Posted on
February 4th, 2010
by Grant Filed Under: Picture Blogs
Moremi game reserve is positioned at the top of Botswana and goes up to the Namibian border. The reserve is as wild as it gets and you’ll often hear the Lions at night, along with the Hyenas who are numerous, especially if you are camping. For a truly wild experience, camp at Third Bridge camp site where the resident Lions often walk through camp and you’ll hear the hippos grunting and fighting (as I did) through the night. One thing to take not of and prepare yourself for is the Baboons. They are not scared of conflict (especially with women) and will take whatever they want, so never leave anything outside. Moremi is a beautiful reserve which is fantastic for game viewing especially in the winter when all the animals gather at the Okavango Delta in search of water. For more, please visit www.kerrydebruyn.com
Posted on
January 25th, 2010
by Grant Filed Under: Picture Blogs
Nxai Pan, Botswana is a secret gem in the Kalahari. Almost completely avoided by tourists (compared to other places) this wildlife haven is full of life and beauty. In the rainy season thousands of Zebras, Springboks and Gemsbok migrate to the area which becomes a carpet of emerald green grass, perfect for feeding while other animals like the resident Elephants and Lions choose to stay there all year. Bains Baobabs is also a must-see in the area but be very careful about when you decide to visit this sanctuary. The rainy season can be very tough on your car, tyres and not to mention yourself. But for a truly unforgettable experience unlike most other havens in Botswana, plan a trip to this special place and you won’t be dissapointed. Visit my site, www.kerrydebruyn.com for more.
Posted on
November 5th, 2009
by Grant Filed Under: Green Collection
It seems apparent that some tourism and travel companies have no concern for sustainable and eco-tourism. This article stems from a visit to Pretoria and Johannesburg to obtain a Nigerian TWP visa. The two days there were quite manic being in two cities I’m not quite familiar with and under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines.
Tungsten vs Power Saving
By the end of the first day I went to find accommodation for the night. I found a provider I thought was better than they actually are or otherwise I simply found one of their bad hotels. This is not the big issue though. After settling in and as the day grew late, I needed some light. I switched on the light switch and was temporarly blinded by vast amounts of light. After regaining my sight I discovered that each room had one or two sets of triple lights, all with the old styled tungsten bulds or “electrical gas guzzlers”. For a moment I felt like a soccer player in the 2010 SWC or like the night the Cape Town Soccer Stadium did their lights test.
For those establishment not in the know as yet, you can increase your profit margin by installing power saving lights. These lights also last much longer again resulting in a power saving. Eitherway this is looked at, it all adds up to money and the enviroment being saved. Keep in mind that Eskom wants to hike the rates quite seriously and your guests are going to have to foot the bill. At the same time your staff need higher salaries too.
For those wishing to make change to your travel and tourism experience, take a look at these websites, http://www.operationcarbon.org/, http://www.thegreenguide.com/ and http://branded-green.com/.
The 18-room Mfuwe Lodge, which overlooks two lagoons that are abundant with wildlife, has a large reception area particularly suited to wandering elephants. They see no reason why they shouldn’t walk straight through, eat their fill and walk out again. They can be seen approaching, so guests and staff move out of the way behind railings and stay still while the herd troops through. Sometimes the elephants stop and investigate the people or sniff things on the desk, but have never threatened anyone. After all lunch is waiting!
Elephants march through Mfuwe Lodge
The herd, led by a matriarch who currently has two calves under a year old, roam the South Luangwa National Park for most of the year, but when the mangos are ripening they can smell it from afar and appear like magic to raid the fruit. They favour the Mfuwe Lodge mango trees, although there are plenty in the South Luangwa.
Cape Town Lights Up in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup!
Cape Town Soccer Stadium Lights Up
V & A Waterfront and Cape Town Soccer Stadium
Cape Town Soccer Stadium from the Suburbs
If anyone had any doubts about the soccer stadium in Green Point, Cape Town, now may just be the time to reconsider. Being a Cape Townian I’m very patriotic. I must say that out of all the soccer stadiums I’ve seen being prepared for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, this is my favorite. Well done Cape Town.
Credits to: http://6000.co.za/2009/10/23/light-up-light-up/
