19 April 2010

Money for JAM

Seven-time Dusi Marathon winner and Spur Adventure ambassador Martin Dreyer is participating in the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, on Saturday 24 April 2010. Dreyer is encouraging everyone to join him as all proceeds from the challenge go to Joint Aid Management (JAM), a non-profit humanitarian relief and development organisation that currently assists more than 500,000 children a year through nutritional feeding, health and social welfare programmes across Africa.

“Most of us would agree that there’s nothing better than a weekend of adventure spent outdoors navigating your way through nature on foot or bicycle,” says Dreyer. “Now you can enjoy your outdoor pursuits and do something good for JAM while you’re getting wet and having fun in the process.”

In addition to supporting JAM through this initiative, athletes from Dreyer’s grassroots’ initiative ‘Change a Life’ will also participate in the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge.

According to Dreyer, the Adventure Challenge consists of a 20km mountain bike trail ride (two 10km loops) and 5km trail (two 2.5km loops) dash through nature with natural obstacles and water crossings. Teams can participate in the long or short courses and for the less energetically inclined there’s a scenic 6-7km circular route nature hike.

Dreyer, who recently became a first-time father, says there is also a bush baby trail that has been developed specifically for kids between the ages of 6-10years. “It kicks off with a ‘sak resies’ (bag race) and then children are guided along a marked trail on foot, negotiating a number of obstacles and surprises that include live demonstrations and discussions on birds, snakes and other flora and fauna.”

Spur Group Managing Director Pierre van Tonder says the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge is an outdoor experience for the whole family. “Spur Adventure is a celebration of all things South African’ an event that makes the most of our great weather, our scenic surrounds and the simple pleasure of spending time with family and friends.”

For training tips and more information log onto www.spur.co.za/adventure and www.spurbootcamp.co.za or contact
Quantum Adventures on 021 789 0188.

Join seven-time Dusi Marathon winner and Spur Adventure ambassador Martin Dreyer in the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, on Saturday 24 April 2010. Dreyer is encouraging everyone to join him, as all proceeds from the challenge go to Joint Aid Management (JAM), a non-profit humanitarian relief organisation.

The Adventure Challenge consists of a 20km mountain bike trail ride (two 10km loops) and 5km trail (two 2.5km loops) dash through nature with natural obstacles and water crossings. Teams can participate in the long or short courses and for the less energetically inclined there’s a scenic 6-7km circular route nature hike. A bush baby trail has also been developed specifically for kids between the ages of 6-10years.

For training tips and more information log onto www.spur.co.za/adventure or contact
Quantum Adventures on 021 789 0188.

KZN coastline

KwaZulu-Natal, located in the east of South Africa, is a spectacularly picturesque province. It is a popular region for holiday makers, both locally as well as internationally. Relaxing options include taking in the sun, sea, and sand or exploring the lush forests, abundant wildlife and diverse culture.

 A must-see is the breathtaking Oribi Gorge which is approximately 27 km long, 4 km at its widest point and 400m deep. This gorge is situated 120 km south of Durban and 20 km west of Port Shepstone which makes it a perfect day or weekend getaway.  

Cliffs in the Oribi

I have visited the area a few times and always enjoy it, that is why I want to share this with you.

Oribi Gorge is the eastern gorge of two gorges that cuts through the Oribi Flats (flat sugarcane farmlands); the western gorge was formed by the Mzimkulu River. Rocks of over 1,000 million years are found at the base of the cliffs but if you think that is extreme then think again as the highest gorge swing can be found here. Plunging down 33 storeys  (100 m) next to a waterfall makes this an exhilirating stop-over activity for many adventurers and brave souls, and yes I was brave enough to make the jump. Other activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, zipslide, photographic opportunities, jumping off Lehr’s waterfall, and white water rafting. 

Waterfall at gorge jump

The nature lover can visit the Lake Eland Game Reserve and experience the diversity of four distinct ecosystems: Bushveld, Grasslands, Wetlands and Coastal Forest. Giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and a range of antelope including eland, mountain reedbuck, and bushbuck can be spotted. Birdwatching is also an amazing experience as there are more than 250 listed species in the area. The flora of the area is a diverse tapestry of grassland, thorn trees and proteas, mixed with semi-deciduous forests and riverine bushveld comprising 500 plant species.  

Gorge Swing

INPURA is short for INnovative PURsuits Africa which describes how we, as a business, strive to pursue innovation in the Adventure Tourism industry and in Southern Africa.

Thank you for visiting our site. It is clear that you are looking for some excitement and adventure in your life. SPICE THINGS UP A BIT! If you don’t feel comfortable doing any of the activities listed on this site, then maybe you should go back to sitting on your couch and continue watching tv.

Whether you are looking for something seriously adventurous or just looking for options for a change in scenery, let us help you find what you are looking for. Visit the various ACTIVITIES pages, including LAND, WATER, AIR, and NATURE, to guide you toward your next adventure.

If your corporation or department wants to have a bit  of fun, or if you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, sneak a peak at our CORPORATE SOLUTIONS page.

To find out more about what adventure and outdoor activities are about, go read some of the ARTICLES. You can also use the SEARCH function to find something quick. 

If you have any specific questions at this time:
Contact Clarise at clarise@inpura.co.za or 082 303 4686

View of the city

There are various activities in the reserve, including horse trails, mountain bike trails, 4×4 route, picnic area, and of course hiking, which we did. Wildlife in the reserve include zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable.

The three of us arrived just after 08:00 (24 January 2009). It was a cool, cloudy morning – perfect weather for a morning hike. There were three trails to choose from; the yellow trail is 3.5km, the red trail 10.5km, and the white trail which we did is 4.5km. We decided to take it easy on our first visit to the reserve because we didn’t know the area well. Next time we’ll do the red trail.

Hiking Trail

A few hundred meters from the start of the trail we came across some dassies (Rock Hyrax). They were well camouflaged sitting on the rocks, hoping that we wouldn’t see them. We continued on and saw a few hornbills flying between the trees, and although we weren’t fortunate enough to see any buck, we definitely saw traces of them – fresh dung!

Spot the dassie

We found it astonishing that this lush piece of paradise is so close to home and that we never before took the time to experience it. Although we did get a few glances of the city between the trees, and although some areas of the trail took us very close to the highway, it was still as if we were miles away from the city. We stopped a few times to breath in the freshest air in Pretoria. The morning air was crisp, clear and fresh. We could almost taste nature!

The trail is well maintained and well marked so you can’t get lost. Although there were many cars in the parking lot when we arrived, we only saw one other couple, and two mountain bikers who came past. We came across the most beautiful colourful flowers. Red, yellow, white, purple, pink, orange! It was everywhere. We also saw the funkiest little dung beetles, the coolest moss on trees, amazing spiderwebs, and big mushrooms. The viewpoints provided views of Pretoria that we had never seen before – fantastic!

Beautiful flora

 I must admit that I am looking forward to returning to the reserve.

Adventure

Write (blog) about your experiences and send it to clarise@inpura.co.za titled Web Post or write your story in any of the Reply Boxes on the webpage. If we like it we will post it on this website.

Happy Adventures

Clarise

 The p.o.a. – plan of action…
The month of December is generally a chilled time for most people as it is all about taking some time off from work, enjoying a holiday, being festive and spending time with family, and it is the same for us. The only problem is that we are so used to working and always being busy that it is sometimes difficult to shut down completely.
Two weeks into December myself, my cousin and his wife decide to get a bit more active. They decided that what they wanted for 2009 was to more frequently take part in various outdoor and adventure activities, so we decided to start off a bit earlier. On Saturday 27 December 2008 we were up at 5 a.m. to get an early start. It wasn’t easy getting up this early but we pulled through. The idea was to go for a chilled hike in one of the reserves in Pretoria. We had two options, but the first one we went to was still closed so we went to the second option which was the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve in Genl. Louis Botha Avenue.

Doing it…
When we arrived at the reserve around 06:20 there were only two other vehicles in the parking lot. We had never been there and we had no idea where we were gonna hike to. There was an aerial map of the reserve which showed the paths in the reserve as well as the contour lines. We decided to just start walking and go wherever we felt, so off we went. 

Faerie Glen NR Map

 
Birds…
It was a cool, crisp morning which made it perfect hiking weather. The hike started slow because we were so in awe of all the beautiful birdlife that we stopped every few meters to look these birds up in our bird book. We had never seen so many brightly colored weavers together, both in red and yellow. The weavers included the Southern Masked-Weaver, Cape Weaver, and Red Bishop. We continued on our walk and also saw the beautiful Red-collared Widowbird with its long tail feathers, the White-winged Widowbird with its yellow shoulders and white wing feathers, but the bird that caught our attention was the Red-chested Cuckoo also known as the Piet-my-vrou (more on that later).

High and mighty…
Our walk took us along a stream, over a bridge, into some grassland, and up a hill known as Renosterkop (or Rhino hill). There were quite a few paths going in different directions but we opted for the routes going up, up and awaaay!! It wasn’t too steep going up but there were one or two sections where you had to keep your footing. It was all worth it when we arrived at the top. We could see the entire Pretoria from there. Lynnwood road was on the one side and Atterbury road on the other side.  Two of the busiest roads in Pretoria and this gem in the middle of both that few bother to visit. We could see all the malls in the area and even Menlyn Mall looked small. 

City View

Difficulties…
After a few photos and a snack break at the top, we continued along the border fence. Seems like people aren’t too adventurous because the further we walked away from the cars the harder it was to keep to paths as they disappeared because there wasn’t as much ‘traffic’ going through that area. Sad. Very sad. Our hike was interrupted by a very familiar sound, that of the Piet-my-vrou. We could hear that this very interesting bird was close by, but to see one is a different story. There were females answering to the males calling but still no sight.

More difficulties…
We decided to track down this elusive bird. Easier said than done. At one stage I’m certain we couldn’t have been further than 5m – 8m from the bird, but still no sight. This bird is a pro at camouflage and it was proven again on that day. We weren’t too happy but there will be another day. After exploring the top of the hill, we started heading down. My cousin tripped as he stepped on a rock that gave way under his weight and he fell. Trying not to damage the camera he twisted his knee which hit another rock quite hard. I was stressed because he was clearly in pain and I was concerned about a possible broken leg. Luckily it was just a bruised knee combined with a bruised ego. The outdoors is tough, even when it is just a day outing – remember that!

Down and about…
When we reached the foot of the hill we crisscrossed the paths taking us through spectacular areas. We got so lost in the beauty of this area that we forgot we were in the middle of the city. From grassland, to forest-like areas, rivers, trees, birds, trickling streams, flowers, insects, … As we moved closer to the cars we started seeing more people also enjoying nature. We shared our morning experience with others as they also shared their experiences with us. We decided that we were more than happy with our little expedition, which lasted about 4 hours, and headed back to the car.

Experience…
It is such a pity that this urban and natural combination is so beautiful and we never make time to experience it, even though many of us drive past it every day.

Forest

CORPORATE RECREATION
Tired of the office? We know you are. Get all your staff, colleagues or clients and go have an adventure!
Fun and excitement for everyone. It is useful as an energizer and/or just as a relaxing day away from the office.

Don’t forget to keep your loyal clients satisfied by rewarding their support with adventure and outdoor fun!

Activities can include anything from river rafting or clay pigeon shooting, to 4×4 driving and game trekking. Sounds like a much better option than work, or what do you think?

~ See our Activity Pages LAND, WATER, AIR, and NATURE, to guide you ~

Development Programs
We do not have any set programs, as we understand that every group is different, and thus, need to be dealt with accordingly. We do have standard procedures involving various assessments, and specific activities developed according to the group, individual, and company’s needs.

All our programs are based on the Dimensions of Wellness. Although our programs are in-depth and focus on critical issues, it is presented and facilitated in an enjoyable and comfortable environment. People learn best by doing, so with the help of specific indoor and outdoor activities, and mostly being out of the office environment during the programs, help the individuals understand the processes, and learning occurs easily and effectively.

People tend to retain information easier and longer if they enjoy and understand what is being learned. This increases the probability of maintaining their positive changes when combined with applying what they have learned to their personal and office environments. They enjoy themselves, while learning, and changing for the positive.

Also read  “What is Teambuilding really about?”

SUPPORT PROVIDED IN OUR TEAM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
We provide ongoing support in the form of assessments, reports, recommendations, and follow-up sessions. More information on support will be provided once you book your Team Development program with us

These programs can entirely be developed and structured to focus on your company’s specific needs

INCENTIVE PACKAGES
Employees need to feel that they are valued and that their hard work and achievements are acknowledged. By incorporating an achievement system, employees will feel motivated to perform at a higher level of quality, as they know they will be rewarded accordingly.

a) Individual Achievement Bonus* - Reward individual efforts and achievements with incentive travel for the employee and his/her family
b) Corporate / Team Achievement Bonus* - Reward team efforts and achievements with incentive travel for the employee and his/her family

*More information on the advantages of these achievement bonuses, both individual and group focused, will be discussed, once you book your Incentive Package with us.

WELLNESS
If a person is uncertain of who he or she is, then how will they be able to work with other people? In today’s life, people get distracted easily and dictated by technology, fashion, celebrity lifestyles, corporate branding, etc. They are influenced by corporate and social images of what they should do, what they need, or in general, who they should be, all so they can achieve a ‘higher social standard’. We need to go back to the roots and determine who each person really is; their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, values and beliefs, etc. We have to take a step back and look at each individual, before we can take a step forward in achieving personal growth and wellness.

These programs focus on both a personal and corporate level. Companies tend to focus on the ‘chain’ (i.e. the group of persons or a department), and forget that the ‘links’ (i.e. the individuals) hold the chain together. We start off with development on individual level, so we can strengthen the links, before we focus on the chain as a whole. It can also be compared to the foundation of a house or building; if the foundation is sturdy, you can build anything on it!

Conferencing

CONFERENCING
Looking for a venue for your next conference? We can help you find what you need - from 10 to 6,000 delegates. You can even combine your conference experience with a Team Development or Corporate Recreation session.  

 

Teambuilding

 CORPORATE TEAM DEVELOPMENT
Get connected with your colleagues on a deeper level. This is not just recreation, it is team development which has a much greater impact on the team in the long run than by just participating in recreational activities together. Find and improve the core in your corporate team and in yourself.

We focus on different levels of development.

Easily explained it means:

Level 1) If you look at an athlete with a muscle or tendon injury, it can be compared to the first step in the development program which is Recreation. It is like rubbing on a bit of “Deep Heat” – it helps ease the pain and she feels better for the moment, but as soon as she gets back onto the field, the pain comes back. This is the level of “teambuilding” that most teambuilding companies provide - you get absolutely nothing from it. It is the same as substituting medication with smarties – doesn’t help at all, just looks and tastes good (and smarties are expensive compared to their size!).
 
Levels 2 & 3) You need to look deeper into the problem. The athlete should consider going to a sports physician or physiotherapist to fix the underlying problem, not just the symptoms. This is where the Education and Development stages in the development program comes in. By use of a proper Developmental Program, the individuals and the team as a whole, can improve themselves and thus aim to improve the office environment as well as their personal lives.
 
Level 4) If there is a serious problem, like a rugby player that has a major shoulder injury, an operation might be necessary to fix the problem. In a team development program this is considered the Counceling/Therapy stage. It doesn’t end with the operation. Ongoing therapy and physiotherapy is required to ensure that the injured area heals properly and that it remains fully functional afterwards. Thus, assessments need to be done with the office members before, during and after a program to ensure that they get the most from the program to ensure enriching lives and an effective and efficient office environment.
 
You certainly want your business to function to its full potential, don’t you? Wouldn’t you enjoy working in an successful and healthy office environment? Why not focus on treating the core of the problems in stead of always trying to fix the symptoms with a bit of “Deep Heat”? How would your life change if your job environment improves? Less stress? Think about it.

 SOUTH AFRICA*
Located on the southern tip of the African continant.

Area: approximately 1,2million km2
Coastline: approximately 3,000kms long
Biggest Cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban
Population: 46,9 million
Languages: English, ,Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda , Zulu
Best time to visit: September/October (Spring); April/May (Autumn)
Provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal
Neighbouring Countries: Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
President: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born April 12, 1942 at Inkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) was inaugurated as the President of the Democratic Republic of South Africa on 9 May 2009 in Pretoria. He was Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 and President of the African National Congress (ANC) since 2007.
Main Economic Sectors: mining, manufacturing, financial services, tourism
Climate: Summer rainfall area, except in the Western Cape which has a Mediterranean climate.
Highest point: Mont Aux Sources, Drakensberg
Currency: 100c = 1 Rand
Time: GMT +2 (Two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There are no time zone differences within South Africa)
International Dialing Code: +27
International Exit Dialling Code: 09

PROVINCES*

GAUTENG
Capital City: Johannesburg
Population: 9,02 million (18.9% of SA)
Surface area: 17,010 square km
GDP per capita income: R51,224.00
National Roads: N1, N3, N4, N12, N14, N17
International Airports: OR Tambo (former Johannesburg International))
Surrounding Provinces: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West

View of Pretoria from Groenkloof NR

Popular attractions in Gauteng
Walter Sisulu Botanic Garden; Lion and Rhino Reserve; Krugersdorp Game Reserve; Gold Reef City; Nelson Mandela Bridge; National Zoological Gardens; Museum Africa; Apartheid Museum; Vilikazi Street (only street to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners); Freedom Square, Kliptown; Union Buildings; Voortrekker Monument; Kruger House; Melrose House; Cradle of Humankind (World Heritage Site); Newtown

Waterval Boven

Popular attractions in Mpumalanga
Kruger National Park; Panorama Route; Blyde River Canyon; Bourke’s Luck Potholes; God’s Window; Dullstroom Dam Nature Reserve; Pilgrim’s Rest; Kaapschehoop wild horses; Sabi Sand Game Reserve; Sudwala Caves; Mac-Mac Falls, Berlin Falls, and Lisbon Falls; 

LIMPOPO
Capital City: Polokwane
Population: 5,64 million
Surface area: 123,910 square km
Average per capita income: R16,253.00
National Roads: N1, N11
Surrounding Provinces: North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga

Hiking in the Wolkberg

Popular attractions in Limpopo 
Northern Kruger National Park; Valley of the Olifants; The Soutpansberg; The Waterberg; Modjaji Cycad Nature Reserve;  Town of Haenertsburg; Makapansgat Valley; Mapungubwe (World Heritage Site); Baobab Trees; Wolkberg Wilderness Area; Lapalala Wilderness area; Duiwelskloof; Warm Baths Nature Reserve

NORTH WEST
Capital City: Mafikeng
Population: 3.82 million (8.2% of SA)
Surface area: 116,320 square km
Average per capita income: R22,808.00
National Roads: N4, N12, N14, N18
Surrounding Provinces: Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo

Popular attractions in North West 
Magaliesberg Mountains; De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre; Barberspan Bird Sanctuary; Elephant Sanctuary; Hartbeespoort Dam; Sun City and the Lost City; Magalies Meander; Cultural: Lesedi Cultural Village; Pilanesberg Park; Madikwe Game Reserve; Mafikeng Museum; Zeerust – Marico District

FREE STATE
Capital City: Bloemfontein
Population: 2,95 million
Surface area: 129,480 square km
Average per capita income: R25,704.00
National Roads: N1, N3, N5, N6, N8
Surrounding Provinces: North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape

Popular attractions in Free State
Golden Gate Highlands National Park; Vaal River; Vredefort Dome (World Heritage Site);  Gariep Dam; Basotho Cultural Village; Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve

Sunset at a Lodge

NORTHERN CAPE
Capital City: Kimberley
Population: 0.9 million
Surface area: 361,830 square km
Average per capita income: R33,430.00
National Roads: N1, N7, N8, N9, N10, N12, N14, N18
Surrounding Provinces: North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Popular attractions in Northern Cape 
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Namaqualand spring flowers; Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre; Diamond Fields; The Big Hole; Magersfontein and Museum; Augrabies Falls; Tswalu Kalahari Reserve; Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape (World Heritage Site)

WESTERN CAPE
Capital City: Cape Town
Population: 4,65 million (9,8% of SA)
Surface area: 125,386 square km
Average per capita income: R42,884.00
National Roads: N1, N2, N7, N9, N12
International Airports: Cape Town International
Surrounding Provinces: Northern Cape, Eastern Cape

Popular attractions in Western Cape 
Table Mountain; Two Oceans Aquarium; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens; Victoria and Alfred Waterfront; Groot Constantia wine estate; Wine Route; Robben Island; The Company Gardens; The Castle of Good Hope; Hottentot Holland Nature Reserve; Garden Route; Hermanus (seasonal whale watching)

EASTERN CAPE
Capital City: Bisho
Population: 7,04 million (15,02% of SA)
Surface area: 169,580 square km
Average per capita income: R16,038.00
National Roads: N2, N6, N9, N10
Airports: Port Elizabeth, George
Surrounding Provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal

Bungee jumping

Popular attractions in Eastern Cape
Nelson Mandela Museum; Addo Elephant Park; Hole in the Wall; Tsitsikamma; Shamwari Game Reserve; Seaview Lion Park; Valley of Desolation; Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area; The Owl House; The Wild Coast; Stormsriver bungee jump

KWAZULU-NATAL
Capital City: Ulundi
Population: 9,65 million (20.7% of SA)
Surface area: 92,100 square km
Average per capita income: R24,002.00
National Roads: N2, N3, N11
International Airports: Durban International
Surrounding Provinces: Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape

Sodwana Beach

Popular attractions in KwaZulu-Natal 
uShaka Marine World; Oribi Gorge; Hluhluwe Game Reserve; Umfolozi Game Reserve; Cathedral Peak; Giant’s Castle Game Reserve; Mont-aux-Sources; Sani Pass; Sodwana Bay National Park; Greater St. Lucia Wetlands (World Heritage Site); Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (World Heritage Site)

Hartbeespoort dam