South Africa Tourism will reschedule this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba.
This follows this evening’s State of the Nation address by President Cyril Rampahosa, who confirmed that 08 May 2019 will be the date for the national elections.
Indaba was scheduled to take place from 06-09 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.The ICC also serves as the nerve centre for elections in the KwaZulu Natal province and takes priority over all other events.
“We are currently exploring all viable alternative options in light of the announcement of the election date,” said South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
“We also need to consult with our various partners and stakeholders and appreciate the understanding of our buyers, exhibitors and delegates who will now await a new date to attend Indaba.”
“We know the importance of Indaba to the travel industry and want to ensure that we are still are able to provide a world class show despite having to change the date,” added Ntshona. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) also added their voice. “With dates confirmed upfront, buyers and exhibitors would’ve planned around the
original date. There are also other global shows during this period, but we would like to re-assure the industry that despite the new date, Indaba will still be a fantastic show to attend and would like to encourage you to attend once the new date is confirmed,” explained TBCSA CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Indaba is Africa’s biggest travel and trade show with over 7 000 delegates from 80 countries attending last year’s event.
South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
In support of Small and Medium Scale Business in the Travel Industry in Nigeria, South African Tourism (SAT) partnered with South African Airways (SAA) and the Sun International (SI) to give 9 small and upcoming travel agents (trade) executives an opportunity to explore South Africa and have their products at a Brand Expo which took place on 29th & 30th June 2018 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. The 9 travel agencies taken on the trip includes Crew Training Institute, Greater View Travels, Saffron Travels, Apeiron Travels, Vectra Travels, Foshizi Tours, Teeysz Tours, Akenn Tours and Nje Tours.
Taking off in the brand new South African Airways Airbus A330-300 series from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and led by Trade Relations Manager, South African Tourism West Africa, Mr Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa and Mrs Motunrayo Ajomale of South African Airways Nigeria, the trade executives were prepped ahead of the two-week power packed and exciting trip to South Africa. Arriving at the O.R Tambo International Airport in the early hours of the 2nd of August, the travel agents were whisked off on a 30-minute drive to the Maslow Hotel in the heart of Sandton and were welcomed by Mr Didier Bayeye, Marketing Manager, West Africa & Indian Ocean, Sun International.
While SAA was responsible for providing the flight to South Africa, Sun International provided the befitting accommodation at Maslow for the travel agents and SAT provided the experiences & ground logistics throughout their stay in South Africa. The experiences were specially curated to give the agents a chance to experience that culture and the variety of memorable attractions that South Africa offers in & around Gauteng (Johannesburg & Pretoria) & North West (Sun City) provinces which was the coverage area of the fam trip while they sell the beautiful country as a top travel destination.
Unaware of the many robust attractions and world-class locations in South Africa, many tour operators have been limited in offering South Africa as a potential holiday destination to their clients due to negative mind-sets about the country. Through the hosting, the travel agents who went on the trip were able to see a different side of South Africa and also experience the warmth and diversity of her people. From the visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village to the trip to Soweto, home of the legend, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the travel agents had an opportunity to interact with South Africans who welcomed them with warm smiles and were also eager to share their culture with them. At the Lesedi Cultural Village, less than one-hour drive from Jo-burg, they encountered people of Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele and Basotho origin. From listening to individual cultural stories of the people, to tours of the local houses, the travel agents received a fuller picture of the South African heritage.
While exploring top tourist destinations like Gold Reef City theme park and Sun City Resort, a world-class resort that offers a wide variety of hotels, attractions and events, including the luxurious Palace of the Lost City where they stayed, the travel agents were also able to witness, first-hand, the fun side of South Africa. Boasting of many top tourist attractions with exciting activities, South Africa is a place to go and let your hair down, either alone or with family or friends. Individually or in a group, South Africa has something for everyone. There are also a wide variety of activities from mountain climbing to zip lining to suit different interests and passions. The travel agents were able to take part in these activities as they continued to explore South Africa during their the one-week visit.
Aside from the places visited and the activities they were involved in, the trade had a taste of indigenous South Africa food bursting with flavours and richness in palate. At Maboneng, which boasts of a wide selection of restaurants and artistic stores for visitors to enjoy, the trade tucked into sumptuous meals and they also had an opportunity to experience foot tour of the artistic environment, South African style.
Seeing the beauty in the natural landscape in South Africa while taking a tour of Johannesburg, the trade was convinced that South Africa is the top travel destination which everyone should experience. Conversations throughout the trip was centered around building the capacity of the trade and giving inputs to help them scale their travel business and offer competitive services to their clients.
According to Victoria, MD, Akenn Travels, “This was a huge privilege given us even as a relatively new business, we have taken this with both hands and commit to delivering on the purpose for which this hosting was put together.” while Ms Tina Tinachi, MD, Nje Tours says “The trip was amazing, fun & informative”
On a similar note, Mrs Folasade Adegboyega of Apeiron Travel & Tours confessed “I have been to SA a couple of times, but this experience was exceptional. There was so much to do & see that time didn’t permit us. South Africa is an AMAZING destination. I will sure visit & sell again and again.”
With South Africa as a top travel destination in their minds, the travel agents now understand the key highpoints of the country that their clients must encounter. What better way to sell a location as a potential holiday destination than to have first-hand experience of the fullness of what the location has to offer? The travel agents ended the tripped equipped to increase and diversify their offerings to their clients and curate the best experiences in the travel packages they offer to them.
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AKWAABA – African Travel market is the biggest Travel & Tourism Show in West Africa hosting exhibitors and buyers to meet with airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, state tourism boards, foreign trade and tourism sectors from over 20 countries in Africa and the UAE.
Making a mark this year at AKWAABA was South African Tourism, with its alluring and fascinating destination stand where it engaged with Trade, Consumers and Exhibitors alike, sharing information on the amazing offerings the destination has to offer in line with the focus of the event for this year 2018 which included; introducing and encouraging African tour operators who promote African destinations to Africans, growing future of Aviation in Africa, showcasing wining and dining as a key element of tourism through food fair, wedding destinations, SPA and Wellness across Africa and engaging youths in Africa Tourism & Travel.
At the opening, Trade Relations Manager: West Africa for South African Tourism, Mr. Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa received the DG, Nigerian National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Chief Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who declared the exhibition open alongside other top dignitaries from across the continent at the South African Tourism Destination Stand. The DG expressed his admiration saying “We are very proud of South Africa as they made the whole of Africa proud during the World Cup 2010 as the first African Country to host the World Cup”.
Mohammed Kwajaffa, explained the huge impact AKWAABA has brought to Africa ‘s travel trade and tourism saying
“One of the key game changer at Akwaaba Travel Market this year was the inclusion of the Local & Small scale Tour Operators & Travel Agents to exhibit as it attracted more foot fall from their own clients & followers.” Kwajaffa extended a huge appreciation to the founder of AKWAABA, Mr. Ikechi Uko for organizing a good event this year and also thanked Stakeholders from National Association of Nigeria travel Agency, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators & Tour Operators of Ghana who visited the stand to show their continued support and partnership “this gave us opportunity to showcase destination South Africa to more than the usual clientele hence reaffirming SAT’s commitment to supporting such initiatives & activities in the market. Congratulations to all the award winners of the Top 100 Africa Tour Operators and the organizers for a well-organized event” – he further said.
Also in attendance, NANTA BOT Chairman, Mr Steve Isokarie, NATOP President, Hajiya Bilikisu Abdul, FTAN President, Alhaji Rabo Kareem, HATMAN President, Mr Badaki Aliyu Ajayi, NANTA National VP, Mrs Susan, NANTA VP Lagos Zone, Mrs Lola Adewale, NANTA VP Western Zone, Mr Dagunduro Tokumbo all of Nigeria and from Ghana TOUGHA President, Mr Kwesi Eyison, GHATOF Rep, Mr Ahmed Naaman, and celebrities such as Ghanaian famous actor, Van Vicker and Nigeria’s famous Singer, Producer, Actor, Banky W, resounding Nigerian Contemporary Vocalist & Chanter, Ire ‘D’ Stage Diva and many more who visited the South African Tourism destination stand.
AKWAABA was a valuable opportunity for the African Trade Market to network and discuss, trade businesses with others across the continent.
Consular General Darkey Africa.
The joy and thrills of the people of South Africa was brought to Lagos on the 6th of September as the South African Embassy in Nigeria celebrated South Africa’s National Women’s Day 2018 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. The Embassy hosted dignitaries, media partners, stakeholders and Consuls General including Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and several other countries to a night of centenary celebrations.
The National Women’s Day is an annual South African public holiday which commemorates the 1956 women’s march in Pretoria to petition against the country’s pass law and this year, South Africa remembers Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu; a political activist, a nurse and one of the important leaders of anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa. She amongst other women spear-headed the march of 1956 and this year, South Africa celebrates her centenary.
Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu who was often referred to as the “Mother of the Nation” lived with the people and lead them to rise against the abominable system of Apartheid and misogyny. From Cape Town, Soweto to Huhundi and Galeshewe, she was known for her warmth as a leader, whose love for freedom was unwavering.
Mr. Oluwaseyi Adegoke Adeyemo of Inside Watch Africa alongside Mrs. Poppy Ravhura compered the event, taking the guests down memory lane back to the march of 1956, explaining the meaning of the words they chanted as they walked to the Union Building
wathint’ abafazi,
wathint’ imbokodo, uza kufa!
[When] you strike the women, you strike a rock,
you will be crushed [you will die]!
— Rallying call for Women.
In a welcome address by Mr. Darkey Africa, Consul General of South Africa, talked about the legacy Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu left behind “We learn about leadership, through her suffering, we learn about the patience of a nurse to conquer pain. We learn about her burning desire to release her people from the pain of oppression. We learn about selflessness and service to humanity”.
To close his welcome address, Mr. Darkey made a call-to-action for us all to emulate the life and times of Albertina Sisulu by intensifying our efforts in the society against subjugation of women. “Mama Sisulu calls on us to forever strive for this ideal, to emancipate women so that Africa can prosper. We must now begin to nurture a 100 more Albertina Sisulus. None amongst us can be her, but we can emulate her example, know her story and attempt to help humanity”.
The event ended with a closing remark by Ms. N Koni, reminding everyone why August 9th is an celebrated day. “We mark this day to remind ourselves of the great contributions women have made to build our societies, while at the same time recognize the challenges that women still face in fully enjoying their fundamental human rights”.
This year is of special significance as it commemorates the birth of Albertina Sisulu, Nelson Mandela and the formation of the Bantu Women’s League – the Bantu Women’s League was the first women’s organization in South Africa which was founded in 1918.
South African Tourism alongside South African embassy thanks partners and friends on the continued support of the now annual celebration: a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements.
South african tourism trade and media partners
Consular General Darkey Africa, Stakeholders and friends
The South african Consulate and partners
Staff of SAT and Staff of consulate
The guests arrived the Kruger, Mpumalanga International Airport via connecting flight from Johannesburg after a 6-hour flight from Lagos/Accra and transferred to the Casa do Sol Resort. Casa do Sol Hotel and Resorts offers luxury accommodation, excellent facilities and a range of fun activities which makes it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful lush gardens.
On this trip we have of Oc Ukeje, Abimbola Craig, Ifeanyi Attamah and Kayode Bakare from Nigeria and from Ghana, we have James Gardiner, Selly Galley, Caleb Elolo Adiomah and Caroline Sampson. Joining them on the trip are Elikplim Quaicoe and Idowu Oluwaseyi, the winners of the “Win a Trip to SA” competition which was carried out on Instagram 2 weeks earlier.
The itinerary promises non-stop fun and adventure for the guests. We are looking forward to seeing our favs take a jump off the big swing in Mpumalanga and go hiking through the Paranoma Route. They will also get the visit the historical Shangana Cultural Village and go shopping at the popular Victoria Street Market. There would also be activities such as Quad Biking, Segway and Rickshaw Rides in Durban.
And let us not forget, the guests would be live at Durban July, the annual horserace which happens to be one of South Africa’s biggest event yearly.
For more details on the variety of experiences, visit www.visitsouthafrica.net.
Twitter: Travel2SA1 Instagram: travel2sa Facebook: Travel to South Africa
Follow the journey #MySaExperience #Nigeriameetsouthafrica #Ghanameetsouthafrica
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Following his introductory meeting with Nigerian trade and media at Indaba earlier in April 2018, the Minister alongside Consul General of SA in Lagos, Amb. Darkey Africa hosted Guests from the Media, Trade & Stakeholders in Lagos, Nigeria to an exclusive dinner in Lagos, Radisson – Ikeja on the 6th of June 2018.
South African Tourism Trade Relations Manager: West Africa, Mr Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa who stood in for the Hub Head, Mr Hloni Pitso who was on study leave, welcomed & introduced the Minister, Consul General & invited guest.
The honorable tourism minister then opened up the floor to discussions by requesting an open and transparent dialogue on the tourism sector; with focus on the flow of traffic between West Africa and South Africa. Guests enjoyed a savoury South African inspired 3 course dinner, though the Minister himself insisted on a local Nigerian dish. With the enjoyable experiences and stories shared across the night, it was unanimous that South Africa is the ultimate holiday destination, rich in taste, culture and experiences.
The Stakeholders and key Trade travel partners engaged with and discussed the re-occurring challenges of Visa processing as one of the key issues which hinders the over-all experience of Nigerian’s travel to South Africa.
The Minister assured all present that much was being done to address the challenges that hinder the growth of tourism, he said:
“There is much being done to ease the South African Visa issues in Nigeria. We are working towards eventually having an e-visa regime. We want to modernize the systems and ease the burdens. In the interim: We will be working on recognizing valid visa’s from other countries such as USA, U.K .etc. so that Nigerians with such Visa’s will be given leniency. Africa is indeed open for business, and offers a world of opportunity”
The Consular General re-affirmed the position on visas, he said “We are aware of the Visa situation and are working towards resolving them with the colleagues from home affairs.”. He further urged applicants to submit applications on time and with sufficient supporting documents
The meeting played a key role in solidifying the unification of West Africa and South Africa, with much being done to strengthen areas of synergy between the two nations.
The Minister reassured all present that much was being done and procedures are already in place for a seamless visa process for West -Africa. He requested for the CG – Amb, Darkey Africa to kindly and immediately work on reviewing the visa processes and also specifically to immediately address the issues around visa durations for applicants, especially for repeat travelers.
The stakeholders thanked the CG for always having an open-door policy, and the Minister for the opportunity to collaborate on the advancement of tourism and relations between the two nations.
On closing, Minister Hanekom continues to promote unity and a two-way traffic of tourism between the two countries, he called for greater regional co-operation and for us all to work together to ensure ease of travel and the continued growth the tourism across the continent. He urges us to continue to spread the magic of Africa.
“Tourism in Africa is growing – it’s a sunrise sector for many African countries, and this is reflected in the wider range of exhibitors we are seeing at the show each year, “says Sisa Ntshona the CEO of SA Tourism and organisers of Africa’s Travel Indaba.
African countries are taking tourism seriously based on 2017 figures which show that 8,1% of Africa’s total GDP was generated from the sector (USD 177 billion). [1] Tourism is also driving job creation in Africa with an estimated 6,5% of all employment on the continent being in the sector. These figures are based on Africa currently attracting just 5% of global travellers.
South African Tourism has a vested interest in collaborating and partnering with other countries to create desire and demand for Africa and is part of the 5 in 5 country strategy for growth. “The future success of tourism as an economic driver depends on the presence of policies and continental strategies for trade and investment that meet the needs of the sector and an overall business environment that is conducive to growth. It depends too on the abilities of all players from across the continent to meet, engage and support initiatives and the three-day Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the key places to start that conversation,” says Ntshona. “There is no reason why the continent cannot double its share of the global tourism market in the next decade with a collaborative approach to the destination.”
African country products confirmed for this year include established tourism players as well as developing destinations such as the Central African Republic, Sudan and the DRC. The organising team for Africa’s Travel Indaba is working to secure further countries and are happy to negotiate to support the attendance of more products and representatives from the continent.
To register for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.
Remember to log onto the diary system as soon as possible to secure appointments with exhibitors.
[1] WTTC 2018 Annual Economic Report – Africa
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Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa
: In a coup for South Africa, Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa was elected one of two deputy chairpersons of the Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) during the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in China last week.
On the sidelines of the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, held from 11 to 16 September 2017, Minister Xasa was appointed deputy chair of the CAF for a two-year term alongside her counterpart from the Gambia, Amat Bah. Kenya’s Najib Balala was elected to chair the regional commission, succeeding Zimbabwe’s Walter Mzembi.
The regional tourism commissions enable member states to meet once a year to discuss concerns and formulate proposals to submit to the UNWTO for consideration.
“We extend our warm congratulations to Minister Xasa on this significant appointment. It’s a vote of confidence in the vision and leadership shown by South Africa as a major tourism player on the African continent and, indeed, on the world stage,” said South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona.
“Furthermore, to be voted into this important position by her peers on the African continent is an endorsement of Minister Xasa’s zeal in pushing the agenda of the African Union in multilateral engagements, and her passion for championing women and small businesses in the tourism sector. African tourism faces its own distinct opportunities and challenges, and we have every confidence in her ability to articulate these on the global stage,” he said.
Minister Xasa is also the convenor of tourism ministers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), after South Africa took over the revolving chairmanship of the regional body last month.
Since 2011, she has spearheaded the National Department of Tourism’s Women in Tourism programme to upskill, empower and advance women in the tourism sector. This initiative was prompted by the slow pace of gender transformation in tourism and travel, locally as well as globally, particularly when it comes to women in key decision-making roles.
At this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, Minister Xasa launched the Women in Tourism 30 in 5 (known as “WiT 30in5”) public-private partnership to increase the proportion of South African women in tourism management positions to 30% in the next five years.
Significantly, 13 African countries are led by women in the tourism portfolio and on the sidelines of last week’s UNWTO General Assembly, an informal session held by these female tourism ministers took several progressive resolutions to further the Women in Tourism agenda.
Key among these decisions was Ethiopia undertaking to host a Women in Tourism conference in Addis Ababa in January 2018, to build, expand and refine the scope of this initiative from a regional point of view.
The tourism ministers also undertook to share best practice and learn from one another in promoting women in the sector, tackle continent-wide challenges such as women trafficking, and focus on connecting SMMEs with bigger industry players for mutual benefit.
Said Ntshona: “We are pleased that the vital Women in Tourism campaign has been injected with fresh impetus thanks to Minister Xasa’s election to the CAF leadership, and her determination and enthusiasm will no doubt see the elevation of this important vision on the African and global tourism agenda.”
For more info visit: www.southafrica.net
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August 2017: In an innovative partnership that showcases South Africa’s diverse leisure tourism attractions through the powerful medium of film, this week sees the official South African premiere of the hit Nollywood action comedy 10 Days in Sun City.
The movie, which is the highest-earning film in Nigeria this year and topped that country’s box office for two weeks after its release in June, was unveiled to South African audiences on Thursday.
Aptly, the launch took place at the Sun City resort in the North West Province, where much of 10 Days in Sun City was filmed. The film, directed by South African-based Nigerian director Adze Ugah, will be released in 20 cinemas across South Africa on 25 August 2017.
This smash hit Nollywood blockbuster features Nigerian A-listers Ayo Makun (also known as AY), Richard Mofe Damijo, Mercy Johnson and Adesua Etomi, as well as rapper Falz and Afro-pop artist 2Face Idibia. It also stars South African actress Amanda Du-Pont and comediennes Celeste Ntuli and Thenjiwe Mosely, as well as Hollywood actor Miguel Nunes Jr.
South African Tourism has hailed the rom-com as a shining example of how entertainment and tourism can converge in a credible, creative and effective manner, thanks to mutually beneficial partnerships – in this case, between the film’s producers and Sun International.
Said Sisa Ntshona, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer: “Nigeria is one of South Africa’s most important tourist source markets in Africa, as well as a valuable ally in growing tourism on the continent. With Nollywood being the second-largest movie industry in the world, we are thrilled that so many of Gauteng and North West tourism offerings have been given a prime starring role in this film, integrated into the thrill-a-minute plotline.
“Audiences are whisked on a rollercoaster ride of experiences in close proximity such as hot-air ballooning and safari game drives in the Magaliesberg, a cruise on the Hartbeespoort Dam, visiting Lesedi Cultural Village and high-end shopping in Sandton, then into the heart of Soweto to see Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial – all set against the luxurious and adventure-packed backdrop of Sun City itself.”
Ntshona said 10 Days in Sun City aligned perfectly with South African Tourism’s “5 in 5” strategy, which has set the target of attracting an additional five million domestic and international tourists within the next five years – including from the African continent.
He explained that the idea for the film was conceived after a successful hosting of Nigerian “influencers” by South African Tourism. “We thank Corporate World Entertainment, the producers, for choosing South Africa as the setting for their blockbuster and are confident that the cross-continental ties that were forged during this exciting project will continue to bear fruit as we showcase Africa to the world,” he said.
10 Days in Sun City has made N170 million (more than R6 million) at the box office to date, which places it as the highest-grossing film in Nigeria in 2017, ahead of the latest Fast and the Furious sequel and Wonder Woman, and the biggest Nollywood film of the year to date.
Following its South African cinema release through Times Media Films, it is slated for distribution in four Francophone African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, France, the United States and Canada.
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The guests that were taken on the trip, this time around, included Richard Mofe Damijo, John Dumelo, Francis Doku, Seyi Shay, Arese Ugwu, Bolanle Olukanniand Idia Aisien.
The journey began with the South African Airways flight which the Nigerian and Ghanaian group boarded from Lagos and Accra respectively. The flight which lasted only 6 hours was smooth and comfortable so that by the time the guests landed in from O.R. Tambo International airport, they were ready to board their connecting 1hr45mins flight to George situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Lunch time at the Bush Lodge
Upon arrival, their adventure began. They headed to the Bergsig Game farmwhere the guests boarded helicopters and went on private helicopter rides where they got to see a panoramic view of the beautiful city. From an altitude of over 8000ft over sea level, the guests were able to view the greenery, mountains and animals.
The crew at the helipad
RMD at the helipad
Seyi Shay at the Helipad
Arese at the Helipad in Mosselbay
Bolinto at the helipad
Next up, the guests got to visit the Nyaru Game Lodge situated in the heart of garden route a mere, 30 minute drive from the George airport. The Nyaru game lodge provides a traditional restaurant that comes complete with a fireplace. The crew got the opportunity of enjoying the authentic African bush breakfast on the outdoor deck against nature’s very own picturesque backdrop.
Seyi Shay at the Nyaru Game lodge
RMD at the Game Lodge
Idia at the Nyaru Game Lodge
Idia, Arese and Bolinto
The next day, the group went on a visit to a small town called Knysna located along South Africa’s famed garden route. The town is most famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views from Leisure Isle to the Knysna Heads. The guests’ first activity on arrival involved a power boat ride through the Knysna heads and down the Knsyna estuary! The Knysna waters are cool and clean making it a safe spot for speed boating.
The crew power boating
The Mountains on the clear Knysna waters
On their last day in the beautiful city of George, the guests visited the Elephant Sanctuary located at Crags, Plettenberg Bay! The guests enjoyed a very intimate experience with the elephants as they got to ride the elephants taking in the view once again at an extended height. This time around, at the height of over 3,3m which is the height of an African elephant. Some of the guests also went on walks with the elephants leading them by their trunks.
Then, it was spa time at the Simola Golf & Country Estate set in high hills above Knysna. Here, they indulged in specialized body therapies and massages.
On their last night in George, the guests got treated to dinner on a boat cruise where they set sail on the calm Knysna Lagoon. Champagne, cocktails mixed with seafood and yummy cuisine was the order of the day as they looked forward to what would be a new adventure in the city of Capetown the next day.
Kelechi Amadi Obi, Arese, Bolinto & John Dumelo
RMD and John Dumelo
The anticipation for what was to come was built on the 50mins flight to Capetown from George and the guests looked on in anticipation to what Cape Town had to offer. The first activity the guests embarked upon was to explore Robben Island! Guests got the opportunity to intimately experience a segment in the life of one of Africa’s biggest legends and Nobel Peace prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela. They got the privilege of being inside what was his prison cell for 18 of his 21year sentence. They got to see the tally marks he made inside the cell as that was his way of keeping record of his time in prison. He counted the days stroke by stroke for all his 18 years of imprisonment in the cell.
Outside the cell, they were introduced to the limestone quarry where Mandela and the other cell mates had to break cement manually with sledge hammers every day for the duration of his imprisonment. It was a bittersweet moment as the guests gained increased respect and admiration for the African Icon.
Vroom vroom! It was adventure time once more for the crew. In grand style, they rode on Harley Davidson bikes from Signal Hill to the wine lands located in Groot Constantia Landgoed Estate. Here, they were introduced to the process of wine making. Founded in 1685, It Groot Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms and a part of Cape Town’s big 7 top attractions! Here, the guests enjoyed the offerings of history, culture and of course, the unique blend of centuries old, ultra-premium cool climate wines.
No visit to Capetown is complete without a visit to the iconic landmark which also serves as one of the World’s seven wonders. If you guessed Table Mountain, you certainly guessed right. Sitting at a height of over 3,653ft, the guests were treated to cable rides to the top of mountain as they watched on in amazement at the breath taking view of the entire city of Capetown! From the infinitely laid green landscape to the vineyards and surrounding mountains and hill tops the guests were held spell-bound.
RMD and John Dumelo
Seyi Shay and RMD
The 2-day Cape Town Jazz Festival was in session while the guests were in the mother city of Cape Town so they got the privilege of attending the festival. This festival plays host to thousands of Jazz lovers across the globe every year with world class acts performing on stage. The smooth rhythm and blues from renowned acts such as Nomfundo Xaluva, Mango groove, Digable planets, Andra day, Camillo Lombard and a host of many more ended their last night in the Western Cape Province.
It was a bitter-sweet exit as the guests ended their tour knowing that this was only the beginning of more adventures to come. From family visits to bringing friends and spouses, they all vowed to return with their loved ones as there are so many more activities available in the beautiful country. The accessibility and affordability that South Africa presents also helped seal the deal!
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