africa

Webcams streaming live wildlife footage enable viewers to experience nature as it really is, says WildEarth.tv’s Graham Wallington.

Satellite technology is boosting SA’s virtual tourism industry.

This is due to its ability to reach remote areas, which lack access to reliable ADSL connectivity, says Graham Wallington, co-founder and CEO of WildEarth.tv.

In January this year, 600 000 viewers across the world tuned in to watch Nina the chimp give birth live on camera, via Vox Telecom’s YahClick satellite connection at the Jane Goodall Chimp Eden Institute, in Mpumalanga.

Wallington believes this is just the tip of the iceberg for live wildlife streaming in SA. “WildEarth.tv has cameras stationed across the globe, streaming live from locations including black bear dens in the United States and storks’ nests in Romania,” he says.

“However, Africa has some of the most fascinating and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. People would love to watch wildebeest migrating or to peek inside wild dog dens. That’s never been practical until now.”

The problem, says Wallington, lies with the high cost of bandwidth and the lack of connectivity in rural locations. “Even if you could obtain a satellite link, VSAT technology was just completely unaffordable for us,” he says. “Fortunately, with the arrival of services like the YahClick Service from Vox Telecom, we’re able to broadcast from any remote location in South Africa, at a low cost.”

WildEarth.tv now streams footage live from several locations across the country, including Thornybush Private Game Reserve, the Madikwe Nature Reserve, Pete’s Pond, and Djuma.

“We are also using a connection to shoot a 3D documentary about baboons in the Soutpansberg. The crew is sending us daily footage and communicating so that we can stay up to date with what’s going on in the field and offer advice and instructions.”

Wallington points out that, although some might question whether “Web cam” tourism can compare to the real thing, fans would disagree. “We have viewers in the States who purposefully go to bed in the early evening just so that they can wake up at 3am to watch the game drives live in South Africa. People are drawn to the unpredictability of it. Just like a real game drive, you have no idea what you will see or experience next.”

He also believes that virtual tourism has had a positive impact on both eco-tourism and conservation. “The benefit is that viewers see nature as it really is, and not in a condensed format, such as a wildlife documentary,” he explains.

“Documentaries are shot over a year and then edited into an hour’s worth of footage, often which has created poor perceptions of creatures such as sharks, which are portrayed as very active and vicious hunters. Live streaming leaves the interpretation largely up to the viewer. They feel more connected and gain a better understanding of what these animals are really like, day to day.”

The increased awareness also assists conservationists with fundraising. “When we broadcast Lily the black bear giving birth in the wild for the North American Bear Centre, we created a Facebook page for her. On the back of the awareness created through the Web cam, over $1 million in donations has been raised for the project, which was among others put towards building a new educational centre,” Wallington says.

“Pete’s Pond also saw an influx of tourists – who call themselves “Pondies” – who have bonded over the video feed and pooled funds to travel to Africa to see the sights in person. More people are “visiting” South Africa through the various cams in a day than actual tourists do in six months, generating online ad revenues and awareness,” he says.

“Our game drives from Thornybush generated over half-a-million views over the last three months. There is no way to accommodate that many visits to the reserve in real life without destroying the plant and animal life that we’re trying to protect. We can share the bush experience in a non-invasive way.”

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FLORENCE, S.C. —  A trip last May to South Africa got Wayne Jackson closer to completing his bucket list of hunting adventures.

“It was a trip of a lifetime,” Jackson said. “I grew up small game hunting in South Carolina, but going on an African safari is something I wanted to do my whole life.”

Jackson spent 24 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as a colonel in the medical services corps four years ago and moving to Florence.

During his career, he was stationed all over the world, but hunting was not a priority. The closest he ever got to South Africa was Egypt.

While stationed in Colorado, North Dakota and Mississippi, Jackson was able to hunt infrequently for elk or Mule Deer. Africa, though, was what he set his sights and heart on.

“In the states, it’s kind of the same experience,” Jackson said. “It’s fun, but Africa is the ultimate to take it to the next level as a hunter.”

Shortly after moving to Florence, Jackson met Al Munn, a fellow avid hunter. Jackson said Munn recommended hunter and guide Trevor Lake, whom Munn had hunted with three times before in South Africa.

On one of Lake’s trips to the U.S., Jackson met with him to put the planning wheels in motion, and everything had to be planned to a tee.

“I’ve heard people say that it costs about the same as going on an elk hunting trip in the states but it’s not true,” Jackson scoffed. “They don’t tell you about the trophy fees and taxidermy costs.”

Each animal taken requires a trophy fee, which varies depending on the animal. If you want the animal preserved, you’ll have to pay for a taxidermist.

A short 18 months after meeting with Lake, Jackson was on a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, for his 16-day dream trip.

To get ready for the trip, Jackson spent months honing his shooting skills so he could take that one shot of a lifetime.

“Unlike hunting deer from a stand or blind, in Africa you’re stalking and you have to use shooting sticks. It takes some getting used to, but I was ready when the time came,” he said.

When it came time to embark on the trip, Jackson knew exactly what animals he wanted to hunt and were available where he was going, based on conversations with Lake.

Upon arriving in country, Jackson spent a couple days gathering the needed supplies for the 12-day hunt. Also, he had to get permits for each of the animals he wanted to hunt. All of the hunts took place on game preserve land spanning tens of thousands of acres, virtually all on Zulu tribal land.

On the first day, Jackson and Lake set out to hunt either Blesbuck or Wildebeest in the Zulu Waters preserve.

After two hours, Jackson said his heart stopped. “I saw it! A huge beautiful wildebeest,” he said.

Hoping all of his practice was going to pay off, Jackson admitted he was nervous. His guide coached him when to take the shot.

Raising his trusty rifle, Jackson pulled the trigger on his target more than 200 yards away.

“It was funny because later, my guide and tracker thought I had missed. I knew I’d hit him and sure enough he dropped instantly. One shot, one kill and I got a beautiful old bull wildebeest,” Jackson said smiling. “It’s like the first touchdown. It really helps your confidence and proves to your guide that you know how to shoot.”

Jackson was fortunate enough to basically get a different trophy animal each day. He said it was challenging because the entire hunt was by stalking to get in closer to make a good shot.

Among the animals were a Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Impala, Kudu, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Water Buck, Nyala and a Wart Hog with 11-inch tusks.

“I was amazed at the vast open distances and different animals coexisting freely,” Jackson said. “It also makes it harder because they can see you from a long distance away.”

Coming away from the trip, Jackson said he’s a much better hunter and he plans to apply what he learned when he goes elk hunting out West.

Since returning, some people are skeptical or concerned whether the animals he shot were endangered.

“Absolutely not. The number and types of animals hunted are tightly controlled,” he said.

Depending on the region, it is possible to hunt exotic animals such as lion and elephant.

“In certain parts of Africa, elephants aren’t endangered,” Jackson said. “In fact, in some places, they cause problems because they’re over-populated.”

Also, every part of the animal is used to feed the local people.

Jackson will receive his eight animal mounts in the next few months. The zebra is being made into a rug.

Jackson plans to go back to Africa in the next couple years.

“It was magnificent and exceeded my expectations,” he said. “The variety of animals, country and my guide were all tremendous. It will spoil you for hunting (in the United States). It’s just apples and oranges.”

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Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa releases crime stats for incidents reported in 2012/13. Follow our rolling updates.

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An experiment by UKZN PhD student Sandile Ngcobo has put South Africa at the forefront of scientific research.

A Vietnamese delegation is visiting South African game reserves, for the first time, to see the effects of rhino poaching.

The Rhinose Foundation hope that educating the Asian market that horns have no medicinal benefit, may just save the 35-million-year-old species.
 
A Vietnamese police constable, a celebrity, a politician and an environmental activist are all in Kruger National Park.

They first visited a rhino undergoing rehabilitation.

They are here to see the effects of rhino poaching on the ecosystem. They want to see how this affects the game rangers who risk their lives, conservationists now fighting a paramilitary war, and the local community who rely on the parks for a living.

Vietnam’s last native rhino was killed in 2010. Rangers at Kruger’s control centre work around the clock to avoid a similar fate for the local species.

Andrew Paterson of the Rhinose Foundation said, “The delegation saw live rhino like old Crocky over here, and now I hope the dead body will strike an emotional chord with them.”

The fact finding mission was sponsored by South Africans who’ve been sporting red rhino noses on their car grills.

A popular blogger, Xuan Bac, who has half a million Facebook fans, intends to use social media to spread his newfound knowledge back home.

“I saw many beautiful things in Kruger but this makes me very sad. We must do something about rhino poaching,” said Bac.

Education for Nature Vietnam’s Thi Phuong Thao will be fighting the rhino war on the Vietnamese front.

“I saw live rhino in the wild and then this… dead rhino and it hurts my heart,” said Thao after seeing a rhino carcass.

Constable Viettien Nguyen and National Assembly Member Tian Nhan are hoping to influence environmental policy in a country where the consumption of rhino horn is legal.

 

-eNCA

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A South African luxury safari combines the thrill of the wild with the joys of five-star comfort in a truly memorable experience.

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An African safari has its place in every intrepid traveller’s must-do list and for good reason. Watching wild animals in their natural habitat is a unique, unparalleled experience and a safari in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park is one of the best.

While price-conscious visitors can opt to simply visit the enormous Kruger national Park, private game reserves around the national park offer luxury-seeking travellers a bespoke experience.

A plethora of excellent five-star resorts are scattered across the Greater Kruger national Park area, which includes sabi sands, Timbavati and Umbabat.

We stayed at sabi sabi, one of the premium resorts in the sabi sands Game reserve, which is home to a rich diversity of animals including the celebrated ‘big five’ of Africa (the lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo).

While some visitors prefer the scenic, albeit slightly bumpy road trip from Johannesburg, which takes between six to eight hours, we took the one-hour private charter plane ride operated by federal Air to sabi sabi’s private airstrip.

Surrounded by dense bushes, we realised that we were in deep animal territory when our co-passenger’s pick-up was delayed because of a bunch of rowdy elephants.

Thankfully, our ranger, Michelle, managed to avoid any wild encounters, and was there at the airstrip to greet us with a cheery smile. Loading our baggage onto the open Land rover, we began our first trip into the bushes.

One key fact that every traveller quickly notes is that you can spot an animal anytime, anywhere. You soon get into the habit of keeping your eyes peeled on the horizon, watching keenly for any small sign of movement, a flicker of a tail, or the ruffle of a bush.

We spent two nights at Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi’s futuristic property that is cleverly hidden away among the bushes. Descending down a stone pathway, you arrive at the avant-garde, eco-friendly lodge that boasts bold driftwood fixtures stylishly set against brown boulders and a tiny colourful stream with fishes swimming around.

We stayed in one of the 12 luxurious suites that cost roughly $966 per person per night, and includes the daily day and night safaris, walking trips, breakfast, lunch and dinner with a house selection of beverages and taxes.

Although contemporary, the décor and layout of the suite gives you a feeling of being one with nature, and thanks to the absence of that ubiquitous hotel staple, the flatscreen TV, it is easy to feel cut off from the rest of the world.

Every suite comes with an outdoor pool, but there is no fencing between the suites and the wild, so we weren’t surprised to spot some kudus (deer family) sipping water from the pool of a neighbouring suite.

While that may sound risky, the hotel staff ensures that the area is safe from wild animals, and always accompanies the guests to their suites after nightfall.

In Sabi Sabi, your day starts early. The first game drive leaves as early as 6.30am and lasts for three hours, while the night safari leaves by 3.30pm.

The African bush boasts spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and watching the horizon change colours at dawn and dusk is stunning.

But watching wild game actually takes your breath away. The fact that you are so close to the animals, in an open vehicle, is a thrill that is hard to describe.

We were lucky enough to spot a group of lazy lions, a mother cheetah with two adolescents, families of elephants, protective rhino parents and their little one, lethargic buffalos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, kudus, a jackal, baboons and numerous bird species during our trip.

Seeing a leopard would have helped us tick off the big five, but despite some expert bundu bashing (going off the track) by Michelle, the wild cat remained elusive, giving us an excellent reason to return.

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This video shows the terrifying moment that an angry elephant stampeded tourists in a jeep.

Johann Lombard, a veteran safari guide of 23 years, was driving a small group through Kruger National Park in South Africa when it all went wrong.

In the video, which has over four million views, a vehicle stops to observe the elephants but three of them are clearly made uncomfortable by the presence of humans.

Two of the animals turn towards them aggressively while the other, a territorial female, rushes towards the jeep and hits it, nearly overturning it.

Lombard said: “(I’ve) never seen anything like it in 23 years.”

None of the three people on board were hurt when the vehicle was attacked.

Some YouTube users were not so sympathetic to the tourists.

One commented: “You come to an elephant’s home, disrespect it by parking your vehicle in their way.

“Then you bring a camera and point it at the elephant’s family. And you’re surprised that poor animal hurt you. Get out of it’s face. You paparazzi.”

AFTER failing to stage the Castle Sevens international tournament, the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has secured a spot at the 2013 Safari Sevens tournament in Kenya later this month.

Zambia will parade among the cream in rugby at the 18th edition of the Safari Sevens International tournament that will be held from September 20 to 22 at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) vice chairperson, Sasha Mutai who also chairs the Safari Sevens organising committee sent an invitation to the ZRU on July 18.

ZRU president, Martin Musunka said in a statement yesterday that national Sevens head coach, Musonda Kaminsa will announce a provisional team this week.

He said the team is expected to set up its training base in Ndola until the date of departure for Nairobi.

Musunka appealed to the corporate world for support in fulfilling the international assignment.

“We have engaged our all-weather partners to come on board to help us meet the shortfall in our budget and we are hopeful that we will receive positive responses from the organisations that we have contacted for financial assistance towards fulfilling the outing,” he said.

The Safari Sevens organising committee indicated that it will provide accommodation and meals for the Zambian team for four nights in addition to catering for airport transfers and internal transportation for the team during the tournament.

The tournament was in the past graced by various rugby icons such as former Welsh skipper Colin Charvis, England Sevens wizard, Ben Gollings and Fijian legend, Waisale Serevi; among others.

In 2012, nine players from the All Blacks 7s turned up to play for the Samurai and won the Plate competition, while the South Africa Elite Players Development side beat the Kenya Morans in an exciting Main Cup Final.

DELRAY BEACH, FL, Sep 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) —
Fall is the perfect time to go to South Africa–it’s spring
there and the game viewing is excellent! And now, one of African
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This 10-day land safari is an excellent introduction to the
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According to Jim Holden, President of African Travel,
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CST 2071444-20

Don’t forget to check out African Travel, Inc.’s
Journal Page! Get travel tips, photos
and testimonials, and stories from the bush. Subscribe to the RSS
feed to get all of these things in one place!

Follow Jim Holden, President of African Travel, Inc. on
Twitter @JimHoldenAfrica

Terms and Conditions

* African Travel, Inc.’s standard Terms and Conditions apply. Price is per person, based on
double occupancy, land arrangement only. International and internal
air is additional. Please check with our air center for details.
All pricing and accommodations are subject to availability. Holiday
supplements may apply. Not combinable with any other special
offers. Only valid on new bookings. Travel through December 31,
2013. *Surcharges apply January 1 – 5, December 20 – 31. CST
2071444-20

About African Travel, Inc.

African Travel, Inc. creates personalized African
safaris and adventures for today’s travelers seeking an
experience of a lifetime. Established for over 37 years, and with
more than 100,000 past travelers, African Travel, Inc. knows all
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Whether experiencing the great migration in the Serengeti,
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descend into the Atlantic from a private balcony in Cape Town,
We Know Africa.

African Travel, Inc. won distinction as a Top Safari Outfitter
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Partner. African Travel, Inc. is part of The Travel Corporation,
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About USTOA

African Travel, Inc. shares the coverage available under the
USTOA $1 Million
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USA, Inc. in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA
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About The TreadRight Foundation

The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit organization
established in 2008 by The Travel Corporation (TTC) to
undertake conservation work and foster sustainability in the
tourism industry.

Collectively funded by TTC’s family of brands, TreadRight
supports projects that fall under the themes of water,
biodiversity, leadership and community, and which drive the
foundation’s vision to preserve the earth’s unique environments and
diversity for future generations.

To date, TreadRight has donated more than US $2 million to
sustainable tourism projects around the world, in addition to
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foundation visit: www.TreadRight.org.

.

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                 The Travel Corporation USA
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Family tourism

Family travel a growing trend for South Africa tourism

Vicky Karantzavelou – 10 September 2013, 11:42

A lodge that has well-established itself in this regard is HillsNek Safari. HillsNek Safaris is nestled in the Amakhala game reserve; in the malaria-free part of South Africa the Eastern Cape.

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At the 2013 Indaba in South Africa, tourism specialists revealed a new trend taking place in the Southern Africa market. More and more families are travelling to South Africa to experience the rich culture and diversity the country has to offer. A particular interest is family- Safari vacations. Increasingly lodges are catering for children to make the experience family friendly.

A lodge that has well-established itself in this regard is HillsNek Safari. HillsNek Safaris is nestled in the Amakhala game reserve; in the malaria-free part of South Africa the Eastern Cape.

This family-run lodge is set on the edge of the Bushman’s River with breath-taking views of fauna a flora. The abundant wildlife including the Big 5 and more than 250 birdlife make the game drives a spectacular experience.

HillsNek Safaris is a very special place for families and with a brand new family tent is perfect for a family of four. The family tent is comprised of two separate tented bedrooms with an interleading door. With spectacular views of the plains, the children are drawn to admiring the natural landscape and wildlife passing by.

To accommodate for children’s early bed times, HillsNek Safaris offers earlier dinner times for children coupled with a fun kiddies menu.

The special children’s safari bags have been hugely successful and are enjoyed during the interactive game drives. HillsNek prides itself on not having television or internet facilities as there is absolutely no need for it when you are there. Children are instead encouraged to explore nature and marvel at the wildlife around them.

JENKINTOWN, Pa. — Friendly Planet Travel has announced its latest bucket list travel experience at an exceptionally affordable price and is giving away one free trip to a lucky traveler to celebrate. The new nine-day A Taste of South Africa tour, which starts at just $1,899, offers a specially designed itinerary that will introduce travelers to South Africa’s diverse beauty, wildlife, and culture like never before. To kick off this new offering, Friendly Planet Travel has launched the Win Wild South Africa Sweepstakes in partnership with South African Tourism and South African Airways. By entering on Friendly Planet’s Facebook page, one lucky fan will receive a trip for two, valued at up to $5,400, where they explore the African bush in search of Big Five game and revel in the energy, night life, and spirit of Cape Town.

“South Africa is a trip of a lifetime, but the price tag might make this destination little more than a dream for many travelers,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “We are constantly innovating to make bucket list trips a reality and this brand-new tour is the latest example of that. It brings the breathtaking safari, wildlife, culture, and adventure of South Africa to travelers at an affordable price yet without having to compromise on comfort or the experience in any way. And what better way to celebrate our brand-new tour than with a giveaway for one lucky traveler and a guest to enjoy the best of what South Africa has to offer. We are confident that this tour will become one of our most popular ever.”

The Win Wild South Africa Sweepstakes begins today and will run through Friday, Oct. 11. The grand prize includes round-trip, non-stop airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Cape Town Airport; all intra-country transfers, ground transportation, and flights; six nights’ accommodations in first-class hotels and a game lodge; four safari game drives and all meals at Entabeni Game Reserve, an 85-square-mile private game reserve in a malaria-free area; an English-speaking game ranger/guide; and touring of Table Mountain in Cape Town, often described as one of the most epic views in Africa. Friendly Planet Travel will also be giving away travel-themed prizes to one lucky entrant each week throughout the Sweepstakes period. Weekly prizes will be awarded on Sept. 17, Sept. 24, and Oct. 1.

Friendly Planet’s A Taste of South Africa tour begins in the beautiful jewel of Cape Town, where travelers will stay at the centrally located Protea Breakwater Lodge. They’ll have the day to explore the modern, bustling, and vibrant city, complete with gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, and beaches, all bursting with history and culture.

The next day begins with a complimentary breakfast before travelers depart on a panoramic half-day tour of Cape Town that showcases the scenic and historic highlights of the city. The thrilling day of adventure will continue with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s most striking landmark. Later, the tour stops at Milnerton Lighthouse for spectacular views of the mountain and the city below before proceeding to the country’s oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, an imposing 17th-century Dutch fort set against the mountain’s dramatic backdrop. From there, travelers will venture to the historic Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap), a neighborhood that was founded by former slaves from Malaysia whose Islamic culture gives the neighborhood a distinct character. The next two days are reserved for personal exploration and sightseeing throughout the city.

Optional excursions available include a trip to Cape Point for $75. It includes a brief stop at the famous Chapman’s Peak before continuing on by funicular railway to the stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. Later, the excursion will make a brief visit to the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach, and then continue to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where travelers will enjoy a magnificent display of indigenous South African flora.

Additional optional excursions include a half-day morning adventure to the heart of the Cape Winelands for $55 that allows travelers to experience fine art galleries, architecture, history, and curious and quaint shops. There’s also a half-day afternoon excursion to the regional townships of District Six for $45. Travelers will explore the oldest township, Langa, and the newer Khayelitsha, the largest district in Western Cape, to see local housing, schools, shopping malls, clinics, and many private organizations providing social and other skills to the people at large.

Day six begins with a flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, travelers will board a touring coach and drive to Entabeni Private Game Reserve. The Entabeni Lakeside Lodge is located in the Waterberg area, named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and home to the Big Five game. In the afternoon, travelers will set off on their first game drive with expert rangers in open vehicles to experience the reserve, which boasts more than 55 large mammal species, including the big five, plus more than 300 species of birds, and numerous flora and fauna.

Three additional game drives are included as well as time for leisure, relaxation, or a variety of optional South African activities, such as horseback riding, bush walks, or helicopter flights, available locally for a supplemental cost.

Friendly Planet’s A Taste of South Africa tour is available in 2014 on the departure date of Sept. 13 for $1,899; Jan. 14, Feb. 1, Feb. 17, March 4, March 23, and Sept. 27 for $1,999; Oct. 4 for $2,059; April 19 and Aug. 16 for $2,299; and May 17 for $2,399—all if booked by Oct. 8, 2013.

The Win Wild South Africa Sweepstakes is open to all legal U.S. residents over the age of 21, beginning Sept. 11, 2013 at 9 a.m. EDT and ending Oct. 11, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. To enter, visit Facebook.com/FriendlyPlanetTravel, like the page, and submit the required information through the Win Wild South Africa Sweepstakes tab. There is no purchase necessary to enter the giveaway. Friendly Planet will announce the winner on its Facebook page and the Friendly Planet Travel blog.

For more information about A Taste of South Africa, or any of the other fascinating adventures that Friendly Planet Travel offers, visit FriendlyPlanetTravel.com.

ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL

Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices.

Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America—at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons, or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare; carefully selected, first-class and superior hotels; knowledgeable, English-speaking guides; many meals; planned itineraries; as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

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DELRAY BEACH, FL, Sept. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fall is the perfect time to go to South Africa–it’s spring
there and the game viewing is excellent! And now, one of African
Travel, Inc.’s most popular safaris to South Africa provides an
even greater value. With African Travel, Inc.’s End of the
Year Sale on South Africa, you can save 20% per
person on African Travel, Inc.’s Southern Explorer deluxe safari!*

This 10-day land safari is an excellent introduction to the
vibrant cultural and natural wonders of the region, starting in
South Africa’s “Mother City” of Cape Town and concluding with a
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about the process of winemaking at a renowned Cape Town winery,
visit exquisite and historical monuments, and soak up the
tranquility of the African bush while witnessing the glory of the
exotic wildlife. You and your travel companions can choose any date
between now and December 31, 2013 for your exclusive custom-crafted
safari with African Travel, Inc.

According to Jim Holden, President of African Travel,
Inc., “Travel to Africa is a most rewarding experience,
and this is a wonderful time to take advantage of these great
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Winelands, marveling at Victoria Falls, enjoying a sundowner cruise
along the Zambezi River, enjoying the variety of cuisine on offer,
and of course experiencing the thrill of a ‘Big Five’ game
safari.”

Southern Explorer — 10 days. South
Africa, Zimbabwe
Experience the highlights of South Africa in one breathtaking
journey. Spectacular Cape Town and the country’s premiere wildlife
haven, Kruger National Park, are artfully combined with the majesty
of Victoria Falls. This South Africa Safari adventure was designed
to stand alone or be combined with an array of companion
itineraries throughout East and Southern Africa.

• Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Cape
  of Good Hope and visit the endearing penguin colony of Boulders
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• Experience the “real” South Africa as a dinner
  guest in the home of a local Capetonian family.
• Enjoy your private game lodge and twice-daily
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• Priced from $3,996 per person, land only, based on double
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Deluxe Accommodations
3 nights Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
3 nights Kapama Karula, Kruger Private
Reserve
1 night DaVinci Hotel and Suites,
Johannesburg
2 nights Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria
Falls

— Date From — Date To — Launch Price — SALE
Price —

— 9/1/2013 — 10/31/2013 — $4,995 — $3,996
—

— 11/1/2013 — 12/31/2013 — $5,395 — $4,316
—

For more information and to book this Safari, contact
your favorite Travel Professional, call African Travel, Inc. at
(800) 421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com”www.africantravelinc.com.
CST 2071444-20

Don’t forget to check out African Travel, Inc.’s
Journal Page! Get travel tips, photos
and testimonials, and stories from the bush. Subscribe to the RSS
feed to get all of these things in one place!

Follow Jim Holden, President of African Travel, Inc. on
Twitter @JimHoldenAfrica

Terms and Conditions

* African Travel, Inc.’s standard
Terms and Conditions apply. Price is per person, based on
double occupancy, land arrangement only. International and internal
air is additional. Please check with our air center for details.
All pricing and accommodations are subject to availability. Holiday
supplements may apply. Not combinable with any other special
offers. Only valid on new bookings. Travel through December 31,
2013. *Surcharges apply January 1 – 5, December 20 – 31. CST
2071444-20

About African Travel, Inc.

African Travel, Inc. creates personalized African
safaris and adventures for today’s travelers seeking an
experience of a lifetime. Established for over 37 years, and with
more than 100,000 past travelers, African Travel, Inc. knows all
the different ways to safari and how to match each individual
client to their own unique experience.

Whether experiencing the great migration in the Serengeti,
tracking mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda,
gliding silently along the Zambezi River viewing wildlife from a
canoe, learning desert survival skills from a bushman in the
Kalahari in Botswana or sipping champagne while watching the sun
descend into the Atlantic from a private balcony in Cape Town,
We Know Africa.

African Travel, Inc. won distinction as a Top Safari Outfitter
in Travel + Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards and was
nominated by Travel Weekly in their Readers’ Choice Awards
as a Top Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter. National
Geographic includes African Travel, Inc. in their list of
“Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” and African Travel,
Inc. is listed as a Travel + Leisure Family Club Tour
Partner. African Travel, Inc. is part of The Travel Corporation,
which also includes in the USA: Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan
Vacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection,
and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. In Africa, African
Travel, Inc. is proud to have as its sister company Thompsons
Africa with its extensive network of offices throughout the region.
In addition to Thompsons Africa, African Travel, Inc. works closely
with a network of highly rated lodge operators in Africa including
Wilderness Safaris.

About USTOA

African Travel, Inc. shares the coverage available under the
USTOA $1 Million
Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of TravCorp
USA, Inc. in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA
$1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. In addition, TravCorp
Financial Services Limited provides a guarantee of $20 million in
respect of all customers traveling with African Travel, Inc.

About The TreadRight Foundation

The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit organization
established in 2008 by The Travel Corporation (TTC) to
undertake conservation work and foster sustainability in the
tourism industry.
 

Collectively funded by TTC’s family of brands, TreadRight
supports projects that fall under the themes of water,
biodiversity, leadership and community, and which drive the
foundation’s vision to preserve the earth’s unique environments and
diversity for future generations.
 

To date, TreadRight has donated more than US $2 million to
sustainable tourism projects around the world, in addition to
supporting the World Travel Tourism Council’s
‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards. To find out more about the
foundation visit: www.TreadRight.org.

.

Arnelle Kendall 
Vice President of Public Relations 
The Travel Corporation USA
110 East Atlantic Avenue Suite 325
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Telephone: (561) 330-0850
Email:

When elephants attack!

Terrified tourists have caught on camera the moment an enraged beast stampeded their Jeep.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

Tourists on safari thought they were going to simply watch elephants from a distance.

RELATED: VIDEO: 30 POLICE HORSES RAMPAGE IN MEXICO CITY

The astonishing footage begins with the safari party stopping to watch a herd chewing on vegetation in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

The elephants chew vegetation, with little indication they are about to stampede.

The enormous animals seemingly take insult at the invasion of privacy and start to walk towards the vehicle.

RELATED: SEE IT: THOUSANDS RUN FROM BULLS IN PAMPLONA-INSPIRED EVENT

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

The elephant herd turns toward the Jeep in a move the stunned guide called very rare.

It ends with one of the elephants, a territorial female, rushing toward the jeep and hitting it.

Stunned guide Johann Lombard, who has run safaris in the area for more than two decades, said the incident was extremely rare.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

‘I’ve never seen anything like it in 23 years,’ the guide says.

RELATED: PIGS ON THE RUN IN CHINA AFTER TRUCK OVERTURNS ON ROAD (VIDEO)

“I’ve never seen anything like it in 23 years,” he added.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

Luckily, no one was injured in the elephant attack.

Luckily, no one was injured in the attack.

On a mobile device? Click here for video.

New Delhi, Sep 3 (DNA): The uncertainty over India’s tour of South Africa grew further when the New Zealand Cricket announced their itinerary on Monday a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Working Committee meeting approved the proposal of a West Indies tour to the sub-continent.

The tour to the land of Kiwis, which was supposed to begin in February according to the International Cricket Council’s Futures Tour and Program, has been advanced to January leaving a small window for Cricket South Africa to host India.

The New Zealand tour is supposed to begin mid-January with the first of the five ODIs being played on 19th.

Meanwhile, the number Test matches have been reduced from three to two.

Going by the current scenario, the window to accommodate a South Africa series is small. Australia’s tour of India will end in the first week of November, with the last ODI being played on November 2 while the New Zealand tour begins with an ODI on January 19. And between these two dates, India will have to accommodate two big series.

West Indies are likely to play two Tests and five ODIs that could take at least a month leaving little time for South Africa.

Some officials in the BCCI say they are not sure how the tour of South Africa would be accommodated, while some feel that it could be pruned from three to two Tests. The Indian cricket board has still not communicated with the CSA about their plans who are keenly waiting for their counterparts to reveal them of their intentions.

“We have kept a proper window for the South Africa tour between the West Indies and New Zealand series. Although it’s a small window, South Africa will have to accommodate by reducing the number of games — including the Tests and ODIs. It is unlikely that we will play a practice game there,” said a top BCCI official.

A top BCCI official revealed that the West Indies tour is more of a money-making exercise. “We wanted a short series against South Africa and we had a window to accommodate a series that would help us financially.” It is likely that India might play two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Cricket is keen to host India as it will give them a major boost financially. NZC’s chief executive David White said he was happy that the summer programme of the Indian team visiting their country was finally confirmed.

“It’s brilliant that the Black Caps will be playing five ODIs against the world’s top one day side given the proximity of Cricket World Cup in 2015,” he said adding that the venues for the tour will be announced next week.

Tendulkar to take it one match at a time
Sachin Tendulkar has rubbished the reports of his retirement after the West Indies series where he will achieve the 200 Tests landmark. He told a news channel that he didn’t want to comment on it and is rather keen on taking it one match at a time. “No reactions now…will take it match-by-match,” he said.

Meanwhile, a top BCCI official on condition of anonymity, said that the hurriedly-planned visit by West Indies was about garnering revenue and is not organised as a farewell series for Tendulkar.  “As far as Tendulkar’s retirement is concerned, it is up to him when he wants to quit the game,” official said.

The uncertainty over India’s tour of South Africa grew further when the New Zealand Cricket announced their itinerary on Monday a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Working Committee meeting approved the proposal of a West Indies tour to the sub-continent.

The tour to the land of Kiwis, which was supposed to begin in February according to the International Cricket Council’s Futures Tour and Program, has been advanced to January leaving a small window for Cricket South Africa to host India.

The New Zealand tour is supposed to begin mid-January with the first of the five ODIs being played on 19th.

Meanwhile, the number Test matches have been reduced from three to two.

Going by the current scenario, the window to accommodate a South Africa series is small. Australia’s tour of India will end in the first week of November, with the last ODI being played on November 2 while the New Zealand tour begins with an ODI on January 19. And between these two dates, India will have to accommodate two big series.

West Indies are likely to play two Tests and five ODIs that could take at least a month leaving little time for South Africa.

Some officials in the BCCI say they are not sure how the tour of South Africa would be accommodated, while some feel that it could be pruned from three to two Tests. The Indian cricket board has still not communicated with the CSA about their plans who are keenly waiting for their counterparts to reveal them of their intentions.

“We have kept a proper window for the South Africa tour between the West Indies and New Zealand series. Although it’s a small window, South Africa will have to accommodate by reducing the number of games — including the Tests and ODIs. It is unlikely that we will play a practice game there,” said a top BCCI official.

A top BCCI official revealed that the West Indies tour is more of a money-making exercise. “We wanted a short series against South Africa and we had a window to accommodate a series that would help us financially.” It is likely that India might play two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Cricket is keen to host India as it will give them a major boost financially. NZC’s chief executive David White said he was happy that the summer programme of the Indian team visiting their country was finally confirmed.

“It’s brilliant that the Black Caps will be playing five ODIs against the world’s top one day side given the proximity of Cricket World Cup in 2015,” he said adding that the venues for the tour will be announced next week.

Tendulkar to take it one match at a time
Sachin Tendulkar has rubbished the reports of his retirement after the West Indies series where he will achieve the 200 Tests landmark. He told a news channel that he didn’t want to comment on it and is rather keen on taking it one match at a time. “No reactions now…will take it match-by-match,” he said.

Meanwhile, a top BCCI official on condition of anonymity, said that the hurriedly-planned visit by West Indies was about garnering revenue and is not organised as a farewell series for Tendulkar.  “As far as Tendulkar’s retirement is concerned, it is up to him when he wants to quit the game,” official said.

Catch all the sporting action at www.dnaindia.com/sport and http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/archives

When elephants attack!

Terrified tourists have caught on camera the moment an enraged beast stampeded their Jeep.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

Tourists on safari thought they were going to simply watch elephants from a distance.

RELATED: VIDEO: 30 POLICE HORSES RAMPAGE IN MEXICO CITY

The astonishing footage begins with the safari party stopping to watch a herd chewing on vegetation in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

The elephants chew vegetation, with little indication they are about to stampede.

The enormous animals seemingly take insult at the invasion of privacy and start to walk towards the vehicle.

RELATED: SEE IT: THOUSANDS RUN FROM BULLS IN PAMPLONA-INSPIRED EVENT

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

The elephant herd turns toward the Jeep in a move the stunned guide called very rare.

It ends with one of the elephants, a territorial female, rushing toward the jeep and hitting it.

Stunned guide Johann Lombard, who has run safaris in the area for more than two decades, said the incident was extremely rare.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

‘I’ve never seen anything like it in 23 years,’ the guide says.

RELATED: PIGS ON THE RUN IN CHINA AFTER TRUCK OVERTURNS ON ROAD (VIDEO)

“I’ve never seen anything like it in 23 years,” he added.

JukinVideoDotCom via YouTube

Luckily, no one was injured in the elephant attack.

Luckily, no one was injured in the attack.

On a mobile device? Click here for video.

If South Africa is home to the Cradle of Humankind, then the East Africa region can perhaps lay claim to where much of the continent’s technology-led evolution is now taking place.

But this being a corner of Africa which has been ravaged over the years by civil war and famine, nothing is ever completely straightforward.

When a fire raged through Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport in early-August this year, there was a sharp intake of breath not only from the Kenyan capital’s citizens and national government, but from others in the region.

Over the past few years the modest sized airport (5.8 million passengers in 2011) has become a gateway for inbound traffic to East Africa, both for the safari tour operating industry and for those outside looking to invest in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The early pictures of the damage caused by the blaze looked devastating.

Could the 2013 safari season cope with the disruption? What would rumours of emergency services looting before fire-fighting do to the reputation of a country desperate to position itself as one of the more forward-thinking nations on the continent?

Typically for a country (and wider region) which seemingly copes with all manner of knocks that would ordinarily cripple a so-called developed nation, services at the airport were restored quickly.

In short: officials in Kenya know how important the airport is to sustaining the tourism sector and fuelling further investment in other industries.

Travel sector overview

Inbound tourism, for example, reached around 1.3 million visitors in 2012, with the UK sending the largest proportion of travellers followed by the US and Italy (2010 figures).

These statistics are encouraging to the likes of John Chirchir of the Kenya Tourism Board. The agency has seen overall numbers more than double since the mid-1990s despite the US embassy bombings in 1998 and the controversial election and its aftermath in 2007-2008.

In 2012 tourism brought in around $1.1 billion to Kenya, mostly via wildlife and safari-led products but with an increasing amount going to new adventure, eco and beach trips.

Chirchir says the government is pushing Kenyan and external organisations to develop boutique and lifestyle hotels both in the national parks and ocean resorts, raising the “spend profile” of visitors further as well as encouraging corporations and MICE planners to select the country for conferences and exhibitions.

It’s inevitably a slow task, not least given that the government needs to continually fund and encourage investment in the country’s infrastructure, such as upgrading the airport in Isiolo and the development of marinas, but especially the road network (Nairobi’s roads, for example, can be jammed in and out of the city during peak hours).

So what about the tech?

Kenya (and to a lesser extent, Tanzania and Ethiopia) is aggressively pitching its tech potential to the outside world, in an effort to sustain the current 6.5% growth in GDP to the East Africa region (Western Europe’s is 0.1%).

Silicon Savannah is the rather inevitable title given to a movement in the country to encourage developers, startups, digital designers and entrepreneurs to consider Kenya as a base.

iHub is one of the platforms coordinating such efforts, and counts high profile brands such as Intel, Google (and elsewhere in Africa) and Samsung on its roster of international partners.

This stream of investment and enthusiasm for all things tech is rubbing off on the populace and the authorities (it likes to call itself a “digital government”).

Members of the growing middle class have an average of three devices to their name and many of the urban slum areas have subsidised mobile schemes, as well as free wifi zones to encourage internet use and sharing of information.

Yet perhaps the most significant and eye-catching development is the M-Pesa service.

Little known to many outside of the region, M-Pesa (Mobile-Pesa – Swahili for money) is a device-hosted money transfer and micro-finance system and is considered by some to be the most advanced mobile payment service in the world.

Developed by local students in Kenya in 2007 (short video about its history), M-Pesa is now used by a third of the country’s population in shops, food stalls, buses and offices.

Ask many what has fuelled the rapid rise of mobile payments – despite large scale poverty and relative underdevelopment of other forms of infrastructure – and it can be summarised easily: a hands-off approach to regulation by the government and the fact that many citizens have completely skipped desktop computers.

Their first experience of ecommerce is coming via a mobile device.

M-Pesa is spreading to countries around with similar structures and positions on the tech development curve, such as India and Afghanistan, and has caught the eye of a string of mobile operators around the world.

Some other significant stats to bear in mind:

• Average age in Africa is 20 (40 in Europe).
• Africa will have larger workforce than China in three decades.
• Seven of the top ten fastest growing economies are in Africa.
• BRIC countries trade more with Africa than they do amongst themselves.
• 750 million Africans have a mobile phone (1 billion by 2020).
• 54% of Kenyans never or infrequently use a desktop.
• Data produced from organisations based in Africa has increased by 30,000% in three years.

Travel industry moves

It is this rapid development of technology and infrastructure, alongside a burgeoning outbound tourist and business travel sector, which has led organisations such as Travelport to invest in and focus on Kenya and the wider region.

Having taken over its local National Distribution Company (known, rather ironically, as an NDC) agreement from Kenya Airways in April this year, Travelport sees establishing its own hub as a significant stepping stone to capitalising on the cultural and technical evolution currently taking place in the region.

“Travel’s new big game” is company’s slogan (and a nod towards the traditional, safari-led image of Africa) as it looks to bring the agency and wider tourism sector in the region up to speed with the pace of tech-driven change hitting other industries.

In particular is a focus on providing web and mobile services, not least because it seems imperative for travel businesses to start catering for the obvious fondness in the population for mobile and tablet devices, but also because traditional offline agencies are finding they will need fully functioning search and booking websites very soon.

Meanwhile, in terms of GDS segment growth, Africa outperforms the rest of the world considerably – Americas, Europe and APAC were relatively flat at 1-2% in 2012, whereas Africa was almost 15%.

Travelport’s managing director in Africa, Mark Meehan, believes the time is right to give the region such a large focus because the agency community is “very tech-savvy” and “their expectations of what can be achieved are very high”.

Interestingly, Meehan firmly believes the problems that beset bricks and mortar agencies in Europe and North America in the late-1990s and early-2000s (i.e. declining numbers in the face of new web-based services) will not be felt to the same extent in Africa.

“The pace of change here [in the industry] is not the same as elsewhere and the regulatory environment is different,” Meehan says. “Agents have the technical infrastructure to compete, alongside the tools and platforms.”

In other words: when previously many Western-based agents scrambled around wondering how they would compete with the likes of Expedia, now the availability of services and the business infrastructure (broadband, data storage, etc) in 2013 means the barriers to upgrading to a multi-channel service are far lower.

The ecosystem of industry will evolve as a whole, rather than there being widespread bloodshed as a result of a revolution which agents can’t control, Meehan believes.

Nevertheless, despite the industry environment in Africa in 2013 being markedly different to that in the west ten to 15 years ago, it is up to companies such as Travelport, in partnership with their customers, to make sure this happens.

This isn’t the spin from the company, but the reality. There is a significant opportunity for the existing players in the region to capitalise on the changes in the structure and processes in the industry, rather than sit idly by for outsiders to come along in the same way they did so devastatingly in other parts of the developed world.

On the ground

At the sharp-end of the agency world, Kiiru Mahiaini (CEO of Incentive Travel) has been in business for 17 years on the outskirts of Nairobi, both as an outbound air ticket and hotel booking service as well as an organiser of inbound safari tours.

Around 80% of his agency revenue is from business travel, servicing Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the increasing number of large corporations which have settled in Kenya and the wider region (such as Coca-Cola, Nokia et al).

As companies have thrived on the back of the local tech-led business revolution so have the needs of employees, with traditional destinations in Europe (London, Istanbul) giving way to a rapid rise in travel required to the Middle East, India and China.

At the moment his team of 16 staff mainly process travel queries that come in via email (around 60%) or telephone, with very few actual “walk-in” customers.

The agency’s tools and how its staff use them are changing, Mahiani says. Younger members are using point-and-click platforms (Travelport’s Smartpoint is one) and he oversees the entire operation from a reporting and productivity point-of-view using Agentivity, a system which was developed initially for agents in South Africa by UK-based startup, Inside Group.

Mahiani concedes that there is now – as broadband and smartphone connectivity really kicks in – a growing need for the fully functioning web service.

This, he predicts, will change the make-up of his revenue model as he estimates the agency could boost its leisure travel bookings by as much as 20%, simply with the launch of a consumer-facing website.

Not resting on his laurels (and in stark contrast to the general mood amongst many agents in the west), Mahiani is capitalising on the growth his agency is experiencing ($400,000 a month in just air ticket volumes) and is opening an agency in London this year, catering for academic and so-called “mission” (pilgrimage) travel.

Rose-tinted spectacles

Despite the technical advances with its infrastructure, increased wealth and the growing enthusiasm of the population to travel, evolution of the travel industry in East Africa is not going to be easy.

Martin Herbert, who leads Travelport’s operations in the region, concedes that a number of hurdles remain or could come along and stall development.

There are significant issues around fraud (on and offline), smaller airlines which connect the some of the far flung reaches of the continent are prone to collapse and improvements to infrastructure (broadband, roads, airports) may not materialise as quickly or indeed at all.

Furthermore, many governments are inherently unstable and, unlike during the development of the M-Pesa service, often interfere negatively in the development of industries within their countries.

Within travel in particular, Herbert says there may not be enough hotels in the region to cope with both inbound and inter-regional demand, essentially stifling any growth.

And in terms of safety, some cities are still considered extremely dangerous, especially for overseas visitors, with heavy security at many hotels and restrictions placed on movement without a guide or local representative.

Wide open Savannah

Potential pitfalls aside, many in the industry (Travelport and no doubt others in the future) see East Africa has having enough promise for it to be considered an important cornerstone of a growth strategy in emerging countries beyond the usual Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) markets.

Yet, obviously, many of the eye-watering data-points thrown around exist simply because there is still a relatively low base from which to climb.

One particular forecast, however, illustrates perfectly the growth potential on the continent: there are currently 670 commercial aircraft based in Africa. It is estimated that a further 900 will be required to meet demand by 2020.

But there is a lot more than simply the chance to gush over heady statistics when it comes to East Africa and the development of the travel sector and its relationship with technology.

At this stage the region appears to be learning from the mistakes (some unintentional) that affected the industry when technology became the engine room of travel around 20 years ago.

Combine this with the sudden switch from being never-connected to always-connected for large swathes of the population and there is a recipe for growth and success that could be as rewarding for the industry as the reaction of tourists seeing their first wild lion on safari.

NB: Africa circuit board and Nairobi safari images via Shutterstock. M-Pesa shop via Fiona Bradly on Flickr.

NB2: Disclosure – travel and accommodation for the author’s visit to Kenya was supported by Travelport.

Related posts:

1. Momondo takes partnership route for East and Central Africa
2. Momondo takes partnership route for East and Central Africa
3. Africa Safari Planner brings content, guides and trip search together to Savanna lovers

Notwithstanding the collective collapse in the second unofficial Test, the India A team’s tour of South Africa was satisfactory. Importantly, it served the bigger purpose of key players in the national side getting accustomed to the conditions in South Africa ahead of the full-fledged tour later this year.

Apart from Test opener Murali Vijay, most other batsmen were amongst runs. Fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan ratcheted a mind-boggling 248 in a limited-over match and tallied 410 runs in the tri-series that also included Australia A. Rohit Sharma and skipper Cheteshwar Pujara were consistent in both formats.

The signs, generally, were auspicious for Indian cricket. “Though the conditions would be different in December, the players utilised this opportunity. Pujara showed he is a responsible captain and batted extremely well. Rohit’s consistency is a big plus for Indian cricket, for we all know how capable he is in all formats,” reckoned coach Lalchand Rajput. Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, too, illustrated their worth. “Raina’s hundred was a brilliant effort and Rayudu showed his temperament. (Ajinkya) Rahane, too, played brilliantly in the second Test. Wickets were falling and they were bowling so well, but he batted with composure,” pointed out Rajput.

Vijay’s lean patch was only an aberration and not indicative of any gnawing technical deficiency. “In fairness, he didn’t get too many opportunities (featured in only three innings). He’s a wonderful batsman, and just because he didn’t bat well in a few matches doesn’t mean that he isn’t good enough. There is no reason why he shouldn’t perform well in South Africa,” defended Rajput.

He effusively praised the bowlers, especially medium-pacer Ishwar Pandey. “He is a very promising youngster and in this tour he proved that he is capable of getting wickets in overseas conditions. The wickets weren’t exactly green tops, as you would expect in South Africa. The boy put in a lot of effort to get his wickets,” Rajput reflected.

Topics: 

cessna 182,

editors picks,

fatality,

plane crash,

safari,

south africa

TWO New Zealanders are dead after their plane crashed in South Africa while flying in formation with two other aircraft filled with tourists on safari.

Richard Primrose, a Pukekohe father of two girls, was killed with fellow Kiwi John Walton when the Cessna 182 they were in crashed into mountains in remote Mpumalanga, 300km north-east of Johannesburg, which was their destination.

Mr Primrose’s wife and daughters were being supported by family last night.

The president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Ian Andrews, said the two men were “fantastic people”.

“They’re top guys. Something has gone tragically wrong. I won’t speculate on the cause [because] everyone wants to speculate on plane crashes.”

It’s understood they were leading the safari – the third trip Mr Primrose had organised – when the tragedy occurred on Thursday.

The South African news website Beeld.com reported the aircraft might have been caught in a strong gust before it slammed into the mountains.

Witnesses reportedly saw one of the planes “struggling” and soon after heard a loud bang.

An air force helicopter found the wreckage on Thursday afternoon.

Crew on a medical helicopter that went to the crash scene found the plane had crashed in an area of thick clay and bush.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Leonard Hlathi said an investigation had started.

Mr Primrose was an experienced pilot but it was not known last night which of the men was at the controls.

Friend Phil Pacey said: “I’ve got nothing bad to say about Richard. I’m just so disappointed the whole thing has happened.

“He was very passionate about the trips in South Africa and wanted to share it – they were marvellous and, having done one, I can say it was incredible.”

Mr Pacey travelled with Mr Primrose to South Africa two years ago.

“There were five couples in five Cessna 182s, and we flew through South Africa, Botswana, down the Zambesi River across Zimbabwe and back through South Africa again.

“You land at out-of-the way game reserves. It’s amazing to see Victoria Falls from the air, it’s absolutely something special … And Richard was so keen on it and wanted to share it with everybody.”

Despite the crash, Mr Pacey still believed flying was a far safer option than driving throughout Africa.

“It’s arguably safer to fly around than drive around in New Zealand, and especially South Africa.

“If you were going to drive over that route you are more likely to die driving than you are in an aeroplane.”

The plane went down near the town of Matibidi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance to the two men’s families.

South Africa´s flag carrier South African Airways said that its Vacations unit is targeting parents with a promotion on educational safari packages in South Africa with its air-inclusive Family Safari collection.

According to SAAV, the packages start at USD 3,398 per person and run for eight days.

The firm´s “Best of South Africa” package includes a three-night stay in Cape Town with tours, and a three-night stay at one of four safari lodges, where families can access multiple game drives tracking Africa´s Big 5.

SAA Vacations said that its customisable Family Safari collection also includes packages with a variety of activities, properties and lodges including Jr Tracker and Ranger training programs, exploration of the Cape region´s Garden Route, or the Victoria Falls in Zambia.

The company said its goal is to arrange the perfect vacation for families with varying budgets, resulting in a vacation that achieves a mix of providing children with a vacation that entertains and educates, while pleasing adults as well.

The SAA Vacations family safari packages can be booked at a discount for a limited time, with SAAV´s current fall package sale, offering USD 125 off per person for all packages booked by Oct. 15.

SAA Vacations packages include international and domestic Africa flights on South African Airways. A division of South African Airways, the national airline of South Africa , SAA Vacations uses SAA´s route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as East Africa.

Find out more at www.flysaavacations.com/south-africa-travel/family-safaris/.

ROBYN Jones has dreamed of going on an African safari as long as she can remember.

The school principal from Stawell (pictured) and her husband had vowed to “live life a little more to the full”.

“I had always wanted to go on a safari, and I thought I might book next year for my 50th, when I saw the South African trip competition in The Weekly Times,” she said.

“And I was determined to win it.”

Her entry of a poem beat hundreds of other entrants to win The Weekly Times Travel Club trip to South Africa for two with Swagman Tours.

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