rsa – Chanters Lodge Livingstone

World Cup 2010 South Africa – Driving Regulations

I liked this one (thanks to Derek Dawson)

Since we are nearing the world cup… we should give tourists tips about travelling on our roads….

RULES FOR DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA

1. Never indicate – this will give away your next move. A real south African driver never uses them.

2. Under no circumstance should you leave a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, this space will be filled by at least 2 taxis and a BMW, putting you in an even more dangerous situation.

3. The faster you drive through a red light, the smaller the chance you have of getting hit.

4. Never, ever come to a complete stop at a stop sign. No one expects it and it will only result in you being rear-ended.

5. Braking is to be done as hard and late as possible to ensure that your ABS kicks in, giving you a nice, relaxing foot massage as the brake pedal pulsates. For those of you without ABS, it’s a chance to stretch your legs.

6. Never pass on the right when you can pass on the left. It’s a good way to check if the people entering the highway are awake.

7. Speed limits are arbitrary figures, given only as a guideline. They are especially not applicable in South Africa during rush hour. That’s why it’s called ‘rush hour….’

8. Just because you’re in the right lane and have no room to speed up or move over doesn’t mean that a South African driver flashing his high beams behind you doesn’t think he can go faster in your spot.

9. Always slow down and rubberneck when you see an accident or even someone changing a tyre. Never stop to help – you will be mugged.

10. Learn to swerve abruptly. South Africa is the home of the high-speed slalom driving thanks to the government, which puts holes in key locations to test drivers’ reflexes and keeps them on their toes.

11. It is traditional to honk your horn at cars that don’t move the instant the light turns green. This prevents storks from building nests on top of the traffic light and birds from making deposits on your car.

12. Remember that the goal of every South African driver is to get there first, by whatever means necessary.

13. On average, at least three cars can still go through an intersection after the light has turned red. It’s people not adhering to this basic principle that causes the big traffic jams during rush hour.

Now guys go out there today and make South Africa proud!!!

16
APR

rsa, World Cup 2010

Kerry de Bruyn Photography

Check this great picture taken by Kerry de Bruyn of Kerry de Bruyn Photography
she’s @AfricanPhoto on Twitter.

Lucas Radebe, famous international footballer and a waiter feature in the picture that Kerry took at a recent function for the Legends Soccer Team. Lucas was certainly an inspirational player for Leeds United and South Africa in those days and is clearly still involved in soccer and youth development, as well as the upcoming 2010 World Cup in his home country.

“Lenovo together with the Intel Corporation, has partnered with Active Education and Let’s Play, SuperSport’s Social Responsibility initiative, to establish the Legends Soccer Team. A sustainable physical education programme sanctioned by the Department of Education will be run in the Southern Suburbs, Eldorado Park and Soweto areas.This initiative, driven by Lenovo, draws on the synergy between art, sport and technology by encouraging learners to use their creativity to draw and paint while using sport and technology as inspiration to showcase what these concepts mean to them.”

Great photo Kerry! Can’t wait to see your redesigned website when it’s up and running!

12
FEB

Africa, football, photography, rsa

The Sea in Spring

I was delighted to see Kirsty Birkholz and Rory Gaddin on New Year’s Day! Remember them? They guested on the Chanters Lodge Experience, our radio show, around this time last year when Kristel was appearing in cabaret at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. They subsequently stayed a few days at Chanters as well.

Kristel and Rory were back again at the Royal last New Year’s Eve and stopped by to drop off a copy of Kristel’s latest album ‘The Sea In Spring’. It’s classical but features Thula Thu’ on which Kristel plays her famous Tin Can Violin. The album is from Cherry Pill Music and check Kristel at www.kristelbirkholtz.co.za

There’s last year’s photo of Rory and Kristel and a photo of the new album cover!

3
JAN

Chanters, entertainment, hotels, livingstone, radioshow, rsa, Zambia

Poignant Picture

This, to me, and I’m sure the rest of my family, is a very poignant picture. It shows my late brother-in-law Don Binney, who passed away on November 13th last year, being served by my (now) Assistant Manager Annastasia Katele, during Don’s visit to Zambia in March 2006 with my sister Ruth. A good time they had too! Don and Ruth came to Zambia following some time in South Africa during which Don, a great cricket lover, was thrilled to have attended a test match at Newlands in Cape Town. I’m very much looking forward to Ruth’s return visit in March 2010 as I’m sure she is too. Our thoughts are with her today.

Annastasia’s had a great year since being promoted to the post of Assistant Manager in January this year. She’s grown a lot in the job (not in height, she’s still pint sized) and is about to start her annual leave. She’s shown herself to be super reliable, tough and her great public relations skills have made her popular with suppliers and Guests alike. By way of a reward for excellent work the company have sponsored a return flight to South Africa for her to go and see her young brother who lives in Johannesburg. As soon as our new bedrooms are finished (a week or so to go), we’ll be starting the construction of two offices – one for her and one for me, with a view to her being able to take over even more responsibility next year.

How nice to be able to link these two super people together in one image!

13
NOV

Africa, Canada, Chanters, family, leadership, management, rsa, Zambia

Kerry de Bruyn – Photographer

I’m lucky enough to be friends with a wonderful photographer Kerry de Bruyn based in South Africa. So if you need photos, go to this site. Check the wonderful photo above of ‘bride in a forest’ if you don’t believe me! Here’s all about Kerry:

“I am a writer and photographer capturing what I can to show other people what’s out there and what they are missing. I have written and photographed for a number of magazines and wish to do more. That would be my main problem I think, always wanting to do more, see more, experience more. There is so much more to this world than we think and I hope to get people playing with that idea again.

I believe a single photograph captures something so much more than just an image. Mood, emotion and consequence are some of the few things that follow the quick click of a shutter opening and closing. “I’ve found it,” I thought. That thing that gets you excited from the moment you wake up. After my first photograph I haven’t looked back, and sometimes it’s hard to put the camera down.

After telling you the smooshy stuff I thought I should let you know a few quick facts about me…I love Africa (obviously!), travel, wildlife, love and life and beleive you should spend every minute of it living! If you would like to book me for weddings, portraits, photo safaris or would just like to chat send me a mail, I’d love to hear from you!

All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.Right now my dream is to capture Africa and all of her beauty, small and scaly or robust and strong.”

And yes, of course I’m trying to entice Kerry to come and take some pictures of Chanters Lodge!

22
OCT

Africa, Chanters, photography, rsa

Frogging Safaris…..Yes, Frogging Safaris!

I’ve been battling African Bullfrogs and Tree Frogs and goodness knows what other kind of frogs at Chanters Lodge Livingstone for years now – at certain times of the year they make a terrible racket in our garden in the evenings, such that you can hardly hear yourself think! Now, shock! Horror! People are advertising FROGGING SAFARIS! Yes! And to make matters worse, there’s my friends at Hills Of Africa pushing it for all they’re worth! Oh well, each to his own I suppose! Not for me thanks a lot! Here’s all about it…

“Impressionable mediums such as Hollywood and novels have positioned Africa as a continent synonymous with fierce game, adventurous safaris, and stunning wildlife. But Africa embodies much more than its traditional stereotype as a game-viewing safari destination. Although game-drives are the perfect way to observe the Big Five and other large African animals, it’s impossible to immerse yourself in the minute details of the African bush, where vehicles are forbidden.

Teeming with some of the world’s most intriguing flora, peculiar insects, stunning nocturnal creatures, and mysterious wilderness, Africa is abundant with hidden treasures and unspoiled terrain that make walking safaris a must. There are a variety of walking safaris to choose from, depending on your personal preference. Many travelers enjoy the niche-oriented walking safaris such as those that focus specifically on birding, plants, or lions. But one of those most interesting niche-oriented walking safaris is a frogging safari.

It may sound odd, but a frogging safari is a unique way to observe some of Africa’s endangered amphibian species, and is highly adventurous as it does encourage some detective work on your part. One of South Africa’s most reputable places to enjoy a frogging safari is the Dunes Country House in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. Here, extremely knowledgeable safari guide, Warren, who specializes in frogs, educates you on the unique lifestyle, behavior, and habits of frogs and opens your eyes to peculiar frog species that are endemic to the area.

With nearly 100 species of frog found throughout Southern Africa, approximately 47% of which are only found in the South African region, a frogging safari in St. Francis Bay opens your eyes to some of the world’s most rare and mesmerizing amphibians. The decrease in the African frog population can be correlated with indirect human influences such as pollution and deforestation.

On the Dunes Country House frogging safari with Warren, you’ll . . .

* Begin your excursion at sunset and will be equipped with headlamps, nets, and gum boots.
* Take a Land Rover to Dunes Country House’s private nature reserve, Thula Moya, where you will find a variety of frog species.
* Hear the beautiful whistles and songs of the resident male frogs. Each male frog looking for a female mate works hard at their music to be the loudest, because in the end, the loudest frog gets the girl.
* Learn about the frog species in the area and discover what makes these frogs unique creatures. From the soothing sounds to the vibrant colors and hues of these frogs, you’ll discover the purpose of each frog characteristic.
* Need to keep an eye open in search of colorful frogs. Frogs range in color to bright reds, yellows, and greens, to brown hues with intricate detailed skin.
* See a variety of frog species including the painted reed frog, cape sand frog, raucous toad, eastern leopard toad, clicking stream frog, bronze caco, and striped stream frog–to name a few.

When you arrive back at the Dunes Country House, you have the opportunity to purchase a hand-beaded frog statue as a souvenir from local crafters. The proceeds from this purchase will further go to the preservation efforts of the area.

Experience the beauty of Africa on a South African family safari or honeymoon safari vacation. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you a detailed itinerary that is tailored to your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true.

Would you enjoy a frogging safari in Southern Africa? Well stop off at Chanters Lodge Livingstone if you haven’t had enough frogging!

3
OCT

Chanters, frogs, livingstone, rsa, tourism, wildlife, Zambia

BUS SERVICE – VIC FALLS (ZIM) TO JO’BURG

NEW BUS SERVICE TO JOHANNESBURG FROM VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

DEPARTS DAILY

OFFICE OPEN DAILY TO 6.00PM FOR BOOKINGS.

ZAR600 PER PERSON AND INCLUDES:-

VEHICLE PICK UP FROM BOOKING OFFICE AND TRANSFER TO VICTORIA FALLS BACKPACKERS LODGE FOR THE NIGHT – DORM BED

VEHICLE WILL PICK UP CLIENTS FROM VICTORIA FALLS BACKPACKERS AT 3.00AM FOR BUS DEPARTURE AT 3.30AM

BUS ARRIVES IN BULAWAYO 10.00AM AT WELL EQUIPPED DEPOT – COFFEE SHOP, BATHROOMS, ETC

BUS DEPARTS BULAWAYO 1.00PM AND ARRIVES IN JOHANNESBURG 3.00AM NEXT DAY. CONDUCTOR WILL ORGANISE TAXI TO ACCOMMODATION (THIS SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE)

GETAWAY SAFARIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SENATAR EXPRESS

TEL: +263 13 41480

E-MAIL: vicfalls@senatar.co.zw

14
SEP

Africa, infrastructure, rsa, tourism, victoriafalls, Zambia, Zimbabwe

1Time!

Here’s the kind of news we love!

1TIME has announced that it will launch its flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone on November 26. The flights will initially operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. All flights will be operated using a new MD87 aircraft with 130 available seats.

In February 2010, 1time will add a fifth-weekly flight, expected to operate on Saturdays. 1time will launch with airfares starting from R897 one-way, all inclusive of taxes. In addition to the airline promoting the destination, 1time Holidays will also be promoting packages to this destination. These packages should be live in the next couple of weeks.

Don’t forget to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone!

11
SEP

accommodation, airlines, Chanters, livingstone, rsa, tourism, victoriafalls, Zambia

Family Visit To Victoria Falls

I drop Guests at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone off at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls so many times a week, especially at the moment during these busy months, but seldom get to see anything much of the Falls myself, other than the spray on my way to work (and that’s a thing of the past now as the river level has dropped and the ambient temperature warmed up). So, instead of falling asleep in front of the TV on my half day off this week, I took five out of my 5+2 offspring to see the Falls and what a wonderful sight it is too! Never fails to impresss.

My daughter Alexandra (16) is visiting on holiday from Kingsmead College in Johannesburg, she’s in Grade 11 and is pictured back left in the photo. Next to her is rapper Michael (23) known as LiquidDanger (after the Falls?) and a keen Gooner. Chris (14) is one of my foster daughters and in front of her Grace (13) is the other. The family photo is made up be Henry age 7 who was quite scared of the Falls. More of that tomorrow!

14
AUG

Chanters, family, guests, rsa, victoriafalls

Artistic Alexandra!

This piece from Alexandra Chanter’s school newsletter academic section, Kingsmead College, Johannesburg.

KALEIDOSCOPE

GRADE 11 SUPPER THEATRE EVENING
The programme consisted of seven items each representing a different genre. An expressive movement piece was first on the programme which was a workshopped piece performed by the whole class. Sound (as opposed to music!) was put together by Alexandra Chanter and Slindile Mthembu.

Next up was a beautiful and poignantshort play by Samuel Beckett entitled “Come and Go” performed by Tatenda Dune, Raeesa Kahn and Zahra Musa. Then, an hilarious and highly physical extract from Lewis Carroll’s “Mad Hatter’s Teaparty” was presented by Josephine Stubbs, Alexandra Blyth, Alexandra Chanter and Edwina Lederle. Next, a riveting and dramatic extract from Jean Paul Sartre’s “No Exit” was performed by Jill Curr, Camilla Pearson and Sabelo Mthethwa. Kathleen Butler, Nokwanda Zwane, Thuli Gama and Slindile Mthembu then performed a highly entertaining extract from the South African play “Sophiatown”.

The theatrical technique of the “soliloque” (speaking ones thoughts aloud only for the ears of the audience and not for the other characters on stage) was explored by Alexandra Chanter and Edwina Lederle in an amusing extract from Alan Ayckbourn’s play “Countdown”. The programme ended with the group dramatizing
the Lewis Carroll poem “The Jabberwocky”.

That’s Alexandra above left and you can imagine how much we’re looking forward to seeing her when she comes on holiday in August with a friend!

31
JUL

family, rsa, Zambia

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