The Fountains Hotel in the Cape Town CBD has recently installed waterless urinals in an effort to save water. The hotel is part of the Leisure Hotels Group which has strict green policies in all of its hotels.

Before you turn your nose up from reading about waterless urinals you may want to consider the following:

“These valves require absolutely no water and feature an airtight seal and deodorising dome to keep toilets completely odourless without wasting water.”

“The average urinal flush uses around 2 ℓ of water each time it is used. Retrofitting existing buildings or fitting new buildings with a water-free system has the potential to save South Africa billions of litres of water each year,” states Sanitree, the company responsible for this product on their website.

The urinals were installed at the Fountains Hotel last week. Their use will save up to 200 000 litres of water per urinal every year. They have the ability to save an office one million litres of water per year.

The product is also Proudly South African; designed and manufactured in Cape Town. AT a cost of only R260 per urinal, businesses and homes around Cape Town can save themselves enormous water costs, and save the earth some of its most important resource.

Visit www.sannitree.co.za for more information.

Artist's impression of a Green Point race

Having just recovered from the incredible 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town is now waiting with baited breath to find out if the go ahead will be given for Cape Town to start hosting a Grand Prix race in future Formula 1 Grand Prix seasons. With the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the start of this year’s season, organisers were left with no choice but to look for alternative locations. A Grand Prix generates a wealth of income for all parties involved and if political problems persist in Bahrain, the race will be permanently moved. And Cape Town is the firm favourite for the post!

Bernie Ecclestone, the “Godfather of Formula 1″ has stated that Cape Town could expect a Grand Prix “within two years” and that they are “weeks away from signing” the contract that will secure a race in Cape Town.

There are three plans in the mix in terms of potential circuits. The first, and most popular is the Green Point idea: a Monaco style race which will run through the streets of the suburb and through Cape Town stadium with a similarly difficult chicane in the centre of the stadium.

There is also an idea to create an entitely new track near the airport, and the third is to create a new track on the West Coast.

Whichever they choose, we’ll certainly be there!

Make the Stormers vs Blue Bulls match on Saturday a weekend-long celebration!

Get 2 nights accomodation at the Strand Tower with an incredible buffet breakfast, return transfers to Newlands Stadium, as well as 2 tickets ON THE HALF WAY LINE! You can get all this for only R2500!

Imagine being driven to and from the matches; no need to worry about having a few too many beers! After the match you can relax in a luxury hotel room or spend the night celebrating out on the town!

Don’t miss this exclusive offer. Tickets are limited so book now!

Email: sedick@leisurehotels.co.za or call 082 336 7800 to reserve your place.

It took me until I was about 32 and a move to the other side of the world (Holland – South Africa) to realize I could actually turn my hobby (=travel) into my work. And what a great journey it has been over the last 7 years. I love traveling to new places and getting a feel for it and figuring out what itinerary would be interesting for my future clients.

Of course it is great to be based in such a fabulous city as Cape Town. Here you really never need to have a boring moment. You would run short of time to do all the wonderful things there are to do. Ok, I won’t bore you with the obvious (Table Mountain, Robben Island, Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens) because I assume you have ticked them off your to-do list by now. No, I will hopefully share some things with you that you have not experienced yet.

MyCitibus to/from the airport

For once, just TRY IT!! Either hop on at the Civic centre or take it upon your arrival or return to Cape Town from the Airport. It is a GREAT service. I have now taken it about 3 times and every time I was by myself in the bus which is a shame. It’s only 50 bucks, the staff is incredibly friendly (they helped very kindly with my luggage), the bus is super clean, the stations are super clean and as Capetonians we MUST support it, so go off to the airport NOW!

Cycling in the city

Did you know that Cape Town is becoming more and more cycle friendly? As a Dutchie I’m of course super delighted about that and I send ALL my clients on cycle excursions. A very luxurious version starts from the Cape Grace on a daily basis. It takes you for about 2 hours through the city. 2 guides (in front and in the back) assure your safety and make certain that the group stays together and gets enough photo moments. The trip finishes with Champagne and Canapés at the Cape Grace Hotel. How delish!

www.bikeandsaddle.com

Township Bicycle Tours

The townships can be discovered by bicycle as well. Cycle around in Masiphumelele with a guide who knows the community very well. The kids will love to see you cycle and all want to hop onto your bicycle. Local craft people will be visited and during the week there will also be a school visit. It is a sustainable way to contribute to the development of the community AND much more fun than visiting in a boring bus!

www.awoltours.co.za

Hiking in the city
A hike up the pretty Lion’s Head (that cute mountain on the right of Table Mountain) should be on everybody’s to-do list when visiting or living in Cape Town. It is SUCH a great hike. The views are incredible and the hike is not too strenuous. Ok, you have to get through the first bit… You don’t need to do the chains, you can just walk around instead. Make sure to bring some snacks and water and also make sure to bring something warm to wear. It can be a bit cold on top.

Bio Jessy Lipperts
Curious traveler, hiker, food & wine lover, sustainable tourism, www.extraordinary-travel, originally Dutch but proud holder of SA ID book!

We’ve made another video, this time of Muizenberg in the South Peninsula of Cape Town.

Watch as we take you through this charming little area along the coast of False Bay.  Rich in history, architecture, amazing scenery and most of all – surfing!

Take a look: