World Wildlife Day – 3 March 2023

It’s World Wildlife Day!  And with its theme of ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’, we are proud to partner with many properties and their foundations who dedicate themselves to the preservation of our wildlife and nature.

Through our partnership with the not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, Thompsons Africa is committed to the How We Tread Right (HWTR) sustainable strategy, and we support the UN’s goal that all wildlife experiences are ethically responsible. 

Through its MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative, we are committed to identifying experiences that have a positive social or environmental impact on their communities and those who experience them.

The Tswalu Foundation

The research being conducted on ground pangolins at Tswalu is one of the projects of the Tswalu Foundation.

The Foundation facilitates a broad range of research undertaken on Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Its mission is to promote conservation and strengthen an understanding of the semi-arid savanna biome within the southern Kalahari. The Foundation also presents opportunities for guests to interact with researchers in the field, while providing Tswalu Kalahari Reserve with data for management purposes. The Foundation is a crucial component of the Oppenheimer Family’s vision to conserve the Kalahari by restoring the natural environment, re-establishing biological diversity and maintaining the natural ecological processes of the Kalahari.

Tswalu Foundation

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

See Historic Rock Art in South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, part of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection, is the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years. Guests can view the sites on the reserve and learn about how Bushmans Kloof has been dedicated to protecting these extraordinary treasures. This experience directly advances UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities, by protecting natural and built heritage.

https://bushmanskloof.co.za/activities/rock-art-and-heritage

Shamwari’s Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries

In partnership with actress, author and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve designed the Animal Rescue and Education Centres to incorporate the sanctuary and educational facility.

Their goal is to create awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. The centres aim to draw attention to the plight of wild big cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world.

The Born Free Foundation is a UK-based wildlife charity that rescues animals from captivity and gives them lifetime care in spacious sanctuaries. The charity protects threatened species including lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, bears, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat. Working with local communities, Born Free finds humane solutions to help people and wildlife live together without conflict.

Since its inception in 1984, it has grown and been backed by celebrities, conservationists and passionate institutions worldwide, such as Shamwari Private Game Reserve. By supporting the big cat sanctuaries, you’re not only learning about the plight of wild animals, but you’re also taking a stand against animal cruelty.

A notable success story is that of ‘King’ a young lion cub. King was kept illegally as an exotic pet in a Paris apartment before being rescued and relocated to Shamwari’s Big Cat Sanctuary. He is permanently located in their JEAN BYRD CENTRE.

Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries

Contact us for information on other properties and their foundations who are committed to the preservation of our wildlife and nature.

info@thompsonsafrica.com

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

http://www.thompsonsafrica.com

What is load shedding?

When the electricity demand exceeds the available supply, planned supply interruptions may have to be carried out. This is called load shedding. It is a controlled way of rotating the available electricity between all Eskom (the South African electricity public utility) customers.

Schedules?

Load shedding schedules are made publicly available in advance to allow citizens to plan for these scheduled power outages. Schedules are per province. If you are checking a schedule for load shedding times, please ensure you view the correct province. If required, we recommend that you download this app where you can enter your location and find the applicable load shedding schedule for your area.

Contingency plans?

As load shedding has been in operation for many years, most establishments such as restaurants, shopping facilities, hotels, and public tourist experiences have made the necessary adjustments and installed alternative power sources.

On 10 February 2023, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster. While is sounds alarming, it simply means that the South African government is given additional powers to resolve a crisis (in this case, electricity) with less bureaucracy, regulation and will have access to extra, otherwise, inaccessible, funds.  

What does this mean for the tourism industry in particular? 

Load shedding has been a reality for all South Africans, including accommodation and experience providers, for years. The declaration of a State of Disaster changes nothing. It should be highlighted that while most providers have made alternative arrangements and adjustments to their day-to-day operations, there is bound to be some small impact on the guest experience. Notably, while an establishment is being run on generated power (using a generator for instance), air-conditioning may not work at all, or it might be available in a limited capacity.

Click here to read President Ramaphosa’s full speech.

Questions?

If you have a guest who is particularly concerned, please don’t hesitate to talk to a Thompsons Africa consultant, who will be happy to supply specific details of properties where the guest will be travelling.

We are available 24/7 with the support of our Customer Care Centre. Please contact us on +27 31 275 3500.

The minimum amount of time to get from one flight to another varies around the world and from airport to airport.

Here in South Africa, no-one knows better than we (GSO) do when it comes to minimum connection times when arriving off international flights and connecting immediately to regional and domestic destinations.

We would like to highlight the following to ensure that your guests have a smooth experience when passing through OR Tambo International Airport:

Although the standard connection time at OR Tambo from an international flight to a regional/domestic flight is 2 hours, we firmly recommend between 2 and 3 hours.

The extra hour for your guest could mean the difference of NOT missing their connecting flight – this creates a less stressful situation for your guest.

In addition, there are other benefits of not missing a connection flight:

Your guests will not have to purchase new airtickets for another flight or another airline on their intended route.

Your guests will not be separated from their luggage, if their checked through luggage made it onto the connection flight.

Your guests will not have to pay for overnight hotel accommodation should there be no later connection flights available on that day.

Your guests’ itinerary will not be negatively affected – they will not lose out on prepaid travel arrangements.

NOTE:  While all the above are important considerations, we would like to share with you the real impact of missing connecting flights.

It is the impact on your guests.  We have seen for ourselves the immense stress that tight connection times have on travellers.  Stress, anger, upset and even tears are difficult for the GSO team to witness.  We feel heavy-hearted on behalf of the guests.  We do everything in our power

to help them, but there are limits to the miracles that we can perform.

Consider this:  Even if your guests want to opt for a tighter connection time because they don’t want to ‘wait’ unnecessarily longer, think of the above consequences, and help your guest to understand what is in their best interests.

Thank You

The GSO Team

Jukani is the latest of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® approved experiences, meeting Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land. Read more about Goal 15 here.

Jukani’s mission: ‘To maintain and manage a sustainable wildlife sanctuary, with the focus on creating widespread awareness about the plight of large predators in captivity, in South Africa and all over the world.‘

Jukani is forever home to the majestic big cats of the world, including Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Pumas and Jaguars. These animals have have been rescued or re homed from facilities that could no longer care for them. Homed in a large natural habitat, designed and built around each individual animal’s needs, they are free of exploitation and the stress caused by human interaction.

Enjoy an 80-minute walking safari with a knowledgeable guide where you’ll also find Raccoons, a Honey badger, Caracal, an African polecat, some Zebra and Springbok and predators such as the Spotted Hyena. Learn more about the plight of these animals and understand how, through lifestyle changes and choices, you can contribute to a chance at a better future for them.

Jukani is a no touch, #HandsOff facility.  They do not allow interaction with the wild animals. The cats and other wild animals at the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary are sterilised and therefore do not breed, so you will see no baby animals during your visit.  ‘At Jukani we do not condone the practices of the pet-play-and-pay industries.’ Jukani is an active supporter of #animalrightsintourism and don’t support any wildlife interaction.

Boschendal is the latest of our Make Travel Matter approved experiences meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. 

Their mission: ‘To be a pioneering and ethical village, setting a global benchmark.’

‘Regeneration activities include free range farming practice which stimulates or feeds the microbes in the soil responsible for sequestrating carbon. For every one percent increase in organic carbon within the soil, the soil would store an extra water. The way we farm and manage our livestock and pastures ensure we are sequestrating carbon into the soil and ensuring our land is more drought resilient. We are currently undertaking two experimental projects to determine the most effective and truly organic way to achieve good soil health over a period.  Experiment 1 is a model farm which simulates free range farming on undisturbed land with no turnover and compares soil health measure over land left without free ranging and no turnover. Experiment 2 is the installation of earthworm farming directly in the soil beneath the trees in our plum orchards and comparing the soil health improvements over time against areas without the installation. We are also in the process of converting our olive and lemon orchards to fully organic produce.

Circular economy extends to include our retail and hospitality divisions where we seek to procure items which conserve resources (energy or water), have a limited negative impact on the environment (compostable packaging), support local industries (local waste management partners) etc. We run a community shop which resells our hospitality products which are no longer in use (curtains, aprons etc.) and we remake items for reuse within our own business (pillowcases into laundry bags). Our food waste from all our divisions is used in our composting facility to provide compost for the farm to use in the orchards. Wood chips which are created as part of our alien vegetation removal programme are used in mulch.

We conserve our natural resources with a focus on our alien clearing programme which to date has cleared more than five hundred hectares of alien trees and plants from the farm. The trees are either used for firewood or chipped for mulch as part of our circular economy commitment. Boschendal partnered with WWF for the Biodiversity Wine Initiative from 2005 – 2015. WWF restructured the program to work exclusively with industry leaders in conservation. Boschendal received WWF Champion Status in 2016 and currently retains WWF Champion status.

Throughout our practice we consider our community, the impacts on the community and our responsibility to manage these. Where possible we source resources and vendors from our immediate surrounding communities. We run a ECD school on Boschendal which has 63 learners between the ages of 5m-5yrs. We supply staff meals to all working staff members on the farm as food security becomes an increasing concern. We have a robust upskilling practice on the farm.’

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has announced the opening of The Apostles Braai. Set amid lush indigenous gardens, the new custom-built restaurant is a striking space of mirrored walls and picture windows allowing natural light and panoramic views to wash in.

With the imposing Twelve Apostles mountain range as the backdrop, the 32-seater room, boasting sea, mountain and sunset views, is open to the public for private functions and special events, as well as being used for Master Classes and cooking demonstrations.

The timber and glass enclosure offering spectacular mountain views, is distinctive in style and the menu and takes the art and enjoyment of grill/barbeque, so loved by South Africans, to new heights.

A handcrafted blue and white Murano glass chandelier hangs in the centre of the room, with handblown Biot glassware from Provence gracing the tables. The elegant white cane chairs and tables, are the perfect palette to feature the ‘West Palm Blue’ upholstery from USA supplier, Thibaut.

In tandem with the opening of The Apostles Braai, the hotel’s Helipad has been re-opened following a substantial upgrade.  A wide range of food, accommodation and heli-flight packages are on offer to make the most of this special service provided by NAC Helicopters Cape Town.

Contact us for more information:

Thompsons Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com

Website: http://www.thompsonsafrica.com

Their goal is to create awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. The centres aim to draw attention to the plight of wild big cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world.

In partnership with actress, author and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve designed the Animal Rescue and Education Centres to incorporate the sanctuary and educational facility.

Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from impoverished situations. Born Free focuses on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The Born Free Foundation is a registered charity organisation and therefore solely relies on donations.

No entry fees are charged, but a monetary donation from visiting guests is appreciated. The rescue and education centres home rescued lions and leopards from across the world and aim to be an enlightening experience for all visitors.

Shamwari is home to two centres and an education programme.

The Julie Ward Centre

Situated in the south of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the Julie Ward Centre opened its doors on the 30th of September 1999 in memory of Julie Ward, a young British photographer who was murdered while visiting Kenya.This Centre provides enclosure for rescued big cats.

The Jean Byrd Centre

The Jean Byrd Education Centre and Sanctuary opened its doors on the 5th of November 2006, and provides educational facilities for schools whilst also providing further enclosures for more rescued big cats. It’s situated in the north of Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

The Education Programme

An active programme for schools and colleges with a particular aim to support local disadvantaged communities with the focus on conservation through education. The Born Free Foundation is a UK-based wildlife charity that rescues animals from captivity and gives them lifetime care in spacious sanctuaries. The charity protects threatened species including lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, bears, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat. Working with local communities, Born Free finds humane solutions to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. Since its inception in 1984, it has grown and been backed by celebrities, conservationists and passionate institutions worldwide, such as Shamwari Private Game Reserve. By supporting the big cat sanctuaries, you’re not only learning about the plight of wild animals, but you’re also taking a stand against animal cruelty.

A notable success story is that of ‘King’ a young lion cub. King was kept illegally as an exotic pet in a Paris apartment before being rescued and relocated to Shamwari’s Big Cat Sanctuary. He is permanently located in their JEAN BYRD CENTRE.

What is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®experience?

To find out more, contact us.

Thompsons Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com

Website: http://www.thompsonsafrica.com

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants. During the culling operations of the 1980s in Hwange National Park, many baby elephants were left orphaned and were in desperate need of a new home. With an uncontested, unwavering conservation ethic, Wild Horizons was identified as an ideal candidate to create a sanctuary for elephants in need of care. They have a strong belief that the best environment for all elephants is ultimately in the wild, and have seen great success through their rescue-rehabilitate-release program. 

The rescue-rehabilitate-release program begins with a ‘soft release’ phase in preparation for the day when released into one of Zimbabwe’s National Park areas. A soft release involves the elephants being released into an area that is still familiar to them. They still have access to the other elephants in the elephant program; however, they no longer have regular contact with the caretakers or guests. 

Once satisfied that they will not seek out habitation and a suitable release location is established, they will be released permanently. It is with great pride and humility that Wild Horizons watch them successfully reintegrate into the wild. The elephants continue to be monitored by satellite communication.  Wild Horizons has been changing the face of conservation. Their journey has aided the country’s conservation efforts and contributed to worldwide expertise on the most effective ways of caring for orphaned elephants. For as long as there are injured, orphaned or abandoned elephants in need of a sanctuary, Wild Horizons will continue to provide a haven to the elephant while ultimately striving to ensure all animals within their care eventually return to a wild existence wherever possible.

Contact us from more information or to book an elephant experience. Our Elephant Encounter is an approved MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Thompsons Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com

Website: http://www.thompsonsafrica.com

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

We are proud to be part of a joint initiative by The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of brands called The TreadRight Foundation. 

How We Tread Right (HWTR) is The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) new five-year sustainability strategy, which sets the mandate on sustainability at Thompsons Africa and our sister travel companies.  Our strategy is based on 11 measurable goals developed to address Thompsons Africa’s impact on Planet, People, and Wildlife. These goals, anchored to the United Nations’ Global Goals, address:

Planet – sustainability and conservation by targeting climate change, sustainable food production and responsible consumption through carbon management, renewable energy, the food cycle, waste reduction, and the elimination of single-use plastics.

People – community support and cultural preservation by targeting overtourism through the inclusion of new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experiences, the creation of a standalone strategy to encourage greater diversity and inclusion at Thompsons Africa, and our global give-back efforts.

Wildlife – conservation and protection by targeting animal welfare and conservation, and ethical wildlife experiences through TreadRight’s Animal Welfare Policy.

Learn more about how choosing Thompsons Africa means choosing a travel company that puts sustainability and the planet at the core of everything we do.

AN UPDATE ON OUR PROGRESS

Goal 11 – Ensure all wildlife experiences adhere to our Animal Welfare Policy by 2021

We have made significant strides in ensuring the interactions and experiences we offer adhere to the guidelines as set out by the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter. On a continuous basis, we check the interaction/experience against a defined set of criteria ensuring that we remain committed to an ethical approach to the long term conservation of wildlife welfare.

Using the guidelines of the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter to unacceptable practices, each establishment is required to answer a defined set of five questions and where necessary, provide documentation to support their answers.  In summary, any animal interaction/facility/establishment that includes any of the following is deemed unacceptable:

Performing animals (includes all types of animals e.g. elephants, predators, primates, cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), birds and reptiles)

Tactile interactions with ALL infant wild animals (includes cub petting)

Walking with predators or elephants

Tactile interactions with predators or cetaceans

Riding of wild animals (includes riding and sitting both for guests and handlers)

Goal 2 – Source 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025

We have installed a solar system which supplies approximately 40% of our power requirements for the Durban office. Almost there!

Goal 5 – Reduce printed brochures by 50% by 2025

We are very proud to share that our annual brochures are now hosted entirely online. Click on a brochure cover to view, print, share or download.  Alternatively, browse the pages and click on a property name to view rates, inclusions, exclusions and other information.

This is incredibly positive news and this is despite having an identified mutated variant of the virus adding further evidence to the belief that it is our high standards of health and safety measures, our wide-open spaces and our low people densities that our numbers remain so low.

The SA variant explained

WHO’s Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan explained in an episode of Science in 5.

There have been two variants reported to WHO, one identified in the UK and one identified in South Africa. A variant is the result of a virus changing and mutating. The concern regarding these variants has been due to the belief that they were associated with an increase in the number of cases in both the UK and South Africa. They are also believed to spread faster, are more transmissible or more infectious.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan went on to explain that, ‘they do not seem to cause more severe illness or a higher death rate or any sort of different clinical manifestations.’ ‘They seem to behave pretty much as the previous viruses were behaving and cause a pretty similar kind of disease.‘

Watch the full interview

Visit the official South Africa coronona virus update website for the full statistics on our numbers in South Africa.

At Thompsons Africa, we have implemented strict health and safety protocols for our vehicles (according to the South African Government approved Health and Safety Protocols), keeping guests’ health and safety a top priority, and establishments around South Africa have been guided by the TBCSA (Tourism Business Council of South Africa) on the implementation of a high standard of protocols at their properties. Download the protocols live document here.

If you or your guests require more information on our protocols or any other information relating to our standards of testing in South Africa, contact us today.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us