Journey to the Kalahari
FORMER GOLDEN TICKET WINNER LAUREN CARY DISCUSSES THE MAGIC OF THE KALAHARI EXPERIENCE
Fans of JAN the Journal will be familiar with our Golden Ticket competition. You know how it goes, a la ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ a handful of lucky journal readers discover a shiny Golden Ticket tucked into the front cover and go into a draw to stand a chance to win the Grand Prize. Over the years we’ve had a variety of different prizes, including trips to Nice to eat at Restaurant JAN and even bespoke group dinners at the JAN Innovation Studio in Cape Town, but Journal 7 was an exciting new variation. Restaurant Klein JAN opened its doors in April 2021 and we were finally able to share it with the world, so the prize destination was an obvious choice.Â
Our Journal 7 Golden Ticket winner Lauren Cary was the first to win a trip to Klein JAN to enjoy a culinary experience in the middle of the beautiful Kalahari Desert, complete with a world-class hospitality and safari experience for two at Tswalu. We decided to catch up with Lauren to hear all about her Klein JAN experience, and to remind readers that our current Golden Ticket competition for Journal 9 could send them on a Kalahari trip of their own…Â Â
How would you describe the moment that you heard you were the Grand Prize winner, and who did you share the prize with?
I could not believe I had won! I took my daughter on the trip as it was her 21st birthday and we had such a special mother daughter experience!
What do you think of the unique architectural elements of Klein JAN?Â
The approach to the old farmhouse is so authentic and creates such a surprise when one goes down to the restaurant. It was a bucket list dining experience!
What was the biggest surprise of your Klein JAN experience?
It was definitely discovering the whole state-of-the-art restaurant lying underground after walking through a 100-year-old homestead!
If you could use five words to describe your prize experience what would they be?
Unforgettable, mind-blowing, bucket list!
Do you have one particular highlight from the experience, and if so, what was it?
Seeing a lion kill on a game drive the day after our dining experience was insane!
What did you enjoy most about the natural desert landscape?
The red sand and the serene quiet. We were lucky enough to be there for a full moon which was incredible to experience.
What did you enjoy about your stay at Tswalu?
The rooms are so luxurious and so well appointed. The animals walk right past the large glass doors so you are truly immersed in the Kalahari.
Would you return to enjoy the Klein JAN experience again if you could?
Yes, yes, yes!
Are you a regular reader of JAN the Journal, and if so what do you enjoy most about the publication?
Yes I have them all – I love the photography and the diverse content. Jan is just so stylish!
BUY YOUR COPY OF JAN THE JOURNAL VOLUME 9 AND YOU COULD WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO ENJOY A RESTAURANT KLEIN JAN AND TSWALU EXPERIENCE
