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July 2008 Sanctuary Talking

BOTSWANA UPDATE

CHOBE CHILWERO

A Pangolin…? Gilbert, one of our guides came across a very rare sighting in the Chobe National Park. While guiding the Robinson family of four, Gilbert spotted what appeared to be a big ball rolling down the hill in a cloud of dust. Curious to find out what this could be, he drove close to it and to his bewilderment this “ball” began to open up and in no time was on all fours with a long scaly tail wandering away into the bush. It was a pangolin! Gilbert confessed this was his first time to see a live pangolin. He immediately called the other guides over the radio to come and witness this phenomenon. Only one arrived in time before the pangolin disappeared into the bush.

- Pangolin photograph courtesy of Gavin Ford

CHIEF'S CAMP

While enjoying a delicious lunch guests were treated to a wonderful view of a breeding herd of elephants crossing the water in front of camp –The highlight was a baby elephant following its mother into the water, every now he would come up gasping for air with his trunk flailing in the air until they reached the shallower water. The herd milled around camp for a few hours, and as the pathways were blocked by some frisky males; guests were driven to their rooms to enjoy their afternoon siesta.

BAINES' CAMP

The big cats were out in abundance this month - leopard and wild cat. Lions have been seen feeding away on a buffalo kill for several days and their roars were heard almost every night. Huge herds of Buffalo were also spotted in the concession… “During bush dinner we found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of buffalo! An experience of a lifetime”

STANLEY'S CAMP

Two leopards mating…! The guests were enthralled by the snapping, biting and sounds emanating from these two beasts and felt privileged to witness this extremely rare sighting – that is until a hyena came by to investigate and broke up the "love fest". The camp has been alive with game this month. Stanley the elephant has been wondering through most nights, one morning even blocking off the guest restroom while he consumed the tree above it. Luxury in the wilderness Large male lion tracks were found in the parking area and later that night roaring so close to the tents that the guests could feel the vibrations. Young hyenas were spotted curiously checking out the tent decks. There's nothing like relaxing on your deck in the afternoon with the wildlife as a backdrop, watching elephant and giraffe on the floodplain.

- Giraffe photograph courtesy of Gavin Ford

ZAMBIA UPDATE

SUSSI & CHUMA

Exhilarating and relaxing...! Located in Livingstone's Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park overlooking the magnificent Zambezi River, Sussi & Chuma's activities include romantic sunset river cruises in the private eight-seater boats, guided tours of the awe inspiring Victoria Falls, a visit to the local Simonga Village and game drives with a professional Zambian guide in open landcruisers, where you may encounter giraffe, impala, elephant, buffalo and be fortunate enough to meet up with the recent reintroduced white rhino.

- Sunset and Victoria Falls photographs courtesy of Gavin Ford

CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE

The lodge team members play a very important part in any guest's experience and we are proud to introduce Keenan Thole (KT); who has been guiding in the Luangwa Valley for over 20 years and has vast knowledge of the park and knows it like the back of his hand. You will certainly not regret jumping into a game drive vehicle or stretching your legs on a walking safari with KT. The animal tracks, droppings, and vegetation will give you a whole new perspective. Misili – our head waiter who ensures that your glass never runs dry, is the composer of the `Haaaalllooo; welcome to Chichele' single – the song welcoming guests to Chichele as they arrive at the lodge. Roy – our head chef, also affectionately known as Uncle Roy, is famous for his own version of Tiramisu, which has become one of the favourites on our menu.

PUKU RIDGE LODGE

“Wow! Wait till CondeNast lays its eyes on this camp!” explained Renette Hartridge on her recent visit to Puku Ridge Camp. In terms of its design and décor, the new Puku Ridge is tipped to be on top of Zambia's "must see" list. The six tents are spaced a good distance apart and, notwithstanding their viewing deck and large alfresco shower, the interiors are massive too. The drop-down tent windows ensures an impressive 180 degree view of the floodplain below. The new camp has some of the neatest, innovative and creative masonry work. The main lounge, dining and relaxation areas are refreshingly styled in a non-traditional African manner, with contemporary and innovative signature furniture pieces like the hanging pod seats and the large and comfy love seat. Guests will be tempted to stay in camp and enjoy the warm hospitality and nature viewing from the cam's relaxation areas where a variety of game can be seen on the Kakumbi floodplain in front of the camp.

- All Puku Ridge photographs courtesy of Gavin Ford

ZAMBEZI KULEFU CAMP

We are counting down to 20 July 2008 when Zambezi Kulefu Camp opens. Boasting the ultimate Zambezi experience, this seasonal Camp is located in the Lower Zambezi National Park adds luxury to this beautiful Eden with fine cuisine and five-star service. The six spacious luxury canvas tents are designed to cater for total comfort and offer spectacular views over the majestic Zambezi River. Spend leisurely days enjoying professional guided walking safaris, day and night game drives in open landcruisers, canoeing and boating on the Zambezi or experience the thrill of catching the renowned tiger fish.

- All Zambezi Kulefu photographs courtesy of Gavin Ford

EAST AFRICA UPDATE

GORILLA FOREST CAMP, UGANDA
GFC honors Oldest Gorilla Tracker

GFC honored Mr. Bob Gerhardt who to date is the oldest GFC guest and the second oldest in the history of the Bwindi tourism to track the mountain gorillas at the age of 87yrs. To commemorate the occasion, the GFC team presented him with an honorary certificate and a silverback gorilla carving on his last dinner at the lodge. Mr. Gerhardt was elated by the gorilla experience and the surprise recognition by the lodge team.

The GFC team was treated to an exciting fire fighting training conducted by the Unit Manager. This training is a vital part of our operation and covers all aspects of fire fighting in theory and practice. All team members were tested on their knowledge of the elements which support a fire (the fire triangle) and how to put out different fires using various available firefighting tools. The most exciting demo was the fire blanket training where we held demos in rescuing a burning team member. The training was crowned with a surprise fire drill two weeks later where the team did exceptionally well.

OLONANA, KENYA

Migration…!Boniface, one of the residents guides was excited to report large groups of zebra herds on the plains, as this is a sign that millions of migrating wildebeest are on their way and might enter the Mara plains earlier than anticipated this year. Olonana Camp and Kichwa Tembo respectively hosted a Responsible Guiding Workshop organized by the UK Travel Foundation and hosted by Dr Cheryl Mvula and her husband, Manny Mvula, the best guide in Zambia. The workshop covered many useful and vital topics including how to handle client pressure, prevention of wildlife harassment and the role of the Mara Conservancy. It was very well attended by guides from various camps.

KUSINI, TANZANIA

Sighting of the month was a female cheetah with her 6 youngsters on a termite mound. They were very relaxed and in great condition - a beautiful sighting. Although the migration has left our area, guests have had good Lion, Cheetah and Leopard sightings. The cheetahs were on the plains close to camp, whereas the other cats were toward the centre of the park. Beautiful herds of Elephants were also fairly close to camp.

SWALA, TANZANIA

A rare sighting! Four Wild dogs spotted several times in the vicinity of the river. There was also a pride of fourteen lions which killed a buffalo in the river bed and provided good viewing for a few days. Game viewing is improving as the areas beyond the park borders are getting drier. The zebra and wildebeest are returning to the park as are the elephants. It will not be long before all the predators return as well.

DISH OF THE MONTH

Beef Wellington with mustard & mushrooms sauce
(Courtesy of Kusini, Tanzania)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oliveoil
25g butter
250g whole beef fillet
1 red onion, finely diced
125g button mushrooms, diced
2 tsp mustard
2 tbsp sherry
Seasoning
375g puff pastry
150ml red wine
2 tbsp cream

Method:

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