30 November 2009
Promotional Video - Tanzania with GAP Adventures
Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 35 00 E
Area: 947,300 sq km
Coastline: 1,424 km
Population: 41,048,532
Capital: Dar Es Salaam
Time difference: UTC+3
Religions: mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim
Language: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), many local languages
Climate: varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands
Terrain: plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0m - highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895m (highest point in Africa)
Main international Airports: Dar Es Salaam - DAR , Mount Kilimajaro - JRO & Zanzibar - ZNZ [online flight booking]
Safari Tips 101 - Malaria Advice: Travel Precautions to Take!
- First of all you should check if the area you are going to visit is actual malaria infested. Remember – there are large parts of Africa which are malaria free!
- If you are going to visit a malaria infested area consult a doctor or a travel clinic. They will provide you with all kinds of info about the medication to take.
- Listen properly to what the doc is telling you and follow this. Stick to the schedule without forgetting to take your pill(s).
- Get yourself a mosquito net. They are not uber expensive and usually very light.
- Get yourself a mosquito repellent once you are there. Ask at a local pharmacy for their best selling one and you'll get a good one.
- Mosquito coils are usually doing a good job. They are burning for up to eight hrs. and Mosquito hate them. OK, some people don't like the smell of it, but you should give it a try!
- Never forget that mosquitos are attracted to light. Switch off the light when going to bed and keep reading in bed to a minimum as the light of your torch will also attracted those nasty little creatures.
- Clothing – shorts and shirts are no problem at all during the day, but during dusk and dawn you should wear long trouser and a jumper/long sleeve. Mosquitos are most active during dusk and dawn.
- You are on safari and not on a big night out, so don't use too much perfume / after shave. Mosquitoes are more attracted to it than anyone else around you.
- Stick to the rules, don't forget to take your medication and don't think that you will not get Malaria just because you just read this list!
Typical symptoms of malaria are:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
27 November 2009
"Alternative Views" documentary: Free Namibia (1980)
Free Namibia is a documentary by Jürgen Bergs, Simone di Bagno & Mark Robbis and was produced by the United Nations in 1978 (?). It was also shown on "Alternative Views" - a public affairs program in the US (1978 - 1998) featuring news, interviews and opinion pieces from a progressive political perspective.
In a shocking and moving documentary we see the terrible living conditions and racism under which the Black majority lives in Namibia and the growing resistance to white rule imposed by South African troops. Also, two guests provide us the latest information about the Namibian situation, particularly the action of the allied countries - U.S. and South Africa. [src.: archive.org]
also visit www.archive.org to watch and/or download the the complete documentary (ca. 60min) aired by "Alternative Views".
In a shocking and moving documentary we see the terrible living conditions and racism under which the Black majority lives in Namibia and the growing resistance to white rule imposed by South African troops. Also, two guests provide us the latest information about the Namibian situation, particularly the action of the allied countries - U.S. and South Africa. [src.: archive.org]
also visit www.archive.org to watch and/or download the the complete documentary (ca. 60min) aired by "Alternative Views".
Video footage of the meteor which lit up the South African sky at the 22 Nov 2009
The very bright fireball seen passing over South Africa' provinces Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo at the 22 Nov 2009 just after 2300hrs was probably a meteor - a space rock hitting the atmosphere around 100km above earth surface at such speed that it heats up and disintegrates.
CCTV footage
Footage from the security camera of the Mustek building in Midrand
Video made in Limpopo
26 November 2009
BBC documentaries podcast: Assignment - The Congo Connection
I just love the bbc documentaries podcast - IMO one of the best ones around. They are highly informative, well investigated and defo broaden one's horizon...
Over the last couple of month I already posted about the 3 "Gold" episodes, the "Why is Africa poor" series and about Mike Woodbridge travels to Nicaragua, Namibia & Nepal ("A Dollar a Day"). Earlier today the bbc published a new interesting and very relevant podcast about who is actually controlling the deadly militia in the DR Congo.
In Assignment Peter Greste investigates whether Rwandans in France and Germany are controlling a deadly African militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the last 15 years, the rebels of the FDLR have enforced their control through a series of brutal atrocities. Now Assignment has secret intelligence suggesting that they were taking orders from political leaders living openly in Europe. [src. bbc] - click here to listen to the podcast!
Over the last couple of month I already posted about the 3 "Gold" episodes, the "Why is Africa poor" series and about Mike Woodbridge travels to Nicaragua, Namibia & Nepal ("A Dollar a Day"). Earlier today the bbc published a new interesting and very relevant podcast about who is actually controlling the deadly militia in the DR Congo.
In Assignment Peter Greste investigates whether Rwandans in France and Germany are controlling a deadly African militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the last 15 years, the rebels of the FDLR have enforced their control through a series of brutal atrocities. Now Assignment has secret intelligence suggesting that they were taking orders from political leaders living openly in Europe. [src. bbc] - click here to listen to the podcast!
Japan's headquarter during the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa
Japan's national team will be based at the Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate in George during the 2010 World Cup™. With the majestic Outeniqua Mountains as its backdrop, Fancourt has 3 specifically designed golf courses and the only Taylor Made Performance Lab in the whole of Africa.
Japan's practice pitch is going to be the Outeniqua Park stadium just about 5km east of the hotel.
View Japan's headquarter during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in a larger map
According to some news reports the Fancourt Hotel was chosen by the Japanese National Football Association because Japan's Ai Miyazato and Rui Kitada won the inaugural women's World Cup of Golf in 2005 hosted by Fancourt.
Japan's practice pitch is going to be the Outeniqua Park stadium just about 5km east of the hotel.
View Japan's headquarter during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in a larger map
According to some news reports the Fancourt Hotel was chosen by the Japanese National Football Association because Japan's Ai Miyazato and Rui Kitada won the inaugural women's World Cup of Golf in 2005 hosted by Fancourt.
25 November 2009
base of the Dutch team during the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa
The base of the Dutch national team will be the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg's poshest & richest suburb. The team will train at at Wits University, 15km south of the hotel.
How to get there?
From the airport, take the R24 Johannesburg highway and turn at NI2/N3 North highway turn off at Marlboro Road. At the traffic light, turn left and continue to the "Shell" petrol/gas station on your left. Turn right into South Road and continue to the T-Junction. Turn left into Rivonia Road and pass the Southern Sun Grayston Hotel on your left. The Hilton Sandton hotel is on your left.
How to get there?
From the airport, take the R24 Johannesburg highway and turn at NI2/N3 North highway turn off at Marlboro Road. At the traffic light, turn left and continue to the "Shell" petrol/gas station on your left. Turn right into South Road and continue to the T-Junction. Turn left into Rivonia Road and pass the Southern Sun Grayston Hotel on your left. The Hilton Sandton hotel is on your left.
Southern African recipes: Monkey Gland Sauce
If there is one typical South African sauce it is "Monkey Gland Sauce". Monkey Gland? Well, no monkeys are harmed to make the sauce and there is, of course, no gland (or anything coming close to it) used to make the sweet and sour sauce that tastes so awesomely good with steak or even on a burger...
The origins of the sauce and why it is called "Monkey Gland" are not really known. I have heard loads of stories over the years - this one (slightly different here and there) was the most told:
Back in the early 1950’s some French Chefs worked at the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg and wanted to please their rich, white (and mostly Afrikaaner) customers with what could be named sophisticated continental cuisine. The Chefs were doing their best, tried almost every recipe, but the only dish their customers really enjoyed was Steak & sauce. So the Chefs started cooking steak dishes with haute cuisine sauces, but it didn’t work aswell. At one point, and probably out of pure frustration, the Chefs decided to throw every commercial sauce they could lay their hands on in one pot and serve it to their guests. The result was the concoction of what we now know as Monkey Gland Sauce. This sweet and sour sauce struck a chord with the Afrikaner clientele as it reflected the taste of their other traditional dishes and became a true hit.
There are probably thousands of different ways to make "Monkey Gland Sauce" - the ones I know of are:
Durban Style (got the recipe from a butcher in Durban some years ago)
Ingredients:
• 30ml Sunflower Oil
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 150ml Tomato Sauce
• 30ml Soy Sauce
• 100ml White Vinegar
• 2ml Mustard Powder
• 10ml Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
Method:
Sauté the onions in the oil until the onions are translucent. Add the remaining
ingredients and simmer over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Spicy Style
Ingredients:
• 2 Onions, finely chopped
• 3 Cloves Garlic, crushed
• 50ml Sunflower Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of crushed ginger
• 200gr tinned Tomatoes
• 125ml Chutney
• 10ml Soy Sauce
• 25ml Mustard
• 25ml Worcester Sauce
• 50ml Tomato Sauce
• 75ml Port Wine
• 100ml Vegetable Stock
• 30ml Red Wine/Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Tabasco
• ½ Cup of Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
Method:
Sauté the onions, ginger and garlic in the oil until the onions are translucent. Add the
remaining ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
The origins of the sauce and why it is called "Monkey Gland" are not really known. I have heard loads of stories over the years - this one (slightly different here and there) was the most told:
Back in the early 1950’s some French Chefs worked at the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg and wanted to please their rich, white (and mostly Afrikaaner) customers with what could be named sophisticated continental cuisine. The Chefs were doing their best, tried almost every recipe, but the only dish their customers really enjoyed was Steak & sauce. So the Chefs started cooking steak dishes with haute cuisine sauces, but it didn’t work aswell. At one point, and probably out of pure frustration, the Chefs decided to throw every commercial sauce they could lay their hands on in one pot and serve it to their guests. The result was the concoction of what we now know as Monkey Gland Sauce. This sweet and sour sauce struck a chord with the Afrikaner clientele as it reflected the taste of their other traditional dishes and became a true hit.
There are probably thousands of different ways to make "Monkey Gland Sauce" - the ones I know of are:
Durban Style (got the recipe from a butcher in Durban some years ago)
Ingredients:
• 30ml Sunflower Oil
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 150ml Tomato Sauce
• 30ml Soy Sauce
• 100ml White Vinegar
• 2ml Mustard Powder
• 10ml Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
Method:
Sauté the onions in the oil until the onions are translucent. Add the remaining
ingredients and simmer over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Spicy Style
Ingredients:
• 2 Onions, finely chopped
• 3 Cloves Garlic, crushed
• 50ml Sunflower Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of crushed ginger
• 200gr tinned Tomatoes
• 125ml Chutney
• 10ml Soy Sauce
• 25ml Mustard
• 25ml Worcester Sauce
• 50ml Tomato Sauce
• 75ml Port Wine
• 100ml Vegetable Stock
• 30ml Red Wine/Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Tabasco
• ½ Cup of Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
Method:
Sauté the onions, ginger and garlic in the oil until the onions are translucent. Add the
remaining ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Lonely Planet - Best-value destinations for 2010
Lonely Planet has just recently published their book "Best in Travel 2010" presenting the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit in 2010. Well, one of the Top 10 lists in the book is the best-value destinations in 2010 list:
- Iceland
holidays on Iceland with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation on Iceland - Thailand
holidays in Thailand with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in Thailand - London
holidays in the UK with responsibletravel.com
budget accommodation in London - South Africa
all about travelling in South Africa on TravelComments.com
budget accommodation in South Africa - Malaysia
holidays in Malaysia with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in Malaysia - Mexico
holidays in Mexico with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in Mexico - India
holidays in India with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in India - Bulgaria
holidays in Bulgaria with responsibletravel.com
budget accommodation in Bulgaria - Kenya
holidays in Kenya with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in Kenya - Las Vegas
holidays in the US with responsibletravel.com & GAP Adventures
budget accommodation in Las Vegas
24 November 2009
2010 World Cup™ - FIFA Fan Fests in South Africa & around the World
The FIFA Fan Fest, or the official public viewing events, will allow football enthusiasts to watch all 64 matches free in some of the most iconic locations in South Africa and around the world.
FIFA announced on Monday that all nine South African Host Cities as well as Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney will be used as official public viewing events of football's flagship tournament.
FIFA announced on Monday that all nine South African Host Cities as well as Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney will be used as official public viewing events of football's flagship tournament.
Lonely Planet xmas offers - 3 for 2 on all print titles
Lonely Planet is offering 3 for 2 on all print titles, a free Lonely Planet magazine for our UK customers (RRP £3.50) and 10% off all pictorials. Digital chapters continue to be discounted with 45% off on purchases of 5 or more chapters.
The "3 for 2" discount covers all hot new titles, including their top-selling "Australia" guide, perfect stocking fillers in Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2010" at £9.99 (with FREE "Best in Travel 2009", worth £15.99), the brand new title "1,000 Ultimate Experiences" and the updated "Guide to Travel Photography" as well as their recent editions of the ever-popular India and Thailand guides.
Also available:
The "3 for 2" discount covers all hot new titles, including their top-selling "Australia" guide, perfect stocking fillers in Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2010" at £9.99 (with FREE "Best in Travel 2009", worth £15.99), the brand new title "1,000 Ultimate Experiences" and the updated "Guide to Travel Photography" as well as their recent editions of the ever-popular India and Thailand guides.
Also available:
1Time about to launch Johannesburg <> Maputo flights
South African low cost carrier 1Time has been given the rights to operate a five-weekly service between Johannesburg and Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
According to an airline spokesperson the airfares for the route will be considerably lower than the existing ones. More details about rates, launching date, flight times etc. will follow soon - watch this space!
1tme also recently launched a service to Livingstone, in Zambia (maiden flight 26 Nov 2009), and already operates flights to the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar (Tanzania).
According to an airline spokesperson the airfares for the route will be considerably lower than the existing ones. More details about rates, launching date, flight times etc. will follow soon - watch this space!
1tme also recently launched a service to Livingstone, in Zambia (maiden flight 26 Nov 2009), and already operates flights to the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar (Tanzania).
23 November 2009
EU: New air passenger compensation rights
Airline passengers who are delayed by more than three hours should get the same compensation as if their flights have been cancelled, European judges have ruled. The regulation provides that, in the event of cancellation of a flight, passengers are entitled to flat-rate compensation of between EUR 250 and EUR 600.
Airlines will be required not to cancel a flight unless it fits strict criteria set down in the new law.
The ruling stated: “Passengers on a flight which is cancelled at short notice have a right to compensation, even when they are re-routed by the airline on another flight, if they lose three hours or more in relation to the duration originally planned."
The judges said that a technical problem with an aircraft could not be regarded as an "extraordinary circumstance", unless the problem stemmed from events which "by their nature or origin are not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier concerned and are beyond its actual control".
Airlines will be required not to cancel a flight unless it fits strict criteria set down in the new law.
The ruling stated: “Passengers on a flight which is cancelled at short notice have a right to compensation, even when they are re-routed by the airline on another flight, if they lose three hours or more in relation to the duration originally planned."
The judges said that a technical problem with an aircraft could not be regarded as an "extraordinary circumstance", unless the problem stemmed from events which "by their nature or origin are not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier concerned and are beyond its actual control".
22 November 2009
Carte Blanche: The Elephants at Sondelani Lodge
In October 2008, 10 elephants were captured in the Zimbabwean bush and taken to Sondelani Lodge about an hour north of the Beit Bridge border to be trained for use in elephant-back safaris.
Glynis Vaughan (Zimbabwe NSPCA): 'In April 2009 we had a tipoff there were elephants captured housed at Sondelani.' [more...]
In the videos:
Glynis Vaughan (Zimbabwe NSPCA): 'In April 2009 we had a tipoff there were elephants captured housed at Sondelani.' [more...]
In the videos:
- Sondelani Lodge / Safaris
- ZNSPCA
- Karen Trendler
get Karen Trendler's book "Wildcare: The Story of Karen Trendler and Her African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre" in the TravelComments.com eShop - Four Paws Animal Rescue
- Hwange National Park
- Zimbabwe country guide
20 November 2009
Starling Village Backpackers is looking for interns!
Starling Village Backpackers in Plettenberg Bay (South Africa) is looking for 3 vibrant people to start working on the 1st December (SEASON) while having a holiday.
The job is very easy and you do not need any qualifications to work. What the job entitle is working in our reception, bar, kitchen and house keeping. Dealing with the guest, and answering the phone, making bookings for activities and other hostels, translating our website if you speak another language, preparing meals for guest, serving drinks in the bar and taking care of certain day to day chores.
In return we supply you with dorm accommodation and R250.00 food allowance a week. We also arrange for you some of the activities we have on offer free of charge and discounts on the Baz Bus(hop on hop off backpackers bus). Discounts at some of the other hostels during the time you travel and explore South Africa.
Interns only work five shifts per week, leaving you lots of time off to go traveling in South Africa (you will do some marketing for us during the time you travel). You can work extra shifts and accumulate the time in order for you to have a longer holiday at the end. It is a great opportunity for you to learn about our fast dynamic and interesting industry.
The job is very easy and you do not need any qualifications to work. What the job entitle is working in our reception, bar, kitchen and house keeping. Dealing with the guest, and answering the phone, making bookings for activities and other hostels, translating our website if you speak another language, preparing meals for guest, serving drinks in the bar and taking care of certain day to day chores.
In return we supply you with dorm accommodation and R250.00 food allowance a week. We also arrange for you some of the activities we have on offer free of charge and discounts on the Baz Bus(hop on hop off backpackers bus). Discounts at some of the other hostels during the time you travel and explore South Africa.
Interns only work five shifts per week, leaving you lots of time off to go traveling in South Africa (you will do some marketing for us during the time you travel). You can work extra shifts and accumulate the time in order for you to have a longer holiday at the end. It is a great opportunity for you to learn about our fast dynamic and interesting industry.
Email Victoria on info[at]starlingbackpackers.co.za for more info!
18 November 2009
2010 World Cup™ stadiums - Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban
Durban's new "Moses Mabhida Stadium" was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium adjacent to the ABSA Stadium and the Durban street circuit used for the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. It is somehow the new heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. The 70,000-seater has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre complete with a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch.
The Stadium is named after Moses Mabhida (14 October 1923 – ?? March 1986), who was a South African politician and leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP) from 1978 until his death in 1985.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Capacity: 80,000
match days: Sunday, 13 June | Wednesday, 16 June | Saturday, 19 June | Tuesday, 22 June | Friday, 25 June | Monday, 28 June | Wednesday, 7 July
The Stadium is named after Moses Mabhida (14 October 1923 – ?? March 1986), who was a South African politician and leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP) from 1978 until his death in 1985.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Capacity: 80,000
match days: Sunday, 13 June | Wednesday, 16 June | Saturday, 19 June | Tuesday, 22 June | Friday, 25 June | Monday, 28 June | Wednesday, 7 July
Kruger National Park: Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate now open for tourists
The Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is now open for tourists.
There is still a bit of water running on top of the low water bridge (old one) over the Crocodile River; but only small vehicles up to minibuses and open safari vehicles can now pass through. Motorists must exercise caution by driving slowly across this low water bridge. [src.: sanparks.org]
There is still a bit of water running on top of the low water bridge (old one) over the Crocodile River; but only small vehicles up to minibuses and open safari vehicles can now pass through. Motorists must exercise caution by driving slowly across this low water bridge. [src.: sanparks.org]
Table Mountain: Sunset Special - pay only half price
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway's renowned Summer Sunset Special starts on 01 Nov 2009 and runs until 28 Feb 2009. For four months visitors pay half price after 6pm to travel to the highest sundowner spot in Cape Town.
Sunset Special rates:
Adults: R80 (instead of R160)
Childeren under 18 years: R40 (instead of R80)
The special is valid from Sunday November 1, 2009 until Sunday February 28, 2010 and on New Year's Eve (last car up at 11pm and last car down at 1am).
Sunset Special tickets can be purchased from the Cableway's Ticket Office from 6pm.
The Cableway operates weather permitting. For information call (021) 424 8181 or visit http://tablemountain.net.
Sunset Special rates:
Adults: R80 (instead of R160)
Childeren under 18 years: R40 (instead of R80)
The special is valid from Sunday November 1, 2009 until Sunday February 28, 2010 and on New Year's Eve (last car up at 11pm and last car down at 1am).
Sunset Special tickets can be purchased from the Cableway's Ticket Office from 6pm.
The Cableway operates weather permitting. For information call (021) 424 8181 or visit http://tablemountain.net.
17 November 2009
The Kruger National Park Calendar - December
Weather:
Landscape:
- height of summer
- very hot & humid days
- warm nights
- often spectacular lightning storms
- between 18°C - 34°C (Fahrenheit: e.g. 34°C = [(34x9)]/5 + 32 = 93.2°F)
- visit travelcomments.com/webcams_sa.htm and follow daily game drives via webcam to check the weather & how the landscape is changing during the year
Landscape:
- vigorous plat growth everywhere in the park
- tree canopy very thick
- fig trees in fruit
- mopane tree in flower
- height of the impala breeding season
- predators out to get their young
- most resident non-raptor birds breeding
- animal activity all over the park
Cape Town: ZIMFEST Launch Party at the 20 Nov 2009
When? Fr 20th Nov 2009 20:00Where? ROOTS - Lr. Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Door? R30
Live Performance? Nungarin
DJ's? Toby2Shoes, MIX n BLEND, Kim Mono
ZIMFEST 09 - POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
Zimfest 09 has been postponed... but not for long. We are not completely sure that summer has arrived in Cape Town yet.. and so the simple solution is to wait a couple days until we know we wont be rained out. Since ZIMFEST is a fundraiser we need to make sure you are all going to support us and wont be scared off at the last minute by bad weather. As soon as the sun hits Cape Town in a meaningful way the Festival will resume as planned.
Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe up for sale
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train, back to service since about a month, is up for sale. Transnet placed an advert in a George newspaper some days agai calling for expressions of interest from prospective buyers of the train.
According to SABCNews the main reason for selling the train line is that Transnet needs to focus on core rail freight operations and can't afford keeping the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe running for much longer.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is a heritage steam train service that started operating between George and Knysna on a line officially opened in 1928. In 2006 severe storms caused extensive damage to the George -Knysna railway line. As a result the train service stopped operating. With effect from 16 October 2009 tourist train is returned to service between George and Mossel Bay.
According to SABCNews the main reason for selling the train line is that Transnet needs to focus on core rail freight operations and can't afford keeping the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe running for much longer.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is a heritage steam train service that started operating between George and Knysna on a line officially opened in 1928. In 2006 severe storms caused extensive damage to the George -Knysna railway line. As a result the train service stopped operating. With effect from 16 October 2009 tourist train is returned to service between George and Mossel Bay.
Mountain Zebra National Park: New gate, new roads and future plans
The Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock in the Eastern Cape recently celebrated the opening of their new upgraded entrance gate - now named the Sasol Gate - and the complete renovation of its tourist roads. Around 43km of of existing gravel roads got upgraded and 13.4km of new roads were built, so that visitors can now explore all areas of the Park for wildlife viewing on roads suitable for all vehicle types.
According to Lucius Moolman, South African National Parks (SANParks) Regional Manager, plans to link Mountain Zebra National Park to Camdeboo National Park in Graaff-Reinet to form a mega-conservation area of about 300 000 hectares had now been officially declared by SANParks. These plans envisaged a linkage formed through contractual agreements with private game reserves and landowners, some of whom had already expressed interest in the idea.
According to Lucius Moolman, South African National Parks (SANParks) Regional Manager, plans to link Mountain Zebra National Park to Camdeboo National Park in Graaff-Reinet to form a mega-conservation area of about 300 000 hectares had now been officially declared by SANParks. These plans envisaged a linkage formed through contractual agreements with private game reserves and landowners, some of whom had already expressed interest in the idea.
16 November 2009
Namibia International Music Festival 11 - 12 Dec 2009 in Windhoek, Namibia
The Namibia International Music Festival will take place at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Namibia's capital Windhoek at the 11 & 12 Dec 2009.
The organisers of the event are expecting up to 30000 visitors. Local and international artists, such as Loyiso Bala, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, US rapper Common and Alexandra Burke are scheduled to perform. General admission will cost N$220, while premium tickets will cost N$700. Locally, tickets will be sold in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oshakati. The event also aims to do its part for charity and some of the proceeds will go towards the education of street children and organisations working with people living with HIV/AIDS.
The organisers of the event are expecting up to 30000 visitors. Local and international artists, such as Loyiso Bala, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, US rapper Common and Alexandra Burke are scheduled to perform. General admission will cost N$220, while premium tickets will cost N$700. Locally, tickets will be sold in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oshakati. The event also aims to do its part for charity and some of the proceeds will go towards the education of street children and organisations working with people living with HIV/AIDS.
13 November 2009
2009 Resonsible Tourism Awards - three awards for Mozambique & South Africa
The winners of the 2009 Resonsible Tourism Awards got announced at the 11 Nov 2009, which is apparently the World Responsible Tourism Day. Whale Watch Kaikoura, New Zealand, was the overall winner, but projects from Mozambique & South Africa also won awards.
The Responsible Tourism Awards were founded in 2004 by responsibletravel.com, who run the Awards in partnership with The Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine - the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society, and World Travel Market. Virgin Holidays became headline sponsors of the Awards in 2007 and have continued to support us since.
Best for poverty reduction
Winner: Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique
The work of Guludo Beach Lodge, through their charitable foundation ‘Nema’ has had an unprecedented and undeniably positive impact on the immediate community, working towards major improvements in children’s health care and education conditions. Their portfolio of projects in the local area is exhaustive, having improved school attendance by 350 per cent, providing access to safe drinking water for 15,000 people, supplying over 10,000 women and children with mosquito-nets, and working closely with the local community for the sustainable continuation of their projects by providing water committee training, hygiene and sanitation workshops and much more.
Highly commended: Tribal Voice Communications, Kenya & Rekero, Kenya
Contact details: Guludo Beach Lodge. Amy Carter-James, Managing Director, amy@guludo.com, +44 207 1274727
Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats
Winner: Great Plains Conservation, South Africa
For incorporating a range of innovative projects across five African countries. Their work in the Maasai Mara is particularly impressive, facilitating the creation of an 80,000 acre conservancy, and guaranteeing regular payment to the local communities for the use of their land for tourism purposes – regardless of the number of guests. On an unequivocal basis, they provide protected revenue for the indigenous peoples of the Mara, reducing the negative social and economic impacts of tourism.
Highly commended: Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), Uganda & Way Out Experiences, Malaysia, Indonesia & Borneo
Contact details: Great Plains Conservation. Hilton Walker, Sales, Marketing and PR Manager, hilton@greatplainsconservation.com +27 31 765 3947 or +27 82 579 9055
Best destination
Winner: City of Cape Town, South Africa
The City of Cape Town has taken responsibility for identifying and prioritising local issues from a responsible tourism perspective. The City’s Tourism Department has worked in conjunction with its colleagues in the city administration and the industry to develop a Responsible Tourism Charter which commits both the industry and the city government to address the local priorities and to report on progress. Signatories have committed to define measurable goals and to monitor and report publicly on progress.
Highly commended: Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, UK
Contact details: City of Cape Town. Mansoor Mohamed, Executive Director: Economic, Social Development and Tourism, Mansoor.Mohamed@capetown.gov.za, + 27(0) 21 400 2589
The Responsible Tourism Awards were founded in 2004 by responsibletravel.com, who run the Awards in partnership with The Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine - the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society, and World Travel Market. Virgin Holidays became headline sponsors of the Awards in 2007 and have continued to support us since.
Best for poverty reduction
Winner: Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique
The work of Guludo Beach Lodge, through their charitable foundation ‘Nema’ has had an unprecedented and undeniably positive impact on the immediate community, working towards major improvements in children’s health care and education conditions. Their portfolio of projects in the local area is exhaustive, having improved school attendance by 350 per cent, providing access to safe drinking water for 15,000 people, supplying over 10,000 women and children with mosquito-nets, and working closely with the local community for the sustainable continuation of their projects by providing water committee training, hygiene and sanitation workshops and much more.
Highly commended: Tribal Voice Communications, Kenya & Rekero, Kenya
Contact details: Guludo Beach Lodge. Amy Carter-James, Managing Director, amy@guludo.com, +44 207 1274727
Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats
Winner: Great Plains Conservation, South Africa
For incorporating a range of innovative projects across five African countries. Their work in the Maasai Mara is particularly impressive, facilitating the creation of an 80,000 acre conservancy, and guaranteeing regular payment to the local communities for the use of their land for tourism purposes – regardless of the number of guests. On an unequivocal basis, they provide protected revenue for the indigenous peoples of the Mara, reducing the negative social and economic impacts of tourism.
Highly commended: Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), Uganda & Way Out Experiences, Malaysia, Indonesia & Borneo
Contact details: Great Plains Conservation. Hilton Walker, Sales, Marketing and PR Manager, hilton@greatplainsconservation.com +27 31 765 3947 or +27 82 579 9055
Best destination
Winner: City of Cape Town, South Africa
The City of Cape Town has taken responsibility for identifying and prioritising local issues from a responsible tourism perspective. The City’s Tourism Department has worked in conjunction with its colleagues in the city administration and the industry to develop a Responsible Tourism Charter which commits both the industry and the city government to address the local priorities and to report on progress. Signatories have committed to define measurable goals and to monitor and report publicly on progress.
Highly commended: Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, UK
Contact details: City of Cape Town. Mansoor Mohamed, Executive Director: Economic, Social Development and Tourism, Mansoor.Mohamed@capetown.gov.za, + 27(0) 21 400 2589
12 November 2009
DIY - How to make Biltong!
Glenn Verran of www.thezashow.com is showing you how to build a biltong box, how to prepare the meat, how to use the box and finally how to enjoy it!
BBC documentary podcast: A Dollar a Day
BBC journalist Mike Woodbridge travels to Nicaragua, Namibia & Nepal investigating why billions of people worldwide are trapped in the most persistent poverty. In three podcasts the poor describe their daily struggle that has been worsened by the global economic crisis.
A Dollar a Day - Part 1 (Wed, 4 Nov 09)
Duration: 24 mins
What keeps a billion people trapped in the most persistent poverty? Mike Wooldridge travels to Nicaragua to meet Justa who hoped for a better life after the Sandinista revolution. [more info & download]
A Dollar a Day - Part 2 (Wed, 11 Nov 09)
Duration: 24 mins
Thrown off nearby farms at the time of Namibia’s independence, the squatters of Otjivero lived a hand-to-mouth existence. Last year a scheme was established to give every inhabitant a basic cash grant of US$10 a month, to spend as they wanted. School enrolment has shot up, small businesses are springing up, and the nurse at the local clinic says malnutrition rates amongst the children have dropped. [more info & download]
A Dollar a Day - Part 3 (Wed, 18 Nov 09)
Duration: 23 mins
In Nepal, severe drought and unreliable monsoon rains have led to acute food shortages. The impact is felt most by people like Charuri who is struggling to feed three children and cannot afford the medical help she needs. [more info & download]
A Dollar a Day - Part 1 (Wed, 4 Nov 09)
Duration: 24 mins
What keeps a billion people trapped in the most persistent poverty? Mike Wooldridge travels to Nicaragua to meet Justa who hoped for a better life after the Sandinista revolution. [more info & download]
A Dollar a Day - Part 2 (Wed, 11 Nov 09)
Duration: 24 mins
Thrown off nearby farms at the time of Namibia’s independence, the squatters of Otjivero lived a hand-to-mouth existence. Last year a scheme was established to give every inhabitant a basic cash grant of US$10 a month, to spend as they wanted. School enrolment has shot up, small businesses are springing up, and the nurse at the local clinic says malnutrition rates amongst the children have dropped. [more info & download]
A Dollar a Day - Part 3 (Wed, 18 Nov 09)
Duration: 23 mins
In Nepal, severe drought and unreliable monsoon rains have led to acute food shortages. The impact is felt most by people like Charuri who is struggling to feed three children and cannot afford the medical help she needs. [more info & download]
11 November 2009
UN declares July 18 Nelson Mandela Day
UN declares Mandela Day international event
By Nthambeleni Gabara
Pretoria - The decision of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day has been welcomed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The resolution was unanimously adopted on Tuesday, with the support of all UN Member States and co-sponsorship of over 165 members, from all regions of the world.
The foundation said this represented the overwhelming support of the entire international community in honouring Madiba and it hoped this would signal the beginning of greater involvement by the global community in this movement for good.
Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Madiba's life and legacy. It serves as a catalyst for each and every person around the world to realise that they have the ability to change it through action.
"It is not about creating institutions with huge infrastructure, but a global movement for good which recognises that positive change begins with small actions. These actions can range from a vision for creating peace and reconciliation; to sharing food with a neighbour in need," explained the foundation in its statement.
Mandela Day is particularly geared towards people doing work in their communities and not event driven. It is not a one-day event or a holiday.
Nelson Mandela spent 67 years of his life actively devoted to promoting and bringing about social change.
On Mandela Day, people are asked to symbolically give at least 67 minutes of their time in service to their communities in whichever way they choose.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the South African government for its efforts in making this possible. We urge people to ensure that they observe Mandela Day everyday - contributing to the global movement for good - and not only on the 18th of July.
"As Mandela reminded the nation, "it's in our hands" to create a better world. We take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility to others." -(src.: BuaNews)
By Nthambeleni Gabara
Pretoria - The decision of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day has been welcomed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The resolution was unanimously adopted on Tuesday, with the support of all UN Member States and co-sponsorship of over 165 members, from all regions of the world.
The foundation said this represented the overwhelming support of the entire international community in honouring Madiba and it hoped this would signal the beginning of greater involvement by the global community in this movement for good.
Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Madiba's life and legacy. It serves as a catalyst for each and every person around the world to realise that they have the ability to change it through action.
"It is not about creating institutions with huge infrastructure, but a global movement for good which recognises that positive change begins with small actions. These actions can range from a vision for creating peace and reconciliation; to sharing food with a neighbour in need," explained the foundation in its statement.
Mandela Day is particularly geared towards people doing work in their communities and not event driven. It is not a one-day event or a holiday.
Nelson Mandela spent 67 years of his life actively devoted to promoting and bringing about social change.
On Mandela Day, people are asked to symbolically give at least 67 minutes of their time in service to their communities in whichever way they choose.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the South African government for its efforts in making this possible. We urge people to ensure that they observe Mandela Day everyday - contributing to the global movement for good - and not only on the 18th of July.
"As Mandela reminded the nation, "it's in our hands" to create a better world. We take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility to others." -(src.: BuaNews)
"Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom" in the TravelComments.com eShop >>
some more 2010 World Cup stats - ticket sales
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa just announced some more stats:
update: (18 Nov 09): Second 2010 ticket sales phase extended until 20 November 2009
update (16 Nov 09): 668 525 tickets have been sold so far. 356 285 of those in the south Africa - US (84 034), UK (48 274) and Germany (25 024).
2010 World Cup ticket sales phases: We are currently in the 2nd sales which is ending at the 16 Nov 2009. During this phase all tickets will be attributed based on the order in which the application was received, and, of course, subject to availability. The 3rd sales phase is starting at the 5 Dec 2009, a day after the final draw in Cape Town and will last to the 22 Jan 2010. All correctly submitted applications received during this stage will be considered for allocation. If the number of applications for Match or Team Specific tickets exceeds the number of tickets available, tickets will be allocated by a random selection draw taking place on 1 February 2010. Please note: it makes no difference whether you apply early, on 5 December 2009, or late, on 22 January 2010. Each correctly submitted application will have the same opportunity of being successful in the draw.
update: (18 Nov 09): Second 2010 ticket sales phase extended until 20 November 2009
update (16 Nov 09): 668 525 tickets have been sold so far. 356 285 of those in the south Africa - US (84 034), UK (48 274) and Germany (25 024).
- 650 527 tickets have been sold so far
- 345 894 went to South Africans while 304 633 went to overseas fans
- fans from the US bought 82 603 tickets so far
- fans from the UK bought 48 926 tickets &
- fans from Germany bought 23 924 tickets.
2010 World Cup ticket sales phases: We are currently in the 2nd sales which is ending at the 16 Nov 2009. During this phase all tickets will be attributed based on the order in which the application was received, and, of course, subject to availability. The 3rd sales phase is starting at the 5 Dec 2009, a day after the final draw in Cape Town and will last to the 22 Jan 2010. All correctly submitted applications received during this stage will be considered for allocation. If the number of applications for Match or Team Specific tickets exceeds the number of tickets available, tickets will be allocated by a random selection draw taking place on 1 February 2010. Please note: it makes no difference whether you apply early, on 5 December 2009, or late, on 22 January 2010. Each correctly submitted application will have the same opportunity of being successful in the draw.
10 November 2009
Afrovibe Outreach Roadtrip 2009
The Afrovibe Outreach Roadtrip will take off on the 4th of December 2009 from George in the Western Cape and end on arrival in Durban, Kwazulu Natal on the 20th of December a total distance of nearly 2000 Kilometers will be covered. A team of 6 will work their way up and around the Garden Route, the Sunshine Coast and the Wild Coast.
The purpose of the trip is to gather funding to assist orphanages, community crèches, schools and child headed households. The team will assist by providing food packages, helping with repairs to community buildings and providing educational resources to underprivileged locals. Afrovibe is still confirming exactly what work they will be doing at the various places were they stop.
There are raffle tickets for sale at R20 per ticket, the 1st prize is 2 nights accomodation at Afrovibe Lodge including an adventure. 2nd Prize is R1000 cash. The Raffel tickets can be bought at Afrovibe Lodge. People who are not in the area can buy tickets online - pls contact Leigh to get to know the details.
On completion of the trip, pictures and reports on the road trip will be posted on the website: www.afrovibes.co.za. Check facebook through out the trip for updates on the teams progress.
For any questions please contact- 084 6844 710 Leigh Katzen
e-mail: leighk08@gmail.com
Any support will be greatly appreciated. You can make a difference…
There are raffle tickets for sale at R20 per ticket, the 1st prize is 2 nights accomodation at Afrovibe Lodge including an adventure. 2nd Prize is R1000 cash. The Raffel tickets can be bought at Afrovibe Lodge. People who are not in the area can buy tickets online - pls contact Leigh to get to know the details.
On completion of the trip, pictures and reports on the road trip will be posted on the website: www.afrovibes.co.za. Check facebook through out the trip for updates on the teams progress.
For any questions please contact- 084 6844 710 Leigh Katzen
e-mail: leighk08@gmail.com
Any support will be greatly appreciated. You can make a difference…
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