Boost for City tourism following statue unveiling

 

Boost for City tourism 

following statue unveiling

GUGU MDLALOSE

TWO landmark statues that were recently unveiled have added a boost to the City’s tourism offerings.

The statues of two struggle icons, Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo, were unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 March.

The event was marked with traditional dancing and vibrant displays of culture, with the unveiling described by President Ramaphosa as ‘’historic’’.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the sites and engage with the stories of the two stalwarts whose leadership shaped the nation.

At each statue site there is extensive history about the leader which visitors can download using a QR code to access more information.

President Ramaphosa said eThekwini Municipality has bestowed this honour on two icons in recognition of their contribution towards the struggle for freedom, social justice, and the empowerment of people.

‘’Monuments of this nature are important for preserving our history and heritage,’’ he said.

The location of each statue is significant. The Mandela statue is in the Moses Mabhida precinct near the Kings Park Stadium. Soon after his release from prison in 1990 Mandela addressed his first large mass rally in Durban at the Kings Park Stadium. The rally drew more than 200 000 people.

In the same vein, the towering statue of Oliver Tambo on the beachfront is a reminder of his journey across oceans convincing the world about the importance of breaking down the walls of apartheid.

President Ramaphosa also touched on the impact the statues will have on tourism in the City saying:

‘’We can anticipate that these statues will contribute to exceptional growth in tourism in eThekwini.’’

Cementing the City’s status as an events and sporting capital, he said eThekwini will be the venue for the 46^th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community taking place in August.

‘’This is a worthy recognition of the progress that has been made together with all social partners in restoring confidence in the City.’’

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Xaba said the statues will inspire present and future generations to learn more about the contributions these struggle icons made in building a democratic South Africa.

Speaking on other monuments in the City, Mayor Xaba said the Indentured Workers Monument, commissioned in partnership with the provincial government, was unveiled in November last year at South Beach.

It commemorated 165 years since the arrival of the first indentured Indian workers in KwaZulu-Natal.

‘’We are also engaging the Embassy of Portugal regarding the relocation of the statue of Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, from the city centre to the Durban Botanic Gardens. These monuments form part of our broader strategy to expand tourism infrastructure and enhance tourism offerings,’’ he concluded.

The Splendid Bumper Festive Season That Was

 

THE SPLENDID BUMPER 

FESTIVE SEASON THAT WAS 

THE festive season brought the City to life with vibrant events that took place during the holiday season. Thousands of visitors descended to Durban's shores for a 

memorable, world-class

holiday. 

The City welcomed visitors to relax, enjoy outdoor restaurants, the vibrant nightlife, and friendly establishments which provided everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday. 

Signature events such as Fact Durban Rocks; Woz' eDurban Picnic; the uMhlanga Beach Festival, the All White Elegant Party and many others brought people from across the continent to eThekwini for the diverse entertainment. 

Clean beaches and pools, enhanced security, and prioritised child safety were some of the highlights mentioned by holiday makers. All children visiting the City's beaches were given armbands which had their guardians contact details to ensure reunification if they were separated. Child minders assisted separated children who were reunited with their families within 24 hours. The City pulled out all the stops to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. 

Of the City's 25 beaches, 21 were open for bathing throughout the festive season. Around one million people were recorded to have visited Durban beaches during the festive season. Lifeguards worked tirelessly to ensure safe swimming and adherence to beach rules. No drownings were recorded during permitted hours on the City's beaches. 

Support Durban and Umhlanga Tourism Venues

 

September is Tourism month and we had a look at various Tourism venues around Durban and Umhlanga to see if they are ready for business now that certain regulations have been lifted so that they may operate.

With inter-provincial travel allowed that means people from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and other areas can now visit Durban and Umhlanga. | Image: Durban Tourism

Umhlanga Life visited well known tourism destinations in Durban and it was wonderful to see how well they are being supported. All Covid-19 regulations are being adhered to at various venues including Suncoast, uShaka Marine World, Circus Circus on the beachfront and venues in Florida Road. There is plenty of hand sanitiser available for people to keep their hands clean and there is signage to remind people to social distance. Wearing of masks is a priority except when eating or drinking. Please remember to wear your mask even when you visit a tourism destination. 

Ethekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, accompanied by tourism officials, conducted an oversight visit in Umhlanga recently to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to as the City reopens its tourism sector. | Image: eThekwini Municipality

‘’We enter Tourism Month with boosted confidence,’’ said eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda recently. 

He reminded residents to adhere to safety regulations and this includes wearing a mask when out in public, washing their hands frequently with soap or sanitiser while maintaining good social distancing.

Ethekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said entertainment hubs such as Florida Road and Chartwell Drive in uMhlanga Village as well as township hotspot establishments are ready to host visitors in accordance to Covid-19 regulations.

Take advantage of specials at uShaka Marine World. | Image: uShaka Marine World

‘’We look forward to seeing the public enjoying spaces such as Moses Mabhida Stadium, the beachfront, uShaka Marine World and the Oyster Box Hotel which recently took third place in Trip Advisor’s best hotels in Africa,’’ said Mayor Kaunda.

Beaches such as Bronze Beach in Umhlanga are now open to the public to explore and exercise on.  Image: Fred Felton

‘’Tourism is the life blood of Umhlanga without it our economy is drastically affected,’’ remarked Peter Rose Chairman of Umhlanga Tourism.

With these new regulations it also means that you can explore parks, botanical gardens, nature reserves and even exercise or do yoga on the beach. At present swimming is not permitted. Strict protocols will be adhered to in all of these venues.

People in South Africa are encouraged to visit and explore the City, to find out more about Durban visit www.visitdurban.travel or follow them on Facebook/Durban Tourism or Twitter and Instagram @dbntourism

Support the local tourism industry. | Image: Durban Tourism

‘’Durban has so much to offer both locals and visitors alike and now we need to support our local tourism industry more than ever. So let’s visit our local tourism attractions and take some time out to enjoy Durban’s great choice of restaurants, coffee shops and food stalls. If you don’t have money to spend you can still show your support by liking, sharing and commenting on the social media posts of your favourite local hangouts’’ says Durban resident Tessa Buhrmann, a travel writer and editor for Responsible Traveller digital magazine.

The impact of Covid-19 on the tourism industry has been massive.

‘’Accommodation occupancies have decreased from 70 percent to 46 percent, there has been a loss in tourism spend of R2.4 billion,’’ said Deputy City Manager of Economic Development and Planning Phillip Sithole.

Many major events planned in the City have been cancelled. Around 10 000 people have lost their jobs.

Visit Durban | Image: Fred Felton

Ethekwini Municipality recently launched their virtual destination programme, a campaign that seeks to promote the City as a premier and popular tourist destination.

The City also launched interventions to support the tourism industry, these include increased grant funding to community tourism organisations, discounts on Municipal leases in tourism areas such as the beachfront, re-categorisation of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, facilitating business support linkages and issuing of filming permits with no charge.

‘’The programme will assist in many ways. We believe this along with various interventions will help ameliorate the impact of this pandemic,’’ said Winile Mtungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism.

Bed and Breakfast and Guesthouse Establishments will receive a Covid-19 rebate to bring their rates payable to the same level as residential.

For more info visit: http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/ or visit a Customer Centre near you.

World Tourism Day is on 27 September. This will also see the city’s iconic buildings being lit up in a symbolic ceremony that will depict reigniting the tourism sector.

Vote for Durban in the 27th World Travel Awards | Image: eThekwini Municipality

There is also much to celebrate as eThekwini’s premium business and leisure attractions have been nominated in the prestigious 27^th World Travel Awards.

The City’s four direct nominations are Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2020, Africa’s Leading City Destination 2020, Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2020 as well as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Destination 2020.

‘’The announcement of our City’s nine nominations couldn’t have come at a better time. This as we try to navigate our way out of a difficult period which has brought about immense economic challenges for our City, particularly the tourism sector,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

He urged the people of eThekwini and the people of South Africa to support Durban and vote in huge numbers.

Other nominations include King Shaka International Airport for Africa’s Leading Airport, Port of Durban for Africa's Leading Cruise Port, Durban landmark the Hilton Hotel received two nominations for Africa’s Leading Hotel and Africa’s Leading Business Hotel, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre was nominated for Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Centres.

Voting is open to the public now and closes Thursday 24 September.

Go to http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote to register and vote now.

 

For more information on how eThekwini Municipality is helping you visit: www.durban.gov.za

What We Can Do To Protect The Travel Industry

Even while Covid 19 has brought the world to a grinding standstill, it is reassuring to know that there will always be a travel industry. Even if it looks different to the one that we know, the urge to travel is just too powerful a human instinct.

However, for many people with careers in the travel, hospitality and tourism industries there is a more pressing concern. For them, the question isn’t whether or not the travel industry will endure, it is whether or not they will have a place in it. This is where you and I can step forward and be stay at home heroes.

Picture from Pixabay.

WE CAN BE HEROES

Unless we want our travel to be governed by big companies offering template holidays, we need to step up and show support for the small to medium enterprises. The businesses that make travel unique and special and that, at the moment, are struggling to keep themselves solvent.

So, what can we do to help?

DON’T CANCEL TRAVEL, RESCHEDULE.

Covid 19 has paused all travel plans but instead of cancelling your holiday and asking for a refund, why not reschedule it for a future date. The destination will still be there when things return to normal and your holiday is waiting for you. Not only will this give you something to look forward to when things improve, it will also help them stay afloat. 

On the same note, businesses need to continue to find ways to market themselves and keep their brand and vision alive in the minds of their customers. This sentiment has been echoed by many travel commentators including the likes of The Lost Executive . Now is the time for heroes.

SHARE, LIKE AND COMMENT

Getting you from one place to another takes a lot of moving parts and all of us tend to take the companies behind these movements for granted.  Over the last couple of months, the pandemic has swept the carpet out from under them and even industry giants that we thought would survive with minimal sacrifices have had to shut their doors. So, imagine what it must be like for the smaller businesses trying to keep a brave face.

THE POWER OF CONTRIBUTING

While money is tight all round, you can still engage with these companies. This includes liking, sharing and commenting on the social media posts made by your favourite travel businesses. This has a significant impact not only on their marketing strength but also in the motivation to ride out this current lull.  Positive and constructive comments are so important in today’s world, especially when there is much fear and negativity going around.

BE MORE POSITIVE ABOUT THE FUTURE

There is a lot of fear being spread around at the moment. Not only fuelled by the media but also by social media alarmists who are always one sneeze away from lying on the roof with a rifle!

As consumers and travellers now is the time where we can change the way we are speaking about things. Precautions and official advice need to be followed but this should never stop us from dreaming about travelling and talking about our future adventures.

DREAM BIG AND PLAN

Right now, travel may be difficult if not impossible. If you are at home, why not spend your time mapping out the next safari or tour? Take this as an opportunity to communicate with the operators and agents who are also home and can help. They can give advice on the best routes, suggest those special excursions and make deals with hotels, lodges and transport. They may not know exact timelines on when the adventure will happen, but they will definitely help you with the how, the where and the what. 

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

Psychologically speaking, planning for the future helps remind us that whatever is happening now is temporary and we have no reason to panic. Yes, this includes bulk buying toilet paper and taking what we read on Facebook as gospel!

Travel professionals and travel businesses rely on the travel industry, but they rely on us even more. We cannot let them down. They need us. So, remember, reschedule don’t cancel, like, share, comment and be a hero.

What to do in Durban

If you are staying in Umhlanga for the holidays at one of the many hotels or B&B’s you will find that there is plenty to do in Durban. There are warm beaches to explore, Ushaka, Suncoast Entertainment Centre and the Point Waterfront to name but a few. You might even find yourself learning how to surf or going for a stroll on the Durban Promenade.

While you are there you will find a wonderful transport system which can get you around the Durban Beachfront.

It’s called the People Mover Bus System in Durban and it will save you a great deal of money while you are here on holiday.

The People Mover Bus | Image courtesy: Go Durban

Here is some useful information about the People Mover Bus System. There are 23 Buses operating on 3 routes. They travel on a 15 minute frequency. They operate from 5am to 10pm daily and travel on a 20 to 30min frequency on weekends. There are approximately 30 000 passengers that use it each month.

Some of the People Mover buses have free Wi-Fi on board for you to use. The city is also looking at new routes in the future including possibly to Musgrave and also the Pavilion.

We chatted to some people around the city and asked them about the People Mover and this is what they had to say:

Addington Beach resident Cindy Polydorou had this to say:

What do you think about the People Mover?

‘’I like the bus as it’s comfortable, regular and easy to get around.’’

Did you know that the People Mover has free Wi-Fi on it?

‘’Yes I know about the Wi-Fi.’’

What do you use the Wi-Fi for?

‘’I use it for WhatsApp, Facebook and to check my emails.’’

Does anyone else in your family use the People Mover?

‘’My daughter uses it every day for school there and back.’’

Where do you go on the People Mover?

‘’I use it to get to the shops like Spar, Pick n Pay and also to places like Suncoast, Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and Grey Street.’’

Stephanie Rail from South Beach, Durban had this to say:

Do you use the People Mover?

‘’Yes, it gets me where I need to be along the beach.’’

Do you use the Wi-Fi on it?

‘’I don’t use the Wi-Fi. I don’t sit on my phone in the bus. I sit and read my book.’’

Where do you go on the People Mover?

‘’I go to North Beach for the shopping and restaurants, occasionally the casino complex.’’

A trip will cost you R5-50 which allows for one free change over at the transfer point.

You can also get a MUVO Card which is used on the buses. It’s like a smart card and you can load multiple trips on it. You can buy it all over the city.

For more info visit: www.muvo.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

A Five Star Hotel On A Train

This October I was invited by Rovos Rail to come and experience their train. You can’t really say no can you. I mean it’s like a five star hotel on a train.

What a train | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

I tried out their Durban to Pretoria route and I must say I was rather pleasantly surprised. From the wonderful welcome by the staff at Durban Station where we were whisked away to their private lounge to enjoy welcome cocktails and tantalising snacks which were a sample of what awaited us on the train.

Pretoria to Durban | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

Guests come from all over the world to travel this train, from the USA, UK, France, Brazil and even South Africa.

When we boarded the train we were whisked away to our suite and what a suite it was. I’m still not sure how they fitted a huge bed in it. Not only that but two chairs a table, bar fridge, coffee maker and plenty of wardrobe space. The bed had a heated blanket which was a nice touch especially on those cold nights. The bathroom had a shower and toilet in it and even a heated towel rail. Bear in mind we are talking about on a train here.  For all you tech heads they also have USB plug points.

How did they fit that bed in the room? | Image: Fred Felton

Each car has a dedicated hostess who looks after all of your needs.

When we had unpacked we headed off to the lounge car and saloon car where afternoon tea was being served. Make sure you have some as you can have coffee, sweet treats, cakes and even koeksusters. Haven’t had such a tasty koeksuster like that in a very long time. It takes me back to days with my family in Pretoria.

Afternoon tea | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

The dress on board is smart casual during the day and during the night guests are encouraged to dress up for dinner. So break out your suit and tie and dress to impress. The dining cart is a sight to behold with wonderful décor all around. Guests are treated to a real fine dining experience along with their choice of drinks and wine. Let me put it this way you don’t leave on an empty stomach.

Dining on another level | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

Fine dining | Image: Fred Felton 

As you climb into bed each night the train slowly rocks you to sleep and before you know it the next day is waiting for you along with a delicious breakfast.

Spionkop | Image: Fred Felton

Our first stop was at Ladysmith. We headed off to Spionkop where guests had a choice of a battlefield excursion or a game drive. We chose the game drive option and were treated to some wonderful game sightings and spectacular scenery. Whatever you do don’t forget your camera.

Spot the giraffe | Image: Fred Felton 

After a brief stop for tea or coffee we headed back to the train and it was almost time for lunch. In the afternoon another game drive awaited at Nambiti. This game farm is home to the big 5 and you will see plenty of wildlife on this drive. Pro Tip – Wear something warm along with a scarf and beanie as these game drives can get a bit chilly.

Anyway back at Nambiti we were treated to sightings of Elephant, Hippo, Buck, Giraffe, Wildebeest and many more.

Elephants aplenty | Image: Fred Felton

We were welcomed back to the train by the friendly Rovos Rail staff and drinks awaited us as we chatted with fellow guests about the wildlife we had seen.

Rovos at Dusk | Image: Fred Felton

Now and again I had to pinch myself as I felt as if I was in some Agatha Christie detective novel or even a James Bond movie. That’s what awaits you on this train, that glamorous old world lifestyle.

A passage to another world | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

Some of the cuisine that stood out for me included the stuffed chicken thighs with aubergine and cherry tomato pilau, the heavenly chocolate mousse with chocolate soil, the refreshing chilled cucumber and melon soup and the banoffee tartlet with banana and caramel cream. There were plenty more tasty surprises on the train but I leave those up to you to enjoy on your trip.

That refreshing chilled cucumber and melon soup | Image: Fred Felton

On my excursions up and down the train I couldn’t help but marvel at the detail that has gone into the interiors and the luxury couches and chairs where you can sit. A great place to relax and enjoy the scenery is on the back of the saloon car where you can sit on benches outside and feel the breeze over you as the train carries on.

The lounge car | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

Suites are named after famous people and places around Africa. We stayed in the Constatia Suite and I spotted Kimberley, Drakensberg and even Madiba amongst many others along the way.

Guests can also help themselves to books to read or even play one of the many games that are on offer.

There is also a cocktail evening that is a wonderful ice breaker where all the guests meet and mingle over delightful cocktails.

The Observation Balcony my favourite spot | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

On the last day we had some wonderful sights just outside Johannesburg and then nearer to Pretoria. When we reached the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria we were all greeted personally by Mr Rohan Vos as we stepped off the train. He is the founder of Rovos Rail and an amazing man to chat to.

Mr Rohan Vos | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

You can also sign up for a tour of the workshop at his station after your trip. This is highly recommended for those that love train history as you will see some wonderful vintage models there.

The Rovos Rail Pretoria Station Lounge | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

The Rovos Rail train station in Pretoria is something to behold. It’s like one of those olden day train stations but with modern luxuries. The bathrooms don’t just have toilets and basins they also have showers so you can freshen up if you want.

Delicious chocolates and treats are scattered all over the lounge area and guests can enjoy a welcome drink as they wait to move on to their next leg of their journey. Free Wi-Fi is included.

It was with a hint of sadness that I left the Rovos Rail Pretoria Station. It was a wonderful experience and I am already planning my next trip.

There are many more hidden delights awaiting you on the train. I’m not telling you what they are you will just have to find out for yourself.

You will find yourself leaving the train having made friends with fellow guests. I certainly did.

If you would like to experience Rovos Rail Tours they have tours from Durban to Pretoria, Pretoria to Cape Town, South Africa to Namibia, South Africa to Vic Falls, South Africa to Dar es Salaam,    Dar es Salaam to Lobito, I could go on and on but why don’t you just visit their site and book a trip.

30th year anniversary specials | Image: Rovos Rail Tours

It’s their 30^th year anniversary and they have a special on so take advantage now. They also have specials for next year as well.

For reservation and general enquiries: rovos.com |reservations@rovos.co.za | +27 (0)12 315 8242 | +27 (0)21 421 4020.

Rating: Highly recommended

Review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

When last did you explore the Inanda Heritage Route?

This week I was invited by Durban Tourism to take part in the Discover Durban challenge and to explore the Inanda Heritage Route. I joined a group of media, celebrities, influencers and even Sharks Rugby players to explore this route. This being Heritage Month it is the perfect time to explore Durban and all it has to offer.

We set off on a trip which took us to Inanda. This was all part of the Hello Spring campaign which Durban Tourism presented. They took us on a tour of the many interesting nodes in the area.

The Gandhi Sculpture at the Settlement

Our first stop was the Gandhi Settlement. Here you can find out much information about Gandhi and his many quotes are all over the venue. You will also find a statue of the man. The settlement also features a reconstruction of the original house which was burnt down during the 1985 Inanda Riots.

The grave of John L. Dube

Our next stop was the Ohlange Institute which was started by John Langalibalele Dube in 1900. He became the first president of the African National Congress. His grave is on the premises. President Nelson Mandela cast his vote in the first democratic election of 1994 at the Ohlange Institute.

Plenty of fun activities at Inanda Dam

After that we headed off to the breath taking Inanda Dam. It comes up at you from out of nowhere and the views are quite spectacular. It is located on the Mngeni River near Hillcrest, Kwazulu Natal. If you love water sports, camping, kayaking or biking this is the place for you. Photographers will also love the views and Instaworthy spots. It’s only a 30 minute drive from Durban. The Durban Green Corridor runs a trail centre next to the dam. Here you can find break facilities, sanitation as well as secure parking.

Holly Rey

We finished the day at Ezweni Lodge and then had lunch overlooking the Inanda Dam. At lunch we were serenaded by the likes of Holly Rey who performed her hit single ‘Deeper’.

The Inanda Heritage Route has much to offer and this was just some of the highlights. You can also explore Inanda Seminary, The Shembe Church, The Water Fall and Rasta Caves at uMzinyathi Gorge and much more. There is plenty of accommodation including the Bellabheka B&B and Ikhaya lentokozo B&B, Egugwini guest house. If you are looking for a good late night party check out Under The Moon or Maphisa Jazz Lounge. For a good meal try Artizen restaurant or Nonku’s all in one kitchen. If you like to shop try Bridge City or Dube Village Mall.

For more info contact Inanda Tourism: 031-322-2856

To book a Heritage Tour or Adventure Tour call 031-510-7008 or email: ink@inktourism.co.za

You can also contact Durban Tourism: www.visitdurban.travel  or call 031-322-4164 or                email info@visitdurban.travel

Find them on social media @dbntourism

#durbanhasmore

This edition and images by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Top 5 Highlights from Africa's Travel Indaba 2019

This month Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 rolled into town and it was certainly not disappointing. There was plenty to do and see all around Durban where the travel and trade show was held.

Here are the top 5 highlights from the event:

The unveiling of a wall mural at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019

The Wall Mural | Image: Fred Felton 

The wall mural was unveiled by the South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Michelle Constant one of the board members of South African Tourism said one of the greatest challenges for South Africans is unlocking the great potential of its extraordinary historical and present culture.

Four artists came together to create the mural, which took a year to plan and 10 days to create.

‘’It was very pressurised to get it done but it was exciting to come together with the other artists and produce something we are very proud of,’’ says artist Samora Chapman.

Kev Seven, another of the artists has been a graffiti artist for 12 to 15 years. ‘’This mural is significant not only because it is one of a kind, but because it is the first mural of this kind in the Durban ICC.’’

New APP launched for Eastern Cape Tourism

A new APP was launched which will help tourists to book accommodation, find tour guides and much more when visiting the Eastern Cape province. The APP shows all the features of the province, destinations, activities, important numbers and service centres required by tourists.

To find the APP just search for ‘Explore Eastern Cape’ on the Google play store or Apple App store.

  

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Image: Fred Felton

The media were invited to hear all about the 20^th Anniversary of their inscription as a World Heritage Site. Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom encouraged everyone to visit the site.

Some interesting facts about the site:

Did you know that you could have your wedding at The Cradle of Humankind?

Maropeng means ‘returning to the place of our origins’ in Setswana, the most commonly spoken indigenous language in the Cradle of Humankind area.

The Cradle of Humankind is only 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

More than 2300 hominin fossils have been found here in the 53 000 hectares area, more than any other place on Earth.

Sterkfontein Caves in The Cradle of Humankind is open daily to the public for tours.

The visitors centre is a fun, interactive and educational experience for the whole family.

The site also features a 4-star Boutique Hotel at Maropeng and a conference facility for up to 500 delegates.

For more info visit: www.maropeng.co.za

The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge

The Train Hotel

Yes you read that correctly. Coming soon to a bridge near you is a luxurious hotel on a bridge. This hotel will be stationed on the historical Selati Bridge in the Kruger National Park. If you enjoy something different and the next level of glamping then this is for you.

Thebe Tourism Group will open this hotel to the world in December 2019.

There will also be an innovative pool deck where guests can get spectacular views of the river and of course the Big 5 roaming below.

The Pool Deck

This Afro-chic boutique hotel will offer 24 en-suite rooms to sleep 48 guests. There will also be more accommodation in the Bridge House with 14 beds.

Added to this will be fine dining and leisure experiences for guests.

Game drives are includes in your packages.

Book your spot now.

For more info visit: www.krugershalati.com

The inspiring traveller Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng | Image: Fred Felton

At Indaba I managed to sit in on one of the Business Conversations and this one featured Thebe Ikalafeng where he shared with us his travels throughout Africa.

He has visited many places including Mount Kilamanjaro, Victoria Falls, Tanzania and many more.

Here are some of the key insights he shared with the audience:

‘’The way I operate when I travel, I don’t want to get an advanced notice’’

‘’We must go eat where the people go eat’’

‘’Every Rwandan knows someone who was killed during the genocide’’

‘’We have an amazing continent in terms of architecture’’

His final thought, ‘’I am Africa’’

Inspiring words from an inspiring man.

You can find him on Twitter @ThebeIkalafeng

For more info on Indaba visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton