Blue wildebeest whispering sweet nothings?
(Picture taken near Satara in the Kruger National Park)
Wildebeest whisper
Have a look at other bloggers’ interpretation of this week’s theme “Love”.
Love
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Tag Archives: outdoors
Shingwedzi flooded – January 2013
Photos have been posted on the SANParks forum of the flooding that hit Shingwedzi Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park – click on the image below to see more.
Extensive flooding at Shingwedzi – published on the SANParks forum
Severe flooding strikes two of our National Parks
Days of torrential rain in South Africa’s northern provinces have caused severe flooding in two of the country’s National Parks – Mapungubwe and Kruger. It appears that our beloved Shingwedzi Rest Camp has been hit exceptionally hard, with about 70 staff members and their families having to be airlifted to safety from there this morning, just hours after the guests staying in the camp were safely evacuated by road. We have seen the Shingwedzi area being flooded in January of 2006, though the camp itself was never inundated then, and can only imagine what these people had to endure overnight. We are immensely grateful for their safety.
Flooding in Kruger National Park – photograph published by SANParks on their facebook page (click on the image for more)
South African National Parks have posted the following media updates:
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Update on the Mapungubwe floods
Date: 21st January 2013
The recent heavy rains experienced in most parts of the country have resulted in the sudden temporary closure of the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage (MNP& WH) site. The park is inaccessible from Musina, as roads leading to the area are washed away.
In the last week, most of the roads within the Park were temporarily closed but the subsequent rains that were received in the area over the last 72 hours, caused the park to be closed temporarily until further notice.
According to Divhani Maremba, spokesperson for the MNP&WH, “most clients who were in the Park at the time are currently safely kept at Leokwe camp. Some tourists who were booked in the park last night and today were asked to postpone their holidays. We appeal to all the people to be very cautious when approaching the area.”
“Although some people cannot be contacted through mobile phones because of network coverage, we are constantly monitoring the situation around the park to ensure that we keep everyone informed of developments. Our emergency personnel are also on site trying to prevent potential disaster,” said Maremba.
“More rain is expected over the next two days and we advise all the people with confirmed bookings in the immediate future to contact our reservations office about the status of their bookings as the Park will be temporarily closed until further notice,” she concluded.
More information will be provided in this regard on the SANParks website periodically and on all social media platforms belonging to the organisation.
Issued by:
SANParks
Media enquiries:
Divhani Maremba
Manager: Northern Regions Communications.
Tel: 012 426 5170; Cell: 082 941 9980
Email: divhani.maremba@sanparks.org
Or
Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter
Manager: Media and Stakeholder Relations.
Tel: (012) 426 5065; Cell: 083 825 9435
Email: gabrielle.venter@sanparks.org
——————————————————————————————————–
Update on the heavy rains in the KNP
Date: 21st January 2013
Members of the KNP Disaster Committee met early this morning to assess the impact of the heavy rain in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Members briefed the committee on their initial inspections and assessments regarding roads, water and sewerage, vehicle fleets, electrical and mechanical as well Protection through the Operation Centre, that has been set up in the Park.
There have been no reports of any major incidents throughout the park except the ones listed below.
Tshokwane: The low-level bridge to staff and ranger houses were reported as over flowing, resulting in personnel being trapped at the picnic site and others at houses, but their lives are not threatened.
Olifants and Sweni trails: Eleven tourists who were trapped on these trails have been safely airlifted to Satara.
Tamboti: The camp is isolated with 8 guests and staff including the section ranger. The water levels are being constantly monitored and a rescue plan will be executed to airlift them to Satara.
Talamati, Biyamiti: The camps have been closed and guests moved to the safety of Satara and Berg-en-Dal.
Houtboschrand: Four patrol rangers and a SANDF unit are stuck in the area, they are in constant contact with the Section Ranger and will be assisted.
Muzanzene: Four guests and one staff member have been air-lifted to safety.
Shingwedzi: All guests were evacuated to Mopani last night. 70 staff members are currently being evacuated.
Roads
H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to the heavy current over the low level bridge.
Crocodile Bridge Gate is overflowing and as a result the camp has been isolated and no cars are allowed through.
Lucy Nhlapo: Regional Manager Marula: KNP has reiterated her appeal to all visitors to the Park to stick to the tarred roads as all gravel roads have been closed for safety reasons.
At this stage all is still in order at the Skukuza Rest Camp, the biggest in the Park, with the Nwatsishaka river level slowly rising but flowing steadily, however the low level bridge is currently closed as water is overflowing at high velocity, while the high level bridge is being constantly monitored.
Northern KNP:
The Northern part is still experiencing heavy downpours and the bush camps are still out of bounds. Visitors are still urged to drive only on tarred roads.
Camps and Facilities Closed:
- Sirheni,
- Shimuwini,
- Shingwedzi
- Bateleur
- Boulders
- Tamboti
- Talamati
- Muzanzane
- Biyamiti
- Crocodile Bridge
- Makhadzi Picnic Spot
- All trails camps and Wilderness Safaris
Gates Closed:
- Crocodile Bridge
- Orpen
- Punda Maria
- Pafuri
- Giriyondo Port of Entry
- Pafuri Port of Entry
Roads Closed:
- H1 – 2 Sand River & Sabie Low water bridge – alternatively motorists can use H12
- H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to low level bridge overflowing.
- H1-1 – Pretoriouskop to Malelane T-Junction
- H10 – Lower Sabie to Tshokwane
- H7 – Satara to Orpen
- H1 – 9 – Pafuri entrance to Punda
- H15 – Punda Maria to Shingwedzi
- H1 – 6 Letaba to Mopani
- Nwaswitshaka low level bridge.
NB: All gravel roads in the park have been closed off for safety and motorists are requested to stay on tarred road.
“Generally our emergency plans are running accordingly and we’re constantly monitoring the developments, if anyone requires an update, our emergency 24hour hotline is available 013 735 4325. Please call to check on the conditions in the area you intend visiting” concluded Lucy Nhlapo.
Issued by:
SANParks
Media Enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
GM: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 426 5170; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
Ike Phaahla
SANParks Media Specialist
Tel: 013 735 4300; Cell: 0836736974
Email: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org
Travel and Tourist Enquiries:
Emergency 24 hour hotline: 013 735 4325
Beyond (2)
Game viewing in the Moreletakloof – a tiny nature reserve smack in the middle of Pretoria’s eastern suburbs.
(this is our second entry for this week’s challenge – have a look at the first if you’d like)
Game viewing in Moreletakloof
Have a look at other bloggers’ interpretation of this week’s theme “Beyond”.
Beyond (1)
A leopard stalking warthogs near Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The leopard’s attack proved fruitless and in the end the hogs had their revenge, chasing the leopard back into the dune forest.
Leopard stalking warthogs
Have a look at other bloggers’ interpretation of this week’s theme “Beyond”.
People in Nature
Three generations of anglers setting out at dawn towards their favourite fishing spot at Cape Vidal, in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
(you can click on the image for a clearer view)
Cape Vidal sunrise
We’re participating in the online adventure travel and photography magazine LetsBeWild.com‘s Wild Weekly Photo Challenge for bloggers. This week’s challenge is “People in Nature“
Golden Gate Highlands National Park – December 2012
Sandstone cliffs and rolling grasslands, painted in the warm golden glow of a Free State sunrise.
Golden Gate sunrise
The Free State Province of South Africa has a reputation for being flat and featureless, and for the most part that is true. But in the east of the province the Maluti and Drakensberg mountain ranges rise to dizzying altitudes, and it is in the foothills of these majestic peaks that the Golden Gate Highlands National Park was proclaimed in September 1963.
Golden Gate scenery
Golden Gate is another of our favourite South African nature destinations and after a relaxed four hour drive from Pretoria we were overjoyed to be back at the quaint Glen Reenen Rest Camp, our home-away-from-home for three nights at the end of December 2012.
Glen Reenen
Glen Reenen
Glen Reenen
Rondawel in Glen Reenen
The mountainous landscape and grand sandstone rock formations, hundreds of millions of years old, is what Golden Gate is most famous for – with the iconic Brandwag Buttress standing guard over the Park being the star attraction.
Brandwag Buttress
Golden Gate scenery
Mushroom Rocks
This is a summer rainfall area and there was water in abundance throughout the Park during our visit – water as fresh, cool and crystal clear as only a mountain spring can produce.
The Little Caledon River
Mountain stream
Stream flowing past Glen Reenen
Pure mountain water
As with all mountain areas one needs to be mindful that the weather can change very quickly and misty mornings are a regular occurrence, making for hazardous driving along the Lichens Pass that snakes through the reserve.
Clouds rolling in over Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Misty valleys along Lichens Pass
The sun trying to break through heavy cloud
There are numerous scenic hiking trails of varying length and difficulty along which the park can be explored, and horse-trails are on offer for both novice and experienced riders. Two short, tarred game-viewing drives loop across the plateaus near Glen Reenen, while a recent addition that should prove very popular in years to come is a photographic hide built at the Park’s vulture restaurant where carcasses are laid out to supplement the diets of two endangered vulture species that occur in the Park: the Cape Griffon and the Bearded Vulture.
Scenic hiking trail
Vulture hide
Of course, the Park also harbours a variety of other birds and animals, all adapted to the highlands environment.
Black wildebeest, with Brandwag in the background
Black wildebeest
Blesbok
Baboons regularly forage through the camp
Secretary bird
Red hartebeest
This serval was a pleasant surprise
Plains Zebra
Black-backed Jackal, the most often encountered of Golden Gate’s carnivores
Grey rhebuck, a mountain-loving antelope endemic to South Africa
While at Golden Gate we posted some pictures on a daily basis – have a look if you’d like to see more:
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park will remain close to our hearts for as long as those mighty golden cliffs and grassy peaks tower over the wooded valleys, rolling fields and crystal streams in their shadow below!
Illumination
Lion caught in the spotlight, at Satara in the Kruger National Park
Scary
If you are afraid of heights, the 80m long suspension bridge at the Lake Eland Game Reserve at the Oribi Gorge in southern Kwazulu Natal Province will have you trembling in your boots!
(you can click on any of the images for a clearer view)
Lake Eland suspension bridge
Lake Eland suspension bridge
Lake Eland suspension bridge
Lake Eland suspension bridge
We’re participating in the online adventure travel and photography magazine LetsBeWild.com‘s Wild Weekly Photo Challenge for bloggers. This week’s challenge was “Scary“ and we are thrilled to have received another honorable mention for our entry!
Ithala Game Reserve – December 2012
We left Pretoria in the dark of night on the 20th of December to arrive as early as we could at Ithala – it’s the kind of place where you want to be as long as you possibly can.
Ithala sunrise
Ithala Game Reserve must be one of the most scenic wild places in South Africa, and we have never seen the reserve as green and wet as we did on this visit – it is clear that good rains must have fallen in the weeks prior to our arrival.
In some places the grass on the verges of the narrow roads was higher than our vehicle!
Ithala scenery
Ithala scenery
Ithala scenery
Waterlilies in the pond at the restaurant
The Mhulumbela stream
It’s easy to understand why Ntshondwe Camp, our base for the four nights we had available to visit this beautiful reserve in the north of Kwazulu-Natal Province, has won so many awards: a beautiful setting beneath towering cliffs, comfortable accommodation tucked away into indigenous vegetation providing great privacy, a variety of well-maintained facilities (pool, information centre, shop, restaurant, ladies bar, coffee shop, conference centre, children’s play area and walking trails) and a staff-compliment intent on making every guest’s stay a memorable experience.
Ntshondwe’s chalets are spacious and private
Nice view from the jungle gym!
Small wildlife abounds in the camp and, being used to the human presence, make for easy photographic subjects.
Cicada
Agama lizard
Dassie (or Rock Hyrax)
Brightly coloured beetle
Joubert could also participate in a guided sunset drive here at Ithala for the first time – in most other reserves children under the age of 6 or 7 aren’t allowed on guided activities. We’ve been on guided drives in many reserves where the adults were much more poorly behaved than any three year old could be, and so we really applaud and appreciate the fact that here at Ithala they also allow younger children to enjoy the thrill of using a spotlight to search for nocturnal wildlife. Our drive delivered a variety of antelope and zebra, a vine snake and chameleon, nocturnal birds including a spotted eagle owl, hares, elephant, white rhino and a fleeting glimpse of a leopard and it was a real highlight for Joubert.
Not satisfied with his wildebeest picture
Three picnic sites are spread across the reserve, each exposing the visitor to a different facet of the reserve. It’s become a tradition of ours to enjoy a breakfast of muesli, fruit and yoghurt at a different one of Ithala’s picnic sites every morning.
Ngubhu Picnic Site
The dense vegetation made viewing more difficult on this visit than on previous occasions, but we nevertheless enjoyed fine sightings of a variety of birds and animals.
Vervet monkeys playing along a small creek
Kudu bulls
Tsessebe – one of South Africa’s rarer antelope
We don’t often see nyala at Ithala, so this sighting was a special treat
Hilltop zebras
Pin-tailed whydah
Mountain reedbuck ewe and fawn
More kudus
Impala lamb
Nodding zebra
The blue crane is South Africa’s national bird
White rhinoceros
The stately giraffe is Ithala’s mascot.
This young elephant bull wasn’t as glad to see us as we were to see him!
He’s charging!
Ithala’s elephants aren’t as used to humans and their vehicles as their counterparts in many other reserves
We awoke one morning to find the reserve cloaked in a thick blanket of fog, which made for some interesting photographs.
Misty Ntshondwe
Zebra in the mist, Ithala
Kudu peering from the fog
Black rhino hiding in thick mist at Ithala
While at Ithala we posted some pictures on a daily basis – have a look if you’d like to see more:
Our four night stay was over in the wink of an eye and we had to head back to Pretoria to celebrate Christmas with our extended family. Will we be back? God willing we definitely will!
Eye-to-eye with a white rhino
DeWetsWild 