Newletter May / July 2014

NEWSLETTER * MAY - JULY (WINTER EDITION) 2014
COMPANY NEWS:
In June 2014, ABC Africa Travel & Tours is holding a Year End Promotion and we’ve
prepared 4 flyers of incentive / conference discounted programmes in South Africa,
Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands for distribution among our partners and
all other interested parties. Promotion starts on the 01 of September and will run
through until 15 December. Dynamic and action filled programmes will allow our
clients to discover the natural and cultural diversity of these exciting destinations.
You will be able to download the above promotional programmes from our website
or we can forward it to you upon request.
SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM NEWS:
OR Tambo International Airport named “Best Airport in Africa”
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport was named “Best Airport
in Africa” at the recent Skytrax World Airport Awards, held in Barcelona,
Spain.
The awards are the benchmark for airport excellence around the world. This
year's awards were based on 12.85-million survey questionnaires across more than
100 nationalities. The extensive surveys evaluated customer satisfaction over 39 key
performance areas and included 410 airports worldwide.
OR Tambo International Airport underwent a major refurbishment in time for the
2010 FIFA World Cup and boasts world-class facilities. It is South Africa's principal
airport, and an estimated 50% of the country's air passengers are passing through
its doors. Other South African airports also fared well in the awards: Cape Town
International Airport came second; Durban's King Shaka International Airport third;
East London Airport sixth; Port Elizabeth International Airport seventh; and
Bloemfontein's Braam Fischer International Airport eighth. King Shaka International
Airport came first in the “Best Regional Airport in Africa” category, while Cape Town
International Airport was rated first in the 'Best Airport Staff in Africa' category.
Bongani Maseko, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) managing director, was
thrilled with the results: 'As a company, we continually strive to improve our
customer service by ensuring that our airports unreservedly meet passengers’
needs. The award announcement comes as we all celebrate South Africa’s 20 years
of democracy and having reflected on ACSA's 20 years of business excellence in
2013. When all is said and done, it is our passengers who must assess whether or
not we are meeting our objectives, and these Skytrax awards are the best possible
validation that indeed we are.
It is particularly gratifying that Airports Company South Africa has once again
demonstrated its relentless pursuit of excellence by winning all three of the Skytrax
awards available for the Africa region, with six of our airports ranked in the top 10 in
Africa. In the “Best Airport Hotels in Africa” category, the InterContinental
Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport hotel placed first, with the Garden Court OR Tambo
second. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Inter Continental Johannesburg
OR Tambo Airport Hotel has walked away with this accolade.
SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM NEWS:
South Africa Medical Tourism
South Africa Medical Tourism offers the health traveler world class medical
institutions and unparalleled tourism opportunities
Located on the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a rich and, at times, a
tumultuous history. But despite its past, South Africa still draws more tourists than
any other country in Sub-Saharan Africa. What makes the country a popular tourist
destination are its geographical extremes. You can go wildlife watching, see stunning
panoramic views from Table Mountain National Park, visit the arid semi-desert of
Karoo, chill out on the lush subtropical coast of KwaZulu-Natal, wander (not too far)
into the Kalahari desert, see the snow-capped peaks of the Drakensberg Range, and
journey to the vineyards of the Western Cape; not to mention dance the night away in
the pulsating cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. Culturally, the country is as
diverse as its terrain, with significant populations of Portuguese, Greek, Irish, Italian,
Scottish, English, Dutch, Flemish, German, and French, as well as indigenous Xhosa
and Zulu ethnic groups. Also, smaller populations of East Indians, Chinese, and
Vietnamese make up the cultural landscape of South Africa. Described as a place to
get sun, safari, and surgery, South Africa has for some time been a popular medical
tourism for Europeans because of its proximity to the continent. Although hospitals in
South Africa aren’t as competitively priced as hospitals in other destinations (it is still
50% cheaper than in the U.S.) medical tourists flock to the country’s health facilities
because of its world-class medical institutions, tranquil vacation settings, and highly
skilled doctors; many of whom not only have certification in South Africa, but also in
the United States and the United Kingdom as well.
Note that the first heart transplant was performed in Cape Town, South Africa in
1967, putting the country on the map as place for world-class medicine. Other
reasons why many Westerners seek medical treatment in South Africa are that
English is an official language of the country, South Africa has advanced
private and public medical infrastructures, and private hospitals are in competition
with one another and thus offer luxurious accommodations in order to lure
patients. There are also many top-notch spas and resorts that cater to the recovery
process. Popular procedures sought in South Africa are cosmetic, dental, eye, laser,
and fertility treatments; however hospitals offer a wide range of world-class
procedures. Note that if you are unsure about a doctor or a hospital you can check
with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
REGIONAL TOURISM NEWS:
Dates for Swaziland Reed Dance Confirmed
This August & September will see a hive of colourful activity in the tiny
Kingdom of Swaziland as ‘Umhlanga’, or Annual Reed Dance Festival, begins.
The festival this year will start on August 27th, with the main day of the
event (day 7) to happen on September 2nd. This is when the main ceremony
occurs, with the dancing attended by the King. This will be a public holiday
in Swaziland.
This ceremony is a centuries old tradition where the Kingdom’s unmarried and
childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her
residence. The King sometimes makes use of the occasion to publicly court a
prospective fiancée or Liphovela. When the main day arrives, young women from all
over Swaziland and beyond her borders converge on the royal residence in Ludzidzini
for this momentous occasion. Maidens gather in groups and head out along
riverbanks to cut and collect tall reeds, bind them and return to Ludzidzini, the
Royal Homestead in Lobamba. Tens of thousands of maidens, led by Swazi
princesses, provide a sea of colour as they dance and sing, proudly carrying their cut
reeds.
Traditionally, virginity is a pre-requisite for participation as it is considered taboo for
an ‘impure’ woman to cut the reed. Residents of this tiny mountainous Kingdom are
intensely proud of their deep culture and taking part in the Festival is a proud and
privileged moment for all the family. The highlight of the event is the reed-giving
ceremony - one of Africa’s largest and most colourful cultural spectacles. The
maidens gather at Ludzidzini dressed in traditional attire; bright short beaded skirts
with colourful sashes revealing their bare breasts to dance and sing and celebrate the
unification of the Kingdom’s women.
His Majesty King Mswati lll joins the celebrations to pay tribute to the maidens. At the
end of the day, the maidens present their cut reeds to the Queen Mother, Ndlovukazi,
and the protective Guma (reed fence) around her homestead will be rebuilt. The
Umhlanga Festival is a visual spectacle that bonds this small but perfectly formed
nation. Its ever- increasing popularity defies the apparent decline of traditional
cultures elsewhere in Africa. Witnessing this festival is a truly unique experience. Visitors are
welcome, but are vastly outnumbered by the participants! This is a traditional event
that allows spectators, not one that exists for spectators. See it for yourself and
experience Swaziland’s unique blend of ancient culture, pristine wilderness, year
round wildlife and spirit of adventure!
PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA:
10 BEST PLACES TO SEE ELEPHANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The African elephant, the world’s largest terrestrial animal, is under threat… Scientists
revealed in 2013 that we have overestimated the number of elephants that remain in
the wild; that we lost 62 percent of African forest elephants between 2002 and 2011,
and that the forest elephant population is now less than 10 percent of its potential
size. Admittedly the elephants of South Africa are not forest elephants. These are
found mainly in equatorial forests in central and western Africa. South Africa is,
instead, home to the savanna elephant – found on grassy plains and in bushveld.
According to WWF their populations are strong and their numbers increasing, even if
their confined and protected areas are a fraction of the range they should be. This
may well be. But it is thought that between three and five million African elephants
once ranged across Africa in the 1930s and 1940s. Today’s population doesn’t even
come close to this. It is not surprising then that seeing elephants is on the average
tourist’s bucket list when they arrive in South Africa. Just how up-close-and-personal
you want to get to an elephant will depend on your needs. Some people want only to
see them in the wild, in their natural habitat. Others want to be able to touch or even
ride them.
ADDO ELEPHANT PARK
South Africa’s third largest reserve, in the Sundays River Valley in Greater Addo, has
one of the densest African elephant populations on Earth. Once in the reserve you do
not have to look far to see them. The main waterholes of the reserve are pivotal to the
elephants’ survival as they need roughly 190 litres a day, and they provide excellent
viewing areas. Guided game drives at sunrise, sunset and in the evenings offer
excellent sightings.
ADVENTURES WITH ELEPHANTS IN BELA BELA
Interact with, ride or even swim with elephants. This organization is dedicated to
improving and securing the well being of elephants in Africa, and educating people
about elephants. The wildlife reserve is just an hour’s drive north of Pretoria. Visitors
describe it as mind-blowing.
ELEPHANT BACK GAME VIEWING IN THE PILANESBERG
Elephant back safaris are scheduled daily at the Letsatsing Reserve at Sun City. Ride
on the backs of Cikwenya, Sharu, Mana, Michael and Tidimalo an Ngwedi along ancient
game trails. Sighting game takes a back seat to the experience of being on the back of
an elephant, and the rich rewards of watching the social bonds and intelligence of
these giants.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI AND INTERACTION AT INKWENKWEZI
GAME RESERVE
Participate in this hands-on learning experience with elephants, in a one-on-one
interaction, at Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve. You do not have to be a guest of the
private reserve. Day visitors can take part in both elephant interaction sessions, and
elephant back safaris.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI AT KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Twelve fully trained African elephants arrived at Kapama in 2002, relocated from
Zimbabwe where their safety was in jeopardy. Today they take visitors on comfortable
game rides, single file through the bush, their silence only adding to the memorable
experience.
ELEPHANT WHISPERS, HAZYVIEW
Get to know, touch and appreciate elephants with this organization in Hazyview who
help save elephants and promote their protection. Feel the skin, trunk and even under
the soles of these gentle, rescued elephants, and enjoy a ride on their backs. The
Sundowner tour goes one step further and provides one-on-one time with both the
elephants and their trainers.
KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK
The elusive and mythical Knysna elephants continue to roam the Tsitsikamma Forest in
vastly smaller numbers than before (exact numbers remain open to dispute, but one
has been photographed as recently as January 2014, and Gareth Patterson’s research
reveals as many as 10 or 11 may exist). Knysna Elephant Park is not their home,
although you will find out more about them. The elephants that live here are instead all
orphans rescued from culling at Kruger National Park. One of them was born here. Visit
to see, touch and interact with them.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
One of the largest game reserves in Africa, sightings of the African elephant in Kruger
are plentiful. Elephants range in large herds (some say, in fact, that there is an
elephant overpopulation in Kruger), easily visible at larger waterholes and often across
roads. They are wild animals and deserve the necessary respect so that they do not
become alarmed.
TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK, KWAZULU-NATAL
Tembe boasts the largest elephant herd in KwaZulu-Natal - the remains of what used
to be South Africa’s last free-ranging herd that had taken refuge in the dense sand
forests of Tembe. The adults are physically the biggest elephants in South Africa. See
them at close quarters from game drive vehicles in sand forest, woodland, grassland
and swampland, or at hides overlooking watering holes.
THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, PLETTENBERG BAY
This is the only operation in the country to supply a halfway house for young elephants
in need of a temporary home – they are released back into the wild when older and no
longer in need of special care. Numbers of visitors are kept deliberately low to allow for
maximum elephant interaction. Learn about, walk with, touch, and feed elephants
in Plett.
PLACES TO VISIT: INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
REUNION IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS IN INDIAN OCEAN
Réunion is a small French territory in the middle of the Indian Ocean. With
every bend of her coast or mountain road she'll astonish with the diversity of
landscape. With 2 active volcanoes on the island, the soil is fertile, the
landscape picturesque and there's a unique cocktail of people and culture. The
island is covered in footpaths great for exploring whilst the beaches match any
on Mauritius or Madagascar boasting white sand, palm trees, and aquamarine
seas. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean about 200 kilometres southwest of its nearest neighbour, Mauritius, Réunion has an area of 2512 km² and
is one of the regions of France. Formed 60-80 million years ago by an active
volcano in the Indian Ocean (which also created Mauritius and surrounding
islands); Réunion is one of the more beautiful islands in this ocean. It has a
surprisingly large variety of scenery, mainly due to the contrast between the
tropical sea-beds and the active volcanoes that formed the island and is a good
beach holiday destination for those looking for a quieter vacation.
Two volcanoes: Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise. Piton des Neiges is one of
the most active volcanoes in the world, with an eruption once every ten months (on
average) and is an unforgettable sight.
The beaches are beautiful and varied, from black volcanic sand to pure white sand.
This, along with the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, makes it an ideal beach
destination. The waterfalls and lakes of the island have crystalline turquoise water
running through them, and can be swum and dived into off surrounding rocks; a fun
way to spend an afternoon.
The sea-beds can be explored through scuba diving in the many lagoons or in deep
water, and tropical species that can be seen here are barracudas, moray eels,
parrotfish, groupers, coralfish, manta rays, sting rays, clownfish and dolphins.
Occasionally sharks and whales are spotted, but this is not a regular occurrence. Some
incredible sunsets can be enjoyed from the beaches or from the mountains, with the
clear skies being painted a stunning set of colours as the sun slips below the horizon.
The south coast is the least built up area, with dark green forests growing in the rich
volcanic soil and a rugged coastline with houses that seem to come from a past
age...giving an enchanting atmosphere and a picturesque scene on which to feast your
eyes.
The island has more than 1000 km of footpaths, allowing you to explore all of these
natural landscapes at your own pace, up close and personal. For a more cultural
experience, the Saint-Paul market is a must see for visitors to the island. Located on
the waterfront in Saint-Paul, it opens at six in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays,
and it sells every foodstuff available on the island as well as beautifully crafted items
that are the pride of the people who sell them. From homemade coconut-flavoured icecream to samosas, straw hats to baskets, this colourful experience will leave you with a
delightful impression of the vibrant people who live here.
Water-sports can also be indulged in, whether it is a trip to Mauritius in a catamaran or
a spot of fishing and diving. Finally, the island's main religion is Islam; the mosque of
Saint-Denis has an Indian design, and was the first mosque built in a French territory.
The mosques name is Noor-e-Islam, which means light of Islam, and it is the perfect
description of the mosque. The entrance opens onto a courtyard, and anyone may enter
provided they remove their shoes first. From the courtyard you move onto the main
prayer room, or to a second prayer room that is 32 metres high and gives panoramic
views of the city. This is the room which has earned the mosque its name due to the
large amount of natural light entering through the windows.
The winter is May to October, and is dry and cool, whilst the remainder of the year is
very hot and when the sun isn’t shining, wet. The cyclone season occurs during this
period, but the preventative measures and weather warning systems are very good.
Réunion is definitely for those trying to escape from more mainstream
locations. Pemba Island, the Mafia islands and Príncipe all fall into this category offering
stunning beaches, intriguing small island cultures and a distinct lack of tourists!
Highlights would probably include sightseeing on Piton de La Fournaise (Furnace Peak,
2632m) which is still active today and regularly erupts offering a startling sight that
becomes more magical as you get close to the mountains and lava flows. The highlands
of the region are stunningly beautiful as you pass along Route National 3 and the whole
area is great for hiking. For a look at a different side of France that very few people
know about. A really strong French flavour can be experienced at the Saint-Paul market
which allows you to taste some traditional French cuisine, and fruit and vegetables that
are freshly picked or simply not available in mainland France.
Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate are three cirques formed from huge land collapses and open
onto the sea in narrow passes. Along them are countless hiking trails, cascades and
gorges making the cirques a major attraction for mountain lovers. Cilaos: is a beautiful
quiet and flowery city, decorated with a pond. Thermal springs are a great attraction as
well as Cilaos's famous embroidery. Salazie: a real garden of greenery and waterfalls
where the water flows in from the mountains and tumbles down the slopes like white
curtains. Mafate: this is the most inaccessible and remote of the 3 cirques and most
attractive to walkers. The most reliable way to get to Réunion is using Air France, which
runs a fairly regular service to the island.
UNUSUAL AFRICAN TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION:
We would like to announce 2014 “Unusual African Travel Photography Competition”!
We will publish the best and the most unusual picture by one of our clients in our
monthly newsletters as well as all 12 pictures selected, will be featured on the new
competition page on our website. At the end of the year we will select one best
picture, which will receive “First Prize”: 5 nights Mauritius Beach Holiday
Package for 2. April picture is: “Angry chameleon portrait” sent by Oleksandr
Minchenko (Ukraine) – picture taken at Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa –
dark spots mean that this chameleon is rather angry . May picture is: “Walking with
lions – young lion stretches between tree branches”, sent by Marina Medvedeva
(Russia) – picture taken near the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe during walk with young
lions and June picture is: “Jacaranda tree blossom in Sun City”, sent by Mikki
Lundquist from Sweden – picture taken in Sun City, South Africa – Jacaranda is the
tree from Brazil, common in Southern Africa – blossoms only once a year for about 3
weeks in end October – early November.
“Angry chameleon portrait”
“Walking with lions – young lion stretches between tree branches”
“Jacaranda tree blossom in Sun City”