The Lighter Side

Courtesy of Getaway Magazine Blog

Tourist guides to South Africa: they’re everywhere. In airports, bookstores and curio shops next to those big wooden giraffes.

With so many of them around (guide books and wooden giraffes), you would think that all the important “˜need to know’ information would be covered. Apparently not. With the help of owe got into the minds of our visitors and found out that they really still do ask some of the most ridiculous questions:

On Africa’s wildlife
“˜Do whales always give birth in the water?’ Asked by an American tourist, whilst looking at the whales at Gansbaai - Erlo Brown

‘What do I do if I get bitten by a lion?’ Chinese tourist overheard on safari at Tsavo – Chloe Stoodley

“˜Do giraffes hunt in packs?’ – Jeannie Celeste Kenney

“˜What do you feed the whales? When do you feed them? How do you keep them in the bay? Why don’t they jump out of the water today? Will they come closer if you call them?’ Asked by American tourists in Gansbaai on the Cape Whale Coast – Sanchia Chivell

“˜What species of dog is a lion?’ – Nicola Leach

“˜Are there lions in the street in South Africa?’ – Christel Marais

“˜Is the hyena related to the brown bear?’ Asked by an American tourist while visiting Moholoholo near Hoedspruit – Eileen Bailie

“˜What time can we expect the lions to roar?’ American tourists overheard at Pilansberg – Lynton Lewis

“˜Now I know why giraffes are so tall, so they can hunt monkeys in trees.’ Asked by a guest after seeing a giraffe chewing on a bone – Bush Willem Gouws

“˜What time do they feed the whales?’ asked by a tourist in Hermanus. – Vanessa Alberts

“˜You should catch the monkeys and teach them to eat with a knife and fork and sit at the table with us, so they can entertain us’ – Bush Willem Gouws

“˜At what time do they round up the animals and lock them in the cages for the night?’ asked by a German tourist in Etosha – Tina Schilling

“˜Where do rhinos lay their eggs?’ asked by a Japanese traveler - ThombeSAFARI

On buying things in South Africa
“˜Can you buy material in South Africa?’ - Caroline Pols-Dijkstra

“˜Will I have enough clothes in Cape Town?’ – Jeannie Celeste Kenney

“˜Are there any ATMs in South Africa?’ – Jacques Coetzee

“˜Why can’t I claim back VAT at CT International Airport for goods I bought in Nairobi. It’s also in Africa isn’t it?’ Asked by an American tourist – Brian Aldridge

On family
“˜Do you know my Uncle/Aunt/Cousin, they live in Cape Town/Durban/Johannesburg/Pretoria?’ – Maxine Carli

“˜We know somebody who lives in Nairobi, do you know them?’ asked by an American after discovering thatGary Loney was South African.

On South Africa’s public service
“˜Did you guys receive the maize meal we sent over?’ An American pastor asked Ashley Davis while she was working at an American Airlines call centre at the Waterfront.

On a business trip previously to USA we were asked, “˜Do you have internet? Do you have electricity or do you generate your own power? Are you cannibals?’ – Cara Laubscher

“˜Do you have running water in SA?’ - Sue Walker

After Jacques Nadia Strydom explained to an American colleague that Africa is actually a continent having many countries, like South America, he said, “˜OK, but in which country is the government then?’

“˜Was Nelson Mandela a good president in Australia?’ Asked by a market vendor in Phuket, Thailand - Janice Thaysen

On landscape management
“˜What time do they turn the Howick Falls off?’ Asked by a German tourist in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands - Nicci Eaglestone

“˜Why don’t they clean up the park by picking up the elephant dung?’ Asked by a tourist on a trip to Addo Eliphant Park – Christel Marais

“˜Why is it raining?’ - Saskia Bok

“˜Which highway did you take to get from South Africa to the United States?’ An American tourist asked Jasmin Nagel while she was in San Diego.

“˜Why is everyone driving on the wrong side of the road?’ – Saskia Bok

“˜How long to plant garden?’ Asked by a Japanese tourist while driving through a nature reserve – San-Marie Jolliffe

“˜Which end is the deep end?’ Asked by two teenage tourists while standing in the shallow surf on Durban beachfront – Devin Smith

“˜Who cuts the grass in the Kruger Park?’ – Jessy Lipperts

“˜Who planted all the trees?’ An Italian tourist enquired while on a game drive in the Kruger – John Adamson

“˜Is this the same moon we get back in the states?’ – ThombeSAFARI

“˜So, like, if it’s day time in Cape Town, is it night time at Phinda (on the KZN north coast)?’ – Marnie Steffny

On South Africa’s food
In the middle of the Malawian bush whilst overlanding, one tourist squeeled, “˜Take me to the nearest Deli!’ Luckily for her there was one just around the next bush – Sonja Pienaar

“˜Do you hunt your own food back in South Africa?’ Carolyn Chelchinskey was asked by a local while drving through Cozumel, Mexico.

‘Where is the nearest McDonalds?’ Asked by an American (of course) tourist at Sesriem – Nakkiran Sunassee

On language in South Africa
“˜Do you speak African?’ – Zak Edgar

A British schoolgirl asked my young daughter, ‘What alphabet do you use in SA?’ – Gill Staniland

On South African culture
While in NZ, I was ‘told’ that at zebra crossings in SA white people have to walk on the white stripes and black people on the black stripes – Robyn Ambler

“˜Do you have vacuum cleaners in South Africa?’ Christel Marais was asked while au pairing in Holland. “˜No, we use elephant trunks!’ she said. “˜Oh!’

New SA Tourism Focus For Culture and Heritage

South Africa's culture and heritage could regain its rightful place in positioning South Africa as a "must-see" long-haul destination with the launch of a new national strategy this month.

The national heritage and cultural tourism strategy, launched by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this month, has been described as the "first blueprint for heritage and cultural tourism development in South Africa".

Heritage and cultural tourism is undervalued in South Africa, says Paul Miedema, owner of Port Elizabeth-based Calabash Tours, a tour operator that specialises in cultural tours. "As a destination, we assert our African status on our wildlife and our landscape. Politically, lip service is paid to the importance of heritage and culture, but within the private sector, there seems to be an underlying resistance to packaging it."

This news is a particularly important boost for two of uThungulu District Municipalities current projects, namely the Zululand Heritage Route (Route 66) and the development of the KwaBulawayo Cultural Tourism Centre just outside Empangeni. Both these products have high potential for becoming world class culture and heritage tourism attractions. This new strategy will initially focus on:

• Positioning festivals and events 
• Packaging and marketing of heritage sites 
• Integration of culture into marketing platforms 
• Integration of culture and heritage in mainstream tourism 
• Positioning of films and documentaries to tell the South African stories 
• Auditing and Mapping of cultural and heritage attractions 
• Funding of Culture, Heritage and Rural Tourism projects through social responsibility programs 

Overall, a greater marketing thrust and focus on this fast growing market segment, holds invaluable benefits for the rich cultural and heritage attractions of our region.

Green Travel Trend Gaining Popularity

An eco-friendly travel survey conducted by TripAdvisor has found that the green travel trend is gaining momentum, according to a report by TravelDailyNews.com.

Some of the interesting findings include:

• 20% of respondents said they would consider an "eco-tourism." trip but 17% said they were unfamiliar with such trips. 
• Nearly a third of travellers (30%) would choose a destination because it was considered eco-friendly.
• 60% of travellers said they rarely felt informed about whether hotels were truly eco-friendly, and 13% said they never did. 
• Half of the travellers surveyed would spend more money to stay in eco-friendly accommodation. 
• 75% said the economic landscape did not affect their interest in eco-friendly travel choices. 
• 24% had considered a voluntourism trip and 3% said they had taken one. 16% were unfamiliar with voluntourism trips. 

"Green initiatives are an increasing priority for hospitality businesses that are trying to reduce their environmental footprint," said Jenny Rushmore, Director of responsible travel for TripAdvisor. "Our survey shows that TripAdvisor travellers are interested in eco-friendly practices, but hungry for more information about which green plans and policies are actually in place."

For more on responsible travel have a look at the following article to get you started
www.etc-africa.com/2012/01/05/responsible-tourism-101/
Considering the recent release of the National Minimum Standards For Responsible Tourism and this ever growing consumer demand, isn't it time you made a difference ?

It's Indaba Time Again

INDABA is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products, and attracts over 13000 delegates from the travel tourism and related industries from across the world.

uThungulu District Municipality will once again be showcasing the region at this year's Indaba with a dedicated stand. Many folks ask, "why Indaba" and the answer is simple, it is so much more than just another travel show.

• Its Africa’s top travel and tourism exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. 
• Keep abreast global trends and new developments within the in the tourism and travel industry. 
• Meet industry stakeholders and decision makers face to face.
• Conduct business with new and existing clients. 
• Gain competitive advantage with a view to becoming market leaders. 
• Meet with over 1800 exhibitors from a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors. 
• Opportunity to network with key decision makers and stakeholders on an exciting and informative platform. 

Not only is this an opportunity to meet and network with the industry's key role players and decision-makers, but also consider all South African leisure tourism options and negotiate deals, make new contacts and glean new ideas, all in one place. According to Anita Tait, Tourism Manager at uThungulu District Municipality, "Indaba gives us an opportunity to showcase Zululand to a global audience, an audience that is becoming more and more interested in what we have to offer, from world class birdwatching to secluded beaches to the rich cultural history of Zululand"

Experience Mzimela: Participate In The Life Of A Village In Zululand

Get an insider’s view into the contemporary cultural life of a Zulu community. A new, unique and truly authentic South African experience is offered by the Ubunye Co-operative which is situated in a small rural community of Mzimela, just outside of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal.

The community members form a warm-hearted and enterprising family. Their creativity and enthusiasm account for much of the intimacy and the “real thing” feeling that a trip to Mzimela ensures. The Co-Op is situated close to both the oNgoye and Dlinza forests. oNgoye forest is one of only three forests in Africa boasting such a richness and diversity of plants.

Ubunye Co-Op offers customised full-day and half-day programmes. Create your own unique African experience by choosing from a rich range of local activities which include:

• Drama performances depicting traditions, current life and concerns 
• Traditional Zulu dancing and singing 
• Cultural food and refreshments 
• Tours of the oNgoye and Dlinza Forests 

Remember your experience with  by purchasing from our unique range of gifts:

• Sun-dyed bags, tablecloths and T-shirts 
• Beaded rings, necklaces and bracelets 
• Handmade origami books and invitation cards 
• All pieces are unique and make easy to carry, affordable souvenirs 

RESERVATIONS: Bookings for half day or full day tours can be made by calling Patricia Zungu 079 052 0060, or Bathobile Khumalo 079 708 3584. Email: theubunyecoop@gmail.com  

Take A Walk On The Adventurous Side In Richards Bay

This Easter, why not take a step out and try some of the more adventurous activities around Richards Bay? Richards Bay is home to some suprisingly exciting activities for locals and tourists alike.  Does learning to scuba dive, sunrise horse rides on the beach or learning to kite surf catch your attention, then read on.

Want to learn to surf, kite surf or stand-up paddle!
Then pay a visit to the Freedom Surf Shop on Davidson Lane, just up from Alkandstrand. Freedom Surf Shop and Academy is the brainchild of Fred le Roux a well-known local surfer, kiteboarder, Stand Up Paddler and Kayak Fisherman who has been in Richards Bay since the ‘80’s. He’s passionate about watersports and his enthusiasm is infectious!

The ambience of the shop is a “home” for the fraternity and aside from getting excellent advice on whatever hardware you may require, there’s always coffee in the percolator, DVD’s on the TV screen and congenial company to be had. The History Wall (very close to Fred’s heart) is growing daily and makes interesting reading. The deck and garden area adjacent to the shop will soon have some tables and chairs and you’re welcome to come and shoot the breeze with fellow enthusiasts after getting your “stoke”. For more information, contact Fred on 0357531271 or email fred@freedomsurf.co.za

How about a horseback ride along Richards Bay's spectacular coastline at sunrise?
Richards Bay Horse Back Trails offers outrides for riders of all experience levels, Ride along the beach at low tide or enjoy the cooler scenery in the plantation forests. Priced from as little as R250 per person! Contact Ilanthe on 084 585 7627 for more information or any queries

Or fancy stepping out into the big blue? 
Then make a visit to the Dive With Options Dive Centre. A vibrant, busy, but friendly dive centre in Richards Bay where you can come and join other divers exploring the magical wonders of the underwater world. You too may become one of the divers involved in the discovery of this most exciting, stimulating environment.  Soon, you may too realise, that although you have lived on the same planet, the diverse range of marine life make the Oceans that cover 70% of the earth's surface a completely different world.

Dive with Options caters for all scuba divers, snorkelers, and spear fishermen's needs. They have a wide range of products available in our retail department, stocked to supply every divers needs. We are a 5 Star PADI Centre. Contact 082 745 1013 or visit www.divewithoptions.co.za

So next time someone tells you there is nothing to do in the bay, why not try something you may never forget!

Easter Holidays Happenings & Events

Events &

 Happenings

• On 30th March at Vukani Museum at 6p.m., Pieter Scholtz will belaunching his two latest books - "The Tree Whisperer", a novel set in Dlinza Forest, amongst others, and "Living With Haiku", a lovely collection of haiku poetry with illustrations by Andrew Verster. For more information contact the Vukani Museum on tel: 035-474 5274
• Richards Bay, the venue for the annual uMhlathuze Fishing Festival (affectionately still known as the "Bonanza"), one of South Africa's premier fishing competitions and events. This year's event will be held on the 6th-8th April and includes great prizes as well as entertainment and fun for the entire family. For more information, TEL. (035) 753 2516 or E-mail: info@rbsbc.co.za
• 7th April is the Meerensee Arts, Crafts and farmers Market on the corner of Angler's Rod and Krewelkring, Meerensee. Tel 082 8361749 for more information
• SPCA Car Boot Sale, 14th April opposite Zululand Observer offices in Empangeni. Contact Di on Tel: 035 772 6515 for more information
• Richards Bay Country Club Golf Challenge. 5 – 7 April 2012. Contact the Pro Shop for booking sheet and time slots that are still available or Speak to Warren or Sphe on tel: 035 – 7534848