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12 Apostles Hotel and Spa STAY MalaMala Game Reserve Test Kitchen dining area WHEN TO GO Your trip to Africa will be nothing short of amazing no matter when you go, but depending on what you expect to get out of your safari, timing does matter. e optimal timeframe to hit is during the dry, winter season of May through October when vegetation is sparse…making for spectacular game-spotting. In December, expect short but intense bursts of rain accompanied by beautiful greenery and blooms. Although the herds separate into smaller packs at this time, there is still plenty to see in Botswana and South Africa. Another plus, it's the season when many animals are giving birth, allowing for rare and once-in-a-lifetime nature viewing opportunities. WHAT YOU'LL FIND Besides the lush vegetation and breathtakingly wide open vistas, it's pretty safe to say you will see wildlife galore when on your nature trek: expect baboons, lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and gazelles. Some of the best gaming sites in South Africa are MalaMala, Sabi Sands, and Phinda—all of which are excellent, private reserves. In between your safari adventures, plenty of other attractions abound, including beaches, deserts, unique architecture, museums, shopping and amazing dining BBQ TO THE max... Check out one of the coolest traditions on the continent: the African version of a cookout called a braai… suitable for any occasion and a lot more fun. South Africans use charcoal or wood to cook, so the making of a dish is a slow, laidback process that allows everyone to mingle and enjoy one another's company before sitting down to eat. A braai also features much more exciting fare than Oscar Meyer wieners and burger patties. The main attraction could be lamb, spicy sausage, chicken or savory steak. Some terrific places to visit for the full braai experience are Gariep Dam, Green Hole on Leisure Island, Preekstoel and Kraalbaai. This unique celebration will perfectly encapsulate what it's like to live a life full of flavor. options. e Test Kitchen is one of the finest restaurants in all of South Africa. Located in Woodstock, Cape Town, this establishment has been #1 on the "Eat Out" list five years running and serves up nouvelle Latin cuisine with a distinctly South African flair. e restaurant's focus is unique flavors of the region, and award- winning Chef Luke Dale-Roberts recently concocted a 21-course menu. (Best arrive with a lion's appetite!) WHERE TO STAY For those travelers looking for luxury on their African journey, there is the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, offering every fabulous amenity possible. If you plan to splurge more on seeing the wildlife than living the luxe life, there is Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa, featuring aesthetics on more of a budget. For a truly authentic experience, there are also bed and breakfasts as well as apartments or homes to rent, where you are more likely to meet locals and get a true taste for the country and culture. For the Indiana Joneses among you, explore the packages available at some of the big gaming reserves, where you can safely be on top of the action. Bobotie, a popular braai dish FIND GO Subscribe at GravitasMag.com | 69 Subscribe at GravitasMag.com | 69

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