Peppered springbok loin on avocado

Peppered springbok loin on avocado tempura and baby leave salad with warm apricot and Peppadew chutney
(Serves 4)

For Peppered springbok
• 4 x 180g pieces of springbok loin (or any other lean venison loin)
• 30ml extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper and Maldon sea salt

For tempura salad
• 1 firm avocado cut into slices
• 50g shitake mushrooms cleaned and quartered
• 2 small red onions sliced into thin rings
• 1 carrot sliced into julienne
• 250ml ice cold soda water
• 250ml plain flour
• 250ml corn flour
• 30ml lemon juice
• Fine table salt
• 100g of bay leaves

Lime oil
• Zest of one lime
• 45ml olive oil

For apricot salad
• 20ml olive oil
• 250ml dried apricots
• 1 green apple peeled and finely diced
• 1 yellow peach peeled and finely diced
• 3 pearl onions finely sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic chopped
• 4cm fresh ginger grated
• 4 Peppadews sliced
• 125ml apple cider vinegar
• 125ml white sugar
• 125ml water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:
Pre heat oven to 200°C. Pre heat deep fryer to 190°C
To make the lime oil combine the lime zest and olive oil and set aside. For the chutney heat the olive oil in a saucepan on a medium heat. Add the dried apricots, apple, peach, onion, garlic and ginger and sauté until soft, do not allow to brown. Add vinegar, sugar and water to the apricot mixture and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Season and reduce the chutney until the liquid has almost evaporated. When the chutney is a thick consistency stir in the sliced Peppadews and remove from the heat.
To prepare the springbok, rub with olive oil and season with black pepper and sea salt. Heat a non-stick pan and sear the springbok portions until brown on all sides. Place the springbok portions on a oven tray and place in the oven for 10 min or until medium rare. Allow the meat to rest for at least 5min when removed from oven.
While the springbok is cooking, using a stainless steel mixing bowl combine the plain flour, corn flour and a pinch of salt. Into flour mixture whisk the soda water and lemon juice until a smooth paste forms the consistency of double cream. Dip the avocado, onions rings, shitake mushrooms and carrot julienne in the batter and drop into the deep fryer individually, fry until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and season with fine salt.
To assemble the dish, carve the Springbok into thin slices and place on kitchen paper. Put some of the apricot chutney in the middle of 4 plates. Stack the Springbok, tempura vegetables, avocado and baby leaves together on top of the chutney to created a mixed salad effect.
Drizzle the lime oil over each salad and serve immediately.

The Start of a Culinary Journey through South Africa

Day 1

They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments take your breath away. As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush forested skyline, I had no idea how many breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour of some of South Africa’s most exceptional locations. But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star treatment 24 hours a day. As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb below. As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie (made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to the exacting standards of one of our travel compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life and travels. South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.

Day 2

Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge, Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near the Botswana border. After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in under one hour, to a unique location of such blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away. Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world...

then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere. Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of. Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless. Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a total state of bliss. I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool, outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings? Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury' actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left your toiletry bag at home. After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa. As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1

They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments take your breath away. As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush forested skyline, I had no idea how many breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour of some of South Africa’s most exceptional locations. But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star treatment 24 hours a day. As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb below. As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie (made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to the exacting standards of one of our travel compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life and travels. South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.

Day 2

Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge, Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near the Botswana border. After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in under one hour, to a unique location of such blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away. Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world...

 

 

 

then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere. Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of. Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless. Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a total state of bliss. I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool, outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings? Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury' actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left your toiletry bag at home. After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa. As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1

They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments take your breath away. As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush forested skyline, I had no idea how many breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour of some of South Africa’s most exceptional locations. But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star treatment 24 hours a day. As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb below. As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie (made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to the exacting standards of one of our travel compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life and travels. South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.

Day 2

Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge, Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near the Botswana border. After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in under one hour, to a unique location of such blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away. Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere. Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of. Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless. Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a total state of bliss. I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool, outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings? Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury' actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left your toiletry bag at home. After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa. As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1
They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments
take your breath away.
As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush
forested skyline, I had no idea how many
breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the
next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour
of some of South Africa’s most exceptional
locations.
But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy
Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff
Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the
company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style
expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his
recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to
the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to
name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious
locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star
treatment 24 hours a day.
As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal
setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe
just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right
in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this
grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the
soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb
below.
As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity
pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie
(made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to
the exacting standards of one of our travel
compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s
Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life
and travels.
South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure
Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced
an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.
Day 2
Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge,
Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near
the Botswana border.
After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a
Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in
under one hour, to a unique location of such
blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away.
Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg,
we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range,
one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world,
then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a
scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with
a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere.
Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring
rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of.
Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted
to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left
at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless.
Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a
total state of bliss.
I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what
Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where
else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls
that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool,
outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an
elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where
else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern
materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings?
Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to
detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury'
actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in
your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left
your toiletry bag at home.
After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on
our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the
only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the
African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of
course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners
presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on
the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa.
As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s
travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the
horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the
stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had
been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even
Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1
They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments
take your breath away.
As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush
forested skyline, I had no idea how many
breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the
next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour
of some of South Africa’s most exceptional
locations.
But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy
Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff
Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the
company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style
expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his
recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to
the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to
name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious
locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star
treatment 24 hours a day.
As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal
setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe
just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right
in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this
grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the
soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb
below.
As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity
pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie
(made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to
the exacting standards of one of our travel
compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s
Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life
and travels.
South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure
Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced
an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.
Day 2
Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge,
Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near
the Botswana border.
After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a
Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in
under one hour, to a unique location of such
blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away.
Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg,
we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range,
one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world,
then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a
scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with
a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere.
Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring
rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of.
Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted
to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left
at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless.
Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a
total state of bliss.
I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what
Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where
else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls
that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool,
outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an
elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where
else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern
materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings?
Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to
detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury'
actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in
your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left
your toiletry bag at home.
After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on
our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the
only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the
African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of
course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners
presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on
the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa.
As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s
travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the
horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the
stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had
been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even
Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1
They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments
take your breath away.
As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush
forested skyline, I had no idea how many
breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the
next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour
of some of South Africa’s most exceptional
locations.
But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy
Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff
Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the
company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style
expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his
recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to
the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to
name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious
locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star
treatment 24 hours a day.
As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal
setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe
just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right
in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this
grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the
soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb
below.
As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity
pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie
(made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to
the exacting standards of one of our travel
compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s
Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life
and travels.
South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure
Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced
an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.
Day 2
Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge,
Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near
the Botswana border.
After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a
Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in
under one hour, to a unique location of such
blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away.
Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg,
we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range,
one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world,
then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a
scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with
a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere.
Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring
rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of.
Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted
to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left
at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless.
Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a
total state of bliss.
I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what
Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where
else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls
that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool,
outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an
elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where
else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern
materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings?
Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to
detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury'
actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in
your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left
your toiletry bag at home.
After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on
our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the
only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the
African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of
course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners
presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on
the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa.
As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s
travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the
horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the
stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had
been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even
Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1

They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments

take your breath away.

As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush

forested skyline, I had no idea how many

breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the

next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour

of some of South Africa’s most exceptional

locations.

But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy

Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff

Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the

company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style

expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his

recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to

the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to

name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious

locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star

treatment 24 hours a day.

As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal

setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe

just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right

in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this

grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the

soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb

below.

As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity

pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie

(made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to

the exacting standards of one of our travel

compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s

Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life

and travels.

South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure

Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced

an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.

Day 2

Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge,

Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near

the Botswana border.

After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a

Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in

under one hour, to a unique location of such

blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away.

Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg,

we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range,

one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world,

then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a

scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with

a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere.

Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring

rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of.

Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted

to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left

at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless.

Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a

total state of bliss.

I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what

Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where

else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls

that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool,

outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an

elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where

else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern

materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings?

Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to

detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury'

actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in

your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left

your toiletry bag at home.

After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on

our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the

only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the

African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of

course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners

presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on

the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa.

As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s

travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the

horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the

stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had

been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even

Colin Cowie could have done better.

Johannesburg

Day 1

They say that life’s not about how many moments you breathe. But how many moments

take your breath away.

As I watched the sun set over Johannesburg’s lush

forested skyline, I had no idea how many

breathtaking moments I’d experience – over the

next ten days – as the blogger on a whirlwind tour

of some of South Africa’s most exceptional

locations.

But let’s start at the beginning. It was on a balmy

Saturday evening at Johannesburg’s Westcliff

Hotel, at the invitation of South African Tourism, that I happened to find myself in the

company of a small group of impressive individuals that included world-renowned style

expert, Colin Cowie. Colin, born in Zambia and raised in the Eastern Cape, has spent his

recent years in the enviable job of glamour guru to

the world and event planner to the stars (Oprah, to

name-drop), traveling to the world’s most luxurious

locations and receiving nothing less than 6 star

treatment 24 hours a day.

As our first location, The Westcliff made the ideal

setting for South Africa to show her stuff, or maybe

just enough of a hint. A little piece of heaven right

in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, this

grand hotel sits high on a rocky outcrop, giving its visitors a breathtaking view, with the

soundtrack of the odd lion’s roar rising on the air from the zoo gardens in the suburb

below.

As we sipped cocktails next to the sparkling infinity

pool, and feasted on oysters and ostrich bobotie

(made by Executive Chef, Sven Niederbremer to

the exacting standards of one of our travel

compatriots – none other than The Restaurant’s

Rocco DiSpirito), Colin regaled stories of his life

and travels.

South Africa had a lot to live up to. And I’m sure

Colin would agree, we gave the world's best a good run for its money. And experienced

an incredible journey that any traveler would give their right arm to experience.

Day 2

Our next destination was to be the ultra-luxurious and oh-so-very exclusive game lodge,

Molori, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province near

the Botswana border.

After a leisurely Sunday start, we boarded a

Federal Air chartered flight that would take us, in

under one hour, to a unique location of such

blissful escape it seemed like a million miles away.

Leaving the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg,

we flew over the lazy Magalies mountain range,

one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world,

then over the glinting Lost City Palace, and, like a

scene out of a movie, our small aircraft landed with

a puff of dust on a dry strip of land, literally in the middle of nowhere.

Who would have thought that in this place, which winter had left sparse before the spring

rains, our every need would be met before it could even be thought of.

Having been collected in true safari style on an open-topped vehicle, we were escorted

to the lodge by our game ranger and host Greg (more about him later). I am not often left

at a loss for words – I am a writer after all. But Molori left me speechless.

Also, stressless, anxiety-less, calorie-conscious-less and in a

total state of bliss.

I’d say “picture this” if you could. But to truly experience what

Molori is like, you just have to go there yourself. After all, where

else in the world does your room have foldaway glass walls

that open onto a wooden deck with your own private pool,

outside shower, and a stack of towels that could dry an

elephant should one choose to wander in for a splash? Where

else is your home made from a fusion of natural and modern

materials that seamlessly blend into their surroundings?

Where else are you always greeted by the kind of attention to

detail that makes you understand what the word 'luxury'

actually means. Like the consistent appearance of gastronomically delightful snacks in

your room. Or an 'emergency' bathroom kit that makes you wish you had actually left

your toiletry bag at home.

After a spectacular lunch overlooking the plains, we departed on

our afternoon game drive, and had the privilege of being the

only nine human beings for miles, leisurely drinking in the

African landscape and its resident impala, warthog and rhino. Of

course, this being Molori, we also got to drink in sundowners

presented on an elegantly linen-decked table in a clearing on

the dusty roadside. Only in South Africa.

As we stood and chatted, the different accents of our world’s

travelers mingling in the air, the warm sun dipped against the

horizon, and within a few heartbeats it become oil dark and the

stars faded into a ceiling of dancing lights, as though they had

been planned, orchestrated and sublimely executed. Not even

Colin Cowie could have done better.

What a wonderful world!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Morbi auctor, lectus tincidunt fermentum molestie, magna elit tincidunt massa, quis auctor purus eros sed arcu. Vivamus sed metus. Quisque mattis pede eu eros. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Vivamus vulputate. Praesent a pede sed ante hendrerit rutrum. Suspendisse viverra dolor sed arcu. Donec nibh. Duis tincidunt euismod augue. Aenean a enim rutrum nulla accumsan vestibulum. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Praesent sapien ante, tempus at, malesuada vitae, condimentum at, nunc. Vivamus nisl. Mauris molestie, turpis non faucibus suscipit, ipsum orci gravida justo, id venenatis pede tortor nec dui. Nullam ante ante, aliquam ac, venenatis sed, auctor ut, turpis. Curabitur mauris diam, adipiscing vitae, luctus sed, consequat et, nisi. Fusce ultricies lectus id orci. Fusce vestibulum, leo vitae mattis posuere, arcu ante imperdiet pede, eu mollis nisi nisl nec tellus. Nunc vestibulum.

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sollicitudin et, tellus. Curabitur eleifend aliquam lacus. Duis quis arcu. Fusce faucibus. Pellentesque bibendum risus ultrices orci. Aenean sit amet purus. Fusce tortor mauris, placerat feugiat, vehicula in,
lobortis id, nibh.

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bibendum elit, vitae feugiat lectus ipsum ultricies nisi. Nulla facilisi. Integer porttitor augue non ante. Curabitur a mauris. Sed ornare fringilla erat. Maecenas accumsan eleifend enim. Nullam egestas,
libero quis suscipit tincidunt, ante nunc sollicitudin diam, sed ullamcorper mi odio non massa. Cras nulla tellus, elementum nec, facilisis vitae, lacinia ut, sem. Fusce leo. Integer porta. Nulla eu elit.

Suspendisse massa. Phasellus porta tellus ac lacus. In mollis suscipit neque. Aliquam venenatis. Quisque semper, tortor feugiat sagittis viverra, enim lorem placerat dolor, vitae eleifend erat neque et lectus. In vel nunc. Donec vehicula, justo vitae euismod fermentum, pede magna pretium nibh, eget congue mauris mi sit amet nibh. Fusce est turpis, sagittis non, iaculis eu, pharetra ut, nisi. Etiam nec lacus. Aliquam ut tellus pharetra est accumsan volutpat. Mauris nec odio accumsan diam rhoncus feugiat. Morbi sed purus. Integer posuere bibendum purus.

Steak Tampiquena

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Ingredients

• Donec accumsan.
• Curabitur ac sapien. Ut congue,
• risus eget vehicula blandit, elit nunc placerat velit, eu vulputate nulla dolor quis lorem.
• Morbi euismod adipiscing leo.
• Suspendisse volutpat semper lorem.
• Suspendisse quis velit ac eros interdum tincidunt.

Directions

1. Maecenas vehicula, ante sed rutrum fermentum, ante metus pretium pede, eget sodales pede nisl at velit.
2. Praesent turpis. Phasellus pretium.
3. Donec tincidunt tempus nisl.
4. Maecenas tincidunt.
5. Aliquam nec urna quis elit congue molestie.
6. Aliquam convallis risus vel libero.
7. Mauris bibendum elementum libero.
8. Curabitur metus lorem, condimentum sit amet, imperdiet ut, varius sit amet, nulla.
9. Nulla facilisi. In eget dui id dui aliquam molestie.
10. Aenean ullamcorper. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Integer tortor.
11. Etiam aliquam, enim id vulputate rhoncus, tortor enim interdum justo, a adipiscing mi mauris sit amet arcu.

Denver to Johannesburg

"Can you please sign your passport?" the TSA official asked, handing it back to me with a pen.

Lorem ip sum dolor sit amet, con sec te tuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tin cidunt ut laor eet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.

Ut wisi enim ad mi nim veniam, quis nos trud ex erci tation ullamcorper sus cipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo. consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulpu tate velit esse molestie consequat.

Vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.

Niel Joubert Merlot

Nose packed with ripe plums, violets, chocolate and vanilla. Someattractive, well-rounded, mature notes in the mouth. Niel JoubertMerlot has an attractive, light touch of sweet oak. Soft, almost juicytannins in a long, well-rounded finish.

The Harvest

The grapes were harvested by hand on 15th March 2002 at 25.0º Balling.

In the Cellar

Skin contact: 14 days

Barrel maturation: 70% French oak barrels and 30% tank

Ageing Potential

Already easy to drink, yet Niel Joubert Merlot has good potential to develop over four to five years.

Blend Information

Niel Joubert Merlot is 100% merlot.

Region

Paarl Valley, South Africa

Suggested Pairings

Niel Joubert Merlot is a good all-round food wine.

Accolades

Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2003

Niel Joubert Merlot won SilverVeritas 2002

Niel Joubert Merlot won Silver

A smooth red wine, with an attractive nose, that reminds one ofviolets, plums and the flavours of spice. In Eikendal Merlot, a wellbalanced body and a long, pleasant finish underline the elegantcharacter.

Vinification

After the harvesting the crushed grapes are fermented for one weekin stainless steel tanks. After fermentation the wine matures for 12months in French oak barriques.