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South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

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BEHIND THE SCENES • Zaahirah Shaik Moideen, a writer from Durban, hiked up Castle Gorge in the Magaliesberg and braved an ice-cold river pool – read about it on p90.

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LETTERS

Q&A

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IN BRIEF

REPTILES

NIGHT WATCH

WHISTLING BRIDGE CAFÉ, THREE SISTERS, WESTERN CAPE

BIRD BRAIN • CHALLENGE #6

The ghost horses of Rooisand • A herd of wild horses has lived on the shores of the Bot River estuary for over a hundred years. Meet Leanne Dryburgh, who is fighting to keep them wild.

BOOKS AND MUSIC

Hester Steynberg • The farmer and fossil fundi introduces children to the ancient inhabitants of the Karoo in her new book Therapsids & Dinosaurs of Southern Africa, illustrated byYolandi van Zyl and Anne Chalmers.

On a natural high • Who needs mind-altering substances when you're backpacking through Bolivia, where you've got stunning landscapes and weird customs – and a shortage of oxygen?

Chasing cloud shadows • If you haven't explored Lesotho yet, now is the time. It's accessible, the roads are good and the scenery is like nowhere else on earth. We joined a nine-day tour and vanished into the mountains.

Top stays in the Magaliesberg • Ever tasted donkey milk? Get your fill in the Magaliesberg, after you're done exploring the myriad hiking trails in this mountain sanctuary only an hour and a half from Joburg. Here's your guide to a well-earned weekend away!

Where the flowers are a bonus • You can't tell nature what to do, especially in Namaqualand. The flowers don't bloom according to a calendar on Microsoft Outlook. Rather slow down, drive a back road and appreciate the landscape and its people – even if the daisies are hiding.

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Don't blink

keep it simple • These meals are big on flavour, but light on dishes!

Living your best (van) life • You might say they never left, but it does seem as if vans have made a comeback as the perfect lifestyle vehicles for larger families. The new Mercedes-Benz Vito Select is one of the best of a new breed.

Polishing the Duster • In a market awash in mid-sized SUVs, a more polished but slightly confused Renault Duster tries to build on the sturdy reputation of its 4x4 predecessor.

Warmth that works • Any decent cook knows that you create a great dish by building layers of flavour. The same principle applies to your clothing if you want to have fun in the cold. Here'sour pick of great garments to keep you warm from head to toe.

TAKE A HIKE • CASTLE GORGE, MAGALIESBERG

STAY HERE • KAPTEINSKLOOF GUEST HOUSE, NEAR PIKETBERG

Under the mighty Berg • Hiking, cycling, horse riding, paddling and hearty food to replenish you after a day of playing in the mountains – Underberg has it all!

7 THINGS TO DO

WITH MY OWN EYES • When Geraldo Allais from George visited the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in April 2025, he experienced the cheetah sighting of a lifetime.

WIN! • A THULE SUBTERRA POWERSHUTTLE BAG WORTH R1099!

Meet the Bird of the Year! • In 2025, the red-billed oxpecker – the beautician of the animal kingdom – won this sought-after title, awarded by BirdLife South Africa. Here's why…

BIRDS...