The day started off pretty early, we had a quick cup of coffee and headed out, and we got to the launch sight while it was still dark and had another cup of coffee just to get us going. While we had our coffee watching the first bit of the sun rising, they where ‘blowing up” the balloon, which was quite massive and intricate work to do, as there were many ropes that they had to prevent  from getting knotted up.

After a very short while the balloon was ready to go up. We jumped into the basket, got a quick safety briefing and started flying. As we got up in the air the sun was rising and there was a beautiful blanket of mist over the trees. We flew over some rivers and some farm lands then over a beautiful small game reserve. We got to see some impala and giraffe, it very different to see them from the air, than on ground level.

As we were flying we saw how many of the locals would come out their houses and were so excited to see us flying over them, the little kids especially loved to see us and waved the whole at us. They all a great big smiles across their faces, as they could not understand how it is possible for us to be flying in a balloon a few hundred feet up in the air.

The wind then changed direction and we headed over some farm lands and could see how the farmers were working and the way they had planted the crops, many of the crops were planted in circles, where each crop had a different colour which made really interesting contrasts.

As we are also going into winter many of the trees have their autumn colours, and some the trees are evergreen and there was a beautiful colour scheme of browns, oranges and green, it’s was such a beautiful sight that words cannot explain.

We were in the air for almost an hour and a half when the pilot had to find a place to land, after about 20 minutes she had found a place to land and started going down, it was a very easy landing and not once did any of us feel like there would be any form of accident.

After we had landed the ground crew met up with us and we could get out. They moved the balloon backwards a bit then they pulled it down so that it lay on the ground. It’s amazing to see how quickly and perfectly they can fold up such a large balloon to fit into one bag. While they were folding it up, we had some sparkling wine and snacks enjoying the sun on our backs. When that was all done we went back to the launch sight and we were all given a certificate of “bravery”. It is one experience that I will never forget.

I was staring out the window at nothing in particular – when a Praying Mantis flew right at my head. At first I wasn’t sure what it was – so of course started madly flailing about, trying to rid myself of the unwelcome intruder.

The Mantis flew right onto the computer screen and just sat there, watching me intensely. I then had an epiphany for my blog this week, while Mr. Mantis was staring at me with his beady little eyes.

We have all heard the phrase “It’s the small things that count” at least once in our lives. But do we really take this into account?

I am especially referring to safaris. When we are on safari we have a tendency to look around for the largest, most visible animal – and trust me Rangers tend to do exactly the same – it’s in human nature.

But this is the time that we seem to overlook the smaller marvels that nature provides. The Praying Mantis – standing like a proud little warrior – always vigilant. The beautiful yet lethal African Monarch Butterfly – that so gracefully glides through the air – but can eradicate its victim rather easily. A Glossy Starling – hopping from branch to branch searching for its next meal. A bird so often seen – that we habitually overlook its beauty. And there is the mighty little Dung Beetle – who never ceases to amaze me a creature so small in size, but so mammoth in strength and persistence.

And lastly the magnificent Golden Orb Web Spider, not the largest spider, but makes the largest and strongest web. It gets its name from the golden colour of its silk.  I know that most people are not very fond of spiders and rather speedily reach for an object to toss in the general direction where the arachnid has been spotted. But if one takes a minute to study these rather remarkable animals. It is quite simple to see why they are so motivating. The web of the Spider is strong enough to trap small birds (if you take into account the size of the spider) this is truly outstanding, the spider will not eat the bird – and birds tend to thrash about so vigorously that the web will break. So the spider has come up with a plan to prevent larger insects and birds from destroying its hard work.  The spider often leaves a line of insect husks on its web (like the safety strip across glass doors) or it builds smaller barrier webs around the main web.

Personally I find this rather spectacular.

These are the small things – the things that we “look” at everyday – but not necessarily often “see”.  This morning I “looked” and I “saw” so I would like to thank Mr. Mantis for reminding me that after all it is the small things...

Justine Ferreira

Standing on the deck at night I can see countless constellations mapping out the colossal canvas of darkness.

There is the ever present Southern Cross – reliable and steady, always on duty to guide any and all lost souls who might require its assistance.

At the moment we can evidently see Orion – The Hunter.  But in the tardy hours of the night he lays his giant head down to rest in the West and Scorpio – The Scorpion rises from the East, indicating that our summer is almost over. There is also a bit of a myth surrounding these two giants. I have done some research and discovered that there are many versions of the story, but it seems it all comes down to Orion who was a boastful mortal whom had many a time succeeded to become rather unpopular amongst his peers. Therefore Scorpio was sent to slay Orion. Some seem to think that Scorpio had been victorious in his task and that Zeus had taken pity on Orion and immortalized him in the stars. Others seem to think that Scorpio had never gotten the opportunity and is still on Orion’s trail. Thus you will never see Orion and Scorpio in the same sky.  The hunt will continue evermore...

Then there is the astounding Milky Way. I had thought long and hard and searched far and wide for the right words to describe the Milky Way.

I see the Milky Way as an African Dream.

When we have a dream it is often hard to accomplish the goals that we have set for ourselves. We start off with a blank canvas, A Jet-black mantle.  – Where we map out our goals.  Then slowly appears a flickering of light, a flickering of hope. Gradually more and more minute   glistening little sparkles appear on the canvas, and we gain more and more confidence in our task. Our dream starts to become a reality.

Just like the Milky Way each night – it starts off blank and ends with an extravagant array of illumination.

The stars in the night are untold myths. They are our African Dreams – waiting to become realities.

“Cos in my African Dream, there’s a new tomorrow, My African dream, is a dream that we can follow...” Vicky Sampson.

Justine Ferreira

They all had the spirit of adventure for the day and were sure to have many great sightings. The morning started off slowly but picked up very quickly, by seeing many plains game to start off with, they all loved seeing the large herds of Zebra around every corner and all the other small things that make up the life of the bush.

They had stopped off for a coffee break at one of the rest spots and everyone could take in the scents of the bush and stretch their legs. Not long after that that they came across a huge breeding herd of elephants and the adorable calves they had with them.  One of the male elephants even had a display of dominance and they had the advantage to take some really great photographs, they eventually moved on and the elephants just carried on grazing. Down the road they found a pack of wild dogs resting under the trees, taking in the African sun.

It was time for breakfast and ourguests had a lovely breakfast under the trees taking in the peacefulness. After spending some time looking around and learning about the small things of the bush tjhey moved on. They found some lions down the road, doing what lions do best, sleeping. The one lion got up and walked around a bit and then just “flopped” down under the shade again.

After seeing the lions they saw many birds and small game and out of nowhere popped two rhinos.  A beautiful cow and a very young calf, they were very comfortable with all the vehicles around and just grazed merrily and enjoying each others' company. They then moved on for lunch, as they were going along the found a large herd of buffalo that was so big they were everywhere, as far as you could see, there were a lot of calves and young adults that where playing around like kids do. A great safari holiday experience that Kruger Park day trip was indeed.

It precisely captures the essence of how the circle of life in Africa works.  How new life is created and introduced each and every day and how at times we have to bid farewell.

Recently all of us at Vuyani were incredibly thrilled to learn that we have been blessed with new life. Two lion cubs were born on the reserve and this is their story so far:  Jacques had tracked the lion for quite some time and his skills had paid off – he found them hiding in the thicket on a very warm and sunny afternoon. Immediately Jacques contacted Quinton (as he is always geared up with his camera) Quinton had managed to get some great shots – as the sun was setting over the Drakensberg and the light had turned into majestic amber.

The following day all the staff huddled around Quinton’s computer to see the photos, immediately Henry said that it seemed like one of the females appeared a little “worn out” like she could have possibly been suckling youngsters. Everybody was instantly keyed up at the prospect of youngsters and the chatter around the coffee table was deafening!

So the tale of Jesse and the lion started. Jesse was convinced that he would track the lion, and he spent nearly a week tirelessly doing so – unfortunately without any luck.  Every evening after returning from Safari he looked disappointed, but then set out in the morning even more strong-minded. Well in the end his persistence had paid off!

It was late afternoon and Jesse had decided to take an unknown beaten track that led to some open savannah with sufficient shrub cover – as the lioness would be very protective of her little ones and would try to hide them in the cover as best possible.  Jesse had been tracking the ever elusive pride of lion for approximately a week or more. He was absolutely determined to find them, and so he did! Three adult lions fast asleep under the shade of a bush and two very curious little youngsters. What an astonishing moment that must have been!! The guests on the safari at the time, Danny and Kelly were overjoyed; it had also been their last evening safari at Vuyani. Jesse had managed to spend more than an hour with the young pride, getting some nice photos and video footage. Danny and Kelly had said that it was the ultimate moment of their safari in South Africa. Jesse eventually left the pride to their business (which is mostly sleeping) and returned to the lodge to share in the news. Of course all of us at the safari lodge couldn’t stop talking about it, and the first-rate news kept us up until the constellation Orion had long laid his giant head down to rest.

What a brilliant day!   These are the days that make us once again comprehend and value all that we are. How fortunate we are to be living in this paradise we call Africa.

This made me think of the film the Lion King as I mentioned earlier. A specific scene to be exact, Mufasa who is young Simba’s father one day said to him:

“A king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king”

Will one of these young cubs one day be our very own Simba – the Lion King?

Justine Ferreira

By Justine Ferreira

Not too long after leaving the lodge and seeing a great variety of plains game species like Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala Jesse spotted in front of him lion spoors in the road. Great stuff was to be seen!

Shirley, one of our clients, after having a few good looks as not to create false hope excitedly informed everyone that she wasable to see the lions lying not to far from the road behind a short Acacia thicket. Well done Shirley!! Well spotted!

Jacques moved the car into a position where it was suitable for everyone to see the lazy cats. After everyone had gotten a few nice shots of them, Jacques then left the sighting to pursue the elusive Elephants further.

I then moved into the area to see if it would be possible for me to relocate them and get some cool photos to share with all of you. Upon arrival at the location with Yolande and Justine we found that the Lions were not there anymore. My mood immediately changed from excitement to unhappy, but not for long as we heard Wildebeest alarm calls coming from the area to the South of us. It must be the Lions I thought that are disturbing them.

Getting the car back onto the road we steadily made our way around to the Southern side of the block hoping to get at least just a glimpse of them.

The photos that follow will help to put you all in my shoes and enjoy the brilliant visual we were able to have with these majestic felines. Great African safari outing!

Quinton Chick - Vuyani Safari Lodge Manager and Head Ranger

Sorry I have been so quiet for a while. Please don't think we have forgotten about you! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who follow our Blog posts and for any of the feedback we get.

The last 7 weeks have been pretty hectic. The Vuyani Safari Lodge had been quite busy with loads of Safaris and Excursions heading out from our doors.

We have been having a great time in the bush around camp rediscovering many of the places we have not had access to after the major flooding we had. Almost all of the conservancy is now open again. Sometimes we just have to make a huge detour to get to a desired Sun Downer spot or in the process of tracking Game. But that has made it sometimes al lthe more fun!

I am glad to inform you all that we have not lost any of our lakes due to broken dam walls or continuous over flow. Some of the lakes look very different now, "much bigger".

There is also still a lot of surface water lying around and new watering holes and mud wallows have popped up all over the place, making some wildlife sightings very unexpected. Sometimes we come around a corner to find a sounder of Warthogs taking a leisurely bath in a puddle right in the middle of the road. Always hilarious and unexpected entertainment for an African safari.

On the whole game viewing has been good with us having a couple of great Leopard sightings recently, the Elephant have spent quite a bit of time around the camp enjoying the lush vegetation in the river bed below. The African Wild Dog pack has also brought many a smile to guides and guests faces alike. The puppies are quite big now, almost the size of the adults. Sightings of all the general game as well as pretty interesting nocturnal species has been good. The other night Jacques came a cross a group of 3 White Tailed Mongoose. Fantastic as they are usually only seen alone!

I am looking forward to updating you all soon again!

Quinton Chick - Vuyani Safari Lodge Manager and Head Ranger

Our first stop was the Three Rondawels where we could look over the Blyde Canyon and be up high where the birds fly. We were also able to have a look at the  curios that is handmade by the locals. Next we went off to Bourke's Luck Potholes, these are "potholes" that are created by a continuous flow of water and whirlpools. There are many places to sit and enjoy the scenery and hear the sound of rushing water.

Our next stop was God's Window, it is a nice hike up to the Rainforest at the top of the mountain. You can then see around you for miles. In the movie the "Gods must be Crazy" the little Kalahari Bushman throws the glass Coke bottle off God's Window because he thinks it is the edge of the world and that the evil will then be gone.

Our last stop for the day was in Graskop where we had a lovely lunch at Harri's Pancakes and a bit of retail therapy. Graskop is a town filled with arts and crafts and there is anything and everything.

We had a great sunny day. An Africa safari here in this part of the world should always include a visit to these world-famous and really unusual natural sights of beauty.

Carlene