The Roaming Boma

un•earthed - The Documentary: Coming Soon

2011-12-01T07:01:00.001-08:00

un•earthed: Hydraulic Fracturing in South Africa

- The Documentary

In January 2011, production commenced on this highly anticipated South African independent documentary. un•earthed seeks to investigate plans of potential shale gas development and its method of hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo and broader regions. The project is committed to thorough, objective research and encouraging open and accurate discussion amidst heated debates currently unfolding in the country. After filming locally and abroad, un•earthed is currently in post-production and a massive release is expected in early 2012.

un-earthed.com
facebook.com/uneartheddocumentary
Twitter: @un_earthed

Contact: unearthed.thedocumentary@gmail.com

Get ready for World Rhino Day 2011

2011-08-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

LATEST NEWS

Rhino Conservation: Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine

Get Ready for World Rhino Day 2011 [Video]
8/8/2011
It’s time to start planning for the Big Day! The Second Annual World Rhino Day is approaching and we’ve created…
South Africa’s Call for Rhino Hunting Moratorium Gains Momentum – Despite Resistance
8/7/2011
More support from within South Africa to crack down on the abuse of rhino hunting loopholes. South Africa’s Democratic Alliance…
Cookies, Crafts and Cocktails: Fresh Ideas for World Rhino Day 2011
8/3/2011
A list of creative ways for you to celebrate World Rhino Day! The Second Annual World Rhino Day is September…
Amazing Rhino-Shaped Cake! [Video]
8/3/2011
Wow! This is not just any cake – it’s a cake in the shape of a rhino! Check out the…

Did you know the world's rhino population has declined 90% since 1970?

Four of the five species of rhinoceros are in danger of extinction in the wild, due mostly to illegal trade in rhino horn and increasingly, to habitat loss. If not for conservation efforts, there would be no wild rhinos alive today.

Four of the five remaining species of rhino will become extinct in the wild in our lifetime if we do not take action to stop poaching and support rhino conservation.

Rhinos in crisis: Rhino horn is NOT medicine!

Education about rhino horn is desperately needed.

We need to teach people to stop thinking of rhino horn as a valuable commodity and start focusing on the facts. Rhino horn has no medicinal properties, no curative benefits, and no magical powers. - Rhishja Larson, author of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine (blog) and Murder, Myths & Medicine (book); founder of Saving Rhinos.

For more info please click here and go check out the Facebook page as well.

THE KAROO IS TOO VALUABLE!

2011-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Karoo is Too Valuable from Green Renaissance

VIDEO: ARE YOU ALL IN? DETOX OUR WATER.

2011-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Fracking in the Karoo.

2011-05-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is the content of a short speech given on Friday night 25 March 2011 in Cape Town by Lewis Gordon Pugh OIG (a.k.a. the Human Polar Bear) about the proposed fracking for gas in the Karoo, by Shell.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank for the opportunity to address you. My name is Lewis Pugh.

This evening, I want to take you back to the early 1990's in this country. You may remember them well.

Nelson Mandela had been released. There was euphoria in the air. However, there was also widespread violence and deep fear. This country teetered on the brink of a civil war. But somehow, somehow, we averted it. It was a
miracle!

And it happened because we had incredible leaders. Leaders who sought calm.. Leaders who had vision. So in spite of all the violence, they sat down and negotiated a New Constitution.

I will never forget holding the Constitution in my hands for the first time.

I was a young law student at the University of Cape Town. This was the cement that brought peace to our land. This was the document, which held our country together. The rights contained herein, made us one.

I remember thinking to myself - never again will the Rights of South Africans be trampled upon.

Now every one of us - every man and every women - black, white, coloured, Indian, believer and non believer - has the right to vote. We all have the Right to Life. And our children have the right to a basic education. These
rights are enshrined in our Constitution.

These rights were the dreams of Oliver Tambo. These rights were the dreams of Nelson Mandela. These rights were the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, of Desmond Tutu and of Molly Blackburn. These rights were our dreams.

People fought - and died - so that we could enjoy these rights today.

Also enshrined in our Constitution, is the Right to a Healthy Environment and the Right to Water. Our Constitution states that we have the Right to have our environment protected for the benefit of our generation and for the benefit of future generations.

Fellow South Africans, let us not dishonour these rights. Let us not dishonour those men and women who fought and died for these rights. Let us not allow corporate greed to disrespect our Constitution and desecrate our
environment.

Never, ever did I think that there would be a debate in this arid country about which was more important - gas or water. We can survive without gas.... We cannot live without water.

If we damage our limited water supply - and fracking will do just that we will have conflict again here in South Africa. Look around the world. Wherever you damage the environment you have conflict.

Fellow South Africans, we have had enough conflict in this land - now is the time for peace.

A few months ago I gave a speech with former President of Costa Rica. Afterwards I asked him "Mr President, how do you balance the demands of development against the need to protect the environment?"

He looked at me and said : "It is not a balancing act. It is a simple business decision. If we cut down our forests in Costa Rica to satisfy a timber company, what will be left for our future?"

But he pointed out : "It is also a moral decision. It would be morally wrong to chop down our forests and leave nothing for my children and my grandchildren."

Ladies and gentlemen, that is what is at stake here today: Our children's future. And that of our children s children.

There may be gas beneath our ground in the Karoo. But are we prepared to destroy our environment for 5 to 10 years worth of fossil fuel and further damage our climate?

Yes, people will be employed - but for a short while. And when the drilling is over, and Shell have packed their bags and disappeared, then what? Who will be there to clean up? And what jobs will our children be able to eke
out?

Now Shell will tell you that their intentions are honourable. That fracking in the Karoo will not damage our environment. That they will not contaminate our precious water. That they will bring jobs to South Africa.

That gas is clean and green. And that they will help secure our energy supplies.

When I hear this - I have one burning question. Why should we trust them? Africa is to Shell what the Gulf of Mexico is to BP.

Shell, you have a shocking record here in Africa. Just look at your operations in Nigeria. You have spilt more than 9 million barrels of crude oil into the Niger Delta. That's twice the amount of oil that BP spilt into the Gulf of Mexico.

You were found guilty of bribing Nigerian officials - and to make the case go away in America - you paid an admission of guilt fine of US$48 million.

And to top it all, you stand accused of being complicit in the execution of Nigeria's leading environmental campaigner - Ken Saro-Wira and 8 other activists.

If you were innocent, why did you pay US$15.5 million to the widows and children to settle the case out of Court?

Shell, the path you want us to take us down is not sustainable. I have visited the Arctic for 7 summers in a row. I have seen the tundra thawing.

I have seen the retreating glaciers. And I have seen the melting sea ice. And I have seen the impact of global warming from the Himalayas all the way down to the low-lying Maldive Islands. Wherever I go - I see it.

Now is the time for change. We cannot drill our way out of the energy crisis. The era of fossil fuels is over. We must invest in renewable energy. And we must not delay!

Shell, we look to the North of our continent and we see how people got tired of political tyranny. We have watched as despots, who have ruled ruthlessly year after year, have been toppled in a matter of weeks.

We too are tired. Tired of corporate tyranny. Tired of your short term, unsustainable practices.

We watched as Dr Ian Player, a game ranger from Natal, and his friends, took on Rio Tinto (one of the biggest mining companies in the world) and won.

And we watched as young activists from across Europe, brought you down to your knees, when you tried to dump an enormous oil rig into the North Sea.

Shell, we do not want our Karoo to become another Niger Delta.

Do not underestimate us. Goliath can be brought down. We are proud of what we have achieved in this young democracy - and we are not about to let your company come in and destroy it.

So let this be a Call to Arms to everyone across South Africa, who is sitting in the shadow of Goliath: Stand up and demand these fundamental human rights promised to you by our Constitution. Use your voices - tweet, blog, petition, rally the weight of your neighbours and of people in power.

Let us speak out from every hilltop. Let us not go quietly into this bleak future.

Let me end off by saying this - You have lit a fire in our bellies, which no man or woman can extinguish. And if we need to, we will take this fight all the way from your petrol pumps to the very highest Court in this land. We will take this fight from the farms and towns of the Karoo to the streets of London and Amsterdam. And we will take this fight to every one of your shareholders. And I have no doubt, that in the end, good will triumph over evil.

Is There Place For Fracking in Our Future???

STOP fracking in the Karoo!

Fight NOW for YOUR environment!

FIGHT for YOUR World!

[CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW]

A NEW BOMA IS BORN!

2011-04-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Check out our new creation! catch up with the photo's posted on Facebook

FRACKING WORRIES SCIENTISTS.

2011-04-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

Cradock - 16 February 2011

Scientists concerned about the threat to South Africa’s scarce water resources are urging caution before any decisions are taken to frack* large portions of the country for shale gas (methane).

Royal Dutch Shell

A number of companies, including Royal Dutch Shell and Sasol have applied for permission to prospect across a broad swathe of South Africa, including most of the Karoo and stretching up to Eastern Free State and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Professor Doreen Atkinson of the Centre for Development Support at the University of Free State (UFS) says:

“There is a prima facie case to put a hold on any decisions around fracking until studies have been done. These studies may take at least 3 to 5 years. It would also be prudent to first see the results of the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has embarked on a study. Its results are only expected in late 2012.”

The Karoo Development Foundation (www.aridareas.co.za), a public-good Trust created to promote development and facilitation in the Karoo, has expressed the view that mining is usually unsustainable (the resource runs out eventually, and mining often causes economic damage). Other economic sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, are more productive in the long-term.

Dr Danie Vermeulen of the UFS’s Institute for Groundwater Studies has noted that “we simply don't know what the outcome of such fracking will be in the Karoo”.

Geologist and palaeontologist Professor Bruce Rubidge of the University of Witwatersrand’s Bernard Price Institute says:

Poisoned Water

“We need a far greater understanding of the groundwater resources of the Karoo and what the effect of fracking will be on these resources before we can agree. The fact that companies like Shell are saying that they will use sea- and brack- water for the fracking may have unwelcome effects on the salinity of the groundwater. Also in the fracking process there will undoubtedly be some of this sea and brack water which has been contaminated with chemicals and which will spill out on the surface, as has happened in many recorded cases in America. What will it do to the soil?

“A massive drilling programme to set up a ‘grid’ of holes, with convoys of massive trucks travelling over Karoo veld will undoubtedly have a serious impact on veld and grazing. This is especially valid in areas which get very little rain and it takes a long time for vegetation to regenerate. I have seen the negative effects that the extensive drilling programme for uranium has had on the veld in the southern Karoo.”

Dr Anthony Turton, a well-known trans-disciplinary water scientist, formerly with the CSIR, says the precautionary principle must apply here.

“ In the absence of certainty, it is prudent to assume the worst and respond accordingly. In the case of fracking, there are many unknowns technologically. At best it is chasing a highly marginal resource. Invariably the costs exceed the benefits if one takes potential environmental damage into consideration. But because the benefits are so few, if things go wrong, there is not enough to pay for environmental remediation. “

Long-distance swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh (www.lewispugh.com ), who last year received the South Africa’s highest honour from President Zuma for his environmental campaigning, has stated that he completely opposes efforts to drill in the area:

He said “Growing up in Grahamstown I learnt how scarce water is in the Karoo. Why on earth would we allow a foreign company to come and drill for gas in a vulnerable ecosystem? Why would we risk contaminating our water supply? It is morally wrong. It also makes poor economic sense. We must look after our water for future generations.”

Grassroots and Vegetables

In addition to scientists and campaigners like Pugh, the Wilderness Foundation and WWF South Africa have stated their opposition to fracking in South Africa.

Smaller grassroots organisations are also concerned. The Southern Cape Land Committee, which supports farmworkers and emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape Karoo say this coming on top of news of how mining has polluted water with Acid Mine Drainage on Gauteng has them worried.

“You can’t grow vegetables or crops with polluted water. People like this come promising jobs, but all they leave is damage,” said Milton Spogter, based in Graaff-Reinet.

The various comments have been welcomed by a broad stakeholder group that has recently formed, called Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG).

The TKAG, a coalition supporting land-owners, communities, academics, and various groups concerned with potential fracking, is apprehensive that South Africa’s very scarce water resources will be contaminated. Their fears stem from dozens of recorded incidents in America where fracking fluids (a consistently undivulged cocktail of toxic chemicals) and methane have ruined borehole wells and have caused a number of explosions.

Each time a well is ‘fracked’ (and this can be done up to 18 times), around 10 000 litres of these chemicals, and sand are added to a massive amount of water (around 15 million litres) to fracture the shale rock, allowing the methane to escape. Thousands of wells may be drilled.

It’s a controversial process, especially in the Karoo, where thousands of farms and more than 80 towns are completely dependent on scarce groundwater.

Treasure the Karoo

In the TKAG’s opinion, it appears that any job creation will be minimal.

“The Karoo does not stand to benefit from any revenue from fracking. Quite the contrary. On the other hand, tourism in the Karoo has grown exponentially during the last few years, and we must protect this industry which is a much more sustainable, long-term resource than mining, and creates more jobs. Furthermore, these enterprises are more open to career advancement and business ownership by previously marginalised communities,” said TKAG founder and spokesman Jonathan Deal.

He pointed out that the fracking issue has caused an unprecedented mobilisation of civil society organisations in the Karoo and beyond. “This suggests that local people are sceptical about the undertakings of mining companies to protect or repair the environment, as well as the ability or political will of Government to enforce environmental legislation.”

For more information, please contact Jonathan Deal on jdeal@jonathandeal.co.za or 023 358 9902.

Additional information

What is fracking?Hydraulic fracturing for methane or shale gas (fracking for short) is a high-pressure process of repeatedly bursting shale rock layers deep underground using millions of litres of water, chemicals and sand so that tightly bound methane can escape. Most of the chemicals often used in fracking are known – many are toxic and carcinogenic – but corporates prefer not to reveal the mix, components or proportions, saying these are proprietary secrets.
What is shale gas?

Often referred to as ‘natural gas’, this is methane. It is a potent greenhouse gas which exacerbates climate change. It is odourless and colourless. Too much trapped in a house (as has happened in American houses where methane has entered the water supply) poses a risk of asphyxiation and violent explosions .

Who wants to frack South Africa?

Falcon Oil & Gas (www.falconoilandgas.com), an American company, has already completed their public consultation through SRK (www.srk.co.za) to prospect for shale gas on 2 500 Karoo farms stretching from Merweville to Aberdeen and beyond.

Royal Dutch Shell Shell (www.shell.com) has just begun its public consultancy process through Golder Associates (www.golder.co.za) prospect for shale gas over 90 000 square kilometres of Karoo just north of Falcon’s concession. They will be handing their Environmental Management Plan in to the Petroleum Agency of South Africa in April 2011.

Bundu Gas, which was first in the fray to drill for gas, was stopped by court action. It has been bought by Sunset Energy (www.sunsetenergy.com.au) which intends applying to prospect in the 3 100 square kilometre concession area near Graaff-Reinet.

Sasol (www.sasol.com) , America’s Chesapeake Energy (www.chk.com) and Norwegian companyStatoil ASA (www.statoil.com) have also received a Technical Cooperation Permits to frack 88 000 square kilometres of the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. They have not yet begun public consultation.

For more information, see the exploration map on Petroleum Agency SA’s website: www.petroleumagencysa.com.

How was TKAG formed?

The TKAG sprang from a rapidly expanding Facebook page established by writer Jonathan Deal at the end of January 2011. Called Chase SHELL OIL out of the Karoo, it already has well over 2 500 members, who are posting the latest research and updates on the site daily.

Deal (who wrote a well-received book called Timeless Karoo in 2007) was initially bemused by the massive wave of support, but because of his passion for this highly biodiverse arid region, decided to take things a step further.

What is the TKAG’s Mission?

We commit to raise and maintain awareness of the Karoo at every level in our land,
to mobilise manpower and money to oppose fracking and its proponents.
We will harness our energy and resources consistently to protect and develop the Karoo sustainably and in an environmentally sensitive way for all the people who love her and live in her – today and in the future.

Useful links:

Karoo Anti Hydraulic Fracturing Action Network: http://kahfan.blogspot.com/
Wikipedia’s definition of fracking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing
Fracking – Pollution and social strife:http://www.theecologist.org/trial_investigations/687515/us_natural_gas_drilling_boom_linked_to_pollution_and_social_strife.html
Vanity Fair business feature on Frackinghttp://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2010/06/fracking-in-pennsylvania-201006?currentPage=1
Johann Rupert Podcast with Alec Hogg http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page299360?oid=527741&sn=2009+Detail
The Daily Maverick’s report http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-02-08-royal-dutch-shell-really-wants-to-frack-up-the-karoo
Business Day – Fracking fracas reveals lack of Government planning

http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/Content.aspx?id=133655

An Updated Take On Global Warming

2011-04-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Wake Up, Freak Out - then Get a Grip from Leo Murray on Vimeo.

Get your hands dirty, do something.

2011-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Stop Proposed Natural Gas Exploration in the Karoo

2011-03-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

NEWS: Groot Kloof & Joburg braai

2011-03-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

During April The Roaming Boma will be braai'ing in Johannesburg again with Dan-the-Man Bester, and then we'll be going on another excursion heading on out to the North West Province for some kloofing adventure through some of the lesser known gorges and mountain streams in the Magaliesburg mountains. One to look forward to will be traversing through Groot Kloof, where we'll encounter a 20m abseil down the side of one of the waterfalls. We did a survey of the route this week, and there's one thing we're sure of: It's going to be fun!

Earth Hour 26 March 2011

2011-03-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

excerpt from www.earthhour.org

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

Earth Hour by WWF

Earth Hour is organized by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries, it’s one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

Roaming Boma's Ultimate DVD list

2011-03-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Gladiator
Into the Wild
Saving Private Ryan
Of Saints & Soldiers

~ send in your suggestions to roamingboma@gmail.com, with Subject heading "DVD"

Roaming Boma in Joburg, South Africa

2011-03-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

NEWS: THE GREAT BRAAI 4 HERITAGE TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

2011-02-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

By Jan Braai | Published January 11, 2011 on http://braai4heritage.co.za/

40 Days, 40 Heritage Sites, 40 Braai's. Starting on 13 March 2011 in Cape Town we will drive around the country and spread the Braai4Heritage message as we go. At each significant heritage spot where we stop over we will braai the local speciality, in the local way, together with local people, using the wood used by the locals (coming from alien vegetation). And the route is:

Cape Town (Western Cape Fynbos – World Heritage Site) 13/3
Stellenbosch (Wine capital) 14/3
Lambertsbaai (West Coast fishing village) 15/3
Port Nolloth (West Coast diamond area) 16/3
Richtersveld (World Heritage Site) 17/3
Springbok (Regional Capital) 18/3
Augrabies (Waterfall) 19/3
Upington (Regional Capital) 20/3
Kimberley (The big diamond hole) 21/3
Bloemfontein (Grey College, future Springbok rugby players) 22/3
Vredefort Dome (World Heritage Site) 23/3
Potchefstroom (Regional Capital) 24/3
Rustenburg (Home of Bafokeng tribe) 25/3
Pretoria (Home of the Bulls) 26/3
Polokwane (Regional Capital) 27/3
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (World Heritage Site) 28/3
Tropic of Capricon (Geographical landmark) 29/3
Pretorius Kop (Oldest campsite in Kruger Park) 30/3
Nelspruit (Regional Capital) 31/3
Cradle of Mankind (World Heritage Site) 1/4
Johannesburg (1995 Rugby World Cup winning drop goal kicked here) 2/4
Soweto (First 2010 soccer world cup goal scored here) 3/4
Sharpville (1960 Sharpville masacare) 4/4
Spioenkop (AngloBoer war battle of Spioenkop) 5/4
Nongoma (Royal palace of King Goodwill Zwelithini) 6/4
St Lucia (World Heritage Site) 7/4
KwaDukuza (Shaka Zulu royal palace and place of death) 8/4
Durban (Regional Capital and surfing capital) 9/4
Ukahlamba Drakensberg (World Heritage Site) 10/4
Sani Pass (Highest pass in Southern Africa) 11/4
Qunu (Home of Mandela and Mandela Museum) 12/4
East London (Regional Capital) 13/4
Grahamstown (1820 Settlers) 14/4
Port Elizabeth (Regional Capital) 15/4
Graaff Reinet (Largest concentration of national monuments in SA) 16/4
Knysna (The Heads) 17/4
George (Regional Capital) 18/4
Agulhas (Southern tip of Africa) 19/4
Hermanus (Whale and perlemoen conservation) 20/4
Robben Island (World Heritage Site) 21/4

Funny Pictures, Videos, Downloads & More

2011-02-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

2011-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Cape Town

2011-02-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Camps Bay, Cape Town

2011-02-28T05:03:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in The Fish River Canyon, Namibia

2011-02-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Pretoria

2011-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in The Northern Cape, South Africa

2011-02-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Kommetjie

2011-02-24T13:02:00.001-08:00

Roaming Boma in Namibia

2011-02-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma in Magaliesburg

2011-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

Roaming Boma Founders - born from the Spirit of Adventure

2011-02-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

We absolutely have to lay tribute to the founders of The Roaming Boma (see images below).

Without these extraordinary people even realising it, they were the catalyst in started something very special. In a matter of a few months a small braai'ing revolution was born; one which over the years has evolved into something fantastic, and something which we're immensely passionate about. You can read more about the whole story of how this "roaming boma thing" came about, HERE.

Jared "Slim" Truter Keanan "Fro" Reis

Chris "Whitey" Hooton Dan "The Man" Bester

Ken "Trolley" Treloar Meghann "Megz" Bailie

Michelle "Princess" Pelser Warrick "Wally" Holland

The Roaming Boma Gallery

2011-02-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Magaliesburg Namibia Kommetjie

Northern Cape Pretoria Fish River Canyon

Camps Bay Cape Town Tamboerskloof

Johannesburg

How to Make Your Own Boma

2011-02-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

We're all about spreading the word, so here's a short read on how to create your own "roaming" Boma.

We like to create new Boma's or "fire pits" from materials which have been thrown away by others or are otherwise of no use, but fit the Roaming Boma criteria.

Things like: old metal car wheels/rims, plough shears, metal piping, scrap-metal, old cast iron rods, old washing machine drums, things like that. We're all about recycling to create something useful.

In the pictures below, we've quickly welded together a plough sheer/blade, a scrap metal ring, and an old VW Golf rim - the result was a simple design which will serve a great function.

If you take a look at the picture above you'll see there's a gap between the base and the rim - made by welding in a metal ring to lift the rim off the base.

You can use this method or you can create ventilation holes along the sides of the boma's "bowl" in its bottom half (or everywhere along the sides if you're building a "deep" or tall Boma.

Remember that ventilation is paramount. Without oxygen your fire will suffer and keeping it alive and will take a lot of hard work.

"We don't like too much hard work, we like chilling out, so we believe in good ventilation!"

Ventilation holes nearer the bottom work well as they allow cooler air (which is found nearer the floor) to feed the flames. The heat rising from the Boma when it is lit creates a miniature air-flow: Heat rises, colder air takes it's place, and the fire is constantly fuelled by fresh air.

Roaming Boma Germany

2011-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Bremen. Hilberath, Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Franzes: +4917 338 623 62
Ken: (email) ken.runningwithhorses@gmail.com

Roaming Boma South Africa

2011-02-08T08:58:00.001-08:00

Pretoria. Cape Town. Johannesburg

Email: roamingboma@gmail.com

Chris: +2783 342 06 39

Ken: +2782 059 45 66

Get in Touch

2011-02-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Please feel free to contact us with any queries whatsoever.

South Africa

Email: roamingboma@gmail.com

Chris: +2783 342 06 39

Ken: +2782 059 45 66

Deutschland

Email: roamingboma@gmail.com

Franzis: +4917 3386 23 62

Once upon a time...

2011-02-07T05:49:00.001-08:00

At a time where men roamed free, there was a flood. A flood of such epic proportion, that it brought with it huge waves surging and bursting with danger, death and brute collateral destruction like none seen before. Few were spared the ravages of it's fury, but against all the pre-conceived odds came a beauty so dormant and fierce - it was almost lost forever.

A group of young survivors, a band of brothers at the turbulent fringe of adulthood, exploring the aftermath, came across an element foreign to their land. It lay silent, yet it was to prove even more powerful than the The Flood which just moments before had wreaked a fantastic havoc in, through, over, around, and into their very lives. The element, now found, would do the same in unimaginable ways still unbeknown to the brothers. All it needed for it's magic to bloom, was to be believed in.

The brothers carried the stricken hunk of metal back to their village, intrigued by it's abrupt arrival, it's beautiful geometry, exuding a kind of radiation made of an indescribable aura. It was the sweet stench of possibility.

The brothers although young, were skilled in many crafts. Their village and it's people were known to be particularly skilled in the ancient art of Geselenskapvuur, once practised all over their vast land - and probably yours too - but now almost lost in the depths history forever. Many men young and old can make a simple fire; but few know of a real Geselenskapvuur.

The brothers knew it. They knew it in all that their fierce hearts were... that their new treasure was to be the newest and largest constituent of their beloved art. In their tight circle advances in Geselenskapvuur technology was well on it's way to it's glorious pinnacle.

Modifications were on their way, and the artefact delighted in his newfound handlers - lending itself to the skilled craftsmen and their art. A boma, a travelling fire-pit so simple and robust - it either stunned onlookers from outside of the closely-knit circle, with their irritated looks of disbelief, or it passed under their noses invisible. Those who could not see it were those with waning faith in the very art their ancestors had pioneered. None seemed to believe in it's power.

The brothers were due to depart on Die Lewe, the journey of adulthood. It was custom to be split from the rest of the villagers - sent on an incomprehensible adventure. The brothers would not allow Gabriel to be thrown back into the wilderness, useless by the none believers - and so amidst all the confusion of Die Lewe festivities - they stole him away. Geselenskapvuur was saved and was to live now, as in the times of old, wherever the brothers were to roam.

However, as Die Lewe custom has always done, even with the brothers as close as they were, it separated them shortly after it got underway. Miraculously, two of the brothers managed to find each before the journey was too far in, and together they smuggled Gabriel to safety.

Today, they seek out the others, wherever they may be. Along the way, they also teach their art - as masters - to any who yearn to learn it - but most importantly, to any who venture to believe.

About us

2011-02-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

The Roaming Boma is all about you and me. It's all about travel, friends, firelight, braai's and good times. It's about seeing those epic sunsets, and experiencing breathtaking landscapes.

It's good food, it's laughter, it's leisure, and it's relaxation. It's all about leaving your stresses and worries behind you. ....above all, The Roaming Boma is about having an Adventure. Come with us, and live a little!

We organise braai's and other special events, we go camping, hiking and rafting, as well as organise trips to top tourist destinations.

The name was suggested by a friend; she pointed out that the Boma really was somewhat of a traveller... and so, The Roaming Boma brand as we know it today was officially created by Ken Treloar and Chris Hooton in late 2009.The seed of the Roaming Boma story itself was actually planted back in 2005 when a group of friends working out in the South African bush during their Gap Year decided to create a simple yet effective fire-pit or "boma" which they could use, transport, and handle with ease. They fashioned their Boma out of nothing more than an old automobile rim and home-made tripod. It seems that necessity really is the mother of invention.
Nowadays there's physically more than just one Boma; there's branding, merchandise, vehicles, unforgettable memories and more. The humble beginnings of a few friends meeting for a braai somewhere in and around South Africa has evolved into an African travelling and events management company we can truly be proud of.