Lightning has struck twice for Eve Ensler, world-famous playwright and activist responsible for 'The Vagina Monologues', who has experienced similar levels of success with her newest performance, 'Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around The World'.

There is no such thing as a conventional performance for Ensler, who in this show uses rants, poetry, questions, and facts, to celebrate the authentic voice inside every girl, to empower women around the world, and to ignite activism.

But in order to celebrate and empower women, Eve believes you must share their stories, no matter how tragic or uncomfortable. And this performance does just that. Some of the main protagonists of the performance include a suburban teenager struggling with anorexia, a Masai girl from Kenya battling against the age-old tradition of female genital mutilation, an Iranian student tricked into a nose job, and a South African woman fighting to end rape culture. These stories and these women steal the show, and have left audiences from New York to London empathetic, empowered and emotional.

Staged by Obie Award-winning director Jo Bonney, with original music by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, the bold voice of a new generation takes center stage with a cast of six outrageous and talented young actors.

Beginning 06 of August, Ensler’s compelling “Emotional Creature” will have a 10-day run in Cape Town at the Baxter Theatre. If you are in the Mother City during this time, do not miss this riveting performance!

Tickets for Emotional Creature can be purchased at the Baxter Theatre, and cost only R75 for an adult, R50 for students, and R25 with a UCT student card.

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

Nestled amongst 20,000 acres in the Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo province, lies Tanda Tula, a tented safari lodge and home to the Big 5.

After a much anticipated flight from Cape Town to Nelspruit, a short lodge hop to the landing strip in the Timbavati was the only thing between us and the life of wild. I was über-excited to be back in the bushveld; this was going to be another epic trip and Facebook was waiting for any update. Upon arrival, there was no sign of our transfer so my friend and I took the opportunity to stage an impromptu monochrome photo shoot next to our six-seater prop plane, channelling the likes of Karen Blixen and Louis Vuitton. Our host for the next four days, Dale Jackson, arrived tout de suite to whisk his charges away and so began our latest bush adventure.

The Timbavati Reserve is new territory for me. To its south is the Sabi Sand Reserve, one I am more familiar with and to the east, the great Kruger Park lies, its fences down, allowing a plethora of animals to roam freely (as it should be) between the two. It was not long into our transfer to the lodge before the towering sight of an elephant came into view on the main road to Tanda Tula. These giants of the bushveld are the pedestrians and to them, one must give way. The consequences can be eventful and expensive!

On arrival at Tanda Tula, we were greeted by the cheeky smile of Thabo, he basically runs the place, or so he would like one to think. He promptly set my luggage aloft on his head for transport to my tent; his little trick to try to impress the ladies! Next were our ranger, Civilized, and his tracker, Jack; a fine team that the animals cannot elude. A quick refreshing welcome drink and we were off to be shown our lodging for the next four days. Tanda Tula is a tented camp and we were certainly not disappointed by the beautifully appointed rooms, all with porches overlooking the dry riverbed. We were shown the ins and outs of securing the entry to our tent to avoid the mishaps associated with curious, mischievous monkeys who will grasp any opportunity to run amok in the tents.

We arrived in time to enjoy a little poolside lunch with views of the watering hole where impala and warthogs munched happily away. I will say this for Tanda Tula – they probably have one of the BEST chefs in the bush. This food is Michelin star worthy and Chef Ryan and his team create the most organic, uncomplicated, mouth-watering dishes. Ryan’s homemade pesto was a constant at every meal because it made absolutely everything even better. It was so good I wanted to take some home to put under my pillow! I have attempted to recreate it now that I am back at home (the recipe is on the website) but it is just not the same! Ryan’s attention to detail and his enthusiasm when he explains each meal is infectious and the anticipation you are left with is quickly satiated with the first forkful. He is a true genius at his craft. Meals are especially exceptional at Tanda Tula. Breakfast was always served in the bush overlooking the dried riverbed and the offerings were plentiful from bacon, eggs and sausage to pancakes, sautéed mushrooms and a cold buffet. Dinner at the lodge always led to late night conversations with new acquaintances accompanied by a glass (or two) of Amarula, the Bailey’s of the bush and one of my vices!

Have I mentioned that each night when I go to bed I wish I was waking up to a game drive? It’s true! So when that blessed time actually comes, there is no boundary to my excitement. In jest, I mentioned to Civilized and Jack that there were three sightings on my must-see list this time around – the white lions of the Timbabvati, a pangolin and a honey badger. Now, for those who have yet to embark on their first safari, this may sound achievable but I promise you, this is no easy task hence why it was ‘in jest’. BUT, on the afternoon of our 2nd day, Civilized announced he had a surprise for us but we would have to hurry and forego any sightings for the next twenty-five minutes if we wanted to see it. The word was out that the white lions had been spotted so off we sped to catch a glimpse! I have been on I would say close to fifty game drives and when you see an animal for the first time, it takes your breath away. The white lions were no different. Oh, I have seen plenty of lions in the wild but the white lions are something very special. They are not albino but instead a recessive ‘white’ gene has been inherited from both parents causing the fur to be white and the eyes and skin to pigment. The condition is rare and the Timbavati is one of very few places in Africa that these lions inhabit. My anticipation was limitless for the twenty-five minute drive and then we saw them; a pride of female lions, in which two were white lions. As we eked closer to them, stopping about twelve feet away, I sat quietly in awe of them before I remembered that I had to get footage to prove that they were in fact real. Simply beautiful.

Our four days at Tanda Tula were full of amazing sightings and watching heart-pumping interactions. From lionesses stalking cape buffalo only to be scattered like cockroaches when the tables turned to a 29-strong pack of wild dogs tempting fate with a mating herd of elephants complete with hyena on the periphery. We followed leopards to their kills and watched the young with their mothers yet the pangolin and the honey badger remained elusive. That was no surprise. We fell asleep to the call of lions and awoke to grazing nyalas an arm’s length away. With a different locale each evening for dinner, from the beautiful boma with its warming fire to the poolside lawn aglow with lanterns, Tanda Tula gave us a new experience in every way on every day.

I always dread my last morning at any lodge. I have never been a fan of goodbyes and Tanda Tula was no different. The attention to detail that the staff goes to to ensure that your stay lacks for nothing is a testament to the African people. I will never tire of their names; Civilized, Dolphin, Pretty, Pinky, Happiness, to name just a few. As I prepared myself for the farewell embraces before entering our van that would whisk us back to reality, I encouraged my sunglasses onto my nose to hide my welling eyes. It happens every time, only to be shed again upon my next visit. Thank you, Tanda Tula, and all of your charges for another magical notch in my travel bucket list.

The best part about leaving Africa is knowing when you’re coming back!

Best,

Zoe Mulholland

**This African adventure, as with all of my others, was designed by Roar Africa - look no further when booking your travels to Africa.

Nearing the completion of the Treetop Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, horticulturists from near and far are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to see Cape Town’s ecological gem from a new perspective - above.

The 130-meter walkway snakes through the Kirstenbosch’s Arboretum, also known as the Enchanted Forest, providing an immersive experience in which one can see and hear life among the trees. Constructed from galvanized steel and timber, the walkway meanders 11 meters above ground, putting guests at eye-level with a plethora of forest-dwelling inhabitants. Due to its winding and twisting structure and its position above the trees, the walkway has been given the nickname ‘Boomslang’, which is a large, green snake native to South Africa.

In addition to wildlife spottings, the walkway will provide breathtaking views from the treetops of Table Mountain and the Cape Flats. “The walkway bursts through and above the canopy, giving you an impression of what it is like to be above the forest. At this point, the walkway provides spectacular 360 degree vistas comprising Cape Town and the surrounding majestic mountain slopes,” says Kirstenbosch botanical horticulturist Adam Harrower.

To build even more excitement, Adam Harrower has kindly shared his remarkable "in-progress" photographs of the walkway...

The walkway is scheduled to open to the public on march first and will be of no extra cost for visitors of the park.

13 February 2014, those touched by the lives of Mandela will gather for a celebratory memorial event at St. Paul The Apostle Roman Catholic Church in New York City. The tribute will include performances and appearances by world-renowned actor Morgan Freeman, the honorable Bill Clinton and the Grammy-winning Soweto Choir. These entertainment and political powerhouses are gathering to commemorate the life and legacy of Madiba as well as the 20th anniversary of democratic freedom in South Africa – an achievement in which he played an invaluable role.

Throughout the evening, Morgan Freeman will perform dramatic readings from the original transcripts of Mr. Mandela's letters, speeches, and personal writings. These readings will be followed by the Soweto Gospel Choir, who will fill the cathedral with songs that honor Mandela’s life and vision. Concluding the event, Bill Clinton will candidly discuss his admiration of Mandela, his work with the Mandela Foundation, and his visions for the future – a future inspired by Madiba himself. 

For ticket information and more on the event, CLICK HERE. 

The first Thursday of every month in Cape Town has gone not for the birds, but for the artists.

Simply deemed ‘First Thursdays’, the art-walk encourages Capetonians and passers-through alike to savor the crisp evening air of the Mother City while exploring and appreciating its ever-growing art scene. Consisting of anywhere from 15 to 20 permanent galleries and pop-up venues, the walk welcomes visitors to meander from venue to venue eating, drinking, shopping and enjoying the city’s creative culture.

During First Thursdays, participating galleries are open until 9pm as opposed to the usual 5pm and the contributing galleries and exhibitions rotate in order to keep the event fresh month after month. Many of the most relevant and current African artists have displayed their works during First Thursday including Dillon Marsh, Matthew Hindley and Sanell Aggenbach. Old and new, modern and classic, South African and international – there is something for everyone at First Thursday.

But do not think you have to be a studied art aficionado to attend, the buzz and energy of the crowd is alone enough to spark excitement in anyone. It is hoped that soon the art-walk will spill between the galleries’ walls and onto the streets, exuding a more festival-esque atmosphere with shops open after hours, gourmet food trucks and music in the streets.

Began in 2012, with a consort of only eight participating galleries, the event was the brainchild of Stellenbosch University graduate and culture-enthusiast Gareth Pearson. Beyond a love of art, Pearson wanted to attract the people of Cape Town onto the streets after dusk, something atypical in the city. His challenge was met with gusto by the people of Cape Town who eagerly flock to the art walk’s main strip, the creative hotbed that lies between Wale and Strand streets.

More than just a walk, Pearson is a firm believer that interacting on the streets and in a public space can lead to rich experiences and shared little moments that reveal all the things that we, as people, have in common.

So if you find yourself in Cape Town on a First Thursday, do not miss this chance to mingle with the locals and perhaps add a piece of South African art to your collection.

CLICK HERE for more information about First Thursday

CLICK HERE for more of ROAR AFRICA’s insider knowledge of Cape Town

Tandu Tula has many reasons to celebrate the coming of 2014, one of which is the recent opening of their brand new eco-friendly, exclusive-use explorer camp - Tanda Tula Field Camp.


Located on 16,000 acres of South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the new addition was born out the growing demand from travelers for a completely exclusive and private African experience. Because the camp is run on an exclusive-use basis, the privacy among each group is only slighted by the 3-5 dedicated staff members that meet the guests' every whim.

In addition to providing intimacy among the guests, the camp’s emphasis on walking safaris promotes an unrivaled level of intimacy between the guests and the African bush. Entirely immersed in nature, the walking safaris are led by some of Southern Africa’s most experienced guides and trackers and focus on tracking lion, elephant, and rhino on foot.

Keeping in-line with savoring the traditions of the past, Field Camp is decorated in true East-African style. Its four custom-designed boudoir tents and its communal tent are furnished with exquisitely detailed campaign-style furniture, and Persian rugs and lanterns abound. 

One of the principle goals of Tandu Tula governing the design and build of this camp was to keep its environmental footprint as minimal as possible. In order to do this, the camp is non-permanent and there is no electricity - instead the camp features oil and solar lanterns. The use of open-air bathrooms with hot water bucket showers and eco-toilets also help shed the environmental impact.

Tanda Tula Field Camp is the newest gem in the treasure chest of Tanda Tula founders, Don & Nina Scott. They are permanent residents of the main lodge and are deeply involved with day-to-day operations. They are both ecstatic to be able to provide such a unique, hands-on experience to their guests. “This experience is all about you, your guide and tracker, and the incredible wilderness that we are so privileged to share,” says Nina.






Booking Details

· Maximum of 8 guests and a minimum of 2
· Minimum stay of 3 nights is required for all bookings
· Operates from the 1st of March to the 31st Of October annually
· Ideal for families and friends travelling together who prefer exclusivity
· Guests should be adventurous and enjoy walking and tracking big game on foot
· Guests must be walking fit and should be able to manage a 10-mile walk
· Children from the age 12 are welcome 

To plan your next African safari around a stay at Tanda Tula Field Camp, visit our website www.roarafrica.com to inquire.

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.

ROAR AFRICA is dedicated to sharing the majesty of Africa - its lush terrain, diverse wildlife, and beautiful people - with the world. To do this, we work closely with many lodges and hotels, fostering trusted partnerships to ensure that our guests are in the very best hands.

One of our favorites, Singita, is a portfolio of remarkable lodges that do more than just deliver an incomparable consumer experience. In an age where the destruction of pristine wilderness is seemingly beyond repair, Singita is making a profound difference in many parts of our beloved continent. They are orchestrating an interdependent relationship between communities, wildlife and tourism that ensures true sustainability, and the ability to embrace and share it. Anyone familiar with tourism in Africa will tell that it is no secret: Singita is blazing a trail which is seldom achieved on this scale anywhere else on the continent. 

The Singita properties and the people that work there are shining examples of Africa as a place for innovation, adventure, growth, and hope. Recently posted on Singita's blog, the below video is of Joyful Nghala, a recent graduate of Singita School of Cooking - an 18-month program to encourage the development of culinary skills and employment opportunities among local youth, and one of the many ways Singita is positively impacting its community. Joyful is now employed at Singita Lebombo lodge in Kruger National Park, and continues to nurture her passion and broaden her future opportunities daily. 

Watch this heartwearming video to learn more about Joyful Nghala and the Singita School of Cooking...

Although the anticipation began long before, the excitement finally culminated on 25 November at the long-awaited reveal of Ellerman House’s Villa Two & Wine Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa.

Incomparable levels of design, decor and art wade throughout the villa to showcase some of South Africa’s most flourishing talents. Designed by up-and-coming architect Michael Dennett, Villa Two is the brainchild of collaboration between Dennett’s creative energy alongside artists Angus Taylor and Conrad Hicks, industrial designer Brian Steinhobel, and interior designers Trevyn & Julian McGowan.

The 2-story villa comprises three bedrooms, spacious entertainment area, a formal dining room, stand-alone kitchen, and infinity pool. Saturated in light, the villa overflows seamlessly outdoors onto private terraces with and on warm days, fold-away glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Natural stone, airy textiles and nude wooden floors accentuate the astonishing panoramas seen from its floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the aptly named Clifton. Walking through its sun-drenched halls, one feels simultaneously calmed and overwhelmed by the villa’s ability to attain lightness and drama – to be organic yet completely unnatural.

The seemingly inaccessible level of contemporary style achieved by the villa is met with vigor by the wine gallery on its ground floor, which is home to Ellerman House’s award-winning collection of more than 7,500 bottles of South African wine. The concept behind the Wine Gallery was to deliver more than just a tasting room, rather an interactive wine experience that would reveal the history of South Africa through innovative, custom-designed artistic features and displays. Exemplary of Ellerman House’s ability to offer their guests an unparalleled level of unique experiences, the new wine gallery is an intimate experience only open to guests of the property.

Villa Two and the Wine Gallery effortlessly blend into Ellerman House’s overall atmosphere  - one of luxury, exclusivity, elegance, and a clear appreciation for beauty in one’s surroundings. To view more about Ellerman House's Villa Two & Wine Gallery, or to inquire about booking the space for your next visit to Cape Town, CLICK HERE.

Inspired by the impact of scale in his sculptures and following the overwhelming positive response from the monumental sculpture show at Nirox Sculpture Park, Paul du Toit decided to revisit ideas from his early notebooks. With the technological advances in paints over the years and his own development of techniques, he feels the time is right to explore and push the smaller works in a new direction.

Here's story with little to do with travel, but a lot to do with art, culture, the unique history of South Africa, and a rock icon who didn't know it.  

If you're a South African who grew up in the 70's, 80's or perhaps even the 90's, you will remember Rodriguez.  As Steve Segerman from South Africa said, he was the soundtrack to our generation.  He was an important voice in the struggle against apartheid albeit known mostly by young, liberal, white South Africans.  What you might not know is that he was unknown at home in Detroit, U.S.A.  I learnt this only last night while watching a 60 Minutes feature on him and the documentary film about his life, "Searching for Sugar Man".

The odd thing is that when I heard about the film earlier this year I made a mental note to catch it sometime, but never realized the significance of the story to me personally.  I had no idea that our rock legend had lived in poverty in Detroit.   Just as Roderiguez had had no idea that in the 80's South Africans were buying half a million of his records.  Not until Steve Segerman tracked him down through his lyrics and brought him to sold-out shows of thousands in South Africa in 1998.

This fairy-tale was discovered by a Swedish man, Malik Bendjelloul, while traveling in South Africa.  His resulting documentary "Searching for Sugarman" won the Special Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance this year.  Get a taste of the remarkable story from 60 Minutes feature right here:

From the Londolozi Blog by Rich Laburn:


Boyd Matson and his fellow travellers from National Geographic were just with us at Londolozi.  Sent by ROAR AFRICA, Boyd is a renowned traveller, writer and radio show host who has been contributing stories to Nat Geo for many years.  During his time at Londolozi he was guided by our favourite weekly photographer, Talley Smith, and decided to turn the tables by capturing her on camera.

Talley turned out to be the perfect PR agent for the hyena as she talks about the interesting behaviour and dynamics and this creature.   The full radio interview appeared on National Geographic Weekend in the USA.  Enjoy!

This summer (winter in South Africa) our guests, the Lobdell family, woke up to something incredible while on safari - leopard cubs who had decided that the veranda couches were more comfortable than the trees.  Their mother had killed a Bushbuck and dragged it under the deck. For the next couple of days the leopards made that their dining room and the deck their playground.

The Lobdells' were staying at Singita Ebony lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve (near Kruger Park, South Africa).  It turns out that this mother leopard was a familiar sight neat the lodge.  She probably understood that it was a safer place than most to leave her cubs.

Being able to share the excitement of our guests' experiences is a true privilege and we are thankful for the photographs and stories.

click to enlarge...

A few weeks ago Talley Smith, one of our favorite guides, and Freddy Ngobeni, a Tracker with uncanny skills, discovered a leopard den with a cub at Londolozi.  It was a dream come true for her.  To protect the cub the story was only released a few days ago followed by the first video footage (see below!) just today.  Exerpts from Talley's story.
"It was a very quiet morning, one of those rare times when you don’t even see impala, the birds aren’t singing, and of course the radio is silent. We decided to check a road less traveled in the south based on a single, long-distance bushbuck alarm call breaking the calm. We never found the bushbuck, but we did find a set of leopard tracks....Freddy whispered to me, in Shangaan, ‘This is where she has had cubs before.'"

Freddy and Talley, together with their guests, became the first people to meet this little cub of The Dudley Riverbank Female.

"The way she is behaving, she does have a baby, yes.’ We waited quietly as the mother relaxed. Then, she looked towards the dark hole of the crevice and the cub slowly appeared! It cautiously moved towards us, looking, as it nuzzled up to its mother while being groomed. That intimate moment is one I will remember my whole life."

In the weeks that followed, Talley learned a lot about the maternal behavior of leopards. The discovery of a den site does not mean guaranteed cub viewing.  Visits were also limited to protect the cub from discovery by predators.

"A leopard den site is unique. They are not like wild dogs, they are not like hyenas, and they are not like lions. Lions, hyenas, and wild dogs are all social creatures who have the group to help look after their little ones, as well as help in hunting. Leopards need to spend longer hours hunting to secure a kill, and keep their young even more concealed in remote places. These are some of the reasons why it is so rare to see leopard cubs…."



Read Talley's full story on the Londolozi blog here.

The South African Tourism "Ubuntu Awards" were held last night in New York City -  Ubuntu is 'the essence of being human. It speaks to our interconnectedness and means "I am because you are"'. The awards are held to pay tribute to those industry leaders who have helped South African Tourism position South Africa as the most preferred long-haul destination for USA travelers.

We are proud to announce that ROAR AFRICA was nominated and won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Creative Destination Marketing.  This was in recognition of  a TV documentary series produced in partnership with Travelscope.  The theme of the show was sustainable conservation tourism, focusing on areas in South Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands of Bazaruto. Travelscope went on to receive the 2011 Emmy Award for the series; airing to over 1.3 million viewers in the USA and worldwide. 

Guests were welcomed by Sthu Zungu, The President of South African Tourism. The South African Ambassador to the USA - H.E. Ebrahim Rasool, The Minister of Tourism -  Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, and South African Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima all addressed the audience before the awards were presented by Alex Trebek, host of the widely known TV show Jeopardy!

We are very proud to have played a role in the promotion of responsible travel to Southern Africa and greatly appreciate South African Tourism's recognition through the Ubuntu Award.

Find out more about the Travelscope episodes here:
http://travelscope.net/episodes/view/south_africa_-_on_safari
http://travelscope.net/episodes/view/mozambique_africa

A brand new electric Land Rover arrived at Londolozi over Christmas. Courtesy of Barkers Performance Products and Land Rover, the electric vehicle was sent here to be put through a rigorous and rough field test owing to the success and pioneering development of Londolozi’s first three prototype electric Land Rovers. Having unveiled this new product at South Africa’s Tourism Indaba in May, Land Rover and Barkers Performance product have created a hugely impressive vehicle and when it arrived on our doorstep just before Christmas, we simply had to put it to the test!

The Electric Landrover runs off an Air cooled AC Induction Motor with 330Nm of Torque and 59kW of Motor Power.  The batter is comprised of Air cooled Lithium Phosphate and has a voltage of 300V.  Ranging from 80km per battery on the open road and +20km through a game reserve, the vehicle is able to offer a game drive of approximately 8 hours.  The gear stick features Drive, Neutral and Reverse with 4WD and Low Range.

Although we are testing the vehicle over a number of weeks, we decided to examine the performance through a few different disciplines: Acceleration & Speed; Gradient; Silence and Sand.

Londolozi has been at the forefront of pioneering the first ever Zero Emissions Safari Vehicle. The vision for this vehicle is to run purely on batter power which in turn is charged by solar panels. The carbon output would thus be zero, except for that used during the manufacturing of the vehicle.  Since 2009, when we unveiled our first prototype electric Landrover, the journey has been extremely fun yet also challenging. Our second prototype burnt down soon after completion, owing to an electric failure.  Yet with the help of Anton Komar and Sid from Green Rover we managed to achieve a reasonable level of success with our prototype number 3.

Our intention at Londolozi is to continue to be a leader towards a truly Zero Emissions Safari Vehicle and change our entire fleet to electric vehicles as soon as the opportunity presents itself.  This initiative, in particular, forms part of our broader goal to dramatically minimize our carbon footprint on the environment.