ZULULAND IS THE KING OF THE JUNGLE

South African tourists are easily intimidated by luxury lodge prices, and yet we yearn to be a part of the Big 5 exclusive gang. I have stayed in some of the more up market lodges that ask in the region of R18,000 per person per night. I don’t deny that this is a real treat and beyond anything we can ever dream of affording. There is no denying that this is luxury at its ultimate best.

Rhino Sands in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, between Hluhluwe and Mkuze in KwaZulu-Natal offers luxury equal to those upmarket lodges found in the Kruger National Park area. The Big 5 experience can easily be matched and it is more affordable for the local tourist. Admittedly we have to dig deep to tick the box to have an exclusive game experience, where you are treated like the King of the Jungle, to feel special and support those who are striving to keep our wildlife alive. It is a once in a life-time experience and well worth saving your pennies to do.

Rhino Sands caters for only 8 guests in 4 luxury tents. The décor is magnificent, and the lodge is totally eco-friendly. This ticks a huge box for me. The lodge goes out of its way to make sure that attention to detail is done to the extreme, without being superficial. It is down to earth and loyal to the conservation effort the reserve strives to preserve.

At a third of the price of some of the lodges that appeal to international tourists, Rhino Sands has to be on your bucket list.

In 2004, 17 private properties in the northern Zululand area dropped their fences forming the Manyoni Private Game Reserve (formerly Zululand Rhino Reserve). The vision behind the reserve was to provide a home to a population of black rhinos as part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The joining of the properties created a 23,000-hectare private game reserve in the heart of Zululand, in one of the most animal-rich and species-diverse areas of South Africa.

In addition to the black rhinos, the reserve is now home to the big five (rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion) and has seen the re-introduction of two endangered carnivore species, cheetahs and African wild dogs. It is one of the premier wildlife-viewing destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal and one of the most beautiful reserves in the area with varied landscapes from acacia thornveld to open savannah to riverine forest. Game drives on the reserve are regulated and coordinated by the ecotourism businesses to minimize the impact on the environment and the stress on the animals providing guests with a better and more intimate game viewing experience.

Find out more: https://rhinosands.com

CELEBRATING THE LITTLE 5 AT PAKAMISA

Chamu, the charming game ranger at Pakamisa took us on a journey to explore the Little 5. We always chase after the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – and rarely take any notice of the Little 5 – antlion, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle, elephant shrew and buffalo weaver.

On our evening bush walk we stumbled over lots of ant lion tracks. These squiggly drawings in the sand lead to a conical well, and inside is the tiny, yet ferocious, ant lion. Don’t be confused as the antlion is neither an ant or a lion.

We teased him out of his hiding place – so shaped to trap ants and other delicious dinner morsels. He was not happy ….. have a look at this little video of him having stern words with us…..

Once we had coaxed this little fellow out of his hiding place, he promptly tried to burrow back not realising he was in the hand of a human! He was released back into his den, to prepare for his next meal.

Antlion are the larval form of any of the 2,000 species of the family Myrmeleontidae, and feed mainly on ants.

A fully developed larva is about 1.5 cm long, with a life cycle similar to that of a caterpillar. It spins a cocoon and emerges resembling a dragonfly.

Antlion traps are set in dry areas where the soil is loose and small. Once they have dug their circular, funnel shaped pit they hide in the bottom of it waiting for their prey. The antlion grabs his dinner with his jaws and promptly sucks out its body fluid and disposes of the carcass.

For more information about Pakamisa Private Game Reserve: www.pakamisa.co.za

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!

GIVING AND RECEIVING

For the past 5 years the Milimani Educational Trust has spread a little Christmas cheer and personalised gifts for each child in the 3 crèches they support in Sovane, Maphambeni and KwaDla-Kuse. These crèches are in a remote region of northern Zululand.

This year there are over 180 children, plus 12 teachers to consider. So they decided to go the up-cycling route and approached 

Uzwelo Bags in Durban to make draw string bags to fill with goodies for Christmas. Thanks to kind donations from a few folk they were able to purchase and brand these useful bags.

The Uzwelo story is so inspiring and although Milimani is receiving on one hand, they are also giving. I love it when that happens!!

Uzwelo Bags use waste fabric from their partner company, Expand a Sign. This fabric would otherwise find its way into landfills but in true Cinderella style they are turned into functional, stylish and affordable bags of all shapes and sizes.  

Each bag is literally unique as no two bags are the same. 

To top it all they are proudly and truly South African.

Tanya Bailey with Lois Kuhle from Milimani

Tanya Bailey, founder and owner, has trained people to make the 

bags as an entrepreneurial opportunity, and some of the 

profits go into supporting environmental projects.

Uzwelo has a resident team and outsources to community projects when necessary. They have trained ladies from iBhungezi/Philangethemba Trust (Molweni-Valley of 100 hills),  LIV Village, and iThembalethu (Cato Manor). Each lady is producing bags and earning a living that puts food on the table for their families, funds education and provides dignity and empowerment for their communities in the long-term.

They have partnered with an NPO “The Bateleurs”. Uzwelo is proud to be associated with all that they do and donates a portion of the sales to their cause.

Milimani is gathering goodies to fill the bags for the kids. 

But, shhhhh, don’t tell them…. It’s a surprise.

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

We were invited to celebrate a good friend’s 60^th birthday at 

Camp Carlos in Santa Maria, Mozambique.

Tucked away in the midst of this wild and wonderful celebration, 

that lasted 5 days, was a beautiful gift.

At low tide a couple of girlfriends waded across the bay 

to an exposed bank that was littered with pansy shells. 

These delicate little beauties embody all that is peaceful and magnificent.

I was so captivated by all that they stood for, and discovered this beautiful poem. 

Once home I took a collection of gold that was given to me by my husband and my dad. We traded it in for white gold and had a simple, stunning pansy made which rests peacefully on my chest, with the message engraved on the back: 

“Be Still My Soul” (Psalm 131).

I treasure this memory of friendship and a gentle reminder 

that you can trip over an epiphany any time, in the most unexpected place.

The simple, beautiful pansy shell made from a collection of gold trinkets that we traded in. 
Crafted by Afrokwazi, Gateway Mall, Durban.

KIDS ON SAFARI 
@ PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is in a malaria free area. There are no major predators making this an ideal location for kids on safari.

The reserve is approximately a 4 ½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg and slightly shorter to Durban.  From Durban there are plenty of interesting places to stop off on the way, the petrol stations have clean bathrooms where you can freshen up and get a light snack.

Families must remember that whilst on safari you must be constantly aware of safety precautions and even though the reserve has no predators, all animals are unpredictable. Never get out of the vehicle unless the ranger is close by and aware of your intentions. Keep children close to you on walks and in the vehicle and please remain sitting at all times.

Initially children are excited about going on safari, but the reality may include driving on dirt roads looking for animals. In order to meet your children’s expectations, explain that patience is part of the adventure. 



Bring along some colouring-in books, cameras and a check list for animals to occupy them should they become bored.

A real bonus is allowing them to have their own camera or video recorder 

(it doesn’t have to be an expensive piece of equipment). 

This will encourage them to focus on what is happening around them.

Safaris involve waking up early in the morning to avoid the heat. 
This can result in grumpy kids! Let them have a good rest, 
a swim and some down time between activities. 
If they fall asleep in the vehicle, let them snooze away. 
You can always wake them up when something exciting is around the corner.

Pakamisa is an exclusive lodge and they are happy to 
tailor make your itinerary to suit you and your family, 
taking your needs and those of other guests into consideration. 
The kitchen is happy to cater for the younger members.

The South African Immigration Law requires that all children under 18 must carry an unabridged (long form) birth certificate along with their passports. Make sure you apply for this in good time. These certificates show details of both parents: names, ID numbers, birth place and date.

This law has been introduced to combat child trafficking and is in force at all ports of entry.

For more information click on this link: http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Brochures/Immigrationleaflet.pdf

Contact details:

e-mail: res@pakamisa.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0) 83 229 1811

Web: www.pakamisa.co.za