Ever since news broke yesterday afternoon that former-president Nelson Mandela was hospitalised for "routine tests", South Africa has been holding its breath and hoping for the wellbeing of 'Madiba'. The fact that fellow Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu and Mandela's family and wife Graca Machel have visited Mandela during the "routine tests" added to speculation of Mandela's frail health. As Tutu put it: "“He was all right, I mean he’s 92, man, you know. And he’s frail.” A newspaper quoted Madiba's granddaughter writing on Facebook "I hate seeing you like this" about her grandfather. But in a statement the Nelson Mandela Foundation released shortly after the hospitalization says: "He is in no danger and is in good spirits.” Although Mandela has been out of the spotlight since the World Cup, we can't imagine a South Africa and a world without Mandela. Nor do we want to. We are concerned like everyone else in South Africa but hope our beloved former president will pull through and live to see his 100th birthday in peace and good spirits! Sala kahle, tata Madiba. Go well and stay well.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Formula 1 cars zipping through Cape Town Stadium?
The rumours have been going around for a while but now it's official... there are very serious plans to bring an official Formula 1 race to Cape Town. Organisers aim for a Monaco-styled street race with Cape Town Stadium grounds right in the centre of the action! Even better still: the altered proposal now suggests the Formula One cars racing right through the centre of the World Cup stadium! The bid company has already had talks with all spheres of government, local tourism authorities and the International Motorsport Federation. If everything goes according to plan the Formula 1 cars could be buzzing through the Mother City, and Cape Town Stadium, as early as 2013! Zippy can't wait!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
The Argus is coming!
For a few weeks now some of Zippy’s colleagues have been arriving at work all sweaty, dressed up in cycling gear… ‘The Argus’ is coming! Cape Town prepares itself for the biggest sports events in the city, with the main event taking place on March 13. The 109 kilometer long scenic route is the first race in the Golden Bike Series outside Europe and the largest individually timed bicycle race in the world! If you are not one of the over 30 thousand enthusiasts, come join Zippy and cheer on the cyclists from the side of the road! Especially for the fans, and the cyclists of course, we have compiled some really amazing specials with accommodation from as little as ZAR 250 per person! Breakfast included.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Resolution for 2011: explore Namibia!
The vast variety of landscapes of Namibia are a real treat to any traveller. Stand in awe of natural wonders like the sandy dunes and the Great Fish River Canyon. Meet Namibians of a rich cultural diversity, like the fascinating Himba people. Or get your kicks in Swakopmund, one of the adrenaline capitols of the world! Namibia, the second least populated country in the world (after Mongolia) is well worth exploring. Get to know Namibia with Zipping Zebra… We have some pretty exciting tours lined up. In the meantime the Desert & Delta Adventure (14 days) , Desert Explorer , and the Cape to Vic Falls tours will give you a pretty good taste of what Namibia has on offer!
Monday, 3 January 2011
Klopse rock Cape Town!
It's a proud tradition that stands for over a century... Every year on "Second New Year" thousands of Minstrels march through the Cape Town city center in the brightly coloured uniforms of their troupes ("klopse"). This year was no different, only the big march took place on New Year's Day as is the case when the 2nd falls on a Sunday. It didn't stop Capetonians and tourists alike from flocking to the Mother City to watch the colourful display of the minstrels dancing to the ghoema drums and brass instruments. To give you an impression of what it's like, check out the video Zippy's colleague Ronald made in 2008. 
