Nhongo Safaris Safety App

Link to the Google Play Store: http://bit.ly/NhongoSafarisGoogleStore

Link to the Apple App Store  : http://bit.ly/NhongoSafarisAppleAppStore

Above is the Nhongo Safaris App, together with the links to download it of both respective app stores.

This is an app that has been developed solely with the International visitor in mind with regards to their safety in mind. When you find yourself in a foreign country, and you suddenly are faced with a tight situation,  such as a medical emergency, or something more severe, such as crime, which can happen in any country around the world today, by pressing one of the buttons during this time will link yourself with a "Call Centre Operator", who is authorised to despatch response vehicles and ambulances to your location, which they can see from the app on your phone. Our response times to you the phone user is around two minutes, and after that it is around a five minute wait for backup to arrive, and have first responders on the ground.

We have taken a lot of time and effort to get this app up and running in conjunction with a company by the name of "Response 24". Nhongo Safaris also has a very unique feature built into their app, where you as the user can insert friends and family members, into the app that will get notifies when you are in a situation, and where family members will be able to follow you as you are taken to safety, There is also a page with locations of numerous places that a tourist might need while on business or vocation in the country.

We have tried to keep the charges very low, for this app, so for thirty days access it cost R49.99 per month, but if the visitor is somebody that is here longer, we have a subscription that is for one year long at a price of R399.99. Still a very reasonable cost for an app that has so much technology built into it. 

For more info on our safaris, please visit www.nhongosafaris.co.za

The importance of happy clients

When in the tourism industry it is the ultimate requirement that one develops a product that is aligned to the visiting guest, and is something that they can not only enjoy, but also learn from, thereby taking home new knowledge gained from their visit to South Africa. Guests under all circumstances have to be told of both the good and the bad things of the country, thereby giving them a balanced view of the country.

A lot of safari operators have always taken a stance regarding the discussion around politics and race relations in the South African context, we at Nhongo Safaris, have always regarded this conversation as important an necessary for firstly people to understand where South Africa has come from, and where the country is currently heading.

We have certainly experienced over the years that the necessity for a well balanced guide, who is firstly very knowledgeable about the bush and wildlife together with environmental interpretation skills, but at the same time, is well up to date with what is going on in the country of South Africa, and the the world, so in order to keep guests concentration and entertained, it is extremely important to have somebody who has a wonderful knowledge of all that is going on.

It takes time to nurture a guide from the time that they start working with you, that you invest the time and content to get them up to a certain level. Once this level has been achieved, what is the tendency to happen, is that the guest or clients, get an overall experience, go home or proceeding further on their holiday with a huge positive outlook on the country, and a client or guest that is happy and does not actually want to leave.

We have been very lucky over the years, to be a balanced safari operator, that have put a lot of time and effort into our staff as a whole, and we continue to reap the benefits of this, as we have received a lot of feedback from our visitors on this subject. Keep up the good work guys, as we are definetly are on the right road.  

For more info on our safaris, please visit www.nhongosafaris.co.za

"Lux Magazine" "Global Excellence Award"

While we are on the subject of "Awards", we got a shock last week, as we were told that we had won an award from "Lux Magazine"and their "Global Excellence Awards". Nhongo Safaris was crowned the "Best Traditional Safari Tour Operator - South Africa" for the 2018. We see at the same time, we have been selected under in the same competition, just under a different category which is the "Family and Visitor Attraction Award Category", where we have been crowned as the "Best Open Safari Vehicle Operator - South Africa". We have never been a company that has placed a large enfaces on awards, but as the company gets older, and the industry gets larger, with more players, it is a good thing to be recognised for your contribution towards tourism, and the impact the the company has had on so many visiting tourists lives. As I posted in the post yesterday, We now truly know that "Our Journeys Do Change Lives".

For more info on our safaris, please visit www.nhongosafaris.co.za

2019 TripAdvisor Award

It is May 2019, and time for the "TripAdvisor Awards". It is with great happiness that we announce that in 2019 we have managed to get another "Certificate Of Excellence", as well as from time to time, we have also had "Editorials" written about us.
We would just like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful guides and staff, that have worked really hard to make sure all the guests have a wonderful experience, and are well taken care of.
Without these guys, it would be impossible to get the recognition from "TripAdvisor" that we do.
2019 is a special year, as it is the tenth year that we have got this award, and it has been a long road to get our product offering right, that potential guests and clients feel comfortable booking with us, to experience a wonderful "Kruger National Park safari".
Nhongo Safaris over the years has always lived by one slogan, and that is to "Arrive As a Stranger, But to Leave as A Friend". It is great to see that we have taken over and own the saying that "Our Journeys Change Lives".   

For more info on our safaris, please visit www.nhongosafaris.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA Through the eyes of an American

People through out the world are always trying to justify why they should visit South Africa, after all the current image of South Africa in the worlds eyes is one of Chaos, Corruption, crime, poverty and just a general "SHITHOLE".
I am not here to tell you that these things do not happen, but am here to give you a balanced view of the country.
South Africa is a very great and beautiful country to visit. It has a land mass of 1,22 Million Square Kilometers, as well as a 3000 Kilometer coast line, where many adventure activities are offered.  Inland the country has more than 20 National Parks, covering all different geological and archaeological formations, and it is in these area's where you will find wonderful adventure activities, and for those that are not adventurous, a peaceful place, where you can just sit and destress from the everyday life.

South Africans are very welcoming people, and while in the country, you wil. see nothing but smiles around while interacting with the locals, weather it be in the townships, in shopping malls or even while at one of the many tourist attractions.

While here it is also found to be a country with excellent food. We are passionate about our food, and while in South Africa, do as the South Africans do, have a "braai", which is the local word for barbecue, although it has a totally new meaning when it comes to barbecue, just by the shear amount of meat that is cooked on the open fire. Many different meats are cooked together on open flames, and this is what makes it so special.

Below i have included a video made by an American visitor, who wants to get his message out there, as to what he found while on holiday in South Africa.
I hope you enjoy the video, and it is just how it goes here.

So after you have watched it, i hope you will make a decision to come and visit our wonderful country, that has so much to offer the visiting tourists from around the world.

 

For more info on our safaris, please visit www.nhongosafaris.co.za

The passing of a great friend

Marc, Dorothy and family, there are no words that can be said at this time, in the passing of your dad and brother "Franscois", there is never the right time for anything like this. We count ourselves so lucky to have had him as a friend. We are certainly going to miss the laughs, the chats, the hard times, the good times, but most of all we will remember the friendship we had.
Your dad loved his elephants, and we have certainly lost a man that was a great elephant in the tourism industry in South Africa. But always remember it is not for ever, as you will see him in heaven one day. Francois my friend, it is not goodbye, but see you in heaven, regards to your mom and dad and Katinka as i am sure they are really enjoying seen you again my friend.

Black and White, a bit of a change

Today we have a bit of a change. Some nice photos taken on Shannon and Kara's last safari with a group from the UK. The girls and guests had a smashing time, with all of the big five been seen, and more. It is the first time, we have tried black and white, and i must say, it makes for a pleasant change.

Just remember to book your safari early, as it gets pretty booked up. Now that South Africa has been named the best safari destination in the world.

Wild animals electrocuted in freak accident

South African National Parks (SANParks) today confirmed that an elephant, giraffe and a vulture were electrocuted in the Kruger National Park (KNP).  The incident took place at Shingwedzi Section in the north of the KNP. The animals were electrocuted after an Eskom Power line collapsed on Tuesday night and the Section Ranger was notified on Wednesday morning 8 May 2019 and immediately notified Eskom who have despatched a team to attend to the scene.

Power has been switched off to enable Rangers to remove tusks for safe keeping and the generator will supply power to the camp until the area has been attended to by both SANParks and Eskom technicians. Voting in the area will not be affected as power is available and visitors and staff are exercising their democratic right.    

An investigation will be established to find the cause of the collapse and an update will be issued in due course. 

Selective Dehorning of Rhino by SANParks

Below is part of the media release by the South African National Parks Board in relation to the steps that are now going to be taken in order to curb poaching of female rhino's that have calves with them or are preparing for birth of a calf. Sometimes drastic measures need to be taken, in order to try and save these animals that are edging ever closer to instinction if nothing is done to curb this practice now. We are currently in a war situation as it is , with all the incursions taking place into the Kruger National Park by poaching groups. So we have to be even more vigilant, and have no mercy on these people when they are caught poaching or even making their way to a poaching area. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) and conservation partners in the Greater Kruger Region are collaboratively implementing a range of interventions as part of an integrated wildlife management approach to counter the effects of rhino poaching. As part of several initiatives, certain entities have embarked on strategic dehorning of selected rhinos in the Greater Kruger Protected Area landscape.

KNP will implement a range of integrated management actions to minimise the impact of rhino poaching on the population numbers, including the selective dehorning of rhino cows in certain areas in the southern part. This management tool goes hand-in-hand with strengthening security measures, information sharing on incursions and intelligence as well as continuous collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is being briefed extensively on the current situation in order to deliver stiff sentences to those found in possession of ammunition, high calibre rifles and trespassing in a protected area with the intention to commit a crime.

It has been established that the loss of a cow has multiple effects since it also includes the loss of a dependent calf and future calves. The multiple effects are part of various factors that affect population growth of white rhinos apart from the immediate disruptive effect of poaching. The cows are extremely important for the overall population performance and need to be protected by introducing stiffer sentences in incidents where they have been poached for their horn and a calf is left destitute.

Chaos the Lion responding well to Radiation Treatment

JOHANNESBURG - Chaos, the lion from the Lory Park Zoo, underwent his second round of radiation for skin cancer at the Mediclinic Muelmed in Pretoria on Wednesday. 

The lion is being treated for skin cancer on his nose, after being diagnosed with the rare condition in April.

Now recovering after his second session, the 16-year-old big cat will undergo further treatment in the next few weeks.

According to his vet, Chaos is responding very well to the treatment.

Is South Africa safe to visit for inbound Tourists

The question is always asked by either some family members of tourists wanting to visit South Africa, also it is not uncommon to hear family members standing gasping at some peoples decision to visit South Africa.
Let us put some of your concerns in perspective, from a safari operators point of view, and somebody who has lived in the country for their whole life.

SOUTH AFRICA is not as bad as people and the press make it out to be, we get questions quite often, where clients tell us, that they do not want to stay the night in Johannesburg, due to the high crime rate. Well our answer to that is the following,

Most of the crime is secluded to the lower income areas, due tom the widening gap in the economy between rich and poor, alot of the crime is also gang related, and the surprising part of it all, it is not any worse that a lot of the cities around the world, where petty crime is the order of the day.

It is a well known fact, that the crime rate in Johannesburg is not as high as the crime rate in Cape Town, it is the media that has painted this picture to the world, which is in fact "Very Skew", with very few reporters actually coming to the country to see what is going on in the country for them selves.

Whether you are flying into South Africa, to start a "Wildlife Safari", and then fly down to "Cape Town" and then onto the "Garden Route" down to "Port Elizabeth. You as the visiting tourist will meet some of the friendliest people, always willing to help, and lots of people that will go out of their way to want to make your visit a memorable time while in South Africa.

I am not by any means telling you that there is no crime, as we as South Africans living in the country, absolutely hate having to live under this vail of crime, as we are not used to this type of lifestyle. and it makes us quite sick, that the powers that be, have allowed the country to spiral into what we South Africans call chaos.

I would like to close with some possible questions together with their answers, that i have been asked over the years, while i was still a tourist guide, just starting out my own business, but before we get there, i would like to give you two facts that have come out of statistics South Africa, which you will not hear everyday. South Africa had an influx of international tourists in 2017 of 16 Million Arrivals. in 2018, the number went up to 16,5 Million through our different ports of entry. So as you can see, South Africa is very much a tourist destination, with a 3000 Km Coast Line, and a Land Mass of around 1.219,912 square kilometers.

I hope i have been able to give you some background on the situation currently in the country, and also some useful information, that will make you want to visit South Africa, and come and see and enjoy many of the great tourist attractions offered in the country.

One must also keep in mind, that South Africa has just been awarded the worlds best "Safari" destination for 2019. So you can be really assured of a great safari experience.

I have a list of questions, put to me over the years, that maybe of help, in making your decision when wanting to visit South Africa.

Is South Africa Safe to visit?

For those who are tourists, the picture is actually far rosier. According to the UK Government travel advisory, the risk of violent crime in South Africa is generally low. ... Like anywhere in the world, it's petty crime, credit card fraud, muggings and theft that you really need to look out for

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

Government Travel Warnings. As of October 2018, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for South Africa, which recommends that visitors exercise increased caution. In particular, the advisory warns about the prevalence of violent crime, especially in the CBDs of major cities after dark.

Is Johannesburg dangerous for tourists

Johannesburg has a lot of tension between the citizens because of how the poverty and wealth levels are not shared equally. As a result, Johannesburg has a very high crime rate that takes place day and night. There are plenty of safe areas to go, however every tourist should take some precautions to avoid any problems.

How safe is South Africa for tourists

The country has a high crime rate, with violent crime in certain communities and locations. You are safe if you keep to the beaten tourist path and don't venture into high risk areas. Tourist scams from around the world are alive and happening in South Africa.

Is Cape Town dangerous for tourists

As one Cape Town tourist puts it; “Cape Town is safe enough if you take precautions. ... The poor communities of the Cape Flats see 95% of the crime while the city centre and suburbs are pretty safe in terms of violent crime.”

Warnings and Dangers in Cape Town: Areas to Avoid. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and highly visited cities in South Africa, but it's not immune to thieves and muggings, which are commonplace in some parts of the city.

The V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay are popular with tourists and are safe during the day and during the night too (but always avoid quiet areas / streets as muggers exist all over the world). Central Cape Town at night would not be a good place to walk around alone.

Despite its criminal reputation, Cape Town is still a popular tourist destination. ... Some parts of Cape Town's city centre, as well as the suburbs, are relatively safe; malls, business districts, and tourist areas have a high-security presence.

 Is Johannesburg safer than Cape Town?

Johannesburg 'safer than Cape Town' Pretoria - Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth are more dangerous than Johannesburg, according to a new study from a Mexican research group. Cape Town is the 34th most dangerous place in the world and Johannesburg is 50th.

 Is Durban Safe for tourists?

However, South Africa does have a reputation as a high crime country, and Durban is no exception. Central Durban is broadly defined as Durban CBD, CBD Fringe, Kingsmead, Point and Berea. ... Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and is located approximately 600km from Johannesburg making it very popular with local and international tourist due to its subtropical climate and excellent beaches.

zulu (primarily spoken by South African Blacks) is widely spoken in KwaZulu-Natal, but is also spoken by the Indian, White and Coloured population. English is the administrative language and is spoken and understood by the majority people as well. Xhosa and Afrikaans are also commonly spoken languages in KwaZulu-Natal.

OVERALL RISK : Durban is ranked 127th out of 162 of most dangerous cities. However, the safety level depends on the district. So, if you exercise a high degree of caution and avoid the troubled areas, your vacation in sunny Durban might only be spoiled by petty theft at the airport or at the beach.

Where does South Africa rank in the world by GDP?

South Africa ranks 30th in the world by GDP (794.706 million international dollars). The top 10 countries by GDP (PPP) are: World, China, United States, India, Japan, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, United Kingdom, France.