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Africa on Foot Winner of Best Walking Safari in 2016

Africa on Foot has won the prestigious title of Best Walking Safari 2016 in this year’s highly anticipated Safari Awards at London’s World Trade Market. This title is a victory in a highly specialised field and we are thrilled to have been voted as the best operation in South Africa. It is in our name and in the model we have developed over the last decade as a walking safari operation. A small and intimate bush camp, eco-friendly, unfenced, and woven seamlessly into the Klaserie bushveld, Africa on Foot is honest in its mission to inspire and enchant its guests in nature.

Thank you to our dedicated owner-management team, Cecilia and Courteney Blunden; our passionate and professional guides and trackers; the camp managers and hosts; housekeeping and kitchen staff; maintenance and groundsmen; the reservations power team; talented filming and photography crew; relentless marketing team; and the driving force behind Sun Destinations, Brett Thomson.

Without the continued support from Africa on Foot’s repeat guests, and the unending flow of new faces around camp spreading the news of their safari through online reviews and social media support, this award could not be a reality. So, thank you to those Africa on Foot fans (some of whom are brave enough to tattoo our logo and wear it with pride!) who we have already got to know, and those we still have the pleasure of meeting.

The Best Walking Safari in South Africa for 2016 – what an honour! Every morning is a new day to explore the Klaserie in the most uncensored way possible, and to translate this fascinating world to visitors who travel to South Africa from all over the globe. We will continue to strive for the best, and we look forward to doing it with you!

“What an honour and privilege for our company to be recognised with such a prestigious award. Proud of our company and amazing team that put so much energy and hard work in every single day” – Cecilia Blunden

“Walking Safaris have been a great passion of ours, and Africa on Foot was a model that started off as a dream. To be recognised with this award makes that dream a reality.” – Courteney Blunden

“The team at the camp has worked exceptionally hard over the past decade to make Africa on Foot a success, and so has the team in the office. I would like to thank all our wonderful Reservations & Marketing team for their tireless work and efficiency and playing their role in winning this award.” – Brett Thomson

Week in Pictures: Beauty and the Beasts

It’s that time of the week again! Time to take in some of the most wanderlust-evoking imagery we can gather from our collection of unique safari camps and lodges. Based in a few of the most renowned destinations in Southern Africa, guests at the Sun Destinations camps are exposed to wildlife activity on an unbelievable level.

Just recently, visitors at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp got to know a pair of little lion brothers living their short lives in the wild. As devastating as it is to see them go, knowing it was a natural process made the whole 9-week experience, a privilege. Since their brutal departure, we’ve seen the adult lions back at work climbing trees to steal leopard kills, and once again getting the baby-making process on track!

Adventurous travellers on the Afrika Ecco mobile safari through Botswana have got a taste of not only the world renowed Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta, but all of the country’s wild offerings. The Central Kalahari, Moremi, Savute, and Makgadikgadi are being explored in the most intimate way possible by the happy campers at Afrika Ecco Safaris.

The award-winning Sabi Sand Wildtuin needs little introduction. This predator paradise is the home of Umkumbe Safari Lodge, where, this week (like most other weeks) a variety of well known leopards and leopardesses graced us with their presence. A male cheetah rested at the foot of a termite mound, elephants gathered in front of the lodge, and birdwatchers were impressed with the regal presence of a martial eagle nearby.

The Balule Nature Reserve and its thirst-quenching Olifants River, thorny thickets, rocky outcops, and Ezulwini Game Lodges’ private waterholes, is a hive of activity. Unusual reptiles, prides of lion young and old, a leopard queen with her little prince, and big tusker elephant bulls have populated the week with memorable moments on safari.

Slippery, Slithery, and Scaly: Reptiles of Balule

Snakes, crocodiles, skinks, and lizards are somewhat less admired than say, leopards and lilac-breasted rollers, but just because they don’t have beautiful plumes and velvety pelts doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth watching! What you probably didn’t know is that crocodiles are more closely related to birds than they are to lizards. The history of reptiles is ancient, dating back hundreds of millions of years, when snakes descended from 4-legged creatures, and turtles looked relatively the same!

Ezulwini Game Lodges, located in the diverse Balule Nature Reserve, enjoy numerous reptile sightings, particularly crocodiles, which are often seen basking on the banks of the Olifants River. These giant, scaly creatures are feared for their vicious teeth and vice grip they place on their prey. They lie in wait of the perfect opportunity to pounce, which is an incredibly quick movement, leaving little room for escape. Ezulwini guests see these Nile crocodiles soaking up the sun along the river with their jaws open and yellow inner-mouths on display as they absorb the sun’s warmth to moderate their body temperature.

Rock monitors, also known as legavaans, are large lizards with dangerously strong tails, which they use for defence. They are the second longest lizard found in Africa and have the heaviest bodies, weighing up to 8kg. They have a widely varied diet, preferring to snatch up whatever they can find, and often! Rodents, birds, small mammals, other lizards, fish, tortoises, eggs, and even carrion are on the menu for this ferocious reptile.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, scales, and skin types. Case in point, the Eastern tiger snake. This was a fantastic sighting of this small, beautifully patterned snake, which is usually found on the ground and active at night. We bumped into the gorgeous reptile slung around the branches of a tree, in broad daylight, feasting on a large lizard, possibly a small river monitor. This was an incredible sight of reptile-on-reptile predation, and we are lucky to have seen it.

Also on the snake front, we found one of the most venomous snakes in South Africa: the boomslang. Often depicted as bright green (these are the males), it was interesting to see the female boomslang, which has a less exotic brown colouration. Boomslang directly translated from Afrikaans means ‘tree snake’, which is a perfect description of this snake’s habitat and behaviour. True to form, we saw the boomslang entangled in the branches of a tree. Boomslangs are easily identified by their large, geometric scales, and big, round eyes.

One of the more rarely seen lizards is the blushing giant plated lizard. The male has incredible red colouration on his throat during breeding season while non-breeding males have a paler throat. These reptiles have a largely vegetarian diet, ranging from flowers, and leaves to soft fruit from trees, bout they have also been known to prey on smaller lizards. Extra protein!

A common resident around both Billy’s Lodge and River Lodge is the striped skink. Visitors to Kruger will recognise this slender, smooth and shiny member of the lizard family by its dark brown form, streaked with 2 pale yellow vertical stripes. There is no definitive neck to the skink’s body shape, and it is often seen raising itself up on its front legs, while its back legs stay flat on the surface it is resting on. It eats insects and beetles, burrowing into shady crevasses of rocks and wooden structures. Anything that eats mosquitos can stay!

#SafariSelfieSunDestinations Social Media Competition

Take a selfie while out on safari at one of the Sun Destinations camps, upload it to your Instagram or Twitter account, tag #SafariSelfieSunDestinations and stand a chance to WIN an epic 6 night Kruger safari for 2 people! …But first, let me take a selfie!

HOW TO ENTER

Follow us on Instagram (@SunDestinations) and/or Twitter (@SunDestination1)
Upload a maximum of 3 safari selfies taken at any one of the Sun Destinations’ camps and tag #SafariSelfieSunDestinations on your own Twitter or Instagram account.
You need to be over 18 to enter.
Check out the Sun Destinations Facebook page for all the entries. All entries also appear below.
The closing date is 23 January 2016.
The winning photograph will be the most creative and unique selfie.
The runner up will receive an exquisite, leather bound book called “African Icons”. This coffee table book is a collector’s item and is signed by David Bristow, Roger de la Harpe and Pat de la Harpe.
Winners will be announced on 24 January 2016.
By entering, you automatically agree to the terms and conditions set out below.

THE PRIZE INCLUDES

2 x nights at Africa on Foot
2 x nights at nThambo Tree Camp
2 x nights at Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Road transfers to and from the closest airport (Hoedspruit or Nelspruit).
Road transfers between the camps.
Full board basis (activities and meals).
Conservation levy.

Africa on Foot

Africa on Foot is located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Africa on Foot specialises in professional walking safaris which take place in the morning. Game drives happen in the evening and this is when you get to see the night time predators. The camp is open, which means animals roam freely throughout the camp. Home to the big five and a wealth of wildlife, there is certainly no shortage of incredible sightings at Africa on Foot! There is even a treehouse option for the more adventurous…

nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is an eco-friendly camp located close to Africa on Foot in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. There are five wooden timber chalets on stilts and the camp is open. A small splash pool and waterhole sits in front of the lodge and attracts huge elephant herds. Morning and evening game drives are always a delight and don’t be surprised if you find yourself up close and personal with the big five. Each of the chalets at nThambo Tree Camp have a private balcony with sweeping views of the wilderness.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the premier Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve is famous for its incredible leopard sightings and Umkumbe is no stranger to a variety of big cat sightings. Located on the banks of the Sand River, Umkumbe offers incredible game viewing opportunities from the comfort of the lodge. Don’t be surprised to watch the big five flocking down to the riverbed while you relax in the splash pool overlooking the Sand River.

Prize Excludes:

The prize excludes international/domestic flights and transport to Hoedspruit/Nelspruit airports.
The prize excludes drinks.

* Please check the child policy with each camp if you choose to take a child as your guest.

HERE ARE OUR ENTRIES SO FAR – GET SNAPPING !

Terms and Conditions:

Booking of your prize is subject to availability.
In order for your entry to be accepted, your Instagram account must be public and your photo
must be tagged with the appropriate hashtag.
You will not upload more than 3 “selfies” and each selfie needs to be taken at a camp/lodge within the Sun Destinations portfolio (Africa on Foot, nThambo Tree Camp, Umkumbe Safari Lodge, nDzuti Safari Camp, Afrika Ecco Safaris, Ezulwini Game Lodges)
Your image does not contain any obscene, violent, sexually explicit, offensive, inflammatory or
defamatory content;
The prize is not transferrable for cash.
You will spend 2 nights at Africa on Foot, 2 nights at nThambo tree Camp and 2 nights at Umkumbe Safari Lodge. The order will be decided according to availability.
Prize includes full board, conservation fee & activities.
Drinks at the lodges are NOT INCLUDED.
Transfers between camps and to/from Hoedspruit or Nelspruit Airport are included.
Domestic and international flights are EXCLUDED.
The winner is responsible for arranging their (and their travel companion’s) own passport,
visa, immunisations, travel insurance and flights.
Please check the child policy of the camps if the second person travelling is a child.
A panel will select the prizewinner and they will be notified via social media and told to contact us directly to arrange their safari.
Sun Destinations reserves the right to modify the competition or disqualify any entrant/contestant.
The competition is open to anyone age 18 + and is not open to employees of Sun Destinations.
The winning image will be displayed on the Sun Destinations channels and in newsletters.

On Foot in the Bush: Africa on Foot Walking Safaris

Walking the Kruger is one way to start the day. At Africa on Foot it is the only way to start the day. These are some of the most fulfilling few hours one can spend in the bush: Big game encounters in dead silence with nothing to ‘hide behind’ but your guide’s expertise in the field; a little bit of exercise; some fascinating discoveries about trees, leaves, tracks, and spoor; and a tick off that old bucket list. Africa on Foot walking safaris are some of the best the Kruger has to offer.

This morning our guests set off into the veld led by their guides donning khaki uniforms, gators, veldskoene (‘bush shoes’), and armed with rifles in case of an an unexpected emergency. Guests follow their rangers in single file after being briefed on the basic hand signals and code of conduct for a bush walk. ‘Stop’, ‘go back’, ‘come forward’, and ‘go down’, are some of the essentials used when approaching game. The guides assess everything from the weather, wind direction, guest behaviour, animal behaviour, tracks, sounds, smells, and gut instinct before approaching animals, which is what makes these experiences on foot the most authentic discoveries in the bush.

Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, lion, impala, and zebra are some of the most frequently seen species on an on-foot safari in Kruger’s Klaserie. Trails guides are adept at tracking animals and reading the signs around them to establish just what the bush is telling them. Approaching dangerous game like elephant, lion, and buffalo is a highlight of any walking safari, and guests always return to the lodge with shining eyes, flushed faces, and excited smiles. There is something exhilarating and breath-taking about watching those 2 Ross Breakaway lionesses stroll in front of you, to look up at elephants from the very vulnerable position on the ground, or to have a staring competition with a towering giraffe chewing cud.

Sometimes the excitement lies in the identification of hippo tracks heading back to water after a night of grazing on land; or spotting the outline of a rhino in the dirt where it slept the night before; or seeing Tamboti seeds ‘jump’ in the palm of your hand. Now is the flowering season for many of the bright and beautiful bush plants, offering pops of red, pink, orange, and purple between the greens and browns of the changing veld. The ‘mess’ left behind by a breeding herd of buffalo can lead you straight to the location of the herd (that’s if the oxpeckers don’t give it away first!), and if timing allows, you can arrive at the waterhole before they do, sit quietly and watch, unseen, as a herd of Africa’s most dangerous animals wanders in to drink.

Come to Africa on Foot and experience the bush like never before with invigorating walking safaris that bring the bush alive!

Week in Pics: “You’ve Got Personality”

“Walk, with personality. Talk, with personality. Smile, with personality. Charm, with personality.” Those are the lyrics from Harold Logan and Lloyd Price’s top billboard hit from eons ago – 1959, to be exact. And these pictures, carefully selected for the week in pics, certainly have character and personality! If these images could talk, “You’ve Got Personality” would most certainly be the theme song playing in the background.

This artistic collection of photos highlights the game viewing from the past week and celebrates the presence of creatures both big and small. Our team of photographers have been hard at work gaining unique perspectives on wildlife.

Here is a brief update from the week.

Ezulwini Game Lodges in the Balule enjoyed a week of lion, elephant and buffalo sightings. Jochen, our Balule based photographer, managed to awe us with his lion cub photos. He also captured a few vivid photos of birds of prey interacting and close-ups of plains game. We’ve thrown all these images into the melting pot of sightings for the week but a highlight from the week was the visit from Shoshangaan the collared elephant.

The cubs from the Ross Pride breakaway lioness in the Klaserie were killed by the Hercules Pride of lions. What should have been a week of happiness turned into a week of grieving and mourning. Kevin made an incredible tribute video for the Ross Pride cubs to celebrate their short but meaningful time in the Klaserie. But let’s not dwell on the unexpected fate of the cubs. Guests from nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have had lion sightings, fleeting glimpses of leopard, interactions with buffalo and elephant herds; and all the small creatures have also been showing off for guests.

Enjoy the pictures – and I hope the song is repeating in your head while you browse through these photos.

Hidden camera reveals leopard and lion in tree!

What do a leopard, a slender mongoose, and a lion have in common? Well, in this case, they were all caught on our hidden camera traps in the Klaserie! Africa on Foot guests headed out on safari and came across a partially eaten impala carcass dangling from the branches of a tree – typical leopard behaviour! Knowing that this leopard might come back to feed on its kill, guides Greg and Kevin fastened a camera trap strategically to a tree, facing where all the action could potentially happen…

Sure enough, this morning we recovered the cameras (mercifully not eaten by a hyena – yes, this has happened before), and what we discovered was a surprise to us all! The camera trap automatically took still images whenever something moved in front of the lens, and there sure was a lot of movement. A female leopard (as yet, unidentified) jumped in and out of ‘her tree’ 8 times over 2 days, clearly climbing the tree to feed on the carcass and taking to the shady ground to sleep in between meals. A slender mongoose took itself up the tree in the hopes of feeding on the carcass, and finally, a Trilogy male lion clambered up and stole the kill!

The small, unexpected visitor to the carcass (creeping in while the leopard wasn’t looking) came in the form of a slender mongoose. This little carnivore sneakily climbed the tree and had a look around on two separate occasions, clearly looking for a piece of impala. Mongooses are known to prey on baby birds, scorpions, snakes, insects, and carrion, and this brave individual thought he would take his chances with a leopard’s leftovers.

We captured the leopard a number of times both during the day and at night, climbing the tree to feed intermittently on its kill. All seemed to be going as planned for the skilful female, until something much larger and less spotty clambered up its tree! One of the Trilogy male lions sniffed out the unprotected impala remains and promptly hauled its massive weight into the tree, dislodged the carcass, which dropped to the ground, and then climbed out of the tree and finished the leopard’s leftovers. Unfortunately, the leopard was clearly not finished with her meal, and we caught her climbing the tree one more time after the lion had been there. Unlucky, she climbed down one last time.

Birds of the Balule

In between the leopard and lion sightings currently thrilling Ezulwini guests in the fantastic Balule Nature Reserve, there’s been an impressive bull elephant visiting River Lodge, there was a caracal spotted in the darkness, masses of buffalo, hoards of vultures, and plenty of plains game. What we haven’t yet mentioned, is that the birdlife is blowing our minds! Summer is around the corner, and in the next month we will begin to see even more of the migratory species flocking to the Kruger.

Summer migrants or not, the birdlife in the Greater Kruger and in the particularly wooded veld of the Balule, is superb. Our regulars are bright and cheerful, like the all-time-favourite lilac-breasted roller, and striking buttercup yellow, like the weavers and orioles that love the reeds along the Olifants River. The presence of the river adds a whole new dimension to the birding at Ezulwini, especially at River Lodge, which is blissfully located right on its banks. Waterbirds like the unusual-looking white-crowned lapwing, and the regal African fish eagle are seen regularly from the tree-draped viewing deck.

Birds of prey, like the tawny eagle, spotted eagle owl, dark-chanting goshawk, African harrier hawk (aka gymnogene), wood owl, and the snake eagles are regularly spotted in the Balule. They are among the many raptors seen at Ezulwini, and now they are joined by the intra-African migrant, the Wahlberg’s eagle. We’ve seen a good few of these large eagles, one of which was having a tough time with a fork-tailed drongo that was determined to intimidate it with its mobbing technique!

It is a delight to sit back with a pair of binoculars and enjoy the flashes of colour, listen to the swish of wind through feathered wings and to try your luck at identifying the calls of the melodious birds. Just from River Lodge’s shady viewing deck looking onto the Olifants River, or Billy’s Lodge’s aerial walkway overlooking a waterhole, there is plenty to see. Kingfishers from the giant kind to the brown-hooded and pied kind are soon to be joined by the brilliantly blue woodland kingfisher whose calls will become the most recognised sound of the summer spent in the bush!

Elephant Bull Visits Ezulwini River Lodge

A majestic collared Tusker called Shoshangaan is a frequent visitor to Ezulwini River Lodge. This incredible elephant bull is estimated to be 40 – 45 years old and there is speculation that he originally wandered over from the Kruger National Park.

His movements and habits are all monitored via the collar on his neck. The collar is an effective approach in protecting wildlife populations and their environment. He is collared by Save the Elephant foundation and when he first appeared on the River Lodge turf he was agitated around vehicles He since relaxed and has found his space in the Balule. Imagine relaxing on the deck overlooking the Balule and a huge bull elephant emerges from the thicket metres away from you!

It so happens that Shoshangaan is a repeat guest of Ezulwini Game Lodge. This bull elephant enjoys getting up close to the wooden walkway, which is frequented by guests.

Over the past 3 weeks this gentle giant has been spotted on more than one occasion. Shoshangaan was blissfully unaware of his surrounds and carried on with his browsing and showing off the dexterity of his trunk; much to the delight of eager onlookers.

Jochen and Mira managed to take photos and videos of this giant jumbo in the early afternoon while he was feeding close to the lodge. As the sun sank into the horizon he wondered over to the waterhole at the back of the lodge – probably to quench his thirst after all that browsing.