Dear Africa Friends
Ubuntu – this word is a philosophical African concept and is a true expression of both compassion and human connection. Often translated as “I am because we are”, it emphasises, now perhaps more than ever, that we are stronger together. Amidst this time of Covid-19, we are reminded daily of a limit to freedoms we previously took so much for granted. At the same time, it gives us a chance to pause, reflect and make us aware again of what – and especially who – is important in our lives.
After a few busy weeks in the African Moments office, some sense of calm has returned. We have managed to re-arrange and re-book many trips originally booked to travel in the very near future. We do not yet know when unrestricted travel will be possible again, but one thing is certain: there will be a time after Covid-19! This message of hope is important for you – so that there will be a time where you will be able to savour many memorable African Moments all the more intensely, for us – so that we can continue to pursue our passion of showcasing our beautiful continent, and for our suppliers, who protect and conserve life in pristine natural surroundings and support so many livelihoods in surrounding communities.
We are often asked how to help the people of southern Africa in this difficult time. The motto of Ubuntu holds true here as well: stay in touch with us and we will endeavour to find good solutions for all of you, our dear clients, in order for you to be able to travel to your chosen destination in the not too distant future. Our suppliers are currently offering favourable conditions should you need to re-book your journey for up to two years from the original date of travel. In so doing securing their futures through your loyalty.
Solidarity makes us stronger
Africa’s people are strong and have seen many a crisis in their lives. We are always proud of and humbled by a sense of solidarity amongst its’ people even in the most difficult of times. We are particularly impressed by the fantastic commitment of organisations such as Uthando, Home from Home and Imizamo Yethu. We wholeheartedly support these social projects and know that donations are spent in all the right places, particularly in challenging times such as these.
Since March 15, Uthando (“Love”) has raised more than 1,000,000 Rand to support the people of our township areas, particularly in the time of Covid-19. By supporting kindergartens, training centres, urban gardening and other public welfare projects, the organization creates perspectives where there would otherwise be a sense of hopelessness. Now they have extended their commitment to other areas, so that their reach can extend as far and wide as possible. Click here to see what great work James Fernie and the Uthando team are doing and how you can participate.
Another inspiring example is how Home from Home is currently working to ensure the safety of all the orphans they support in their foster homes around Cape Town. Many of them have lost their parents to AIDS and need special protection from Covid-19 due to their weakened immune system. This requires special care packages, which are financed by donations. At the same time, however, sponsors are also sought, who specifically support children through monthly donations or secure their professional future through educational funding. Find out more here.
Imizamo Yethu Educare Centre, a creche and pre-school founded by a courageous woman, Nomakhaya Matshaya. Here, toddlers up to 6 years, from the township of Philippi, are educated and cared for while their mostly single mothers attend work. During this time of Covid-19, while we are under a strict lockdown and the income of both the school and the parents has mostly fallen away, donations for teachers’ salaries, food and the school’s follow-up project are more than welcomed. Find out about the amazing work they do here.
If you feel the need to get involved, chat to us. There are so many ways to do good in Southern Africa!
Experience the Big 5 from a virtual perspective
Images of lions sleeping on open roads in our national parks, or of penguins taking a fun walk through Simon’s Town in Cape Town, are currently doing the rounds on social media. They show us that the animals of Africa do not know what it means to be locked down. Instead, they seem to be enjoying the current calm in their own natural habitats. To add to this, our favourite game lodges are providing travel enthusiasts with fantastic virtual safaris.
Of course, nothing can replace the incredible impressions you will take home with you after having been on an authentic African safari. In the meantime, however, we can all find some consolation in the many virtual safaris the lodges are providing in this current time of restricted travel. They provide a little teaser for your actual visit and are also a great educational tool for the entire family! Don your safari gear, grab your binoculars and check out the Youtube Channels of several of our preferred game lodges such as Lalibela, Shamwari, Singita, andBeyond, Royal Malewane or Tintswalo, as experienced rangers take you out on exciting game drives and share their rich knowledge of the bush with you. Although it is not clear yet when travel restrictions will be lifted to many African countries, you could perhaps be contemplating a trip to Africa post Covid-19 in the upcoming year or two. Great news is that the US Dollar and the Euro have gained strength to local currencies such as the South African Rand, which means your trip could come in as much as 20-40% more cost-effective! Service providers here are developing new protocols in relation to hygiene, social distancing and travel in general, so that you can be assured of the highest standards in this regard during your journey. We greatly look forward to you being able to enjoy many (more) memorable African Moments on our continent in the nearest possible future!
We look forward to seeing you again
Who ever thought our world would come to such a sudden halt? And yet, this time also has its upsides. It gives room for new creativity, which we are currently using to design new itineraries and build our own Youtube channel. It allows us all to prioritize the most important things in our lives. And it will bring an even more intense joy when we, as well as our friends and families, will be allowed to travel and see each other again!
Until the next newsletter and until we can all travel again, we send you many good wishes: stay healthy, remain confident and perhaps the spirit of Ubuntu will become a new way of being for us all. There is no doubt, that we are stronger together and will overcome this time. If you’re longing for Africa and have some free time on your hands, why not try this recipe from former renowned culinary expert and family friend, Lannice Snyman.
We will be in touch in due course with some impressions from our pre-lockdown site inspection trip to beautiful Botswana.
In the meantime, feel free to call, Zoom or email us with questions, travel plans or queries. We look forward to connecting with you!
With warmest wishes from the southern tip of Africa,
Your Nicole, Dennis & the African Moments team
