Archive for January, 2012
Around the 18th of January 2012 the Kruger National Park experiences a lot of floods that resulted in parts of the game reserve site being closed.
A few tenants also had to be evacuated from the Tinga Private Lodge and guests that were on the Sweni Wilderness Trail had to also be evacuated.
Roads between Letaba and Olifants and Letaba and Phalaborwa were not accessible. The SANParks had also warned that all gravel roads and low level bridges were to be avoided.
On Monday January 23rd 2012 the South African National Parks issued a statement saying that all gates to the park were now open, most of the tarred roads and the parks safari camps were also all open and operational.
SANPArks added that it was busy repairing some of the damages caused by the floods and that some services might be down or disrupted during this period.
On the upside no animals were affected by the flooding and no deaths or injuries to the park’s visitors were reported, six tourists whose car was washed away had received treatment from the park’s doctors.
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. The reserve has numerous locations ranging from lodges, tented camps, and chalets. There are also a number of tours and safari’s to choose from.
The Kruger National Park is open all year round when flooding is not an issue.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems, millions of years ago the river used to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi which is today known as Makadikgadi pans.
Exploring the Okavango is something reserved for adrenaline junkies and extreme travellers. The floods for a timeous route from Angola all the way to Botswana with flood originating from the Angolan rains which will start around October and end in April. These floods cross the border between Botswana and Namibia in December and reach the bottom end of the delta called Maun around July.
The best time to observe game in the delta is between May-October. This is due to the animal life being concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out.
If vegetation and bird viewing is more your thing then be sure to come during the rainy season (Nov-April) this is the time when the migrant bird population returns and the plants are flowering and turning green.
Meet the five ethnic groups that originate from the Okavango Delta namely the Hambukushu, Dceriku, Wayeyi, Bugakhwe and Anikhwe people. All these groups have a wealth of wisdom and all of us could learn a thing or two from them.
You can go canoeing by the main waterways in what they call a mokoro (a traditional canoe), and there is 4×4 game viewings, a walking safari as well as helicopter and light aircraft game viewings.
1. South Luangwa
This is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. There is so much emphasis and concentration that it is placed on the Luangwa River and other attractions. The South Luangwa Park hosts a wide range of beautiful wildlife, vegetation and birdlife. There is a walking safari that is now dearly loved by many people because it leads you to the most interesting places. It is the finest ways of experiencing this prestigious wilderness of Zambia. This park has more than 60 different animal species. Birdlife is in abundant with over 400 different bird species.
2. Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi has 3 main habitats; the riverbanks which have a huge mahogany and baobab trees; secondly you will come across the inland floodplains that are in line with the Mopane forest with winter-thorn trees; and lastly the broadleaf woodland which is covering the escarpment hills. The Lower Zambezi has river safaris and other activities such as canoeing. Such activities offer you opportunities to get closer to the animals.
3. Victoria Falls
Since its discovery 150 years ago, Victoria Falls still looks as impressive and appealing. There are hotels in the vicinity, but they are just two storeys high. Guests are able to feel at home and act themselves since the infrastructure around the Falls is unobtrusive. There are secluded walkways – these are there for people to search the perfect vintage point. Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world because it is 1, 708m wide.
Now that you all set for your first time or one of many safari tours of your life, you need to do what we call a last minute checklist. There are many things that you are allowed to forget like your toothbrush, tooth paste etc, even though they are major things — they can be easily accessible in any country. However, there are things that you cannot by any slightest chance afford to leave behind…
1. Camera
The reason why you are on the safari tour is because you want to create moments. And these moments need to be captured and there is no better way than to get a camera. Make sure that you bring a camera that has more than 11 megapixels. This will ensure you good quality pictures. You should also bring extra batteries, but it is recommended to have a battery charger. Be sure that your camera has a bag and can be easily accessible because there are moments where you see a beautiful bird and want to capture it, just to realise that your camera is far. And just like that, you have missed the moment.
2. Sun Screen
Africa is hot, and the hottest continent by far. Therefore, it is essential to bring sunscreen and other sun blocks like a hat, sun lotion and after-sun cream. As much as some people enjoy the sun, it is paramount to refrain from being sunburnt. Your hat should be a wide-brimmed one so that it will cover you from head to toe. An umbrella is not an option because it asks of you to carry it, and by doing so, you might just lose your freedom.
3. Mosquito repellent
Africa does have quite a number of Malaria free camps, but nevertheless, you should always pack your mosquito repellent or itch cream just in case.
4. Water bottle
As stated above, Africa is a warm continent; therefore, it is imperative to consume fluids now and then. A water bottle is a solution. Also affirm that you have a small backpack where you can store the bottle and other necessities.