We woke this morning to a chilly day of more mist and rain.  After breakfast it was time to say our goodbye’s to ‘Kings Grant’ and Sue and Gavin. 

We set out for Virginia Airport travelling through beautiful lush countryside and as we travelled the mist cleared and the weather perked up.

At the airport we loaded our luggage (now greatly reduced as we gave Gavin to donate to the community our building boots, hats and gloves, plus football kits for the children and stationery for the schools) into the 12 seater aircraft.

This was not your standard charter plane.  As I lowered my head to get in I could smell new leather…plush pale leather seats each with a beautifully packed lunch box placed waiting for us.

I sat, very comfortably at the back, next to the ice box full of water and soft drinks. 

The pilot (a Yorkshireman!) jumped on board, we all strapped up, the engine jumped into life and the front propeller spun.

We headed North, hugging the coastline.  Flying at only 1500 feet, the view was spectacular.  Forests, tree farms, water estuaries, wonderful houses right on the golden beaches.  After a while we headed inland and the bush and forests gave way to a dryer landscape. 

With a steep bank, we started our decent.  We glided onto the runway, little more than a dirt track and bumped our way to a stop.  The door was opened by the pilot and we all jumped out.  Just one hour from Durban and it was hot and dry.  

There was a Phinda welcome committee standing under a tree in front of a long table with crisp white cloths flapping in the breeze.  Surely the stuff of movies!

Some small children came to us singing and handing each of us brightly coloured beaded necklaces.

We had ice cold face towels and drank chilled water and munched on pineapple and mango kebabs before jumping into the 4×4’s and heading off to Phinda Mountain Lodge.

What a fabulous place!

Phinda is a Private Game Reserve in Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal around 3 hours drive from Durban or 1 hour charter flight.  Mountain Lodge is one of Phinda’s 6 diverse and luxurious Lodges on the Reserve.

 

“Phinda, which means ‘the return’, is an apt name for a project with various resonances: not only is the bush being retuned to its pristine state, but it is also seeing the return of the value of the land to its people.
“Nikki Moore - Mail & Guardian - Aug 2001 (reproduced from CCAfrica)

See our separate report on Phinda Private Game Reserve & Rock Lodge 

We pulled up at reception and escorted up small paths to a conference room with a wonderful balcony and the most spectacular views.

After an iced tea, we were shown to our rooms to unpack. My room is fab with great views of the hills and bush.

Then a short walk to the pool area for a briefing ahead of our first, and my first ever, Safari, into the 4×4’s and we rumbled out into the bush with our Ranger and Tracker.

What an experience. As we drove , we saw elephants, hippos and giraffes, impala and buffalo.

As dusk was falling we pulled into a clearing where the staff had a bar and were cooking BBQ snacks.

We were teated to a fascinating ’snake experience’ and as night fell, flame torches were lit and we drank cocktails under the stars.

Then we continued our safari by night when we saw a Genet (or Janet as we called it!) . Its looks like a young cat with fab markings.

We were seaching for lion and the elusive cheetah. After an hour driving, I heard noises. The vehicles pulled up and we saw flaming torches lining a route into the bush.  Zulu Warriors danced and sang as we walked down the path into a clearing lit with 50 or more torches and where a large campfire was burning in the centre.

The Zulu Warriors’ dance was spectacular.  It’s traditionally performed to celebrate victory, or to prepare for battle. The movements depict modes of attack and boast of male prowess - simulating the dodging and attacking associated with facing an enemy. Their dress was impressive as were the high kicks and stamping down in a display of their manhood.

We all sat on long table for dinner. The food was just incredible - BBQ beef and guinea fowl. Afterwards, we drank and talked round the fire till the wee small hours.

 Tomorrow we’re off to Sodwana Bay and whale shark tagging……

Saturday started early with a breakfast by the pool on a veranda platform with amazing views. Then off on a bus to the Sodwana Bay National Park.

It was a hot and lovely day. As the bus arrived, two 4×4’s were waiting for us.  We jumped in and the driver raced us up the dune and down on the other side we saw an amazing stretch of sandy beach and bay.

The vehicle zoomed onto the sand and down towards the water and turned South where I saw some tents in the distance.

As we arrive there was another welcoming committee from Phinda, a bar and savoury snacks served in 6 thick leather small carry cases.

At 1030 we all decided to have a G&T as a marine expert went through what was to happen that day.  

I decided to have massage under one of the canopies. It was bliss, relaxing and all the more wonderful for hearing the sea and feeling the breeze.

By the time I had finished the boat was ready to take me and two others out looking for whale sharks.

The breeze had turned into a high wind and although the sun was still out the sea was getting very choppy. We were in a semi ridged inflatable with 2 enormous outboard engines.  

(example photo, not of actual group)

We struggled to push the boat out but managed to catch a wave and jumped on board, then bumped and crashed our way through the surf. 

Meanwhile a 3 seater plane was loading up with 3 passengers to take off and go whale shark hunting. 

We started to make our way, following the coastline of beautiful sandy beaches. The skipper shouted out against the noise of the engines that he had seen a humpback whale with her baby near the shore just a little way South of where we were. 

I couldn’t believe it, we were 10ft away from the mother whale. The water was only 8m deep and the baby was playing, diving down vertically and then when it’s tail was sticking out in the air it  flapped it down hard onto the surface of the water with an almighty splash.

We watched quietly so we didn’t disturb them. 

What a sight!  Luckily the marine expert had a waterproof camera and as the mother’s head shot up and out from the water he managed to get some pictures.  

By now, the plane was overhead.  The weather was changing. The waves were getting higher and the wind had increased but just as we were about to turn back, when the radio com went and the pilot shouted out.

”We’ve spotted a whale shark”. 

I looked up and the plane was banking heavily, turning a circle. It seemed much further out to sea than we were, then our skipper pushed the throttle flat forward and the engines roared as we took off towards the plane.  

The pilot was shouting “It’s on the tip of my wing, the tip of my wing!!”  

We were weaving our way towards the plane… then I saw it. A huge shadow under the water a little to the right of me.

The engines were cut, the plane dipped it’s wing as a goodbye as it headed back….and suddenly everything was silent. 

“He’s there, 7ft from us!” cried the skipper.

Wow….the huge fish was right in front of me. I wanted to get my mask and flippers on ready to jump in and tag but the ‘marine man’ said it was too dangerous for us in the high waves.  

He jumped in instead as did another brave member of our team, John, and they managed to take a photo. They then used the swell of a wave to carry themselves almost onto the boat then leapt back in. 

We rolled around on what were now large waves and the wind was turning to a Force 7, so it was time to head back. We had drifted a very long way South. The skipper threw the throttle down hard again, the engines roared, the front of the boat lifted and we were off.  

I had to move from sitting on the side of the boat with my feet strapped and holding onto ropes, back to the centre engine hatch where I strapped my feet in and clung onto the ropes from the kit rack. It was like riding a bucking bronco. 

The waves were getting bigger and bigger and cresting in the high winds. As we came around the head land each wave towered above us, suddenly there 6 dolphins swimming around us jumping in and out of the surf.

The skipper who incidentally was a professional surfer, weaved the boat though the waves with expertise speeding up and slowing down when a particularly high wave approached. Eventually, exhausted we launched on a high wave which surfed us onto the beach…..what a fantastic ride!!

The 4×4 took us back to the beach camp and a BBQ lunch. My face stinging from the wind and the salt, we made our way back to the coach for the return to Phinda.

I just had time to take a hot bath and change ready for our CSR Forum.

During the next 3 hours we all discussed our personal highlights of the week and how the industry and our own companies are tackling CSR issues internally and externally.

The CC Africa area manager stood up and told us about their work.

Although there seemed to be a huge contrast between the build at Mziki Agri Village then Phinda, it’s important to recognise that the tourist industry in SA is very important for the local inhabitants as well as the economy.

In Phinda for example, CC Africa have 14,000 hectors of land which was originally farm land for cotton employing just 13 people. Now 360 people are employed at Phinda.  CC Africa have also  built schools and employed teachers, helping to create better, more sustainable lives and business.

Yes, in undertaking this challenge we have produced carbon emissions, however, the benefits of our trip, and our efforts in helping to produce a positive, sustainable impact on the environment we visited, I believe, goes a long way in balancing the negative impact our journeys will have created.

The forum continued for an extremely useful and interesting 3 hours.

Later, we followed the rangers by torchlight for a Boma Dinner within a reed enclosure lit by torches and a campfire in the middle. We were entertained by a local choir and then thoroughly enjoyed a sumptuous BBQ of fresh fish and wonderful beef.

It was a wonderful farewell to Phinda and we enjoyed the wine and the conversation into the night.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 54 500 acres of prime conservation land. 

Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana rivals the Great Barrier Reef.

Phinda is owned by Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa), Africa’s leading ecotourism organisation who are committed to providing world-class holiday experiences alongside investment in sustainable conservation development and community empowerment. CC Africa owns 36 exceptional camps and lodges at 17 destinations including Phinda.

“Phinda was born out of a belief that the beauty of Maputaland was worth saving from the spiral of destruction into which it has been drawn. Its first target was to repair habitat damaged by almost a century of cattle farming, to return the wildlife which had once roamed the Maputaland plain, and to build luxury, world-class destinations for visitors without whom there would not be a viable plan. The second task was to reconnect the rural communities with the land by giving people the opportunity to participate at every level in sustainable conservation development by providing employment, training and the infrastructure for small business development. ”
(annoted piece from CapeCairo)

Phina Rock Lodge is set into a cliff-face overlooking the beautiful Leopard Rock.

There are 6 six stone and adobe suites with en suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, decks and plunge pools with breathtaking views of the valley below.

• Six romantic, air-conditioned suites
• Private plunge pools and game-viewing decks
• En suite bathroom
• Three suites feature outdoor showers
• Adventurous bush banqueting
• Exceptional warm and friendly service

Private plunge pool

Capture fiery sunsets from the game viewing deck suspended over South Africa’s bushveld, or relax in your private sitting room while observing an abundance of birdlife in the trees surrounding this safari lodge and animals in the valley below.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers, on the Lodge’s exclusive deck or enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Phinda is renowned for excellent cuisine served in adventurous bush clearings under the African night sky.

As for activities, Phinda provides unique Specialist Safaris that are tailored to specific fields of conseration, animal species or general safari interest. For example their 7 Wonders in 7 days.

There’s also:
Twice-daily game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.

Interpretive Bush Walks, where you can learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, how to identify tracks and see rare birds on walks led by armed rangers and trackers.

Mzinene River Canoeing – paddling along the river flanked with lush forest you can see some of the incredible birdlife.

Mzinene Riverboat Cruise – a leisurely cruise at sunrise or sunset where you can see some of the 200 or more waterbirds, as well as crocodiles and hippos.

White Rhino Tracking - with a professional armed ranger and tracker you can set off in a 4×4 safari vehicle, searching for fresh signs of white rhino activity and then experience the thrill of tracking white rhino on foot.

Plus: deep see fishing, scuba safaris, night turtle drives, beach horseriding…

PHINDA ROCK LODGE RATES for Jan – Dec 2007
Per person per night sharing - £238 - £300
Includes: all meals, drinks, 2 game drives daily or Canoe, or Riverboard Cruise, emergency medical evacuation insurance and taxes

It was up at 6 for a last Safari before heading back to Durban airport for our connecting flight to Johannesburg.

The sun was just rising over the hills as we set off with blankets on our knees to keep us warm.  It wasn’t long before we saw the one animal we had been searching for.

The cheetah. The most wonderful sight. We managed to get really close and just sat and watched him stalking impala.

The time just flew and all too soon it was time to make our way back to the lodge ready for the off. 

I just didn’t want our time to end in this wonderful Country.

But, once packed and after a final breakfast we left by coach.

Before our flight we had time to stop off at the Zimbali Lodge for lunch.

This 5* Lodge lies in a protected nature reserve a short 30 minute drive from Durban and nestles in untouched green forest with fabulous sea views.  Birds and small antelope roam the surrounding forest. 

Sadly, our stop was short but we managed to have a look around and enjoy a delicious Indian fusion lunch before setting off for Durban and the flight home.

FINALLY…

It was the most fabulous, life enhancing, emotional, humbling, exciting, amazing week.

This was just one of the incentive trips possible. I can’t stress enough how wonderful it was to spend time in helping to make a real difference to peoples lives. How much more satisfying to actually be involved rather than simply throw money at the problem. The feeling of self achievement, of being part of a team, the insight into other’s lives is a truly priceless experience and having undertaken the journey myself I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Thank you for reading my Diary….and I hope you have a chance one day to write your own account.

We’ve battened down the hatches, donned our retro spacesuits, stocked up the cyber bar and cranked up the good ship Paragon engine ready for our BLAST OFF into the BLOGOSPHERE!

Yes, you’re going to be reading the rantings of a crew of blogging newbies….we make no excuse for talking ‘burble’ in these early days of our journey (anyone got a Babel fish handy?), blame it on the drink I say,  but… give us time and we might just get there…moonwalking in cyberspace… 

But one thing’s for sure.  We’ll be exploring the nooks and crannies of the event world, giving you lots to think about,  shining a bit of light at the end of tunnel for the occasional visitor who’s looking for inspiration…so grab a cappuccino and biscuit and lets get this show on the road!

Please feel free to leave comments..

We came across Green Tomato Cars earlier this year.  The Hammersmith based company’s fleet comprise Toyota Prius saloons that have an engine that runs partly on electric battery and partly on fuel.  This means their carbon emission is only half that of a traditional black cab and the company offsets the unavoidable emissions.

The company operates 24/7 across London.  You can either call and book or set up an account and book online.  Give them a call!  020 8568 0022

1.Our first tip is - call us!  But if you are going it alone, here are a few other tips:

2. Use LEDs
Lighting is one of the most obvious ways an event consumes energy and a growing number of technologies offer more earth-friendly solutions.

LED lights win raves for their convenience and low energy usage. An LED fixture of comparable brightness uses up to 80 percent less energy than its conventional counterpart. Another perk of LED lights is that the lights themselves come in all colours, so there’s no need to set up huge labour-intensive rigs for colour films.

Hassle Factor: None. Using them for an event is a simple request for most lighting companies.

Cost: LEDs are more expensive to produce, so hiring costs more. On the other hand, setup is much quicker and easier, so you could recoup most or all of the hire cost.

2. Rethink Your Cars
While hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius are the best-known, there are a variety of alternative-fuel vehicles on the road, and a few forward-thinking car services are offering these vehicles. Green Tomato has a fleet of Priuses for customers traveling around London and beyond. Other companies such as Chauffeur-First offer their fleet of executive Lexus hybrid vehicles. London’s 20,000 black taxi fleet will also be expected to meet strict emissions standards by mid 2008, under the Mayor’s Taxi Emissions Strategy.

Hassle Factor: Outside of major cities, finding a green/er car service is tough. For smaller events, you might be better off renting a hybrid and hiring a driver, or be creative with local and appropriate options where earth-friendly transportation is a priority. But for guests or execs who have their hearts set on a stretch Hummer or a similarly gas-guzzling ride, there might not be much you can do.

Cost: These services are generally within the same price range as other services that provide more typical town cars.
Continue reading →

If you’ve partied from Rio to Narnia, danced your way through the Moulin Rouge to Winter Wonderland and are looking for a change to the usual themed Christmas party packages on offer, then take a look at what Paragon has on offer.

This year, the Paragon team have put their creative heads together and channelled their live event production expertise into providing you with an alternative party solution.

A unique and exclusive event that guarantees enjoyment, provides a clear message of reward and recognition for your guests, supports your brand and will have everyone talking about the experience for months afterwards.

‘LIVE & UP CLOSE’ - is an exclusive, ‘Audience with’ opportunity for your guests to enjoy entertainment from one of a range of top headline acts in an intimate, up close, club atmosphere and environment. Plus enjoy a good meal, drinks and a great DJ for dancing afterwards.

Choosing from a range of live bands, singers, speakers, celebrities and acts, the format is simple, flexible and effective.

Whether you want a raw live music event or a cool Ronnie Scott style cabaret night, anywhere in the UK or Europe, Paragon design the event for you, which means you achieve your objectives and budget and, as you’d expect, they look after every detail, and your guests, from beginning to end.

Contact the Paragon team: 0870 224 2644 or info@paragoneurope.com

I wonder what the Victorian’s would think of our current day Christmas Bash?

In many Victorian firms, it was customary for employers to entertain employees and apprentices on Christmas Eve. Dickens describes one such “Domestic Ball” in a warehouse: “lamps were trimmed, fuel was heaped upon the fire; and the warehouse was as snug, and warm, and dry, and bright a ball-room as you would desire to see upon a winter’s night.” The employees are entertained by a fiddler, they dance, eat cake, cold roast and mince pies and drink beer and negus” (hot, spicy mulled wine).

The tradition of the Christmas ‘works’ party, started by the Victorians as an annual reward for staff who laboured hard for meagre pay, now loses the UK around £65m in absenteeism each year with 44% of party-goers saying the atmosphere is ‘forced’ and 1 in 5 attending out of a sense of duty. 

You might expect companies to exclaim “Bah Humbug” and scrape the pennies back into their purses…but they don’t! 

78% of Managers still believe the Christmas Party is essential in thanking staff annually for their efforts.

However, these days high workforce expectations and protective legislation can turn organising the annual Bash into a lack-lustre military operation, doomed to fall short of objectives and expectations.

Drink related accidents, upsets and embarrassments, sexual harrassment, unacceptable behaviour and the fact that employers are morally and legally liable makes detailed planning a pre-requisite in ensuring a Party’s outcome reflects well on the company.

Maybe in the future the ‘Works Party’ will move away from the usual format and an annual celebration that creates a truly unique and memorable experience will take it’s place?

Meet Dr Jonas Ridderstrale.  With an MBA and PhD in international business, he cuts through the madness and hyperbole surrounding the global economy and is at the forefront of the new generation of European-based busines gurus.

Jonas practices what he so persuasively preaches.  With his unorthodox combination of academic rigor, forceful logic and funky free-thinking, he hits home hard with a powerful message for business worldwide.

Email info@paragoneurope.com for more information.