Author: Justine

During my lifetime in the safari hospitality industry I have met so many people, had an enormous amount of laughs, shared a bit of knowledge and learnt a whole lot, at the end of the day it is the people around you that make your experiences in life unique.

I can only imagine when you book your first Safari, the excitement of what to expect, especially in deepest, darkest Africa. From the moment you enter the airport and depart the runway the feeling is a mixture of uncertainty and exhilaration. When you arrive at the airport you go through the lengthy customs process and maybe only then feel that you have reached your destination. Walking through the airport doors and locating the sign with your name on it, is the probably one of the most crucial stages of your journey.  At this specific moment first impressions are what count.

The staff at the Vuyani Safari Lodge is definitely one of the most diverse groups of people I have ever met. Every single person is unique in their own superior way, and it is on a very rare occasion that you don’t see a big smile on their faces. Their friendliness and passion are rather contagious, and they can make even one of the dullest days seem pretty bright.

Pierre has an inimitable sense of humour and can make you laugh till you cry; he is most definitely the person to have around when you are having a bit of an “off” day, he also loves guiding in the Kruger Park. Jesse has a very dry sense of humour and an infectious smile; one cannot help but grin when he enters a room, and his drives are never less than extraordinary. Andre is incredibly sweet and always has a smile on his face, I don’t think that I have ever seen Andre not smile, and that tends to bring out the sunshine, he happily drives all the guests wherever they need to be. Rina is more reserved and will have the corners of the mouth turned up, which is not quite a smile, but there are indications that it will appear at any minute, she is very organized and makes sure things run smoothly in the office. Craig has a very calming effect on people, he has a personality that exudes confidence and that makes everyone around him feel very secure. The kitchen staff i.e. Rose and Phillamon are always laughing when going about their business – that gives all of us a feeling of well-being. The housekeeping staffs is always up for a laugh and have the most beautiful bright smiles – if this does not improve your day then there I think one might be missing out on the finer things in life. Shane who is the newest addition to Vuyani Safari Lodge has an extremely tranquil personality and that makes him fun to be around.

So each of the staff members has their own distinctive personality and this is what makes your safari experience at Vuyani Safari Lodge that much more gratifying. So if you have been to Vuyani you might recognize a little of what I have written in each person. If you have planning a holiday or already have you will soon meet these amazing individuals whom I am fortunate enough to call my colleagues. We have turned into one happy little family, and that has often happened, meet as friends, but part as family.

*Justine Ferreira – Photos by Justine 🙂

I often tell guests that working in the African safari world is not a job, but a lifestyle. And if you have been on Safari or visited Africa, you will know exactly what I mean. You, without human intervention, turn into a conservationist, and you have a new found respect for wildlife. A very good example of this is the Pygmy Kingfisher that Pierre caught in one of the rooms at the lodge recently, or the insects that are so carefully “relocated” to the bush by the housekeeping staff every morning. Every single creature, great or small is cherished, and we also sometimes take for granted how lucky we are to live this life, and it takes but one person to make one comprehend this.

Shane Lynch, Vuyani Safari Lodge’s newest family member is originally from Johannesburg, and lived in the city all of his life. He decided that he was tired of the hustle and bustle and fast paced life and packed up to move to the African bush. The first day I met him he confessed that he knows very little about this lifestyle and that he was very intrigued yet a little anxious. On his foremost evening at the staff village he had an encounter with an arachnid, which did not aid in his forecast of a lifestyle change. He had never been on Safari, never been woken by Vervet Monkeys, Chacma Baboons or chattering birds – he was a complete Safari rookie.

His first day in the Kruger was memorable, not only for him, but even more so for Pierre. From a guide’s perspective there is nothing as rewarding as watching someone who is seeing something for the first time. I am sure it is like this with many jobs. The enthusiasm and curiosity that people bring, the utmost fascination with an Impala (which is by far the most frequently spotted Antelope) the contagious excitement when one of the Big Five are spotted. And then by far my best moment when the African sun lays its head down to rest, the spectacular sunsets that the Drakensberg mountain range brings into being. That is the moment that most feel the magic of Africa. The moment they fall in love with our beautiful country.

These are the moments that we live for; these are the moments that make my lifestyle the best that I could have ever asked for. The awe in which everything is seen and documented, the moment that I realize how blasé I really have become and in that moment appreciate the marvel of it all. It reminds you why you chose this career path, why you love to share your moments, why you want the whole world to know that Africa really is exquisite.

It takes but one person to make me realize this, and I suddenly miss being out there sharing my knowledge and love for conservation. I look at the guides with so much pride – Pierre with the most delicate touch ensuring the little Pygmy Kingfisher is not injured and then watching intensely as it flies off into the open skies. Stacey reporting back with so much passion about the happenings of her morning safari and Jesse who sits in the parking area to ensure no one accidentally steps on the dung beetle that is making his way from North to South.

The best safari experiences, the breath taking sunsets at dusk and dawn, the implausible array of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects and lastly the enchanting feeling that penetrates your soul is what will convert you to the conservationist and aficionado of Africa that you might have never known you were.

*Justine Ferreira

Every morning when I get up for work, I peek through the curtains to see what the weather might have in store for us. Normally this time of the year the skies are almost continuously clear and the most beautiful shade of sapphire one can imagine.

The sun produces an array of beams through the shade of the colossal Leadwood tree next to my window; it creates the most striking patterns on the floor next to my bed. I lay there for at least an hour every morning watching as the day starts to unfold around me. A stream of light fills the room and the sun is officially starting a new dawn. In the animal kingdom the birds are the first of the creatures to start communicating the start of a new day, there are multiple Purple Crested Turaco that have made our garden their home, their distinct “kok….kok……kok….” can be heard by all. They are usually the first to greet, closely followed by the Fork Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Yellow Billed Hornbill and of course the ever present Grey Turaco. The latter having the most distinctive call in the Avian Kingdom, it is also locally known as the “Go Away Bird”. The story behind the this specific appellation is the call that it makes which I suppose sounds a bit like “Kweh..h…h..” or “Go….Awaaay….” infamously known for warning antelope whenever there might be a hunter present. It is also very nearly time for the Woodland Kingfisher to make its appearance. A magnificently decorated little bird, with a very unique (and continuous) call that I might interpret as “ yimp…ttrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” .

When the birds have finally settled in their morning routine, the Vervet monkeys like to jump from what seems the highest branch of the same Leadwood Tree and start playing around on the roof of my house. I often wonder if they might secretly be reenacting the Lord of the Dance, because from where I am lying in my bed it sure sounds like Michael Flately himself is tapping away on the thatch. The monkeys also do not hesitate for a minute to make themselves heard! Constantly chattering away and I am sure, recalling the happenings of the evening. Which I suppose is why there is such an uncanny resemblance between man and ape. It never seizes to amaze me, the sounds of the African Bush, especially at dusk and dawn.

As I leave my house to walk to the vehicle, I spot a small family of Nyala Antelope. The fierce and robust Male Nyala, proudly keeping a watchful eye over his little family. The graceful and elegant female, with her reddish-brown coat and little snow white spots splashed over the body. The youngster is keeping a vigilant eye on me, curious as to whom or what I am. This little family seems to loom outside the staff village permanently; I guess they are now residents.

A colony of termites have started building a new mound just west of the gate outside our little village, they are harvester termites,  I watch them endlessly collect pieces of grass for construction , and the mound is growing by the day. Termite mounds can get pretty big out here, and they are fascinating little creatures.

So everything and all emerges from their night’s rest and starts the new and fresh day with a loud call, a very excited chatter, a curious eye or immediately jumping into some hard labor. We as humans are very much alike, I am sure that each and every one can relate to some form of mammal, insect or bird in our morning routines.

*Justine Ferreira – *Pictures: Craig Carnaby

Welcome to the Vuyani Safari Lodge, one of the most popular luxury safari lodges in South Africa!

Patriotism, every single person in the world has their own level of patriotism. What makes us proud to be a citizen of our country, and each country has its own story to tell.

South Africa has been my home for the past 28 years of my life. I was born here, raised here and will surely grow very old here. I love my country, it has so much to offer, it is so culturally diverse and it truly is the Rainbow Nation.

Tourism is our biggest niche, we have everything to put forward and more. In South Africa alone we have the desert, the beach, the mountains, cities, vineyards and my personal preference: the bush. Safaris have long been extremely popular in South Africa – and if you have taken the time to join us at Vuyani Safari Lodge, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you haven’t visited us yet, I recommend you seriously consider this, at least once in your life (though it is likely to be more many more times once you have visited this country to fall in love with).

Vuyani Safari Lodge is based in what we call the rhombus of Safari destinations, we are centrally based and the landscape is exceptionally diverse and our wild and birdlife astonishing, not to mention the plants and geology.

Here is to name but a few of the aspects that make this country, this area and Vuyani Safari Lodge your next travel destination. We offer daytrips to the eminent Kruger National Park – one of the country’s greatest treasures! We get involved in conservation by supporting our local Animal Rehabilitation Centres. We offer a glimpse into the wonderful world of Geology and birding by doing a Boat Trip in the Blyde River Canyon, which I might add, is the third largest Canyon in the world and the only green canyon. We allow our guests to get up, close and personal with Africa’s giants by taking you to an Elephant Sanctuary where you will interact with these gentle creatures – which is an unforgettable experience.   By doing a Panorama trip you experience the most beautiful of what the South African Landscape has to offer, you see the diversity of the cultures in the brightly coloured markets along the way. You can take a hot air balloon ride and have a bird’s eye view of the Lowveld.

This is what makes our country so wonderfully diverse, and give guests at Vuyani Safari Lodge a memorable safari experience. All our day trips are led by our expert rangers, so you will have a very informative and proudly South African experience.

So if you have planned your holiday to spot the Big 5 or just take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Landscape, even if your heart has been stolen by the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife – Vuyani Safari Lodge is the perfect destination.

*Justine Ferreira

Freshly cut grass, home baked biscuits, you favorite perfume or your childhood home. We all have that one scent that transports us into a world of our own, a place that you either love or hate.

For me it is the smell of the first summer rains. The first falls to quench Africa’s thirst…

You can see when the rainy season approaches. Days become seemingly warmer; the air is thick and damp. The trees seem to stand taller and the grass looks a little more alive, a little like an expectant child after a trip to the dentist. The numerous bird calls can be heard from afar. You know that something is about to happen, something worthy.

The clouds start building far in the south, the sky changes from a pale blue to a dark royal. And in the distance a rumble of thunder, it is pending – the first summer storms.

In the late afternoon the sky has turned to mat grey with rolling fluffs of white, the thunder is deafening and the lightning cracks through the silence of the bush with deafening lashes. The animals retreat and hunt for cover under the safety of the bush, eagerly awaiting the first drops of salvation after the arid winter months.

Plump drops slowly start making their journey from the heavens and collide with the parchedness with a welcoming thud.

It appears as if the gates of heaven are opened and the rain pours down whilst rumbling thunder and bright white flashes of lightning add to the illustration. Small tributaries appear almost instantly and one can see the soil ravenously gulping the long awaited relief.

Instantaneously the bush seems to come alive, the trees stand tall, and the grasses lift their weary heads, the storm passes quickly and pools of water have congregated almost everywhere.

The sun peeps through the dark cloud and water droplets that have gathered on the spider webs resemble a beautifully expensive diamond necklace. Birds start their beautiful singing, twittering with each other – sharing their own experiences of Africa’s first summer rains.

Impala, Warthog, Wildebeest and the ever inquisitive Giraffe start making their way through the wet grass – silently observing the magical transformation the landscape, if you look long and hard enough it almost creates the illusion that they might be mutely nodding at each other in approval.

The whole of the Lowveld appears spectacularly vibrant; the earth a deep russet, the leaves an emerald green with small droplets of crystal clear water and the grass which had a vague straw like form has suddenly perked itself up and stands lofty swaying in the gentle afternoon breeze.

The first of the summer rains is a charmed time for us. It is as if the rain cleanses one, rids one of the collections of dust during the winter months. The earthy smell in the air, the crispness, it all contributes to the magic.

As I drive home in the afternoon the clouds are already building in the east, and the sky once again becomes gloomy and heavy with clouds. And again the rumbling of thunder silences the wildlife, lightening crashes all around and human and animal alike prepares for another downpour. This is how the summer is announced. Within a week the bush will turn lush and green. All kinds of animals and insects will start reaping the benefits of the rains and live their lives with plentiful food during the wet season. The season where most of the young are born, promptly we will see Impala lambs hopping all around, hatchlings peeking out of the nest for a better view of their surroundings. Termites and ants collecting food for their colonies, the summer is a mystic time in the Lowveld.

There is only one finish that fits perfectly for the conclusion of my story and that is the chorus to Africa by Toto:

“It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had”

I hope that everyone has a wonderful summer and joins us at Vuyani Safari Lodge for a safari in Africa to experience this magical time…

*Justine Ferreira

Working in the Safari Lodge Industry in South Africa requires most of the staff to live on site; we work on a three week on and one week off basis. You basically live where you work, as you need to have hands on deck at all hours of the day.

During your week off, the majority of the staff will visit their families and loved ones who live all over the country. I am very fortunate that my parents manage a Safari Lodge in the Waterberg district of South Africa so from one open space to the next, but my brother lives in Johannesburg – one of the major cities. So this is where I spend my off week.

I have been living in the Hoedspruit area, also known as the Lowveld, since 2004. This is where I started as a Student Ranger and I have just simply never left.  Legend has it that if you drink the water of the lowveld – you will never leave. I cannot help but think this is very true indeed.

To better understand this you have to take a journey with me – a car ride from Johannesburg to Vuyani Safari Lodge, and experience it through my eyes.

I set off from the city at about 09h00 am, refuel my car and make sure that I have adequate refreshments for the journey. I now have to travel through a part of the city to get to the freeway leading home, and of course there is still morning traffic, I turn up the volume on the radio and start singing along – as this might take a while. After roughly 45 minutes and some very questionable singing (I received quite a few stares from the other motorists) I reach my exit to the freeway and see that there had been a broken down truck in the middle of the road, hence the tardy traffic. Not to worry – I am now Lowveld bound.

Roughly about 3 hours into my journey the sky suddenly looks beautifully blue, the countryside has transformed from informal settlements to the picturesque highlands, and I pass through the town of Dullstroom which is very popular for Fly fishing. I roll down my window and take a deep breath of fresh air. Children are skipping on the sidewalks, every restaurant is full of happy faces and the mood is contagious. A huge smile appears on my face and I wave to the parking attendants – who seem to be entertaining anyone and everyone with their song and dance.

As I leave Dullstroom the road snakes through the Highlands and for miles the grassland stretches out before me. I spot at least a dozen sheep, happily marching along with their shepherd. The creeks and dams shimmer in the sun and look mighty refreshing, I decide I might take up fly-fishing but then remember how disastrous my previous attempts had been and quickly banish the idea.

Travelling further the landscape changes drastically from rolling grass hills to rough mountain terrain. I drive up and down the passes and look down at the lush green agricultural fields. It is amazing how the crops make for such a beautiful view. I have now passed some local townships and I am approaching the Abel Erasmus mountain pass. Once you have entered this pass it is almost like entering the world of Narnia. The trees close above you creating a shady green tunnel. There are colossal wild figs on almost every rock and the lichen gives the mountain a yellowish green appearance. Up and around I go – snaking around the massive boulders a breath taking waterfall appears – it seems like the water is flowing directly from the mountain. But hidden beneath the sea of green is an intricate web of little streams. I long to hike to that waterfall and dip my feet in the crystal clear pool.

I approach the Strydom Tunnel; tunnels have always amazed me. I imagine how tough it must have been digging these huge holes in the earth so many years ago, in 1959 to be exact – in days where modern tools did not yet exist. I exit the tunnel and see the mighty Olifants River at the bottom of the Drakensberg and the great Lowveld stretched out in front of me, and I know that I am home. I immediately feel a sense of warmth and familiarity welling up inside. As I look into the distance for a second I am truly grateful that I can call this beautiful country my birthplace.

I drive past the well known Castle shaped Manoutsa Park holiday resort (which has long surpassed its prime) I see the friendly hawkers en route – selling fruit to the passersby. In the winter months all the citrus brighten the roadside. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and avocados. In the summer you will see an array of watermelon, melon, papaya and deliciously juicy mangos.

I cross the Blyde River and know that the town of Hoedspruit is near, I still have my window open all the way and I love the wind on my face. As I enter Hoedspruit I immediately see a familiar face, as you can imagine this is a small town and community, so one gets to know everyone around. I wave; it turns out to be one of my close friends who works on a neighboring reserve that offers African safaris like we do.

I travel through town and make my way to the Moditlo Private Game Reserve. I see the first road sign indicating “Antelope Crossing” and I know that I have arrived, I am home…

*Justine Ferreira

Elephants are emblematic in Africa. Often people seem to immediately associate an African Safari with these colossal mammals, and with good reason. One can observe a herd of Elephant for hours – and they will never seize to amaze. They are intelligent, incredibly graceful and surprisingly stealthy. They also have the tendency to disappear within seconds. Now you might think that this is impossible – but it is absolutely astounding how swiftly a 14 000 pound animal can vanish into the bush. Elephants are exceptionally human like – in behavior especially.

Elephants are group animals, they move around in herds, and they are enormously sociable. The herd is often directed by a female or Cow called a Matriarch. She is the leader and is in charge of decision making and overall well-being of the rest of the family, much like we, as humans, have our own Matriarch in every household. The herd will mostly consist of closely related females and their calves. Males tend to leave the herd after puberty and will often form alliances with other males. (Again the similarity to human behavior is uncanny)

They have an incredibly long gestation period of approximately 22 months, usually one calf, weighing about 200 pounds, is born, and cared for by the mother and other cows – they are known as “allomothers” Elephants are most fertile between the ages of 25 and 45 and can reach a staggering age of 60!

Elephants can consume a shocking 300 pounds of vegetation per day. They do not sleep much, as they are constantly on the move to forage for food. Their digestive system is not very efficient and only about 40% of the food is properly digested. They use their trunk to pluck leaves and grass, and their impressive tusks to tear at branches, which can cause enormous damage.

African Elephants are ranked among some of the most intelligent species in the world. They have a very large and highly intricate neocortex, a trait also shared by humans, apes and certain Dolphin species. With a brain that weighs around 11 pounds, elephants have the largest brain of all land mammals; it is similar to that of a human’s brain in terms of structure and complexity. Elephants exhibit a wide variety of behaviors; including those associated with grief, learning, allomothering, mimicry, art, play and a sense of humor, to name but a few.

It is pretty safe to say that these giant animals are more “human like” than we could imagine. In my experience as a guide on safari it is always astonishing and entertaining watching a herd of elephant. The way they communicate without making even the slightest noise, how carefully they wrap their trunk around a branch and pull it down to reach the delicious Marula Fruits at the apex of a tree. The very graceful steps they take when moving around the grassland – almost noiseless. One would assume that an animal of this size would noisily be trampling everything in its path. But elephants truly have the refinement of a ballerina when it comes to moving about. This is why they can disappear so swiftly and unobtrusively. The most entertaining is to observe the little ones or calves. That first moment when they realize that they have a long trunk as a nose, and they are completely unsure of how to operate it. I have witnessed a youngster blowing bubbles underwater and then stand on its own trunk, only to come to the conclusion that it is rather a painful act, even though it took him at least four or five stints to realize this.

I have also seen Elephant crossing railway lines; this is one of the most fascinating encounters I have had the privilege to note.  They will place one foot very carefully on the track and feel around with their trunk, then using one giant foot at a time they proceed to cross the entire track in a couple of minutes. Astonishing!

Elephants are truly majestic creatures and once you have had the pleasure to see even one, it becomes very hard not to fall in love with these gentle giants almost immediately.

May the grace of the Gentle Giant be with us in Africa always…

*Justine Ferreira

Every country in the world has a specialty when it comes to food and dining, South Africa however is so culturally diverse that we can offer an extensive range when it comes to culinary experiences.

Every culture in our beautiful country will have one or more specific dishes that they regard as “Traditional”.  As a nation, we borrow these traditions and recipes from each other, so meal times would often lead to gloriously colorful plates of food. Meal times are also when South Africans get together – this is relevant to all cultures. We sit, we talk, we eat, we drink and generally we regard meal times as “Family Time”

At Vuyani this is exactly what we want to offer our guests, the most authentic and traditional dishes, enjoyed together – as a family.

On crisp, clear evenings we often serve dinner in the “Boma” – this is an enclosed circular area away from the main building and any unnatural light. A fire is lit in the centre and the remainder of the area lit by the use of lanterns and candles which gives it a magical ambience. The natural light provides the perfect opportunity to gaze up at the breath taking African Sky.

Dinner is served buffet style and this is also when we introduce our guests to most South African’s favorite past time:  which is having a “Braai”.

A “Braai” is a barbeque where, traditionally meat is cooked on an open wood fire, South Africans however, will always “Braai” more than one type of meat – of which “Boerewors” will almost always be present. “Boerewors” is a traditional South African Spicy Sausage; the distinct taste of dried coriander is what makes this sausage authentic.

Accompaniments to a Braai would normally be  “Pap and Sheba”. “Pap” is finely ground maize which is then cooked in water – it is similar to Polenta. On the Braai you will also find Corn on the Cob, Black Mushrooms, Beef Kebabs, Chicken or a juicy Rump Steak. Your typical South African household would commonly also add Potato Salad, Garden Salad and Garlic Bread.

“Braai Time” is typical family time where everyone would gather around the fire for a relaxing evening of good food and drink.

In the bush “Braai Time” is also significant with Rangers sharing their experiences of living and working in Africa, and this is also where almost every African Culture would share legends and myths, told and retold from generation to generation.  The most memorable tales are often told around a camp fire.

“Braai” and “Boma” are as South African as they come and one can now fully see the significance of the “Rainbow Nation”

Sitting around a fire in the African Bush can be truly hypnotic. The sizzling of “Boerewors” on the hot coals, the orange glow of the fire and a Jackal calling in the distance…

*Justine Ferreira

Planning a Safari in Africa must be one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life. I can only imagine sitting in an office in the middle of Manhattan, New York (yes, I can, because I have actually been there, believe it or not) or maybe in a nice country home in Wiltshire, England. Planning how you would spend your well earned vacation time.
Searching the internet for Safari Lodges in Africa can be very challenging; most guests are looking for a location where you wouldn’t necessarily have to “rough it” too much, as I can imagine that there must be a “better half” involved with the entire decision making operation – and I can almost hear the terms and conditions being laid down.
Then after some extensive research, you finally decide on a destination, and the days, weeks or even months seem to drag by, slower than a snail and tortoise race. You make absolutely sure that everything is packed, and repacked and for good measure packed and repacked again. You make hundreds of checklists, but still manage to forget the Sunscreen, or your binoculars.
This is actually pretty standard for anyone going on a trip 
So on your arrival in South Africa, you are a little irresolute at first, because suddenly you remember that some years ago you read an article about Man Eating Lions in Africa, or was that a movie with Michael Douglas? Suddenly you forget that you are scared of Lion, because now all you can think about is whether it was an article or a movie. So that makes Check In at the lodge a little hazy.
The first Safari is always the most exciting one; you meet your Ranger and expect to see the Big 5 within about 10 minutes. (Because this is what happens on National Geographic and Animal Planet) But after the Ranger has explained all the rules of a Safari, you seem to be a bit more hesitant as to the whole National Geographic and Travel Channel safari’s. It seems to be a little more dangerous as to what you had expected. But none the less, you are ready for whatever may happen.
Safari goes spectacularly, and you realize that it takes hard work and skill to track the animals. You helped the ranger track and find the Lion! This gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride, maybe you will become a Game Ranger in Africa? You will have to contemplate this later.
After a scrumptious dinner and some leading South African wine, you retire. It’s going to be an early wake up for Safari, and you are planning on tracking some more of the Big 5. In the middle of the night you jump up and remember: it WAS a movie with Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer called The Ghost and the Darkness and you decide to check if the DVD is for sale once you are back from Safari.
After about the third safari, you are clearly a pro at spotting animals, and you feel it is time for the next challenge. So you enquire about a Walk in the Kruger National Park.
Ready for action, the walk is booked and you are absolutely keyed up about the whole experience. The next morning in the complete pitch black darkness, you guzzle down some coffee, make sure you are wearing good walking shoes, and depart on the adventure of a life time. And from my point of view this is how I would describe it:
“It is that time in the morning where it seems you are the only person on the planet. It is dead quiet. Every living being is still nestled warmly in a place of tranquillity. The sun has already cast a shimmer of orange on the horizon, and the array of colours are growing brighter by the second. Birds start waking and immediately begin the communication ritual; insects are also starting to appear everywhere – making themselves heard. I stand with my eyes closed for a couple of minutes, taking in the sounds and breathing the crisp morning air. I can almost feel the sun starting to warm my skin. The rest of the group are also in awe of the wonders that an African morning can bring into being. We fall into single file and our walk officially starts.
It amazes me at how sensitive one’s hearing becomes. Your eyes dart in every direction, for even the smallest sound. It is almost as if you have suddenly developed a sixth sense. Butterflies and Bees are hard at work, collecting nectar from the most vibrant flowers and a whole colony of termites is on the move, ensuring that they produce only the best for their queen. A locust flies nosily by, and for a second you forget that you only seem to be concentrating on a metre radius around you.
You stare into the distance and see some movement, unsure of what it might be; you prod the person in front of you. The ranger stops and gives you the signal to hunker down, and you know that there is a potentially dangerous animal in your vicinity. The adrenalin starts pumping through your whole body and you can feel all the little hairs in the back of your neck stand up. Your heart is pumping so loudly that it seems it is located in your eardrums.
The ranger points towards something in the near distance – you strain your neck to see what it could be, without batting an eyelash. Then it appears…
A glistening mix of black and white, a long slender body and the most graceful movements you have ever seen. It is a Cheetah – admirably beautiful, it creeps through the grass right in the direction of where you are sitting.
As it approaches the Ranger looks back and whispers that it is a female. The next minute the cat gives a very high pitched screech like call – and you nearly fall over. Very unexpected Mrs. Cheetah, Very unexpected indeed. But then she decides to come and investigate your little group, and if you thought that your heart was pumping before, it was no match as to what your chest cavity is experiencing at the moment, and you just hope your ribs are strong enough.
The Cheetah spots a low lying branch of a tree and with one swift movement jumps up and starts scanning the horizon. You are unsure if she is aware of your presence and the Ranger tells you that you can take some pictures. This is of course an incredible photographic opportunity and you happily start snapping away. The Cheetah seems to have lost interest in everything around it and decides to move on. She jumps off the tree branch with the most graceful elegance. Swift and effortless, without disturbing so much as a blade of grass, she trots off, she stops only once to look back. As if to say, be safe my friends, it is Wildest Africa out here, and then she is gone.
Truly extraordinary that an animal can appear and disappear in a matter of seconds. Everyone seems ecstatic with the sighting and you press on with your walk. After spotting some collection of birdlife and just enjoying the fresh air and remarkable warm sun. The Ranger leads you through a patch of grass where the Safari Vehicle is waiting to take you back to the lodge, and it’s hard to believe that 3 hours have passed in the blink of an eye.”
The walk is the most wonderful experience – it truly does make you feel at one with nature. You seem to observe and appreciate so much more.
It teaches us respect for even the smallest of creatures – we need to be careful not to step on them. It teaches us respect for even the largest of creatures – we need to be careful they don’t step on us.
So if you ever decide to go on Safari – I would most definitely recommend a Walk. It is truly spectacular.

*Justine Ferreira

I remember the first safari Jesse ever led at Vuyani. He managed to spot the very mysterious lion pride that had been evading the rest of the Vuyani crew for quite some time.

On his first Kruger Park trip he successfully located the Big 5 before lunch! Thus he was nicknamed “The Lucky One”. My first ever blog I wrote for Vuyani Safari Lodge consisted of just that, Jesse and his “Luck”. Now if you had read that first blog, you would know how he hates it when I call him “Lucky” he is completely assured that it is all skill. I would have to say that about 80% of it is skill and the other 20% is most definitely LUCK! (Although I like to give him a hard time some days and I know he will be reading this)

Jesse had been literally obsessed with locating Leopard on Moditlo Reserve. He had almost made this his sole mission in life. Day after day all of the staff at the lodge listened as he told the stories of tracking with such enthusiasm that all of us felt we were physically there on the same quest.

He had many ‘close’ encounters, he worked area after area, and one day came across a fresh kill. He walked around the area neurotically to find the smallest sign of Leopard activity. He analyzed every shred of evidence. At one point he started resembling Horatio Cane from CSI: Miami.  Ever patient this went on for weeks.

Some evenings I felt cheerless that he had once again been foiled by the ever elusive cat. And many a day I encouraged, listened and understandingly nodded. I know how disheartening it can be to put all your hope and effort into something only to be disappointed day after day.

Many changes have recently taken place at Vuyani Safari Lodge, and with change often it can either go really splendidly or rather scantily. Well, it seems in our circumstances things absolutely turned into one of the most incredible adventures that we could ever have dreamed of.

Jesse had found his leopard! One evening on drive his ear caught a familiar sound, the sound of a herd of Impala sounding warning. Now, when you spend as much time in the bush as the safari guides do, you immediately pick up on this, your whole body tenses. Your sixth sense comes into play and you develop this indescribable excitement! I would say about ninety percent of the time that this happens, you can be assured that something out of the ordinary is about to happen!

Jesse decided that he was going to do just this. He turned off his vehicle, sitting in the dark with the guests, listening to the alarm calls growing louder and more intense. As he shone the spotlight around the vehicle he caught a shiny glimpse, and right there in the riverbed she made her first debut. A strikingly beautiful female Leopard named Bella. The ideal name for this mystifying creature, Bella walked right up to the Safari Vehicle and lay down in the road; she turned on her back and gave Jesse a little knowing look, assuring him that he had deserved this sighting, and that she respected his efforts. This is one of the most rewarding moments in a guide’s life. For those couple of minutes nothing else in the world is of any importance. It is just you and the beast. And I am almost certain Jesse returned the respectful nod.

I did not have a radio on during drive, so when Jesse returned I was oblivious as to the goings-on. But something in Jesse’s eyes gave it away, and I immediately asked what he had seen. With the biggest smile that a human can possibly manage he only said one word: Leopard. I was ecstatic! This was the best news I had gotten in a long time. The guests were thrilled and of course there are no words to describe Jesse’s feelings. I am so extremely proud of Jesse for his efforts, and that he was so very determined. In the end this paid off and Jesse had found his Bella.

That evening myself and the Guides sat on the porch of our house, taking in the night sounds and just winding down after a day. It was pitch black sky, iridescent stars scattered in a million places. Somewhere in the distance a Black Backed Jackal making itself heard. Someone broke the silence and said: “Jess, you are the man!” and thundering laughter broke out accompanied by many slaps on the back…  This makes me think of a quote that I read not too long ago about change…

“We are the change we have been waiting for.”

Barack Obama

*Justine Ferreira