Emdoneni News

8 Things To Do in Hluhluwe

DumaZulu Traditional Village WHERE? Lot H29, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? The cultural shows are performed daily at 08h15 and 15h15. Enjoy the 11h00 show followed by a traditional cooked Zulu lunch. HOW? Call +27 (0)31 337-4222 DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet’s most indigenous cultures. A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experiencing for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios. All products and produce sold on the property are made from natural products and are sourced from the land – 100 % green. The cultural shows are performed daily at 08:15 and 15:15. Enjoy the 11:00 show followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch. Guided Walking Tours at Emdoneni WHERE? Emdoneni Lodge, Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa WHEN? Walking tours are done on a request basis in groups of up to six guests. Guided walking tours will keep you busy for an hour or more at Emdoneni Lodge. On this tour your will learn more about the various geology, wildlife and plant-life of the region. Without the fear of predators, guests feel safe and are more relaxed during the walk. One can get close to Zebra, which might follow us on the walk and also meet some Impana, Nyala, Wildebeest and the shy red and grey duiker as well on the way. The guided walk also offers the chance to view the abundant bird life in the sand forest trees and also in the vlei lands, one can also notice the ever popular dung beetles hard at work, rolling the days collection whilst following the sun. All walks are done by qualified guides. Hluhluwe Horse Safaris WHERE? Hluhluwe Horse Safaris, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Our regular start timings are 08h00 and 15h00. Private rides are available for those who would like something a little different, please call for options and availability. HOW? +27 (0)35 562-0246 With years of experience in providing a world class experience, Hluhluwe Horse Safaris would like to take you on an adventure ride through the beautiful False Bay Nature Reserve, part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. With horses to suit all ages and levels of experience the Horse Trails experience is one to be enjoyed by the whole family. Experience Nature up close and personal, enjoy the thrill of seeing Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Hippo without any disturbances. Under the guidance of qualified guides you will be taken out into the False Bay Nature Reserve to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of this world heritage site. As part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, False Bay Nature Reserve is an area of grand Landscapes and beautiful Natural Bush and Sand Forest. We look forward to sharing our special piece of Africa with you, from the comfort of our well trained horses. Kiss a Baby Crocodile WHERE? 10 km South of Hluhluwe, Off the N2, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? Daily. HOW? Call +27 (0)72 020-7500 or +27 (0)72 020-7500 Pucker up to a baby snout sharp with cute deception. Baby jaws of baby crocodiles are on offer for a first date kiss without any obligatory baby talk – pretty friendly for a reptile capable of more than a love bite. An optional swim with diminutive crocodiles in the snorkelling pool displays a superlative encounter with this powerful predator that as adults will be able to devour any life form on the waters edge. Touch the rough scaly hide that creates a pebble effect on these apex predators which contributed to it’s Greek etymology Crocodylus; ‘kroko’ meaning pebble, ‘deilos’ meaning worm or man. These ‘pebbled worm men’ creatures get their first crack at life breaking themselves out of their shells at birth with their egg tooth and continue on to pursue a career as impressive photo companions with a full grown smile of sixty odd cone shaped bone crushers. ‘Crocodile whisperer’ Mr. Vernon Diggins, will expose the magnificent qualities of these misunderstood monsters on a personal tour that will get you as close to these beasts as the spur-winged plover that pecks the meat from between their teeth. Clamp your own jaws around the culinary creations served at the tea garden which include crocodile steak, traditional South African braai’s (barbecues) and potjiekos (pot food) delicacies. The natural setting of this crocodile education gives an authentic environment to the fascinating life of an animal that fuelled legends; formed the Egyptian God, Sobek; and showcased Hollywood with ‘Crocodile Dundee’ entertainment. Enclosures of emu, ostrich and bunny’s are also open for exploration as is the kiddies play park. What to do emu, get rich ostrich, in a while crocodile… Primitive Trail WHERE? iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Booking ids essential. Time: 2-3 days. HOW? Call KZN Wildlife on +27 (0)33 845-1067 Join the Primitive Trail in Hluhluwe for a fun, exhilarating and challenging hiking experience like no other. Backpack for three or four nights and make the most of the trail and the game reserve. Get in touch with nature and enjoy camping under the stars with the animals and wildlife around you in a well known Big Five area. There are no tents or permanent camping spots available but equipment and food will be provided. You will be taking a bath in the river and will carry all your own food and gear with you during the day. Trails will only take place if there

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Emdoneni News

SA National Parks Week 2017: Enjoy free entry at all national parks this week

Tourism Month is in full swing, with the South African National Park (SANParks) once again opening its doors for free for South African National Parks Week from Monday, 18 September until Friday, 22 September. The initiative is part of the annual South African National Parks Week. The campaign is held under the running theme ‘Know Your National Parks’. It allows locals, with valid identity documents, a chance to spend a day at a national park of their choice free of charge. The week-long campaign is at all national parks managed by SANParks, with the exception of Boulders at Table Mountain National Park and Namaqua National Park. Some of the parks will be extending the week to include the weekend. For individual park dates, please visit: www.sanparks.org/about/events SANParks Head of Communications, Janine Raftopoulos, on Friday said the objective of the week is to cultivate a culture of pride in all South Africans in their relationship with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. “When people start to take pride in national parks, then we believe that they will start to understand the importance of conservation,” she said. The idea of a national parks focus week is a worldwide campaign and was conceived in South Africa in 2006 after realising that the majority of South Africans were not visiting national parks. The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official IDs. Persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity. It should be noted that the free access to the parks will not include accommodation and any commercial activities in the park such as guided safaris in vehicles or guided walks. This year’s SA National Parks Week will include exhibitions around the country at various key national parks, which will represent the different geographical regions of SANParks. The expo will include cultural, conservation, nursery and tourism aspects from the community, rangers and various conservation entities in order to highlight the broader South African biodiversity landscape. The annual SA National Parks Week has been made possible with support from First National Bank (FNB) and Total SA. “The spin-off of this initiative is that it boosts the local communities of the areas around the parks, while creating awareness of the need to preserve our natural heritage. “I would like to encourage all South African citizens to come out in their numbers to experience our country’s natural heritage in its abundance,” said Kgosi Ledimo, CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking. Total South Africa has again stepped up to the plate to help South Africans access these beautiful acres of land across the country. “Total South Africa is proud to be a long-standing partner of the SANParks Week since its inception in 2006 – 12 years ago – and our company fully endorses SANParks’ commitment to developing and promoting a system of sustainable national parks countrywide,” says Pierre-Yves Sachet, MD & CEO Total South Africa and Vice-President Total Southern Africa. “Total views environmental conservation as a key priority and we are committed to preserving the natural environment for future generations,” Sachet said. SANParks encourages all South Africans, especially educators and school groups, to diarise these dates and plan a visit to a national park nearby. “The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa,” Raftopoulos said. – SAnews.gov.za source: rnews.co.za

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Adopt a Cheetah

Adopt a Cat in your name or in the name of a loved one and help us save these magnificent endangered creatures. The Emdoneni Cheetah Project offers the public the opportunity to adopt a cat in an effort to save the endangered cats of South Africa. Based in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, Emdoneni Cheetah Project aims to rehabilitate and raise wild cats to release in the wild. We have several species of cats at different price points, for you to adopt and sponsor. Get to know our cats below and pick one you would like to help save! Adopt a Cheetah Adopt a cheetah in your name or in the name of a loved one and help South Africa save these magnificent endangered creatures. Select a Cheetah below: Moya Moya being a Zulu word for ‘wind’, probably implies the speed at which this cat can run (Run like the wind). This male cheetah can be relaxed and relatively placid when it comes to interaction with people. Moya is the more dominant brother and does not like to be reprimanded by anyone! Although the brothers have a strong bond, which they reinforce by grooming each other, Moya much prefers to spend his time alone, far from his brother Juba. The two brothers can be difficult to tell apart, but Moya is a much lighter shade than his brother and has white fur at the tip of his tail too. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT MOYA FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT MOYA FOR A LIFETIME Juba Juba is a Zulu word for ‘fast’- ‘Ejuba’ means pigeon and these birds are very fast and agile fliers. This male cheetah can be relaxed when it comes to interaction with people and he is very comfortable around children. Being the more subordinate male in the coalition, he is sometimes easier to work with. Although Juba is quite calm the majority of the time, he is a typical cat and definitely lets you know when you have rubbed him up the wrong way. As mentioned, the two brothers can be difficult to tell apart but Juba is a much darker shade than his brother and has black fur at the tip of his tail. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT JUBA FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT JUBA FOR A LIFETIME Shadow Shadow is a young male cheetah that is at Emdoneni Cheetah Project for breeding. He and his brother, Skye, are not interested in having any human interaction and prefer to be left to their own devices. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT SHADOW FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT SHADOW FOR A LIFETIME Skye This young male is on the project purely for breeding. He and his brother, Shadow, are relatively wild and not used to, or open to, any human interaction. Skye is quite an efficient hunter and will definitely catch any animal that manages to get into his enclosure, except the Woolly-necked storks which seem to be able to out-smart the cats. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT SKYE FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT SKYE FOR A LIFETIME Raine Raine is a naughty young female that is very friendly and even more playful. She loves to run around chasing her sister or anything else that moves fast enough to be a challenge. Raine is a real girl and loves any handbags or jersey’s and as you can imagine, uses them for very different reasons to us! Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT RAINE FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT RAINE FOR A LIFETIME Storm He is a real darling cat with a loveable personality. Guests visits are his favourite time of the day where shows off his charm and with that big brown eyes one cannot help to fall in love with him right away! Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT STORM FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT STORM FOR A LIFETIME Dusk Dusk is our youngest male cheetah, born from Autumn. He is a special cat with a great heart & amazing personality. Unfortunately due to his slight malocclusion and a deformed tail. Dusk will become one of our ambassador male cheetahs. Dusk has a subtle personality. He always has time for a cuddle when he gets visitors. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT DUSK FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT DUSK FOR A LIFETIME Autumn Only one word to describe this amazing feline – ASTONISHING!~ We bought Autumn in from Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species (HCES) to assist us with our breeding project. She is the only adult female in the project. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT AUTUMN FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT AUTUMN FOR A LIFETIME Dew Dew is our youngest male cheetah, born from Autumn. He is a real character with a mind of its own. He actually loves to play and to meet new people. If all goes well, Dew will be put into our rewilding program for a possible release. Adopt for a one year ZAR 3,000 ADOPT DEW FOR ONE YEAR Adopt for a lifetime ZAR 10,000 ADOPT DEW FOR A LIFETIME

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Emdoneni News

Top 10 Reasons to Visit a Spa – Emdoneni Spa

Are you one of those people who are still on a look out for a valid reason to go on a spa vacation? Or is it that you hold the perception that spas are solely meant for superficial grooming benefits? Well, if your situation mirrors the same then probably it’s time to reconsider this very notion. Well, there are certainly beautification benefits, but the truth is that there are a loads of mental and physical benefits that you can attain from a visit to the spa. Rather by visiting a spa regularly you can effectively jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, reconnect with your family and loved ones, or simply rejuvenate and recharge yourself. In this respect we are listing out a few of the best reasons to go to a spa along with the ideal suggestions on the sort of spa experience you’re looking to venture out for. Top 10 reasons to visit a Spa: 1. Relaxation and Stress Management Every service falling under a spa inclusive of a massage and body work can greatly aid you in relaxing. Merely sitting in a jacuzzi, steam shower or sauna can immensely relieve you of stress. 2. Detox Our environment is full of harmful toxins which impact us physically and mentally. A few particular spas specialize in detox. Rather various types of services foster detoxification by effectively getting rid of toxins and excess fluids which can otherwise lead to energy loss, constipation, bloating etc. 3. Lose Weight Nowadays, the old “fat farm” days of 800 calories and day long strenuous exercises to attain tremendous weight loss are long over. These days almost every destination spas guide on how to eat for long-term health and weight management. 4. Improved Self Esteem and Confidence It is a proven fact that taking adequate time to pamper oneself and to taking good care of your body and mind can greatly improve your body image, enhance its awareness and boost your self esteem. 5. Improved Circulation and Blood Pressure A lot of services ranging from heat therapy, hydrotherapy and massage vastly accelerate circulation and reduce blood pressure. 6. Anti-Aging and Skin Benefits Taking proper care of one’s skin bears a direct impact on one’s skin’s aging process. Treatments like facials along with body treatments cater to skin problems and enable you to keep looking at your best. 7. Manage Pain There are a flurry of treatments which can brilliantly aid in alleviating pain in case of arthritis and nerve problems. 8. Improved Sleep Patterns and Breathing Sauna, heat related therapies, relaxation process can help one to sleep better at night along with curing serious sleep disorders. Clear breathing and strengthened respiratory system are also the benefits. 9. Getting Inspired Being touched therapeutically through massage one can feel physiologically cured and make best use of one’s creativity. 10. Connecting with loved ones Spas can be a wonderful place to spend quality time with your loved ones. Destination spas can truly be fun for a girlfriend getaways, and also if you are looking to rekindle romance or spending quality time with your mom or sister. Emdoneni Spa Treatments Now Available Your journey to total relaxation and well being begins at the Emdoneni Spa at Emdoneni Lodge. Rejuvenate your senses… To book a treatment, please enquire at the reception desk as to times available. As the treatments are quite popular, please book in advance to avoid missing out on this truly unique experience. Follow this link to see the amazing treatments we offer: https://goo.gl/3Z5Xna

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Emdoneni News

Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project Protect Wildcats

Africa has undoubtedly seen the population of different animal species decline. Currently, Africa’s cheetah charts stand at roughly 70 000 less than 100 years ago, with South Africa’s count at approximately a thousand Wildcats, if not less. These concerning facts are accompanied by environmental hazards that result from our day-to-day routines that often involve overusing natural resources. Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project, a family-run hospitality establishment in Hluhluwe (St Lucia World Heritage Site) in Kwa-Zulu Natal, offers an educational rehabilitation programme to help protect wildcats. The establishment’s owners strive to educate guests and day-visitors about daily conservation and the importance to sustain essential resources. “We live in and are surrounded by nature every day”, says co-owner and Cheetah Project lead, Louis Nel. “Conservation is the act of preserving or protecting the environment, and at Emdoneni Lodge, it’s what makes us ‘tick’. Louis’ business partner and wife, Cecillie adds that “without biodiversity, we would not have been able to continue offering guests organic and educational experiences”. In addition to challenges posed to preserve SAs unique fauna and flora, there are many pressing issues concerning the country’s wildlife that should not be overlooked. SA is no stranger to violent acts against animals and battles against poaching and illegal animal petting remains rife. It’s a daily reality where ‘underground’ hunting clubs go as far as raising game and wild animals for the purpose of hunting. “Animal cruelty among our wildlife is, therefore, becoming more and more of a reality, and it’s important to continue creating awareness about such inhumane acts”, says Louis. Emdoneni Lodge consistently works toward providing a safe ecosystem for a small number of ambassador cats that are cared for by experienced wildlife rehabilitators. Louis, his family, and staff have come to love each cat and have even become attached to their personalities. “It’s clear that the animals we protect crave our attention”, says Cecillie. “As much as we would like to enable guests to closely interact with them, unfavourable perceptions about petting that likely resulted from the violence that has spurned from illegal hunting groups, we don’t allow it. Interestingly, before we put this rule in place, guests have said that after touching a cheetah, they felt a physiological upliftment.” Cecillie’s remark can be backed by research recorded by Science Magazine journalist, Elizabeth Pennisi. In a recent article, Pennisi argues that social touch with animals have a calming power on humans, and Pennisi also notes that wild animals seem to enjoy being caressed too. In support of World Environment Month (June 2017), Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project owners, Louise and Cecillie Nel encouraged South Africans to add the following easy-to-follow eco-friendly tweaks to their routine: Saving water should be second nature: After the Western Cape kick started World Environment Month with level four water restrictions, water is without a doubt a scarce commodity. It can be easy to add water-saving to a routine cycle such as simply doing a full load of washing rather than leaving it half-empty Recycle more water: With many guests who go through Emdoneni Lodge’s doors, every drop in the bucket counts. We try to maximise water saving by capturing unused water and a separate irrigation system, where we repurpose water for your gardens. Adding to the first point; learn the technique of ‘speed showering’: A geyser uses both water and electricity so shortening your shower session by a few minutes can give back double your guarantee. Fact: minimising shower time with one minute can save up to 600 litres water per month! Garden smartly: Keep to indigenous trees and plants when adding to your garden. Native plants are suited to growing in their own region, naturally latching onto the eco-system to benefit growth and oxygen production. Time for groceries? Opt for reusable fabric shopping bags: plastic bags can take up to ten centuries to decompose…enough said…. If you find yourself in the Hluhluwe region, feel like taking a road trip (just under a three-hour drive from Durban), or plan for a proper break away with family and friends to the east coast, Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project is stripping 20 percent discount off when booking online. For more information visit www.emdonenilodge.com. Credit: http://www.tourismtattler.com

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