August 2004 Sanctuary Talking
GENERAL NEWS
Website Upgrade
www.sanctuarylodges.com has had some significant changes over the past few months. A number of new pages were added providing useful information. We are currently working on an image library on the Sanctuary website with high-resolution images. This will allow our industry colleagues immediate access to download images without any problems.
Botswana gives Mozambique 500 elephants
 Botswana is said to have the largest elephant population in Africa (over 100, 000) and has previously donated elephants to neighbours such as Angola. In a dramatic move to restart the war devastated Mozambique elephant stock, Botswana is to donate 500 animals. Alfonso Madope, Mozambique''s National Director of Conservation said that the elephants would be transported by land to the Gorongosa National Park in the central province of Sofala. The last count in 2001 had Gorongosa''s elephants at a mere 111 from 7,000 in 1979. The government plans to repair the roads & paths in Gorongosa & develop a tourist park for which an international tender will be made. The elephants will be moved before the end of this year.
Fuel Surcharge
Effective 20th of September 2004, the fuel surcharge of USD 4.00 will be increased to USD 12.60 on all Air Botswana flight sectors from the following countries:
Republic of South Africa into Botswana
Namibia to Botswana
Zimbabwe to Botswana
This increase is mainly due to the increase in fuel prices from the South African Fuel Suppliers but the surcharge within and from Botswana will remain unchanged until further notice.
Selling Long Haul
Selling Long Haul advised that Sanctuary Lodges & Camps has made the shortlist in the Best Hotel Groups & Resorts in South & Central Africa as well as Best Hotel Groups & Resorts in the Middle East respectively. Nominations can be made online & winners will be announced in the November issue of the magazine with presentations made during the week of the World Travel Market. Votes may be cast on www.bmipublications.co.uk
Gorilla Trekking Permits
 The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has raised tariffs for park fees, permits and other activities.
The price of gorilla permits increased from 01 August 2004.
In Bwindi, permits have been raised from USD 275 to USD 360 per person, per trek. The new rates apply to all purchases of gorilla permits after 01st August 2004. However, those who had already paid deposits will not be affected by this change.
Elephant Activity Holiday
Elephant activity will not be available from 15 January to 15 February 2005 as their annual leave will be taken.
Ballooning Activity
Ballooning activities are currently not operative due to the high water levels and will be revised at the end of November 2004.
BOTSWANA
Stanley''s Camp
Once again Stanley''s Camp has had a good month with good elephant sightings and most guests enjoyed the mokoro rides in the African sun.
Whilst sitting around the fireplace, two male lions were seen chasing Hyena on the 19 July.
The Beshouri family stated that Stanley''s was the best camp they had been to in Botswana. They added that it was the highlight of their holiday despite the balloon rides being cancelled due to the high water levels. One of the Beshouri sons went on a mokoro ride & got his shoes full of mud. Housekeeping washed them and left them to dry overnight. Hyena''s ate the front of one of the shoes, which was found in a nearby bush. The family thought this was amazing and took the shoe back home with them as a memento.
Chief''s Camp
The winter season still provides excellent game sightings. The floods have compressed lion territories resulting in 2 or more different lion sightings on a game drive. This has also lead to "surround sound" roaring every night when each coalition competes with their now very close neighbours. Mating lions were seen outside room 2 and a male lion strolled through the camp just outside the reception area.
On the 21 July a leopard was seen robbing a hyena of it''s Impala kill. A leopard was also reported to have jumped out off a tree onto the impala underneath it!
The first white rhino calf has been born from the rhinos that were introduced 3 years ago. Sergeant, the male rhino has been viewed a number of times but the calf has yet to be spotted.
"I loved all the meals and I don''t think you need to improve. Brown & Comic (guides) were both nice & professional".
Tania Bello (11 years)
Chobe Chilwero
July has been a relatively eventful month for Chobe Chilwero. Hyena''s were spotted close to the main gate feeding on Impala. Sunning pythons were spotted at the river edge and malakite were seen nesting at Sedudu Island.
BAINES'' CAMP
An in-depth investigation to determine the cause of the fire that affected Room No. 5 at Baines'' Camp was undertaken and it was concluded that the fire was caused by a gas leak from the gas bottle housed alongside the hot water geyser in the service unit block under the floor of the bathroom of Room No. 5. All installations have been re checked and thoroughly inspected and we are confident that every safety precaution is in place to avoid any such incident in the future. Baines'' Camp continues to operate successfully with 4 rooms and we are currently in the process of planning the reconstruction of Room 5, the completion date to be communicated at a later date.
With temperatures rising it is with much delight that we are able to advise that Baines'' Camp swimming pool is due to open during November 2004.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the opening of Baines'' Camp. The singing staff, Thomas the mascot Hippo, our delightful campfire and viewing of shooting stars made
our visit truly special. Food was superb."
Pertz Family
"What an amazing way to spend...celebrate our first anniversary. Thank you for making it so unique and special. We will be back! Tell Tom the hippo he will be missed."
Erin and Todd Schafer
"Fantastic. What a magnificent place to spend our honeymoon. Everything has been so wonderful. The hospitality of all the staff, food... really excellent. Martin, you are a
great guide, many thanks. Thank you all very much."
Simon & Christina Barnfather
EAST AFRICA
 The Wildebeest Migration is one of the world''s greatest wildlife spectacles and guests in East Africa are being treated to this amazing spectacle. The migratory animals seem to have turned up in incredible numbers this year. The wildebeest are currently moving from the Central Plains of Mara (Kenya), where they first settled after coming from the Serengeti, and the herds have taken three different directions with the majority heading towards the Mara Triangle. There has been some rain in the Mara, but not very heavy - making it perfect for game drives, as it settles the dust. The animals gather at the riverbed before the pressing weight of the huge herds force them to face the challenges of the river crossing, and these crossings have become the highlight of game drives. Guests at Olonana witnessed a crossing a few days ago where about three thousand animals crossed the river. With the rain and the anticipation of lush grazing, it looks as though the wildebeest could stay in the area for at least another month. Predators are enjoying this perfect opportunity for easy hunting and guests on safari have reported seeing several hunts while on game drives.
OLONANA
Olonana offers unique opportunities for guests on safari. This luxury camp is nestled in the Masai Mara Conservation area on the banks of the Mara River. Accommodation is in twelve double tents, each attended by a personal butler. Each tent has 2 queen size beds, en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water and a spacious veranda overlooking the river. Facilities include a swimming pool, elegant lounge/dining cottage as well as a large deck outside lounge and dining area for breakfast, sundowners, afternoon tea and stargazing. The Masai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife and activities at Olonana include spectacular game viewing drives (day and night), bush walks, bush breakfasts, lunches, dinners and Sundowners.
 Preservation of culture is one of Olonana''s goals and achievements and the camp has established and supports a Maasai cultural village. The village is built along traditional Maasai lines, complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and traditional mud and cow dung huts. Outside the village is a traditional blacksmith''s enclosure and an area for shield-making and other crafts. The Engang is home to four elders, their wives and families. Guests are invited to visit the village to learn about the Maasai culture in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide, guests learn the medicinal uses of the trees and herbs, the social structure of the homestead, the role of women in their society and many more aspects of their daily life. Interaction and discussion is encouraged, so whether the ladies are building a hut, the warriors are dancing or the Oltorrobo is making fire, guests are free to join in.
The camp is also at the forefront of eco-tourism in Kenya with solar power, biodegradable products and a wetlands project which allows for all used water to be totally recycled. A tree planting project which aims to help curb the deforestation of the Maasai Mara gives guests the opportunity to purchase an indigenous tree that will be planted in the tree nursery area.
DISH OF THE MONTH
Rooibos Sticky Toffee Pudding
430ml boiling water
4 rooibos tea bags
280g dates, stoned and roughly chopped
115g butter
350g soft brown sugar
4 eggs, beaten
10ml bicarbonate of soda
350g self-raising flour
10ml vanilla essence
250ml rooibos tea, hot
ROOIBOS TEA: An indigenous herb tea from the Southwestern Cape region of South Africa. Called rooibos pronouced "roy-boss." This tea is pure and natural with a characteristic sweet flavor. Caffeine free, no additives, colorants or preservatives & is antioxidant rich.
Grease a 24 x 24 x 5cm banking tin.
Place the boiling water in a pot with the rooibos tea bags and allow to draw for about 2 minutes. Remove the bags and place the pot on the stove, adding the dates. Boil until the dates are soft and pasty, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cream the butter and sugar together, slowly incorporate the eggs and beat well.
Add the bicarbonate of soda to the dates (it will fizz slightly). Very quickly beat the flour, vanilla essence and date mixture into the egg mixture, place in the greased baking tin and bake in the oven until firm, about 45 minutes.
Pour the 250ml rooibos tea over the hot pudding.
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