African Safari Adventures

New Arrivals

2011-11-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

Lagoon Camp bordering Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana is well known for its wild dog sightings.
This young pup was spotted in September 2011 - one of a number of pups all looking well fed and in excellent condition.
Other sightings included a female leopard with her cub - while another leopard was seen frolicking from termite mound to termite mound scouting the area.
Inter-African migrant birds have started to appear in large numbers as in common this time of the season, accompanying the graceful yellow billed kites and carmine bee eaters in their daily flights.

Vultures and other raptors have also been seen frequently along with bateleur eagles.

The Yellow Billed kite (left) is aptly named.
This kite is a common intra African migrant from equatorial Africa spending
July through to March in southern Africa.

Breeding takes place September and November with both male and female incubating the eggs.

Much Ado about Marabou

2011-10-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

From the French word "marabout" meaning ugly, misshapen old man or priest.

Scavengers at kills as their bills are not adapted for tearing meat - look out for them shadowing vultures at a carcass.

This fine specimen may not win any prizes for beauty but they do perform an important ecological job of cleaning up the African bush.

Long featherless necks are ideally adapted for thrusting deep into a carcass.

The pink throat pouch is used to regulate heat.

Sights on Safari

2011-08-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana's Okavango delta is an area rich in wildllife.

Here's a taste of what recent visitors saw in June ............

Lion sightings in abundance

Female leopard with two cubs

small pack of Wild Dogs

Elephants aplenty

Large herds of buffalo on the floodplains

Rare sighting - honey badgers seen around camp.

For the birder - ground hornbills and wattled cranes as well as lots of water birds.

General game also plentiful : Giraffes, red lechwes, impalas, common reedbuck, steenbuck, waterbuck, hippo, greater kudu and tsessebe.

Take a safari with us to see this smorgasbord of wildlife.

Hippo Huddle

2011-06-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

What you see is Ma Hippo and Jnr Hippo "kissing" - as only a mother and child hippo can.
These tender and playful moments were seen in Kruger National Park, South Africa's flagship game reserve.
But what about a hippo cuddling up to a tree. I kid you not.

Just a few kms outside the Lower Sabie camp there is a very busy dam - crocs and hippos and antelope aplenty, and the bird equivalent of Heathrow Terminal 3. If you want to be entertained and enthralled spend some time here.
Back to the tree loving hippos - without fail everyday we saw hippos literally hugging this dead tree and then "kissing".
If anyone knows what this behaviour is please let me know.

Lunar Eclipse - 15th June 2011

2011-06-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Its winter time here in South Africa - clear skies give the sky watchers magnificent displays of the stars and planets in all their brilliance.

15 June - the time is 8.30 p.m. and its lights, cameras, action as we wait for the lunar eclipse.

And WOW - what a luminary performance -

as the earth casts its shadow on the moon. 

There are quite a few superstitions around eclipses - according to the Ge tribe of the Amazon, they believe that eclipses are caused by a fight between the sun and moon.  The eye of the sun or moon is pierced by a small boy who shoots them with an arrow - the wound bleeds which is symbolized by the Moon
turning reddish.

Earliest records of lunar eclipses suggest that the Babylonians who first observed this phenomenon on 02 February 746 BC.

Enjoy the photos.

Hwange Game Count

2010-12-29T03:22:00.000-08:00

Spend 24 hours in one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves counting game. That was the invitation and was too good to pass.

Braving the heat and queues at Beitbridge it was onto Robins Camp, Hwange. Its late in September - wild fires have taken their toll and the earth awaits the rains. There are no rivers in Hwange so the animals get their water from the many waterholes and pans.

Counting game is the perfect way to see a wide diversity of game but you need to blend in with the environment - so we parked the landy next to large tree with huge anthill - strung a tarpaulin over for shade and settled down to count.

Silence is the order of the day (and night) and before long the game started coming : buffalo - honey badgers - civet cat - kudu - zebra - impala - hyena - not to mention elephants - lots of them.
Most of the elephants we counted didn't bother us but there's always one isn't there - and at one point the matriarch decided to pay us a call - threatening and bellowing. In a confined space with no where to run you have to hold your nerve. Our team leader gently tapped on the cooler box which was enough for her to back off.

Here's some observations of what other teams found on their count:

At 1145 at The Hide a mongoose killed a huge Black Mamba outside the office.

Very close encounters with the Presidential Elephants were experienced at Kanondo and Mpofu Pans. Even though they came very very close to the vehicles, they were not at all menacing and the counters felt very safe. In fact they “introduced” us to their young and some mothers suckled their young right beside the vehicle! So different from the Park Elephants who were very skittish!

At 0650 Wild Dogs were recorded at Mbazu. The next day the Painted Hunting Dog Research Unit followed up on this sighting.
A very interesting sighting, at 1828, 13 Hyena, including 5 youngsters, arrived at Guvalala and bathed in the pan for hours, surrounded by Elephant.

At 1605 Herd of 106 buffalo arrived at Samavundhla and laid up for the night 20 paces from the vehicle.

Observation at Dopi: Elephants mating – twice and an Elephant charged the vehicle.

The count is held yearly and is purely voluntary. If you want to join the adventure - please contact the below ...............

National Office: P.O. Box HG 996, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: +(263-4) 747500, 747684, 747648 E-mail: zimwild@mweb.co.zw

Find accommodation and safaris in Hwange at
http://www.afrizim.com/places/hwange/Accommodation/default.asp

View Hwange at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-PauMCqBkc

Hwange National Park

2010-10-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Robins Camp in Hwange National Park is named after Herbert George Robins - a no-nonsense English man. Like most adventurers of the time HGR was not a man to standstill.
His first job was that of a joiner (1882). In 1886 he emigrated to Australia working as a builder and served time with the Queensland Police. By 1892 HGR was in the Cape Colony prospecting - moving up to Matabeland in 1893. His next employment was with the Tanganyika Concessions Limited (1902) where he prospected and mapped the Tin Belt.

With accumulated capital of 10 000 pounds Robins considered retiring to his farm (Little Tom's Spruit) in the Wankie Disctrict. Securing ownership in 1912 Robins settled down to cattle ranching and his scientific instruments. Over the years he added to his original property and Tom's Farms now comprised some 25 000 acres.
Robins was active in anti poaching and a determined activist for the Wankie Game Reserve.
In 1934 Robins offered Tom's Farms to the Southern Rhodesian Government on the condition that it be maintained for all time as a game sanctuary.

Robins never married - something of a recluse all his life - an avid astronomer and a Fellow of some half a dozen societies - Tom's Farms are now known as Robin's Camp found in the north west of Hwange national park.
Robins Camp is remote but well worth the trouble to get there - with abundant wildlife and lots to keep the birders happy like this Red Crested Korhaan in loving mode.

Victoria Falls Adventure

2010-10-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Mission: cycle 892 kms from Harare to Victoria Falls to raise funds

The Team: 6 brave cyclists - 6 back up crew - 3 vehicles
First Stop: after 110 kms and 3 hours 43 minutes on the road - average speed 31.6 km/hr - morale is high and fitness levels strong.   Milk salve is applied to rear ends to keep saddle sores at bay.   The atmosphere grows tense as ipods are not spewing out decent music - loud explosions of a burst tyre send the teams scurrying for cover. Spraying water at team members is banned - still the intrepid Road Masters continue on their quest.
Second Stop - 163 km mark - average speed 27 km/hr : as the day closes there are some moments to be treasured and as the sun sets and the full moon makes it appearance this was one of them.
To keep in tune with the bodies normal bio rhythms stops were planned every 50 kms apart - this meant an average ride of 2 hours and 30 minutes between each stop. Approaching Gweru at midnight the temperature drops and more clothing is required.
Bulawayo Decision time - morale is low and its time to chuck in the towel . As the sun comes up will the 6 cyclists carry on?   Enter Clive Midland the man who started the Support Old Age Pensioners and joins them for the day. Humour and morale boosting also comes in the form of Ian Anderson - one condition was that no one was allowed to give up. So on the road again - Victoria Falls here we come.
Skinner Succumbs - unable to eat or drink and getting weaker, Tim is in a bad way and delirious. Grabbing for water he falls on 3 other cyclists causing tyre punctures and wheel buckles. Realising he cannot carry on Tim now joins the Back Up Team.
Sleep Perchance to Dream - at Lupane cyclists and back up team are now nearing dangerously low levels of sleep - despite pushing their bodies and minds to the limit sleep was calling loud and clear. Car seats, a mound of sand or better still a mattress : all make for sound hard shut eye.
The End is Near - from Hwange to Victoria Falls there are a lot of hills to negotiate - picture our cyclists negotiating tiring ascents - then quickly change the picture to fast descents in the moonlight (something out of an E.T. movie perhaps?)
Start to Finish - the charity cycle race had begun at 10h00 from Harare on 22nd September and ended at 12h10 on Friday 24 September - 892 kms and 49 hours of blood, sweat, tears and whole lot of humour.
Big applause for the back up drivers -
Brian Warren, Clint Burton, Leanne Murray, Kim McFarland, Alex Nicholas and Vanessa Williamson
A huge achievement for a worthy cause - hats off and a huge round of applause and grateful thanks to the tireless cyclists -
Linda Davidson, Wayne Davidson, Brent Williamson, Tim Skinner, Craig Foaden, Dave Ashwin, Ian Anderson and Clive Midland who joined us for 200km +/-
Medical Report - life is slowly returning to certain delicate parts of the bodies of these cyclists - toes and feelings in the hands is a slower recovery.   Wayne Davidson reports that his backside resembles a baboons and feel like he sat in a acid bath. Was it worth it - oh yeah - it certainly was.

Battles and Bergs

2010-08-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

Berg - short for Drakensberg (or uKhahlamba) - a 200km long "barrier of spears" in the KwaZulu Natal province. The Berg comprises the Northern, Central and Southern regions and is an awesome sight of towering basalt cliffs, riverine bush, yellow-wood forests, cascading waterfalls. Come winter and the Berg is snow capped. Renowned for its tens of thousands of San rock art paintings - the Berg also offers game reserves, hiking routes and great trout fishing.

Biltong - uniquely South African and originating from the time of the Dutch settlers way back in the 17th century. Similar to American jerky where meat is spiced and dried and thus preserved.

Battlefields - its hard to imagine this quiet landscape of rolling hills and rocky outcrops of KwaZulu Natal was once the scene of many a bitter and bloody battle between the British - the Voortrekkers and the Zulu nation - fighting for their right to land .
Synonmous with this period are names such as Churchill, Shaka, General Botha, Blood River, Rorke's Drift, Ladysmith and Gandhi. For the historian - relive the experience on a Battlefields tour.

South Africa Invites

2010-08-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

South Africa - land of sunshine, smiling faces and soccer spectacles. Ah yes, the 2010 world cup soccer is but a distant memory of when the world came to this land - and a great time was had by all - well perhaps not for the guys in orange.

South Africa is one of those countries you can visit 365 and the weather is great in most provinces all year round. Besides all the game reserves, the magnificent mountains and scenic wonders - winelands and whale watching - beaches and barbeques - there's a whole lot more to explore and experience.

Let's start at the beginning.
ADDO - is an elephant park. If your looking for elephants then this is the place to be as there is reported to be some 450 of these giants. Developed as an elephant sanctuary back in 1931, the park now includes Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, the rare and flightless Dung Beetle, Cape Mountain Zebra, Black backed Jackal.

AGULHAS - at the southernmost tip of Africa, this is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.
Famed as the Cape of Storms, this is the region where the likes of Birkenhead and Armiston were shipwrecked. Agulhas is a great place to view the Southern Right Whales between July and December.

AUGRABIES - a national park near Upington in the Northern Cape Province.
When the Orange river is in flood the sound is deafening but the sight is awesome.

The waterfall itself is 56 metres high falling into an 18 kilometre gorge, a rocky region where the seldom seen Klipspringer makes it home.

The national park is also home to springbok, giraffe and gemsbok and on the bird front,
the Black Eagle and African Fish Eagle dominate the skies.

Echo Corner - Moon Rock - Oranjekom & Arafat are just some of the viewpoints in the park giving awesome views of Augrabies

Prehistoric Predator

2010-08-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Crocodylus Niloticus - or more commonly the Nile Crocodile. Often seen lazing besides river banks with mouth wide open - displaying a toothy grin of some 66 nashers this is the crocs way of cooling down.

Don't let their cumbersome looking body and short legs fool you - these kings of the river can get up a burst of speed reaching approx. 14 km/h [8.5 miles/hour]

Did you know that crocs are about 200-million years old. Despite its fearsome reputation crocs are caring parents - guarding their off spring for up to a year after they have hatched or keeping them in their throat pouch for protection.

The Cleaning Crew - crocs are crucial to the health and delicate balance of Africa's rivers - feeding on dead carcasses and cleaning up the waterways they also keep in check the barbel population.

Quick Facts

- lifespan from 80 to 100 years
- can measure up to 5 metres (16 feet)
- rough and scaly water tight skin prevents dehydration
- males can weigh in at 225 kg
- older crocs will weigh heavier and be longer

- has a 3 chambered heart
- has a varied vocal range
- tick the box for good hearing

- has a gular pouch enabling them to eat under water as well as on land

See for yourself

Cruising the Chobe River

2010-08-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

Fronting the Chobe National Park is the Chobe river - one of Africa's busiest waterways. I'm not talking cargo busy - but animal busy that is. If you want to see a cauldron of wildlife and birdlife - from elephants to eagles, from lions to lechwe - then take a boat cruise - preferably the afternoon one as that when its truly alive and buzzing.

Its not just the animals that make the Chobe a popular tourist attraction. Look to the skies and you will see Yellow Billed storks, African Skimmers, Fish Eagles, Goliath Herons, Open Bill Storks - flying up and down - all day and into the night - as if it were their very own Heathrow airport.

Of course elephants dominate the river and their usual love affair with water plays out as they drink, play and swim for hours. Hippos also put in an appearance and are often seen grazing on the islands during the day - that is when they are not fighting for territory and giving us a display of their giant molars.

The buffaloes come to the islands to rest and feed. Other island inmates include impala, warthogs, waterbuck, kudu and zebra. This is also the home of the lechwe - a difficult antelope to recognise from a distance but look for long lyre-shaped horns and you should get a fix.

BRAZIL BREAKS

2010-07-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

BYE BYE BRAZIL as Holland roar on to the semi finals in South Africa's world cup soccer. Brazil will not have many good memories of the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium. Although the first half was all Brazil with Melo getting the first goal after 10 minutes, Holland were a different side in the second half. Thanks to a lucky break in the form of an own goal from Brazil, Holland were now level and everything to play for.

Niggling fouls and emotions ran high but with better penetration Holland scored a brilliant double header to win the game and send Holland into the semis. There were chances aplenty for both sides to score more goals and certainly Brazil and Kaka showed what champions they are with their exciting ball skills. The whistle blows and the game is over and there can only be one winner and so the Orange army of fans goes marching on. Well done Netherlands.

FAN DRESS - the outfits worn by fans of all the participating countries at 2010 World Cup Soccer have been hugely imaginative. The whole trend has been vivid colour, vibrant colour and more colour. Face painting, flags as cloaks or skirts, flags flows from cars, garlands of every colour, huge sunglasses, t-shirts, coloured hair wigs, makarapas, Mad Hatter hats - even the vuvuzelas are coloured - it's a world cup party.

SOCCER SURPRISES

2010-06-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

FEVER PITCH - here in South Africa football fever is reaching goal post heights as the world cup soccer moves into the knock out stages. Its the time when goals must be scored - otherwise its au revoir Africa.

ENGLAND EXPECTS - that touchline technology would have been introduced before their game with Germany. What a foul up.

CONUMDRUM - when is a goal not a goal ? Answer : see England vs Germany game. Is this how the line looked to you?

FRENZIED FANS -just got back from the Holland vs Slovakia game here at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. Good spirited football and what an atmosphere. German, Australian, a few English and Mexican fans and LOTS of guys and gals in Orange gear - not forgetting the Slovakian fans. Smiling faces, colourful outfits, vuvuzelas blaring : all in all a great evening for football and football fans everywhere. Food was good and even my ole friend Bud is beginning to taste like beer.

SEE THE ACTION
its all on this Facebook site - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13148525&id=514225404&fbid=10150213995180405

Zimbabwe Tourism Jets Off

2010-06-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

ZIMBABWE FLIES HIGH
with the introduction of its new air shuttle service. This long awaited and much needed service will propel Zimbabwe tourism to new highs.
FLY ME TO THE MOON or better still, fly me to lake Kariba. Its finally happened - a shuttle service linking Harare, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba and the Lower Zambezi. So now you can really "DO" Zimbabwe and get to those remote and isolated wildernesses with ease.
SHUTTLES - Hop around lake Kariba on one of the many shuttles. Rekindle nostalgia as you experience Fothgergill and Spurwing islands again. My favourite is the Kariba to Mana river shuttle which operates Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays departing at 11h00 from Kariba. Our old bakkie can sigh a sigh of relief at not having to contemplate THAT ROAD into Mana anymore.

SAILING AWAY - AND to give more impetus to Zim's tourism, the ferry linking Kariba to Mlibizi is once again sailing. So if travelling with your own vehicle, caravan, trailers and the whole household - the ferry is for you.Sit back in comfort and enjoy the 22 hour cruise.

Elephant Antics at Addo

2010-05-19T00:56:00.000-07:00

We had just entered Addo Elephant Park when we encountered this lone bull strolling down the middle of the road. What happened next excited, enthralled and had us riveted to the scene playing out in front of us.
Now Addo teems with elephants but we had to find the one character that was up to mischief this particular morning.
Note the cars in picture who were heading for the park's exit gate when Big Bull came along. Now when you meet these big guys caution is the word that comes to mind very quickly. So the cars stopped and waited - thinking BB would surely move off the road and into the bush where there was food to be had. BB on the other hand had different ideas.

Minutes went by and BB stood his ground - content to throw dust over himself. He was not moving and neither were the line of cars he was eyeing. Each time the leading car tried to edge forward - BB gave a menacing mock charge towards them. You could almost hear the gears shifting into reverse.

We, on the other side of the road, had a good laugh at this but at the back of our minds was would be turn his attentions to us. And sure enough he did - directing his immense stare at us - daring us to even move a centimetre.

Back to the other side of the road where once again cars were inching slowly forward - but not for long. Another mock charge and retreat was the call.
This scenario played out for about 45 minutes - after which time the fun was wearing thin. Then one opportunist took up the challenge and whilst the elephant's back was turned he moved forward and shot like a bullet away from the scene quickly followed by other brave cars.
Big Bull too must have tired of the scene and ambled off into the bush. Pretty sure we met him a few hours later up at the waterhole. I remember that steely stare reminding us who was boss of the bush.

Scamming Soccer World Cup

2010-05-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Among the many on line booking forms we receive one stood out - it was from Danny Jordaan. The brain slipped into gear and recognised DJ as being the head honcho for 2010 SWC - where shortly thousands of soccer mad fans will descend on South Africa and enjoy this frenzy of football.

The request was for Matetsi Water Lodge from 10 June for 12 nights - for 8 adults / 3 children.
There was a similar request for Masuwe Safari Lodge. Customer name was given as - Danny Jordaan.

Matetsi could not accommodate this request. On offering alternative accommodation we got the following reply asking us to register to bid for a number of other accommodation and then email signed documents and proof of payment - registration closes 21 May 2010. Chose the ones that you can accommodate and let us know.

By now our suspicions were raised and suspected that these emails were scam.
Reasons ....................
why was a registration fee of about R2000 necessary when Match are releasing rooms
the short deadline for payment
the fact that the email was written all in capital letters
some obvious spelling mistakes
telephone lines just rang

On checking up on the email address which seemed authentic (sa2010worldcup@starmail.co.za) we found that this was a free email account hosted in Japan - server IP 124.209.126.178
More emails came pushing us to register and pay up.

So for all travel agents out there - beware - do your own checking as we suspect this might be a scam. Please let us have your comments and feedback
email: salesafrizim@gmail.com

Zimbabwe Updates

2010-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

DAM BIRTHDAY - Time to pop the cork on the champagne as Kariba dam celebrates 50 years on 16 May. Controversial at the time as wildlife habitat would be lost and the Tsonga people of the region displaced - but the economic advantages won the day.

THE BIG IDEA - designed by the French engineer and inventor Andre Coyne, this extra ordinary feat of engineering began in the late 1950's. Kariba is a double curvature concrete dam, 128m high and spanning 617m across the narrow Kariba Gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Once dammed Lake Kariba would be formed - 220 kms long, 40 kms wide.

COUNTING THE COST - eighty six construction workers lost their lives - Operation Noah would save thousands of animals but many were lost.

KARIBA - today the benefits of that initiative formed back when Zambia was Northern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe was Southern Rhodesia are being reaped by everyone. The two hydro power stations remain an important source of electricity for the southern Africa region - the lake is a major tourist attraction - wildlife has adapted and thrives - so it looks like everyone is happy - but perhaps not so.

THE WATER GOD

Nyaminyami - with its snake-like body and fish-like head is the ancestral spirit (Mudzimu) of the Batonga's who protected them and fed them from his own meat in times of hunger. When forced to move to higher ground the Batonga's believed that Nyaminyami would not allow the dam to be built and they would return to their rightful homes.
1957 - one year into the building of the dam - the river rose to flood level - lives were lost - destruction to equipment and access roads
1958 - another flood - three metres higher than the previous year - destruction to access bridge, coffer dam and parts of the main wall
Had Nyaminyami made good on his promise?

RAGING RAINS - for the past 2 years heavy rains upstream has meant the dam filling to 75% of capacity in March. With more water expected three of the dam's six floodgates were opened. Its a sight to behold as spray from the dam rises high in the air creating fantastic photographic opportunities.

Happy birthday Kariba and more good news - the ferries are sailing again and flights now available from Harare into Kariba.

Ernest Hemingway on African Safari

2010-04-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND FRIENDS
Ernest Hemingway did it - Theodore Roosevelt did it - big game hunters and explorers almost certainly did it.
You can do it too - its exciting, gets the adrenaline pumping and has you looking for more.
Before you get other ideas - we are talking about going on safari - specifically Africa and more specifically Botswana and Zimbabwe.

OUT OF AFRICA
Mobile camping safaris allow you to journey through the prime wilderness areas of Chobe, Okavango and Hwange without having to take out another overdraft. These safaris provide a more authentic down to earth experience. You might be asked to assist with camp duties (that's the participation level).
For those who would miss their creature comforts there is the luxury level.

BUSH TALK
Forget the quick drive around the game reserve - where you will see lots of impala and elephants - but will you see that elusive leopard or painted dog? These guides are well trained and will do their utmost to find you those elusive creatures of the night. So pack your khakis, bring the binoculars and perhaps another roll of loo paper. Don't forget your sense of humour as you take off on an exciting and adventure filled african safari

DID YOU KNOW - that giraffe have 7 vertebrae - the same number as man. If on safari you see giraffes with intertwined necks - this is called "necking" - and not to be confused with amorous advances.
Necking is a show of strength and dominance between the males - its an amazing sound when one long neck collides with great force against another.
Giraffes are also adept at kick boxing - and during their duels in between necking they also throw in a kick or two.

Hwange National Park

2010-04-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

SABLE SANDS - roughly the size of Belgium (14 650 sq kms), the park is considered one of Africa's finest with some of the densest concentrations of game.
The diversity of the landscape (Kalahari sandveld - teak and mopane woodlands - saltpans - grasslands) carries 105 mammal species including large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, zebra, sable, kudu, waterbuck, eland and giraffe. Lion and leopard as well as gemsbok and brown hyena are also present.   Wild dog are breeding and their numbers growing.
BABBLING BIRDERS - birdlife is equally impressive with over 400 species including the Kori Bustard, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Finches, Southern Pied Babbler, rollers and hornbills,   In the Raptor division look for the Martial Eagle, Red Necked Falcon, Dickinson's Kestrel and gabar goshawk.
SUPER CAMPS - one of my favourites is Somalisa - its 70 kms inside the park.
http://www.afrizim.com/Places/Hwange/Accommodation/Somalisa.asp   Star gazing is also part of the activities at Somalisa as you shower under the African night sky. Somalisa has some of the best game viewing guides and gets five star rankings on Trip Advisor.

SWIMMING ELEPHANTS - its a well known fact elephants love water - whether its on the Chobe river or Zambezi or if needs be the swimming pool at Somalisa. Sip your G and T while elephants partake of their sundowners at the pool - its their entitlement so best just watch the spectacle and the pool slowly drains the elephant way.
SPEED TRAPS - there are no speed traps in Hwange - and there are no wall to wall Jeep Jams as in Kruger and most of Africa's Parks.   Ever tried to watch a pride of lions in Kruger with safari vehicles and every other assortment of vehicle blocking the view - forget it.
TRAVEL TIMES -the park is open all year round. From July to September (dry season) enjoy hot days and cool nights.   It is during these months that the animals concentrate around the man-made waterholes, without which they would perish. November to March is the rainy season bringing new life to Hwange.
FOUNDING FATHER - Ted Davison was the founding Warden at Hwange and the pioneer in introducing boreholes to create new sources of badly needed water for Hwange's animals.
GREAT GAME you can experience Hwange in a number of ways. Stay at a traditional safari camp with game viewing from the camp or for something different -try a Horse Safari or Mobile Camping Safari.   Hwange park is just 2 hours from Victoria Falls and easily accessible.

Super Soccer Stars

2010-03-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

BIENVENIDO SPAIN

iHola to South Africa.
Liverpool fans well know Fernando Jose Torres Sanz - better known as Fernando Torres. Torres was born 20 March 1984 - his youthful good looks has earned him the nickname el nino (the kid). Torres started his playing career as a goal keeper - that is until his front teeth were knocked out - following which he moved to an attacking role. From Atletico Madrid Torres moved to Liverpool in 2007 and the rest they say - is history. He is a superstar striker. iBuena suerte!
ENGLAND EXPECTS - Wayne Rooney - man of the moment for Manchester United and England will be hoping that what he does for the Red Devils he will emulate for England in the World cup.
ARGENTINA

Legends are made of this stuff - Lionel Andres Messi - one of the world's best young footballers around winning FIFA World Player of the Year at 21 years and again when he was 22. Watch this attacking midfielder currently with Barcelona when he runs onto the field with the likes of Tevez and Mascherano.
ALL SYSTEMS GO - Fan fever every Friday - wear your Bafana Bafana shirt and show support.
MARADONA MOMENTS "winning the World Cup is the most beautiful thing there is". You said it Diego.
ROYAL RUSTENBURG
in the north west Province - Rustenburg is just 30 kilometres from the fun filled resort of Sun City offering plenty of nightly entertainment, restaurants, casinos, golf course and hot air balloon rides with Pilanesburg game reserve close by. From Sun City to the Royal Bafokeng stadium is a 25 minute drive. Royal Bafokeng will host -
12 June - 20h30 England vs USA
15 June - 13h30 New Zealand vs Slovakia
19 June - 16h00 Ghana vs Australia
22 June - 16h00 Mexico - Uruguay
24 June - 20h30 Denmark - Japan

Environmental Disaster

2010-03-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

The rugged and remote wilderness of Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi is under imminent and irreversible sabotage.

HOW IT WILL HAPPEN

* with the building of a double storey hotel by developers Protea Group

* estimates of 25 000 people/per annum

* bringing with them the associated air, boat and vehicle pollution

* the proposed area lies in Chiawa G.M.A. about 500m across from the Mana Pools National Park shoreline (see photos of this park life wilderness -

http://www.afrizim.com/Pics/Slide_Shows/Mana_Pools/Wild_Animals.asp

* electricity supply means unsightly power lines for 30 kilometres

WHY IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN

* Mana Pools is a world heritage site and a priceless wilderness area

* no feasibility study has been done into the impact of this development

* other than national parks there are no permanent structures

* safari camps in Mana bring in all their camp provisions - dismantling it all at the end of season, normally October)

* nature is "disturbed" for just a short time and then left to recuperate for the new season - as nature herself does

* the development is purportedly aimed at the local Zambian conference market - we feel this is just a smoke screen

* this proposal opens the door for future larger developments on both sides of the river

COMPROMISE

* reduce the 144 proposed beds to 28 beds - in line with more traditional safari lodges in the region

* restrict the building from double to single storey

* there are other less sensitive areas which could be considered for this development

* set up dialogue between Zambia and Zimbabwe for the proposal of a transfrontier park

CONTROVERSY

- a few years ago, public outrage and the intervention of UNESCO stopped a similar development at Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.

We beg all interested parties to help protect the Zambezi wilderness.

A LAZY RIVER

its not easy or cheap to get to Mana Pools - but for the budget minded there is a way to experience and enjoy this unique river and that is on a canoe safari (http://www.afrizim.com/Activities/Canoe_Safaris/Mana_Pools/default.asp)

Where else in the world can you canoe through the magnificent scenery of the Zambezi river and escarpment - view large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, hippos and more.

Where birdlife is rich and photographic opportunities abound. Canoe trips are definitely the one African safari that no client is ever disappointed with.

CHIEF SEATTLE - There are no beautiful wild animals and birds on the Moon or Mars - nor fish or river

eco systems, nor trees or shrubs.

Man has been given so much beauty to enjoy, experience and guard over.

So why does every last piece of land need to be developed to the detriment of irreplaceable wilderness?

Wake up and smell the roses and STOP this development. If in doubt ask Chief Seattle.

WANT TO HELP

submissions and objections need to reach the Environment Council of Zambia no later than 14 April 2010.

Prepare your detailed comments and/or objections to the development and send by e-mail to:

1. The Manager, Inspectorate, Environmental Council of Zambia, jsakala@necz.org.zm and

2. Inspector, Chirundu Border Office, Environmental Council of Zambia, csimwanza@necz.org.zm

Insist on an acknowledgement by return of e-mail.

LAST WORD

There is already the beginnings of what will be the world's largest peace park - bigger than Italy. KAZA Park (the Okavango Zambezi transfrontier park) stretching from Angola to parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe - BUT WAIT - that's a long story and one for another day.

South Africa World Cup Soccer 2010

2010-03-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

FAN ZONE
Tim Cahill - Australia
impressive pedigree with achievements ranging from nomination for Ballon d'Or 2006, Oceania Footballer of the Year 2004, Professional Football Association Player of the Year 2009.
Current position is as midfielder for Everton.
Mark Schwarzer - Fulham and Australia goal keeper - Player of the Year 2008/2009 season.
Coach - Pim Verbeek
successful Dutch head coach taking the Socceroos to World Cup 2010
No stranger to South African shores having visited as a tourist, Australia's opening game is against Germany on 13 June in Durban. Kick off 20h30

GROUP D
Germany - Australia - Serbia - Ghana
Favourites has to be Germany with their record of achieving most World Cup finals. Ghana rank second favourites with Serbia and Australia the outsiders.
WHAT'S HOT
well Durban is certainly a hot host city - footballers and fans will enjoy warm and sunny days during June and July.
Food, fun, fan parks and fabulous beaches are just a small part of the entertainment Durban has to offer.
FEEL THE RHYTHM

What is a Diski Dance? Diski is the local lingo for soccer - so taking its cue from soccer moves, the dance is a series of skips and passes, releases and holds. You can add your own moves as well. So get in the swing and share in the passion and swelling enthusiasm that is overtaking South Africa waiting for 11 June.
VUVU WHO?
it looks like a trumpet except its made of plastic - about a metre long - comes
in all colours - yes, its a Vuvuzela. These will be seen and heard in their
thousands adding to the atmosphere and cheer of the world cup games.
The history of the vuvuzela is said to be the kudu horn which was
blown in African villages summoning them to meetings.

Wild Dog Party

2010-03-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

PAINTED DOGS
they get bad press - they are not particularly good looking BUT they can trace their ancestry back some 40-million years.
African wild dogs are among Africa's most endangered species with estimates of approx. 3000 remaining.
LIFE IN THE PACK
a litter of between 2 to 10 pups are born after a gestation period of about 70 days. Life in the pack is a co-operative affair
with the pack bringing food for the young. This is regurgitated but not before the pups go through a begging ritual.
At 5 weeks they will be weaned and will join the clan on hunts at 6 months.
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS
When the cry goes up and the hunt is on - they set off like the Musketeers of the predator world - all for one and for one all.
Wild Dogs are efficient predators using their sense of sight to locate prey and chasing at speeds of 55 km/hour for several kilometres

ENCOUNTERS WITH HYAENAS
we saw a pack of wild dogs in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi park - they had a kill down in the river on a sandbank. They were excited running up the bank to what we presumed must have been where the cubs were hid - as they made frequent visits to this site.

Circling the dogs and the kill were a couple of hyaenas expecting to get a
nibble or two. This was not to be - as the dogs chased the hyaenas away time and time again. At one stage we turned to see a hyena standing
just a few metres behind us.
Back to the scene of the crime ......... by now more hyaenas had turned up and again they were seen off with much cries and whelps. The kill was devoured in about 20 minutes and then the dogs moved out. Enter the clean up party of vultures and hyaenas who arrived in big numbers to get their turn of the spoils.
LYCAEON PICTUS
derived from the Greek for wolf and Latin for painted - these painted predators have large rounded ears, long legs, bushy tail, black muzzle, heavily blotched
black, white and yellow brown markings.
ENEMIES
whilst lion and leopard will occasionally take a wild dog, the Dogs main threat is from Man.
Enter the Painted Dog Conservation Project in Hwange - a very unique conservation model which combines all the programs for rehabilitating
and re-introducing the dogs as well as education programs, eco volunteer projects and community development.
Contact the Conservation Project at info@painteddog.org if you would like to help in any way.

David & Victoria

2010-03-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

THUNDERING SMOKE
Its 1855 and David Livingstone, missionary and adventurer
extraordinaire has set eyes on the "smoke that thunders" -
the now very famous Victoria Falls.
Not just a waterfall but an important gateway for safaris
to Botswana and Zambia and Africa's adventure capital.

An helicopter flip takes about 15 minutes.

From take off you see the wide expanse of the Zambezi
river with its islands, the helicopter then heads towards
the Falls circling one way then another. Have the camera
and video ready as the views are truly breath taking.
Back to earth and to find out more about this world famous
landmark, take the Guided Tour.
DID YOU KNOW that the Falls and the Rainforest form part of the
Victoria Falls national park.
The Rain Forest is a unique combination of creepers, liana vines
and giant trees (including the parasitical Strangler Fig),
butterflies, snakes, skinks, small mammals and a variety of birds.

Among this rich and luxuriant sanctuary look for the
Blood Lily or Pin-cushion Flower which blooms between
October and December.
Where the path enjoys year-round spray towering over you are
the False Date Palms, Cape Figs and Waterberrys.
INVITATION you are invited to visit Victoria Falls 365 days a year.
Its easy accessible just a short flight from Johannesburg
international airport - and its affordable.

Tripping to Zimbabwe

2010-03-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

BULAWAYO TO KARIBA
From the city of Kings to the lake of dreams,
2 lone women will travel on a mission only known to themselves.

Leaving Durban they head for Johannesburg where they have
found a very good bed and breakfast, inexpensive,
good service and excellent meals - its called : THE IN-LAWS.

Up at sparrow to avoid the Joeys and Pretoria traffic - they speed on their way - with a trusted GPS advising when
speed cameras are coming up.
BORDER DUTIES
We crossed the Botswana border (eventually, after 2 hours),
then we navigated the Zim border. Surprise surprise, the civil
authorities were civil, smiling and pleasant and we were
through in no time.

First port of call Matopos and Bulawayo. Don't miss
visiting the Matopos and the national park
Which giant played with all those huge granite rocks -
placing one on top of another in the most bizarre and awesome
manner - not forgetting the grave site of visionary Cecil John Rhodes.

Bulawayo still retains its charm and there are many
interesting places to see - Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and
my favourite the National History Museum.
ZAMBEZI HERE WE COME
Our journey now takes us on the long road to Kariba with
ever changing scenery as we get closer to the Zambezi escarpment.
Condition of the roads was good (considering) with a few
potholes here and there.
Grass is tall at the sides of the road but this is thatching grass
and can be harvested another day - so we lived with the little
inconvenience.

CRUISING KARIBA
The small fishing village of Kariba is the end of the road before
you hit the vast waters of this BIG man-made lake.

Boats big and small - some modest some downright luxurious
laze in
the many harbours.

From land to water we are now speeding across Lake Kariba
to the Matusadona wilderness area and our safari camp for a
few days R and R.
Sometimes you cannot describe beauty - you just have to look
at it and appreciate it.

PARKS AND PREDATORS
The national park is noted for its populations of lion and
a sanctuary for the endangered Black Rhino.

Drowned forests of mopane trees stand as sentinels on the
lake around Matusadona. The plateau is an area rich in
thick jesse bush, an imposing heavily wooded escarpment,
to the west the Ume river and the Sanyati on the east,
bountiful birdlife, excellent wildlife - come see for yourself.

Our senses are bombarded again when we reach Mana Pools.
Leaving Kariba we ascend by road to the top of the escarpment
where you can see forever - at least down into the Zambezi
Valley and across to Zambia.
We wont talk about the road into Mana - suffice to say that if
you take it easy you will get there in one piece (perhaps take
out things like false teeth before you begin your intrepid
journey).
LAZY LIONS LOUNGING
Mana is surely one of the last remaining remote wilderness
areas in Africa. The river has now calmed and is home to
hippos and crocs while on land lions stalking around camp
are not an unfamiliar feature (baboons, monkeys and hyenas
are a VERY familiar feature - always on the lookout for food).

Best time to visit is September where you will see game aplenty.
Elephant - buffalo - black rhino - leopard - cheetah are just
some of the residents.
Much of this stretch of riverfront is inaccessible - which is
good news for conservation as it keeps property developers
and the like away from this untouched region.
Canoe safaris are popular and the area lends itself to
walking safaris.
Yes there is a magic about Mana.
HOMEWARD BOUND
Now our journey has run its course we will fly out of Harare
(after 3 weeks on the road our bums are crying out for
something softer) so a little airline comfort is welcome.

Thank you to all the smiling faces we met on our travels -
all the hospitality we received - au revoir Zimbabwe -
we will be back.

Durban 2010 Visitors Guide

2010-03-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

INDIAN OCEAN BLUES
Durban is South Africa's equivalent of Blackpool - except its
hotter and you can swim in the sea - virtually all year round.
Average year round temperatures in Durban 16 to 25 degrees
Celsius (that's about 60 to 77 degrees
Fahrenheit).
Durban has plenty to offer the visitor so take time out before
the beautiful game starts.
Take a stroll along the Promenade - or visit UShaka Marine World -
or try your luck at the Suncoast Casino.

See - I told you it was like Blackpool.

CURRIES & CHOW DOWNS
If you think the weather is hot then try an Indian curry.
Hot spices that will set your taste buds on fire.
If your English and longing for something homely,
then down at Durban's harbour taste some fresh caught
fish and chips.

MOSES & THE STADIUM
As one of the host cities for 2010, the Moses Mabhida
stadium is truly spectacular. This 70 000 seater newly
built stadium is a state of the art sporting facility.
Besides hosting one of the semi finals Durban will be hosting .......

13 June - 8h30 pm Germany vs Australia
16 June - 4.00 pm Spain vs Switzerland
19 June - 1.30 pm Netherlands vs Japan
22 June -8h30 pm Nigeria vs Korea Republic
25 June - 4.00 pm Portugal vs Brazil

SKY CARS
You've seen UFO's - now there are cars in the sky.
Take the funicular to the top of the north arch at Moses' stadium.
Breath taking panoramic views of Durban and the Indian ocean.
If the lift is not for you then you can always do the Adventure Walk.
Climb some 550 steps on the southern side of the arch.

LAUGHTER LINES
if at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you.

World Cup Tripping & Tips

2010-03-01T04:15:00.000-08:00

SOCCER TREK
Getting ready for the trek to Africa for the great soccer show -
here is a light hearted look at South Africa - the rainbow nation.

LOCATION
South Africa is at the southern tip of the continent.
Should you reach Marion Island you will have gone too far and next stop will be the Antarctic.
Zimbabwe, Mocambique, Botswana and Namibia are the neighbouring countries - so its not close to Niger or the DRC.

WEATHER
Here's the weather forecast for June/July
Sunny and warm in Durban
Cape Town will be cold with outbreaks of rain
Bloemfontein will be cold
Polokwane - dry and hot
Rustenburg, Nelspruit and Pretoria - the outlook is warm
So pack sun block - brolly - thermal underwear and a whole lot of joie de vie.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
in South Africa there are some weird and wonderful names for everyday situations.

Tinkle (this could be mistaken for a trip to the loo). But if someone
says "give me a tinkle" they are telling you to call them or sms.

Rock Up - this means to just sort of arrive. You don't make an appointment
or tell anyone you are coming - you just rock up.
You can't just rock up for a job interview or at a 5 star restaurant -
you give them a tinkle first - then you can rock up.

ZONING OUT
During the world cup show, SA time will be the same as most
European countries including Germany and an hour ahead of the U.K.

BEER TASTING
There's nothing better than cold beer on a hot day - especially if your
team is winning. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants who stock
a wide range of bottled and draught beers.
You might need to change your beer palate as in and around the
stadiums only Budweiser prouced beers will be sold.

IRISH BLESSING
As you slide down the banister of life -
may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

World Cup Routes

2010-02-24T03:15:00.000-08:00

PAGE NO 2

TONGUE TWISTER
Oudtshoorn - hard to spell and difficult to pronounce especially if you are a pommie like me. Anyway here's the trick - say oatshorn - then you have it.

In the heart of the Klein Karoo lies Oudtshoorn - famous for its ostrich farms, the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the Cango Caves, the region is surrounded by mountain fynbos on the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains.

OF THRONES AND TEMPLES
The caves are a series of huge chambers and grottos of dripstone, flowstone, rimstone, roof crystals and shelfstone lime deposits.

Suitable for all members of the family is the standard tour and for those looking for something more challenging - try the adventure tour where you need to be slim and trim to slide, slip, squirm and wriggle your way through difficult to reach chambers.

A FARMER AND HIS GOAT
The caves were formed over 20 million years and "discovered" in modern times by a local farmer, Jacobus Van Zyl when looking for his lost goat. Not sure he ever found it as he would have dropped into complete darkness. There is evidence that the caves were used by the San and early stone age man.

TOUR FACTS
Guided tours are approx. 1.5 hours long and take you through the caves introducing you to formations known as Organ Pipes, Cleopatra's Needle, tobacco leaves, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, bacon rind, the Family Bible and lots more.

Experienced Guides make the tour fun and educational. German and French guides can be arranged and the cave temperature is a pleasant 18 degrees C (67 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tours take place every hour on the hour and entrance fee is R60 up to end June 2010.

MODERN MAN
Today man's intrusion on the Caves is evident in the form of the green algae found on the formations. As you move from chamber to chamber the lights are turned off to reduce their impact on this delicate subterranean structure.

THE FUTURE
research has shown that the Caves extend much further into the mountains. Weighing the cost of developing newly found chambers against the preservation of the caves, the speleologists have decided to keep the chambers closed and let nature continue its astonishing and unseen work.

TIME OUT
have a cuppa or an ice cream at the end of the tour while you watch a short video on this amazing underground world.

World Cup 2010 Routes

2010-02-08T00:20:00.000-08:00

A journey of unique and varied experiences. The route runs parallel to the Indian ocean coastline and
is a mosaic of beaches and bays, of trendy resorts and small fishing villages.

What to do : surf the waves - watch the sharks - hike the forests - play some golf - ride an ostrich - slither through caves - take a treetop canopy tour - take lots of photos - have fun.

Let's start at Mossel Bay with its historical maritime sites and modern day adventures of whale watching and shark cage diving. Mossel Bay lies halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and is the historical capital of the Garden Route.

SUN REPORT
Mild all year round climate makes for a hot summer destination and an ideal winter retreat.
That means you can wear your shorts and takkies all year long.

MOSSELS MUSEUM MEANDER
these are different (I promise you) and well worth spending some time in. The Maritime Museum houses the life-size replica of Bartholomew Dias' caravel - the ship in which he sailed into Mossel Bay in 1488.

The complex also has a Shell Museum and Aquarium.

END OF THE LINE
the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train steams its way from George through farmlands and across rivers, through fynbos reserves and with steam billowing and whistle blowing the journey ends in Mossel Bay.

BIRTHING WHALES
May to October is a good time to be in Mossel Bay when Southern Right whales can be seen in the sheltered and deep waters. But also look for Humpback, Killer and Bryde's whales as well.

MOSSEL BUNIONS
You can easily spend a day or more soaking up all the tourist spots of Mossel.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do.