Be a responsible traveller

We would like to share these tips with you as you travel throughout this beautiful land.

Let each one of us do our best to promote responsible travel towards our environment: 

1. Use water as efficiently as possible.
2. Take care not to start a fire with your cigarette butts or matches.
3. Please use electricity as efficiently as possible, by switching off the lights, electric fan,  air conditioner and television when you are not in your room.
4. Do not approach or feed the baboons.  They are wild and potentially dangerous.
5. Do not take natural keepsakes like shells and indigenous flowers when spending time in nature.
6. When driving or hiking, stick to marked paths and roads.
7. Make sure the seafood you want to buy and eat is not on the list of endangered species.  SMS the name of the fish to +27 (0)79 499 8795 to find out.
8. Dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible and reuse your beverage bottles and shopping bags.
9. Make use of public transport where possible or take a walking tour.
10. Offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree or buying local products. 

Some tips for responsible tourism towards our communities include:

1. Research the culture of the area you intend to visit before arriving at your destination.
2. Talk to locals, make use of local tour guides and stay in accommodation establishments that are invested in the local community.
3. Learn some of the language - a simple greeting and thank you in the language of our people will see you embraced as a guest and not only a visitor.
4. Respect the dignity and privacy of others - please ask permission before you take a photo.
5. Rather than giving money to beggars and street children, make an effort to donate to a local charity that supports community projects.
6. Purchase souvenirs directly from community markets and handcrafter's so that the money goes directly to local businesses.
7. Take your taste buds on a journey by experiencing local and regional cuisine. This will give you insight to the culture of the area and you will support the local economy.
8. Be vigilant about child prostitution.

These tips have been published by "Cape Town Tourism" in the interests of responsible tourism.

For a unique way of travelling in South Africa visit our website www.travelsatleisure.com

Take the scenic Route 62

Route 62 has become a favourite amongst many travellers.

Instead of taking the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, take the road less travelled.  Route 62 will take you to places and towns that reflect a different face to the Western Cape and beyond.  Travel through towns such as Worcester, Robertson, Ashton, Montagu, Barrydale and Oudtshoorn to name just a few. 

There is something here for everyone. For those who love the outdoors there are hiking trails, canooing, horseriding, fishing, caving and more.  If you are into the cultural scene then there are museums, art galleries, traditional arts & crafts and pottery etc. 

  

Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice as this is the longest wine route in the Western Cape.  There is also a Brandy Route which produces some of the best Brandy's in the world.  Stop in at some of the farms along the way there is such a variety to choose from such as the Slanghoek Winery, Badsberg Cellars, Robertson Wine Cellars, and the Graham Beck Wine Estate. A well loved favourite at many a dinner party is the Four Cousins wines produced by Van Loveren Wine Estate or if Brandy is your special drink, a visit to the Klipdrift Brandy Distillery in Robertson will be enjoyable.

There is also a vast array of Restaurants to choose from along the way, all serving their own unique dishes from Potjiekos to Pasta using local ingredients.

As you drive along the road you will see a variety of flowers such as Bougainvillea, Roses, Canna's, Protea's, Red Hot Pokers thriving in the hot sunny climate, the variety of fauna and flora along the route showcases the natural beauty of this region.

The Breede River is a vital source of water for the surrounding farms and natural habitat.  The River makes this region so fertile and suited to growing a variety of produce such as grapes, peaches, plums, apricots and herbs.  Dried fruit can be purchased at various shops showcasing the variety of local produce.

Events and Festivals in the region promote this as a great to go to destination.
The Breede River Canoe Marathon is a famous event in this area.
The Robertson "Wine on the River Festival" comes up soon on 19-21 October 2012 so why not make a long weekend of it with your family and visit the area.

This is just a short rendition of what this route is all about. There is far more to see and do, so why not get on the road and see what you will find. 

The last word...some tips on wine tasting:
Ask questions on the wines and the region
Use the water supplied to rinse your glass and cleanse the palette
Keep track of your wine consumption so that you stay within the legal limit.

For more information on this route go to :  www.route62.co.za

To experience South Africa from a different perspective go to www.travelsatleisure.com