Kudos for the Kudu!

Did you know? Legend has it that the kudu is God’s favorite antelope! After creating the very first kudu, God held its face in His hands, looked into its eyes and exclaimed, “You are SO beautiful!” and kissed the kudu smack on the nose! And that’s why the kudu bears the fingerprints of God. You can see them on the sides of every kudu’s face.

At nearly five feet tall and 565 pounds, this magnificent creature is one of South Africa’s largest antelopes. The greater kudu male is easily recognized by its majestic spiraled horns, which can grow as long as 72 inches, making two and a half graceful twists. Despite the enormity of its horns, the kudu can move easily through wooded habitats and dense bush by titling its chin up so the horns lay across its back. These beautifully shaped horns have long been prized in Africa for use as musical instruments, honey containers and symbolic ritual objects.

The kudu’s fur ranges from a brown-blue grey to reddish brown, with wonderfully exotic markings, spots and stripes. It has a lovely chevron of white fur on its forehead, a crest of long hair on its spine and fringe under its chin. Its mysterious coloring and coat patterns serve as protective camouflage in tall grass and bushes. When alarmed, these gentle animal prefer flight to fight. They will run away, lifting their tails over their rumps and fanning out the white undersurface as a warning signal to others. Their call is the loudest of any antelope, a penetrating, gruff bark.

While prey to hyenas, lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs, kudus are vegetarians and nibble on leaves from the trees and bushes as well as other varieties of plant life such as herbs, flowers, berries and fallen fruits.

Kudu sightings are not uncommon on safari. Are you ready to meet God’s favorite antelope?

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Going Solo with Go Touch Down

“No Single Supplements – Ever.”

What is a Single Supplement?

A single supplement is not a vitamin, though it might be much more palatable if it were! The single supplement is a premium surcharge imposed upon solo travelers when they reserve a room. The amount of the supplement ranges from 10 to 100 percent of the standard accommodation rate and applies only to single travelers, not to couples traveling together.

The Great Single Supplement Debate

Single supplements are fairly standard in the hospitality industry; accommodation vendors justify the charge as an appropriate business practice. The commonly-held notion is that single travelers should pay for the luxury and convenience of having a room to themselves, and secondly, the burden of cost for preparing and cleaning the room must fall upon the single guest. They argue that although single supplements appear unfair, one must realize that travel providers calculate costs of lodging and transportation based on two travelers, the most common way to travel.

Single travelers, however, see the charge as price gouging at their expense. They may prefer to travel alone, or have little choice but to do so.  Many travelers enjoy traveling solo as the best way to tailor their own experiences. Some enjoy traveling with a friend but prefer the privacy of their own room. As part of a family or group, a person may be the third or fifth traveler requiring a single room.

Among the many comments online, and particularly on Trip Advisor, we found this one to be most poignant and succinct,

“Single supplements when traveling are nothing more than blatant discrimination against single travelers. Just because it’s an industry norm it by no means makes it right! Singles consume half the water, electricity, amenities and toilet paper but are penalized for having the sheer audacity to travel alone…”

We couldn’t agree more.

Go Touch Down Travel & Tours does not charge a single supplement; never has, never will.

Our Cruise and Land Specialist, Judy Weppler offers her thoughts on the matter, “Some tour companies charge hundreds of dollars. Some offer a share rate, if you’re willing to share a room with another single traveler, but that’s hit and miss. We don’t charge a single supplement for our Cape Town or Safari tours – ever.”

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Demand Reduction Campaign Launched to Save Rhino

14-Apr-2014 via investec.ie

The Wilderness Foundation, as part of their Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative, this past weekend hosted Vietnamese pop stars Thu Minh and Thanh Bui in Port Elizabeth.

 

Dr Will Fowlds of Investec Rhino Lifeline with Vietnamese pop stars Thu Minh and Thanh Bui.

The visit formed part of a Demand Reduction Strategy developed in order to assist in addressing the rhino poaching crisis by reducing demand for rhino horn in user countries.

The rhino poaching crisis (as well as other wildlife crime) is of national and international significance and affects all levels of society. Wildlife crime is the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually. The Wilderness Foundation recognizes this and is working in partnership with various organisations to address this issue.

Until 1970 rhino populations worldwide were relatively stable with minimal poaching incidents. Subsequently with the oil price soaring and per capita income in the Yemen increasing seven-fold, elaborately carved rhino-horn dagger handles became a prized symbol of status and wealth. Within a single decade, half the world’s rhino population had disappeared, and all of the rhino species were either threatened with extinction or endangered.

Since then, thanks to various conservation efforts and improved security measures, the black rhino white rhino populations have increased. But these gains are in danger of being reversed by a resurgence of poaching. Now also peddled as a cancer cure, the demand for the horn is rising, along with the price. Contrary to widespread beliefs, the rhinoceros horn has no proven medicinal or aphrodisiac qualities. The horns consist of agglutinated hair or keratin, the same type of protein that makes up human hair and fingernails.

In 2007, South Africa only lost 13 rhino to poaching. This number increased to 83 in 2008, 122 in 2009 and more than doubled in 2010 to 333. In 2011 we lost 448 rhino and in 2012 we thought we reached the turning point at 668. But 2013 was the worst at 1004 rhino killed for their horns.

Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation states that demand reduction strategies are developed with an aim to reduce the demand for rhino horn (and other wildlife products) in the countries in which they are used. This is achieved through education and awareness about the properties of rhino horn as well as the impact on rhino populations. Demand reduction is seen as complimentary to law enforcement and anti-poaching activities that take place on the ground and in combination are hoped to tackle the rhino poaching crisis.

“Demand reduction is campaign based and makes use of public service announcements, bill boards and video clips, often using well known celebrities to get the message across. The visit and hard work by Thu Minh and Thanh Bui this past weekend will assist us, in collaboration with international conservation NGO Wild Aid, to produce the material for distribution in South Africa and Vietnam in the next few weeks”.

Thu Minh is passionate about saving the rhino. “In Vietnam we have to understand how important it is to protect the environment, wildlife, and our heritage. The whole world is looking in horror at what we are doing to the Rhinos. It has to stop for the sake of the Rhinos and for the honor of Vietnam. In the past few days, I have experienced the horror of what we are doing to the rhino, as well as the majestic beauty of this species”.

Thanh Bui, supporting this plea further encourages the public to stop wasting their money on the killing of innocent animals for no gain.

The Wilderness Foundation is working in partnership with WildAid, the Shamwari Group; Investec Rhino Lifeline, Mantis Collection and Tusk in order to implement this demand reduction campaign in Vietnam and South Africa.

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Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?

Biologists have quibbled about it for more than 140 years, but the results of a recent study may have finally yielded a black and white answer to the great stripe debate.

Previous theories as to the purpose of the zebra’s stripes have ranged from camouflage – protecting the zebra with a “motion dazzle confusion effect” against hyenas, lions and other predators in the savannah, to performing a social role – for group identity or perhaps for mating.

Some amusing postulations appeared in the comments section of a National Geographic article announcing the study:

“And I thought they had stripes so that they could use bar code readers to tell each other apart easier!?”

“‘Cause Zebras are sayin’, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white!’”

“It’s because in the old days when everything was in black and white they were much harder to spot.”

According to recent scientific evidence, however, the stripes act as a natural insect repellant, deterring tsetse and other blood-sucking flies. The study states, “blood-feeding flies shun stripey surfaces and prefer instead to land on uniform colours.”

The study team found a strong geographical overlap between zebras and the two groups of biting flies, Tabanus and Glossina, that feed on equid species, which explains why zebras would need a shield against this pest. Other equid species, such as wild horses, are far more likely to be plagued by biting insects.

Researchers find comparatively little blood from zebras in tsetse flies, even though the zebra has a thin coat with hair strands that are shorter and finer than those of giraffes and antelopes. At the same time, zebras are far less susceptible to sleeping sickness, a tsetse-borne disease that is widespread among other African equids.

While this theory has not been universally embraced, it does confirm that the correlation between reduced biting-fly nuisance and stripes is “significant”.

Why do you think the zebra has stripes? Should we start dressing in stripes for safari?

 

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See The World This Weekend At The Travel And Vacation Show

Come join us this Saturday and Sunday at the long-awaited annual Travel and Vacation Show. Held this year at the spectacular new Ottawa Convention Centre, you’ll find special vacation promotions – from weekend getaways to exciting overseas destinations. In a few hours you can walk around the world!

This, the 20th annual show, boasts more than 200 travel and vacation exhibits with over 50 countries represented by their tourist boards or embassies presenting their countries and cultures in a colorful festive atmosphere that will surely make you dream. They, together with tour operators, agencies and resorts will answer your questions and provide you with a wealth of information. And don’t forget to take advantage of the free educational travel seminars and special promotions for show attendees only.

Go Touch Down Travel & Tours will be there en force, with thrilling onsite presentations of South Africa and an exciting opportunity for you to enter to win a South African safari or Cape Town Tour for two.

You’ll discover the untamed, spectacular and pulsating rhythm of the African bushveld in one of the most captivating places on earth. Witness herds of Wildebeest graze and Cheetah cubs learn to hunt, take an elephant-back safari; uncover the mysteries of the bush. Explore The Mother City… Cape Town, a rare cultural gem. Take in breathtaking views of Cape Point, the romantic meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Embrace the people of South Africa. They will surely touch your heart. Our luxury, all-inclusive 8-day / 7-night tours depart weekly.

Be sure to visit us at Booth # 300. Hope to see you there!

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Why Hippos Don’t Eat Fish

We love this charming folktale and so do kids on safari. As the story goes, when God was giving each animal a place in the world, the pair of hippos begged to be allowed to live in the cool water which they so dearly loved.

God looked at them, and was doubtful about letting them live in the water: their mouths were so large, their teeth so long and sharp, and their size and appetites were so big, He was afraid that they would eat up all the fish. Besides, He had already granted the place to another predator – the crocodile. He couldn’t have two kinds of large, hungry animals living in the rivers. So God refused the hippos’ request, and told them that they could live out on the open plains.

At this news, the two hippos began to weep and wail, making the most awful noise. They pleaded and pleaded with God, who finally gave in. But He made the hippos promise that if they lived in the rivers, they must never harm a single fish. They were to eat grass instead. God said that they were to show Him every night, that they were only eating grass. The Hippos promised solemnly, and rushed to the river, grunting with delight.

And to this day, hippos always scatter their dung on the river bank, so God can see that it contains no fish bones. And you can still hear them laughing with joy that they were allowed to live in the rivers after all.

From: When the Hippos were Hairy and Other Tales from Africa: Nick Greaves

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Top 10 Experiences in South Africa

The lure of the exotic; the mysteries of the unknown, the confluence of cultures… South Africa has a universal, seductive appeal.

1.    Scenic splendor

South Africa has some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery in the world. Expect miles of golden beaches and unspoiled coastline; dramatic mountains and mountain passes; 19 national parks; game reserves teeming with big game and hundreds of birds; ancient forests; semi-deserts; oceans and rivers; rolling grasslands, and natural flower fields – all waiting to be explored.

2.    Winelands

South Africa’s vineyards have been producing some of the best wines in the world for more than 300 years. Wine regions stretch from the Western Cape to the Northern Cape, where you can sample wine at world-famous estates or little-known gems. Where there’s great wine, there’s also great food – so Bon Appétit!

 3.    Safaris

South Africa has some of the best and most accessible safari destinations in the world. You can luxuriate at a world-class private lodge and go on guided jeep, walking or elephant-back safaris.

4.     Kruger National Park

The size of Israel or Wales, Kruger is one of the world’s oldest and most famous game reserves and is teeming with game.

Here’s where you’ll find the famous Big 5: buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino.

 

5.    Struggle sites, rock art and historic battlefields

You can visit our top Struggle sites and museums and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest freedom icons in modern history, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Mahatma Gandhi. South African rock art is among the best in the world and historic battlefields abound.

 6.    Marine magnificence

Where else can a person sail beside a whale, or watch whale mothers and babies bask and roll; go eye-to-eye with different kinds of sharks; cage dive with great whites; be charmed by friendly penguins and leaping dolphins; experience some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world; watch giant turtles lay their eggs on deserted beaches; or see the hatchlings making their desperate run for the sea?

7.    Getting to know the locals

You can spend time in a city township you’ll be amazed at the activities and experiences on offer.

Spend some time at a Zulu cultural village, admire the intricate beadwork, metal neck rings and unique geometric mural art of the Ndebele people; enjoy the hospitality of a South African farm.

Take the opportunity to chat with the locals – South Africans are known for being warm, friendly and welcoming to visitors.

 

 8.    Outdoor rush

Gorgeous, sunny weather most of the time, spectacular locations, loads of mega-thrill adventures (including the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world), river rafting, abseiling, hiking, horse riding, hiking, paragliding and 4×4 routes – South Africa is known as the adventure Capital of the World.

9.    Indulge the senses

Relax and rejuvenate the South African way. Visitors will find health and wellness retreats – many of them globally award-winning – throughout the country.

Many use indigenous oils and ingredients to help clients de-stress and wind down – by the beach, in the bush, at a hotel, or wherever they are.

10.    Urban rhythm

Experience the unique rhythm of our cities when feeling the beat of live kwaito, hip-hop or jazz at a local nightclub, bar or township shebeen (tavern).

Be entertained in our theatres; play at our ritzy casinos; visit our unique museums and art galleries.

Shop in glitzy shopping malls or African craft markets; or dine in our fabulous restaurants.

Our itineraries highlight the best of South Africa. Click here to learn more!

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Rivers of Fortune?

You may have heard of or even experienced the beauty of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a magnificent miracle of nature. The turbulent convergence of the Truer and Blyde Rivers formed these magical cylindrical potholes over a period of millions of years.

But did you know the history behind the names of these ancient geological features? The story goes that when the first settlers were traveling from the Cape into the interior of South Africa, they got as far as the river and then decided, that before venturing further, the men should go ahead to scout the area. They left their wives and children camped by the river awaiting their return.

A sorrowful journey

The women waited for a month and when the men didn’t return, they began to make their way back. They named the river “Treur” (River of Sadness in Afrikaans) to commemorate their loss.

And there was much rejoicing

However, the men hadn’t died; the trip had merely taken longer than anticipated. When they finally did return to the camp, they followed the tracks of the wagons. They were ultimately led the banks of another river, where they celebrated a joyful family reunion. They named this river the “Blyde” River (River of Happiness in Afrikaans).

If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all

Tom Bourke was an Englishman who came to South Africa to make his fortune in the gold rush. He was hired by others as a prospector, and was instrumental in creating quite a few affluent men. When he had saved enough money, he scouted around and found a plot of land on which there were many quartz deposits (a sign that there is gold), and bought a farm, thinking that his fortune was assured. However, to his vast disappointment, his property only contained signs of gold, and he never hit it rich. So “Bourke’s Luck Potholes” were name after him.

If you enjoyed these fun tidbits, like us on Facebook for a daily dose!

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The Story of Jabulani

Once upon a time – in 1997, actually – a young elephant found himself stuck in the silt mud of a dam. After attempts to free him, his mother and the rest of the herd were forced to leave the three-month old calf to the elements. And that might have been the end of another story in the African bushveld, where only the fittest survive.

Enter Lente Roode – owner of Camp Jabulani and founder of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. She took in the exhausted, malnourished and very frightened calf, and offered him sanctuary at the Center and the elephant was slowly nurtured back to health. She named him Jabulani – the isiZulu word for “happiness” or “rejoice”, and that indeed describes Jabulani: always in the lead, with bouncing gait and mischievous eye. Over the years he adapted to the ways of his human friends. All attempts to reintroduce him to the wild failed. He thought of himself as one of us, though in reality he needed his own kind.

All too soon the calf grew into a five year old bull, and a unique opportunity arose to give him a family of his own kind. A rather special herd from Zimbabwe had to be relocated to South Africa to ensure its survival. These elephants had been trained, with patience and kindness, to safely carry people.

Lente Roode launched the rescue mission in March 2002 when Zimbabwe was preparing for an election. She learned that the future of these elephants, and their handlers, was in jeopardy when war veterans began invading farms, including the game farm on which this trained herd was located.

The rescue succeeded, and the herd and its handlers arrived at Kapama. Anxiety ruled the day as Jabulani was introduced to the herd. To great relief the Matriarch “Tokwe” immediately adopted Jabulani as her own. He has become part of this close family. He’s their mascot, and their affection for him is obvious.

Today the herd consists out of 13 full-grown elephants accommodated at Camp Jabulani on the Kapama Game Reserve. Camp Jabulani is the first to offer a luxury elephant experience in South Africa.

 

An elephant-back safari is a life-changing event and one that you will experience on safari with Go Touch Down Travel and Tours.

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Luxury in the Bush?

But of course! You’ll spend the first several nights of your safari and bush experience at Dunkeld Country Estate, a luxury trout and game lodge in the charming hamlet of Dullstroom.

Located on the panorama route halfway from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, it is the ideal place to begin creating a lifetime of memories.  Situated in the heart of the highlands meander noted for its clear streams, lakes and scenery, here you’ll enjoy plush accommodations, sumptuous gourmet meals and fine wines.  The heritage of the estate has been preserved with the conversion of the century-old farmhouse into a wonderful restaurant.

You’ll witness some of the Lowveld’s most magnificent views while on a winding drive through pine and eucalyptus forests. This panoramic route is well known for its breath-taking natural features, such as the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Wonderview, and the Berlin Falls. You’ll reach Pilgrim’s Rest, a sleepy old mining town, which has been lovingly preserved since the gold rush and is now a National Monument.

Dullstroom is South Africa’s fly-fishing capital, and Dunkeld Country Estate boasts many well-stocked dams filled with brown, rainbow and golden trout, offering fly-fishing enthusiasts the enjoyment of quality angling time in pursuit of that perfect catch.

Other activities on the Dunkeld Estate are horseback riding for the more energetic guests, while ladies may choose to enjoy their time at the in-house spa. You’ll have an afternoon to venture to Dullstroom town, where you’ll enjoy lunch and shopping along the main road.

Your final evening at the Estate, you’ll be treated to a wine-tasting from a fine selection of red and white wines before experiencing a traditional South African boma-braai dinner.  The luxury doesn’t stop at Dunkeld, as you’ll transfer to the romantic Kapama River Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve.

In addition to heart-pounding sunrise and sunset game drives, you’ll enjoy spa treatments and hot air ballooning as well as such fineries as high tea, dinner under the stars and more. South African cuisine, often referred to as Rainbow Cuisine, is something to look forward to at lunch and dinner;  savor traditional African flavors with Pan-African dishes featuring local ingredients such as kudu or impala, meats rarely experienced in other cultures.

Go Touch Down Travel & Tours presents a one-of-a-kind safari experience.  For more information, visit http://gotouchdowntravelandtours.com.

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