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Sanctuary Talking - Goodbye 2007

GENERAL NEWS

STAFF UPDATE

Bubbly Allison Budde joined our reservations team in June 2007. Ally was previously with our team, ventured out to other pastures, however Zambia beckoned and now Ally is enjoying every minute with the newly acquired properties.  Zinzi Manzi joined  our team in September this year as a junior consultant and is passionate about what she does. Zinzi proves the saying “dynamite comes in small packages” to be true! Sulize Liebenberg also joined the Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Development team, based in Johannesburg, as personal assistant to Graeme Labe. Sulize took over the position from Debbie Smith and has a number of years experience in the hospitality industry. 

LIVING WITH ELEPHANTS

(By Andrea MacDonald, Volunteer Education Coordinator)
In December Living With Elephants, with the support of Sanctuary Lodges & Camps, hosted over 60 kids for an extraordinary bush adventure. In recent weeks, the villages of Xharaxao, Morutsa and Boro have come out and battled some inclement weather with smiles and spirit. They’ve learnt the value of conservation and some fascinating facts about our elephant trio.

Initially, the children of Xharaxao had a great deal of trepidation about seeing the elephants. Most of the group were quite young, not yet 10 years old, and they were a bit hesitant when first introduced to Jabu. He won their hearts easily, as he always does, and made them laugh with his outstanding rumbles and trumpets. Soon the group was engrossed in studying his skin and tail and touching an elephant for the first time.

The guests from the village of Morutsa were greeted with a plethora of baby animals on the drive in. Many of the children were fascinated with the role elephant dung plays in the ecosystem and asked Doug some interesting follow-up questions. The visit to Stanley’s Camp was another high spot in the visit. Several of the children had older brothers, sisters and cousins working in the camp and spent half an hour visiting the staff village and catching up with relatives.

Boro’s spirits were not dampened by the rush of pouring rain and were in awe of a massive breeding herd of over 70 elephant which we could be see from the road. Jabu, Thembi and Marula worked their magic and opened the children’s minds to the positive impact elephants have on the Delta and the amazing animals they are! All were in fine form. Thembi was the crowd favourite with her amazing “elephant talk”.

Bana Ba Letsatsi, an NGO dedicated to children at risk in Maun, selected 10 children who had shown extra dedication to their schoolwork over the past year. Living with Elephants has made it customary to offer these children an early Christmas gift in the form of a trip out to Elephant Camp. The children were an energetic bunch and were so keen they woke up at 5:30am to start the day! Life in camp was an adventure in itself; many of the kids were very keen to have several outdoor showers since they do not have the luxury of running water at home.

The final trip, with Ditshipi Village, in the next few days ended 2007 on a high note. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the programme will be able to run trips in the New Year, with the 22 local and 4 private schools in the Maun region.

ZAMBIA
ZAMBIA SPECIALS

Chichele Presidential Lodge Opening Offer
Spend three nights at Chichele Presidential Lodge and a partner stays FREE of charge.
Conditions and Validity:
Validity 15 December 2007 – 30 April 2008
To qualify for this fantastic offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 January 2008
Partner stays in the same room as the full paying guest 

All Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Zambia
Pay for 6 nights, stay for 7 nights
Conditions and Validity:
Must be a minimum of two camps in the Zambian portfolio used
Validity: 1 May 2008 – 15 November 2008
To qualify for this high season offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 May 2008

ZAMBIA UPDATE

A number of refurbishments and upgrades have commenced at the Zambia camps & lodges which include a rejuvenation of pathways, main areas, walls and roofs as well as decking, guest rooms and soft furnishings. Sanctuary lodges & camps are investing a tremendous amount of time, money and labour into these camps & lodges to ensure guests are provided with the ultimate luxury in Zambia – a destination that offers a variety of exceptional safari experiences for the discerned traveller. New vehicles have also been ordered and some already delivered, for guests to enjoy fantastic game drives in the various National Parks. We have also ordered 4 new boats, 2 of which will be delivered to Sussi & Chuma and the balance to Zambezi Kulefu Camp. These boats have been completed in two designs, the purpose of which is to transport guests and luggage to/from airstrips as well as water safaris, catering for 8 guests. The boats may also be used for the extraordinary fishing excursions offered at some of our camps & lodges. Sussi & Chuma as well as Chichele Presidential Lodge are open whilst the other camps & lodges are scheduled to open as follows:

Zambezi Kulefu Camp: 15 April 2008
Puku Ridge Camp: 01 April 2008
Lochinvar Camp: 2009
(The above dates are subject to change)

Puku Ridge Camp

(story sent in by Anita Baletto – Operations Director, Zambia)
During our site visit to the camps, the team and I were at Puku Ridge Camp. Having been there all day assessing the camp and working on the development plan, the sun had just set and we were in the process of packing up to head back to Chichele Presidential Lodge when we heard lions roaring on the floodplain below camp. Unable to miss the opportunity of some game viewing, we jumped into the vehicle and decided to take a detour to see what was happening.

As we approached the floodplain, we came across 3 lionesses and 3 adolescent cubs all of whom had spotted the Impala in the distance just below the camp. We decided to stay and see if they would be successful with a hunt! As they started approaching the impala we had the spotlight on one of the females, but then there was a huge commotion and a roar from the other side, after which we heard the lions running towards the vehicle. Once we finally found them with the spotlight, we realised that they were chasing a leopard, who only just managed to reach a tree about 30 yards from our vehicle. The lioness took a swipe at the leopard and managed to knock it to the ground, where fortunately the leopard managed to get up and scramble up the tree, with one of the lionesses in hot pursuit! On realising that the leopard was much higher up the tree than she could manage to reach, the lioness eventually came back down. Soon thereafter, the leopard also crept down the tree and disappeared into the thick bush. We were all still totally amazed at what we had seen when a breading heard of elephant wandered past to view the activity, where in the distance there were also two old bull buffalo feeding along with a couple of hippos also out grazing. Four of the big 5 in one sighting was certainly not bad!

After all the excitement the lions re-assumed their positions and once again tried to close in on the impala, all of whom were now totally alert and aware of their presence, as well as that of a hyena who was also trying to make the most of the situation. The hyena, obviously oblivious to the nature of the lead lioness crossed her path, only to be chased off by the same lioness, who caught up with it, and took a chunk out of the hyena who screaming loped off into the distance – blood poring down its hind leg!  

Lions back into position for the third time. This time the lioness took charge and ran straight into the heard of impala, who scattered, with one heading up the hill side between the dining area and tent number 4 of Puku Ridge Camp. The lioness followed it up the hill, negotiating rocks and branches and finally brought down the impala on the pathway outside of tent 4.  Realising we would actually have a better view from camp we drove back and found all 6 lions feasting on their pray on the door step to room 4! I have to say that I have been on many a game drive, however this one certainly took all awards for up close and personal action!  

BOTSWANA

Baines’ Camp

The game viewing at Baines’ Camp has been magnificent - sightings of leopards, lions and large herds of buffalo.

There were also lovely groupings of giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. Some exciting sightings including a pangolin! Found close to camp, this animal stayed conveniently in one spot so that all the guests were able to see it. Guides stopped watching leopards to race across the concession to get to see this rare and elusive animal. Two weeks later, the same animal was seen in the same area, again with jaw-dropping results for the guides and guests.

There was also an exceptional sighting of a pack of 18 Wild Dogs. There were 10 adults and 8 pups of about 6 months old, all in great condition. One group of guests got to spend at least 6 hours with the pack on their three gamedrives. At one point the adults spotted an impala bachelor herd in the distance and started off after them. The gamedrive vehicle followed at a safe distance and guests watched as the dogs gave chase, finding them just as the dogs had pulled down and killed one of the larger impala’s. This was left behind for the pups who excitedly started to yelp and get stuck into dinner. As the adults moved off quickly giving chase to another impala, out of the bushes came a single hyena, attracted by the commotion and the cries of the youngsters. The hyena boldly walked up to the feeding pups and stole away their kill, dragging the remains into the night. The sound of the pups yelping and crying after him was heart wrenching.

Resident elephant, Thomas Baines, was joined by three other bull elephants for a few laps around the lagoon. They matched off, and spent half an hour swimming and play fighting in front of the main deck, whilst the hippos huddled across the other side of the water, waiting for the hooligans to get out of the water. When Thomas returned to the lodge after his swim, he decided to sample the delights of the trees surrounding the guest rooms and walkway.Thomas also visited the staff for their tea break and stood munching on branches as the staff all sat and chatted around the kettle. He was so relaxed and at ease with everyone that he decided to have a wee siesta and lay down to sleep against the termite mound by the laundry for about 30 minutes. Laughter broke out amongst everyone as Thomas started to fart in his sleep, not for the faint-hearted!!

Oreletswe, our head chef, introduced a superb new menu to the Baines’ kitchen. She put a lot of effort into this endeavour, which is well worth it. The feedback from our guests could not be any better!

Chief’s Camp

There has been ongoing lion activity in the area which has been superb for our guests. The biggest adjustment came when the 3 Boro boys came into the Chief’s boys territory. We can only presume there was a rather ugly encounter as it appears that now the Boro males are in charge and the Chiefs boys were last seen heading west with their tails between their legs. After this change of rule took place the Boro boys and the Piajo females have been seen together, making their coalition most evident by strolling through camp and taking in their new domain with their new ladies. We have also been seeing the Mathata pride, 25 strong, up at Simbira and there is also a new young male & female lion pair seen around Pelican Pan. The lions have been hunting successfully as we have s een them on a couple of buffalo kills, kudu, warthog and giraffe.

One of the highlights over the past few months was of a mother wildebeest giving birth, from the baby dropping to the ground to the struggle to find its feet. Then when it finally got to its feet, the running and jumping around was absolutely amazing.

We also had the opportunity to witness a cheetah on the hunt and make a successful kill. The impala were not even aware until the last moment - an alarm call was only given as the cheetah grabbed the young impala. It was all over in moments! Then another amazing interaction between a leopard and a baboon troop was witnessed. The leopard went down to have a late afternoon drink at one of the streams when it was spotted by a troop of baboons. The baboons started to alarm call and all of a sudden the male baboons charged the leopard. Some of them split off to one side to try and corner the leopard. The leopard, aware of all this activity, moved off into the bushes and the baboons lost sight of her but remained ever vigil as to where she would come out.

“ Absolutely exceptional service – felt like we had been here as old friends- food and drink plentiful and well cooked and served/  Hats off to Charl & Semma”
Brian & Anne- Marie Whybrew

“ Thank you to everyone for making our honeymoon so special, Hope to be back in camp again”
Mr & Mrs Reed

CHOBE CHILWERO

UPDATE

An upgrade to the cottages at Chobe Chilwero is scheduled for 2008. The upgrade will include a fresh coat of paint similar in earthy tones to the current colour of the suites, new blinds with natural fabrics and tones, as well as new baths in the bathrooms. The previous sunken baths will be removed and filled. Floors will be screeded and polished, and the new designer baths will blend in with the luxury and ambience of the lodge. The air-conditioners in the cottages will also be replaced.

The upgrade is scheduled to commence from 22 December 2007 until 10 April 2008. We will endeavour to keep disturbances to guests to a minimum and will try to work whilst guests are out on activities. Our reservations team will be in touch with any clients affected by the upgrade.

Cats, cats and more cats, that is the best way to describe the game viewing experienced over the past few month.Our guests were in for a real treat as they saw the cats quite regularly on their game drives. On one afternoon KB, guide, and his guests on boat cruise came across lions swimming from an island to the main land. He followed these lions right up to the river bank where, due to exhaustion, they stayed there for quite a while before disappearing into the bush. On a morning game drive with Ishmael, guide, guests came across a leopard hauling an impala carcass up a tree. As they were watching this amazing spectacle Ishmael picked up what sounded like a soft growl. When he turned to look around he saw some lions sprawled on the ground soaking the morning sun, completely oblivious to the leopard and its kill. They spent a good hour on this site trying to see if the lions would pick up the scent, however this unfortunately did not happen.

The new uniforms were handed to the staff last year. The staff were so happy with their new uniforms that some didn’t want to take it off at the end of their shift but show off in Kasane town. Some guests who were in the lodge during the change over and seen the old uniform were amazed with the transformation and even asked if it were possible to purchase some pieces as they fell in love with it. Hats off to the Development Team for a job well done!

“An unforgettable experience, a childhood dream come true.”
 Richard Heaton

 “beyond expectations, the most beautiful place on earth.”
Carol Mathieu

Stanley’s Camp

There have been several lion sightings over lately which has thrilled our guests. Of particular interest was a pride of four young males with an adult buffalo kill, which meant they were in the vicinity and able to be viewed for several days. Guests were particularly interested to see the interaction between the lions and hyenas which ultimately challenged them for the carcass. Leopard have been spotted frequently as well as herds of buffalo. The regular sightings of zebra, giraffe, tsesebe, hyena, impala also continue on a daily basis. A  pangolin was also spotted which was definitely something to talk about.

On one of the late afternoon drives, guests were lucky enough to witness one of the most sought after sights in the bush - leopards mating. The leopards delighted the guests with plenty of flirting followed by brief mating sessions and completed with the customary snarling and aggressive behaviour post a mating session. The guests then went on to see 4 lions, covered in blood, feeding on an unlucky giraffe that they had killed. There was certainly enough meat to last them a few days.

We have had a number of honeymooners in camp as well as guests celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, which has been exciting for staff and guests alike. The staff get right in on the revelry and their singing and dancing has thoroughly entertained and impressed our guests. Birthdays have been commemorated with the same excellent musical talent, all topped off with an impressive confectionary from our bakery ladies.

(Story by Elcke de Vriendt (nee Malan), Relief Manager at Stanley’s)
As our guides are waiting at the strip to collect their guests, a spotty image runs across the strip… “It’s either a huge leopard or indeed… A Cheetah!” With little or no hesitation, our guides move in for a closer look…  The guests get picked up and definitely are in for a treat… Straight from the plane into a game drive vehicle to experience a sighting not seen every day! What more to ask for? Mama Africa at its best, no doubt!

As they approach, the Cheetah’s behaviour tells them the full story…

Lying underneath a shrub, the male Cheetah looks content… No wonder... A baby Impala is lying dead between its legs… Another meal scored for the Cheetah, a successful hunt finalised! It all falls into place, the fast running across the airstrip was in fact a hunt… Absolutely amazing! Witnessing the Cheetah devouring its hard earned meal… A bonus wouldn’t you say?

Not too long after a tragedy unfolds itself… The Cheetah stands up and starts walking off slowly… Wait… Is it limping? There is no mistaken the uneasy stroll… Our guides register immediately: “left leg”… Our Cheetah is wounded! Probable causes as to the events earlier get thrown into the air. Is it purely human to try to explain what happened? It’s this urge - we need to know. Guests are suddenly wide awake, cameras clicking away and everyone has a theory of its own well worth sharing.

Most probably though - and everyone agrees - our Cheetah got wounded during the hunt. Did it hit a stick or small branch while chasing the impala? It will remain a mystery to us. Only the Cheetah knows…

The day after, guests are curious about the Cheetah , so our guide decides to track it. Resting underneath a bush, the Cheetah is not too bothered by our presence. Great picture moment! Disappointment kicks in though as the Cheetah reveals its walk once more. The limp has gotten worse. The day after, we found the Cheetah again, only to see no improvement in its leg. A battle of Nature. The Cheetah wandered off not to be seen again…

This was Stanley’s Camp story… All of us here hope to see our Cheetah running on the plains once more… Maybe one day our paths will cross again… One can only hope…

“Fantastic time here – privileged to see a kill the first day we were here. Spoilt rotten by all the staff!”
Saly Tackas

“Excellent time all around, weather ideal, not too hot. Extremely lucky to experience a kill by 12 lions, only to be stolen by Hyenas. Sightings of leopard, elephants, zebras, giraffes, mongoose, impala and many hippos. Birds of prey, couldn’t have asked for more. Thanks to you all!”
 Kevin & Samantha Hoyte

“This is a magical place – sleeping where you can hear the animals at night, great animal viewing, beautiful sunsets and good food. Doesn’t get much better”
Patty Lufkin

“Perhaps it was because Stanley’s Camp was our first of four bush camps we found everything to be delightful.  We were particularly impressed with the warmth of the personnel.  Without question, the atmosphere was the friendliest of any of the four camps”
George and Cathy Cawman

EAST AFRICA

Gorilla Forest Camp

Last year saw the increase of single entry visas, for entering Uganda from USD30 to USD50 per entry.

GFC Handles second disabled guest

GFC once again performed the unthinkable when for the second time we took a disabled guest for Gorilla Tracking. The guest, Sue from the UK has no sensation in her legs and moves with the help of a motorised wheel chair besides depending on her guide for mobile assistance. Sue was very glad to successfully track Gorillas not once…but twice besides visiting the village during her time at GFC. She was very jovial and considered herself special for having achieved what she did. This continues to showcase GFC’s commitment to taking you beyond your boundaries and making your dreams come

Laundry facility up and running

The GFC laundry facility is up and running. This facility features a state of the art washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing equipment. This has greatly improved efficiency in the laundry section and solves our biggest difficulty which has been drying guest clothing and linen. A case in point was a night when the manager was woken up at 6am as a guest had clothes he wanted to be dried for use at 7:30am……when the F&B waiter got the request……she gladly took it with a smile and knew who to wake up……the manager. The report was promptly handled and the guest was ready for tracking by 7:15am….15 minutes earlier than he thought possible. 

Hair Dryers available at GFC

Due to our commitment to ensuring guest convenience and comfort at the camp, hairdryers were installed in the guest tents. This was part of the camp upgrade last year with the aim of meeting all guests needs.

Olonana

We expected the rainy season last year to last longer, however it was not heavy and there was even some dry weather. Game sightings have remained splendid. The clear and sunny weather on most days gave our guests plenty of opportunites for whole day game drives with picnic breakfasts and lunches - many thanks to our guest Noela Tavare for the picnic picture below. The Sabaringo bridge that was washed away during the heavy rains last year is fully operational and looking very neat (pictured below is Adul Karim, Olonana safari guide and our guests heading for the airstrip over the new Sabaringo bridge). It was great elation for Olonana when ESOK (The Eco-tourism Society of Kenya) awarded a silver rating to Olonana in recognition for our efforts at environmental conservation and community support initiatives! Pictured below are Peter Ngori and Joseph (Olonana Safari Guide) planting a tree on the Olonana grounds as part of our ongoing Indigenous Tree Planting Project in the Masai Mara, one of the reasons for the silver rating. Sigtings of Mary, the rhino, and her baby have been excellent. Mary has, however, been e lusive for quite some time now due to the vulnerability of her baby to pradators such as lions. The wildebeest migration distracted the predators from Mary’s baby.

Kusini

Our resident pride of lions, with all the youngsters, took down an Eland. Our guests watched them feeding and got some great photos. The next day the pride was still in the same spot, resting and digesting their large meal. This also attracted hyena, jackal and many vultures.

Guests have been enjoying the game drives, fantastic picnics as well as afternoon siestas on their private verandahs. We have had great feedback on the lovely sunset cocktails enjoyed on the Koppie in camp, which we serve every evening at sundown.

Quirky story:

‘Caught with ones hand in the cookie jar’ – literally! Our resident troop of vervet monkeys are fairly well behaved, howver we are all entitled to slip up once in a while. While our chefs were making biscuits and placing them down to cool on the counter, one brave vervet stuck his arm through the window bars and grabbed a tasty treat. Little did he know that there was someone nearby. As the little arm came in, our chef grabbed it and held tight! Needless to say the snack was dropped and the troop were scarce around the kitchen for a few days. They are back now and as cheeky as ever!

 “Superb! Every person at Kusini made us feel welcome and comfortable – Wow! “
Allan Karp

 “Thanks a lot for your hospitality. We love this camp and will take all the memories of this great place. We had a great honeymoon here “
Brett Moss & Orianna Maza

 “Good food, good staff, and location. Will tell everyone to come and experience this part of Africa & all it has to offer “
Richard Keller

“ The staff were incredibly welcoming and easy to talk to, I had great conversations with them. Thank you Sean and Sam, hope to see you in the USA soon!”
Laura Vilim

“Overall excellent. Fabulous stay, fabulous place and fabulous people. Kusini has made our stay very comfortable, accommodating & safe “
Joyce & Rainey Carah

Swala

The zebras streamed into the park in the north with elephants making use of the camp water-hole once again. There have been exceptional lion viewing in the park and with some roaring close to camp. There has also been good leopard activity in the vicinity of the camp.

The upgrade to the staff camp has been completed and an internet connection has been installed which allows guests to access information as required.

“This was the best food on our safari. Thank you so much for our wonderful stay here. It was a great ending for our safari. Your staff are friendly and attentive and we enjoying socializing with them and the other guests”
Wickline Party

“This is the best experience our family could have had. Magnificent setting & top notched staff”
Kahle Family

“The first time in Tanzania we start at Swala, the start was perfect”
Werner & Dorothy Frey

“A truly delightful experience, wins best food award for our trip”
Evans party

DISH OF THE MONTH
Chicken, Leek & Ham Pie
(courtesy of Chief’s Camp)

Ingredients:

4 cups Cooked chicken meat - use whole chickens
4 leeks, washed ad thinly sliced
1 cup ham, chopped
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp corn flour
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 chicken stock cube
4 tsp Dijon mustard
4 tbsp chopped parsley
1 egg yolk
Puff pastry

Method:

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