December 2014 / January 2015

R E S P O N S I B L E

December / January 2015

be the difference

Celebrate Summer...

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40 fabulously fun things to do in KZN

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Top Tips for great summer trips

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Overberg Adventure

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Hotel Verde, Africa’s Greenest Hotel

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A HOLIDAY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! This holiday season travellers are encouraged to travel the Fair Trade Tourism way, having an amazing experience while at the same time giving back to the people and the environment they visited. They will leave feeling not only relaxed and recharged, but fulfilled and inspired too. If you’re travelling to KZN, consider the following FTT-certified options: PAKAMISA LODGE Pakamisa Lodge is situated in its own, malaria free private Game Reserve, amidst pristine African wilderness, perched high on the slopes of Pakamisa mountain and overlooking the rolling hills of Zululand. Pakamisa Lodge demonstrates sustainable and responsible tourism practices through maintaining the pristine bushveld. This is Pakamisa Lodge’s primary focus and includes alien vegetation eradication and expanding and restoring natural habitat, transforming overgrazed land into fertile grazing areas for wildlife, as well as eco- tourism principles. Horse-lovers will enjoy unforgettable rides through the reserve on Pakamisa’s well trained horses, an adventure which allows you to experience African wildlife at close quarters. Guests have the privilege of participating in tailor-made activities based on personal preferences, including guided game drives, bush walks, archery, clay target shooting, botany courses & birding trails.

Location: Pongola, Kwa Zulu Natal Website: www.pakamisa.co.za Email: isabella@pakamisa.co.za SANI LODGE BACKPACKERS Situated at the foot of the Sani Pass, the Gateway to the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, Sani Lodge is a peaceful country haven with a laid back atmosphere, where guests can simply kick off their shoes and wholly unwind.

Sani Lodge employs people from the local area and assists entrepreneurs by allowing them to provide products and services to their tours. This is exemplified in their Eastern Lesotho village tours, where over 60 families in the

Matsieng district of Eastern Lesotho benefit directly from the tour by payments made to them for services rendered in the fields of accommodation and food, dancing and traditional culture, traditional healer and primary school visits as well as pony trekking.

Location: Southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal Email: info@sanilodge.co.za Website: www.sanilodge.co.za THREE TREES AT SPIOENKOP Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains and overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, liesThree Trees at Spioenkop. This Eco-friendly lodge places great emphasis on Responsible Tourism and offers spectacular scenery, locally grown farm-style country food with superb hospitality.

The lodge has comprehensive procedures and systems in place to reduce energy use (including a solar oven) and to manage waste responsibly.

To maximise the positive impact of their environmentally sensitive measures, all Three Tree staff receives sustainability induction training, raising awareness about lessons that can also be applied in their homes and communities. They also concentrate on maximising the benefits to the local area by purchasing most goods locally and being actively involved in community fundraising and training.

Location: Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal Email: reservations@threetreehill.co.za Website: www.threetreehill.co.za By selecting an FTT-certified business, travellers are not only assured that their holiday benefits local communities and economies, and that the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, but they will also have a more fulfilling holiday experience. FTT has a diverse selection of tourism businesses in its portfolio, ranging from luxury establishments, to backpackers and exciting activities.

For more information about Fair Trade Tourism; FTT certified businesses & how to become certified, please visit our website w w w. f a i r t r a d e . t r a v e l

Comment Welcome to another DIGITAL edition of Responsible Traveller…

This edition is about celebrating summer!

Domestic tourism is important for any destination, as is the support of local travel businesses - from accommodation and eating out, to fun activities and shopping.

Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have traditionally been a summer holidays destination for many South Africans - check out the list of '40 fabulously fun things to do in KZN’. Not made any holiday plans yet? Or planning a South African vacation a little later in the summer? Then check out our ‘Top Tips’ for some ideas, and some great advice to keep you safe when travelling.

I had the pleasure of spending some time in the Overberg region, at the Great White House in Kleinbaai - home to Great White Shark cage diving. It’s easy to make good choices here with a number of Fair Trade Tourism certified businesses to choose from, wonderful outdoor activities and an abundance of locally grown produce and wines. But ultimately the responsibility of being a responsible traveller lies with the person travelling and the choices they make. It’s about choosing to not waste water, to 'switch off' when you leave the room, to stay, shop, eat local (in preference to international chains)... thereby providing employment and contributing to the local economy. By choosing to have conversations with locals and interacting with communities - adding great ‘value’ to both.

As we celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends, let us be mindful of those that are less fortunate than we are... especially when we are in that ‘holiday mode’ - let the words “consider one another” become words to live by both in this festive season and into 2015.

Wishing you all a fabulously blessed Christmas and a 2015 that exceeds all expectations!

Enjoy the read… and be the difference.

tessa

Magazine Information October / November 2014 Editor Tessa Buhrmann Cell: 083 603 9000 tessa@responsibletraveller.co.za Design & Layout Michele Mayer Cell: 082 934 6940 creativelink@mweb.co.za Advertising & editorial enquiries info@responsibletraveller.co.za Digital Subscriptions info@responsibletraveller www.responsibletraveller.co.za

Responsible Traveller Published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC (CK 2008/178482/23) Contact Details P.O. Box 3, Gillitts 3603 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Tel: +27 31 7674022 Fax: +27 86 542 9615 Publication details Responsible Traveller DIGITAL is published monthly

Cover Image: Heading out for an early morning surf on the KZN South Coast pic - courtesy of Tourism South Coast ©

Disclaimer Responsible Traveller is published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC. The information provided and the opinions expressed in this publication are done so in good faith and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the managing editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors; or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise. All rights are reserved and no material from this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

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Contents Awareness:

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Being a Responsible Traveller

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Top Tips for great summer trips

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Places to Stay: Hotel Verde, Africa’s Greenest Hotel

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Adventures & Activities: pg 50

40 Fabulously Fun things to do in KwaZulu-Natal

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Overberg Adventure

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www.responsibletraveller.co.za 04 responsible traveller

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Contents Making a Difference: Looking beyond waste - a success story

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News: Three SA Destinations included in Global Top 100!

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Food & Trees for Africa announces new Executive Director

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FTT & TEP join forces to drive Sustainable Tourism

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Local KZN community and economy are boosted with new development of new lodge

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Safari Awards

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Regulars: Comment

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Supplier Listing

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www.responsibletraveller.co.za

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Being a

Responsible Traveller

Responsible travel is a way of enjoying the many sights, experiences and memories of the destination you have chosen. It ensures that visitors and local communities alike share the benefits of tourism and travel equally, and it promotes greater understanding of and appreciation for fair and equitable business practice. Responsible travel is about putting back into travel what you get from it, and here are a few considerations that you could make when next you travel.

• Ask to see your tour operator's responsible travel policy.

• Ask to see the environmental policy of the accommodation establishment that you have selected – don’t be fooled by vague and unsubstantiated claims.

• Help the local economy by buying local produce in preference to imported goods.

• Ask your tour operator to establish the extent to which local communities enjoy benefits from your economic spend during your stay at a location.

• If bargaining to buy an item, bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller – be realistic and fair.

• Realise that often the people in the country you are visiting have different time concepts, values and thought patterns from your own, this does not make them inferior, only different.

• Cultivate the habit of asking questions and discover the pleasure that you can enjoy by seeing a different way of life through others eyes.

• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you'll meet local people and get to know the place far better – always be safe and considerate.

• Use water sparingly – it is precious inmany countries and the local people may not have sufficient clean water – challenge any wasteful practice at your hotel or lodge.

• Switch Something Off – whenever you leave your room, switch unnecessary lights and equipment off and play your part in reducing greenhouse emissions.

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• Don't discard litter when visiting outof-the-way places and attractions, take it with you and dispose of it at your hotel or lodge. Waste disposal is often a major problem at outlying attractions and sites and it leads to litter and unhealthy environments for locals.

• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. For example, ask permission before you photograph local people – in some countries it can cause offence.

• Learn more about the cultural experiences that you are exposed to – avoid ‘sound-byte’ tourism and encourage tour operators to provide more insight into the dances, songs and traditionalexperiences that they present to you.

• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods, shells from beach traders, or ancient artefacts (which have probably beenstolen). When visiting gift and curio shops, be aware of the source of the products on sale and if in doubt, don’t buy.

• Read up on the countries you plan to visit – the welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language.

• When you get home drop your tour operator a note to let them know how you got on.

Essentials: www.heritagesa.co.za www.fairtrade.travel www.trees.co.za www.rhinoafrica.com

RT

On your next holiday, consider the road less travelled..

Being a Responsible Traveller

Travelling can be stressful at most times, but responsible travel choices are a way of ensuring that your travels don’t stress the environment or host communities.

By choosing to be a responsible traveller, you are contributing to the sustainable future of Africa and to the long-term development of your host destination.

Next time you travel, select properties and facilities that have been independently certified on their social, cultural and environmental performance.

GreenLine is South Africa’s leading responsible tourism certification programme for accommodation facilities and our members are independently monitored to ensure that they meet the highest standard of responsible business practice in an effort to ensure that tourism benefits all.

learn more about your

destination, its people and cultures.

respect the dignity of others and ask before taking photo’s

dress appropriately, particularly at religious or cultural sites

dispose of your waste responsibly - recycle where possible

minimise your use of water and electricity

support local tour guides where available

don’t buy goods made from endangered or threatened species

support local entrepreneurs, crafters and curio shops

avoid giving cash donations - rather become involved or give in-kind Take only pictures, leave only footprints!

For more information on how you can be more responsible about your travel choices, visit www.greenline-rt.com today and help us make southern Africa the most responsible destination globally.

The Heritage Environmental Management Company tel: +27 012 667 6658 fax: +27 086 610 7120 e: info@heritagesa.co.za web: www.greenline-rt.com

Your Holiday needn’t cost the earth: By choosing a Fair Trade Tourism certified business, you’re guaranteed a holiday experience that positively impacts employees, the community and the environment. So next time you are planning your holiday, look out for our striking label as a sign that the business has been certified by Fair Trade Tourism and is adhering to our strict standard.

You’ll leave not only relaxed and recharged, but feeling fulfilled and rewarded too.

For more information about Fair Trade Tourism; FTT certified businesses & how to become certified, please visit our website www.fairtrade.travel

Image - Tourism South Coast Š

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fabulously fun things to do in

KWAZULU-NATAL ...this summer

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Image - Tourism South Coast ©

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Surfing on the KZN South Coast

othing beats a fun-filled summer holiday, and KwaZulu-Natal offers fun by the bucket-load! Take great biodiversity and a wide range of natural attractions, add cultural diversity and multi-cultural traditions, mix in a dash of sophistication and style and top with spectacular beaches and fabulous weather…

1 GO SURFING

- Durban offers world-class surfing waves right on its doorstep and classic beach break surf conditions can be found along the entire Durban beachfront. Or head up the North Coast, or down South… many of KZN’s beaches are blessed with plenty of swell and a string of points creating the perfect conditions for quality surfing waves.

2 RIDE A RIKSHA

- Rikshas were introduced to Durban from the East in the early 1900s to serve as a tourist attraction and as a quick-and-easy means of transport around the growing city. Today, a fleet of these two-wheelers pulled by men with colourful outfits and outlandish headgear still operates on the Durban beachfront.

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3 LOOK OUT FOR DOLPHINS - Schools of Bottlenose Dolphins move up and down the coast all year round.

Watch them frolic in the waves close to the shore.

A STROLL 4 ENJOY THROUGH THE BOTANIC GARDENS - The Durban Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849, is one of Africa’s oldest botanic gardens.

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VISIT THE UMNGENI GREEN HUB - The Green Hub is

Durban’s central portal for eco-tourism information and bookings. Based at the uMngeni River Estuary, the Green Hub offers and arranges canoe trails, mountain biking and nature and heritage trails in the area as well as throughout Durban.

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EXPERIENCE NATURE - The

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GO CYCLING – enjoy the sunrise

coastal forests, mangrove swamps and river estuaries in and around Durban are rich in animal and bird life, as are the hills and valleys of the Valley of 1000 Hills.

on a bike ride along the promenade from uShaka to Blue Lagoon, or hit the trail at Giba Gorge or take a bike tour in Inanda to enjoy the views of the dam and get in touch with the local community.

8 EAT A BUNNY CHOW

– No visit to Durban is complete without eating a ‘bunny’. Half a loaf of bread, hollowed out, and filled with curry. Cheap, delicious and filling, this is Durban’s most famous dish.

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Paddling on Durban’s Blue Lagoon

SHOPPING IN A 9 GO MARKET

- Durban is a shopper’s paradise, with pavement sellers selling arts, crafts and curios, street markets selling curries and spices, handmade curios and woven goods. Weekend markets choc full of hand-made crafts, funky creative ware, designer decor and fresh artisanal products and organic produce.

TAKE A TOUR THROUGH 0 1 THE MARKETS OF WARWICK – This includes the

Victoria Street Market, a vibrant Indian Market with colourful stalls, fish market and curio outlets; the ‘Muti Market’, where herbalists sell traditional medicines and

many other markets which sell everything from farm-fresh produce to religious goods and cooked animal heads.

ENJOY DURBAN’S RICH 1 1 CULTURE

- Durban’s people reflect a rich cultural diversity of African, Eastern and Western influences. When the first Europeans settled in Durban in the 1820s, the Zulu people were already here. The Indian people arrived in the 1880s as indentured labourers to work in the sugar cane fields, and were followed by traders and business people from the East. Today Durban is a cosmopolitan African city, home to people from all over the world but retaining that strong African-IndianEuropean colonial heritage. responsible traveller 13

GO ON A TOWNSHIP 2 1 TOUR

– experience the vibrancy of the townships where you can meet local residents, visit a crèche and play soccer with the kids. Then enjoy a visit to a ‘shebeen’ for a local beer and some ‘shisanyama’ (barbequed meat).

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Great Plains Conservation - Selinda Camp

STROLL THE UMHLANGA

- And check out the 60 year old Umhlanga Lighthouse.

This distinctive twenty-one metre high lighthouse, completed in 1954, is situated on the picturesque Umhlanga promenade. The Umhlanga Lighthouse has never had its own lighthouse keeper - its lights are operated from the nearby Oyster Box Hotel. The lighthouse controls are located in the hotel office where staff monitor the controls, and report to Portnet’s Lighthouse Service.

DO THE ‘BIG RUSH 4 SWING’ AT MOSES 1 BIG MABHIDA STADIUM

– this is the world’s only stadium swing and the largest swing of any kind anywhere. Jump into the void 106 metres above the pitch and swing out in a huge 220 metre arc under the iconic arch.

GO ON A BEER TOUR 5 1

– discover the history and art of beer making, from the Khangela Brewery in Durban that brews traditional umqombothi, to a choice of micro breweries dotted throughout the province, such as Robson’s Shongweni Brewery, The Standeaven Brewery in Hillcrest and Basset Breweries in Pennington.

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DO THE MIDLANDS MEANDER ROUTE – this tourist

route runs mainly between Howick and Nottingham Road and is a delightful shopping and browsing side-trip, including numerous antique shops, art galleries and arts and crafts studios with the potential of turning every visit into a truly memorable experience.

GO TO A SPA 7 1

– take some time to wind down this holiday at one of KZN’s award winning destination spas. Many set in tranquil surroundings, some with spectacular views and some offering locally grown and freshly made organic products.

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Sunset game drive at Sabi Sabi

Image -Tourism Durban ©

‘Jump into the void 106 metres above the pitch and swing out in a huge arc under the iconic arch...’

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GO ON A CANOPY TOUR 8 1

– the Karkloof Canopy Tour offers an exhilarating adventure whizzing through the treetops, get a bird’s-eye-view of the Central Drakensberg’s ‘Blue Grotto. The Drakensberg Canopy Tour is a sure way to experience the incredible majesty of ancient trees, rocky crags and if you’re lucky some of the endemic birds.

GO ABSEILING 9 1

– abseil the 107m drop down the Howick Falls or down the 110m cliff face alongside Lehr’s waterfall in Oribi Gorge.

GO SWIMMING ON A BLUE 0 2 FLAG BEACH – KZN’s South Coast has seven beaches that have achieved 2014/2015 Blue Flag status for their commitment to excellence in the areas of safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards, namely Umzumbe Beach near Pumula, Lucien Beach near Margate, Marina Beach at Southbroom as well as the Pennington, Ramsgate, Southport and Trafalgar beaches. The North Coast has three: Alkantstrand in Richards Bay and Blythedale Beach and Dokodweni North Beach.

GO WRECK DIVING 1 2

– scuba diving is a popular adventure activity with excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, the resting place for a number wrecks. Wreck diving has added an interesting dimension to this kilometre-long underwater wonderland that has an abundance of soft corals, sponges, and hiding places, which have combined to attract over 1200 species of fish, as well as turtles, rays, sharks and whales. From July to December the Ragged Tooth Sharks that congregate in what is known as Raggie Cave may also be encountered.

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‘... scuba diving is a popular adventure activity with excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, the resting place fro a number of wrecks’ 16 responsible traveller

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Image -Drakensberg Canopy Tour Š

Image -Tourism Durban Š

GO GOLFING 2 2

– KZN is home to many of South Africa’s finest golf courses, each offering both the serious and leisure golfer a variety of golfing challenges.

Many are situated in picturesque surrounding, some along this magnificent stretch of coastline with tropical vegetation and the warm Indian Ocean as the backdrop, others with spectacular mountain views.

GO ADVENTURE 3 2

- the spectacular kloofs and crags of the Oribi Gorge reserve, which at approximately 400m deep, offer a good dose of adrenalin and the opportunity to see these cliffs ‘up close’. Take the plunge with Oribi’s abseiling, zip-line or big swing.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING 4 2

- go mountain biking through the forests, farmlands, cane-fields and hills of KZN.

GO WHITE WATER

25 RAFTING

- the Thukela River, the largest river in KwaZulu-Natal, offers excellent white water rafting in Thukela

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Canyon section of the river. As does the magnificent Umkomaas River, said to be second only to the mighty Zambezi in offering an exhilarating experience.

GO HIKING - the Drakensberg, 6 2 which is a World Heritage Site, is an awe-

inspiring range of mountains renowned for its beautiful scenery. With its massive cliffs that tower over riverine bush, the lush evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and mountain streams as well as paths and trails that cater for hikers of varying fitness levels. Just be sure to complete the register Experienced hikers will find a number of options to test their skills, from an extreme 2-3 day 19km trek over Champagne Castle via Gray’s Pass to the 9-10 hour Mhlwazini Valley Trail from the Monks Cowl campsite. Those preferring more leisurely options could try the Mushroom Rock or Blue Grotto trails starting from the Cathedral Peak Hotel or Drakensberg Sun Resort respectively.

There are a number of trails incorporating caves with ancient San paintings. No visit

to the northern Drakensberg would be complete without a hike up to the source of the uThukela River, and watch as it plunges some 950 metres over the edge of the plateau in spectacular fashion – this, the Sentinel Trail, is a tough hike and a more manageable option would be to hike along the uThukela River to the base of the Falls. Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms which are common during the hot summer months.

‘... the Drakensberg, which is a World Heritage Site, is an awe-inspiring range of mountains renowned for its beautiful scenery’

HEAD UP SANI PASS 7 2

– accessible only by 4x4 (or mountain bike, quad bike and motorcycle), Sani Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in South Africa – and when you get there, be sure to enjoy a drink at the highest pub in Africa. It was originally a pack-animals trail and was only opened to traffic in 1955. Be sure to check on the weather and don’t forget your passport.

GO HORSE RIDING 8 2

- experience the mountains on horseback. From hour-long rides in the foothills to a threeday expedition into Lesotho in the safe hands of a local guide and a sure-footed Basotho pony.

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VISIT A VULTURE RESTAURANT - watch the

enormous bearded vultures as they fly overhead before settling down to squabble over the pickings. At one time the vulture was a common sight, but due to habitat loss and sadly the poisoning of animal carcasses, both intentionally and unintentionally, their numbers declined dramatically. It was during the 1960s, as the decline in vulture numbers began to become obvious, that the idea of vulture restaurants became popular. A vulture restaurant provides wild populations struggling to survive with a concentrated, poison free and reliable food source.

SEEK OUT ANCIENT

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evidence of the San people who lived in the area long time ago. These paintings are one of the Drakensberg’s greatest cultural treasures, with some 20 000 individual rock paintings having been recorded at 500 different cave and overhang sites between Royal National Park in the north and Bushman’s Nek in the south. Eland are the animal most responsible traveller 19

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often depicted in the Bushman or San paintings and held a special place in the lives and ceremonies of the Bushman – symbolising all that is good.

GO KLOOFING IN THE 1 3 INJASUTI VALLEY ’S KONG CANYON - enjoy a series of wet and dry abseils, fantastic rappels down trickling waterfalls, dips in little pools and some bouldering to boot in this Drakensberg adventure.

GO BIRDING 2 3

- With this variety in habitats, it is little wonder that the Elephant Coast region of KZN offers some of South Africa’s finest birding, with over 25 different birding spots and more than 500 species recorded (best during the summer months). Visit Ndumo Game Reserve, Mkhuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. There are a number of Birdlife SA accredited establishments offering friendly service and great hospitality, often offering

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a packed brunch for early morning twitchers, as well as bird lists, reference material, information on birding in the area and local guides. These guides assist birders with their excellent observation skills and finding the ‘specials’ of a specific birding site, this not only adds value to any birding outing, but is an income generating opportunity for community guides.

GO DIVING AT SODWANA 3 3 BAY

- situated within the World Heritage Site of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana is world-renowned for exquisite diving and is ideal for both shark diving and reef diving all year round, providing divers from around the world with an amazing opportunity to explore the World Heritage Site’s unmarred coral reefs, home to a grand diversity of sea life.

GO GAME VIEWING 4 3

– KZN has a number of game reserves from Africa’s oldest game reserve, the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park which is credited with

October and December to lay their eggs – hatching occurs between December and March. Witness the extreme effort and determination of Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests, often on the exact beach that they themselves hatched from.

Accompany a resident turtle expert on a research drive to help monitor the turtles’ behaviour and nesting numbers. Due to the sensitivity of these magnificent creatures, every precaution is taken to ensure that they are not disturbed during the laying process. Seeing a 750kg turtle haul herself up the beach to complete her egg laying, and then utterly spent, drag herself back into the ocean must rate as an ‘exceptional safari experience’.

saving the once endangered white rhino, to many private game reserves with community partnerships. Many are home to a variety of species of antelope and plains game such as wildebeest, giraffe and zebra as well as large populations of elephant, rhino, buffalo and predators such as the lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard.

GO TURTLE-TRACKING 5 3

- Witness the extreme effort and determination of Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles as they come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests. A few selected lodges in the Maputaland Marine Reserve offer guests the privilege of a turtle tracking experience – watch in awe as these giants of the sea emerge from the Indian Ocean to complete their breeding cycle. The pristine beaches in the region are the nesting ground of sea turtles that come to shore from

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GO KAYAKING - Kosi Bay Nature

Reserve is an unspoiled nature reserve surrounding the rare and beautiful Kosi Bay lake system. It has been incorporated

‘The pristine beaches in the region are the nesting grounds of sea turtles that come to shore to lay their eggs...’

Image - Rocktail Beach Camp / Wilderness Adventures ©

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into the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. The 11,000ha, 30km-long reserve is a tropical paradise of crystal clear water, marshland, swamp and coastal forests that is home to about 250 species of bird. Kayak hire is widely available at Kosi Bay and Kosi Forest Lodge, the only private lodge in the nature reserve, offers guided kayaking adventures for guests staying at the lodge.

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GO ON A SNORKEL SAFARI 7 3 – explore the depths of the tidal pool on a guided tour and learn more about our incredible oceans. Or just head out with friends to enjoy the ocean’s underwater beauty

CHECK OUT THE BARN 8 3 SWALLOWS

- an estimated threemillion Barn (European) swallows breed in Europe and travel to southern Africa where they stay from October until April roosting in the Mount Moreland reedbeds. The huge number of birds landing to roost at dusk and leaving to forage at dawn makes for a spectacular natural event best viewed from the Lake Victoria Conservancy in Mount Moreland.

EXPERIENCE AND LEARN 9 3 ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL

ZULU CULTURE - be welcomed into the family homestead (Umuzi) and share a fresh and wholesome meal cooked the traditional way. Perhaps take a sip of the traditional beer as it is passed around. Dancing and singing is very much a part of the lifestyle of the Zulu people, and it is a privilege to be invited around the communal fire to experience traditional Zulu dancing at its best. Or accompany a traditional healer into the nearby forest to collect herbs, bulbs, and bark. Listen as he explains how he harvests and prepares the traditional medicines for use on both human and animal patients – these age-old traditions are still practiced on a daily basis, many of which are the foundation of modern pharmaceuticals.

GO TIGER FISHING 0 4

- situated within the Pongola game reserve and at the foot of the Lebombo Mountain range, the beautiful Lake Jozini, also known as the Pongolapoort Dam, is the only place in South Africa where tiger fishing is readily available. •

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‘Dancing and singing is very much a part of the lifestyle of the Zulu people...’

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Images - Tourism South Coast ©

To p t i p s f o r g r e a t summer trips…

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et ready to pack a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable shoes! Summer is here and we know you’ve probably got your holiday planned, but if not here are some great last minute ideas‌ as well as other great holiday advice.

10 Top Travel Trips: 1. Conquer the Wonderwall Get your muscles working and your adrenaline pumping at the Wonderwall Indoor Climbing Gym in Gauteng. The Wonderwall is a great place for beginners to enjoy a safe rock climbing experience and is the perfect destination for seasoned climbers to enjoy consistent practice. With a 500m2 climbing space and routes ranging from 13 until 27, this venue guarantees a comprehensive climbing experience.

2. Take on the Wild Coast The unspoiled wilderness, the gorgeous beaches and the rugged natural beauty make the Wild Coast a popular spot for vacationers. Serious adventure seekers are spoilt for choice here. The Wild Coast offers exciting activities like canoeing and boating along the many lagoons, rivers and estuaries, bird watching, hiking, surfing and mountain biking to name a few. Laid back holiday makers can simply enjoy the incredible views of the dramatic coastline and the wind-swept sand dune.

3. Camp out Pitch your tent and enjoy the gorgeous South African summer at the Glen Reenen camping site.

Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and just 22km east of Clarens in the Free State, the campsite is the perfect place to enjoy the natural splendour of the Golden Gate National Park. The brilliant shades of gold that are cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs of the park certainly make it a place worth camping at.

The Glen Reenen Camping site allows you the chance to be enthralled by the gorgeous views and admire local birdlife and game. Check out our list of top 10 camping sites in South Africa to find the best campsite close to you.

4. Channel your Zen When you think KZN, you think Durban beaches and a vibrant nightlife, both of which are lots of fun. But if you want to channel your inner Zen this summer, the Japanese Garden in Durban responsible traveller 25

North is the place to be. The soothing oriental landscape, bamboo, reeds and Japanese blossoms, and the gorgeous Koi ponds give the garden an authentic Eastern feel. This oriental garden is the perfect escape from the city where you can enjoy family picnics or a braai.

5. Get Cultural Dance to the rhythm of the drums and get a feel of authentic African life at Roots of Rhythm Cultural experience. Located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, the cultural village teaches visitors about the history and culture of African tribes.

Visitors can enjoy a one hour show that uses song and dance to express the area’s rich and diverse past and its mix of languages, cultures and identities.

6. Stargaze Stargazing can be a really fun way to beat the summer heat and enjoy an ‘out of this world’ experience and Sutherland is the perfect place to do this. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) has set up several telescopes in the Karoo hamlet in Sutherland.

The elevation, clear skies and absence of pollution make this place the ideal spot for stargazing. The Visitor Centre conducts night tours where visitors can view stars and celestial bodies through two dedicated visitor telescopes.

Prior booking is essential.

7. Ride the waves For a fun summer weekend families must definitely pay a visit to the Valley of Waves at Sun City in North West province. The Valley of Waves is a spectacular water theme park designed to look like an ancient lost city. The park offers visitors of all ages an enormous range of leisure activities. Visitors can surf, swim and ride water chutes in the midst of the African bushveld. There is a designated children’s area to keep parents’ minds at ease and lifeguards are on duty daily.

quiet isolation and gorgeous natural beauty of this provisional blue flag beach makes it a mustvisit this summer.

9. Visit the Berlin Falls Located just outside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga is the gorgeous Berlin Falls, situated north of Graskop and just 70 kilometers from Kruger National Park. In case you are wondering how an African waterfall got the name ‘Berlin’, it’s because during the gold rush European miners came here to try their luck and named the water falls after their hometowns. The Berlin Falls are among a cluster of Sabie waterfalls comprising the Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Bridal Veil Falls, the Mac Mac Falls and the Lisbon Falls. Self-drive is highly recommended as you will pass the gorgeous attractions on the Panorama Route that include God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

10. Drive down the Swartberg Pass A drive down the Swartberg Pass in summer can be quite refreshing. At an elevation of 1,583 meters above sea level, this 27-km mountain pass is one of the steepest in South Africa and is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world. The pass connects Prince Albert in the north and Oudtshoorn in the south and offers spectacular views over the Little and Great Karoo. The pass was built by Thomas Bain and took three years, from 1883 to 1886, to complete. The skilful road building technique used to build this steep pass is the stuff of legend. There are four viewpoints/picnic sites on the southern ascent of this pass and there is plenty see, from flora to fauna, and some amazing geology too. (‘Top Ten Travel Trips’ courtesy of FIRST CAR RENTAL First Car Rental has 49 branches nationwide, making summer trips easy)

8. Chill out at the beach No summer weekend would be complete without a day at the beach! From Boulders Beach to Camps Bay, to the gorgeous Hout Bay, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in the Western Cape. However, these beaches can get quite busy during summer. If you are looking for a special beach experience, head to the Preekstoel Beach in the West Coast National Park. Located near Still Bay, the beach derived its name from the rock formation that looks like a pulpit (preeskotel in Afrikaans). The 26 responsible traveller

‘No summer weekend would be complete without a day at the beach!’

Image - www.southafrica.to Š

Fun at the Sun City Wave Pool

Top of Swartberg Pass

Berlin Falls

responsible traveller 27

Flying to your destination? Make your luggage lasts the whole journey: With thousands of South Africans preparing to embark on local and international travel this festive season, worries about how to keep their luggage and valuables safe during the trip won’t be far behind.

But although this is a legitimate concern, the good news is twofold: Firstly, because of dramatically improved security, the vast majority of bags will rejoin their owners intact after the aircraft lands. Additionally, there are a number of steps travellers can take for further peace of mind.

“The reputation of South African airports continues to improve following some years of criticism as a result of baggage theft and unprofessional ground services,” says Christian Faure, Vice President Commercial of Menzies Aviation, which is responsible for ground handling services of leading airlines locally and globally.

However he says passengers should be aware that different standards and processes across airports, baggage handlers and territories meant passengers should still do whatever they can to keep their valuables safe.

Faure’s top five tips for ensuring your stuff returns home with you at the end of the journey are: 1) Make use of the baggage wrapping service.

These services are readily available at most airports within South Africa. Some airlines, like SA Express, offer it as a value added service at no additional charge to the passenger.

2) Clearly label all your baggage, and customise your luggage so that it stands out. This will also help limit the accidental removal of your suitcase from the carousel by someone with similar-looking luggage. Lock your bags.

3) Keep valuable items with you. Cellular and electronic devices are the most vulnerable.

4) Check airline tags to ensure correct destination, and make sure of where your luggage will be when transiting. Get to the carousel as soon as possible after landing. When arriving in SA from an international destination, you will need to clear customs first before rechecking your bags to a further domestic destination.

5) If you have golf clubs, oversized or boxed items, these are normally delivered at a separate “Once you’ve checked in your luggage, it goes area for fragile goods near the carousels. Ensure through quite a journey itself before boarding you keep the tags for these items in a safe place the aircraft. However the bags are monitored both electronically and manually at each stage and don’t forget to claim your items before of the process en route to-and-from the aircraft.” leaving the airport.

Chris with removed rhino horn

28 responsible traveller

Stay rested, stay safe: The festive season is here… yet again! Many South Africans are heading out on extended road trips to holiday destinations where they can spend the long sunny days of summer in lazy leisure – be it with a traditional braai, a Kruger safari or a New Year’s bash at the beach. When traveling long-distance on the road however, it is important to stay wellrested by stopping at least every two hours, as this will significantly decrease your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident while navigating the busy holiday routes.

To ensure you and your family will arrive safely at your chosen holiday destination this festive season, please keep the following travel tips in mind: •

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‘When travelling long distance on the road, it is important to stay well rested by stopping at least every two hours...’

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Buckle up – fastening your seatbelt can save your life and drastically reduce the risk of injury in the case of an accident.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, fully serviced and has enough oil and water for the journey.

Be aware of weather forecasts and possible warnings such as for possible thunderstorms, hail or flash flooding.

Never drink and drive. Alcohol abuse is still one of the main causes of fatal accidents in the country.

Obey the rules of the road. Don’t overtake over a hill or while going around a corner, always keep to the speed limit and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Drive with the headlights switched on to increase your visibility – especially at night and in rain or fog.

Refrain from texting or calling while driving.

Make sure you have a working, inflated spare wheel(s) and a jack.

Stay calm. Angry or aggressive driving increases the risk of making an accident.

Stay well-rested by stopping at least every two hours to dramatically lessen your risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. Arrive Alive recommends stopping for at least 10 minutes and to never drive when you are tired – rather sleep over or switch drivers.

(Travel Tips courtesy of WIMPY – when you are hungry, thirsty and in need of a break, pull up to any of the many Wimpy restaurants at major Engen OneStop fuel stations along the country’s main routes, responsible traveller 29

Safety tips for the beach: Do not let a careless moment ruin your year-end vacation Summer is a joyous and carefree time with students from pre-primary school to university on vacation and many families taking a welldeserved break after a long year to enjoy the sea and the sun. While this is synonymous with the perfect summer holiday, the incidence of drowning and water-related accidents can unfortunately never be left out of the equation.

Marc van Heerden, general manager coastal, Netcare 911, says, “In December and January, Netcare 911 receives more calls related to drowning and water-associated emergency incidents than any other months. Our statistics reveal that the greatest percentage of all drowning incidents through the year occur during summer. This is attributable to the high volumes of tourists, both foreign and local, who flock to the beaches during school holidays and over the festive season.”

69% of all drowning incidents.”

“KwaZulu-Natal saw the highest percentage of drowning incidents during the 12-month period, quite possibly because of the warm weather enjoyed all year round in the province,” notes van Heerden.

Safety at the beach – tips from Netcare 911 •

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• “Incidents are also significantly higher in the coastal areas than inland areas during December and January. Looking at data extracted from Netcare 911 for the period 1 • October 2013 to 30 September 2014, as much as 79% of all drowning incidents during December are recorded in coastal areas. When reviewing • statistics for the entire year, coastal areas reflect Safe summer fun on Uvongo Beach, KZN South Coast

30 responsible traveller

Be absolutely vigilant where small children and older individuals are concerned. Keep a watchful eye on children at all times when around water.

Swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and keep to the specifically demarcated areas designated for safe swimming. For your own safety swim in the areas closest to the lifeguards.

Be mindful of warning signs that may indicate dangerous swimming conditions such as strong currents, sharks and other dangerous sea life as well as contaminated water.

Please remember that swimming in the ocean, where there is wave action and at times dangerous currents and sea life, is very different from swimming in a pool.

Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear life jackets or swimming aids to ensure their safety.

Be careful not to dive into water where you cannot see the bottom. It is particularly

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dangerous to dive into the water headfirst as you could very easily injure your neck.

Check the weather report before going to the beach. Be careful of lightening in particular and do not enter the water until at least 30 minutes after the thunder and lightening has stopped.

Steer clear of the ocean if you notice a choppy current with murky water.

If you get pulled out to sea, stay calm and save your energy. Allow the current to carry you for a while and then swim parallel to the shore until such time as you are out of the current. If you cannot swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are safe from the rip current.

Do not be ashamed to call for help if you are in trouble. Anyone, even the best swimmers, can run into difficulties at some or other time. It is important to signal for a lifeguard as soon as possible. The best way to do so when swimming in the ocean is to raise your arm as far out of the water as you can and to wave it around. The lifeguards will be with you as soon as they can. In the interim, stay calm and try to tread water, or if possible float on your back, until they reach you.

Be mindful of the waves as they are great deal more powerful than you may think.

Pay close attention to children and elderly people especially, as wave action can easily result in a loss of footing, even in shallow water.

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Stay sober at the beach as alcohol will not only impair your judgement, making you less careful, but it will also dehydrate you.

Use sunscreen, wear a hat, use an umbrella or a tent for shade and cover yourself up during the hottest time of day, which is generally between 10h00 and 16h00.

Do not make use of a floatation device such as an inflatable bed, boat, noodle and other items unless you can swim properly. If you do go boating ensure that the boat is safe and that you are wearing a lifejacket. Don’t go out so sea unless you have checked the weather conditions.

When fishing be careful of walking on slippery rocks in case you lose your footing.

Also be mindful of changing tides and rough seas that can knock you off the rocks.

In any emergency situation the most important thing to do is contact the correct emergency number immediately. Try and memorise the number for emergency services in your area and keep the number saved on your cell phone and close to your landline telephone. In many cases, during the panic of a medical emergency, people cannot remember the correct number or cannot find where they have written it down. Otherwise contact Netcare 911 on the national number: 082 911.

responsible traveller 31

Browsing abroad this break?

10 tips for slashing your data roaming bill Heading abroad for your holiday, but afraid to surf the net on your mobile because you dread the phone bill and expensive data? If you’re desperate to check email while on the go, or want to find sightseeing tips or make your friends jealous with your socialmedia holiday snapshots, take control of international roaming before you jet off on your journey.When you bring your mobile abroad, you no longer use your regular operator’s network for SMS, calls or web browsing, but “roam” onto a network local to your destination country. Your normal rates no longer apply, and you’ll be billed at a higher price and per megabyte for your mobile surfing. So, how do you browse abroad without breaking the bank?

1. Before you leave on that jet plane, check with your regular mobile operator to see if they offer international roaming packages, which can give you huge savings on data.

2. Switch to a browser that shrinks down webpages. If you load fewer megabytes, you’ll save money, plus browse faster when you have poor reception. Opera Mini can crunch down webpages to as tiny as 10% of their original size, and its data counter shows how many megabytes you’ve saved.

3. When you touch down at your holiday destination, read in detail the welcome SMS from the mobile operator whose network you’ve roamed onto. It will outline the costs for calls, SMS and web data during your stay.

4. Speaking of SMS, many networks will send you updates on your data spending throughout your trip to help you keep track. So, pay attention to any operator messages.

5. Activate data roaming when you need to check something online, and toggle it off when you finish your browsing tasks. Turn off notifications and close down nonessential apps to avoid them pulling in large amounts of data in the background.

6. Skip the data-roaming drama by browsing via Wi-Fi, typically available in hotels, airports and cafes. Apps like Wi-Fi Finder can locate your nearest hotspot. Browsers that shrink data are also handy on slow, crowded Wi-Fi zones.

7. Try a compression app like Opera Max that can shrink data, images and video across most apps on your phone. Opera Max reminds you when you’re roaming, and even lets you block particular apps from using mobile data and restrict them to using Wi-Fi only.

This is currently available to most Samsung subscribers.

8 Re-think your getaway browsing priorities. Vacation roaming is not the best time for streaming videos, downloading files or adding new apps to your collection. Save this surfing for when you’re browsing with compression or Wi-Fi. 9. You already prepare your music playlists and movies for your travels, so why not preload your webpages? Some browsers, like Opera Mini, have a feature that enables you to save an internet page for offline use, so that you can read it later without activating roaming or finding Wi-Fi. 10. If you’ve set up Dropbox, Facebook or Google Drive to upload automatically the photos taken on your phone, disable this syncing in the settings to squash down data consumption. Alternatively, adjust your settings so that your vacation snaps upload only when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

The Opera Max compression app (available for most Samsung subscribers) and Opera mobile browsers are available as free downloads from your favorite app store. With so many ways to take charge of international roaming while globetrotting, there’s no need to switch off your phone or live in fear of your browsing bill. Stay connected on your next vacation escape.

32 responsible traveller

Safety in the palm of your hand: Turn Your Phone into an All Round Road Safety and Informational Device With the year-end rush and festive season upon us, many South Africans are either preparing to head out on their annual holidays or stay in town to enjoy the quieter roads visiting restaurants and sites they usually don’t get a chance to explore during the year.

Either way, any form of travel has the potential to become a stressful experience - whether you are coordinating holiday plans and looking for guidance on where to go and how to get there, need road side assistance or are just looking for the nearest petrol station in an unknown area.

With safety and assistance as top priorities, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has placed road safety and convenience in the palm of your hands with their free AA Rescue Service mobi app suite, which gives users access to a full suite of rescue services and assistance at a click of a button.

Accessible to AA Members and non-members, the AA Rescue Service mobi app suite currently offers motorists three very useful features: a Rescue Me Instant alert button, Accident Assist and its latest feature, Points of Interest.

Once you’re registered, with a click of a button, the Rescue Me instant alert feature will send your details and location directly to the AA’s call centre who will then call you to ensure you’re safe and to arrange the roadside assistance you need.

While the AA Accident Assist provides invaluable assistance at the scene of an accident, guiding you through the accident process, and recording all the information you’ll need for an insurance claim, or for later legal action, so that you don’t forget anything. As soon as you press save, your accident report

with photos, videos and voice recordings will be uploaded from your phone to your website profile, so that you can update or amend the details at any time... and, when complete, you can send the report on to your insurer to expedite your claim.

The latest feature to the AA Rescue Service mobi app suite, which motorists will be sure to enjoy during the holiday season and beyond, is the Points of Interest feature. This new feature takes the challenge out of travelling by helping you to locate public places of interest via your smartphone. Not only does this feature make daily travel seamless, but it’s also a great help when you find yourself lost in an unfamiliar area.

If it is finding the closest hospital in an emergency, the application will locate it on a map, indicate where you are in relation to your destination and help you find your way there.

In using the Points of Interest feature, motorists can ultimately look forward to quick and easy location of their chosen destination, the security of knowing where they need to go in an unfamiliar area, as well as location and contact details of AA Quality Assured Accommodation.

“Road users now have the help of a virtual emergency assistance at their disposal.

Motorists simply can’t afford to be without it especially driving on South Africa’s deteriorating roads,” says the AA. “Our services through our mobi app suite will give you peace-of-mind for you or a family member by knowing that help is merely one click away.”

Visit www.aarescue.co.za and then follow the easy steps to download the app to your phone. This app is available on iOS, Blackberry and Android platforms.

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Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), is a non – profit organisation that promotes responsible Tourism in southern Africa and beyond.

The aim of FTT is to make tourism more sustainable by ensuring that the people who contribute their land, resources, labour and knowledge to tourism are the ones who reap the benefits. This is done by growing awareness about responsible tourism to travellers, assisting tourism businesses to operate more sustainably, and by facilitating a Fair Trade Tourism cer tification programme across southern Africa.

www.fairtrade.travel

By selecting an FTT certified business, travellers are not only assured that their holiday benefits local communities and economies, and that the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, but they will also have a more fulfilling holiday experience. FTT has a diverse selection of Tourism businesses on its portfolio, ranging from luxury establishments , backpackers to exciting activities, which are featured below: CALABASH TOURS Calabash Tours- Community Care Programme Calabash Tours-Real City Tour Calabash Tours-Schools Support programme Calabash Tours-Shebeen Tour Calabash Tours offers ground breaking tours that cover both the historical heart of the city, and the vibrant energy of the black townships pulsing with the spirit of a rich culture and a friendly people wanting to share their diversity and spirit. www.calabashtours.co.za VOLUNTEER AFRICA 320 SOUTH: Wild Coast Community Schools Programme This volunteer programme works with schools in the Chintsa area of the Eastern Cape. It facilitates computer literacy classes, playing a supporting role for teachers and complementing the existing curriculum, and it provides a vital resource for learners to gain hands-on computer skills that will prove invaluable as they progress through their education and eventually seek employment. www.volunteerafrica.co.za

FUNDANI TOWNSHIP/ MINING TOURS Fundani Tours specialises in guided day trips, safaris, transfers and scheduled shuttle services. They strive to maintain a high standard in servicing the domestic and international tourists and shall make every effort to ensure customer comfort and satisfaction. Fundani Tours has the self-appointed mission to help to uplift women, youth and disabled people in the township. www.fundanitours.co.za MORATIWA TOURS- SOWETO FAIR TOURISM TOUR This emerging business offers a vehicle and bicycle combination tour (in collaboration with Lebo’s Bicycle Tour – also an FTT-certified business) in Soweto, giving travelers the opportunity to see a lot as well as have a more personal engagement with local people in the various parts of this amazing, historical township. www.moratiwa.co.za LEBO’S SOWETO BICYCLE TOUR Soweto Bicycle Tours is a unique concept of township tourism. The owner of Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, Lebo Malepa, started bicycle tours in Soweto in 2005.

The tours quickly became popular

for travellers seeking an alternative experience to a short day trip in a bus through the township.The bicycle tour provides an opportunity to experience Soweto, its people and communities in an eco-friendly and personal manner, giving an insight into their life, culture and history. www.sowetobackpackers.com VOORTREKKER MONUMENT The Voortrekker Monument is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in South Africa. The Monument is located in a declared nature reserve and employs a number of greening initiatives, which include a recycling project in conjunction with the on-site restaurant and a water management system, including the two dams on-site which provide water for the beautiful gardens. In addition, the Voortrekker Monument works closely with member of Tshwane nature conservation to ensure that the site conforms to standards. www.vtm.org.za !KHWA TTU SAN CULTURE AND EDUCATION CENTRE At !Khwa ttu modern man can learn much from the San people, who lived in harmony with nature and practiced an ancient ubuntu. From the extinct Xam San

term for “water-hole”, !Khwa ttu offers an insight into the culture and heritage of the peace-loving, environmentally-conscious San people.

They were persecuted, marginalized, under-appreciated by colonists, but!

Khwa ttu aims to restore the San heritage, educate the public about the San and provide training to the San community members. The! Khwa ttu culture and education centre is a joint partnership between the San people, who are majority owners and influence every aspect of the reserve, and the Swiss UBUNTU Foundation. www.khwattu.org ANDULELA EXPERIENCE The Andulela Experience offers themed tours and incentive products in Cape Town and surrounds. Each tour takes guests behind-the-scenes and into the homes and workplaces of South Africans, some well-known and ordinary people with inspirational real-life stories to share. Andulela believes that universal themes and hands-on activities provide a wonderful platform for natural exchange for both visitors and locals alike.

Andulela specialises in hands-on cooking experiences in the homes of different communities of Cape Town. www.andulela.com BIRDS OF EDEN Birds of Eden are the world’s largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary. The unique two hectare dome spans a gorge of indigenous forest, which houses over 3500 birds. Their long term aim is to reintroduce groups of selected species of birds into their home ranges. They also contribute annually a great amount into the local economy. www.birdsofeden.co.za DYER ISLAND CRUISES Whale watching and eco cruises in the Walker Bay area are just a start.

Environmental education initiatives in the local community, conservation projects including lobbying public support for 2000 artificial penguin shelters on Dyer Island to house dwindling endangered penguin colonies there, coastal cleanups and support for local women through the Nolwandle skills development and craft centre project are what drive this team. The positive impacts made in conservation and socio-economic impacts are tremendous! www.dyer-island-cruises.co.za MARINE DYNAMICS SHARK TOURS Marine Dynamics Tours provide White Shark cage diving activities that focus

on the educational aspects of interacting with these apex predators and promoting the importance of ensuring their continued existence within the marine ecosystem.

The business works in collaboration with other local businesses to enhance positive impacts of environment and community investment initiatives such as the Nolwandle skills development and craft centre project. www.sharkwatchsa.com MONKEYLAND PRIMATE SANCTUARY Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary and currently the top eco-tourism attraction on the Garden Route. Their long term aim is to reintroduce groups of selected species of primates into their home ranges. They also contribute annually a great amount directly into the local economy. www.monkeyland.co.za OCEAN BLUE ADVENTURES Ocean Blue is actively involved in Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. It believes that it’s not only about preserving the environment, but also conserving a precious culture. Money made from the whale-watching and dolphin-watching tours is utilised to support our community programs (Qolweni Township) and the ORCA foundation (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) working closely together with WWF and Nature Conservation. Ocean Blue understands that community development and upliftment is a very important aspect of implementing its ideals. www.oceanadventures.co.za OCEAN SAFARIS Ocean Safaris is a boat-based whale and dolphin watching company in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route with one of the limited permits to approach Southern Right Whales within 50 metres! Because of this, they offer spectacular boat-based whale watching and dolphin discovery safaris as well as a variety of tailor-made and private marine expeditions.

This business contributes financially to the daily running of the SONOP Soup Kitchen in Kranshoek, Plettenberg Bay. www.oceansafaris.co.za PARA TAXI TANDEM PARAGLIDING Para Taxi Tandem Paragliding is a small local company which deals in the adventure tourism sector, offering visitors and locals alike a once in a life time opportunity to experience fantastic scenic tandem paragliding flights in and around Cape Town. Paragliding itself is an extremely green activity with no engine fumes or sound contamination. Aside

from job creation and skills development of historically disadvantaged individuals, Para Taxi puts a huge amount of effort into promoting the sport, respecting the environment and making flight possible for the disabled and physically challenged. www.para-taxi.com SOUTHERN RIGHT CHARTERS Southern Right Charters is a black empowered company based in Walker Bay, Hermanus, providing a boat based whale watching tour. Their motto is “Observing Not Disturbing”, focusing on tourist education about safety and conservation of the whales. www.southernrightcharters.co.za STORMSRIVER ADVENTURES Sormrivers Adventure is a profesional adventure and activitty company based in Stormsriver Village in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest. Your Experience starts at stormsriver’s adventure centre where one can choose betwwen the world’s renowned Tsitsikamma canopy tours,tsitsikana woodcutters journey abd guided hikes.Team building options also available. Stormsriver Adventures suppots the local community ; by supporting them you will help sustain numerous community projects which include a school feeding scheme , animal welfare etc. www.stormsriver.com UTHANDO SOUTH AFRICA Uthando is a unique model for traveller’s philanthropy, providing local and international tourism businesses (e.g. tour operators) and individuals with a reliable and trustworthy mechanism to implement their social investment programmes.

This FTT-certified initiative showcases beneficiary projects to travellers in an authentic and sustainable way, further increasing their prospects for fundraising and other forms of assistance. www.uthandosa.org WHITE SHARK PROJECT Winner of the 2008 Imvelo Responsible Tourism Award in the Waste Management category for its Swop Shop Initiative, White Shark Projects is owned and managed by three South African women and incorporates a staff shareholding scheme as well. Based in Kleinbaai in the Western Cape, this tourism business focuses on the conservation of Great White Sharks through responsible tourism and research. White Shark Projects is strongly committed to community development and upliftment. www.whitesharkprojects.co.za

Image - Miguel Chan / www.miguelchanwinejournal.blogspot Š

Overberg Adventure ‌ Locally grown fresh produce at the Houw Hoek Farm Stall

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Vineyards in the Overberg Region

T

WORDS - Tessa Buhrmann

ake a left turn from Cape Town International Airport onto the N2 and within about 30 minutes you’ll be heading over Sir Lowry’s Pass into Africa’s southernmost region – the beautiful, rugged… and ‘created for adventure’ Overberg Region.

You are in no doubt to the literal meaning of the word ‘over the mountain’, as you the road winds down and descends into the Cape applegrowing regions of Elgin and Grabouw. These mountains are home to the CAPE CANOPY TOUR which offers a four hour guided adventure that has you sliding along the steel cables from 13 different platforms. The adventurer in you will relish the ‘up to 320m’ long slides and the nature lover, the interesting facts about the geology and botany of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in which it is situated.

Be sure to stop in at the HOUW HOEK FARM STALL for one of their renowned homemade pies, delicious tarts and freshly baked bread

– the wonderful aroma sure to remind you of grandma’s kitchen. With a great selection of local wines, homemade delicacies and mounds of fresh produce you’ll leave with more than just your taste buds satisfied.

From the top of the Houw Hoek Pass you descend further into the Bot River area, a wine region where it is said that “real people make real wine”. From traditional and historic to state-of-the-art, the common denominator here is their commitment to biodiversity. Look out for the boutique RIVENDALL ESTATE, boasting an exclusive range of superb wines created in the wine making tradition of owner Heimo Thalhammer’s great-grandparents in Slovenia a responsible traveller 37

38 responsible traveller Image - Sandra Hoerbst / WhaleWatchSA.com Š

century ago. Other wine estates to look out for are Beaumont, Goedvertrouw and Benguela Cove. But wine aside…

I was on route to Gansbaai and the GREAT WHITE HOUSE, my home for the next few days and home base to Marine Dynamics, Dyer Island Cruises and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust – all of which I’d get to experience over the next few days.

Gansbaai is often referred to as the ‘Great White Capital of the World’ and unquestionably so as it offers outstanding opportunities for shark cage diving. It is also one of the best places for boat- and shore-based whale watching as I was about to find out.

There are a number operators offering shark diving and whale watching, but by opting for one of the Fair Trade Tourism certified operators – MARINE DYNAMICS (shark diving), DYER ISLAND CRUISES (whale watching) and WHITE SHARK PROJECTS. Peak whale watching season is from August to November, but whales can often be seen from as early as July right through to December. It was November, so I was sure I would be lucky, but this was the open ocean…

Before heading out to the WHALE WHISPERER we were kitted out in comfortable life-jackets and chunky waterproof jackets, briefed on safety, told what to look out for and the responsible traveller 39

40 responsible traveller

‘Their main concern is directed at sharks and the health of the local ecosystem that attracts White Sharks into the area...’

conservation aspects of the trip.

It wasn’t long after setting out into Walker Bay that we saw our first Southern Right Whales, a little shy they chose not to venture too close.

The next ones however were very comfortable with our presence and chose to come right up to the vessel offering an incredibly ‘wow’ experience as well as fabulous photo opportunities.

Included in the 2 ½ hour experience is a trip into the channel of water between Dyer Island and the adjacent Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong colony of Cape fur seals, known as the world famous ‘Shark Alley’. Dyer Island is an important conservation area for many of its resident birds, including the African penguin which is amongst the other species that could be seen on Dyer Island Cruises marine adventure. Other Each trip on the Whale Whisperer is led by experienced marine biologists and guides ready to share their knowledge with you and answer any questions.

Image - Hennie Otto / SharkWatchSA.com ©

The ethos that Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises live by is ‘Your choice makes a Difference’ and ‘Discover and Protect’, and strive to provide guests with the utmost conservation oriented experience – their main concern is directed at sharks and the health of the local ecosystem that attracts White Sharks into the area.

Shark cage diving is on many peoples’ bucket list, and a trip on SLASHFIN offers the opportunity to do this in a way that makes a difference. They show you the true Great White Shark, not the one often depicted in the movies and in many wildlife programmes.

I wasn’t quite brave enough to head under the water for an eye-to-eye experience, but just seeing the Great White Sharks from above was amazing.

Seeing this ultimate marine predator in its own environment was captivating and left me in awe.

I can understand the passion that owner Wilfred Chivell and his team of researchers, volunteers and experienced crew have to protect and responsible traveller 41

conserve this much misunderstood marine animal. When it comes to shark cage diving and marine conservation, your choice really does make a difference.

The DYER ISLAND CONSERVATION TRUST (DICT), founded by Wilfred in 2006, delivers unique conservation and research programmes in the marine eco-system of the region and strives to protect, amongst others, the endangered African penguin (their population on Dyer Island has declined by 90% in 30 years). This has been attributed to the removal of the guano 42 responsible traveller

in which they created their nests from the island. I had the opportunity to accompany DICT’s Operations Manager Alouise Lynch on an excursion to the Betty’s Bay penguin colony to see the artificial nesting sites in action.

It was exciting to see so many young chicks, and many others guarding their nesting sites – a tribute to a successful project.

Another exciting DICT project is the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) which will accommodate birds in distress.

Alouise Lynch, DICT Operations Manager

‘It was exciting to see so many young chicks, and many others guarding their nesting sites...’ responsible traveller 43

‘No trip to this region would be complete without some time spent in the Fynbos... options include guided trails, horse riding or a 4x4 flower safari...’

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No trip to this region would be complete without some time spent in the Fynbos… options include guided trails, horse riding or a 4x4 flower safari – all of which are offered at the luxury Fair Trade Certified GROOTBOS LODGE. I had the pleasure of the latter, and under the expert care of our guide Chumani we set off to experience the exquisite variety and splendour of the Cape Floral Kingdom. He was most entertaining as he explained, described and demonstrated… it was clear that

he loved interacting with guests about his beloved fynbos.

The beautiful pincushion proteas (Leucospermums) dotted the mountainsides, which from a distance had appeared uniformly green, yet now yielded an incredible variety… delicate little blooms, feathery grasses, stubby groundcovers – a photographers dream! Then down a rocky incline into a valley and we were surrounded by trees. Biodiversity to the ‘nth degree. responsible traveller 45

Another conservation story is that of LOMOND WINE ESTATE. As part of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, Lomond is committed to the preservation of biodiversity on the farm and is a member of the Biodiversity & Wine initiative (BWI) – where for every hectare under vineyard, an additional hectare of natural vegetation is committed to conservation. To date in excess of 140,000 hectares of natural area have been conserved by BWI producers since the projects inception.

Neighbouring the Lomond Wine Estate is FARM 215 NATURE RETREAT & FYNBOS RESERVE, a delightful ecoretreat that is genuinely committed to sustainability – from the ground up.

Besides the incredible fauna and flora (over 800 plant species, six antelope species and a number of other mammals including the Bat-eared fox and honey badger), many guests come to experience the horse trails.

Farm 215’s partner, the African Horse Company, has its base-station on farm 215.

The horses roam freely in the reserve and meander from pasture to pasture while taking the grasses out of the natural field while in transit, as was habit of the large herbivores, including black rhinos and zebras that used to call this region home. One of the best ways to discover the reserve and the surroundings is on horse-back, with trails being anything from one to six hours up to 10 days.

Also based near Gansbaai is the FLOWER VALLET CONSERVATION TRUST which works to conserve the vulnerable fynbos floral kingdom, as well as the livelihoods that depend on it, through promoting sustainable fynbos harvesting.

In a joint venture with Grootbos Nature Reserve they offer self-catering accommodation at FYNBOS RETREAT, which has spectacular views over fynbos, mountains and dams. Fynbos Retreat is a great for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching or just enjoying 46 responsible traveller

the tranquil surroundings. The Trust works with WALKER BAY TRAILS which offers a three-day hiking trail through fynbos-covered mountains, afromontane forests and milkwood forests.

Other Fair Trade Tourism certified businesses in the area are the delightful and intimate guesthouse WHALESONG LODGE, perched on top of the rugged De Kelders cliffs and is a spectacular spot for land-based whale watching and SOUTHERN RIGHT CHARTERS, a whale watching operation that launches out of Hermanus. •

www.fairtrade.travel

Images - Farm 215 Š

responsible traveller 47

Awarded

World’s Best City Hotel World Responsible Tourism Awards l World Travel Market 2014

In the unlikely location of Cape Town’s Airport Industria, Africa’s Greenest Hotel is waiting to be discovered by you. Enjoy the comfort of our 4 star hotel with 5 star services & 3 star prices. Stay at Hotel Verde, the first Hotel in Africa to offer carbon neutral accommodation & conferencing to guests.

An experience like no other By staying one night at Hotel Verde you will personally Offset 27.4 kg of carbon

Save 76 kWh of electrcity

Save 492 liters of water*

divert 2.1 kg waste from landfill

*saving accounts for guest water use across the entire hotel

Carbon Neutral Accommodation & Conferencing l 145 Rooms & 7 Conference Venues l 400m from Cape Town Airport Complimentary Airport Shuttle & Shuttle to City Centre l Complimentary Wi-Fi l Urban Beehives & Urban Farming Restored Wetland l Restaurant with 24hr Room Service l Breakfast from 4h30am l Contemporary Bar 24hr Deli l Indoor & Outdoor Gym l Africa’s First Power Generating Gym Equipment l Jogging Trail, Eco Pool & Terrace

reservations@hotelverde.com l +27 (0) 21 380 5500 l www.hotelverde.com 15 MICHIGAN STREET, CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SOUTH AFRICA

What’s news...

FTT and TEP join forces in driving Sustainable Tourism Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) has recently contracted the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) to provide business development support services to facilitate certification of South African tourism enterprises.

A series of Learning Networks will be conducted throughout the country in early 2015 at which FTT and TEP will jointly present on the benefits and process of certification. This exciting new partnership will enable the FTT programme to achieve scale and for South Africa to rightfully assume its place on the global stage as a responsible tourism destination.

FTT is a non-profit company with a ten year track record in promoting responsible tourism. They do this by growing awareness about responsible tourism to travellers; assisting tourism businesses to operate more sustainably and by facilitating a Fair Trade Tourism certification programme across southern Africa.

Tourism businesses that adhere to the FTT standard use the FTT label as a way of signifying their commitment to fair and responsible tourism. This includes fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. FTT certification remains a voluntary process, but is a “must have” for businesses looking to promote themselves in the responsible tourism market.

product quality, operational efficiency and market reach. TEP currently supports more than 3 000 tourism SMMEs throughout South Africa.

According to TEP’s Chief Executive, Dr. Salifou Siddo, this new partnership falls squarely within TEP’s new strategy of leveraging its substantial database of tourism SMMEs to add value and support the work of organisations that are involved in tourism development.

“FTT is the uncontested champion when it comes to Responsible Tourism and it is only natural that we should serve as a communication conduit as well as an implementation partner for this organisation to reach out and recruit more tourism SMMEs into its certification programme.

Our SMMEs will benefit tremendously from the partnership as Responsible Tourism is gaining momentum worldwide,” Siddo added.

FTT’s General Manager, Kathy Bergs, adds that “The FTT-TEP partnership is a logical and valuable coming together of a world class standard and a proven formula for enterprise development which will lift sustainable tourism onto a whole new level and provide a model for other countries to emulate”. •

www.fairtrade.travel www.tep.co.za

The Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) is a non-profit company and the flagship public private partnership in the tourism industry. It is the longest standing and most successful enterprise development partner for small tourism enterprises in South Africa. For over a decade, TEP has been successfully developing sustainable SMMEs, thus supporting job creation and GDP growth. This focus has ensured that TEP remains relevant to both funders and entrepreneurs whilst assisting in the transformation of the South African economy.

TEP facilitates the growth, development and sustainability of SMMEs, with a particular focus on those that are owned and managed by previously disadvantaged individuals or groups.

This is achieved through a number of services that provide hands-on, step-by-step support and guidance which ultimately improves the SMMEs responsible traveller 49

Hotel Verde

...my stay at Africa’s Greenest Hotel WORDS & PICS - Tessa Buhrmann

50 responsible traveller

“W

hat a wonderful experience staying in such a green hotel, so unexpected…” was the comment from international guests Mike and Jen… and I couldn’t agree more! Hotel Verde is a green oasis nestled in the industrial region of Cape Town’s International Airport amidst roads, car rental companies and warehouses. The vision and tenacity of owners Mario and Annemarie Delicio and the commitment and enthusiasm of General Manager Samantha Annandale and her team, ensures that guests are ‘blown away’ by Africa’s Greenest Hotel. responsible traveller 51

The hydroponic vegetable & herb garden

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M

Much of what they do is behind the scenes, like the sophisticated grey water recycling plant that contributes towards a 37% reduction of potable water use and the geothermal field that is coupled to groundsource heat pumps. The photovoltaic (solar) panels mounted on the north façade of the building that not only generate electricity but create shading for the windows that get the most sun and the couldn’t-miss-them-if-youtried wind turbines at the entrance.

But the part I loved the most at Hotel Verde was the little touches, the hints at what they are doing, not quite ‘in-your-face’ but evident to see, the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, references to their environmental initiatives.

The refreshing part is that they make it easy to see how you can incorporate many of these green initiatives into your home environment.

This started with being told that I could earn Verdinos… the in-house currency that’s an incentive encouraging guests to develop practical eco-friendly habits. I could earn Verdinos by choosing to re-use my towels, by not using the air-conditioners, by recycling

my waste and by working out at the powergenerating gym! My Verdinos could then be redeemed against purchases at the hotel’s bar or 24-hour Verdeli.

Re-using my towel was easy (loved the neat reminder in the stylish, open-plan bathroom), as was the recycling (loved the labels on the bins) and as for the air-conditioning - a breeze with the spectrally selective double-glazed windows which filters out the sun’s hot rays ensuring less heat enters the building (the double glazing also helps with noise reduction, ensuring a good night sleep). I had no time for the gym – but the idea of a workout that generates power is enough to encourage me to pack my exercise gear for my next visit.

I loved the artwork, much of it created with repurposed items. In the corridors on each of the four floors the wall art carries a different theme: embroidery, mosaic, woven and 3-dimensional, and all locally handcrafted through community projects.

Other items that caught my eye were the intricate paper artworks by renowned artist Barbara Wildenboer, a thought provoking wrought stainless steel sculpture by Brendhan The bee hives in the wetland garden

responsible traveller 53

‘The refreshing part is that they make it easy to see how you can incorporate many of these green initiatives into your home environment...’ 54 responsible traveller

The music corner...

Dickerson symbolising how we should ‘tread ightly on the earth’ to the round mirrors creatively framed with repurposed tyre inners and the environmentally themed graffiti on the basement walls.

Being able to share a bottle of organic Cape Wine with friends and celebrate Hotel Verde winning the 2014 World Travel Award for ‘Best City Hotel’ was special, doing it alongside the living wall even more so. The living wall is a vertical garden that not only separates the lounge from the bar but also helps purify the air. Alongside the bar is the restaurant, and if you’re in any doubt about where the produce is sourced there is a board indicating the distance travelled for various items – all within a very responsible 160 km radius. I loved that this raises awareness and loved the hydroponic garden outside that supplies assorted lettuce and herbs.

Décor in the restaurant is not what you’d expect either, Annemarie Delicio has given it that home decorated feel with quirky items gracing the responsible traveller 55

56 responsible traveller

The delightful eco-pool

‘The pool recreates the natural environment of the wetlands and uses no harmful chemicals so is healthier for guests and wildlife...’ responsible traveller 57

This mixed media artwork was created by the crafters of Bit by Bit mosaic under the guidance of Kerry Atherstone - this is the translation of finished artwork on paper made

by Grade 11 learners from Wynberg and Alexander Sinton High Schools under the guidance of Leisl Hartman and Bev Bradnick at Frank Joubert Art Centre

58 responsible traveller

walls and funky lights created from kitchen ware! Even guests travelling alone have been thought of – there is a ‘let’s chat’ table kitted out with universal plug points, so no need to gaze into space awkwardly and a great way to encourage conversation.

Breakfast is included in the room rate, and after enjoying a selection of items from the extensive breakfast buffet I went for a stroll along the 320 metre jogging trail which winds its way through the wetlands. Indigenous trees and plants now surround the wetlands that were restored after many years of abuse from the surrounding industrial area, and is now abuzz with birds, butterflies and bees, the latter are housed in resident hives and supply honey for the restaurant. Nestled within the gardens is an outdoor gym as well as the delightful eco-pool.

The pool recreates the natural environment of the wetlands and uses no harmful chemicals so is healthier for the guests and wildlife.

I loved the International Roaming Bookshelf which encourages guests to share their favourite

‘In the corridors on each of the four floors the walls art carries a different theme...’and all are locally hadcrafted through community projects...’

books with fellow readers thereby reducing their carbon footprint (the average paperback has a carbon footprint of 4kg). And the music corner, encouraging guests to feel at home and pick up an instrument – impromptu jam sessions are not unusual. Excess ‘baggage’ can be added to a box in the foyer to be distributed to the homeless and needy.

There are great meetings facilities too, with all the the mod-cons you would expects as well as plenty natural light and doors leading out into the garden. And the business area offers everything any business traveller would require. And did I mention that there is free WIFI for guests too? And a free shuttle service to and from the airport as well as the Cape Town Waterfront!

There is so much to love about Hotel Verde… including that it’s a great Cape Town leisure destination that deserves way more than just a stop-over stay. •

www.hotelverde.com

Stainless steel sculpture

by Brendhan Dickerson Funky mirrors

responsible traveller 59

What’s news...

Local KZN community and economy are boosted with development of new lodge The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) economy is set to see a boost in tourism and employment with the opening of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge this December. Situated in the heart of KZN on the grounds of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi reserve, the development of the lodge is part of a vision to uplift and empower the surrounding Mpembeni community, by providing skills training, job opportunities and education on wildlife conservation.

Jointly funded by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the lodge will employ 60 percent of its staff complement from the community, hiring tour guides, game rangers and general lodge staff.

Under the headship of community leader, Inkosi Daniel Hlabisa, the Mpembeni community are part shareholders in the property. Thanks to this agreement, a further 350 hectares of land will be added onto the already vast reserve, totalling the reserve size to 96 000 hectares.

Daniel says that it has always been his dream to see the land appointed for conservation

purposes, and believes that the building of the lodge will solidify the reserve as a popular ecotourism venue, and thus boost tourism figures for the area.

Wellman Khumalo, chairperson of the Mpembeni Community Game Reserve committee, further acknowledges that the lodge will benefit the community in many ways, “Not only will the project create job opportunities for the Mpembeni people, but it will also create a market for fresh goods and traditional craft works that are produced locally. By creating a gap for visitors to buy local products, the project is a catalyst for our poverty alleviation programme.”

He goes on to say that it also provides an opportunity to educate the youth on the importance of nature and wildlife conservation, a major focus of the development. Job training will be provided, along with business skills, business management and marketing skills training.

In order to ensure that the community’s voice is heard, the project committee meets with community members every quarter to discuss

Inkosi Daniel Hlabisa, Wellman Khumalo and Brett Gehren

60 responsible traveller

What’s news... key matters, and members are encouraged to provide constructive feedback and assist in making decisions that benefit all parties concerned. By implementing the structures that allow for this level of community involvement, Isibindi Africa is holding true to its ethos of community upliftment and sustainable practice.

KZN is home to rolling hills, wild coastlines and extraordinary wildlife, which is understandably why it is currently the second most visited province in the country. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge will share in the legacy of the area - historically, KZN, and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi reserve in particular, was once the hunting grounds of the Zulus, a mighty warrior nation who were, for a time, led by the formidable King Shaka.

The four-star private lodge will be the only establishment of its kind on the reserve, and will offer 22 luxury rooms - comprising of eight villas,

two honeymoon villas and six suites. Each room will have a panoramic view of the landscape, and guests can relax in a naturally beautiful setting without compromising on creature comforts.

Visitors can also look forward to big five safari experiences, including night drives and safari walks, as well as the 11 metre infinity lap pool, a day spa and other exciting activities in and around the area.

Comments Wellman further: “Our vision in this partnership is to create a credible, sustainable, eco-friendly lodge that is governed by good business management sense and that values the presence of local community participation. We are looking forward to all the positive outcomes that stem forth as a result of this development.” •

www.isibindi.co.za

responsible traveller 61

Making a difference... celebrating people

Looking beyond waste - a success story Steven Kganelo has experienced the hardships of unemployment first hand, but thanks to an opportunity given to him by Wasteplan, he now finds himself thriving at the beginning of a successful career.

While he is now a Commercial Sorter Trainer, he started his journey as an entry-level Sorter in September last year. Helped along by proper training, he quickly excelled and was sent to a variety of Cape Town hotels – becoming known as the ‘problem solver’, for his ability to quickly detect problem areas at each property.

Says, Kganelo, “As I was always available and committed to my job, my managers saw my potential and encouraged me to grow. When I was sent to the Vineyard Hotel, I knew it would be a challenge – it is a busy hotel with very high standards. They are also very environmentally conscious and I could see how important waste management was for them.”

The problem Kganelo encounters most often is seeing recycling being dumped as ‘general waste’. Due to his keen eye and the pride he takes in his job, he was able to take what was previously thirty bins of general waste, and over time, reduce this to only three bins.

With his help, the Vineyard Hotel was able to report outstanding recycling figures in September this year – with 98% of all waste being recycled. Commenting on his time at the Vineyard Hotel, Kganelo says, “I’ll be honest – I Steven Kganelo

62 responsible traveller

was out to impress. I studied the habits of my predecessors, their weaknesses and failures and learned as much as I could from them in order to understand the areas I most needed to work on.”

While Kganelo still advises on the recycling operations at the Vineyard Hotel, he has a new challenge to work on – having been recently been promoted to the position of Commercial Sorter Trainer, he now visits sorters at malls and hotels to train them and share his knowledge and skills.

In barely a year, Steven has moved from unemployed, to a trainer – but this is hardly the end of the road for this dedicated worker.

Going forward, his next goal is to be a Contract Manager, which will bring with it the opportunity to ensure that plants run smoothly, while also allowing him to use his natural flair with people to communicate with clients.

Says Chris van Zyl, Group Environmental Manager and Horticulturist at the Vineyard Hotel, “Steven is not one to impose limitations on himself. His can-do attitude and the pride he takes in his work are sure to serve him well in his career. ”

www.vineyard.co.za

What’s news...

Three South African Destinations included in Global Top 100!

For the first time ever, a Sustainable Destinations Global Top 100 has been created to celebrate the management efforts of the hundred most sustainable destinations on Earth.

CAPE WHALE COAST

The Top 100 is the result of open calls in the social media, and of a selection process by 30 international experts in tourism sustainability including Jennifer Seif, Executive Director: Fair Trade Tourism (FTT). FTT is South Africa’s leading responsible tourism organisation promoting tourism that benefit people, businesses and the environment, primarily through a voluntary certification system that is one of the world’s leading hallmarks of sustainable business practice.

The South African destinations in the selection include Cape Whale Coast, Wild Coast and SOMKHANDA GAME RESERVE. CAPE WHALE COAST was selected based on the collective efforts of six FTT-certified enterprises: Dyer Island Cruises, Grootbos Private Game Reserve, Marine Dynamics, Southern Right Charters, Whalesong Lodge and White Shark Projects.

Image - Dyer Island Cruises / WhaleWatchSA.com ©

BULUNGULA LODGE

The WILD COAST corridor is comprised of best practice by six FTT-certified enterprises: Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers, Bulungula Lodge, Calabash Tours (including volunteertourism programmes), Coffee Shack Backpackers, Mdumbi Backpackers and Volunteer Africa 32 Degrees South.

The Global Top 100 is a joint initiative of TravelMole.com, Vision on Sustainable Tourism, Totem Tourism and Green Destinations. It aims to recognise tourism destinations that have worked hard to make a difference and take sustainability seriously.

Image - Bulungula Lodge ©

SOMKHANDA GAME RESERVE

Destinations were selected based on six key criteria: Nature, Environment, Culture & Tradition, Social well-being, Green Economy and certified Green Tourism Policy.

Seif states that “sustainable destinations depend on good quality tourism products that are committed to making a difference for staff, communities, visitors – and ultimately for South Africa. FTT certification is our country’s leading hallmark of best practice and a simple way for travellers to contribute positively to the places they love to visit.” •

www.fairtrade.travel 64 responsible traveller

Image - Stew Nolan Photography / Somkhanda Game Reaerve ©

What’s news...

Food & Trees for Africa announces new Executive Director The Board of Directors of Food & Trees for Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Wild as the Executive Director of Food & Trees for Africa. He takes over from the founder, Jeunesse Park, who is retiring from the position after 25 years. Ms Park recognized the need for climate change action and founded Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) in 1990. Since then it has grown to be the biggest greening social enterprise in South Africa with programmes that address food security, carbon offsetting and social need.

Chris’ passion for the environment is well known in the Eastern Cape where he has facilitated the planting of over 25 000 trees, developed hundreds of permaculture food gardens and educated thousands of teachers, community members and school learners, as well as engaging with government and the corporate sector.

Chris (32) is a young, dynamic Ecopreneur who was an industry analyst in the banking and retail sectors for many years. He did this while living a sustainable lifestyle and practicing permaculture on a small holding in the Eastern Cape, eventually leaving the corporate sector to focus on environmental education and climate change action. He has been working with FTFA since 2008, coordinating their programmes in the Eastern Cape.

Into the future Chris will be looking to increase the impact of FTFA’s programmes and projects, focussing on the organisation’s core food security and tree planting programmes. Given the need around the country, he will also be developing FTFA programmes that centre around agricultural entrepreneurship.

“I am both honored and excited to be taking on this position and would like to thank the Board of Directors for affording me this opportunity. I will of course miss the Eastern Cape and spending “I am obviously sad to leave FTFA but feel it is time time in the field and nature, but look forward to and have complete faith that Chris is the right developing FTFA’s programmes and increasing person to continue the excellent work we do. their reach and impact on the ground. I would also Climate change action is more important now than like to thank Jeunesse for her vision and providing ever before and I wish Chris and the rest of the such an amazing platform to make a difference to FTFA team all the best for the future,” said Ms Park the lives of so many,” said Wild.

www.trees.co.za

FTFA / HSBC partnership -a permaculture food-garden project... delighted members harvesting vegetables

responsible traveller 65

What’s news...

Norman Carr Walking Safaris honoured with Best Safari Experience in Africa 2015 NORMAN CARR WALKING SAFARIS in Zambia has been named by The Safari Awards as the Best Safari Experience in Africa. A further 14 safari lodges, houses and mobile organisations were honoured for their achievements in areas such as contribution to local communities, ecological sensitivity, safari guiding and cuisine, along with 3 individuals for their achievements in safari tourism, guiding and conservation and two charitable organisations.

The 2015 Safari Awards Results were announced last night at a gala cocktail event overlooking a firework-peppered London from the 31st floor Paramount Bar, West End. Safari tourism and conservation veterans joined the Safari Awards Nominees to see winners in 20 safari categories named during the evening, culminating in the long-awaited crowning of the Best Safari Experience in Africa.

In its 8th year, the 2015 Safari Awards reveal the very best safari lodges, camps and houses alongside the most outstanding safari guides and operators in Africa - the ‘who’s who’ of the safari community. Sponsored by the independent Good Safari Guide and led by a Norman Carr Walking Safaris

66 responsible traveller

team of 13 highly respected independent safari specialists from Australia, Germany, USA and the UK, the Safari Awards saw over 15,000 public and travel trade nominations for over 365 safari properties, guides and operators have been whittled down to 20 award winners representing the future of wildlife tourism and conservation of wildlife in Africa.

About Norman Carr Walking Safaris - Best Safari Experience in Africa 2015 The infamous Norman Carr is inevitably the inspiration behind the walking safaris; Norman Carr established Luangwa’s first safari camp in 1950 and back in the days when an African safari was a hunting experience, Norman developed the pioneering idea of taking people to look at animals and photograph them rather than to shoot them.

Norman Carr safaris offers walking safaris throughout the South Luangwa, Zambia, including their ‘Return to the Wild’- the wildest experience the South Luangwa has to offer: guests sleep out under the stars in the spectacular and extremely remote Luwi dry river bed with just a bed roll and a mossie net, not

What’s news... even a tent. It’s all about the thrill of the first safari pioneers, including Norman Carr himself, as they discovered the wonders of the South Luangwa.

“All of us at Norman Carr Safaris are so proud of the whole team; Norman Carr pioneered community based conservation and photo tourism in Zambia over 60 years ago and we believe the whole Norman Carr Safaris team proudly continues this tradition today. For us, the important thing is sharing our very special part of the world with others. If we can take someone on an adventure they’ll never want to forget, it could help to preserve our wildlife for the future.

We love what we do and where we live, and want to share that with people all over the world, it’s as simple as that.” - Mindy Roberts

Further Results...

another excellent Norman Carr offering, with a close second of newcomer Bale Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia.

The Best Ecologically Responsible Award went to FOOTSTEPS ACROSS THE DELTA, with runners up WOLWEDANS DUNES LODGE and OLD MONDORO. Best Community Focused winner was IBO ISLAND LODGE, and TAFIKA CAMP and WOLWEDANS DUNES LODGE runners up.

And Best Charity went to UTHANDO with PROJECT LUANGWA and MALILANGWE TRUST runners up.

A full list of 2015 Africa results can be seen at ...

www.safariawards.com

Runner up Best Safari Experience in Africa was taken by the authentic OLD MONDORO LODGE in Zambia, with third place returning to safari roots again with Karisia Walking Safaris in Northern Kenya.

The Best New Safari Camp is always an muchanticipated category, unearthing the safari properties of the future. This year’s title was taken by the fabulous CHINZOMBO in Zambia -

responsible traveller 67

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

Featured Establishment and Supplier Contact Details Amakhosi Safari Lodge

pg 63

Tel: +27 34 414 1157 www.amakhosi.com

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

pg 45

Tel: +27 28 384 8008 www.grootbos.com

Eco-Beds

pg 71

Tel: +27 12 667 6658 www.eco-beds.com

Hotel Verde Tel: +27 21 380 5500 www.hotelverde.co.za

Fair Trade Tourism

pg 02

Farm 215

pg 46

Marine Dynamics / Dyer Island Cruises

pg 36

Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town

pg 70

Tel: +27 12 342 2945 pg 08 Tel: +27 82 380 3405 www.sharkwatchsa.com www.fairtrade.travel pg 34

Tel: +27 28 388 0920 www.farm215.co.za

pg 48 pg 50

Tel: +27 21 409 4000 www.tsogosunhotels.com

GreenLine Responsible Tourism Programme

pg 07

Tel: +27 12 667 6658 www.heritagesa.co.za

Tourism South Coast pg 24 Tel: +27 39 682 7944 www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za

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Image courtesy Fair Trade Tourism & Grootbos Private Nature Reserve ©

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