PRESS RELEASE – 23 November 2009

R4.5 Million Project Boosts SA Tourism Beyond 2010 World Cup Raw Africa, Induna Adventures and Roc ‘n Rope are the local partners of the whl.travel global travel network to benefit from this initiative.

As South Africa prepares to host the world’s biggest sporting event, an innovative project by the African regional office of whl.travel, a global online travel-booking network of local tour operators, will ensure that small accommodation providers in Mpumalanga, Southern Limpopo and KwaZulu- Natal are marketed beyond the hype of the 2010 World Cup to international travellers as well as to South Africans wanting to explore their own country. The project is being partly funded by the Shared Growth Challenge Fund, a Business Trust project which aims to stimulate pro-poor innovation and growth from the private sector.

This R4.5 million, 18-month project aims at getting at least 150 accommodation providers online and sustainably positioned with enhanced exposure and bookable websites. Zachary Rozga from WHL Consulting, a partner in the project, explains that the project aims to “get bums in the beds of small and medium tourism accommodation venues by setting up unique websites for accommodation providers, as well as offering affordable package holidays that combine accommodation and fun activities for visitors.”

The basis of the Shared Growth Challenge Fund project is a creative concept called the Tourism Development Bank, “which uses room nights as currency,” says Rozga. In return for paying a registration fee of R300 and donating 18 room nights, local accommodation providers are assessed for market readiness, and, if deemed market ready, receive: • a selection of professionally taken photos of their property, including photos for use in ‘immersive tours’ where travellers can take a virtual online tour of a venue; • a professionally drafted travel write-up highlighting the venue’s appeal to experiential and mindful travellers; • a unique e-commerce website linked to the whl.travel global network; • access to a local whl.travel tourism market training seminar.

The 18 room nights, which Rozga calls “the bed bank,” will be used by whl.travel in affordable package holidays that combine accommodation with local tours and activities like river rafting, abseiling, horse-riding and hiking so boosting local tourism. The Shared Growth Challenge Fund project is being piloted through a partnership between the Africa regional office of whl.travel, WHL Consulting, which will manage the project, and three local whl.travel operators based in the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal regions. Danny Pinkas from

www.MpumalangaHighlands.Travel, one of the local whl.travel partners, describes the project as “a win-win situation for everyone involved, from tour operators and accommodation establishments to travellers as well as local communities, who will benefit from spinoffs.” Page 2 of 2 Darron Raw from Raw Africa, www.kzn.travel, another whl.travel partner agrees: “Up until now a large number of SME accommodation and activity providers have not been able to participate effectively on the Internet, and this project will integrate them in a professional online e-marketing and booking service.” Says Jaco Lubbe of Induna Adventures, who oversees both the www.panorama-tours.travel and www.krugersafaris.travel whl.travel portals, “The outcome of this initiative will help local accommodation establishments to provide a more professional and technologically ‘with it’ service to the world. It will also create a platform and give the accommodation establishments the necessary tools to be more visible to specific target markets.

I am convinced that this project will help make our piece of the earth more sustainable for generations to come.” ——- Both whl.travel and WHL Consulting are part of the WHL Group, the largest local-travel company in the world. whl.travel is a global online travel-booking network of local tour operators. It is the springboard for independent consumers headed off the beaten path and yearning to book accommodation, tours and other activities from local businesses, no matter how small, and especially those making socially responsible and sustainable decisions about their destinations, often in the developing world.

The Shared Growth Challenge Fund, The pilot program of Business Trust www.btrust.org.za was conceived to harness and leverage the private sector’s capacity for innovation, investment, risktaking and growth. Facilitating the inclusion of poor people historically excluded from participating in and benefiting from the formal economy. Over the 10 year period a number interventions have been pursued. The most recent being the piloting of market-based approaches to poverty reduction in areas of extreme poverty.

The Shared Growth Challenge Fund involves the use of one-off grants to private companies to support ‘pro-poor’ innovation and to stimulate private sector investment and risk-taking. Providing profitable ways of improving market access for the poor as producers or consumers

For more information, including interviews please contact:

Jennifer Aston whl.travel Africa region Director jennifer@whl.travel, +27 (0) 21 555 0162 Zachary Rozga WHL Consulting Director zachary@whlconsulting.com, +1 360 593 4444 Anita Raw Project Manager anita@whlconsulting.com

Panorama Route Hotels

If you are looking for breathtaking views, perfect climate, diversity of culture, amazing wildlife and adventure for the whole family, the Panorama Route is for you!

The Panorama Route is the gateway to the world renowned Kruger National Park, where you can view the Big 5 and much more on a vehicle safari or on foot, safely lead by a qualified guide. The best time of year to visit is between April and October as the bush isn’t as lush making it easier to spot the animals. It is also cooler then, making long hours on an open vehicle more comfortable. Also, be sure to stop at a bird hide to see an extraordinary variety of birds interacting in their natural habitat. There is a wide range of accommodation in the park, from camping to luxury. You have to spend a night in Kruger to really get the most out of your stay!

A drive along the meandering Panorama Route is also highly recommended. You have the option of self drive, which will allow you as much time as you want at the various sites, or you can go on a guided tour. Make sure you have a whole day at your disposal and choose a clear, sunny day. Visit the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, spectacular waterfalls and stop off at Harrie’s for their famous pancakes. Pilgrim’s rest, an old mining town, is also a great stop where you can visit the museum and even buy old fashioned, hand-made candy. The Shangana Cultural Village just outside Hazyview will give you a taste of the local traditions in the area, be sure to book an evening of song and dance!

If adventure is your thing, look no further. You will find everything from mild to wild right here! There is quad biking, river rafting, horse trails, gorge swinging, early morning hot air ballooning, micro-lighting and elephant interactions to mention but a few. There are also beautiful hiking trails which will give bird enthusiasts the opportunity to test their knowledge, so bring those binoculars!

Finding your preferred accommodation on the Panorama Route should be no problem with budget establishments such as Clivia Stream Lodge, mid-range such as Casa do Sol and Top end such as Summerfields. Prices range between R350 to R2527 per person per night. Be sure to book far in advance, especially during peak seasons!

We are firm believers in sustainable tourism and we are supporting a local organization, SizaBantwana, which looks after children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Help us empower them by giving of your time to visit them.

Western Kruger Hotels

The Western Kruger combines an intimate African Experience with luxurious lifestyle to give you a truly unforgettable safari experience.

The best time of year to come on safari in the Kruger is during the cooler months between April and September. The days are milder and the humidity is lower. The bush is also less lush, so it will be easier to spot wildlife, and the Big 5. You are almost guaranteed to see a wide variety of game at the waterholes early morning and evening.

Visit the private game reserves of the Sabi Sands for luxury and pampering. Most packages include game drives, bush walks and all meals. Spa treatments are also available on request for those wanting to relax in style. Being on an open safari vehicle is the best way to track and experience the Big five and other wild life up close and personal. The bush walks are the most intimate way to experience wildlife. The smells, sights and sounds are unlike anything you have encountered before! Your qualified guide will be happy to answer your questions and share stories that only the locals know. Of all the private reserves we can highly recommend Ulusaba and Lion Sands. Accommodation prices range between R1 400 to R12 750 pp per night. Tours into the local townships can also be arranged where you can experience a variety of colorful cultures.

For those wanting the self catering and self drive option you can book into one of the rest camps in the Kruger National Park itself. Skukuza is the largest and most popular; it is basically a town in itself. There are a few other rest camps where you can stop to browse curio shops and buy snacks and essentials. Taking the self catering option will allow you to drive around and view animals at your own pace. Be sure to get a map on entering the park and make sure that you adhere to the seasonal gate times and speed limits, they are quite strict! In addition, each gate and camp will have enlarged maps on display indicating where the large animals have recently been sighted. An air conditioned car is a must, especially during summer months. If you are a bird watcher, visiting the bird hides is an absolute must, and don’t forget the bird book and binoculars, you are in for a treat!

Once inside the Kruger National Park you may feel like you are far removed from anything but bush, but don’t forget that Hazyview is only a stone throw away from the most western entrance gates. In and around Hazyview there is everything from mild to wild to entertain the whole family. Induna Adventures provides anything from gentle Horse Trails to the adrenaline of Ziplining, Quad Biking and River Rafting. Other adventures in the area include elephant interactions, hot air ballooning and microlighting. The scenic Panorama Route is also a great way to spend a day sight seeing outside of the Kruger. Visit the world famous Blyde river Canyon and the breathtaking God’s window.

You haven’t really experienced South Africa until you have seen the unspoilt wilderness, huge density and diversity of animals in the Western Kruger. So come and visit the land where the sun rises!

The heart beat of Induna Adventures

What is that noise? What do I hear? That beating? That thudding? It feels like a surge of energy is rushing through my veins. I’m sure it comes from up the road, over the hill, into the mountain. What is hidden there?

Yes, it has to be this, it has to be these 11 beautiful beasts neighing from the stable yard. It must be their heartbeats echoing through the valley. Or is it maybe the sound of their hooves as it becomes one with the soil of Induna Adventures? It has to be this herd of horses…

These beautiful beasts, are the purest form of nature, and they find their resting place here at Induna Adventures. And no wonder, with the most beautiful area and surroundings, who wouldn’t want to live here? And the trails that they go on, are trails through paradise. Most of the trail takes them next to soul reviving waters of the Sabaan River and lushes green bush. With beautiful bird life, spectacular views and even a few buck, monkeys and other bush animals.

These animals let their hearts beat every stride for Induna Adventures as they are the living Induna Adventures. But I still hear a noise. Another heart beat. Is it the heartbeats of these beasts? Is it the sound of the roaring waters? Is it the beat of all the breath taking adventurous activities? Is it the heart beat coming from all the smiles of the customers passing through Induna Adventures or is it in the willingness and friendliness of all the staff members of Induna Adventures? Many people wonder where the heart of Induna Adventures lies.

I say, it is in all of these wonderful beats. That is what makes Induna Adventures such a beautiful and breathtaking place that absolutely has to form part of your life. So, come and the feel the beat. Come live the life here at Induna Adventures.

AISM visits SizaBantwana

On the 22^nd October 43 pupils and staff from the American International School of Mozambique visited the SizaBantwana’s Nyongane Centre in Shabalala. This centre cares for about 50 children that have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. They provide the children with food, clothing and the loving care they desperately need.

A few Induna staff members, together with the pupils and staff of AISM, were met at Nyongane by Frank Mashego who gave them a brief description of the work that SizaBantwana does and created an awareness of the need of the children. The pupils asked excellent, relevant questions and it was evident that they were genuinely interested in making a difference.

We also brought along a plentiful supply of roasted children to enjoy for lunch with the children of SizaBantwana. The volunteer workers at Nyongane also prepared traditional “pap & sheba” and beetroot for everyone. This was something new for some of the AISM pupils, but the “pap & sheba” proved to be quite popular. Once all the stomachs were full, the kids were divided into 2 groups. One group spent an hour painting and drawing while the rest played soccer together. It was great to see the interaction of cultures between the two groups of kids. We were truly impressed to see how creative all the kids were. Some of the pupils of AISM further broke down the cultural barriers by initiating face-painting and soon the Nyongane children looked very colorful indeed! The soccer and netball also proved to be very exciting and everyone came back with a smile on their faces!

By the time we left Nyongane everyone had a special memory to treasure and AISM made a generous donation which was received by Frank Mashego to buy much needed supplies. We at Induna would like to thank the pupils and staff of AISM for their contribution, the impact of the time spent and love shared will last for a lifetime!

The Big INDUNA MTB Classic 2010

Press Release: The 2010 Big INDUNA mountainbike date is set 29 MAY 2010 The date is set for the 2010 Big Induna mountainbike classic! With the 2010 events calendar squashed and squeezed and the exciting soccer world cup entering African soil in June, planning your MTB calendar will be crucial. The Big Induna fits in perfectly as one of the last races before the international tourists and soccer fans flood the local accommodation, which according to the critics will be scarce during the months of the world cup. Be sure to find out more about match fixtures and other info relating to the world cup. The 29th of May also marks the end of the summer racing calendar. All aspiring contestants will still enjoy a high level of fitness before the shorter days and cold evenings hamper all prospects of the best get-slim New Year’s resolution for 2010. Hazyview will then also still have that lush evergreen look that it is so renowned for. Enough small talk, Induna has got the date set for all mountain bikers new and old to test their skills against Mother Nature. We are dedicated to giving you a fresh and new experience. One that will make you fall in love with mountain biking all over again. Things to look forward to: Medals for all finishers!!! Improved and hyped water points Spectators, spectators, spectators A focus on mountainbike development and young riders A warm Induna welcome at the finish Don’t miss the Big Induna MTB Classic, 29 May 2010!

South Africa’s Panorama Route: Dramatic Is an Understatement

It really is as good as it sounds: South Africa’s Panorama Route
brings youface to face with the majesty of the earth’s canvas of
colorful and intricate painting.

Just one of many stunning views along the Panorama Route

Winding northeast from the spectacular Drakensburg Mountains of Mpumalanga
to the northeasternend of the Great Escarpment, the Panorama Route takes in
some of Africa’s (and the world’s) mostdramatic scenery. It is also the gateway
to Kruger National Park, where you will find the Big 5, endlessspectacular views,
age-old traditions and cultures. It’s all part of an incredible adventure that
will awakenthe child within you. So buckle up as we take a quick journey
through the highlights.

Real Highs and Brilliant Light

A single day is far too short for all there is to see on the Panorama Route,
but if that’s all the time youhave, you will not be disappointed!

Along the most famous and fabulous stretch – the 33km of Blyde River Canyon,
the world’s thirdlargest – don’t miss the Three Rondavels
(giant spiral rock formations) and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes,both
a glimpse at nature’s creative forces.
Millions of years of swirling air and water have carved and shaped
the rocks here resulting in unbelievable formations.

Whitewater rafting in Blyde River Canyon 

Also noteworthy is God’s Window, from which there are incomparable views of the Lowveld,
a vast blanket of plain almost a kilometre below.

Save your hunger for a stop at Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop, or the traditional art and candy shops
in Pilgrim’s Rest. Both towns impart a sense of the old gold-mining culture that once thrived here.

Even if you’re not usually impressed by waterfalls, check out those on the way to Sabie. Not only are
they beautiful, but, when the weather’s right, you can take a moment to dangle your feet, or even swim,
in the cool mountain pools. Some are a bit off the beaten track, so pack a good pair of shoes and a picnic basket.

The picturesque Maria Shires waterfall

End your day at the Shangana Cultural Village, where you can taste traditional food,
participate in song and dance and experience the history and ways of the Shangaan people.

Outdoor Thrills

If life is your playground, or you don’t just want to be a bystander, dedicate as much
time as possible to the many adventures on offer along the Panorama Route, from mild to
wild all in one location.

Start off your day in a hot-air balloon and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sabie River Valley.

The more ambitious will thrill to an quad-biking experience that overnights at the private and
secluded Matumi Log Cabin on the bubbling Mac Mac River. A typical South African braai under starry
skies rounds out a busy day. This experience is ideal for backpackers, nature lovers and birders. The latter
will especially appreciate sightings of the Purple-crested Turaco and the elusive Nerina Trojan.

Another special experience is a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary, where you can walk hand-in-trunk with
Kasper and Kitso.

Getting It Right

A mother and daughter at the Shangana Cultural Village

 * When embarking on any part of the Panorama Route, be sure to get an early start.

* It is advisable to choose a clear day in winter, as misty or cloudy weather, which is common
in summer, will prevent you from enjoying the amazing views.

*  Even if it’s warm when you begin, take along some warm clothing, as the temperature changes
with the different elevations.

* Get hold of a good map.

* If possible, hire an air-conditioned car. Having your own wheels will mean that you can spend
as much time at the various sites as you want.

* The Panorama Route area is busy with thousands of children orphaned by HIV and Aids. Think
of supporting and empowering these needy children by spending time at or making a contribution to Sizabantwana.

For more information about the Panorama Route, including accommodations, tours, activities
and lots of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: the team from
Induna Adventures at www.panorama-tours.travel.

 

Snake of the day!!!

This morning Patrick was busy preparing for a teambuilding at the zipline when he saw a “slang in die gras” (like the afrikaans saying) Unfortunately unlike the saying it is not figuratively speaking this time, but literally… The positive side of the story is that it was only a harmless common purple glossed snake that is mildly venomous but not harmful to humans. Patrick brought it to the office for us all to see after we took these pictures, he set our friendly slithering friend free again.

Hazyview / Kiepersol Letter of Appreciation

The Hazyview/Kiepersol Conservancy would like to thank you for allowing us to use your “beach” as the venue for our bi-athlon and for the loan of your netting. The day was a great success with 140 entrants, with very positive feedback from the participants.

We hope to make this an annual fund raising event for the Conservancy, and next year we hoping to have even more participants.

The funds raised will go towards anti poaching patrols, alien plant removal and water quality monitoring.

Your support and assistance that you give the Conservancy is always appreciated.

Yours sincerely
Lynda Bartholomew
Committee member Hazyview/Kieperson Conservancy
www.kiepviewconservancy.org

South African Tourism

Second phase of South Africa Tourism’s Campaign launches on BBC World News and BBC.com

On Friday 11 September 2009 South African Tourism Launches globally with BBC world and BBC.com.

Vote for one holiday that appeals to you and have a chance of winning the holiday you cvoted for.

For more information please visit:
http://www.southafricanjourneys.com