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Lightstone analysed the data provided by leading vehicle tracking company, Tracker to see which towns experienced the highest increase in activity over the festive period.

The data covers a large portion of Tracker-fitted vehicles from across the country (on an aggregated and anonymised level) to determine which areas show the highest increase in volume of traffic. Lightstone found that areas in the Limpopo region made up 9 of the top 10 towns that experienced the largest inflow of ‘going home’ traffic with Polokwane taking the top spot followed by Collins Chabane, then Makhado.

“We looked at the coastal holiday traffic from two perspectives: 1- which towns gained the most visitors, and 2- how much this was percentage wise compared to the November activity. Both perspectives tell part of a bigger story,” says Linda Reid, Head of Commercial Property at Lightstone. “For example, a large town could have an influx of many people but relative to its out-of-season size, that growth may not be as radical as that of a smaller town populated by fewer people that doubles in size.”

Race co-founder Leon Evans says: “There are many e-bikes being sold these days, and we feel it’s important to cater for this group of people who also want to experience stage racing. We permit any type of bike at the Dr Evil Classic, gravel bikes included.” 

Ferdi Bravenboer was one of a small group of e-riders at the 2019 Dr Evil Classic and had this to say: “I bought my e-bike in 2018 because I just didn’t have enough time to train to keep up with my friends. I can’t think of any other race where an e-bike is more perfect than at the Dr Evil Classic. You are just so much more relaxed, and it gives you time to actually appreciate your surroundings. The part I enjoyed the most was that all 3 days were set in totally different environments, so you never get bored or used to the views!” The Dr Evil Classic was, in fact, voted one of South Africa’s favourite short-stage rides in a recent survey by Tread Magazine.

Visit www.drevilclassic.co.za to view the routes and sign up for the event, or email zandile@drevilclassic.zo.za for a manual entry. You can enter the Dr Evil Classic at 2019 prices until the end of March 2020 and will stand a chance to win an amazing accommodation package from Hunter’s Country House worth R15 000, along with two entries into the Karoo to Coast ride 2020.

The 100km Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge from Uniondale to Knysna takes place the day after the Dr Evil Classic, on 20 September, and the combination of the two events over the Heritage Day long weekend, remains a strong drawcard for those looking for a feast of mountain biking. The event is now 22 years old and one of the most popular one-day events in the country. In fact, it was voted the favourite ultra-marathon ride in South Africa in the same survey by Tread Magazine.

 Lions Karoo to Coast riders with a Dr Evil entry receive an automatic second batch seeding amongst seven batches, and the race is also a seeding event for the 2021 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Check out these super specials for Valentine’s Day 2020 in Plett.

The school term started on a positive note for some pupils from Murray High as local entrepreneur and entertainer Luzuko Jonas, popularly known as DJ Mjilo, donated school shoes to those in need.

DJ Mjilo, himself being an alumni of Murray High, made the right call when he donated about 100 school shoes to needy students, and speaking to him briefly the DJ told me that he plans to do even more in the coming years.

Plett Tourism has worked with DJ Mjilo a number of times, helping him bring to life all things entertainment in that part of Plett. The collaboration has seen Plett hosting big names such as 5Fm’s DJ Fresh, DJ Tira and Simmy just to name a few.

DJ Mjilo has also empowered a number of local artists by giving them space and opportunities to play alongside national artists.

Giving back to the community is one of the many ways local business can help develop and sustain the communities in which they do business, and we commend DJ Mjilo for such a kind gesture.

“This slice of heaven along the Garden Route is a holiday destination of note!! A laid-back coastal town that stole our hearts and fed our wanderlust!! Here are some of our personal best experiences to serve as your travel guide on what to do in Plettenberg Bay…”

Please join us for Plett Conversations, a meet & greet with fellow members of the Plett Tourism Association.

Cocktail snacks and drinks, guest speaker and casual networking. Please note that this is for Plett Tourism members only.

27 February 2020 │Sky Villa Boutique Hotel │17:30 – 19:30

RSVP to thandi@pletttourism.com or 044 533 4065.

Prospective and hopeful filmmakers-in-the-making are encouraged to submit a ONE-page proposal for a short documentary film (20 minutes maximum length).

Successful candidates will be tutored in the art of documentary scriptwriting, preparing a budget and writing funding proposals. All submission details and requirements are included in this document.

In order to identify and develop new entrants in the documentary industry, and with a key objective of transformation, Encounters in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, will host a Project Development Programme. The aim of the programme is to inject the filmmaking skills and knowledge necessary for increasing opportunities, business growth and ultimately access to global markets.

The initial workshop, led by filmmaker Riaan Hendricks, will accommodate up to six participants to develop their short documentary projects in preparation for securing development funding and to advance their careers. A second mentorship programme is designed to support and guide beneficiaries in finalising their project proposal (script, budget and funding proposal). Participants must attend Encounters Industry Programmes during the Festival taking place from 4-14 June 2020.

Bitou Municipality has responded very well to the challenge, and the town planning department has already made inroads into extending wheelchair access on some of Plett’s streets.  Many of Plett’s tourism establishments are geared for the differently abled, but the mammoth project to create awareness and effect all the necessary changes is ongoing.

Plett Tourism fully supports this drive.  Plett citizens are once again are at the forefront of making a difference to the Plett environment. For additional information on the project and how you can participate, please contact Rita on ritav@global.co.za.

It was with great pride that Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club in the Eden District held a ‘Day 4 Disability’ on Saturday, November 30th 2019. The purpose was to raise awareness of lawn bowls as a social sport for all and to showcase the participation of differently abled bowlers skillfully engaging in a leisure activity alongside the able bodied on equal terms. 48 bowlers from near and far took part including two Springbok players and 8 people with physical challenges.

Whether you’re a casual day tripper, outdoors enjoying nature, or a seasoned hiker/trail runner on a mission, our area has more than its fair share on offer. Ranging from light strolls to heel-splitting, blistering gorges, Plett has it all and it’s gorgeous!

Kranshoek Coastal Walk is a tough trail. It meanders slowly down to unspoiled, wild coast with a rocky beach and just when you think it can’t get any more challenging, the windy path takes you up the side of a mountain under a cool, green canopy of trees. Permits are available at the SANparks gate.

Nature’s Valley Network offers moderate to challenging trails. No permits are required and various maps and info on birds and trees can be obtained at the SANparks office. This is a hiker’s and bird-watcher’s paradise with breath-taking views of the coastline and the mountains.

Robberg Nature Reserve offers hikers a variety ranging from light hiking (2.2kms), to stonkingly tough trails (9.2kms). The raw beauty of this peninsula lures enthusiasts from far and wide and is very popular with the locals and tourists alike. There is a small entry fee.

Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail is for the more experienced. Field guides and binoculars are recommended along this exciting and unpredictable journey. The Tsitsikamma Trail was South Africa’s first officially accredited hiking trail and has recently been allocated the Green Flag Certificate for a trail under excellent management.

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To see your ad in this newsletter, simply contact Lorna MacLeod on publications@pletttourism.com or call her on 078 425 4382.