*This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated during 2018*
It was my first time at AfrikaBurn this year 2017 second time in 2018 going to AfrikaBurn. Because of the amount of preparation an event like that requires, I’ve put together a list of things to consider for everyone thinking on going there soon.
AfrikaBurn takes place in Tankwa Town, in the Karoo area in South Africa. The event has a duration of a whole week although it is up to you to decide how many days do you want to attend. For the last few years it happens at the end of April, at the same time of some public holidays.
How to get tickets for AfrikaBurn
Afrika Burn, as every other burn in the world, is gaining popularity. 13000 people (2017) are a lot of attendees. For that reason, tickets sell really fast. To buy one ticket you will first of all need a Burner Bio. Do the Burner Bio before the selling date so you are all ready at the exact time to buy tickets. It is better to be waiting in front of the laptop at the exact time the tickets start selling than to not have one.
How to get there
AfrikaBurn takes place in Tankwa Town. Tankwa Town is located in the Tankwa Karoo area, and it really depends a lot on your time for driving and road conditions to estimate the average distance in hours. Coming from Cape Town, you have approximately an hour and a half to Ceres (the last town before the long gravel road).
From there, you’ll start on the R355 for quite a long time. It is one of the longest roads in the country without any petrol station, so make sure to fill it up in Ceres or right before to make sure you have enough petrol for your way there and back. The road is a very long and straight gravel road. Like they say on the official website “it eats tyres”. It is true. You actually hear a lot of stories of people breaking down, and this year even though going prepared with a Toyota Fortuner and driving carefully, we had to change one tyre on the way there. Hey, in 2018 we only had to replace one of our trailers tyres, and because we didn’t have the right tools ended up driving 30km with only the rim until we found a shop (the only one in km).
What to bring
One of the principles of the event is radical self-reliance. That means there’s nothing on sale (but ice – will get there soon).
Ice is sold everyday. You have to queue for hours (literally) to get a bag. For 2017 we queued from 8:30am to 2pm to get one bag. In 2018 they had fixed and it was much better.
What you must bring to Afrika Burn
enough water (5L pp/per day)
food
tent
sleeping bag
clothes
chairs and camping tables
gas to cook
fridge or cooler boxes
Not necessary but will make your life better
lights to light up your camp and see at night
a stretch tent to make shade
Of course, the most important thing is your gift! Bring your gift! AfrikaBurn relies on the gifting community, so think on something you can make with your own hands or can give to people that sounds good. There is no organised entertainment but everyone (individually or grouping) makes something. How is it that every year there are places to eat, drink coffee, have a shower or dance? Because everyone participates. Your participation could be as easy as cooking barbecue meat one day and hand it around. Or take pictures with your polaroid camera and give them away. Or gift clothes you don’t need. Or make a group and create a cofffee shop that serves coffee every morning and payment are copliments. Make a theme camp where people can come and lay on the bean bags and watch a movie when it’s dark. Have a stage to play music every night. Make pancackes every morning. Make artworks (some will be burned, not all of them).
Have . I given you enough ideas? Bringing a gift to AfrikaBurn is a must! Start thinking..
Clothes for AfrikaBurn
Imagine being in a place where every outfit is possible and anything is crazy enough. Right, this is AfrikaBurn, you can now put together your outfits. Doesn’t matter if you mix fabrics and patterns, just be comfortable in your skin and look incredible! I’ve also never seen more people naked around, so if that is your thing, you are also welcome to go full nude!
You want to bring trainers, sunscreen, wet wipes and sunnies as basics for survival.
When the night arrives, the best outfit is the warmest one: you are going to the desert but at night it gets quite cold (Although 2017 is the best weather forecast they’ve had in Tankwa Town). Bring comfy pants, blankets and hoodies, and if you want your friends to see you in the dance floor have some type of fairy lights on you! Torches are also a good pick.
5. Leave no trace
AfrikaBurn is a Leave no trace event. Not only you are responsible for picking all your litter, but MOOP (Matter out of place) is also important. Pick up anything and everything that does not belong to the desert. That makes the list very long, as desert most likely is rocks, sand, dust and some plants.
Have you ever been? Planning for next year? Pin it!
Barcelona is a vibrant city full of activities and monuments that keep locals and tourists coming back for new, different or repeat experiences. After calling it home for the past 22 years, I’ve compiled a list for you to start ticking off, enjoy!
Looking for recommendations in Barcelona? Let’s get started!
101 things to do in Barcelona
Classic things to do in Barcelona
Visit Parc Guell and enjoy Gaudí’s mosaic dragon
Marvel at the impressive Sagrada Familia building both from outside and inside
Enjoy the best sunsets and sundowners from the Bunkers el Carmel
Experience the neighbourhood of Gràcia visiting the squares one tapa at a time (Plaça del Sol, Plaça del Diamant, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça de la Revolució)
The Boí Valley has a very special place in my heart. As a kid I started going to summer camp from when I was only 2 years old and later on I became a summer camp leader. In fact, my favourite hikes of all time have been in the mountains surrounding Caldes de Boí. During those years of hiking and exploring, I had visited two of the churches located in the area, just because they were in the village where the hiking finished. But I had never done the romanesque churches in the Boí valley route.
My friend Miriam (also a summer camp leader) and I had been meaning to go on an overnight hike not that long ago but the day was cloudy and there were thunder storms. One thing you don’t want to do is find yourself on a mountain in the middle of crazy rain and a thunder storm, so we abandoned our hiking plans and instead decided to visit the Romanesque churches.
What is the Romanesque Route in the Boí Valley
The Romanesque Route in the Boí Valley is a Unesco Heritage Side formed by 9 Romanesque churches scattered between tiny villages on the slopes of mountains. They are all part of the municipality of Alta Ribagorça located in the Pyrenean mountains of Lleida’s region in Catalonia, Spain.
The Romanesque movement was very big in Catalonia around the 11th and 12th centuries and there are many different churches in the territory that fit into the Romanesque style. These churches are in an excellent condition and have been on the Unesco World heritage list since 2000.
Important information to note
How long it takes
This route can be done in one day. In fact, it will probably take you only half a day. It all depends on your level of interest and the time spent in each location.
Local pro tip: you should stop in some of the villages for a well-deserved drink and tapa.
What to pack
You don’t need to pack anything specific, nor make any reservations. You can check here for the opening times of the various churches and for the information centre so you can plan your day around that.
Depending on the season short rain falls are possible and quite common, so come prepared.
How much does it cost
The total route is about 30km long. Depending on the car you are using and the petrol costs the price range will be approximately 2.39€ – 4.54€ for the one-way route.
To enter the churches you can either pay each entrance or get a pass covering their combined entrances. There are different options:
Pay individually (€ per person)
Get a pass (€ per person)
Sant Climent de Taull entrance fee: 5€
Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, Santa Maria de Cardet la Nativitat de Durro and Romanesque information centre: 2 €
Visit 3 churches for 7€
3 churches + entrance to the romanesque centre of information for 8€
5 churches + entrance to the Romanesque centre of information for 10€
Boí Valley and entrance to MNAC museum (in Barcelona) 15€
If you want to have a guided visit the price is +2€ per person on top of the church price.
Doing the Romanesque churches Route in Boí Valley
First Stop: L’Assumpció Del Coll
The materials used for building this church are different, and the details visible on the portal are one of its main attractions.
Second stop: Santa Maria de Cardet
The first thing you’ll realise is just how beautiful the apse is on this one. Located inside the village, you can only access it through the main entrance. It’s the only one with a small crypt inside.
Third Stop: Sant Feliu de Barruera
Inside of the village of Barruera but not on a main street, it is surrounded by fields which makes it easier to appreciate from different angles.
Fourth Stop: La Nativitat de Durro
One of the biggest in the area which shows how important the village was in the past. Over the years it has been renovated and as a result you can find not only Romanesque features but Baroque and Gothic details as well.
Fifth Stop: Sant Quirc de Durro
This one was one of my favourites because of the incredible views of the valley you get to enjoy from the church. It is probably the smallest of the nine churches in the Romanesque route and located 1500m above sea level.
Sixth stop: Santa Eulàlia D’erill la Vall
Having one of the biggest bell towers in the Boí Valley, this church was used to have views of the surrounding area and to watch over it. Visit the information centre to learn more about the area and the churches.
Seventh Stop: Sant Joan de Boí
The restorations have aimed to leave it unaltered as it was in the 12th century and it is here where we can see the importance of all the mural paintings of that era.
Eight stop: Santa Maria de Taüll
This church is in the village centre, and is the only one of the route that has buildings surrounding it. This church has Romanesque mural paintings that are now on exhibition at MNAC museum, in Barcelona. Nowadays there are reproductions of the originals shown. The mural painting in this church is the Ephiphany scene.
Ninth stop: Sant Climent de Taüll
This church dates from the 11th century and has a basilical plan. The mural painting in this church was the famous Christ in majesty scene, the symbol of Catalan Romanesque. The Christ in majesty is also exhibited at MNAC museum in Barcelona. Inside the church they show video mapping of the paintings of the major apse. This is a new technique that provides added value to visitors.
Visit the Romanesque centre
If you feel that having more background or further information about the different churches in the Romanesque route of the boí Valley would help you, visit the centre, it is located in the village of Erill la Vall, and offers it’s visitors interactive maps, videos and leaflets to help understand the architecture.
You can shop for souvenirs, organise group or guided tours and get practical information on how to complete the route.
Wrap for the romanesque churches route in the Boí Valley
We did the route from north to South (that is starting on stop nine) as we were in the mountains already. Both ways of doing it are just as good as one another, and if you are anything like me, the main attraction comes from witnessing the churches themselves. Maybe because I have been to the Romanesque centre so many times the ins and outs of the architecture didn’t interest me as much (because I already knew some of them).
With the information you can read on the churches I had enough, but I would recommend a visit for first timer’s.
Do you have extra time? Do not miss the visit to Caldes de Boí thermal spa and hotels, and walk along the water route (singed inside the village) trying different water tastes!
Have I forgot to mention anything important for the Romanesque churches Route in the Boí Valley? Please let me know in the comments!
The tranquil Algeria Waterfall is located in the Cederberg. The closest big towns are Clanwilliam and Citrusdal. The starting point of this hike is at the Algeria campsite, easily accessed via gravel road from Clanwilliam or the N7 (Algeria cape nature sign and then gravel road). There is a permit to be paid at Cape Nature reception at the same Algeria Campiste, the cost per adult is R30.
The hike to Algeria Waterfall
You are given the permit and a map. The hike starts at campsite number 23, where you can park as there is no one staying there. From there you will follow the path and cross the river (either by using the little wooden bridge or by walking across the water pipe) and then continue uphill.
One of the things I didn’t know when I started was if the waterfall was on the side of the mountain you see first or only on the other side. Now for a little encouragement! The Algeria Waterfall is on the same side of the mountain that you start the hike on.
The walk takes anything between an hour and two, depending on your fitness level. The path is mostly clear and only has two points where one could get confused. The first junction you reach you should take the path to your right (there is also a sign saying waterfall). Then once you’re almost at the top there is another junction. When you see this one you’ll know you are almost there! At this point you must take the left-hand side path (also signposted). The right-hand turn continues the path up to the summit of that mountain. From there you will start hearing the water more and more until you turn a corner where the waterfall is in sight through a straight line covered by trees. You will scramble and climb over some bigger rocks until you arrive at the waterfall.
The Algeria Waterfall
As the Western Cape is experiencing a serious drought at the time of the hike (March 2018), the waterfall wasn’t at full strength but it was beautiful nonetheless. I was the first one to get the permit that day and also the first one at the top, so I could enjoy a good few hours of the waterfall to myself. Getting in the water was freezing, but a couple shots had to be taken with the help of my early birthday present, the Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod Kit Black. I could play with different textures and exposures and that made me happy!
After putting all my clothes on and trying to warm up my body, I enjoyed the landscape. The valley views in front of me and the quietness of the early morning. Only the sound of falling water to accompany me.
The colours were vivid greens and browns and the breeze was mild. The complete sense of relaxation was intense. The best views are those you have earned, and contemplation at the summit (even if this one was not quite at the top) is one of the best feelings for a hiker. I ate my sandwich and drank some water before starting my descent.
Oh, and just before I left I had to take a couple pictures in the Algeria campsite trees
Being responsible about waste, recycling glass, plastic and cardboard is easy when you’re home.
You can go grocery shopping and even clothes shopping with your own reusable bags. Some even reduce water usage with de-pressured taps.
So when we go travelling, why do we think these things are so much harder to do? Why don’t we pick a travel agency/hotel/transport company that cares about the environment?
Why don’t we do as much as possible to reduce our impact on the planet in foreign countries as well? Being a responsible traveller starts with planning, follows on throughout the trip and finishes back at home.
In a world where travel has become such a common activity, making use of green tourism, eco-lodges or responsible tour operators is now a must. It is quickly becoming the only option clients will choose (finally!).
With society aware of how little changes help the planet, the travel industry has had to get on board. Data is showing the increase of search terms like “responsible tourist” or “eco-friendly”.
Hotels, lodges and service providers add their green certification on their websites. The world is finally ready to give nature and earth the respect it deserves.
How to be a responsible tourist before your trip: 2 easy actions
Pick your supplier considering their responsible tourism initiatives
Most responsible tourism operators will have a logo or certification on their main website page showcasing why they are a responsible tourism operator.
By clicking on these links you should be directed to either the certification board webpage or to another page where all the practices they implement on their daily operations are stated.
For example: some of the energy they use comes from renewable sources, they have de-pressurised taps and use grey water for the cisterns, they plant trees for every “X” customers.
Look for their community involvement
Usually the information can be in the same page referred to above. Initiatives like employing local people and giving back to the area are important.
Choose a local business that employs locals over a local business that employs foreigners. See if they have any charities that they contribute to regularly.
Another example is food that has been purchased around the area and is from the current season over food that has been imported.
Easy things that you can do to become a more responsible traveller during your trip
Bring your own water refillable bottle
Don’t ask for straws with your drinks. It seems so little and can have such a big impact!
Choose accommodations that:
Have energy-efficient light bulbs or are partially/fully solar powered
Have water systems that use greywater to flush or to water the garden
Recycle glass, cardboard, plastic or organic (or all of them!)
Transfers and flights: companies are committed to plant tree after X co2 emissions
Use public transport or share where possible
Walk or use bikes to lower your carbon footprint
Leave wildlife and fauna where it is. This applies to coral, flowers and all animals. Don’t go to sanctuaries where they exploit animals for money.
Respect cultures. Ask permission before you take photographs of any locals
Say no to plastic bags
What you can do to be a responsible traveller after your trip
Possibly the most important item on this list. There is a big task ahead of us: to educate the people around us. It does not have to be a big change at first, but as soon as we start changing behaviours to be more responsible tourists, other initiatives will come from within us.
The easiest example for me is when I go out for drinks with my friends. As soon as they order a cocktail or spirit with mixer they will automatically get a couple of plastic straws. Repeating a couple times that they shouldn’t be doing this or should be returning the straws is not annoying and doesn’t cause any hassle. And little by little they will become more sensitized.
Bottom line: if you love our incredible earth it takes close to no effort to implement these easy actions to become a more responsible traveller.
Being sustainable doesn’t cost you money! Do you have any easy action that I could add to the list? PIN IT FOR LATER
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