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Staying in Kruger National
Park or one of the surrounding private
game reserves is ideal during a visit
to South Africa. The safari and game lodges
range from artistically elegant to super
luxurious with en-suite bathroom facilities.
The expert game rangers whisk you off
on game drives and walking safaris, tracking
the wildlife in their natural habitat.
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» Situated
in the world-renowned Kruger National
Park
» Combination of
Luxury and Style in the heart of the African
bush
» Witness the cultural
lifestyle of the Shangaan people
» Track Africa's
Big Five under the guide of experienced
game rangers
» A rare opportunity
for an unforgettable true African experience
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Your
day starts early at O.R. Tambo International
Airport where you board your plane for
the flight to Hoedspruit airport. There
you will be met by your guide in an open
vehicle. After a short game drive you
will arrive at Hoyo-Hoyo Tsonga Lodge
situated in the heart of the Kruger National
Park.You can also transfer from Johannesburg
to Hoyo-Hoyo Tsonga Lodge by road. This
trip leaves Johannesburg at 8.00 am and
arrives in the early afternoon at Hoyo-Hoyo
Tsonga lodging in Kruger National Park.For
the two nights of your cultural tour in
Kruger Park, you will be accommodated
in one of the six traditional Tsonga styled
and elegantly furnished huts. Large king
beds, antique baths, air-conditioning
and staff in traditional Tsonga style
provide you with comfort in a relaxed
environment.
The combination of the bush, traditional
cuisine, the warmth of the accommodation
together with the opportunity to witness
the lifestyle and culture of the Shangaan
people will ensure you an unforgettable
safari experience on your suggested itinerary
in Kruger Park.
You will spend the evening under the stars
being entertained with ethnic dances,
storytelling and Mungoma introductions.
Hoyo-Hoyo means welcome! Enjoy the breathtaking
blend of luxury and style, which you have
never seen before, on this cultural tour
in Kruger Park.
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After
some tea and coffee, you set out on an
exciting three hour early morning game
drive, where you get a chance to experience
the awakening African Savannah, on this
cultural tour in Kruger Park. Take a refreshing
swim in the pool or just relax in the
traditional atmosphere of the Hoyo-Hoyo
Tsonga Lodge, just after your big breakfast.
Collect your strength
after lunch for an unforgettable, spectacular
evening game drive, where you follow the
tracks of Africa's Big Five and stop for
a sundowners before searching for nocturnal
animals. Back at the lodge, enjoy the
pan-African dining under the stars after
a long day on safari.
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| Again,
enjoy discovering the mysteries of the African
bush this morning before being transferred
to the Hoedspruit Airport for onward arrangements,
on your cultural tour in Kruger Park.
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»
Accommodation
» 3 meals
» Teas and coffee
» Game drives
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»
Gratuities
» Curios and all
items of personal nature
» Premium drinks
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| Hoyo-Hoyo
Tsonga Lodge does not cater for children
under 8 years. Children 8-12 years will
be allocated a separate vehicle with their
parents and they will be catered for separately
at dinner. Children will be charged the
full adult rate and will be accommodated
in their own rooms. |
Above:
The Lebombo Motorised 4x4 Eco-Trail follows
the eastern boundary of the Park for 515
kilometres, from Crocodile Bridge to Pafuri.
While Stevenson-Hamilton
believed in ‘a balance of Nature’,
evidence suggests that the natural environment
is never in a constant state of equilibrium,
and is continuously influenced by weather
patterns, fire and fluctuating wildlife
populations. Nature is therefore never
in a balance, or at least not in the way
that humans interpret the term. In the
past the Park’s biologists sought
to manage the system in such a way that
fluctuations in wildlife populations were
minimised – however, certain management
policies were to have a major impact on
some species.
Where Stevenson-Hamilton had relied on
intuition and experience in managing the
Park, the 1950s saw the emergence of a
corps of scientists, reliant on scientific
methods and statistical analysis, that
would dominate the management of the Park
for more than 40 years.
Under scientific management
it was argued that because the Kruger
Park was entirely surrounded by a game-proof
fence, constant and careful management
was necessary. Not only was the veld burnt
at regular intervals, and other fires
actively discouraged, but wildlife populations
were carefully monitored by conducting
an annual census that took over three
months to complete.
In 1972, Dr U de V
Pienaar wrote, ‘the Board is trying,
by means of the skillful supply of water
and scientific control of grazing, to
build up the numbers of all herbivorous
animals to an optimum level ... considerable
numbers of wildebeest and zebra are being
captured in the overpopulated areas of
the central district and transferred to
the underpopulated areas south of the
Sabie River.’
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| The
frequent occurrence of droughts, and the
bad press that this generated, was addressed
by ‘Water for Game’ campaigns,
which raised substantial sums of money.
More than 300 windmills and 65 major dams
were constructed, often in areas where no
natural water had occurred historically.
In the Southern Region alone 22 windmills
and 11 dams were constructed from 1960–1971.
The water provision programmes allowed water-dependent
species such as zebra and impala to increase. |
| An
increase in zebras alters the nature of
grasslands and allows lions to colonise
vacant territories, thus contributing to
the decline of rare antelope such as sable,
roan, reedbuck and tsessebe. These antelope
require very specific habitats, inhabiting
open woodlands and grasslands in prime condition.
In the Central Region, 12 new lion prides
have become established since the 1950s
in areas where artificial water points were
provided. |
| Because
water-dependent species thrived as a result
of the water provision programmes, scientists
then argued that it was therefore necessary
to cull elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra,
wildebeest and impala. |
A
census in 1967 counted 6 586 elephants,
and park biologists decided to limit the
population to 7 000. Culling of elephant
and buffalo commenced in the same year.
In time, the necessity for these programmes
was questioned as a better understanding
of the ecosystem emerged, and eventually
all culling campaigns, with the exception
of those for elephant, were abandoned.
In recent years park managers
have retreated from intensive management,
and have begun to rethink some of the
direct management policies that were applied
in the past. |
A
new fire policy allows fires started by
lightning to burn without hindrance, and
current thinking does not support culling
except where certain habitat thresholds
have been exceeded.
Management of an intricate
ecosystem requires the compilation of
a detailed management plan that allows
for public input and has built-in capacity
for policy changes.
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In
March 1999 a revised management plan was
approved. Central to the plan is a clear
Mission Statement which is: ‘To
maintain biodiversity in all its natural
facets and to provide human benefits in
keeping with the mission of the South
African National Parks in a manner which
detracts as little as possible from the
wilderness qualities of the Kruger National
Park.’
The management plan was compiled from
the proceedings of 52 workshops involving
important role players. One section contains
a new elephant management plan that divides
Kruger into six zones. Two botanical zones
have been established, where the vegetation
determines how the area is managed, and
these two zones together cover 15 per
cent of the Park.
One of these is situated
in the southwestern corner of Kruger around
Pretoriuskop (see map), extending in a
corridor southward to the Malelane Mountains;
the other is in the Far North, extending
from Punda Maria up to Pafuri. Here elephants
will be limited to one animal per 2.86
square kilometres (the average density
for the whole Park at the old ceiling
of 7 000 elephants).
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Two
high impact zones have been established,
covering 40 per cent of the Park. One
extends from just south of Tshokwane up
to the Crocodile River, and the other
extends from west of Satara Camp up to
near Mopani Camp. Elephants will not be
culled or captured in these high impact
zones for the foreseeable future.
Finally, there are
two low impact zones, one extending from
the Olifants River to just south of Tshokwane;
and the other from Mopani Camp to the
edge of the botanical zone around Punda
Maria. The low impact zones cover 45 per
cent of the Park, and in these areas elephants
will be reduced by seven per cent per
year by live capture or culling until
certain habitat criteria have been met.
One of the most important new policies
relates to water. Many of the 300 artificial
water holes will be closed. By limiting
the distribution of water, many of the
imbalances that led to culling in the
past will be corrected and natural migratory
patterns will hopefully be restored, which
benefits the ecosystem by providing long
rest periods for the vegetation.
The ‘Southern
Region’ extends northwards from
the southernmost border of the Park as
far north as the Sabie River; the ‘Central
Region’ from the Sabie River to
the Olifants River; the ‘Northern
Region’ from the Olifants to just
south of Punda Maria; and the ‘Far
North’ from Punda Maria up through
Pafuri to the Limpopo River. Note that
these regions and the names given to them
here are not officially recognised.
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| If
you are on a guided African safari, your
chances of encountering problems are minimal.
Tour operators make it their business to
know the areas they travel in thus reducing
risk to travellers. However, it is sensible
to take normal precautions on your African
safari, particularly when travelling through
urban areas. |
| Always
have a photocopy of your passport, and any
visas. Also, have a list of traveller’s
cheque numbers. These copies should be packed
separately from the originals. It is never
a good idea to carry large amounts of cash,
and most urban centres (hotels, shops) do
accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard
are most common), and traveller’s
cheques. You might need cash for purchases
local markets – keep this in a travel
wallet, or a zip pocket. |
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| Never
leave cameras and hand luggage unattended,
whether in a vehicle, or even in a hotel
foyer. Never pack valuables (this includes
medication), in your check-in luggage. |
| When
travelling independently on your African
safari, stay informed in terms of the local
news. Ask at your hotel about any unsafe
areas, and codes of dress and behaviour.
Don't openly carry valuables. If you must
carry your passport and money, keep them
in a buttoned-down pocket. |
| Your
guide will always do a safety talk with
you, whether your game viewing is to be
done from a vehicle, or on foot. Wildlife
is potentially dangerous, but as long as
you adhere to what you guide tells you,
there is very little to worry about. At
viewpoints, hides and camps, wildlife is
more familiar with people and less intimidated
by your presence. Never tease or corner
wild animals - this may cause an unpredictable
response and a potentially dangerous reaction.
Never feed any animals, as this can cause
them to lose their fear of humans. |
| Although
Africa is known to be home to a number of
potentially dangerous species, especially
snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects,
very few visitors are adversely affected.
Snakes tend to be shy, and generally stay
away from built-up areas. Lodges and camps
generally have insect (especially mosquito)
proofing in their rooms. If you go on a
walk, it is always a good idea to comfortable,
enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long
trousers – just as a precaution. |
| ! |
| : |
»
Valid passport
» Valid visa -
if required
» One other picture
identification (e.g. driver's licence)
» Photocopy of
passport page to carry in wallet
» Air tickets
» Expense money
» Comprehensive
Travel Insurance Policy
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On
safari, most people wear shorts and a
T-shirt during the day and put on long
sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening
for warmth as well as protection from
mosquitoes. Should you be particularly
sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt
is essential during the day. Khaki, brown,
olive and beige colours are best for and
safaris and game walks.
White is not a suitable
colour for these activities, as it increases
your visibility to wildlife you want to
get a closer look at and it will get dirty
very quickly. Fleece or sweater and a
windbreaker for game drives, because it
is highly possible that you may go out
on a hot day, but be faced with a chill
evening on your return. Remember that
layering your clothing will keep you warmer
than relying on one thick item.
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»
2 pairs khaki cotton pants
» 2 pairs khaki
shorts
» 2 long sleeved
shirts/ blouses (for sun protection as
well as warmth)
» 1 light sweater
or sweatshirt
» 1 lightweight,
waterproof windbreaker
» Swimming costume
» Sturdy walking
or hiking boots
» Sandals
» 3-5 short-sleeved
shirts or T-shirts
» 5 changes underwear
and socks
» Hat with a brim
(baseball caps might cover your nose but
not your ears and neck)
» Gloves (if you
really feel the cold)
» Down vest or
jacket (if you really feel the cold)
» A
sarong or kikoi type garment
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»
Toilet kit including shampoo
and soap
» Insect repellent
» Good quality
sunglasses plus protective case
» Hand wipes or
'Baby wipes'
» Stuff-sacks or
plastic packets; to compartmentalise items
within your travel bag
» Repair kit: needle
and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
» Camera, film
or memory card
» Spare batteries.
Film and batteries can generally be obtained
at lodges, but at a price of course, so
please be sure to have
sufficient supplies
for your needs
» Binoculars
» Paperback reading,
writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
» Sunscreen or
block
» Moisturizer,
lip balm
» Personal first-aid
kit (headache pills, antihistamine cream
etc)
» Large towel and
washcloth (thin, quick-drying) –
if required for camping/overland safari
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| For
Safari travel, the best type of luggage
to bring is a soft bag, or backpack with
an internal frame. As packing space in Safari
vehicles is limited, only one bag is allowed,
but you should also have a daypack for all
of your personal items/camera/binoculars.
Hard suitcases are usually scuffed or damaged
in transit and are inappropriate for a game
safari. |
| If
part of your itinerary includes light aircraft
flights, there are serious weight restrictions.
You are usually restricted to 10 or 12kg
(22 or 26 lbs), per person, in a soft bag.
Storage space in a light aircraft is at
a premium, and the pilot may refuse to take
on bulky or excessive luggage. The most
common aircraft types used for charter work
are Cessna 206 or 210, and Cessna 208 Caravans.
Slightly larger aircraft are often used
in East Africa, but luggage is still restricted. |
It's
important to know the behavior of the
animals you're trying to photograph. By
understanding their behavior you will
have a better chance of finding them and
you will be able to predict their actions.
By reading up on animal
behavior you will learn the different
kinds of terrain the various animals prefer.
You can combine that knowledge with that
of your qualified guide to plan the best
African game drives and bush walks, where
you will have the opportunity to take
some amazing photo's.
Security is very important,
so make sure that you don't put yourself
in danger. Also never interfere with the
natural behavior of the animals in order
to take a better photo!
Some part of all trips
will involve meeting people from local
tribes and with cultural backgrounds different
from ours. Please be courteous when taking
pictures. It is always a good idea to
build rapport with your subjects first
and then ask them if it is OK to take
their picture. Tribal folk can be very
suspicious of cameras and vocal and demonstrative
with people who shoot first and make friends
after.
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When
taking close-up pictures, focus on the
animal's eyes. This guarantees that most
of the animal's face will be in focus.
Be prepared and ready with your camera
at all times, as animals may suddenly
appear and disappear just as quickly.
Range your subject. For
example, when taking photos of an Elephant,
take a portrait shot; include one more
with the general habitat in context to
the subject, then another with close-up
detail, such as horns and face.
Utilise low contrast film
when the sun is intense and high contrast
film when it is overcast or dull. Take
different pictures in vertical and horizontal
approaches. Take photographs from different
levels when you are on a game viewing
activity. Pictures taken at the animal's
eye-level will appear more sensational.
Do not centre all
your shots; leave room in your subject
for the animal to move into. This will
prevent lifeless composition and give
an imitate portrayal of your subject.
A good starting point for wildlife photography
is a lens with a 300mm in focal length.
Bird photography will require a 500mm
lens. When the subject is in motion, use
a shutter speed of at least 1/125, except
if you are using a panning method. Birds
in flight necessitate speeds of 1/500
or more.
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You
will find incredible photographic opportunities
on your safari. There are no limitations
on the amount of film you can bring to
any of the countries of Southern Africa,
so bring plenty! Film is expensive and
can be hard to find once in Africa. If
you are interested in A PHOTOFRAPHIC JOURNAL
of your safari, bring at least 1 roll
(36 exposures) per day; it doesn't hurt
to bring more.
We recommend Kodachrome
64 (slide film) or Fujichrome 100 for
most daylight shots in open territory.
With longer lenses, which admit less light,
or for low light situations around dawn
and dusk, 400 ASA (or higher) are also
recommended. A flash unit is a useful
addition when taking pictures of dark
subjects in low light conditions, or evening
camp fire scenes. Stow your film in a
lead foil bag to protect it from heat,
moisture and airport X-ray machines. There
are two types available, one rated up
to 400 ASA and one to 3200 ASA. The 3200
ASA bag is virtually impenetrable to X-rays
and is worth the extra cost.
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A
200 or 300 mm lens (or 80-300 zoom) is
good for most wildlife photography from
vehicles or boats. A 400-500 mm lens will
work well in many situations, especially
if you are a keen bird photographer.
A standard 50mm or
wide angle lens is good for scenery and
people shots. If you are an avid photographer
you may want to bring two SLR camera bodies
(of the same type) so you will not have
to constantly change lenses. With two
cameras you will spend more time looking
at the wildlife and composing shots than
fumbling in your camera bag, getting dust
in your one camera body, and missing the
action!
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Skylight
and haze filters are useful for lens protection
as well as picture enhancement. Polarizing
filters are useful when taking pictures
over water and with wide-angle shots with
sky and clouds. Although tripods are cumbersome
and you will have few opportunities to
use them, if they are light-weight you
may want to bring them along. A small
beanbag is very handy for resting your
camera and lens on the roof of vehicles.
We suggest that you make the bag at home
(approx. 6'x 9') and fill it with beans
purchased at a local market (to save weight).
Bring plenty of spare batteries
for motor drives, flash units, etc. and
for your camera (they are very scarce
in Africa). It is very handy if all your
equipment uses the same size batteries,
so that if you run short, you can borrow
batteries from your other equipment.
If you plan to buy new camera equipment
before this trip, make sure you are completely
familiar with it's operation. Try to envisage
the type of lighting and subject conditions
you will experience on the trip, and use
a few rolls of film to experiment and
perfect your technique. A trip to the
zoo may help with identification and technique.
Time spent in preparation
will pay dividends in the field. For those
of you who are real camera buffs, it is
a good idea to bring along a small automatic
(point and shoot) camera for convenience,
in addition to your bulky SLR cameras.
This will be very useful as a back up
camera and in situations where setting
up an SLR is too time consuming and absorbing.
Polaroid Cameras are usually an instant
hit and serve as a great ice breaker with
local folk. If the locals receive a picture,
usually they are very willing to pose
for a shot with your SLR camera.
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| The
transportation used in these trips is quite
rugged, vibration from engines and corrugated
roads can play havoc with your camera gear
so pack it well. Also, it is not uncommon
to drop cameras in or out of the vehicle.
On some trips you will be on board boats
and there is the chance that you and your
gear may take a swim. Insure your equipment.
A home owners policy will usually cover
camera gear. |
| Some
part of all trips will involve meeting people
from local tribes and with cultural backgrounds
different from ours. Please be courteous
when taking pictures. It is always a good
idea to build rapport with your subjects
first and then ask them if it is OK to take
their picture. Tribal folk can be very vocal
and demonstrative with people who shoot
first and make friends after. |
Do
not let your camera blind you. There is
a whole world out there and pictures only
capture the images. The sights and sounds
of these undeveloped areas are all interwoven,
and if you spend an inordinate amount
of time peeking through the viewfinder
you will miss most of the trip. Be ready
with your camera at all times. Animals
do not keep appointments; kills happen
in a flurry of fur and snarls; and leopards
leap from trees in a split second.
If your camera isn't
loaded or ready you will miss the award
winning shot. The vehicles we use are
very stable, however with 5 to 7 people
in them each person's movement can effect
someone's ability to take the perfect
picture. It is a good idea to ask everyone
to be still for just a moment, while you
shoot, and thank them afterwards. Please
remember not to monopolise the best spot
for photos and to be considerate of your
fellow trip members' needs and wishes.
Your trip leader will help organise seat
rotations within the vehicle.
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|
A
videotape of your wildlife safari is a wonderful
memento. With today's technology the cameras
are as small as an SLR and are very versatile.
It is possible to recharge your camera batteries
from some vehicles. You will need to bring
approximately 3-4 hours of film, 3 batteries
(one in the camera, one in the recharger,
and one spare already charged), a 12 volt
charger with a cigarette lighter attachment,
crocodile clips and some gaffer tape.
|
Try
recharging your batteries on your own car
first to familiarise yourself with the recharging
set up. Your driver/trip leader will give
you specific instructions about when you
can recharge your batteries. To make the
most of your videos - shoot some practise
film before your trip.
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| Binoculars
are strongly recommended for every trip
member. They are invaluable for observing
larger animals as well as birds. A 7 or
8 power binocular works well for most people,
but if you are particularly interested in
birds a 10 power is best. We recommend that
each trip participant bring his or her own
pair, as it is most frustrating to strain
for the sight of a brightly coloured bird
high in the tree, while waiting to borrow
a pair of 'Binos', only to have the bird
fly away once you finally get the binos.
Inexpensive binoculars are available at
most places for about US$30-50. TASCO and
BUSHNELL are two brands which are adequate
for most purposes and are quite durable. |
|
»
What type of activities
you are interested in
» What area/s you
are interested in
» What time of
year do you want to travel
» How far in advance
should you book
»Your budget
» The age and level
of fitness of the person(s) travelling
|
| An
African safari offers many exciting activities,
abundant opportunities to observe wildlife
and view scenic and picturesque landscapes.
Activities are based on the habitat, existence
of rivers, climate, wildlife and the level
of experience of the guides. Get acquainted
with the different habitats and animal behavior
before you travel. If you decide to focus
on a particular area or are concentrating
on certain animals or birds, prepare yourself
well and select your destination based on
the safari activities that suite your interests.
|
| All
game drives are undertaken in an open safari
vehicle, with a driver / guide who has extensive
experience and intimate knowledge of the
area, and is an expert on game movement
and other ecological aspects of the region.
Game drives usually depart in the early
morning and late afternoon when it is cooler,
for game to hunt and graze, so there is
a better chance of encountering abundant
wildlife. There are also exciting night
game drives where you can witness fascinating
nocturnal animals. |
| Most
game viewing activities take place in the
early morning and late afternoon, which
maximize the chance of encountering animals
when they are most active. In the warmer
months most animals find shelter during
the heat of the day. The greatest opportunity
to see a Lion is usually just after sunrise.
Other large African animals like Buffalo,
Giraffe, Wildebeest, Elephant are more visible
an hour before sunset. |
| Some
areas offer better bird watching opportunities
than others. The greatest number of birds
may be seen between October and March, when
the central African migrants are present.
Endemic species will be seen throughout
the year. |
| There
is no finer way to enjoy the essence of
the African bush than on foot. The freedom
of being in the heart of the wilderness
and in close proximity to Africa's magnificent
wildlife is an unforgettable experience.
Walking safaris inspire a degree of respect
for the wild environment, as you soon realise
that you are a participant and not just
a spectator. |
| In
some camps, boating is one of the activities
on offer. You can travel out into the surrounding
areas by boat looking for wild game, birds
and at the general scenery. You can even
fish in certain areas. In Botswana you will
have the opportunity to explore the Okavango
Delta by mokoro (traditional dugout canoes).
There is no better way to relax in the wilderness
than a mokoro trip through the Okavango
Delta. |
| Other
exciting activities may include; horse-back
and Elephant-back safaris, ballooning, quad
bike drives, mountain biking, scenic flights,
game capture, assistance with field research,
Gorilla tracking, anti-poaching exercises...Let
us help you create your dream safari. |
| There
are certain rules and regulations that one
should be aware of while on safari. One
of the highlights of most safari's is going
on game drives and bush walks, where you
get the opportunity to see amazing wildlife
in their natural habitat. However it is
vitally important that you remember to respect
the natural surroundings and wildlife. |
Bush
vegetation is extremely sensitive. Off-road
driving causes erosion and encourages
the encroachment of unwanted plant species.
Observe the animals silently and with
a minimum of disturbance to their natural
activities. Loud talking on game drives
can frighten the animals away.
Night drives with excessive
use of spotlights disrupt the activities
of nocturnal animals causing temporary
blindness and disorientation. Never tease
or corner wild animals, this may cause
an unpredictable response and a potentially
dangerous reaction.
Do not remove any natural
material from wildlife reserves. This
disrupts the ecology of the area and promotes
the spreading of diseases amongst domestic
animals and crops. Never attempt to attract
an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal
sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle
or throw objects.
Please respect your driver
/ guide's judgment about your proximity
to certain wild animals. Don't insist
that he take the vehicle closer so you
can get a better photograph. A vehicle
driven too close can hinder a hunt, or
cause animals to abandon a hard-earned
meal.
Remember that your guide
is an expert, so always follow his advice
and ask him questions if you are unsure
of anything. Never sleep outside. Take
only photographs and memories with you.
Litter tossed on the ground
can choke or poison animals and birds
and is unsightly. Refrain from smoking
on game drives. The dry African bush ignites
very easily, and a flash fire can kill
many animals.
Never attempt to feed
or approach any wild animal on foot. This
is especially important near lodges or
in campsites where animals may have become
accustomed to human visitors.
|
Although
much has been written about the best time
of year to travel in Africa, most countries
are a year-round destination – depending
upon your interests. For many travellers
to this vast and diverse continent, wildlife
is the major attraction.
One should always remember that the so-called
'peak season' is just that, and accommodation
establishments tend to be booked well in
advance. Many Safaris Lodges are small,
and therefore space is at a premium. If
you want to experience the majesty of the
great migration in East Africa, it is advisable
to book well in advance, likewise, if your
interests are travelling to Cape Town, and
the Winelands in December.
It is important to understand how seasonal
trends might affect your trip. Remember,
however, that weather is variable and so
it is quite possible to go for days without
rain during the rainy season, or have thundershowers
in the middle of the dry season! |
| The
grass can be long in some areas after the
rains; therefore, game viewing at these
times can be difficult. In some areas, the
wildlife will disperse during the rains
due to the ample water supply, as they are
not dependent on water holes. |
The
best game-viewing period in Africa is generally
during the dry season. Permanent water supplies
attract animals, the vegetation becomes
thinned out, and trees don't have so many
leaves to obstruct the view.
This optimum safari season usually includes
winter (May-August) and the hot spring months
of September and October. The climate is
comfortable in the dry winter months of
May, June, July and August. Daytime temperatures
are mild and the nights get a little cool.
|
Generally,
there is very little to worry about when
travelling in Africa. At most properties,
and in most areas, the water is safe to
drink, and is less chemically treated that
you might imagine. In those rare cases where
a property itself is concerned about water,
bottled water is always provided. Indeed,
bottled water is readily available at properties,
and on safari.
Malaria is a prevalent disease in much of
Africa, but lodges all take precautions
– with a combination of mosquito nets,
and sprays. Be sure to continue the prophylactic
regime when you return home, as it is generally
required up to 4 weeks after travel as well.
Please see Malaria information for more
details.
Yellow Fever is caused by a virus carried
by a species of mosquito, and has been known
to occur in certain East African countries.
There have been no recent outbreaks, but
as yellow fever is contagious, many countries
require travellers to get a yellow fever
inoculation. Travellers should be inoculated
at least 10 days prior to travel (a certificate
is issued).
The inoculation certificate is not generally
required when entering the country in question
(e.g. Kenya or Tanzania), but is required
for your return to your country of residence.
Please consult your Travel Clinic, or doctor,
prior to travel.
Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) is a waterborne
parasite carried by snails, and occurs in
stagnant water of lakes, dams and slow flowing
rivers. However, lodges, and guides, will
always caution you as to where it is safe
to swim. In Africa, many lakes and rivers
are home to Hippopotamus and Crocodiles
anyway – so swimming is not generally
recommended!
If you travel extensively in remote areas,
you might also want to consult your Travel
Clinic about Hepatitis A and B, and tetanus
inoculations.
When on Safari, always ensure that you drink
sufficient quantities of water. Day time
temperatures can be extreme, even in winter,
and you don't want to suffer from dehydration.
Complications from sunburn should also not
be ignored – always wear a hat with
a brim, and ensure that you carry a good
supply of protection cream. |
Towering
five metres above the ground and weighing
as much as 1 400 kilograms, the giraffe
is the tallest animal of the African savanna
– yet still falls prey to lion. In
the Central Region, where an abundance of
acacias concentrates 60 per cent of the
giraffe population, a study found they comprise
15 per cent of all lion kills, but account
for nearly half of the food eaten by lion. |
Giraffe
show a distinct preference for knobthorns.
Their consistent browsing often prunes
the trees into shapes more in keeping
with a manicured garden.
Giraffe browse on about 70 species of
trees and shrubs in the Kruger Park, but
are particularly partial to combretums,
buffalo thorn and acacias, as illustrated
above. They feed by wrapping their long
tongues aound twigs to reach the fine
leaves of these trees.
During the rut, which takes place between
April and June, adult impala males establish
territories, which they defend by chasing
away rival males.
Guttural roars followed by protracted
snorts can be heard throughout the day
and night, as the dominant male defends
his territory against intrusions by neighbouring
males. If territorial displays are not
effective in fending off rivals, the males
resort to horn-clashing duels to determine
dominance.
A herd of impala approaches water. For
impala, gathering together in a herd has
many advantages: many pairs of eyes and
ears are constantly alert to danger, and
the chances of being caught by a predator
are greatly reduced. In the Kruger Park
there are approximately 10 000 impala
herds with an average herd size of 11
animals.
Impala gather at a water hole in acacia
country near Lower Sabie. They have a
marked preference for areas where there
is a regular supply of water, short grass
and dense thickets of shrubs and trees.
These conditions are normally encountered
near rivers where a concentration of larger
animals, such as elephant and buffalo,
further improves the habitat for impala.
Impala are prolific breeders and are the
most abundant mammal in Kruger, but these
medium-sized antelope drink less than
one quarter of the water consumed by the
Park’s elephants.
A redbilled oxpecker
removes ticks from a female impala, the
smallest of the antelope attended by these
birds. Small flocks of oxpeckers clamber
about the host cleaning ectoparasites
from its hide. When startled, they move
to the opposite side of the host, and
peer over its back at the source of disturbance.
Their noisy, hissing alarm calls help
to warn the animals they are perched upon
of impending danger.
Kudu are nonselective browsers and feed
on no less than 150 species of trees and
shrubs. They avoid trees with a high tannin
content in their leaves, and favour acacia
and combretum species.
Although they prefer the same trees that
are sought after by giraffe, competition
between the two species is minimised by
feeding at different heights. This beautiful
large antelope is the most widely distributed
of the Park’s 20 antelope species,
but is most common in the Central Region
where its favourite food plants are found
in abundance.
Although kudu drink when water is available,
in times of drought they are more susceptible
to a lack of adequate browse than they
are to a lack of drinking water. The female
weighs about 160 kilograms, but males
are much larger and weigh on average 250
kilograms.
A kudu bull displays the longest horns
of all the antelope that occur in Kruger.
At the age of nine months a male kudu
sports two short horns, which begin to
grow and curve with age to form the corkscrew
shape typical of mature bulls.
The record length of 181 centimetres is
more than twice that recorded for a close
relative, the nyala. There have been several
observations of jousting kudu bulls interlocking
their spiral horns and being unable to
disengage. Unable to disentangle their
horns or flee, the helpless contestants
soon fall prey to predators.
Herds of female waterbuck and their young
occupy a home range that coincides with
the territories of several males.
Relative to their small population size,
more waterbuck are killed by lion than
any other antelope in Kruger, and 60 to
80 per cent of deaths can be attributed
to these predators. Waterbuck are uncommon
throughout their range in South Africa
and currently number a modest 1 400 in
Kruger. They favour open woodland near
water.
A male waterbuck, followed by an attentive
cattle egret, grazes near the Sabie River.
Of the 77 species of African antelope,
only the waterbuck has a distinctive white
ring around the rump. Grasses of a high
nutritional quality and a regular supply
of water are both essential habitat requirements
for these animals. Cattle egrets, the
only members of their family that are
not closely dependent on water, feed on
grasshoppers and other insects disturbed
by large antelope.
The regal sable, arguably the most beautiful
antelope in the Park, has specific habitat
requirements that include tall grassland
and open woodland.
An increase in zebra herds and prolonged
drought has caused a considerable decline
in sable in recent years. Blue wildebeest
favour short grasses and need to drink
less than other grazers such as zebra
and buffalo. Although wildebeest are dependent
on water, the severe drought of 1992/93
had little effect on their population,
currently estimated at about 13 000.
A blue wildebeest bull maintains his dominance
by means of ritual displays intended to
intimidate any intruder. When another
bull approaches, the territorial bull’s
rocking-horse gait and swishing tail are
meant to dissuade his competitor.
If this display fails, the bull drops
to his knees and engages in horn-clashing
sparring (opposite below). No injuries
result from these contests as the impact
is absorbed by the bull’s solid
horn bosses. One of the bulls eventually
surrenders and is chased off the territory
by the victor.Wildebeest bulls clash at
Bangu, an important water hole on the
eastern plains. Males are territorial
and even where herds migrate over long
distances, temporary territories are established.
In the Kruger Park bushbuck are associated
with dense riverine bush, and the road
between Skukuza and Lower Sabie offers
the best sightings. They are solitary
antelope and occupy home ranges that often
overlap. Unlike most antelope species,
bushbuck are exceptionally tolerant of
each other and territorial displays are
a rare phenomenon.
The smallest of the antelope most commonly
seen in Kruger, steenbok show a marked
preference for the open plains in the
eastern region of the Park, formed on
volcanic basalt. There is some sexual
dimorphism, with only male steenbok having
horns, and the females being slightly
larger than the males.
A nyala male displays the stripes and
horn shape typical of this antelope family.
Nyala occur mainly north of the Letaba
River, especially along the Shingwedzi
and Luvuvhu rivers. Only males have horns.
Females are a reddish ochre in colour
and can be confused with young kudu.
The roan antelope is classified as an
endangered species in South Africa. Following
the harsh drought of 1992/93, roan nearly
became extinct in the Park, and the population
fell from 452 in 1986 to 44. Kruger mostly
contains habitats that are marginal to
their requirements, as roan survive better
on wetter savannas. They avoid areas of
short grass and overutilised areas, and
occur only in open woodland with a well-developed
cover of tall grass.
|
By
1896 white rhino were extinct in the Lowveld,
while elsewhere a relic 50 animals survived
between the White and Black Umfolozi rivers
in Zululand. Successful
conservation measures made it possible to
re-introduce 337 rhino from 1961 onwards,
and the Kruger Park now safeguards the world’s
largest population.
White rhino require a reliable supply of
water, both for drinking (every two to three
days) and for the protective layer of mud
that helps shield their hides from biting
insects. In Kruger 85 per cent of the population
occurs in the Southern Region, where rainfall
is higher than average and water holes are
evenly distributed. Their senses of smell
and hearing are good, but their eyesight
is poor and redbilled oxpeckers warn them
of potential danger.
A white rhino bull marks his territory by
spray-urinating along its boundaries. Only
territorial males do this; subordinate males
are allowed to live within the territory
so long as they remain submissive. Females
are free to wander across the territories
of several males.
White rhino coat their hides in mud to reduce
bites from irritating flies, and during
the hot summer months mud wallows help to
regulate body temperature. With a
considerable body mass of up to 2 300 kilograms,
and a vast surface area that is increased
by folds of skin, white rhino can remove
large quantities of mud from a wallow with
each visit. Over the decades this has the
effect of excavating significant depressions
in the veld, which are rapidly filled during
the rainy season to form pans. |
An
elephant drinks from a pool in the Mphongolo
River that still holds water during winter
months. An elephant can draw 17 litres of
water at a time. During winter,
elephant are usually concentrated within
six kilometres of water and drink on average
every two days, consuming between 180 and
400 litres per visit.
Two young elephants play on the soft, cool
sandy bed of the Mphongolo River. Elephants
live in well-ordered family groups that
are usually led by the oldest female, the
matriarch. In addition to the matriarch,
the group consists of her older female calves,
related females and their offspring. Males
leave the herd from the age of 12 years.
Elephant with its dextrous trunk, which
is composed of 50 000 muscles, an elephant
is able to carefully select leaves from
among the thorny branches of a thicket of
Delagoa thorns (Acacia delagoensis). |
A
young buffalo depends on the structure of
the herd for protection. Buffalo are almost
exclusively grazers, and half the Kruger
population occurs on the open savannas of
the Central Region. These bovids consume
large quantities of grass of a moderate
quality, and in doing so play a valuable
role in the ecosystem by reducing tall grasslands
and opening up areas for the antelope that
feed only on short grasses.
As an adult can weigh more than 750 kilograms,
buffalo comprise a quarter of Kruger’s
total biomass, or live weight of animals.
Although lion working together can overpower
an adult bull, the availability of sufficient
grass is the most important limiting factor
on herd size.
A lone buffalo bull near Crocodile Bridge.
Unlike most antelope species, male buffalo
voluntarily leave the breeding herd and
rejoin at a later stage. A herd does
not occupy a fixed territory, and its favoured
home range includes certain areas that are
utilised during winter, and an expanded
range that is used during summer. Typically,
old bulls eventually become permanently
separated from the herd to live a solitary
existence, or form small bachelor groups,
which make up about 5 per cent of the total
buffalo population.
In winter, buffalo concentrate within eight
kilometres of permanent water, especially
along the Sabie, Olifants, Letaba and Shingwedzi
rivers, and the sight of a herd of several
hundred buffalo raising clouds of red dust
as they trek to water is one of the most
memorable that the Park can offer.
A dominant buffalo bull asserts his position
by holding his head high while pointing
his nose towards the ground. Head-tossing
and a hooking motion of the horns are also
used. If this fails, the bull will batter
his solid horn boss against that of his
rival until he gives in. |
Under
favourable conditions, when game concentrates
around water holes and there is a steady
supply of prey, a lioness can give birth
to a litter of one to five cubs every two
years. Within a pride most cubs are born
at the same time, mostly between February
and April when young prey animals are abundant.
This magnificent lion was seen hunting early
in the morning very close to Skukuza Camp.
Since the establishment of the Park in 1898,
lion have increased proportionately to a
significant increase in their prey species.
In the 1920s Stevenson-Hamilton counted
600 lion in the Park. Today, Kruger supports
about 2 000, representing one of the largest
populations in Africa.
The mane of a dominant pride lion protects
the head and neck from injury and deters
rival males by making the lion appear more
formidable. In East Africa the Maasai people
have copied this mask, and warriors wear
feathered headdresses to appear taller and
more menacing.
Lion keep a close watch on descending vultures
in the hope of locating a potential meal.
Lion are opportunistic predators that will
also scavenge food from other
predators, and in this instance were able
to locate the vultures and the remains of
a kill in less than 20 minutes.
Although lion spend much of the day resting,
a charging lion dispels any doubts about
their strength, speed and agility. Most
chases are short and do not exceed 200 metres,
but a lion can attain a speed of 60 kilometres
an hour in a final burst of speed before
bringing down prey.
Play activities within the safety of the
pride prepare lion cubs for hunting success
in adulthood. Young cubs display a pattern
of brown spots and rosettes that is
similar to the patterning on the coat of
leopard, and may be useful as camouflage. |
A
large male leopard can weigh as much as
70 kilograms, but females are much lighter
at about 30 kilograms. Impala comprise 78
per cent of the leopard’s diet in
Kruger. An adult leopard requires prey equivalent
to about 20 impala per year, so leopard
predation is not a major limiting factor
on impala numbers.
As leopard are primarily nocturnal and active
when lion and hyaena are about, these powerful
cats have to face strong competition. In
the Kruger Park they prey mainly on impala
and aggressively defend their kills against
rival predators. Essentially ground dwelling,
leopard readily climb trees to escape from
danger and to store their kills safely out
of the reach of other predators.
Long believed to be very scarce, in the
1970s an American researcher captured a
surprising number of leopard within a few
kilometres of Skukuza, and the estimate
of the total number in the Park was revised
to about 1 000. The number is believed to
have remained relatively unchanged up to
the present. This is because – barring
major habitat changes and human interference
– leopard populations tend to remain
stable, kept in balance by the availability
of prey species and the corresponding size
of each leopard’s territory.
While leopard inhabit all 16 of Kruger’s
major vegetation types, the highest densities
occur in dense riverine bush bordering rivers
such as the Sabie and Shingwedzi. |
A
grey lourie feeds on the flowers of a knobthorn.
Nineteenth-century hunters named these vocal
birds ‘go-away birds’, a reference
to their call and their habit of alerting
game to the presence of a hunter.
Sunset Dam, just west of Lower Sabie, offers
some of the best opportunities for observing
waterbirds in the Kruger Park. Buffalo weaver
nests adorn the dead tree which also provides
a popular roost for yellowbilled storks. |
The shy greenbacked
heron belongs to the Ardeidae family, which
includes herons, egrets and bitterns. Sixteenmembers
of the family have been recorded in Kruger.
As these birds feed mostly on aquatic animals,
some species are present only during wet
years. |
| A yellowbilled
stork quietly stalks through shallow water
in search of fish, frogs, crustaceans and
insects, occasionally stirring the bottom
of the dam with its feet to disturb prey.
These large, attractive birds are associated
with rivers, pans and dams. |
| A martial eagle
perches in a tree with a recently caught
leguaan (monitor lizard). These large eagles
catch a wide variety of prey including guineafowl,
ducks, small antelope, hares and reptiles.
|
| Although the
bateleur eagle hunts a wide range of birds,
small mammals and reptiles, it will also
scavenge and has been observed stealing
food from other eagles and vultures. This
eagle spends much of the day on the wing,
often swooping in acrobatic flight or circling
overhead, behaviour in keeping with its
common name, which is French for acrobat.
|
|
Egyptian geese
feed on grass, seeds, aquatic rhizomes and
tubers.
These birds are territorial and will frequently
fly up and down a dam to mark their territory.
Egyptian geese breed throughout the year,
and lay their eggs in a nest hidden in dense
vegetation. Both sexes take care of the
young, and newly hatched chicks leave the
nest six hours after hatching in response
to a call from the female. |
| A resident of
dams, pans and marshes, the blackwinged
stilt feeds by sweeping its bill over the
water in search of insects, worms, crustaceans
and molluscs. The young are usually raised
during the dry winter months in a nest built
on the ground, or on top of a mound of vegetation
placed in shallow water. |
| A reed cormorant
dries its wings between fishing expeditions.
These birds feed on very small frogs and
fish weighing no more than a few grams.
They usually fish alone, although they roost
together in reedbeds and in dead trees. |
| At times unkindly
likened to an undertaker, the marabou stork
is primarily a scavenger, but its diverse
diet includes frogs, snakes, lizards, young
crocodiles, fish, rodents, birds and carrion. |
The hamerkop
is the only member of its family, and
this fascinating bird is regarded as an
ill omen by many African people (perhaps
in part because of its curious mating
dance and uncanny appearance).
A solitary bird, the
hamerkop feeds mainly on frogs and fish.
It builds a sizeable nest from twigs,
reeds and weeds, that can weigh as much
as 50 kilograms, in the fork of a robust
tree or on a cliff. Construction of the
nest can take up to six months, and the
bird builds an interior chamber and plasters
it with mud. A mud-lined entrance tunnel,
about 50 centimetres in length, leads
to the inner chamber of the nest where
between three and five eggs are laid.
Both parents feed the nestlings.
|
| A blackshouldered
kite hovers over grasslands in search of
prey. Rodents comprise 90 per cent of this
small raptor’s diet and, once a mouse
has been spotted, the bird drops with lightning
speed with legs extended to seize its prey.
A widespread bird of prey, the blackshouldered
kite is found in Africa, Madagascar, southern
Europe and tropical Asia as far east as
New Guinea. |
The hisses
and squeals of the whitebacked vulture
are a common sound at the remains of a
kill after the larger predators have eaten
their fill.
hese vultures feed
mostly on the softer parts of an animal
and will follow other scavengers to locate
food. The much larger lappetfaced vulture
weighs between six and eight kilograms.
Its powerful bill is able to tear through
tough hide, and lappetfaced dominate all
other vultures gathered around a carcass.
|
In an unusual
display, a female saddlebilled stork at
Sunset Dam near Lower Sabie repeatedly throws
a stick into the air and retrieves it amidst
much flapping of her wings.
These storks breed mainly in February and
March, and both sexes build a nest of sticks
in the crest of a tree near to water. As
there were no other storks present at the
dam, it is unlikely that this was courtship
behaviour. Perhaps the stork was practising
catching fish. These storks feed mainly
on fish weighing up to 500 grams, and will
also eat frogs, molluscs and reptiles. When
feeding, they walk slowly in shallow water
stabbing at prey with their long bills,
or stand quietly waiting for fish to swim
past. After catching a fish, the stork may
toss it into the air before catching and
swallowing it. |
| The yellowbilled
hornbill is a common bird that often gathers
at picnic sites. During its breeding season
in summer, the female is sealed inside a
nest in a hollow tree with only a narrow
slit for an opening. Food is passed into
the nest by the male, who spends much of
the day catching insects to feed the female.
About 20 days after the first egg has hatched,
the female breaks out and the chicks reseal
the nest without any help from the parents. |
| The ground hornbill
is an intriguing and rare bird that weighs
up to four kilograms. It is reluctant to
fly, and groups range in size from two to
eight birds. It may be seen foraging on
the ground for reptiles, frogs, snails and
small mammals. Only one female in a group
breeds, and she lays two eggs at the beginning
of summer in a hollow tree. While attending
the eggs, the female is fed by the adult
male and sometimes by immature birds. |
| Noisy, colourful
and conspicuous, the glossy starling feeds
on insects, fruit and aloe nectar, as indicated
in the photograph. Aloes flower in winter
and provide these birds with an ample food
source. Starlings often gather at picnic
sites, where their resonant calls are an
integral part of the Kruger Park’s
distinct ambience. |
| The crested barbet
bores holes in dead trees and raises its
young from August to February. These birds
are often seen hopping about on the ground,
with tail and crest feathers erect, in search
of insects. |
| The blue waxbill
is the most common of the four waxbill species
found in the Park. Small groups are often
seen foraging for seeds on the ground. They
have been known to build their nests near
wasps for protection. |
| The Burchell’s
coucal’s watery call is often heard
before the onset of rain, which has earned
it the nickname of rainbird. This coucal
is often encountered in riverine bush and
in dense stands of grass, where it perches
in low bushes and hunts for prey. |
| The scarletchested
sunbird is one of the more striking of the
six sunbird species that occur in the Park.
This bird is common in rest camps, where
it can be seen feeding on nectar from aloes
and coral trees. |
| Of five species
of roller recorded in Kruger, only the lilac-breasted
and purple roller can be seen throughout
the year. Whether hawking insects or perching
on a branch near the roadside, lilacbreasted
rollers display a feathery palette of dazzling
colours. |
| Redbilled Ox-peckers
are particularly partial to giraffe. These
birds consume vast numbers of ticks each
day, and their loud hissing call is the
sound most often associated with the usually
silent giraffe. |
The bed
of the Mphongolo River in northern Kruger
is framed by a tall apple-leaf, while flowering
knobthorns add a colourful backdrop. Many
African people regard the apple-leaf as
a rain tree; when sap-sucking aphids pierce
its bark, they eject almost pure water that
drips down to form a wet patch on the ground.
Sunset over the , one of
the most important rivers in the Kruger
Park. The Sabie, at one time the northern
boundary of the original Sabi Game Reserve,
flows across the Park for 104 kilometres
before entering Mozambique through a rocky
gorge in the Lebombo range.
, near Bateleur
Bushveld Camp, is one of the prettiest in
the Park, and an ideal place for watching
waterbirds such as whitefaced whistling
ducks. Drowned leadwoods (Combretum imberbe),
in the far distance, can remain in the water
for many years as their wood is especially
fine grained and very heavy, weighing 1
200 kilograms per cubic metre.
Early morning mist rises from the central
plains below Nkumbe Mountain, as the rising
sun casts its tinted rays across a fever
tree. The clay soils of this region, underpinned
by basalt, support large concentrations
of zebra and wildebeest. The lookout at
Nkumbe, 94 metres above the plain, provides
one of the finest panoramas in the Park,
and herds of zebra and wildebeest can often
be seen trekking across the grasslands below.
Shaded by a fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea)
a pool in the Mphongolo River in northern
Kruger is a valuable source of water in
a region where permanent water is scarce.
In the surrounding semi-arid mopaneveld,
rainfall is erratic and seldom exceeds 450
millimetres a year. In the nineteenth century,
the tree’s conspicuous yellow bark
served as a beacon indicating the presence
of water to thirsty travellers. However,
as malaria-carrying mosquitoes favoured
the same habitat, the fevers that the disease
brought on were incorrectly blamed on the
tree.
The has a submerged
rhizome that roots in the muddy floor of
quiet streams and ponds, where the plant
provides a protective environment for water
insects, frogs and young fish.
A above
a small stream – near Olifants Camp
– that holds water for a few months
into winter. This miniature aquatic ecosystem
is a haven for waterbirds, foam-nest frogs
and dragonflies, while birds such as black
crake and painted snipe favour the dense
vegetation along the stream bank. |
| A tree felled
by an elephant provides a perfect vantage
point for two cheetah males searching for
suitable prey. Although they are ill-equipped
for climbing, cheetah will climb trees with
sloping trunks to survey the surroundings.
Male cheetah, usually brothers, form co-operative
associations that may last for years. |
|
| A female cheetah
rests after successfully catching and feeding
on an impala, this cat’s principal
prey in Kruger. Cheetah hunt mostly in the
early morning or late afternoon, but will
also hunt at night when the moon is full.
After bringing down an impala, cheetah feed
quickly while keeping constant watch for
rival predators, and even the arrival of
vultures will dislodge them from a kill.
|
Cheetah
are usually solitary, but family parties
of a mother and two subadult cubs are common.
The cubs are always from the same litter,
and leave the mother when about 18 months
old and before the next litter is born.
Cheetah occupy large home ranges and, despite
an abundance of their favourite prey, in
no region of the Park does their density
exceed one cheetah to every 45 square kilometres.
A cheetah and her two young cubs near Duke
water hole south of Lower Sabie. Mother
cheetah give birth in tall grass or dense
cover. The cubs are carefully hidden for
the first few weeks, and the mother moves
them frequently to new hiding places to
avoid detection by other predators. While
the cubs are small, the mother is vulnerable
as she has to remain and hunt within a confined
area, and is
thus less able to avoid attacks from lion. |
Members
of a wild dog pack spare no time in devouring
an impala that they have just caught. Aware
of hyaena howling nearby, these dogs consumed
their kill in under three minutes, and by
the time the hyaena arrived on the scene
there was no sign of the kill. Competition
from other predators, and direct attacks
by lion on
both adults and cubs, reduces wild dog numbers
even within optimum habitat.
A complex social arrangement governs wild
dog and they are able to live in large packs
with few signs of conflict. Wild dog travel
over vast distances, but are sedentary for
a three month period when the pups are raised
in an underground den. Some adult members
of the pack leave the den site daily in
search of prey. Here, the ‘baby-sitters’
encourage a returning hunter to regurgitate
food, which is done for both the pups and
their minders.
The Kruger Park is a stronghold for the
endangered wild dog, although nowhere can
it be considered common. Researchers have
identified 27 packs with an estimated total
population of 360 for the entire park. Wild
dog have a highly developed social system
and produce large numbers of pups, but remain
rare even in areas where their favoured
prey animals are abundant.
While diseases and lion predation are major
limiting factors, research has shown that
there is a lack of genetic variability in
the Kruger population and this may have
resulted in inbreeding.
A wild dog pup displays some of the distinct
markings that make it possible to identify
individuals. Only one female usually breeds
in a pack, but litters of up to 21 pups
have been recorded. The pups are raised
in an old aardvark or warthog burrow in
a termite mound, and are carefully cared
for by adults in the pack.
Wild dog pups are born after a gestation
period of about 70 days, and are suckled
by the dominant female for three months,
either in the den or near its entrance.
Other adult members of the pack take an
active part in cleaning the pups, and will
return strays to the den. The pups begin
to beg for meat from the age of 14 days,
and when old enough are led by the adult
dogs in search of prey.
Juvenile wild dogs playfully interact at
a den site south of Lower Sabie. Fighting
among pack members is rare, and a relaxed
tail indicates a dog’s playful mood.
The pups are boisterous, and the mother
disciplines them by holding them down on
the ground by their necks. |
The spotted hyaena’s
powerful jaws can crush bones and slice
through thick hides, useful for a scavenger
that often feeds on a carcass that has had
the tender meat removed by lion. The hyaena’s
skull is shaped to accommodate the strong
muscles that operate the lower jaw.
A young spotted hyaena rests at a roadside
den. Hyaena are largely nocturnal, and form
clans dominated by females. Dominant females
always feed first at a carcass and return
to the den to suckle their pups, which rely
on their mother’s milk for the first
nine months. A hierarchy also exists amongst
males, but the highest ranked male is considered
inferior to the lowest ranked female.
Hyaena have learned to use the culverts
under the main roads in Kruger as dens to
raise their young. During the heat of the
day, especially in summer, these concrete
tunnels can become exceptionally hot and
the cubs may emerge to rest near the entrance.
Interesting comparisons have been drawn
between the numbers of predators in Kruger
and the hoofed animals on which they prey.
In the Central Region, the ratio of lion
to prey is 1:110, which is exceptionally
high when compared to 1:1 000 in Tanzania’s
Serengeti. Lion in Kruger sometimes change
their prey preferences during wet and dry
cycles.
During wet cycles it is easier to stalk
and catch zebra and wildebeest, while in
times of drought they tend to kill more
buffalo, often animals that would anyway
have perished from lack of food. Most predators
are small in comparison to the mass of their
prey. In Kruger, the combined biomass of
the major predators is equal to just one
per cent of their prey species. This is
because between each feeding level in the
food chain there is substantial loss of
energy, so a 60-kilogram hyaena is dependent
on 6 000 kilograms of hoofed animals, equivalent
to a herd of 105 impala. The fate of all
predators is therefore intricately interwoven
with that of their prey.
Young hyaena often rest outside their roadside
dens. Hyaena clans are dominated by females,
and a female pup inherits her mother’s
social status. Litters consist of one or
two cubs, and if two females are born then
one will invariably kill the other. |
| A large Nile
crocodile emerges from the water to feed
on a hippo calf that had died in Sunset
Dam. Crocodiles prefer fresh food, however,
and catfish form the major portion of their
diet. They perform an important ecological
function in keeping the numbers of these
hardy fish in check. During periods of above-average
rainfall, crocodiles colonise dams up to
45 kilometres from perennial rivers. |
| The black-backed
jackal is a scavenger that is often seen
on the fringes of a lion or cheetah kill,
where it will wait for the opportunity to
steal a morsel. An unusual behaviour pattern
that has been observed is their tendency
to follow larger predators, especially leopard,
while emitting a repetitive yapping call
that alerts other jackal to the possibility
of a kill. |
A serval
listens attentively for rodents scurrying
through the dense grassland of a vlei near
Orpen Dam. Serval prey mainly on rodents,
especially vlei rats, and show a marked
preference for tall grassland habitat situated
near water.
Many animals, especially predators like
the small spotted genet and even antelope
such as bushbuck and grey duiker, are active
mainly at night and depend on their keen
senses of smell and hearing to locate food.
|
Cool mornings and evenings,
but temperatures and humidity rise during
the day, more moisture; winds indicate
spring is on its way. Yellow hue dominates
the bush as sjambok pod and knob thorns
begin flowering; mopane is russet-coloured.
Good game viewing at waterholes; particularly
in the eastern sweetveld plains on top
of basalt. Temperature 12-28
The month of spring;
occasional showers but water is still
scarce. Weeping boer-beans flower in red;
new mopane leaves. First migrant birds
appear from the north; weavers begin breeding;
game still concentrated around waterholes.
Temperature 12-28
Usually the beginning
of the rainy season, but can be very hot
if rains are late. Grass becomes greener;
bulbous plants begin appearing; magic
guarri and sickle bush flower. Good game
viewing as bush is still not too thick;
birds engaged in courtship rituals and
displays; steppe eagles begin to arrive.
Temperature 16-32
Rainfall usually double
that of October.Vegetation more lush.
Lots of young animals visible; woodland
kingfishers make an appearance. Temperature
16-32
Height of summer and
the rainy season; days are hot and humid;
often spectacular thunderstorms. Wild
morning glory and flame lilies in flower.
Impala breeding season brings out lots
of predators; lush vegetation starts making
game viewing harder. Temperature 18-34
Height of rainy season;
days are hot and humid; good thunderstorms.
Rain-dependent plants flowering, making
landscape very colourful; marulas begin
fruiting. Animals spread over wider areas
because of water availability; dung beetles
prevalent; lesser spotted eagles arrive
and generally good birding. Temperature
18-34
Hot and humid; plants
are at their most nutritious. Many summer
flowering plants in bloom. Waterbuck breeding;
excellent birding; animals get fatter.
Temperature 18-33
End of summer, generally
the last major rain. Vegetation dense.
Kudu and buffalo breeding peak, erratic
game viewing. Temperature 18-33
Seasonal shift towards
autumn; noticeable drop in temperatures;
occasional late summer rains.Vegetation
dense, many trees are bearing fruit or
seeds; red bushwillow is very striking.
Most animals in peak condition, game spotting
difficult; impala, wildebeest and warthog
rutting season. Temperature 13-28
Autumn gives way to
winter; Rainfall drops off dramatically.
White seringas in flower, wide range of
autumn colours; kiaats begin seeding.
Impala rut continues, internal migrations
of animals towards warmer areas, whitebacked
vultures breeding; wild dog breeding;
elephants from Zimbabwe and Mozambique
migrate to winter grazing grounds in northern
Kruger. Temperature 13-28
Winter; cool evenings
and warm days; temperate climate that
is generally wind-free. Grass cover recedes
and many trees lose leaves; baobabs in
flower, mopane begins yellowing. Game
begins concentrating around waterholes;
animals are much more visible as the bush
thins out. Temperatures 9-26
Wind begins picking
up a little. Clear winter days with little
chance of rain. Mopaneveld appears as
dappled gold; potato bush begins flowering.
Nights can be very cold. Game viewing
very good; many winter birds fly from
highveld down to the Park (eg stonechat)
Temperature 9-26
|
| |
|
The baobab (Adansonia
digitata) is southern Africa’s most
distinctive tree with its extremely stout,
fleshy trunk and widely spreading crown.
An African legend holds that a giant child
of the gods once pulled the baobab out of
the ground and then stuck it back upside
down, which accounts for its root-like branches.
The baobab can grow up to 25 metres tall
and has an astounding longevity –
some trees in Kruger are believed to be
well over 4 000 years old. The baobab has
many uses, particularly because of the tartaric
acid in the fruit, which is favoured by
man and beast. It has a particularly beautiful
white flower which blooms during spring
.
The
magic guarri (Euclea divinorum) acts as
an early warning beacon to other trees in
times of impending drought. Distributed
throughout the Park, this slow-growing,
dense, evergreen shrub produces a pheromone
when it becomes stressed. This triggers
the release of tannin in the leaves of surrounding
trees which makes them unpalatable to browsers
such as kudu. The increase in tannin content
is a self-protection mechanism that prevents
the bush from being eaten out. The guarri
itself is not favoured by animals although
birds like its fruit. Alcoholic beverages
have been made from the fruit while twigs
broken off from the tree were used as toothbrushes
in the old days because of the fibrous texture.
Most of the wooden carvings
and bowls one sees on sale as one drives
into southern Kruger are made out of kiaat,
or wild teak (Pterocarpus angolensis). This
tree is limited mostly to the Pretoriuskop
area where it is quite dominant. It does
favour other areas where there is a deep
and sandy soil, but is not common throughout
the Park. It is a slow grower, and is loved
by elephants. It is commonly used for furniture
as it works easily and polishes well. It
is recognizable in the wild by its distinct
roundish pods, which ripen in late summer,
and its small, golden yellow flowers in
spring.
One
of the staple diets of browsers is the red
bushwillow (Combretum apiculatum). Found
throughout the Park but dominant in the
south, this smallish deciduous tree is the
second most common tree after mopane. While
its leaves are palatable, animals avoid
its seeds which are mildly poisonous and
can cause prolonged hiccupping. It gets
its name from the fact that its leaves turn
reddish brown in winter. Its drought resistance
ensures that it is a food source for browsers
even in the driest of times. It is recognizable
by the small four-wing clusters of fruit
which ripen in late summer and autumn.
The
third most common tree in the Park after
the mopane and red bushwillow is the knob
thorn (Acacia nigrescens). It is a medium
to large tree with a spreading crown, growing
up to 16 metres tall. It is most easily
recognizable in spring when its bright yellow
fl owers liven up the landscape. It has
thorn-tipped knobs which are more conspicuous
on younger trees. In winter its narrow pods
become black (hence the name nigrescens
– Latin for “becoming black”).
It is a heavy wood with lots of tannin,
grows slowly and is both drought-resistant
and sensitive to frost.
There
are two main kinds of palm trees in Kruger
– the wild date palm (Phoenix reclinata)
and the lala palm (Hyphaene atalensis).
The wild date palm is more common in the
south of the Park on the banks of rivers
and spruits. Primates and birds enjoy the
clusters of yellow-brown fruit, while elephants
eat the leaves and stems. The Lala Palm
does well on the basaltic corridor, and
is more abundant in the north, and there
are some fine examples of these trees around
Letaba and Shingwedzi camps. The fibre of
both palms has been used traditionally by
Shangaan-speakers for making mats and ropes
and a fine alcoholic beverage can be brewed
from the sap. |
Young vervet
monkeys are born mainly from October to
January after a gestation period of 140
days. Vervets emit distinct alarm barks
for different predators, and young monkeys
are taught to recognise these warning signals
and run for cover. As they share the riverine
forest with a host of birds, including one
of their major predators – the crowned
eagle – young monkeys must quickly
learn to distinguish between dangerous and
harmless birds.
Although they occur throughout Kruger, vervet
monkeys show a distinct preference for riverine
bush. Vervets are gregarious animals and
are normally found in troops
numbering up to 20 individuals. They feed
in the tree canopy and on the ground, eating
a wide variety of plant material including
flowers, fruit, berries, roots and leaves.
|
A horned baboon
spider photographed in sandveld habitat
in Kruger’s far north. The baboon
spider derives its name from a dense covering
of hair that supposedly resembles the coat
of a baboon. They are not web-builders,
instead relying on speed and agility to
catch prey. They dig tunnels in the ground
where they rest and care for their young.
Safe within the protection afforded by a
troop, a baboon finds time to doze for a
few minutes. Within the troop vulnerable
members are protected from predators by
the dominant males. The close associations
formed between members are important for
ensuring co-operation in locating sufficient
food.
Baboons feed and rest in trees, but they
are primarily ground-dwellers and the troop
spends much of the day searching for food
within a few kilometres of a favourite sleeping
site, which is usually a steep cliff or
a large tree.
Baboons give birth to a single infant and
are attentive parents. The infant is dependent
on the mother for milk for six to eight
months. Within the troop, all
females are related, and bonds between them
are strong. When the mother retreats into
dense vegetation to give birth, the other
females often gather to watch
the event. Other members of the troop enjoy
spending time carrying, grooming and playing
with the babies.
A young baboon tests a handful of roots
for palatability. Baboons are born after
a gestation period of six months, and are
carefully cared for by their mothers. Although
other females in the troop like to play
with the infant, the mother will only allow
them to hold it once it has learned to walk.
When an adult male is threatened by dominant
males, he will often grab an infant from
any female in the troop, which successfully
foils the attack.
A baboon combs its fur in search of ticks
and fleas. In baboon troops this activity
is usually performed by other individuals.
Apart from keeping the fur free of ticks
and fleas, the daily pattern of grooming
is vital for the effective functioning of
a troop as it maintains the bonds formed
between members. Female baboons form alliances,
but will also depend on male allies, which
they recruit through grooming. |
Hippo are sensitive
to sunburn and spend much of the day resting
in water. After dark they travel up to 20
kilometres from water, eating up to 130
kilograms of grass in one night. When they
submerge, special muscles prevent water
from entering their nostrils and ear passages.
A hippo in the Sabie River displays the
fearsome incisors that can inflict serious
wounds during territorial contests. Hippo
favour deep pools of slow-moving water,
and along the Sabie River there are several
well-known pools that they have occupied
for many years.
About 2 300 hippo inhabit Kruger’s
rivers, with the majority of the population
sheltering in the Sabie, Olifants and Letaba.
Water extraction outside the Park’s
borders has reduced the flow of the Letaba
and Luvuvhu, and these rivers are no longer
perennial. In order to guarantee a reliable
water supply for wildlife, 65 large dams
have been built, creating perfect habitats
for hippo. |
Alert to
potential danger, a Burchell’s zebra
crosses a water course. During the drier
winter months zebra usually congregate within
seven kilometres of permanent water. As
lion are often concealed in dense bush near
water holes, zebra approach cautiously to
drink.
Zebra are dependent on water and visit water
holes about every 35 hours during winter.
Where artificial water holes have been established,
zebra herds have increased to the detriment
of the rare sable and roan antelope.
As zebra prefer grass of a medium height,
they were hardly affected by the severe
drought of 1992/1993. Because the zebra’s
digestive system processes grass faster
than the chambered stomach of a ruminant
– an animal that chews the cud –
they can feed on grasses that are poor in
nutrition, while rows of incisor teeth allow
them to crop short grasses.
An estimated 29 000 zebra are found in the
Kruger Park, with the highest concentrations
occurring on the grassy plains of the Central
Region. |
Warthogs lack
a thick coat of hair and have little body
fat, and are therefore susceptible to cold
and wet weather. Similarly, during hot summer
months they are poorly protected against
the scorching sun. By wallowing in mud they
are able to reduce their body temperature
by as much as 7ºC, and mud packs also
help to protect their skin from biting insects.
After wallowing in mud, a convenient tree
stump always serves as a rubbing post and
helps locate itchy spots missed by the mud.
As night approaches, a warthog descends
into a burrow. Warthogs are active during
daylight hours, and underground burrows
provide protection at night from both cold
and predators. Although a pack of wild dog
were raising pups in a den adjacent to this
one, these predators made no attempt to
catch the warthogs and instead tried –
unsuccessfully – to chase them away
from the site.
Water leguaan (monitors) forage in rivers
for crabs, mussels, frogs, fish, fledgling
birds and crocodile eggs. The female digs
a nest in an active termite mound, where,
aided by the constant temperature and humidity,
the eggs develop. The following summer,
the young lizards dig their way out and
head for the nearest water, where they feed
on insects and small frogs. |
The bushpig
is a secretive animal associated with reedbeds
and dense forest. They are seldom seen,
and were thought to occur only along the
Luvuvhu River and in restricted localities
along the Olifants River. In Percy FitzPatrick’s
book Jock of the Bushveld, set in 1885,
bushpig are recorded in the present-day
Southern Region, and this individual was
recently photographed on the Mbyamiti River
near Biyamiti Bushveld Camp.
The dwarf mongoose weighs just 300 grams
and spends around five hours a day on average
searching for insects, spiders and rodents.
The remainder of the day is devoted to sleeping
at a den in an old termite mound, or grooming
other members of the band. |
A large stick
insect, measuring 16 centimetres in length,
raises a protective umbrella-like wing to
frighten off any potential predator. Stick
insects are masters of
camouflage, blending in colour and shape
with their favoured habitat of trees and
plants. They will even pretend to sway in
the wind, the better to convincingly imitate
the branch of a tree. |
The tree
squirrel, particularly common in dry woodland,
builds a nest in a hole in a tree. The nest
is lined with dry leaves, and a squirrel
family shares the same nest and rests together
in it during the hottest times of the day.
|
| GENERAL
RULES |
| 1 |
Tourist
is advised is not to carry
any precious items while in
tour. |
| 2 |
Tourist
can enroll his/her names for
the tours by paying initial
advance. The balance amount
must reach Delhi Office at
least 5 days before scheduled
departure of the tour without
waiting for reminder from
our side. If the full amount
is not paid in the time the
company reserves the right
to cancel the bookings with
consequent loss of deposit
and apply the cancellation
charges. |
| 3 |
Tourist
travel at their own risk.
Neither the tour operator
nor their representative or
staff accept any liability
or responsibility for an kind
of risk, theft, delay, damages,
loss, injury, accident, death
etc. during their tour howsoever
it might have caused. |
| 4 |
The
operator has also right to
cancel at any time any or
all the tours announced without
assigning any reason whatsoever.
In such case the operator's
responsibility will be only
to refund the amount by such
passengers, without any compensation
whatsoever. |
| 5 |
The
hotels are subject to change
without prior notice. |
| 6 |
The
seats in the bus are allotted
on "first comr first
serverd basis" at the
time of booking of the tour. |
| 7 |
If
there is any loss or damage
by any passengers to the property
of the hotel, bus, tour, operator
or any other concerned parties
or person during the tour
then such passengers have
to compensate the concerned
parties or person for the
same immediately. |
| 8 |
During
sightseeing we will take the
bus /car up to the point it
is allowed or can be taken.
There offer if any vehicle
or other arrangements are
to be made then the expenses
should be paid by the passengers
only. |
| 9 |
Timings
mentioned in the itinerary
for the bus/car tour are only
estimated time for the sake
of knowledge. There are always
chances of delay in arrival
at the destination due to
various reasons. |
| 10 |
Refunds,
if any, will be given after
a periods of ten days from
the date of claim. Refunds
will be paid only by cheque
and only against receipts. |
| 11 |
Due
to unavoidable circumstanmces,
if there is aloes in the stay
of hotel or sightseeing or
missed then no refund will
be granted to the passengers
in this respect. |
| 12 |
If
any passengers decide to break
their journey after commencement
of the tour, they can do so,
but no refund for the balance
periods of the tour will be
granted to them and their
all onwards journey arrangements
will be the sole responsibility
of such passengers only. |
| 13 |
All
disputes /legal claims subject
to Delhi Jurisdiction only. |
|
| CANCELLATION
RULES |
| 1 |
20
Days or More days before
departure of Tour 10%
on Full amount |
| 2 |
10
days before departure
tour 25% on full amount. |
| 3 |
06
days before departure
of tour 40% on full
amount. |
| 4 |
Within
04 days before departure
of tour :No Refund. |
|
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