Author: Vuyani Team

Yesterday morning we were sitting outside just having a cup of coffee and I saw the most remarkable thing.

In our garden we have wild aloes growing which are flowering at the moment. They make the most beautiful red flowers and it is a pleasant splash of red to contrast with the brown colors of winter.

As we were sitting discussing the flowers and what they mean to our ecosystem a small little green bird flew down from the tree and landed on the flowers. I asked what kind of bird it was and what its role is.

It was explained to me that it was a Sunbird and like bees it helps with the pollination of plants. They are tiny little birds only averaging 13.5 cm and they only weigh about 11 g. Even though they are so small they mean a great lot to our eco-system.

They feed mainly on small insect and pollen. They are fast flyers and move so quickly that you really have to pay attention to them to notice all their colorings. They will land on a plant and take up the nectar and fly off and digest it, then come back to the same plant and repeat the process again.

The male has beautiful coloring, of purple, green and red. They actually “shine” when the sun is on them. The female is dull in coloring, she is brown and white, she will have brown streaks on her bell and has a brown head.

They are mostly found in woodland areas and in gardens, where there will be flowers. The males have the bright colors so that they can attract a female with which they will mate with for life. They also build small pear- shaped nests that are often “stolen” by Klaas’s Cuckoos. The Cuckoo will actually lay its eggs in that nest and the Sunbird will raise it as its own.

We have almost 400 different species of birds, some tiny, so amongst the very largest in the world, but they are what actually makes African safaris fascinating for safari connoisseurs as well as photography buffs.

The other day Gerard called me outside to come have a look at something out in the driveway of the safari lodge. As I walked out he pointed at something across the path and I said to him” you call me out to show me a piece of rope lying across the path?”

He said I must look closer, on looking closer to the “rope” I saw that it was moving quite slowly, on a closer inspection I saw that it was a “string” of caterpillars.

They were on their Great Migration. They move from one place to the other buy following each other almost as if they were connected. As they go along their way they leave behind a trail of silk. This helps them to stay behind each other while on their great trek.

Once they have gotten to where they want to be they will find a spot and wrap themselves up in a cocoon. They migrate in the early winter months to get to their destination before it gets too cold. They will mostly attach themselves to a branch or something sturdy when they wrap themselves in the cocoons.

They are most likely to spend a month wrapped up warm and snug in the cocoons then they will start to “break free”. Once they have come out of their cocoons they will spread their wings for the first time and head out into the world to do what butterflies do best: pollinate all our beautiful flowers.

On a very rainy day we headed out to Timbavati Safari Lodge for a walk about the local village.

We started off with a good cup of coffee waiting for the rain to settle down a bit, before we started our walk.  After the coffee we headed out to the primary school and went into all the classrooms and got to play with all the kids and they were so happy to see us. They were so happy to show us all their drawings and they were so proud to show us their schoolwork, even though we could not understand them they still showed off everything to us.

When we were done at the school we headed out to the crèche, the kids were done with their school day so they walked hand in hand with us. They were playing and joking with us all the way.

At the crèche we got to swing with all the little kids and a play in the mud with them, I felt like a real little kid again….

Every day the school and crèche staff cooks a healthy meal for all the kids. The school and crèche receive a grant from the South African government every month to help with the feeding programme for the kids. The government also pays the salaries for the teachers and they also have many corporate companies that are involved in making the future brighter for the kids.

After the school we headed to a “sangoma” which is a traditional healer. We went into her little hut and she showed us all the “muti” (medicine) that she uses and how she would throw the bones. The healers work with the clinic and if they got any people that were ill they would take them to the clinic to get medical attention.

We then walked around the village and we saw many of the local people and how they live, what their houses look like and how they grow their own fruit and vegetables.  The people in the village are all very self – sustainable.

We made our way to the clinic and spent some time there, and the nurses were kind enough to take us on a full tour of the clinic itself.  It was a small clinic and if they got any serious cases they would take them to the hospital which was wasn’t too far from the clinic.

From there we went to our guide Axon’s house. He was so proud to show us his house and is family. His wife even stood with us all and had a great photo session. We played with the kids a bit and then headed back to the lodge.

Being a South African myself it was something that I have never done and it’s an experience I will never forget.

Every guide that I have ever known or shared stories with has one particular species that they strive to show their guests or even spend most of their guiding career trying to capture the perfect photograph…

That is why I decided to write about the “Elusive One” and do a bit of research on what the rangers at the lodge see as their ultimate sighting…

Myself, I reckon it would have to be the Bateleur Eagle. I know that many people will disagree with this, as they are bountiful in the Kruger National Park – but, I have never managed to snap the perfect photograph. I have seen them on numerous trips to the park, soaring high above in the sky – and occasionally landing on the branch of an age old Leadwood tree. But never have I had the opportunity to snap a great photo. I remember that I came really close one day, but in my excitement forgot to take the lens cap off my camera. Frantically I tried to ready myself to freeze the moment in time, but alas, another vehicle approached and my Bateleur flew off into the clear blue heavens…

Jesse on the other hand is absolutely besotted with Black Rhino. Now that, I can fully understand as the sightings are few and far between in our area. But as he had told me one morning, he has had a couple of sightings but never had the opportunity to actually snap that desired ideal photograph. These are the things that we strive for, because these species are the things we as Rangers/Guides maybe place on a little pedestal and more often we are becoming infatuated – maybe inadvertently.

Kris had a long discussion with me about this question and he has long been haunted by the perfect shot of a Juvenile Martial Eagle. This is probably the most attention-grabbing of the bouquet. Kris has seen this beautiful bird numerous times, especially in the Kruger Park, but never has the prospect risen for him to snap THAT photo. The photo that every Ranger wants, so that he can boast about it to his peers…

Pierre, I think, is infatuated with Leopard. He is the first to make sure that the Kruger Park trips leave before the sun even wakes… He is determined to find Leopard no matter what. I love the fact that he is ever so enthusiastic about this specific cat. And I also have to admit that on more than one occasion he has succeeded in his task. Of course, seeing one with the naked eye and capturing that “perfect shot” is worlds apart.

We all have our little obsessions when it comes to nature. Sometimes we are unaware of this, until we snap that first “perfect” safari picture. Then I can guarantee you, you will make it your life’s mission to get THAT photograph of ever “elusive one…”

Justine Ferreira

A few days ago I was fortunate enough to join our guests on a Hot Air Balloon flight for their safari in Africa.

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 safari 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 danger.

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 and we urge our future guests to consider this once in a lifetime experience during their Africa safari.

Almost every week I sit in front of the computer for at least half an hour, gathering my thoughts… During this time I try not to think of anything – keeping my mind void, until this morning that is…

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 safari lodge 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 totally spectacular.

These are the small things – the things that we “look” at everyday – but not necessarily often “see” weh non safari holidays.  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

Every night when I drive home from a long day full of safari excitement the night enfolds me – an ebony blanket speckled with thousands of dazzling stars.   The beauty of the African night sky is beyond description, it is something that you have to see at least once in your life. And each night I realize how truly blessed we are to call this home and to enjoy what most of our guests would call a “once in a lifetime African safari” experience.

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

After an early morning start, our Rangers, Pierre and Jacques headed off to Kruger National Park with all of our Guests in camp. It was a nice cool morning which turned out to be a warm African safari day.

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.

Thinking about recent events happening here on the reserve – I immediately thought of the film, The Lion King.

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