We began the series by getting to know the man behind the walking safari, Zambia’s Mr Norman Carr (which you can read here). Next up, renowned for her amazing work with chimpanzees, it’s Jane Goodall…

Born in England in April of 1934, Jane Goodall possessed an extraordinary affinity for animals from a very young age. Born to a businessman father and an actress mother, Jane’s interest was said to be sparked by a gift given to her by her parents while she was still very young. The gift was of course a stuffed toy chimpanzee, initially thought to be too scary a toy for a toddler by her parent’s friends, which brought about her continuing love for, and fascination of, our primate cousins.

Jane in her early years

After having worked for several years in England after completing her high school education, Jane was presented with an opportunity to travel to Kenya at the age of 23 to visit the farm of a family friend. Immediately enamoured by the mystique of Africa, Jane set about looking for a job there that would enable her to stay on the continent she was fast falling for. It was a little later, in 1957, that Jane secured employment as a secretary for a Kenyan firm. Little did she know how much the position was going to change her life…

After a short while in her new role, Jane was given advice by a friend to contact prominent Kenyan archaeologist and paleontologist, Louis Leakey,purely about the possibility of meeting to discuss African wildlife. Fortuitously, Leakey just so happened to be looking for a researcher to assist him on his study of primate behaviour. He kept that part of the job to himself for the time being, instead offering Jane the chance work for him as his secretary in Tanzania. Jane was elated and immediately agreed to the job that took her that much closer to her beloved chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees - Jane's life and passion

Jane moved to Tanzania shortly after accepting the job and began in earnest her work for Mr Leakey. Leakey was impressed by her enthusiasm and ability, and, in 1958, he sent Jane to study primate behaviour in London with renowned experts Osman Hill and John Napier. In 1962, Leakey then arranged for Jane to study towards a Ph.D in Ethology at the prestigious University of Cambridge. With an aptitude that was clear to all, Jane became only the 8th person in the University’s history to obtain a Ph.D without having first obtained an undergraduate degree.

With her new-found knowledge and contacts, Jane returned to the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania upon completion of her thesis (titled ”Behavior of the Free-Ranging Chimpanzee”) where she continued her remarkable, almost personal relationships with the resident chimpanzee population. Jane immersed herself in her study of the animals and spent almost every waking hour being amongst them. Her knowledge of the primates was surpassed only by her love for them; and so Jane fast become renowned as the leading expert on Chimpanzees.

Jane as she was most comfortable

In 1997, Jane established the Jane Goodall Institute as a means to protect and preserve the chimpanzees and their habitat. Recognising the importance of education, the Institute set about establishing “sustainable development programs that engage communities as true partners” (from the Jane Goodall Institute). The community outreach has proven successful as the Institute continues to this day to champion the rights of the endangered animals.

With speaking engagements and honorary doctorates from the world over, Jane is still as active today as she was decades ago in her attempt to safeguard chimpanzees for generations to come. She is a true Safari Icon and all of us at African Safari Consultants salute the good work of her and her Institute!

To Jane!

The winner will receive 6 nights/7 days in South Africa during the period September 2012 for two people. The prize includes:

• 6 nights hotel accommodations (3 nights at Jamala Madikwe Safari Lodge, 3 nights at the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town)
• Ground transportation to and from airports in South Africa
• Two guided safaris per day
• Breakfasts
• All meals while on safari
•  International airfare to and from South Africa (from either New York JFK or Washington Dulles gateways), courtesy of South African Airways.
• Domestic flights within South Africa

The full list of terms and conditions can be found here.

The One & Only Hotel, Cape Town

South Africa’s premiere urban chic resort brings an unprecedented level of luxury and style to one of the world’s most fascinating cities – Cape Town.

The One&Only Cape Town

With captivating views of Table Mountain from its enviable location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the resort is a destination unto itself. Discerning travellers are invited to discover the celebrated cuisines of Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and Reuben Riffel, socialize in the high-energy vibe of Vista Bar & Lounge and sample rare and undiscovered vintages at the stunning Wine Loft. The sublime calm of the city’s most expansive and sophisticated spa offers an indulgent escape, while NEO Boutique debuts an enviable collection of designer fashions, some available for the first time in South Africa.

The One & Only Table Mountain Suite

As the first luxury hotel to open in Cape Town in nearly a decade, the resort is designed to celebrate the city’s wine, art, design, natural beauty and spirit, balancing contemporary glamour with an authentic South African style.

Jamala Madikwe

Located in South Africa’s North West Province, in the 75 000 HA Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge is nestled in a region of untamed beauty. The wild terrain boasts a tapestry of landscapes that encompass vast open plains, dense bushvelds and towering rocky peaks.

Jamala Madikwe Safari Lodge

From under the cover of the Leadwood trees, the deck-fringed lodge gives way to views of open savannah lands and a watering hole that frequently plays hosts to the reserve’s Big Five inhabitants.

The lodge sees the perfect unity of tradition and eccentricity, reflecting a classic sense of style that matches the beauty of its surrounds. Each room offers superlative luxury and privacy combined with outdoor facilities such as individual rim flow pools and private outdoor showers.

Experience first-hand the majesty of the Big Five

The resident chefs serve up gastronomic treats alfresco in a chic colonial setting beneath the African canopy of stars. Truly a taste experience!

If you can picture yourself surrounded by the African wilderness for three nights, listening to the sounds of the bush as you eat under the stars, or basking on one of Cape Town’s award-winning beaches before enjoying a night out, then here’s how to enter:

1. You must be a fan of the African Safari Consultant’s Facebook Page (if you are not already). Simply give us a like!
2. Click on the ‘Win’ tab underneath the banner photo.
3. Fill in your Name, Contact Number and Email.
4. Spread the word to all your friends! Post our page on Facebook, tweet about it on Twitter, email your in-laws, send a fax even! Just be sure you let those near and dear know about this amazing prize.

Come see Cape Town!

 

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST (or the “Promotion”). A purchase will not improve chances of winning. By entering this Promotion, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (or “Official Rules”). You have not yet won. Winning a prize is contingent on fulfilling all requirements set forth in these Official Rules. Any violation of these Official Rules may result in disqualification, without notice to the violator. All decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding in all respects.

1.    This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to African Safari Consultants LLC and its partners and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for marketing and to contact you if you are a winner. All marketing correspondence has the option to opt out of said correspondence at any time. African Safari Consultants LLC accommodation partners are Jamala Madikwe, South African Airways  and The One and Only resort Cape Town.

2.    Prizes: One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded. Winner will receive 6 nights/7 days in South Africa during the period September 2012 for two people. The prize includes 6 nights hotel accomodations, ground transportation to and from airports, two safaris per day, guiding, breakfasts, all meals while on safari, international airfare to and from South Africa (from either New York JFK or Washington Dulles gateways), domestic flights within South Africa. Package does not include non-breakfast meals in Cape Town, incidental items of a personal nature, gratuities, travel insurance, airport taxes, fuel surcharges or booking fees.  Approximate Retail Value (ARV) US$11,300.00. Any difference between actual retail value of the prize and the approximate retail value will not be awarded.

Travel must take place during the month of September 2012, and flights are subject to availability. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute prizes described above at sponsors’ discretion for a prize of equal or greater value. All taxes not specifically mentioned herein, are the sole responsibility of the potential grand prize winner.

3.    Winner determination: potential winner will be determined in a random drawing on or about July 31, 2012 by African Safari Consultants, whose decisions will be final in all matters relating to this sweepstakes. Potential winners will be notified by email or a phone call on or about August 1, 2012. A Facebook announcement will be made on or about August 1, 2012. To be elevated to a winner the potential winner will be required to provide the following within fourteen (14) days of notification: 1) a signed affidavit of eligibility and liability release; 2) a publicity release; and 3) any other affidavits or releases or documents that may be required by the sponsor. Failure to provide this documentation will mean a forfeiture of the prize by the potential winner. If a potential winner cannot be located or does not respond within fourteen (14) days, the prize will automatically be forfeited. Except where prohibited, acceptance of prize constitutes winner’s consent to use of his/her name, likeness and biographical data for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation. Prize is not redeemable for cash and is/is not transferable, except with written permission granted from African Safari Consutlants LLC.

4.    Eligibility: NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter. This sweepstakes is open to residents of the United States  except for the following and their employees, contractors and their families: African Safari Consultants LLC. All federal, state and local laws apply. Void where prohibited. All federal, state and local taxes are the winner’s sole responsibility. By accepting the prize, winner waives the right to assert as a cost of winning said prize, any and all costs to redeem said prize and any and all liability that might arise from redeeming or seeking said prize. Winner may be required to show proof of age and residency. 

5.    How to Enter: During the sweepstakes entry period (May 1 – July 31, 2012), entrants submit an entry online via the African Safari Consultants LLC Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants by submitting their name, email address, address, and telephone number. You must have a valid Facebook account in order to enter. Setting up a Facebook account is free of charge.  Entrants using Facebook must ‘like’ African Safari Consultants LLC prior to the entry entry process. Entries displaying or containing profanity or that are obscene, and all incomplete entries, will be disqualified. Sweepstakes entrants must meet all relevant eligibility requirements listed herein. ALL ONLINE ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 p.m (EDT) ON July 31, 2012. ONLY ONE (1) ENTRY PER PERSON, HOUSEHOLD AND/OR PER E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The only entries that will be considered as valid are those entered at the entry site prior to the expiration of the entry period. No entry will be accepted or deemed valid if it is submitted through any other means. Only completed entries will be eligible for the prize. All entries received after the end of the Promotion Period will be void and will not be eligible for the prize. The Sponsors will not verify receipt of entries, and proof of submission will not be deemed proof of receipt by the Sponsors. Entry materials are automatically null and void if not obtained through the authorized channels or if any part is late, incomplete, illegible, or contains typographical or other errors. The Sponsors have no obligation to notify the participant of the disqualified entry. All entries submitted become the property of the Sponsors and will not be returned. All decisions of the Sponsors are final and binding in all respects. The Sponsors are not required to review or respond to any correspondence received from an entrant regarding the Promotion.

The Sponsor, African Safari Consultants LLC, prize suppliers and any and all Internet server(s) and access provider(s) and prize providers (collectively, “Promotion Entities”), and each of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations and advertising and promotional agencies, and all of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents (collectively, “Releasees”) are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletions or defects of any telephone network, computer online systems, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including without limitation any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in the sweepstakes; inability to access the entry site or any web pages thereof; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; data that is processed late or incorrectly or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any web site (including the entry site) or for any other reason whatsoever; typographical, printing or other errors; or any combination thereof. Proof of entering information at entry site is not considered proof of delivery or receipt. Illegible, incomplete, and duplicate entries will be disqualified. All entries become the property of the Sponsors and will not be acknowledged or returned. Acceptance of prize also constitutes permission to use winner’s name, biographical information and/or likeness for Sponsor’s promotional and/or advertising purposes without notice or compensation.  False, fraudulent or deceptive entries or acts shall render entrants ineligible. By entering the sweepstakes, entrants affirm that they have read and accepted these official rules. The sweepstakes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. By entering the sweepstakes, entrants hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts of the County of New York, State of New York and waive the right to have disputes arising out of the subject matter hereof adjudicated in any other forum. Any entry information collected from the sweepstakes shall be used only in a manner consistent with the consent given by entrants at the time of the entry, with these official rules.

6.    LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY: Sponsor shall not be liable to winner or any other person for failure to supply the prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, terrorist acts, earthquake, war, fire, flood, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal), labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond Sponsors’ sole control. Sponsor shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by the air carrier(s), hotel(s), or other transportation companies or any other persons providing any of these services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same. Sponsor shall not be liable for any loss or damage to baggage.

If contestants are entering electronically and this sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, or if this sweepstakes or any web site associated therewith (or any portion thereof) becomes corrupted or does not allow the proper playing of the sweepstakes and processing of entries in accordance with these rules, or if infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, actions by entrants, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, in the Sponsors’ sole opinion, corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, the Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant implicated in such action and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend this sweepstakes or any portion thereof. ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE (INCLUDING THE ENTRY SITE) OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. If a dispute arises about who submitted an entry on the Entry Site, the entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail account entered (account holder must be at least 18 years old). The authorized account holder is deemed the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, service provider, or other online organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. A potential winner may be requested to provide the Sponsors with proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the winning entry and that all eligibility requirements are met.

Sponsors may, in their sole discretion, suspend, modify, or terminate the Promotion. If the Promotion is terminated before the end of the Promotion Period, the Sponsors may, in their sole discretion, select a Winner from all eligible entries received as of the termination date

7.    Note: Internet entry must be made by the entrant only at the entry site. Entries made by any other individual or any entity, and/or originating at any other web site or e-mail address, including but not limited to commercial sweepstakes subscription notification and/or entering service sites, will be declared invalid and disqualified for this sweepstakes. The use of any device to automate the entry process is prohibited. Official rules are also available at the entry site during the entry period of the sweepstakes.

8. Passports: All visitors must be in possession of a passport valid until 6 months after their return date in order to enter South Africa. The passport must also contain at least TWO unused, consecutive pages when presenting the passport for endorsements. Additional pages will be necessary if you plan on travelling to other African countries during your trip.

9. VISAS: US citizens DO NOT require a visa to enter South Africa.  However, if you intend to visiting other African countries, please check with African Safari Consultant. For more information look at the US Department of State travel page for South Africa at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html.

10. Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that you take out medical and travel insurance before you leave home. Please contact our insurance consultant, Pari Morse, for assistance:  info@1earthtravelprotection.com

11. SAA Ticket Conditions: Tickets may not be sold or transferred to a third party or members of the public. Travel is not permitted on weekends (Friday through Sunday). Tickets are valid for a maximum of 30 (thirty) days. Tickets are non-endorsable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged or refunded for its money value.  SAA Voyager miles do not apply to these tickets.  Seat assignment can only be done at Check-In (pre-seat assignment is not permitted). Please check with us before finalizing your travel dates. If dates requested are not available, SAA will do all possible to accommodate on the first available dates/services.

As soon as your travel plans are finalized, please contact the NYC office of ASC with the following information in order to process the ticket request:

• Original copy of the prize letter
• Preferred travel dates and routing with an alternate date
• Full name of the passengers as per their passport, nationality, passport numbers and dates of birth
• Complete mailing address
• Telephone /fax and email contact details
• Credit card /payment details for taxes and surcharges which should include; type of credit card/ name on the card/ card number / expiry and billing address for the cardholder

Please allow a minimum of six (6) weeks to enable us to process your request.  Booking and ticketing on this offer can only be made by the above mentioned contact.  Offer is subject to availability of inventory in the rebated booking class, projected load factors and on a first come first served basis.  Upon receipt of your request, ASC and SAA will make the booking and confirm the flight details to you, including the booking reference and the applicable taxes that will be charged to your credit card. Full payment should be received a minimum of 21days before departure, either by credit card or a certified check made out to South African Airways. No name changes or routing changes will be allowed once the tickets are issued. Date changes after tickets are issued are USD150.00. A USD 150.00 fee will be charged to correct a name if it was provided and does not match exactly to the full passport name.

South African Airways reserves the right to contact the winner for feedback or for any other PR/Marketing activity if required.

South African Airways reserves the right to amend this offer in full or part, or substitute this offer with another offer, for commercial or operational reasons.  In case of a discrepancy, South African Airways decision will be final.

12.  Personal Information: The personal information collected through this sweepstakes will be used by African Safari Consultants LLC and its partners for marketing purposes only. All correspondence will carry the option to opt out at any time. The information collected will not be sold or made available in any way to any natural or juristic persons but those listed as African Safari Consultants LLC Partners on the African Safari Consultants LLC partner tab, located at http://www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants.

Fair Trade : Uthando received Fair Trade Accreditation for a second term from Fair Trade in Tourism SA. ASC congratulates you Uthando on this wonderful achievement!

Tours : Uthando is currently rated 5 out of 132 BEST TOURS in Cape Town on Trip Advisor! Uthando have yet to receive anything but an excellent rating and are working towards expanding their group tour offering.

16 June Uthando Benefit Event 2012 : This event in 2011 was truly a spectacle. An hour and half of the most remarkable talent performing. Please support the event AND if you have clients travelling in Cape Town book tickets for them. A prouder South African story you will not find.  Tickets can be purchased on www.barnyardtheatre.co.za . Show is taking place at Willowbridge Theatre in Cape Town.

Uthando Project Updates

Abalimi Bezekhaya:    We are assisting Abalimi with the purchase of high quality rat traps. This has been a major recent problem in some of the gardens.

Dance for All: Maintenance and support for Tutu and Aviwe November (these two boys are top achievers at DFA)

Future Stars: Tutu and Aviwe November

Happy Feet Gumboot:  Completion of the youth centre in Langa township

Jikeleza Dance: Another year of investment in workshops for over 40 of the more senior girls throughout the year    

Volcano Arts Project: The theatre for Volcano is finally completed; this was a very big investment over many years so it’s completion has been met with great excitement.

Volcano Arts Project

Kiddies Educare: Completion of the new day care centre plus jungle gym and play area for the children

NOAH (Old Age): Sponsored new clinic for the oldies in Khayelitsha. They have to wait for many hours in government clinic so this new clinic at the NOAH main head office in Khayelitsha is having a huge impact. Uthando have recently completed the construction of  two new “houses” for the elderly who are most destitute and live in appalling conditions

The proud owners of a new home at Noah

Thokozani Brothers:   Uthando started from scratch in November last year with this centre and it has grown considerably since then, servicing a whole community of thousands of people. There is now a day care centre, music centre, jungle gym and a beautiful garden.

If you’d like to contribute to the outstanding work done by our friends at Uthando, then please follow the link to their donation page.

We’ll begin by taking a look at the Zambian conservationist, Norman Carr.

Norman Carr

Norman Carr was born in the busy port town of Chinde, in what is now modern day Malawi, in 1912. He received his education in England and returned to Africa in 1930 where he worked as an ‘Elephant Control Officer’ in the Luangwa Valley. This majestically titled job entailed mitigating the damage done by the resident elephant herds on the crop of farmers in the area.  After serving for four years in the Kings African Rifles, where he attained the rank of Captain, Norman became one of Africa’s first Game Rangers in the Luangwa Valley’s newly formed ‘Game Department’.  It was in this role that Norman started implementing conservation measures which would be adopted throughout Africa.

Norman had to be alert in the bush

Norman Carr persuaded the then Chief Nsefu to set aside some of his land for game conservation use, and this became Nsefu Camp – the first camp of its kind open to the public in what is now Zambia. Some years later a spinal injury, caused by a run in with a buffalo, necessitated a withdrawal from the scene for a year or so. After making a recovery, Norman returned to work as a Warden for the Kafue National Park. It was here that he famously adopted two orphaned male lions – characters which left an indelible impression on all who met them.  Norman lovingly raised the pair to adulthood and later successfully reintroduced them in to the wild when they were about three years old (inspiring the novel and movie “Return to the Wild”). After cofounding the first hunting operation in the Luangwa Valley with Peter Hankin, it was in 1968 that Norman Carr’s next revolutionary idea came about…

Norman Carr with the orphaned cubs

Midday Stroll

Growing up in the wild, Norman was always very at home in the African bush. His deep understanding of the dynamic between man and animal meant that he read situations between the two very well. For Norman, a walk in the bush amongst the Big Five was part of his everyday life. So much so in fact that he decided to extend the opportunity of a Walking Safari to visitors of Chibembe Safari Camp. The safari walks were a smash hit! Never before had people experienced wildlife in such a manner, where man and nature interacted so harmoniously in such close proximity.

One of the first Walking Safaris

In his later years, Norman Carr continued in his unwavering quest to conserve and protect all wildlife.  In 1979 he devoted two years of his life to the ‘Save the Rhino’ campaign aimed at eradicating the rampant poaching of the Valley’s rhinoceros population. Through the Kapani School Fund, Norman provided scholarships for many children in the area all the while engraining in them the importance of wildlife conservation. These were to be amongst his final acts as the great conservationist, Mr Norman Carr, passed peacefully in 1993.

Norman Carr’s pioneering spirit led to him becoming one of the most important figures in Zambia’s recent history, in the fields of tourism and conservation. His philanthropically inclined nature meant he was well liked and respected amongst his peers, and people in general.

Next time you’re out on that amazing Walking Safari, tip your hat to Mr Carr…

*If you’d like to see more images of Norman and the lions, check out our Pinterest board here.

African Safari Consultants made a donation to Uthando to put towards the construction of a new jungle gym at the Thokozani Borthers Youth Development Project in Cape Town, South Africa, and construction is now complete.

Ready for action!

A safe, fun environment for kids to play

TheThokozani Brothers Youth Development Project now boasts a wonderful jungle gym for the younger children of the area. This is the only facility of its kind in the entire informal settlement of Town 2 for all the children to play on, and the youngsters are absolutely loving it!

Uthando Organisation  was able to build this facility through the continued donations of kind-hearted people the world over. It’s organisations like this that are making really positive strides, and we’re very proud to associate with them. We trust the jungle gym will provide countless hours of healthy fun for years to come!

Happiness is!

Keep up the good work Uthando – we salute you!

Earth Hour was first observed by residents of Sydney, Australia, in 2007. The Australian branch of the WWF had contacted local schools, businesses and media about the initiative and encouraged all able Aussies to participate. It was a resounding success! During that hour a staggering 2.2 million Australians (including 2000 companies) switched off all lights and appliances in observation of the novel initiative. The sense of camaraderie that the participants enjoyed was matched only by their feeling of goodwill for having contributed, in their own small way, to the reduction of their carbon footprint.

Paris Eiffel tower during and after Earth Hour 2011

The world was suitably impressed! Australia had just demonstrated that it was indeed possible to get ordinary people to power down in solidarity for a worthy cause. Earth Hour gained coverage in media around the world and was championed as an innovative new way to promote awareness and sustainability. The very next year, in 2008, Toronto was next to implement Earth Hour thus setting off a chain reaction of willing cities from all around the world.

Organised to coincide with the equinox on the last Saturday of March, this year will see over 135 countries participating. The event last year, thanks in no small part to the surge of Social Media, saw more than 5200 cities and towns switch off in observation. Hundreds of millions of people all excitedly united in support of the World’s largest environmental event. It truly is inspiring!

The Petronas Towers, Malaysia. Earth Hour 2011

This year, the WWF has implemented their “I Will if You Will” campaign whereby users tell the world what they are willing to give up in order to create a more sustainable future, or accept a dare or challenge that’s already been posted. What will you be willing to give up ensuring that our children enjoy the same beautiful planet we did?

Toronto, Canada. Earth Hour 2011

I never dreamed of seeing all the things that we have seen:  a lion pride eating a giraffe that they killed a couple of days before, a small herd of about 20 elephants just walking calmly by our range rover, a leopard pulling a warthog out of its den (we arrived after it had killed the warthog—which I was glad not to witness); lions mating, a leopard eating an impala up in a tree; incredible things.

Londolozi is famous for regular leopard sightings

The staff and the rangers have been great.  The food is wonderful and way too abundant—I am afraid to go home.

Thank you for your assistance in making it happen.

Best regards,

Marjorie

More and more parents (and grandparents) are wanting to take the entire family on a meaningful trip to interesting destinations where it’s not just about the pretty views from the hotel, the activities on offer on the beach and the choice of great restaurants nearby. People are wanting to experience new places, by interacting with the local cultures, learning and gaining new understanding of nature and the ways of the world.

Its makes perfect sense really : Gramps foots the bill for the family including grandkids to go on safari in Africa. He and Grandma are fit enough to handle the long haul flight and still active enough to enjoy a bumpy ride on an open 4×4 landrover. He has money to spend on exclusive use accommodation for the family and wants everyone to bond and the kids to learn something, all in beautiful awesome nature!

Increasingly safari lodges are offering cool children’s programmes which include identifying animal tracks, identifying bird calls, learning bush skills, cooking etc.

We have cherry picked some of our favorite lodges where the rates typically include the family’s own butler, a dedicated ranger, personally tailored kids programs and of course delicious wine and cuisine for the adults. At the end of the day it depends on budget however.  We are familiar with a nice range of options -  from villas and homesteads to lodges with family suites and fun stuff for the kids to do.

Jamala Madikwe in the Madiwe Game Reserve.  A malaria-free area; the lodge has just 5 rooms and is perfect for exclusive-use family groups.

Melton Manor at Kwandwe Private Game in the Eastern Cape. Sole-use safari villa for family groups of 8; Private 4×4 safari vehicle, butler, chef, ranger and tracker team; Set in a malaria-free Big Five game reserve in the Eastern Cape, Rich cultural and historical area, with a carnivore programme

Robin’s House in Zambia.  The jewel in the crown of the Robin Pope Safaris portfolio. Originally Robin’s family home. All safari activities and meals are designed around the family’s interests. No minimum age.

 Tswalu’ Tarkuni Lodge in the Northern Cape.  Ideal for families groups of 10.  It is an oasis of serenity in the desert.  There is a dedicated team including a host and private chef.  A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker ensure an equally bespoke safari experience.  The traditional boma is great for special family celebrations.

Tintswalo Manor House is  in the Manyeleti  Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park.  A sole use safari villa; ideal for families; does not shoot the lights out on price.

&Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas  in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Follow the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, the largest migration of mammals in the world, in total tented luxury. &Beyond’s new family tents accommodate two adults and two children, and come with a personal vehicle and butler. The kids will love the feel of camping under the stars, while mom and dad will love all the comforts of this first class experience.

Our safari consultants  are always thinking out of the box, and will endeavour to find out if the kids have any particular interests (like football) that they would incorporate that into the program.  For example it is also nice to suggest that kids collect something like crayons or books  to bring to the African kids they might meet.

Mzoli’s began life in 2003 as a humble butchery serving the community of Gugs (as Gugulethu is affectionately known) where it’s owner, Mr Mzoli Ngcawuzele himself, was born and raised. Mzoli prides himself on his choice cuts, so it wasn’t long before news of the little butchery spread amongst residents of the area. Before Mzoli knew it, business was booming!

The quality of the meat was undisputed, but there was one question that a lot of people started asking – “don’t you have a braai (barbeque) to cook this meat?”. The concept of a ‘buy and braai’ is not a new one in South Africa. It entails buying your meat from the butcher and then cooking it yourself on the supplied open fire outside. Mzoli’s took the concept and modified it slightly and became the thriving chis’inyama it is today.

After parking your car in the vibrant streets of Gugs, you make your way to the entrance of Mzoli’s which remains as it used to be. It’s essentially a butchery where you select your cuts of the finest meats ranging from lamb shank to beef steaks to chicken pieces. It’s all there, and it’s all amazing! Aside from the meat, Mzoli’s do a mean ‘pap’ which is a traditional African dish made from maize meal. After paying for your meat, pap and soft drinks (Mzoli’s is unlicensed) you hand your slip and tray of meat to the friendly braaimasters in the backroom and make your way to the dining area.

The best cuts and the infamous secret sauce

The dining area of Mzoli’s has grown rapidly since the early days. There are tables and chairs enough to accommodate the masses of crowds that the place attracts. The Cape heat is kept at bay by misters throughout the shaded area while a DJ spins the latest in deep house and kwaito (music from the South African townships akin to hip hop). The vibe is amazing! People from all walks of life frequent Mzolis so at any one time you can expect to see Gugulethu residents, Capetonians, and local and international tourists alike all mixing and mingling. Everyone enjoys themselves at Mzoli’s!

Fifteen minutes after seating ourselves, and our stomachs began grumbling. I return our slip to the braaimaster who hands me back our tray of perfectly cooked meat. Now I consider myself to be something of a pro when it comes to the art of flame grilling meat, but I am but a humble apprentice to these men. The meat was flawless! Mzoli’s secret BBQ sauce was delicious and everything went down a treat with the cold beer I purchased from one of the local ladies nearby. There was not a morsel left on anyone’s plate, which was testament indeed to just how good the food is.

Where the magic happens

Having been to Mzoli’s about five times, I have not once been disappointed. The location gives one an authentic township experience and the food is about as good as you’re ever likely to get. Jamie Oliver, Coldplay and every other celeb visiting Cape Town can’t be wrong. I know for a fact that it won’t be my colleagues first and last time either…

The Dining Area