50 | AustrAliAn triAthlete
DESTINATION PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA
the sidewalk of downtown Port Elizabeth
as you run by. South African fans and
locals will set up their wood-burning
braais on the sidewalk and grill up steak,
sausages and a variety of South African
game while cheering along athletes. In
fact, if you are a meat-eater, then don’t
miss the opportunity to taste the range of
meats on offer in South Africa. Kudu – a
type of antelope – was my personal
favourite but braai offerings frequently
include springbok, ostrich as well as the
more typical cuts of beef.are most difficult to hunt on foot.
Thankfully these days, the animals are
typically seen from your safari vehicle and
your chances of seeing the animals are
high if you visit a park or lodge that
provides you with guides and trackers.
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s
largest park and is home to the Big Five.
It’s not the most accessible location from
Port Elizabeth – transfer to Johannesburg
and additional flights from there – but I
loved every minute of my time there.
The park’s accommodation ranges from
budget rest camps to luxurious, fully
inclusive private lodges so there are
options for all pocketbooks.
A little closer to Port Elizabeth is the
Addo Elephant Park, which was established
in 1931 to save elephants that were on the
brink of extinction in the region. It’s now a
sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, black
rhino, and lions, which can be seen on the
self-drive or guided tours of the park,
along with lots more indigenous flora and
fauna. If you’re feeling recovered post-race
and a little adventurous, guided walks in
the park will allow you to experience
nature up close.
BRAAI IS NOT YOUR
AUSSIE BARBIE!
Braai means “grill” in Afrikaans, one of
South African’s 11 official languages, and
according to many locals, it is the one
word that every South African can
instantly recognise. Much like an Aussie
Barbie, braai is a social occasion as much
as it is a cuisine, and you will see people
grilling in backyards, on patios and even
on the beach during the weekends.
Indeed, your race day experience is likely
to include the aroma of meat grilling onTHE LOCAL WILDLIFE: Kruger National Park is a great place to see ‘The Big Five,’
from the safety of the safari vehicle and guide.
© Shutterstock.comEnjoy a Braii
© Shutterstock.com© Shutterstock.com© Shutterstock.com