FOR BOOKINGSOR ENQUIRIES

+264 (0) 61 213 231 (Namibia)+27 (0) 21 430 5300 (South Africa)

[email protected]

YEAR-ROUND NAMIBIAN HOSPITALITY.

PHDS 33178/15

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT!With our 9 hotels across Namibia, Protea Hotels Namibia offers you first-class accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities for any event on your calendar.

Whether it’s your end of year corporate function, Christmas and New Year holidays, luncheons or dinners, we guarantee tantalising cuisine, fabulous accommodation, excellent service, affordable events and superb facilities at our hotels.

Why would you go anywhere else?

PROTEA HOTEL PELICAN BAY WALVIS BAY

PROTEA HOTEL FÜRSTENHOF WINDHOEK

PROTEA HOTEL ZAMBEZI RIVERKATIMO MULILO

PROTEA HOTEL WALVIS BAYWALVIS BAY

64 |

The Windhoek Country Club Resort offers businessmen, conference delegates and

families a unique combination of exceptional service, and luxurious accommodation.

Your Namibian Gem

WindhoekCountry Club Resort

• 152 rooms & suites • 3km from Eros Airport • 2 restaurants & bars • 24 hour room service • Desert Jewel casino • 18-hole golf course

• Conferencing for up to 800 delegates • Outdoor swimming pool • Lazy river • Fully equipped fitness centre

Contact DetailsTel: +264 (0) 61 205 5109/5911

Fax: +264 (0) 61 205 [email protected]

The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre offers the perfect balance between charming, old world

tradition with the thrill and excitement of modern day entertainment, be it the Casino & Entertainment

Centre, dune boarding, quad biking, golf at the nearby desert course, the dolphins and the flamingos of Walvis

or a romantic banquet in the desert.

Where The Skeleton Coast Comes To Life

SWAKOPMUND HOTEL& ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

• 90 Rooms• 47km from Walvis Bay Airport• 2 Restaurants• 24 Hour Room Service• Mermaid Casino• Sightseeing Tours & Excursions

• Conferencing for up to 480 delegates• Outdoor Swimming Pool• Fully Equipped Gym• Hair Salon & Spa• 2 Cinemas

Contact DetailsTel: +264 (0) 64 410 5200Fax: +264 (0) 64 410 5360

[email protected]

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Flamingo In-Flight Mag ad Swakopmund_PRINT.pdf 1 2014/12/05 9:38 AM

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RememberedThe Elephant WhispererTravel writer Roy Watts recalls memorable exploits with his friend Lawrence Anthony – the elephant whisperer - who passed away in 2012.

What can you say about a man who

went bouncing through Iraq’s

war zones in a hired Toyota en route

to saving the Baghdad Zoo, negotiated

with the generals of the infamous Lord’s

Resistance Army in the Congo in trying to

save the last few rhinos of a near extinct

subspecies, and who had a long-standing

love affair with Nana, a one tusked

matriarch at Thula Thula, his game lodge

in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Lawrence Anthony was imbued with

a charming naivety that somehow did

not see anything unusual in any of

these escapades. I was lucky enough

to be with him three times when he

interacted with the herd. On the last

occasion, I noticed that Nana, instantly

recognisable for her missing tusk, was

not there. When asked about this, he

told me to wait, and we moved one

hundred metres down the road where

we found her waiting for him under a

tree. Just like all women, she did not

want to share him with the herd. It

must be remembered, that these were

former elephant delinquents that were

going to be put down because they

were considered incorrigible. The fact

that he managed to tame them by

constantly talking to them whilst they

were corralled within an electrified

boma is a modern eco-miracle. It

was his relationship with Nana that

added a breathtaking dimension to

this incredible tale. She was really

possessive and protective of him and in

one instance, diverted a charge made

by a young bull that did not understand

the rules.

The other great woman in his life,

Francoise, the charming French lady

he met during a rainy taxi dispute

in London, was his supportive

partner throughout the genesis and

development of Thula Thula. She ran

the whole game reserve and was a

major factor in its success, introducing

such innovations as bush weddings

and conferences. Returning from one of

his exhausting rhino-saving missions

in the Congo, Lawrence was told to

get ready for a matrimonial event

down at the lodge. On arrival, he

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discovered what he believed to be a

bush wedding was actually an ambush

one. Francoise, who had been his

partner for decades, had decided that

it was time to tie the knot, and he thus

became a dutiful husband.

He went on to become a bestselling

author when he co-wrote a series of

books about his amazing exploits.

He published Babylon’s Ark about

his incredible wartime rescue of the

Bagdad Zoo in 2007. The Elephant

Whisperer followed in 2009 and

went on to become a global best

seller, which was translated into four

languages. The Last Rhinos came out

shortly before his death in March

2012. Lawrence Anthony is sorely

missed, particularly if you happen to

be a rhinoceros.

Although he has passed on his

legacy of animal conservation and

passion for the wilderness lives on in

Thula Thula. It is still run by Francoise

his very capable widow, who has added

a rhinoceros orphanage, caring for

calves abandoned in the cruel wake

of the vicious poachers that are such

a curse in our country. There are also

two huge adult rhinos that often loiter

around the lodge under the protection

of armed guards.

Thula Thula is the Eden of Kwa-Zulu

Natal and has a really attractive lodge

with excellent cuisine under the baton of

Francoise’s French culinary flair. There is

also a more basic tented camp offering

the more traditional kind of fare that you

would normally enjoy at a braai.

I can’t think of a better place to get

married or to attend a conference. Being

only two hours by road from King

Shaka Airport is there a better place

for a weekend escape? And Oh! The

herd has now grown to twenty-eight

enthusiastic Jumbos!

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The Elephant Whisperer (as published in 2004)Lawrence Anthony, a latter day Dr. Doolittle, talked to the animals.

This is a tale about love across

the species line. It started when

Lawrence Anthony, a passionate

conservationist, jumped off the

commercial hamster wheel to develop

Thula Thula, a most attractive game lodge

near The Umfolozi Reserve, situated a

mere two hour’s drive north of Durban.

It was built on a giant lawn and has an

ambience spawned by his perfectionism

and the French flair of his charming

partner Franćoise.

Roaming around the hills and valleys

of a pristine wilderness are impala,

kudu, nyala, zebra, giraffe, rhino,

warthog, hyenas and the love interest

of this tale, Nana, matriarch to a band

of reformed elephant delinquents.

After watching a savage Carte Blanche

documentary on the brutal taming of

the Tuli elephants, Lawrence made an

unsuccessful attempt to acquire some

of these unfortunate animals. They had

already been placed in various game

reserves. The Elephant Manager and

Owners Association learnt of his need

and came to light with a herd of seven

jumbos from Mpumalanga. They were

darted, loaded on to trucks, sedated and

sent on a nine-hour road trip. On arrival

at Thula Thula, they were corralled

into an electrically fenced boma to be

acclimatised prior to release. This didn’t

suit them at all, and by 5am the next day,

they had flattened the boundary fence

with a huge Tamboti tree and started the

long walk to the freedom of the North.

A frantic search ensued; lead by the

attractive blonde Franćoise asking all

and sundry in her deep French accent

whether they had seen a herd of seven

elephants go by. In an area that hadn’t

seen a jumbo for at least a century, this

must have seemed slightly south of

surreal, to say the least. A helicopter

joined the search, located the animals,

and in a skilful piece of flying the pilot

managed to herd them back to within

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twenty metres of Thula Thula. However,

night was falling and the wily Nana

retreated into thick bush, and under

the cover of darkness they managed

to reach and break into the Umfolozi

Game Reserve. Here the truants really

let rip. They broke into an anti poaching

unit cabin, scattering bedding, clothes,

and rations all around the countryside.

If that was not enough, in a stunt akin

to schoolboys debagging a headmaster,

they then charged and traumatised the

Senior Manager of Umfolozi.

At this point, Kwa-Zulu Natal Wildlife

stepped in with a check into the

history of the animals, coming to the

conclusion that they were incorrigible,

and that permission should never

have been given to re-locate them to

Thula Thula in the first place. Their

immediate inclination was to shoot

Nana and the adults, then return the

rest of the herd to the wild. Lawrence

Anthony meanwhile was offered R100,000

for the herd by a Chinese Zoo Agent,

who then mounted an assault on his

initial reluctance by gradually upping

the bid to R300, 000. Jumboed out as

he was after their high-jinks, it is a

tribute to his resolve that he managed

to walk away from this offer to throw

himself at the feet of the Kwa-Zulu

Natal Wildlife in a plea for a second

chance. Reluctantly they relented and

under the threat of a death sentence for

a repeat performance, they were darted

and returned to the Thula Thula Boma,

now wisely bereft of Tamboti trees.

Dawn broke, and with it a hung-over

and seriously ticked off herd of elephants

put on a full display of their restlessness.

Mindful of the extermination threat,

Lawrence decided that he was going

to stay close to them for as long as

it took to gain acceptance. For the

next two weeks, twenty four hours a

day, he lived at the boma, constantly

patrolling the perimeter talking and

singing whilst the herd stomped

around mad as hell, flapping their ears,

trumpeting and showing all the signs

of great elephantine displeasure. After

a fortnight of chatting and crooning,

and close to being classified as a

hoarse-whisperer, he decided to take a

coffee break up at the house. When he

left the air was thick with malice and

resentment, but on his return a palpable

calm had taken its place. Cautiously he

approached the fence, and stood face to

face with Nana the matriarch. In a scene

that could have been culled from ‘The

Taming of the Shrew’, she tenderly put

her trunk through the electrified wires

and started gently touching him. At this

point Lawrence decided that it was now

or never and he released the herd into

the Thula Thula reserve.

On their release, their calm demeanour

remained, and Lawrence followed them

from a distance of fifty to one hundred

metres in his double cab bakkie to get

them accustomed to his car. Their first

sortie followed the perimeter fence,

which they tested every few meters by

placing their trunks just below the middle

strand to sense the electrical field. They

soon gave up on this, and settled into a

normal routine.

Two weeks later, Lawrence was woken

up at 2am to find the herd serenely

munching the thatch outside his house.

He continued talking to them, and he

realised that he was in a relationship

with Nana as she proceeded to touch

him through the open door. This ritual

continued for several nights, as he and

his roof continued to host them between

2 and 5am each morning. The biggest

surprise of all was to come several weeks

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later, when Nana returned to introduce

him to two new members of the herd.

It turned out that she and Frankie,

another female, had been pregnant

throughout the whole induction saga.

At a time when most elephants would

be protective and temperamental, she

had chosen to present the two babies

to him.

The bond between Lawrence, Nana

and the herd continued to increase. They

got to recognise the sound of his car, and

when he stopped anywhere near them, he

was quickly surrounded by unbounded

enthusiasm. We’re not talking Corps de

Ballet here, and this fervour has already

cost him several dents, and a couple of

broken windows. His popularity is such

that he was now able to walk freely

amongst them. This all lead to the most

amazing development of all, his ability to

summons them with a lengthy yell, just as

Tarzan did in all those old-time movies.

In a recent visit to Thula Thula,

I was able to witness this extraordinary

phenomenon first hand. We stopped

on an open plain when we saw the

herd some distance away. Lawrence

gave his clarion call and started a mini-

stampede. In seconds, we were in a grey

forest of legs, trunks, flapping ears and

missionary zeal. This was truly one of

my most memorable experiences. It must

be remembered at all times, that these

are still wild animals, and visitors to the

lodge will see them in much the same

way as tourists do on game drives in

similar reserves around the country. This

was due to the fact that Lawrence had

gone to great lengths to keep his unique

relationship with the herd separate from

mainstream Thula Thula activity.

With peace and tranquillity returned

to his beautiful resort, Lawrence

Anthony’s next exploit was to save the

Baghdad Zoo at the height of the Iraq

war. For this, he was presented with

The Earth Day Medal and Award in a

ceremony at the United Nations – a latter

day Lawrence of Arabia so to speak. He

was currently then writing Babylon’s

Ark, a book about this extraordinary

adventure there.

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YourAfricanjourney

D A A N V I L J O E NN A M I B I A

Sun Karros Daan Viljoen is a stylish yet relaxed lodge a mere 20km from Windhoek. Located inside the Daan Viljoen Game Park a perfect start or end destination for your safari.

We offer overnight options to all nature enthusiasts be it on a comfortable camp site for the outdoor adventurer or in a modern stylish chalet for the nature lover enjoying the fine comforts in life.

A visit to the Daan Viljoen Game Park is a must when passing through Windhoek. Day visitors welcome to visit our Boma Restaurant.

www.sunkarros.com

Call: +264 61 232393 Email: [email protected]

Follow us: Facebook “sunkarros” |

@

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l Cameras and photographic equipmentl Data cards and batteriesl Binoculars and tripodsl Film and accessories

t: +264 61 231116 e: [email protected] Centre, Ground Floor Shop 20Independence AvenueWindhoek, Namibia

Nitzsche-ReiterSince 1934

www.nitrei.iway.na

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YOUR FIRST CHOICE IN HEARING HEALTHCARE

When it comes to your hearing there is simply no room for compromise, which is why the Ear Institute offers the complete solution.

Hearing tests and device-fitting for adults and children

hearing aids

Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists*

Balance testing*

Hearing protection

We also cater for international guests by arranging your flights and transfers.

CONTACT THE EAR INSTITUTE: The one-stop for all your hearing solutions.

EAR INSTITUTES and partners are situated throughout South Africa, Namibia and Ghana.

Call +27 (0)12 333-3130 or visit www.earinstitute.co.za *selected branches

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Hasselt Optics, Windhoek t: +264 61 377800 f: +264 61 377801e: [email protected]

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Panarottis WindhoekMaerua Mall, Centaurus Road. Tel: 061 248 533

Buy any Standard Size Pizza or Pasta and get one FREE!Ts & Cs apply. Only pay for the more expensive item. No takeaways. Cannot be used in conjunction

with any other promotion. VAT incl.

Adults - N$74.90 Kids 12 years and younger - N$44.90 Per person.Ts & Cs apply. No takeaways. No doggy bags. No sharing.

Ts & Cs apply. Only valid for kids 12 years and younger. Two kids per adult ordering a Main Meal. No takeaways. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Excludes Breakfast and Subs.

6927P

Panarottis Windhoek

TuesdaysBuy one,

get one FREE!get one FREE!

Available all day.

Thursdays

Served by the slice, from 5pm.

Eat as much Pizza

as you like.

Sundays

Kids Eat FREE!

Available all day.

Your choice of any Pizza

or Pasta from the Kids’ Menu.

6927P ad 105 x 297WDFA.indd 1 2015/03/13 1:42 PM

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Namibia the land God made in anger

Some call it the land God made in anger! In doing so He created a tortured landscape that is quite breathtaking in its scope and diversity. It is a vast and spectacular moonscape of scrub, rocky plains, desert wasteland, shifting sands, golden savannas, giant dunes, craggy peaks, yawning canyons and more scrub - a place of haunting beauty and enchantment.

It is also a sprawling country of some 824,269 square kilometers. So to enjoy its magnificent and far flung geological attractions, you would need the spirit of a Voortrekker and a healthy off-road 4x4 capacity. Or maybe not!

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By: Roy Watts

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Enter Wilderness Air, charter arm

of celebrated Wilderness Safaris

- Southern Africa’s Safari travel experts who

run a string of exquisite camps throughout

Namibia and in most of the Sub Continent’s

countries. The workhorses of their fleet are

three Cessna Grand Caravans that can

comfortably carry twelve passengers,

while working a flexible daily route

between areas where they have several

lodges. As backup, they also have

ten smaller planes and a couple of

twin-engine craft to cater for small parties.

So, getting to far flung destinations becomes

a pleasure, and as an added bonus, they

cruise at a speed and altitude from which

one can fully appreciate the wonders below

– and Namibia is one country that is most

dramatic when viewed from the air.

In a process stretching back millions

of years, Old Man Orange River has been

sweeping vast quantities of sand into the

Atlantic Ocean, where the Benguela Current

carries it northwards and duly dumps it back

along the lengthy Namibian coastline. The

wind then kicks in and in a relay, blowing

sand from one dune on to the next, sets

in motion the ongoing and ever changing

abstract work of art that is the Namib Desert.

Subtle symmetry is accentuated by

dramatic shadows and hues that deepen

from orange to a crimson glow at sunrise

and sunset.

The intensity of colour is the result of

unusually high concentrations of iron

oxide, and the shades at any given moment

are determined by the angle of refraction

from the sun’s rays. Nowhere is this sea

of red sand more spectacular than in

Sossusvlei, in the Namib Naukluft Park -

the largest conservation area in Namibia.

It is here, that Wilderness Safaris manages

the Kulala Wilderness, a 40,000-hectare

tract of land within sight of the celebrated

dunes. Within its boundaries, wildlife

in the form of ostriches, springbok, and

gemsbok flourish, along with predators

such as brown hyenas, Cape and bat-eared

foxes, jackals and even the odd cheetah.

In this reserve, they have developed two

outstanding lodges - Kulala Desert Lodge,

and the star of the show - Little Kulala -

where I was privileged to spend a couple

of nights.

Little Kulala is where innovative design

meets superb whimsy. There are eleven

climate controlled thatched villas all

beautifully decorated in synch with

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the magnificent panorama. Each has

a private patio with bleached decks, a

dipping pool and beach loungers, while

the interiors are tastefully finished in

neutral colours and harmonious textures.

Most fascinating of all, are the

long-dead Kameeldoring trees that

surround the property, a few of which

have actually been used as supporting

columns propping up the thatched roof

of the entertainment centre – A Salvador

Dalian touch minus the melting watches.

Apart from game drives, there are

plenty of stimulating activities. There are

few sights more beautiful than the desert

at dawn, and there is simply no better

vantage point to appreciate it than from

the hot air balloon that drifts skywards

every morning at daybreak. Floating

serenely above the earth in sepulchral

silence, there are no words that convey

the sense of wonder and tranquility

induced by the passing vista below.

Then there is a fascinating drive to Dood

Vlei or Dead Pan. Some 500 years ago,

the Tsauchab River’s course running

through the area was blocked by sand

dunes, drying it out forever, and causing

the death of the Kameeldoring trees

existing at the time. Burned black by

the sun and preserved by a complete

absence of the moisture necessary for

decomposition, they form a striking

contrast to the white solar-bleached

clay. The result is a surreal and dramatic

tableau, with the skeletons from bygone

centuries pointing upwards towards

the sky.

Lodge guides frequently take guests

on a fascinating kilometer-long walk

through the Sesriem Canyon, where

the Tsauchab River cut its way through

the sandstone beds a couple of million

years ago.

A thrilling quad bike ride along a

challenging nature trail is available for

those looking for a different wilderness

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Halfway between Windhoek & Etosha

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experience. After a hyperactive couple of

days, I found myself on board a Cessna

Caravan heading for the next destination

- Damaraland. This was where the true

value of the Wilderness Air transfers

really kicked in, as we cruised over

the majestic Sossusvlei red sand ocean.

There is simply no other way with which

to get a more thrilling perspective of this

natural wonder.

Like all of the Wilderness areas,

Damaraland has a selection of

accommodation options to suit a wide

range of expectations and prices. Perched

atop a craggy outcrop in the floodplain

of a Huab River tributary is the ruggedly

beautiful Doro Nawas Camp. Chalets

constructed of natural stone exude a

singular charm - thanks to the tasteful

combination of wood, canvas and other

indigenous elements. Generous sliding

glass doors look out on panoramic

views of the vast bush veld plains and

savannah. The Etendeka Mountains in

the north and the red sandstone cliffs of

Twyfelfontein in the south framed these.

It was towards the latter we set forth

early the next day to see the largest

rock art site in Namibia, featuring

thousands of paintings thought to be

approximately 2,000 years old, along

with engravings made 4,000 years BC.

This strikingly preserved site has been

awarded World Heritage status. On the

return trip we visited the Damara Living

Museum, where we experienced life in

a tribal village. In an absorbing hour

we enjoyed the various facets of early

ethnic existence, culminating in a lively

African dance accompanied by the rich

harmonies for which the continent

is famous.

Doro Nawas is an excellent place

from which to see reclusive desert

elephants, along with the alternative

Damaraland and Desert Rhino Camps.

The latter offers the opportunity of

seeing one of the largest free ranging

populations of desert-adapted rhinos

in Africa.

My final destination was Ongava

Lodge, a mere sixteen kilometers from

the internationally famous Etosha

National Park. Built on a commanding

hill overlooking a popular waterhole,

are fourteen rock and thatched

chalets, all blending artistically with

the surrounding bush. There is also a

beautiful open sided central lounge and

restaurant from which visitors enjoy

Al Fresco meals while watching an

endless procession of game. Like all the

Wilderness camps, there is a sparkling

pool tucked away a few steps further

down. Every day there is a morning

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game drive through the open plains of

neighboring Etosha, and a late afternoon

one through the denser vegetation of

the surrounding Ongava Reserve.

There was one more surprise in store

before a reluctant return to the bustle

of civilization – a night spent in Little

Ongava, a Wilderness Premier Camp that

is a brisk walk along a rustic walkway

further up the hill. I have long since

discovered that rustic walkways and

rickety wooden bridges always lead to

places of great enchantment, and this

was no exception. Here there were

three spacious chalets each with their

own sitting room, plunge pool, sala and

outdoor shower.

Unlike the avant-garde architecture

experienced at Little Kulala, these suites were

designed around a more traditional theme,

blending with the surrounding dolomite

boulders. The interiors were dominated

by African motifs, along with beautiful

hardwood fittings, and reddish coloured

stromolite rocks used in the construction of

many walls. Further down the walkway was

an atmospheric lounge and dining area with

a patio looking directly onto the waterhole

below. Guests share a dedicated guide

and vehicle, thus ensuring the very

best wildlife experience.

Ongava Lodge, Little Ongava, and nearby

Ongava Tented Camp all give visitors the

opportunity of enjoying the many benefits

of the Wilderness Safaris experience,

with daily access to the celebrated Etosha

National Park.

Namibia is the second most sparsely

populated country in the world, after

Mongolia. An average sprinkling of 2.6

inhabitants per square kilometer creates

vistas of spectacular isolation, while

gazing out at the divergent panoramas

of Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and in fact

the whole of this breathtaking country.

Link this to the warm cloudless days that

average twenty two degrees in winter, the

convenient access afforded by Wilderness

Air, regular flights to South African

destinations by Air Namibia, and you

have the perfect escape from Jack Frost.

Air Namibia: www.airnamibia.comWilderness Safaris: http://www.wilderness-safaris.comNamibia Tourism Board: www.namibiatourism.com.na

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SWAKOPMUND RETIREMENT VILLAGE: ESTATE, THE HAVEN APARTMENTS AND FRAIL CARE UNITS

The decision to retireis never easy. This is why we invite you to our caring Swakopmund Retirement Village Estate and the Haven Apartments and Frail Care Unit community. Whether you’re trading wide-open spaces for wide-open beaches or a family home in the city for a little place in the sun, with an option of free-standing houses, apartments and a full frail care unit, take all the time in the world to enjoy your retirement, safe in the knowledge that everything else is taken care of.

For more information about this exciting new development visit our website:

www.faanberghwinckler.com or simply contact Daniela Vorster on: +264 (81) 484 8133 or [email protected] or one of our approved agents.

www.faanberghwinckler.com

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SWAKOPMUND RETIREMENT VILLAGEESTATE (FREE-STANDING, FULL TITLE HOUSES)

SWAKOPMUND RETIREMENT VILLAGEHAVEN APARTMENTS, ASSISTED LIVINGAND FRAIL CARE UNITS

Welcome to the most exclusive retirement village in Namibia. This luxury development is situated in Swakopmund Extension 16, Mile 4, allowing you peace and quiet in tranquil surroundings where the ocean, pristine beaches and various shopping and lifestyle centres are always near at hand.

When you retire, you might not want a freestanding house. Maybe you’re travelling and want a lock-up-and-go option, want a smaller space to relax in or may be in need of 24-hour assistance. The luxury Haven Apartment Units, Assisted Living Units and Frail Care Units are the perfect alter-native within the Swakopmund Retirement Village.

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ONE BEDROOM

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BACHELORS

― 69 m² ― Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom ― Open Plan Kitchen with Dining & Lounge― Built-in Cupboards― Balcony― 24 Hour Assistance

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SWAKOPMUNDRETIREMENTVILLAGE ESTATE, THE HAVENAPARTMENTS AND FRAIL CARE UNITS SERVICESAND LIFESTYLE BENEFITS

LIFESTYLE BENEFITS― Club House― Dining Area ― 24-hour Security Access Control― Lifts and Wheelchair Access ⁕― Shopping Excursions― Estate Agent Office― Kitchen Facilities ― Post Boxes― Ample Parking― Landscaped gardens and well maintained common property― Home Owners Association― Body Corporate― Internet availability

SERVICES AVAILABLE― Basic Care Services― Home-based Care Services― 24-hour Care Centre Response― Assisted Living Services ⁕― Medical Administration― Frail Care Facility― Hairdresser/Stylist― Cleaning and Laundry― Home Cooked Meals ― Dining Area ― Direct Emergency Line/Communications― Courtesy Bus

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“Your haven away from home.”

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The hotel and restaurant benchmark in SwakopmundIt’s been called the most ambitious hotel project in the history of Namibia. It’s also been called a non-hotel hotel. If anybody could do it, O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges could...but the best judge, of course, will be you. A Hotel with five restaurants and bars, which was not simply being built, but sculptured.

The shiny, new, built-to-international

four-star standards Strand Hotel

Swakopmund has pioneered a number

of hospitality firsts in Namibia, and with

a price tag of N$350m, it’s also by far the

most costly hotel project in the country’s

history. This contemporary 21st century

hotel is idyllically set on the original site of

the old Strand Hotel – demolished in 2008

– and it’s brought back many great reasons

for tourists (but also international and

South African Incentive Groups) to head

to the Swakopmund Coast and Mole. The

legendary Mole - reclaimed land surrounded

by the Atlantic Ocean - was once the social

hub of the town, and when the doors open

on this sensational hotel with its many

extraordinary attributes, there’s little doubt

this historic strip will once again be the

beating heart of the coast of Namibia.

The seed for a new Strand Hotel was

planted some time ago, but for many

logistical reasons, faltered repeatedly.

When Sven Thieme and Bruce Hutchison

at O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges took the

decision to create this iconic hotel, they

called Dick van Straaten of Mirage Leisure

& Development, the first member of the

Strand Hotel Swakopmund’s team. Van

Straaten is the director of Mirage Leisure &

Development based in Johannesburg, South

Africa, and is the company with perhaps

the most central role in the design and

construction of the hotel. Mirage Leisure

& Development is a consultancy firm that

manages the entire development process,

from the initial idea and concept through

to the feasibility phase, detailed design and

construction, ultimately handing over the

hotel as a turnkey solution to O&L Leisure

Hotels & Lodges in Namibia for operations.

Mirage Leisure & Development have built

some 100 Hotels in Africa and the Middle

East, from the Royal Mirage in Dubai via

the Le Saint Gerain in Mauritius, as well as

the Palace of the Lost City in South Africa.

They also worked with Giorgio Armani on

his hotels.

The design process was a major

challenge, every effort directed towards

avoiding the sense of a giant, monolithic

edifice lying on top of the Mole. Not being

able to build higher than 13 meters or

two stories, the designers had to go wider,

rather than taller, hence the three-section

lightweight design. They wanted to create

something beautiful, meshing perfectly with

the Swakopmund architecture and history,

but simultaneously, modern, inviting and

inspiring. Being such an important hub at

| 109

the Namibian coast, the designers wanted

the accommodation, facilities, services

and food & beverage outlets to achieve

the perfect balance between world class

and authentically local, offering a genuine

“sense of place” experience. The final

design resembles a city block rather than

one building, and from the Mole, it appears

like a string of restaurants – rather like

being on a high street promenade.

Thomas Müller, the Group’s General

Manager Marketing and IT, says, “This

hotel is a massive project - one which

has never been done with this level of

detail in Namibia before. One of our most

important objectives was to be respectful

and sensitive to the legacy of the old

Strand Hotel and the Swakopmund Mole,

and to include all Swakopmunders and

Namibians in the experience”.

The hotel houses 125 rooms, with no

fewer than five food and beverage outlets,

under the watchful eye of Executive Chef

Dallas Orr. There truly is something for

everyone here. Not only a range of food and

beverage outlets with individual identities,

but also a complete, state of the art indoor-

outdoor rooftop spa. The Ocean Cellar, the

Brewer & Butcher, the Farmhouse Deli and

the Café Mole are all designed to attract

the public - it has been one of the Strand

Hotel Swakopmund’s primary objectives to

include all Swakopmunders and visitors to

Swakopmund instead of staying elsewhere.

Then there’s the unique Welwitschia

Lounge, unique, as is its namesake, the

beautiful, yet secluded Welwitschia plant.

It’s a cozy little nook designed for both

hotel guests and locals intimate enough

with the hotel to know all about this best-

kept secret. As signage and branding expert

Alexis Visser, explains, “You will find on

the menu evidence of an explorer, perhaps

from the 19th century, who was studying

the Welwitschia”. This is the theme of the

Welwitschia Lounge. The Welwitschia plant

- unique to this part of the world - grows

only two leaves and lives for thousands of

years. But in contrast to the Welwitschia

plant which stands for centuries in the

harsh, hot dry Namib Desert, here you

can enjoy the view of the ocean, the

sea air and your favourite beverage,

comfortable in your lounge chair in front

of the fireplace or on the terrace. This little

nook is located just off the lobby, serving

cocktails, drinks, teas and coffees as well

as light hot and cold snacks, sandwiches,

salads and a variety of cakes and pastries.

This will be a place where locals will come

to hide away by the fire with their friends

over a cup of Slowtown coffee, cake or

a wide selection of DILMAH gourmet

teas specially imported from Ceylon.

Open from early morning until night, the

Welwitschia Lounge offers a sanctuary near

the sea, where you can stop for a breather

110 |

before or after your travels and activities

to, from, in and around the bustling town

of Swakopmund.

The Brewer & Butcher is a first rate

restaurant specialising in beef and game.

It promises to be a rich blend of Namibian

and German culture with an authentic

German beer garden and a huge sea-facing

terrace and lounge, housing Namibia’s first

micro-brewery, the Swakopmund Brewing

Company which will brew three different

beers right there on site. Hearkening

back to Namibia’s roots as a German

colony, the Brewer & Butcher’s interior

is part industrial and part contemporary

German interior design. The exquisite

German-imported brass and steel brewing

machinery - manufactured by Kaspar &

Schultz - will be pumping away in this

spacious, open plan restaurant while

Executive Chef Dallas Orr brings his world-

wide experience to bear on the restaurant

- genuine Namibian animal proteins into

German, Namibian and other amazing

worldly recipes. Nearly all cuts will be free

range, authentic Namibian beef and game.

The Farmhouse Deli is the hotel’s largest

restaurant, open all day for breakfast, lunch,

dinner and snacks 365 days a year. There

is also a private dining room for intimate

functions of up to about ten people where

you can enjoy your very own “Private

Chef’s Dinner,” served in a replica of an

old Farm Kitchen. The Farmhouse Deli is a

retail delicatessen, a bistro style restaurant,

a coffee shop, and a bakery, open to guests

of the hotel, Swakopmunders and visitors

to Swakopmund staying elsewhere.

As the new Strand Hotel rises from

the old, so will the tradition of ice cream

at the Mole. The Cafe Mole ice cream

shop at the corner of the Strand Hotel

Swakopmund will be equipped with the

most modern equipment and techniques,

while still transporting you back in time

to a 1950’s-style American diner offering

ice cream, and also a myriad of other

choices from burgers to salads to cotton

candy, French fries and much more! The

Café Mole is a soda fountain and beach

take away with seating directly opposite

in the private Cafe Mole Pavilion

overlooking the beach with stunning

views of the Mole and the Atlantic Ocean.

It will be a new, modern shop in place

of an old historic landmark signifying

peace, family, sun, fun and great food!

There are some who say – with good,

scientific reason - that food tastes better

near the sea. The Ocean Cellar on the

Mole - a few metres from the water’s edge

- serves all manner of seafood, from fish

| 111

to oysters to sushi in a contemporary,

entertaining, layered restaurant design

focused on a show kitchen where you

can watch the chefs work their magic.

The whole family is welcome here, and

you can still come in your swim trunks,

but the menu and venue are set to offer a

peaceful, quiet experience more focused

on food and wine than on excitement

and adventure. It is about excellent

seafood, including Walvis Bay oysters,

sushi, sashimi and fish choices you won’t

find elsewhere in Namibia, and every

dish from the comprehensive menu will

have any number of good choices of

accompanying wine from the extensive

South African wine cellar.

And then there’s the Spa. It always

was - and still is - the stated mission of

O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges to create

Namibia’s most loved hotels. The Strand

Hotel Swakopmund is the epitome of

that goal, and Sven Thieme and Bruce

Hutchison chose the best possible team

from around the globe to put all of the

pieces together - they chose Emmy Stoltz

of SPAFusion to design the Atlantic Spa,a

spa unlike any Namibia has ever seen.

It was a massive undertaking, with

treatment centres inside the building and

outside on the first story rooftop garden.

The Atlantic Spa worked with the Kristall

Gallery to develop beautiful organic

stone-themed steam rooms. There are two

individual treatment rooms, a couple’s

suite, a relaxation room, an outdoor suite

with fireplace, rain showers, a therapy

bed filled with sea salt where you can

enjoy the salt treatment on its own or

enjoy a massage or facial treatment at the

same time. There will also be an outdoor

reflexology path with stones of various

sizes to offer a walking foot massage on

the rooftop terrace.

The product range and treatments

include aloes and indigenous plants from

the desert with incredible therapeutic

benefits, and treatments with sea salts

rich in minerals. They are incorporating

the desert, sea and town into every aspect

of the spa, including a premier German

range, an African spa range, as well as

developing a BABOR signature range,

which will incorporate the richness of

the Namibian land and sea.

The luxuriant Atlantic Spa will

combine both ancient and contemporary

techniques to bring balance and harmony

to guests. Emmy was not just trying to

build a hotel spa. She and the Strand

Hotel Swakopmund team aimed to create

an attraction that will bring hotel guests

for treatments, but also Swakopmunders,

Namibians and visitors to Swakopmund

staying elsewhere. The spa is a world-

class product that is an attraction in itself,

one that remains in harmony with the

“gemütlich” Swakopmund atmosphere,

its German roots and African heritage.

Gemütlich is a lovely German word,

which, roughly translated, means

‘comfortable and pleasant’. But it’s

more than that – a word that can’t

easily be translated into English. It is

warm, welcoming, enveloping, relaxed

and puts you at ease. It is the opposite

of the grandiosity, opulence and the

overwhelming size of a traditional four-

star hotel. Rather, it is that feeling you

get when walking into a new place and

it instantly feels like home. ‘Gemütlich’ is

the essence of Swakopmund, the essence

of the Mole... and at the core of the new

Strand Hotel Swakopmund. International,

contemporary and exciting, but with

the heart-warming sense of welcome

you feel when you’re just where you

want to be.

Welcome to the Strand Hotel Swakopmund.

| 113

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118 |

Drones & the Druids who fly them

Apart from the height at which they

fly - and ... Oh - and the wee price

tag difference, the sudden explosion of

drones and satellites into our everyday

lives have - impacted us more than what

was initially thought.

Satellites have been around for

a while, but only recently are their

application and irreversible impact

on our lives becoming more and

more evident. Out of sight, out of

mind is suddenly not as comforting

anymore. The Earth is remotely sensed

by hundreds of satellites - some are

government owned - many in military

applications - and scores are privately

owned. The plethora of information

that is sensed, recorded, enhanced

and sold (and given away for free)

onwards to buyers and users, is simply

astonishing. Our telecommunications,

e-mail, banking, movement can be

monitored with impunity. Our natural

resources, agriculture, marine resources,

weather patterns are monitored and

recorded - and the information is made

By: Don Shimoda

118 |

| 119

available to scores more parties than we

sometimes realise.

On a similar topic - a new generation of

drones have very rapidly filled the vacuum

that was sitting between the military

versions that seems intent on spoiling

someone’s day in rather spectacular

fashion, and the flimsy toys with a 50

feet radius of flight, and a battery life of

20 minutes.

Suddenly, drones with superb real

time, high resolution cameras, infra red

imaging capabilities, and endurance

reaching hours on end, have literally

appeared overnight. Furthermore, the new

generation drones are GPS enabled, and

can fly distances of up to 80 kilometres

from their base station - the beyond

line-of-sight models, and in the dead of

night too.

What started on two very opposite

ends of the spectrum - the military

version drones on one end, and the toys

on the other, have suddenly opened a

Pandora’s box of opportunities - and

concerns. Initially, the concerns from a

practical and legal point of view, were

not too complex in the realm of drone

technology. The military ones operated in

military scenarios, and was governed by

existing military laws, and the flimsy toy

ones’ main mission was not to give the cat

a bad hair day, - or fly into a wall.

Then came the avalanche of drone

technology that filled the massive

vacuum in the middle. As their size,

endurance and applications changed

with warp speed, existing laws and

regulations could simply not keep up.

Metaphorically speaking - drones in

their application and reach underwent

a similar metamorphosis as cell phones.

From a wireless talking apparatus with

no less than four ringtones, ... yes

folks!!! FOUR!!! - to a device with more

applications and features than your fairly

| 119

120 |

new laptop - drones have gone the same

route. Just much, much quicker.

Suddenly drones’ whisper quiet stealth

capabilities, GPS enabled autopilot systems,

night flying - and real time recording

capabilities, auto land systems and

phenomenal endurance way beyond line

of sight have become almost instant reality.

Better even - suddenly they are freely

available in the open market in a price

range between N$(R)5,000 - N$(R)350,000+

- depending on just how serious the urge to

revisit a spoilt childhood is!

As with everything out there, none of

the above is intrinsically either good or

| 121

bad. Is money the root of all evil? Depends

who you ask. Do guns kill people?

Typically not - that’s traditionally the job

of the operator, right? So - in similar vein -

are drones the miracle cure, or the evil of

our time? Same argument. The underlying

influencer here lies in the answer to the

question - what are they used for?

On the negative side, there is the

obvious privacy concerns. Drones can

carry cameras that can record in very high

resolution. That is just fine if a farmer

wants to check on fences and stock

movement - less so when the farmer’s 16

year old son employs the same model to

gain a better understanding of biology and

anatomy from a nearby pool party. As all

electronic cameras’ images are recorded

remotely, the captured images can be made

freely available on the net nanno-seconds

later. One can see the concern. Only the

exhibitionists are relaxed at this stage!

Then there is the other great concern of

drones being operated where real aircraft

belong. Numerous incidents have recently

made headline news where drones were

bothering aircraft on final approach. This

poses a serious safety threat - for all the

obvious reasons. The same applies in all

traffic scenarios. One can imagine the havoc

that can be caused on busy traffic routes

by low flying drones that distract

driver’s attention.

Regulating the industry and its

application is thus of paramount concern.

This is where law making has been slow

to catch up.

On the positive side, drones do offer

solutions for many problems. Innovative

entrepreneurs employ them to look after

and protect wildlife, to monitor vast

stretches of land, and to keep an eye on

security. Large hotels employ unobtrusive

drones to regularly fly perimeters to

keep an eye on guests’ safety and their

122 |

belongings. They’re super quiet, absolutely

dependable, cheap to operate, and fast - and

their recorded images are stored for later

evidence and interrogation. They are not

known to unionise, strike, or take bribes.

They can cover substantially more ground

than guards on foot can. They can be flown

on pre-programmed routes, and can be

remotely piloted if the operator(s) spot

something that needs a closer look. They

can dash and hover. All the while recording

and keeping an eye on the situation. This

they do in day or night, and the infra red

cameras misses very, very little.

This is manna for law enforcement

applications too. Imagine a hostage or

any emergency situation - whisper quiet

real time observation is possible to give

the men and gals in blue the best possible

information before decisions have to be

made. Rescue operations employing drone

technology can get real time information

on emergencies before dispatching heavy,

cumbersome fire trucks. One can see

| 123

the advantages. Some courier and pizza

delivery services are looking at employing

drones to do door to door deliveries. At

last - the holy grail of pizza delivery in

under 30 minutes is a real possibility! Now

think further - medicine deliveries, small

parcels, mail, the cell phone you forgot...

The bottom line is the need for proper

regulation. The positive application of

drones properly regulated is in many ways

heaven sent. They truly hold the answer

to many seemingly insurmountable

problems. They can speed things up,

deliver services cheaper and more

efficiently and they can facilitate much

better decision making.

Conversely, they can sow absolute

havoc too. Like most novel inventions, their

devious application for devious motives

can lead to serious repercussions, and law

suits that’ll bring a warm glow and gleeful

chuckle to many a litigator’s heart.

Drones are here to stay. Overwhelmingly

the solutions and cost benefits that they

bring far outweigh the negatives. The

interesting thing to see is if the regulatory

process that will need to follow, will strike

a good balance between the positive

aspects and the valid concerns that their

deployment will bring.

96 |

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| 127

Look what we did while you were not looking!

New positions and

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The following exciting

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Hotels strengthening our

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Management Team:

● Mrs Ina Spies

Group General

Manager

● Mr F. Sutil

Deputy Group

General Manager

● Ms Wilma Innes

Assistant Accountant

● Mr Malcolm Brinkmann

Senior Night Manager

● Mr David Nels

Procurement Manager

● Mr Ashley van Rooy

Assistant F&B Manager

● Ms Leandrie Gradidge

Sales Manager

● Mr Garret Brentley

Senior Chef De Partie

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| 127

128 |

SciTech

Mclaren MP6/P: Formula 1 concept car for the year of 2056In 2056, when cancer is probably cured, Formula 1 cars

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wheels and engine power, aim to attract more fans to celebrate

Formula 1 racing, an ultimate test of man and machine.

The McLaren MP6/P Formula 1 concept car by Nathan

Dearsley aims to bring back radical design with a hybrid of

electric 4-wheeled systems, combined with full-on combustion

drive at the rear. In this future scenario, in order to go back to

their roots and hopefully regain dominance during the Senna/

Prost times, McLaren have decided to turn their focus to classic

Marlboro racing livery powered by Honda. This concept car

features simple aerodynamic design with incredible low speed

traction. The primitive body design gives power to kick a

non-turbulent flow of air out of the rear boasted overtaking

opportunities, however, in return, it would create unpredictable

results with heavy breaking overtaking manoeuvres to the

delight of viewers.

Designer: Nathan Dearsley

source: www.tuvie.com

Recon Jet heads-up display integrated sport sunglasses for athletesWoke has designed new

glasses for Recon, the one

and only: Recon Jet Heads-Up

Display for Sports. It is the

world’s first consumer Heads-

up Display (HUD) integrated

on sport sunglasses, especially

designed for cyclists and

| 129

Lexus presents Slide Hoverboard as part of the “Amazing in Motion” projectLexus teases all over the world with its Slide Hoverboard, it’s

the 4th project of the “Amazing in Motion” series. Combining

design, technology, and imagination, SLIDE is a perfect way to

show the world amazing things that can be achieved. Wrapped

in elegant design, this hoverboard features iconic Lexus spindle

grille signature shape with materials that can be found in

the luxury car brand from high tech to natural bamboo

for the surface.

Unlike Hendo hoverboard, Lexus aims to make this

hoverboard work on any surface. The board uses magnetic

levitation to get frictionless movement and uses liquid nitrogen

to cool the superconductors and magnets.

Designer: Lexus

triathletes. Weighing only sixty

grams, every detail has been

carefully designed to optimise

comfort, fit, and performance.

The wireless connectivity

allows third party devices

to be connected, to provide

the athlete with critical

information such as heart rate,

power output, or cadence.

The display has been designed

to ensure optimal readability

in all lighting conditions; the

on-board sensors also deliver

performance stats.

Recon Jet keeps the athletes

connected with their family

and friends by displaying any

caller ID and text messages,

which can be seen at a glance.

Athletes can even upload and

read information from their

social networks during their

activity. The high quality,

polarised performance optics

offers great protection from

glare in all conditions.

The open platform of

the Recon Jet SDK allows

developers to contribute in

creating applications for a

variety of activities. At this

moment, Recon has already

worked together with major

health and fitness companies

to create custom apps for the

device. Through all these cool

apps, you can unlock the full

potential of this platform and

use the device for any activity

where real-time information

is needed.

Designer: Woke for Recon

Ninebot One: self balancing unicycle electric scooter with cool led light to avoid traffic jamNinebot One offers you personal and fun transportation. It

is a Self Balancing Unicycle Electric Scooter with a maximum

speed of 18 to 22km/h. It is able to reach a maximum range

of 35km. This unicycle would definitely get you to your

destination faster during a traffic jam. The futuristic design

(thanks to its LED Light) will have all eyes on you while you

say goodbye to the crowds. Charging the 320Wh high-capacity

battery requires about four hours. Ninebot One features

climbing levels of 20-degrees. You can cruise around the city

with pleasure. Please remember, that this personal and fun

transportation can only support a maximum payload of 110kg.

From: Ninebot

130 |

Your new travel destinationfor business and leisure

strandhotelswakopmund.com

Strand Hotel Swakopmund at the historic ‘Mole’ is the quintessential Namibian destination. A surprising feast for the senses, this one-of-a-kind beachfront destination delivers beyond expectation dining experiences, exhilarating activities and the space to relax.

With its unique Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk, state of the art Conference & Banqueting centre and world class SPA, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is destined to be the social epicenter of Swakopmund and the pride of Namibia.

Opening 9th October 2015

Luxury SuiteFarmhouse DeliOcean CellarBrewer & Butcher

Book now at strandhotelswakopmund.comor call central reservations on +264-61-2075360

| 131

Vipp Shelter offers a steel shelter that you can place anywhere you wantGrab your bag for a weekend getaway.

Thanks to Vipp Shelter, you can decide

where you want to stay for that weekend

without a second thought for planning.

This 55 square metre steel object can be

placed anywhere; a rugged landscape

framed by naked trees, a silent lake, or

in the middle of a forest. This shelter is

constructed with the recurring element

of steel, repeated to create the frame and

exterior façade. At first sight, you might

not see the signature of Vipp, but once

you take a closer look, you will see the

relationship with other Vipp products that

you might already know. Slide open the

window frames and the interior reveals

a variety of Vipp products ranging from

hooks to kitchen appliances.

The interior has been designed

and constructed to facilitate you with

everything you need when you escape to

nature. It can be the ideal mobile home -

spacious, highly functional, and liveable.

Vipp Shelter has been prefabricated

and built to fit different types of

landscape and natural conditions. The

simple steel structure supports up

to 2 levels of space, where the only

shielded areas are the bed loft and

bathroom. The transparent exterior

allows you to enjoy the natural

environment that surrounds this

structure. Basically everything is taken

care of; this modular structure comes

with a set of furniture, tableware, bed

linen, and more. It offers you an easy

escape from your busy hours.

Designer: Vipp

Runbell for urban runners to warn pedestriansI have never thought that

running would require a

bell, but this little accessory

actually comes in handy when

you use shared pathways.

Runbell is a little tool to help

create a safe and supportive

running environment for

both runners and pedestrians,

especially when you run in

a crowded area. This bell is

in ring form, which you can

wear on your finger as part of

your running gear, easy to use

and lightweight.

The ring design fits a range

of finger sizes and has the

quality of fine jewellery.

Do not underestimate the size

of this bell. It is constructed

from high quality brass to

create a loud, musical ring;

making other people pay

attention to the source of the

sound. Since people don’t

have exactly the same size in

fingers, Runbell is designed

to be a bit oversized. You are

given 2 pairs of silicone inserts

that can reduce the ring size to

fit your finger perfectly.

From: Runbell

132 |

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer

asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology, “And what starting salary are you looking for?” The

engineer replies, “In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on

the benefits package.” The interviewer inquires, “Well, what would

you say to a package of five weeks vacation, fourteen paid holidays,

full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to

50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red

Corvette?” The engineer sits up

straight and says, “Wow! Are

you kidding?” The interviewer

replies, “Yes, but you started it!”

Instead of “the John”, I call my bathroom “the Jim.”

That way it sounds better when I say I go to the “Jim” first thing every morning.

In a school cafeteria, a teacher places a note

in front of a pile of apples, “Only take one. God

is watching”. Further down the line is a pile of

cookies. A little boy makes his own note,

“Take all you want. God is watching the apples”.

There was this guy at a bar, just looking at his drink.

He stays like that for a half hour. Then a big trouble

making truck driver steps next to him, takes the

drink from the guy, and drinks it all down. The

poor man starts crying. The truck driver says,

“Come on man, I was just joking. Here,

I’ll buy you another drink. I just can’t

stand to see a man cry”.

“No, it’s not that,” the man replies,

wiping his tears, “This day is the worst

of my life. First, I overslept and I got

in late to my office. My outraged boss

fires me. When I leave the building to go

to my car, I find out it was stolen. The police

say they can do nothing. I get a cab to go

home, and when I get out, I remember I left

my wallet behind. The cab driver just drives

away. I go inside my house where I find my

wife has left me. I leave my home, come to

this bar, and just when I was thinking about

putting an end to my life, you show up and

drink my poison”.

Highhumour

| 133

A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like

that over dinner, please,” the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want

to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone”.

Teacher: “If I gave you two cats and another two

cats and another two, how many would

you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “No, listen carefully...If I gave you two

cats, and another two cats and another

two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently.

If I gave you two apples, and

another two apples and another

two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Six.”

Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and

another two cats and

another two, how many

would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven!”

Teacher: “Johnny, where in the

heck do you get

seven from?!”

Johnny: “Because I’ve already

got a freaking cat!”

Mail your submission to [email protected] and you might become our latest high altitude joker.

When I call a family meeting

I turn off the house wifi

and wait for them all

to come running.

A proud and confident genius makes a bet with an idiot. The genius

says, “Hey idiot, every question I ask you that you don’t know the

answer to, you have to give me $5. And if you ask me a question and

I can’t answer yours I will give you $5,000.” The idiot says, “Okay.”

The genius then asks, “How many continents are there in the world?”

The idiot doesn’t know and hands over the $5. The idiot says, “Now I

ask: what animal stands with two legs but sleeps with three?”

The genius tries and searches very hard for the answer but gives up and

hands over the $5,000. The genius says, “Dang it, I lost. By the way, what

was the answer to your question?” The idiot hands over $5.

| 133

Today a man knocked on my door and asked for

a small donation towards the local swimming

pool. I gave him a glass of water.

| 117

Terms and conditions apply. www.fnbnamibia.com.na

explore Namibia with technology.

The Pocket Guide Namibia is the ultimate Namibian travel tool, connecting travellers with all the information they need to know for their Namibian experience. Download it now from your Android Play Store: http://buzz.mw/b6ttm_n

Introducing our new interactive tourism app, ‘FNB Namibia Pocket Guide’

136 |

The guts and glory of unlisted investments: NamibiaGround-breaking legislation was passed in Namibia in December 2013. The question is ‘What effect would or could it have?’ Melanie Allen unbundles it for us (I’m not really discussing the effect here, but rather giving some insight…).

On December 31st 2013, legislation

with far-reaching opportunities

was passed in Namibia. Namibian Pension

Funds are now required by law to invest a

minimum of 1.75 % of their assets under

management in unlisted investments

within the borders of Namibia (this is not

from the past, but is current legislation).

This currently opens (this is not from

the past) up an entirely new world of

possibilities, laying the foundation to

tempt foreign investors into Namibia.

Namibia is the sleeping beauty in the

Disneyland of economic possibilities, yet

(not just as a nation, but worldwide) we’re

in the habit of channelling our investments

elsewhere, because of the long-held

perception that money is better made in

the western world.

In a nutshell, unlisted investments

are investments in companies that have

no stock market listing. This type of

investment provides the necessary cash

to businesses and projects wanting to set

up or have an ambitious plan to grow

to the next level. It is the businesses

and projects that are either start-up or

have ambitious plans, not additional to

businesses and projects, or someone

else having ambitious plans. Because

unlisted investment returns are linked

to real assets, they can provide positive

cash flow albeit a similar negative period

experienced for listed investments.

Such funding can take many forms, such

as preference shares, mezzanine debt, etc.

I am all in favour of an investment world

that simplifies, justifies and magnifies

your investments and those much-wanted

returns. This ‘newly commercialised’ asset

class can be exactly that. If you think about

it, it is not at all a new concept – it actually

has been around for a long time... family

or friends helping each other to set up a

business, or merely someone who believes

in a concept and donates money towards it.

It is probably the most risky asset class

and it takes real guts (my original word

“guts” – ties into the title of the editorial)

to go there. There is a lot of unknown

risk in trusting the management of the

company, the idea, and the feasibility of

that project. This is not a ‘get-rich-quick’

scheme, and is also very illiquid. Typically,

such an investment may not perform for

the first couple of years. It will not pay you

consistent returns and the glory only comes

with patience. Only after years will growth

kick in - depending on the type of business

- but then it can turn out to provide much

rewarding exponential growth.

The real proof of the pudding of private

equity and venture capital is the exit

strategy, where investors can successfully

exit the project and pocket the returns.

If you have the guts and want to

experience the glory of investing in unlisted

investments, make sure that the Unlisted

Asset Manager you choose is reputable,

knows the country and it’s resources,

and does thorough due diligence on the

projects they invest in. It is through the

Unlisted Asset Manager that funding will be

channeled to the Special Purpose Vehicle,

which in essence is the fund.

In Namibia an Unlisted Asset Manager

has to be registered and licensed with

our financial regulatory body, the

Namibia Financial Supervisory Authority

(NAMFISA). The Special Purpose Vehicle

operating as the fund also has to be

registered and licensed independently

from the Unlisted Asset Manager.

Ref: Regulation 29 to the Pension Funds Act

No.24 of 1956 Government Gazette of the

Republic of Namibia, No. 5383,

31 December 2013.

By: Melanie Allen

| 137

There’s a lotto be saidfor being stubborn.

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Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd is an Unlisted Investment Manager (UIM) in which Hangala Capital (Pty) Ltd has 60% shareholding and Prescient Global 40% shareholding.

Hangala Capital Fund (Pty) Ltd NAMFISA License no. 15/SPV/09

The Hangala Capital Fund was established and licensed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by the National Financial Regulator, NAMFISA, and is managed by Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd.

By soliciting capital from accredited investors, we invest in the following asset classes: • Venture capital• Private equity• Mezzanine fi nancing (subordinated debt)• Special situations.

We invest in all industries, with a particular interest in agribusiness, manufacturing and infrastructure. We pride ourselves on a deep-rooted understanding of the Namibian environment, while Prescient offers their proven creative approach to investment – together, Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd offers clients the services of a formidable team of professionals, with the sole aim of providing you with solid returns and preservation of your capital.

Come and talk to our team.

Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd

Telephone: + 264 61 41 0700

Email: [email protected]

www.hangala.com

138 |

Good business is good for development.

We believe that to prepare the ground for affordable housing,

we need groundbreaking finance for affordable land.

At the Development Bank of Namibia, we understand

the importance of affordable land

as the first step on the path to affordable housing.

Our track record, over the ten years of our existence,

includes finance for demarcating plots,

laying out roads, putting in place water,

sewage and electricity, and the equipment

that contractors need.

Our portfolio of recipients includes local authorities,

housing developers and SMEs involved in servicing land.

If you are involved in provision of affordable land,

talk to us about finance.

Call 061 - 290 8032.

We’re waiting to hear from you.

| 139

Across7. Diverse (7)9. Pertaining to birth (5)10. Bite (3)11. Blood vessel (9)12. Aspect (5)14. Groovy! (4, 2)16. Pasta Dish (7)18. Gold or silver coin (5)19. Harsh, severe (9)20. Constellation between Cancer and Virgo (3)21. Formal Statement of belief (5)22. Prohibition (7)

Down1. Momentous (8)2. Whip (4)3. Jet fighter (6)4. Disconnect (6)5. Ocean (8)6. Confederate (4)8. Outstanding quality (11)13. Tumbled down (8)15. Less than optimal (3, 2, 3)17. Sundial component (6)18. European River (6)19. Avoid, dodge (4)20. Harmless prank (4)

Do you know how to give me peace of mind & financial freedom should I suffer from a critical illness.

With Liberty’s Critical Illness Plan you get a lump sum of up to N$250 000 should you be diagnosed with a listed critical illness.

The advantage of knowing. For information call us on +264 61 294 2343Terms and conditions apply.

We know that being diagnosed with a critical illness is not only a stressful time for you and your family, but also a costly one. That’s why we’ve designed a Critical Illness Plan that will change your reality for the better with a lump sum payout to help cover your medical care and lifestyle costs should you fall critically ill. At Liberty, we know how to make your financial freedom possible.

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11

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140 |

Easy Medium Hard

Sudoko

| 139

The secret ingredient to your success

© 2015 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.

Our purpose is to build trust in the Namibian society. This means that we help our clients to build healthy businesses by asking the tough questions and giving them the quality assurance service that comes with our leading global brand.

No matter how big or small your business is, or which industry or market you operate in, there is a PwC Namibia professional team that is passionate about helping you succeed.

As part of this focus, we are excited to welcome Annette van Coller to our Private Client Services team. Anette joined us as an Assurance Partner in the Windhoek office on 1 July 2015.

Annette van CollerAssurance PartnerTel: +264 61 284 1000Cell: +264 81 122 6525Email: [email protected]

142 |

International

Flight No From To Days Departure Arrival

SW 286 Frankfurt Windhoek Daily 20:10 05:30+1

SW 286/ 703 Frankfurt Cape Town (via Windhoek) Daily 20:10 09:55+1

SW 286/ 723 Frankfurt Johannesburg (via Windhoek) Daily 20:10 09:55+1

SW 285 Windhoek Frankfurt Daily 20:35 07:55+1

Regional


SW 702 Cape Town Windhoek Daily 06:35 07:45

SW 704 Cape Town Windhoek Daily 17:00 18:10

SW 704 Cape Town Frankfurt (via Windhoek) Daily 17:00 07:55+1

SW 714 Cape Town Walvis Bay Daily 14:35 15:45

SW 373 Harare Windhoek Mon, Fri 14:00 15:15

SW 413 Harare Lusaka Wed, Sun 12:15 13:15

SW 413 Harare Windhoek ( via Lusaka) Wed, Sun 12:15 15:15

SW 722 Johannesburg Windhoek Daily 06:40 07:45



SW 728 Johannesburg Frankfurt (via Windhoek) Daily 18:20 07:55+1

SW 730 Johannesburg Walvis Bay Daily 08:45 10:00

SW 304 Luanda Windhoek Daily 12:15 14:45

SW 373 Lusaka Harare Mon, Fri 12:25 13:20

SW 373 Lusaka Windhoek (via Harare) Mon, Fri 12:25 15:15

SW 413 Lusaka Windhoek Wed, Sun 13:55 15:15

SW 403 Maun Windhoek (via Victoria falls) Mon, Wed 11:05 13:10

SW 405 Maun Windhoek Fri, Sun 18:25 18:40

SW 403 Victoria Falls Windhoek Mon, Wed 12:30 13:10

SW 405 Victoria Falls Windhoek (via Maun) Fri, Sun 16:55 18:40

SW 303 Windhoek Luanda Daily 08:35 11:15

SW 373 Windhoek Lusaka Mon, Fri 08:30 11:30

SW 373 Windhoek Harare (via Lusaka) Mon, Fri 08:30 12:55

SW 403 Windhoek Maun Mon, Wed 08:15 10:30

SW 403 Windhoek Victoria Falls (via Maun) Mon, Wed 08:15 11:50

SW 405 Windhoek Victoria Falls Fri, Sun 13:50 16:25

SW 405 Windhoek Maun( via Victoria Falls) Fri, Sun 13:50 17:40

SW 413 Windhoek Harare Wed, Sun 08:30 11:35

SW 413 Windhoek Lusaka (via Harare) Wed, Sun 08:30 13:15

SW 703 Windhoek Cape Town Daily 06:55 09:55

SW 709 Windhoek Cape Town Daily 16:35 19:35

SW 723 Windhoek Johannesburg Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 07:10 09:55

SW 723 Windhoek Johannesburg Mon 07:15 10:00

SW 727 Windhoek Johannesburg Daily 13:55 16:40

Schedule 31 May to 05 September 2015 (All time local)Note: check-in time should be two hours before departure. * NOTE: No flights between Windhoek & Frankfurt on Tuesdays from 06 April 2015 to 23 June 2015.

| 143

Regional



SW 713 Walvis Bay Cape Town Daily 10:35 13:45

SW 739 Walvis Bay Johannesburg Daily 16:55 20:10

Domestic


SW 101 Eros Ondangwa Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun 07:00 08:05

SW 103 Eros Ondangwa Tue, Thu, 11:00 12:05

SW 107 Eros Ondangwa Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 17:00 18:05

SW 107 Eros Ondangwa Sat, Sun 15:55 17:00

SW 125 Katima Mulilo Eros Mon, Fri 13:35 15:15

SW 127 Katima Mulilo Rundu Wed, Sun 12:40 13:40

SW 127 Katima Mulilo Eros (via Rundu) Wed, Sun 12:40 15:15

SW 143 Luderitz Oranjemund Mon, Fri 10:10 11:00

SW 143 Luderitz Windhoek ( via Oranjemund) Mon, Fri 10:10 12:45

SW 145 Luderitz Windhoek Wed, Sun 11:45 12:45

SW 125 Rundu Katima Mulilo Mon, Fri 11:50 12:50

SW 125 Rundu Eros(via Katima Mulilo) Mon, Fri 11:50 15:15

SW 127 Rundu Eros Wed, Sun 14:00 15:15

SW 143 Oranjemund Windhoek Mon, Fri 11:30 12:45

SW 145 Oranjemund Luderitz Wed, Sun 10:25 11:15

SW 145 Oranjemund Windhoek (via Luderitz ) Wed, Sun 10:25 12:45

SW 102 Ondangwa Eros Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun 08:35 09:40

SW 104 Ondangwa Eros Tue, Thu, 12:35 13:40

SW 108 Ondangwa Eros Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 18:35 19:40

SW 108 Ondangwa Eros Sat, Sun 17:35 18:40

SW 125 Eros Rundu Mon, Fri 10:15 11:30

SW 125 Eros Katima Mulilo (via Rundu) Mon, Fri 10:15 12:50

SW 127 Eros Katima Wed, Sun 10:15 11:55

SW 127 Eros Rundu (via Katima Mulilo) Wed, Sun 10:15 13:40

SW 143 Windhoek Luderitz Mon, Fri 08:50 09:50

SW 143 Windhoek Oranjemund (via Luderitz) Mon, Fri 08:50 11:00

SW 145 Windhoek Oranjemund Wed, Sun 08:50 10:05

SW 145 Windhoek Luderitz ( via Oranjemund) Wed, Sun 08:50 11:15

SW 165 Windhoek Walvis Bay Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun 10:10 10:50

SW 165 Windhoek Walvis Bay Sat 09:00 09:40

SW 167 Windhoek Walvis Bay Mon, Wed 13:55 14:35

SW 166 Walvis Bay Windhoek Tue, thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 12:20 13:00

SW 168 Walvis Bay Windhoek Mon, Wed 15:05 15:45

Winner of the 2014 Feather Award - Best Regional Airline operating into and from O. R. Tambo International airport for the 8th time since 2004 At Air Namibia we are on this quest to continue serving our purpose of providing the best air transport services in the safest manner, with consistency and reliability.

Regional





Domestic




































Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 or contact your local Travel Agent Book Online: www.airnamibia.com.na




Domestic




































Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 or contact your local Travel Agent Book Online: www.airnamibia.com.na

144 |

www.airports.com.na

PASSENGER’S AIRPORT TAX

We hope we have answered your questions. If you have any more questions or comments about our airports feel free to contact us:

Namibia Airports Company154 Independence Avenue, Sanlam Centre, 5th Floor

PO Box 23061 Windhoek, Namibia

Tel: +264 (0) 61 295 5127Fax: +264 (0) 61 295 5022

E-mail: [email protected]

Great �ights begin at well-maintained airports; in terms of service delivery, superior facilities, and memorable experiences. In Namibia, Airports are run and maintained by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), a State-Owned Entity (SOE) formed in 1998 by Act of Government (Act 25 of 1998).

The NAC provides airport infrastructure, amenities, and facilitates airport services for domestic and international airlines and passengers. In ful�lling its mandate, the NAC ensures that airport infrastructure and safety and security equipment are well maintained and meet world-class standards.

Airports under the NAC are: Hosea Kutako Airport, Eros Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, Luderitz Airport, Keetmanshoop Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Rundu Airport and Katima Mulilo Airport.

HOW DOES NAC GENERATE MONEY TO MAINTAIN AIRPORTS? The NAC generates revenue via airport tax fees charged to the di�erent publics – such as airport tax payable by departing and arriving passengers who use their services.

WHAT IS AIRPORT/PASSENGER TAX? Airport tax, as it appears on return or one way �ight tickets, refers to the fee charged to departing passengers. When you buy your �ight ticket (whether directly from the airline, or as part of a holiday package), a portion of the total cost for the ticket is for airport taxes. This service fee is in line with Section 5 (1) of the Airports Company Act 25 of 1998.

WHAT ARE AIRPORT TAXES USED FOR? Airport tax is one of the key revenue streams of any airport and is levied on passengers to recover the cost of running and for the up keep of passenger terminal facilities that are dedicated to passenger services, including the costs of security services attributable thereto (unless security services are charged for separately), and the cost of ground handling facilities and services attributable to passenger arrivals and departures.

“How airport tax isshown ona ticket”

WHAT PORTION OF AN AIR TICKET’S PRICE IS PAYABLE TO NAC? In line with NAC Tari� Publication 2015/2016 the following VAT inclusive tari�s currently will apply at the airports/aerodromes under the NAC’s management:

WHO REGULATES/CONTROLS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AIRPORT TAXES IN NAMIBIA? The charging of these fees is regulated in compliance with ICAO Doc 9562. In Namibia, the NAC, in compliance with Doc 9562 and its mandate per the Airports Company Act. Both these statutory documents regulate and control the continued implementation, review and collection of these fees.

HOW REGULARLY IS AIRPORT TAXES REVIEWED AND BY WHOM? The NAC reviews the charges in consultation with the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), who represents the airlines, and aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), who represents general aviation operators.

This review is conducted annually or as decided by the relevant parties in order for the fees to remain commensurate with ever escalating operational and other costs.

Since inception NAC has over the years invested billions of dollars into its key capital projects to improve amongst others; runways and terminal facilities at its various airports.

In line with its mission and vision , the NAC ensures that every experience at landing and departure is of world - class standard and airport taxes play an integral part in making it all possible.

International passengers N$ 410.69

Regional passengers (Passengers departing on an aircraft whose �nal destination is an airport within Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa or Swaziland)

N$ 237.66

Domestic passengers N$ 123.57N$ 16.12N$ 107.45

N$ 237.66

N$ 410.69

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NAC tari� excluding

VAT 2015/2016 Value Added

Taxation (VAT)

NAC tari� including

VAT 2015/2016 Description

All passenger service charges for foreign-bound �ights are zero-rated for VAT administration purposes.

| 145www.dstv.com

FROM PAYPOINT TO TV INSTANTLY!Welcome Real Time Payment into your life! Pay your DStv or GOtv subscription and pre-load your BoxOffice account at any Shoprite, Checkers or Usave countrywide, and before you put your basket down, your payment will be processed instantly and you can watch your DStv, BoxOffice and GOtv!

Terms and Conditions apply.

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Access to Foreign Exchange Serviceswherever you are

When visiting our beautiful country, we want to be sure that you have access to Foreign Exchange Services, no matter where you go. Bank Windhoek caters for all your foreign exchange and banking needs offering you American Express agencies, a large distribution network of 54 branches and agencies as well as 347 ATM’s and Cash Express Machines across Namibia.

Bank Windhoek Branches / Agencies and ATMs

Bureau de Change / Foreign Exchange Services and American Express / Bank Windhoek Joint Venture

www.bankwindhoek.com.na

Air Namibia In-Flight

Documents

Transcript of Air Namibia In-Flight