We happily abandoned our rental car (no private vehicles are allowed in the reserve) and scampered into the back of the open 4×4 safari vehicle, while our game ranger collected and stowed our luggage. Then we were off on our +/- 30 minute “transfer” to the lodge. Within minutes, Welgevonden lived up to the meaning of its name (well found), as we sloughed off the tiredness of the trip and found that sense of peace and the true relaxation that can only be experienced in the bush, with an almost immediate sighting of a Zebra mother and foal …

The 34,000 hectare reserve is home to over 50 mammal species (including the Big 5), prolific birdlife (over 300 species) and more than 10 different lodges offering accommodation to visitors in search of the ultimate holiday – a game experience. The lodge we would be calling home for the next 3 days is Sediba Private Game Lodge. This 5 star, thoroughly luxurious lodge is set on a rocky hillside amidst a forested valley proliferated with trees and their warm and cold blooded inhabitants.

Arriving at the lodge, we were warmly greeted and escorted through the main lodge, to our own private chalet, one of only ten, all connected via wooden walkways. The lodge is unfenced and we were immediately advised to call reception for an escort should we wish to leave our suite at night. Though safe to walk around during the day, the lodge has been visited by the occasional predator and the adage “better safe than sorry” is immediately appreciated.

Our palatial suite could not have provided a more comfortable respite. The open-plan bedroom and lounge area feature floor to ceiling windows and doors opening onto our own private deck surrounded by trees, with a Jacuzzi for 2 and an outdoor shower.

Though at first disappointed that we’d arrived too late to join the afternoon game drive, this was swiftly allayed by the discovery of a troop of Vervet monkeys which seemed to have made the trees surrounding our chalet their sundowner spot for the day. We settled into the Jacuzzi with a glass of fine South African wine and watched them leap from branch to branch. Their inquisitive natures led them closer and closer (one was brave enough to scamper onto our deck), but just a movement or word from us and they’d disappear, darting back to the safety of the branches from which they’d come.

Nightfall brought its own wonders. After a quick outdoor shower as the sun set, we were collected with a smile and escorted to dinner. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let me assure you that dinner at Sediba is an event and though you may be tempted to indulge in a candle-lit dinner in the privacy of your suite (something I highly recommend), make sure that you experience at least one dinner in the Boma.

Although not one who enjoys waking up early the 6am wake-up call had me bounding out of bed, eager to set off on our first game drive. Moments later we had embarked, cameras and binoculars in tow. Three of the Big 5 graced us with their presence over the course of the next 2 days – lion, elephant and rhino (Welgevonden boasts one of the largest rhino populations of any private game reserve in South Africa) – but my favourite sightings are always of the “less in demand” inhabitants of the reserve – a herd of Waterbuck making a hasty retreat and thereby showing off their target-like markings on their rears, Warthog scrounging and digging for roots, Klipspringers hopping from rock to rock, being introduced to a huge scorpion.

Between game drives, indulge in a massage at the Health & Wellness Centre, take a dip in the pool or relax on the deck with a good book. If you like to sit and watch the open plains in the hopes of spotting some game, Sediba may not be for you. Its location, though stunning, does not offer great game watching from the lodge itself – you are unlikely to look out and see giraffe, antelope or other large game, though monkeys, birds, butterflies and the odd klipspringer are frequent visitors. But Sediba offers a tranquillity seldom experienced elsewhere. That delicious sense of boredom, which leads to an afternoon nap, is so rare in today’s frantic lifestyle and to read for 4 hours and not feel like one should be doing something more productive, is an unexpected joy.

Two days later, setting off on our return journey to Johannesburg, it wasn’t long before our cellphones began chirping again and the roads became progressively busier as we approached the airport. I felt a sweet sense of loss – one which will only be alleviated with my return to the African bush. Peace, tranquillity, relaxation and an appreciation for our natural heritage are well found at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.

Photographs: Click on the thumbnails to view large photographs:

Useful Links:
Welgevonden Hotels
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Limpopo Game Reserves
South Africa Game Reserves

Game Walk

The romantic notion of walking in the bush and viewing wildlife with nothing but the tall grasses and trees of the savannah between you and your goal, is swiftly replaced with a thumping heart and light sweat. Realising that you are out in the open with nothing but a rifle and a ranger (albeit a well-trained and experienced ranger) between you and a wild animal is a humbling experience. Almost immediately after leaving the safety of our 4×4 open safari vehicle, our ranger laid out the rules:

• Do not run or I will shoot YOU.
• Stay behind me and the rifle at all times.
• If I tell you to do something do it immediately.

Looking for tracks

Now, I just had to ask what he might tell us to do. “I might tell you to get up a tree or run for a thicket once I have its attention. If so, do it and don’t check where I am, leave me to deal with the animal” was the response I got.

With the fear of God put into me, we started off – two brave (read, quaking in our boots) travellers and one ranger. We left the well defined road and embarked on a footpath littered with animal droppings and tracks. Now would probably be a good time to let you know that the largest animal we saw was a preying mantis. In hindsight this was a little disappointing, but at the time this coward (for one) was a little relieved that we didn’t come across the pride of lions which had been seen in the vicinity just a few short hours before. Nevertheless, the hour and a half we spent in the African bush with our ranger, Doug, was perhaps the most educational time we spent in the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.

Elephants were here ...

While on a game drive with him the day before, we’d often seen him stop to check tracks and droppings, but on the walk he explained what he was looking for, what he was seeing and what his observations meant – the direction of tracks, whether or not they were fresh, which animals had passed through the area. For example, did you know that hyena droppings are white? This is because of the high concentration of calcium in their diet (mainly bones).

Wandering through the area, Doug pointed out tusk marks left behind by a herd of elephants, the tracks left by said elephants (interestingly, these tracks are slightly larger than what should be left behind, because the leg span of elephants is such that the rear paw lands almost exactly where the front paw left it’s print), the tracks left by giraffe (imagine a camel print), hyena and various antelope, the most notable being that of the diminutive Klipspringer which because of it’s rock-hopping abilities is the reverse of other antelope (if you didn’t know this you’d head off in the wrong direction if you were tracking them).

Game Walk

I also finally had the opportunity to ask him about his experiences. How long he’d been a game ranger for, how he’d amassed his vast (should say endless) knowledge of the fauna and flora of South Africa, where he’d worked before and which reserves he counts among his favourites.

By the time we’d looped back to the vehicle and were on our way safely back to the lodge, I was filled with a true sense of peace and a much greater understanding of what these game rangers (who give us some of the best memories of our lives) must go through every day.

If you ever have the opportunity to go on a game walk, I can thoroughly recommend this activity. Just make sure you have an experienced guide with you. This is not a walk in the park (excuse the pun), it’s a dangerous outing, though potentially the most-rewarding experience you’ll have while visiting our beautiful country.

Useful Links:
Sediba Game Lodge (within the Welgevonden Game Reserve)
Limpopo Game Lodges
South Africa Game Reserves

Useful Links:
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Limpopo Game Reserves
Limpopo Attractions

The most recent of these being a weekend at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa – the only 5 star venue of its kind, set in the bushveld of the Limpopo Province, 1.5 hours north of Pretoria by road or 1 hour flying time for the 11 helicopters who took to the skies from Rand Airport.  Remembering that it’s not just the journey that is important but how you get there that makes your trip something to remember for the rest of your life, we lifted off at 10h00 for what was to be an unforgettable adventure.

Zebula is a prime training area for mountain flying due to its close proximity to the Waterberg Mountains.  It’s a special place that offers much to most from golf to cheetah’s to spa treatments and gourmet meals.  The cheetah run is a highlight as Taran and Luka amaze you during their performance doing 0-100km in just 3 seconds, which is faster than a Ferrari!!

Some of the other activities include horse back safaris, clay target shooting, quad biking, fishing, game viewing and the snake and reptile park.  As we were there mainly to fly there wasn’t enough time to experience everything so another visit needs to be planned.  Mountain flying in a helicopter can be a challenging environment even for the most experienced pilot so we go there to learn wind finding procedures, pinnacle landings, mountain approaches and take-offs, mountain weather, valley flying and helicopter performance at altitude.

For me the helicopter is a place where many emotions are experienced, lessons are learnt, it’s a keeper of dreams but a place of deadly serious encounters yet also where I discover much about life, I learn about joy, pride, humility, fear and overcoming fear.  I experience much from this place that most people would never see.  At times it terrifies me, yet I can feel at home here, it is my place where I can truly live.

It was a spectacular, exhilarating experience!!

Useful Links:

• NAC Training Website (National Airways Corporation)
• Zebula Golf Estate & Spa
• Things to Do in Limpopo
  

Large areas of conservation differentiate the Limpopo from most other provinces, where adrenalin seekers find a realm of untouched nature that offers endless opportunities in the wild. If it’s untamed bushveld and wilderness you are after, then the home of the mystical and fabled rain queen, Modjadji, and the treasures of a rich cultural heritage are where you will find them …

Game Viewing

The northern section of the Kruger National Park lies in the Limpopo, renowned for its effortless herds of elephant and buffalo, whilst private game reserves border this reserve offering endless game viewing opportunities. Endeavour to walk at least one of the incredible forest trails of the Soutpansberg, and then beyond the mountains to the land that sweeps towards Zimbabwe, dominated by mopane trees and ancient baobabs.

Go kloofing in George’s Valley gorge:
Actually you’re spoilt for choice in the beautiful George’s Valley Gorge as you can abseil, kloof, tube, rock climb, hike and just about anything else here too. George’s Valley lies on the R528 between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen right in the heart of the Groot Letaba River’s journey through gorges and gullys. Kloofing is for the more adventurous. You can otherwise float or swim down various sections of the more calm and peaceful waters. Converseley, bum slide or rock hop your way over waterfalls, or jump into pools.

Contact: Adventure Lifestyles on +27 (0)82 321-5430.

Go Tubing

White water tube (’geckoing’) the Groot Letaba River:
White water tubing is also known as ‘geckoing’ and probably the most fun you can have on water. The gecko-tubing begins high up in the gorge of the Groot Letaba River and follows fairly calm waters and breathtaking views.

Be warned, there are also roaring white water rapids en route for the more adventurous.

Contact Thaba Metsi Adventures on +27 (0)15 276-5096.

Raft the Blyde River Canyon:
This is an extreme whitewater experience, so not for the feint-hearted; helmets and endurance are necessary. One of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the Blyde River allows one to paddle demanding rapids (excitement bordering on truly challenging), take in some of the most awesome scenery that begins in the Mariepskop Forestry Reserve and ends as the Blyde River joins the Blydepoort Dam, and the Three Rondavels above you against a sheer wall of rock. It’s a full day’s worth of fun and exhilaration. Or you can opt for an overnighter at a rustic busy camp in A-frame huts.

Contact Umkulu Safaris on +27(0)21 853-7952 or The African Rafting Company on +27 21 853 2453.

Canopy Tours

Take the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour:

Your chance to travel the upper level of the indigenous forest and ancient mountain cliffs that overlook the Groot Letaba River gorge. This is a combination of slides and platform viewpoints that include sliding over three giant waterfalls. Aimed at thrill seekers of any age (well, those older than seven at any rate), the cable slides over some of the most incredible scenery and will leave you breathless, both from the sheer adventure of it all, and from the views.

Contact Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour on +27 (0)83 866-1546

4×4 African Ivory Route trails:
Drive, or join an organised tour on, the  4-5 day self-drive version of the wild Ivory Route, and follow in the footsteps of legendary hunters who stalked great herds that used to roam these parts. The Ivory Route crosses mountains and sandveld plains, including 54 nature reserves. The route is kept as basic and as wild as possible, consequently large parts of it are only navigable via 4×4. Tracks wind past thorn trees connecting traditional villages with tented safari camps. The route combines elephant migratory routes with those of ivory, gold and slave merchant routes, and crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the country.

Skydiving the Waterberg

Skydiving in the Waterberg:
If launching yourself out of an aeroplane with only a parchute between you and a rather hard landing is your kind of thing, then skydiving, whether tandem or solo, will blow your mind. Once you leave the aircraft from 11 000ft (over 3.5km high up) you experience the feeling of freefall, your life will change forever!

The views, if you can divorce yourself from the fact that you’re in the air without a lifeline, are pretty spectacular, and the jumps over the Waterberg are exhilirating to an extreme.

Contact: 083 SKYDIVE or +27 (0)83 759-3483

Useful Links:
Find a bunch more activities and adventure experiences at Things to Do in Limpopo – from wildlife encounters to extreme adventure there is plenty to keep you busy in the Limpopo Province. For a good deal on accommodation see Limpopo Game Reserves or browse through accommodation in Limpopo – you deal directly with the accommodation owners so you pay less – No Commission, No Service Fees!

Tunnel in Hans Merensky Nature Reserve – By and © Ester van Dyk (South Africa)

Water buck Twins – Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Hoedspruit by Madelein Calligeris (South Africa)

Giraffe in front of Baobab

Picture yourself relaxing on the deck of a luxury game lodge, watching the sun set over the baobabs, while feasting on locally grown tropical delights, such as avocados, litchis and mangoes. If your goal, when traveling in South Africa, is to experience the untamed, natural beauty, diversity of fauna and flora, then the Limpopo Province is the destination for you.

Roughly half of the world famous Kruger National Park is situated in this province, along with a host of other nature reserves and game farms, and this makes for a wild, untamed place.

This is perfect viewing territory for the big 5, the symbols of Africa, and on the Lowveld area of the province, there are vast plains of grassland, populated with curious looking baobab trees, which seem to have been planted upside down.

At the other end of the scale, the Wolkberg and Blouberg mountain ranges offer spectacular hiking trials in a natural, unspoilt wilderness, as well as some excellent rock climbing opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels of experience. White water rafting is another high adrenaline option, with the Olifants and other rivers offering some spectacular rapids.

Lake Fundudzi

However, Limpopo is not all about wilderness and white water. There is an esoteric, mystical element to the province too, as this is the ancestral home of Modjaji – the rain queen. Visit Modjaji’s forest, an ancient stand of cycads, steeped in local legend, and under the personal protection of the rain queen herself.

On the other hand, plan a trip to the world famous city of Mapungubwe, proof of civilization on the African content between the 11th and 13th centuries, and home to fascinating artifacts, such as the golden rhino, as well as irrefutable proof that local peoples were trading with the East at the time. This is yet another of South Africa’s world heritage sites, and well worth a visit when passing through, or staying in the province.

Modern day members of the Zionist Church make an annual pilgrimage to this area, to the city of Moria, every Easter, to spend a weekend praising God, and their ancestors. Zionism is a form of religion that blends traditional beliefs with western Christianity.

Of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a trip to Bela Bela, and its famous warm water springs. There are many more springs located throughout the province and some have been developed into luxury hotels and spas.

While Limpopo may not be an ideal destination for those addicted to the frenetic pace of city living, it is certainly a great choice for those travelers looking to tap into the untamed majesty of Africa.

Useful Links:
For further information or to book your Limpopo holiday, please visit:

• Limpopo Attractions
• Things To Do in Limpopo
• Limpopo Accommodation
• Limpopo Hotels

Jespha - The older ...

In Limpopo, bordering the historic Leydsdorp where gold was 1st discovered in South Africa in 1891, you will find a wildlife reserve and sanctuary that is held in trust for more than 4500 rescued wild animals.

Many wild animals have been rescued by the SanWild Wildlife Emergency Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre over the years and what makes this reserve unique is that your hosts are the animals themselves; Among them are two charming French hippo bulls called Tonga and Aldo. They recently “immigrated” to South Africa from Paris after being confiscated by the French conservation authorities from 2 separate travelling circuses in France. KLM airlines donated their airfares and the hippos have formally been appointed as the SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary’s ambassadors for 2008.

Tonga - a rescued Hippo bull

Sharing the hippos safe “haven” are the neighbours who relocated to SanWild in 2006 before they could be hunted in a culling operation in KwaZulu Natal. The famous Thukela elephants have now established themselves in their new territory and learnt to trust and not fear mankind.

Lurking in the shadows and regularly seen on night game drives are the terrible trio; three hand raised brown hyenas who had a Thabazimbi farmer and his team searching for 48 hours after their mother’s untimely death to find the small unweaned cubs that would have died was it not for human intervention. Called Noki, Tickle and Tom these very special creatures presence is welcomed in a wildlife reserve where animals most definitely have the right of way.

Kariba and her new Giraffe friend

On regular camp duty is Kariba, a hand raised giraffe calf that was rescued after her mother had been caught in a poacher’s snare. She has grown into a stunning young female who loves hanging around the tourist camp where she keeps a close eye on the visiting humans while acting as the camp’s Public Relations Officer.

It is only the presence of yet another two wild animals rescued from poaching that can persuade Kariba to stand aside; Wireless and Tshu, two hand raised white rhinos also do enjoy visiting the waterhole and as they have no fear of humans may settle down for an afternoon nap in the shade.

Almost every animal in this reserve has a story to tell and you are now invited to meet them yourself and at the same time contribute to their welfare and safety.

Sadly this year has been particularly bad for animals in the 6000 hectare reserve as a result of the prolonged drought and SanWild urgently needs to raise funds to continue to purchase food to keep the animals going until the 1st rains will hopefully fall at the end of October or early November this year.

The last time SanWild had any rain was in December 2007 and conditions are pretty tough for the animals. However in this unique sanctuary, man works effortlessly to protect and ensure the welfare of the animals under their custodianship and have been putting out supplement feeding to minimise the animals struggle to survive. You too can now join the SanWild team to make a real difference and help save animals’ lives by booking your stay with SanWild to experience this unique animal welfare project.

Named after a rescued leopard that is regularly spotted at the waterhole just below the camp, the Savannah Camp offers stylish accommodation in private chalets under thatch each with its own bathroom. A resident chef (she is a human) prepares all your meals while you can relax on the veranda viewing animals that visit the waterhole.

For more information please phone Lizel Kachelhoffer on 021-9871493 or visit:
SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary & Game Reserve

Website Links & Related Pages:
http://www.sanwild.org
http://www.afritrust.com

Editors Note:
The SanWild Wildlife Emergency Rescue Unit has been in operation in South Africa’s Limpopo Province since 2000. During the last 7.5 years numerous injured, orphaned and traumatized wild animals have been given a second chance as a result of the quick and effective response by a group of caring individuals. The SanWild Wildlife Trust’s main objective is to rescue injured, orphaned and traumatised wild animals and to make available a safe and protected refuge for rescued animals.

Please consider helping in any way you can…
Make a donation, sponsor an animal (you can “adopt” an animal), volunteer, book a holiday … Visit the Afritrust website to get involved! http://www.afritrust.com

Red-billed Oxpecker

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa’s Mokopane Centre unveiled its custom-designed oxpecker facility on Friday 18th July 2008. This facility is for the research of Red-billed Oxpeckers with the aim of breeding and relocating these endangered birds to areas throughout South Africa.

In the 1900’s oxpecker numbers were drastically reduced as a result of the use of dips to treat livestock against tick infestations. As a result, many oxpeckers, whose main source of food is ticks, were killed by the poison. Since that time, awareness has been created of more oxpecker-friendly cattle dips. This has helped to restore the symbiotic relationship that previously existed between the oxpeckers and the cattle that it rids of ticks. In the wild, oxpeckers rid many large antelope of ticks.

In January 2008, the National Zoo announced that it had successfully bred a Red-billed Oxpecker at its Mokopane Centre in the Limpopo Province. What made this such an extraordinary hatching is that oxpeckers are difficult birds to maintain in zoos due to their high activity levels, unique dietary requirements, and their complex relationship with ungulates.

The only other record of successful breeding of captive oxpeckers is from the Zurich Zoo, in Switzerland in 1973 where the first record of a Red-billed Oxpecker to leave a nest in a zoo environment was noted. Oxpecker breeding was last attempted at De Wildt, South Africa in the late 1980s.

Red-billed Oxpecker

The National Zoo embarked on the design and construction of a facility to house Red-billed Oxpeckers for research purposes. The birds bred will eventually be released back in to the wild to boost the oxpecker population. In 2007, in conjunction with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Operation Oxpecker, several birds were captured in mist nets. Of the birds caught some remained at the Centre for a research project conducted by a doctoral student. The study centres around the symbiotic feeding behaviour of Red-billed Oxpeckers as well as gaining scientific information on maintaining and further breeding attempts.

The first part of the study included controlled feeding preference experiments. A set of experiments measured the Red-billed Oxpeckers’ response and preference to a choice of four species of ticks and two alternative food sources, namely blood and meat.

The National Zoo’s Executive Director, Dr Clifford Nxomani says the first breeding of a Red-billed Oxpecker at the Mokopane Centre is a notable accomplishment for the National Zoo. “However, the real success story will come when the third generation of Red-billed Oxpeckers breed and their offspring can then be reintroduced into the wild. We are very proud of this accomplishment by our Research Department”. He further adds: “The techniques mastered by the National Zoo through the breeding of Red-billed Oxpeckers could be adapted in order to also successfully breed with Yellow-billed Oxpeckers in the future”.

Oxpeckers breed as often as three times during the summer months and lay only one egg. Two or three helper birds assist with the nest building and feeding of the chick. The parent birds are responsible for the incubation of the chick.

According to the EWT’s Arnaud le Roux, government departments are also seeking assistance in compiling an oxpecker policy for the protection of these birds as more people wish to establish these birds on their land, while public interest in oxpeckers and their role in the environment are growing.

About the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG):
• Changes are afoot: The NZG is presently redeveloping several aspects of the visitor experience and will announce progress and new initiatives from time to time. Visitors to the property may notice enclosures under construction or redevelopment.
• The 85-hectare Zoo in Pretoria houses 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species.
• More than 600 000 South Africans visit the NZG annually.
• The NZG is ranked as one of the top 10 international zoological gardens.
• The NZG celebrates its 110th birthday next year.

Useful Links:
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
South African Birds
National Research Foundation
The Red-billed Oxpecker on Wikipedia

Shakama Spa

Spoil yourself and experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa. The Shakama Wellness Centre consists of a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and therapy rooms. Reserve your special treatment and be pampered whilst enjoying the sounds of nature.

Shakama Wellness centre is an oasis of calm, peace and relaxation that allows you to shed every layer of stress laid upon you by city life. The spa offers a wide array of beauty treatments, massages, revitalizing and shaping treatments in a cosy thatched environment with views over African bush.

For additional info about Treatments and Facilities at the Shakwama Wellness Centre, please contact Shakama on +27 (0)860 777 – 888 or visit: Shakama Game Lodge.

Useful Links:
Limpopo Hotels
Limpopo Spas & Wellness Centres
South Africa Spas & Wellness Centres

Tzaneen Country Lodge

Tzaneen Country Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most romantic venues for the exchange of your wedding vows. Whether it is a small and intimate affair for close friends and family or a lavish wedding banquet, we are able to offer a tailor-made wedding package that will fulfil your dreams and meet all your needs.

Tzannen Country Lodge offers a romantic chapel with lead glass windows as well as different and versatile banqueting rooms. With our new bigger function halls we can host from the most intimate wedding up to 400 guests for that special day. Our lovely country atmosphere lends itself to outdoor weddings and celebrating your special day in our landscaped gardens is a very attractive option.

The services of our management and banqueting team are available to you throughout the planning stages of your function culminating on your actual wedding day. Whatever your need – we have the solution to make the investment in your wedding day an unforgettable and successful day!

Contact Adri Kruger Tzaneen Country Lodge for a cusomised quote for your special day on Telephone +27 (0)15 304-3290 or visit: Tzaneen Country Lodge

Wedding Links:
Limpopo Weddings
South Africa Weddings
South Africa Wedding Venues

Lesheba Wilderness

For a truly magical African experience, try Lesheba Wilderness game farm, which stretches along the top of the western Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo, South Africa.

“The story of the mountain and its surroundings should be told in all its intriguing richness and given the possibility to contribute to a better future for humanity.” - President Thabo Mbeki, Soutpansberg, 20 August 2003

In the far Limpopo Province of South Africa, the magical Soutpansberg mountain range rises like an oasis from the surrounding bushveld. This is one of the country’s most unique and bio-diverse environments and at the top of this mountain, in a well hidden valley, lies Lesheba Wilderness. Transcending expectations of a wildlife reserve, Lesheba offers a uniquely African experience with luxury touches, warm hospitality and rich memories you’ll be back to recreate …

Lesheba Wilderness

A truly special place, to view accommodation, facilities and activities on offer at Lesheba Game Farm, visit: Lesheba Wilderness

The Lodge at Lesheba Wilderness is an authentic Venda village re-created by internationally renowned artist, Noria Mabasa. This artistic wonderland of sculpted walls, seating areas, figures and entrances breathes the mystical spirit of old Venda. Add the most delicious bath in Africa and superb catering to complete the experience …

Useful Links:
Lesheba Wilderness Game Farm
Limpopo Accommodation
South Africa Wildlife Reserves & Lodges

Mabula Game Reserve

For a Game Viewing Experience with a difference, try an overnight Horse Back Safari at Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp, situated in the Mabula Game Reserve.

From the moment you arrive at Mabula, your adventure begins. After an informal check-in at the stables, your safari begins with a bush ride to Kwafubesi. Luggage is taken ahead for you so that you are able to enjoy your ride with no restraints.

Enjoy a romantic evening at the lodge with delicious bush dining, hurricane lamps and open fires. It’s an early rise the next morning, as you take to horseback once again and enjoy a safari of a lifetime. Get up close and personal with the wild and upon your return to the lodge, a well deserved, hot breakfast awaits you before you check-out and transfer back to the main gate. 2 night stays at Kwafubesi, can include a game walk or game drive as substitution for a second day’s horse safari.

Related Links:
Mabula Game Reserve
Limpopo Game Reserves & Lodges
South Africa Game Reserves & Lodges

Article by: By Fred Katerere, BUA News

Bela Bela – The stately Southern Ground Hornbill or “Lehututu” as it is locally called, may not be around for much longer. These huge black birds with their distinctive beaks and bright red wattles are part of the hornbill family that occurs naturally only in Africa and Asia. However, hornbill numbers are declining due to loss of habitat.

Southern Ground Hornbill

Many species will not survive without human intervention,” says chief executive officer of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board, Benny Boshielo. “For any successful conservation effort, the active involvement of provincial authorities, conservation agencies and communities is needed,” said Boshielo.

The world’s 60 species of hornbills are rapidly declining in numbers worldwide. There are less than 1 500 Southern Ground Hornbills left in South Africa. Their numbers have dropped by more than 10 percent in the past three decades. The province has made the Lehututu its avian flagship in the same way it has made the mighty baobab its provincial symbol and flagship of the savannah biome.

Mabula Game Reserve is also the base for the The Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project started in 1999.

Article from BUA News

Related Links:
South Africa Birds
Visit Limpopo