GOING BUNDU BASHING

Dressing for the occasion

The entrance to Pakamisa basking in the soft winter Zululand Sun

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), has no major predators, making it safe to go on bush walks. Their food is so delicious and this a welcome alternative to game drives to walk off those extra calories. And if you want to get back in the saddle there is a stable of horses to choose from. Isabella, the owner, will carefully select a horse to suit your riding ability.

But, back to Shanks Pony*, we had a wonderful afternoon with Chamu, Pakamisa’s charming guide. We set out in the late afternoon, in the soft glow of the Zululand winter sun. Mind you, day-time temperatures in this part of the world range between 25 - 30 degrees centigrade, which can hardly be called ‘winter’.

We learnt so much on our easy-going hour and a half walk, so stay with me and I will share snippets with you as we go along.

First thing ….. be prepared, and dress appropriately.

Here are some guidelines for a comfortable bush-walk:

• Wear protection from the African sun – don’t be fooled by our ‘winter’. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Cover your legs and arms, to protect you from thorns.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, and long socks – preferably not white ones. We still have ticks this time of the year. You can spray on insect repellent to be doubly sure.
• Wear colours that blend with the environment – beige, khaki (of course), dark green and brown.
• Cameras, binocs and water – this goes without saying!
• Layer your clothing for cooler evenings, make sure it’s easy to carry.
• Always listen to your ranger, trust his instincts and obey his rules.
• Stay alert and expect the unexpected. The thrill of a bush walk!
• Relish every moment, observe and learn.
• Silence is golden – this is not the time for idle chit chat – listen to the magical sounds of the bush!

Next time I will share some of our bundu bashing moments……

*Shanks Pony is an old Scottish expression – meaning using your two legs!

WELL GROOMED LADY AT PAKAMISA

Crisp Zululand mornings are the perfect time for a horse ride. 

Our winters are refreshingly mild and after a cosy night in their pristine stables, the horses are ready to face the day. 

If you are not an accomplished rider, fear not, the Pakamisa horses are well schooled and happy to take you on a gentle ride.

Isabella Stepski, owner of Pakamisa, is a renowned international Arabian horse expert, who has been breeding fine horses for over 30 years. Her horses were originally born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, of purebred Spanish Bloodlines, tracing back to the famous mares of the State owned stud “Yeguada Militar”. In 1996 she transported her entire stud to this scenic, mountainous region just outside Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Her horses are raised surrounded by giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and many other antelopes.

The Pakamisa Arabian Stud, located within the 2,500 hectare private game reserve, is home to a selection of Arabian and part-bred horses, specifically chosen to suit the Pakamisa environment.

Makhosi Dlamini 

Over the past 20 years Isabella has trained local staff in horsemanship and is proud to have had people like Makhosi Dlamini on her team. Makhosi joined Pakamisa as a groom. She then became the back-up rider for the horse trails. After Makhosi had her second child she returned to Pakamisa and took the opportunity of working in the kitchen as there was a vacancy available. With Isabella’s excellent training skills guests can be confident that they are in good hands, whether it is in the kitchen, on horseback or in the bush.

WEB: www.pakamisa.co.za

Contact: res@pakamisa.co.za

LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE. INDEED.

It is always such a special treat to be included in out rides at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve. I am a bit of a plodder and was grateful that my steed for the day was Badger. He is a gracious old gent and understands my need to take it slowly. My companions were clearly much better riders than myself and they kindly tolerated my lack of horsemanship.

Pakamisa is the best place to amble through the pristine bush. 




The horses have been trained to accept the wildlife we encounter, and they too remain calm in our presence.

Isabella Stepski, who owns Pakamisa, led our ride. She was born in a saddle and her love for horses is so obvious. Her horses are in excellent condition as is their livery. Isabella welcomes volunteers who spend anything up to 3 months at the reserve escorting guests on rides. They look so elegant on horseback and maybe one day I will get there too. Most volunteers come from Europe – Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As many guests are European they feel quite at home chatting in their mother tongue.

The balmy sky was quite dramatic with the threat of a storm. The afternoon light was so beautiful and taking it slowly we went through tamboti forests and down farm roads making it easy to forget all the troubles of the world.

Learning the Zulu names for the animals is fun on a ride. Pakamisa has a journey of giraffe, or indlulamithi, who are so used to posing for photographs with riders, etching the memory of the encounter forever.  We came across a small group with a youngster who put on a lovely show for us, bucking as he slipped deeper into the forest. The warthog, ntibane, are great opportunists and frequently hang around the stables, greedy for scraps. 

A family of ostrich, intshe, are also always close by. They have raised many chicks in the past, but this year their nest of eggs was vandalized by predators. Eggs are laid in a communal nest called a dump nest, which can hold about 60 eggs at one time. The Zulus haven’t quite wrapped their head around a name for impala, and they remain as ‘mpala’. These delicate antelope will start rutting soon and their guttural call can be heard day and night. Kudu in Zulu are called mgankla or tshabalala – what a fun name! The way they negotiate the thickets with their majestic horns is incredible. Finally, the comedians of the bush, nkhonhoni or blue wildebeest can keep you entertained for ages.

So, despite not galloping on the beautiful open plains at Pakamisa I believe we all had a magical ride taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the Zululand bushveld. We were rewarded with a spectacular storm drenching the reserve with much needed rain.

Thank you Badger for this wonderful experience.

Click here for more information about Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

BACK IN THE SADDLE…AGAIN

If the truth be told, the last time I sat firmly in the saddle must have been 25 years ago. I was in my late 20’s getting over a broken heart. A girlfriend had this bright idea that we should take up horse riding and I struggled through a few lessons, finally giving up, deciding that a broken heart was easier to mend than aching thighs.

I have known Isabella Stepski from Pakamisa for 14 years and have always admired her beautiful Arab horses, and longed for the day when I could ride through the pristine bushveld at Pakamisa viewing game.

September is such a gorgeous month in Zululand. The air is crisp, not too hot, and ideal for game viewing.

I rode Apache, a gentleman of a horse, who patiently carried me on our hour and a half amble. The other guests were also novices and we all felt extremely confident on our steeds. The Pakamisa horses (not all Arabs) are well schooled and used to meeting other four legged creatures. There are no predators or dangerous game on the reserve, so no fear of joining the food chain.

Isabella is fastidious about her tack. Her saddles are custom made for each horse. Out of the 33 horses 18 are under saddle. I confess that I did look with extreme envy at the accomplished riders, sitting so naturally on their horses. 

There is something special about the relationship between rider and horse.

We allowed the horses several pub stops. Water is extremely important in our warm, dusty climate. That done, we weaved our way through tamboti forests, following animal tracks and on farm roads. We saw zebra, impala, giraffe (a Pakamisa signature), kudu, duiker and wildebeest. All the game was so calm and it was wonderful to be at one with them.

A flock of ostrich has taken up residence around the stables. 

Mum and dad proudly guarding their 11 new hatchlings.

I slipped off my steed, sorry that the ride was over. Isabella has a group of young volunteers who are kind and efficient. Together we unsaddled the horses and rewarded them with a good brushing. 
Apache thanked me with nuzzling kisses and almost fell asleep during his preening!

It was a wonderful morning. 

Well worth repeating.

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is just outside Pongola in Zululand, South Africa. www.pakamisa.co.za

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:
SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html
'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.
http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html
COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/loiskuhle

Pristine Pakamisa

Isabella Stepski established Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in 1996, on land that is “Right in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom”. The closest town, 18 kms away, is Pongola. It boasts a burgeoning agricultural community that cultivates 50 square kilometers of sugar cane and sub-tropical fruits. 



During the depression of the ‘30’s Pongola introduced a canal system for irrigation. The town thrived and erected a sugar mill, now the back bone of this community. This small town of 128,000 people (2011) has an unfortunate unemployment rate of 35%.

Most of the non-arable land was used for cattle farming. Game existed in the area, but not in great numbers because of threat of disease. In the late ‘80’s a few cattle farmers established basic accommodation for hunters. Approximately 10 years later a handful of land owners realised the potential tourism was bringing to the area and upgraded accommodation to attract international and upmarket visitors. It is against this backdrop that Isabella Stepski manifested a dream of owning a game farm with a 5 star lodge in South Africa, where she could also breed and ride her Arab horses she brought from Spain.

17 years later, after the challenge of constructing a 5 Star lodge with community members who have grown up with a legacy of cattle herding and cane farming, Pakamisa has offered valuable exposure in international tourism. 33 people are employed.




The tired and overgrazed 2,500 hectare cattle farm was transformed into pristine bush, re-introducing indigenous game such as giraffe and antelope. 

The most exciting, and unique, element that Isabella introduced to the area is her horsemanship. Isabella is a renowned international Arabian horse expert, who has bred these fine horses for 30 years. Her horses were originally born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, of purebred Spanish Bloodlines. Staff members who have shown an affinity to horses have been ‘groomed’ with phenomenal equine management skills. Understanding the importance of caring for saddles, tack and tools; and being able to identify and treat diseases, basic health and hoof conditions has been instilled via skills transfer either from Isabella or the numerous experts who visit Pakamisa. An international volunteer program offers a valuable opportunity to exchange cultural knowledge.

An obvious benefit of having 33 stabled horses, is of course…..manure! With Pongola’s perfect hot climate growing vegetables is a must, and is overseen by a local horticulturist. Staff grow vegetables for their own pot as well as offering lodge guests organic veg. This is converted into a culinary delight by the chef in the kitchen, another wonderful empowerment story.

Against a landscape that has been historically worlds apart from game farming, bush management, tourism and horsemanship, Isabella and Pakamisa have altered the lives of many people in the local community and introduced a new generation into a lucrative livelihood in tourism and equine management. 

It is inspirational for guests and professionals to interact with staff members, whether they are game rangers, stable hands or kitchen staff, to see and appreciate the skills development that has taken place at Pakamisa.

Website:

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve: www.pakamisa.co.za

Or follow them on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PakamisaGameReserve

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:

SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html

'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT. http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html

COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/loiskuhle