Human-wildlife interactions with iconic big cats including lions, cheetahs and their cubs are being promoted via the Ranch Protea Hotel in Limpopo, owned by Marriott International, despite statements distancing themselves from such activities. The hotel groups’ involvement in the wild animal interaction industry came to light in a recent newsletter from Thompson’s Holidays. In the... Continue Reading →
"Those who tell the stories rule the world." - Native American proverb
"I had made a terrible mistake..." wildlife biologist Steve Boyes says, describing the day when he and his research assistant were thrown off their mekoro into the waters of the Cuito river by an angry hippopotamus. When he saw a rustling in the reeds, he immediately thought they were approaching a crocodile and headed to deeper water,... Continue Reading →
Before visiting the SADC countries of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe last year, we were told by everyone who had been there before that we’ll see thousands of elephant. We didn’t doubt them, as it is, after all, home to the largest remaining population of elephants in the world. As our luck would have it, we drove... Continue Reading →
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
South Africans have this interesting fascination with rain which, understandably, has a lot to do with the greater part of the country being a semi-desert, arid place. And for the people who are directly dependent on the rainfall and seasons, like my farming family, rain is always an otherworldly blessing. It’s like experiencing a miracle... Continue Reading →
Two of the only five remaining mature desert elephant bulls that occupied the Ugab region of Namibia have recently been hunted and killed. Tsaurab and Tusky, along with another juvenile bull, Kambonde, were shot in the midst of an international outcry and ongoing petitions attempting to halt the killings – an uproar brushed off by... Continue Reading →
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” ― Julia Child
Sutherland is what you’d call a perfect winter weekend breakaway destination in South Africa. While it may seem like a sleepy town at first glance, it offers all the iconic Karoo charm plus a few extras. Sutherland’s charm is linked directly to the weather. See, Sutherland is one of only a few places in... Continue Reading →
