Being based in Gauteng, we found our fellow residents are always looking for an escape from the city but the desired travellling distance is always to be kept minimum. Limpopo our neighbouring Province is an ideal destination although it stretches quite far north and the furtherest attractions take up to a 5 hour drive (which I might add is well worth the drive!), however there are plenty of closer options for the avid nature lover, adventurist and even perfect bush family options.
Limpopo is often depicted as the dry barren province with scorching temperatures but there is much more beyond that. From it's natural beauty of contrasting landscapes giving way for fun adventure experiences, colourful culture heritage and much greenery from tropical forests to the less nourished semi dessert lands.
African Chapter highlights the areas of startling beauty and close proximity in distance ... perfect for short getaways, this beauty which lies in superb vistas, mountain gorges and rolling bushveld hills, all rich in indigenous species of flora and fauna - including the 'Big Five'. This can be found in the Waterberg and Welgevonden area, making the ideal bush getaway that is malarai free and only 3 hours from Gauteng.
Another destination offering unique surroundings and attractions is the Bela Bela area, with lots to keep you busy & for those who like to add the adventure element into their getaways from Golf to Adrenalin and even a bit of R & R at the hot water springs.
We recently added a Zipline Adventure to our exciting activity product portfolio, which is situated just outside Bela Bela. Another ever popular highlight is our Adventures with Elephants, offering a great "up close and personal" encounter with these great African Elephants. To find out more read more on this package page Bela
Bela Elephant Adventure from R475 pp.
More recently due to popular demand we have added a self catering weekend getaway in corporating eco quad trail riding. Explore nature from the seat of your own quad on trails over 70kms on this Limpopo game farm or take a more challenging trail of 30 kms through the foot end of the mountain range, truly spectacular and catering for the novice to experienced rider.
What ever your interest, African Chapter can offer a variety of package options to our beautiful Limpopo province... adding yet another magical adventure to your book of travels. Go on we dare you to explore beyond the 2hour radius from Johannesburg.. you wont be dissapointed!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Encountering Animals in interactive tours
South Africa offers a lot of unique experiences .. but having the opportunity to learn more and experience some of our magnificent wild animals up close and personal in the form an interactive and educational tour, this brings unique to a whole different level.
It is important however to excercise caution and ensure the experience you wish to partake in, is managed and handled by qualified personal and that safe and ethical practises are carried out.
It is one of our passions at African Chapter to bring you such mind blowing experiences which our team have encountered personally and ensured all safety and ethical practises are of high importance when operators conduct such tours. The good news is you do not need to travel into deep dark africa either to find these awesome creatures!
If you haven't had the opportunity to experience an animal encounter tour, this is some of the highlights you can experience, within close proximity to Gauteng as well as in other Provinces such as Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Cape's Garden Route. Most of these interactions have been introduced from the inception of breeding or conservation projects and offers a great opportunity to educate and simultaneously support such projects.
ELEPHANTS - This is truly special... these magnificent creatures will intrigue you with their intelligence and greatness! Options available in these encounters include educational, interaction, touch, feed and the ultimate.. riding on the backs of this giant of the African Bush or be submerged in water above them, as they swim! Can you imagine going on a Elephant Back Safari, as you scan the bushveld in the Pilansberg Game Reserve for game?
LION - The more popular options are interactions with lions cubs, they young ones, being typical playful and rather cute, this is a fun experience that is offered throughout our country. However we will will report back soon on a more hair raising interaction as we soon take to the bush and " walk with lions" in the North West Province.Watch this space for our feedback!
MONKEYS- A Free-living monkeys in a natural and wild environment. Walk through natural indigenous forests on elevated wooden walkways and experience a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment on a guided tour.
CHEETAH - Possessing a special quality, these wild cats are the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 120km/h!. So what better way to strut their stuff for you in the Cheetah Run and followed by a guided tour, giving you an opportunity to see these animals close up and learn more about their characters and history! There are guided family vehicle tours for families with small children!
BIRDS - There are a couple of Birds Of Prey Centres across our country and are mostly in existence due to rehabilitation and research centres therefore offering superb educational tours . Seeing these birds in action and getting up close, their size an capabilities will astound you. Birds of Prey are characterised by their powerful feet with sharp talons used to grip and kill their prey, hooked beaks which they use to tear the flesh and keen eyesight !
CROC/REPTILES - Unfortunately no kissing and cuddling these cold blooded creatures! A guide will take you on an informative & educational guided tour to see, from small to big crocs of over 5 meters in length, some of South Africa's deadly snakes but you will have the opportunity to HOLD a baby crocodile as well as a variety of exotic snakes and even a tarantula if you so wish!
It is important to understand that there are age restrictions applicable to all these interactions which are there due to safety procedures and small children are seen as vulnerable prey to some of these animals and therefore most tours are suitable for responsible adults only!
African Chapter can assist with Day trips to experience some of the above interactive tours or a Full Day Guided Tour where you get to touch 5 of our "awesome bunch ".. elephant, giraffe, lion cubs, croc and snakes! This tour can accommodate children over 6 years.
Be intrigued and marvel at these Wild Animals and creatures while you partake in the ultimate African adventure!
It is important however to excercise caution and ensure the experience you wish to partake in, is managed and handled by qualified personal and that safe and ethical practises are carried out.
It is one of our passions at African Chapter to bring you such mind blowing experiences which our team have encountered personally and ensured all safety and ethical practises are of high importance when operators conduct such tours. The good news is you do not need to travel into deep dark africa either to find these awesome creatures!
If you haven't had the opportunity to experience an animal encounter tour, this is some of the highlights you can experience, within close proximity to Gauteng as well as in other Provinces such as Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Cape's Garden Route. Most of these interactions have been introduced from the inception of breeding or conservation projects and offers a great opportunity to educate and simultaneously support such projects.
ELEPHANTS - This is truly special... these magnificent creatures will intrigue you with their intelligence and greatness! Options available in these encounters include educational, interaction, touch, feed and the ultimate.. riding on the backs of this giant of the African Bush or be submerged in water above them, as they swim! Can you imagine going on a Elephant Back Safari, as you scan the bushveld in the Pilansberg Game Reserve for game?
LION - The more popular options are interactions with lions cubs, they young ones, being typical playful and rather cute, this is a fun experience that is offered throughout our country. However we will will report back soon on a more hair raising interaction as we soon take to the bush and " walk with lions" in the North West Province.Watch this space for our feedback!
MONKEYS- A Free-living monkeys in a natural and wild environment. Walk through natural indigenous forests on elevated wooden walkways and experience a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment on a guided tour.
CHEETAH - Possessing a special quality, these wild cats are the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 120km/h!. So what better way to strut their stuff for you in the Cheetah Run and followed by a guided tour, giving you an opportunity to see these animals close up and learn more about their characters and history! There are guided family vehicle tours for families with small children!
BIRDS - There are a couple of Birds Of Prey Centres across our country and are mostly in existence due to rehabilitation and research centres therefore offering superb educational tours . Seeing these birds in action and getting up close, their size an capabilities will astound you. Birds of Prey are characterised by their powerful feet with sharp talons used to grip and kill their prey, hooked beaks which they use to tear the flesh and keen eyesight !
CROC/REPTILES - Unfortunately no kissing and cuddling these cold blooded creatures! A guide will take you on an informative & educational guided tour to see, from small to big crocs of over 5 meters in length, some of South Africa's deadly snakes but you will have the opportunity to HOLD a baby crocodile as well as a variety of exotic snakes and even a tarantula if you so wish!
It is important to understand that there are age restrictions applicable to all these interactions which are there due to safety procedures and small children are seen as vulnerable prey to some of these animals and therefore most tours are suitable for responsible adults only!
African Chapter can assist with Day trips to experience some of the above interactive tours or a Full Day Guided Tour where you get to touch 5 of our "awesome bunch ".. elephant, giraffe, lion cubs, croc and snakes! This tour can accommodate children over 6 years.
Be intrigued and marvel at these Wild Animals and creatures while you partake in the ultimate African adventure!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Transform your trash into treasure!
Today is National Re Cycling Day - 14th September 2012, I didn't want to bore you with what we already know but had a look at some ideas and "Up Cycle".
Transforming your trash into treasure is basically the process of Up cycling! What a wonderful thought that is :) because we sure have enough of that lying around! Even retailers are catching onto this transforming all sorts in to beautiful pieces of decor, furniture and functional items. By using throw-aways and upcycle it into something new and functional, the impact on the environment is very low and this is the ultimate we are all trying to achieve in some way!
My mother in law has always had a gift for doing just that, she makes ugly things look great by restoring and revamping! So it's not a new idea but definetly coming back into the "cool" factor for us all. It may not be treasure but at least find a new use for it before it finally heads to the dump.
I went looking for some ideas and here is what I came up with... you should never have to throw away these items!!
Plastic Milk bottles - cut in half & use for storing stationery or odds and ends. Or make holes in the plastic lid tops, to make your very own homemade watering can, for keeping pot plants moist. I even found twirlly earings made out of the plastic from a milk bottle!
Glass Jars - Vases, store anything and everything. Seeds, Rice, Sauces ...endless uses!
Wine Bottle - Vases, candle holders, bubble bath foam etc
Wine Glasses - got some odd wine glasses over the years, turn upside down and put a candle on top!, looks great on a dinning table!
Toilet roll tubes - use to keep cords untangle or store. Decorate and use as serviette holders.
Bottle Tops - great to repaint and decorate will keep the young ones busy. Even great for making pieces for jewellery and even fridge magnets.
Odd Pillow cases - sew together with pillow inserted, makes a great "make shift" portable sleeping mattress for kids!
Wine corks - Cut slit across horizontally and use as business card holder or name tags for tables or save up many corks and thread together for a bath mat. You will need to consume quite a lot of wine for this one :)
"Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products." So get creative, have fun... all at a low impact on our dear mother earth!
Alternatively if you not the creative type, support other organisation who are trying to make a sustainable living out of "up cycling "someone elses trash.
I came across www.upcycle.co.za or sponser a "green" project! Please feel free to share your comments, details of any community projects that you may know of ,who sells" up cycled" goods and needs support. Lets all help!
My mother in law has always had a gift for doing just that, she makes ugly things look great by restoring and revamping! So it's not a new idea but definetly coming back into the "cool" factor for us all. It may not be treasure but at least find a new use for it before it finally heads to the dump.
I went looking for some ideas and here is what I came up with... you should never have to throw away these items!!
Plastic Milk bottles - cut in half & use for storing stationery or odds and ends. Or make holes in the plastic lid tops, to make your very own homemade watering can, for keeping pot plants moist. I even found twirlly earings made out of the plastic from a milk bottle!
Glass Jars - Vases, store anything and everything. Seeds, Rice, Sauces ...endless uses!
Wine Bottle - Vases, candle holders, bubble bath foam etc
Wine Glasses - got some odd wine glasses over the years, turn upside down and put a candle on top!, looks great on a dinning table!Toilet roll tubes - use to keep cords untangle or store. Decorate and use as serviette holders.
Bottle Tops - great to repaint and decorate will keep the young ones busy. Even great for making pieces for jewellery and even fridge magnets.
Odd Pillow cases - sew together with pillow inserted, makes a great "make shift" portable sleeping mattress for kids!
Wine corks - Cut slit across horizontally and use as business card holder or name tags for tables or save up many corks and thread together for a bath mat. You will need to consume quite a lot of wine for this one :)
"Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products." So get creative, have fun... all at a low impact on our dear mother earth!
Alternatively if you not the creative type, support other organisation who are trying to make a sustainable living out of "up cycling "someone elses trash.
I came across www.upcycle.co.za or sponser a "green" project! Please feel free to share your comments, details of any community projects that you may know of ,who sells" up cycled" goods and needs support. Lets all help!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Tips how to plan a "green" conference or event
Green is the keyword for most topics today, this can only highlight the importance of our collective efforts needed to make,in all aspects of our lives today.
If you are responsible for planning your company events, team building, conferences and end of year functions, you will need to consider the greening responsibilities your company have committed to and act on these policies.
Seem a bit daunting? Don't despair... understanding the basics and carefully selecting your venue you will no doubt be on the right path to hosting an sucessful green event!
What is a green event, you may ask? It is purely an event /conference that is hosted in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The ultimate goal is to reduce the consumption of natural resouces, reduce waste to a minimum, limit the impacts on global climate and protect biodiversity and human health.
So .. decide how green you are to go, as bringing in the green principles into a function requires early planning in order to achieve a successful goal!
Here are some general tips to get you started:
Increased economic, social and environmental benefits.
Reduced negative environmental and climate impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste to landfill, and the reduction or degradation of biodiversity.
Enhanced economic impact, such as local job creation, investment and long-term viability, Including supporting local businesses and production..
Improved efficiency of resource use and less wastage.
Increased demand for infrastructure that supports green eventing, e.g. pedestrian and cycle routes.
Once you have achieved hosting a sucessful green event, provide a concluded report to your company or delegates so they can also understand and be part of the transformation to a green society. It will also help analysis your success and highlight areas where you can improve on your next project!
If you are responsible for planning your company events, team building, conferences and end of year functions, you will need to consider the greening responsibilities your company have committed to and act on these policies.
Seem a bit daunting? Don't despair... understanding the basics and carefully selecting your venue you will no doubt be on the right path to hosting an sucessful green event!
What is a green event, you may ask? It is purely an event /conference that is hosted in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The ultimate goal is to reduce the consumption of natural resouces, reduce waste to a minimum, limit the impacts on global climate and protect biodiversity and human health.
So .. decide how green you are to go, as bringing in the green principles into a function requires early planning in order to achieve a successful goal!
Here are some general tips to get you started:
- Chose your suppliers wisely... your venue, transport, caterers etc should all have the same goals and responsibility to the enviroment.
- Your venue will be your key contributer.You can check if the venue has a "green policy" in place and/or enviromental management system.
- For groups arrange a vehicle to transport everyone together in one vehicle or even better if you are able to use the Gautrain or even walk!..rather this than each individual using their own cars to the venue. This will offset your carbon foot print!
- Use local community based organisations for conference gifts or bags, thus contributing to the social development and community upliftment.
- Request products that are eco friendly and locally manufactured. Request food that is local, seasonal and organic whenever possible. Ensure that products are sustainably sourced.
- Try to avoid printed handouts and if it esessential, then use recycled or eco friendly paper.
- Do not use bottled water on the delegate table. Jugs of water are a winner!
- Any left over foods you could donate to a charity or local community in need!
- Recycle!
- Select accommodation establishments that promote water conservation policies such as towel/linen laundry policies where delegates can chose to replace or reuse the towels or linen in their rooms.
- You should however also provide information to delegates so that they know how they can contribute to event greening through their actions.
- Utilise natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption When lights need to be used ensure that they are energy efficient. Switch off all lights and air-conditioners when leaving the room/venue.
- Include your efforts into your programme and bring it to everyones attention thus educating and encouraging good habits!
- Request for the electricity meter readings before, during and after the event for monitoring electricity usage to reduce consumption for future events (if possible).
- Suggest that delegates make a donation to offset their environmental footprint!
What is the positive outcome when an event is hosted in a green manner??
Reduced negative environmental and climate impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste to landfill, and the reduction or degradation of biodiversity.
Enhanced economic impact, such as local job creation, investment and long-term viability, Including supporting local businesses and production..
Improved efficiency of resource use and less wastage.
Increased demand for infrastructure that supports green eventing, e.g. pedestrian and cycle routes.
Once you have achieved hosting a sucessful green event, provide a concluded report to your company or delegates so they can also understand and be part of the transformation to a green society. It will also help analysis your success and highlight areas where you can improve on your next project!
Friday, June 29, 2012
The in and out of Air pollution
Did you know? You will breathe in approximately 10,000 liters of air today, and every day!
Winter is the season where our country sees an increase in air pollution as more people light fires to keep themselves warm, leading to an increased amount of smoke, which poses a threat to the environment..Particularly in Johannesburg winter months between June to September is engulfed in a brown haze of pollution, keeping the particulates and nitrous oxides that are the main components of the haze hovering low in the sky. The pollutants come from a variety of sources - coal fires, vehicle exhausts, veld fires, dust and industry.
So why does this happen?
Quoted from a senior air quality researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said weather conditions and the change of seasons had a definite role in the increased levels of pollution and dust. "Stagnant air episodes occur primarily in winter, when what is termed 'inversion conditions' occur. Hot air rises and cool air sinks, but under inversion conditions, usually during night time in winter months, the air near to the Earth's surface is colder than the air above it, preventing mixing and therefore pollutants emitted at the Earth's surface become trapped and concentrations build up. "
"Once the sun warms up the Earth's surface in the morning, the air near the Earth's surface warms up, and mixing and diffusion of pollutants can again occur and the pollutant layer is removed."
But you are thinking ...well, we are mostly indoors in winter?? Air pollution is present both indoors and outdoors! Infact almost 90% of our time is spent indoors, and therefore the quality of air in our homes and places of work should be just as important to us all.
Here are some simple steps that you can take to quickly reduce indoor air pollution:
Look at the potential sources of indoor air pollution and reduce or remove
them. This could be a contaminated carpet, or a simple filter change on the
air-conditioning and filtration unit.
Increase the amount of outdoor natural air coming indoors, by opening
windows, doors and vents on air-conditioning units.
Invest in air purifier/scruber. There are units to fit every budget with
small units that will sit quietly on your desk to larger units that will
purifier the air in an entire home.
Do not let anyone smoke indoors.
Replace the old filters on ventilation, heating and air-conditioning units
Actively remove excessive moisture from the air, which in turn will prevent
the formation of mold
Should you be burning fires for heat, use only hard woods and stack the wood loosely to promote air circulation to prevent smouldering & smoke. A properly burning fireplace is hotter, produces less smoke and is more efficient. This means more warmth for less money and less impact to your health.!
For a bit of good news..bringing a bit of nature indoors with houseplants is an excellent idea and can help make you feel a bit more cheery and enhance your indoor air quality!
Here’s are a few from the top 10 anti-pollutant plants rated best by The New Ecologist.com. of which I know they are common to the South African gardener!
1. Dracaena Alchemy
2. Sansevieria Hahnii
3.Sansevieria Trifasciata (Mother in Law Tongue)
4.Aloe Bainesii Tip
5. Sansevieria Moon Shine
Winter is the season where our country sees an increase in air pollution as more people light fires to keep themselves warm, leading to an increased amount of smoke, which poses a threat to the environment..Particularly in Johannesburg winter months between June to September is engulfed in a brown haze of pollution, keeping the particulates and nitrous oxides that are the main components of the haze hovering low in the sky. The pollutants come from a variety of sources - coal fires, vehicle exhausts, veld fires, dust and industry.
So why does this happen?"Once the sun warms up the Earth's surface in the morning, the air near the Earth's surface warms up, and mixing and diffusion of pollutants can again occur and the pollutant layer is removed."
But you are thinking ...well, we are mostly indoors in winter?? Air pollution is present both indoors and outdoors! Infact almost 90% of our time is spent indoors, and therefore the quality of air in our homes and places of work should be just as important to us all.
Here are some simple steps that you can take to quickly reduce indoor air pollution:
For a bit of good news..bringing a bit of nature indoors with houseplants is an excellent idea and can help make you feel a bit more cheery and enhance your indoor air quality!
Here’s are a few from the top 10 anti-pollutant plants rated best by The New Ecologist.com. of which I know they are common to the South African gardener!
- English Ivy
- Parlor Ivy
- African Violets
- Christmas Cactus
- Peace Lily
1. Dracaena Alchemy
2. Sansevieria Hahnii
3.Sansevieria Trifasciata (Mother in Law Tongue)
4.Aloe Bainesii Tip
5. Sansevieria Moon Shine
Monday, May 28, 2012
Taking to the skies.....
I think it seems to be the "in" activity at the moment and that is aviation adventure of all kinds.
It is a unique adventure ideal for special occassions... the most popular being marriage proposal's! Can only think there must be some love in the atmosphere!!
African Chapter have taken it upon ourselves to search for more fun adventures with reputable suppliers, where we can offer your chance of bird eye view scenery from on board various modes of airborne transportation!
Hot Air Ballooning definetly depicts a scene of romance as we have had numerous successful marriage proposals made possible in the skies and I can assure you there are still plenty of potentially romantic partners out there juding on the the special requests we get, so don't despair!!
Such memories however are not just for the hopeless romantics but wanting to create that special memory to add to your book of life, while celebrating special milestones, birthdays and simple wishes and even bucketlists.. . Hovering gently above tree tops , beautiful mountaineous landscapes or spotting wildlife below is a view to be treasured for ever!
More recently the offering have become even better with late afternoon hot air balloon flights with traditional english tea and sandwiches or a few evening apertif's to warm you up! This experience will only be applicable in the winter months due favourable weather conditions during our Jozi Winters allowing for sunny days and storm free skies!
If you prefer a bit more adrenalin, take a scenic helicopter ride to special destinations and awesome and unique way to explore and discover South Africa's beautiful landscapes and landmarks .Scenic trips on offer include trips over Hartebeespoort Dam area, A helicopter transfer to a secluded picnic venue on top of a ridge, Scenic view over The Cradle and even an eagle's view over the Vaal Dam in Gauteng.
For corporate incentives we bring the ultimate city & safari golden flight a full day adventure including a game drive and lunch at a Dinokeng Game Reserve, this will be sure to woooo.. and impress your clients!
For those seeking coastal helicopter excursion in the Kingdom of Kwa Zulu Natal, it is here you will explore splendid coastline flips and picnic's to the Inanda Valley. We can not forget to include our mother city - Cape Town offering extraordinary excurions with views over the
V &A Waterfront, Full Day Winelands Tours and the Cape Peninsula.
Lastely but not least - calling all Adrenalin junkies... have you always wanted to throw yourself out an aircraft, well yes you can in safe tandem jump at our venue in Pretoria, sky diving is definetely not for the faint hearted but if you can handle the pace.. then you will want to put this on your list of must do's!!!
Whatever your motive for one of these awe inspiring experiences, the offerings are all there for the taking .... let us assist you in making such very special airborne memories!
It is a unique adventure ideal for special occassions... the most popular being marriage proposal's! Can only think there must be some love in the atmosphere!!
African Chapter have taken it upon ourselves to search for more fun adventures with reputable suppliers, where we can offer your chance of bird eye view scenery from on board various modes of airborne transportation!
Hot Air Ballooning definetly depicts a scene of romance as we have had numerous successful marriage proposals made possible in the skies and I can assure you there are still plenty of potentially romantic partners out there juding on the the special requests we get, so don't despair!!
Such memories however are not just for the hopeless romantics but wanting to create that special memory to add to your book of life, while celebrating special milestones, birthdays and simple wishes and even bucketlists.. . Hovering gently above tree tops , beautiful mountaineous landscapes or spotting wildlife below is a view to be treasured for ever!
More recently the offering have become even better with late afternoon hot air balloon flights with traditional english tea and sandwiches or a few evening apertif's to warm you up! This experience will only be applicable in the winter months due favourable weather conditions during our Jozi Winters allowing for sunny days and storm free skies!
If you prefer a bit more adrenalin, take a scenic helicopter ride to special destinations and awesome and unique way to explore and discover South Africa's beautiful landscapes and landmarks .Scenic trips on offer include trips over Hartebeespoort Dam area, A helicopter transfer to a secluded picnic venue on top of a ridge, Scenic view over The Cradle and even an eagle's view over the Vaal Dam in Gauteng.
For corporate incentives we bring the ultimate city & safari golden flight a full day adventure including a game drive and lunch at a Dinokeng Game Reserve, this will be sure to woooo.. and impress your clients!
For those seeking coastal helicopter excursion in the Kingdom of Kwa Zulu Natal, it is here you will explore splendid coastline flips and picnic's to the Inanda Valley. We can not forget to include our mother city - Cape Town offering extraordinary excurions with views over the
V &A Waterfront, Full Day Winelands Tours and the Cape Peninsula.
Lastely but not least - calling all Adrenalin junkies... have you always wanted to throw yourself out an aircraft, well yes you can in safe tandem jump at our venue in Pretoria, sky diving is definetely not for the faint hearted but if you can handle the pace.. then you will want to put this on your list of must do's!!!
Whatever your motive for one of these awe inspiring experiences, the offerings are all there for the taking .... let us assist you in making such very special airborne memories!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Sightseeing on your own steam ...
The traditional way we all know when taking on a sightseeing trip or tour is jumping into a bus coach or car... but now there are so many more variations and options to sightseeing and touring different destinations, adding a bit of adventure and of course the greener alternative than the convential transported tours !
For those who dare not venture into Downtown Joburg, we have a safe, fun and educational combination of such touring, on foot. Various themed Jozi walking tours guided by qualified guides affording you the opportunity to explore Newtown, Spicy Fordsburg, Carlton Centre, Art Galleries and much more incorporating any special interests. Cape Town offers a historical angle to it's sightseeing walking tours visiting places like St. Georges Mall provided live entertainment by buskers, choirs, dancers and drummers to street artists and curio vendors, Green Market Square, Old Townhouse, City Hall ,Castle of Good Hope and the well know District 6 Museum.
If you are looking to rediscover your own city or even if you are an international visitor who seeks an informative yet fun way to explore the african culture and the modernised third world city then this is the way to do it ..walking is the only way to experience such vibrant cities as it engulfs you into this incredible adventure to through the past to the present.
A more recent addition to sightseeing opportunities is that from the seat of a bicycle. Getting on a bicycle and cycling through local sites of interest and dwellings will enthral the more outgoing person with a certain level of fitness to keep ahead. Cape Town offers daily tours from the V&A Waterfront lead by experienced local guides, learning about Cape Town’s heritage while you ride from the vibrant Waterfront to the bustling inner city, getting up close and personal with the city and its inhabitants in the olde and new of Cape Town’s urban landscape. Further inland there are Wineland Cycling Tours where you will explore the rolling hills and wine farms of the Fairest Cape!
We have also recently introduced township cycling tours in both Gauteng and Cape Town. These tours are for those looking for a little more than the conventional method of touring, providing the tourist with many more opportunities to interact with the community than they would have from an air-conditioned bus. These eco-friendly, exciting township tours takes you around the local streets of Soweto or Masiphumelele community of Cape Town , while local guides accompany you as you get to know the local communities, sample the local food and learn more about the culture and histories for the local residents. You will take back home with you, a different perception of the township when experiencing this adventure!
Experience a walking or cycling sightseeing tour now. with African Chapter Tours.
For those who dare not venture into Downtown Joburg, we have a safe, fun and educational combination of such touring, on foot. Various themed Jozi walking tours guided by qualified guides affording you the opportunity to explore Newtown, Spicy Fordsburg, Carlton Centre, Art Galleries and much more incorporating any special interests. Cape Town offers a historical angle to it's sightseeing walking tours visiting places like St. Georges Mall provided live entertainment by buskers, choirs, dancers and drummers to street artists and curio vendors, Green Market Square, Old Townhouse, City Hall ,Castle of Good Hope and the well know District 6 Museum.
A more recent addition to sightseeing opportunities is that from the seat of a bicycle. Getting on a bicycle and cycling through local sites of interest and dwellings will enthral the more outgoing person with a certain level of fitness to keep ahead. Cape Town offers daily tours from the V&A Waterfront lead by experienced local guides, learning about Cape Town’s heritage while you ride from the vibrant Waterfront to the bustling inner city, getting up close and personal with the city and its inhabitants in the olde and new of Cape Town’s urban landscape. Further inland there are Wineland Cycling Tours where you will explore the rolling hills and wine farms of the Fairest Cape!
We have also recently introduced township cycling tours in both Gauteng and Cape Town. These tours are for those looking for a little more than the conventional method of touring, providing the tourist with many more opportunities to interact with the community than they would have from an air-conditioned bus. These eco-friendly, exciting township tours takes you around the local streets of Soweto or Masiphumelele community of Cape Town , while local guides accompany you as you get to know the local communities, sample the local food and learn more about the culture and histories for the local residents. You will take back home with you, a different perception of the township when experiencing this adventure!
Experience a walking or cycling sightseeing tour now. with African Chapter Tours.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
For the Love of Water
I'm back on the topic of water! As it is March, the month where water awareness is big on the agenda with National Water Week and with focus on the 22 March - National Water Day. A perfect time to reflect on our current water crisis or even more critical outcome it could cause if we do no ACT now.
There are the facts we are possibly all already aware of but they tend to slip our minds with our everyday rush in the rat race we live and our ever demanding lifestyles! However we unfortunately can not ignore the obvious and need to all be concerned and committed to "waste not want not" this life giving substance!
Did you know that today, at least 400 million people live in regions with severe water shortages? South Africa is generally a water-scarce country, and it is predicted that demand for water will exceed supply within the next 15 to 20 years. It is inevitable that we will need to be more efficient in our water use.
Studies show that an average suburban house can reduce their water consumption by 30-40% without sacrificing any comforts (from about 250 litres/person/day to 150 litres/person/day). In addition, if grey water is recycled for garden use, household water use can be reduced by an astounding 60% or more with ease.
Waste water should be seen as a resource rather than a burden. A lot can be done with "water waste' , if we are prepared to make some small changes, it is a start dont you think? We can't even begin to imagine the world with no water or little resources thereof?
Here is a subtle reminder of what we can all try do around our own homes!
Water saving tips in the rest of your household:
There are the facts we are possibly all already aware of but they tend to slip our minds with our everyday rush in the rat race we live and our ever demanding lifestyles! However we unfortunately can not ignore the obvious and need to all be concerned and committed to "waste not want not" this life giving substance!
Did you know that today, at least 400 million people live in regions with severe water shortages? South Africa is generally a water-scarce country, and it is predicted that demand for water will exceed supply within the next 15 to 20 years. It is inevitable that we will need to be more efficient in our water use.
Studies show that an average suburban house can reduce their water consumption by 30-40% without sacrificing any comforts (from about 250 litres/person/day to 150 litres/person/day). In addition, if grey water is recycled for garden use, household water use can be reduced by an astounding 60% or more with ease.
Waste water should be seen as a resource rather than a burden. A lot can be done with "water waste' , if we are prepared to make some small changes, it is a start dont you think? We can't even begin to imagine the world with no water or little resources thereof?
Here is a subtle reminder of what we can all try do around our own homes!
The bathroom is where the most water waste happens, so we can all help conserve water by making these easy changes in your home:
- Reduce the toilet flush volume – this alone can save you 20% of your total water consumption with no reduction in convenience. Older toilets have cisterns of around 11 litres, where in fact only half of this water volume is ever necessary. Modern toilets have more sensible cisterns of around 6 litres, and even this is unnecessarily wasteful for flushing liquids. Dual Flush devices are ideal. To reduce the flush volume without any new installations, you can put a displacement container in the cistern – try a 2 litre coke bottle filled with water, and a little sand as ballast.
- Fix any leaking taps or pipes. Even a small leak from a tap can waste up to 75 litres of water a day.
- Install water-saving shower heads and aerators.
- Additionally, cut down your time in the shower and avoid taking baths. Taking even a 5-minute shower can waste up to 150 litres of water. Worse, a bath can use twice as much.
- Turn off the water while shaving, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
Water saving tips in the rest of your household:
- Water your plants early in the morning or in the evening. This will reduce the amount of water that evaporates throughout the day.
- Learn about water-wise gardening!
- Use mulch around plants and trees to hold water in the soil.
- Use grey water. Grey water is water that is recycled from domestic activities such as showering or doing laundry. Using this water in your garden is a way to recycle and ultimately conserve. Installing a system to pump grey water (i.e. from the washing machine, basins, shower and bath) to the garden, most households will eliminate the need for any additional garden watering. This alone will reduce your consumption by 35%.
- Match the size of your laundry load with water volume.
- Repair dripping taps by replacing the washer. If a tap is dripping at a rate of 1 drop per second, you could be wasting up to 10,220 Liters per year!
So lets not forget in our every day lives how precious our water is, it is one of the vital gifts from mother earth that we need to spare!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Leaping in to the year...2012!
Its 2012 and there is an extra day in the year ! Great news dont you think ?... an extra day to perhaps do something special or adventurous that you have thought of doing for a while now.
The more traditional theories taking place are for the ladies to take lead in the marriage proposals :)
The history behind the leap year is that it is needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. If we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days! Bizzare isn't it?
Other theories concluded in the ancient Roman Calendar added an extra month every few years to maintain the correct seasonal changes. But Julius Caesar implemented a new calendar – the Julian Calendar in 45 BCE (Before Common Era) with an extra day added every 4 years. At the time, Leap Day was February 24, because February was the last month of the year! But now we follow the modern Gregorian Calendar! People born on February 29 are also all invited to join The Honor society of Leap Year Day Babies!
So what ever your beliefs or superstitions, make the most of your extra day this year and make it an adventure or special memory to add to your book of life in 2012!
The more traditional theories taking place are for the ladies to take lead in the marriage proposals :)
The history behind the leap year is that it is needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. If we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days! Bizzare isn't it?
Other theories concluded in the ancient Roman Calendar added an extra month every few years to maintain the correct seasonal changes. But Julius Caesar implemented a new calendar – the Julian Calendar in 45 BCE (Before Common Era) with an extra day added every 4 years. At the time, Leap Day was February 24, because February was the last month of the year! But now we follow the modern Gregorian Calendar! People born on February 29 are also all invited to join The Honor society of Leap Year Day Babies!
So what ever your beliefs or superstitions, make the most of your extra day this year and make it an adventure or special memory to add to your book of life in 2012!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Tips on how to transform into an eco- tourist in 2012
So turning a new green leaf in 2012, here are a few tips on how you can transform and support being a international eco - tourist!
So give you getaways some thought when planning or should you be looking for some eco destination options to help get you on the right track of thinking, let African Chapter Tours assist you with your next eco chapter!
1. Visit destinations which have conservation value, such as protected areas, World Heritage sites or where nature and culture is a key attraction.
2. Plan a "doing" holiday, many organisation you with the arrangements of joining a volunturing programme, where you can include conservation or community projects into your holiday.
3.
Travel light: limit the packaging you bring with you.
4. Chose like minded travel suppliers, those that are environmentally conscious and establishments that have environmental policies in place. This will include efforts such as energy and water saving measures,recycling and contribution to local conservation or supporting local communities.
4. Chose like minded travel suppliers, those that are environmentally conscious and establishments that have environmental policies in place. This will include efforts such as energy and water saving measures,recycling and contribution to local conservation or supporting local communities.
5. If you can, try to get to your destination by train or coach – you’ll see
more of the country you’re travelling in as well as reducing your carbon
emissions.
6. Make use of you own steam go for walks or bicycle rides or take part in such organised excursions.
7. When it comes to dinning, choose
locally sourced produce that’s in season and be aware that certain endangered
species may be on the menu without your knowledge.
8. Many wild plants and animals are in great danger … you can contribute to
protecting them by avoiding buying souvenirs made from such eg
(jewellery made from red coral, ivory etc)
9. Dont bring seeds or plants back from your travels, as some may prove to be be invasive species.
10. Observing Wildlife can be an incredible experience… but don’t disturb
wildlife, for your own safety and theirs. Don’t feed animals, excpecially the "cute" animals such as monkeys, baboons and warthogs.
So give you getaways some thought when planning or should you be looking for some eco destination options to help get you on the right track of thinking, let African Chapter Tours assist you with your next eco chapter!
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