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Channels for Change Nina van Zyl Channels for Change Nina van Zyl

Channels for Change – April 2023 Edition

The Black Mermaid follows Zandile Ndhlovu, the eponymous pre-Disney mermaid from South Africa, as she shares her love for the ocean and why it inspired her to try to create the same passion in her community. In African folklore, the ocean is a formidable and dangerous force that is not to be trifled with. While many South Africans live in close proximity to the ocean, few Black South Africans can swim and even fewer view the sea as a place of pleasurable pastime.

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Activities, Travel Hacks Zeldi Smulders Activities, Travel Hacks Zeldi Smulders

Self-drive Safari: Tips, Tricks and Safety Precautions

Going on a self-drive safari can be a thrilling adventure, and with a little bit of extra knowledge, you can make sure you have a safe and enjoyable time out on the open roads. In this blog post, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know to get the most out of your self-drive safari experience while being a savvy safari self-driver. Read on to self-drive into your next adventure.

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South Africa, Activities Courtney Mae Drysdale South Africa, Activities Courtney Mae Drysdale

How to Combine a Cape Town Holiday with a Safari

When planning your ultimate holiday to South Africa, you may immediately think of Cape Town – and for a good reason. The ‘Mother City’, as it is endearingly known by locals, not only offers a range of exciting experiences but also surprisingly, the chance to go on a classic — and malaria-free — African safari. Whether you’re looking for a short drive away or a quick flight, you’ll find the perfect wild adventure to fit your travel plans.

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Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale

Sustainability at Bush Ways

Bush Ways Safaris understands the importance of sustainability for our planet and people. They take pride in their commitment to eco-friendly practices, responsible tourism, and conservation of the environment. Read on to learn how Bush Ways strives to ensure their safaris have a minimal environmental and maximum social impact while providing guests with an unforgettable and sustainable experience.

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Sustainability, Botswana Jessica Tyrrell Sustainability, Botswana Jessica Tyrrell

Pack for a Purpose on Your Next Holiday to Botswana

As a responsible traveller, thinking about ways to give back to the communities we visit is essential. One great way to do that when travelling to Botswana is through the Pack for a Purpose initiative. This blog posts looks at some of the lodges, camps and hotels in Botswana that are participating in Pack for a Purpose, with some example lists needed for nearby communities.

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Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale

Discovering Sustainable Luxury: Redefining the Travel Experience

When it comes to luxury and sustainability, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If you’re looking to travel in style while ensuring you’re doing your part to help the planet, sustainable destinations like Botswana and Namibia are perfectly opulent spots. Known for their pristine landscapes, gorgeous wildlife, and luxurious stays, Botswana and Namibia have become go-to destinations for those looking to enjoy a luxurious and sustainable holiday.

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Complete Guides, Botswana Courtney Mae Drysdale Complete Guides, Botswana Courtney Mae Drysdale

A Complete Guide to Honeymooning in Botswana

Looking to treat your special someone to an unforgettable romantic getaway? Look no further than a honeymoon safari in Botswana. This incredible destination has been the backdrop for many romantic stories, from royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle falling in love in the Okavango Delta, to silver-screen stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton choosing Chobe as the spot for their second wedding.

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Botswana Courtney Mae Drysdale Botswana Courtney Mae Drysdale

Top 7 Unique Stays in Botswana

From the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the Okavango Delta, the distinctive Kalahari and wildlife-rich Chobe Region, Botswana is full of unique stays that offer truly unforgettable safari experiences ranging from Big 5 game drives to relaxing mokoro excursions. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge, an adventure camp, a river escape on a barge or a mobile tented camp, Botswana has you covered.

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Sustainability Nina van Zyl Sustainability Nina van Zyl

Sustainability at &Beyond

&Beyond continues to forge an incomparable hospitality vision by seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. &Beyond’s unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism is evident in their core ethos which is centred around empowering local communities, preserving the environment, and providing guests with an unforgettable experience that leaves a positive impact. Read on to learn more about &Beyond’s impact.

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Sustainability Zeldi Smulders Sustainability Zeldi Smulders

Sustainability at MORE Family Collection

MORE Family Collection inspires visitors to rediscover the awe-inspiring joys of life found in nature while staying in classic lodges and hotels tucked away in some of the most pristine and breathtaking parts of Southern Africa. They believe exploring a destination while giving back creates a more meaningful journey. Discover how this family-owned and -managed group makes this a reality.

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Botswana Jessica Tyrrell Botswana Jessica Tyrrell

What Makes a Botswana Safari So Expensive

Botswana is a country in southern Africa known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and luxury safaris. With its variety of safari experiences and top-notch lodges, it's no surprise that Botswana safaris can be both expensive and exclusive. In this blog post, we’ll look at why safaris in Botswana are pricier than elsewhere, what you can expect to get according to budgets, and some ideas of where to stay per price-class category.

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Channels for Change Courtney Mae Drysdale Channels for Change Courtney Mae Drysdale

Channels for Change – March 2023 Edition

On Dream Greener, a community-based podcast focused on sustainability and climate heroes, Kamea Chayne hosts Sinegugu Zukulu, a passionate advocate for rural development, ecotourism, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Sinegugu uses this platform to discuss the threats to land security and the significance of indigenous cultures in protecting South Africa’s Pondoland on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape.

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Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale

Viatu is a Proud Member of 1% for the Planet

Viatu is proud to announce that we have registered as members of 1% for the Planet so that we can start to carve away a more sustainable future for travel and, as a result, the beautiful places that we offer as destinations for those who live in them. 1% for the Planet is a groundbreaking organisation that partners with different sustainable companies and individuals across the globe.

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Sustainability, South Africa, Activities Jessica Tyrrell Sustainability, South Africa, Activities Jessica Tyrrell

The Top 7 Sustainable Activities in KwaZulu-Natal

From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture and history, KwaZulu-Natal — or KZN — is a paradise that offers a plethora of immersive experiences. In this blog post we’ll look at the Top 7 sustainable — and exhilarating — activities you can indulge in all the way from the rolling hills of the Drakensberg Mountains to the spectacular beaches of the Indian Ocean coastline.

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South Africa, Complete Guides Courtney Mae Drysdale South Africa, Complete Guides Courtney Mae Drysdale

A Complete Guide to KwaZulu-Natal

Lush, wild and vibrant are just a few words that are used to describe KwaZulu-Natal, or KZN, in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, pristine parks and wetlands — all together known as the seat of the mighty Zulu nation. So, grab your scuba diving gear and let's take a dive into our complete KZN travel guide…

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South Africa, Activities Nina van Zyl South Africa, Activities Nina van Zyl

What Wildlife You Can See in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal is a coastal South African province that is home to some of the most diverse wildlife species in the world. From the majestic Big 5 to smaller, more elusive creatures, KZN is a haven for wildlife set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Read on to find out which animal species you can expect on your next trip to KZN, plus the parks and reserves where they are most concentrated.

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Explained Series Courtney Mae Drysdale Explained Series Courtney Mae Drysdale

Explained: Self-Drive vs. Guided Safaris

A safari experience is one of the most exciting and memorable vacations one can take. It is a great way to explore untouched destinations, spot some of the world's most amazing wildlife, and get an up-close and personal look into their natural habitats. There are two main ways many people experience a safari: self-drive and guided. In this blog post, we will break each of these terms down and suggest the best ways to book a tailored safari experience that fits you best.

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Channels for Change Zeldi Smulders Channels for Change Zeldi Smulders

Channels for Change - February 2023 Edition

Climbing temperatures, extreme weather conditions, ice caps melting, and sea levels rising. This month’s focus for Channels for Change, The Climate Planet Film, is about how our world’s climate has been disrupted significantly by various factors. This documentary captures one of the greatest political, economical and technological challenges of today, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

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Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale Sustainability Courtney Mae Drysdale

Sustainability at Lalibela Game Reserve

The Lalibela Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a 10.500 ha private game reserve that spans 5 ecosystems and is home to various species of wildlife. The reserve offers a unique malaria-free safari experience and is committed to conservation and sustainability. Read on as we walk through the wilderness of Lalibela Game Reserve to find out why it should be your next sustainable safari destination…

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