20 February 2015
Setting out early this morning we came across a hyena clan
who had three different age grouped youngsters with them. They suddenly all appeared
on the road making a great photo opportunity as there was 20 in total.
Verity and Dean Cherry had an African dream in 1999 and started Nhongo Safaris® to eliminate the logistical challenges of international visitors on safari. We provide a once in a lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiast that demand quality overnight safaris in South Africa and most particularly the Kruger National Park. We want to enrich our visitors’ experience by providing Luxury Safari Packages or African Safari Holidays and maintain our position as leader in Kruger Park Safaris.
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Some of Nhongo Safaris Fleet of Open Safari Vehicles
The photo shows some of our fleet of Open Safari Vehicles used while on safari in the Kruger National and Hwange National Parks. These ve...
Showing posts with label nhongo safaris client testimonials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nhongo safaris client testimonials. Show all posts
Friday, 20 February 2015
Monday, 28 July 2014
On Safari With Karen from 24 July 2014
24 July 2014
Today was another daytrip with Care for Wild volunteers. We
started at Numbi Gate and were lucky to see two elephants quite quickly. The
young bulls were in the distance but stepped first on a termite mount to show
themselves (1 by 1) and then kept walking towards us. They crossed the road
just behind our vehicle. A little further on we found some zebras hiding behind
the bushes.
We took a loop around Shabeni where we found a klipspringer posing on top of a rock and a large troop of baboons. They baboons weren't properly awake yet, as they sat huddled together is small groups warming up in the sun.
Back on the tar road we were stared at a lone buffalo bull and spotted a duiker that didn't run away.
We took a slow drive to Shithave Dam where the crocodile was already up and sunning himself. The hippos were nowhere to be seen, but we did get a good look at a grey heron.
We saw warthogs, kudus, giraffes and our first impalas. Then we encountered two elephants bulls in the prime of their lives. One was clearly trying to establish dominancy. Challenging the one that was a teensy bit smaller and at one point even laying its head and trunk on top of the head of the other as much as he could. However, the smallest one was apparently ok with it as he was more keen on the grass and kept chewing away even with the other one's head on top of him. No scuffle broke out, so we continued our journey.
Close to Transport Dam a hyena pup was sunning himself. At Delaporte waterhole we saw a massive male giraffe and a troop of baboons that was feeding and as if it was the themes of the morning, here too two males were establishing the hierarchy. One of the kings mounted the other as if trying to mate it. We also saw impala and two duikers roaming around.
On the way to Skukuza we saw many more giraffes and a large group of buffalo bulls were crossing the road, at their own pace, just before Skukuza entrance.
After a break at Skukuza we turned towards the river. We stopped at a spot where people said there were lions, but through the bushes. We scouted and looked and maybe saw an ear, but that was it. No luck this time. We did however see multiple white-backed and hooded vultures sitting in trees nearby waiting to eat the leftovers of the buffalo the lions had killed. After we continued we spotted lots of herds of impalas, bateleurs fly over and a fish eagle.
At high level bridge we spotted an island full of hippos and a crocodile. We then took the road Marula loop where we saw lots of giraffes, zebras and two buffalos close to the road. At Sand river bridge a family of tawny eagles was sitting on their nest. Then we had to drive slowly as a family of ground hornbills was walking in the road. While we were crossing slowly, baboons came up from behind us and played on the bridge.
Back at Skukuza we stopped for lunch. Then we continued our drive on Kruger road where a steenbok decided we weren't worth running away from in the heat and plopped back down to rest. Down River road there were lots of kudus going to the water. We saw some nice fully grown males and large groups of females. Back on Doispane it was rather quiet. The day had turned hot and all the animals had gone into hiding. We did get word about a sleeping male lion under a bush. This time we were in luck and made it to the sighting in time. The lion was having a dream as he rolled on his back and made movements with his legs in the air. It made it look funny for us! On the way to Phabeni Gate we only stopped for zebras, before the drive was over.
We took a loop around Shabeni where we found a klipspringer posing on top of a rock and a large troop of baboons. They baboons weren't properly awake yet, as they sat huddled together is small groups warming up in the sun.
Back on the tar road we were stared at a lone buffalo bull and spotted a duiker that didn't run away.
We took a slow drive to Shithave Dam where the crocodile was already up and sunning himself. The hippos were nowhere to be seen, but we did get a good look at a grey heron.
We saw warthogs, kudus, giraffes and our first impalas. Then we encountered two elephants bulls in the prime of their lives. One was clearly trying to establish dominancy. Challenging the one that was a teensy bit smaller and at one point even laying its head and trunk on top of the head of the other as much as he could. However, the smallest one was apparently ok with it as he was more keen on the grass and kept chewing away even with the other one's head on top of him. No scuffle broke out, so we continued our journey.
Close to Transport Dam a hyena pup was sunning himself. At Delaporte waterhole we saw a massive male giraffe and a troop of baboons that was feeding and as if it was the themes of the morning, here too two males were establishing the hierarchy. One of the kings mounted the other as if trying to mate it. We also saw impala and two duikers roaming around.
On the way to Skukuza we saw many more giraffes and a large group of buffalo bulls were crossing the road, at their own pace, just before Skukuza entrance.
After a break at Skukuza we turned towards the river. We stopped at a spot where people said there were lions, but through the bushes. We scouted and looked and maybe saw an ear, but that was it. No luck this time. We did however see multiple white-backed and hooded vultures sitting in trees nearby waiting to eat the leftovers of the buffalo the lions had killed. After we continued we spotted lots of herds of impalas, bateleurs fly over and a fish eagle.
At high level bridge we spotted an island full of hippos and a crocodile. We then took the road Marula loop where we saw lots of giraffes, zebras and two buffalos close to the road. At Sand river bridge a family of tawny eagles was sitting on their nest. Then we had to drive slowly as a family of ground hornbills was walking in the road. While we were crossing slowly, baboons came up from behind us and played on the bridge.
Back at Skukuza we stopped for lunch. Then we continued our drive on Kruger road where a steenbok decided we weren't worth running away from in the heat and plopped back down to rest. Down River road there were lots of kudus going to the water. We saw some nice fully grown males and large groups of females. Back on Doispane it was rather quiet. The day had turned hot and all the animals had gone into hiding. We did get word about a sleeping male lion under a bush. This time we were in luck and made it to the sighting in time. The lion was having a dream as he rolled on his back and made movements with his legs in the air. It made it look funny for us! On the way to Phabeni Gate we only stopped for zebras, before the drive was over.
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
On Safari With Mark From 15 July 2014
15 July 2014
Route: Napi - Transport - Napi - Shabeni loop - Fiaya loop -
Nkambeni
General animals seen: impala, kudu, warthog, giraffe, waterbuck, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, crocodile and hippos
Highlights: On leaving camp we came across 5 buffalo as our first animals for the day.
General animals seen: impala, kudu, warthog, giraffe, waterbuck, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, crocodile and hippos
Highlights: On leaving camp we came across 5 buffalo as our first animals for the day.
On Numbi tar we found 4 Sable wanting to cross the road,
this didn't happen but fortunately guests could get great photos of both bulls
and both cows.
200m from the sables we found 3 lioness walking up the shoulder of the road. Also great photos taken by guests.
Great elephant sightings throughout the day with loan bulls and herds spotted.
200m from the sables we found 3 lioness walking up the shoulder of the road. Also great photos taken by guests.
Great elephant sightings throughout the day with loan bulls and herds spotted.
16 July 2014
Route: Napi - Skukuza - Elloff - Doispan - Albaseni -
Nkambeni
General animals seen: impala, kudu, warthog, waterbuck, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, giraffe, kudu, hippos and crocodiles
Highlights: Great day for elephants as there have been regular sightings throughout the day. Multiple herds as well as individual bulls close to the road.
General animals seen: impala, kudu, warthog, waterbuck, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, giraffe, kudu, hippos and crocodiles
Highlights: Great day for elephants as there have been regular sightings throughout the day. Multiple herds as well as individual bulls close to the road.
On camp road we had come across 5 buffalo bulls
approximately 5m from the car.
On Napi we had our first leopard sighting with a beautiful
male lying on a termite mound enjoying the morning sun.
After a break at skukuza, Dean called and informed us of
another leopard walking parallel with the road towards Elloff. We had slight
visual of this one but he decided to move away from the road due to the
increase of cars looking for him.
Dean then informed us of 3 female lions approximately 2.5kms
away and we responded. Great visuals of these as they got up and started to
walk westwards.
Further down the road we found 4 cheetahs lying under a tamboti thicket, with stomachs full from hunting something.
With so much seen we just enjoyed the rest of the afternoon drive with general game viewing and bird watching.
Further down the road we found 4 cheetahs lying under a tamboti thicket, with stomachs full from hunting something.
With so much seen we just enjoyed the rest of the afternoon drive with general game viewing and bird watching.
Monday, 7 July 2014
On Safari With Karen From 3 July 2014
3 July 2014
Today we set off for a full day game drive right after
breakfast. We have seen a lot of animals so far, but still there were many to
find! However we weren't quite awake yet as we started our drive. Just before
Shitlhave Dam we drove by seeing a little rock, a big rock, a rock with ears,
little rocks.... Ho! Back up! A rock with ears? No, it was an elephant with a
young. We didn't see the rest of the herd though.
We then continued down Napi where we spotted a lot of general game like kudus, a duiker, impalas and waterbuck. Close to Transport Dam two young hyenas were roaming around their den site, apparently having stolen a rubber cover for a pullhook. The youngsters were having great fun with it. Another younger one, just lay in the sun.
We turned down the H3. We had gotten word there should be lions down there, but no such luck for us. We did see some giraffes in the background, but no lions. We decided to continue down on the H3 anyways, which gave us a nice change of scenery. Down by Biyamiti bridge, a lot of cars were standing around. The word was there were lions, but no one seemed to exactly know where they were lying down now. Somebody even said they were a mating pair. We scouted with binoculars and thought we knew where they would be lying. So we waited. In the meantime all the other cars got impatient and left the sighting. Left all by ourselves we were startled by some weird unfamiliar noises. Then two white-backed vultures came sitting on the tree above the lions. They kind of did a mating dance and then indeed mated, letting us know what the unfamiliar noise was. Those noise little buggers however did show the lions apparently what to do as suddenly the female got up. The male followed suite and they were indeed a mating pair. Good things come to those who wait! We had a great sighting of mating vultures and lions.
We drove down towards Afsaal, but before the coffee we wanted to check out the open area. Normally there are some zebras or other grazers, but this time there were cars as far as we could see. A leopard was crossing in between those cars, unseen by us, but told by others. We scouted around, seeing warthogs, zebras, blue wildebeests and impalas but no leopard. We turned around to go back to Afsaal. While we were scouting around on the right however the leopard had crossed some way behind us, back to the other side! No wonder we didn't see it! We now scouted on the right and caught glimpses of it between the bushes and crossing open areas, before he hid away in the bushes to hide from all the commotion. There must have been at least 60 cars driving around to try to catch a glimpse! So after not seeing for 10min we decided to leave him be and finally go for a toilet break and then some coffee.
We then continued our drive back up the H3, seeing cars at the same lion spot where we had seen them mating, but the lions were lying flat once again. We didn't wait around this time. A little further on we saw 4 ground hornbills at the junction with the S113. They were digging in elephant dung in the open field. As these are very endangered it was a treat to see them.
We also came across a sadle billed stork, a group of five white rhinos, kudu bulls, baboons, bushbucks, warthogs, vervet monkeys and a white rhino mother and her calf. They were snoozing in the shade when the young got up and nudged his mother. Apparently he was thirsty as she rolled to her side and he started suckling!
After lunch at Skukuza, we took Napi road back towards camp. We spotted more general game and one hyena young was still outside its den, just in a different spot to soak up more sun. Just before the end we spotted a elephant in the bush. We stopped and then saw and smelled a large elephant bull in must on our right. The ladies in front were crossing the road and one by one took a sniff of the large bull. But none was really interested as they all continued on their way. The big bull was now left with just us to impress. Which is exactly what he tried to do. He turned around facing us and then came towards us to inspect the car to see if there would be room to join us. But smelling like that and obviously urinating, we told him firmly that he was not allowed to come any closer. However he didn't want to listen so we continued on our way. Looking back from a distance he slowly resumed molesting the marula tree he was feeding off.
Then on carrying on we were surprised by not one but another two herds of elephants crossing the road. Both times we were just on the right spot to enjoy the sighting but not to scare the mothers and their young. They crossed nicely with the youngsters fussing over the cars watching them and protecting the herd. Also two giraffes decided to cross the road. Here was where it all was happening as we saw a white rhino walking in the high grass and we came across two buffalos on camp road before it was the end of a long but very successful day!
We then continued down Napi where we spotted a lot of general game like kudus, a duiker, impalas and waterbuck. Close to Transport Dam two young hyenas were roaming around their den site, apparently having stolen a rubber cover for a pullhook. The youngsters were having great fun with it. Another younger one, just lay in the sun.
We turned down the H3. We had gotten word there should be lions down there, but no such luck for us. We did see some giraffes in the background, but no lions. We decided to continue down on the H3 anyways, which gave us a nice change of scenery. Down by Biyamiti bridge, a lot of cars were standing around. The word was there were lions, but no one seemed to exactly know where they were lying down now. Somebody even said they were a mating pair. We scouted with binoculars and thought we knew where they would be lying. So we waited. In the meantime all the other cars got impatient and left the sighting. Left all by ourselves we were startled by some weird unfamiliar noises. Then two white-backed vultures came sitting on the tree above the lions. They kind of did a mating dance and then indeed mated, letting us know what the unfamiliar noise was. Those noise little buggers however did show the lions apparently what to do as suddenly the female got up. The male followed suite and they were indeed a mating pair. Good things come to those who wait! We had a great sighting of mating vultures and lions.
We drove down towards Afsaal, but before the coffee we wanted to check out the open area. Normally there are some zebras or other grazers, but this time there were cars as far as we could see. A leopard was crossing in between those cars, unseen by us, but told by others. We scouted around, seeing warthogs, zebras, blue wildebeests and impalas but no leopard. We turned around to go back to Afsaal. While we were scouting around on the right however the leopard had crossed some way behind us, back to the other side! No wonder we didn't see it! We now scouted on the right and caught glimpses of it between the bushes and crossing open areas, before he hid away in the bushes to hide from all the commotion. There must have been at least 60 cars driving around to try to catch a glimpse! So after not seeing for 10min we decided to leave him be and finally go for a toilet break and then some coffee.
We then continued our drive back up the H3, seeing cars at the same lion spot where we had seen them mating, but the lions were lying flat once again. We didn't wait around this time. A little further on we saw 4 ground hornbills at the junction with the S113. They were digging in elephant dung in the open field. As these are very endangered it was a treat to see them.
We also came across a sadle billed stork, a group of five white rhinos, kudu bulls, baboons, bushbucks, warthogs, vervet monkeys and a white rhino mother and her calf. They were snoozing in the shade when the young got up and nudged his mother. Apparently he was thirsty as she rolled to her side and he started suckling!
After lunch at Skukuza, we took Napi road back towards camp. We spotted more general game and one hyena young was still outside its den, just in a different spot to soak up more sun. Just before the end we spotted a elephant in the bush. We stopped and then saw and smelled a large elephant bull in must on our right. The ladies in front were crossing the road and one by one took a sniff of the large bull. But none was really interested as they all continued on their way. The big bull was now left with just us to impress. Which is exactly what he tried to do. He turned around facing us and then came towards us to inspect the car to see if there would be room to join us. But smelling like that and obviously urinating, we told him firmly that he was not allowed to come any closer. However he didn't want to listen so we continued on our way. Looking back from a distance he slowly resumed molesting the marula tree he was feeding off.
Then on carrying on we were surprised by not one but another two herds of elephants crossing the road. Both times we were just on the right spot to enjoy the sighting but not to scare the mothers and their young. They crossed nicely with the youngsters fussing over the cars watching them and protecting the herd. Also two giraffes decided to cross the road. Here was where it all was happening as we saw a white rhino walking in the high grass and we came across two buffalos on camp road before it was the end of a long but very successful day!
4 July 2014
Unfortunately today was the last day for Leigh and Rachel.
We started as soon as the gates opened and came across a small group of
buffalos on camp road almost right away. It was still dark so most of them we
couldn't see properly, but a female and her calf were standing in the middle of
the road.
We drove up Numbi tar, towards Shabeni where we saw a lone giraffe. Around Shabeni loop we encountered a herd of elephants feeding right next to the road.
We then got a tip about some lions nearby so we went to Manung koppies. There we found a lot of open vehicles and heard some rustling in the grass. Word was there were indeed two lionesses walking around in the high grass. Unfortunately the rustling had stopped so apparently they lied down and no one saw them anymore. Lions are the same colour as the grass at the moment so difficult to spot when the grass is high. We hang around a bit longer before turning around, when suddenly they crossed the road about 50m in front of us!! We stopped next to them, where both of them stood staring at us. After a few seconds we weren't worth their attention so they walked off into the grass on the other side.
As time was running out we made our way back to Numbi, where we were caught by surprise by a massive herd of buffalo. Probably smelling the lions they were moving away. We counted around 40 buffalos before we found a gap to go through and there were at least the same amount still waiting on the other side to cross.
After transferring down to Nelspruit it was time to say goodbye to Leigh and Rachel. I hope you had a great time and will treasure all the memories of your round the world trip! Maybe we see you again one day!
We drove up Numbi tar, towards Shabeni where we saw a lone giraffe. Around Shabeni loop we encountered a herd of elephants feeding right next to the road.
We then got a tip about some lions nearby so we went to Manung koppies. There we found a lot of open vehicles and heard some rustling in the grass. Word was there were indeed two lionesses walking around in the high grass. Unfortunately the rustling had stopped so apparently they lied down and no one saw them anymore. Lions are the same colour as the grass at the moment so difficult to spot when the grass is high. We hang around a bit longer before turning around, when suddenly they crossed the road about 50m in front of us!! We stopped next to them, where both of them stood staring at us. After a few seconds we weren't worth their attention so they walked off into the grass on the other side.
As time was running out we made our way back to Numbi, where we were caught by surprise by a massive herd of buffalo. Probably smelling the lions they were moving away. We counted around 40 buffalos before we found a gap to go through and there were at least the same amount still waiting on the other side to cross.
After transferring down to Nelspruit it was time to say goodbye to Leigh and Rachel. I hope you had a great time and will treasure all the memories of your round the world trip! Maybe we see you again one day!
Monday, 14 April 2014
On Safari With Karen From 10 April 2014
10 April 2014
Upon arrival in the park we instantly spotted some lone maleimpalas. As breeding season is starting soon, more and more males will be
excluded from the herds by stronger ones and they will start forming bachelor
groups. These males were still too young to breed, so now they are on their
own. Furthermore we saw a small dung beetle rolling its ball of dung, pushing
it through the wet sand and up the side of the road. It really took some effort
as the dung ball kept on rolling of course with dung beetle and all.
This first day the guests went on their sundowner safari, so there was some time to relax before the drive left. The guests were very lucky on their first drive. They saw buffalos, an elephant crossing the road, kudu, a chameleon, a martial eagle and lions twice!
This first day the guests went on their sundowner safari, so there was some time to relax before the drive left. The guests were very lucky on their first drive. They saw buffalos, an elephant crossing the road, kudu, a chameleon, a martial eagle and lions twice!
11 April 2014
We left after breakfast, just when a downpour started.
Within a couple of seconds we were drenched, but the impalas didn't seem to
mind. We also saw a white rhino lying in a drainage line and the rain water was
pooling all around him.
We drove down Napi and luckily the rain started to lessen. We saw a waterbuck cross the road just before Shitlhave Dam and a little further on was a harem of zebra. The youngsters were quite skittish, but the adults didn't mind their picture taken.
On the way to Skukuza we also spotted kudu, black chested snake eagle, bateleur, klipspringer and more zebras.
After our coffee break we were surprised by a large herd of buffalo just past Skukuza. We hoped they would cross the road, but no such luck.
We then drove down Doispane and Albassini back to our lodge. Doispane was very good for viewing leopard tortoises as we saw many in different sizes. We also were surprised by a black mamba that suddenly crossed the road in front of the car. He sped up as soon as he felt us coming but we all got a glimpse.
Ground hornbills are the most endangered birds in the Kruger National Park and today was the first time this year we spotted them on safari. A little group of five walked through the high grass, their heads just visible. We stayed with them for a bit until they were completely engulfed in the vegetation.
Furthermore we spotted blue wildebeest, lilac breasted roller, warthog, hippos, terrapin, two kudu bulls and more waterbuck on our morning drive.
In the afternoon we started with the already pretty common impalas and then a little group of kudu females. Down Napi towards Shitlhave Dam we spotted a mother elephant with two young generations. It is not usual to see them by themselves in such a small group, but there was no herd in sight. At Shitlhave Dam two hippos were playing in the water. On the way back we took a little loop at Pretoriuskop as people had told us they just saw a leopard there, but alas it had disappeared. We did however see a couple of vervet monkeys in the trees.
We drove down Napi and luckily the rain started to lessen. We saw a waterbuck cross the road just before Shitlhave Dam and a little further on was a harem of zebra. The youngsters were quite skittish, but the adults didn't mind their picture taken.
On the way to Skukuza we also spotted kudu, black chested snake eagle, bateleur, klipspringer and more zebras.
After our coffee break we were surprised by a large herd of buffalo just past Skukuza. We hoped they would cross the road, but no such luck.
We then drove down Doispane and Albassini back to our lodge. Doispane was very good for viewing leopard tortoises as we saw many in different sizes. We also were surprised by a black mamba that suddenly crossed the road in front of the car. He sped up as soon as he felt us coming but we all got a glimpse.
Ground hornbills are the most endangered birds in the Kruger National Park and today was the first time this year we spotted them on safari. A little group of five walked through the high grass, their heads just visible. We stayed with them for a bit until they were completely engulfed in the vegetation.
Furthermore we spotted blue wildebeest, lilac breasted roller, warthog, hippos, terrapin, two kudu bulls and more waterbuck on our morning drive.
In the afternoon we started with the already pretty common impalas and then a little group of kudu females. Down Napi towards Shitlhave Dam we spotted a mother elephant with two young generations. It is not usual to see them by themselves in such a small group, but there was no herd in sight. At Shitlhave Dam two hippos were playing in the water. On the way back we took a little loop at Pretoriuskop as people had told us they just saw a leopard there, but alas it had disappeared. We did however see a couple of vervet monkeys in the trees.
12 April 2014
This morning we drove past the impalas on camp road and
turned onto Albassini. It was pretty quiet. We spotted tracks and signs of
zebra, buffalo, elephant and hyena but the only animal we actually saw were
three elephants far in the bush.
Just before we reached Doispane we saw vervet monkeys in the trees next to the road playing in the morning sun. We watched for a while and then continued towards Nyamundwa Dam where the hippos were playing noisily. Upon return towards Albassini we saw a small herd of wildebeest, three giraffes, and a slender mongoose crossing the road.
Back on Albassini we had a lovely sighting of a family of dwarf mongoose. Then suddenly all the mongoose scurried away and we wondered why until a big elephant came walking around the corner. He was followed by another one and we watched those two bulls feeding for quite some time. One was quite grumpy and even had a teaser fight with the younger elephant.
After a break at Pretoriuskop we also spotted a black headed oriole, black collared barbet, African hoopoe, a large group of banded mongoose, some more dwarf mongoose and two kudu bulls.
In the afternoon we started again with the impalas on camp road. We drove around Shabeni Loop spotting a klipspringer standing guard on the rock and had a buffalo take a run at us through a drainage line and the high grass to stop in front of us and start feeding. Further on we saw two more.
On the way to Circle Road we were lucky in spotting a sable antelope. He got surprised by our stop and swiftly crossed the road behind us and disappeared into the bush. It was a short but special sighting as sables are really secretive and rare to see.
The highlight of the day however was the next sighting. On Circle road we spotted a cat walking in front of us, and with the help of binoculars it was identified as a leopard. Upon seeing us though, he jumped into the grass and disappeared from view. We parked up where we saw him last and waited... It paid off! After a longish wait we heard a rustle and then the leopard came back on to the road in front of us! He looked back a couple of times and assured of our distance and non threat he laid down in the middle of the road and had a little play with a branch and a roll. He then got up and kept on walking. We followed at a distances, keeping him in view while he sniffed around and jumped around the puddles in the road. It was a brilliant sighting and we all loved the ending of this day!!
Just before we reached Doispane we saw vervet monkeys in the trees next to the road playing in the morning sun. We watched for a while and then continued towards Nyamundwa Dam where the hippos were playing noisily. Upon return towards Albassini we saw a small herd of wildebeest, three giraffes, and a slender mongoose crossing the road.
Back on Albassini we had a lovely sighting of a family of dwarf mongoose. Then suddenly all the mongoose scurried away and we wondered why until a big elephant came walking around the corner. He was followed by another one and we watched those two bulls feeding for quite some time. One was quite grumpy and even had a teaser fight with the younger elephant.
After a break at Pretoriuskop we also spotted a black headed oriole, black collared barbet, African hoopoe, a large group of banded mongoose, some more dwarf mongoose and two kudu bulls.
In the afternoon we started again with the impalas on camp road. We drove around Shabeni Loop spotting a klipspringer standing guard on the rock and had a buffalo take a run at us through a drainage line and the high grass to stop in front of us and start feeding. Further on we saw two more.
On the way to Circle Road we were lucky in spotting a sable antelope. He got surprised by our stop and swiftly crossed the road behind us and disappeared into the bush. It was a short but special sighting as sables are really secretive and rare to see.
The highlight of the day however was the next sighting. On Circle road we spotted a cat walking in front of us, and with the help of binoculars it was identified as a leopard. Upon seeing us though, he jumped into the grass and disappeared from view. We parked up where we saw him last and waited... It paid off! After a longish wait we heard a rustle and then the leopard came back on to the road in front of us! He looked back a couple of times and assured of our distance and non threat he laid down in the middle of the road and had a little play with a branch and a roll. He then got up and kept on walking. We followed at a distances, keeping him in view while he sniffed around and jumped around the puddles in the road. It was a brilliant sighting and we all loved the ending of this day!!
13 April 2014
This morning we set out right after an early breakfast for
our morning safari. When we turned into Albassini we spotted a nice flock of
guineafowls lying on the road. Once they all had gotten up they kept on running
in front of the car for about 500m before going into the bush on the side of
the road. Eish, talk about morning gymnastics! We also saw a herd of impalas
and some lone buffalo bulls, both in the middle of the road as well, but they
moved off a bit quicker than the guineafowls.
At Mestel Dam we saw an island of hippos, a fish eagle in a tree and a herd of waterbuck. One of the waterbuck was leucist, so he stood out against the others.
We stopped for what initially were two rhinos in the high grass on the side of the road, until a third one joined them. Judging by their reactions it was a mother with a youngster that got checked out by the bull of the area. On Shabeni rocks we saw a large troop of baboons.
Towards Pretoriuskop a warthog played model for us, showing off all his good sides. Basically he showed every side of him though. On the little loop we encounter some dwarf mongoose, that got a little curious about us when we stopped to watch them warm up in the morning sun. And just in the end of the loop we saw a mother giraffe with a very little baby, approximately only a week old. The little one was still working on her coordination as it walked straight into a branch as it tried to follow the mother quickly when she walked off. We had a little chuckle, but mostly she was plain cute!
We then had to say goodbye to Chris and Bruce, who had joined us on a 3-day safari, as well as to the Hulsen family who spend 4 days on safari with us. Sad to see you go, but hopefully you'll be back someday!
In the afternoon we went out for a short bumble on the savannah with the remaining guests. We drove to Shitlhave Dam and back, with a loop around Shabeni just in case. Mostly we talked about the conservation and management of a vast natural area like the Kruger NP, but we also stopped for a buffalo on the side of the road, vervet monkeys displaying why it is called a blue monkey in Afrikaans and some nice kudus. At Shitlhave Dam we saw some young waterbucks, a terrapin, a crocodile on the rock on the side, and the nostrils of a hippo. The loop around Shabeni gave us no new animals this time, just the family of three klipspringers on top, more vervet monkeys and a herd of impalas.
All in all still a good day!
At Mestel Dam we saw an island of hippos, a fish eagle in a tree and a herd of waterbuck. One of the waterbuck was leucist, so he stood out against the others.
We stopped for what initially were two rhinos in the high grass on the side of the road, until a third one joined them. Judging by their reactions it was a mother with a youngster that got checked out by the bull of the area. On Shabeni rocks we saw a large troop of baboons.
Towards Pretoriuskop a warthog played model for us, showing off all his good sides. Basically he showed every side of him though. On the little loop we encounter some dwarf mongoose, that got a little curious about us when we stopped to watch them warm up in the morning sun. And just in the end of the loop we saw a mother giraffe with a very little baby, approximately only a week old. The little one was still working on her coordination as it walked straight into a branch as it tried to follow the mother quickly when she walked off. We had a little chuckle, but mostly she was plain cute!
We then had to say goodbye to Chris and Bruce, who had joined us on a 3-day safari, as well as to the Hulsen family who spend 4 days on safari with us. Sad to see you go, but hopefully you'll be back someday!
In the afternoon we went out for a short bumble on the savannah with the remaining guests. We drove to Shitlhave Dam and back, with a loop around Shabeni just in case. Mostly we talked about the conservation and management of a vast natural area like the Kruger NP, but we also stopped for a buffalo on the side of the road, vervet monkeys displaying why it is called a blue monkey in Afrikaans and some nice kudus. At Shitlhave Dam we saw some young waterbucks, a terrapin, a crocodile on the rock on the side, and the nostrils of a hippo. The loop around Shabeni gave us no new animals this time, just the family of three klipspringers on top, more vervet monkeys and a herd of impalas.
All in all still a good day!
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
On Safari With Karen From 27 March 2014
27 March 2014
It was the first day of a quickie safari, so after picking
up the guests we drove to the lodge to drop off our luggage. At camp road we
were straight on a game drive with a large herd of impalas in front of us and
they gave us a welcome show. One by one they jumped as high as they could past
our car, showing off their fitness. Impressed we left them to get some peace.
We saw some kudu further up the road as well.
After a quick lunch we went out on our afternoon game drive. The same impalas were still on camp road but two waterbuck had replaced the kudus at the stream.
We drove onto Albassini spotting more impalas, and turned towards Mestel Dam. The hippos in the water had slumbered closely together so they looked like an island of large rocks in the water. By using binos they could be distinguished as hippos, but they didn't move.
Back on Albassini we stared at a male waterbuck, and for a while he stared back. He got bored first however, so he looked away and crossed the road towards the females. We also saw two different small groups of zebra in the distance, a leopard tortoise, a giant plated lizard and lots of birds. Then we heard about lions on the radio and decided to speed up a little to see if we could catch a glimpse.
We stopped for an elephant, that was grazing on the side of the road, and a large water monitor, before we got to the announce site. They had announced they were on the move, so we searched from the last seen spotted and in the direction they supposedly went. We went up and down three times, but except for a large herd of impalas, a fish eagle and hippos playing in the water at Nyamundwa Dam, we didn't see much else.
We drove slowly back down Doispane and spotted a chameleon crossing the road, pretending to be a leaf. Back on Albassini we saw a dwarf mongoose sprinting across and vultures flying over in the airstream high above.
At Shabeni crossing we found a harem of zebras close to the road, with a couple of youngsters. We then drove around Shabeni Loop seeing nothing but more impalas. We headed back to the lodge as the wind picked up blowing the dark grey clouds towards us. We arrived safe and dry at the lodge, but we might get rain later...
After a quick lunch we went out on our afternoon game drive. The same impalas were still on camp road but two waterbuck had replaced the kudus at the stream.
We drove onto Albassini spotting more impalas, and turned towards Mestel Dam. The hippos in the water had slumbered closely together so they looked like an island of large rocks in the water. By using binos they could be distinguished as hippos, but they didn't move.
Back on Albassini we stared at a male waterbuck, and for a while he stared back. He got bored first however, so he looked away and crossed the road towards the females. We also saw two different small groups of zebra in the distance, a leopard tortoise, a giant plated lizard and lots of birds. Then we heard about lions on the radio and decided to speed up a little to see if we could catch a glimpse.
We stopped for an elephant, that was grazing on the side of the road, and a large water monitor, before we got to the announce site. They had announced they were on the move, so we searched from the last seen spotted and in the direction they supposedly went. We went up and down three times, but except for a large herd of impalas, a fish eagle and hippos playing in the water at Nyamundwa Dam, we didn't see much else.
We drove slowly back down Doispane and spotted a chameleon crossing the road, pretending to be a leaf. Back on Albassini we saw a dwarf mongoose sprinting across and vultures flying over in the airstream high above.
At Shabeni crossing we found a harem of zebras close to the road, with a couple of youngsters. We then drove around Shabeni Loop seeing nothing but more impalas. We headed back to the lodge as the wind picked up blowing the dark grey clouds towards us. We arrived safe and dry at the lodge, but we might get rain later...
28 March 2014
This morning we loaded up the car and after a quick
breakfast we left for our morning safari. We saw the impala on camp road and a
buffalo was walking on the tar road. A little further on we saw a massive herd
of buffalo in the high grass. One was the king of the herd and stood on a
termite mound to have a good overview.
We drove a loop around Shabeni Koppies, but found nothing but impalas, and some nice birds like a hoopoe and a crested barbet. Once we got back on the tar road we were stopped by a road block in the form of a male lion lying in the middle of the street. We were quite surprised but the lion hardly took any notice of us as he was busy licking his paws. When another car came to the sighting with very squeaky brakes the lion had enough of the show, go up and walked linear recta into the bush and disappeared. We were so lucky!
We continued our drive where we spotted kudus and 2 white rhinos grazing quite close to the road. Continuing on we spotted another 2 white rhinos as well as more impalas.
We then drove back towards Numbi as it was nearing the end of our tour. It was pretty quiet until suddenly we spotted a leopard walking on the side of the road. This young male was a bit skittish so when we rolled up closer he looked around and then disappeared into the high grass next to the road. He camouflaged so well we almost instantly lost sight. Short 'n' sweet it was though!
But it wasn't over yet. Getting close to the Numbi tar road we saw another leopard crossing the road up ahead! It was a sighting of 5 seconds but he as well disappeared in the high grass. When we pulled up to where he had gone into the grass, we saw glimpses of him walking away, but that was it. It was also the last sighting of this tour, as the last couple of kilometres were pretty quiet. We then headed back to Nelspruit to the transfer back to Jo'burg. It was a quick quickie, but we were very lucky with the sightings!
We drove a loop around Shabeni Koppies, but found nothing but impalas, and some nice birds like a hoopoe and a crested barbet. Once we got back on the tar road we were stopped by a road block in the form of a male lion lying in the middle of the street. We were quite surprised but the lion hardly took any notice of us as he was busy licking his paws. When another car came to the sighting with very squeaky brakes the lion had enough of the show, go up and walked linear recta into the bush and disappeared. We were so lucky!
We continued our drive where we spotted kudus and 2 white rhinos grazing quite close to the road. Continuing on we spotted another 2 white rhinos as well as more impalas.
We then drove back towards Numbi as it was nearing the end of our tour. It was pretty quiet until suddenly we spotted a leopard walking on the side of the road. This young male was a bit skittish so when we rolled up closer he looked around and then disappeared into the high grass next to the road. He camouflaged so well we almost instantly lost sight. Short 'n' sweet it was though!
But it wasn't over yet. Getting close to the Numbi tar road we saw another leopard crossing the road up ahead! It was a sighting of 5 seconds but he as well disappeared in the high grass. When we pulled up to where he had gone into the grass, we saw glimpses of him walking away, but that was it. It was also the last sighting of this tour, as the last couple of kilometres were pretty quiet. We then headed back to Nelspruit to the transfer back to Jo'burg. It was a quick quickie, but we were very lucky with the sightings!
29 March 2014
I picked up the new guests at the CityBug today and as we
were already pretty hungry, it was decided to have lunch there. After a nice
meal we drove to Nkambeni Lodge to quickly check in and then go straight on a
game drive.
On Camp road we spotted some impala far in the bush and then it was a quiet road all the way to Mestel Dam. There we saw some hippos lazing in the water. It was still too early for them to get up, so unfortunately we didn't see more than some ears and nostrils. We also saw a fish eagle flying over and the swallows were having a drink of water and a dip-bath.
The rest of Albassini was very quiet too. We saw tracks of buffalo and zebra, but the makers had long since disappeared. We turned onto Shabeni road, which was the same amount of quiet.
But luckily today was all about the ending. Turning onto Shabeni loop we soon spotted a herd of impala close to the road. While watching these impalas we saw the trees behind them move, because the vervet monkeys were chasing each other. Happy that we finally got some animal activity we continued on the loop spotting two buffalo on the rock. Then we were told by a member of the public there were lions on the other side, so we drove slowly forward and looked backwards as he had told us. And we were in luck. We spotted the silhoutte of a male lion and then stopped where we could see it nicely. It had spotted us too as it looked straight into the camera for some nice photos. After watching us for a while he decided it was naptime and did what lions do best: lie down flat. As there is not much left to see of a lion that is lying flat on the rocks, we scouted around for the second one as they had told us there were two, but none of us was successful in spotting him. Probably lying just as flat... The one we saw though wasn't comfortable enough and had gotten up. After a big yawn he walked slowly to a different spot, and lay down there. Some other cars had arrived in the meantime, so he watched those for a bit and then passed out sideways. Now he was completely out of sight.
We in the meantime were distracted by some newcomers on the scene. We had heard baboons alarm calling, but now they were walking in the middle of the road towards us. The female in front was in heat and she walked right passed our vehicle, one of the males closely following behind. We also spotted two other big males sitting in a Silver Clusterleaf.
Now it was time to go to make it back to the lodge in time for gate closing. On Numbi tar however we got a buffalo bull walking in the middle of the road, slowing us down. He wasn't really keen on the car passing next to him, speeding up his pace every time we tried. In the end giving up we resigned to the slow pace and made it back to camp with only a couple of minutes to spare! A quiet start but a great ending of our first drive!
On Camp road we spotted some impala far in the bush and then it was a quiet road all the way to Mestel Dam. There we saw some hippos lazing in the water. It was still too early for them to get up, so unfortunately we didn't see more than some ears and nostrils. We also saw a fish eagle flying over and the swallows were having a drink of water and a dip-bath.
The rest of Albassini was very quiet too. We saw tracks of buffalo and zebra, but the makers had long since disappeared. We turned onto Shabeni road, which was the same amount of quiet.
But luckily today was all about the ending. Turning onto Shabeni loop we soon spotted a herd of impala close to the road. While watching these impalas we saw the trees behind them move, because the vervet monkeys were chasing each other. Happy that we finally got some animal activity we continued on the loop spotting two buffalo on the rock. Then we were told by a member of the public there were lions on the other side, so we drove slowly forward and looked backwards as he had told us. And we were in luck. We spotted the silhoutte of a male lion and then stopped where we could see it nicely. It had spotted us too as it looked straight into the camera for some nice photos. After watching us for a while he decided it was naptime and did what lions do best: lie down flat. As there is not much left to see of a lion that is lying flat on the rocks, we scouted around for the second one as they had told us there were two, but none of us was successful in spotting him. Probably lying just as flat... The one we saw though wasn't comfortable enough and had gotten up. After a big yawn he walked slowly to a different spot, and lay down there. Some other cars had arrived in the meantime, so he watched those for a bit and then passed out sideways. Now he was completely out of sight.
We in the meantime were distracted by some newcomers on the scene. We had heard baboons alarm calling, but now they were walking in the middle of the road towards us. The female in front was in heat and she walked right passed our vehicle, one of the males closely following behind. We also spotted two other big males sitting in a Silver Clusterleaf.
Now it was time to go to make it back to the lodge in time for gate closing. On Numbi tar however we got a buffalo bull walking in the middle of the road, slowing us down. He wasn't really keen on the car passing next to him, speeding up his pace every time we tried. In the end giving up we resigned to the slow pace and made it back to camp with only a couple of minutes to spare! A quiet start but a great ending of our first drive!
30 March 2014
Last night was a night full of sounds of frogs, toads, barn
owls and even a leopard calling out his territory claims. So this morning we
left after a hearty breakfast, and after hearing that the waiters were
surprised by a leopard visit on camp road last night. Hoping he would still be
around we scouted around, but saw nothing but impalas.
Continuing on with our drive we however came across two sets of rhinos. One mother and calf, one male white rhino. Especially the male was close to the road. This morning turned out to be a morning full of rhinos as we travelled down we spotting 4 more sightings of white rhinos, the biggest group a crash of 4 rhinos.
Down at Shitlhave Dam we spotted some white-faced ducks and waterbucks. On Napi, we also spotted two giraffes far in the distance and two bateleurs flying overhead. As the rest of Napi was pretty quiet we compared some of the animals dung, like elephant and buffalo.
After a break at Pretoriuskop, we drove around Circle road being lucky in encountering a giraffe on the road. When we got closer he did walk a bit into the bush, but he was too curious to move out of sight all together, so we got some lovely photos. Another giraffe close by was unfortunately dead, as the smell told us very strongly. However nothing seems to had eaten it (yet).
A last round around Shabeni koppies concluded our morning drive. This time a little less lucky as we spotted klipspringer and impalas, but no predators this time. On the way back to Numbi we noticed some wildebeest in the far background, a kudu deep in the bush and baboons that were running in the road.
At Numbi we picked up some more guests and returned to Nkambeni first for a check-in and some lunch. After a relaxing hour or 2 we went out again on the afternoon game drive. Of course the impalas were still on camp road as our first sighting with new guests.Continuing with the drive we saw a white rhino walking to the nearby Dam and have a nice mudwallow.
On Numbi tar we spotted our first elephant of this tour. This young bull was feeding himself and quite wary of other cars passing. After a couple of headshakes he decided to withdraw further into the bush. A little further on we saw a very nice kudu bull next to the road. He was nice and relaxed and posed for photos from all sides. We spotted two females and a baby kudu just a bit onwards as well.
When it was time to make a return to Numbi gate for the sundowner drive, we saw a tree full of vervet monkeys. These little guys gave us a show of jumping from tree to tree, with one of the adults continuously jumping in trees too thin for his weight and then the tree would bend all the way to the ground. We watched him jump and then bend forward all the way down, like a diver from the high beam into the water, quite a funny sight.
We saw a lizzard buzzard fly away, a nice brown hooded kingfisher close by, lilac breasted rollers and an African hoopoe before we got to Numbi gate where all 6 guests went on a sundowner drive. How this drive went, I'll tell you tomorrow.
Continuing on with our drive we however came across two sets of rhinos. One mother and calf, one male white rhino. Especially the male was close to the road. This morning turned out to be a morning full of rhinos as we travelled down we spotting 4 more sightings of white rhinos, the biggest group a crash of 4 rhinos.
Down at Shitlhave Dam we spotted some white-faced ducks and waterbucks. On Napi, we also spotted two giraffes far in the distance and two bateleurs flying overhead. As the rest of Napi was pretty quiet we compared some of the animals dung, like elephant and buffalo.
After a break at Pretoriuskop, we drove around Circle road being lucky in encountering a giraffe on the road. When we got closer he did walk a bit into the bush, but he was too curious to move out of sight all together, so we got some lovely photos. Another giraffe close by was unfortunately dead, as the smell told us very strongly. However nothing seems to had eaten it (yet).
A last round around Shabeni koppies concluded our morning drive. This time a little less lucky as we spotted klipspringer and impalas, but no predators this time. On the way back to Numbi we noticed some wildebeest in the far background, a kudu deep in the bush and baboons that were running in the road.
At Numbi we picked up some more guests and returned to Nkambeni first for a check-in and some lunch. After a relaxing hour or 2 we went out again on the afternoon game drive. Of course the impalas were still on camp road as our first sighting with new guests.Continuing with the drive we saw a white rhino walking to the nearby Dam and have a nice mudwallow.
On Numbi tar we spotted our first elephant of this tour. This young bull was feeding himself and quite wary of other cars passing. After a couple of headshakes he decided to withdraw further into the bush. A little further on we saw a very nice kudu bull next to the road. He was nice and relaxed and posed for photos from all sides. We spotted two females and a baby kudu just a bit onwards as well.
When it was time to make a return to Numbi gate for the sundowner drive, we saw a tree full of vervet monkeys. These little guys gave us a show of jumping from tree to tree, with one of the adults continuously jumping in trees too thin for his weight and then the tree would bend all the way to the ground. We watched him jump and then bend forward all the way down, like a diver from the high beam into the water, quite a funny sight.
We saw a lizzard buzzard fly away, a nice brown hooded kingfisher close by, lilac breasted rollers and an African hoopoe before we got to Numbi gate where all 6 guests went on a sundowner drive. How this drive went, I'll tell you tomorrow.
31 March 2014
Last night's sundowner drive was a success. They had missed
the sunset, but only because they were too busy looking at a leopard! The
leopard was on top of the rocks and slowly climbed down to greet them quite
close to the car. On the drive they have also seen klipspringers, buffalos, and
a white rhino close to the car. There were the eyes of a lion but as it was
dark and it was far away, they weren't able to see it nicely.
After a thunderstorm during the night we set out this morning with a bit of a drizzle, but it soon stopped. We drove around Shabeni Loop to see if any of last nights animals were still around. There were two buffalos on the rocks and we saw kudus and baboons from far. We drove down Napi and came across our first zebras of this tour. This harem was hiding in the bush so we couldn't see them nicely, but lucky us we came across three more small groups of zebras, one of which was close to the road.
We also saw an elephant cow with youngster feeding, and a buffalo far away. Then we came across a leopard tortoise on the road. When we stopped him he got scared and pulled back into his shell. Then we decided that the best way is to hide, quickly, and then he disappeared underneath our car. We waited for it to appear on the other side but after 10min of nothing we had to investigate. We found her hiding under the front wheel tyre, apparently the best place to hide. As it wasn't planning on going anywhere, but we were, we moved it to safety under a bushy plant on the side of the road and continued our way.
Close to Transport Dam we saw a hyena in the middle of the road, sniffing around. It wasn't that bothered by us, as it kept on sniffing the air and the ground, so we could take some lovely pictures. When we turned around to meet our transfer, we encountered a big elephant bull in the bush.
At Shitlhave Dam we saw two nice male waterbucks and a female with a playful youngster. A crocodile was lying on the little bit of sand.
On the way back to the gate we saw our first impalas of the day and a little steenbok just before Numbi. There we had to say goodbye to Venice and Wylie, who had joined me from the beginning of this tour, and Patrick and Becky, who had only spend one night with us. I hope all four of you gad a great time! All were wanting more, so maybe we'll see you back one day!
In the afternoon I set out with the remaining 2 guests, Alex and Chris, on, what turned out to be a very quiet afternoon drive. Right after we exited the camp, a troop of baboons crossed the road in front of us, but then we drove a long stretch of seeing no other animals than birds and a leopard tortoise.
Nearing the end of our drive we drove around one more time, and all the animals were hiding here: impala, more baboons, a young leopard, white rhino, klipspringer and a group of 7 buffalo. We then drove down to where we found the dead giraffe yesterday to see if anything was eating it. We found it with lots of white-backed vultures around it and there was a hooded vulture too. Luckily we also spotted 4 giraffe crossing the road, one of them a youngster that seemed to trip over its long legs when galloping to keep up with Mum.
After a thunderstorm during the night we set out this morning with a bit of a drizzle, but it soon stopped. We drove around Shabeni Loop to see if any of last nights animals were still around. There were two buffalos on the rocks and we saw kudus and baboons from far. We drove down Napi and came across our first zebras of this tour. This harem was hiding in the bush so we couldn't see them nicely, but lucky us we came across three more small groups of zebras, one of which was close to the road.
We also saw an elephant cow with youngster feeding, and a buffalo far away. Then we came across a leopard tortoise on the road. When we stopped him he got scared and pulled back into his shell. Then we decided that the best way is to hide, quickly, and then he disappeared underneath our car. We waited for it to appear on the other side but after 10min of nothing we had to investigate. We found her hiding under the front wheel tyre, apparently the best place to hide. As it wasn't planning on going anywhere, but we were, we moved it to safety under a bushy plant on the side of the road and continued our way.
Close to Transport Dam we saw a hyena in the middle of the road, sniffing around. It wasn't that bothered by us, as it kept on sniffing the air and the ground, so we could take some lovely pictures. When we turned around to meet our transfer, we encountered a big elephant bull in the bush.
At Shitlhave Dam we saw two nice male waterbucks and a female with a playful youngster. A crocodile was lying on the little bit of sand.
On the way back to the gate we saw our first impalas of the day and a little steenbok just before Numbi. There we had to say goodbye to Venice and Wylie, who had joined me from the beginning of this tour, and Patrick and Becky, who had only spend one night with us. I hope all four of you gad a great time! All were wanting more, so maybe we'll see you back one day!
In the afternoon I set out with the remaining 2 guests, Alex and Chris, on, what turned out to be a very quiet afternoon drive. Right after we exited the camp, a troop of baboons crossed the road in front of us, but then we drove a long stretch of seeing no other animals than birds and a leopard tortoise.
Nearing the end of our drive we drove around one more time, and all the animals were hiding here: impala, more baboons, a young leopard, white rhino, klipspringer and a group of 7 buffalo. We then drove down to where we found the dead giraffe yesterday to see if anything was eating it. We found it with lots of white-backed vultures around it and there was a hooded vulture too. Luckily we also spotted 4 giraffe crossing the road, one of them a youngster that seemed to trip over its long legs when galloping to keep up with Mum.
1 April 2014
This morning was our last drive, and it was going to be a
quest for lions for Alex and Chris. For old times sake we decided to make a
loop around Shabeni and then we noticed to cars all jammed together. We drove
towards them when we suddenly heard a lion roar half-heartedly. Instead of
joining the traffic jam, where there was no visual of the lion, we hung back in
case he decided to move towards the rock. In the meantime we could see a kudu
paying attention to the thick bush where the roars came from. After a game of
patience we heard the lion roar properly a couple of times so close it gave us Goosebumps
and it made the car vibrate. Then suddenly the roars started moving in the
direction away from the traffic jam, so we took a chance by driving onto the
Shabeni loop. We missed it crossing the road, but then spotted it walking in
the long grass. We followed the sound of the roar and had occasionally a visual
until he was out of sight and silent.
After waiting a while we decided to continue our journey around Shabeni and also found 3 buffalos on the rocks, klipspringers, 3 tree squirrels and a big flock of green pigeons.
We then drove Napi all the way to Skukuza. Today was our lucky day as we spotted an elephant , a herd of buffalo, as well as daggaboys, waterbucks of which one female had laicism, our first warthog of this tour, impalas, dwarf mongooses, a slender mongoose crossing the road, a beautiful white fronted bee eater and lilac breasted rollers.
We had heard there were more lions in the area and we were once again in luck. On Klipspringer koppies two females and two youngsters were relaxing in the shade, close to the road and not minding the cars. We got some excellent pictures.
We continued to Skukuza for a quick break and then down Doispane to exit at Phabeni Gate. On route we had multiple elephant sightings, all bulls, and we saw giraffes, zebras multiple times, wooly necked storks, big herds of impalas and a tawny eagle. We ended this safari with one more buffalo just before Phabeni, before driving down to Nelspruit.
After waiting a while we decided to continue our journey around Shabeni and also found 3 buffalos on the rocks, klipspringers, 3 tree squirrels and a big flock of green pigeons.
We then drove Napi all the way to Skukuza. Today was our lucky day as we spotted an elephant , a herd of buffalo, as well as daggaboys, waterbucks of which one female had laicism, our first warthog of this tour, impalas, dwarf mongooses, a slender mongoose crossing the road, a beautiful white fronted bee eater and lilac breasted rollers.
We had heard there were more lions in the area and we were once again in luck. On Klipspringer koppies two females and two youngsters were relaxing in the shade, close to the road and not minding the cars. We got some excellent pictures.
We continued to Skukuza for a quick break and then down Doispane to exit at Phabeni Gate. On route we had multiple elephant sightings, all bulls, and we saw giraffes, zebras multiple times, wooly necked storks, big herds of impalas and a tawny eagle. We ended this safari with one more buffalo just before Phabeni, before driving down to Nelspruit.
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Poachers Update
29/01/14 @22h30 - Stolsnek: In an intelligence driven operation between #Stolsnek, #Malelane rangers and the @SA_Police, contact was made with a group of three suspected rhino poachers. During contact, 1 suspect was fatally wounded, 1 arrested and 1 managed to escape. A .300 Win Mag with a silencer, ammo and other hunting equipment were recovered. Follow up investigations are underway.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
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Monday, 9 December 2013
On Safari With Mark From 2 December 2013
Route over the past 3 days has been similar:
Napi - doispan - Albaseni - Napi - H3 - S114 - Napi - Nkambeni
Over the past three days the general normal sightings have been:
Kudu, giraffe, impala, warthog, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, waterbuck, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, Hyena, hippos, herds of buffalo and elephant and Nile crocodiles.
2 December 2013
Highlights:
On the late drive we came across a side striped jackal on the road. After spending time with it we drove off and approximately 200m past the jackal we found a male cheetah scent marking his territory. Eventually walking out onto the road right in front of our open vehicle.
On the way back to camp, we found a young leopard walking across the road towards shitlhave. Great sighting as we were the only car with it.
3 December 2013
Highlights:
On the morning drive we heard about a young female leopard that had just caught a impala lamb 1.3kms from napi on the watergat. We found her 3m off the road busy eating. Guests got great photos.
Further to this the day was rather quiet with only general game been viewed.
4 December 2013
Highlights:
On the morning drive we heard about a female leopard with her two cubs that had just caught a male impala approximately 7kms from napi on the H3. We drove down and found them eating approximately 5m from the road. Guests enjoyed it and all could get great photos of them.
On the afternoon drive, The only report on lions that was worth going for was 200m from napi on S114. All 3 female lions lying literally on the road.
Tomorrow we leave Nkambeni and overnight at skakuza. Hope to get some great rhino sightings as the new clients haven't got this beautiful animal close to the road and all sightings have been distant sightings.
5 December 2013
Route: Nkambeni - napi - H3 - napi - skakuza
General animals seen:
Elephants, Kudu, impala and warthog
No highlight sightings to report as today's weather has been raining and windy. All the animals have moved off the roads and in sheltered area's. We decided to end the day early as guests wanted to do some shopping at skakuza.
6 December 2013
Route: skakuza - tshokwane tar - S100 - satara
General sightings were:
Kudu, steenbok, warthog, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra, impala, waterbuck, hippos, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, common duiker, elephant and buffalo.
Highlight sightings were:
1 male cheetah scent marking his territory on the Tshokwane tar and H10 junction. Guests could get good photos as it was very relaxed and not bothered by our presence.
On the afternoon drive we found 2 majestic male lions lying approximately 30m from the road enjoying the setting of the African sun.
7 December 2013
Route: satara - Orpen gate
General animals spotted:
Impala, warthog, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra and kudu
No highlight sightings as it rained all the way to the gate.
That's all for now till 10th December 2013
Napi - doispan - Albaseni - Napi - H3 - S114 - Napi - Nkambeni
Over the past three days the general normal sightings have been:
Kudu, giraffe, impala, warthog, steenbok, common duiker, klipspringer, waterbuck, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, Hyena, hippos, herds of buffalo and elephant and Nile crocodiles.
2 December 2013
Highlights:
On the late drive we came across a side striped jackal on the road. After spending time with it we drove off and approximately 200m past the jackal we found a male cheetah scent marking his territory. Eventually walking out onto the road right in front of our open vehicle.
On the way back to camp, we found a young leopard walking across the road towards shitlhave. Great sighting as we were the only car with it.
3 December 2013
Highlights:
On the morning drive we heard about a young female leopard that had just caught a impala lamb 1.3kms from napi on the watergat. We found her 3m off the road busy eating. Guests got great photos.
Further to this the day was rather quiet with only general game been viewed.
4 December 2013
Highlights:
On the morning drive we heard about a female leopard with her two cubs that had just caught a male impala approximately 7kms from napi on the H3. We drove down and found them eating approximately 5m from the road. Guests enjoyed it and all could get great photos of them.
On the afternoon drive, The only report on lions that was worth going for was 200m from napi on S114. All 3 female lions lying literally on the road.
Tomorrow we leave Nkambeni and overnight at skakuza. Hope to get some great rhino sightings as the new clients haven't got this beautiful animal close to the road and all sightings have been distant sightings.
5 December 2013
Route: Nkambeni - napi - H3 - napi - skakuza
General animals seen:
Elephants, Kudu, impala and warthog
No highlight sightings to report as today's weather has been raining and windy. All the animals have moved off the roads and in sheltered area's. We decided to end the day early as guests wanted to do some shopping at skakuza.
6 December 2013
Route: skakuza - tshokwane tar - S100 - satara
General sightings were:
Kudu, steenbok, warthog, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra, impala, waterbuck, hippos, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, common duiker, elephant and buffalo.
Highlight sightings were:
1 male cheetah scent marking his territory on the Tshokwane tar and H10 junction. Guests could get good photos as it was very relaxed and not bothered by our presence.
On the afternoon drive we found 2 majestic male lions lying approximately 30m from the road enjoying the setting of the African sun.
7 December 2013
Route: satara - Orpen gate
General animals spotted:
Impala, warthog, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra and kudu
No highlight sightings as it rained all the way to the gate.
That's all for now till 10th December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
Poachers Update 29/11
Mozambique Twin City Rangers arrested 2 suspected rhino poachers who were on their way to hunt rhino in the Kruger National Park. A .458 rifle and ammo were recovered.
Monday, 25 November 2013
SANParks Rangers Neutralise More Suspected Poachers
The South African National Parks (SANParks) Rangers emerged on top this week in the Kruger National Park (KNP). The year-end spike in poaching activities kept the rangers SAPS and their Mozambican counterparts busy from Sunday the 17 November 2013.
The activities both inside the KNP and within the adjacent areas to the west of the park and alon...g the eastern boundary within Mozambique this week led to seventeen suspected poachers arrested and a further four fatally wounded in the Park. The incidents occurred in various parts of the Park including Kingfisherspruit, Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Letaba, Mooiplaas and in adjacent areas along the boundary.
Commenting on this week’s activities, Officer Commanding, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said this is a typical year end spike and his men were prepared for it. He further explained that the suspects are more relentless “they don’t only resist arrest but adopt an offensive and aggressive attitude when confronted by Rangers who then have to defend themselves”. He congratulated his troops for their bravery and praised his SAPS and Mozambican partners for the successes obtained this week.
The arrests this week bring the total for 2013 to 117 individuals in the KNP. The KNP has lost 521 animals this year.
Issued by:
South African National Parks
The activities both inside the KNP and within the adjacent areas to the west of the park and alon...g the eastern boundary within Mozambique this week led to seventeen suspected poachers arrested and a further four fatally wounded in the Park. The incidents occurred in various parts of the Park including Kingfisherspruit, Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Letaba, Mooiplaas and in adjacent areas along the boundary.
Commenting on this week’s activities, Officer Commanding, Major General (RET) Johan Jooste said this is a typical year end spike and his men were prepared for it. He further explained that the suspects are more relentless “they don’t only resist arrest but adopt an offensive and aggressive attitude when confronted by Rangers who then have to defend themselves”. He congratulated his troops for their bravery and praised his SAPS and Mozambican partners for the successes obtained this week.
The arrests this week bring the total for 2013 to 117 individuals in the KNP. The KNP has lost 521 animals this year.
Issued by:
South African National Parks
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
On Safari With Dean From 14 November 2013
14 November 2013
We picked up guests from their respective hotels and drove through to Nelspruit where we changed over vehicles and made our way through to Nkambeni Tented camp.
15 November 2013
17 November 2013
Guests returned to the lodge to enjoy dinner, before retiring as there is an early start tomorrow morning.
We picked up guests from their respective hotels and drove through to Nelspruit where we changed over vehicles and made our way through to Nkambeni Tented camp.
After guests had a chance to get some lunch, it was out onto
the road for a game drive to see what we could find.
We drove up the Numbi Gate tar and got good sightings of
impala and buffalo. We turned onto the Napi Road and drove down to the Napi
Boulders exit junction getting more great sightings of buffalo, a large herd of
elephant crossing the road, more rhino, impala, kudu and waterbuck.
After turning back onto Napi road, we made our way back to camp getting more elephant, buffalo, impala, stenbuck, kudu and a female leopard in the Marula tree just after the Shithave dam junction.
After all of this we made our way back to camp, arriving with only five minutes to spare. Guests had a good dinner, before going to bed in order to get up early and be back on the road again trying to find some more animals.
After turning back onto Napi road, we made our way back to camp getting more elephant, buffalo, impala, stenbuck, kudu and a female leopard in the Marula tree just after the Shithave dam junction.
After all of this we made our way back to camp, arriving with only five minutes to spare. Guests had a good dinner, before going to bed in order to get up early and be back on the road again trying to find some more animals.
Today it was out on the road again at 05h30 to see what we
could find.
With five of the guests on a bush walk, we took a drive down
the Numbi Gate tar onto the Napi Road, down Watergate, left onto Doispane,
going down River Road link and then onto River Road over Doispane and then back
to camp on the Albasini Road.
Animals seen were impala, kudu, buffalo, elephant, rhino, stenbuck, waterbuck before it went completely quite with few animals been seen due to rising temperatures.
We got back to camp at 09h00 for guests to have breakfast and for us to pick up the others before leaving on another drive.
We made a turn down to Shithave dam, and on the way back, came across a lion that we had been looking for since yesterday afternoon.
We spent a good amount of time on this sighting, arriving
back at camp in time for lunch and for guests to enjoy a swim, before they
leave on their Afternoon / Evening Safari at 16h30.Animals seen were impala, kudu, buffalo, elephant, rhino, stenbuck, waterbuck before it went completely quite with few animals been seen due to rising temperatures.
We got back to camp at 09h00 for guests to have breakfast and for us to pick up the others before leaving on another drive.
We made a turn down to Shithave dam, and on the way back, came across a lion that we had been looking for since yesterday afternoon.
Today we left camp at 06h00 and made our way up the Numbi
Gate Tar and onto the Napi Road to skukuza for a break.
Animals seen were impala, kudu, elephant loads of buffalo, rhino as well as two female lions with their cubs.
After the break it was back to camp on the Napi Road as the temperatures were rising and six guests had to get their shuttle back to Johannesburg International Airport for their flights home.
We departed this afternoon on a game drive going around dye loop as well as Shabeni Kopies before returning to camp.
Animals seen were dwarf mongooses, giraffe, zebra, impala. Buffalo, Rhino and baboon.
Guests returned to camp to enjoy dinner before retiring to get some rest before leaving on the game drive tomorrow morning.
Animals seen were impala, kudu, elephant loads of buffalo, rhino as well as two female lions with their cubs.
After the break it was back to camp on the Napi Road as the temperatures were rising and six guests had to get their shuttle back to Johannesburg International Airport for their flights home.
We departed this afternoon on a game drive going around dye loop as well as Shabeni Kopies before returning to camp.
Animals seen were dwarf mongooses, giraffe, zebra, impala. Buffalo, Rhino and baboon.
Guests returned to camp to enjoy dinner before retiring to get some rest before leaving on the game drive tomorrow morning.
We left camp at 06h00 and made our way up the Numbi Gate tar
getting great sightings of impala and four female hyena with some young pups.
We turned onto the Napi Road, and got some good sightings of buffalo and elephant. We turned down Napi boulders and got sightings of sable antelope, buffalo and more elephant.
We turned onto the Napi Road, and got some good sightings of buffalo and elephant. We turned down Napi boulders and got sightings of sable antelope, buffalo and more elephant.
We got a radio call of a leopard near to Transport dam and made
our way in that direction, getting him lying next to the road. After getting
some good photos we made our way to Numbi Gate and then onto Nelspruit airport
for the guests flight to Cape Town.
After picking up new guests in Nelspruit and checking in to Nkambeni Safari Camp, we made our way out at 15h30 going down Napi Road around boulders and back to camp at 18h15.
Animals seen were nine different sightings of rhino, impala,
waterbuck, kudu and buffalo.After picking up new guests in Nelspruit and checking in to Nkambeni Safari Camp, we made our way out at 15h30 going down Napi Road around boulders and back to camp at 18h15.
Guests returned to the lodge to enjoy dinner, before retiring as there is an early start tomorrow morning.
Today it was out of camp early again and onto the road to
see what we could find.
We made our way onto the Numbi Gate tar turning onto the
Napi Road to The H3. We made our way down the H3 onto the S112 up the S114 to
Skukuza.
Animals seen were buffalo, elephant, rhino, impala, kudu, leopard, lion and managed to just miss a cheetah who decided to walk off before we got there.
After our break at the Skukuza Camp, we made our way down the Paul Kruger Gate road onto Doispane and up the Albasini back to camp.
Animals seen on this route was buffalo, impala, kudu, elephant, lion and rhino.
This afternoon after getting some new guests joining the safari, we took a drive around Faye Loop, around shabeni Koppies and back to camp.
Animals seen were buffalo, impala, loads of kudu, warthog and wildebeest.
Animals seen were buffalo, elephant, rhino, impala, kudu, leopard, lion and managed to just miss a cheetah who decided to walk off before we got there.
After our break at the Skukuza Camp, we made our way down the Paul Kruger Gate road onto Doispane and up the Albasini back to camp.
Animals seen on this route was buffalo, impala, kudu, elephant, lion and rhino.
This afternoon after getting some new guests joining the safari, we took a drive around Faye Loop, around shabeni Koppies and back to camp.
Animals seen were buffalo, impala, loads of kudu, warthog and wildebeest.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Seized Money To Fight Rhino Poaching
The Asset Forfeiture Unit has handed R8.1 million to SANParks's environmental crime investigation unit (ECIU), the National Prosecuting Authority said on Friday.
“The money will be solely directed by SANparks to enhance and support their ranger corps capabilities with much needed equipment, training and advanced technology for their counter-poaching operations,” said spokesman Nathi Mncube.
The High Court in Pretoria found that the money came from the proceeds of illegal rhino poaching by an alleged syndicate leader, Joseph Nyalunga, Mncube said.
Nyalunga was also a former police official stationed at the Hazyview police station.
The cash was seized in December 2011 when Nyalunga and another alleged poacher, Conrad Nkuna ,were arrested while returning from Mpumalanga to Gauteng.
The money was found in their Range Rover when they were stopped and searched by police near Middelburg.
Exhibits from the Range Rover were also seized and were sent for DNA analysis.
“The DNA profile of one male white rhinoceros found in the Range Rover matched the DNA profile of a male white rhinoceros poached in the Kruger National Park in December 2011 in the Stolsnek area,” said Mncube.
Apart from the R8.1 million, the 2009 Range Rover and a 2009 Toyota Fortuner were also seized.
“These vehicles will be sold and the proceeds thereof will also be paid to the ECIU,” he said.
Nyalunga was arrested again in early 2012.
Following his arrest, a further R5 069 800 was found in a metal coffer in the garage at his Mkhuhlu's residence.
The case against Nyalunga and Nkuna has been postponed for trial until March 24 next year in the Middelburg regional court.
By:
South African Press Association
“The money will be solely directed by SANparks to enhance and support their ranger corps capabilities with much needed equipment, training and advanced technology for their counter-poaching operations,” said spokesman Nathi Mncube.
The High Court in Pretoria found that the money came from the proceeds of illegal rhino poaching by an alleged syndicate leader, Joseph Nyalunga, Mncube said.
Nyalunga was also a former police official stationed at the Hazyview police station.
The cash was seized in December 2011 when Nyalunga and another alleged poacher, Conrad Nkuna ,were arrested while returning from Mpumalanga to Gauteng.
The money was found in their Range Rover when they were stopped and searched by police near Middelburg.
Exhibits from the Range Rover were also seized and were sent for DNA analysis.
“The DNA profile of one male white rhinoceros found in the Range Rover matched the DNA profile of a male white rhinoceros poached in the Kruger National Park in December 2011 in the Stolsnek area,” said Mncube.
Apart from the R8.1 million, the 2009 Range Rover and a 2009 Toyota Fortuner were also seized.
“These vehicles will be sold and the proceeds thereof will also be paid to the ECIU,” he said.
Nyalunga was arrested again in early 2012.
Following his arrest, a further R5 069 800 was found in a metal coffer in the garage at his Mkhuhlu's residence.
The case against Nyalunga and Nkuna has been postponed for trial until March 24 next year in the Middelburg regional court.
By:
South African Press Association
Monday, 4 November 2013
South African National Parks Responds To The Branded Restaurants Debate
SANParks has been monitoring the feedback and debate taking place in the various forms of media. There is, as in the case of such announcements, varied and differing opinion, but in general the move has been seen as positive.
The debate seems to be following a few specific themes, namely;
1. What research was done to inform the decision to solicit Branded Restaurants?
2. There will be more road kill due to speeding delivery trucks.
3. There will be more litter produced by the takeaways.
A bit of background to the operations of restaurants in SANParks:
There have been restaurant operations in Parks for many years. In 1931 restaurants in the following Kruger National Park camps, Skukuza, Satara and the Letaba were run by private individuals. These individuals were in fact responsible for all tourism services. In other words they were “Outsourced” In 1945, they were taken over by a company called Kruger Park Services and hence remained “outsourced” They were taken over by SANParks in 1955 who operated them until 2001. The decision to once again “outsource” them was based on the Mckinsey report that found that it would be of strategic value to outsource non-core assets and in addition bases on a PWC report its further found that they were loss making operations, and were therefore essentially being subsidized by public funding. It was the McKinsey report that laid down the basis of what is now termed the SANParks Commercialisation Strategy.
The restaurant portfolio is a key part of SANParks Commercialization Strategy executed through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). Out of the initial suite of operations that were outsourced through PPP’s processes to private organisations i.e. lodges, retail and restaurants, it was indeed the restaurant operations that proved to be most unsuccessful. In the wake of two failed contacts with private partners, mounting complaints from visitors, SANParks had to look at a new model. It was on this basis that it was decided to look into the options of contracting with new and successful South African Restaurant Brands.
Before embarking on the development of a suitable model, two key factors had to be understood. Firstly, what were the main issues driving the complaints, and secondly and more importantly we needed to test the opinions, needs and preferences of our most loyal customers. A survey was conducted online and independently by the University of the North West’s Tourism Research unit (TREES). It was conducted over the periods 7 to 9 November 2011 and 5464 customers participated through invitation, 64% of them were Wild Card Holders. Based on this information (Available on the SANParks website) SANParks developed a revised restaurant PPP model.
SANParks engaged on the restaurant tenders in March 2013. The criteria for selection include Functionality, BEE initiatives & PPP fee offered. Functionality covers Environmental Initiatives, Financing and Capital plans, Business, Operation and Design plans and Risks that are transferred to the Private Party. The tenders were evaluated from 17 to 19 July 2013 and the successful operators were announce to the public on the 30 October 2013.
SANParks is excited that our partners are happy to tone down the signage and interior décor in order to be in more in keeping with the sense of place of each restaurant.
Regarding concerns about more road kill due to speeding delivery trucks in the Kruger National Park, please note that Famous Brands will be the franchisor for the majority of restaurants through the Mugg & Bean and Wimpy brands. Along with their expert restaurant & franchising capabilities, they have very good logistical support to their franchisee which was a criteria that was important in making the appointments. It is important to note that Famous Brands will be re-designing the kitchen in order to provide a quality product. The re-design will in some cases lead to an increase in fridge, freezer and storage space and ultimately result in fewer deliveries happening (compared to current). The other large outlet is the Skukuza Main Restaurant where Cattle Baron will be the franchisor and Tourvest Holding (Pty) Ltd is the franchisee. Tourvest has been running the retail outlets in the KNP for over 10 years now. With the Skukuza Restaurant to their existing logistical support, it is unlikely that there will be any additional traffic but rather a consolidation between the retail and restaurant as far as the logistics are concerned. Ultimately though, all of these brand have been built on a sound reputation, something that these operators will not want to destroy due to aspects such as poor management of vehicle fleet operations.
It is important to note that due to SANParks’ conservation and Responsible Tourism mandate, emphasis on environmental issues are very prominent in our partner sourcing process. All operators have subscribed to many environmental friendly initiatives which could be far reaching in terms of looking after the environment. They include and are not limited to preferred pest control chemicals, prohibited chemical substances, subscribing to the pest management plan, recycling, use of biodegradable packaging, optimal water use and limiting litter. SANParks is therefore confident that the Private Parties understands our mandate and will partner with SANParks in this regard to ensure that the environment is looked after as good as possible. As reputable brands, they will not want to be the cause of any avoidable environmental damage.
As we continue to adapt to our guest and environmental needs, we encourage all our guests to visit our restaurants and join us on this journey as we turn this new leaf!
Issued by:
South African National Parks
Thursday, 31 October 2013
South African National Parks Announces New Restaurants And Key Public Private Partnerships
South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the successful bidders for the provision of restaurant and retail services at various national parks under its management. The announcements were made at the organisation’s headquarters in Pretoria following weeks of adjudication which began with tender processes.
A new retail agreement was signed between SANParks and Tourvest for operations in the Kruger National Park (KNP), Tsitsikamma and Addo Elephant National Park.
According to the CEO of SANParks Dr David Mabunda, this was done mainly to improve tourists shopping experiences and to upgrade the shops and make them eco-friendly. “SANParks has placed focus on value for money for all clients in appointing Tourvest”.
The organisation also embarked on a tender process to appoint operators for restaurants in the KNP. The bidders had several obligations to meet, such as operating, development and refurbishment requirements. They had BBBEE targets to meet as well as environmental obligations.
It was announced that in the KNP’s, Lower Sabie; Olifants and Letaba camps Mugg and Bean restaurants will be fully operational from March 2014, while the Pretoriuskop and Satara rest camps will have Wimpy restaurants with operations expected to commence also in March 2014.
The Skukuza Selati restaurant will be operated by Ciao! and are expected to start operations in December 2013 and the main camp restaurant and take away will be serviced by Cattle Baron and Bistro. Operations will start in May 2014 because of extensive refurbishment.
Details were also given of refurbishments and timelines for the Skukuza Airport after an earlier announcement that airport will be serviced by the Skukuza Airport Management Company, a consortium consisting of Airlink; Federal Air; Lion Sands and Community Development Trust. The consortium will operate the airport for ten years from the commencement of operations.
The service will operate under strict environmentally acceptable conditions. Hours of operations will be limited to between 9H00 and 15H00. Runway refurbishment commences on the 4 November. The terminal refurbishment will start early in 2014 with flights expected to commence on the 2 June 2014 from OR Tambo International.
Dr Mabunda congratulated all the newly appointed operators and expressed his satisfaction that all proper channels were followed. “I look forward to rave reviews from our clients on service, convenience, satisfaction and value for money, we will as always monitor the performance of our new partners and look forward to a mutually benefitting relationship’ concluded Dr Mabunda.
Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications
A new retail agreement was signed between SANParks and Tourvest for operations in the Kruger National Park (KNP), Tsitsikamma and Addo Elephant National Park.
According to the CEO of SANParks Dr David Mabunda, this was done mainly to improve tourists shopping experiences and to upgrade the shops and make them eco-friendly. “SANParks has placed focus on value for money for all clients in appointing Tourvest”.
The organisation also embarked on a tender process to appoint operators for restaurants in the KNP. The bidders had several obligations to meet, such as operating, development and refurbishment requirements. They had BBBEE targets to meet as well as environmental obligations.
It was announced that in the KNP’s, Lower Sabie; Olifants and Letaba camps Mugg and Bean restaurants will be fully operational from March 2014, while the Pretoriuskop and Satara rest camps will have Wimpy restaurants with operations expected to commence also in March 2014.
The Skukuza Selati restaurant will be operated by Ciao! and are expected to start operations in December 2013 and the main camp restaurant and take away will be serviced by Cattle Baron and Bistro. Operations will start in May 2014 because of extensive refurbishment.
Details were also given of refurbishments and timelines for the Skukuza Airport after an earlier announcement that airport will be serviced by the Skukuza Airport Management Company, a consortium consisting of Airlink; Federal Air; Lion Sands and Community Development Trust. The consortium will operate the airport for ten years from the commencement of operations.
The service will operate under strict environmentally acceptable conditions. Hours of operations will be limited to between 9H00 and 15H00. Runway refurbishment commences on the 4 November. The terminal refurbishment will start early in 2014 with flights expected to commence on the 2 June 2014 from OR Tambo International.
Dr Mabunda congratulated all the newly appointed operators and expressed his satisfaction that all proper channels were followed. “I look forward to rave reviews from our clients on service, convenience, satisfaction and value for money, we will as always monitor the performance of our new partners and look forward to a mutually benefitting relationship’ concluded Dr Mabunda.
Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications
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