Bird’s Eye View – Photograph by & © Noula Bouwer (South Africa)

Useful Links:
Learn more about the Giraffe at these fine sites:
The Giraffe on AWF.org
BBC Wildlife – The Giraffe (includes a “sounds like” clip)

Fighting Giraffe Video from Youtube.com (interesting footage)

All this is yours to enjoy at these very special rates which include all meals and game activities and are valid until 21st December 2009:
Double Occupancy – Special rate is R2250.00 per person sharing, per night (standard rates are R6100.00 per person)
Single Occupancy- Special rate is R3825.00 per person single, per night (standard rates are R9150.00 per person)

Note:
Includes all meals and game activites.
Please quote ‘SA-Venues.com Main Lodge Special’ when booking telephonically.
This special offer is subject to availability.

Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the virtually malaria-free 6000ha reserve. Thanda has recently introduced a breeding pack of wild dog onto the Big Five property – the first time this has happened on private land in KwaZulu-Natal.

Find out more:
For additional information about this spectacular Game Reserve visit Thanda Private Game Reserve or to make a booking or send an enquiry visit Thanda Gamre Reserve Rates & Bookings.

Useful Links:
Hluhluwe Attractions
Hluhluwe Accommodation
Things to Do in Hluhluwe
KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves

One of the attractions of selecting this reserve, and Mpila camp in particular, was that I could meet my young boys’ desire to camp, without having to sacrifice my need for a little comfort and some basic amenities. In fact the two bedded tents with en suite showers are anything but basic! I was thrilled to arrive and see two beautifully tented bedrooms, with wooden beds and cupboards and electricity, (which is on from 08h00 to 22h00) together with a wonderful reeded bathroom with flushing loo and full pressure shower. Now this was camping!

A well-equipped kitchen is connected to the two tents by a wooden boardwalk, which is raised above the ground to allow warthogs and impala to forage below you, which they literally do! Mpila is not a fenced off camp and so we were warned to watch our food on the braai, as the hyenas have a sneaky  means of removing it once your back is turned! (You need to watch young children too.)

The only hassle is the prevalence of monkeys that seem to emerge the minute one starts to prepare a meal. They are persistent and you can leave nothing out, hence even the fridge has a dog leash lock on it. On one occasion I left the kettle on the stove and returned to find a monkey drinking from it!

Bed time was most exciting when we cuddled up in our warm beds, zipped up the tents, which have mozzie screens, and drifted off into total blackness, punctuated by the odd hyena’s cry. The tents are well protected with mozzie screens and have full mosquito nets to enclose the beds, since Imfolozi falls into a malaria area. Another advantage of travelling during the winter though, is that the threat of malaria is extremely low, and we did not take prophylactics.

During the early mornings and evenings we generally tried to take a drive and sighted an abundance of zebra, impala, wildebeest, giraffe, several rhinos, hyenas and even a few lions in the distance. Our most exciting find was a pack of African Wild dogs, who had collapsed alongside the road, having indulged in an early morning kill. Mpila can easily be navigated in a standard vehicle, though a raised one is always better to spot the more rare species. We opted for a night drive run by the camp, which leaves at 18h00 and returns around 21h00. We did not see much that we had not spotted during the day, other than a few bunnies, but the excitement of travelling in an open, raised vehicle, ensured that my young boys adopted a nocturnal cycle!

Mpila has a small shop for emergency supplies, but there is no restaurant. The full reserve traverses an expanse of 960 km² and so one needs to be selective about the areas you choose to cover.

Our three nights in the tented camp cost R350 per adult and R175 per child per night (2009 rates), together with a R90 per person per day conservation levy (R45 for children). Our game drive cost R250 per adult and R125 per child.

Useful Links:
Hluhluwe Attractions
Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Accommodation
Hluhluwe Hotels & Lodges

On a game drive in a private Big 5 reserve recently, I was disappointed to find that our game ranger was giving preference to these species, to the near exclusion, or rather, dismissal of other game species. There were 3 couples in the vehicle, one of which were first-time visitors from the USA. Speeding past numerous species of Antelope, Warthog and countless birds, we tracked lion (though it felt more like chased) for more than half of the game drive. Sadly, it seems as though our modern approach to life is rubbing off on our wildest and most preserved areas. Get in, get out – tick off as many species as possible in as short a time as possible.

Can’t speak for everyone, but as a visitor this is not my intention. Perhaps the most enjoyable thing about being on a game drive, is the sense of time coming to a complete stop. Looking out at an untouched landscape, taking the time to watch a bird soar through the sky, appreciate a magnificent sunset and marvel at the number of stars in the night sky – these are things, I regret to say, I find little time for in the city, but which leave me with a sense of well-being long after I’ve left.

I later saw check-in forms that had been completed by guests visiting the game lodge, and under “What do you hope to see during your stay”, I was saddened to note “Big 5” scrawled on almost all of them. I can understand this desire, as finding the elusive Leopard has been added to my bucket list, but I feel these desires are starting to change the way game drives are handled by game rangers. Foreigners visiting our country have more than likely never seen the “less in demand” species (except perhaps in a zoo) and I’d like us all to spend more time appreciating any species we’re lucky enough to come across.

To put my mind to rest that I’m not the only traveler who appreciates any sighting in a game reserve, I’m launching another photographers’ competition. Submit your photographs of any mammals, birdlife, reptiles or insects or any sunsets, landscapes, trees or even rocks that took your fancy, whilst visiting a game or nature reserve in South Africa. Find out more about the competition at Photographers Competition November 2009.

Photographs: Not the Big 5 …

Useful Links:
South Africa Wildlife
South Africa Birdlife
South Africa Game Reserves

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

Whilst you can fly into Richards Bay or even Ulundi, my advice is that you don’t. Rather let the sticky, muggy and dense atmosphere insidiously take hold of you during the drive, at the same time as the Elephant coast and its wrenching beauty impress themselves upon you.

Mkuze Game Reserve, not to be confused with Mkuze Falls private Game Reserve, makes up the northern portion of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage site. Mkuze Game Reserve is 40 000 hectares of some of the most splendid natural beauty available. Obviously a stay here depends on you and your holiday needs, but there is something about the untamed beauty of this coastline that is fascinating and an attractive option at any time of year.

This part of the coast has been a protected area since 1912. The Mkuze River that wends its way along the eastern and northern borders is a huge attraction for birds of all shapes and sizes, and one of the major draw cards to the reserve. The eastern boundary is hugged by the Lebombo Mountains, which provide a further wooded and swamp habitat, and Mkuze is also the home of a sand forest, a rare occurrence anywhere.

But of course, one is here mainly to see the animals, and see them we did. There are various options for accommodation that mostly fall just outside the reserve. There are not a terrific number of places to stay within Mkuze. Mantuma Camp, where we opted to stay, is a series of safari tents and chalets, Umkhumbi is a tented bush lodge, and Nhlonhlela Bush Lodge is the most luxurious of the options. You can camp in the Emshopi camp ground as well, but we opted for the tented Mantuma, rather than staying on a bordering game farm. Interestingly, Mantuma camp closed briefly last year when the boreholes in Mkuze dried up, but it’s open again, and has to be one of the best such camps around.

We were set up in self-catering Tented Safari Camp that has ten two-bed and three four-bed units available, each with its own en-suit bathrooms (and yes, there is running hot water, not that you need it most of the time) and an open plan kitchen. The tents are really nicely furnished (obviously this is not luxury camping, but it’s more than one needs when getting back to basics in the bush). Best of all is that great care has been taken to make sure that the tents blend in with their environment.

And may I just interject with a suggestion. Take a torch! Between us, we managed to forget this one obvious and rather imperative item. Nights are dark. Very dark …

And there was plenty to do. Our days were easily filled with lazy mornings, followed by drives through the reserve – you can self-drive Mkuze. We even tried one of the guided game walks, which I can highly recommend. We met up with our guide at 6am sharp, despite its being rather difficult to emerge from our tents quite so early. The park was alive with bird calls, and because it was so early, and most of our party was prepared to uphold the ‘quiet if you want to see anything’ rule, we managed to witness quite a bit – and it’s that much more amazing on foot.

That morning revealed a couple of warthogs, upon whom we stumbled close to the northern Nhlonhlela pan, where we managed to sight a hippo returning to the water, where they tend to spend most of their days. The pan was relatively quiet that morning, with only a handful of pelicans and a variety of ducks and geese. But the highlight was undoubtedly stumbling upon (if one can stumble across such huge beasts – I still battle with how we managed to get so close without their knowing) a small group of elephants! We were allowed to watch their morning ablutions without interruption, and, possibly because they knew we meant no harm, they unabashedly romped in the mud, spraying themselves and one another with bursts of water.

There are three other pans – Kubube, Kamasinga and Kwamalibala – all of which have game viewing hides, which you can enter on foot having left your car parked nearby. These waterholes are great, particularly in the late hours of the afternoon when the heat of the day has started to wear off and animals feel the urge to quench their thirst.

In this way we saw a number of antelope, including kudu, giraffe and even a rhino, which someone later explained was a black rhino (although he was in the distance and didn’t appear too keen on entering the fray) – the reserve is home to both white and black varieties. We didn’t manage to spot any cheetah. They are more elusive and you’re lucky if you can sight them.

The highlight was the Nsumo pan, which has been nicknamed the ‘king-size water birdbath’ for its popularity with any number of water fowl.

We’ll be back!

Mkuze Game Reserve Photographs – Click thumbnails to view:

Useful Links:
Mkuze Game Reserve
Mkuze Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves

Constantia may lay claim to Kirstenbosch (admittedly gorgeous, but over a weekend it is inundated) but Plumstead (well, okay, Grassy Park) has a unique eco spot in the city where you can see hippos, a part of the world where hippos were once a plenty …

Besides, it’s not as if Kirstenbosch made it into the recent Rough Guides’ Clean Breaks – 500 new ways to see the world! Up there with ‘must do’s’ like the Natural heritage at Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Kayak with whales in Plettenberg Bay and take an eco-wine tour (Green Mountain Eco Route), one of the 50 or so clean breaks for Southern Africa was – see hippos near Cape Town.

Photograph by g-hat on Flickr.com (creative commons license).

It is possible to see big game whilst in Cape Town. Rondevlei Nature Reserve in Grassy Park (that’s just across the M5 from Southfield) boasts the only resident hippo population in the Cape. The two nature reserves lie side-by-side, although to reach Seekoevlei, you need first to drive out of Rondevlei and around to the Seekoevlei entrance gate; they are not connected, unfortunately. But the proximity of Seekoevlei adds an even greater body of water to Rondevlei.

Rondevlei has some of the most spectacular views. Close to the sea here, you are surrounded by water with clear views of the range of mountains that dominate the southern suburbs of Cape Town. This protected area is 2km² of wetland and lake, and a seriously great place to be first thing in the morning, when the sun still glints off spiders’ webs and the calls of water birds rent the air.

It’s also the time of day when people are least likely to disturb you, and you are free to stroll along the pathways that lead from one bird hide to another (six hides in all). Ibis, herons, gannets, egrets, even kingfishers (we spotted one just next to us on a path one morning) make this their home. Aside from the 230 different types of birds, there are also very visible mongooses and other little reptiles, as well as the big guys – hippos (although try as you might, they are particularly illusive, unless you count spotting their fecial matter right on the path as ’seeing’ them).

No, unfortunately hippos are not the tubby, friendly fellows portrayed in disney movies. The third-largest living land mammal they might be, but because of their tendency to hide-out in the water, hippos (unlike elephants and white rhinos) are particularly difficult to see. Hippopotamus actually means ‘river horse’ with a mouth that opens up to four feet wide, so it’s probably just as well that they prefer anonymity.

They’re also related to camels, whales and deer, interestingly, and spend just about all day in the water (they can stay submerged, if you were wondering, for up to 30 minutes, but usually stay under for around 5 minutes). It’s only really at night, after sunset, that they’ll leave the water behind and come up to the land to munch a few things. They also make more than a few grunting and screaming sounds whilst underwater to communicate with one another, hence their relation to whales.

They eat mainly grasses and reeds (plenty of that at Rondevlei) and are largely nocturnal feeders. And they use their excrement to mark their territories, flinging it around with their tails, which explains the rather liberal doses we found on the path early one morning.

There are two lookout towers at Rondevlei that may give you an advantage over the hippo, allowing you to spot the odd head should it emerge (although we’ve yet to see one). And Imvubu Nature Tours is a community-based tourism company based at Rondevlei that arranges island bush camps, boat trips to find the hippos and a couple of guided nature walks that take you through Rondevlei’s ‘medicine cabinet’ of indigenous vegetation.

Here’s to spotting a hippo!

Useful Links:
Cape Town Nature Reserves
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Bed & Breakfasts
Western Cape Accommodation

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

For those of you who, like me, didn’t have a clue that such a thing as National Parks Week existed, then the next seven days are yours to explore the parks that the majority of South Africans probably never get to see – Madikwe, Addo, Richtersveld, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mountain Zebra, Camdeboo, Tsitsikamma, and even the more recent Garden Route National Park. There are just over 20 different parks (see http://www.sanparks.org/parks/) around the country that fall under SANParks, and each of them is a treasure trove of conservation efforts, and a chance to see animals and plants of every hue in their natural environment.

Here follow three of my favourite parks. These are by no means the best parks, as they are all equally worth a visit, but two of them are a little less popular, and well worth seeing because of their uniqueness:

Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant National Park
Why visit it?
• home to the Big 7
• see one of the most dense African elephant populations on earth
• home to the flightless dung beetle
• the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere
• self-drive and horse trail options

Fast becoming one of the major reasons why tourists visit South Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park, as its name suggests, is the place in the Eastern Cape to commune with  over 400 elephants, at a relatively safe distance, of course, although you can do the park on the back of an elephant, horse or even walk – you’re certainly not limited to remaining within your vehicle.

What makes it so popular is the easy proximity to Port Elizabeth and the fact that it’s malaria free. The environment too is incredibly beautiful, as the park lies within the Sundays River valley and contains five of the seven major biomes or vegetation areas in South Africa. Addo also boasts all Big 7 animals – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, whale and great white shark, and now includes the Woody Cape Nature Reserve, which encompasses Bird Eland – home to the world’s largest breeding population of Cape gannets, and the second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Camdeboo National Park

Camdeboo National Park
Why visit it?
• Valley of Desolation
• incredible scenery
• home to the bat-eared fox
• the quaint town of Graaff-Reinet

This is one of my all time favourite parks, and one of the lesser known or popular parks – and may it stay that way! For a start, I love the way the name rolls off the tongue and the image that it evokes in me (if you’ve read Etienne van Heerden’s The Long Silence of Mario Salviatti you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about). The word Camdeboo developed out of a similar sounding word in the Khoi language meaning ‘green pool’ or ‘green hippo pool’ and it goes a long way to describing this incredible fertile valley in the midst of the Karoo, complete with impressive mountains.

Camdeboo National Park encircles the town of Graaff-Reinet and provides some of the most breath-taking scenery of the region. The major part of the now 19 405 hectare park lies in the foothills of the Sneeuberg range, but one of the main reasons for visiting the park is the Valley of Desolation, also known as the ‘Cathedral of the Mountains’. There is something bordering on spiritual about this valley. How can one not stand in awe when perched, the vast Karoo plains spread before one, on the pinnacle of enormous dolerite columns that stand up to 120 metres high. One’s part in the greater scheme of things is immediately put into perspective.

The Valley of Desolation became a national monument in 1935 and the Camdeboo National Park fell under the management of SANParks only in 2005, with 14 500 hectares of land was donated by the WWF for Nature. The park is a haven for hikers, with a number of day walks and overnight trails, as well as a fair amount of game. For day visitors there are picnic sites and braai areas (although watch out for the ‘long drop’ toilet).

Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park
Why visit it?
• flower power
• Namaqualand daisies
• gazanias, tulips, pelargoniums and beetle daisies etc.
• the world’s smallest tortoise, the Namaqua speckled padloper

Incorporating the reserve known simply as Skilpad amongst flower fundis or Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve, the Namaqua National Park at this time of the year is, without sounding dramatic, simply one of the most beautiful places to be, if standing on a carpet of wild flowers is your thing (it’s really anyone’s ‘thing’ if you but see it!).

Namaqualand is the place of the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world. Over 1000 of the plant species here, it is estimated, are not found anywhere else on the planet. Oh, and there are beautiful quiver trees, incredible granite outcrops, beautiful succulents, the chances of seeing a porcupine, and the odd scorpion. But really people travel here in August / September to see the flowers that give even the incredible star-studded night skies a run for their money.

Useful Links:
SAN Parks Official Website
South Africa Game Reserves
South Africa Accommodation

Useful Links:
Welgevonden Game Reserve
Limpopo Game Reserves
Limpopo Attractions

King of Madikwe Game Reserve and family …

Click on the thumbnails to view the gallery …

Useful Links:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Accommodation
South Africa Accommodation

The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa has the distinction of being one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. Madikwe consists of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands and bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. The area is dotted with huge rocky hills or inselbergs (ecological description). The entire Madikwe reserve has been enclosed in a 150 km perimeter fence which has been electrified to prevent the escape of elephants and the larger predators.

Madikwe is a “Big Five” game reserve situated 90 km north of Zeerust. Covering some 60 000 hectare, it is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.

The reserve at Madikwe is divided into two main areas. The area north of the Molatedi Dam is fenced and stocked with all the historically indigenous wild animals ­ including elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo. As part of future developments for the park, the dam area will be fenced separately and stocked with smaller, non dangerous animals, thus allowing free movement of tourists and maximum utilisation of the dam.

The reintroduction of game began early in 1991, shortly before the perimeter fence had been completed. Operation Phoenix, as the reintroduction programme is called, is the largest game translocation exercise in the world. More than 8 000 animals of 28 species have so far been released into the reserve, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, Cape hunting dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope and herbivores. Leopard already occurred in the reserve.

Useful Links:
For more information please see:
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve Accommodation
North West Province Game Reserves

Addo Elephant Photographs – Click on the images to view the enlarged versions:

Useful Links:
Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park Lodges
South African Wildlife
South Africa Game Reserves

The 55 000 hectare Pilanesberg park opened in 1979 in one of the largest game resettlement projects in the history of South Africa, and possibly the most expensive as commercial farmers gave over land to be restocked with wildlife. Operation Genesis saw virtually 6 000 animals from other parks moved to this beautiful terrain, which serves as a transition between Kalahari and Lowveld, or Bushveld, and includes both types of vegetation, making it an ideal game reserve.

There is a wide variety of landscapes that easily support a diversity of game and rare and endangered species such as wild dog, black rhino, roan, sable, buffalo and tsessebe. There are also healthy populations of lion – originally from the Etosha National Park in Namibia – leopard, hippo, giraffe, zebra, hyena and elephant. Bird watching, although it takes a back seat for most visitors who come to see the larger mammals, is a joy with over 300 recorded species in the park.

Some 200 kilometres of dirt road kept in good condition serve the park well. There are cleverly appointed picnic areas, numerous game hides, walk-in aviaries, safari drives, safe hiking trails, and the Pilanesberg International Airport, just outside Sun City, makes getting here easy.

Useful Links

For more destination information please see
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg Accommodation
Pilanesberg Day Trips

Useful Links:
South African Birdlife
Pilanesberg National Park

The Baboons!

By Dave Rattle – Kommetjie, Cape Town.

We have two guest cottages in Kommetjie – where the baboons are. The baboons are always getting a bad press but, as long as there’s no food around, they are the most delightful and gentle creatures. I always recommend a walk with the Cape Peninsula baboons to all our guests who stay at Longbeach Lodge (www.longbeachlodge.co.za) and Glen Cottage (www.glencottage.co.za) – it’s an experience second only to seeing the mountain gorillas!!

And whenever we talk about baboons my brother-in-law always brings up an incident that happened to us last year with a chuckle - for him, apparently, it’s high humour! We were walking along the coastline just past Simon’s Town. When we got back to the bakkie there was a small troop of baboons sitting beside it playing and grooming and there was also a very large male - sitting right on top of the canopy. To access the vehicle we obviously had to do something …

Longbeach Lodge

I don’t remember why, but I landed up at the back end of the vehicle whilst the others were at the front. They started making ‘shoo, shoo, baboon’ noises as they walked slowly forward with the intention of gently moving the troop away, but meanwhile there I was, right in the path of their retreat! The smaller females and the babies soon moved and, taking no notice of me, drifted on past, but the big male didn’t budge from the roof until the very last minute.

Then suddenly, galvanised into action, he vaulted down and headed straight at me, very fast indeed! Aggression! Oh my God! This was it! With no chance of moving out of the way, this was my time - quite certainly the way I would go! Mauled to death by a giant “silverback”! My life flashed before my eyes - but also some race memory that told me – be submissive! Avert your eyes! Turn your back! Show him your bum!

Glen Cottage

That suited me fine - it was as much an automatic attempt at major flinching from the anticipated impact as trying to be clever and ‘act baboon’, and I turned around fast and bent down like a naughty schoolboy with my backside presented to the headmaster.

And then, suddenly, he was past me but, as he went, he delivered a hefty whack on my raised posterior – a contemptuous thwackka-whakka-whack that said to me in no uncertain terms: “Now bugger off and stop annoying me - AND DON’T GET IN MY WAY AGAIN!!”

And let me tell you, I never have!!

Anybody staying in the Cape Peninsula should experience the baboons – now – before it’s too late! At Longbeach Lodge or Glen Cottage we’d be thrilled to organise a mornings’ walk with the baboons up in their own habitat on the mountain, with professional supervision.

Don’t miss this unique experience!!

“Who’s watching whom?” – By and © Christine Lucas (South Africa)

Let’s play sleeping Lions – By and © Trevor Harrison (South Africa).

Cheeky Baby Elephant – By and © Jean Graham (South Africa).

“Bottoms up” at Addo Elephant Park - By and © Jo Townend (South Africa)

Did you Know?
The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek “hippos,” meaning horse. These animals were once called “river horses” but the hippo is more closely related to the pig than the horse.

St. Lucia Estuary Bull Hippo - By and © Trevor Harrison (United Kingdom)

Want to contribute? Just go to the appropriate page and upload your photo.

• The Lion
• The Buffalo
• The Rhino
• The Elephant
• The Leopard

Add your photo here (easy upload form)

Select an image to upload:	Browse for file  Enter URL Import Image by URL
Caption:
Your experience (optional): Please tell us a little about your experience.
Your name:
Your country of residence:

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

To start things off, I thought I'd submit this photograph of a lion taken in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. Courtesy of SOUTH AFRICA TOURISM.

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

Another picture I thought well worth sharing. This was taken in the Kruger National Park - the largest game reserve in South Africa. Courtesy of SOUTH AFRICA TOURISM.

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

Taken in the Entabeni Game Reserve.

Submitted by Rika Basson (South Africa)

I had a life changing experience between the lions , it was just amazing ! they are truly very proud animals. The earthshaking ROAR left me breathless.

Submitted by Madelein Calligeris (SA)

I had the most wonderful experience, we were so close to it. It was there where I realized how big and mighty lions are, and he was just so lazy nothing could bother him at that moment and time, they were in a group of four.

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Incredible how you can see the flies buzzing around her

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Great sighting on the Crocodile River road

Submitted by Trevor Harrison (UK)

We were priveleged to spend some time with the 5 month old cub and his sibling at Seaview Lion Sanctuary near PE. It is always a special and humbling experience to share an animal's life no matter how short the timespan, and its something we've been lucky enough to do with everything from Dassies to Elephants and almost every animal in between including Hippos believe it or not.

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

Although the two Lion males were just resting in the heat of the day, the Giraffes and Zebras were very weary, watching their every move.

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

A young elephant mysteriously died in the road during the night and the lioness and her three cups claimed the pray for themselves, chasing the scavengers away.

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

She was guarding her prey and after chasing the vultures away she turned to us, staring, letting us know to back off.

Photos are moderated to prevent inappropriate content. Please allow 24 hours.

The Lion {Panthera Leo}
Lions are the second largest members of the feline family in the world. Lion are tan in colour and have a slightly white under-body, with a tuft of black hair at the end of their tails. Most cat species live a fundamentally solitary existence, but the lion is an exception. It has developed a social system based on teamwork and … read more about The Lion.

Add your photo here (easy upload form)

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

To start this gallery, here's a photo of a buffalo taken in the Kapama Game Reserve in Limpopo Province. Courtesy of SOUTH AFRICA TOURISM.

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Typical buff attitude from this bull. Red-billed oxpecker with him

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Huge herd in the grasslands above Lower Sabie

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

One of a huge group of buffalo, somehow when there are not a lot of people around they seem quite calm and come right up to the vehicle.

Photos are moderated to prevent inappropriate content. Please allow 24 hours.

The Buffalo {Syncerus Caffer}
Buffalo are extremely large, ox-like animals. Standing approximately 65 inches at the shoulder, adult males have a mass of up to 1760 pounds and females weigh up to 1650 pounds. To support the large body, the legs are very heavy. Front hooves are larger than the hind because of the extra mass they … read more about The Buffalo.

Add your photo here (easy upload form)

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

Seen while on a game drive in the Entabeni Game Reserve in Limpopo.

Submitted by Stefani (SA)

I went on a few game drives in the Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province, and saw so many rhino. They definitely look prehistoric up close. An awe-inspiring experience.

Submitted by Elizabeth Cook (SA)

Rhino Mom and Daughter taken in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. My first try at animal photography with “new” camera and I was delighted with this shot!

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

This black rhino bull was seen in Imfolozi and allowed some great photo opportunities.

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Imfolozi - White rhino having a mud wallow

Submitted by Alexandra McGowan (South Africa)

Taken at Kapama Lodge A beautiful speciman

Photos are moderated to prevent inappropriate content. Please allow 24 hours.

The Rhino {Diceros Bicornis or Ceratotherium Simum}
The rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that in fact dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. In recent decades rhinos have been relentlessly hunted to the point of near extinction. Since 1970 the world rhino population has declined by 90 percent, with five species remaining in the world today, all of which are … read more about The Rhino.

Add your photo here (easy upload form)

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

Elephant seen in the Entabeni Game Reserve.

Submitted by Sue (SA)

Elephant family in the Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province

Submitted by Sharon Versfeld (SA)

This photo was taken on Fathers' Day in the Addo Elephant Park, which is the only park in the world offering the "Big 7"!

Submitted by Jean Graham (SA)

This baby elephant was seen in an elephant breeding herd on the S21 road in Kruger Park. It was making itself as scary as possible but reversing at the same time!

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

A bit too close for comfort

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Great sighting in the Kruger Park

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

The older elephants like to laze in the river, so the boat passed right next to them.

Submitted by Alexandra McGowan (South Africa)

Taken at Marakele National Park 16th July. It came out of the bush very suddenly and chased our car for about 5 minutes thus this photo was taken with me kneeling in the front seat looking backwards It was very scary and all the cars behind him could ot pass for about 45 minutes

Photos are moderated to prevent inappropriate content. Please allow 24 hours.

The Elephant {Loxodonta Africana}
The African Elephant is the largest living land mammal, one of the most impressive animals on earth. The Elephant’s muscular trunk serves as a nose, hand, extra foot, signaling device and a tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting, digging and a variety of other functions. The long trunk permits … read more about The Elephant.

Add your photo here (easy upload form)

Submitted by South Africa Editor (SA)

Leopard seen in the Mala Mala Game Reserve in Mpumalanga. Courtesy of SOUTH AFRICA TOURISM.

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

Very relaxed female leopard at Lagoon Camp , Kwando region. Was a fantastic experience to be so close to her.

Submitted by Jean Graham (South Africa)

This leopard is seen fairly often but retreats to a culvert when the cars become too much

Submitted by Christine Lucas (SA)

She was happy having us around and we could spend some time with her, but when another car approached she quickly disappeared.

Submitted by Alexandra McGowan (South Africa)

Taken at Kapama Lodge . We tracked this leopard on a game drive. great excitement

Photos are moderated to prevent inappropriate content. Please allow 24 hours.

The Leopard {Panthera Pardus}
The most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, the leopard is also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the larger cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself. The coloring of the leopard varies from white to bright golden brown, spotted with black spots and rosettes … read more about The Leopard.

Thanks to everyone that has already submitted their photos – we’ve received a big new batch today which we will be uploading later today. We will keep featuring one a day – Leave us a comment on the gallery page and tell us which are your favourites – we’ll try to feature as many as possible.

Ostrich on Guard (near Calitzdorp) – Submitted by and © Marius van Antwerpen (South Africa).

Adopt a Cheetah

Adopt a Cheetah, Tiger or Lion … One can feel a little hopeless in a world where a once almighty animal kingdom is fading slowly out of existence.

Adopting a creature of South Africa will uplift your spirits and conserve our wildlife so that the roar of a lion can be heard in the future tense, the race of a cheetah can be blurred into the distance and the pounce of a tiger can be felt everafter.

The Cheetah Conservation Foundation ensures the survival of endangered species including the cheetah, tiger and white lion. As an adopted parent you will be given the opportunity to re-name your cub, this name will appear at the entrance of the Foundation (Cheetahland in Oudtshoorn) on a plaque. The animal’s birth studbook number is kept for record purposes.

The benefits of this adoption includes membership to Cango Wildlife Ranch; ‘backstage’ passes to the newborn cubs, animal enclosures and breeding camps; morning walks with the animals and their trainers; regular progress reports and photos of ‘your’ animal and you can tick, ‘help save the planet’ off your list of things to do. 

To adopt a Cheetah visit http://www.cango.co.za/custom_html/adoptacheetah.php

Useful Links:
If you are visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch you may find these links useful:
Oudtshoorn Attractions
Things to Do in Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn Accommodation

Quatermain's Camp

Now this is a stay with a difference. Whilst many establishments might promise a similar experience to Quatermain’s Camp, seldom is it that a venue, particularly game reserves where five star luxury has practically lost its allure it’s so commonplace, really delivers beyond expectation. But by all accounts, Quatermain’s Camp in the Amakhala Game Reserve, just 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth yet in a part of the country that is truly remote, does just that.

Riaan and Julie have wowed their visitors with a campsite that manages to combine the simplicity of a bygone era – 1920s authentic expedition style – with a true ‘big 5′ bush experience in a natural, unpretentious way that still manages to dish up the delicacies and creature comforts whilst remaining enveloped by, and in awe of, the natural world.

“Thank you both for a wonderful stay. It is marvellous to see people with a dream making it a reality. The camp design is fantastic and the tents are great fun. We feel very lucky to have been able to have seen so much in such a short time – especially the “romantic” lions and the brown hyena.” – Cindy de Villiers, Wellington

Game Drive

A stay at Quartermain’s Camp manages to capture, probably due to the unchecked energy and passion of its owners who are both experienced rangers, a sense of wonder of the wildlife that surrounds you. Not only are you virtually assured of seeing elephant, white and black rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion, hyena, cheetah, zebra and giraffe, but you will also be delighted with smaller – though no less important – creatures, birds and plants.

Twice daily game drives, big 5 walks where one’s insignificance in the face of the African bush is really experienced, guided bush walks in the ’soft game’ area around the camp, and birding safaris with Riaan, who is also a specialist bird guide, all combine to bring you closer to nature. And in reaching out to nature, one can only reach into one’s self as well.

For additional information see:

• Quatermain’s Camp
• Guest Reviews & Comments
• Rates & Bookings
• Amakhala Game Reserve

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

De Hoop Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve is roughly three hours drive from Cape Town and just east of the town of Bredasdorp. The Reserve covers an area of 34,000 hectares and one of the favorite destinations for those who want to spend time away from frenetic city life. The reserve offers diverse scenery for hikers, bikers and bird watchers and Koppie Alleen is a famous lookout spot for the avid whale watchers, with about 40% of the world’s Southern Right whales coming to the De Hoop Marine Reserve each year during breeding season.

Visitors have a lot of freedom within the reserve. Take a leisurely game drive along the circular route that covers the reserve and see the Cape mountain zebra, eland, grey reebok, the rare bontebok and if you are lucky you will see the mating dance of the ostrich. The reserve is also home to caracal and leopards and the ever-present troops of baboons. Visitors can, however, safely leave their vehicles during a game drive to explore on foot and view some of the 1,500 plant species up close.

De Hoop is really a birdwatcher’s paradise and the wetlands attract about 260 species of birds. The reserve is the last breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture and it is worth the 8km hike up the Potberg Trail to see these birds in their natural habitat.

De Hoop offers day hikes and mountain biking trails for those who want to explore from outside a vehicle and many people come to the De Hoop Nature reserve for a break-away holiday to recharge and spend time in nature. You have 50 km of pristine coastline and beaches to explore in the De Hoop Marine protected area where you can explore rock pools, go for lazy walks or laze away the day on the white beach sand with a backdrop of looming limestone cliffs and watch the dolphins and seals.

Useful Links:
For more destination information see:
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Accommodation

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

Arum Lily Reed Frog

Chris Spengler, owner of Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek – Cape Town, reports having recently found an Arum Lily Reed Frog (Hyperolius horstocki) on the glass pane of a dining door at the lodge recently.

The Red Data listed species – Western Leopard Toad (Bufo Pantherinus) is resident for most of the year on the lodge grounds at Afton Grove Country Retreat. Other species that also occur at Afton Grove are: Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii), Cape Sand Frog (Tomopterna delalandii) and Clawed Frog / Common Platana (Xenopus laevis).

“It is a long time since I have been this excited about finding a small 35mm long beastie like this” reports Chris. “I often hear their call & have searched amongst the Arum Lilies during winter in the nearby wetland on a number of occasions to find this species, but without success. To think that this little beauty actually came looking for us!”

Frogs are very good indicators of the health of an ecosystem as they have the ability to absorb oxygen through their skin! If the local eco system becomes polluted, no more frogs! Following their tremendous success in the eco-tourism sector, Chris now plans to develop a Frogging list and route for the area.

For more detail contact Chris at Telephone: +27 (0)21 785-2992
To send an E-Mail visit: Afton Grove Country Retreat

Lalibela for Kids

Since opening, Lalibela were aware that there is a huge demand for families wanting a safari holiday in a malaria-free area. Lalibela’s location makes it ideal for adults travelling with children who are wanting to combine a family safari with the Garden Route and Cape Town.

Over the last 12 months Lalibela have looked at various programmes catering for families and have come up with a children’s programme which optimizes the safari experience with quality family time.

Each family is different and children require varying degrees of attention, which is why the emphasis at Lalibela is to be as flexible as possible to ensure memorable family holidays.

In the early morning Lalibela’s child minders come on duty so that parents can leave for their morning game drive. The children are given a chance to wake up, get dressed and be ready for the day. Parents are welcome to stay behind and accompany their children on the kiddies game drive.

Lalibela for Kids

Breakfast is served and then it is time for the activities of the morning – with a snack in hand, they’re off with their game ranger in their own special vehicle on a short game drive taking care to avoid any close encounters with dangerous game. After the adults game drive and brunch, there is time for the family to spend together – there’s the playground with jungle gym and sandpit or many games to play.

Before the adults go out on their afternoon game drive, high tea is served for both adults and children. After heading out on their afternoon game drive, the children return to the lodge for an early dinner before getting creative with some arts and crafts activities. Time before bed is spent listening to exciting stories of Africa, its people and the wildlife. During all this time the children are looked after by accomplished child minders while their parents enjoy their evening game drive and dinner back at the lodge.

Contact Lalibela Game Reserve on:
Telephone: +27 (0)41 581 – 8170
Or Visit: Lalibela Game Reserve

Useful Links:
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
South Africa Game Lodges
South Africa