Sun Destinations Blog - Page 111 of 119

Have you Ever Heard a Hyena Laughing?

Have you ever heard a hyena laughing? If not, then you need to watch this video. I have played this clip over and over; and I giggle every time. I have never heard hyena cackle like this while attempting to steal prey. At night you will hear hyenas making that familiar whooping sound; but to hear them cackling away is quite a rare.

Why do hyenas make this laughing sound?

Hyenas have a variety of vocalisations from wailing calls to howling screams and laughter. The high-pitched laughter that is produced is actually a sign of nervous energy and distress. The laughter is often heard at a kill site and produced when they are excited and in a state of conflict. It is produced when arriving and leaving a situation. In this case, they stole a leopard’s kill which left them in a state of flux. There was much excitment about stealing the kill but at the same time it was a daring thing to do ! The whooping sound made by hyenas is a long distance call to locate fellow clan members. Each hyena has a different whoop – kind of like a human’s fingerprint.

Francois Pienaar, a ranger at Africa on Foot, took this footage while guiding in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

Curious lone hyena in search of food. Image by Chad de Wet

Enjoy a Bush Breakfast in the Kruger

Yesterday was our last day at nDzuti Safari Camp. There is always a sense of sadness that descends upon you when you leave a lodge. The camaraderie around the campfire at night, the lessons learned while on a game drive and the new-found friends are just a few of the things that make you want to stay. After a few days at nDzuti we said goodbye to Bruce, Judy, AK and the team. Being pretty flexible about our schedule, Judy decided to reward us with a bush breakfast on our last day.

After the morning game drive, AK drove us to a secret spot. Previously a boma area for avid campers, it now serves as bush breakfast/bush dinner spot. The area has a pit for a fire, wooden table and the remnants of a small outdoor jacuzzi size pool. Located high up on a plateau overlooking the river, it’s a spectacular spot. A white tablecloth laden with a feast of fruit, fried eggs, lamb chops, sausage and coffee awaited us.

This was the first bush breakfast in the Kruger that I have experienced and there is nothing quite like the feeling of eating exquisite food in the middle of the bush.

The fantastic Ciena cooking up a storm in the bush

Views of the Klaserie River from the Bush Breakfast Area

The Land Rover delivering food for our bush breakfast in the Klaserie

Bush breakfast area around the table at nDzuti

Photos from Our Game Drive at nDzuti

Here are a few snapshots from last night’s game drive at nDzuti. We managed to spot hippo walking out of a dam, giraffe and a rather anxious rhino. While we were sitting around the campfire after our game drive, we noticed jackal, hyena and honey badgers at the waterhole. The nDzuti waterhole has seen a fair amount of wildlife activity in the past few days ! However, we have yet to spot seen the elusive River Pride of lions which have decided to go into hiding. We’ll just knock back a few gin and tonics in the mean time.

Enjoy.

Sunset over the Klaserie.

This rhino was a bit skittish but we were lucky to spot him. Great sighting !

Perched on the top of a tree, this Brown-snake Eagle was not going anywhere !

Another incredible sunset and night sky in the Klaserie !

Such gentle giants. Spotting giraffe while on a game drive.

Plenty of impala during the rutting season. Look closely – there are 3 impala in this pic !

A lone impala – let’s hope a predator doesn’t see him !

Dave Jackson – the man behind our fantastic wildlife videos !

LIVE Safari Diary: We Grace nDzuti with our presence

While sitting at the back of the open-topped Land Rover, Zeena looked at me with a sense of wonderment and exclaimed, “Ag. When you smell that smell you know you have ARRIVED.”

Zeena and I are currently staying at nDzuti Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This is the second time we have been on safari together but our first time at nDzuti – and hopefully not our last. Zeena’s simple statement about the smell of the African bush eloquently summed up how I was feeling. The travel writers of the safari world have the ability to blog about recent sightings, upload photos and wax lyrical about their surrounds; but the one thing that cannot be captured is the myriad of “bush” smells. A safari is a sensory holiday. And here we are, sitting in the middle of the Klaserie indulging our senses.

So how did we get to nDzuti? We flew from O.R. Tambo to Hoedspruit Airport which took an hour. From there, Judy – the lodge owner, picked us up in her bush-beaten Land Rover – the iconic vehicle of safaris. Judy came across as being friendly and unassuming – the ideal personality for owning and running a lodge. En route to camp we drove via Incheni gate which is only recommended for sturdy 4×4 vehicles because of the tough roads.

On the way to camp, we stumbled across impala, buffalo and the European-breasted roller. After an hour’s drive into the Klaserie we arrived at camp. Fenced off from the wildlife and overlooking the riverbed, nDzuti has that “welcoming” atmosphere which adds to the safari experience. To say it’s a “home away from home” is cliché but it certainly feels like we are in a massive shared home. The windows of my room offer panoramic views of the lawn, swimming pool and riverbed. The perfect spot for me to blog and feel inspired !

When we completed our tour of the camp we met the legendary safari guide, AK, who can almost do the splits (you need to go on safari to understand the odd things that happen around the campfire). Apart from his bendy legs, he is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide with years of experience. The rest of the day we spent chatting to Bruce (Judy’s husband) on the patio while sipping the obligatory gin & tonics – which our boss will cover.

They really cater to your needs here – food is excellent, staff are friendly and the fact that it is owner-managed makes the world of difference. The balance between friendliness and solitude here is ideal.

Thus far we have seen:

6 hippos showing off in a dam. A little bit of yawning and bubble blowing.
Dwarf mongoose
Zebra
A rare sighting of an impala
Giraffe
Birds
Warthog and piglets
Wildebeest
Rhino
Numerous Golden-orb spiders
A ginger-ale and Cranberry colour sunset

Catch you guys later, I hear the kettle boiling. They have real coffee and fresh milk here. Time to feed my addiction while Zeena tweets and hashtags away.

Breathtaking Klaserie Landscapes in the nDzuti Safari Camp traverse.

One of the warthogs we spotted while out on an evening game drive.

This dazzling golden-orb spider made itself at home outside of our room.

Zeena Ponto – our Sun Destinations representative.

Hippo making its way towards us.

Photos of a Brown Snake Eagle in the Kruger

Kevin MacLaughlin, a ranger at nThambo Tree Camp, took these remarkable photos of a Brown Snake-Eagle. Capturing birds on camera is always tricky – luckily Kevin was in the right place at the right time.

The Brown Snake-Eagle, as its name suggests, eats mainly snakes. It starts off by crushing the head to discharge any venom and then swallows it whole. This eagle is not immune to snake venom and can be blinded by spitting cobras; which are common in the Kruger region.

We hope you enjoy the photos of this Brown-Snake Eagle in the Kruger.

Brown Snake-Eagle about to fly. Quite a spectacular sighting.

The Brown Snake-Eagle about to take off in flight.

Finally the Snake-Eagle takes off in flight

The Brown Snake-Eagle with its prey – a snake. Finally !

Africa Safari Moments Caught on Video

Dave, our resident videographer, spent time at our camps in Botswana and the Kruger capturing a few Africa safari moments. He has witnessed cheetah kills, lion cubs being introduced to the pride and camaraderie between guests and rangers.

I cannot begin to explain what is like being on safari – the experience leaves an imprint on your soul ! Dave has compiled a 3 day summary of his time at each of the camps to try and capture the essence of an African safari. This virtual trip through each of the camps and the variety of wildlife is sure to entice you to visit.

Comment and let us know what you think. Which is your favourite video? Personally, I love the “Big Five weekend at Umkumbe” video because of the elephant frolicking in front of the lodge.

An Authentic Safari at nDzuti Safari Camp

Set deep in the heart of the pristine Klaserie Private Nature Reserve lies the family-friendly nDzuti Safari Camp. With its spectacular views of the Klaserie River and exclusive traversing rights, guests will delight in the many wildlife encounters on offer. The Klaserie shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Game Reserve. Rangers are able to openly traverse over 3500 hectares of land either side of the Klaserie River, making it a prime game viewing destination. nDzuti shys away from the ostentatious, glaringly opulant safari and instead chooses to focus on the traditional safari experience. The traditional safari offers its guests a simple luxury and relaxed atmosphere.

The camp only has 4 rooms which are located in one central area, allowing for an intimate and personalised experience. The staff are attentive (yet not intrusive) and hosts Bruce and Judy have a wealth of experience within their industry. Your day starts with a morning game drive and the day ends with a sunset game drive complete with sundowners. There is ample opportunity between drives to relax at the swimming pool, watch elephants at the waterhole from the viewing deck or even connect to WiFi to catch up on work emails.

A beautifully manicured lawn surrounds the camp and nestling comfortably in the centre is a small swimming pool/bar area. The pool offers guests a welcome respite from the African heat. The traditional boma area lies adjacent to the pool and outdoor bar. A huge pit hugging a campfire serves as the boma area; which is always a highlight of any safari camp experience. At the end of a relaxing day of game viewing guests are invited to sit around the campfire and talk about the day’s activities. This is always a relaxed atmosphere where you can ask your rangers questions about recent sightings and educate yourself about your surrounds.

Consider a safari at nDzuti if you’re looking for an exclusive experience in a pristine reserve. The nDzuti way is to focus on wildlife and simple luxuries; and not the thread count in your sheets!

Why should you stay at the nDzuti Safari Lodge?

Rates are affordable. You are looking at rates from R1950 per person per night. This includes game walks, drives, meals and teas & coffees.
The Klaserie is less crowded than other reserves but offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities.
The lodge is run by two avid conservationists.
The camp only sleeps 8 people which means meal times, game drives and activities are not heaving with crowds.
You can hire the entire camp out for your exclusive use.
There are regular sightings of the Big 5. There is also a resident lion pride called the “River Pride” who are often spotted relaxing on the banks of the Klaserie river.
There are breathtaking views of the Klaserie river and rangers have traversing rights either side of the river; allowing for exceptional game viewing opportunities.

nDzuti Safari Camp - 4 en suite bedrooms

The nDzuti Safari Camp with its 4 en suite bedrooms, lounge and dining area.

Game viewing while eating breakfast at nDzuti

Eat breakfast and game watch at the same time.

The boma area being prepared for guests to enjoy after their evening safari.

The swimming pool at nDzuti Safari Camp. The bar is behind the pool.

The main dining area in the central area of the camp.

The lounge and dining area at nDzuti.

En suite, air-conditioned bedroom at nDzuti Safari Camp.

Luxurious bathroom at nDzuti Safari Camp.

nDzuti has spectacular views over the Klaserie River.

With over 3500 hectares of traversing rights, there is pleny of wildlife to see.

Game viewing vehicle waiting for guests. This is what you can expect from your evening game drive.

White rhino spotted in the nDzuti traverse.

The rare black mamba snake – one of Africa’s most deadly snakes.

The Delta Belle Houseboat

The Delta Belle Houseboat is situated in the forgotten panhandle of the Okavango Delta and boasts spectacular game viewing and fishing opportunities. Moored at Shakawe, the Delta Belle is ideal for small groups wanting to sleep overnight on the tranquil Okavango Delta. Wake-up on the Delta and spend evenings drifting through the myriad of waterways and channels of the panhandle. There are 5 en-suite cabins, located on the upper and lower. There is a kitchen, lounge, dining area, bar and viewing deck. Guests have the use of tender boats which are ideal for those wanting to try their hand at tiger fishing.

There are over 400 species of birds in the Delta and you will have the opportunity to see Nile crocodile, hippos, elephant, red lechwe and a plethora of other wildlife.

This is the ideal water safari – sleeping and game viewing IN the Okavango Delta.

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Houseboat Accommodation and Surrounds

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nDzuti Safari Camp

nDzuti Safari Camp is located in the game rich Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Kruger’s Associated Private Nature Reserves. Offering an authentic, affordable safari experience with a focus on exceptional hospitality; the nDzuti Safari Camp is the perfect choice for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a traditional safari holiday. The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Game Reserve and is easily accessible via Hoedspruit airport. Guests will enjoy daily game drives and walks (optional) led by experienced game rangers.

Guests have a choice of 4 en suite air-conditioned bedrooms. There is a central area with a large patio, lounge and indoor kitchen area. A traditional boma area serves as the highlight of any safari experience – this is the area where the fire is lit and guests have the option of spending the evening swapping stories under the stars. For those languid, hot summer days there is a small swimming pool which provides a welcome respite from the African heat.

The lookout area offers views of nDzuti’s waterhole which attracts herds of elephant, a plethora of small mammals and large predators.

If you visit nDzuti ask your ranger about the River Pride of lions – the resident pride that traverses the nDzuti territory.

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Tighter Controls at the Sabi Sand Gates

There has been a rapid increase in rhino poaching over the past year and as a result, the Sabi Sand Wildtuin has decided to enforce additional controls at the Sabi gates. Guests will now need to produce proof of their booking at their safari lodge. Should they not produce the required documentation there will be a delay at the gate until the lodge can prove the booking is legitimate.

Please click here to read our newsletter for more information about the rhino poaching and the reasons for tighter controls.