The rains seem so so far away ! With daytime temperatures sometimes rising into the early 40s and the veld looking very dry, we welcomed a windy and overcast few days in the middle of September. We had hoped for rain but had to be content with a small spattering - just enough to settle the dust for 24 hours.
Over the years, the first rains have fallen by the second week of October, so we are hoping that next newsletter will bring great news. There is a traditional belief that the amount of rain may be gauged preseasonally by investigating the nesting plans of the weaver birds. If they build high, it means that there will be copious rains ; low nesting indicates a below average rainfall season. At Tremisana the lesser masked weavers have added to existing nests - so we are led to believe that the rainfall will be poor this season.
At Marc's Camp, the weavers are a little tardy this year - no serious building has taken place at the time of writing. A pair of thick-billed weavers have started a nest (built between two reeds) at a height of 1,5 metres above the water level at the Breakfast Dam - so we expect average rains in the Marc's Camp zone.
Of course, we definitely believe in the sightseeing equation : very dry conditions + limited water = excellent game viewing. Our guides report the usual excellent lion sightings . The pride at Nsemani Dam is seen regularly. Game-viewing on the S 100 is unsurpassed. Sightings of rhino and leopard are more erratic while buffalo and elephant are guaranteed to be seen every trip.
The Parks Board has seen fit to burn certain sections of the Park. Their plan allows for growth of new green grass immediately there is any moisture. It is unfortunate that on some sections, burning has taken place on both sides of the road. On the positive side, it certainly allows for sightings of animals up to 800 m from the road.
There is a new picnic site being built at Orpen Gate and Satara Camp is in the process of being upgraded - the new cafeteria will be functional from the second week in October. We are pleased to see these new developments as they necessarily impact postively on the safari experience of our guests. We have had a few requests for earlier newsletters. These date back a few years and can be read on our website : www.vivasafaris.com
NEWS AT TREMISANA
In an eco-friendly exercise, our staff teamed up with students from Campfire Safaris and cleaned up the entire area around Tremisana. 6 bags of "eco-unfriendly" stuff like bricks , cement, wire etc were collected. We even found an old snare - proof that some unscrupulous poachers are operating here.The Warden has given us an undertaking that he will institute more patrols.
We have appointed Bornwise Mashamba as our third specialist game guide, joining Mark and Marcel. Bornwise was previously stationed at Orpen Camp where he conducted bush walks . He has also had experience in driving guests on open gameviewing vehicles.
The resident troop of monkeys have produced 2 youngsters. A herd of 4 giraffe have spent most of September around the camp. The water in Tremisana Dam has dried up and the only water source available now is at the cement trough. We need to fill this every day as the elephants can each consume about 50 litres at a time. This trough supplies water to all our general game including herds of wildebeest, zebra, impala, kudu and waterbuck. At night we see porcupine, duiker and civet regularly using the water trough.
With the shortage of water, we have decided to water our gardens less frequently. We are sure that they will survive till the rains come. Delina had her 41st birthday party earlier this month - we were fortunate that there were no guests in camp (it seldom happens) and a good party was enjoyed by all.
NEWS AT MARC'S CAMP
Ronald is going at a frenzied pace to complete all kind of projects. We had a visit from the Visentin family and the duCaps who noticed a remarkable change in the treehouses and gardens.
The dams are full as a result of water being pumped from the Klaserie River. The antelope around the camp seem a lot less nervous. Perhaps it is their dependence on the water supplied at the dams that has made them very easy to approach and photograph. We often see nyala, kudu and impala right at the swimming pool area. The buffalo are still active along the river and the hyena clan is heard every night. A large (over 50) group of banded mongoose is seen foraging near our waste disposal area. They are probably scrounging for the odd piece of uneaten toast and other tidbits, now that their natural food is depleted.
New linen and blankets have been bought and some curtains have been replaced.
We sometimes get the odd tourists who are scared to sleep in a treehouse. They believe (erroneously) that the hyena and buffalo can climb up the steps and force their way in through the reeds and canvas. No amount of reassurance can persuade such tourists to relax and have a good night's sleep. Invariably we have to move such tourists to Cheetah Inn or Tremisana. We have now decided to build 2 adjoining units for such tourists. These units will be made of brick and mortar and will not be on stilts or in the trees but will be in an elevated position with a spacious deck overlooking the river. The overall sense of being amongst the trees will still be in place. With this new building, we will be able to accommodate up to 34 people at Marc's Treehouse Camp.
NEWS AT CHEETAH INN
The front entrance has been brightened up by repainting the grey with white. We intend to repaint the outsides of our chalets as well.
We have engaged Llewellyn Jones ( our chief guide, Mark's father ) to build a 9-hole mini golf (putt-putt) course. Work will start early October and we hope to have it finished by end October. It will certainly add to the entertainment value of Cheetah Inn. Local families will be able to enjoy a good meal and swim and have a round of putt-putt to assist with the digestion. We had a visit from Linda Webster, who is a leading marketer of conference venues. She has given us a few good tips and we shall be marketing our conference venue with added vigour.
We have hosted a number of conferences in September and have a good few end-of-year parties as well as a Matric Dance booked for October. A local hot-air balloon safari operator has been using our airstrip for take-off. Apparently the wind blows in such a way as to allow for hot-air ballooon safaris over our neighbour , Kapama Game Reserve.
We have further news on our joint venture with McFarlane Safaris, the "Youth Educational and Family Fun Safaris" : Available in 1 or 2 week safaris, the tour will include educational visits to the Swadini Museum; the Kruger National Park where we meet conservation staff; the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre; the Kapama Endangered Species Project ; the Nyani Cultural Village; the Nature Conservation Division at Skukuza ; the Swadini Reptile Park ; a walk with wildlife at Tshukudu Private Reserve; the Elephant museum at Letaba and the archeological site at Masorini.Other options include a Big Five Game hike ; a horse-back safari; tandem micro-lighting; hot air ballooning; a flight in a light aircraft to the Blyde Canyon and the gorge-swing (not for the faint-hearted). We know Garth McFarlane personally and are certain this will be a huge success.All guests will be accommodated at the Cheetah Inn.
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