Tourism Update

SOUTHERN AFRICAN

April 2009 I Issue 204 I www.travelhub.co.za

The

for or g anisers of tours

draw of the desert

Northern Cape and Namibia

● Tackling 2010 ● Durban discovered ● Explore SA’s 10 top towns

Indaba 2009

all the news

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2 TOP OPS

Hanif Poona from the UAE

3 IN THE NEWS

A look at the latest tourism, destination and eco news from Southern Africa

3 Mpumalanga gets the ball rolling

8 Delta announces non-stop JNB service

10 New Garden Route park announced

11 PROFILE – EKURHULENI

Positioning itself as a tourism hot spot for 2010

12 NORTHERN CAPE

The province is starting to show its true tourism colours

16 DURBAN

Major infrastructure development ahead of 2010

18 INDABA 2009

A guide to what to expect at this year’s Southern African trade show

36 THE GOAL POST

Our new column dedicated to everything 2010

39 NAMIBIA

A jewel of a destination

41 24 HOURS

Better head to Betty’s Bay

42 10 TOP TOWNS

The best small towns South Africa has to offer

44 MOORE ON TOURISM

a sandy traveller

HE NEXT TIME I’M STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A desert, I want a Namibian with me! I may be thirsty, sunburnt and have sand in between every toe, but if there’s a Namibian within 30 metres I’ll be OK. Racing down a 300-odd-metre sand dune, you hardly think to check that your rental car’s keys in your knapsack are where you left them.

You could hardly blame us. A 5am wake-up call, an 80km slog on a gravel road to the Sesriem gate and then another 64km haul to an area where you have to park your car (if you’re not driving a 4x4) only to have to pay another R90 each for the 5km shuttle to Sossusvlei.

You have to work hard to enjoy the magnificent beauty of Namibia. And this is no different as we, along with many, hike the hundreds of metres over soft red sand to the astounding Dead Vlei (vastly underrated). Still oblivious to the fact that our rental car’s keys may or may not still be in my knapsack.

As we eventually make it back to the rental vehicle after hours of sun exposure we realise that of all the odds and ends I had so carefully put in my knapsack, our car keys had been claimed by the giant red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

With no cell coverage and the idea of heading back to try to reclaim our keys from the millions of grains of sand not an option we can even entertain, we board a very sporting busload of German tourists on a Pack Safaris tour led by Chris Swart, a freelance tourist guide from Walvis Bay, who not only inspires us with confidence in what would otherwise be a hopeless situation, but is also kind enough to drive us as far as he could back to civilisation.

A moment’s negotiation yields another lift with Wild Dog Safaris’ Ndaheya Kahuure, who goes out of his way to make sure we’re driven the rest of the way back to base camp.

“Don’t worry,” says a rather mischievous David, the gate keeper, as we arrive at Namib Desert Lodge after a 130km hitchhike from Sossusvlei. “Lots of tourists lose their belongings in the sands of Sossusvlei. Keys, cellphones, you name it.

When the western winds blow again, maybe someone will find them.”

Within 24 hours, another set of car keys (thank you, Avis) has been delivered and the stranded vehicle (intact and unharmed) rescued from the Sossusvlei parking lot.

Whether by consoling us and reducing our humiliation, or driving us 50km back to a main (read gravel) road through dry riverbeds so that our car doesn’t get stuck in soft sand, Namibians have consistently come to our rescue within minutes.

They’ve run, not walked, to our aid and have expected little in return, except to say with a very genuine smile... “Come and visit us again soon.” And I hope to, equipped with a 4x4, plenty of water and... a spare set of car keys!

Fishy stories

Cover photo: Tswalu Kalahari

Publisher David Marsh Managing Editor Natalia Thomson nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Sub Editor Ann Braun Journalists Kate Els, Contributors Sue Lewitton, Natasha Tippel,

Nteboheng Phakisi, Liesl Venter, Jeanette Phillips, Chana Viljoen Advertising Sales Franck Deroche, Dee van Gaalen advertising@tourismupdate.co.za Advertising Co-ordinator Neo Matonkonyane Photographer Tijana Huysamen

Design Brendon Bester Printed by JUKA PRINTING (Pty) Ltd Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Tel: +27-11 327-4062 Fax: +27-11 327-4094 www.nowmedia.co.za

SUBSCRIPTION RATES R295 RSA full price R875 Foreign (airmail) full price R655 Neighbouring Africa

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Southern African Tourism Update

April 2009

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topops Selling southern Africa

Hanif Poona - HTT Global Holidays & Incentives, United Arab Emirates About HTT Global Holidays & Incentives The company is a family owned and managed business that specialises in the organisation of holidays for groups, individuals, corporates and FIT travel.

HTT’s services include incentives and team building, bush adventures and camping safaris, mountain climbing, white water rafting, safaris and beach holidays, hotel bookings and reservations, meet and assist services, airport transfers, student packages, honeymoon packages, conference packages and balloon safaris.

Our product development team is constantly working to add new and exciting destinations to our roster, seeking out some of the most exotic destinations and exclusive properties in the world.

What current issues are you dealing with when clients book holidays?

Responses from Southern Africa seem to take a while coming through and the markets we work in require immediate responses. Also price fluctuations are a big problem due to the volatility of the rand/US dollar and rand/euro exchange rates.

How would you describe the UAE market as clients?

The UAE market is looking for high-end luxurious properties in picturesque settings. They are easy-going but expect high levels of service and delivery. They are open-minded and look forward to trying something new and incorporating adventure into their programmes.

Most also like to incorporate luxury and indulgence with adventure.

How does HTT sell Southern Africa?

We sell it as a region as well as separate countries. Based on the distances travelled by our guests from markets further away, it is proving popular to see numerous countries in Southern Africa during one trip. We offer combination incentive and VIP programmes with South Africa and Zimbabwe and South Africa with Namibia and Botswana.

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l Cableway

Taking in the views on Table

Picnics

Mountain SA TOURISM

What’s the next ‘big thing’ in Southern Africa?

Untouched exclusive venues and properties in Namibia and Botswana are becoming popular for our markets. Our clientele are in search of undiscovered gems in breathtaking settings offering every imaginable luxury.

Meeting the Masai in East Africa, HTT’s Hanif Poona

Table Mountain Aeria

What are your Top Five experiences within Southern Africa?

Sundowner cocktails and cruises at the foot of Victoria Falls, themed picnics at flower-filled fields along the Garden Route, sampling, producing and branding wine for guests and corporates, night game drives in search of exotic wildlife followed by sherry and after-dinner drinks under the stars, cocktails on Signal Hill with a violinist playing in the background.

What challenges have you experienced for the UAE market?

We often get last-minute enquiries from guests wanting to book and travel within days – this poses challenges with visas and response rates from suppliers.

tting sun

Enjoying the se

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SA Tourism

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SAT CEO resigns

The South African Tourism Board, after consultation with the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has accepted the resignation of the organisation’s CEO, Moeketsi Mosola.

Mosola is currently serving his notice and with immediate effect, Didi Moyle, COO at South African Tourism will be acting in the capacity of CEO. Mosola said there was nothing “untoward” regarding his resignation and he planned to take a month to travel South Africa while he contemplated what to do in the future.

Kenya slashes visa prices

Kenya has announced visa price cuts in a bid to stimulate arrivals into the country, said Kenya’s Minister of Tourism, Najib Balala, speaking at Kenya Tourism’s press conference at ITB 2009.

Balala noted that although tourism had recovered to approximately 70% after drastic decreases last year due to postelection turmoil, there was still a need to bring arrivals levels to their former glory.

“We are making every effort to get back on track,” he said.

“This includes the halving of visa costs for tourists from US$50 to US$25 and children under 16 years can enter the country free of charge.”

The reduced visa price will be effective for just under two years, starting this month.

Prices will be reviewed after December 2010.

Slowed tourist growth in line with global trends – SAT

South African Tourism (SAT) has spoken out about the year that was in a press release regarding the 2008 arrival statistics.

The organisation stated that even though the second half of 2008 saw declines in arrivals, the significant growth of the beginning of the year offset these declines.

South Africa recorded a total 9 591 828 visitor arrivals last year. This was 5,5 per cent up on 2007’s 9 090 881 total arrivals.

MTPA gets the ball rolling MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS Agency (MTPA), under new CEO, Charles Ndabeni, is out to prove that the organisation is about more than just talk.

At the end of February, the MTPA released the results of the 102 Days Quick Wins programme, launched in September last year, which has laid the foundations for aggressive growth in the province’s tourism industry.

Ndabeni says the €3,1 million programme has strengthened the province’s ability to support the drive to raise visits by international tourists from 1,2m to 2,7m per year by 2016 by overhauling the strategic, planning and institutional structures underpinning the MTPA’s endeavours.

“Since launching the programme, the MTPA has worked steadily to provide all concerned with tourism and conservation in the province with an opportunity to become part of an integrated tourism and biodiversity conservation management system that will create sustainable economic growth in the province,” says Ndabeni.

Some of the key milestones reached include a new day visitor’s centre at the Songimvelo Reserve, satellite offices in Johannesburg and

the setting up of public and private sector partnerships with key stakeholders.

The MTPA says it plans to launch the Cape To Kruger route with South African Airways at Indaba in May, and is investigating possible sites for a Cape Town satellite office. It has also been in discussions with tourism agencies in KZN, Mozambique and Swaziland for the launch of a ‘3 countries in 1’ route – which it hopes to launch at WTM this year.

Ndabeni says the MTPA has also been engaging with key international trade members in India, Russia, China and Brazil. “It’s very important to us that these markets put Mpumalanga into their brochures.”

The MTPA is in discussions with a lowcost carrier that is soon expected to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. “An announcement is expected to be made on April 1,” says Ndabeni.

The parks are set to benefit from the programme. Manyeleti Game Reserve will get €688 321 for new fencing, roads and staff accommodation and Blyde River Canyon will be getting new formal trails. This has been delayed until June as a result of rainy conditions and large volumes of tourist traffic.

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Southern African Tourism Update

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tourismnews For free daily news updates: www.travelhub.co.za

‘Time to plug in’ – overseas operators Sue Lewitton WITH TIME BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT commodities in the business world, the tourism industry should expect to field more requests for real time, accurate online booking systems.

Peter Bates, Travel Consultant at Cedarberg African Travel in the UK, says online availability would help him to plan itineraries for his clients. “So far, I’ve found that online systems have not been 100 per cent accurate and I need to ask my ground handler to check ‘for real’,” says Bates.

Susan Friedland, Tour Consultant at African Portfolio in the US agrees. “Online availability allows us to check availability without having to go back to our ground operator and wait until the next day for an answer.” But she adds that the systems are certainly not without fault. “The availability needs to be in real time and kept up to date.” She says the systems also heighten the risk of consumers bypassing the tour operator and instead, booking directly with the property. “In an ideal world, online availability would be for tour operators and travel agents only.”

And SA’s tourism product may also face some additional challenges, says Wayne Pritchard, MD of An African Anthology – particularly when it comes to game lodges. “Lodges have to co-ordinate rooms and game drives – there’s a seat to sell along with the bed and the configuration of guests leads to different ways of utilising these vehicles. Pritchard says: “Tour operators need to access inventory online as it makes their lives infinitely easier, and in these times, as allocations become increasingly difficult to secure, the industry is simply going to be forced to plug in.”

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Latin American outbound travel booms Number of Brazilian arrivals Kate Els SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES are undergoing a strong economic transformation, which will see an increase in outbound travellers. South Africa is already benefiting from this boom with an overall 9,6 per cent growth from the central and South American region into the country for 2008.

And although Brazil reigns as the top market from that region for the year with 35 649 arrivals (9,2 per cent up on 2007), Argentina has also shown great promise with 9,8 per cent growth. This, coupled with newly introduced Buenos Aires flights by SAA at the beginning of the year, is sure to show growth in this market says Mark Williams, Regional Director: UK and Americas at SA Tourism (SAT), who confirms that constrained flight capacity is hindering further growth.

Airlift for Brazil can be a challenge at times with demand running high for the SAA daily flight, which has shown a 27 per cent increase in passenger numbers. But operators will be pleased to know that these flights will increase to 14 per week in the first quarter of next

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year. Bilateral discussions in August 2008 also revealed the possibility of four return flights per week from Brazilian carrier, TAM. Says Williams: “We have a representative based in Brazil who is involved with a joint marketing agreement that involves SAA and two major tour operators, Designer Tours and Queensberry Brazil Destination Management.

André Laget, Managing Director of SA-based Akilanga-Kawango, adds: “2008 was an exceptional year in all our markets, but for a third year running we have noticed the most important growth from Brazil, with a 47 per cent increase in turnover and a 34 per cent increase in travellers.

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Southern African Tourism Update

APRIL 2009

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tourismnews For free daily news updates: www.travelhub.co.za

Madagascar – tourism unaffected by unrest Kate Els & Linda Chernis IN LIGHT OF THE POLITICAL TURMOIL IN Madagascar and its potential effect on inbound travel, Madagascar’s National Tourism Board released a statement last month confirming that tourist activities were carrying on, that economic activity (interrupted in Antananarivo due to riots and strikes) was back to normal and that tourists who had been travelling in Madagascar over the last month had not been affected.

Tour operator Jenman Safaris, which offers packaged trips to the country, has acknowledged the unrest and that the political situation remains volatile at present. However, it stresses: “Airlines have confirmed that despite the political turmoil, flights will take off as normal and it will have little effect on inbound tourists. Airlines and Jenman Safaris will continue to monitor the situation and keep travellers updated.”

Airlines have confirmed that there are few interruptions to flights and little effect on inbound tourists. Kenya Airways says it has not cancelled its Madagascar operations and will continue its service to Antananarivo while monitoring the tense political situation.

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Marketing Manager Southern Africa, Glenn Lewington, says the carrier only cancelled one flight “for security measures, as there was an opposition rally”.

He says: “Operations are as normal, however due to the political situation loads have dropped somewhat. We have replaced the Boeing 737-700 (116 seater) with a 72-seater E-170LR on the route.

“We continue to monitor the situation but have no plans to suspend the TNR service.”

Airlink has expressed a similar sentiment, noting that the situation is localised and tourists should not be concerned over visiting the country’s capital.

Despite the positive messages, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has upped its travel advisory for the country advising against all but essential travel.

It says: “There have been violent incidents and lootings in Antananarivo and regional centres across the country and more than 125 deaths have been reported. We strongly advise British nationals in Madagascar to avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large gatherings and to monitor the situation in the local media.

“Disruption in Antananarivo continues. Road blocks and barricades have been installed around the capital.”

4x4 plan for SA Natasha Tippel THE NATIONAL OFF-ROAD Working group (NOW), in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and provincial environmental departments, has developed a strategy to address 4x4 activities in sensitive areas in South Africa.

The strategy aims to prohibit recreational off-road driving in sensitive areas, except on a registered trail by a licensed driver in a permitted vehicle.

Activities will be phased in over a five-year period, based on the priority of the activity concerned.

Each of the seven NOW member organisations will be responsible for the implementation of the strategy while DEAT will maintain a regulatory function.

Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said it was hoped neighbouring countries would be able to learn from this example when it came to the prevention of damage caused by off-road vehicles to sensitive areas.

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A Daimler Brand

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Reuniting the family. Comfortably and in safety.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito.

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and features an extensive safety package. Its dimensions, ďŹ ne visibility, power steering and 11.8 metre turning circle make manoeuvring and parking a breeze. Drivers and passengers alike will value its comfort suspension, carlike ride and handling. For further information, contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer, telephone 0800 133 355 or visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za

aviationnews For free daily news updates: www.travelhub.co.za

Delta non-stop to JNB DELTA AIR LINES HAS REVEALED ITS schedule for its daily non-stop flights between Johannesburg and Atlanta, starting on June 2.

This is despite the effect of the economic downturn where several airlines are cutting back on their capacity to SA. Says Jimmy Eichelgruen, Sales Director – Middle East and India: “We’ve done well up to now with our flights to South Africa and are cautiously optimistic for the future.”

The flight departs Atlanta at 20h05 and arrives in Johannesburg at 17h10 the next day. The return flight departs JNB at 21h05, arriving in Atlanta at 07h20 next day.

Margaret Copeland, Delta’s Commercial

Manager for Southern Africa says: “Our schedule has been designed to maximise customers’ time by allowing a full day’s work or play in both the US and Johannesburg.”

This flight replaces Delta’s previous service from Atlanta via Dakar. A B777-200LR with 180-degree flat-bed seats in BusinessElite class will be used.

“Our sleeper suites in BusinessElite and next-generation economy seats ensure our passengers travel in greater comfort,” says Copeland.

Delta is the only US airline to operate services between SA and the US, with daily services from Atlanta to Johannesburg and three weekly services to Cape Town.

Air Seychelles resumes Frankfurt and Zurich flights DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, AIR Seychelles has resumed its services to Zurich and Frankfurt this month. Services to these destinations ceased in 2005.

Air Seychelles’ Executive Chairman, Captain David Savy, has said: “With the arrival of a fourth B767 in our fleet in March this year, we are able to re-introduce services

to both Zurich and Frankfurt, which are important markets for our islands. It has always been our intention to get back into those markets and the opportunity has once again availed itself. The intention is to build sufficient numbers so as to eventually operate stand-alone and dedicated services to the UK, Germany and Switzerland.”

Air Austral flies to OZ AIR AUSTRAL HAS ANNOUNCED THE commencement of its route between South Africa, Réunion and Australia.

From April 12, the carrier will start operations between Sydney and Noumea (New Caledonia) and Réunion. This service will offer a connection to Johannesburg for Australian tourists. Flights from Sydney and Noumea operate on Saturday nights to Réunion and flights to Johannesburg are offered from Réunion on a Sunday.

Air Austral is also in the process of taking delivery of three new aircraft (ATR72s), the expected delivery of which is in March. These aircraft will serve the inter-island regional network.

Two leased aircraft (B777-300ER) with capacity for 442 passengers (18 Club class, 40 Comfort class and 384 Leisure class) will be used on Air Austral’s long-haul routes.

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TAAG boosts safety standards

Kenya Airways introduces more Johannesburg flights KENYA AIRWAYS HAS INTRODUCED a further six flights per week between Nairobi and Johannesburg.

The airline has seen significant growth on the South African route over the past 12 months and the new service is in response to capacity demands.

The new flights come amid other expansion plans such as the opening of offices in Windhoek and Gaborone, increased flights between Nairobi and Lusaka, Harare

and Lilongwe and a third frequency into Antananarivo, Madagascar. Kenya Airways’ South African route operated at record load factors for the November-January period after a successful marketing campaign promoting Kenya, and particularly Mombasa, over this period.

In addition, corporate traffic during the holiday season did not drop off as anticipated.

Capacity constraints were also experienced with the withdrawal of Air Tanzania.

ANGOLAN AIRLINE, TAAG, IS IN THE process of restructuring and aims to bring up its safety levels by mid-year in the hope of reintroducing its now defunct Europe operations.

The carrier was barred from flying into the European Union in 2007 after investigations revealed that the safety standards of the aircraft being used on these routes were below acceptable levels. TAAG has been using South African Airways aircraft in the interim to continue its operations into Portugal.

Pierre Sauveur, Commercial Adviser for the carrier, has confirmed that the airline is undergoing a restructuring programme.

“An ad hoc committee has been appointed within the company by the government and the entire process (study, presentation to the authorities and implementation of the plan) should take place in 2009.

“TAAG is currently adjusting its existing safety standards to guarantee their conformity with the standards of the international airline industry.” A safety audit (IOSA) would be performed this month by Iata-accredited experts, said Sauveur. A general inspection

by European Union-designated auditors, dependent on the safety audit’s results, is scheduled for later in the year.

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Southern African Tourism Update

APRIL 2009

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econews eco-tourism

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New Garden Route park established

inbrief Facelift for Addo main gate Visitors entering Addo Elephant National Park at the main gate may experience a delay when one of the access lanes is closed from time to time due to renovations taking place. Park management has appealed to visitors for co-operation and patience, adding that they have the option of using the alternative entrance at the Matyholweni Gate, which is located just off the N2 highway near the town of Colchester.

New look for Tsehlanyane Tsehlanyane National Park in Leribe, Lesotho, is receiving an extensive facelift. The new chalets are almost complete and work has started on a tarred road to the park. The Free State, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape MECs of tourism and environment and SANParks donated 10 eland, which coincided with the opening of the park’s new Maliba Mountain Lodge.

The lodge has a gourmet restaurant, bar, business centre and a pool. Activities include hiking, horse riding, bird watching, rock climbing and cultural tours.

SOUTH AFRICA’S GARDEN ROUTE IS famed for its flora and fauna and, with the incorporation of various areas into a new national park, the area is bound to attract attention from nature fanatics.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said the establishment of the Garden Route National Park was part of a long-term strategy to expand the areas in South Africa under formal protection from six to eight per cent of the total area of the country. “As our parks are some of our most important conservation and tourism assets, we have been steadily increasing spending on them.

“The Garden Route is one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa

and one of our crown jewels in terms of biodiversity and its attraction to both foreign and local tourists,” said Van Schalkwyk.

The diverse biomes in the Garden Route include indigenous forests, the Knysna estuary, the Wilderness lake areas, marine protected areas, lowland fynbos and mountain catchment areas of national importance.

The total size of the GRNP will be approximately 121 000 hectares. It will consist of about 52 500 hectares of newly proclaimed land as well as 68 500 hectares of the Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks. The tourist facilities in the GRNP will include camping decks, chalets, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, canoeing, diving and history and adventure activities.

Gorongosa gets five hippos from South Africa FOLLOWING THE RELOCATION OF SIX elephants in September 2008, Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique has received five hippos from iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa.

The five hippos represent the first shipment of 30 hippos that iSimangaliso has offered

the Gorongosa park.

The remaining hippos will only be introduced after a study shows that the first five can cohabitate peacefully with the park’s own population of hippos. This waiting period is necessary as problems among the animals could lead to fatalities.

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d’s top destinations by discerning travelers’

Comprising four individual, 5-Star lodges each with its own identity and look and feel, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve offers close-encounter, Big 5 safaris combined with unparalleled luxury and a unique brand of excellent service and African hospitality.

Sustainable conservation practices mean a reserve that is a hotspot of biodiversity, making Sabi Sabi home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife and a dream safari destination. Selati Camp is intimate, romantic and olde-worlde; Bush Lodge

a meeting place for friends in a beautiful contemporary setting; Little Bush Camp small, secluded and following the Bush Lodge style; and the ultra-luxurious Earth Lodge a celebration of organic architecture and rich textures inspired by Nature.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve P.O Box 52665, Saxonwold, 2132 South Africa

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‘Consistently voted one of the world’s top destinations by discerning travelers’ ‘Consistently voted one of the world’s top destinations by discerning travellers’ TU1323SD

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profileekurhuleni

EKURHULENI, THE SMART, CREATIVE city in eastern Gauteng, is doing its bit to ensure it takes advantage of the unprecedented opportunities and challenges the 2010 Fifa World Cup presents.

With OR Tambo International being the point of entry for the many people travelling to the country for the event, Ekurhuleni feels it is the duty of the municipality to project a first impression that is memorable in a uniquely African way that will linger long after the final whistle has been blown.

Last year’s annual Tourism Imbizo hosted

by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality addressed issues around tourist safety during the World Cup, which it felt was particularly appropriate with the airport falling within its jurisdiction. The South African Police Service (SAPS) detailed plans that involve almost 1 000 SAPS members to undertake various activities at the airport including crime prevention, detective work and crime intelligence. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department plays a huge supporting role to the SAPS, making the unit even more effective.

Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, says: “Focus areas for the municipality will include policing at hotels and guest houses,

peermont hotels and resorts

Ekurhuleni invites the world to stay and play

A city alive... Emperors Palace, located in Ekurhuleni, is a prime entertainment and accommodation establishment near the airport. fan parks and public viewing areas. Tourist routes like the OR Tambo Precinct, Thokoza Monument and Keditselane Cultural Village will be closely guarded as well as restaurants, base camps and training stadia.”

Although a non-host city for the 2010 World Cup, Ekurhuleni is ready to embrace the supporting role it will play to the City of Johannesburg by assisting with policing, public health services, emergency services and disaster management.

Emergency routes will be pinpointed and

shared with all sectors involved in security and dedicated lanes on freeways for Fifa’s use have already been negotiated. Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor, Clr Ntombi Mekgwe, has encouraged local communities to join in the preparations during the launch of 500 Days Countdown to the World Cup 2010, held at KwaThema Stadium in February this year.

The event, which took the form of a street parade, saw political leaders, soccer players and local celebrities taking to the streets to celebrate the countdown to the big event.

' ' e v i l A y t i ''A C

Ekurhuleni meaning “the place of peace in Xitsonga” is an amalgamation of cities, townships and peri-urban areas condensing Alberton-Thokoza; Benoni-WattvilleHome to the OR Tambo International Airport ,Ekurhuleni meaning “the place of peace in Xitsonga” is an amalgamation townships and peri-urban Etwatwa-Daveyton, Boksburg-Vosloorus, Brakpan-Tsakane, Edenvale,of towns, Germistonareas condensing Alberton-Thokoza; Benoni-Wattville-Etwatwa-Daveyton, Boksburg-Vosloorus, Brakpan-Tsakane, Edenvale, Germiston-Katlehong, Kempton Katlehong, Kempton Park-Tembisa, Nigel-Duduza, Springs and Kwa-Thema poised to Park-Tembisa, Nigel-Duduza, Springs and Kwa-Thema poised to showcase an abundance of unique, untapped, diverse and unspoilt tourism products nestling showcase abundance of Africa, unique, untapped, diverse and unspoilt in the Eastern part ofan the economic hub of South Gauteng.

With well over 200 conference facilities, the City oftourist Ekurhuleni products boasts a variety of tourism products for the discerning that include tours, Mine tours, Arthub décor tours, Wetland tour and the Gauteng.

OR Tambo Route. nestling in thetravelor Eastern partTownship of the economic of South Africa, The area email: kgoadim@ekurhuleni.com ü website: www.ekurhuleni.com has around 8 000 industries and is responsible for about 23 percent of the gross geographical product of Gauteng province, which is sub-Saharan Africa’s most economically powerful and active region.

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Southern African Tourism Update

April 2009

l 11

destinationnortherncape

Burstingtoonthe scene...

South Africa’s hottest province is peppered with tourism gems and is renowned for the hospitality of its small coastal fishing towns, its strange terrain and beautiful flora.

Kate Els explores…

T

SA TOURISM

he Northern Cape has never been one of the most popular tourist spots for international visitors, maybe due to undeveloped tourism infrastructure, but this shouldn’t deter anyone from seeing the flipside of South Africa.

South Africa’s largest province, with its location along the western coastline, ensures that the Northern Cape not only offers some stark landscapes but also ocean scenery worth stopping for.

It is also often recommended as a great self-drive experience for those travellers who are willing to take the slow route.

The Northern Cape Tourism Authority (NCTA) has embarked on a new marketing campaign ‘Find yourself in the Northern Cape’ to encourage visitors to discover the sights of the region. “We want adventure and ecoescape seekers to feel that the Northern Cape is the last word on where Noordkaapenaars (locals), domestic and international visitors choose to spend their holidays in the Real Province,” says NCTA CEO, Sharron Lewis.

Outlining a few of the province’s many tourism attributes, Lewis continues: “Literally everything under the sun goes in terms of authentic experiences on offer. We’ve got heartstopping adrenalin adventure and donkey carts and windmills set amidst a Namaqualand daisy floral wonderland.

There’s safari star-gazing in one of the world’s largest conservation areas and truly unspoilt ecosystems.”

12 l APRIL 2009

www.travelhub.co.za

t r e o p e p ur a s c e eas rn m e e l h r t e p ort m n e e r t em tr

X

PHYSICAL ADDRESS Northern Cape Tourism Authority, Tourism House, 15 Dalham Road, Kimberley 8301

Red Apple Media. Tel: 053 8392900.

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CONTACT NUMBERS Telephone: 053-833-1434 (International: +27-53-833-1434) Facsimile: 053-831-2937 (International: +27-53-831-2937) E-mail: northerncapetourism@telkomsa.net

inbrief

Pick a park

Up to scratch?

The Northern Cape is dotted with national parks that, although not all famous for Big Five sightings, offer some spectacular experiences…

Says Wayne Suttie, Sales and Marketing Director Arrive in Africa, the Northern Cape is more geared towards self-drive tourists who want to see another side of South Africa. “The province has serious potential for tourists, but is still underdeveloped, especially in terms of accommodation.” He adds that international tourists may battle to find establishments with the same level of standards that are the norm in the busier tourists spots of South Africa, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Namaqua National Park Famous for its annual wild flower extravaganza, Namaqualand is one of South Africa’s natural wonders. The park is transformed into a blanket of flowers in early August and September with a large number of plant species that are unique to South Africa.

SA Tourism

destinationnortherncape

Flower power

Adventure Without Limits (AWOL) offers bicycle tours of Namaqualand annually. Says owner, Sally de Jager: “These tours appeal to the Japanese market; we have a regular group that return every year.” She adds that the tours are often difficult to arrange and travellers must be flexible as the tour dates often need to be changed according to when the flowers bloom.

Thompsons Africa is offering an eight-day ‘Diamond and Desert Exploration’ package that visits Upington, Kimberley, Augrabies, Kuruman and the Kgalgadi Transfrontier Park. It is priced from R14 900pps (€1 141) and includes ground transportation, accommodation, tour guide and certain meals.

Africa Unlimited Safaris offers a five-day package of the Northern Cape spanning Upington, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Reimvasmaak. The tour takes guests into the desert areas of the province and includes camping accommodation.

Cape Fox Tours & Photography’s seven-day tour of the province includes visits to the Big Hole in Kimberley, Upington, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Augrabies Falls.

The package starts from R8 300pps (€636) and includes airport transfers and ground transportation, on-tour refreshments, a trained zoologist as a guide and accommodation.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park STRADDLING THE BORDER WITH Botswana, this cross-boundary park offers sightings of the famed Black Mane Kalahari Lions as well as various raptors.

Roads in this park, although maintained, are better suited to 4x4 vehicles and not recommended for sedan drivers.

Mokala National Park THIS SMALL PARK IS HOME TO MANY of South Africa’s endangered species and is within driving distance for travellers staying in Kimberley. The park has no predators but the smaller buck species such as tsessebe are worth seeing. The park offers basic accommodation and is ideal for a stop-over while travelling across the province.

Wayne suttie

Suggest these packages!

Horsing around at Tswalu

Tswalu Kalahari’s horse-riding activities have become exceptionally popular reports the property. “The Tswalu stables now have 15 horses varying in size, colour and breed. Most of the horses are suitable for any type of rider but we do have a few that need more experienced riders,” says Madeleine Goodman, Sales and Marketing.

The property is anticipating the arrival of two young horses that will undergo training and will soon be ready for guest use. A new assistant stable manager has been employed to learn the ropes as a field guide for guests.

The Northern Cape is known for its value-for-money experiences and is being heavily promoted by tour operators and SA Tourism as one of South Africa’s DID YOU developing tourism hot spots. Local tour KNOW? operators offer reasonable packages for both guided and self-drive options.

14 l APRIL 2009

Augrabies Falls National Park Close to Upington, this park offers its guests extreme views of the Augrabies Falls, a 56-metre waterfall. Although there are no predators, guests can still enjoy animal sightings and are accommodated within walking distance of the falls.

Visitors can also enjoy views of the gorges cut though the landscape by the Orange River.

Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park LOCATED IN THE FAR NORTHwestern region of the province, this park is described as remote and desolate. It offers one of the most diverse desert landscapes

and is only accessible by 4x4. There are no planned routes and the park cannot be booked in advance. Not for the fainthearted! ■ www.travelhub.co.za

“Luxury Summed up in Three Words”

For reservations, rates, schedules and special packages please contact us: Pretoria: Tel: +27 (0) 12 334-8459/60, Fax: +27 (0) 12 334-8464/8081 Cape Town: Tel: +27 (0) 21 449-2672, Fax: +27 (0) 21 449-2067 E-mail: info@bluetrain.co.za

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destinationdurban SA TOURISM

D

ifficult to define

Durban has finally stepped out of the shadow of Cape Town and Johannesburg, luring international visitors to its shores, explains Liesl Venter...

D

“

URBAN IS DIFFICULT to define. Durban is a unique melting pot of cultures and histories. It’s an artistic city with subtle moods and surprising colour.

It’s understated. It’s seductive. It’s addictive,� says local author John van de Ruit.

Describe it any way you like but Durbanites love their city for a variety of reasons. And while South Africans have always known it – the city and province attract millions of domestic tourists annually – international visitors are slowly but surely realising the potential of this climatically blessed city. “When it comes to international visitors Durban has never really been the flavour of the month. “They jet in to Johannesburg or Cape Town,� says Acting KwaZulu Natal Fedhasa Chairman, Gerhard Patzer. “But that is changing and for a variety of reasons.

“The city caters for all markets – the ultra-rich to the budget traveller will have an experience of a lifetime here. From guesthouse to five-star hotel, the individual traveller or the family on holiday – there is no doubt all can be accommodated.�

With more than 25 000 beds available in and around the city at any given time, Durban can comfortably host 10 000 people for an international conference or a major sporting event and, looking at the developments and continued focus on infrastructure upgrades, the city is ready to take its rightful place in the hierarchy of South Africa’s must-see destinations.

Pulling out the stops

Hospitality is an important part of Durban’s make-up, says, Peter Bendheim, Marketing Manager for Durban Tourism. “Having always been a popular domestic destination, there is an inherent understanding of tourism in Durban and

what it can mean for the economy. The city is focused on all levels to draw more international visitors and 2010 is an important platform for that.�

Already the upgrade of infrastructure can be seen everywhere – an international airport and a stadium of world-class standard are but two of the major undertakings.

As the Moses Mabhida Stadium takes shape, it is all systems go in the city for 2010. Depicted as a Durban icon, the stadium with its wide arch has been heralded as a major coup for city leaders, who pulled out all the stops With ₏1,7bn being spent on the upgrading of airports in South Africa, the new Durban International Airport is key to the city’s developments. According to the eThekwini Metro, the city’s municipality, this will just add more benefits, as tourists will be able to get to Durban without having to incur an extra cost to get there.

I N DA B A Ĺą .":

STAND A013 IN THE ICC, HALL 2

Africa Dream the destination... Live the journey.

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16 l APRIL 2009

5FM t 'BY

JOGP!UIPNQTPOTBGSJDB DPN t XXX UIPNQTPOTBGSJDB DPN www.travelhub.co.za

IN the news

New Fairmont Zimbali on schedule

TAKE A BREAK AT It’s happening!

HOTELS

The new Fairmont Zimbali Hotel, north of Durban, is scheduled to open in the last quarter of this year. It will include conference facilities, a Willow Stream Spa, beach club, restaurants and a new Gary Player signature golf course. President of IFA Hotels and Resorts Africa and Indian Ocean, Wessel Witthuhn, said enquiries had already been received for Fifa 2010 accommodation.

Orion Mont-Aux-Sources

N-Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 36 438 8000 gmmont@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 28°39'40.2" • E 028°59'58.6"

New waterfront development will boost tourism

Orion Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino Swaziland Tel: +268 437 1104 gmpiggspeak@orion-hotels.co.sz GPS: S 25°54'21.95" • E 031°17'40.65"

Durban’s waterfront will benefit from a multimillion-euro project that will bring hotels, retail stores and a small craft harbour to the area.

The initiative forms part of a harbour rejuvenation project to position Durban Point Waterfront as a prime tourist destination for the city. Tourism KwaZuluNatal will also be working on encouraging cruise ships to come to Durban.

Orion Hotel Devonshire

Braamfontein, Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 339 5611 gmdev@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 26°11'34.13" • E 028°02'09.72"

Gooderson’s Tropicana and Beach hotels undergo refurb

Orion Safari Lodge

Rustenburg Kloof, NW Province Tel: +27 14 594 1030 gmsafari@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 25°41'11.5" • E 027°11'46.2"

major room refurbishments at Gooderson’s Tropicana Hotel and Beach Hotel are under way. The furniture and all soft finishes in the rooms, as well as the passage carpets, are being replaced. The Beach Hotel refurbishment programme will be complete by November, while the Tropicana refurb is expected to be complete by May 2010.

Fordoun Spa Hotel and Restaurant, an hour and a half’s drive from Durban, is continuing its ongoing refurbishment having recently opened a hair salon, soundproof rooms, and built new treatment rooms. The property has also developed a new treatment called ‘African Renaissance’, which is energy cleansing and rebalancing through the employment of indigenous medicinal plants, crystals and colour.

The entire treatment takes two hours.

Also on offer is a cultural tour where a local traditional doctor, Elliot Ndlovu, takes guests to his home in the Kamberg Valley. The tour includes lunch in the village and ends with a traditional healing consultation.

Safety remains key An important legacy of the DID YOU 2010 World KNOW? Cup will be a significantly strengthened police force. Countrywide, an upgrade in equipment, vehicles, helicopters and a €229m investment in information technology infrastructure will benefit the individual host cities. In Durban the increase in safety and security can already be seen. Plans for the city include an integrated system involving safety, security and disaster management teams with intensive training and upgrading of skills also taking place. n

Southern African Tourism Update

Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 33 503 1482 gmwartburg@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°26'5.08" • E 030°34'58.48"

Orion Katse Lodge

Lesotho Tel: +266 229 10202 gmkatse@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°19'50.56" • E 028°28'52.14"

Orion Mohale Lodge

Lesotho Tel: +266 229 36432 gmmohale@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°28'42.5" • E 028°03'42.8"

Orion Hotel Promenade

Nelspruit, Mpumulanga Tel: +27 13 753 3000 promenade@promenadehotel.co.za GPS: S 25°28'15.2" • E 030°58'47.41"

Central Reservations: +27 11 718 6452 (Office Hours) www.oriongroup.co.za

R&R13746

Fordoun expands wellness offering

Orion Hotel Wartburg

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APRIL 2009

l 17

SA Tourism

indaba2009 At a glance…

When? 9-12 May 2009 Where? International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre

What’s on…

Make sure you don’t miss Indaba’s key events…

May 8

Indaba Golf Day, 10h00-16h00 at the Durban Country Club Indaba Golf Day Gala Dinner, 18h00 at the Durban Country Club Eteya Awards (invitation only), 19h00-20h00 at Auditorium Hall 1A

May 9

TSA Media Launch, 11h00-12h30 at Room 22, ICC Indaba Opening Ceremony, 17h00-18h00 at Auditorium Hall 1A Beach Party, 18h00-23h30, venue to be confirmed at a later stage

Indaba 2009 With the 2010 Soccer World Cup imminent, this year’s Indaba promises to be more exciting than ever. Sue Lewitton brings you the information you need to ensure your time at this expo is well spent…

AKILANGA_2009:Layout 1 2009/03/11 2:19 PM Page 1

AKILANGA

May 10

DTI Tourism Indaba Workshop, Room 22, ICC E-Business Seminar, Rooms 21 and 22, ICC Global Media Face Off (invitation only), Auditorium Hall 1A Hosted Buyers Networking Evening (invitation only), Elangeni Hotel World Travel Awards (invitation only), Auditorium Hall 1A

May 11

DTI Tourism Indaba Workshop, DEC Hall 6 E-Business Seminar, Rooms 21, 22, ICC Welcome Awards (invitation only), at Auditorium Hall 1A

&

KAWANGO

D.M.C for Southern Africa

J’adore!

MAURITIUS

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

INDABA 2009 ICC D001

International Calls Tel: +27 (0) 11 326 4172

Fax: +27 (0) 11 326 4173

akilanga@akilanga.co.za

www.akilanga.com

Photo credit: Singita

BOTSWANA

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18 l APRIL 2009

www.travelhub.co.za

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indaba2009 De Hoop Collection

Premium boutique resort to open on Vaal River island ESCAPE TO LIFE, A NEW BOUTIQUE vacation villa collection in the Vaal Triangle, opens this month.

Situated on an island in the Vaal River, it forms part of the Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate outside Parys. The venue will offer executive accommodation and meeting facilities and comprises 15 villas, each with four luxury rooms, two butlers, a chef and concierge.

Each villa is a private venue within the larger collective and caters for groups and single occupation. Escape To Life is also creating a day spa on the property. A mobile version is already available.

ROVOS RAIL WILL BE TAKING A TRAIN down to Indaba, offering overnight trips for participants at a special rate. The trip will depart from Capital Park in Pretoria on May 7 and arrive in Durban station at 17h30 the following day. The return trip will depart from Durban on May 12 and delegates will arrive back in Pretoria at 12h00 on May 13.

Rovos will also have a train available for three inspections per day during Indaba, with a free shuttle service to the train on May 9, 10 and 11. Inspections must be pre-booked.

FARM FEEL... The Opstal Manor House has been fully renovated.

New look for the Ou Huis THE OPSTAL MANOR HOUSE, previously the Ou Huis, one of the De Hoop Collection properties in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, will be fully renovated by the end of this month and

will be able to accommodate six people in three en-suite bedrooms. Bookings are on a full-board basis, with meals taken at the new restaurant, The Fig Tree, within walking distance of the Opstal Manor House.

Soft refurb for Sandals

Transfrontier Park packages from Thompsons Africa

Sandals Guest House

Special Rovos Rail trip for Indaba delegates

Rhino Post Safari Lodge reopens after massive rebuild

Sandals Guest House in St Francis Bay has just implemented a soft refurb on its AfriCaribbean inspired rooms. New linens, throws and scatter cushions have been added.

14269_3 / 08

RHINO POST SAFARI LODGE’S LOUNGE and bar area, which burnt down in March last year, has reopened following a massive rebuild. New features include a private dining area for honeymooners and couples and new décor. The lodge also took the opportunity to make some improvements to the rest of the property, including new mosquito nets in the rooms, better lighting and all-round general maintenance.

THOMPSONS AFRICA, IN CONJUNCTION with Boundless Southern Africa, has developed new itineraries to promote the flow of tourists across international borders into the region’s transfrontier areas. The concept behind these areas is to employ conservation as a sustainable land-use option for the benefit of local people.

Once all these areas have been established with the necessary infrastructure in place, they could accommodate eight million visitors per year.

Renowned as one of Cape Town’s most graceful landmarks, the beautifully restored 5-star Hout Bay Manor, built in 1871, offers 21 individually designed en suite rooms and its signature fine dining restaurant ‘Pure’. Preserving history, this private hotel blends Cape heritage with African culture to celebrate the vibrant pulse of South Africa. Hout Bay Manor has redefined the essence of hospitality and is a tribute to old and new offering unsurpassed hospitality and grace.

Telephone: 021 790 0116 | Fax: 021 790 0118 Email: reservations@houtbaymanor.co.za | www.houtbaymanor.co.za TU1332SD

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www.travelhub.co.za 10/29/08 12:36:38 PM

more news on page 22

AFRICAN ANTHOLOGY HAS completed upgrades at several of its properties.

Ivory Tree has upgraded its central guest area with a redesign of all interior furniture and fittings. The poolside patio area has also been upgraded and a new private lounge area added to permit exclusive use of this facility for smaller groups. Walkersons has completed a new terrace dining area, a new private dining room and cigar bar. At Kapama there are plans to upgrade the recently acquired Gwala Gwala camp, which will be closed between April and July to create a new central guest facility and pool. The tents will also be redesigned. Azanzi Beach has taken delivery of glass-bottomed kayaks, designed to allow guests to paddle along the reef and view the magnified visuals below.

An African Anthology

African Anthology heralds the changes

EATING ALFRESCO... The new terrace at Walkersons by night.

Santawani reopens

New executive floor at The Grace THE GRACE HOTEL IN ROSEBANK HAS introduced a new exclusive club floor on the fifth floor, offering guests in-room check-in, guaranteed early maid service and an exclusive serviced Café Complet option for residents.

A glass of wine and selection of canapés is available daily from 17h00 to 18h30, as well as complimentary pressing of three items daily

and a shoe shine service. The club floor allows late check-out subject to availability and offers a butler service between 06h30 and 09h00 and from 17h00 to 18h30. The valet service will arrange for guests’ cars to be brought to the front of the hotel once check-out has been completed. The women’s bathrooms will feature products from the Maria Garcia range.

SANTAWANI, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN Lodges of Botswana and the Sankuyo Community Development Trust, will reopen for bookings from May 1. The lodge, located in a concession adjoining the Moremi Game Reserve, has rebuilt its public areas. It can accommodate 12 guests in en-suite chalets.

B-BBEE

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Southern African Tourism Update

APRIL 2009

l 21

indaba2009 Guvon Hotels

more news on page 24

LUXURY... An artist’s impression of the hotel planned for the Randpark Golf Club.

Legend to launch iconic golf course THE LEGEND LODGES, HOTELS & Resorts group will be showcasing the Legend Golf & Safari Resort, situated within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in Limpopo, at Indaba this year. The 18-hole signature golf course will be open for play this month and facilities will include a welcome and recreational centre with a variety of restaurants, boutique shops and a theatre. A golf academy with driving range will offer a range of products and professional training programmes with virtual training facilities.

A further course, The Tribute Course, will comprise 10 par-three golf holes that pay tribute to the most famous par threes in the world. In addition, some of the accommodation and other facilities will be opening by mid-year, with the remainder officially opening at the end of this year.

Joint venture for development of Randpark hotel GUVON HOTELS AND THE PLUMARI Group have entered into a joint venture for the building and management of a R100m luxury hotel and golf villas at the Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg.

Phase one of the project will include the

construction of the 8 200sqm hotel, including a multi-volume foyer and private internal pool courtyard, conference centre, boardrooms, breakaway rooms, 120-seater chapel, lounge, deck, bar area, restaurant linked to the golf course deck and full health spa.

wild space

A Luxury Safari beyond your dreams Visit us at our Indaba stand ODW010

www.andbeyond.com Sabi Sand Game Reserve Okavango Delta Phinda Private Game Reserve Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Serengeti Under Canvas Madikwe Safari Lodge Masaai Mara Kwandwe Private Game Reserve TU1356SD

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www.travelhub.co.za

RovosRail

T HE P RI DE OF AF RI CA RIDE

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences.

Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations.

C APE T OWN • G EORGE • V ICTORIA F ALLS • D URBAN S AFARI A FRICAN C OLLAGE • N AMIBIA • D AR ES S ALAAM • G OLF S AFARI

TEL: (+27-12) 315 8242

FA X : ( + 2 7 - 1 2 ) 3 2 3 0 8 4 3

r e s e r vat i o n s @ r o v o s . c o . z a

w w w. r o v o s . c o m

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indaba2009 more news on page 26 ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Dine in the bush with Wild Horizons GUESTS CAN EXPERIENCE THE BUSH at Victoria Falls with Wild Horizons, in a joint venture with Discover Safaris. The package, described as a ‘night drive with bush dinner’ is designed to keep guests entertained for up to four hours.

The safari uses an open vehicle with a qualified guide and includes foreign-language options such as French, German, Italian and Spanish at an additional cost on private tours.

The tours can accommodate up to 14 people and depart at 17h00 every evening from hotels in Victoria Falls. No children under 12 years will be allowed on the tours.

Zulu Nyala introduces Geko Manor THE ZULU NYALA COUNTRY MANOR in Johannesburg has announced the recent opening of Geko Manor. The new addition to the property comprises 14 suites, all equipped with flat-screen televisions, air-conditioning and WiFi Internet access. Construction of a 400sqm conference hall with capacity for 220 delegates will be completed this month.

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24 l APRIL 2009

LIVING On THE Edge... Ulusaba’s new Cliff Lodge.

Ulusaba to open new lodge ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE HAS announced the opening of the new Cliff Lodge on the reserve.

The lodge, located at Ulusaba's Rock Lodge, has two luxury suites, offering guests what is described as “the ultimate in safari

luxury”. Facilities at Cliff Lodge include a private chef and game drive vehicle, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym and mini Aroma Boma Spa. The new suites are expected to open this month.

Visit us at Indaba South Africa 9-12 May – Stand ICCD005 www.travelhub.co.za

From a luxurious city stopover to a week at the beach, your guest can relax with us.

Luxurious or affordable accommodation, a fantastic variety of restaurants, health spas, casinos, a round of golf, excellent security, entertainment, conferencing, convenient locations, impeccable service – it’s all here for your guest’s enjoyment!

Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort (Johannesburg) t At the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. t Complimentary scheduled shuttle between O.R. Tambo International Airport and Emperors Palace. t Four magnificent hotels, from 5-star to 3-star, all at the resort. t World-class casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment. t Luxurious health and beauty spa with private treatment rooms. t A choice of 9 tasteful restaurants offering gourmet experiences. t Selection of top fast food franchise restaurants within the Emporium. t Exciting indoor entertainment centre for the entire family. t Multi-purpose convention venues that can accommodate 8 to 3 000 delegates. t Award winning conference capital of South Africa, with state of the art facilities.

Mondazur Resort Estate Hotel (KwaZulu-Natal) Only 90 minutes from Durban International Airport.

Just 20 minutes from Margate Airport.

18-hole championship golf course.

Internationally awarded Blue Flag beach.

40 exclusive hotel rooms and 20 luxury villas.

Selection of leisure activities including golf, tennis, squash, bowls and secure jogging routes. t Conference facilities for up to 130 delegates with outstanding presentation equipment. t Freshest and most exquisite local seafood and a la carte cuisine.

37027/MH/E

t t t t t t

Peermont has 14 internationally renowned hotel and resort locations in Southern Africa.

Make sure your stay is perfect from the start. For more information or to book, just give us a call.

AFRICA’S LEADING CASINO RESORT SOUTH AFRICA

Emperors Palace 2006, 2007 and 2008

Central Reservations Tel: 0860 777 900 (within South Africa) Tel: +27 11 557 0777 (International) Fax: +27 (0)11 557 0888 Email: reservations@peermont.com Web: www.peermont.com

Peermont International Sales Tel: +27 (0)11 557 0557 Fax: +27 (0)11 463 6185 Email: intsales@peermont.com Web: www.peermont.com TU1314SD

indaba2009 Tau Game Lodge

Go for a walk with Wild Frontiers WILD FRONTIERS IS OFFERING walking safaris in the Serengeti (Tanzania) after the concept was piloted by director, John Addison.

The three-day walk lets guests experience the wilderness area of Serengeti National Park and stay in various locations in the park.

Walks last for approximately four hours, covering a distance of up to 14km.

A camp crew drives between locations and sets up the basic facilities, including tents and bush toilets.

The walking safaris are on offer for small groups of up to eight people.

Ka’Ingo refurbs rooms KA’INGO PRIVATE RESERVE & SPA, situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, is currently refurbishing all 12 luxury rooms of its Main Lodge. The redecoration and refurbishment results from MV Hospitality Division’s takeover of the management of the game lodge.

The Zorgvliet Spa on the premises has moved to a different location as part of the new plans. The new Zorgvliet Spa has four indoor treatment rooms and an outside treatment area.

Bring the kids... Tau recently revealed its new family chalets

Tau makes room for the family TAU GAME LODGE HAS EXTENDED TWO of its standard chalets by approximately nine square metres, turning them into family units comprising two bedrooms and an adjoining lounge. “These chalets are ideal for families

who are travelling with up to two children and wish to share the same suite with their children. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and complement the already impressive features of Tau Game Lodge,� says Jackie Diack, Marketing and Reservations.

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Cultural build-up to 2010 at Lesedi

Refurb at Seychelles Berjaya Resort to be complete by June

IN THE BUILD-UP TO THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP, Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village has introduced new cultural dancers. The dancers stem from the property’s bid to embrace as many African cultures as possible in time for the tournament. “From the land of the Losi people who have their origins in the great Lunda-Luba Empire of the Congo basin and who now reside on the Zambezi River’s Barotseland flood plain, have arrived the traditional Mkishi dancers,� says cultural chief, Baba Dlamini. “They’ll enthral you with their drums and xylophones, their huge tasselled masks, colourfully woven costumes, tall stilt dancers and enormous snake and crocodile figures.�

In a cultural exchange with East Africa, Lesedi has also invited Nilotic red-ochred Masai to participate in cultural events.

BERJAYA PRASLIN BEACH Resort in Seychelles is undergoing a refurbishment to its superior and suite rooms as well as the public areas.

Work on the resort commenced in January and is anticipated to be complete by the end of June.

Management has assured guests that all efforts will be made to

ensure noise and disturbance are minimal with working hours restricted to 10h30 to 16h00, a time when most guests are likely to be relaxing on the beach or out island-hopping and on other excursions.

The Pizzeria Restaurant, situated on the CĂ´te d'Or beach front, has also recently been fully renovated.

Emperors Palace expands family entertainment offering EMPERORS PALACE HAS INVESTED MORE THAN ₏7,4 million in its entertainment and retail offering. The Emporium retail concourse will soon house a variety of new restaurants with menus ranging from Italian-Mediterranean to seafood or Indian cuisine. A Nu Metro cinema complex and a host of children’s entertainment options will also open soon.

THE NEWLY DEVELOPED TAJ HOTEL IN CAPE TOWN is expected to open early December and promises to offer unparalleled luxury.

Using the shell of the old South African Reserve Bank in Cape Town CBD, the Taj will comprise 176 rooms, each with private balcony. This includes 10 sectional apartments and one presidential suite. A six-room spa will offer various signature treatments, while active guests can utilise the gym facilities or take a dip in the indoor heated pool.

The hotel will showcase both traditional Indian food at Masala Kraft, its signature restaurant, while international and local cuisine will be available at the more contemporary Grill restaurant. The informal Oyster Bar, directly accessible from the street, will offer fresh seafood and wine and features live music.

Business and banqueting rooms that can cater for up to 100 people are available on the first floor of the property. These rooms all offer views of the St. George’s Cathedral and Table Mountain.

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IN the news

three Cities group

indaba2009 more news on page 30

Safari & Adventure Co. adds Zambian property SAFARI & ADVENTURE CO. HAS announced the addition of The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge to its Zambian circuit.

Situated in the South Luangwa National Park, its 18 luxury en-suite thatched chalets each have a private deck area overlooking a lagoon. Mfuwe Lodge is one of the few places in South Luangwa National Park that stays open during the summer, during which time the landscape in the valley transforms into a lush green environment that attracts wild dogs as well as many migrant birds.

At the same time, the bush camps (Bilimungwe, Chamilandu, Chindeni, Kapamba, Kuyenda and Zungulila camps) remain under The Bushcamp Company banner with Wilderness Safaris’ marketing support and can now be booked either through The Bushcamp Company or through Wilderness Safaris.

This partnership between The Bushcamp Company and Wilderness Safaris/Safari & Adventure Co. in the South Luangwa National Park is aimed at combining the conservation efforts of the two organisations.

Three Cities plans new Botswana property PHAKALANE GOLF ESTATE IN Botswana, marketed and managed by the Three Cities Group, has announced plans for an 80-room hotel on the course. It will be known as The Phakalane Golf Estate

Hotel. Full food and beverage facilities will be provided by the current Golf Clubhouse while a swimming pool, and possibly a spa, will be available exclusively to hotel guests.

The hotel is due to open in March 2010.

Specialized Tours merges with Ilanga Travel SPECIALIZED TOURS & EVENTS HAS merged its operations with Ilanga Travel.

Business will continue as usual for the company with the only major change being the downsizing of its back-office and

operations, which is now handled by Ilanga Travel.

From this month, the two companies will be working together out of the Ilanga Travel offices in Cape Town.

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IN the news

Kat Leisure

indaba2009 more news on page 32

New hotel and casino resort to open in Richards Bay DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW nautically themed Peermont casino resort, located at the waterfront in Richards Bay, will include a hotel, casino, convention centre, and restaurants. Plans also include the development of a retail centre. Peermont has signed the property deal, received the ‘nod’ for the environmental impact assessment and has submitted the new design scheme for approval. The resort is expected to open its doors in 2010.

What a catch!

AMAKHOSI SAFARI LODGE HAS launched its new fishing safari on Lake Jozini in northern KwaZulu Natal on ‘The Seal of Amakhosi’.

For a cost of R2 500 (€188) per trip, guests receive return transfers to and from the lodge, a packed breakfast, all entrance fees and levies at Lake Jozini, beverages and all fishing equipment and bait. There is a maximum of four guests per trip, a skipper and guide will accompany them and children over the age of eight years are welcome.

Hotel Osner gets a fresh new look THE HOTEL OSNER, ON EAST London’s beachfront, has recently completed a five-month refurbishment.

“For the past five months Hotel Osner has undergone massive changes and now boasts a stunning, elegant and fresh new appeal,” says Fiona West, Sales & Marketing.

The new restaurant, The Jasmine Room, seats up to 150 guests while the new VIP lounge is ideal for small strategic meetings

of up to 10 people. The upgraded Aloe Room can cater for conferences of up to 80 delegates cinema style.

“We are happy to announce that our larger conference and banqueting venues, the Protea and Azalea, will be undergoing an upgrade beginning this month. We are also in the process of refurbishing all the soft furnishings in our bedrooms to create a fresh new look and feel,” said West.

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Corner Ngwane and Du Toit Street Kingdom of Swaziland Tel: +268 505 2260/505 8991 Fax: +268 505 2268/505 9226 email: info@tgh.sz reservations@tgh.sz www.tgh.sz TU4599

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indaba2009 Pezula launches incentive campaign

TEMPTING FARE... The new deli-style buffet located inside Gaborone’s Grand Palm Casino.

Gaborone property reveals new look THE GRAND PALM HOTEL CASINO and Convention Resort in Gaborone has undergone upgrades at a cost of €2,37 million.

The four-star Peermont Walmont hotel,

located on the resort, is complemented by the casino that reflects an ‘African Las Vegas’.

The revamp included the development of a new deli, a new poker enclave and a bar with bar-top-mounted gaming machines.

PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA IN Knysna, South Africa, has launched a unique campaign to promote the Pezula Private Castle, regarded as one of South Africa’s most luxurious destinations.

The campaign encourages tour operators to book Pezula Private Castle, by offering them the chance to win all-inclusive accommodation for up to ten people at the Castle worth R1 million (€76 000).

The winner will be the booking originator anywhere in the world who confirms the most bednights at the Private Castle between now and February 29, 2010. According to Russel Binks, Director of Hospitality, Pezula wants to give inbound operators the opportunity to offer a unique product to their affluent, international clients which is relatively new on the market and very different to anything available in the world.

Says Binks: “By launching this global campaign, Pezula hopes to assist in keeping Knysna and South Africa top of mind in this difficult tourism market. Furthermore, we would like to reward the booking operators who, we believe, are all too often neglected.”

The campaign will work through existing booking channels and will be promoted to Pezula’s strategic partners who will then present and sell to their partner base.

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more news on page 34 Mosaic Farm

Sheraton puts it stamp on Madagascar SHERATON HOTELS HAS MARKED its territory in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, with the development of the Sheraton Madagascar.

The 212-room hotel’s facilities will include two restaurants, 500sqm of meetings space and a spa and exercise area. The hotel is located near Ivato Airport and is adjacent to a convention centre that is being developed.

Mashovhela Lodge supports skills development Mashovhela Lodge situated in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo in South Africa is now donating a percentage of guests’ accommodation bills to ORT South Africa, a non-profit organisation focusing on skills development.

Ingrid Hahn, Operations and Marketing Director for the lodge, says: “In these times everybody is battling financially, even more so organisations that rely on donations from others. It would be sad to see people who are doing so much for the community not being able to continue their valuable work owing to the lack of funding.”

a Warm Welcome... Delicious food cooked with home-grown vegetables.

Mosaic Farm adds culinary appeal for tourists MOSAIC FARM, LOCATED IN THE Hermanus Lagoon in the Western Cape, has improved its accommodation offering and upgraded its onsite restaurant, the 1892 Stanford Spookhuis.

The restaurant offers a fine dining experience that includes a bar, library, drawing room, underground wine cellar and an upstairs loft-styled conference facility.

Dishes at the restaurant make extensive

use of the farm’s own fresh organic herbs and vegetables. The farm also produces its own bread for breakfast and dinner.

The restaurant is not only open to resident guests but also welcomes diners looking for what the property describes as “a romantic dinner for two, or a festive dinner with friends”.

Picnic baskets are available, and visitors can sit on the terrace overlooking the lagoon.

Welcome to Indaba Delegates: Lukimbi Safari Lodge will be on stand F004 in the DEC.

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indaba2009 Relais Hotels

Maui/Britz ups its game TOURISM HOLDINGS RENTALS (SA), trading as Maui Motorhome Rentals and Britz 4x4 Vehicle Hire, will be showcasing several new developments at this year’s Indaba.

The company, which has done away with the motorcycle rentals division, is now able to focus on 4x4s and target a larger international market. It has also introduced an additional staff member to perform secondary reservation functions, such as bookings with hotels, campsites and guides. Tourism Holdings Rentals has also just introduced a new global reservations system to provide accurate and up-to-date quotations and reservations services to agents.

Pony trekking at Maliba

Relais Hotels launches V&A property Relais Hotels has just opened its brand-new property, the Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, located near the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The sixfloor hotel has a fresh water canal running through it and links the city to the sea. There are 40 rooms and 16 luxury suites on offer.

MALIBA MOUNTAIN LODGE IN LESOTHO has introduced pony rides as a new activity, conducted by experienced guides along the many bridle paths within the Tsehlanyane National Park. The ponies are hired from the local community with money going directly to the horse owner. Maliba supplies high-quality safari saddles and guides have two-way radios. Options include a short one- to threehour trail at R230pp (€18), three- to fivehour excursions at R300pp (€23) and all day at R350pp (€27).

Tarkuni reopens after renovations TSWALU KALAHARI’S VILLA TARKUNI HAS REOPENED AFTER extensive refurbishments.

The old kid’s room/nanny’s room has been converted into a fifth suite with en-suite bathroom and outside shower.

All the bathrooms have been updated with a slate wall, new vanities, basins and plumbing. Extra folding doors have been added on either side of the main front door to let in more light and give more sense of space. A solid roof clad has been added to the front deck, which will enable outside dining during rainy days and provide extra shade in summer.

A new kitchen has also been installed with a modern feel, complete with bar chairs around an island, enabling guests to watch the chef bake bread or pastries.

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CHIAWA CAMP IN THE LOWER PORTION of Zambia’s Zambezi National Park will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a refurbishment. Only open from April 15 to November 15, Chiawa Camp will now feature nine new superior tents and a pilot/ guide tent. The superior tents offer a choice of one king-size bed or two large single beds, ball and claw bath, indoor and outdoor shower and his and hers washbasins. The bathroom is outside the tent but under the roof and on the deck, with a shower in a mahogany tree. The guide/pilot tent has two single beds, en-suite toilet, shower and washbasin.

Luxury motorcycle product launched MOTORCYCLES ON SAFARI, A NEW luxury adventure product, offers tours throughout Southern Africa, including half-day excursions, product launches, custom-made tours and set itineraries.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are rented to travellers and accommodation and meals can be arranged along routes. Included in the tours is the help of an experienced guide who will stay with the group for the entire trip.

Tintswalo

Chiawa celebrates 20 years with face-lift

ENJOY THE SURROUNDINGS... Tintswalo Atlantic has introduced a range of new activities.

Wine weekends and mountain walks at Tintswalo Atlantic The hotel has also introduced walks in THE NEWLY OPENED TINTSWALO Atlantic, located at the base of Chapman’s Table Mountain National Park, including the ‘Bokkemans Walk’, which is about three hours Peak in Hout Bay, has introduced special long and includes views from the back of Hout wine weekends from May to July.

Bay and Llandudno.

Guests will enjoy welcome drinks, The in-house guide will accompany guests accommodation, complimentary bottle of and provide information on surrounding fauna sparkling wine on arrival, afternoon teas, and flora. The ranger guided walk includes food and wine pairing three-course dinners, backpacks with water, snacks, map and flora chocolate and port tasting, breakfast, house drinks and wines, red roses, a guided excursion and fauna guide booklet and welcome-back HI SA Toursm 12/3/09 09:56 Pageat1 the pool deck. ■ cocktails to a wine estate and sundowner cocktails.

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Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road Annika Sorenstam Signature Golf Course

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thegoalpost A monthly round-up of everything about football going on in and around SA in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Kate Els Tickets for the 2010 Soccer World Cup went on sale in late February and Fifa is reporting a positive response, dispelling any myths that fans aren’t enthusiastic about the African tournament.

“Just 24 hours after the online tickets went on sale, applications from 128 countries for 216 975 tickets had been received via the website,” reports Fifa. “The biggest number of orders came from South Africans, followed by applicants from Great Britain, the USA, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain and Argentina.”

David Will, Fifa Honorary Vice-President

Tijana Huysamen

Worldwide ticket frenzy encourages optimists and Chairman of the Fifa Ticketing Sub-Committee, says the enthusiasm shown by international fans is an indication of the excitement for the first African world cup event. “These are fantastic numbers, underlining yet again the fervour taking hold around the world for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the first on the African continent. It is very exciting and further evidence that the global football family want to be part of this unique event on this very special continent.”

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, says it is now obvious that there is no ‘Plan B’ for the tournament. “We will start selling tickets, and to sell seats, stadiums must be complete.” This he says is a sure indication that Fifa feels

What are the fans saying?

Fifa’s website gives fans the chance to express their views on the 2010 World Cup and, although not many comments have been posted, those that have all give a positive vibe. Here are a few of those comments:

Looking forward to going to South Africa for the first time.

Hopefully for the final.

- Norwegian fan

Can’t wait to get there. I’m sure it’s going to be an excellent World Cup. - Mexican fan

No ‘Plan B’ says Local Organising Committee CEO, Danny Jordaan. secure in holding the tournament on African soil and that the stadiums will be completed in time for the matches to be held across the country.

Football, the beautiful game, in quite possibly the most beautiful country. I envy the man who has never been to Africa, for he is about to have a once-in-alifetime experience.

-American fan

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Touch the Wilderness Offering superb birdlife (over 350 species) and close-up game viewing by foot, horseback or game drive, this is a child friendly bush experience in Zululand like no other.

• 6 unique lodges: Tuningi Safari Lodge Motswiri Private Safari Lodge Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge Thakadu River Camp The Bush House Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Activities include boat cruises on the Hluhluwe River and the nearby Hluhluwe Imfolozi allows an opportunity to see the big 5; while the splendour of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands also beckons. Relax in our thatched lounge overlooking a peaceful waterhole where animals come for their sundowners.

Rest in luxury catered accommodation overlooking a lake, or self catering tree houses tucked away in an enchanted sand forest.

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2010 TO Programme ‘well represented’

Swaziland Tourism to launch 2010 site

THE Tour Operators Programme (TOP) for the 2010 Soccer World Cup is picking up steam says David Will, Chairman of the Fifa Ticketing Sub-Committee and Honorary Fifa Vice-president.

He says there could be as many as 160 tour operators joining the programme.

Participating tour operators are granted an allocation of tickets to offer ticket-inclusive authorised travel packages, he says. “[The tournament] is already well represented in a number of the key markets,” remarked Will.

SWAZILAND Tourism Authority will be launching a 2010 website showcasing the country’s soccer experience.

Featured on the site will be technical information regarding accommodation, security, cuisine, a quick guide on Swaziland and main itineraries.

The site has yet to be launched but will eventually be found on www.2010swaziland.com

Heard of MATCH Ville?

MATCH Ville is a programme that has been introduced by Fifa and hospitality operator MATCH to make efficient use of accommodation and transportation. Fans will be located in major city centres such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg and will be transported on day trips to stadiums in outlying areas such as Nelspruit.

MATCH Ville packages will be available for matches through to the ‘Round of 16’ and will consist of one or more five-night stay modules.

Private initiative to access Zim 2010 accommodation FIVE Bulls Travel, Tours and Safaris has developed a website that showcases the accommodation offerings in Zimbabwe for neighbouring South Africa’s Soccer World Cup in 2010.

The operator is offering 2010 packages that will encompass accommodation, guide services, shuttle services and various other travel-related services.

Thandie Gotora, tours and marketing consultant, says the website will not only allow for budget options such as house rentals but will also showcase what the country has to offer to those visiting the region during the tournament.

DID YOU KNOW?

Eastern Cape talks the talk The Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) has initiated its foreignlanguage programme ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The organisation has already completed the training for both Portuguese and German, and is about to embark on French language training.

“We have trained 20 tour guides and tour operators in Portuguese and about 10 in German,” says Keketso Kostile, Tourism Enterprise Co-ordinator. “We are preparing to train between 10 and 15 tour guides in French in the coming months.” n

The preliminary match schedule for the tournament is available on Fifa’s website. The official match draw will take place in December and only then will fans have a better indication as to when their team will be playing at a particular venue.

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destinationnamibia

A

jewel of a destination

A hundred years after the first diamond was discovered in Namibia, the country continues to offer an array of hidden gems. Liesl Venter reports...

B

E IT DESERTS OR diamonds, Namibia offers an unforgettable experience that drives visitors to return again and again.

With its captivating and intriguing landscape, spectacular mountains, romantic deserts and breathtaking scenery, the country is a kaleidoscope of colours and contrast, a place that is soulful, natural, rugged and liberating – the country’s four core brand values.

“It is one of the most spectacular countries to visit on the African continent and is a destination filled with wonder and hidden gems to discover all over,” says Digu Noabeb, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board.

“All of our tourism assets underpin the brilliance of our brand. Namibia is an elemental, pristine landscape, unlike anywhere in the world. There are places here where you feel you are the first person to have ever visited.

You certainly don’t get that experience from

New camp opens its doors ENVIRONMENTALISTS HAVE welcomed the opening of Onkoshi Camp, the first new camp to be built in the park since Namibia’s independence.

It opened in September last year and provides a unique Etosha experience.

It is the latest addition to the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) portfolio and lies nestled on the rim of a pan on a secluded peninsula.

A low-impact, environmentally friendly establishment with only 15 units, it caters for a maximum of 30 guests.

According to Aupindi Tobie Aupindi, Managing Director of NWR, the concept and location of the Onkoshi Camp arose as none of the three existing camps in Etosha offers visitors the opportunity to experience at close quarters the most significant feature of the park, namely the 4 500 sq km pan.

Tourism more important than ever before TOURISM TO NAMIBIA IS ON THE increase. Debbie Walker, Namibia Tourism UK Sales and Marketing Director, says consistent growth in tourists has seen the overall number of tourists to Namibia increase by 11% from 2006 to 2007.

“Consistent bookings throughout the past

year are showing promise for positive 2008 figures. We are seeing increasing UK visitors to Namibia and we believe the training programme launched by the Tourism Board to educate the UK travel trade about what Namibia has to offer is now paying off.”

Southern African Tourism Update

other destinations.”

Few people return from the country without feeling emotionally enriched and mentally recharged. The country welcomes nearly a million visitors a year, making tourism a major contributor to GDP. “People visit Namibia to escape their busy metropolitan lives, to feel free, to explore, and here they will find an environment where they can be themselves, be alone or just be,” says Noabeb.

The Skeleton Coast refers to Namibia’s northern shoreline, straddling the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert between the Kunene and Swakkops rivers.

The Atlantic’s cold Benguela current gives rise to dense fog for large parts of the year. This, in addition to regular violent offshore storms, caused many a ship to crash into the rocks or run aground along this coastline, resulting in the largest ‘ship graveyard’ in the world.

Those who survived the shipwrecks seldom survived the land, finding themselves in a desert environment with no fresh water.

The remains of the ships and people who were washed up here gave the coastline its name of the Skeleton Coast.

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destinationnamibia New park proclaimed The Mangetti National Park, proclaimed in 2008, was officially launched in December.

Situated about 100km south-west of Rundu in the eastern Kalahari woodlands, the area is known for its savannah landscape and is home to elephants, eland, kudu, and giraffe.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the park was proclaimed in order to provide tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities through tourism development.

The park, which covers 41 990 hectares, will boost local employment opportunities.

Seeing stars!

WITH THIS YEAR OFFICIALLY THE International Year of Astronomy, Namibia is gearing up to attract stargazers from across the world.

The country offers clear, unpolluted skies and tourism officials say you can see 70 per cent more of our galaxy than anywhere in Europe.

According to a spokesperson for the Namibia Tourism Board, Sossusvlei is but one of the perfect settings the country offers. “Sossusvlei

Wild about art

Art Safari is a new concept in safaris and painting holidays to enhance people’s appreciation of wildlife and landscapes. Guests are not only taught art, but also taken on tours to view Namibia’s wildlife, dramatic seascape and red and orange landscapes.

Surviving in the desert

Woodsmoke Bushcraft & Wilderness is offering guests the chance to learn desert survival skills with the world’s last huntergatherers, Namibia’s San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. A two-week wilderness expedition encompassing a hands-on teaching experience takes the visitor on an incredible desert journey.

Windhoek tour

Unique Travel and Namibia Getaway have Lodge has its own observatory housing the introduced new tours to cities and townships most powerful electronic telescope in Namibia. in Windhoek in open vehicles. Added to the Every room has an expansive star-viewing tour will be a dining experience with a local window above the bed, as well as a personal family in the township. “This experience compact telescope.” is very personal as clients dine at a private In the Khomas Hochland Mountains, at an home and exchange meaningful interaction altitude of 2 150 metres, the Amani Lodge has with the host and the family,” said Jula Areas set up amateur telescopes for stargazers while of Unique Travel. The tour offers guests a BATSA 2:44and PMunique Page 1view of Windhoek and the Hakos Guest Farm,25045 located at theSAT top AD of rev 3/10/09 personal the Gamsberg Pass, offers guided star tours. surrounding areas. n Y CM MY CY CMY K C M

Lowveld Environmental Services

We were delighted to hear recently that we had won the 2008 ACSA FEATHER AWARD for customer service at all four of South Africa’s major airports.

We were doubly pleased when we also won the 2008 ASK AFRICA ORANGE INDEX AWARD for, well, customer service. But what really brought a smile to our faces was that both awards were voted for by you. Thank you. Dankie.

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Sue Lewitton

Better head to Betty’s Bay Famed for its fynbos, the coastal town of Betty’s Bay in the Cape Overberg is one of the most naturally scenic parts of the country. Sue Lewitton explores...

Take a stroll

The Harold Porter Botanical Garden is one of the sites where coastal fynbos is at its most diverse and spectacular. Proteas, ericas, daisies and orchids abound among waterfalls, amber pools and sand IN THE dunes. Where there are flowers, there are also plenty of birds and MORNING some rare species such as the Orange-breasted sunbird and Protea canary can be spotted here. There are several kilometres of nature trails for visitors to explore, on their own or on guided tours.

A bit more of a challenge

For those in the mood for something a bit more strenuous than a simple garden stroll, the Oudebosch to Leopard’s Gorge hike is a must. The trail is six kilometres long and a reasonable degree of fitness is required. Hikers will walk through an indigenous forest and then all the way to the top of a mountain before finishing off at the Harold Porter Gardens. But take note, this is strictly a one-way hike, so visitors will either need to have two cars or make plans to be dropped off and picked up at the end.

Cast a line or dive the deep

Betty’s Bay is a haven for seafood lovers – especially those who like to fish and dive for their own catch. White steenbras and galjoen are the most common catches and some of the most popular rock fishing spots are Tom se Klip and Dawidskraal.

Crayfish are also plentiful, so those with diving experience and all the necessary gear can try their luck at seeking out some for the pot. Permits are required and divers are limited to four crayfish a day during the crayfish season (summer).

Something light

FOR LUNCH

The restaurant at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden has just upgraded its facilities. Visitors should pop in for a light lunch, or bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens.

After lunch, guests can browse through the souvenir shop, which offers gifts and an array of books on plants.

LOCALS LOVE IT… The jackass penguin breeding colony at Stony Point is a must.

Ride the dunes

Betty’s Bay is home to a huge dune, named Silversands, IN THE which is a popular AFTERNOON spot for the adventure sport of sandboarding. Those interested in participating can sign up for lessons, where they’ll be strapped to a specially designed sandboard and taught the technical basics. It’s the perfect sport for beginners, as the landing is always a soft one.

Downhill Adventures operates sandboarding lessons on the dune.

Ride the current

The Palmiet River winds it way through Betty’s Bay and its neighbouring towns and is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. April through to September is the best

time for this activity as it’s when rainfall is heaviest and the river flows at its strongest. During this time, the river is graded at a level three.

Gravity Adventure Group offers Palmiet River tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

The real jackass

No visit to Betty’s Bay is complete without a stop at the jackass penguin breeding colony at Stony Point. Hundreds of penguins can be seen from an elevated viewing platform, especially in the late afternoon when they return from their day’s fishing. Also on the route are the remains of an old whaling station. Whaling was banned in SA in the ’70s and often humpback and southern right whales can be viewed from the land between May and December.

Southern African Tourism Update

Buçaco Sud

This is a Provençal-style guesthouse, featuring six individually decorated rooms, all en-suite with showers. For romantic getaways there is also a where ‘honeymoon suite’ with a Victorian bath. All rooms to stay have tea- and coffee-making facilities and heaters.

Public areas include a lounge with fireplace and dining room where breakfast and dinners can be arranged on request.

Aandkoor Guesthouse

A lakeside retreat with a mountain as a backdrop, Aandkoor Guesthouse has four en-suite rooms on offer, each with a private entrance and patio. Rooms also feature a television, fridge and Internet. It’s located on the edge of the Grootwit Vlei lake, great for anglers as it’s stocked with bass and carp.

Cactus Lodge

Cactus Lodge is a self-catering lodge located between two lakes and surrounded by the Kogelberg mountain range. It has five en-suite rooms, as well as a downstairs dining area and inner courtyard with braai facilities and sun loungers. There is also a lounge with fireplace.

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SA Tourism

10toptowns

As Far as the eye can see... Namaqualand’s breathtaking floral display.

TANTALISING TOWNS South Africa’s small towns have lots to offer, especially in terms of niche tourism.

Sue Lewitton profiles her favourite top 10 small towns…

The quiet farming town of Bronkhorstspruit about 50km east of Pretoria is, rather surprisingly, home to the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern hemisphere – Nan Hua Temple. Built in 1993 to promote Buddhism in Africa, the temple is open to the public, who are also invited to stay over at the guesthouse on the site for €24pppn. The temple features some unusual and beautiful ornaments and materials, including red wooden furniture and glazed clay roof tiles from Taiwan and a large bronze bell from China. Murals along the walls were painted

by Taiwanese artists. Visitors can also book themselves in for weekend-long retreats.

Groot Marico, North West Top for Afrikaner heritage

This quirky little town was made famous by the stories of Herman Charles Bosman, who only lived there for six months but came away with enough fodder for 150 short stories chronicling the lifestyle of the Afrikaans farmers, or ‘boers’, in the area.

Describing Groot Marico, Bosman once said: “There is no other place I know that is so heavy with atmosphere, so strangely and darkly impregnated with that stuff of life that bears the authentic stamp of South Africa.”

The town, almost as though it’s stuck in another era, clings tenaciously to its heritage, to the extent of being one of a handful of towns that still use a manual telephone exchange. Although the town automated in

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2000, many farmers still prefer the manual method. Visitors can get a taste of this town’s character on tours of the mampoer farms – a liquor distilled from fruit – or lunch at one of the many traditional farm restaurants in the area.

Clifford Els

Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng Top for spirituality

Clarens, Free State Top for arts and crafts

Nestled along the Highlands Route, Clarens’ beautiful scenery of mountains and blossoming fruit trees has become a source of inspiration to many an artist. Nicknamed ‘The Jewel of the Free State’, the village is packed with art galleries and craft shops, all showcasing the works of some of the artists who have chosen to make Clarens their home. Another reason to visit this colourful little town is to see the many sandstone buildings scattered around the village square.

Kamieskroon, Northern Cape Top for flora

Right in the heart of Namaqualand is the tiny town of Kamieskroon. During the months of spring, the town and its surrounds explode with an abundance of colourful wild flowers – a photographer’s dream come true. Visitors can even sign up for photographic workshops, co-ordinated from the Kamieskroon Hotel during August, when the flower fields are at their best.

Kamieskroon’s backdrop of unusual granite formations and the peaks of the Kamiesberg range are almost as spectacular as its famous flowers.

History comes alive... Dundee’s famed battle re-enactment takes place annually

Dundee, KwaZulu Natal Top for battlefield tours

Dundee, as well as its immediate surrounds, is steeped in history and heritage, especially as far as battle enthusiasts are concerned.

It was here that many bloody battles were fought between the Boers, the British and the Zulus. These include the Battle of Blood River between the Voortrekkers and Zulus, as well as the biggest defeat suffered by the British in Africa during Queen Victoria’s reign, the Battle of Isandlwana, where a 20 000-strong Zulu army crushed British forces. War enthusiasts should be sure to get their timing right, because each year in February the town stages a huge re-enactment of this battle, while October sees the town celebrating during its ‘History in Action’ festival. www.travelhub.co.za

SA Tourism

Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga Top for gold rush history

This town is so rich in heritage that the whole of Pilgrim’s Rest has been declared a national monument. It dates back to the days of the ‘Transvaal’ gold rush, when it was declared a gold field in 1873 after deposits were discovered in Pilgrim’s Creek. Visitors can relive the heydays of the late 19th and early 20th centuries by visiting the digging museum as well as the Drezden Shop and House Museum. The cemetery is also an essential stop where tourists can visit the graves of some of the characters from this bygone era, most notably the grave of an unnamed robber, which faces in a different direction to all the others.

Bela-Bela, Limpopo Top for mineral springs

NATIONAL MONUMENTS... Traditional cottages, Arniston, Western Cape.

SA Tourism

Arniston, Western Cape Top for a peaceful beach getaway

Named after the British ship that sank there in 1816, Arniston is a small fishing town full of charm and beauty. The beaches are white and unspoilt with a jagged coastline full of caves to explore on hikes. There is an abundance of sea life in the area, so seafood lovers are sure to enjoy shellfish feasts of the freshest variety.

The town is also famous for its brightly coloured thatched fishermen’s houses, which have been declared a national monument.

rustic alfresco dining, everything can be found here – including lots of delis and bakeries so that visitors can stock up on supplies. And to top it all, some of the country’s best wine farms are just a few kilometres away from the centre of town, ensuring each meal has the perfect glass of wine to accompany it.

Some of the most famous restaurants in town include Bread and Wine, The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français and the Haute Cabrière Cellar Restaurant. ■ SA Tourism

Bela-Bela, which means ‘boiling-boiling’ in Tswana was also formerly known as Warmbaths. This town is famous for its hot mineral springs, which rise to the surface at a temperature of 53°C at around 22 000 litres per hour. The water is rich in limestone minerals and many visitors flock to the town to experience these waters, which are believed to have healing properties.

Some say they help to alleviate arthritis and rheumatism.

Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Top for the performing arts

The town of Grahamstown is almost synonymous with the National Arts Festival held there each winter. The event has become so popular that the population of the town doubles during the eight-day festival, which showcases the best of local and international talent. Shows include opera, drama, jazz, comedy, rock and cabaret and the streets are lined with market stalls and theatres as the town explodes with festivities.

Franschhoek, Western Cape: Top for gastronomy STAY COOL... Enjoying the mineral springs at Bela-Bela, Limpopo.

Widely regarded as a little piece of France in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is the undisputed food capital of South Africa. From five-star haute cuisine through to relaxed and

CHILLING OUT... visitors relax at the Grahamstown Festival, Eastern Cape.

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Southern African Tourism Update

APRIL 2009

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mooreontourism

fromsatsa

our expert traveller shares her views on tourism

The world economic forum report

Fishy stories

M

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He came, he saw, heard, and he made promises. Jacob Zuma was very much on time and on the ball for the lunch hosted for him by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

The industry pulled no punches as he was bombarded with issues on which we want, firstly to be heard, secondly to be acknowledged, and thirdly to see some action. He took it on the chin, responded sensibly, and made promises the people wanted to hear – he’s a successful politician.

The industry gave him a hearing, accepted some of the challenges he threw back at us – and will now wait to see if the meeting bears any fruit. But he was left in no doubt that government has neglected our industry, and we don’t like that.

We have earned our place in the economic sunshine, such as is still shining.

The trouble at SAA just goes on.

Suspending, even firing, the CEO won’t do much to help matters in the short term, and it is in the short term that much needs to be addressed.

Because of poor management, SAA is now seriously undercapitalised, and has one of the highest debt to turnover ratios in the world at 110%.

And it would seem government has finally had enough. The much vaunted “restructuring” has failed. Is insolvency again looming?

On the brighter side, the International Destination Expo held by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) took place successfully at Sun City, and gave our industry much-needed exposure in the important American market.

For more information contact: Marjorie Dean Tel: +27 86 12 728 72 Fax: +27 11 886 7557 Email: communications@satsa.co.za Website: www.satsa.co.za Physical Address: 3rd Floor Petrob House 343 Surrey Avenue Ferndale Postal Address: PO Box 900 Ferndale, 2160

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CLASSIFIEDS

Sometimes conservation authorities deliberately sink some large solid object in order to create a reef

ANY YEARS AGO I USED TO BE A KEEN DIVER. I still am a keen diver, but only in theory and on dry land. In practice, I get seasick on a damp lawn. As every diver will tell you, there are two stages of seasickness. The first is when you are afraid you are going to die. The second is when you are afraid that you won’t.

So my time as a keen diver consisted of a few moments of extreme fulfilment and happiness, interspersed with long periods of green-tinged misery.

Some of the happier moments I can recall during my truncated dive career include dropping down on the wreck of the Produce off Aliwal Shoal, watching quick fleets of harlequin goldies and lumbering potato bass the size of sports cars.

I remember swimming down an anchor chain to the wreck of the Maori off Cape Town’s Duiker Point, being dive-bombed by seals in water like clam chowder. It was nerve-racking to be submerged in thick yellow fog with these torpedo-like animals looming out of the gloom and rushing at you with mouths agape and teeth gleaming.

Then there were night dives at Sodwana over shelves of coral, with little umbrella worms coming out of their holes and glowing faintly in the dark, looking like miniature Christmas trees, while the wash of phosphorus makes you feel as if you are swimming amongst starlight.

There were the dolphins of Port Elizabeth (and before anyone complains about us molesting dolphins, I must put the record straight – the dolphins were playing games with us). This was one of the high points of my life: we stayed down and romped with these animals until our air ran out, and once we knew we would have to leave these smiling creatures to surface, we did so with a sense of loss that I have never been able to forget.

Despite the fact that the mere smell of neoprene is enough to give me the heaves, I still follow dive news with interest. This is why, when I heard about two new dive sites off the east coast at Lake St Lucia, I pricked up my ears.

About ten months ago, two barges ran aground off the shore just south of Cape Vidal.

After exhaustive research it was decided to scuttle the two and create artificial reefs. The whole phenomenon of artificial reefs is a curious one: all shipwrecks automatically become artificial reefs. When the Americans bombed the Japanese base at Truk in the Pacific they created a wonderland for the diver out of the sunken battleships. Sometimes conservation authorities deliberately sink some large solid object in order to create a reef (there is a celebrated incident, which might just be true, of a US millionaire who sank his Rolls Royce off the coast of Florida as an artificial reef to prevent his estranged wife from getting her hands on it).

The good thing about ships that are scuttled is that scientists know to the minute when the sinking took place. They have been able to go down shortly after the mud settles, and keep their beady eyes on developments. It is the most marvellous research tool and a lot of fun besides.

The process is usually like this: when this behemoth comes crashing down from the ‘sky’, all the little marine critters head for the hills. It doesn’t take long, however, for them to poke their noses out of hiding to see what all the fuss is about, much like a curious kitten. Within days, a few of them have taken up residence in nooks and crannies, and the various algae and slugs have already checked the place out as a desirable residence. Within a month the wreck sports a coating of sediment and slime, which gives the fish something to eat, and so (just like Christmas visitors) the newcomers decide to stay.

Within a few months the corals have made tentative tracks in hospitable places, and within a year the outlines of the wreck have been softened by an entire metropolis of fish and sea life. The algae and corals have attracted the small fish, which in turn have attracted the large fish, and the entire place buzzes like an inner-city neighbourhood.

The entire dive world is waiting breathlessly for the word that they can go out and explore these two new reefs. Who knows, with such an incentive (as well as a calm day and good viz), I’m almost tempted to put the wetsuit back on again. n

We’ll reach them no matter what!

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