Rhino Poaching: Whose fault is it?
Strong feelings bubble up when a conversation turns to poaching, and recently that would involve the poaching of rhino horn. The blatant slaying of rhino’s – be they pregnant cows or single bulls – the desperate will take anything. Southern Africa seems to be gaining a reputation amongst syndicates for the easy pickings, experiencing the [...]
Namibia update
What can I say…a truly remarkable land filled with such diversity and adaptations, it begs one to return again and again. The group of students and their two teachers were a real treat to work with. Eager to learn and willing to play their part in the daily camp duties.
I’m sure some of them will [...]
Off to Namibia…
Two weeks of adventure and exploration await me, along with a large group of eager students. This should be a wonderful opportunity to discuss this land and its many secrets of survival.
Both plants and animals have learnt to adapt to this very old landscape. 100 million years ago the genus Ficus (fig tree) began a [...]
Honeyguide
Of the numerous mutualistic relationships found in Africa’s wild places, the honeyguide bird has surely got to be one of the more recognised ones. Many stories abound in folktales about considering this birds guidance to places of honey. Misfortune would surely follow the one who did not leave a piece of honey comb or honey [...]
It’s not just about the big stuff…
All too often I’ve seen people rushing through the Park to get a glimpse of the Lions at a kill, or a herd of Elephant at a waterhole. Sure those are great sightings, but they’re not the only things ‘out there’. I really enjoy taking a simple walk through the areas near the bush camp, [...]
The humble Termite
Among the oldest of social organisms, the humble termite has lived for about 250 million years, beginning with the dinosaurs as a cockroach-like insect of the order Isoptera. And is today one of the cockroach’s closest relatives, much like the ant is a relative to the wasp. Furthermore, the termite is known to have the [...]
Vultures
Thinking of this bird the mind conjures images of some nether-world creature living off the flesh of the newly fallen. But is this really how one should look at this bird. People readily eat crab meat, but seldom stop to think what it does to survive. I suppose the answer lies in the fact we [...]
Human behaviour while on Safari
Being on holiday has that effect upon our minds that allows us opporunity to relax and unwind. Forgetting all convention and routine we slip into that playful zone where we’re not always thinking with a clear head. And while our holiday is well deserved, it shouldn’t be license to forget some basic perspectives, especially when [...]
The First Encounter
Your heart is thumping in your throat, your legs feel numb and you momentarily forget yourself. In front of you is a wild animal – there’s no cage or bars, just you and the animal.
If you have ever been on Safari where you were in a position to get up close to animal life, you [...]
Impact on Wildlife by domestic animals
As a kid I remember growing up with dogs and cats, birds and the odd goldfish. Now at the time it was really nice to come home from school and be bowled over by my friendly dog companion, or to visit the bird cage to greet the love birds or budgy.
And I think to a [...]
The Politics of Conservation Ethics
When we think of Nature Conservation, the mind pictures images of good-hearted folk putting forward their energies towards an ideal greater than themselves. Such ideals could be grand schemes like saving the Amazon Rainforest or Creating Trans-frontier Peace Parks in Africa, or it may be one persons determination to bring others together for a common [...]
So just what are the Big Five?
You’re thinking of going to Africa on a Safari, and many places offer a Big Five experience. The term has almost become synonymous with Safari Travel, that many first time travellers actively seek out destinations promoting the Big Five.
And it’s easy to understand. Because no trip to an African safari destination would feel complete without [...]
I’m Lost…what do I do?
Everything was fine…we had been travelling about 3 hours in our vehicle, and had stopped to view a herd of elephant. After about 15 minutes we thought it time to move on, and started the engine. Nothing!
The driver tried again, still nothing. The battery seemed to have died, or perhaps the alternator decided now was [...]
Useful Plants
With around 30 000 species of plants found in Southern Africa, coupled with a good dose of cultural diversity, the use of plants in this region is widespread.
For anyone visiting the region the chances of you passing a plant which can be used for the treatment of discomfort, for use as a food or as [...]
The Bush Walk
Getting up close and personal with the African Bush: this is the bush walk and it offers excitement, uncertainty and adventure. No two walks are ever the same because nature constantly moves and changes.
And I guess this is what appeals to many people who opt for a walk whilst on Safari. That unknowing trundle through [...]
