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Newsletter Spring 2003

Winter in the bush is always fun. We have an excuse to laze next to blazing fires, drink loads of sherry, and to sleep in an hour longer before the morning game drive. But somehow, when winter blows out of here during the invigorating August, no one is really too sorry to see it leave, knowing that spring is on its way.

Spring has shown itself slowly this year, the bush is dry and the August winds have carried the chill of winter into September. But gradually the trees have been shooting, with masses of green buds shyly appearing on the branches. The Black Thorns have bloomed, their light scent scattered by the late winds. The Wild Pears have also flowered, huge clumps of blooms defiant in the face of the retreating winter. Now the Shepherds trees are also starting to bloom, their heavy scent slowly becoming richer as the tiny yellow flowers open and the heat of the sun concentrates the odour.

The birds have responded happily to the warmer conditions, singing endlessly as they move through the trees around the lodge. The titbabblers and sunbirds have been the noisiest, their musical calls competing to attract the most attention. The hornbills are also joining the act, their courtship calls echoing in duets from the tree tops.

Lodge life also changes with the seasons. We have gone onto our spring schedule, with the drives going out a little earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. (the hot water bottles so popular on the winter morning drives are of course still offered!) The overnight hide is ready and has been used for the first time, by none less than the esteemed South African actress Sandra Prinsloo. Sandra and a friend spent night out sleeping under the stars. She loved the experience and said that it was "Just amazing".



As we have had no rain yet, we are watering the bush between the suites and the lodge, encouraging the fresh green growth. Of course, it has not taken long for the locals to cotton onto all this greenery. Kudu, impala and waterbuck fill the camp now, nibbling on the shoots. The bushbuck which have made themselves at home around the lodge are suddenly finding that they have competition!

The toads have discovered the ravine in front of the main lodge, their calls sawing through the night air. Judging by how noisy they are already, by the middle of summer we may have difficulty hearing ourselves speak on the main deck! As the daytime temperatures climb, the warthogs are making the most of the muddy corner they have created in the ravine, many happy hours are spent sloshing around in the sticky mud, much to the delight of the guests.

The Moseleselela pride of lions have also spent a fair amount of time around the camp. No doubt attracted by the scent of Dave's delectable cooking, they slept outside the kitchen the other night. Last week David from security had a bushbuck shoot past him as he walked past the gym at sunrise. The antelope was closely followed by the Moselasela cubs intent on a quick meal. Seeing David (nobody in their right mind tangles with David), they bolted in the opposite direction. The bush buck has developed a strong affection for David.



The mongooses are back in the camp, foraging incessantly around the suites and sleeping under the decks at night. Recently, a honey badger has taken to coming down to drink at the ravine and to sniff around the lodge for food, which has left the mongooses far from impressed. When they see the badger ambling in to camp, they all group together, twittering and squeaking, tails puffed into bottlebrushes. If the badger spends too long in "their" area, they move in a posse towards him to see him off. Until now, he has always given way, but recently he appeared with back up in the shape of a bigger female badger. The mongooses bolted.



The badger has now taken to coming into the kitchen in the afternoon, much to the dismay of the staff (honey badgers are known for their aggression). When he wanders in (he does so very nonchalantly, like he owns the place), the staff all leave by the other entrance. It takes a bit of bribing with meat on broomstick to get him out again. The other day he fell asleep under the staff toilet, creating great concern every time an unsuspecting staff member wandered in and closed the door, only find themselves looking at a badger snoring gently under the toilet.

So spring has come to the bush here, the time when everything is fresh and new. The rains, and the accompanying flood of youngsters being born in the park are around the corner.

Come and share it with us!

Garth