A major draw is the opportunity to compete in a unique and spectacular environment. Forget the endless fire roads and jeep-track climbs that some races tend to rely on, where road-bike endurance tends to matter more than MTB skill. The Induna MTB Challenge provides an entirely different challenge for riders to get their teeth into.

Known for its hand-cut trails that snake through the forest, the course serves up a difficult mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and tricky switchbacks. Add a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you can see that the riders have their work cut out for them.

The Lowveld’s warm winter climate provides a comfortable environment for those who choose to camp at the race venue. As excitement builds before the race, the community spirit of the riders and spectators is a jovial and rewarding experience.

For those not up for competing, the race is an incredible event just to be around. But if you are looking for something to get the adrenaline pumping, there are plenty of activities available in the Western Kruger area.

As the hard-adventure sector has grown, our whl.travel local partners have climbed to the summit of the trend. Their local expertise brings to you some of the wildest and most thrilling tours out there. Here is our pick of five tours guaranteed to give you your adrenaline fix.

The jagged Himalaya mountains of Nepal provide the perfect backdrop for paragliding in the Pokhara Valley. Photo courtesy of Sunrise

Paragliding over the Peaks of Pokhara, Nepal

Nepal is quickly becoming a paragliding hotspot and the legendary Pokhara Valley offers ideal conditions for the sport.

The valley’s terrain is the kind of blend of mountains and flats that pros dream about. Its enclosed microclimate keeps atmospheric variables stable and mild, a perfect combination for a sport that counts on pilots being able to maintain flight by controlling the pressure of the air passing through the glider. Of course, the views of local villages, Buddhist monasteries and the jungle of Royal Chitwan National Park are unmatched.

For the intrepid, Outdoor Himalayan Treks, the whl.travel local connection in Nepal, organises tandem paragliding tours. He recommends tandem flights for beginners because “lots of adventurers come to Nepal (especially Pokhara) to dare solo. Some of those who get overambitious and try midair acrobatics and other risky tricks/stunts have met with fatalities. On the contrary, tandem flight has got a very promising safety/success record.”

The Outdoor Himalayan Treks team also offer rafting and trekking for anyone not quite ready to soar.

An advanced kite surfer catches some waves on the coast of Florianópolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renata Asprino

Kite Surfing in Florianópolis, Brazil

While not yet as well known for kite surfing as some places in the north of the country, the island of Florianópolis actually has some of the best sites in Brazil, promising excellent kiting conditions and a mix of surf for both beginners and the advanced. Even better, Florianópolis has topnotch kiting schools and all the right infrastructure in place.

The best kite-surfing conditions in Florianópolis occur in September, October and November (Brazil’s spring season); however, given the island’s unique topography and exposure to the Atlantic trade winds, good weather can continue all the way until March and suitable kiting conditions can be found year-round, especially starting in the mid-afternoon. Practitioners put the count of ‘kiteable’ days at an average of 250-plus per year.

Kite surfing sweet spots include the beautiful Lagoa da Conceiçao, a large saltwater lagoon that is fantastic for everyone, including anyone looking for wave-riding lessons, and Praia Mole beach.

Wave to the camera! The free fall starts now. Skydiving in Fiji is a bird's eye view of the tropical island. Photo courtesy of Raumati Wikaire

Skydiving in Fiji

Skydiving is possible all over the world, so why take the leap in Fiji? Raumati Wikaire, General Manager of GlobalBedBank Fiji, the whl.travel local connection on the island, was thrilled to skydive in Fiji for the very first time:

“The beauty of skydiving in Fiji is that it’s so relaxed and laid back, just like the Fiji life,” she explains. “We arrived to a tiny little building on the tropical island. Having completed the paperwork, we were bundled into the plane and took off. The Tandem Masters were calm and joking around so although the adrenaline was pumping, I relaxed and had faith we’d make it out alive.

An added bonus was the scenic flight on our way up. Seeing the islands and reefs of gorgeous Fiji was a great distraction to calm the nerves. Before I know it, we’re rolling out the door and falling through the air. My skin is rippling and I don’t know whether to keep my mouth open or closed. But after a few seconds I get used to the sensation and enjoy the feeling of flying. I feel powerful.”

The grade-5 rapids of the Nile River in Jinja, Uganda, make for a roller coaster ride on rafts. Photo courtesy of Nicola Swann

Whitewater Rafting in Jinja, Uganda

The Far Horizons, the whl.travel local connection in Uganda, is a team of dedicated travel professionals and adrenaline seekers committed to the fun found in and around Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. Only they could have come up with a heart-stopping trip called The Threesome; as if one dose of adrenaline isn’t enough, this thrill-tour combines the best of whitewater rafting, free-falling and jet speeds on the Nile.

The tour begins with a rafting plunge down the roaring grade-5 rapids of the Nile River, where the truly daring paddle with all their might through huge walls of white water. Then, once on dry land, adventurers climb to a point from which there is no choice but to jump! Options are to bungee the traditional way, try a tandem leap or hop in a kayak for a splash in style. The day ends by exploding up the river in the Wild Nile Jet, a custom-built jet boat that can perform 360-degree turns in walls of spray at 90 kilometres per hour.

Abseilers pause before setting off down the ZASM route in the Mpumalanga Highlands of South Africa to enjoy the view of the Elands River waterfall. Photo courtesy of wanderson

Abseiling Down a Waterfall in Mpumalanga, South Africa

The Elands River waterfall in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is a hotspot for abseiling. On offer locally are two variations of a dramatic descent down the canyon wall – one for beginners and one for the more experienced (or whoever “promises not to chicken out”).

The easier route is the ZASM Abseil, a spectacular 35-metre descent. The fully backed-up ropes system is safe, secure and foolproof. Half adrenaline and half relaxation, the ZASM route has unmatched views of the waterfall and, from the bottom, a pleasant hike back up the gully.

For the harder adventurer, the Waterfall Abseil is a total rush. This drop is a breathtaking 60 metres right into the mists of the raging waterfall. Abseilers enjoy a swim in the river at the bottom, then a challenging climb back to the top that is known to pique interest in rock climbing too. Addictive, isn’t it?

Traditional dancers perform in the Ringetani Cultural Village. Photo courtesy of Brenna Bales-Smith

Even better, the attention tourists give to the province – and the consequent need for local accommodation and tour providers – has put locals involved in the industry in a position to design and implement sustainable business strategies that help protect the area they serve.

Making the Best of New Opportunities

Although Kruger National Park is the jewel in the province’s rich tourism crown and acts as a major drawing card in this part of South Africa, other industry subsectors – in adventure, heritage and cultural tourism – have also shown enormous market potential as well.

For example, around Kruger National Park and the Lowveld in particular, the growth of tourism has led to the development of new tour operators, adventure outfits, accommodations and restaurants, but It has also given organisations such as Maholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre and Ringetani Cultural Village the exposure they need to enhance and develop their endeavours.

Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre is an animal educational centre that offers tours in and around their facility, to educate the visiting, local and surrounding communities and public through programs, talks, skills development and unique interactive workshops and experiences about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

The Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre is a haven for the care of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Photo courtesy of Brenna Bales-Smith

Ringetani Cultural Village is the result of a local community that jumped at a commercial opportunity to reclaim their heritage. Working together, they built and created a traditional village where they work and entertain. Through their earnings and fundraising, they built a school where they educate their youth about African principles and the importance of preserving nature and the environment. Their non-profit organisation subsists largely on donations made by the visitors they receive each day and entertainment services provided to the hospitality and tourism industries in Lowveld and the surrounding areas.

Finding Support from All Quarters

More visitors to Mpumalanga has also spurred the creation of new jobs in what is otherwise a struggling province, providing strong incentives for locals to develop the skills necessary for earning a living through sustainable tourism and hospitality. As a result, Mpumalanga has seen improved services and facilities, as well as a rise in environmental and conservation awareness through education and environmental campaigns conducted by national parks and affiliated wildlife programs such as Moholoholo.

Some important secondary effects of environmentally friendly practices and awareness have been beneficial developments in the use of clean energy. In fact, most of Kruger National Parks facilities now use solar heating and recycle all their rubbish, which has added to the sustainable tourism boom in South Africa.

Fine crafts and bead work sold to visitors at Cultural Villages help raise funds for local projects and needs. Photo courtesy of Brenna Bales-Smith

Finally, even targeted external investment is making a difference. Through organisations like WHL Consulting’s Project-Exposure, small-scale local accommodation and tour providers in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region have gained an understanding of how to shift from unreliable energy practices to better, cleaner and, in the long term, more cost-effective energy sources.

All in all, as Mpumalanga draw in more and more visitors, all stakeholders – local tourism businesses, non-profit organisations and national parks – must continue to work together to protect the homelands they rely on and cherish. The travel industry has helped to promote economic growth and environmental awareness and long-term sustainable strategies designed to bring lasting benefits to the social, economic, natural and cultural environments in Mpumalanga.

“This World Cup belongs to Africa!” declared Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, at the Cape Town Convention Centre on 5 December 2009, the long-awaited day of the World Cup 2010 draw. Needless to say, since then, Africa’s already considerable pride at hosting the world’s most popular sporting event grows by the day, in lock step with the excitement of soccer fanatics from all across the continent (and around the world) eagerly awaiting kickoff of the first game – South Africa versus Mexico in Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium at 4pm local time on 11 June 2010.

Supporters of Bafana Bafana, the South Africa national soccer team (photo courtesy of South African Tourism)

The success of the World Cup will however be measured by more than just the tenacity of the teams. Nearly 500,000 people are expected to visit South Africa from game 1 until the finals precisely one month later. Their presence comes as an important economic injection, especially in the tourism sector, as the hordes head out to experience the country.

So, as a primer for the independent traveller in South Africa during the games – the traveller passionate about soccer, but also about meeting and making a difference with the local communities hosting the games – here’s a quick overview of how between games you can connect with the people, just a small but important step in being a good guest.

On the World Cup Trail

Nine cities will be the stage for the 2010 World Cup: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Pretoria, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and Rustenburg.

The spread of destinations covers a great deal of the country, facilitating discovery of the diversity of regions and people.

Johannesburg

The opening match, nine other first-round matches, two second-round matches, two quarter finals and the finals will all be held in Johannesburg’s two venues: Ellis Park and Soccer City stadiums. Despite its bad reputation, Jo’burg is the financial hub of South Africa and a city full of life and interesting sights.

The busy city centre of Johannesburg

In between games is a perfect opportunity to take them in, not the least of which are the Museum of Apartheid, Soweto or other townships, the Mai-Mai market and the botanic gardens. Perhaps the best way to get to them and understand their significance is on any of several emotion-packed Johannesburg day tours possible through Urban Adventures.

Jo’burg is also within easy reach of two other game venues: Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, both sites of five first-round and one second-round matches.

Cape Town

Cape Town’s Cape Town Stadium will welcome 70,000 spectators to each of five first-round, one second-round, one quarter-final and one semi-final matches. More commonly known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most storied cities. Naming Cape Town’s top five attractions – Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, the Winelands and Cape Point – conveys some of its richness but only just scratches the surface, for there is a great deal more to see and do.

Wine tasting and cellar tours are favourite pastimes in the Cape Winelands. These Franschhoek vineyards are a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Cape Town.

As in Jo’burg, Cape Town tours are highly recommended, not only because they can help you get to places a little difficult to reach but because the accompanying guides put you in the right frame of mind to understand the important but sometimes intangible historical contexts, especially on Robben Island, where many political prisoners were incarcerated, including Nelson Mandela for over 20 years; the Cape Winelands, a perfect retreat for wine lovers; and any of several township and volunteer experiences that show you a different side of Cape life.

Cape Town is a good launch point for travel along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, an unspoiled and often inaccessible coastal corridor rich with wetlands, dunes, rivers, ancient forests, beaches, lakes, mountains and indigenous flora and fauna. Beyond its eastern reaches lies the seaside city of Port Elizabeth, whose Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be the site of five first-round and one second-round matches, as well as a quarter-final game and the third-place playoff.

Nelspruit

The city of Nelspruit is the smallest of the host locations, a community of approximately 200,000 people who will welcome four first-round matches to their Mbombela Stadium.

Giraffes are commonly sighted in Kruger National Park, also home to the Big 5, Little 5 and the Birding Big 6

Nelspruit brings two of South Africa’s most tantalising natural wonders into easy reach: Kruger National Park, which is the country’s largest game reserve and a superb place for a safari; and the dramatic Panorama Route, just a short drive from Nelspruit. Both destinations offer an array of adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities, most of which are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner involving both briefings about local flora and fauna and proactive measures to minimise impact on the environment.

Nelspruit could also be a point of departure to reach Polokwane, 300 kilometres to its northwest, where the Peter Mokaba Stadium will see four first-round matches. To reach Polokwane from Nelspuit, one could detour west across the nature-rich rolling hills of the Mpumalanga Highlands, where outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities from which to choose.

Bloemfontein and Durban

Both Bloemfontein and Durban will host five first-round matches and one second-round match each in their Free State Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium, respectively. One semi-final game will also be played in Durban.

Bloemfontein, South Africa’s judicial capital, is popularly referred to as the ‘City of Roses’ due in part to its floral displays and annual Bloem Show (late April/early may), the largest agricultural and entertainment show in the country.

Coastal and cosmopolitan, Durban is the place to go for sun, sea and sand. Most city attraction are found along its Golden Mile of beach, including uShaka Marine World (one of the world’s largest aquariums) and Wilson’s Wharf (the trendy shopping and dining distrinct) on the Victoria Embankment, where there’s no shortage of restaurants and nightclubs.

In a gateway community in Southern Limpopo, South Africa, a woman weaves baskets. Travellers making local connections like this are what the Shared Growth Challenge Fund hopes to highlight.

But some people are already (wisely) asking what will happen when the trophies have been celebrated, the afterglow faded and media attention lifted. Well, the South African Tourist Board estimates that 300,000 more visitors than usual over the next five years will continue to respond to the hype of the first African country ever to host the world’s biggest sporting event.

While that’s very encouraging, a more long-term view of tourism development in South Africa suggests that it’s not far-sighted enough.

Local Partners to the Rescue

Thankfully, three local tour operators – Raw Africa, Induna Adventures and Roc ‘n Rope – have joined forces with WHL Consulting and the whl.travel Africa team to ensure that small accommodation providers in Mpumalanga, Southern Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal are marketed well beyond 2010 both to international travellers and to South Africans eager to explore their own country.

The project is partly funded by the Shared Growth Challenge Fund, a Business Trust project that provides one-off grants to private companies to support ‘pro-poor’ innovation and investment. The 4.5 million rand (approximately US$600,000) project will take 18 months to give new online visibility to at least 150 small accommodation providers. The sustainable long-term effect of this enhanced exposure – including websites with room-booking functionality – is expected to be considerable, particularly in communities routinely excluded from the global marketplace, especially the e-marketplace.

Zachary Rozga, CEO of WHL Consulting, is extremely excited about this project, with ambitious visions far beyond the established scope of the work. The core objective, he believes, is “to get bums in the beds of small and medium tourism accommodation venues by setting up unique websites for accommodation providers, as well as offering affordable package holidays that combine accommodation and fun activities for visitors. Our goal in this project is to reach between 300-600 small and medium enterprises. If all things go well in the following year, we hope to expand that to 1,000 and move into other provinces.”

The project aims to support small and medium-size hotels and lodges (like the one pictured above) in Mpumalanga, Southern Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal

Bums in Beds

Underpinning the Shared Growth Challenge Fund project is a new concept called the Tourism Development Bank that “uses room nights as currency” instead of money, said Rozga.

Local accommodation providers pay a small registration fee of 350 rand (approximately US$50) and then set aside 18 room nights. In return, the providers receive specialised WHL Consulting market-readiness assessment services. Those deemed ready are then eligible to receive:

• a selection of professionally taken photos of their property, including photos for use in ‘immersive tours’ whereby travellers take an online ‘virtual’ tour of a venue;
• a professionally drafted travel write-up highlighting the venue’s appeal to experiential and mindful travellers;
• a unique e-commerce website linked to the whl.travel global network;
• access to a local whl.travel tourism market training seminar.

The 18 room nights “banked” by WHL Consulting will in turn be incorporated into affordable package holidays made available exclusively through whl.travel and combining accommodation with local-economy boosting tours and activities, such as river rafting, abseiling, horse-riding and hiking.

In keeping WHL Consulting, whl.travel and all three local tour operator commitments to responsible travel, the whl.travel package holidays will aim to leverage interest in and support for the two World Heritage sites located in KwaZulu-Natal – iSimangaliso Wetland Park (once called and still better known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) and Drakensburg – as well as the wildlife-rich and heavily protected Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

The project will place great importance on supporting local resources, with a special emphasis on World Heritage Sites and the game parks of Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

Pushing a Winning Solution

The benefits to all partners make this project appealing on many levels, in particular for the three local tour operators, all whl.travel partners.

For Danny Pinkas (Roc ‘n Rope), the project is “a win-win situation for everyone involved, from tour operators and accommodation establishments to travellers as well as local communities, who will benefit from spinoffs.”

Darron Raw (Raw Africa), of www.kzn.travel (for KwaZulu-Natal) and www.swazi.travel, agrees: “Up until now a large number of SME (small and medium enterprise) accommodation and activity providers have not been able to participate effectively on the Internet, and this project will integrate them in a professional online e-marketing and booking service.”

Says Jaco Lubbe (Induna Adventures), who oversees www.panorama-tours.travel and www.krugersafaris.travel, “The outcome of this initiative will help local accommodation establishments to provide a more professional and technologically ‘with it’ service to the world. It will also create a platform and give the accommodation establishments the necessary tools to be more visible to specific target markets. I am convinced that this project will help make our piece of the earth more sustainable for generations to come.”

Even for WHL Consulting, this project is an opportunity “to invest heavily in new technology platforms that allow evolution of the Market Access Program from a purely donor-funded exercise to a more commercial enterprise,” said Rozga. “In so doing the intention is to bring the overall cost of the exercise down significantly so that the activities of the program, which are critical in many emerging destinations, can be more widely implemented.”

Of course, for whl.travel, the on-the-ground support of so many local accommodation providers significantly expands the product base offered to independent consumers headed off the beaten path and yearning to book with local businesses, no matter how small, and especially those making socially responsible and sustainable decisions about their destinations.

Just one of many stunning views along the Panorama Route

Winding northeast from the spectacular Drakensburg Mountains of Mpumalanga to the northeastern end of the Great Escarpment, the Panorama Route takes in some of Africa’s (and the world’s) most dramatic scenery. It is also the gateway to Kruger National Park, where you will find the Big 5, endless spectacular views, age-old traditions and cultures. It’s all part of an incredible adventure that will awaken the child within you. So buckle up as we take a quick journey through the highlights.

Real Highs and Brilliant Light

A single day is far too short for all there is to see on the Panorama Route, but if that’s all the time you have, you will not be disappointed!

Along the most famous and fabulous stretch – the 33km of Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest – don’t miss the Three Rondavels (giant spiral rock formations) and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, both a glimpse at nature’s creative forces. Millions of years of swirling air and water have carved and shaped the rocks here resulting in unbelievable formations.

Whitewater rafting in Blyde River Canyon

Also noteworthy is God’s Window, from which there are incomparable views of the Lowveld, a vast blanket of plain almost a kilometre below.

Save your hunger for a stop at Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop, or the traditional art and candy shops in Pilgrim’s Rest. Both towns impart a sense of the old gold-mining culture that once thrived here.

Even if you’re not usually impressed by waterfalls, check out those on the way to Sabie. Not only are they beautiful, but, when the weather’s right, you can take a moment to dangle your feet, or even swim, in the cool mountain pools. Some are a bit off the beaten track, so pack a good pair of shoes and a picnic basket.

The picturesque Maria Shires waterfall

End your day at the Shangana Cultural Village, where you can taste traditional food, participate in song and dance and experience the history and ways of the Shangaan people.

Outdoor Thrills

If life is your playground, or you don’t just want to be a bystander, dedicate as much time as possible to the many adventures on offer along the Panorama Route, from mild to wild all in one location.

Start off your day in a hot-air balloon and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sabie River Valley.

The more ambitious will thrill to an quad-biking experience that overnights at the private and secluded Matumi Log Cabin on the bubbling Mac Mac River. A typical South African braai under starry skies rounds out a busy day. This experience is ideal for backpackers, nature lovers and birders. The latter will especially appreciate sightings of the Purple-crested Turaco and the elusive Nerina Trojan.

Another special experience is a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary, where you can walk hand-in-trunk with Kasper and Kitso.

Getting It Right

A mother and daughter at the Shangana Cultural Village

* When embarking on any part of the Panorama Route, be sure to get an early start.

* It is advisable to choose a clear day in winter, as misty or cloudy weather, which is common in summer, will prevent you from enjoying the amazing views.

*  Even if it’s warm when you begin, take along some warm clothing, as the temperature changes with the different elevations.

* Get hold of a good map.

* If possible, hire an air-conditioned car. Having your own wheels will mean that you can spend as much time at the various sites as you want.

* The Panorama Route area is busy with thousands of children orphaned by HIV and Aids. Think of supporting and empowering these needy children by spending time at or making a contribution to Sizabantwana.

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For more information about the Panorama Route, including accommodations, tours, activities and lots of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: the team from Induna Adventures at www.panorama-tours.travel.