Monday, April 29, 2013

Playing The Property Market


This is a term that is often thrown around without much thought or research. I've had friends and relatives all giving me advice, most of it completely contradicting the other. While the attempt to help is often given with the best of intentions, the end result of that advise is not always positive. When it comes to property for sale and the property market in general, careful research is required. It's in a constantly evolving and mutable state and is never fixed.

I prefer to go with professionals in this regard as I don't really have the time to study and educate myself in the field of properties for sale. For instance a company like Property24 is a leader in the field, and employ staff who spend their lives understanding the market and the art of identifying what makes a great deal within the current market.

Playing The Property Market


This is a term that is often thrown around without much thought or research. I've had friends and relatives all giving me advice, most of it completely contradicting the other. While the attempt to help is often given with the best of intentions, the end result of that advise is not always positive. When it comes to property for sale and the property market in general, careful research is required. It's in a constantly evolving and mutable state and is never fixed.

I prefer to go with professionals in this regard as I don't really have the time to study and educate myself in the field of properties for sale. For instance a company like Property24 is a leader in the field, and employ staff who spend their lives understanding the market and the art of identifying what makes a great deal within the current market.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Tips for Diving with Sharks

The phrase ‘great white shark cage diving’ sounds quite daunting for most of us and rightfully so, because to be honest the mere idea of actually diving with these predators is kind of insane. Yet, for some reason this insanity has become one of the most popular activities for holidaymakers in South Africa. Shark cage diving in Gansbaai, False Bay and many areas in Durban are great spots for experiencing this phenomenon which is without a doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll have in your lifetime.

Source: http://www.sa-adventurers.co.za/tips-for-diving-with-sharks/

Friday, April 19, 2013

Property in the the Southern Suburbs

The Southern Suburbs in the Western Cape has become a popular residential area amongst expanding families and students thanks to its centrality, exquisite old architecture and its affordability. Upton Properties has capitalized on this and is focused almost exclusively on Claremont properties and Newlands properties.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Gansbaai's Conservations Efforts

Conservation is taken incredibly seriously in Gansbaai, with many locals and organisations doing their utmost to preserve the indigenous plants of the region and restore the vegetation to its original form. As a result, the Danger Point Peninsula and Walker Bay have become popular nature destinations, attracting thousands of tourists to stay in accommodation in Gansbaai every year. While it's undeniably the public nature reserves where the success of the conservation efforts can be seen at their best, however you'll also be able to notice them by simply driving through the region and will hear the passion that the locals have for the environment when speaking with them.

One of the first issues that were tackled in the conservation of the region was to remove all alien vegetation. This has been quite a challenge and will be a continuous effort for years to come. Locals and organisations will need to recognise these plants and make sure that they are pulled out effectively before they have time to compete with the indigenous plants for water, space and nutrients. This process is essential to the nurturing of indigenous plants, ensuring their protection from extinction. Next on the agenda is reforestation; planting fynbos in the areas which were previously home to alien vegetation or desolate. These efforts have been made on both private properties and in public nature reserves.

A fresh and unique approach to the sustainable use of natural resources in the region has been created by the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative. New standards have been set for picking flowers for the cut-flower trade, organic fertilisers and sound guns to chase hungry antelopes (in search of grazing) away are also being used. Roads are also being tarred in the hopes of creating a barrier for the spread of invasive vegetation, and in process, original water flows of rivers and swamps will be restored. And while the efforts can be clearly seen from land, they're often being made at sea. Whale and marine biologists are working together to ensure that a 300m distance is kept from whales, that African penguins are protected and to ensure that no oil is leaked into the ocean. 

The conservation attempts have attracted many tourists to the region, causing a boom an increase in demand for accommodation in Gansbaai. Visitors can go on guided day walks, tours and explore the beautiful, indigenous landscape for themselves while embarking on self-drive tours. While the flora and fauna are undeniably the region's most popular characteristics, guests can also enjoy marine boat trips, can go shark cage diving, can explore the town's quaint shops, restaurants and pubs, and can enjoy the luxury accommodation and facilities on offer. The conservation efforts of the locals have put Gansbaai on the flora map, making it a favourite local getaway destination and an astounding attraction for international visitors. 

Original Source: The Roundhouse

Monday, April 15, 2013

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Durban

In today’s world there is an increasing awareness of climate change and people’s contribution to it, leading to a global effort to cut back on our carbon footprint and harmful environmental impact. By choosing to stay in an eco-friendly hotel, you can contribute towards a greener, more sustainable future, while enjoying luxurious, beautiful accommodation and a healthier lifestyle.

An eco-hotel is defined as a hotel or accommodation which prioritises implementing environmental improvements to its structure and the way that it operates, in order to decrease its carbon footprint and effect on the environment.

The environmentally friendly establishment encourages ‘green living’ by practising key lifestyle choices, such as using non-toxic cleaning agents, actively using renewable energy sources, using energy-saving lighting, serving organic and locally produced cuisine and collecting storm water for use around the establishment, etc.

Durban is one of South Africa’s most beautiful holiday destinations, renowned for its golden beaches, water sports, warm climate and gorgeous scenery. Luscious, vivid green sugar cane fields meander up the mountains and hills, while the pristine beaches stretch on for miles, under the sunny blue sky. This is a place where a considerable effort is being made to preserve the exquisite natural surroundings and there are numerous eco-friendly Durban hotels to choose from.

Karkloof Spa-Wellness and Wildlife Retreat hosts the most expansive eco-friendly spa in Africa and lies within a 3,500 hectare game reserve, boasting picturesque scenery. The area is home to a variety of terrains housing an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, black and white rhino, hippo and wildlife. The 5-star boutique lodge incorporates 16 stylishly-appointed villas, while the spa offers 17 tranquil treatment rooms to choose from.

Local communities were employed in the lodge’s construction and the establishment was built using only natural, eco-friendly, locally produced materials, including quarried stone and non-toxic paint. Grey water is recycled through the wetlands, back into the eco-system and all the toilets have a dual flush system in place to save water. All the establishment’s products are bio-degradable and the abundance of indigenous trees shading the lodge helps to lessen the amount of energy used for air-conditioning.

Mackaya Bella Guest House boasts a superb indigenous garden offering a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The spacious rooms are well-equipped and elegant, with décor which continues the delightful garden theme. Named after an indigenous shrub found in the wetter parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal, this is a guest house which prioritises environmentally responsible tourism. All organic and inorganic waste is recycled, while water is conserved and energy saving lighting and appliances are utilised.

Durban is a magnificent setting which plays host to a number of superior, eco-friendly establishments, which offer world-class facilities and luxury while also focusing on green living and supporting a sustainable future.

Original Source: The Green Life

Friday, April 12, 2013

What makes Mozambique such a great destination?

Since its discovery by Vasco Da Gama in 1498, Mozambique has weathered both political and social struggles, including early Arab slave trade practices along the coast, mass Portuguese immigration, economic mismanagement, Draconian legislation which prohibited political pluralism, religious educational institutions, and traditional authorities, the War of Independence and most notably, the ensuing Mozambican Civil War.

Despite its proximity to South Africa, one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Mozambique boasted a profitable tourism industry in the years preceding its independence from Portugal. However, following the Mozambican Civil War between 1977 and 1992, wildlife conservation and tourism within the country collapsed, resulting in cessation of tourist numbers throughout the country by 1978. As a result of this decimation, the perception that Mozambique is a troubled country has remained in the minds of people around the world, hindering the tourism industry and economy’s growth as a result.

However, despite its turbulent history, this south-east African country has become Africa’s proverbial Phoenix, with the country rebuilding itself and emerging as a source of foreign direct investment and one of the world’s most popular diving destinations. Even with its turbulent history and somewhat troubled present, this South East African country’s appeal is undeniable. So what makes this rebounding Portuguese country such a wonderful destination?

History – Mozambique offers all the exquisite landscapes and exhilarating activities of tropical locations such as the Maldives, Barbados and Mauritius, as well as a scintillating history which can be largely attributed to the country’s Portuguese colonial past.

Accommodation - Authentic Mozambique accommodation dots the 1550 mile coastline, allowing you to relax in cotton hammocks while sipping on frosted Piña coladas, or relax inside a cosy Mozambican beach lodge during your stay in the tropical paradise of Mozambique República de Moçambique.

Beaches – Together with sparkling azure waters and luxury beach lodges and hotels, the 2,500 kilometre Mozambican coastline boasts pristine sandy beaches which have become synonymous with this tropical paradise. From the powdery white stretches of the Bazaruto Archipelago, to Praia do Wimbe’s palm lined shores in the Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Climate – 23.5° south of the equator, running through northern South Africa is the Tropic of Capricorn which gives Mozambique its tropical climate. As a result, the country experiences sunshine throughout the year, making it the perfect tropical paradise.

Diving - Miles of unspoilt reefs, myriads of multi-coloured coral gardens, eerie underwater wreckages and caves, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and marine life make Mozambique one of the best diving destinations in the world. Explore the magnificent coral gardens and majestic marine life with a range of Mozambique diving courses and scuba adventures in this tropical paradise. Mozambique does have stunning reef systems in the north and the south is famed for it’s large marine life such as the gigantic Whale Sharks, hump Back Whales and also Giant Manta Rays. If you want to get a glimpse of an extremely rare species then Tofo is the place to view the Small-eyed rays which are the largest rays in the ocean.

Whether you’re planning to explore the rich cultural and historical history of the country, or merely planning to go diving in Mozambique, this is a country heaving with unforgettable underwater experiences and unparalleled luxury accommodation guaranteed to leave you eager to return.

Original Source: Scuba Mozambique

Monday, April 8, 2013

Shark Cage Diving In Cape Town


 My family and I went on holiday and decided to be daring so we went white shark diving in South Africa as we come on holiday from the UK. Wow what a adrenalin rush from being less than a meter away from that huge shark.
It was definitely an experience my family and I will never forget. At least I can tick that off my bucket list of things to do.
I highly recommend shark cage diving in cape town to anyone who wants to do an extreme outdoor activity and experience a sudden rush of adrenaline.