The Budget Safari Blog

Real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience! (Part Two)

2012-03-06T13:30:41Z

Real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience! (Part Two)

Excellent game viewing, scumptious food, basic yet comfortable bungalow accommodation at Kruger Park's Skukuza rest camp and plenty of fun - this was the real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience! We saw the Big Five of Africa on our Kruger Safari, but that's just the start of it!

During our 3-day Kruger Park Budget Safari we saw the Big Five of Africa (lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, rhino) as well as giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hippos, duikers, impalas, kudus, warthogs and more!

Highlights on our Kruger Park game drives included two seperate big cat sightings of male leopards draped in Marula trees and a big pack of endangered African Wild Dogs lazing beside the road.

Sunset Game Drive in Kruger Park

Arriving in Kruger National Park we had a late lunch at Skukuza Restcamp’s outdoor dining area, dropped our luggage off in our bungalows and took a quick dip in the pool, before embarking on our first exciting game drive in the wildlife park.

We set off on the 3-hour sunset game drive in one of Kruger Park’s open-sided game viewing vehicles.

On our first game drive in Kruger we spotted plenty of elephants and impalas, as well as a hippo, a giraffe, two kudus, some warthogs and various birds.

We returned from the lush bush to find a delicious dinner waiting for us in our own intimate dining area. The scrumptious meal was served under an open lapa, in a lovely candlelit setting beside the cosy campfire. Complimentary wine and a decadent desert completed this satisfying dining experience. A real treat at the end of our first day on safari!

After dinner we relaxed around the campfire and shared wildlife tales and some interesting facts about the bush and its creatures.

Then it was off to bed for some rest before our very early morning start, for a sunrise game drive in Kruger Park.

Sunrise Game Drive in Kruger Park

Our wake up call came bright and early at around 4h30 in the morning. We grabbed a quick coffee and some rusks in the private dining area before boarding the specially designed 4x4 safari vehicle for a game viewing drive with our own game ranger.

Our first wildlife sightings on the morning game drive in Kruger were a few healthy looking warthogs, some zebras and then the same pack of African Wild Dogs we spotted on our sunset drive.

What a refreshing change to be in the open bush of Kruger feeling the gentle breeze from the open safari vehicle – so quiet and peaceful compared to city life!

We were lucky enough to spot a sleepy leopard in a Marula tree on our morning game drive. The leopard was draped in a big shady tree not far from the road, which gave us ample opportunity to take a good look at this large cat.

Moving on from our rare and exciting find of the elusive leopard in a tree, we came across some zebras, more impalas, kudus and elephants. We got to watch as a mother and elephant calf took a little bath in a puddle in the scrub, followed by a young bull that also took his turn to splash around.

We paused on our morning game drive for lunch at a leafy picnic site in Kruger. Here we watched hornbills up close, as well as getting up very close to a resident bat and owl in the rest area. Following our tasty brunch we ventured back into Kruger Park continuing our game drive.

Driving along we saw some vultures circling in the bush and on closer inspection found some wild dogs feeding not far from the road. This wild dog encounter gave us a chance to listen to the sounds of bones crunching as these carnivores tucked into their kill.

We came close to a herd of elephants crossing the road as we made our way back to our Kruger Park rest camp. One of the game viewing vehicles got a little too close and quickly started backing out in a panic when the big elephant bull at the back of the herd became a bit agitated at the intrusion.

On our way back to Skukuza Camp from our picnic brunch we sighted some lions from afar. The two males were lying some distance from us in the savannah bush and could only be seen using binoculars.

On our return game drive we were also lucky enough to come across a second male leopard draped in a big Marula tree! A rare sight - a leopard in a tree - that we lucked upon twice in Kruger! The lazing leopard seemed unperturbed by the gawking game viewers snapping away from nearby game vehicles.

Back at Skukuza Camp we were lucky enough to see a pod of hippos swim-walking in the river flowing past the Skukuza restaurant area.

Two of the hippos paused right below us in the river to have an argument, showing off some impressive jaws and making quite a splash! The hippo below displayed typical hippopotamus toilet behaviour for us, by wagging its tail vigourously to disperse its stools.

Even though giraffes run into things by mistake and fall asleep while chewing, they're graceful and interesting herbivores! Below are two more of these oddly proportioned grazers spotted in Kruger Park.

We passed these two old bachelor buffalos chilling in the water beside the road. Apparently when male buffalos get old they leave the herd and become grumpy loners. These are the buffalos to watch out for when you are in the bush as they can be very aggressive!

Sunset Game Drive in Kruger Park

On our second sunset game drive in Kruger Park we finally sighted rhinos not far from the road, as well as plenty of buffalos - completing the check list of Africa's Big Five animals.

The sunset game drive on day 2 was conducted by our own game ranger in an open 4x4 safari vehicle specially designed for game viewing.

We saw an abundance of birds on our game drives, including Lilacbreasted rollers, Woodland Kingfishers, various eagles and lots of ... little brown jobs. Our knowledgeable and very capable game ranger and driver was able to identify the numerous birds and wildlife that we spotted on our game drives in Kruger Park.

All of the safari guides on the team were experienced and well-informed, readily sharing facts, tales and funny anecdotes about the African bush, as well as Kruger's wildlife and flora.

At Camp on Safari in Kruger

Again a delicious meal awaited us in the private dining area back at camp and the dessert did not disappoint either!

We were joined by some new safari goers starting their Budget Kruger Park Safari experience and enjoyed an evening of story swapping and good laughs.

On our final day in Kruger Park we departed from Skukuza camp after breakfast (luckily not at the crack of dawn this time). We transferred back to our air-conditioned mini-bus and enjoyed one last game viewing drive en route to the Kruger exit gate.

Our drive back to Johannesburg took us along the scenic Panorama Route of South Africa, via Pilgrims Rest where we paused for lunch.

This Kruger Park Budget Safari was definitely the real deal when it comes to experiencing Africa's wildlife with experts that know what they're doing and do it exceptionally well!

Exploring the bush on this Kruger Bungalow Safari was a truly unforgettable experience in wild Africa!

Read Part One of the Real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience.

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The Real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience! (Part One)

2012-02-25T21:26:57Z

The Real Kruger Park Budget Safari Experience! (Part One)

My recent 3-day Kruger Park Bungalow Safari trip was an absolutely fabulous African wildlife experience!

I ticked the Big Five of Africa off my list, sighted a variety of other wild animals, ate like a king and slept like a baby in an air-conditioned bungalow at Skukuza Camp in Kruger Park.

Kruger National Park - South Africa's premier game park - delivered an all-round fantastic safari experience!

On a recent trip to Kruger Park, straddling the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces of South Africa, I finally saw all of the Big Five, in one go. This accessible and affordable Kruger Bungalow Safari is an excellent choice for international visitors and South African travellers alike.

Pre-Kruger Safari Lodge Experience

My budget Kruger Safari weekend ran very smoothly, starting with a punctual short transfer to the pre-tour safari lodge in a leafy part of Benoni, ten minutes from OR Thanbo International Airport.

The safari lodge, set in a peaceful garden near a golf course, was even nicer than it looked on the Internet.

The welcoming lodge was spacious and comfortable, with an incredibly friendly and accommodating staff taking good care of visitors!

After a delicious vegetarian dinner served in the dining room area of the lodge, I retreated to my comfy and well-appointed en suite room. This affordable accommodation included linen, soap, towels and complimentary tea and coffee facilities in the room, as well as a TV.

The twin room had a pleasant view over the lodge gardens and felt private and secure.

In the morning I was awoken bright and early for coffee and a scrumptious breakfast out on the cool veranda.

(Special dietry requirements were advised for me, the vegetarian, before arrival at the lodge, which means I was well catered for on my safari).

Driving to Kruger National Park

After breakfast our luggage was loaded onto the air-conditioned mini-bus and our safari group set off for Kruger Park. Along the way we stopped regularly to stretch our legs, take bathroom breaks and stock up on drinks and snacks.

Arriving at Kruger Park we crossed the Sabie River where evidence of the floods could still be seen in the riverbed.

We entered the world-famous Kruger game park via the Paul Kruger gate, closest to Skukuza restcamp.

Shortly after entering the Kruger Reserve we encountered a pack of African Wild Dogs – a lucky wildlife sighting, as these endangered carnivores are usually very tricky to spot.

Our first stop in Kruger Park was Skukuza’s restaurant and curio shop area, beside the flowing Sabie River.

We enjoyed lunch from the cafeteria and restaurant under shaded thatch (own account). The variety of food available included salads, sandwiches, cooked meals and local style “pap and boerewors”. Some of our safari group tucked into the local fare - South African style meals prepared on an open-air barbecue (ideal for the hungry as the portions were huge).

After lunch we made our way to the nearby safari accommodation in Skukuza rest camp, the largest camp in Kruger. We had enough time for a quick dip in the camp’s swimming pool, before embarking on our sunset game drive.

Photo below: the open-sided Kruger Park Safari vehicle used on our first sunset game drive.

Staying inside Kruger Park at Skukuza

It was pretty hot in Kruger Park when we visited earlier this month (February), so staying in air-conditioned chalets with en suite bathrooms and overhead fans was a great choice! Although the permanent tents at camp also feature fans, the air-conditioning was most appreciated in the African heat.

The bungalows at Skukuza were clean and comfortable, fitted with mosquito netting over the doors and windows. The bungalows are set among shady trees and lawns, each featuring a little veranda with a bar fridge, table and chairs.

This affordable safari accommodation included linen, towels; soap and an unexpected, yet welcomed, cleaning service.

Kruger's Skukuza Restcamp is big (lots of accommodation options) and offers an array of facilities, from restaurants and shops to swimming pools and an internet cafe. There is even a petrol pump for refuelling at Skukuza.

Browse our Budget Kruger Safaris, including affordable camping, bungalow and lodge safaris to Kruger Park. Or take a look at this Kruger Park Bungalow Safari in more detail.

Part Two to follow soon with photos and more about the excellent wildlife sightings on our real budget Safari in Kruger Park...

And .... Part Two of the Real Budget Safari Experience in Kruger Park.

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African Wild Dogs in Kruger Park by the pack!

2012-02-21T19:54:14Z

African Wild Dogs in Kruger Park by the pack!

African Wild Dogs spotted in Kruger Park - photos of our really lucky wildlife sightings on a recent safari drive in Kruger! And this was not the last time we got to watch the usually elusive Wild Dogs of Kruger...

Entering the Kruger National Park via the Paul Kruger Gate in the afternoon - we saw a pack of Wild Dogs almost immediately!

Wild Dogs in Kruger Park

Apparently it's extremely tricky to sight African Wild Dogs on safari (even in Kruger Park) due to the large territories they cover while hunting. But, we got really lucky - seeing the Wild Dogs of Kruger up close, more than once!

We got to watch the Wild Dogs lazing beside the road in plain view, en route to our overnight accommodation at Skukuza rest camp.

Later on our sunset game drive we again sighted these endangered Wild Dogs lying beside the road looking dog-tired in the heat of the bush.

Wild Dog VS Hyena

I don’t like hyenas and I thought Wild Dogs would be very similar, but they aren’t – they don’t look sneaky and dirty like scavenging hyenas.

Plus, female Wild Dogs don't have genitals that get them confused with males, so you don't need to wonder if they're hermaphrodites as myth has it with hyenas.

Although we didn't hear the Wild Dogs in Kruger, I took a listen to this sound clip of Wild Dogs calling. I was happy to hear that they sound quite similar to normal dogs - although not a melodious sound it beats the idiotic laughter of my least favourite wild animal, the hyena (if you must - the hyena's haunting call).

Now Hyenas are carnivores of the worst variety eating anything from other hyenas to carrion (the decaying flesh of dead animals), bones, vegetable matter and even other animals droppings! Wild Dogs on the other hand prefer to consume their prey as soon as possible after the kill, rarely eating carrion. Wild Dogs are omnivorous according to some, eating grasses, berries, roots and other plant material.

Back in Kruger on Safari - there were several African Wild Dogs lying under some Acacia trees next to the road and about three of them lying just next to the road on the grass.

The rare Wild Dogs were being pretty lazy, so we didn't get to see any action or much movement at all, but we did get up really close (almost breath-smelling close)!

I was amazed at how tame and calm these usually shy carnivores remained as safari-goers moved in close to take photographs and gape at them.

The following day we again encountered some Wild Dogs, this time feeding near the road in the bush after a kill. We could hear the crunching of bones and vaguely make out the shapes of the painted dogs crouched in the lush vegetation of post-flood Kruger Park.

About African Wild Dogs

The spotted dogs or painted dogs as they are also known, are one of Africa’s most endangered mammal species mainly found in eastern and southern parts of Africa. Wild Dogs play the role equivalent to that of wolves in the African savannah ecosystem.

According to good old Wikipedia the Wild Dog's scientific name is derived from the Greek word for "wolf" and the Latin for "painted" resulting in - "Lycaon pictus".

Painted Dogs are usually found in packs of between 5 to 20 individuals, being social creatures that live and hunt in packs. The Wild Dog pack sighted in Kruger on our safari, was around 10 to 15 strong - although several of them were camouflaged under trees, so it was difficult to see clearly.

There are said to be about 17 packs of Wild Dogs in Kruger Park and an estimated 120 individual animals, making Kruger a Wild Dog stronghold. Kruger Park is home to the only "viable South African population of Wild Dogs" according to the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

I feel privileged to have sighted the elusive painted dogs of Kruger Park and was relieved to find the Wild Dogs much more loveable (to me at least), than hyenas!

More on Wild Dogs in Kruger and other wildlife sighted, including leopards in the trees of Kruger.

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Kruger Park Safari Wildlife Sightings - Wild Dogs & Leopards!

2012-02-15T09:36:48Z

Kruger Park Safari Wildlife Sightings - Wild Dogs & Leopards!

On Safari in Kruger Park this past weekend our private tour group spotted Wild Dogs lazing on the roadside as soon as we entered the National Park! Our game viewing luck continued, as we went on to sight two different leopards sleeping in the Marula trees on two of our game drives in Kruger!

Sighting the Big Five of Africa and so much more, made for a truly unforgettable wildlife safari in Kruger Park

Not only did we get to gape at several endangered Wild Dogs, shortly after entering Kruger Park, but we were also lucky enough to make two excellent leopard sightings on our Kruger game drives!

African Wild Dogs in Kruger Park

Apparently Wild Dogs are rarely spotted, but this was most certaintly not the case this past weekend in Kruger. Our safari group was lucky enough to watch a pack of Wild Dogs laze in the shade right next to the road en route to our camp in Kruger Park.

We again sighted these rare African Wild Dogs resting in the same spot the following day on our open-vehicle game drive! On both occassions we got a close look at these Wild Dogs as they were right beside the road, napping in the shade to escape the heat of the day.

On our sunset game drive in the game park the presence of vultures perched in the shrubs, alerted us to some Wild Dogs feeding in the bushes near the road after a kill. This time we listened to these carnivores, tuck into their kill more than seeing them, hearing the sounds of crunching bones.

Wild Dogs, also known as painted dogs or spotted dogs, are classified as IUCN endangered species and are among Africa's most endangered mammals.

Kruger is a stronghold for these rare Wild Dogs, with the total population being estimated at 360 Wild Dogs in Kruger Park. Researchers are reported to have identified 27 packs in the game park.

Read more about the Wild Dogs in Kruger Park and see some more images of the African Wild Dogs.

Leopards in Kruger Park

As luck would have it on our Kruger Safari, we saw leopard sleeping in a tree - twice!

On two of our game drives we looked on as two different leopards slept idly in Marula trees near the road in the southern part of Kruger Park.

What an amazing experience to see these big cats draped in the branches at close range!

Check out some fantastic photographs of Wild Dogs on National Geographic.

See more leopard photographs, as well as videos and facts about these elusive cats on the BBC website.

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Video of Cyclist Crashing into Buck in KwaZulu Game Reserve

2011-10-11T21:39:28Z

Video of Cyclist Crashing into Buck in KwaZulu Game Reserve

This amazing video of teenaged cyclist, Evan van der Spuy, colliding with a speeding antelope during a cycling race in a South Africa game reserve is a must see!

In case you haven’t seen it already, here’s the unbelievable video of cyclist Evan van der Spuy colliding with a speeding antelope appearing out of nowhere during a cycle race in a KwaZulu Natal game reserve.

Of all Africa's wild animals to have a close encounter with in the bush - this mountain biker got in touch with more than nature when connecting with an antelope in a hurry.

Not many can claim to have cycled into a running (or stationary for that matter) antelope, as 17 year-old Evan did earlier this week in a South African game reserve.

Cycling through the game reserve Evan crashed into a red hartebeest antelope bolting across his path by coincidence. The buck seems to have escaped unscathed whilst Evan was floored and had to spend the night in hospital for concussion and whiplash.

This mountain bike rider escaped the incident without more serious injuries thanks to his cycling helmet, which was smashed when he rode into the 20-stone antelope as it leapt into the air in front of him.

The bizarre wildlife incident was captured in the Albert Falls Dam reserve in KwaZulu Natal,

“by Van der Spuy's team mate Travis Walker who was travelling just behind the unfortunate rider filming the race for the sponsors”.

Evan initially attempts to get up but soon falls back into the bush groaning but the buck is back on its feet in a flash and bolts off in a startled hurry.

According to The Washington Post this amazing wildlife video posted on YouTube this week on Monday

"had been viewed more than 5 million times by Wednesday, when it was the most shared and most viewed video in both South Africa and the United States. According to YouTube Charts, it was the most viewed video around the world of those uploaded this week."

The popular video features a red hartebeest buck dashing across the cyclist's path in the bush. These antelopes are reported to have:

“poor eyesight, can travel at up to 30mph and weigh nearly 25 stone.” (The First Post).

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South African Wildlife Videos - look, learn & laugh or upload

2011-10-09T14:27:43Z

South African Wildlife Videos - look, learn & laugh or upload

Submit South African wildlife videos to Veldfundi's YouTube Direct Challenge to help spread awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Veldfundi is an original South African wildlife website that aims to use the worldwide web as an educational tool for nature conservation in South Africa.

Keen conservationist, Alex Volker, is calling for people to upload videos about nature conservation, South African wildlife and the environment to Veldfundi as part of his drive to educate, empower and entertain on the Internet.

Enter Volker’s challenge without a prize and your video will be showcased on Veldfundi helping to educate internet users anywhere about wildlife conservation in South Africa.

The Veldfundi website features an entertaining mix of serious environmental awareness content and humorous YouTube videos related to the great outdoors and Africa’s wildlife. Ranging from comic videos such as this pretty funny, very original braai (barbecue) day video on the South African outdoor food recipes page to an intro to the threats of rhino poaching in South Africa.

Videos on the website touch on topics including:

Protecting yourself against dangerous animals
Veldfundi's Bare Bone Basics Guide to YouTube
10 Mistakes made in the bush

Bush lover, Volker has been involved in investigating both environmental and commercial crime in South Africa and has:

“investigated wildlife poaching and various forms of environmental crimes in the past and in doing so spent considerable time in the bush.”

Instructions for entering your wildlife videos on YouTube direct.
Submit investigative, educational or entertaining videos or slideshows to earn your place on Veldfundi.com or take a look to learn something and have a laugh.

Check out the Veldfundi FaceBook Page (careful - if you're sensitive some of the photos may upset you) or browse the South African Wildlife Videos on YouTube.

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10 Reasons to go on an African Safari

2011-07-21T15:19:11Z

10 Reasons to go on an African Safari

Here are 10 reasons to take a safari to Africa for your next holiday. With so many great trip options out there, here's why an African Safari is the best choice!

Going on safari in Africa is an unforgettable experience offering an exciting mix of wildlife adventure, unique cultural encounters and spectacular scenery!

1. Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily living on an African Safari that gives you a complete change in scenery. Travel through Africa at a relaxed pace getting in touch with nature, far away from the stresses of modern life. A really great way to recharge your batteries and explore untamed places.

2. African budget safaris are an affordable travel choice, offering excellent value for money. As most African wildlife safaris include accommodation, meals, sightseeing and game viewing you get to manage your budget more closely before the trip and reduce unexpected extra costs that often add up on holidays. When choosing a safari package you get the best travel deals because established tour operators can offer unbeatable safari deals.

3. To see Africa's wild animals in the flesh, while you still can (many are endangered)! Watch wild animals roaming freely in the bush, falling asleep to the sounds of nature. Visit birding havens, experience the thrill of tracking wildlife on foot and searching for nocturnal animals in 4x4 safari vehicles. An African safari gives you the chance to glimpse rare and powerful creatures, immersing yourself in the wilderness of Africa and filling your senses its raw beauty.

4. It's easy! Kick back and relax while someone else takes care of the logistics on your African trip. Enjoy the perks of going on a safari package with a trusted and experienced tour operator (like African Budget Safaris) avoiding many of the hitches that can sometimes surprise you in a dynamic place like Africa.

5. African Safaris are a safe yet adventurous way to explore this special part of the world. There are African Safaris catering for everyone's needs, with many family friendly holiday packages as well as budget safaris tailored for young travellers in search of adventure. Safari companies know Africa and how to travel on this continent - so you can unwind, knowing that you are in good hands!

6. Witness awe-inspiring scenery and magnificent natural and historical sights! On an African safari there are plenty of stunning photographic opportunities for memorable photos of the places, people and wild animals you get up close to on your journey.

7. The safari guides and game rangers know what they're doing and where to go to get the most out of your time in Africa. Avoid getting lost, arriving as the gates of a game reserve close and staring at wildlife you can't identify. The knowledgable and experienced guides on an African Safari not only show you the way, but also give you more insight into the movements and behaviour of Africa's wild animals, as well as a deeper understanding of the cultures and sights you visit on your travels.

8. Meet new people from around the world! Although you can book an African Safari as a group if you want to travel with friends and family, you can also share the adventure with travellers from across the planet making friends as you go. An Africa Safari is a great way to get to know fellow travellers, as well as getting to meet the local people living in Africa.

9. Action packed itineraries ensure that you see as much of Africa as possible on your trip and don't miss out on travel highlights along the way. Visit well-selected safari destinations and hidden wildlife gems en-route making for a more rewarding and smoother journey through Africa.

10. Last but not least - taking an African budget safari helps support nature conservation and wildlife rehabilitation across Africa. The cost of an African safari includes conservation fees for the game parks and wildlife centers that we visit, helping to protect these wilderness areas and the wildlife that inhabits them. Many safaris include accommodation at environmentally responsible lodges and safari camps that contribute towards the well-being African wildlife, as well as local communities.

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Save the Serengeti Closer to Wildlife Victory over Proposed Highway

2011-07-01T09:56:59Z

Save the Serengeti Closer to Wildlife Victory over Proposed Highway

Some are celebrating a wildlife victory for East Africa’s Serengeti in the media while others regard the Tanzanian government’s latest position on the proposed highway through the national park as contentious.

Tanzania released an official letter last week stating that the road traversing Serengeti National Park will remain gravel, stay under Tanzania National Parks management and be used mainly for tourism and administrative functions as it is today.

In this apparent victory for wildlife conservation the Tanzania government declared:

"…the proposed road will not dissect the Serengeti National Park." (National Geographic News)

Too soon to Celebrate Wildlife Victory in Serengeti

The problem is that the official Tanzanian letter to the World Heritage Committee states that the road will not be paved, but remain gravel road.

According to Serengeti Watch there is currently no gravel road along the 53 km stretch referred to and the existing dirt road lies in an area designated as a Wilderness Zone, allowing no public access.

Furthermore the official statement does not explicitly exclude commercial use, stating only that the road will be used

“mainly for tourism and administrative purposes as it is currently.” (Serengeti Watch)

It seems inevitable that the dirt road running though the wilderness zone will be upgraded in the future to connect upgraded roads on either side of the Serengeti National Park.

National Geographic News reports,

“…it's questions, not toasts, that are being raised, and conservationists are divided as to whether it means the highway is truly canceled.”

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) considers the Tanzanian statement as progress, but continues to stress that

“there are still many critical aspects of the ongoing development that need to be addressed”.

AWF CEO, Patrick Bergin, says this statement from the Tanzanian government provides

“the fundamentals of a formula that can resolve this dilemma between conservation and development,” … “However the details of implementation will be essential to its success.” (African Wildlife Foundation)

Conservation ecologist at Duke University, Stuart Pimm, in the National Geographic report on the Serengeti highway said that an expanded road, be it gravel or paved, will have devastating effects on the wildlife in Serengeti Park.

Earlier this year Tanzanian government plans to construct a 53-kilometer commercial highway bisecting Serengeti Park gave rise to international outcry, with scientists stating that the road would disrupt the Great Migration between Tanzania's Serengeti and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The proposed double lane highway would cut across

“the annual migration route of 1.5m wildebeest, effectively destroying the life cycle of the species and bringing the ecosystem of the national park crashing down with it.”(Guardian.co.uk)

National Geographic's Serengeti Road Map.

Serengeti Highway - Step in the Right Direction

The Environmental News Network sees the official letter as a positive development writing:

"In what is being hailed as a victory for conservationists and the wildlife of the Serengeti, the Tanzanian government has cancelled plans for a controversial highway that would have dissected the Serengeti National Park."

If the Tanzanian government goes ahead with the proposed alternative route, south of Serengeti Park, there will be sure reason for celebrating success in saving the Serengeti. But for now the outcome still seems uncertain and reports that Tanzania has cancelled the Serengeti highway may be a bit optimistic.

Nevertheless this is progress as ENN reports that the Tanzanian Ministry of National Resources and Tourism stated that "The State Party confirms that the proposed road will not dissect the Serengeti National Park and therefore will not affect the migration and conservation values of the property," (ENN Serengeti Report).

The key development is according to a National Geographic Traveler magazine editor, Costas Christ, the move away from commercial use of the road through Serengeti Reserve.

Having lived in Africa for over a decade and done work on the Serengeti, Costas says that:

"Publicly stating that the road will no longer be for commercial use and that it will now remain under national park authority for administration and tourism use is a very significant change by the Tanzanian government."

Serengeti Highway Background

The proposed highway though Serengeti was intended to improve transport between poor communities surrounding the national park and Arusha city in Tanzania, as well as Lake Victoria and neighbouring countries in central Africa.

However some conservationists speculate that the road was actually intended to serve mining operations or make way for a railway in the future.

In March Reuters New Service reported that Tanzanian government rejected a World Bank offer to assist with financing an alternative route stating that:

"President Jakaya Kikwete has defended his government's plan, saying the project would not hurt the Serengeti."

This despite the fact that scientists warned that:

"stopping the herds from reaching their traditional dry-season feeding grounds to the north of the park would lead to wildlife population crashes." (Reuters)

Professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton University, Andrew Dobson, led a team of 27 wildlife experts that signed a letter pleading with the Tanzanian government to reconsider the proposed highway.

Andrew told Guardian.co.uk in a March report:

"Not only would we lose huge numbers of wildebeest who would simply die out, there would be the knock-on carbon effect," as "The Serengeti is the biggest carbon sink on the planet and if the wildebeest go, the grass burns and we have a second environmental blow. The Serengeti is the world's best studied ecosystem… economically, ethically and environmentally, this mustn't happen."

Germany also offered the Tanzanian government financial assistance for alternative routes that would not cut through Serengeti National Park, but nothing appears to have come from the March proposal.

The Guardian said:

"Amid growing anger from conservationists, scientists, tourists and holiday companies, the German government said last week that it would put money into an alternative route, looking at building new roads in areas bordering the Serengeti on the eastern and western boundaries without crossing the actual park. Germany also indicated this weekend that it would favour financing an international feasibility study for a southern bypass around the national park. So far the Tanzanian government has made no response." (Guardian.co.uk)

Earlier last month the African Conservation Foundation also reported American opposition to the highway although they felt that the Tanzanian government was trying to address the matter appropriately.

"The Obama administration is urging the Tanzanian government to reconsider plans to build a road through the Serengeti wildlife reserve that environmentalists say will threaten the wildebeest migration into Kenya." (African Conservation Foundation)

Johnnie Carson, top US diplomat for Africa, stated that the Tanzanian government officials:

"know the value of the wildlife, the importance of the Serengeti... They have no desire to destroy that, but they also are looking for ways to stimulate economic development in other parts of the country." (African Conservation Foundation)

Help Save the Serengeti by joining Serengeti Watch or donating to this wildlife campaign to protect one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth - the Great Migration.

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Walking through Africa to Help Disabled Children - Walk4Wheels!

2011-06-22T17:53:38Z

Walking through Africa to Help Disabled Children - Walk4Wheels!

South African hockey coach and entrepreneur Craig Sieben starts his 16000km walk for charity through East Africa in September 2011. That's 86 days today until he sets off on his long walk to help children with disabilities.

Craig will be raising funds to help change the lives of 222 children with disabilities on his 222-day Walk4Wheels journey from Cape Town to Egypt. An inspiring goal of assisting one child per day on the road!

Craig's campaign, Walk4Wheels, aims to

“...raise funds to provide the 222 children with the aids and devices they need, and their families and communities with knowledge.” (MediaClubSouthAfrica.com)

On his way through 15 African countries Craig will be giving workshops, distributing information and creating awareness about living with disabilities in Africa, by

“....promoting the needs of the differently-abled in each country”

As if the walk with a cause isn't enough of a feat, this courageous adventurer will be relying entirely on people’s generosity as he makes his way through South Africa, Botswana,Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and finally Egypt!

Craig has never travelled outside of South Africa on the African continent but this 27-year old from Cape Town now looks forward to a eye-opening journey of discovery.

Raised to appreciate life's opportunities and "make things happen" this independent young South African is well-equipped for his walk of goodwill through Africa.

Walk4Wheels will be helping to spread awareness about the inspirational work done by the Chaeli Campaign, a non-profit organization founded by children, for children with disabilities.

The Chaeli Campaign mission is to:

“mobilise the minds and bodies of children with disabilities and to normalise society through advocacy and education programmes and events.” (Walk4Wheels Blog)

Started in August 2004 the Chaeli Campaign was founded by five girls between the ages of 6 and 12 to raise funds for a motorized wheelchair for Chaeli, one of the girls in the group. Chaeli and Erin Mycroft and lifelong friends, the Terry sisters (Tarryn, Justine and Chelsea) raised R20 000 for Chaeli’s motorised wheelchair in just a few weeks.

With the success of their fundraising efforts the girls decided to continue with the Chaeli Campaign in order to help other disabled children in need of assistance. Today this growing non-profit even provides occupational and speech therapy, as well as physiotherapy.

Craig has teamed up well for Walk4Wheels as this Cape Town based organization has successfully

“...changed the lives of hundreds of children, and got the beneficiaries' families, friends, classmates and communities involved too.”

Working alongside the Chaeli Campaign Walk4Wheels aims to help:

“eradicate the stigma associated with disability that still prevails in much of Africa, and educate communities about the needs and capabilities of disabled children.” (SA-people.com)

Join Walk4Wheels on Facebook or follow the African Charity Walk on Twitter.

Sponsor a day of Craig's charity walk via GivenGain for R222 and get acknowledged on Facebook and Twitter.

Or see the Walk4Wheels blog for other ways to help - including giving this brave South African a meal or a roof over his head on his long journey.

Photos from Walk4Wheels.

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Rights for Rhinos walking across South Africa!

2011-04-29T06:15:25Z

Rights for Rhinos walking across South Africa!

Today two game rangers, Paul Jennings and Sboniso Phakathi, start their walk for rhino conservation from Musina on the northern border of South Africa to Cape Town on the southern tip of the continent. These dedicated Rights for Rhinos activists will be walking for three months to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation in South Africa.

Rangers Paul and Sboniso set off today on their 1700km Right for Rhinos walk with the goal of...

"raising public awareness and funds to fight the poachers that have killed over 500 South African rhinos in the past two years."

Veteran ranger Paul and former ranger Sboniso will be visiting schools along their route through South Africa to talk about the importance of rhino conservation helping to educate youth about the plight of this endangered species.

The Rights for Rhinos campaign walk is a heart-felt response to increased illegal rhino poaching in South Africa with rhino killings having risen from 122 in 2009 to 333 in 2010.

Earlier this month the Rights for Rhinos duo were hosted by Dr Ian Player, renowned conservationist and environmental statesman. One of his many achievements Dr Player was the driving force behind Operation Rhino which saved white rhinos from extinction. Player has showed his support for the Rights for Rhinos campaign according to the Environment News Service report, saying:

“It is imperative that the plight of these animals is brought into the spotlight, and the Rights for Rhinos walk will achieve this.”

"The world has to be educated about the plight of the rhino and how important it is for mankind to be a part of conservation efforts to save these beautiful animals," says Jennings.

Today Paul's long-term dream of walking across the country in support of rhino conservation and education is becoming a reality. Paul has worked in nature conservation for over two decades having spent many years working in anti-paoching and 7 years as the rhino capture officer for Natal Parks Board's Game Capture Unit. During Paul's time working to relocate rhinos and other species in Natal he formed a strong bond with these critically endangered mammals witnessing the immense cruelty of the rhino poaching trade first-hand. On News Africa Paul says,

"Rhino are very close to my heart" and "I want to give back to these majestic creatures that are at the mercy of callous killers."

Former ranger Sboniso is working as a public relations specialist for a private anti-poaching unit that formed the Hoedspruit Rhino Watch patrolling the Manyeleti Reserve for poachers. The plight of the rhino was really driven home for Sboniso earlier this year when he watched his first rhino autopsy, described by him as a "heart-wrenching" experience. The Rights for Rhinos website says his experience at the rhino autopsy:

"made him realize that he wants to reach as many people as possible to make them understand how pointless rhino killings are and how many rhinos are still paying the price."

Yesterday Nissan South Africa officially handed over a NP300 Hardbody back-up vehicle in support of the Rights for Rhinos campaign walk, says ABR. Adidas is providing the rhino conservation activists with shoes and clothing and RO3 Oasis is sponsoring them with super oxygenated water for their campaign walk, says News Africa.

All funds donated to the Rights for Rhinos cause will be managed by the Game Rangers Association of South Africa.

Follow Rights For Rhinos on Twitter
Join Rights for Rhinos on Facebook
Read more on Environment News Service
Visit the Rights for Rhinos Campaign website

"We need to get more youth involved in raising awareness about what's happening to our common heritage" (Sboniso Phakathi).

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Disabled Ex-rugby Player Drives up Africa for Charity

2011-04-27T13:01:12Z

Disabled Ex-rugby Player Drives up Africa for Charity

Early next week paraplegic Richard Harris and his wife Rachel fly to South Africa’s coastal city of Durban to start their trans-African charity drive in support of Motivation disability charity.

The husband and wife team are crossing the length of Africa to raise awareness and funds for a charity named Motivation that works with paraplegic people in developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Forty-four year old Richard broke his neck playing rugby in his college days leaving him partially paralyzed; hence the couple chose to support a charity helping disabled people. For Richard and Rachel the cause behind their African journey lies close to home because they know what it is like to cope with disability. About their trans-Africa drive Richard says:

"We want to prove to everyone that disability should in itself be no reason to not achieve your dreams and ambitions."

Richard uses a wheelchair and crutches to move around. For their charity drive through Africa the Harris team will be driving a custom built Land Rover camper, already being shipped to Durban in South Africa.

This adventurous British couple plans to drive from Durban up the Dolphin Coast to the prestigious Hluhluwe Umfolozi Reserve, the starting point of their Indlovu Trans-Africa Drive. From KwaZulu Natal Richard and Rachel will travel to Cape Town in their adapted Land Rover, heading up through Africa all the way back to the UK and their home in Torquay, Devon.

The Harris couple has raised 70% of their funding target and hopes to reach their goal this Friday through a fundraiser ball at Newton Abbot RFC. So if you’re in that neck of the woods why not get yourself to the royal-themed farewell ball …

“It’ll be A Right Royal Knees-Up!”

Or you could support the Motivation charity by making a donation on the Indlovu Trans-Africa Drive on Just Giving.

The Motivation disability charity aims to

“remove the obstacles that prevent disabled people living in low-income countries from living full and equal lives “

Richard goes on to say that according to the WHO:

"In the developed world a paraplegic can expect more or less a normal life span ... In the developing world they will generally die within two to three years."

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See African Cats in the wild - Go to the Serengeti and Help Save the Savanna!

2011-04-21T10:48:24Z

See African Cats in the wild - Go to the Serengeti and Help Save the Savanna!

Help Save the Savanna by booking one of our selected tours to Tanzania's Serengeti before the end of May 2011! African Budget Safaris will donate 3% of your Tanzania Tour's value to the African Wildlife Foundation's Amboseli Corridor Project aimed at saving the Savanna habitat of the African Cats and other wildlife along the Kenya-Tanzania border!

Starting on Earth Day (April 22) Disney is doing their bit for wildlife conservation by donating 20 US cents from every African Cats movie ticket sold during the Wildlife Feature's opening week to the African Wildlife Foundation.

If Disney can do it, so can we! African Budget Safaris is pledging a 3% donation to the African Wildlife Foundation’s Amboseli Corridor Project for selected Tanzania Safari packages bought before the end of May.

See African Cats in the Wild and Help Save the Savanna

Help Africa's Wildlife including the African Cats by seeing them in the flesh! Here's how it works - you go on a Safari to Tanzania and we donate 3% of your tour value to the African Wildlife Foundation to help ensure the survival of wildlife along the Kenya-Tanzania border.

So by booking a Serengeti Safari before the end of May you can help conserve Africa's wildlife from the back of an open 4x4 safari vehicle! Explore the plains of East Africa on one of these affordable Tanzania Safaris and you will contribute directly to saving the wild animals and places in this awe-inspiring part of the world!

The Tanzania Wildlife Safaris selected for our African Wildlife Foundation Donation Special take you game viewing in the vast Serengeti Park of northern Tanzania. Serengeti Park forms the southern continuation of Kenya's Masai Mara National Park, with the annual wildlife spectacle of the Great Migration taking place between these two famous East African game parks.

Other travel highlights on these Tanzania Safaris include the Ngorongoro Crater known as 'Africa's Eden', Olduvai Gorge, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.

See our African Wildlife Foundation Donation Specials page to find out more about the Tanzania Tours selected for our pledge to help Save the Savanna.

Watch African Cats on the Big Screen to Help Save the Savanna

Disney Nature's African Cats movie is based on the real life adventures of two big cat families fighting for survival in Kenya's Masai Mara. African Cats shows the true story of an injured lioness and her cub, Layla and Mara, and a cheetah named Sita raising five cubs on her own. Footage for this epic wildlife documentary directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey was shot on the wild Masai Mara savanna's of Kenya with narration by none other than Samuel L Jackson! Take a look at the Keith Scholey interview to find out about the making of this gripping nature film.

Here's the official African Cats trailer to give you a glimpse of the spectacular scenery and wildlife action to expect from Disney's nature feature.

Check out "Samuel L. Jackson Saves the Savanna by Shooting African Cats" - our Safari Blog post about the African Cats Movie.

Visit the Disneynature Facebook Page to read more about Disney's "See African Cats, Save the Savanna" campaign in support of the Amboseli Corridor Project aimed at conserving these African Cats in East Africa!

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Samuel L. Jackson Saves the Savanna by Shooting African Cats

2011-04-20T05:16:54Z

Samuel L. Jackson Saves the Savanna by Shooting African Cats

Disney Nature's African Cats opens in the USA this Earth Day. The movie features Samuel L Jackson as the main voiceover, and fundraising for conservation in the Amboseli Corridor comes as standard when you catch the movie in it's debut week.

Check out the post to find out how else you can contribute (even if you don't live in the US).

Update: By booking one of our Serengeti Tours you too can save the Savanna

African Budget Safaris will be donating to the same African Wildlife Foundation project that Disney are contributing to when you book one of our selected family friendly Serengeti Tours during the month of May.

Read the blog post here or get in touch with us for further details.

Samuel L Jackson has recently been shooting African Cats, and in doing so will hopefully be saving large numbers of them. No, this is not the wildlife re-enactment of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, as many Barbara Streisand fans have wrongly assumed. Check out the official trailer further down the page.

Disney comes to East Africa, animation team stays at home

April 22nd is Earth Day and also the opening weekend for Disney Nature's new East African feature, African Cats, narrated by Samuel L Jackson, with Jordin Sparks fulfilling soundtrack duties. The film is a 'true life adventure', which draws upon genuine footage shot in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. A fundraising campaign for the Amboseli Corridor entitled "See 'African Cats,' Save the Savanna", will run in parallel with the opening week of the movie.

Family-friendly African Wildlife Epic

The story line follows a lion cub, appropriately named Mara, being raised by his lioness mom, and a feeline cheetah raising 5 cubs. Expect lots of slow-mo high-def close-ups of teeth-gnashingly adorable mom-cub action. No doubt there will have to be some meal-time footage as well, although it's not immediately clear how much alpha-predator food chain dominance will be on display.

To keep things ethical, Disney recruited the services of Tanzanian Cheetah guru, Dr Sarah Durant, who keeps herself busy by heading up the Tanzanian Cheetah Conservation Program, or Serengeti Cheetah Project, as it used to be known. This initiative was started back in the '70s by George and Lory Frame when almost nothing was known about what nature's most talented sprinters get up to on home turf.

By the way, did you know the collective noun for cheetahs is not a pride, but a coalition? They must be a politically inclined bunch those cheetahs. Check out more nerdy facts about cheetahs here, there are lots I didn't know, about their springy spines and stuff - interesting if you like that kind of thing.

Here's the official trailer for African Cats. You simply will not find cuter predators than this anywhere west of the Tanzanian border.

Ticket Sales Cash to The African Wildlife Foundation

Disney is putting their do-right pants on, not just for Earth Day, but the entire opening week of the movie (April 22 to April 28), and will donate 20 US cents to the African Wildlife Foundation for every ticket bought during this period.

The Amboseli Corridor Project

The direct beneficiary of the cash will be the Amboseli Corridor Project. According to the AWF, it is of critical significance to the long-term survival of big cats and other wildlife along the Kenya - Tanzania border:

“The Amboseli ecosystem stretches between Mt. Kilimanjaro, Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Parks in Kenya. Field research over many years has documented that wildlife frequently use the community lands outside the Park boundaries and travel through the corridor that connects Amboseli with the Chyulu Mountains. Protecting this area, the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, is critical to the future of lions and other animals such as the elephant, cheetah, zebra, and giraffe.”

(Quote taken from the AWF site)

The AWF is a great, credible and well-established charity currently celebrating it's 50th year conserving our part of the planet. We cannot recommend highly enough that everyone (yes you!) jump on this opportunity to direct funds their way, by seeing the movie in the coming week, and, if you can't do that, by donating directly or simply spreading the word about the offer.

If you're in the US, just buy a ticket and go see the film. If you're not (raises hand) you can still help out by donating at Causes.com. Disney's minimum AWF contribution is $100, 000. At today's rate, that converts nicely to some pretty serious cheddar in cheetah-country - 153,233,043 Tanzanian Shillings. Hopefully the cuddly cubs will put a lot of bums on seats over the coming week and the figure will be at least double that.

Check details of the Amboseli Corridor Project campaign here.

Do it now! See African Cats in the opening week - as Mr. Jackson once said, 'I DOUBLE DARE you mother... of small children who like animals!' (or something like that).

In case you're still reading, here's Jordin Sparks' impressions of the movie - she's basically the Babs Streisand of this Cats production and handles all the soundtrack stuff. And as I'm sure you'll agree, she's almost as cuddly as the cubs in the film.

Following Disney's good example we are running a donation special in support of the African Wildlife Foundation! Book one of our selected Safaris to Tanzania before the end of May and African Budget Safaris will donate 3% of your tour value to the African Wildlife Foundation to help Save the Savanna. Check out our African Wildlife Foundation Donation Special.

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Spread the word about rhino poaching and win a rhino sponsorship package

2011-04-04T21:14:25Z

Spread the word about rhino poaching and win a rhino sponsorship package

Spread the word and raise awareness about the rhino's plight in their battle against poachers hunting them to extinction.

Stop Rhino Poaching

As rhino poaching continues to plague Southern Africa, Mahlatini is endeavoring to halt the poaching of these peaceful creatures through public awareness. If the mindless slaughter of our rhino population continues we may be the last generation to witness this placid brute in the wild.

Mahlatini is offering to sponsor a baby rhino, a female called Temba, meaning hope, whose father was recently butchered for his horn, in return for the public spreading the word about the devastation rhino poaching is inflicting on the survival of this species.

Temba is a new resident at the Amakhala Game Reserve, a conservation area where animals are re-introduced to the areas they once freely roamed. Born in February of 2011 she arrived quite by surprise, her mother, Nomvula, apparently carried her pregnancy very demurely. Temba will stay by her mother's side until she is 3, after which Nomvula will look for a new breeding partner.

In 2009 rhino poaching robbed us of 122 rhinos, in 2010 that figure catapulted to nearly three times as much. Sadly 2011 sees this trend continuing as more and more of these creatures fall victim to unscrupulous poachers.

Please help spread the word and stand a chance to win sponsorship of Temba in your name.

Help Mahlatini stop rhino poaching by entering to win a rhino adoption under your name! Mahlatini have teamed up with Amakhala Game Reserve to raise awareness of rhino poaching in South Africa.

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UN World Water Day and National Water Week 2011

2011-03-20T18:06:58Z

UN World Water Day and National Water Week 2011

22 March 2011 is World Water Day, this year Cape Town South Africa host the United Nations World Water Day Celebrations at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

UN World Water Day and National Water Week 2011

This week is National Water Week 2011, a global observance day aimed at raising awareness regarding water conservation. The National Water Week 2011 coincides with South Africa presenting the United Nations World Water Day celebrations in Cape Town. Organised by UN-HABITAT, UN-Water, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), and hosted by the Government of South Africa, this year World Water Day “Water for Cities” focuses on the theme water and urbanisation as it affects the Africa continent.

The World Water Day presentations will take place form the 20^th of March to the 22^nd of March 2011 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with speakers, exhibits and presentations from key international and national organisations. For Love of Water (FLOW) have published a program of events for the 2011 World Water Week.

Tuesday the 22^nd of March is the official World Water Day 2011. A series of peripheral events have been organised to foster interest in this most precious resource. Standing out amongst these is the FLOW event taking place at the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Cape Town Waterfront

[Photo by Jonx Pillemer from The Imaginarium]

Presentations by Nathan Heller, Justin Friedman (FLOW originator), Nirmala Nair (ZERI Director) and Hanli Prinsloo (I am Water) followed by a soundscape performance by innovative instrumental jazz outfit Benguela.

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Top 5 Things to Do at Victoria Falls - Ultimate Safari Activities

2011-02-19T12:19:20Z

Top 5 Things to Do at Victoria Falls - Ultimate Safari Activities

Boredom is not one of the things you are likely to experience at Victoria Falls where choosing from the many activities can be tough. Given the numerous unforgettable options, here are my 5 best things to do at Vic Falls!

The adventure capital of southern Africa, Victoria Falls offers plenty of adventure activities, catering for a variety of tastes from the mildly adventurous to the raging adrenalin junkie (see our Victoria Falls Tours for options).

Here are the top 5 adventure activities I would choose to do on a safari to Vic Falls:

1. Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls

Top of the list – the 110m freefall bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge head long towards the rushing waters of the mighty Zambezi River with Vic Falls in the background. If anything is going to kick-start your adrenalin then it’s this bungee dive, one of the highest in the world!

They say more than 50 000 people have safely jumped already, with a 100% safety record (which is reassuring).

Having taken the plunge from the Gouritz bridge on the Garden Route of South Africa – a mere 65 meters I’m pretty certain the Vic Falls bungee would be an experience of a lifetime!

2. White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

Considered one of the best places in the world to experience white water rafting this is a not-to–be missed activity at Vic Falls.

The British Canoe Union has ranked the Zambezi at Victoria Falls as Grade 5 rafting with:

"extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas".

Closest I’ve come to white water rafting is canoeing down the Orange River, forming the border between Namibia and South Africa. A fantastic canoe trip, but not half as adrenalin inducing as white water rafting down the Zambezi in the famous Batoka Gorge!

Imagine hurtling down the 8m drop at the Stairway to Heaven rapid or down the three waves of Oblivion not to mention the most infamous Commercial Suicide rapid rated 5 to 6 in difficulty.

Choose from half day to full or multi-day rafting trips down the Zambezi River navigating some of the best rapids in the world!

The best time to go is between July and February when the water levels are low. White water rafting operations are closed around April to May depending on the rains.

3. The Flight of Angels - Helicopter Flight over Vic Falls

A helicopter flight offers the best views to be had of the famous Victoria Falls and stunning scenery surrounding the Smoke that Thunders.

Called “The Flight of Angels” by David Livingstone this thrilling activity gives you a bird’s eye view of the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Stare into the 108-meter deep chasm and get perspective on this huge natural wonder. Helicopter flights can also take you upstream to do some game viewing from this excellent aerial vantage point.

4. Walk with Lions - African Lion Encounters at Vic Falls

Getting up close and personal with Africa’s iconic predator, the lion, is said to be an incredible wildlife experience.

You can spend around an hour with lion cubs in either the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe or in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. On lion encounters at Vic Falls you walk with young lions as they roam freely without collars or leads in their natural habitat.

Growing up in South Africa I’ve seen these big cats up close on game drives but never walked with lions as you can on Victoria Falls safaris – it must be amazing to get so close!

5. Ride an Elephant - Elephant Back Safari at Victoria Falls

Elephants are remarkable social creatures and riding these intelligent animals is an opportunity not to be missed on any Victoria Falls safari.

One of my favourite travel experiences was riding an elephant in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand, so I’d definitely jump at the chance to ride one of these gentle giants again!

Taking an elephant back safari in the bush and along the Zambezi River is not only a great way to appreciate the African scenery but also offers fantastic game viewing opportunities. Perched on the back of an elephant you get to see wild animals such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and other game, as well as a variety of birds.

Elephant rides at Vic Falls last for about an hour and are available on the Zambian and Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls. If riding an elephant isn't your thing there are also elephant interactions available, where you spend time with the elephants without riding them.

More Vic Falls Adventure Activities

These top five activities at Victoria Falls are by no means the only worthwhile things to do at Vic Falls, the list goes on... and on...

A horse-riding safari at Vic Falls would also be a fantastic experience, especially for horse-riding enthusiasts such as myself. Riding a horse through the bush on safari at Vic Falls is an unobtrusive and intimate way of game viewing and getting to know the wild surroundings.

Then there is the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise - if you’ve you seen photos of the sunset cruise then you’ll know why this activity is one of the best things to do at Vic Falls. The setting is magnificent and the sunsets spectacular. The boat cruise is a great way to unwind and relax on a Vic Falls safari after skyrocketing your adrenalin levels with the more extreme activities. Sip on a sundowner and keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks and in the shallows of the Zambezi.

Of course a walk to the impressive Victoria Falls waterfall is a must, witnessing the spray and hearing the thundering waters as they plummet into the gorge below.

You can take night game drives on Victoria Falls safaris that head into the bush at night in search of nocturnal animals with flashlights, a thrilling wildlife experience! Abseiling 53 meters down the wall of the Gorge above rapid 7 on the Zambezi River sounds like a thrilling activity not-to-missed. Gorge swinging and sliding across the gorge on the flying fox cable are also tempting options, as well as canoeing or kayaking on the Zambezi.

With so many amazing activities to choose from it’s easy to see why Victoria Falls is considered the adventure capital of southern Africa!

Have a look at some of our fantastic Victoria Falls Budget Safaris & Tours with African Budget Safaris.

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International Nature’s Best Photography Competition Now Open

2011-01-28T10:09:02Z

International Nature’s Best Photography Competition Now Open

The 15th annual Windland Smith Rice International Awards is open for submissions of wildlife photographs by amateur and professional nature photographers worldwide.

The Windland Smith Rice International Awards is as Photo Competitions says:

“…one of the most highly-respected and visually compelling nature photography competitions in the world.”

Competition finalists will get their nature photographs published in Nature’s Best Photography magazine and a selection of winners from each category and Highly Honored images will be displayed in an exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington.

Nature’s Best Photography magazine is anaward-winning publication featuring nature photography by leading professional photographers, naturalists, adventure-seekers and emerging photographers from across the world. The large-format nature magazine is aimed at inspiring stewardship over nature as well as a greater understanding of the natural world through the art of photography.

Exhibiting at the Smithsonian Institute the largest museum and research complex in the world is of course a great honor for any photographer.

This nature photography competition is divided into several categories such as African Wildlife, Conservation Photographer of the Year, Endangered Species, Landscape and People in Nature.

The African Wildlife photo category is sponsored by the African Wildlife Foundation, a wildlife organization working to protect key landscapes that they have identified as absolutely essential to conservation. The conservation areas, AWF African Heartlands, stretch from the tip of Southern Africa to East Africa and up into Central Africa and even parts of North Africa.

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) believes that

“…protecting Africa’s wildlife and wild landscapes is the key to the future prosperity of Africa and its people.”

For the African Wildlife category photographers can submit photos of wild animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc.) photographed in their natural habitat in Africa, including Madagascar and other offshore islands.

The deadline for this prestigious nature photography competition, receiving more than 25,000 entries each year, is 2 May 2011, so get snapping wildlife photographers!

Read the Windland Smith Rice International Awards competition entry guidelines on Nature’s Best Photography.

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Kenya’s Elephant Populations Outgrowing Parks

2011-01-26T12:13:02Z

Kenya’s Elephant Populations Outgrowing Parks

Good news - elephant numbers in Kenya are increasing strongly! The not so good news is that conflict between humans and the elephants roaming into villages and onto ranches is also increasing. However conservationists and government are working to protect Kenya's elephants.

Elephant populations in Kenya’s game parks, the famous Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks are said to be increasing by almost 4% annually, nearly reaching the capacity of these wildlife areas to support the big animals.

The downside of the increase in elephant numbers is as elephant researcher Jim Nyamu tells allAfrica.com that:

"… Herds have outgrown the resources in the protected areas and are venturing out,"

Kenya’s elephant population is estimated at around 35000 elephants, a great recovery from the dramatic drop seen in the 1980’s due to poaching.

Researchers have been monitoring elephant movements using electronic tracking collars since 2006 and trained scouts have also been observing the elephants in the South Rift area of Kenya, bordering Tanzania. The findings show that the elephants are venturing beyond the borders of the famous Masai Mara, which shares unfenced boundaries with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, and Amboseli Parks to

“...as far as Kajiado, Magadi and even Suswa in Narok and into Tanzania.”

Kenya’s elephants are confirming the idiom of having a “memory like an elephant” by trying to reclaim old migratory routes as well as roaming into areas where elephants were previously not sighted.

Five years ago the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO) was established to encourage non-land subdivision management aimed at keeping ranches near the national parks open as areas for conservation. The conservation area consisting of two ranches is used for tourism and conservation, unless in cases of extreme draught when grazing and farming is permitted. In allAfrica.com’s report Nyamu, who also heads the Trans Border Elephant Project, says the plan is

"…to create elephant pathways aimed at connecting elephant population either side of the Rift Valley and establishing the connectivity pathways to Kenya South and northern Tanzania and a link between Amboseli and Maasai Mara,"

Tourism ventures at this conservation area is being managed to benefit the local community, improving the relationship between Kenyans and the wildlife. According to allAfrica.com SORALO, coordinator John Kamanga says:

"We are establishing more conservancies and tourism facilities so that we can market the South Rift as a single tourist destination,"

The African Conservation Centre, SORALO and the Kenya Wildlife Society (KWS) offer paramilitary training courses for scouts that are trained to secure the conservation areas and monitor wildlife using GPS tracking systems.

The Masai Mara and Amboseli Park, famous for its close encounters with huge elephant populations, lie about 300 kilometers apart in southern Kenya. Nyamu says about two-thirds of the elephants frequently move outside the game parks into private land, where they cause damage to properties even injuring or killing people. It’s isn’t surprising that human and elephant conflict has increased over the past five years and Nyamu tells allAfrica.com that:

"…once the elephants spill over, there is bound to be competition for water and pasture. Farm raids will be a frequent occurrence,”

The African Elephant Status Report of 2007 already noted that the biggest issue facing elephant conservation in Kenya was human-elephant conflict.

The state run Kenya Wildlife Society (KWS) established a Elephant Programme in 1989 to help save Kenya’s elephants from extinction by poaching. The Elephant Programme is still operating today and sees KWS working with communities and other organizations to protect and manage Kenya’s elephant populations. One of the KWS Elephant Programme objectives is to ensure the long term survival of elephant populations in Kenya’s game parks:

“finding solutions to the problem of elephants confinement either caused by habitat encroachment, fencing programmes, closing off of migration routes or proposed fencing by establishing corridors, translocation or through community conservation programmes;”

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is also trying

“to link fragmented habitat and migratory corridors by working with community groups near protected areas in Kenya”

As a top safari destination in Africa, Kenya depends on successful wildlife conservation and management for the economic stability wildlife tourism provides. Hopefully combined conservation efforts to reduce conflict between Kenya’s elephants and local people will see Kenya’s elephant populations continuing to grow steadily in the future, attracting more people to visit the beautiful wildlife parks and reserves of Kenya.

Check out the Google Map of Kenya to see where the Masai Mara and Amboseli Parks are located.

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Man Riding Hippo in South Africa

2011-01-24T16:28:11Z

Man Riding Hippo in South Africa

Earlier this month a South African farmer made online news headlines in South Africa, the USA and the UK and even on StumbleUpon. The reason – he is riding a hippo that has befriended him through lakes on his 400-acre farm!

Hippos are widely considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa with some saying that hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal!

In the Daily Mail report, farmer Marius Els, says:

“…I have a relationship with the most dangerous animal in Africa.”

Given that hippos are aggressive and territorial it’s remarkable that this South African farmer is actually riding a hippo like a semi-aquatic horse!

This large herbivore is generally ill tempered and faster than it looks, both on land and in water, being capable of easily outrunning a human, Science Facts says:

“…combine these factors with a strong set of jaws and large tusks you have an animal with an extremely destructive bite.”

Marius feeds the hippo apples before easing into a ride on this dangerous animal’s back, telling Daily Mail that:

"If he decides to get me off his back, then he throws me over like a horse."

This South African farmer’s wife is less sure about the friendship between Marius and the hippo, they call Humphrey, as he tells Daily Mail:

“… she tells me not to trust him all the time because he is very dangerous.”

Nevertheless, famer and wildlife breeder Marius says

“Humphrey's like a son to me, he's just like a human”

The 1200kg hippo lives in a dam that Marius built on his wildlife farm near Petrus Steynlakes, in the Free State Province of South Africa. Wild animals bred at the farm include rhino, giraffe, buffalo and antelope species.

Be it madness or a true bond, this farmer is not the only one getting precariously close to Africa's dangerous wild animals. There's also a man living with two African lions in the US this month!

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3 South Africans Cycling up Africa - Cape to Cairo for Charity

2011-01-22T14:13:14Z

3 South Africans Cycling up Africa - Cape to Cairo for Charity

In March 3 South Africans will be setting off on an epic 12 500km cycle up Africa, pedalling from Cape Town to Cairo through 10 countries to raise funds for the Hear Us Foundation!

On March 21^st three adventurous South Africans will begin their 8-month bike trek, cycling from Cape Town to Cairo through East Africa to raise awareness and funds for the deaf community of South Africa. In their own words:

“We are three friends, ordinary South Africans, who want to do extraordinary things.”

Cycling up Africa not only will the trio be raising funds for the Hear Us non-profit organization, but the two vets on the team will be volunteering at animal welfare and rehabilitation centres along the way!

The team (Ria Moothilal, Jiten Magan and Imraan Sayed) is called Siyashova, which means, “we are pedalling” in the Zulu language, one of South Africa’s major languages widely spoken in the KwaZulu Natal Province. They wanted a local name; both Imraan and Ria are from KwaZulu Natal, as Ria says:

“After all this is about a trip across Africa, undertaken by South Africans.”

The first R50 000 (US$7000) generated by this fund raising cycle up Africa is being donated to a specially chosen child, 13-year-old Jody Daniels. Jody needs the extra funds to undergo a cochlear implant operation, an expensive procedure that will help save her deteriorating hearing.

“Our combined efforts will show an immediate result – a child will be able to hear.”

Hear Us was established in 2001 by the parents of deaf children with Cochlear Implants, to help

“…bring the gift of sound to those who have not yet experienced it – through cochlear implants”

According to the Siyashova website an implant device costs R220 000 excluding surgeon fees and other hospital expenses, easily amounting to around R50 000!

The earlier in life candidates undergo the implant operation the better the results, but the costs are too high for most families to afford the treatment. This is where Hear Us wants to assist by establishing a fund to aid children and adults in need of this procedure.

“To create this trust fund, substantial capital injection is required and this is our reason for embarking upon this adventure.”

Their intended route through Africa sees Siyashova cycling from Cape Town along the garden route to Durban via Lesotho, and on into Swaziland and Mozambique. From there they plan to cycle north into Malawi and then Tanzania detouring to visit Zanzibar, before climbing Kilimanjaro. Next they will cycle via Kenya’s Masai Mara before riding to Ethiopia and Northern Sudan. Lastly the team plans to cross into Egypt by Ferry pedalling to the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, where this charity cycle through Africa ends.

Coming back to the animal care the team will be providing as they cycle up Africa, the Worldwide Veterinary Service has helped the vets, Imraan and Jiten, to make arrangements with organizations across Africa.

Check out the cycling route up Africa that they plan to follow and let the Siyashova team know if you need their help along the way.

You can donate by “buying” kilometers of the cycling trip (R10 per kilometer) or meters of the Kilimanjaro ascent (R10 per 10 meters). You can also “buy” a part of the cycling trip by country as well as set distances.

Donate to Hear Us in support of Siyashova’s cause and help bring the gift of hearing to Jody and others in need of assistance.

Read more about this cross Africa cycle for charity on the Siyashova Blog or visit the Siyashova Facebook Page.

Photos from Siyashova Blog.

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Name a New Species of Iris - bidding from R55000!

2011-01-21T16:11:14Z

Name a New Species of Iris - bidding from R55000!

The bid to the naming rights for this newly discovered species of Iris is currently sitting at R55 000! Funds raised by this auction will be used to protect the rare new flower species and the threatened Cape Fynbos Kingdom.

Imagine having a whole species named after you or someone special in your life - a gift that would be very hard to beat!

Funds raised by the auction will go to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), working with Table Mountain Fund's Fynbos Land Protection Campaign to protect and restore the threatened Fynbos of Table Mountain and the Cape. A worthy cause as this natural area is as Times Live reports:

“…one of the most biologically rich but threatened places on earth.”

Strauss & Co, a leading fine art auction house in South Africa, is auctioning the rights to name this rare and endangered iris online. The blue iris recently discovered on the west coast near Saldanha in South Africa will be named after the highest bidder, establishing an innovative new fund raising technique!

According to Stephen Welz, managing director of Strauss & Co the auction for naming rights:

“gives the bidder the chance to immortalise their loved one by naming an entire species after them,”

Dr John Manning of the South African National Biodiversity Institute will be formally naming and describing the species. This eminent plant taxonomist has handed the naming rights for the delicate iris species to the WWF Table Mountain Fund.

The March closing of the online auction for naming rights will be marked by a charity dinner. Guests at the charity event will be able to bid for naming rights. The highest bidder will receive not only the naming rights to this new iris, but also the original botanical illustration of this special flower.

This auction marks a new approach to fund raising as well as for naming species as Strauss & Co points out:

“In the past newly discovered species were named after royalty, patrons of science, and even the explorers themselves, such as the Queen Victoria crowned pigeon, Rothschild’s giraffe and Roosevelt’s elk."

Read about the auction for naming rights of the iris on the WWF website.

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Man Living with Lions to Raise Funds for his Wildlife Centre

2011-01-17T12:24:01Z

Man Living with Lions to Raise Funds for his Wildlife Centre

Living with two African lions for a month to raise funds for a wildlife centre, this American man has caught people’s attention with his bold and risky (some say reckless) stunt.

James Jablon of Spring Hill in Florida is living with two African lions at his family run Wildlife Centre, the Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando (WROH), to raise funds for operational costs.

So far things seem to be going well in the lions den, but in an interview from inside the lion enclosure with ABC News Jablon admits that things could turn at any moment. Yet Jablon goes on to say it isn't dangerous for him as the lions are still young and they know him. Hopefully he will complete his time with the lions unharmed, despite the risks. Jablon knows:

"I'm still a toy to them,"

His contentious move into the lions’ den is being streamed live on the wildlife centre’s website along with a live chat stream.

Since the 1^st of January 2011 this enterprising man has been living with the lions in their enclosure, sleeping near them on the hay and eating once a day when the lions feed. The New York Times reports that he intends to build a shelter

“to sleep and hide in the trees in the enclosure, in case the lions fight with each other.”

The wildlife centre is home to about 100 animals, from alligators, tigers and African Serval to snakes, lemurs and primates. Hopefully he won’t be moving in with any of these animals next!

The Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando centre was established to treat and care for the native wildlife of Florida but today the centre provides refuge to exotic pets and non-native animals in need of shelter. Caring for the wild animals is a costly venture with the centre relying on volunteer support and personal funding, hence this extreme attempt to raise funds.

The lions James is living with are a 2 year-old named Lea and a 1-year old named Ed. The lions can get a bit too boisterous at times according to the Grind TV blog the cats

“…are young and playful, but they're also powerful and their caretaker sometimes feels over-matched”

The National Wildlife Federation is not so sure this stunt is a good idea, and is asking readers on the NWF blog if it isn’t too risky moving in with the lions:

“does it send the wrong message, or is it a clever way to raise awareness on the issues with keeping potentially dangerous animals as pets?”

Read the Huffington Post article about the Man Living with Lions.

Watch the Live Video Stream from inside the lions' den on the WROH website.

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Surprise White Lion Twins Survive after C-Section

2010-12-29T14:51:15Z

Surprise White Lion Twins Survive after C-Section

Rare twin white lions were born in an emergency Caesarian operation lasting seven hours in Germany, narrowly escaping death last month.

The keepers at the Serengeti Park near Hanover didn’t realize that the twins’ mother, Brouks, was pregnant until they found a cub at her side, which died two days later.

Suspecting that Broukshad more babies the park officials sedated the lioness and had her transferred to the Veterinary University in Hanover. Snow-white Niza and Nero were in critical condition for 15 days after closely escaping death. Dr Michael Boeer, Serengeti Park’s veterinary surgeon said:

"They were nearly dead. But we nursed them carefully and they made it."

According to the Global White Lion Protection Trust there are no laws protecting the rare white lions, with the last white lion being sighted in the wild in 1994.

A rare genetic mutation of tawny African Lions, white lions are only naturally found in the area of Timbavati Private Game Reserve, sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger Park in South Africa.

The Global White Lion Protection Trust provides some interesting facts about white lions.

Read the full article about the white lion twins on Huffington Post or take a look at some great photo’s of the white cubs on The Daily Mail website.

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Top 7 Reasons to go to Zanzibar Islands

2010-12-17T16:08:08Z

Top 7 Reasons to go to Zanzibar Islands

Zanzibar is an alluring beach destination ideally located off the coast of East Africa's Tanzania, one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Safari goers often combine their game viewing adventures in Africa with a relaxing getaway to the beautiful white sand beaches of Zanzibar and with good reason.

The beautiful and pristine white sand beaches of Zanzibar’s islands offer the warm Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters – ideal for relaxing in the sunshine and getting away from it all. For many travelers the Zanzibar Archipelago’s major allure is its idyllic beaches, plus Zanzibar has ideal beach weather for most of the year, which adds to its appeal as a beach paradise.
The fascinating history and rich cultural heritage of this unique African island with strong Arabic and Indian influences is another major draw card. Exploring the winding lanes of Stone Town’s old quarter, a World Heritage Site, you encounter a captivating mix of architectural styles reflecting the cultural diversity of Zanzibar. You will see Indian and Arabic buildings, old mansions and palaces such as the House of Wonders with its tall clock tower, as well as well as lively market stalls and shops.
One of the main reasons to visit Zanzibar Islands is to enjoy the wide variety of exciting water sports available, from excellent scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to kayaking and sailing on traditional wooden dhows. Swim and snorkel in the warm waters, or go windsurfing, waterskiing and island hopping. Zanzibar is considered a superb scuba diving destination given the abundant marine life, good visibility and exciting dive sites off Zanzibar’s shores.
The exotic spices of Zanzibar Island, known as the Spice Island, offer a feast for the senses with bright colours, rich aromas and various textures. Visit spice plantations and sample the flavours in local markets and dishes.
Get to swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi on the south coast of Zanzibar Island. A short boat ride from the village takes you in search of the many bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins found in the area. Swimming and even playing with these untamed dolphins in the warm waters of Zanzibar is an exciting and special experience.
The inexpensive, fresh seafood found in the food markets and local restaurants of Zanzibar is definitely worth experiencing. From fresh fish braais (barbecues) on the beach to Lobster Thermidor at one of Zanzibar’s hotels or fresh fish served in one of the many fine restaurants in Zanzibar – it’s a seafood lover’s delight.
Seeing Red Colobus Monkeys, one of the most rare primates in Africa,in the Jozani Forest area is another reason to travel to Zanzibar Island. Walking in the mature forests of Jozani in Zanzibar’s only National Park you will see hundreds of different butterflies, numerous birds and a variety of interesting plants and animals; hopefully including the rare colobus monkeys and elusive Ader’s Duikier.

Unspoiled tropical beaches and superb diving in clear tropical waters combined with exotic spices and rich cultures are some of the main attractions that make Zanzibar Islands an ideal African travel destination!

Visit Wikipedia's Zanzibar Island page to find out more about this intriguing African beach paradise.

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Cycling through Africa for Charity - England to Cape Town!

2010-12-15T16:25:16Z

Cycling through Africa for Charity - England to Cape Town!

Cycling through Africa on a solo mission to raise money for charity, Peter Gostelow crossed from Nigeria into Cameroon today after almost 16 months on the road.

Equipped with only maps and a compass for directions this adventurer has raised about £9260 (R99 600) for the Against Malaria Foundation so far. Peter started his 25,000km bike ride from England to Cape Town in August 2009, having cycled 17009km through Europe and West Africa he is now heading for central Africa.

On his epic cycle through 25 countries Peter is riding on some roads that are so truly off the beaten track that they don’t even show up on his maps. In one of his latest blog posts he writes:

“To call them roads is going a bit far. They are unpaved tracks, often no more than a few feet in width, which depending on the geology may be composed of sand, mud or stones, and sometimes a combination of the three.”

As he cycles down Africa Peter is visiting schools, clubs and organizations to give talks about his cycling trip and raise awareness and money for preventing Malaria.

It’s been a long and sometimes extremely tough journey and when Peter was attacked in March 2010 he found himself asking:

“What the hell am I doing riding a bike through Africa when in the space of two weeks I’ve had both my cameras stolen, all my money taken and my arm and foot slashed with a machete?”

Despite the challenges and misfortunes this avid cyclist has experienced along the way he has continued cycling through Africa determined to finish his expedition in aid of Malaria prevention. Its not all bad, Peter’s cycle through Africa has also been rewarding, fun, scenic and exciting with one of the many things he has enjoyed being:

“Racing boys on bicycles who are more determined and able to beat me despite being on half-broken single speed bikes.”

In case you haven’t noticed, Peter is a seriously keen cyclist who started with Raleigh bikes as a boy and went on to ride his bike 50,000km from Japan to England between 2005 and 2008.

Read more about Peter’s cycling adventure through Africa on his blog, The Big Africa Cycle. He’s got loads of fantastic photos of his cycle trip and the African places and people he’s encountered along the way, as well as plenty of entertaining stories.

Visit the Against Malaria Foundation to find out more about their work to eradicate Malaria and check out their latest news.

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African Mountain Gorilla Numbers Up

2010-12-13T15:17:36Z

African Mountain Gorilla Numbers Up

A recent census has shown that the number of mountain gorillas has increased in the Virunga Massif area in central Africa - great news for one of the most critically endangered species in the world!

Conservation efforts have paid off and there are now said to be 480 mountain gorillas that live in 36 groups in Virunga Massif, compared to 380 individuals in 2003.

Conservationists say that the increase in gorilla numbers is the result of joint "transboundary" conservation efforts in Virunga Massif, which falls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Organizations in these three African countries have worked hard to protect the gorillas from poaching, reduce disease and conserve their natural habitat. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme, an alliance of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), works closely with the park authorities in all three central African countries.

Another factor contributing to the increase in gorilla numbers is the establishment of local economic development projects in nearby communities. These community initiatives run by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, focus on promoting tourism, sustainable resource use and alternative means of securing livelihoods. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) also works to help resolve issues in the local communities and says:

"the programme aims to influence attitudes to conservation at all levels and reduce the threats facing the parks, forests and wildlife."

On their website The Ecologist reports on these community initiatives, saying that:

"Many of these communities now keep bees to make honey or make handicrafts for tourists. They don't need to poach."

The only other place where mountain gorillas are found in the wild is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, which is home to around 302 mountain gorillas according to a 2006 census. The total population of mountain gorillas living in the wild is therefore estimated at 780, by no means a robust figure despite the increase in numbers. Although the rise in gorilla numbers is encouraging these critically endangered apes are still incredibly vulnerable, particularly because the populations are concentrated in only two areas in the world. Conservation efforts rely heavily on gorilla trekking tourism to benefit local communities and support the National Parks. According to the IGCP:

"Gorillas and tourism are inextricably linked. Arguably, neither has a future without the other."

In the Virunga Massif area, IGCP estimates that over R20.5 million is generated directly from gorilla tourism per year, funds that are critical for managing the national parks, gorilla monitoring and patrolling to ensure their survival. It's the same case in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where park authorities use gorilla trekking permit fees for gorilla conservation.

Not only is visiting the endangered mountain gorillas a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it also helps to ensure the survival of these giant primates!

Read the BBC article on the Increase in Gorilla Numbers online or visit the International Gorilla Conservation Programme website to find out more about mountain gorillas and conservation work being done to protect the gorillas.

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London to Cape Town in 11 days - New Record!

2010-12-12T15:34:01Z

London to Cape Town in 11 days - New Record!

Driving a 10-year-old Land Rover Discovery 2 Td 5 the Max Adventure team covered over 16000km’s travelling through 20 countries from England to South Africa in a record breaking 11 days, 14 hours & 11 minutes.

The capable trio of Chris Rawlings and brothers Mac and Steve MacKenney broke the 47-year-old record when they pulled their trusty Landie into Cape Town one day, 18 hours and 37 minutes faster than the 1963 record. Arriving in Cape Town dusty and exhausted, Mac MacKenney writes in his blog:

"… did we really drive all that way and in just 11 days?"

This epic trip through Africa was not all about breaking records; the team also raised funds for charity by driving flat out night and day. The funds raised from this record breaking overland journey were donated to a charity called Help for Heroes, which supports British servicemen and women wounded in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After years of planning and preparation these determined adventurers drove from London via France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria in Europe and on through Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in Asia. Crossing into Sudan by ferry the team tackled the desert tracks, long highways and potholed roads of Africa driving down through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, before travelling through Zimbabwe and into South Africa. The tenacious team reached Cape Town on October 28^th having crossed endless border controls with several nerve-wracking delays, such as being held up for nearly four hours at the Ethiopian border.

Adrenalin ran high as the weary travelers reached their final goal post in Cape Town to be met by a welcoming reception of over 20 Land Rovers, an excited crowd and photographers! Mac MacKenney said:

"It suddenly hit home, we were at the finish and maybe we had actually achieved something special?"

After all the hard work and long hours of driving the MacKenney brothers were overwhelmed by emotions when they broke the record time from London to Cape Town, although Chris managed to remain calm. Mac MacKenney describes his feelings at the finish line when Steve broke into tears:

"I’d never seen him like this in 41 years and it was probably the closest moment we had ever had as brothers."

The going got tough and at times tensions rose between team members on this challenging race through Africa, as Mac goes on to say:

"There were moments during those 11 days when I really had had enough of him and would have been quite happy to leave him somewhere in the Sudanese desert, but to reach Cape Town as brothers, having succeeded together in this amazing adventure was something quite special."

The previous record achieved by Eric Jackson and Ken Chambers in a Ford Cortina GT back in the early 60’s was at 13 days, eight hours and 48 minutes.

The new record holders made some major improvements to their Land Rover, particularly to the brakes and tyres and report that:

"... our 10 year old Land Rover Discovery didn’t have one problem during the 10,000 mile dash from London."

Read more about the trials and tribulations, excitement and adventures of this record breaking drive through Africa on the Max Adventure blog.

If you would like to support this intrepid team's cause you can donate to Help for Heroes online.

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Miraculously Recovered Lioness needs a Home

2010-12-01T09:15:52Z

Miraculously Recovered Lioness needs a Home

A wildlife and conservation success story - the remarkable recovery of an injured lioness at Moholoholo Animal Rehab Center near Kruger Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. After making a miraculous recovery this lioness is now ready for release into the wild, once the wildlife center finds a new home for her!

This lioness was rescued from a snare on October 5 in critical condition with gaping jaw wounds and has since made a miraculous recovery. From having little hope less two months ago this big cat has pulled through with only the scars to show for it. According to the center:

"...this lioness was a fighter, right from the very start."

Given constant care and medical attention at the wildlife center this spirited feline is now in a holding camp awaiting release into the wild. The lioness cannot be returned to her pride, as she risks being attacked by the other lions that will consider her an outsider.

The Moholoholo animal centre is busy searching for a new home for the rehabilitated lioness that was the sole survivor in this sad mass snaring. She was discovered clinging on to her life amongst other lions, a hyena and other wild animals that were not so lucky as to survive. The local anti-poaching unit was sent in and retrieved over 200 other snares in the area, saving many more wild animals from this terrible fate!

Located at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains near Kruger Park in South Africa this wildlife center focuses on the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wild animals from across southern Africa. The wildlife center also plays an important role in educating people about Africa's wildlife and breeding various wild animals. In fact Moholoholo is the only animal rehab center in southern Africa to have bred endangered crowned eagles successfully, as well as having bred and the released more than 150 rare serval cats into areas where they had become extinct.

A trip to Africa is undeniably about encountering exciting new cultures and experiencing the magnificence of its wildlife and scenery. Yet there is more to visiting Africa - its also about making a difference by supporting places like the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and appreciating the great value of Africa's wild places and animals. The small entry fees to rehabilitation centers and game parks in Africa are often used to protect the wildlife and wilderness areas, so your travels in Africa play an important role in efforts to conserve the places and animals that you encounter in the wilds!

Read latest wildlife updates from the animal rehabilitation center and visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center website to find out more about their important work. It's always inspiring to read about victories in conservation and the efforts being made to protect Africa's wilderness areas and wildlife. For the full story about the rapid recovery of the strong-willed lioness visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Centre's blog (Please be warned that the photo's of the lioness when she arrived are quite graphic).

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50, 000 km Round Trip : England to Hel and Back

2010-11-29T05:20:51Z

50, 000 km Round Trip : England to Hel and Back

Two British graduates equipped with a robust sense of humour and an uncooperative Land Rover Defender, have just set out on the return leg of their circumnavigation of Africa. This is an epic African adventure that began, and will hopefully end at the opposite end of the planet, in Beaconsfield, County Buckinghamshire.

Carl James and Tom Picton set off eight months ago to drive to a little-visited speck on the map that caught their attention, I'm guessing, because it made for a catchy trip title, and no doubt also because it is situated a suitably massive distance from their temperate and leafy startpoint in South East England. Die Hel is a sun baked kloof about 100 kilometres from Oudtshoorn on the Garden Route, so named because ease of access was a missing feature for the early visitors to the area.

Easy is also not an adjective which the two friends wanted to apply to the trip they were planning. In their own words:

"A circumnavigation of Africa, the hardest way round we could have found".

So far their journey has taken them down the East coast of the continent, through Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. They are currently travelling through Angola on roads that are 'mostly potholes', with the tally of countries visited in Europe and Africa set to reach 40 by the time they return home. The journey has taken in a trip up Kilimanjaro, a freefall down the world's highest bungee jump and too many other nailbiting overlanding adventures to mention here.

So far it seems the biggest obstacle they've had to overcome has been a burned out Land Rover engine. This had to be totally rebuilt upon arrival in Cape Town, a huge job achieved with generous contributions from local mechanics and Land Rover specialists, Roverland.

Tom and Carl's adventure is being made both in aid of Alzheimers research and to raise funds for education in Ethiopia. If you are able to contribute to either cause or would like to track their progress on the way home, visit them at www.tohelandback.org.uk. They're on Twitter and Facebook as well if you prefer, linked up on their site. The boys are also contributing man hours to various community projects along the route, and this too is expanded upon on the site.

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Budget Wildlife Documentary by Jesse Desjardins

2010-11-12T15:58:55Z

Budget Wildlife Documentary by Jesse Desjardins

Junior Social Media kingpin Jesse Desjardins Safaris in Africa and makes a movie with his phone. Armed only with an iPhone 4, he's shown the world that you don't need to be David Attenborough hauling millions of pounds of equipment through the bush to make a splash in the world of wildlife documentaries.

Social Media mogul, and more recently, visitor to these parts, Jesse Desjardins has spent a few nights at Malaria-free safari mecca Shamwari near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, and whilst there, produced a documentary of his experience using only his new iPhone 4. The resulting wildlife clips and game ranger interviews, aptly entitled iShamwari, have been put up on Facebook and already amassed quite a bit of attention from his Twitter followers, as well as legions of other curious safari and iphone devotees.

Until Steve Jobs launched Apple's new high definition-capable device, it was more or less unthinkable to both shoot and edit a video of decent quality on a mobile phone. However Desjardins' amateur production proves that budget documentaries and film making, whether dealing with wildlife safaris or anything else, are now within reach for anybody in possession of consumer devices like the new iPhone 4.

iShamwari : Cheetahs

iShamwari : Lions

iShamwari : Dung Beatles

Check out more on iShamwari on the Facebook page.