Tips for taking memorable photos while you're on Safari!

Photo courtesy: PMdT Photography

You have certainly seen some astounding photos of wildlife however, there are photographers who spend hours watching an animal to take that one poignant photo. Doing research, patient and practice, along with these handy hints can assist you in taking home memorable photos too.

• Before your trip, ensure that you know your equipment and if necessary, practice with it at home to understand it better.
• Insure your camera and equipment before you leave home. During your trip, your camera may be exposed to water, rain, vehicle vibrations and often visitors drop their camera while on game drive.
• Read up about the animals, their behavior and their environment so that you know what to expect. You can also chat to your guide and use their knowledge to assist you.
• If you can afford a good lens for your camera then a 300mm is a good starting point and for bird photography a 500mm lens is recommended.
• A UV filter is recommended to reduce the glare.
• A small bean bag is very handy for resting your camera and lens.
• For those who have a basic “point and shoot” digital camera and cannot zoom too far, aim to take photos with the animals in their natural environment incorporating the landscape.
• Be prepared for a photo as animals appear and disappear very quickly and the seconds it takes you to get your camera ready could cost you a photo.
• For close up photos of animals, set your focus on their eyes, then the rest of the face should be in focus.
• There are plenty of photos to take in the bush so ensure you have plenty of memory available and your batteries are charged or you have spares with you.

Photo courtesy: PMdT Photography

• Take photos from different levels and angles to create more interesting pictures. Photos taken at the same level as an animal appear more dramatic.
• Be patient with animals and try to take photos of them being active. If you see an animal sleeping, have your camera ready in case they yawn or move around as this will make for a more interesting shot.

Photo courtesy: PMdT Photography

• Consider the background of the photo you are taking and try to exclude fences, other vehicles and buildings if at all possible.
• When taking a photo of an animal, create a space for the animal to move into and do not place the animal in the centre of the photo.
• Never interfere with animal behavior to capture a photo and rather allow the animals to move naturally.
• Remember to enjoy the experience and not to hide behind your camera. Sit back and take in the scenery, the birds and the wildlife.
• Be a considerate photographer and allow the rest of the guests to also take their photos. Alternatively, book a vehicle for private and benefit from having a guide cater to your photographic requirements.

Photo courtesy: PMdT Photography

• If you’re using a video camera, be prepared for 3-4hours of filming and have enough batteries for back up.
• Before you take a photo of a local person or a tribal community, it is polite to ask that person.
• Take care not to zoom in and out too quickly and swinging around too fast.
• Video’s pick up the slightest noise so be aware of what you say when it is switched on. If you want to film people not in your party, ask them before hand as not everyone is comfortable on camera. If you would like to comment on the animal you are watching, ask your guide if it is permitted.

Rhino fitted with GPS devices

Rhino fitted with GPS devices: "Five rhino in the North West have been fitted with a GPS device that will help protect them from poachers, the provincial parks board says."

Johannesburg - Five rhino in the North West have been fitted with a GPS device that will help protect them from poachers, the provincial Parks Board said on Thursday.

"The GPS device is fitted into the rhino's horn by drilling a hole in the inert part of the horn," head of counter-poaching in the North West, Rusty Hustler said.

"The animals’ movements are then tracked 24/7 and if they are attacked, game rangers will be alerted via the alarms."

This was the first time a device like this was being used.

The device was battery-operated and connected to a cellphone and a computer. It had a life span of two-and-a-half years, he said.
Reaction team

The GPS could be programmed to emit a signal every 60 seconds and could be adjusted from the operating room. It was programmed to set off the alarm if the rhino was motionless for more than six hours, or if there was excessive movement.

A "reaction team" would go out if the alarm went off, Hustler said.

The GPS was also a good ecological monitoring device, he said.

"In the future we could offer students an opportunity to come to the parks and do studies on rhinos."

The device was still in the test phase, but the North West Parks Board was happy with its results so far.

"If we prove it completely then my consideration will be that all the North West parks that have rhino should have the GPS device."

More than 200 rhinos had been slaughtered countrywide since the start of the year. In the North West alone more than 40, including a pregnant cow, had been killed.

Hustler explained well-organised syndicates comprised five levels. Level one were the poachers, level two the controller who organised these gangs, and level three the purchaser. Then came the individuals who co-ordinated the shipping of horns abroad and lastly international buyers.

- SAPA

Lodge of the Week - Rocktail Beach Camp

Untouched Coastal Bliss

Rocktail Beach Camp is the newer sister camp to the recently closed Rocktail Bay Lodge and contrary to what the name suggests, the camp itself is not situated directly on a beach. Instead it is neatly tucked away in a beautiful coastal forest within walking distance of the beach - a pleasant 15 minute stroll of the beachfront. The main lodge area accommodates up to forty six guests and is extremely spacious and minimally furnished. There is a children’s activity room and a renowned dive school offering all levels of scuba diving courses and various diving and snorkelling activities. The rooms encompass a modern tented design with simple furnishings, most of which have distant sea views. The family suites are ideally suited for families travelling with younger children whilst the standard tented suites offer the perfect private setting for couples. The honeymoon suite is spectacular. Guests staying at this camp are guaranteed an experience that is conducive to relaxation and relief. The buffet styled menu is delicious, the service satisfactory and the staff extremely friendly and courteous.

Rocktail Beach Camp is situated within the coastal forest belt of the Maputaland Forest Reserve. Although there is none of the usual larger game synonymous with the African bush, there are several small species which guests might have the opportunity to see such as the Red Duiker, Reedbuck and the indelible Honey Badger. The bird life is excellent with several endemic species found in the area. The nature focus, however, is on the coastline and marine environment. The scuba diving and snorkelling on the reefs within this section of the Maputaland Marine Reserve is what makes Rocktail Bay so special. There are no other dive boats using the same dive sites so exclusive diving is guaranteed. The environment is in a perfectly pristine condition. The sunset drive to Lake Sibaya provides guests with a lovely way of experiencing the Maputaland area for what it is. Although very little game still occurs the scenery is stunning and you pass through a number of local villages. Lake Sibaya itself provides a spectacular sun downer setting with hippos and crocodiles as the only other guests. During the summer months (from mid November – mid February) guests staying at the camp have the option of going on a late night turtle tracking drive. Here an experienced guide takes trips along the beach to try and locate Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles laying their eggs in the beach sand. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience and the funds raised from these trips help sponsor the on-going research on these vulnerable creatures.

Rocktail Beach Camp is great for couples, groups and families with children of all ages who have a fondness for exploring unspoiled coastlines. There are unfortunately very few undeveloped coastlines such as this left on this planet.

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.3
Safari Experience	5.9
Service	7.5
Facilities	4.1
Unique Rating	8.8
Conservation	9.3
Social involvement	6.6
OVERALL RATING:	7.8

Top 10 Most Romantic Game Lodges in South Africa

For many, there is nothing more romantic than being out in the wild, listening to the lions call while sipping champagne and watching a glorious sunset. The Game Lodge Index review team have considered the lodges and picked those that combine setting, service and special touches to bring you the list of 10 lodges ideally suited for those romantic experiences. To be romantic, lodges have to offer a magical setting, service that is professional and discreet, rooms with maximum privacy and can offer something special for those in search of romance. 

Romance at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve

1. Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve

Oceana is pure bliss. From a high vantage point the lodge overlooks a small open area around a waterhole, a coastal dune belt with sweeping views of the majestic Indian Ocean. The lodge layout is beautiful and the décor is superb right through to the very finest details........ It's the beach and bush combination, complimented with luxurious facilities and delicious food and staff of high calibre that make this the ideal spot for a romantic getaway 

Fairy lights create a magical setting at Singita Boulders

2. Singita Boulders Lodge

The rooms are inspiring and are all fitted with everything one would expect from a luxury lodge: bar, satellite TV, private pools to dip in during the heat of summer, personal fireplace to sit by on cool winter evenings and a host of accessories. As is synonymous with the Singita brand, no attention to detail or expense has been spared. The service is of the highest standard, the staff gracious and efficient and the setting is incredibly beautiful.

Romantic rooms at Singita Ebony Lodge

3. Singita Ebony Lodge

Singitas’ resident wine experts help select suitable wines to compliment the lodge’s exquisite meals. There is a grandiose wine cellar hosting over 10 000 impeccably chosen wines. In addition, the reserve has a wine boutique where guests can order any of the wines they enjoyed and have them shipped back home. The fine dining and accompanying wine selection is a definite highlight of any stay. 

The most amazing setting for a picnic at Bushman's Kloof Main Lodge

4. Bushman's Kloof Main Lodge

Bushmans Kloof is a timeless and aesthetically striking camp with traditional thatched Cape Dutch style buildings set amongst stunning green lawns and bright flower beds. The camp appears to rise out of the harsh dry vegetation and red coloured rocks of the Cedarberg Mountains creating the illusion that one is in a desert oasis. A crystal clear stream runs for most of the year in front of the camp. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to having a dip in one of the four pools in camp (one of which is heated) or finding their own secluded natural rock pool on the reserve.

Picture a romantic bubble bath at Singita Sweni Lodge

5. Singita Sweni Lodge

The spacious and sumptuously decorated suites merge a modern-styled urban apartment with natural materials. The glass walled rooms are situated along the banks of the Sweni River which gives the camp its name and unsurprisingly, offers fantastic panoramic views. There is a second bed on each of the private balconies where daring guests can choose to spend the night in the African outdoor air under the stars, covered only by a mosquito net.

The very private rooms of Singita Lebombo Lodge

6. Singita Lebombo Lodge

The suites are all tucked in to a craggy ridge at random points offering the inhabitants great views of the river valley below and into the wilderness on the horizon. The glass walled rooms allow maximum immersion into the surrounding natural environment albeit with all the comforts of modern age living. A second bed on each of the private balconies can be used to spend the night in the outdoor air, covered only by a mosquito net

Romance at any age at Chitwa Chitwa

7. Chitwa Chitwa

Every suite has its own unique design complemented with creative furnishings. The lodge is an artwork in itself set in the midst of stunning natural surroundings. The creatively designed interiors will appeal to those looking for a luxury safari experience with a difference. The essence of Chitwa Chitwa is space, from the massive deck in front of the main lodge to the overly roomy suites - each has its own plunge pool on a private deck.

Beach strolls are one of the most romantic activities - Rocktail Beach Camp

8. Rocktail Beach Camp

The standard tented suites offer the perfect private setting for couples. The honeymoon suite is spectacular. Guests staying at this camp are guaranteed an experience that is conducive to relaxation and relief. Rocktail Beach Camp is situated within the coastal forest belt of the Maputaland Forest Reserve. The nature focus, however, is on the coastline and marine environment. The scuba diving and snorkelling on the reefs within this section of the Maputaland Marine Reserve is what makes Rocktail Bay so special.

Lie back, sipping champagne, in the romantic salas in Royal Malewane

9. Royal Malewane

Each room has a private plunge pool and private ‘sala’ (recreational lazing area), a large free-standing bath, spacious indoor shower and an outdoor shower. Dining at Royal Malewane is exceptional and no meal is served in the same setting more than once during your stay. Complimenting the menu is a noteworthy selection of top quality wine, carefully paired to enhance one’s culinary experience

Colonial charm creates a romantic setting of a by-gone era at Kings Camp

10. Kings Camp Timbavati

The colonial styled Kings Camp is a lavish lodge situated in the heart of the Timbavati Nature Reserve providing guests with luxurious accommodation and exceptional service. The main lodge is set in green gardens overlooking an active waterhole. There is a raised viewing deck under a thatch roof where guests can watch over the waterhole or read a book whilst sipping an exotic drink during the heat of the day or the evening cool. 

SA, Vietnam discuss rhino horns

SA, Vietnam discuss rhino horns: "South African officials are in Vietnam to discuss was of curbing the illegal trade in rhino horns used in traditional Asian medicine, a conservation group says."

Photo courtesy: PMdT Photogrpahy

Hanoi - South African officials were in Vietnam on Wednesday to discuss ways of curbing the illegal trade in rhinoceros horns used in traditional Asian medicine, a conservation group said.

The South Africans are involved in enforcement against the rhino trade and were to meet their Vietnamese counterparts, said Traffic, the British-based global wildlife trade monitoring network, which organised the trip.

The two nations aim to increase collaborative law enforcement, it said.

"Vietnam has been increasingly implicated as a main driver of the illegal rhino horn trade in Asia, and a major trade route has emerged connecting illegally killed rhinos in South Africa with consumers in Vietnam," Traffic said.

While Asian rhinos have likely been eliminated in Vietnam, partly because of poaching for their horns, there are still important wild rhino populations in Africa, especially South Africa, Traffic said.
Save the world's rhinos

"It's vitally important to scale up Africa's law enforcement efforts and link with Asia in the fight to save the world's rhinos", Tom Milliken, regional director for Traffic in East and Southern Africa, said.

"We'll only win this war if both sides align against the criminal syndicates behind this trade."

Vietnamese media reported earlier this year that police seized about 100kg of ivory near the border with China, after recovering hundreds of kilograms last year. Much of it was tusks illegally imported from Kenya.

There is a booming black market in African ivory linked to Asian crime syndicates, experts and delegates said early this year at a meeting in Doha of the UN-backed Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

Traffic says rhino horns are sold in Vietnamese traditional medicine shops, hospitals and online. Elsewhere in Asia the horns are also believed to cure a range of ailments, the group said.

- AFP

Fighting Giraffes

Video of the pangolin

Fun Facts about Pangolins!

Photo credit: R Millar

Pangolins are weird and wonderful creatures covered with protective horny, overlapping scales

Photo Credit: Kurt of African Graphic

Pangolins are in not related to armadillos.

When threatened, pangolins roll into a ball

Pangolins are sometimes called scaly anteaters

The Southern African pangolin can be found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and also in the northern regions of South Africa, where there is no frost and a lot of ants to eat.

Pangolins spend most of their time in abandoned warthog burrows and are nocturnal – only coming out at night.

A pangolin’s eye sight is very poor and they rely on their sense of smell

Photo Credit: Frank Solomon

Their diet consists mainly of ants and termites

As they do not have teeth, pangolins use their extremely long tongue to feed. The tongue is covered in a sticky mucous to help them capture their prey

There is a special sheath for the pangolin’s long tongue, that retracts into their chest cavity

Baby pangolins will hide inside the rolled up body of their mothers

Jake Hoddinott with a pangolin at Mala Mala

The scales of the pangolin are very sharp and will slice anything that comes between them

This pangolin specie can grow to a length of about 42 inches and weigh 30 to 40 pounds.

Pangolins have excellent hearing

Pangolins make up a unique order called Pholidota

  

In Tanzania, it s believed that when a pangolin is sighted it will bring 7 years of good luck

Leopards, lions and hyenas may eat a pangolin but their biggest threat is loss of habitat. Pangolin is also a favourite bush meat and their scales are used in love potions.

Their long thick tail gets in the way of mating in the usual mammal position. The male mounts therefore from the side with his tail wrapped round the female's.

This photo gives an idea of the size of a pangolin (this guy was later released in Kruger)

Mashovhela Lodge - selected as a finalist in this year’s Imvelo Awards

Mashovhela Lodge in the Soutpansberg Mountains of the Limpopo Province in South Africa has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Imvelo Awards. Out of 209 category entries received only 23 businesses were selected as finalists.

Imvelo – which means ‘nature’ in South Africa’s Nguni languages - encourages industry members to accept voluntary guidelines promoting responsible tourism. The awards are in line with the responsible tourism guidelines for the South African hospitality industry and the UN World Tourism Organisation’s code of ethics, and are supported by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme.

Mashovhela Lodge has already been awarded a Gold Leaf by the Wilderness Foundation Green Leaf Standard for its eco-tourism practices as well as the South African Tourism Welcome Award for the best Lodge in South Africa for 2009/2010.

Peter Morrison, Marketing Manager for Mashovhela Lodge says “With the global concerns about the environment it is wonderful to be associated with a company that has minimised its carbon footprint as much as Mashovhela Lodge has. All the details on how this has been achieved are outlined on our website,  ”

Mashovhela Lodge has entered the Imvelo Awards in 3 categories namely, Best Overall Environmental Management System, Best Water Management and Best Energy Management.

The winners of the Imvelo Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in Johannesburg on World Responsible Tourism Day, 10 November 2010.

Mapogo lions fighting - filmed by guests while at Savanna Private Game Reserve

Read more about Savanna Private Game Reserve

Reviewer Diaries: Part 1: Kruger to Machampane

Introducing a new feature on The Game Lodge Index Blog - Reviewer Diaries. Our review teams will share their stories, their experiences, the memories and the tales of their reviews.  Some funny, some sad and some just a glimpse of what is out there......Enjoy!

Mozambique’s Wild Frontier

African Array’s review team of Jaime Naylor and Jake Hoddinott recently returned from a trip to Mozambique. Camps, walking trails and canoe trails in the Kruger National Parks new Mozambique section (the Limpopo National Park or Parque Nacional Do Limpopo - PNL) were assessed. Overall it was an extremely entertaining trip with great natural and local cultural experiences.  A pleasant smelling lion carcass, fishing for tiger fish, anti-hippo vuvuzelas and 50 degree heat. Read more…

Through the Kruger…

The trip to Mozambique heralded the first reserve and safari experiences outside of South Africa to be included on the Game Lodge and Safari Indexes. Jake and Jaime set off early on an overcast October morning entering the Kruger National Park through Orpen Gate and spending the day driving through the park up to Letaba Camp. Game viewing was fair providing good sightings of two large herds of buffalo, a cheetah, numerous elephant, some rhino and three separate sightings of the world’s heaviest flying bird – the kori bustard. At one point along the Letaba River we came across a couple over 100m from their vehicle standing in a reed bed on the Letaba River floodplain trying to get a closer look at some elephant. Given the high concentrations of wildlife along this river system we concluded that they were a little loopy. It is not an uncommon occurrence in South Africa’s national parks that people alight from their vehicles but this should be strongly advised against as it often leads to interactions with wild animals that lead to detrimental circumstances for both the humans and the wildlife.

Letaba Camp

We headed on to the Giriyondo Border Post which is situated just north of Letaba Camp (roughly an easy hour’s drive) and is a clean, friendly and very efficient (although there always seems to be one very grouchy customs officer as was the case) African border experience and we were in Mozambique within 30 minutes of arriving at the gate. Machampane Wilderness Camp was our first stop and this was a short 40 minute drive through the dry Mopane bushveld on a gravel road which at the time was in good order. This may change however with the first rains due any moment.

What’s that smell??

Just before reaching Machampane we came across a dead lioness next to the road. Although she was fairly decomposed, and stank to high heaven, we were told that she had died about 5 days before and as often happens with predator carcasses scavengers had decided to leave it alone. What was most bizarre was that all her hair had fallen out and this had happened a day after she was found dead. Guides from Machampane and rangers from Parque Nacional Do Limpopo (PNL) suspected that she had been poisoned by one of the villages which still exist in the reserve. Hair loss is often a result of poisoning and this is quite likely as locals in the area had been complaining about livestock being eaten. The Limpopo National Park is a massive 1 million hectares in size and there is massive potential for this park.