South Africa named "Best Hostel Country" in Hostelling International's 2011 "HI-5ives!" awards

South Africa named "Best Hostel Country" in Hostelling International's 2011 "HI-5ives!" awards

South Africa was named the "Best Hostel Country" in Hostelling International's  2011 "HI-5ives!" awards.
Hostellers who left ratings on the website hihostels.com during 2011 have had their say and awards have been handed out in the following five categories: Best Hostel Country, Best Overall Hostel, Friendliest Hostel, Most Comfortable Hostel, Most Efficient Hostel.
All award categories were based on ratings received during a 12 month period, from 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2011. During those 12 months, a minimum of 5 customer ratings in average per month was required to qualify. A hostel can only win one award category each year.

Best Hostel Country - South Africa:

The 35 hostels in South Africa have pulled in the best ratings overall for a single destination. This is a fantastic accolade for a network which was formed just one year ago. Ranging from fantastic beach side retreats to gateways of some of the best safari parks in the whole world, every SA hostel has something very special to offer an adventurous traveler.

Wanna Experience the BEST backpacker country in the World 2011 FOR FREE?

Wanna Experience the BEST backpacker country in the World 2011 FOR FREE? 

 

Hostelling International South Africa has been voted the Best Country in the Hostelling International network worldwide and has a potentially FREE trip around South Africa for a travel blogger who can create Social Media content for us www.facebook.com/hisouthafrica.

The accommodation will be sponsored by the www.hisouthafrica.com hostels ad the transport will be sponsored by www.bazbus.com.

If HI South Africa gets the right person with the right profile willing to do it they can also approach some adventure operators for FREE tours and activities...

This is not a paid job and you would need to get yourself to SA but if you fancy a FREE working holiday contact us and you can discuss this project and what is possible.

The Atta Christmas showcase event in Cape Town 

December 1st

Our Sponsors for the evening:

Village & Life, British Airways, SA Airlink, SATIB, Painted Wolf Wines, 

Our Charity:

Uthando

What's On?

A dazzling evening event for tourism networking, a Christmastide  Party, in Cape Town.

Where? Sandy B the Private Beach Club of the Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

When? Thursday December 1st .

Time? 5 pm - 9 pm

Who's invited?  Atta & SATSA Members, Guests and Media. All aspiring members from the Tourism Industry are also welcome to this showcase evening so if you are not a member of these two leading associations come and see Africa's fatest growing tourism network in full swing. To avoid disappointment  book in advance as numbers are limited.

What's the cost? 120 Rand in advance (£10) and  175 Rand on the night.

What's included? Wine, soft drinks, canapes and one ticket for the raffle.

What Raffle?

It's going to be one of the best travel raffles with over R 200,000 of luxury holiday prizes from Atta members including  Azura at Quilalea in Mozambique with flights (SAAirlinK),  Matemwe Lodge in Zanzibar, Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi, Les Paletuviers in Senegal, and a  weeked luxury appartment in Camps Bay (Nox Rentals). So your entry ticket for the evening gives you one free ticket for the raffle. Further raffle tickets at 100 Rand each will be on sale on the night with the proceeds going to Uthando, we hope you will dig deep.

This is an evening networking reception with 3 short addresses. The purpose is:

1. To explain "The benefits of Atta in 2012". We aim to increase membership in Southern Africa (Members bringing & introducing new members who join Atta will receive a 10% discount off next years fees) - Nigel Vere Nicoll, Atta MD.

2. To take practical look at how tourism organisation & tourists themselves can get involved with economic and social development in Africa. - James Fernie of Uthando.

3. To introduce our new Insurance partners SATIB- Anthony Courtenay 

About Sandy B at The Bay Hotel: http://www.thebay.co.za/sandyb/index.html

About Uthando: http://www.uthandosa.org

To book tickets in advance at the special £10 (R120) rate : Password: capetown2011

https://payments.atta.travel/tickets/index.aspx

Cape Town Hotels NOT overpriced... its official..

Cape Town hotels are not overpriced as is often alleged. In fact, its four-star hotels are 25% cheaper than those in comparable cities around the world, while rates at most of its five-star hotels are on a par with those of their international competitors.

This is the result of a Fedhasa Cape survey conducted over 30 weeks this year during which hotel prices in Cape Town were compared with those in similar cities, including Melbourne, Barcelona, Vancouver, Boston, Nice, Hong Kong and Munich.

Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town, Fedhasa Cape chairman, Dirk Elzinga, said prices in the eight cities had been compared every week by converting them into the same currency (euros). “The outcome is that in terms of pricing, Cape Town is on a par with all these cities, which is good news. Secondly, the analysis confirmed that Cape Town had a significantly wider variety of inventory and room types (more than 200 hotels and guesthouses) available than most other cities, offering enormous choice for visitors across all price ranges. It is therefore not true that Cape Town is more expensive than the rest of the world. As a destination, we are extremely competitive.”

Elzinga said the survey had been done to gain clarity on the contributing factors that led to the perception that Cape Town was more expensive. It was also done in response to many “experts” in and outside the industry having suggested during the recession that tourists would return if hotels dropped their rates.

Elzinga said most Cape Town hotels took the decision to try and retain their average room rates over the recession period to avoid a price war, although specials were offered from time to time.

He explained that hotels worldwide adopted one of two strategies to cope with the recession: either cutting rates to compete on price, or retaining their room rates and accepting a loss on occupancy. “It is apparent that those who retained their rates are able to recover faster than those who decided to cut their rates. Smaller establishments are finding themselves in a better position to recover faster, given that they have fewer overheads.”

http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/NewsDetails.aspx?newsId=61738

Table Mountain’s New 7 Wonder

Celebrations erupted at the V&A Waterfront over the weekend as Table Mountain was named a New 7 Wonder of Nature following a three year battle in the race to choose the world’s seven most wonderful natural sites

“This is an incredible moment for us. Our mountain, which we all cherish, is now officially recognized as one of the marvels of the environment. We have long known this to be true and some might even ask why we need this proof if we already knew it. It is because Cape Town is a symbol. It is a symbol of permanence in a world that is full of change. It is a symbol of the heritage that we are privileged to have. And it is a symbol that reminds us that we are privileged enough to live in an incredible country with incredible assets, giving us hope for the future,” said Mayor Patricia de Lille.

The marketing effort that has been put behind the campaign has generated more than R35,2 million worth of exposure for our mountain, raising its profile globally and generating massive good will toward South Africa.

It is anticipated that the announcement will bring significant tourism growth to Cape Town, says Martin Jansen van Vuuren, Strategic Director at Grant Thornton Cape.

According to research Grant Thornton conducted on behalf of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, South Africa will gain an additional 108 000 international tourists a year due to the increased exposure of Table Mountain as a New 7 Wonder.

Table Mountain competed with 27 other natural wonders to secure an accolade as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, with other contenders such as the Dead Sea in the Palestine, the Grand Canyon in the USA and Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro.

“The growth in tourism, particularly in the Western Cape, will be boosted despite the fragile global economy. As a result of its increased popularity, Table Mountain will be a major draw card and a key deciding factor in people’s decisions to come to South Africa,” says Jansen van Vuuren.

The value of this tourism increase is estimated to be approximately R1,4 billion per year for the first five years following the inclusion.

The New 7 Wonders are:

-Amazon, in the Amazon Basin of South America
-Halong Bay in Quáng Ninh Province, Vietnam
-Iguazu Falls, in Argentina, Brazil
- Jeju Island, a volcanic island located 130km from South Korea
-Komodo National Park in Indonesia
-Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa Palawan, Phillippines
-Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

The New7Wonders.com website says that there could possibly be changes between the above provisional winners and the eventual final confirmed winners.  The voting calculation is now being checked, validated and independently verified, and the confirmed winners will be announced starting early 2012 during the official inauguration ceremonies.

Cape Town wins World Design Capital 2014 bid

Cape Town has been named the official World Design Capital for 2014, winning the accolade from competing shortlisted candidates, Bilbao, Spain and Dublin, Ireland.

The World Design Capital title is awarded every two years by the International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) to increase global awareness of cities dedicated to using design for social, economic and cultural development and change. The World Design Capital title is awarded two years in advance to allow the winning city sufficient time to plan, develop and promote a year-long programme of World Design Capital-themed events that throw an international spotlight on the winning city’s creative sector.

Cape Town Tourism (CTT) says the win has come at an optimal time as the city gears itself for more sustained economic growth and a more significant share of the world’s urban travellers. CTT recently unveiled its new marketing strategy and global marketing campaign, which aligns well with the intentions behind the city’s World Design Capital 2014 bid.

Cape Town Tourism PR and Communications Manager, Skye Grove, said:  “The build-up to the announcement in Taipei was exhilarating. The Cape Town delegation met with the other two short-listed cities, Dublin and Bilbao, and agreed that the bid process and winner announcement was the start of a journey of collaboration between all three cities. Solid city relationships in design and tourism were formed and we will be taking these connections into the future.

“Cape Town also met with the World Design Capital 2012 Helsinki who agreed to share learnings from their journey. Helsinki confirmed the significant influence the World Design Capital title has had on city branding and marketing – the spin-offs for their tourism sector have been significant. The World Design Capital organising body (ICSID) confirmed that it was an extremely close race with all three cities submitting high-quality bids. The Cape Town team is extremely excited and is looking forward to returning home to the amazing citizen support received in the build-up and while being here in Taipei,” said Grove.

Ajax Cape Town and the City again welcomes fans to the Cape Town Stadium on 14 September 2011

Ever since the opening of the iconic Cape Town Stadium, local and international tourists have visited Cape Town’s newest tourist attraction.

Set in an 85ha urban sports park that caters for seven different sporting codes including a golf course and a public recreation precinct, the stadium lies virtually at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, and is only a few hundred metres from the famous V&A Waterfront and the Sea Point promenade. 

This world-class venue has been designed to not only offer football fans an unforgettable experience, but also with a view towards giving the people of Cape Town a beautiful, versatile events venue.

To date more than 350 000 visitors have walked through the gates and enjoyed the splendor of the Stadium and its attractions.

The first football game hosted at the Cape Town Stadium was a Cape Town derby between Ajax Cape Town and Santos on Saturday, 23 January 2010 as part of the official inauguration of the stadium. 20,000 fans watched this game and tickets were sold-out by Friday 15 January 2010.

Last season, a number of Ajax Cape Town games drew huge crowds: 43 000 fans flocked to watch Ajax take on Bloemfontein Celtic on 27 August 2010; 40 000 fans attended the Kaizer Chiefs game on 14 January 2011; 31 500 fans came to watch the Maritzburg United game on 21 May 2011; and on Saturday, 27 August, Ajax played against Kaizer Chiefs with 35 000 fans watching.

The most recent game on Saturday, 27 August between Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chief was part of the MTN8 semi-final and it helped both the City and the organizers identify some matters that need to be resolved in order to ensure that this Stadium continues to host world-class soccer games.

Ajax Cape Town has enhanced its security plan for its upcoming match against Kaizer Chiefs on 14 September 2011. This is to ensure that all fans have a wonderful experience watching the game in an environment that promotes a safe and friendly atmosphere. The gates will open at 17h00 giving fans ample time to be seated before the 19h30 kick-off.

In order to ensure that all fans have a great time, spectators are urged to:

• Plan their trip to the Stadium in advance
• Use public transport as far as possible
• Park in authorised and designated parking areas.
• Arrive early to avoid missing any of the action. Gates open three hours before kick-off
• Be seated in the correct seats. Look for the correct color coded block and seat number indicated on their tickets
• Respect and follow the instructions of all security personnel at all security check points
• Expect to be denied access to the stadium if they are visibly intoxicated
• Note that the following items are prohibited and will not be allowed into the Stadium: - knives, firearms, fireworks, glass, bottles, alcohol, food, cameras with long lenses and cooler boxes
• Remember that NO tickets will be sold at the Stadium.

Tickets cost R80, R60 and R40 and are available at Computicket outlets and on-line at  www.computicket.com/web/event/ajax_cape_town_vs_kaizer_chiefs/443382090/referer:highlights-index-74-2_68_19765655-o-grid

ENDS

Issued By City of Cape Town and Ajax Cape Town , Communications Department:

FREE TICKETS TO SEE AJAX

800 tickets for the ladies only



800 ladies will get free tickets to the upcoming MTN8 second-leg semi-final matches this Saturday and Sunday when Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively.

Once again the PSL and sponsor MTN will give away 800 tickets – per game - to the ladies only, all in respect of women’s month. The home team will distribute 400 tickets to its fans while various media houses will give away the other 400.

So at each game 800 ladies will enter for free – with their ticket of course. Fans should contact the home team for more information.

“It’s for the ladies only. It’s women’s month and together with the sponsors and the clubs we thought it would be good to honour the ladies. The first two games we saw a number of them at the stadium and it is good for the game to hear their voices,” said PSL GM Internal Marketing, Zola Nkuta.

Female supporters also stand a chance to win R8000, half of which they share with a charity of their choice that supports women and children, if they are chosen as the MTN8 Female Fan of the Match during all the MTN8 games. To stand a chance to be selected as a winner, female fans must come to the stadiums clad in spectacular fan regalia. The winner will be selected by a female sports journalist just before half-time and their picture will be shown on the stadium’s LED screens.

“MTN8 is about the passion and the love for football. We encourage women to come to the stadium in large numbers to support our local football, make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us and put themselves in line to win fantastic prizes on the day,” said Desiree Pooe, Senior Manager: Sponsorship and Events at MTN SA.

Ajax and Chiefs drew 0-0 in the first-leg encounter at Soccer City while Pirates beat Sundowns 3-2. If both teams are deadlocked on aggregate score after 90 minutes, the away goal rule comes into play and if this still can’t determine the winner, the match will go immediately into a penalty shootout.

Tickets for both matches are still available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers and will cost R40 for adults and R10 for children.

The Ajax-Chiefs clash takes place at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night; kickoff is scheduled at 8:15pm. The Sundowns game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.

Sports And Entertainment Packages

STORMER VS CRUSADERS – Normal tickets, VIP Tickets, Flights and Accommodation;

TRI NATIONS – SA vs NZ – Exclusive package – Flights, Accommodation, Grandstand Tickets and VIP tickets;

KYLIE MINOGUE – Standing tickets, Seated Tickets and Accommodation packages;

VODACOM CHALLENGE – VIP Suite Tickets and Travel Packages to all matches;

CARLING CUP – VIP Suite package to match at FNB Stadium;

COLDPLAY – Normal and VIP Suite packages;

KINGS OF LEON – Normal and VIP Suite packages;

WESTLIFE / DEURIEMIKKE – VIP Suite packages;

CURRIE CUP – VIP Hospitality and Travel packages to all games;

RUGBY WORLD CUP – Tailor made packages available on request;

MONTECASINO EVENTS – VIP Packages to all events at Montecasino TEATRO – incl: The Parlotones, JOZI Comedy Fest, Riverdance, John Cleese, Mandela Trilogy etc;

If you would like any more info about the above packages please dont hesitate to contactb us.

info@africatravelnetwork.net

CAPE PENINSULA DAY TOUR SPECIAL

CAPE PENINSULA DAY TOUR

"SPECIAL"

R420 per person
(Instead of R540)

Terms and Conditions:
Tickets must be purchased in July 2011 and must be used on or before 31 August 2011

Cape Town Winter Restaurant Specials

Winter has popped up quicker than expected this year and as we all scurry to find blankets, heaters and woolly socks; our favourite Cape Town food spots have put together some delicious winter-warming specials at the city's top restaurants.

Restaurant specials at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

221 Waterfront at the V&A Waterfront is offering a three-course set menu for R135. Tweak your taste buds with starter options like salmon roses and halloumi steak with caramelised onions and roast tomatoes. Main courses include sirloin with mushroom sauce, sole with lemon butter sauce or vegetable lasagne. For dessert, try the traditional crème brûlée, or a brownie with ice cream. Tel 021-418-3633

Hildebrand and the V&A Waterfront serve up authentic Italian this winter with two-course meals for R99 and three-course meals for R130. Tel 021-425-3385

Krugmann’s Grill at the V&A Waterfront offers stylish yet affordable dining. Try a hearty 250g rump with your choice of starch for only R59. Throw in an extra R10 and you'll get 150g of calamari on the side. Or, surf and turf it up in true style - for an extra R15 and you'll get four prawns. Tel 021-418-9393

Nobu, at One and Only Hotel at the V&A Waterfront offers a sensational five-course set menu for just R299 per person. Try their new-style sashimi, famous rock shrimp and beef toban. For dessert there are three choices, one of which is Nobu’s signature chocolate bento box. Special runs until 31 August 2011. Tel 021-431-4511

Sevruga at the V&A Waterfront is offering two courses from their winter tasting menu for R120 and three courses for R160. Choose from delicious starters like dim sum and risotto balls and mains such as springbok pot pie or Cape Malay curry and indulge in tasty desserts: think banana tarte tatin and vanilla crème brûlée. Tel 021-421-5134

Restaurant specials in the Cape Town City Bowl

The Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street pairs up for winter with a variety serving of pastas, sandwiches and burgers for two for just R120, including two glasses of red or white wine. If you're in Long Street on Friday and Saturday, try Grand Daddy's two-course set menu for just R95 a person. Tel 021-424-7247

Galbi in Long Street does a 180° Korean turn on Kim Jong-il with their wide range of choices. On Tuesdays, get a variety platter that includes A-grade rump steak, Thai marinated chicken, marinated ribs and potato wedges for R60. On Thursdays get a 400g rump/pork with doenjang jjiggae (Korean vegetable soup/stew), Korean spinach, sweet potato fries with jalapeno sauce, lettuce wraps and makkoli (a traditional Korean rice wine) for R180 for two. Tel 021-424-3030

Arnold’s in Gardens is extending their two-for-two throughout winter with a variety of warm stews and a bottle of red wine for R99. Alternatively, wrap yourself in a gemsbok wellington, grilled and covered in pastry, for R115. Tel 021-424-4344

French Toast in Bree Street will turn your Monday right-way-round with affordable meals and half-price wine. Enjoy top-notch wines from as little as R49 and don't forget about their monthly wine and tapas evenings - enjoy a four-course tapas menu including wine for only R250 a person. Offer valid until end October. Tel 021-422-3839

Sinn’s Restaurant, Gardens is dishing out their R50 tasty autumn special lunch creations. Choose from veal bratwurst and creamy mash; pepper steak, egg and chips; juicy Moroccan chicken breast burger; Sinn’s fresh gourmet salad; curried Asian chicken noodles or deep fried baby calamari. Due to popular demand Sinn’s will also be running the three course dinner special with glass of wine for R150. Options include roasted chicken supreme, wild mushroom risotto and slow braised springbok pie. Tel 021-465-0967

Rick's Cafe Americain in Gardens is soaking in the winter sunsets with late afternoon tapas. From 5pm to 7pm get a tapas or mezze platter (for two) with half a litre of house wine for R105. Available until 20th September. Tel 021-424-1100

Restaurant specials along the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town

Visit Andiamo in Green Point for a double date of two pizzas or pastas and two glasses of wine for R99. For the month of May get any breakfast off the main menu for R20. Tel 021-421-3687/8

Beluga in Green Point features a winter warming two-course lunch for R120. If you’re really hungry bump it up to a three course lunch for R140 or try their three course dinner for R160. Starters include crayfish and avocado tian and springbok carpaccio. For mains, try a slow-braised shoulder of lamb or an angry chicken curry. Tickle your sweet tooth with a Belgium waffle or a white chocolate martini. Tel 021-418-2948

Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant in Green Point is giving away a free tuna salad to all customers dining in. Eat as much sushi as you can for R129, including one portion of tempura, miso soup, sashimi, yakitori (chicken skewer) and spring roll per table for up to four people. Order two teppanyaki set menus and get a free cup of sake. Tel 021-439-4918

Beat the winter greys at Blues Restaurant in Camps Bay. Get a two-course lunch for R120 or a three course dinner for R150 including wine and coffee. Tel 021-438-1758

Experience hearty winter comfort at Cru Café in Green Point with their two-for-one special. Choose between a delicious bobotie served with a glass of Chenin or a tomato ‘bredie’ served with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for R119, every Wednesday and Thursday night from 6pm. Tel 021-418-6334

Choose any two dishes from Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant in Hout Bay and get a free bottle of wine and two free Amarula crème brulees. Alternatively, try one of their following specials: soup of the day R35, Malay lamb curry R89, mussel Mexicana R69, or try their speciality winter platter for just R99. Tel 021-790-1036

The Kove in Camps Bay specialises in great grilling. Get a juicy fillet or a rump steak grilled to perfection for under R100, or a saucy Kove gourmet beef burger for R60. Try the grilled Norwegian salmon with rock salt and olive oil for R99, or fresh line fish with crushed potatoes, sautéed spinach and oven roasted tomato for R90. Alternatively, order the seafood platter (medium tiger prawns, grilled calamari, line fish and creamy garlic mussels), served with a choice of starch and sauce for R165. Tel 021-438-0004

Massimo's in Hout Bay adds a little extra to your lunch. From Wednesday to Friday between 12pm and 4pm get a free glass of house wine or beer with any main course.

La Mouette Restaurant in Sea Point is extending their May six-course tasting menu throughout the winter. For only R120 sip on some winter Pimms while sampling caramelized onion soup, confit pork belly and warm chocolate profiterole. There is also an optional wine pairing at a cost of R180. Tel 021-433-0856

Lazari in Green Point present their Moroccan tomato chicken, served with couscous, feta and rocket for R65 and roasted chilli butternut served with couscous, blue cheese, chickpeas and rocket for R50. Tel 021-419-9555

Roundhouse Restaurant at The Glen invites you to indulge in one of their two winter specials. Feast on the gigantic seven course special for R240 a person or take the express option and pay R180 a person for three courses. Options include smoked oysters, lamb shoulder with charred aubergine and lemon soufflé. Offer available until 30 September. Tel 021-438-4347

Break it down with breathtaking views and sumptuous eating at Salt in Bantry Bay. For just R120 for a two-course meal or R140 for a three-course meal, indulge in butternut velouté, lamb gnocchi and bread and butter pudding with whisky anglaise and chocolate ice cream. Offer valid until 31 August. Tel 021-439-7258

Restaurant specials in the winelands

Café Delicieux in Welgemoed warms up your Friday night with any two courses for R125 or any three courses for R155. Tel 021-913-0153

Catharina’s in Constantia is giving away a complimentary glass of Klein Steenberg when you order their two-course set lunch for R165, the three course lunch for R195 or the three course dinner for R215. Bookings are essential. Tel 021-713-2222

D’Ouwe Werf in Stellenbosch has a winter-warming special that is simply irresistible, and quite affordable. Enjoy a two-course meal for R125 or a three-course meal for R125. Options include the chef’s soup of the day, Cape Malay bobotie, a sundried tomato, peppadew and feta stuffed chicken fillet and a traditional malva pudding. Tel 021 887 4608

Ryan’s Kitchen in Franschhoek is offering a three-course dinner for R195. For starters, choose from chicory tart, organic buttered chicken terrine, fried calamari or mielie and vanilla Risotto. Mains choices include free-range calf’s liver and wildebeest loin. For dessert, try a lemon and thyme soufflé, liquorice poached pear or chocolate and tarragon ganache. The very hungry might want to try the six course Taste of Africa menu for R295. Choices include curried lamb and coriander mince, spiced vetkoek, braised springbok, beer and buchu reduction and orange ice and ginger. Tel 021-876-4598

Jordan Restaurant on Jordans Wine Estate in Stellenbosch offers diners a four-course set menu with two glasses of Jordan wine at just R225. Alternatively, try a one-course meal with a glass of Jordan wine at just R95. Offer ends September. Tel 021-881-3612

Restaurant specials in the Southern Suburbs

Oblivion Wine Bar in Claremont is keeping the winter chills at bay this season with their healthy butternut, chilli and coriander soup for R28. Or, try their beetroot, butternut and balsamic pizza option for R76. Tel 021-671-8522

Take your lunch at The Square in Newlands this winter. Enjoy a hearty organic lamb curry or battered fish and chips as part of their two-course special for only R130. Add an extra course for R30. Tel 021-657-4500

Restaurant specials on the Southern Peninsula

The Black Marlin in Simonstown is keeping their fire stoked throughout winter with their weekend braai specials. Get half a medium crayfish for R75, a whole medium crayfish for R135, or a whole large crayfish for R195, or sneak in a fresh snoek for R55. All options include rice and salad. Alternatively choose from their set a la carte menu for R115 for two courses or R140 for three courses. Options include mango chicken, line fish and prawn curry. Tel 021-786-1621

Polana in Kalk Bay: flame-grilled free-range half chicken for R50. The offer is valid from Sunday to Thursday during the month of May. Tel 021-788-7162

Hook into some succulent prawns with stir fry Asian noodles for R60 at Live Bait in Kalk Bay. The delicious dinner offer is valid from Sunday to Thursday during the month of May. Tel 021-788-5755

Harbour House, Kalk Bay. Tuck into a two-course meal for R140 or three courses for R160 throughout the month of May. Not available on Sunday. Tel 021-788-4133

Other restaurant specials in Cape Town

Henri’s, Somerset West is giving away a free bottle of wine from Lourensford Wine Estate with their great value three-course set menu for R150. Indulge in their succulent steaks, vegetarian or seafood options. Tel 021-852-6442

Knife in Century City is letting you ‘build your own’ this winter. Start off with a Knife basic salad for R35 and add whatever you like. If you’re not into construction try their bagel for R35, or the Knife platter for R60. Specials are available from Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm. Tel 021-551-5000

Haunted Cape Town!!

Discover Paranormal Cape Town!! An experience you will never forget!

An Exhilirating, fun, adventurous and Sinister look at "Haunted Cape Town"........

3 haunted Pub stops, History & Science of the Paranormal, Live & Recorded Stories, Dark Mystery Room, History with a difference, audience participation with EMF Meters(to detect energy fields), haunted & murder Venues, climaxing to Historical Cemetery ... at Midnight of course.

The Sinister Itenary.....

Perseverence Tavern (Starting Pub Stop) The Scissor's Murder with History & Science of the Paranormal,

Good Hope Seminary (poison murderess Daisy de Melcker)), The Castle of Good Hope ('off the bus', audience participation), Poltergeist of Fenton Road, Ghosts of District Six, Ghosts of Groote Schuur Hospital, Drie Koppen, the Saints, Sinners & Students of Rondebosch, SAC's School, Ghost & Spy stories of Kimberly Hotel.End off Pub.

Some Of our guests have even made it back.......Sober!

Our Maiden Tour is Wednesday 20th April..thereafter Tours will run wednesdays & Fridays from 8pm.....

Cost Of Tour is R350-00 Per person. Group Discounts apply.
T-shirts available @R75
You will need...Torch, notebook & pen, camera.....Courage! And Beer money!!

Contact us for more Info@africatravelnetwork.net

Travel Concept Solution To Attend ITB With SAYTC

Government support and international exposure spell fresh growth for SA Youth Travel

CAPE TOWN - 14 February, 2011

Eleven representatives from South Africa’s booming Youth Travel market are set to attend the world’s largest and most prestigious travel show, ITB Berlin, in March.

The visit comes as the South African national government is increasingly focusing support and funding on travel as one of the country’s six priority areas for job creation, and it was made possible by funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.

ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel industry think-tank, and during the 2011 convention, will continue to serve as arguably the most important platform for the promotion of dialogue in the international tourism sector.

Says Deborah Kleynhans, national coordinator of the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) and project manager for the local ITB delegation: “We are grateful for the recognition and support this niche, but very important section of South Africa’s travel market, is increasingly receiving from the South African government”.

“For the first time, SAYTC will enjoy a presence at this enormously important event on the global tourism calendar, which last year saw record attendance of more than 12 500 participants. We intend to cement South Africa’s growing reputation as an exciting travel destination for the adventurous and young at heart, as well as those who prefer to combine their international travel with giving back, for instance through volunteering programmes.”

Bernie Meyer, tourism director in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Industrial Development Division, says the government’s support for SAYTC stems from its work on the development of niche tourism markets.

“We are of the opinion that Youth Tourism offers high growth potential with positive developmental impacts and an opportunity to help diversify the South African tourism economy,” said Meyer.

“Supporting SAYTC to gain increased exposure at an event like ITB will improve market access for members and generate new business that will ultimately lead to increased foreign exchange earnings, tourism growth and job creation.”

The eleven SAYTC members which will represent SA’s Youth Travel market at ITB between March 9 and 13 (listed below), represent diverse establishments throughout the country. They include representatives from transport, accommodation and adventure establishments which serve youth travellers throughout South Africa.


SAYTC - ITB Berlin 2011

TOURS AND ADVENTURES

Stormsriver Adventures – Based in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest, Stormsriver Adventures cater for tastes ranging from the mild to the wild, with experiences such as canopy tours and guided hiking included in their portfolio.

Adventure Centre – Wild experiences throughout Africa are organised from this Stellenbosch-based adventure shop - from diving with sharks or from an airplane, to abseiling down Table Mountain or climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro.

PiliPili – The PiliPili Beach Bar is situated alongside Sedgfield’s Myoli - one of the top wave-riding beaches on the South African coast. Travellers can pick up new and second-hand gear at PiliPili’s shop on the main road, and head down to the water for lessons, awesome down-winders for more advanced riders, and a cold one back on dry land.

Daytrippers – For the past two decades, Daytrippers has made its mark as one of the leading alternative tour companies in the Western Cape, with activities such as hiking, biking, cruising, picnicking and swimming available on their expeditions.

Cape to Addo – This safari group has pioneered the Addo Park Safari - a safe and affordable way to experience the thrill of game driving in an authentic Big Five national park, while also catching the beauty of the coastal regions of both the Western and Eastern Cape.

Bikes’nWines – Catering to the outdoorsy and young-at-heart traveler, Bikes’nWines combine both adventure cycling and wine-tasting. Up to four Stellenbosch wine estates are visited during the day, accessed by private farm roads that take riders through vineyards and quiet tree-lined roads.

Explore Paradise - a Cape Town-based one-stop tour shop. They offer a myriad of tours in and around the Mother City and beyond, and travellers can take their pick of day tours, private tours, package tours, luxury coach tours or nightlife tours. They can also put together their own itinerary to combine various offerings, including safari, helicopter, limousine or Winelands tours.



VOLUNTEERING

You2Africa – You2Africa facilitates sensitive, meaningful and well-priced African volunteer projects. It sources volunteers from the international market, and is popular among travellers who do not only want to sightsee when visiting the continent, but also to participate in community development projects.


ACCOMMODATION

Soweto Backpackers – For a truly unique experience, travellers head to the famous suburb of Orlando West to walk or cycle the streets of Soweto, and play or watch soccer with the locals. Restaurants, shebeens, braais (barbeques) around the campfire, or even church and museum visits are all on the menu for guests at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers.

Backpackers Paradise – A family-run hostel nestled in Oudtshoorn, or Ostrich Country as it is known in South Africa, Backpackers Paradise offers an idyllic base from where the Little Karoo and its myriad adventure experiences can be discovered.


TRANSPORT

Baz Bus – With a fleet of 19-seater semi-luxury buses, Baz Bus has, for more than fifteen years, transported thousands of backpackers to 180 youth travel destinations throughout South Africa and beyond.

SAYTC will be assisted at ITB Berlin 2011 by stand host, On Show Solutions.
Jacqui Reynolds of On Show says that, by being positioned in the heart of the southern African hall at ITB, SAYTC will have exposure to buyers and show visitors who are keen to visit the region. SAYTC’s niche focus on youth travel will furthermore set its group of exhibitors apart from the rest of the show, she says.

For media enquiries, contact Simon Lewis www.travelconceptsolution.com

Baz Bus Cancels Swaziland Leg Of There Route

FROM 1 APRIL 2011 Baz Bus will no longer operate between Johannesburg/Pretoria & Swaziland (in both directions)



- Baz Bus will no longer operate between Swaziland & Durban (in both directions)



- Baz Bus will NOW OPERATE between Johannesburg/Pretoria and Durban, via Drakensberg, 5 times a week (in both directions).



DAYS OF DEPARTURE between Port Elizabeth & Durban and between Durban & Johannesburg (via Drak) will change as follows:



Port Elizabeth to Durban: Departs MON, WED, THURS, FRI, SUN

(i.e. Departs Daily except: TUES & SAT)


Durban to Port Elizabeth: Departs TUES, WED, THURS, SAT, SUN

(i.e. Departs Daily except: MON & FRI)


Durban to Johannesburg / Pretoria: Departs MON, TUES, THURS, FRI, SUN (i.e. Departs Daily except: WED & SAT)


Johannesburg / Pretoria to Durban: Departs MON, TUES, WED, FRI, SAT

(i.e. Departs Daily except: THURS & SUN)



Please note the following important information:

* The last bus departing from Johannesburg/Pretoria to Swaziland:

Wednesday 30 March 2011



* The last bus departing from Swaziland to Durban:

Thursday 31 March 2011



* The last bus departing from Durban to Swaziland:

Wednesday 30 March 2011



* The last bus departing from Swaziland to Johannesburg/Pretoria:

Thursday 31 March 2011

http://www.bazbus.com/routechange.aspx

Annual Rwanda International Trade

Private Sector Federation Rwanda in conjunction with the Ministry of Trade and Industry is organizing for the 14th time, the Annual Rwanda International Trade Fair 2011 due to take place at Gikondo Expo Ground, Kigali-Rwanda from 28th July to 10th August 2011. Kindly find herewith attached invitation letter, expo map and registration form for your reference.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information you may require regarding the above event or pass our contact information to interested companies for direct communication..

Kind regards

Judith Harris
Admin Officer

Rwanda High Commission
Pretoria/South Africa

Tel: (+27)12-3426536
Fax: (+27)12-3420160
Cell: (+27)79 610 8741

Red The Gallery Auction

Its On Your Doorstep

The world’s changing rapidly, and it seems so is the PSL, for the better that is – its time for all those English Premier League supporters to shift their allegiances to closer to home.

To all those Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal ‘fans’ in this country, many of who have never been to England and have few if any family ties to the UK: the Absa Premiership is hot right now, it’s where it’s all happening!

Last Fridays Cape Town derby was as good as it gets, anywhere.

Athlone was the scene as Ajax Cape Town ran out 4-3 winners over Santos in a game which overflowed with passion, commitment, drama (including a 35th minute red card) and goals of the highest order.

Clayton Daniels and to a lesser degree Jurie Basie’s efforts aside , the other five goals were WORLD CLASS: three superbly executed curling shots from 20-yards out into the top corner, a sublime left-footed chip from an acute angle from Terror Fanteni and a 25-yard rocket of a match winner five minutes from time courtesy of Thulani Serero.

The usual complaints from the EPL lovers regarding South African football include: the finishing is poor, the crowd attendances are embarrassing, too much show-boating, the grass is not green enough, administration is third-world.

None of these were applicable on the Mother City on Friday night.

SAFA is still prone to regular bungles, but there is absolutely no fault to be found in the PSL’s organization of the league; it’s improving season by season. Go compare the logs in South Africa with those in England on Monday morning and look at the ‘games played’ columns, for example…

Of course not every match is going to be a 4-3 derby thriller, but a gradual trend towards better quality, or at least more entertaining top flight football appears to be underway – just last week Santos and Golden Arrows drew 3-3, while Wits hammered Vasco 6-0.

Another game in Cape Town, earlier this season – Ajax’s 1-0 win over Chiefs, only had a single goal, yet provided 90 minutes of thrilling action on the field, while the 40 000 fans at the ground ensured it was a memorable evening.

The equation in general in pretty simple – the bigger and more enthusiastic the crowd, the more exciting the action on the field.

Stop worrying about what Wayne Rooney does for after-hours entertainment, or what kind of hobbies John Terry and Ashley Cole partake in, or whether West Ham or West Bromwich Albion will escape relegation - go and watch the Absa Premiership – you won’t see a 4-3 score-line every week, but there will always be drama, excitement and vibrant fans.

http://swnews.co.za/its-on-your-doorstep/

Cape Town Prepares For U2

Yesterday we were at Cape Town Stadium to watch the start of the massive task of removing the turf in preparation for the U2 concert next week (18th Feb)

The stage will be 8000sqm and will take up one whole half of the pitch.

The reason they are removing the turf is because the with construction and dismantling the stage will be in place for 14 days therefore the turf will simply die.

The turf will be stored in Stellenbosch and replaced after the concert as the scheduled Neil Diamond Concert will use a smaller stage therefore the turf can be covered.

The pitch will be playable on the 28th May 2010 which is sadly to late for the last Ajax Cape Town game which will be on the 21st May.

For More Pics Check out the following link: