South Africa: Kungwini Guest House (Bronkhorstspruit) gets FTT-certification

The Kungwini Guest House in Bronkhorstspruit (Gauteng) is the fourth tourism business in the Dinokeng area to become certified by the Fair Trade Tourism (FTT). The Guest House is located in close proximity to Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Rietvlei Nature Reserve and the Nan Hua Buddhist temple & seminary. The Kungwini Guest House, just 45 minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, offers en-suite rooms with a patio overlooking its beautiful garden, an aiport shuttle service, laundry facilities as well as braai/bbq facilties and a fireplace.

Kungwini Guest House supports community development projects on an on-going basis and believes in youth development. It provides hospitality training for interns selected from the community and further supports the youth in sports and events that appeal to both the community and tourists.
Kungwini Guesthouse has further invested in to its community by providing support to entrepreneurs in the local area. The guesthouse has offered mentorship to an events management business, as well as enabling its start-up through the use of the Kungwini Guesthouse office facilities. A local catering company has also benefited from Kungwini Guest House by receiving assistance with networking and using their services. (via FTT)

The Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions. 
The certification of the Kungwini Guest House is part of the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) project "Travel with a Conscience", which is aimed at positioning Dinokeng as a responsible tourism destination. Dinokeng includes the three hubs of Dinokeng Game Reserve, Roodeplaat Dam and Cullinan.

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certified its first two businesses in the Dinokeng area

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) has recently certified its first two businesses in the Dinokeng area, namely the Kwagga’s Pride Guest House and the Kwalata Game Ranch.
The Kwagga’s Pride Guest House is situated in the Kwaggas Drift Conservancy about half an hour’s drive from Pretoria. The guest house believes in promoting local development and tries to achieve it through purchasing from local and small suppliers in the surrounding towns where possible, and by mentoring local artisans as well as own staff to improve their skills.
The Kwalata Game Ranch, home to kudu, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, steenbok, ostrich, warthog and many more, is situated right in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Its "Kwalata Initiative" focuses on social investment in the neighbouring communities of Mandela Village and Steve Biko Village, and supports already existing entrepreneurs, schools and day care centres.
The Kwagga’s Pride Guest House and the Kwalata Game Ranch are expected to be the first in a long row of businesses in the Dinokeng area working toward Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification as part of a campaign by the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) called "Travel with a Conscience". This campaign is aimed at positioning Dinokeng as a responsible tourism destination.
The Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.

Pretoria: Dinokeng Game Reserve is now home to four of the Big Five

The Dinokeng Game Reserve outside Pretoria (Gauteng), which was officially opened end of September 2011, is now home to four of the famous "Big Five". The first 10 Elephant arrived on 26 October 2011 and this brings the planned Big 5 to 4, with the remaining Buffalo introduction to follow as soon as  possible. The first six of eight lion were introduced to the Park just before the official opening on 19 September 2011 and 21 September 2011. Hyena, Cheetah and more Leopard will follow shortly.


View Larger Map

The Dinokeng Game Reserve (DGR) is situated in the North-East quadrant of the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The greater Dinokeng area covers approximately 281 000ha of rural land incorporating Roodeplaat, Cullinan, Rayton and open bushveld north of the Moloto Road (R573).
From Pretoria, take the N1 North. Take the R513 Wonderboom/Zambezi Drive/Cullinan off-ramp. At the traffic light, turn towards Cullinan. At the next traffic light, turn left onto the R573/KwaMhlanga Road. About 30km along the road, a signboard on your left will direct you to the reserve.

Dinokeng reserve under threat

Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, located about 50km north of Pretoria and approx. 18500ha in size, is set to be the first game reserve in South Africa's Gauteng province to support free roaming Big Five species. But, according to a news article which appeared on SATSA.com (South African Tourism Services Authoriry) today, the reserve is under thread from the mining company One Vision.

View Larger Map

The company notified landowners on the property of its interest in mining rights on the reserve. The stakeholders in the project, as well as Blue IQ (an initiative to develop economic infrastructure of the Gauteng Provincial Government) answered by sending letters of objection to either the Department of Minerals and Energy and to One Vision. The DME, again according to SATSA.com, notified Dinokeng Operations Manager Jenny Stevens that the letters were received by them. It is now up to One Vision to arrange a public meeting to consult with stakeholders.

some tourism news from Southern Africa

South Africa: New 4x4 trail opens in Camdeboo National Park
The National Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa has opened a new 4x4 Trail. The "Koedoeskloof 4x4 Trail" is free (except for the park conservation fee). No booking is necessary; a 4x4 vehicle is essential.

accommodation in the Eastern Cape >>

South Africa: Wild Golf in Dinokeng
Wild Golf? In Dinokeng? Yes! Where? Well, Zebra Country Lodge has now it's own Wild Golf course. Dinokeng's vast landscape is perfect for "wild" golf, which is being played on natural terrain. Only one club with three striking faces is used and the ball, which weighs as much as a golf ball, is rubber and is more than twice the size of a normal golf ball.

accommodation in Gauteng/NW Province >>
daytours in & around Johannesburg >>

Zimbabwe: Facelift for Vic Falls
The town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe recently got a facelift. In honour of the 13th COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) Heads of State meeting all roads were resurfaced and buildings were repainted.

Victoria Falls tours >>
flights to Victoria Falls/Livingstone >>
accommodation in Victoria Falls/Livingstone >>

Swaziland: Update on roads in Swaziland
The Mbabane bypass (highway from Ngwenya/Oshoek border post to Manzini) is now open for public use. The Lavumisa to Big Bend road has just been resurfaced and is now open for public use as well.

Swaziland: New Campsite at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary has opened a new campsite, with 18 sites, each featuring a braai and an electrical outlet.

accommodation in Swaziland >>
online car hire >>