Having recently been warmly welcomed into the office at Hartley’s safaris, my memories of bushveld adventures have been seeping to the surface of my mind, reminding me of what a privilege we have, as Safari operators, to enable our fellow humans to experience the magic of Africa, it’s culture, traditions, its people and of course it’s vast array of animal species, guaranteed to delight even the most sceptical traveller.

Several years back, the ground was trembling from the thundering fall of our uniform issued veldskoene (thin leather shoes made from vegetable-tanned leather or rawhide used specifically to walk in the bush) as my roommate and I, all of 20 years old, bolted from a mildly annoyed male lion that we had bribed out of his shady position under a bush (for research purposes of course) by hanging a large soggy piece of biltong off the rear view mirror of our landrover. A rather twisted Hijack if you will.

Apparently an animal’s eyes have the power to speak great words. We missed that conversation entirely.

The vet’s panicked shouts for us to stand still fell on deaf ears as somehow we were miraculously transported to the top of the granite koppie (small, normally rocky hill), both of us still intact – physically anyway. The mental blank we experienced between the bottom of the hill and the top of the koppie remains a mystery which to this day cannot be decoded –even by hypnosis.

Surely, this had to be the epitome of danger in the African bush. Not so. Student rangers lived in constant hope of receiving the small monetary tips from hosting the daily game drives that would enable us to survive until the end of the month-albeit on pap and beer. An unlucky colleague broached the idea that if he could mimic Crocodile Dundee and perhaps enhance his own show-andtell by picking up a variety of snakes, he would almost certainly give himself a much needed pay rise.

Entertainment pays. Unfortunately it also costs and in this case, cost him 2 fingers.

It is always nerve wracking leading a walk in the bush with 8 or so bush lovers of varying degrees of mobility and even greater variances in their capacity to listen to their guide.

The first 30 mins of said Walk in the Bush comprises of strict instructions by the guide and his back up guide. This has since been escalated to one hour of strict instruction briefing in an attempt to try and reduce the great divide of those who listen and those who do not.

This hour is spent talking about WHAT.TO.DO should we find ourselves in any sort of compromising “situation”.

The most important of these instructions being “do what the guide says”.

To date, this is the instruction that is still forgotten the most.

Having been warmed up from the outside inwards by the African sun climbing higher into the sky, all the equipment starts to come out and people relax. Cameras appear out of backpacks, sticks of biltong are handed out, water bottles are swung around by their straps, binoculars, bush tools and even the odd comb out of the sock are pulled out.

To take out all this heavy duty gear takes about 5 minutes. To try and stuff it back into your backpack while an elephant is charging at 50km an hour is quite another story. Every guide’s nightmare.

Recently, a rather clever woman, newly married and on her honeymoon, found herself in exactly this predicament when her tour group was charged suddenly by a bad tempered black rhino. She ditched her bag and hastily clambered up a nearby tree. Until her devoted husband arrived at the bottom of the same tree a few seconds later and pulled her out by one leg, proceeding to scramble right over her head and onto her perch of safety.

She survived. It is uncertain whether the marriage did.

Wanting to make the most of their twilight years, an elderly couple joined a group of friends for a trip to the African bush –in true African style –at a remote bush camp in Northern Kruger -where people are few and working toilets are even fewer. As evening approached, and the comrades began preparations for dinner, the 70- something gentleman invited his wife of many years to join him in enjoying a genuine bush shower –normally a plastic container of some sort hanging from a tree branch and surrounded by a flimsy cover consisting of anything from branches to stolen bedsheets.

With the crackling of the roaring campfire and the non- stop babble of the excited guests, no-one saw the great wall of dust gradually approaching in the distance. Now fully lathered up in soap bubbles, our unsuspecting friend happened to catch a glimpse over the shower curtain of the oncoming spectacle of a thundering buffalo herd and snatching his dear wife’s hand, they literally flew out of their home- made shower, soap in hand, right past their group of 10 bewildered and amused spectators –who now, having seen the stampede, tried to scramble up from their chairs spilling wine and falling over each other in their rush to escape.

To this day, I believe the dear couple have not lived this incident down.

They are happily married!

To many, the pristine beauty of the African wilderness cannot be surpassed. We believe that our exciting Safari experiences enrich the lives of many and spoil them with memories to last a lifetime.

We hope that you will continue to enjoy experiences of your own, which will be passed down to future generations in stories and memories –a precious gift indeed.

Greetings,

Claire

The last few months have seen South African National Parks (SANParks) welcome several contributions for the fight against poaching which we hope will level the playing field and see even more success cases both in prevention and arrests.

South African Airlink has donated a hangar to accommodate some of the aircraft and vehicles used in anti-poaching efforts in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and surrounding areas. It already houses a helicopter, Bantam and a Cessna fixed wing and is expected to cut response time by almost an hour. Shortly after the official handover of the hangar on the 23rd July 2015, the helicopter and poaching reaction team responded to a poaching incident outside the KNP and managed to assist in the arrest of a suspect and recovery of ivory from a poached elephant.

Peace Parks Foundation donated a collection of top-of-the-range monocular night-vision equipment to the combined value of R 3.4 million in order to further assist against wildlife crime. Night vision has become a key opto-electronic technology in modern conflicts that take place in the dark. The new equipment allows for thermal imaging and high quality depth perception, whilst offering a comfortable and ergonomic size and shape. This will help ensure a safer working environment for the rangers as well as keep them one step ahead of the poachers. Peace Parks Foundation supports various projects that aim to stop or deter illegal activities on the ground; including destabilising the supply chain through interventions as a result of intelligence operations, as well as efforts to reduce market demand for illegally traded animal products.

Earlier this year also saw the Minister of Environmental Affairs hand over four forensic trailers to SANParks. The trailers will assist in the investigation of rhino poaching and wildlife crime in improving investigative capacity and crime scene management. For example, when urgent forensic sample results are required for bail hearings involving suspected poachers, it is vital the samples are processed to ensure that the evidence in question is not only acceptable, but delivered within a specified time frame for court purposes. Furthermore, correctly collected and handled samples meet chain of custody requirements critical for successful prosecution. This type of evidence can assist in among others, placing suspects at poaching crime scenes, identifying weapons used, and linking horns seized with rhino poached. The trailers have been equipped with, amongst others:

Generators
Mobile fridges in which to store genetic material
Metal detectors
Electronic callipers
Scales and knife sharpeners

In addition, funding from the UNEP-GEF Rhino Programme has also been utilised to provide advanced crime scene management training in November 2014 and further courses scheduled for this year. The provision of advanced crime scene management training is also one of the key areas highlighted in the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros. Furthermore, these training initiatives are currently being used to develop crime scene filming material to serve as visual supplementary training material for rhino crime scene investigators.

CEO of SANParks Fundisile Mketeni expressed his gratitude, “This is important in our anti-poaching drive as it means the luxury of time will not be on the side of the poachers. We owe it to our forefathers and future generations to preserve this natural heritage. I am inspired by this gesture and many others, that we will overcome this scourge of poaching.”

The Jaci’s Lodges photographic safari options guarantee an encounter with some of the most sought-after wildlife subjects. The newly opened “Terrapin Hide” provides incredible water level photographic opportunities, combined with our Daily Photographic Safaris with our photographic field guides, use of professional level DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses, complimented with custom built Gimpro game viewer arms & single/double pano heads you can be assured of access to state of the art specialised equipment and expert tuition to compliment your wildlife photography skills.

The Jaci’s specialised Photographic safari experience allows for total flexibility, whether you are looking for a set departure photographic safari, an expert led group photographic experience/safari or if you prefer to do things yourself on our daily guided Photographic Safaris, the choice is yours to make – depending on your personal requirements.

Access to the Terrapin Hide is 24 hours per day, through an underground/water tunnel, complete with red LED interior lights, spotlights & radio to order that all important morning coffee or well-earned G & T!

So whether you choose join a Daily Photographic Safari or to skip game drive & spend time in the Terrapin Hide – the choice is yours to make. You can stay up late to view the nocturnal animals coming for a drink or capture the star-filled night sky, at the Terrapin Hide, its convenient accessibility will allow you to do just that! With the Terrapin Hide facing West, you are guaranteed soft morning light, and those warm, dusty, backlit silhouettes in the late afternoon, that you see in publications and could previously only dream of!

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite" – Nelson Mandela.

Woolies and Soweto Gospel Choir: Madiba Tribute: http://youtu.be/MHHjP7XrBq0

The Madikwe Game Reserve is just three hours’ drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, and is located along the Botswana border. At 75,000 hectares, this reserve is one of the largest in South Africa. This, coupled with it being in a non-malaria area, has made it a very popular destination for families.The immense diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of animal species, and the distinctive topography presents incredible game viewing opportunities.

Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species.

Madikwe Lelapa Lodge

Welcome to our home!  Lelapa literally means ‘family’, and this is exactly how we want you to feel – there is no restriction in terms of age or generation. You can expect warm hospitality; sublime comfort and a compelling charm which will make you want to stay forever.

Each of the 12 Suites are spacious, comfortable and ever respectful of the natural environment beyond. Indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace are just some of the added creature comforts to enhance Mother Nature’s subtle signature.

Madikwe Dithaba Lodge

Dithaba (meaning ‘mountain’ in the local dialect) is located slightly higher up and has a spectacular view over the open plains.

With only 4 Suites (each with private plunge pool), this Lodge is well suited to a group of friends or family members making it their own while on safari.

Or for those who simply prefer the sound of nature and little else.

Madikwe Kopano Lodge

Kopano-Lodge
Kopano directly translated means ‘small gathering’. The Lodge comprises just 4 Suites (each with private plunge pool) which share a magnificent common area. Fine dining to the hoot of an owl, the roar of a lion or the crazed whoop of a hyena is the stuff that dreams are made of. Salut!

The Motshabaesi Primary School

At Madikwe Safari Lodge they support, a school which serves 234 children from the Obakeng Village. Most come from very poor families, and do not stay with parents but with guardians (grandparents, aunts and uncles or members of the community). Many of these parents/ guardians are unemployed, and the only meals the children eat are those they get at the school. The government supplies the school with food on a weekly basis for this purpose.

Motshabaesi Primary consists of 4 classrooms and a couple of temporary container classrooms that accommodate between 30 and 50 learners each. There is no administrative equipment (which they are in desperate need of), or library.  Despite being subsidised by the government, the school battles to support the children that they “foster” during the week.

This lodge’s pack for a purpose allows travellers the opportunity to donate and contribute to these care centres by looking at the wish list for the corresponding property that they are travelling to and bringing along any donations they can. This organisation ensures that each of the care centres has enough food, stationery, clothes, toys and much more.

Needs:  General School Supplies; Text/Reading Books; Art Supplies; Computer Hardware/Software; Educational Games/Toys; Music Instruments; Sports/Outdoor Activity; Clothing/Shoes;
First Aid/Health

Rhino Conservation Experience

Madikwe Game Reserve is committed to wildlife conservation, particularly when it comes to its critically endangered rhino species. To this end, the reserve has established The Honorary Officers Counter Poaching Unit (HOCPU), headed up by Phillip Hattingh. Madikwe Safari Lodge’s guests have the unique opportunity to contribute to, and experience, critical conservation in action through The Rhino Conservation Experience.

After an early morning wakeup call, followed by coffee/ tea and light refreshment, guests are transferred to Madikwe’s Airstrip to meet up with Phillip, park representatives and a veterinary specialist. Following a brief introduction on rhino conservation and an overview of the plan of action, the vet will depart in a helicopter to find and dart a rhino in the vicinity. Safari vehicles are in continuous radio contact, and remain on standby until the location of the rhino is called in. Guests are then transferred to the scene where the rhino is sedated, to participate in the process of gathering DNA samples and notching. The rhino is soon on its feet (sedated for no more than 10-15 minutes to minimise stress), now part of the reference book of identifiable rhinos within Madikwe’s population.

It is through this process that Field Guides are able to identify and record rhino sightings for the purpose of monitoring the health of the population. In addition, the DNA samples are sent to Onderstepoort so that each animal’s unique ID can be added to the national database. The recording of DNA is vital in order to gain convictions against poachers.

Cost per Rhino Notching Experience:     
ZAR 44,000 (for a maximum of 16 participants in 2 safari vehicles)

Includes:
Cost of helicopter, veterinary specialist and access to dedicated park officials; the exclusive encounter with a sedated rhino; tea/ coffee and refreshments during orientation

Connect with people and conservation projects on luxury journeys that give back to wildlife and communities

Your journey at a glance

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day philanthropic journey through the heart of Africa. Explore Nairobi, offering an abundance of exciting, diverse conservation experiences including adopting an elephant from the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and observing or hand-feeding the elegant Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.

Duration:            12 Days, 11 Nights

Rate:                    From USD11 386

Region:                Nairobi / Chyulu Hills / Lewa Downs / Masai Mara

Meet individuals from the Community Leaders Education Fund bursary programme, who are developing natural leadership potential and improving their career opportunities by studying at a local college or university. Tread across vast plains at Chyulu Hills National Park accompanied by a Maasai warrior, with tribal knowledge that spans over centuries.

Learn the traditional Maasai way of life and discover how they live in harmony alongside Africa’s majestic wildlife. Cherish the sanctuary at Ol Pejeta and Lewa Downs conservancy, a safe haven for chimps and rhino, and delve into initiatives by the Africa Foundation and &Beyond, grounded in community participation and driven by local leadership.

• 2 night Nairobi


• 3 nights Kuku Group Ranch (near Chyulu Hills))


• 3 nights Lewa Downs Conservancy


• 3 nights Masai Mara

What we love about this journey:

• Cherish a private visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, embark on a tour of this wildlife orphanage, and meet the elephants that you have the opportunity to adopt


• Meet a Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) student


• Spend time with the team from the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust


• Walk with a Maasai and learn about his fascinating culture, and how his community is conserving wildlife areas


• Explore the Lewa Downs conservancy, learning about the history of the region and how the conservation model had developed


• Visit the Sweetwaters chimpanzee and rhino sanctuary on Ol Pejeta


• Witness one of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos


• Engage with a Maasai community, gaining insight into their way of life, challenges and their future


• Savour a day with the Africa Foundation program manager visiting schools and community projects, understanding how the Africa Foundation and &Beyond works with communities to enable sustainable development


• Join a conservation lesson with the &Beyond staff and children from one of the nearby community schools

Perfect for

• Individuals and families who have an interest in conservation and community development


• Wildlife enthusiasts

The spirit of Lewa Safari Camp

Nestled within the sprawling Laikipia plains, the charming Lewa Safari Camp is set on the privately-owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy; home to a splendid array of wildlife, and some of Kenya’s most spectacular scenery. Spacious and luxurious, each of the camp’s thatch-covered tents boasts a comfortable bed, lovely ensuite bathroom and private veranda. The guest areas overlook a popular waterhole and include a dining room, library, bar and an inviting sitting area with a fireplace. In between game viewing adventures, guests can retreat to the coolness of a sparkling swimming or enjoy a spot of game viewing from the camp’s hide. Adventures include twice-daily game drives, guided walks, Ngare Ndare forest excursions, horseback safaris and camel rides, as well as enchanting cultural tours.

What we love about Lewa Safari Camp

• Experienced equestrians will delight in a tranquil horseback safari – a fantastic alternative to game drives.


• After an exhilarating game drive, treat yourself to a pampering massage.


• Tuck into a delicious bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness.

Campi ya Kanzi

The superb Campi Ya Kanzi eco-lodge is tucked away in a pristine, Maasai-owned private game reserve. Tented cottages and suites offer fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills and the Chyulu Hills. Constructed from canvas, stone and wood, each tent has a distinct and decidedly authentic character. All have private verandas that open out onto vistas filled with wildlife.

Like the menu itself, the dining area at the heart of the camp is a tasteful combination of European and Kenyan. Hearty Italian food (think homemade pasta, risotto and gelato) is accompanied by a wonderful selection of South African and Italian wines and is served in a cosy dining area that is open to the incredible landscape. Guests can sip on a sundowner and spy on game from the sitting room, which overlooks a nearby waterhole. Adventures include Maasai-guided walking safaris, game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, day excursions to Tsavo National Park or afternoons spent at the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

What we love about Camp Ya Kanzi

• Experience the thrill of tracking game on foot with the Maasai.


• Unwind on your private veranda with a refreshing sundowner, watching wildlife interact at a nearby waterhole.


• Ask your hosts about the forest walk or a picturesque picnic in the Chyulu Hills.

The spirit of &Beyond Bateleur Camp

Tucked away at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant &Beyond Bateleur Camp.

Here, amidst the reserve’s astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, guests can experience an unsurpassed wildlife experience.

This romantic and totally private camp reflects the ambiance of Kenyan safaris of the ‘20s and ‘30s and is situated below the scenic location where the famous final scene of the movie Out of Africa was filmed.

Adventures at &Beyond Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris and community excursions that include soul-tickling interactions with the Maasai.

Why we love it

• Day and night game drives, bush walks and hot air ballooning available nearby


• Breath-taking views over the Masai Mara – set just below the spot where Out of Africa’s famous final scene was filmed


• Ambiance of classic Kenyan safari


• Community visit, including interaction with the Maasai


• Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, first time and repeat travellers, nature lovers, photographers, birders

Please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

Hoanib Skeleton Coast, Namibia – Wilderness Safaris

Rugged, iconic, startlingly life-filled
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is scenically located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as camp is only accessible by light aircraft and the camp itself consists of only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en-suite bedrooms with shaded outdoors decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

Highlights

* One of the greatest concentrations of desert-adapted elephant and lion
* Historic coastline, endless horizons, fascinating people
* Diverse activities showcase scenic wonders and unique wildlife

George and Joy Adamson pioneered the practice of releasing animals born or raised in captivity back into the wild in the late 1950s and early 1960 which resulted in Kenya's first wildlife reserves being funded in part by the profits from their initial book "Born Free." Further books and subsequent films brought conservation issues to the world's attention and for this, we are eternally grateful to these spirited pioneers of animal conservation.

The Born Free Foundation is not only a symbol for lion conservation but for the protection of endangered species the world over. Emergency teams rescue vulnerable animals from their miserable and terrifying lives confined to tiny cages, suffering the cruelty of circuses and the appalling conditions of zoos. With the funds from Born Free, elephants, big cats, apes, dolphins, polar bears and many more species are moved to safety, living in spacious, open cages, whilst conservation efforts take place within the wild populations to ensure the future of these magnificent species.

At Rhino Walking Safaris and Rhino Post Safari Lodge in the Kruger Park, we frequently hear, “there are so many stunning lodges on the Internet, how are is a person supposed to choose!”

It’s true, South Africa boasts an array of incredible lodges in stunning settings; but think of choosing a lodge in the same way as choosing a wife/husband. There’s more to life than looks – though they sure do help for that first spark of attraction! There’s personality (ambience), financial status (price), reputation (well… reputation), and, most important of all compatibility. Here’s a breakdown of how to pick the right lodge for you:

Looks: Certain styles will naturally resonate with you, and the Internet is a visual medium. Are you into African prints, Biggie Best, Animal Skins, opulence or simplicity? Beware of photographs depicting arrangements of fresh flowers, few if any lodges use fresh flowers outside of advertising shots. Also, if it’s the rose petals and in the bath and on the floor that draw you, then be sure when booking to ask for these, they are often done either only for publicity shots, or for honeymooners.

Personality: Without actually experiencing a lodge, how do you assess the ambience? Look at the guest reviews on the lodge’s own website. What is it that people praise most about this lodge? The lodge owners/managers are choosing which reviews to post, so you will get an idea of what is important to them. Is it food, friendliness, wine selection, game viewing, pampering, spa-therapies, technology, luxury?

Everyone is different. For me the perfect match is firstly, staff friendliness, then setting, then food and game viewing are about equal (I’m as much a foodie as I am keen on the bush and conservation); the add on’s, like lectures on botany, massages, butler’s, wi-fi and private plunge pools etc. are nice to have, but not essential to my bush experience . I also feel a bit unsettled in an atmosphere that is too stiff or formal. What are your three most important criteria and in what order?

Of course there are two parts to a safari – the lodge and the game viewing. With regard to game viewing, you need to consider the following: are you focussed on seeing the big five and not that concerned about other smaller things; or are you wanting a bush experience with time to absorb everything, but it would be nice to see the bigger animals too? Look at how much emphasis the lodge website puts on ‘big five’, if they’re any good, their guides should be aware of the marketing and working in accordance with it. Also, are you a passionate conservationist? If you are, then consider the conservation policies of the lodge, most will advertise these on their website if they are important to them. Off-road driving is the ultimate game drive for some, and extremely offensive to others. Ask the lodge or your agent, if this is important to you, because it could make or break your safari.

Financial Status: Is value for money important, or do you want the best that money can buy? There are some fabulous lodges for the uber-wealthy, but there are also some that offer almost as much for a fraction of the price. Remember that lodges in remote areas are expensive to run, much of the budget goes to providing basic services which are available for next to nothing in town, so you cannot compare the price and level of luxury between a city hotel and a game lodge.

You can do a self-catering safari fairly cheaply, but for a fully catered safari, if the price is too low you run the risk of meals, quality of vehicles, staff and room amenities being skimped on. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t take advantage of some of the great specials that even the best quality lodges run during the traditionally quiet months, but look at the average (rack) rate of a lodge for comparison to get a general idea of standards. Do a little extra homework if a rack rate is less than R1 500 per person sharing per night.

For those who don’t have an endless budget, the best value for money combined with luxury is to be found in the range from R3 500 to R6 000 per person per night. If drinks are not included (and at anything over R6000 they should be), you should feel comfortable to drop the lodge an email and ask them to forward you a copy of their wine list/ laundry prices or even massage menu.

Reputation: There are many independent sites such as TripAdvisor.com, where travellers give candid reviews. What are people saying, and did the lodge care enough to respond to negative reviews – did they do so politely? Look at the number of Excellent reviews, Good reviews and Poor reviews. Don’t be fooled by the number of reviews, but rather look at the ratio it should be well stacked in favour of ‘excellent’– a lodge may only have a few reviews because it is new.

Compatibility: This is a combination of the items already discussed, but you also need to consider why you are going on safari, and is this lodge going to give you what you want? Are you wanting to impress clients? Then consider famous names, and places frequented by the stars, look at rates of R10 000 per person sharing and upwards. Do you want an authentic bush experience? Then consider a lodge that’s unfenced, and can provide the option of walking safaris as well – or even a camp out night. Do you want a pampered holiday? Consider a lodge with a butler and a spa. Do you want to see the big 5 in the shortest time possible – perhaps you only have one night available for safari? Consider a bigger lodge in a private reserve where guides can call sightings in to each other to get you quickly from one sighting to another.

Please consider marrying your needs with good conservation principles and ethics. If you can, choose a lodge that operates in an environmentally responsible manner. There are a few gems that manage outstanding environmental ethics, great game viewing, style and comfort as well as a reasonable price range.

The Sardine Run Expedition is a unique wildlife encounter, following the annual Sardine migration along South Africa’s beautifully rugged coastline.

Typically, the annual migration of the Sardines from their beginnings in the Southern Cape to being sighted off shore on South Africa’s Wild Coast starts in June each year. As the shoals of Sardines move north wards up the coast the size of the Sardines shoals tend to grow, ultimately forming the ‘greatest shoal on earth’ . This amazing journey attracts a multitude of predators that track and follow the Sardines migration, exploiting this localized and abundant food source. It is hard to describe the excitement of the Dolphins, numerous bird species, Whales, Cape Fur Seals and Sharks as they ‘hunt’ the Sardines. You can actually hear the excited squeals of the thousands of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins as they travel in large breaching waves to pursue their prey, long before you see them. Attracted by the Sardines, game fish such as Shad and Garrick pursue the Sardine Shoals and provide another food source for the Dolphins. Contributing to the noise and surface action are the birds, Cape Gannets, Albatross (yellow nose and black browed), Terns and Petrels, diving into the shoals of Sardines from a great height.

Humpback Southern Right and Brydes Whales can also be seen in pursuit of this moving feast.
Below the surface the action continues with the Sharks feasting on the Sardines and other marine life. The Cape Fur seals actually sleep with one eye open, ready to react should they see a large shark in their vicinity.

The Dolphins and Sharks look for opportunities to herd the Sardines into balls, this is the Sardines natural reaction to feeling threatened as they perceive there to be safety in numbers.
These ‘bait balls’ vary in size and frequency, with the action on some of the larger ones lasting hours.
After several weeks of migrating northwards, the sardines swim out to sea and are carried along the inner edge of the Agulhas current back to the southern Cape to spawn. It must be mentioned at this point that the Sardine Run is a natural phenomenon; therefore the exact timing cannot be predicted. Typically the best times to see the ‘run’ is June to July.

Dates: May to July 2017
Cost: From ZAR 4 600, 00 per diver per day sharing and ZAR 5 000.00 single, per day.
Included: 6/7/10 night’s en-suite accommodation; Dinner, Breakfast and packed Lunch; 5 to 9 days Sardine Run; weather permitting; cylinder weights and Marine permit; experienced skippers and dive master
Excluded: International flights into Johannesburg South Africa and internal flights/transfers on to departure point; bar, items of a personal nature, gratuities; Insurances; any required SA visas.

Example of Itinerary for 5 day / 6 night’s expedition

Day 1

Arrive at either King Shaka International Airport – Durban with a 6.5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, or

East London Airport with a 5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, or

Umtata Airport a 1.5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, (own arrangements)

Overnight stay at Bulls Inn, Mpame, on a full board basis

Day 2 to 6

After a light breakfast we launch the boat and spend the day at sea looking for the sardine run “action”, weather permitting. Typically we will be at sea from around 8am till 3pm daily depending on the sea conditions and the activity seen. With a surf launch, long boat rides and the amount of time spent at sea we suggest that the clients ensure their fitness to participate ( an average level of fitness is sufficient). Packed lunches and hot and cold drinks will be served on board.

When the sardines are spotted, depending on whether they are fast moving or not, we will decide to either snorkel or scuba dive.

A full dinner will be served in the evenings with the menu changing daily.

Overnight at Bulls Inn, Mpame on a full board basis.

Day 7

After breakfast you will transfer back to Umtata Airport, or East London Airport or King Shaka International Airport Durban to continue your South African adventure.

It seems crazy to come all this way to Africa and not to do a wildlife safari at any one of our top Game lodges located throughout the country, so please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

Described as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, the Okavango Delta is where the floodplains have created a beautiful labyrinth of waterways, lagoons and islands and travellers are treated to unsurpassed game viewing activity in the humble Mokoro.

The people of Botswana, who lived in and around the waterways of the Delta before the advent of tourism, used a wooden canoe carved from the stems of trees found in the Delta, namely the mokoro. It was used for hunting, fishing and transportation of goods through the maze like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. Today this is still in practice; however the trait is slowly giving away to the march of westernization into the area and most makoros are used in the tourism industry, opening up employment opportunities with many of the hunters and fishermen employed as 'polers' by the safari companies.

Described as one of the most peaceful ways to experience Africa in its entire splendour, mokoro safaris provide an opportunity to observe the sights and sounds of nature at water level, without running the risk of scaring off animals and birds with the noise of a motor.

For the modern traveller, the mokoro safari usually entails a guide standing at the back (stern) of the boat using the Ngashe Pole to steer and propel the boat forward, whilst one or two guests sit at the front of the boat relaxing and enjoying the view. The advantage of a mokoro is that it can be ‘poled’ across deep lakes and rivers as well as the scenic papyrus and reed filled channels and waterways, allowing one to traverse shallower waters, getting closer to the wildlife and birds frequenting the edge of the riverbanks.

The photographic opportunities provided on a makoro safari are immeasurable as one glides past the herds of animals on the banks of the Delta river system. As tourism to Botswana has increased, the mokoro has since become an iconic symbol of the Delta. Be sure to take part in a mokoro experience during your next Botswana Safari!