Gerry Sluiter English June 26th, 2009

Madeira is well known for its walking facilities, and we noticed that more and more visitors to Madeira are walking on their own by using various information they find in books. Unfortunately, books are published in large quantities and are not regular updated with changes due to landslides and maintenance issues. Secondly, these books are translated from 1 standard language. This is causing serious problems on Madeira.

Nature Meetings is contacted by the local authorities as soon as a walker is in difficulties. With our experience we locate the casualty, make an assessment and contact the emergency services to advice them how to handle and which tools are required.

Most of these accidents are walkers who are walking by themselves. With the aftercare we supply we noticed that most of these walkers used some kind of documentation (books, Internet or information by friend and/or family).

We understand the reasons why people like to walk on their own, however not everyone is aware of the walking conditions on Madeira (that could change daily!).

Therefore you should take precautions before you decide to walk on your own.

• Get all the walking conditions before the start of the walk, such as: weather, vertigo, tunnels, landslides, duration, and distance.
• Where do you start and finish (is there transport).
• Inform your accommodation where you going to walk, what time do you leave and what time do you expect to return. Leave your contact details with your accommodation.
• Prepare yourself properly with: shoes, clothing, walking equipment (as long as you prepare for the worst, you should be ok).
• Ensure that you have a mobile with you, and that you have the numbers from the emergency services (be aware not everyone speaks your language).

In the previous article we published more advice.

As I wrote earlier, Madeira experienced last years an increase of the casualty rate (mostly broken bones, cuts and bruises, including a few fatalities). Therefore I would advise you to consider your options.

With the transport costs, loss in holiday time, Health & Safety and all nature related information in mind, you will realise that Guided walks are saver and cheaper.

Whilst I do understand that you might want to walk on your own, you must realise the dangers you might face.

Please, consider your options!

Tags: accidents, guided walks, landslides, Nature Meetings, safety, walking

• Comments (0)

Sandra Lopes Afrikaans June 21st, 2009

Een van die pragtigste vallei in Madeira (Rabaçal)

Ons verwelkom u as ´n toeris oppad, as ´n vakansieganger of as á moontlike inwoner.
Hierdie is die land van melk en heuning van woude and meer.

A valley wat sit op hoogte van 1400m in Paúl da serra mit a kombinasie van romantiese geskiedenis en ´n helder toekoms war u verbleeding sal aangryp. Ons Laat agter Funchal mit van mense gee met ´n atmosfeer van bekoring én elegansie. Tot ´n Encumeada vaar de klimaar verander van somer na herfs, van winter na lente, soms binne een dag!

In rabaçal is a nasionale park noorde is weer van die kus af onsigbaar, waar ons loop langs grootboomwandelpad ., tot an die watervalle van Risco en 25 Fontes. Die watervalle loop met rafyne af na die see toe en oral is strome en poele. Die gemiddelde reenval is 1200mm per jaar, en as gevolg daarvan is die plantegroei welig en veelsoortig. ´n wandel omtrent 3-4 Uhr van 12 km waar loope in die hart van indigenenous laurisilva.

Ons intieme kennis van die bos en ons meegvoel met die mense wat ons gewerk en gewoon het, kan nie anders as om die leser in bosoekers aan te gryp en meet e sleur nie.

Hierdie desoekers is spesiale mense wat ´n gevoel vir misterie van die bos (Laurisilva en Levadas) het en wat hulle drome wil reasliseer.

Hierdie is Madeira (Rabaçal), en ons wens u ´n gelukkige verblyf toe

• Comments (0)

Nuno Portuguese - Português June 19th, 2009

Certamente que já lhe falaram em Levadas (canais de irrigação). Uma das opções poderá ser escolher uma para um passeio pedestre inesquecível. Entre as mais belas, está a Levada da Serra do Faial, percurso entre o Ribeiro Frio e a Portela. É desta que vos vou falar. Percurso que apesar de não ser perigoso requer alguns cuidados e onde convém estar minimamente equipado, sobretudo se o tempo estiver húmido.

Chegados ao Ribeiro Frio, tempo para visitar o parque onde poderá encontrar um viveiro de trutas, seguido de um saltinho ao miradouro dos Balcões, cerca de 3Km que podem facilmente ser vencidos em 45 minutos e efectuados por qualquer pessoa, já que não apresenta qualquer nivel de dificuldade. Depois, pode retemperar forças num dos cafés do Ribeiro Frio, antes do início dos 11Km que o levarão á Portela.

Inicie o passeio na vereda á direita, logo abaixo do café típico. Verá uma tabuleta indicando a Portela, siga esta direcção e logo abaixo após a ponte encontrará a levada, que nesta secção é chamada de Levada do Furado. Após os primeiros 20 minutos dá já para aferir das suas capacidades, pois se começar a sentir dificuldades o melhor é mesmo voltar para trás.

Agora está dentro da Laurissilva, podendo apreciar as várias espécies que a compõem em termos de fauna e flora. Numerosos endemismos ao nível dos estratos arbustivos e herbáceas podem ser observados ao longo deste percurso. Em termos de fauna destaque-se a grande variedade de invertebrados – moluscos e insectos – endémicos da ilha. Saliente-se da avifauna, o Pombo Trocaz, ave emblemática da Laurissilva.

No que concerne á caminhada , convém referir que a partir de determinada altura é necessário atravessar vários ribeiros, sendo mais fácil de os transpor por dentro destes, isto é, abandonando a levada por alguns metros. Esta é a razão principal pela qual é mais seguro efectuar este percurso – Ribeiro Frio Portela – num grupo organizado acompanhado de um guia.

Em dias sem nebulosidade, é possível ver o maciço central, com destaque para os três picos mais altos da ilha – Areeiro, Torres e Ruivo. Mais á frente, para fazer passar a levada, outrora foi necessário cortar a rocha basáltica, trabalho louvável efectuado com recurso à força braçal. Certamente maravilhas dignas de registo fotográfico.

Chegados á casa da água – designação dada á torre que encontramos ao Km8 – é tempo de descer até aos Lamaceiros, seguindo a pequena Levada da Portela e deixando a levada principal para trás. Acrescente-se que esta última segue em frente em direcção ao Santo da Serra e Camacha, adoptando a partir daqui o nome de Levada da Serra do Faial.

Já nos Lamaceiros, impõe-se uns minutos de repouso, podendo aproveitar para observar as lindas flores que por aí abundam num jardim da responsabilidade dos florestais. Depois, desça seguindo sempre a estrada, onde pode observar a antiga levada construída em pedra. Após umas centenas de metros encontrará um miradouro onde pode observar o Porto da Cruz, Penha d’ Águia e o Faial. Daqui e até á Portela siga as placas indicativas, tendo em atenção que na última descida deve dobrar os cuidados, pois as muitas raízes existentes que cruzam o solo podem causar quedas.

Chegados á Portela pode visitar o pequeno mercado de flores ou escolher entre os vários restaurantes e comer algo ou tomar uma bebida.

• Comments (0)

MW Editor English June 17th, 2009

Please follow the next safety precautions when you are planning to take a Levada walk here on Madeira:

• When taking a Levada walk for the first time we urge you do that in company of a qualified guide;
• Prepare yourself and collect all the updated information about the route you are planning to follow;
• Calculate the total time you will be spending on that route (so that you will finish the walk before dark);
• Inform the hotel your staying or any other reliable person about the route that you plan to do and the expected time of arrival;
• Do not change the course of your planned route;
• Always take something to eat and drink (such as canned fruit juices, chocolate, dried fruits etc.);
• Take extra plastic bags to put in leftovers or rubbish when you do a stop to eat/drink;
• Important that you always carry an electric torch with spare batteries;
• Take your own mobile phone, even if your operating network doesn’t exist in here. You can always call the emergency number 112 and it will search for an alternative net;
• In case of a interruption during a course (falling rocks, heavy rain or strong winds) go back to the starting point following same trail;
• By all means do not take risks;
• Take a whistle with you and wear suitable clothes and walking boots/shoes with good grip;
• In case of any accident call immediately 112 and if you cannot get through, walk on the same course and keep trying again until you get a connection;
• Stay calm and inform what, when and where the accident has happened, also the number of people involved and the status of the victims;
• The more information you transmit, the better and more efficient help will be provided.

Important phone numbers (program these into your mobile phone):

Madeira Civil Protection - (+351) 291 700 112
Emergency Number - 112

Tags: levadas, safety, walking

• Comments (0)

MW Editor English June 5th, 2009

An environmental documentary with the title “Home” will be available across the globe today … in open-air spaces as well as theaters, TV, DVD, and the Internet at www.youtube.com/homeproject (till 14th of June).

We recommend that you watch this movie. It shows stunning aerial views of the earth’s natural wonders … a great soundtrack …. but at the same time it shows incredible views of a great deal of areas where pollution, earth disruption and catastrophic climate changes are taking place. The images are combined with a message …. “It’s too late to be a pessimist.”

“In 200,000 years on earth, … humanity has upset the balance of the planet. Humanity has barely 10 years to reverse the trend.”

The film is created by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and the English commentary is narrated by Glenn Close.

It took almost three years to do this mega-movie, …. shot over 217 days in 54 countries, … providing 488 hours of footage.

Home Project Youtube

Tags: nature, video, YouTube

• Comments (0)

MW Editor Portuguese - Português March 29th, 2009

A Madeira, ilha de beleza natural excepcional, tem desde sempre sido reconhecida como um paraíso para os caminhantes, dado tudo aquilo que tem para proporcionar. Convidamo-lo a descobrir a Madeira e o seu serviço excelente, paisagens sensacionais e clima ameno.

A Madeira é uma reserva natural, em que dois terços do território estão designados Zona Preservada, onde abundam espécimes raros de fauna e flora. Em 2 de Dezembro de 1999 a UNESCO classificou a floresta Laurisilva da Madeira como Local de Património Natural Mundial.

As montanhas, vales e arribas de perder o fôlego proporcionam um contraste agudo com os tons fascinantes da vegetação exótica, que cobre a ilha como um manto verde. A existência de um extraordinário sistema de canais de irrigação construídas em tempos primevos pelo Homem, e conhecidos como Levadas, bem como as Veredas ou trilhos de montanha, permitirão aos visitantes atentos encontrar no seu caminho espécimes raros de floresta Laurisilva da Madeira.

Os passeios podem ser tão suaves ou tão excitantes quanto se queira, a escolha é interminável. A Madeira vai surpreendê-lo e satisfazer cada uma das expectativas com que possa ter sonhado.

Bem-vindo a um verdadeiro paraíso flutuando no azul do Oceano Atlântico.

Bruno Camacho Pereira
Director Regional de Turismo

Tags: laurisilva, madeira, UNESCO

• Comments (0)

MW Editor Dutch - Nederlands February 23rd, 2009

Een veel voorkomende boom op Madeira is de Eucalyptus, zeker aan de zuidzijde van het eiland. Deze boom is eind 18e eeuw ingevoerd om de kaalslag op het eiland tegen te gaan en toch in de behoefte aan hout te voorzien. Het is een snelle groeier en kan wel 5 meter per jaar in lengte toenemen. Ander voordeel van deze houtsoort is dat deze veel olie bevat en daardoor goed brandt. Grote stukken van het Laurisilva waren reeds in as opgegaan en het werd ook steeds lastiger om het hout naar beneden te halen vanaf de steile hellingen. Men had het hout nodig om houtskool van te maken die op haar beurt weer gebruikt werd in de suikerrietindustrie om de ketels mee te stoken. Het hout van deze boom is totaal ongeschikt voor constructie omdat het hout na droging ook gaat splijten en de stam in een spiraalvorm groeit. Dat laatste is ook de reden dat de bast er in lange stroken vanaf valt ….

Lees meer hierover op de blog van Marcel Peereboom

Tags: blogs, laurisilva, madeira

• Comments (0)

MW Editor English February 23rd, 2009

Madeira … A Walkers Paradise

Madeira, an island of exceptional natural beauty has always been recognised as a walker’s paradise because of what it has to offer. We invite you to discover Madeira with its excellent service, sensational landscapes and mild climate.

Madeira is a natural reserve with two thirds of its territory assigned as a Conservation Area, where rare flora and fauna abound. On the 2nd December 1999 UNESCO classified the Laurisilva forest of Madeira as a World Nature Heritage Site.

The breathtaking mountains, valleys and sea cliffs offer a stark contrast to the fascinating tones of the exotic vegetation, which covers the island like a green mantle. The existence of an amazing network of primitive man made irrigation canals known, as Levadas as well as the Veredas or Mountain paths, will enable the attentive visitors to encounter along the way the rare indigenous Laurisilva forest of Madeira.

The walks can be as gentle or as challenging as you want them to be, the choice is never-ending. Madeira will astound you and satisfy every expectation that you ever dreamed of.

Welcome to a true paradise afloat in the azure Atlantic Ocean.

Bruno Camacho Pereira
Regional Director for Tourism

Tags: laurisilva, madeira, tourism, UNESCO

• Comments (0)

MW Editor English , Portuguese - Português January 21st, 2009

Tags: festival, madeira, video, YouTube

• Comments (0)

MW Editor English January 19th, 2009

Due to the Financial crises, more and more holiday makers are looking for bargains on the web. Unfortunately, Madeira normally focused on visitors with less financial restrictions. However in the last 7 years Madeira has realized that the market is changing, and therefore they have also changed into supplying holiday facilities for the visitor with a lower budget.

Since 2008, Madeira’s authorities allowed Low Cost Airlines such as: Easyjet and Airberlin to travel to Madeira (and with great success). Other then cheap flights, we now also see that other organizations are changing their services towards the tourists needs in general.

Unfortunately, this might result with a reduction in quality and the ignorance of the requirements determined by the law.

By offering excursions on Madeira, the law has defined very strict requirements. To offer a visitor an excursion (Island Tours, Boats, Safari’s, Nature Walks etc), the organizing company must work with certified personnel, that are in possession of licenses that proves that the staff have followed a professional education on Madeira.

The holiday company requires special licenses and insurances to offer excursions on Madeira

For walks for example: the guide must be a registered “Guia Montanha” (Mountain Guide) with a license from Madeira (mountain guides with a license obtained from abroad are not allowed to guide walks on Madeira). Even if they are Alpine Mountain Guides or any other International mountain guide, they are not allowed to guide on Madeira.

Madeira is fortunate to have some reliable organizations that are covering all the excursions that visitors might want to join and with the licenses to do so. However the prices for these excursions might differ. This has to do with shops and organization that using excursions to approach visitors for Time share. By offering extremely low prices, they try to introduce guests into Timeshare.

Therefore, Madeira is actually not a Low Cost destination. However with the introduction of Low cost flights, we see that the local tourist industry is changing towards the needs of potential visitors, and by using the internet facilities you are now able to visit Madeira whatever your budget is.

Tags: guides, license, low cost, madeira, qualified mountain guides

• Comments (2)