Next month, conservation heavyweights and their loyal supporters will join forces to raise awareness and funds for the Elephant Crisis Fund, an initiative dedicated to protecting one of Africa’s most beloved and endangered inhabitants, the elephant.

An estimated 35,000 elephants are being lost every year to poachers, and these numbers continue to stabilize and even grow, due to the surge in demand for ivory throughout China and the US. The Elephant Crisis Fund was created to combat today’s bleak statistics and to preserve the fate of the majestic species.

Aptly deemed the Sundown Gala, this exclusive event will be held at the private Malibu estate of Liane & Richard Weintraub, La Villa Contenta - whose eight bluff-top acres and lush grounds will be transformed into a slice of the bush, complete with locally-grown cuisine and Africa–infused cocktails­.

Among the evening’s program of events, a ROAR AFRICA luxury safari valued at $25,000 will be auctioned to the highest bidder. The journey’s itinerary was tailor-crafted by our CEO & Founder Deborah Calmeyer to grant two travelers an intimate, educational and priceless experience built around a passion for elephant conservation.

The 10-day East Africa itinerary includes three nights at Elephant Watch Camp in Kenya, a stunning safari oasis that is so closely tied to elephant conservation that its structure was in fact built from reclaimed wood that had been pulled down by elephants or left behind by flash floods. Another remarkable stop along the journey is Chem Chem Safari Lodge in Tanzania, a property famous for their ‘slow safari’, an ethos that promotes safari as a tangible, sensual experience beyond the confines of a vehicle.

To learn more about Save the Elephants, Wildlife Conservation Network, or to RSVP to the Sundown Gala, please visit the official site of the event, www.sundowngala.com.

On 15 March 2014, the Delaire Graff Estate – which we know well for its unbeatable scenic vistas and Chenin Blanc to match – will serve as the canvas for the vibrant colors, tastes and sounds of the Cape Wine Auction.

The Cape Wine Auction is hosted annually by the South African wine industry as a way to encourage its most impassioned patrons to give back to its birthplace, the Cape Winelands. With the aim of raising funds for education in the wine lands of South Africa, the Cape Wine Auction invites South Africa’s most influential to wine, dine and shine in their summer’s finest.

Guests will enjoy a gastronomic banquet celebrating all that is great about the national wine industry. Iconic South African winemakers and an A-list culinary team lead by Grandes Chef Margot Janse will mingle with guests during a day of indulgence and fun. As well, attendees are given the rare opportunity to bid on a variety of wine-centric experiences such as special wines not available to the public, private winery tours and personal interactions with top chefs and winemakers in incredible locations.

The money raised during the auction will be delegated by the Cape Wine Auction Trust to educate children in the communities within the Cape Winelands in order to provide them with a chance for a brighter future. The Pebbles Project, The Click Foundation, and MAD CHARITY™ (Make A Difference) have been selected by the trust to be the three principle recipients of the money raised. These local charities work to enrich the lives of disadvantaged South Africans by offering opportunity through education. In the words of former President Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world.” 

The ever-stunning Delaire Graff Estate at dusk. Enjoy the views while supporting a good cause by attending the Cape Wine Auction on 15 March 2014.

For more information about the Cape Wine Auction, CLICK HERE

This holiday season give your loved ones the best gift of all – the gift of a future where Africa’s most cherished species still majestically roam. By adopting an orphaned African elephant or rhino through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), you are directly supporting the sustainability of these two beloved, endangered species.

DSWT was established in 1977 with the mission of protecting Africa’s wildlife from the emerging threat of poaching, a threat that has since well established itself and today runs rampant. DSWT’s main vehicle for conservation is its Orphan’s Project, which has achieved global recognition through its largely successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. So successful, in fact, that since its inception, DSWT’s Orphan’s Project has hand-raised more than 150 infant elephants and effectively reintegrated them back into wild herds, contributing to the births of many healthy, wild-born calves.

Unlike other adopt-a-species programs where recipients receive a photo of a generic ambassador animal, DSWT’s gift adoption program allows gift-givers to choose exactly which orphan they would like to sponsor – offering a more personal connection. Each of the 24 elephant and two rhinoceros orphans available for adoption, have an online profile which includes its name, age, multiple heart-warming photos and a brief biography explaining where the orphan came from and its charted progress at DSTW.

For example, Kamok is an 8-month-old elephant that was welcomed to DSWT when she was deserted by her herd at only one-day-old. She is believed to have been left behind because of her weak joints, which caused her to slow down the herd. Today, thanks to her compassionate keepers at DSWT, Kamok is healthy, learning what it is to be an elephant, and slowly gaining better control of her tiny trunk.

To watch a video of Kamok’s rescue CLICK HERE.

For as little as 50 USD, you can help sustain Africa’s wildlife population for years to come. So forgo the snaking lines and last-minute chaos, give your loved ones a gift that they can share with humanity – the beauty and mystery of the African elephant and rhino.

To adopt an orphaned elephant or rhino for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, CLICK HERE.

One of the most rewarding parts of our job is hear from clients while they are currently on a trip with us. This came in to me yesterday and literally brought tears of joy...

Deb and Liesl, 
Wow where do I start? CT the beautiful city on the water, love it all! Tranquility on top of nature with the most friendly Capetonians in the middle. It seems as if all of CT is a stress free environment, it must be the constant sun, fresh air and the water everywhere. The history and political changes are remarkable and I am certain will continue to hopefully give more freedom to all here who truly deserve it. From the endless beaches to the fabulous Botanical Gardens, what a great display of nature in a city. Brian, he is quite a human being with a huge committment to the children in his program. He is brilliant with his endless knowledge , has a vast endless amount of information that has made a huge difference in all he has showed us and talked to us about. He is a true professional, serious at times but we have laughed our asses off along the way. He took us to his outreach program at the school today, during the kids noon break, where the kids had a half hour to ask us questions about New York and our feelings about CT. They were all so excited, so respectful and of course so curious about New York. From there we went to where they cook the food for the kids and where they make their sandwiches for school. What a humbling reality!! There were 6 little kids that we had so much fun with, and taking pictures with. I must admit I never knew much about Aparteid, and have had a rude awakening! It's amazing how a corrupt government could destroy so many people life's. It is apparent though that the Blacks, Whites and Coloreds are definitely moving forward together, or at least it appears that way. Brian doesn't know it yet but Roxine and I will be sponsoring one of his kids from his outreach program that he and Melanie are so committed to. When we went to the Kitchen today we brought 20 kilos of rice as a little gift that they were greatful to receive. We will bring home a photographic exposé as we have 2 great cameras and have been clicking away. It is hard to believe how much beauty and ugliness exist in Capetown. The township we saw today with 1,200,000 people living in sheer poverty will never leave my mind, but neither will the smiling eyes and faces of all the school kids we met today. Roxine and I look forward to getting together with you, Deb when we return home. Beautiful sights, beautiful weather and many wonderful people everywhere, what more could we ask for, for the start of this great journey. Our thanks to the Roar Africa Team!! Charles and Roxine, New York

We're supporting The Culture Project with a trip to southern Africa.  The Producers' Weekend will kick off this Friday with dinner at the spectacular homes of our hosts Sting and Trudie Styler, Gregory Colbert, Izhar Patkin, and Julian Schnabel.  It promises to be a fun evening with impromptu entertainment- we're looking forward to it!

Since 1996, through brilliantly conceived, expertly staged dramas, which blend prize-winning theater with urgent moral dilemmas, Culture Project has told stories as timely as the morning's newspaper and sparked conversation and political action. For more see their website here.

We have put together a fabulous trip that includes Cape Town, the Winelands, two safaris (the Karoo and Madikwe) and Victoria Falls.  Thank you to our partners The Cape Grace, River Manor Boutique Hotel, Samara Game Reserve, Tuningi Safari Lodge and The Victoria Falls Hotel.

Have a look at this short video of Uthando's work in South Africa. James Fernie takes you on a short tour of their grass roots projects and gives thanks for the donations. Have a look at why we support Uthando and ask us to work a half day visit into your trip.

Why go and "see a township" on a tour when you can experience the township, engage with the people, and help at the same time?

Other Uthando stories here.

Uthando website

Facebook and other readers please click through to the original post (blog) for the video.

To all of our avid Africa fans,

One of our partners, Londolozi - owned and run by the Varty family, is a unique and special place in the Sabi Sands, South Africa. Much of the preservation today in southern Africa and beyond is a result of Dave Varty's tremendous insight and efforts in conservation. Still there is great risk...

• The population of the African elephant, has declined by more than 99% since the 1930s, when as many as 10 million of the great creatures roamed free there.
• Only 10,000 Rhinos exist around the world, down 85 percent since just 1970.
• The continent’s lion population has fallen off by half since the early 1950s when there were an estimated 40,000 “kings of the jungle”.

"Londolozi’ means Protector of all living things. True to our values, we present to you our conservation event for 2010. Five individuals from Londolozi have come together with a mission to raise R500 000 for an endangered species and for literacy. Ultimately, for us, Africa is about the fusion of people and animals and about reconnecting the human spirit back to the wilderness." Londolozi

...and so Shan, Bronwyn & Boyd (Varty), Rich Laburn and Brett Roux are embarking on a grueling challenge to raise funds and continue this relentless endeavor; a 7-day 330km bicycle ride through the northern Namibian desert. Donations will go to Save the Rhino and The Good Work Foundation.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated and anyone who can

donate $600 or more stands a chance to win a 2 night stay at Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites worth $40,000!

To Donate, click here and scroll down:

http://www.marthabeck.com/LEAP/

Please refence your donation with 'C4AC' and then 'your name'.

For more information:

Contact Boyd Varty:

Tel: +27 (0)13 735 5653

E-mail: boydatlondolozi@gmail.com

Links (click for more):

Londolozi
Londolozi Granite Suites
Save The Rhino

The Summit on the Summit expedition is the brainchild of singer and producer Kenna. His father suffered from waterborne diseases as a child in Ethiopia. A group of celebrities signed on to climb the continent's highest peak — Mt. Kilimanjaro — to raise awareness about the need for clean water worldwide. The team all summitted the 19,340 foot mountain last week after six days of climbing.

ROAR AFRICA is proud of our clients on the trip who are now enjoying some well-deserved relaxation at a beautiful lodge in Tanzania. Prior to climbing, Jessica Biel said she was astonished to learn that more than a billion people across the globe have no access to clean water.

"This is a basic human necessity that needs to be addressed now," Biel said in a statement, adding that she's proud to climb Kilimanjaro with the celebrity team "to help any way I can in order to raise awareness toward the life-threatening clean water crisis happening not only in Africa but around the world."

Donate to the cause directly through the United Nations Foundation.
1 cent = 1 litre of clean, safe drinking water. 5,910,300 liters donated at the time of writing.

Last Tuesday ROAR AFRICA hosted a book launch for Douglas Rogers' "The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe" at the New York home of Henry Buhl. The party was primarily about Doug's excellent dark, comic and true-life thriller (more here), but it did have other purposes. Zimbabwe is in an awful predicament but we know how much potential Zimbabwe has in all respects. We know how much tourism to this spectacular country could help it's people pull themselves out of their current plight. It is helping in a few places. With careful planning, we are already hosting people safely in some specific and beautiful parts of the country. You can see the difference these visits make to the local population: employment, feeding programs for thousands, and a sense of hope.

Many Thanks to Henry Buhl for the use of his beautiful loft in SoHo, Durbanville Hills for the fantastic South African Wine, and Amarula for the evening's delicious signature cocktail.

We encourage you to read Doug's witty, sad and exhilarating memoir as you plan your next trip: 'The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe' published by Crown / Random House.

We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. There seemed to be 150 people who were not in a hurry to leave, so we're assuming that they at least did.

Photographs from the event featured on a few social pages here:
Haute Living , Guest of a Guest , and Patrick McMullan

Singita Lodge in Kruger National Park has implemented a creative way to help the community, develop their staff and staff their kitchen with exceptional talent. It was born out of the remoteness of their Kruger Concession locations (Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges) and their desire to help the community. We visited the remarkable school last month and congratulate them on their creative program and success. Here's their story.

SINGITA SCHOOL OF COOKING - HISTORY, PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

Background

Four factors came together to create the Singita Cooking School:

• Singita Kruger National Park’s real desire and that of many of its guests, to assist in the active development of local communities was proving challenging because of the very remoteness of the lodge. The villages where most of their staff had their homes were a 3 hour drive away.
• Staffing its kitchens with skilled, inspired and qualified chefs meant recruiting from the far away cities. Local staff with the right foundation skills to thrive and progress were proving almost impossible to locate. There were very few success stories of local enthusiastic staff moving up through the kitchen ranks. This was a situation which needed to change.
• The Singita staff village had a kitchen large enough to accommodate 8 chefs operating comfortably in their own workspace.
• Kurt Abrahams, a Senior Sous Chef at Singita Sweni, SKNP, of 4 years service with the company and possessing outstanding culinary skills and a passion for staff development, put forward a proposal that he commence training “interns” from the local community, in parallel with his normal work.
  

From these 4 strands the Singita Cooking School was born.

Such a program was practical – we had the committed trainer to hand and the perfect facility. Such a program was a hands-on practical way to assist the distantly-situated community in a sustainable way. One up-skilled person with a good job and sound prospects has a multiplying effect on his/her immediate family and the broader community. Besides the income provided, they can also provide much needed inspiration, energy and leadership to depressed under-developed areas.

As a result, at the end of 2007, Kurt vacated his position as Sweni Head Chef and became the full-time trainer and mentor. The kitchen was equipped with all the necessary equipment to house a full-scale cooking school for up to 10 trainees. An advertisement went out to the local community for youth who were passionate about cooking and becoming trained Commis Chefs. And the first group of trainees started “school” in January 2007 ensuring that the Singita Cooking School “started cooking”!

How the Cooking School works

1. The Singita Cooking School is a community development program aimed at equipping 8 youth from the local community – over each 12 month period - with an enthusiasm for cooking and the foundation skills required to commence a successful career as a Chef.

2. It is a 1 year full time Learnership program for 8 students.

3. The program is advertised in the local community – by word of mouth, posters and flyers.

4. Each student receives a chef’s uniform and essential kitchen equipment and is provided with either transport or accommodation to ensure their daily attendance at classes. Students are paid a monthly stipend during their training.

5. The program is a combination of theoretical and practical training, aimed at building knowledge, skills and confidence to enable the trainee to take up a Commis Chef position in a professional kitchen and to drive their own careers into the future.

6. Students gain practical skills by “practicing” on Singita staff and, on occasions, by working in the Singita Lebombo kitchen to gain exposure on the preparation of food for guests. Staff have benefited from the far healthier preparation of their food and an enhanced “culinary experience”.

7. In addition to the culinary aspect, the program includes the development of life skills and a focus on improving spoken English.

8. Students are assessed as they progress and have to be found competent in all modules in order to graduate from the School.

9. On completion of the training program, students are assisted to apply for positions as Commis Chefs within Singita and with other lodges situated close to or within the Kruger National Park.

10. To ensure the continued development of those trainees that it employs into its kitchens, Singita is now rolling out a Part B to this program: a 2½ year Commis Chef development program run by the Head Chefs of each Singita kitchen. All Commis Chefs will be equipped to fill any new Chef d’ Partie vacancies that might arise.

Our Cooking School trainees – two examples:

Mavis Mongoe – a past student

One of the students from the first Singita Cooking School class is Mavis. She lives in a village called Welverdient, which is very close to the Singita’s road exit from the Reserve. She was 21 when she joined the program. One of 4 siblings, since leaving school she had had a short stint of experience working as a general assistant in a Burger ranch when she had traveled to Johannesburg to try and find work after leaving school. She reports that her future was looking bleak. She was selected to join the Cooking School because of her enthusiastic attitude and an interest in cooking. She was obviously intelligent, an organized approach and had good interpersonal skills.

Once she concluded the course she was offered a position in the Singita Lebombo kitchen where she continues her training under the beady eye of Clinton Drake, the Head Chef who was recently recognized as an Relais & Chateau “Rising Star”. She has a bright future ahead. Clinton says of Mavis: “She has real potential and is growing in confidence and skill on a daily basis. I am struck by the difference to her life that resulted from her applying to be part of the fledgling Singita Cooking School. She says that without it she would either still be at home doing nothing or would be looking for work in the far away city. The Cooking School has given her the very real chance to fulfill her own potential.”

Adelari Ndlovu – a past student

Adelari is one of the 8 students selected to participate in the 2nd Singita Cooking School program, which commenced in the latter part of 2007. After leaving school he had sought work and had managed to get a casual position as a gardener at a lodge in the Kruger Park. His home is also in Welverdient, where his mother raised him and his 10 siblings completely on her own. As such there were no funds available for any further education. He is a shy and retiring young man but the selection panel chose him because of his obvious determination to get ahead. He had a real interest in working in the kitchen which was awakened when working at the lodge. Another point that impressed the selection panel was his commitment to his local community. He was personally campaigning for the installation of running water and electricity to his village. (This is reportedly about to become a reality!) Since commencing the program he has shown a real tenacity and commitment that augurs well for his future.

To date:

Since its opening in January 2007, the Singita School of Cooking has had 14 students complete its course. Of these, Singita has absorbed 6 of them into its own kitchens. Tskakani Mathebula, a student from the very first intake, was voted as Employee of the Month at Singita Sabi Sands. Other students have been assisted to find employment in other lodges, with several of them currently working in lodge kitchens. Yet others have gone on to continue their studies still further.

A contribution?

The Singita Cooking School was made possible by Singita’s practical commitment (funding, expertise and resources) to making a difference to the lives of local, unemployed youth and, in no small part, to the financial contributions made by some of its concerned guests. Such funding helps ensure both the sustainability of the program and determines the number of students the School can accommodate.

After decades of civil war Mozambique is on the road to recovery. In the 1960s and 70s Mozambique was a prime tourist destination. It's unique combination of Latin African culture, unspoilt tropical beaches and magnificent wildlife drew tourists from around the world. South Africans flooded to Southern Mozambique in particular. Hollywood stars such as Gregory Peck and John Wayne visited Mozambique and when they did they visited it's crown jewel, Gorongosa National Park.

1. Gorongosa "Yesterday"

Before the war of independence from Portugal and the civil war that followed it Gorongosa was home to elephant herds and buffalo herds exceeding those of the Serengeti and more predators than Kruger National Park. During the wars poaching to finance the war (ivory), feed soldiers, or just for local communities to survive, devastated the animal population. Estimates are that 95% of the large mammal population was lost. The human population was also devastated. By 1992 over 1 million Mozambicans had been killed and they continue to suffer from high rates of HIV and diseases such as Malaria. But things are finally looking up for Mozambique.

2. Gorongosa Today

Gorongosa National Park re-opened in 1995 and it's rehabilitation is benefiting both wildlife and local communities. Greg Carr, an American IT multi-millionaire turned philanthropist is helping to make this happen by partnering the The Carr Foundation, a U.S. not-for-profit organization, with the Government of Mozambique. The project is to protect and restore the ecosystem of Gorongosa National Park and to develop an ecotourism industry to benefit local communities.

Carr wanted a humanitarian aspect to his project and believes that a restored park will lift the region out of poverty. Communities surrounding the park need to benefit from tourism and, in Vinho village, a subsistence farming community where many of the park workers live the foundation has invested in infrastructure including a $100,000 school and a $200,000 clinic. Now the park boasts newly-built accommodation at Chitengo Camp with a good restaurant serving local and international dishes. Game drives are run twice daily and the park officials also lead hikes to the impressive Mount Gorongosa.

The park does not yet have the abundance of large mammal wildlife that some other parks have but it has spectacular scenery, great diversity of ecology and amazing birdlife. Importantly your visit may help local communities more than a visit elsewhere. Besides- who else do you know who can say they've been to Mozambique let alone Gorongosa!

3. The famous Casa des Leos, or the "House of Lions"

4. Vinho Village

Park Facts:
Location: The southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Central Mozambique. (About 100km/60m from Beira on the coast)
Size: 3,770 square kilometers/ 1,456 square miles
Ecology: Diverse. Gorongosa is an Eden of grassland, miombo forest, flood plains, waterways. In the outer reaches of the park granite outcrops rise majestically out of the bush. A spectacular limestone gorge with rain forests marks the southern end of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Gorongosa dominates the horizon.
Accommodations: Chitengo’s rondavels (traditional round cabins) have been restored and visitors have increased from less than 1,000 in 2005 to around 8,000 this year. The camp boasts a good restaurant serving local and international dishes.

5. Diverse landscapes

From Bush to Beach:
A visit to Mozambique would not be complete without a stay on it's magnificent coastline. Most well traveled is the southern coastline including Bazaruto Archipelago but The Quirimbas Archipelago – a string of remote tropical islands in the far north of the country is the newest draw. Over the past few years ever-more luxurious lodges have opened on the exclusive islands. Fortunately like at Gorongosa, there are also grass-roots initiatives taking place.

Get ahead of the curve: Visit Mozambique and contribute to the restoration of this beautiful country.

Photographs:
1. Gorongosa "Yesterday": Game viewing bus (Antonio Jorge), Pungwe River, Chitengo Safari Camp (Antonio Jorge), Elephants (Celestino Goncales)
2. Gorongosa Today: Chitengo Safari Camp Cabanas, Cabana (Antonio Jorge), Game viewing vehicle, Lion (Richard Baker)
3. The famous Casa des Leos, or the "House of Lions" once inhabited by a pride of lions (Celestino Goncales)
4. Vinho Village, benefiting from hard work and philanthropy
5. Diverse landscapes: Lake Urema (Jeff Barbee), Grassland, Mountain

Further Reading:
Gorongosa National Park
One Man's Plan To Save A Natural Treasure (CBS News, 60 Minutes)
Wanderlust Magazine Article
Carr Foundation

CBS 60 Minutes Feature:

Eco Africa Social Ventures is a U.S. based Non Profit corporation founded by Janice Ashby whose mission is to uplift the daily lives of artists, crafting artisans and their families in Zimbabwe who are struggling under extreme hardships owing to the economic catastrophe that has overtaken their country.

Roar Africa and partner lodges are donating a luxury safari to help families survive the food emergency. The safari includes 3 nights at Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe, 3 nights at Steenberg Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, and 4 nights at Londo Lodge, Pemba Island, Mozambique. The safari will be donated at an event held at the home of Leila Straus on Park Avenue West, New York on November 12th.

Peter Godwin, the acclaimed author of "When a Crocodile Eats the Sun", will be at the event for a special reading and book signing. A magnificent photograph "The Dancing Wildebeest" by Chris Dei will also be auctioned at the event.

If you would like to attend please email info@ecoafricasocialventures.org for an invitation. You can also email info@roarafrica.com for a copy of the luxury safari worth $14,000.

You can help by referring others to this posting/invitation or by a direct donation through Pay Pal to Eco Africa Social Ventures.

News Reports on the Zimbabwe Crisis: New York Times, BBC
Peter Godwin: NY Magazine, New York Times, Vanity Fair

James Fernie from Uthando sent us a few photographs taken recently and showing how donated funds are being put to use in the townships around Cape Town. Uthando distributed 15 badly needed cots to various day care centers in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Phillipi. Herewith a few of the pictures to show just one way that a small donation on your trip with Roar Africa can help local communities.

James helping to put it all together.

A small donation goes a long way here.

For more about donating to or visiting with Uthando while on your trip see our other posts here and here or just give us a call on 1 877 ROAR AFR.

Uthando (Love) South Africa is a non-profit Roar Africa supports. Their mission is to raise funds to support a broad range of grass roots, community based, sustainable, innovative and empowerment projects with substantial and enduring value to the most destitute and marginalized communities in South Africa.

On Saturday evening (August 9th) Roar Africa attended the Sunflowers After Hours fund raiser event for Henry Buhl's A.C.E. Foundation. The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.), is a not-for-profit organization founded by Henry Buhl. Their mission is to enable New York City’s homeless men and women to re-enter the workforce and to achieve long term, economic self-sufficiency.

Sunflowers After Hours was hosted by Kirstin Cole of CBS 2 News at Henry's home in Southampton. Honorary Chairs Henry Buhl, Susan Sarandon and Larry Leeds. The elegant clam bake, auction and dancing was held in Henry's garden which was planted with thousands of sunflowers.

We are proud to share that the 15-day luxury Southern Africa safari donated by Roar Africa and partner lodges was the largest ticket item of the live auction which was conducted by Sotheby's Eliza Osborne. The trip will take the generous winners to some of the world's most luxurious Lodges and hotels from Kruger Park in South Africa, to Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Mozambique. Business class flights were donated by Henry himself.

Henry Buhl with Deborah Calmeyer & Rob Breen of Roar Africa

Partner donors:
Lion Sands Safari Lodge, Singita Safari Lodge, Royal Malewane Safari Lodge, Cape Cadogan Hotel, La Residence, Londo Lodge

Roar Africa’s mission is to partner with you to create a personal and unforgettable experience. This requires a deep and intimate connection with your destination and is not tourism which is simply “the practice of traveling for recreation” Merriam-Webster. With this mission in mind Roar Africa is proud to introduce our new friend and partner, Mital Shah.

Mital Shah, a former fashion executive at Vera Wang, had a “coffee shop moment” in New York in 2007 which led some dramatic changes in her life. Shah embarked on a six month journey through South Africa, formed Well Souled, and produced its first beautiful, linen bound book documenting her journey. “Well Souled is an invitation to TRAVEL and be traveled. Each collection invites you to connect to a destination as you would to a friend, to learn the shades of its personality, to engage.” Well Souled.

Well Souled’s first book Well Souled South Africa is a beautiful study which weaves together stunning photographs, interviews and trendsetters as well as Mital’s personal reflections. It is not a travel guide; it is a series of impressions and an exploration of South African style across a broad spectrum. It’s also a philanthropic project: 20% of its profits go to organizations helping AIDS orphans.

On July 22^nd Mital Shah will join us at Roar Africa’s Taste of Southern Africa event in SoHo, New York.

Much to my surprise I found myself attempting a repeat of the Comrades Marathon this year. According to my friend Peter Boyd we were not complete with this task until we had run the race in both directions. It alternates direction every year. It is also apparent that my arm can be twisted rather easily. I entered on May 5^th, the last day of entry, and on June 17^th we lined up in Durban for the grueling 56 mile (87km this year) run to Pietermaritzburg, climbing 7000 feet and descending 5000 feet in the process.

The run was tougher than last year due to my lower fitness. It was a long, hot, and towards the end a painful day, but it was very rewarding. We ran for Starfish again and this time I carried a small disposable camera with me. The attached picture is of Pete with some of the Starfish children. The children are residents at Starfish’s home for AIDS orphans at Cato Ridge (about 60km in to the 87km route). They were outside their home watching the race as it passed directly by; but started jumping around and shouting much more vigorously whenever they spotted anyone running with a bright orange sweatband (that’s what Starfish gave their runners as a ‘marker’).

It was a great immediate connection between us as the sponsored runners and the beneficiaries of the money – I hope it gives a small sense outside the main info on the starfish website of how grateful they are for all our fundraising support.

We were also well supported by family and friends. Thank you everyone!

For more on Starfish and the Comrades see last years post here:
http://roarafrica.blogspot.com/2007/07/comrades-ultra-marathon.html

or their respective websites here: Starfish and Comrades

After your run relax and take in some more of the country on a trip with Roar Africa.

You have probably heard of the terrible attacks against refugees and immigrants from other African nations residing here in South Africa. The most recent attacks started in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra and spread to other low income neighborhoods and informal settlements. They have caused a number of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

The actions have been condemned locally and abroad. Although the government was criticized for acting slowly initially there has been significant progress. On May 21^st President Thabo Mbeki authorised the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to provide the South African Police Service (SAPS) with the logistical support it needs to stabilise the situation. The situation is being brought under control and 400 arrests have been made.

If you are considering a visit to South Africa be aware that the problems were localized. You will not be in any of these areas on a Roar Africa trip. The South African Tourism Board is re-assuring all potential foreign visitors that it is safe to visit South Africa and that the incidents of attacks are contained in very small areas of our beautiful country.

The US Embassy issued a travel alert for South Africa on May 21^st. It is a fair account of the situation. It does not advise against traveling to South Africa, but warns American citizens to be aware of the possible dangers which are confined to isolated locations and informal settlements. You can find it here.

The South African Embassy calls on concerned and interested parties to visit their website at www.saembassy.org where you will find further information on this matter and the text of President Mbeki’s speech on May 21^st.

HOW TO HELP: We’d like to turn your attention to what you do not see in the headlines- The true spirit of South Africans and friends around the world who are helping the victims with donations of hard work, goods, food, blankets, and money. If you would like to help there are a number of options. Please visit United for Africa (“How to help” and “Where to Donate” pages).

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the violence.

I am excited to share some news and progress from our philanthropic partner, Uthando (Love) South Africa. Starting on July 1st Uthando will conduct a regular schedule of tours to their projects around Cape Town. These are not "tourist visits" to poor townships. Or "township tours". Yes you will visit townships but you will experience so much more. These are "authentic introductions to the social problems confronting so many South Africans, and the innovative and truly inspirational ways in which these problems are being handled" (Uthando). These tours define responsible tourism. They are a chance to learn, experience and be inspired.

The regular schedule of tours runs from Monday through Saturday. All trips run from Cape Town for about 4.5 hours (8.30am - 1.00pm) and are R650 (+/- $85) per person. That includes transport, tea/coffee/snacks, and a donation. The tours all begin with insight into the political and cultural heritage of the townships around Cape Town, visiting sites of the struggle against the Apartheid regime. Thereafter there are visits to specific Uthando projects. Here are some examples of the projects you might visit:

• Khumbulani Day Care Centre: Day care for children infected or affected by HIV / AIDS
• Abalimi Bezekhaya (Xhosa for “The Planters of the Home”): organic gardens providing income to impoverished locals
• Volcano Arts Project: Working with youth and schools to teach arts and life skills
• Khayelitsha Special Needs School: Develop skills and impart knowledge to disabled children.
• The Mdzananda Animal Clinic: Working to address animal welfare in Khayelitsha township
• Beauty for Ashes: A halfway house and prisoner rehabilitation project in Observatory.
• Jikeleza Dance Company: Performing arts for children from poor areas, providing them with a talent while building self-esteem, discipline and teamwork .

Sample tour (click the picture).

For full tour details click here or speak to Roar Africa to arrange it for you.

Come and learn something on your trip. All that's required is your enthusiasm and energy so save a half-day in Cape Town for an inspiring visit with Uthando.

See also my post from last month after a visit with Uthando.

Last month I took some of our guests to visit one of the Uthando sites near Cape Town.

What really struck me was that we were in the Free Burgher's original "Valley of the Vines" surrounded by ultra smart 300 year old Cape Dutch mansions; as grand a set of homes as you will find anywhere in the world, and a shanty town. Circumstances of space and poverty caused a squatter settlement to find a tiny piece of ground and like mushrooms suddenly there were thousands of people living here. Mostly Xhosa people who do not speak English or Afrikaans. Parents from this shanty town probably work in the fishing factories of Hout Bay.

With this scene and background James from Uthando took us into a shanty school, into a hall and there on the stage sat a teacher with about 20 street children successfully playing violins, cellos and other sophisticated musical instruments. The two extremes of the world met by playing music. It was an incredible experience and it left me speechless just looking and listening to the music.
Uthando South Africa (Love South Africa) is a non-profit we support. Their mission is to raise funds to support a broad range of grass roots, community based, sustainable, innovative and empowerment projects with substantial and enduring value to the most destitute and marginalized communities in South Africa.
http://www.uthandosa.org/

The Free Burghers were Dutch ex-VOC (Dutch East India Company) employees released from service and granted land under certain conditions. They settled, traded with and competed with the local Khoikhoi pastoralists. They later became known as Afrikaners or Boers.
http://countrystudies.us/south-africa/6.htm

from Rob Breen: Tri-Nations for Starfish

Last month my friends Mike Pienaar (South Africa), Peter Boyd (Scotland) and I (U.S.A.) ran the Comrades 56mile ultra-marathon raising money for Starfish Greathearts Foundation. It was Pete and my first Comrades and Mike's tenth. Yes, I did say tenth!

In South Africa it seems "normal" to do such a thing once, twice, ten or even more times. I noticed that in the U.S.A. I received a lot of "street-cred" mentioning the race whereas in South Africa people would say something like "Oh, that's nice, how many have you run? My grandfather is running his 30th this year."

At 56 miles the Comrades is the oldest and the largest but not the longest ultra-marathon in the world. It was started by a group of WWI veterans to honor their friends who had died in the war. Attracting about 12,000 runners it alternates direction annually between Pietermaritzburg (both Mike and my home town) and Durban. It winds through the Valley of a Thousand Hills. You either climb a total of 7,000 and descend 5,000 feet over the course of the race or vice-versa. Our year was "downhill". Some wise cracks were urging us on about 1 hour in and some 50miles (and 9+ hours) to go with "C'mon guys, it's downhill from here". Riiiight! But wow the support was fantastic.

The most rewarding cheers were form the Starfish kids were were raising money for. Starfish supports children orphaned by HIV/AIDs and the area of South Africa we ran through is one of the hardest hit by HIV/AIDs in the world. They recognized us by our Starfish caps and logos and gave us goosebumps with their cheering. You can support them at www.starfishcharity.org

We took it slow and steady and finally finished the race in about 10.5 hours. Mike gained entry into the coveted (by nutters) Green Number Club for his tenth finish. Pete and I were chuffed with our regular nutter membership status. Well....for now anyway.

If you are a runner think about putting The Comrades on your to-do list. As they say it is "The Ultimate Human Race. It Will Define You! "

www.comrades.com

After the race enjoy the country with your family or running mates. Roar Africa will create a private trip for you with all the R&R you deserve!