Party to the Power of 5!

New Year's eve is the biggest night for celebrations around the world and while many are content to just be at home with loved ones or have more subtle ways to celebrate, BIG parties are hosted in every major city (and sometimes even insignificant towns) around our beautiful country.

If you have not yet found a place to party or are still deciding where to kick your shoes off on New Year's eve, you may want to consider the joining 5FM at their 5 New Year's Eve parties happening in Durban, Ballito, Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Johannesburg, featuring top local DJs and much more to ensure that you see in the new year in unforgettable style.

At the Wavehouse in Durban you will find the "Black Tie and Barefoot" beach party, while Ballito hosts 5FM's DJ Fresh, Euphonic, Erica Elle and Jack Parow at the biggest street party (attracting over 10 000 people annually).

At the Cape Town Waterfront you will find Just Jinjer, Zebra & Giraffe, aKing and others to entertain and delight you as you party the night away. The Vegas Superclub in Plettenberg Bay features 5FM's Gareth Cliff, KD and Nicole da Silva in its luxurious surrounds with 4 dance floors in South Africa's (in)famous party town.

Finally, in Johannesburg, at the Wild Waters Complex, 25 DJs, 5 dance floors, and top music will keep you on your feet until the early morning hours.

Don't let these unforgettable opportunities to see the sun rise on 2011 pass you by. Remember though to always be safe and alert and know your own limitations as you start the year off with a bang! 

For more information visit: 5FM (NYE)5

Looking back on 2010 - Was it worth it?

The year is coming to an end and as we look back on 2010, overshadowed by the spectacle, success and hype of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in the midst of a global economic recession, we have to wonder if it was worth all the work and the disruption?

The results of a recent study by the Department of Tourism (presented by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this month) have shown, in no uncertain terms, the positive impact that the World Cup has had for our country.

With over 300 000 tourists (more than half of which were first-time visitors) spending in the region of R3.6 billion, and more than 95% of them saying that they would visit the country again, the economic impact was certainly felt by anyone and everyone even remotely connected to the tourism industry. 

A little less tangible is the effect on public international opinion. Awareness of South Africa as a leisure destination has increased by almost 10% and most of the tourists rated South Africa as an excellent host (and in some instances even better than other World Cup host countries they had visited). Building national spirit and rallying the "rainbow nation" to a cause is certainly another benefit of the World Cup not to be overlooked, as well as the infrastructure development which exploded in the years and months building up to the World Cup.

In addition to these figures, the establishment of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust (an initiative by FIFA, the South African Government and the South African Football Association), means an injection of 100 million US Dollar for the purposes of boosting education, health, humanitarian projects and football development in the country. This sorely needed injection of goodwill and capital has created opportunities and global awareness where before non-profit organizations were fighting a losing battle.

For the tourism industry, the positive feedback in the wake of the World Cup will no doubt bring much more rewards in the future, as the global economy begins to recover and families have disposable income available again to travel. At least now, South Africa is on the map in more ways than one!

A unique educational experience!

While the traditional holiday exodus from inland towns and cities has started ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, now might be the perfect time to visit one of the most unique and educational locations in South Africa!

In the heart of Gauteng we find one of South Africa's most fascinating World Heritage Sites - The Cradle of Humankind. This area of over 450 square kilometers (including the Sterkfontein Caves) just outside of Johannesburg has seen a vast number of significant archeological finds, including nearly 1000 ancient homonid fossils dating back up to 2.3 million years!

The visitors' centres are home to fascinating exhibits to educate and enthrall visitors. Interactive experiences and displays as well as educational packs are available (catering to visitors of all ages). The Cradle of Humankind is more than just a modern museum though - you can take an underground boat ride, stay at the hotel and enjoy excellent meals at the restaurants. 

Original fossils are on display and the centres are designed as self-guided, informative tours, so you and your family can go on a journey of discovery at your own pace. The Cradle of Humankind is a "must see" destination for anyone with a spirit of adventure, a thirst for understanding the origins of early humans and an appreciation for natural beauty and the fascinating landscapes our country has to offer. 

For more information, visit www.maropeng.co.za.

Up close and personal to the natural world - Cape Town

Although we often take it for granted, Cape Town remains one of the most unique cities in the world. Aside from being a bustling metropolis, within the boundaries of the city, and in the hills and mountains on the outskirts, we find a hiker's paradise and ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature responsibly. That's right - ecotourism is our focus this week and what better place to start than our exquisite Mother City? 

Our famous landmark, Table Mountain, is part of the Table Mountain National Park which stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point. Home to a staggering variety of animal life, including buck and baboons, the park is also a prime example of the Cape Floral Kingdom - one of only five recognized floral kingdoms in the world - with over 7000 plant species. A vast variety of Fynbos makes a stroll through this park unforgettable and proceeds of admission to the park and to the cable car (if hiking isn't for you) are used to maintain and protect this natural treasure.

For bird watching enthusiasts, the city is also home to two nature reserves known for their bird life - the Rondevlei Nature Reserve in the southern False Bay area and the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in the Blaauwberg area. 

The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is home to 230 different bird species and has  a snake house and freshwater aquarium which will enchant children on all ages. Otters, hippos, flamingos and porcupines are among the residents you may spot here in the vlei or on the dunes.

The coastal wetlands in the Blaauwberg area hosts the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Magnificent views of Table Mountain and large flocks of pelicans and flamingos colour the landscape and contribute to an unforgettable ecotourism adventure.

Next time we look at ecotourism day trips from Johannesburg.

The rise of ecotourism

Globally, we have seen a growing awareness and concern for the impact that modern civilization has had on the earth. We are encouraged to "reduce our carbon footprints", "save water and electricity", "recycle" and buy products and live a lifestyle which is more "green". Many groups and organizations in South Africa and abroad are dedicated to educating people in the ways that they can make a difference (from the small things for ordinary folks to the sometimes expensive measures such as solar installations). 

The question is: Can we still have a good holiday then without feeling guilty? Have fun and still make a difference? The answer is a resounding YES!

Ecotourism has become an increasingly popular and sought-after label for tourism destinations around the world. We are privileged in South Africa to have an abundance of natural heritage sites and natural splendour as well as tribes that preserve an age-old way of living without the amenities of modern civilization. Ecotourism is more than just taking a stroll through an ancient forest or seeing a traditional Zulu dance being performed. Eco-tourism is a venture which encourages learning and awareness as well as benefiting efforts to restore and preserve our natural and cultural heritage.

According to The International Ecotourism Society (www.ecotourism.org), ecotourism is defined as "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." It rests on principles of providing financial benefit and empowerment to local people, providing financial benefit to conservation efforts, providing positive experiences for both the tourists and the hosts, building environmental and cultural awareness and respect and raising sensitivity to political, environmental and social circumstances.

With the December holidays around the corner, we will focus in the next two weeks on a few ecotourism destinations in South Africa. 

Make a difference when you go on holiday this year... take your loved ones on an ecotourism adventure!

Beautiful beaches under our summer sun!

With temperatures starting to soar, we finally welcome summer to the fairest Cape. Summer holidays are just around the corner and everyone living close to or visiting the coastal cities and towns is getting ready for long, luxurious days on the beaches!


We have every reason to be proud: 27 of South Africa's beaches have been awarded the international Blue Flag status for 2010/2011 - an accolade reserved for beaches with the top standards of safety, cleanliness, provision of amenities and environmental standards around the world.

Blue Flag status is reviewed every year, so standards must be maintained. For more info on the criteria to be awarded Blue Flag status visit: http://www.blueflag.org/Menu/Criteria

The Blue Flag beaches for 2010/2011 are:

Western Cape

• Bikini Beach, Gordon's Bay
• Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
• Clifton 4th Beach, Cape Town
• Grotto Beach, Hermanus
• Hartenbos Beach, Mossel Bay
• Hawston Beach, near Hermanus
• Kleinmond Beach, near Hermanus
• Lappiesbaai Beach, Stilbaai
• Mnandi Beach, Cape Town
• Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town
• Santos Beach, Mossel Bay
• Strandfontein Beach, Cape Town
• Witsand Beach, Breede River mouth
• Yzerfontein Beach, west coast

KwaZulu-Natal

• Lucien Beach, south coast
• Margate Beach, south coast
• Marina/San Lameer Beach, south coast
• Ramsgate Beach, south coast
• Trafalgar Beach, south coast
• Umzumbe (Pumula Beach), south coast 

Northern Cape

• McDougalls Bay Beach, Port Nolloth

Eastern Cape

• Dolphin Beach, Jeffrey's Bay
• Humewood Beach, Port Elizabeth
• Kariega Beach, Kenton-on-Sea
• Kelly's Beach, Port Alfred
• Robberg 5 Beach, Plettenberg Bay
• Wells Estate, north of Port Elizabeth 

Our favourite events calendars

How often don't you feel like doing something unusual over a weekend, but you don't know what's on or where to go? Online events calendars and sites are a great way to plan activities or events for the family, yourself and a loved one or even when you are going to be out of town for a while and don't want to just sit around in a guesthouse!

Here are a few of our favourites:

For those finding themselves in Cape Town -
www.48hours.co.za - also a print publication, this weekly entertainment guide for Cape Town and surrounds gives you a run-down of special events and activities as well as entertainment listed by categories. The benefits of such a locally focused site is that you can find activities and events which may be too obscure for country-wide guides.

Main attractions in the big cities -
www.whatson.co.za - What's On looks at events and entertainment in South Africa's big cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg (and Pretoria) and Durban. Categories include music, arts and culture, lifestyle, outdoor and leisure, and community, and based on an event you view, further events and activities are suggested in the sidebar - a very useful gadget to make sure you don't miss out on anything that may interest you. This site also offers a facility to bookmark an event in your Microsoft Outlook calendar.

Go big or go home -
www.eventsnow.co.za - This is a calendar and entertainment guide of note. You can search by location, date or category and if it's happening anywhere in South Africa, you are almost sure to find it here. With categories such as kids, courses and workshops, comedy, nature, food and wine, fashion, government and business events, nightlife and religious, along with all the ordinary categories, every possible interest or fancy is catered to! Not sure you can find your way to the event you've chosen? This site gives you GPS coordinates.

Why sit at home when there are such useful tools available to let you find good times and make memories?