The theme for Kwita Izina 2015 is conserving now and for the future …………

In Rwanda every gorilla birth is a reason for celebration of the successful conservation efforts.

Naming a newly born baby has been part of Rwandan culture and tradition for centuries. Given the remarkable efforts made by the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, and in collaboration with various conservation partners and local communities, to actively protect the Mountain Gorillas and their habitat, the old naming century’s tradition was modelled on these species to get the national brand known as “Kwita Izina”.

Names attributed to the gorillas play a significant role in the on-going programme of monitoring each individual gorilla in their families and habitat. Kwita Izina, a uniquely Rwandan event, was introduced in 2005 with the aim of creating awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorilla.

For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the naming of baby gorillas was carried out by the rangers and researchers that closely monitor these unique animals on a daily basis, with little public awareness.

Kwita Izina has been attended by thousands of international, regional and local participants over recent years. The Government of Rwanda and conservation partners have donated substantial resources to gorilla conservation and continue to do so. Each year new born gorilla babies are celebrated in an exciting event at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. The gorilla naming ceremony is the climax of the Kwita Izina week. It will be celebrated in Kinigi where names will be given to 24 baby gorillas. This is an exciting, once in a lifetime event that attracts close to twenty thousand people.

Tourism that focuses on natural environments is a large and growing part of the industry in Rwanda. While it can contribute in a positive manner to socio-economic development and environmental protection, uncontrolled tourism growth can also cause environmental degradation, destruction of fragile ecosystems, and social and cultural conflict, undermining the basis of tourism. Therefore, considering that natural forests constitute 8.7% of the national territory, conservation continues to play a crucial role in the country’s development.

Although the Naming Ceremony has passed for this year its is definitely something to consider adding to your bucket list for 2016!

In 2005, AfriCat in Namibia received an urgent call from a government conservation officer, concerning seven wild dog puppies that he had dug out of a hole. The rest of the pack had been poisoned. Some of the pups had already died, but he was able to save a few of them and he needed AfriCat’s urgent help.

Raising these puppies was the hardest project Dave Houghton, an ex-pat Brit and former cameraman turned conservationist, and his partner Carla have ever tackled. Their eyes were still closed and they had no immunity. Sadly 2 puppies died in the first 2 months with a third dying in 2009 from congenital problems.

Kate Humble and Ben Fogle filmed the first few weeks of the pups lives for Animal Park – giving these wild dogs fame from the start! They have always been kept in a large private area preventing all direct contact with humans, paving the way for their release.

These 4 stars, Raine, Ricki, Ruby and the only male, Rex, are now 5 years old.

They were released on 11th September 2010 and this happy day was experienced by all of the guests at Okonjima. The wild dogs made the characteristic barking, yelping noise that is always associated with the painted dog – as they ran around discovering their new environment! By the afternoon they had already chased a family of warthogs – who wisely disappeared into an aardvark hole!

The next morning Dave saw them take down their first kill. It is inspiring to see that their instinct is still intact after so many years in captivity and it is a credit to the AfriCat team that the pack continue to thrive once released.

The Sardine Run has arrived and we are all very excited for this phenomenal event! Every year, from May through to July millions of sardines saturate the dark blue waters a shiny metallic silver as they migrate up the east coast of South Africa, travelling from the cooler waters of the Cape into the warmer sub-tropical waters of KwaZulu-Natal. Their sheer numbers attract animals from land, sea and sky, creating a feeding extravaganza and a frenzy of excitement amongst all who come into contact with this spectacular marine event!

Following the shoals, above and below water is an unprecedented concentration of marine predators including birds, sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and fish, all eager to get their fair share. Schools of sharks including the bronze whaler, dusky, black tip, zambezi, hammerhead and copper can be seen in their hundreds as they survey the surroundings, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

Bottle nose and common dolphins also join in the feeding frenzy and employ a hunting strategy to push the shoals into tightly packed balls, known as ‘bait balls’. Working together underwater the dolphins drive the bait balls to the surface, herding them like a sheepdog would sheep, leaving the sardines trapped with nowhere run or hide. After the dolphins have done all the hard work the other predators are eager to reap the rewards. As the shoal moves closer to the surface the aerial assault on the sardines begins as hundreds of cape gannets, cormorants and gulls plummet out of the sky to gorge themselves on the shimmering ball of silver fish.

Diving the Sardine Run is not for the faint hearted. Dodge the beaks of cape gannets and cormorants as they slice through the water catching their prey, or be bumped out of the way by a hungry shark, this is what you can look forward to if you decide to brave these action packed waters! In areas where the sardines swim close to the shore fishermen and local sardine lovers make sure to secure their share too!

Little is known about this phenomenon and the Sardine Run is still poorly understood from biological and environmental point of view. One theory is that the sardines shoal closely together when they are threatened in an instinctually defensive behaviour, since individual sardines are more vulnerable than in large groups. It is also hypothesised that the water temperature has to drop below 21°C in order for the migration to take place and the Sardine Run could also be the result of a seasonal reproductive migration.

Despite little being understood about this natural phenomenon it is definitely a once in a life time opportunity for witnessing one of natures unexplained mysteries. This spectacular marine event is sure to be enjoyed by all, be it bird watchers, marine life enthusiasts, divers and snorkelers.

Saruni Samburu is located at the heart of the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, about 7 km from the Northern border of the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. It also borders Ngutuk Ongiron to the west, Namunyak Community Conservation Trust to the north and Sera Community Wildlife Conservation to the north east.

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. As the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, and guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience at Saruni Samburu is intimate and truly exceptional.

About Kalama: Kalama lies in an area of 95,000 hectares of Girgir Group Ranch in Samburu land, west of Archer's Post. With a population of only 2,000, the main livelihood in the area is livestock, mostly camels and goats. Kalama members have coexisted with the Samburu National Reserve for over 40 years, sharing revenues and wildlife. The absence of fences makes it one of the few places left that allows for the free movement of wildlife across a vast area.

Indigenous Guides: At Saruni Samburu they are proud of their guides and trackers. They belong to the Kalama community and know intimately the land and the animals, the weather and the roads, the people and the natural elements. Being on safari with a Samburu professional guide means that you will not only encounter more animals, but you will learn how to read the book of nature through their eyes. It's the beginning of a friendship that, for many of their guests, lasts well beyond the duration of the safari.

To walk with the Samburu warriors in the African bush is a fantastic experience and you will learn how they use the environment and about their traditions and their existence.

Guests visit a genuine Samburu village called Kiltimany and because the local people are neighbours and friends, it’s a privilege to share moments of their life. They are the ancient custodians of the land that share with you, and as an integral part of the Saruni Samburu experience you will see how they live, how they protect the environment and in what ways they differ from other African tribes. Be prepared for the Samburu to ask you questions too as they will be curious about you and your lifestyle!

Tracking the Black Rhino with the Samburu: In February 2017, Saruni expanded its luxury collection of lodges and tented camps with the opening of ‘Saruni Rhino’. Located in Sera Community Conservancy, the camp offers the first rhino tracking experience in East Africa: an amazing walking safari that provides a uniquely thrilling adventure, but also allows our guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species.

This ‘thrill-of-a-lifetime’ experience is a walking safari tracking black rhino on foot, accompanied by an expert Saruni guide and a highly-trained Sera Community Conservancy ranger, equipped with a transmitter correlating to the GPS whereabouts of the 11 rhinos throughout the 54,000 hectares-large sanctuary. The vast rhino sanctuary has been fenced in what is one of the most advanced conservation projects in Kenya. Operational only throughout certain hours of the day for maximum protection, the use of the transmitter allows us to game drive our guests a tracking distance away from the nearest rhino, leaving the vehicle and continuing on foot (very lightly to not give away our presence) to metres from the grazing rhino. The tension is palpable as you come across the rhino in such close proximity for the first time; heart beating, pulse racing, curiosity and excitement mounting – it doesn’t get more thrilling than this!

This trip is designed for 6 participants only with over 20 Namibian near-endemics including Rockrunner.  Guests experience the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast and the world-famous Etosha Pan mammals.  Spend 3 nights in Botswana on the Okavango River which is the best place for Pel’s Fishing Owl and view the Carmine Bee-eater breeding colonies.  Possible other sightings included are 9 species of owls, 6 species of bustards and 12 species of eagles.

Tour focus

This tour has been designed to have the best chances to see Namibia’s endemics, near endemics and regional specials, including the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, plus a wide diversity of African mammals and reptiles.

You will see from the itinerary that there are multiple opportunities to find some of the tricky bird species (especially the desert larks and other desert-adapted species), giving us the best chances of success. The reason we have done this is to avoid the temptation of rushing around trying to get the biggest list. Instead we allow you to focus on the birds that you will always remember and can only see here. However, having said that, we will be in some of Africa’s best birding areas and when birding we'll focus on all the available species (within reason) and will see a huge diversity.

A species list will be handed as part of your tour booklet and is available beforehand upon request. This is a dedicated birding tour with early starts and lots of time in the field. We will also search for and watch mammals and reptiles; Namibia has a fantastic diversity and we are likely to have some great sightings. Lion, African Elephant, Southern Oryx, Burchell’s Zebra, Hippopotamus, Banded Mongoose, to name a few, and perhaps even chameleons, geckos and many other creatures may capture our attention.

The tour is timed to coincide with the presence of mammals and large flocks of sandgrouse at the Etosha waterholes, the breeding season of Southern Carmine Bee-eater and the return of the summer migrants. The day may be hot, cooling off in the evening and we’ll travel in an air-conditioned mini-bus.

Meet the Tour leader:

Tertius Gouws leads birding tours in 9 African countries and has a special interest in mammals, volunteers as a wildlife vet and is an accomplished bird photographer. He has that rare balance between showing people good birds and sharing his photographic insights. His sharp eye and gentle nature are key in making his tours such a success.

Itinerary summary

On this Birding Africa Namibia Okavango Tour, we'll explore the scenic Erongo Mountains for Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Short-toed Rock-thrush and the endemic Rockrunner, before driving west to Walvis Bay with its abundant shorebirds on one of Africa’s richest estuaries.   Here we’ll stay for two nights.

We’ll then head north east via Spitzkoppe, premier site for Herero Chat, and the Brandberg inselberg where the surrounding gravel plains are home to a variety of endemics including the recently described Benguela Long-billed Lark.   We may also be lucky enough to glimpse the rare desert-adapted African Elephant.

From here we continue north to Etosha National Park for four days (staying in rest camps within the park or just outside the park, depending on availability), before heading north towards Rundu and the well-watered Caprivi region. Crossing the border into Botswana, we will stay three nights at Shakawe on the Okavango Panhandle (one of the best places to see Pel’s Fishing Owl).

Finally, we’ll visit Mahango Game Park and the Waterberg Plateau Park before our journey concludes at Windhoek airport.

When: Dates (17-day tour) 15 Sep - 1 Oct 2017

Cost: Guaranteed Price: From $5460.00 per 2 pax and $590.00 for a single, including transfers, drinks and tips.

The Tswalu Foundation was founded by Jonathan Oppenheimer in 2008 with a single purpose; for visitors to involve themselves in Tswalu Kalahari’s ambitious research programme. Through the Foundation, benefactors may contribute to existing projects or even suggest and fund new research on a subject of their choice.

The Tswalu Foundation’s research programmes create a precious understanding of the Kalahari’s unique and under-examined flora and fauna. New knowledge is fundamental for the management and conservation of this unique part of Africa, as well as the development of a greater public appreciation for the elemental beauty of the Kalahari and the life it supports.

And such knowledge is shared here at Tswalu, just as it is being uncovered. Over the years we have learned that the success of a project is usually determined by how interactive it is; so researchers are encouraged to share their progress with our many guests who often then contribute to further work.

Researchers are invited to provide research material for each project to be displayed at the Motse. Our own conservationists and guides are fully inducted into the objectives of each study.

Tswalu Kalahari is driven by conservation and their ambition to “restore the Kalahari to itself”. Each guest contributes directly to the future of the reserve in a true model of eco-tourism.

The "Bushmen", politically correct called the "San are certainly one of the oldest indigenous populations on our planet. They have been around for more than 20,000 years, with a history of living in small family bands. They never cared about riches or personal possessions; everything was shared among their people. Day-to-day existence was secured through hunting and gathering, although this was never easy in the desert and semi-desert environment of the wider Kalahari.

Obviously, things have changed with the advent of the modern world and the doubtful benefits of "civilization". Today, most San live scattered over many Southern African countries, far away from their original traditional hunting grounds. Some of them are city "squatters", some farm labourers, and some have been resettled by their respective Governments to specific ghettos. Their passivity and lethargy appears to be very different from their traditional lifestyle, and many of them have been forgotten by greater society. One tribe in particular is unique among the displaced San populations, since they still continue to occupy their ancestral land in the remote area of Nyae Nyae: the "Ju hoansi". These Bushmen of the Western Kalahari are a people that are only slightly touched by the onslaught of Western civilization and there are only 1,400 Ju hoansi left, living in about 36 villages which comprise their traditional living area.

The current grandparent generation is THE VERY LAST of the great line of knowledge gathering and information passing. For various reasons there exists a knowledge gap between the grandparent and parent generations, and the parent and child generations, so wide, that the knowledge will almost certainly be lost forever; it is not a science, it is an art.

The immense library of information that these elders carry with them defies belief. Their tracking skills, so honed after decades of experience, are second to none. The hunting skills of the men and the foraging skills of the women in the harsh environment of the Kalahari ensure their survival. Their complicated language is characterized by the typical clicking sounds which can be found in all San languages, some of which are similar to the "plop" of a wine bottle just having been uncorked.

An expedition to visit and spend time with these amazing people is an unmissable chance to catch the last of thousands of years of soon-to-disappear history. Just imagine, after your day spent with the Ju hoansi Bushmen, you’ve showered, eaten and rested a bit, then it starts…, just off in the distance…, but close enough to hear… As you walk over to their camp, the stars are out, the fire glows an eerie orange, the women are clapping and chanting, the men are dancing, the babies are silent, almost asleep, and you’re day’s journey from the nearest signs of formal civilization.

Soon enough, one of the men falls into a trance. The women control his movement through their perfect beat and beautiful voice, and he controls his level of trance through his breathing. Never has something felt so alien, and never have you felt so involved in anything so ancient and sacred. Experience this wonderful group of ancient people in their environment, which is harsh only to our untrained eyes.

The only way to visit the Ju hoansi Bushmen is by mobile safari. There is an airstrip into which you will fly, to be met by a vehicle which will take you to camp, from where you will start to explore the area and, most importantly, get to meet these remarkable people.

Route: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe Waterfront, Xai Xai anthropological safari

Rate: From $700.00 per person per night sharing

Includes: Rates are fully inclusive of all meals, laundry, game-viewing activities by open-sided game-viewing vehicle, beverages (excluding premium and imported drinks), return transfer by road between Maun or Kasane (Chobe waterfront) airport or local airstrip and mobile camp, park entry fees, camping fees, services of a professional guide(s), SATIB 24 Crisis Call.

Excludes: International and regional flights, premium imports, travel insurance, visas, items of a personal nature and gratuities.

When to travel: It is recommended to visit the Kalahari during the summer rainy season (November – April), as the game viewing is generally most spectacular then, whilst the Moremi, and Chobe are best visited during the dry season (May-October).

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

David Livingstone famously named Lake Malawi “The Lake Of Stars” and for good reason, during the day the light dances across the deep blue water and once the sun has set the stars twinkle brightly both in the sky but also on the lake as the fishermen light up their hurricane lamps for their night on the lake.

Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. The ten villas with their grass roofs to help reflect the heat provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy. Guests can relax on the white sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool.

For those seeking some activity, on offer is water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on a hand built dhow along with snorkelling and diving. Under water activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fish life is surprising and experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world.

After dark you may revel in the joys of the night sky with the incredible star gazer, it will revolutionise the way you look at the stars!!

The waters off the 2,500km coastline of Mozambique are bursting with an array of diverse creatures, the most spectacular being the humpback whale. Between January and June, humpback whales feed in the cold, nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic before migrating to the warmer waters near the equator to breed and give birth, between the months of July and December. This 12,000km journey is one of the longest migrations of any animal. On their migratory route they pass between the east coast of Africa and Madagascar, making Mozambique a prime whale-watching location.

From the shore, it is often possible to see the humpback whales swimming gracefully in the distance, making a boat journey to see them up close, irresistible. When out on the water you will witness the power of these ‘sea giants’ as they burst out of the water (breaching), throwing two-thirds of their body into the air before creating a huge splash as they land on their backs. Although the whales display their incredible power, you will also see their unexpected elegance when they ‘spyhop’ and ‘sail’. ‘Spyhopping’ is when the whale raises its head and part of its body out of the water in a controlled manner to curiously inspect its surroundings. Whales are said to be ‘sailing’ when they hold their flukes in the air for an extended period of time, resembling a ships sails. The subtlety of these great mammals is a wonder of nature and is bound to leave you feeling in awe.

As you submerge into the underwater world of these giants, you may find yourself mesmerised by the ethereal song of the humpback whale. Lasting up to 30 minutes and travelling vast distances, this song is both powerful and precious and is still an enigma to scientists. Whilst you are suspended in the deep blue waters, a looming shadow may appear and then out of the depths, a humpback whale will reveal itself as it gracefully glides past. This is when their colossal size is put into perspective as you feel insignificant in the presence of these tranquil giants. One may think that a large animal, such as the humpback whale, would be somewhat cumbersome; however, their agility is astonishing as they glide through the water with such precision and ease.

Whether you are watching from a boat or in the water, humpback whales are one of the most fascinating animals. Amazing sightings of these creatures can be seen in Mozambique during the humpback whale season; between July and December.

South Africa is often described as a ‘World in One Country’! It’s a large land of spectacular beauty which has something for everyone from gourmets to wildlife enthusiasts, beach-lovers to adventure seekers, and anyone looking for authentic African cultural experiences. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and offers excellent viewing of all of the “Big 5” as well as more than 140 other species of mammal and more than 500 species of birds.

Rhino Post Safari Lodge is situated in a 12000-hectare private concession in the Kruger National Park and lies approximately 10km northeast of Skukuza Rest Camp. The concession shares a 15km boundary with Mala Mala in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, with game moving freely between the two reserves and comprises of environmentally sensitive areas previously unexplored, with huge diversity of both fauna and flora. This beautiful concession offers 3 different types of accommodation at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Plains Camp and Sleep Outs - all totally different and unique experiences.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only place in the world where visitors can see the” Big 5” and watch dolphins and whales all within the same Park and on the same day. The Park, which is a World Heritage Site, protects three freshwater lake systems as well as eight ecosystems. The park covers some 3,320 km2 (1,281 mi2) and also protects a range of high, vegetation covered sand dunes which run along the coast.

The dunes are estimated to be about 25,000 years old and are amongst the highest in the world. The coral reefs along the shoreline of the Park are very popular amongst divers. Whale sharks are also often seen in these waters. Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the secluded Mabibi Bay, with direct access onto the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast. Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. The clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and fantastic offshore SCUBA diving.



2 nights Rhino Post Safari Lodge and 2 nights Plains Camp

The safaris begin with your departure from OR Tambo International, Johannesburg to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park for 2 nights at Rhino Post Safari Lodge.

Rhino Post Safari Lodge is built on the banks of the dry Mutlumuvi riverbed using natural materials of stone, wood, thatch and canvas. Stilts raise the 8 spaciously appointed suites along the riverbank, allowing views of the riverbed from your bedroom, bathroom and private deck.

Game-drive safaris at Rhino Post Safari Lodge are conducted in specially adapted open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with professional guides. In addition to our private wilderness concession, they make use of the Kruger public roads and also have exclusive use of some of the Kruger Park public roads at night. Rhino Walking Safaris are allowed to utilise certain public roads for night / evening drives well after gate closing times.

For the third and fourth night, guests are transferred to Plains Camp is situated in the heart of the wilderness concession overlooking the spectacular Timbitene Plain and waterhole. Built in authentic pioneer tradition, it has the serenity of a 19th century naturalists rest, nestled in an Acacia Knob thorn thicket. The Camp has 4 comfortably furnished African explorer style tents, en suite with hot running water and the African Wilderness right on your doorstep. The concession is an environmentally sensitive area previously unexplored, with a huge diversity of both fauna and flora – an ideal setting for wilderness walking safaris in an internationally renowned Big 5 area.



3 nights Thonga Beach Lodge

The safari winds down as you fly out on the fifth day from Skukuza on a charter flight to Mazengwenya Airstrip in northern Kwa Zulu Natal. This is a beautiful scenic flight over Kruger, Swaziland and northern Zululand on to Thonga Beach Lodge, situated along the coastline.

Thonga’s 12 en-suite rooms have been carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum impact on the environment and maximum guest privacy. The lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the deck in the shade of the forest and sundowners can be enjoyed in the bar lounge or the cool deck under the Coastal Milkwood trees.

Activities at Thonga Beach Lodge include CUBA diving, Open Ocean experiences, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya, guided snorkelling, seasonal turtle drives/walks (Nov to Feb), Tsonga Cultural tours and forest walks. Whether a walker or a diver, there are a wealth of activities to explore this beautiful hideaway, or maybe simply relax with a Spa treatment or on the beach deck.

On the eighth day, completely sun drenched and relaxed, guests are transferred back to Richards Bay Airport for the return flight back to OR Tambo International in Johannesburg.



Priced from:
R 44 179.00 per person sharing and includes flights and transfers.

Includes:
Rhino Post Safari Lodge 2 nights’ accommodation; brunch, high tea and dinner, teas and coffees, morning and afternoon/night game drives
Plains Camp: 2 nights’ accommodation – with optional 1 night Sleep Out, brunch, high tea and dinner, teas and coffees, morning walks and afternoon walk/drive combination, soft drinks, house wine and local beers.

Thonga Beach Lodge:
3 nights’ Forest View room (upgradable to Ocean View or Deluxe Ocean View), meals, teas and coffees, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, cultural tours, kayaking and sundowners on Lake Sibaya and nightly turtle walks (Nov to Feb). 4x4 transfer from airstrip to lodge; regional flights and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.

Please contact us for the full itinerary, inclusive costs and terms & conditions.