Cats up close and Stop African poverty

as featured and advertised in the February 2010 issue of Skyways, Airlink's inflight magazine

Cats up close

There are few places left in Africa where it is still possible to achieve natural symbiosis between human and environment. In Zululand, South Africa, at Emdoneni Lodge, this elusive balance exists...

Emdoneni is a nature lover’s paradise situated on a small game farm with sand forest vegetation. A place where you can walk with the wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, impala, nyala, red and grey duiker, as well as other smaller mammals and antelope species. Spectacular birdlife is abundant in one of the best birding areas in southern Africa, with over 420 species.

All-in-one comfort

Emdoneni Lodge in Hluhluwe offers guests intimate and comfortable threestar accommodation in secluded chalets and rondavels. Daily dinner, bed and breakfast allow guests to sample the delights of true South African hospitality and cuisine. Before and after dinner, meet for evening drinks around the fire, at the Boma or on the sundowner deck.

The facilities encourage guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. These include: excellent bird watching, a swimming pool, walking and hiking trails, the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre and family-friendly lodgings.

Spend a day or two on the premises... rest in the swimming pool and lapa or enjoy drinks around an open fire. A restaurant provides excellent traditional South African cuisine in a four course dinner with lunch on request.

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

Up close and personal tours allow guests to learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Be mesmerised by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat. View and photograph these amazing animals during twicedaily educational tours, with feeding during the afternoon and informative talks about the animals and the project by an experienced guide.

The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre is to care for wild Cheetah, Serval cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx) which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. In addition, breeding will be initiated with the release of offspring back into their natural habitat to boost the dwindling numbers of these magnificent felines in the wild. Adoption of the animals by visitors helps ensure their continued protection and rehabilitation.


Stop African poverty

And win a night on the town with a celeb

Breadline Africa, a local charity that believes in giving a handup not a hand-out, wants to take you out to dinner with one of your favourite local celebs.

Just one small, or big, donation towards alleviating poverty in Africa could win you an evening out with Just Jinger, Heinz Winckler, Sasha Martinengo or 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Bailey Schneider.

The competition runs for the month of February 2010. The more you donate, the better your chances to win! Four lucky winners will be whisked off for a fun-filled evening and an exclusive culinary experience with a top SA celeb, or group of celebs – flights and accommodation included!

Breadline Africa is involved in a range of southern African projects aimed at helping communities become sustainable. Most of the projects involve placing refurbished shipping containers in disadvantaged areas to be used as classrooms, soup kitchens, clinics, libraries or ablution blocks.

“We are thrilled at the support we have received from these Stop African poverty And win a night on the town with a celeb South African role models. The competition winners are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – as well as changing lives through their donations to Breadline Africa,” says Marianna Boguslavsky, online marketing manager, Breadline Africa.

How to enter

1. Simply SMS 36010 to donate R5 to Breadline Africa. Don’t forget to include one of these keywords for the celeb or band you would like to spend time with: JINJER, HEINZ, SASHA or BAILEY. (Wait till we land before you SMS.)

2. Visit www.breadlineafrica.org/celebs and enter your credit or debit card details. Remember to indicate which of the celebs you want to meet if you win. Competition rules are available on www.breadlineafrica.org.


Fair and fun

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge gets the Fair Trade nod

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge, one of the Madikwe Collection’s 100% community-owned lodges, was awarded Fair Trade status by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) in the last quarter of 2009.

This independent global mark of approval falls under Fair Trade South Africa, and rewards fair and responsible business practice by South African tourism establishments. The stringent qualifying criteria include fair wages and working conditions; fair operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits; ethical business practice; and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

“We are thrilled that Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge, one of South Africa’s pioneering communityowned eco-tourism establishments, has been recognised by Fair Trade. This is indeed an honour of the highest order and reflects the ethos of fairness and the ‘give-back’ philosophy that underpins our community initiatives,” said Kate Naughton, marketing director for The Madikwe Collection.

“It is further a reflection on the outstanding work done by the community of Lekgophung, who have grown Buffalo Ridge into a world-class establishment underpinned by fair and ethical business practice,” she added.

For more information on the Madikwe Collection visit www.madikwecollection.co.za, call 011-805 9995 or e-mail reservations@madikwecollection.co.za. For more information on Fair Trade visit www.fairtrade.org.za or www.fairtourismsa.org.za.