TRAVEL TRENDS
HIT THE ROAD should go in 2017 and why. Here’ s what they said.
Katchie Nzama( www. travelwithkatchie. com) Kalahari Desert, Northern Cape Visit Augrabies Falls, also known as‘ the place of great noise’. Do a game drive through the arid, but beautiful landscapes of the Augrabies National Park. Drive on the R360 outside Upington, along the Red Dune Route to discover small towns Kakamas and Askham. At the latter, go sandboarding and visit the Meerkat Sanctuary.
Katarina Mancama( www. myslowjourney. com) Reunion Island Reunion has dramatic mountains and one of the world’ s most active volcanoes. Go paragliding, scuba diving or hiking. Trek for days along old volcano craters and visit villages only accessible by foot or helicopter. It’ s remote and wild, yet you can still have a hot shower and a Creole meal at the village guest houses. Read more about Reunion Island on page 24.
Gillian McLaren( www. gillianmclaren. blogspot. co. za)
Thailand Go to affordable Thailand for a massage on the beach in the sultry heat. Thai people are hospitable so you’ ll be spoiled and treated kindly. There’ s something for everyone, from raucous nightlife to Buddhist retreats in a forest monastery. The scuba diving is wondrous, the food delectable and nothing beats fresh coconut water.
Vaughan McShane( www. thetravelmanuel. com)
Israel This Middle-Eastern country is saturated in historical and spiritual significance. It’ s overflowing with colour, creativity and delicious food. From the stone-coloured squares in Jerusalem to the more secular Tel Aviv, it’ s a vibrant and inclusive country. Each corner turned presents something perception-shattering. Apart from the technology and start-up culture, Israel has a beautiful and diverse population.
Eugene Yiga( www. eugeneyiga. com)
Ethiopia This East African country won the World’ s Best Tourism Destination Award in 2015 and has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are lush hiking trails and the opportunity to climb active volcanoes. The“ land of origins” is home to the world’ s rarest dog, Africa’ s only indigenous goat and over a dozen bird species you won’ t find elsewhere.
Travel Update | issue 9
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