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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.

ED’S LETTER

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Under the Outeniquas • When you grow up in George, as Esma Marnewick did, surrounded by a majesty of mountains, forests and beaches, those things burrow under your skin and make you the person you are today.

Where wood meets water • Knysna has hidden beaches, excellent eateries, interesting history and a relaxed vibe. Here’s how to make the most of a holiday next to the lagoon.

Biodiversity beyond belief • The Garden Route is home to a multitude of ecosystems and habitats, which curator Christiaan Viljoen hopes to showcase at the botanical garden in George.

Harvests, history and honeybush tea • There’s a lot going on in the Outeniqua Mountains between George and Oudtshoorn. Here are five fantastic things to do in the Waboomskraal valley and around the hamlet of Herold.

Never a dull day in the bay • Mossel Bay and nearby towns are known for their beautiful beaches. But what else is there to do if you need a break from umbrellas and Tropitone? Here are some fun ideas.

The artist of Friemersheim • In a rural settlement inland from Mossel Bay, former set painter Fourie Ackermann is quietly turning houses into works of art.

The good stuff • A farm stall is often more than just a shop. It’s the region’s resourcefulness bottled and preserved, full of fresh produce to tell you what’s ripe in the orchards, and a family recipe rising in the oven. Make sure to stop at these five.

River and nature, distilled • Goukamma Nature Reserve is surrounded by busy holiday towns, but when the gates close at night, it’s just you and the birds.

Cathedral of green • The astonishing thing about the Knysna Forest is not just its naturl beauty, but the fact that a place like this still exists. On the Outeniqua Hiking Trail, you walk through Dalene Matthee’s valleys, along paths trodden by elephants over centuries, under towering trees.

Riders on the Storms • One of the best ways to explore the forests, mountains and coastline of the Tsitsikamma is behind the bars of a mountain bike. Here are two great options, whether you want the thrill of a race or an easy-going tour. Let’s roll!

River dreams and forest streams • Walking trails and picnic sites can often get crowded. Why not explore on the water? From a canoe or kayak, you get a new perspective on your surroundings and you’ll see different bird species. Here are three rivers to paddle.

Escape the summer crowds • With beaches, lakes and rivers galore, the Southern Cape has no shortage of waterside destinations. The flip side is that the popular ones can get very busy. Here are five secret spots where you can swim in solitude.

Stay here • Facilities ● Rates ● Activities ● Contact details

How to disappear completely • Hide out in the forest and mountains at these five quirky escapes between Hoekwil and The Crags – and feel free to go a little bos…

Rural retreats • A farm is a place of continual discovery. There’s always something happening, and new things to learn. Here’s our pick of five great guest farms away from the thronging beaches that will give you a totally different Garden Route experience. The kids will love it!

The emerald phantom