Sheesh! I nearly forgot! May I use this platform to wish you ALL a very happy Christmas; a time for you to enjoy and relax, to share with friends and family..(believe it,I am on safari now!). It's one week until the new year, and I will only be able to be online again after that..I will be in Savuti and Moremi during this time. Together with friends, rain and mud (I am sure) and a load of good wildlife for entertainment!
HAPPY XMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Professional Safari Guide in Botswana,Africa. Ilive in Kasane, a small town on the banks of the Chobe River, near the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. I travel between Botswana,South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. My company is Ultimate Africa Safaris,specialising in tented, mobile camping safaris
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Central Kalahari Reserve Dec '10
You are going to eat your heart out, I hope! You just gotta be here...and for those of you have been 'here',you will know what I am saying.. I have just spent 5 amazing days with Rene & Annekarien and their friends Izaak and Bianca, in the Deception Valley area of the Central Kalahari Reserve, Botswana. My FAVourite! Green season (rains) has just started and you could not wish for better settings for great game viewing and absolutely GREAT open space and quiet.
I can't say that we beat the times that Susan and Bill (Oliver) spent there with us a couple of years back..but it was very good. In all,45 lions were seen - some of them chose to be not more than 25 metres from our camp site,3 times. They gave us the most amazing shows..because we took the time to stay with them and watch.
We saw cheetah, lazing and hunting! Young Springbok literally being born and unable yet to take their first steps..waiting with them while they mastered this. And one experience of such a young little lamb having to fight for its life (being hunted by cheetah) within the first hour of entering this world. An astounding interraction to be part of.
NO photos yet! I have not had time to upload them today...
There is a safari leaving mid March to the Kalahari again..come on, join me!! And if the dates don't suit you,let me know what does.
This is real rejuvenation of the spirit and mind.
I can't say that we beat the times that Susan and Bill (Oliver) spent there with us a couple of years back..but it was very good. In all,45 lions were seen - some of them chose to be not more than 25 metres from our camp site,3 times. They gave us the most amazing shows..because we took the time to stay with them and watch.
We saw cheetah, lazing and hunting! Young Springbok literally being born and unable yet to take their first steps..waiting with them while they mastered this. And one experience of such a young little lamb having to fight for its life (being hunted by cheetah) within the first hour of entering this world. An astounding interraction to be part of.
NO photos yet! I have not had time to upload them today...
There is a safari leaving mid March to the Kalahari again..come on, join me!! And if the dates don't suit you,let me know what does.
This is real rejuvenation of the spirit and mind.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
One more sunset...
After 2 months near to the junction of the Zambezi river and the Kasai Channel, as well as being mere metres from the Mambova Rapids, I can tell you that I have only fished 3 times. Someone recently said to me: 'That's pretty bad management'. Well,the times out were great. Everyone I know who has been fishing there for (maximum) 5 days during the last two months that I have been there, has caught fish! And lots. And some very nice big Tigers. Well, I am happy to go out and simply enjoy yet another sunset, a peaceful and tranquil time of course. Since I can't remember when,I have drawn an energy from that time of day..as it draws to close and all settles down to wait the coming of the new dawn.
Marti is happy as long as he accompanies me. Fact. He loves watching the lure hanging in the air just before casting, following its flight out over the water..and then waiting to see where it will pop up again. He has learnt to touch and smell live fish, before they are put back in the water to live another day. He has certainly learnt that as much as that cool water looks sooo inviting, you don't go near it. Not if you are a little dog..crocodiles rule that space.
Coming up soon... Kenton on Sea..renovation time! Bye!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Happy Safari!
This I just found, thank you Sarah! 4 years later..but that's because I don't follow the blogs, travel reviews and so on as I should. Silly me.
I remember this sighting, and yes, it was just great! Patience and intuition rewarded for us. The lioness calling softly to her cubs, the cubs responding with tiny, soft 'mews'..and all in the track right with us.
Moremi has some wonderful experiences to offer you. So do many. many places on this planet.
Reviewed 10 Aug 2006 by Sarah Hanney
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?The most memorable experience was seeing six lion cubs suckling two lionesses right next to our safari jeep at dusk which was an amazing and we were very lucky to see thanks to an amazing guide in Moremi (Toff Hill from Delta Rain). There is no comparison to seeing these amazing animals close-up and will absolutely stay with me for the rest of my life. Not to forget however, an elephant choosing our tent to have a midnight snack over whilst we were inside listening to his digestive juices.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?My tips to other travellers is to take very warm clothing. The early morning safari in an open vehicle is freezing - fleeces and definitely a hat or balaclava. Less sun burn than wind burn!
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?The most memorable experience was seeing six lion cubs suckling two lionesses right next to our safari jeep at dusk which was an amazing and we were very lucky to see thanks to an amazing guide in Moremi (Toff Hill from Delta Rain). There is no comparison to seeing these amazing animals close-up and will absolutely stay with me for the rest of my life. Not to forget however, an elephant choosing our tent to have a midnight snack over whilst we were inside listening to his digestive juices.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?My tips to other travellers is to take very warm clothing. The early morning safari in an open vehicle is freezing - fleeces and definitely a hat or balaclava. Less sun burn than wind burn!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Zambezi River, Mambova Rapids.
Islands in Africa - Impalila and Ntwala in the Zambezi, situated at the tip of the Caprivi Strip of Namibia. Tranquil settings and an amazing birdlife. Tiger fishing is good at the moment, too.
Have been at the lodges here assisting with management for two months. Mid December, a safari starts, going to the Central Kalahari and Chobe National Parks. Visit Savuti - you have been there already? - ok, BUT have you been back since the Savuti Channel is flowing? It'sariver, not a stream and the marsh is already flooding. I expect that we will have more and more game remaining there throughout the year, with that the hope that lions, wilddogs, cheetah will also extend their stays in Savuti. It is a beautiful area to visit now, to see the change. Remember, its the first time since 1981 that the river is flowing again.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Who is who?
Who of you have been on a safari? Ok, that's a lot of hands up. A trip to the park or even the zoo? Well, I don't know about the zoo, but I sure can tell you that I would not be surprised if I went there to see the leopard in its cage...and, wait for this..it wasn't there.
Darned cats! They are superb at hiding. Yet also superb at being totally visible when they want to be seen. Yet another typical cat trait. There is a ginger cat that owns our house - totally. Occupies it, owns it, (forget the landlord) uses it, abuses it, makes a mess, leaves hair wherever for the housekeeper to clean.. Well the list is endless. That Darned Cat. And that applies to the elusive little ones each time we go on safari. Love them. I think, I hope. No, I am sure I do.
So who is the "boss" out there? Of course we do know the answer. Not us. All the cliches are right - we are merely visitors, passer's through. Animals will dictate at times, what we will or won't see. I have tried, mostly, to be honest enough about that. Yes, it takes a good guide to get you there at the right time but it also takes that element which belongs totally to the animal we are hoping to see.
I am not one for the glitz and glamour of turning each corner and finding a 'big one' or a 'special'. Did we miss the ants crossing? Did we miss the dung beetle trying to cross? Did we miss the leaves falling? We need time to savour the world around us and on our safaris we do try and remember that. Not always. But nearly! And remember that every minute that I am out there looking at nothing, I am looking for the cats,and the specials. But I remember what else is around us.
Our last safari had a lovely surprise lion at sunset, a day of seeking out the 'girls' whom we did not see, and a lovely leopard sighting near the end of the tour. Add to that some of the most beautiful impalas; close up, calm and stunning elephants; kudu, sable and roan, warthogs and baboons, birds and birds, buffaloes falling (?) out of the trees (that's surely a cliche) and excellent human company with lovely food in camp to boot. Well, what more is there? Luxury? A, exscuse me for saying this, hair dryer? Yes if you insist..but that is second to the experience of finding out Who is Who on safari.
Enjoy. It's worth it.
Darned cats! They are superb at hiding. Yet also superb at being totally visible when they want to be seen. Yet another typical cat trait. There is a ginger cat that owns our house - totally. Occupies it, owns it, (forget the landlord) uses it, abuses it, makes a mess, leaves hair wherever for the housekeeper to clean.. Well the list is endless. That Darned Cat. And that applies to the elusive little ones each time we go on safari. Love them. I think, I hope. No, I am sure I do.
So who is the "boss" out there? Of course we do know the answer. Not us. All the cliches are right - we are merely visitors, passer's through. Animals will dictate at times, what we will or won't see. I have tried, mostly, to be honest enough about that. Yes, it takes a good guide to get you there at the right time but it also takes that element which belongs totally to the animal we are hoping to see.
I am not one for the glitz and glamour of turning each corner and finding a 'big one' or a 'special'. Did we miss the ants crossing? Did we miss the dung beetle trying to cross? Did we miss the leaves falling? We need time to savour the world around us and on our safaris we do try and remember that. Not always. But nearly! And remember that every minute that I am out there looking at nothing, I am looking for the cats,and the specials. But I remember what else is around us.
Our last safari had a lovely surprise lion at sunset, a day of seeking out the 'girls' whom we did not see, and a lovely leopard sighting near the end of the tour. Add to that some of the most beautiful impalas; close up, calm and stunning elephants; kudu, sable and roan, warthogs and baboons, birds and birds, buffaloes falling (?) out of the trees (that's surely a cliche) and excellent human company with lovely food in camp to boot. Well, what more is there? Luxury? A, exscuse me for saying this, hair dryer? Yes if you insist..but that is second to the experience of finding out Who is Who on safari.
Enjoy. It's worth it.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Safari August-Sept 2010
A rewarding safari with the Vanson family and Will and Julie. Some excellent lion sightings and lots of other game. Seeing the mysterious Savuti Channel in full flow, and a partially flooded Savuti Marsh, was a bonus! Get out here and come share this wonderful, true African wilderness camping safari with us!
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