I can't help talking about everything green it is definetly the latest buzz word and very much part of our African Chapter legacy and has been for a good while. I came across an interesting article based some of the facts aswell as the controversy surrounding the hemp plant. An interesting read ..... although not travel related at all, but going back to maintaining a greener environment and creating a renewable economy!
There is a petition currently circulating asking goverment to join other countries in growing hemp for industrial purposes (legally that is). Some of the countries alreading participating include Australia, Canada,Great Britain , Italy, Netherlands and many more (28 in total).
So what is the benefits of growing industrial hemp you ask? You can create clothing, housing, food, fuel, natural plastics and other locally useful and globable marketable comsumer products out of it.... resulting in jobs too. Hemp is currently a multi billion a year industry and growing!
There are over 50 000 record uses for this plant and amazing enough every part of the plant can be utilized. The outer stalks for textile fibres, the inner stalk for building materials and cellulose, the seed kernel for nutritional oils, the seed husk for biodegradable plastics and the leaves for re-tilling and fertilizing the soil after harvest.
Hemp is also grown organically and is naturally resistant to most pests so no pesticides or herbicides are required in the cultivation. An acre field of hemp can yield up to 8 tons of dry fiber thats about 3 times more than cotton . The same crop will also give 4 times more paper than an acre of forest trees. Hemp also grows in about 3 or 4 months compared to a tree taking up to 20 years to reach a size worth destroying. The hemp plant has also a rapid rate of photosynthesis therefore producing more oxygen!
A crop that contribute to a more sustainable economy according to these facts? To read more about this topic go to http://www.hempnow.co.za
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
What is a green travel product?
In think this is really the buzz word for 2011. "GREEN". Awareness has now officially been created in every industry and even in our homes. After attending a Enviromental Law Workshop touching only on the basics, this was really an eye opener and really devastating to see what current situation we sit in not only in SA but our world. It is time to act now if you havent already!
African Chapter Tours have for the past couple of years been doing our homework and have been looking at the various ways in which to incorporate " green products" but in order to do this we needed to set an example and only then could we really stand up and encourage others and possible lead in the same direction, in order for us all to make a small diference! African Chapter Tours are part of the Heritage Charter Programme and were the first tour operator to join this association. Now to encourage others to follow or learn more from those making great efforts to do their bit as we will never be able to do enough alone!
So what is a green product? In a simple overview it covers many aspects that influence our environment and it is those efforts made by these individual products in the prevention or even putting back a bit of what mother nature gave us. It incorporates our accommodation establishments right to any travel related experience,acting responsibly and preventing further destruction to our enviroment as well as the inclusions of social responsibilities to create secure ecologically sustainable developments in our communities which inadvertly comes back to same concerns affecting our enviroment.
Pollution is clearly the main factor caused by human destruction . The definition of Pollution as stipulated by our national enviromental management act, means change in the enviroment caused by any of the following -: Substances, Radio Active or other waves or noise, dust or heat. Althought that is quite vague we all have a good idea what the damaging factors are.Our two most important sources under pressure is our water and air - the neccesity for all LIFE!
WE all need to implement Enviromental Management Systems if you are not already in the long run it saves money too . As indivual and small establishment we can all start somewhere! There is plenty of resource information available, so lets all act now!
African Chapter Tours will be implementing a carbon foot print rating to our packages in the near future and rating all products qualifying with our green leaf for enviromentally conscious products to guide our customers in make the right green choices!
I conclude with this proverb.. "only when the last tree withers, the last fish is caught, the last river has been poisoned, will you realise you can not eat money".... so so true!
African Chapter Tours have for the past couple of years been doing our homework and have been looking at the various ways in which to incorporate " green products" but in order to do this we needed to set an example and only then could we really stand up and encourage others and possible lead in the same direction, in order for us all to make a small diference! African Chapter Tours are part of the Heritage Charter Programme and were the first tour operator to join this association. Now to encourage others to follow or learn more from those making great efforts to do their bit as we will never be able to do enough alone!
So what is a green product? In a simple overview it covers many aspects that influence our environment and it is those efforts made by these individual products in the prevention or even putting back a bit of what mother nature gave us. It incorporates our accommodation establishments right to any travel related experience,acting responsibly and preventing further destruction to our enviroment as well as the inclusions of social responsibilities to create secure ecologically sustainable developments in our communities which inadvertly comes back to same concerns affecting our enviroment.
Pollution is clearly the main factor caused by human destruction . The definition of Pollution as stipulated by our national enviromental management act, means change in the enviroment caused by any of the following -: Substances, Radio Active or other waves or noise, dust or heat. Althought that is quite vague we all have a good idea what the damaging factors are.Our two most important sources under pressure is our water and air - the neccesity for all LIFE!
WE all need to implement Enviromental Management Systems if you are not already in the long run it saves money too . As indivual and small establishment we can all start somewhere! There is plenty of resource information available, so lets all act now!
African Chapter Tours will be implementing a carbon foot print rating to our packages in the near future and rating all products qualifying with our green leaf for enviromentally conscious products to guide our customers in make the right green choices!
I conclude with this proverb.. "only when the last tree withers, the last fish is caught, the last river has been poisoned, will you realise you can not eat money".... so so true!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Where is Dinokeng you ask?
This area is a hidden gem just north of Pretoria. It makes for a great weekend away LESS than 1 hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, a criteria we all bound to because of time restaints and busy schedules.
The area has been under transformation over the past couple of years.. with the development of the BIG 5 Game Reserve, still in progress. The Greater Dinokeng area covers approximately 281 000ha of rural land incorporating Roodeplaat, Cullinan ,Rayton and open bushveld north of Moloto Rd.
The attractions are plentiful, with affordable bush getaways, adventure, culture and history therefore catering for all interest and occassions.
African Chapter recently joined a site visit to various "off the beaten track" highlights adding to a very informative insight to the area, which anyone can incorporate into your package.
This included a Refilwe Cultural Tour visit incoporating stops at Vukuzenzele Agric Project and Tshepong Centre, where many purchases took place in support of Beadwork crafts,a project operated by disabled people. Another fascinating historical stop is the Cullinan Diamond Tour where a surface tour is offered sharing information on the history of the mining of diamonds. An underground Tour is also offered with more indepth information and experience.
Currently African Chapter Tours offers the following in the area, with our preferred suppliers whom we have received many great reviews on, from clients who have visited.
The area has been under transformation over the past couple of years.. with the development of the BIG 5 Game Reserve, still in progress. The Greater Dinokeng area covers approximately 281 000ha of rural land incorporating Roodeplaat, Cullinan ,Rayton and open bushveld north of Moloto Rd.
The attractions are plentiful, with affordable bush getaways, adventure, culture and history therefore catering for all interest and occassions.
African Chapter recently joined a site visit to various "off the beaten track" highlights adding to a very informative insight to the area, which anyone can incorporate into your package.
This included a Refilwe Cultural Tour visit incoporating stops at Vukuzenzele Agric Project and Tshepong Centre, where many purchases took place in support of Beadwork crafts,a project operated by disabled people. Another fascinating historical stop is the Cullinan Diamond Tour where a surface tour is offered sharing information on the history of the mining of diamonds. An underground Tour is also offered with more indepth information and experience.
Currently African Chapter Tours offers the following in the area, with our preferred suppliers whom we have received many great reviews on, from clients who have visited.
- 4 star luxury Game Lodge Stay
- Animal Encounters and Sunset Game Drives
- Bush Spas
- Tented Accommodation, including walks & cycling in the area
- Astronomy Evenings.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience
- Historical Hot Air Balloong over Cullinan
For your personalised quote or further assistance in experiencing any of the above experiences, contact our team for the lastest affordable offers.
View our DINOKENG SITE VISIT Album.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
South African Heritage & History of a different kind
In line with Heritage Day in September, I wanted to share this historical experience of a different kind with you! With our many diverse cultures in South Africa, we have cultural villages that educate us and take us back to basics and traditions of our Zulu,Venda and Xhosa tribes for example, depicting their survival, family lives and historical artefacts relating.Our team at African Chapter have recently been able to experience and discover memorablia from the mountains of Magliesberg and neighbouring Hartebeespoort Dam area. These are the remains , museums and historical sites dating back to the boer war in between 1800 and 1900's, part of our South African History and Heritage.
The Askari 4 star Lodge in Magaliesberg boasts one of the largest privage collections of oxwagons, carts and other animal drawn vehicles from the era. The main building was built in the 1800's and every effort has been made to restore this wonderful building to the splendour it was approximately 150 years ago! Their museum also tells the story of this area, where the British were defeated on the 13 December 1900 by the Boers led by Generals De La Rey, Smuts and Beyers.
You will also find trace of history going even further back in time, from the San Bushmen, with sightings of carvings and stone age tools found in this area, with much of these finding available for viewing in the history museum. Historical and bush walks into this richely fascinating heritage is available on request.
Another discovery is a quaint venue and hideaway, where you relive the romance of the early Pioneers and Jack of the Bushveld era. Expereince authentically restored oxwagon accommodation with Panoramic views from the Witswatersberg Mountains.On site walking trails, nature museum and history museum. Re live the boer tradition together with superb hospitality and good old fashion boerekos at the Oxwagon Lodge.
To experience this small part of our South African history, day trips & overnight stays are all possible. This makes for a great themed corporate event or conference or special occassion. Send us your preferences and we will put you in touch with this piece of boer heritage!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Malaria Free Big 5 Reserves
Malaria areas often deter us from visiting such locations in game reserves, especially if a last minute decision to travel, short stays or if you travelling with children. However there are many reserves that are malaria free and are home to our BIG 5 animals.
I recently visited Nambiti Game Reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal (being one of these malaria free reserves) and from Johannesburg it really is not such a long distance drive as it sounds - 3 hours and possible another 30 minutes to your lodge through the reserve, depending on the location. Durban residents are only 2 and half hours away.
The Nambiti Game reserve is a 20 000 hectare reserve located near Ladysmith and boasts over 30 species of game including cheetah, hyhena, giraffe, hippo, kudu and eland (and of course the big 5) in this natural bushveld with its many different vegetations and landscapes. The Reserve is also close to the famous battlefelds of the Anglo-Boer War and various other historic sites.
There about 10 lodges in the reserve to chose from, ranging from tented accommodation to luxury suite accommodation all at very affordable rates and great value for money.
I can highly recommend Lions Valley Lodge, 5 star service and luxury spacious suites for under R1800 per person fully inclusive. (oh and great for honeymoons and romantic weekends, each suite offers a jacuzzi on the deck overlooking the valley!) This is a great price for this standard of accommodation in a big 5 reserve compared to other regions where the going rates for such lodges ranging from R2500 to R4500 pp!
Send me you feedback and further experiences at any other of the Nambiti Game Lodges OR other Malaria Free Game Reserves, our team would greatly appreciate your comments and reviews!
I recently visited Nambiti Game Reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal (being one of these malaria free reserves) and from Johannesburg it really is not such a long distance drive as it sounds - 3 hours and possible another 30 minutes to your lodge through the reserve, depending on the location. Durban residents are only 2 and half hours away.
The Nambiti Game reserve is a 20 000 hectare reserve located near Ladysmith and boasts over 30 species of game including cheetah, hyhena, giraffe, hippo, kudu and eland (and of course the big 5) in this natural bushveld with its many different vegetations and landscapes. The Reserve is also close to the famous battlefelds of the Anglo-Boer War and various other historic sites.
There about 10 lodges in the reserve to chose from, ranging from tented accommodation to luxury suite accommodation all at very affordable rates and great value for money.
I can highly recommend Lions Valley Lodge, 5 star service and luxury spacious suites for under R1800 per person fully inclusive. (oh and great for honeymoons and romantic weekends, each suite offers a jacuzzi on the deck overlooking the valley!) This is a great price for this standard of accommodation in a big 5 reserve compared to other regions where the going rates for such lodges ranging from R2500 to R4500 pp!
Send me you feedback and further experiences at any other of the Nambiti Game Lodges OR other Malaria Free Game Reserves, our team would greatly appreciate your comments and reviews!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
South Africa you have done us proud as a nation!
South Africa you have done us proud. With the last week to go of the Soccer World Cup 2010, the tension rises as we await to see who will emerge as the Soccer Champions! In the meantime many of us have accummulated some awesome memories experienced in the last month whether you were lucky enough to experience a live match, a fan park or even just sharing these moments with friends and families, I am sure we are all proudly south african!
I came across this article posted by SA Goodnews, with interview between President Zuma and Fifa and thought I would share this with you. Interesting comments and views based on the success and magnitude of such an event and the positive effects still to come... it is not over, but it is the start of much more and in turn benefiting the future of South Africa.
Click on the title to read this article.
I came across this article posted by SA Goodnews, with interview between President Zuma and Fifa and thought I would share this with you. Interesting comments and views based on the success and magnitude of such an event and the positive effects still to come... it is not over, but it is the start of much more and in turn benefiting the future of South Africa.
Click on the title to read this article.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Alas, Welcome to South Africa, World Cup 2010 FEVER is here!
It is finally here... 10 days to go as of 31May 2010. The soccer fever has arrived!
All spirits are up, people are celebrating being simply and "Proudly South African". I think we are going to be blown away by the patriotism we are going to see in the next few weeks to come!
And the latest accessory... have you ever seen so many flags scattered all over from car bonnets to shop windows, it really is a colourful nation! There is a lot of excitement in the air despite the challanges and negativity that has been hovering over various issues that have arose over the last few months (which we do not need to get in to). Well Done South Africa, lets all rise the occassion and if anything make the most of showcasing our country even if you are not a soccer supporter! For non soccer fans check out the SPECIALS for June and July, you can still travel during this period it is not all fully booked!
Although this is a highlight never to be repeated, it is also the opening of many new doors and an overall boost to toursim in this country in years to come! So maybe you are not getting your piece of the cake this time round, but don't let this opportunity slip through our fingers. Do your little bit in whatever proffessional field you may be in and be proud and be part of it!
Lastly a little bit of fun.. if you dont already have the dance routine down to a tee, check out the DISKI DANCE Demonstration.
Happy Soccer Festivities!
All spirits are up, people are celebrating being simply and "Proudly South African". I think we are going to be blown away by the patriotism we are going to see in the next few weeks to come!
And the latest accessory... have you ever seen so many flags scattered all over from car bonnets to shop windows, it really is a colourful nation! There is a lot of excitement in the air despite the challanges and negativity that has been hovering over various issues that have arose over the last few months (which we do not need to get in to). Well Done South Africa, lets all rise the occassion and if anything make the most of showcasing our country even if you are not a soccer supporter! For non soccer fans check out the SPECIALS for June and July, you can still travel during this period it is not all fully booked!
Although this is a highlight never to be repeated, it is also the opening of many new doors and an overall boost to toursim in this country in years to come! So maybe you are not getting your piece of the cake this time round, but don't let this opportunity slip through our fingers. Do your little bit in whatever proffessional field you may be in and be proud and be part of it!
Lastly a little bit of fun.. if you dont already have the dance routine down to a tee, check out the DISKI DANCE Demonstration.
Happy Soccer Festivities!
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