Close to the well-known Kurland, situated in The Craggs, an escape with fireflies and fairies await. Turning off the Nature’s Valley Road, you are greeted by a laid-back setup with a feeling mixed between backpackers and glamping.

Firefly Falls is a relaxed accommodation option close to Plettenberg Bay. If you are looking for a bit of a glamping spoil without breaking the bank, then this is your kind of place. At R690-R890 per night, the luxury glamping tents, like Dusky Flycatcher, is reasonably priced. You can sleep in the comfort of a warm bed, with electric blankets for winter time and a fan for summer. The luxury glamping tent is not equipped with it’s own bathroom, but you have options when it comes to ablutions. You can have a bath in the forest, in the Forest Bathroom or you can choose to shower with the fairies in the Fairy Bathroom. Make sure you take your own cutlery and crockery and if you have forgotten something, you can always pay the communal kitchen a visit.

Sitting around a fire or lying in your tent at night, the night sounds are filled with a buzz from the nearby town. While you are on the edge of the forest, and can soon get lost in your own thoughts, Firefly is a backpacker family-friendly style accommodation. You might soon find yourself surrounded by families enjoying the open spaces with children playing on the perfectly mowed lawn, friends enjoying the hot tub/pool and families utilizing the communal entertainment area.

Lying in the hammocks, reading your book, practising your putting on the mini green, having a picnic on the grass or taking a walk in the forest to the Waterfall. This is a place where you come to relax and recharge. Although we have chosen the luxury glamping option for our visit this time around, camping space is aplenty and ranges from R150-R250 per person depending on season and site size. The ablutions and communal kitchen are clean (quite an important thing for us) and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful.

If you are looking for a quick getaway, not too far from civilization and you are not too picky as to whom you share your space with, Firefly Falls is the perfect place for you. They do offer various other accommodation options and even a Volunteer program. It is easily reachable with a normal sedan car and is also biker-friendly for those adventure bikers looking for a stay-over on their Garden Route trips.

We enjoyed our stay and can recommend this for anyone who is looking to get away with the family or a group of friends.

Note:
– Has communal entertainment area
– Has communal kitchen
– Car is parked in parking area
– Offers electric blankets & extra blanket throws
– Daily cleaning of amenities

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Earlier this month we were invited to a festival that would normally be frowned upon in our household. Why? Well, I honestly do not have an answer for you. Maybe because we don’t see ourselves as being on a high enough level (whatever level that is) or we simply would not want to attend, because reading books for a couple of days and listening to people reading books is straight out boring!

Oh how wrong could we be! This is the perfect place to be in the middle of winter, all snuggled up in an old Victorian Hotel in the middle of the Karoo, with winter woolies and fires crackling in the background. Yes, we braved the cold and headed to the Karoo town of Cradock for the weekend of 17-21 June to attend the Schreiner: Karoo Writers Festival.

Upon arrival we soon bumped into the likes of Tony Jackman and Sally Andrew. Within minutes we found ourselves attending a story-telling session with Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit. These two people are the authors of the fabulous Karoo Roads series and they soon took us on a journey where several small Karoo towns were brought to life with vibrant pictures and their personal encounters with the people who keep these towns alive. The journey came to an end too soon and it was time to wine-and-dine like royals in the Albert Dining Hall of the iconic Victoria Manor.

For a moment we felt like we were part of the who’s-who as we were met by true Karoo hospitality from the brilliant staff who wined and dined us fine some fine food, all while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Etienne van Heerden and his wife enjoying an evening meal. The three course meal that Lisa Kerr and her staff so deliciously prepared for us, ranged from refreshing Springbok carpaccio, to pork belly, roasted potatoes, and brandy tart. The menu was filled with so many choices and the more we ate, the more starstruck we became as we simply could not believe that we were amongst some of the greatest names in South African literature.

The first evening ended on a more lighter note with a professional juggler showing us the ropes (literally) and we were treated with a spectacular show in front of the Victoria Manor in Market Street. A true crowd pleaser.

After a good night’s sleep in our Tuishuis (read all about the famous Tuishuise and the iconic Victoria Manor hotel in our next article), it was time to meet for breakfast. We had a full day ahead with a variety of “acts” all lined up. Great was our excitement when we bumped into the new internet sensation from Gqerberha, Dr. Dean Allen, his lovely wife Danica and of course the now famous Little Turtle as she is now know, their beautiful daughter. Dean was presenting/launching his Frontier Land books at the Writers Festival. If you ever thought (like me) that history is right out boring, you need to attend one of Dean’s sessions. Being travellers and doing some writing ourselves, we have used Dean’s Frontier Land Volume 1 and Volume 2 books as guides to exploring the Eastern Cape, but he has the ability to turn history into stories and you will soon find yourself locked in on a journey that you never want to end.

One of the highlights of the Festival was most definitely Des Lindberg. This legendary muso (that’s all I knew him for), got me hooked for two hours! Here I am, on a Saturday evening, listening to one of the biggest names in South African music history, telling us all about him and his wife, the late Dawn Lindberg’s journeys together. From music to theatre, local to abroad and everything in between. With Tony Jackman (editor of The Daily Maverick) as an anchor, it sure was an entertaining session. The hall was packed with everyone reminiscing and singing along to the tunes that the duo was known for. A the end of the night not a dry eye was in sight as an emotional book signing with the 81-year old legend came to an end with another exquisite dinner in the cosy dining are.

We have always known about the Schreiner: Karoo Writers Festival, but it was never a priority on our list. This year we recognized a couple of names and decided to attend to see what it was all about. Lisa Kerr and her amazing team has put together an unbelievable, intimate program for this very personal feel to the festival. With a limited number of people attending, all having one common interest….literature, this Festival is sure to grow into something bigger every year. Make sure to add the mid-winter Schreiner: Karoo Writers Festival to your calendar and make your way to Cradock. We will definitely be there in 2023 to have some Gluhwein with you!

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If you ever find yourself daydreaming about the beautiful Karoo Landscapes, the bare mountain ridges (sometimes capped with snow), the warmth of a fire in the winter or the cool shade of the big ‘stoep’ around a homely Karoo cottage, dream no further. Snap out of it, NOW!!

Pack your bags and hit the road, we will meet you at our favourite Karoo Farmhouse. It is situated at the foot of the majestic Towerkop Mountains a mere 15km from Ladismith on the famous Route 62 that dissect the Klein Karoo.

In the fertile Dwarsriver Valley where the most sophisticated wines are being developed from lush green vineyards, Arusio Farmhouse @ Towerkop awaits you. Driving on a well maintained gravel road, admiring the beautiful views, you might think that you have left the Karoo landscape behind when you turned off the R62. Here you will soon switch your cellphone off and get rid of your watch. Time needs to stand still for you to admire the awe-inspiring mountain range that is making it’s appearance right in front of you.

Tucked away behind a vineyard and across a little stream, is a stylish Karoo off-the-grid farmhouse with a characteristic veranda surrounding the house. It shelters you from the African sun and the windy weather at the foot of the well-known Towerkop Mountains, a hiker’s paradise.

Arusio Farmhouse @ Towerkop is so much more than one expects. It is decorated in a stylish fashion that is extremely comfortable and makes you feel at home instantly. The house, together with the cottage sleeps 7 people. Firewood for endless hours of socializing is provided as well as every other amenity and item you would possibly need to make your stay a pleasant one. This is definitely not your typical off-the-grid stay. Excellent lighting throughout the house and outside, comfortable good quality bedding, hot water, electrical plugs and fridges are available. Anything and everything you would use back home is at the tip of your fingers.

Waking up every morning with views of the mountain through every window. Having a cup of coffee and homemade rusks while watching the birds go about their harvesting of nectar in the early morning. Taking a stroll down to the little river that runs through the property, all priceless moments that will forever be etched in your memory.

In no time the sun will set on another day and you will soon have to bid the immaculate little farmhouse goodbye. Fear not, for it is only a click or two away and your next dates will be booked. You will not be able to explore what the area has to offer in only one weekend. When you arrive at Arusio Farmhouse @ Towerkop, you would want to shove your shoes and grab a book to just relax, forgetting that there are more to explore and a different world in the rest of the Dwarsriver Valley.

We have already booked our next stay and cannot wait to recharge our batteries with the cleanest air that you will find around the country. Some peace and quiet can do magic for your soul!

oOo

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Omdat ons by die see woon vermy ons gewoonlik die malligheid van ‘n Desember vakansie by die see en kies eerder koers binneland toe.  Karoo toe.  En waar meer kry jy Karoo as in die Baviaanskloof? 

Hier is dit boeklees-tyd, koffie-tyd, gesels-tyd en vriende maak-tyd weg van tegnologie en die gewoel van die stad.  Die staanplekke is met groot sorg uitgelê sodat elkeen ‘n koelte kolletjie het, wat belangrik is in die somer, maar tog nie so ingedruk dat jy oor mekaar kamp nie.  Dit is nogal iets wat vir ons baie punte tel.

Hier is oorgenoeg om te doen, as jy iets wil doen!   Jy word  begroet met ‘n blouste blou plaasdam swembad met ‘n groen grassie wat sorgvuldig elke dag nat gemaak word en waar die kinders bal skop en speel terwyl die grootmense in en rondom die dam kuier.   Wat is nou lekkerder as dit? 

As jy die oggend energiek voel kan jy met die paadjie stap tot bo op die kop en die wêreld bespied tot daar ver.  Begin maar vroeg, want hier word dit warm in die somer.  

Indien jy  wil weet in die buitewêreld aangaan kan jy data koop en op die regte kolletjie opvangs kry.  Omdat die kloof afgeleë is, is tegnologiese konneksies  uitdagend hierso, so hou moed.  Die klein winkeltjie het die mees basiese goed en ietsie koud, maar bring maar jou luukses saam vanaf die huis.   In die droogte tyd is die kampplek en winkeltjie vir die mense ‘n lewensaar so ondersteun hulle.

Jy kan ook jou fiets pak om die paaie in die kloof verder te verken.   Ons gesin het egter heelwat tyd spandeer om die kleiner voël lewe dop te hou en te identifiseer terwyl ons agter die koelte aan geskuif het. 

Die weer verander vinnig hier. Ons het in die hitte van die somer gekamp, maar een middag het die weer vinnig ‘n ander neiging getoon toe ‘n ysige wind instoot en ons moes skuiling gaan soek in die lapa teen bakke vol reën. Wees maar voorbereid vir alles!

Uitspan is ook ‘n lekker oornag stop vir ‘n eerste of laaste aand wanneer jy ver reis, want dit is aan die westelike ingang van die Baviaanskloof geleë.  Daar is ook chalets indien jy wil vroeg roer omdat die pad nog lank is. 

Akkommodasie:  kamp, boskamp en chalets

Waar:  westelike ingang na die Baviaanskloof  (  Longitude: 23.7008   Latitude: -33.51585)

Naaste dorp:  Willowmore (45 km)

Kontak:  Nico & Alta Smith  (044 923 1511)

oooOooo

*Artikel soos verskyn in Kamp is Lekker se aanlyn tydskrif vir Oktober 2020*

Kamp is Lekker>

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We have planned, packed and repacked our trips and vehicles hundreds of times on our journeys before. Like we plan on how and where we would refuel and fill the jerrycans with the necessary fuel to keep our vehicles going, we have done the same with our water.

When traveling in deep dark Africa, or even just in a remote location in our own country, it cannot be stressed enough that you should have a decent supply of water. When taking an over landing trip, we will typically have about 50L of water with us at any given time. When doing a day trip or going for a hike, we would mostly take about 5L of water at least.

We do not need to go into details of how water can be lifesaving and how being stuck in the wilderness without any human contact, could be life-threatening if you do not have enough water to stay hydrated. We have all heard this countless times.

Packing water can take on different forms. For our shower and drinking water, we use a water tank on the roof rack, a jerrycan or sometimes a plastic jerrycan. This water would be used to wash our hands, shower and drink water. Right, so you are sorted when it comes to carrying bulk water supplies, but what about those hot days in the African sun, when you’ve been out exploring to such an extent that you feel a throbbing headache developing because of hydration. Maybe you have been postponing to buy yet another cold Coke from the next shop that you would pass by, as you know there’s nothing better than an ice cold bottle of Coca-Cola on a road-trip, but the next shop isn’t popping up soon and your thirst is becoming unbearable?

Would an ice cold can of water be sufficient to quench your dry mouth? Yes, you are not hallucinating, I did say a CAN of water. You know, it’s like a can of Coke, just SO much better! We too, do not trust just any water supply in Africa for reasons such as illness causing bilharzia or cholera or the fact that you have no idea what the source is. This is given that you can find fresh water at all.

We have found the perfect solution in AquaV water. Please allow us a paragraph or two to share with you our experience in using their canned water, a perfect match for an environmental greenie like ourselves. Not only is AquaV working on reducing their footprint in rather bottling water in returnable glass bottles since 2011, but they have recently being bottling water in aluminum cans. Yes, that’s right, we have tried and tested these cans and can say that it is a welcoming addition to any trip, short or long.

We are trying to work on our own footprint and when we were introduced to the AquaV cans, we knew that it is the perfect way to take a step closer in helping the planet breath again. The cans are made from aluminum, which is the most recycled material on earth and it as an indefinite lifespan on top of that. Yes, the aluminum is a bit soft, so you should be careful not to pierce the can accidentally, but the reward is absolutely bliss when you open your fridge and you take out an ice cold can of………..water!

The cans comes in 330ml Still and Sparkling mineral water and although there is a plastic label on the can, it makes up less than 1% of plastic, thus becoming irrelevant in the smelting process when the can is recycled. In fact, the plastic can add energy to the smelting process instead. The days of leakage from plastic bottle tops and the taste of plastic from a bottle of water is past. There is a food lacquer inside the cans, ensuring the exact pure taste.

We are not looking back, we have found the solution to our small water problems. We no longer pack a fridge, backpack or cooler bag without a couple of cans. They are lightweight and easy to crush to take-up minimum space when throwing them away. We can now camp in style and have sparkling water with us for that well deserved whiskey at the end of the day. We can now imagine ourselves cracking open a can along the Zambezi River with AquaV.

No more plastic lying around, floating in the water. No more driving from one shop to the next in search of fresh water. No more hot, bad tasting un-sparkly sparkling water. You have the solution right in front of you. We are so happy that we could share our findings with you. When we find a product that works, we like to shout it out for the whole world to hear!

We are looking forward to seeing the lids for the cans soon, and who knows, maybe a smaller 250/300ml mixer can…….

Do not be caught without your water, no matter in what form. It truly is the lifeline to health, being alive, functioning and being clean. Water can make or break an over landing trip, be aware!

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When referring to a romantic getaway, one often thinks of candle light dinners in lodges with white linen, sparkling wine flowing in abundance, soft music, rose petals and some beautiful words spoken over a four course meal while looking deep into someone’s eyes and whispering sweet nothings into the depth of night. 

We focus on destinations where natural romantic settings is available all year round.  Although we would love to have romantic getaways as the ones described above, being in our favourite places along the Garden Route on a regular basis, we keep in touch with our romantic side as often as we can.

Our first stop is usually a place called Kaaimansgat.  It is one of the most photogenic places along this beautiful route stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River.  The Kaaimansgat Restaurant, set amongst some big trees at the water’s edge, is a perfect way to celebrate some love.  With a menu that is catered for everyone, you will not be disappointed.  After filling your tummy, a stroll along the pristine Kaaimans beach is a must do.  With the majestic Kaaimans Railway Bridge towering high above, one often gets lost in the awe-inspiring solitude that this small beach has to offer. 

Moving further down the Garden Route, closer to Knysna, be sure to feel your heart beat a little faster as you approach the untouched, remote Knysna Forest.  Be warned, it is here that you will fall in love.  Fall in love with the forest, the trees, the critters and maybe even the love of your life.  The abundance of picnic spots and hiking trails, places to hide away and have some privacy is the perfect destination for a romantic date.  It is here in the unspoiled beauty that you can be at your best.  A simple budget-friendly date with a picnic blanket, the sound of birds bringing music to your ears and the water running through the picnic site, just makes for the perfect opportunity to ask the question you have been waiting for.

For the more adventurous couple, why not book yourself in at one of the many accommodation options in the small village of Storms River.  This quaint little village is a hidden off-the-radar gem where you can escape from the busy commercial life outside.  It is the perfect spot to rekindle the love with your significant other.  What better way to start off your stay than with a meal at the place of the King and Queen of Love.  A diner that features Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley in true American style serves the most delicious sweet treats.  On to more adventurous activities, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours offers the perfect opportunity to test your love as the two of you swoops through the treetops on a zipline from platform to platform, flying into each other’s arms. 

Just around the corner from Storms River Village is one of South Africa’s most sought after National Parks, Tsitsikamma National Park.  Here you will be able to find a romantic spot wherever you turn.  Share your love with each other as you look out over the crashing waves, with dolphins passing by playfully.  Wander through some indigenous forest before crossing over a swing bridge where the river meets the ocean.  Lock your love onto the bridge and capture your memories while you hold each other, just being in the moment.  Stay the night in one of the many accommodation option, just to wake up the next morning with the sun over the ocean, the sea breeze fresh and clean on a crisp morning and the wildlife paying you a visit while you share the most romantic moment with the love of your life.

All these options mentioned above, is still deserving of the red roses, sparkling wine, white linen and fine dining experience.  The setting is just an added bonus and makes it that much more special.  Why not go all out and take all the help you can get? 

Does this sound like the perfect few days?  We invite you to do your FLIGHT BOOKING now and join us in the Garden Route to make the next trip your most romantic one to date.  It really is as simple as that.  It is the small things in life that counts. 

—oOo—

*Sponsored – written for Travelstart*

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Picture yourself on a crisp Saturday morning, blue skies above you, on the back of a Safari vehicle, driving through some export quality citrus orchards with some foreign languages filling the air. 

That is exactly how we felt when we joined Crisscross Adventures in Addo for an amazing day filled with activities that makes you want more.  First up was the river safari.  I had a preconceived idea of what this might entail and with my very limited canoeing experience that I obtained as a kid, using some rented canoes on a Sunday morning outing in Wilderness, I was excited to see whether my picture was close to what they had to offer. 

On the way to the drop-off point further up the Sundays river, the guide was sharing his knowledge of the working citrus farm and we made a quick stop at one of the oldest pack houses in the area.  Excitement was starting to build as our group got to know each other a bit.  Soon we found ourselves at the drop-off point.  We all geared up with insect repellent and the necessary protection against the African sun before grabbing a nice ice cold bottle of water and jumped into the canoes.  Some maneuvering here and there and we were on our way, all rowing happily down the river.  The pace was soon slowed down as the adrenaline started to wear off and we found ourselves lazing around on the water, doing some bird watching.  The bird life is incredible here next to the water with species such as the African Darter, Cormorant, King Fisher,  Herons and Bishops.  We occasionally saw a monkey or two jumping from tree to tree. 

As we passed the high banks of the river rises above our heads to a good 3 meters above the water line (the Sunday’s River is the fastest flowing river in South Africa when it is in flood), it was time to make a well deserved pit stop.  We all jumped out, took some refreshments and headed up the trail to learn more about the vegetation in the area.  Our guide had so much knowledge and we were well looked after the whole day.  Our River Safari had to come to an end and 2.5 hours later we found ourselves back in the Safari vehicle, canoes loaded and heading back to Crisscross Adventures HQ.  A morning well spent and highly recommended for all ages, big and small, experienced or not.   

Then came the time to get back onto solid ground and we soon found ourselves on the back of a steel steed.  After fitting some safety gear (helmets and goggles provided), we had a run down on how to operate these machines.  In no time we were off and ready to explore.  In a single file down the public road, we made our way to a safe space where we could play on a course that was set out to enjoy at your own pace.  The course is easy to navigate and does not have any real obstacles.  It is suitable for beginners as well as children.

By now we all felt a bit braver and we were ready to head out to the more advanced trail along the river.  This trail has a bit more challenges in some rocks, stumps and narrower pieces with slopes.  It is here that we had great fun and spent a bit of time playing like children.  Safety is always a priority and even though you do have some free reign to do as you wish as long as you stay on course, the guide is by your side and is keeping a watchful eye on you, knowing where is troops are all the time.

Our session soon came to an end and it was time to head back.  Driving back to Crisscross Adventures HQ, the thought dawned on me that this truly is a hidden gem.  The staff is very friendly, premises are extremely clean and gear is in good condition.  The service you receive is of top quality and it makes your time just so much more pleasant.  With it only being one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, this is a welcoming addition to a day out in Addo Elephant National Park. 

Criscross Adventures Tour options:

•  Addo Elephant Park Tour
• Addo River Safari
• Addo ECO Quad Biking
• Addo Mountain Hike
• Addo Fishing Tours
• Sandboarding & Beach Safari

Several other packages are available.

* This article is based on the Addo Adventure Tour Package

*Sponsored post*

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Now our family are not sea people at all, but this trip however was on our to do list for some time, but somehow, we never got around to do it.  We prefer the bush and greenery of the forest if we have a choice but are ALWAYS open for something new and eventful.   

Back to our sea expedition.  As always, we arrived a bit early so there was enough time before the trip to use our coffee vouchers at nearby Trinity Coffee.  This gave us enough sustenance to be happy on our expedition. 

The welcome and safety briefing was done efficiently and professionally by the friendly lady in the office.  Life jackets on.  Off we go.  Following the history of Knysna I have always read about the treacherous exit/entry route through the Knysna Heads.  With our very competent skipper this was never an issue. How beautiful is the Knysna Heads viewed from the sea!

Once through the Heads the first thing that we spotted was a Cape fur lazily lolling in the swell against the backdrop of interesting cave formations.  We were the only locals in our group and there was great excitement from the tourists when the dolphins picked up our boat and accompanied us on our journey to Buffels Bay in search of some elusive whales.  Luck was not on our side today even though the whale spotter on land also tried his best to find the elusive giants of the sea.  The whale season was at its end and closing the next day.  They must have moved on already.  To be in the presence of a pod of dolphins was more than rewarding for us.

While cruising along the coastline some seagulls also came closer to have a look if we had something interesting on the boat for them.   What a surprise when we entered a little cove and saw a cave with hanging stalactites and a rock formation rising from the sea that reminds me of a mini Krabi.  I never knew that there is such beauty just around the corner from where we live.

Back on land we were greeted with some nice warm towelettes to wipe the sea spray from our faces while enjoying some popcorn to celebrate the ocean sights.  A morning well spent and recommended to all.  Thank you, Ocean Odyssey.

To make your booking follow the link to Ocean Odyssey’s website  https://www.oceanodyssey.co.za

*Sponsored post*

– – – – – – – – – – –

There’s no question dolphins are smarter than humans as they play more.   —  Albert Einstein

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Being environmentally conscious, we are constantly aware of the products used in the production of the travel mug and even though the now very popular bamboo cups are better than the styrofoam cups, they too have some bad elements that keep them together such as formaldehyde and melamine, which ends up in your hot drink after a couple of uses.  Therefore, we decided to make use of a silicone cup.  We believe in it so much, that we decided to stock it in our online store.

The silicone cup is a durable, foldable, BPA-free mug made from food-grade silicone.  We love this cup so much that we use it at home as well as on our trips in the wild.  Compared to other mugs that we have used before this cup can take extreme temperatures and keep its shape when the fluids inside is frozen.  The other perk is that it comes with a screw-on lid where the ceramic cup’s lid only presses down and the tin cup has no lid at all.  This mean that spillage in the vehicle is eliminated.

While the designs on the ceramic cups are hip and cool, the dove-grey colour of the silicone cup is neutral and can fit into any colour scheme of current crockery.  Because of the light colour, the cup shows dirt quite easily and the silicone does attract a bit of dust, but it can be wiped off with a damp cloth and cleaned effortlessly.  Just like a normal tin cup or ceramic coffee mug, the silicone cup is dishwasher safe.  It can also withstand temperatures up to 190 degrees Celsius.

When it comes to packing space, we always look at the items that will take up less space, so that we can fit in more.  That is just how we do things, because less is not always more, right?  We’ve started using the old tin cups, but they are always so noisy, especially on a dirt road.  They were always packed with some bubble wrap, foam or a cloth wrapped around them.  This didn’t change when we switched over to ceramic mug.   We even had more to worry about as they could also break.  With the silicone cup that is foldable, it takes up minimal space and can even clip onto the outside of your backpack when you hiking bag is full.  No excuse to leave that precious coffee mug behind.

A tin cup used to burn my hands so much that I would get blisters while enjoying my morning coffee.  While the ceramic cups have better insolation, some still retains the heat and you will soon find yourself looking for a place to put down your coffee while waiting for it to cool down.  The silicone cup does have one disadvantage though, it comes in two parts.  One part is the foldable, durable silicone cup and the other is the plastic ring that wraps around the mug to prevent your hands from burning when holding the cup.  The design, however, has been thought through and the ring fits perfectly into the folded mug’s bottom for storage. 

All-in-all, the silicone travel mug is an upgrade from the conventional cups (of which we have mentioned only two in this article) and with it being lead-free, glue-free, and BPA-free, it fit right into our lifestyle of going green.

If you would like to get your hands on one of these, head on over to our online store and place your order before your next hiking trip.  Some places even offer a discount when you use your eco-cup.  It just goes to show that it is indeed an everyday, lifestyle coffee cup.

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Global warming is a real thing, it’s happening!  Right now!  This was my realization when I recently came across FifFis.  I’ve always known about global warming (I mean we have learned all about it when we were at school) and I know that we should all strive to reduce our carbon footprint to not contribute to global warming.  Recently everyone was bombarded with the “NO plastic is fantastic” campaigns and everywhere you turn you see people using alternatives to the single-use plastic items.

This is all good.  We are still working on changing our lifestyle to a greener more environmentally friendly lifestyle (we hope you are trying too), but it is difficult at times.  You need to buy new/different and sometimes more expensive products and in today’s economic situation in South Africa, it’s not always possible. 

Great was my excitement when I was introduced to FifFis!  It was at the Villa Tuscana by Mantis that I realized that 1/3 of food are wasted in the whole world.  That means that 1 out of every three apples that you buy, will not be eaten.  Not only does the food land up in Landfills, but all the water, energy, money and labour that went into producing your produce, is wasted.  When the wasted food ends up in landfills, it contributes to the rising temperature of our planet as it releases Greenhouse Gasses into the atmosphere.  It is a shocking realization and something that Romy Foods® have found a solution for.

I bet you are now thinking that we should probably eat more as to not waste food (well that was my first thought anyway), but it is nothing like that.  You also do not need to give the food that will go to waste to less fortunate people.

No.  Rickard Gillblad, CEO of Romy Food Corporation and Kenneth Wahlberg, Managing Director of Romy Foods South Africa has come up with a simple solution that has recently launched here in Port Elizabeth, South Africa where you do not have to change any eating habits or buy more expensive produce.  A new range of ready-meals has now launched in Africa after successfully being introduced in Europe and Australia.  These ready-made meals are using Torus Pak® technology to serve restaurant quality meals created and plated by top chefs, to your table.  Believe me when I say that you will feel as if you are dining at a top hotel, when you enjoy any of the FifFis meals.  Not only does the meals look great, but they taste divine and best of all, they will make you look good when you plate them to your guests.

These ready meals can be frozen and then plated upon request, making it easy for restaurants and hospitals to reduce their food waste by not preparing food that will not be consumed.  We as travellers are super excited about this new concept as we often spend some time at guesthouses, lodges and hotels in Africa where it is hard to find fresh, well-prepared food.  We would love to receive a plate of FifFis designed food where we will know that the produce is fresh, it was sustainably sourced, it has the necessary nutrition to keep us going and to top it all, it is beautifully presented.

So by now you are wondering how you will be making a difference if you are not wasting any food that you used to give to the less fortunate.  Well, look no further!  Romy Food Corporation is giving children in Africa a meal a day to provide the necessary nutrition for them to go to school.  The Meal-for-a-Meal Programme provides one meal for children in Uganda, for every meal that FifFis sell.  How cool is that!

Malnutrition is one of the biggest problems on the African continent and if you decide to waste less food by supporting FifFis, you are guaranteed to make a difference in a child’s life!

So join us in making that decision.  Join us and Romy Foods in minimalizing your food waste by changing your meal plans to the FifFis ready-meals.  Let us reduce our footprint by eating more clever.  We will definitely take some ready-meals with us on our next trip and so should you!

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