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Shosholoza
Bow Hunting & Lodge
Hengel vir Galjoen 20 Lande,
vier grootmense, ‘n baba en een Land Cruiser Featured Species:
Galjoen Springbok Blue Crane Real Yellowwood
Diving on WRECKS
To advertise here contact: info@africanadventures.co.za
Rifles can only be sold to permit holders.
Kodiak.de 2011
Images show M 03 Africa with “Great Plains” custom engraving.
L IVING THE REAM M 03 A FRICA
D
F EEL
L EGEND
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WWW .M AUSER . COM
Letter from the editor
W
e would like extend a warm welcome to all our readers. We hope you enjoy your read as much as we enjoyed the adventures in our journey thus far. Being avid outdoor men ourselves, we saw the need to combine the various activities that the African outdoors has to offer. Dit is deur diĂŠ gedagte dat African Adventures gebore is - ‘n opvoedkundige tydskrif om die leser bewus te maak van ons natuurlike erfenisse en hoe om dit ten volle te geniet. Ons hoop om families opgewonde te maak oor ons mooi land en daardeur ook ons kinders betrokke te kry om te leer van ons land in al sy glorie. African Adventures is a monthly, multi-medium publication with the aim to breed a conservation culture in young and old, men and women alike. We strive to bring you articles to encourage beginners to participate in new challenges but also to keep the specialist entertained. Ons streef daarna om plekke, produkte en dienste aan ons lesers bekend te stel deur al die relevante inligting van die verskillende buitelewe segmente gerieflik in een publikasie te bied. Aan al my familie en vriende, sonder julle ondersteuning en bemoediging sou dit nie moontlik gewees het om hierdie punt te bereik nie. Baie dankie! It is with great appreciation that we welcome all our advertisers - your support and input are greatly valued. To my wonderful staff, all your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Thank you! With the drop in temperature, it is also a reminder that the hunting season has arrived. I know that I am boiling over with excitement. I encourage dads to take their families along and let them share in the beauty of our South African bush. Good luck! Onthou‌. As jy iets mooi sien, stop, haal jou siel uit en laat hom wei. Geniet die tydskrif. Groete,
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Johan Viljoen
May 2012
Editorial Publisher: African Adventures Magazine (Pty) Ltd. Editor: Johan Viljoen Advertising: Lizel Stavast
For advertising enquiries contact: Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524
For distribution details, contact: Johan Viljoen 083 469 4347
Letters to the editor info@africanadventures.co.za
Editorial submissions info@africanadventures.co.za
Advertorial inquiries lizel@africanadventures.co.za
Design and layout Media Chef 012 346 5252 www.mediachef.co.za
Disclaimer and Copyright While all precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to the readers, the Proprietor, Publisher, Editor or writers cannot accept responsibility for any damages, inconvenience or injury that may arise whatsoever from incorrect information. We take every reasonable precaution to deal only with honest and ethical advertisers, however neither African Adventures Magazine Pty (Ltd), nor its editor, publisher, agent or employees can be held responsible for any harm, loss or damage arising from a transaction entered into pursuant to any section in this magazine. African Adventures assumes no responsibility to return graphics, unsolicited editorial or other material. All rights in unsolicited editorial letters, emails, graphics and other material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and material will be subject to African Adventures unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the contented advertisements. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of African Adventures. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
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Contents / Inhoud Special Feature
LIVING
Shosholoza Bow Hunting and Lodge
12
Regulars Letter from the editor Letter of the month Events
4 8 10
Featured species: OUR NATIONAL SPECIES The Springbok The Galjoen The Blue Crane The Real Yellowwood
17 25 49 57
Celebrity Profile Around the Camp Fire with Willem Alberts
33
Resep van die maand Wildsboud met Amarula sous
37
Birding in the Limpopo Province GPS Mapping Travelling Tight
50 52 59
Algemeen TIPS The Frog Kick Equalisation Problems Mask Fitting
45
Classifieds One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!
64
Hunting Te kort op Tekamadabos Begin jou eie klub
18 21
FISHING Fishing the mighty Cahora Bassa How to catch Largemouth Bass on Fly Hengel vir Galjoen
22 26 30
DIVING Our spearfishing trip to Pemba, Mozambique Diving on wrecks in South Africa Learn underwater videography
40 42 46
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May 2012
7
Letter of the Month
Make yourself heard!
informative, with us, n a s r e d a e r e to give our your outdoor experiences iv r t s e w s e r u share dvent At African A .We invite you to not only ine, whether good or bad. cover. e z o quality magazin your comments on our maga topics you would like us t n but to send us welcome your suggestions o We would also A monthly prize will be awarded to the winning letter. Send your letters to info@africanadventures.co.za
To advertise in this magazine contact Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524
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May 2012
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Dynamic Event Creations Our vibrant creative team will ensure all your event and exhibition requirements are conceptualised, created, developed and managed! Our services include:
Golf Days Vodacom DBN July
J&B Met
Millers Durban July
AAD Cape Town
Exhibitions & Hospitality
Outdoor Events & Catering
Epson/Manchester United Fan Club
Tri-Nations
ABSA Currie Cup
Sporting Events
www.uniquelyspectacular.co.za 011-553 5200 / expovent@expovent.co.za
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May 2012
9
Events
Gauteng
Groot Marico Safari Carnival When: 2 June Where: Groot Marico
Sasol Bird Fair 2012 When: 26 - 27 May Where: Parkview, Johannesburg
Limpopo
Xtreme Outdoor Show When: 2 - 3 June Where: Meyerton
Ellisras Bushveld Festival When: 6 - 9 July Where: Lephalale
Gauteng Outdoor Adventure and Travel Expo When: 8 - 10 June Where: Kyalami
Koedoefees When: 28 – 29 September Where: Blinkwater Lodge
Aquarium Expo When: 8 - 10 June Where: Kempton Park Potjie & Mampoer Fees When: 30 July Where: Vereeniging North West Rustenburg Show When: 27 May - 05 June Where: Rustenburg Schweizer Mieliefees When: 4 - 5 June Where: Schweizer 10
May 2012
Windpomp Fees When: 16 – 18 June Where: Naboomspruit Hoedspruit Game Festival When: 13 July - 15 July Where: Hoedspruit Waterberg Wildsfees When: 9 – 11 Aug Where: Vaalwater Mpumalanga Summerhill 4x4 Day When: 2 June Where: Hazyview
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Events Die Swartgoud Fees When: 29 – 30 June Where: Kriel
Northern Cape
Komatipoort Festival When: 23 June - 25 June Where: Komatipoort InniBos Kunstefees When: 27 June - 30 June Where: Nelspruit South African Game Fair When: 30 July - 31 July Where: Dullstroom Kwazulu Natal 2012 Mallard/Mercury Ski-boat Festival When: 26 - 30June Where: St Mike, South Coast Indaba 2012 When: 12 – 15 May Where: Durban
Kameeldoring Karnaval When: 4 June Where: Kathu Freestate bizhub-Bibber/Chill Fees When: 25 June Where: Smithfield Pofadder Expo When: 1- 2 July Where: Pofadder Nampo Harvest Day When: 16 – 19 May Where: Bothaville Eastern Cape Grahamstown National Arts Festival When: 29 June - 8th July Where: Grahamstown
Dundee Biltongfees When: 8 – 9 July Where: Dundee
Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees When: 1 – 3 July Where: Kirkwood
Western Cape Robertson Wacky Wine Weekend When: 1 June Where: Robertson
Castle Lager Oos-Kaapse Biltongfees When: 16 – 17 July Where: Somerset Oos
If you would like to advertise your event in our magazine, please send details of event to: info@africanadventures.co.za
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May 2012
11
Feature
Bow Hunting and Lodge
Nestled in between lush bushveld surroundings and the Crocodile River, Shosholoza Bow Hunting and Lodge is a prime destination for bow hunters and vacationers alike. Situated only a short hour’s drive from Pretoria or an hour and a half from Johannesburg, Shosholoza is conveniently close for those city dwellers longing for a quick getaway.
species of wildlife, abundant bird life and a wide range of indigenous fauna and flora. In addition, the family-owned farm has 7 km of prime river front. So those interested in casting a fishing line or merely relaxing next to the bubbling waters of the Crocodile River, can do so at their own leisure.
Spanning across 2000 ha of unblemished bushveld, Shosholoza is a pleasure for visiting nature lovers. The game farm boasts with more than 30 different
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May 2012
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Feature
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May 2012
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Feature Accommodation:
Hunting
Shosholoza aims to cater to their visitors’ every need and as a result, offer both self-catering chalets and the slightly more luxurious option of staying in the Sable Bed-and-Breakfast. Whichever option is chosen, guests are assured of quality accommodation and efficient service.
As its name suggests, Shosholoza is an exclusive Bow Hunting facility and great effort has been made to ensure that bow hunters enjoy their hunting experience. The following points ensure that Shosholoza stands out from other bow hunting facilities:
Guests interested in staying in the Bed-and-Breakfast will enjoy spending their time in the newly opened Sable B&B, which is located in Shosholoza’s Bush Camp. The B&B has 10 double rooms with adjoining bathrooms and all of the bedrooms are fully air-conditioned. Furthermore, the restaurant and bar are located only a few short steps away down the main passageway. Open from early morning until late at night, the Sable Restaurant and Bar is a favourite spot for both guests and locals. Guests from the entire lodge are welcome to order breakfast, lunch or dinner from the A la Carte menu, or join us for a quick drink at the bar.
• •
For those who prefer taking the do-it-yourself route, Shosholoza offers two self-catering options. The Bush Camp is home to four self-catering chalets and can accommodate a total of sixteen people. Each chalet is air conditioned and fully equipped with its own linen, crockery, cutlery and cooking amenities. Individual chalets are also supplied with their own private braai areas and under-cover parking. Similarly, the River Camp consists of three selfcatering chalets. Sleeping a total of 12 people, this camp is built on the banks of the Crocodile River. Characterised by intimacy and seclusion, the camp is perfect for large groups of friends or family. Each room is also air conditioned and comes supplied with linen, crockery, cutlery and cooking amenities.
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Competitive prices and hunting fees. No rifle hunting is allowed on the farm, which ensures that game remains tame and is not skittish when approached. We feed at our numerous pit blinds and tree stands on a daily bases and hunters are assured of game visiting the various hides. Hunters are provided with the services of a personal hunting guide, who transports them around the farm and assists them in locating their hunted game in a timely fashion. Skinning is handled by trained staff members and hunters are encouraged to participate in the process. Finally, the farm has its own butchery with state of the art cold room and freezer facilities and hunters have the option of having their meat processed and packaged while they wait.
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Feature
Exotic Game: Shosholoza is home to various species of rare game and an extensive breeding and conservation program is conducted on the farm. Our pride and joy is our beautiful Tanzanian Sables, which are unique in both their colour and size. We’ve recently added a West Zambian Sable bull, affectionately named Piet, to the breeding group and we look forward to welcoming many of his offspring in the next couple of years.
carefully. Each of these species is unique in their colour and are a rare sight to behold. Guests are encouraged to book a game drive at and enjoy seeing these once-in-a-lifetime species up close. As one can gather from the above, Shosholoza has something for everyone – whether it’s a relaxing weekend away or a thrilling hunting experience. Please contact Jean-Marie Cronje at 072 109 1468 for more information on bookings.
In addition, guests can also enjoy seeing rare species such as Golden Gnu, Midnight Impala and Yellow Blesbuck on the farm. Last mentioned is the farm’s newest acquisition and have only been on the farm for a month. So far the yellow blesbuck have adapted well and their progress is monitored
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May 2012
15
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Featured Specie
The
Springbok
(Antidorcas marsupialis) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen
The springbok is a medium-sized brown and white gazelle that stands about 70 to 90 cm high. Springbok males weigh between 33 and 50 kg and the females between 25 and 40 kg. They can reach running speeds of up to 90 km/h to 96 km/h and can leap 3.5 m and can long jump to up to 15 m. When the male springbok is showing off his strength to attract a mate, or to ward off predators, he starts off in a stiff-legged trot, jumping up into the air with an arched back every few paces and lifting the flap along his back. Lifting the flap causes the long white hairs under the tail to stand up in a conspicuous fan shape, which in turn emits a strong floral scent of sweat. This ritual is known as pronking from the Afrikaans, meaning to boast or show off.
Habitat Springbok inhabit the dry inland areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range extends from the northwestern part of South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. Springbok occur in numbers of up to 2.5 million – in South Africa it is the most plentiful antelope. They used to be very common, forming some of the largest herds of mammals ever documented, but their numbers have diminished significantly since the 19th century due to hunting and fences from farms blocking their migratory routes.
In South Africa springbok inhabit the vast grasslands of the Free State and the open shrub lands of the greater and smaller Karoo. They inhabit most of Namibia, the grasslands of the south, the Kalahari desert to the east, the dry riverbeds of the northern bushveld of the Windhoek region as well as the harsh Namib Desert on the West Coast. In Botswana they mostly live in the Kalahari Desert in the southwestern and central parts of the country.
Diet Springbok are mixed feeders, switching between grazing and browsing seasonally. They graze as long as grasses are young and tender and browse on shrubs and succulents. Springbok can meet their water needs from the food they eat, and survive without drinking water through the dry season, or even over years. Reportedly, in extreme cases, they do not drink any water over the course of their life. Springbok may accomplish this by selecting flowers, seeds, and leaves of shrubs before dawn, when these foods are most succulent. Unlike most other African antelopes, springbok tend to be concentrated in the wet seasons and spread out during the dry season. In places such as Etosha, springbok can and do seek out water bodies when they are available.
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May 2012
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Hunting
Tekamadabos Te kort op
- Quintin Cass
Donderdag
Vrydag
Ons het op kort kennisgewing besluit om die laaste jag vir 2011 te reël en ‘n opwarmingsjag was nog altyd op die kaarte.
Dinge het stadig begin en ons was teen ses uur in die veld.
Die Dirker Legends het die naweek in ‘n oogwink gereël en soos altyd ‘n TopTrip beplan. Dis met groot spyt dat die aanstaande Pa, Martin, nie die jag kon meemaak nie. Pasch, Cobus en Johan was die eerste manne op die plaas en het al die geriewe reggekry, terwyl Luan en Caz teen half sewe aangekom het - net betyds om die son te sien sak en op te vang met ‘n skemerkelkie in die hand. Dag een het geen sukses opgelewer nie, maar ons het moed gehad vir die volgende dag aangesien ons baie wild gesien het. Ons het ‘n paar tjoppies op die kole gesit en in ‘n ernstige debat betrokke geraak.Dis goed om te sien dat manne ‘n ernstige gesprek kan voer, vlamme kan sien maar steeds weg te bly van die emosie. Ons het baie belangrike punte aangespreek soos kinders, seks, goeie seks, slegte seks en gepraat oor die volgende dag se aktiwiteite. Die aand het wel sy tol geëis - twee van die manne het langs die vuur geslaap. Cobus en Johan het die buitelig ingeneem en die bed ingeruil vir ‘n “lazy boy” kampstoel langs die vuur. Dit was ‘n lekker warm aand en ons was teen drie uur, half vier in die bed.
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Caz en Cobus het by die skewe pannetjie en Pasch en Johan by die broodblik gesit. Caz en Cobus was teen die einde van die middag sonder enige geluk terug kamp toe. Pasch en Johan het wel ‘n paar mooi diere gesien en hulle met die kamera geskiet. Die middagsessie het bestaan uit Caz en Luan in die skewe pannetjie en Johan en Pasch in die broodblik. Daar was aksie en antisipasie in die lug. Cobus het gaan jag in Dwaalboom (hy was nogal lank weg) en ook versterkings gaan haal. Caz en Luan het swaar asem gehaal, hulle voete het gesweet en eers toe het die diere begin inkom. ‘n Ou “knyp kop” is afgemaai. Luan was op sy spoor en het hom vanaf 20m ver gespot – alles baie opwindend. Die aksie was skaars verby om die bok te soek en foto’s te neem, toe ons ‘n oproep van Johan kry. Dit was selfs beter nuus! ‘n 23 duim impie is plat getrek. Johan het ‘n paar nuwe metodes probeer en die rooibokram op die plek laat sneuwel. Wat ‘n goeie dag op kantoor. Die manne was opgewonde en ons het die twee bokke gelaai en ‘n stil middagsessie gehad. Johan het ‘n reuse bosvark gesien – dit moes reusagtig gewees het met sy sig! Cobus het ‘n semi-opgewonde gevoel gehad toe daar drie massiewe koedoes kom eet het. Daar was wel geen geleentheid vir ‘n skoot nie en is toe weer terug kamp toe na ‘n stil middag.
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Hunting Die aand was weer redelik rustig en die manne was flou. Op die spyskaart was die blouwildebeesfilette, te danke aan Cobus. Dit was wel gekoop.
Pasch en Johan was op ‘n geheime koedoe-missie en een van die koedoes wat kom eet het, het Johan se naam op gehad.
Ons het smullekker geëet aan die filette en die Dirker-duo potbrood – wat ‘n heerlikheid.
Pasch was op die kamera and Johan was on a roll. Hy het geen tyd gemors nie en ‘n goeie skoot geskiet. Die koedoe het regs gehardloop en Cobus, Caz en Luan het die oproep gekry en was haastig oppad om te gaan help.
Ons het gedink die aand is verby, maar daar was onafgehandelde besigheid...hoe ver kan jy ‘n pyl skiet? En so het die debat begin. Ons het vier skote geskiet en moes toe die teorie toets aangesien die afstande tussen 500m en 1,8km was, of was dit of 2,3km? ‘n Kort rit, drie wonderlike skote, ‘n paar slukkies vloeistof en die mite was bevestig teen +/- 400m. Die manne was flou daarna en het gaan slaap.
Saterdag Daar gaan ons met Cobus in die broodblik en Pasch en Johan by die skewe pannetjie. Luan en Caz het gaan rondry opsoek na Johan se groot vark. Weer eens geen geluk nie. Ons het nie ‘n lang sessie gehad nie en weer eens was daar baie min aksie die oggend, net ‘n paar jong diere. Ons het ‘n goeie ontbyt gehad met lewer en oorskiet van die vorige aand. Caz, Luan en Cobus het ‘n opwindende begin gehad met ‘n vark met effense tande. Goeie kamerawerk het verseker dat die opvolg maklik was. Toe vir meer aksie. Cobus mors nie tyd nie. Ek en Luan was bietjie stadig met die kamerawerk maar Cobus was gefokus en het die doodskoot gelewer. Ons het goeie bloed gekry en was vinnig op die spoor, alhoewel die veld baie dig was, het ons kort voor lank by die vark aangekom.
Johan en Pasch was warm op sy spoor en die koedoe was plat. Ons het hom 30 meter anderkant die pad gekry, regs van die skewe pannetjie. Johan het gestraal! Ons het wonderlike foto’s gekry vir die trofeekabinet. Die middag was stil in Pasch en Johan se skuilplek. In die broodblik het ons ‘n groot Oprah Winfreyoomblik gehad en het ons al die wêreld, ons eie, en ons vrouens se probleme opgelos. Ons is laat uit die veld uit en spekuleer toe oor die potjie, die pannetjie en moontlike sopies. Ons het besluit die potjie gaan by die kamp bly en ons gaan die pannetjie aanvat. ‘n Wonderlike dag met ‘n rowwe einde.
Sondag Pasch en Johan het die vleis hanteer en was so ‘n uur voor die ander manne oppad huis toe. Dit was ‘n kort en wonderlike trip, met goeie geselskap, ‘n baie suksesvolle jag met baie skote. Die standaard is gestel en 2012 gaan groot wees. Dankie vir al die kameramanne, jagters, grapjasse, runners, potjiemakers en reëlings.
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May 2012
19
adverts lands PRINT.pdf
1
2012/04/09
9:05 PM
C
M
Y
CM
HUNTERS
MY
contact www.sahunting.co.za to book your hunts. GAME RANCHES contact www.sahunting.co.za to receive hunters from us
CY
CMY
Contact us on 011 024 2296 or 084 705 2699
K
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May 2012
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R 550-00
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Begin jou eie klub
Hunting
- Cobus Steyl
Met die koop van ‘n boog in 2006 was dit die begin van ‘n nuwe hoofstuk in ons vriendekring se lewens.
volledige bepalings en voorwaardes van die klub met mense deel wat ook so iets wil begin.
Vir jare jag ons almal met gewere en het al meeste spesies geskiet. My vriend het begin boogskiet en kort voor lank sy eerste koedoe met die boog platgetrek. Ek kon die opgewondenheid in sy oë sien toe ons die koedoe 80 meter van waar hy hom geskiet het, gekry het.
Ons vind dat dit ons gemotiveerd hou en dat ons seker is dat die volgende jaar se jagtog deur die aangewese lid gereël. Ons beplan dit reeds agt maande vooruit wat die reëlings met vroulief ook aansienlik makliker maak! Die klub werk vir ons en ons glo dat of jy nou, jag, visvang of duik, so ‘n georganiseerde klub baie voordele inhou. Kostes word beperk en julle kan reeds lank voor die tyd begin begroot en spaar vir die jagtog.
Een vir een het ons vriende begin boë koop en teen die begin van 2011 het ses van ons ‘n nuwe liefde gekry. Ons het jaarliks op ‘n geweer-jagtog gegaan en het besluit om dieselfde te doen met die boë. Daar het die idee ontstaan om ons eie informele klub te begin. Name en idees is rondgegooi en so is ons toe Dagga Boys gedoop.
E-pos my by csteyl@tiscali.co.za vir meer inligting. Stuur gerus julle bydraes oor julle klubs na info@africanadventures.co.za
Ons het besef dat dit nodig is om ‘n struktuur in plek te plaas om seker te maak almal weet ten alle tye wat van hulle verwag word en sodoende word vriendskappe ook bewaar. Ons sal met graagte ons
MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Tick Repelling Camo Whether hunting open country or wooded areas, you can count on this Cross camo to provide the versatility you need to stay concealed on any stalk. For years to come, Cross Camo will be one of the most versatile and popular patterns offered by Cross. 100% Cotton blends for lightweight durability. Sizes from kiddies to 6XL
For Dealer opportunity call Stoffel: 072 260 7757 Online: 217605@telkomsa.net
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May 2012
21
Fishing
After a short flight from South Africa to Songo, we were met by Mr. Johnston from Johnston Tiger Safaris at the airport. After a mere 40 minutes’ drive we arrived at his lodge where we were assisted with all our luggage to be loaded on the house boat that was going to be our home for the next nine days. Every morning as the sun raised its head, we would depart from the house boat in different speed boats. Sometimes we would travel 5 – 15 km to known spots. From the very first cast we had success and it didn’t stop there. To summarize, 80% of all the fish we caught weighed in between 2.5 and 4 kg with the biggest fish weighing in at an amazing 6.8 kg. The accommodation and facilities were more than adequate, food was sublime and the equipment (rods, reels and line) supplied were of a very high standard and quality. To ensure the survival of this amazing species, anglers need to support catch and release.
Some interesting facts: Tiger fish are a prized species when freshwater fishing. The thought of a tiger fish fighting, with fierce striking and a leap out of the water, this spectacular show is what fuels many Tiger fish anglers. No matter what tackle is used, many strikes result in a fish being lost. Tiger fish are predators that live in shoals. They will eat a wide variety of fish such as minnows, robbers and in some cases even certain catfish species. Tiger fish can be found near bait groups and fishing near crocodiles can be useful as tiger fish have been known to eat scraps left over by feeding crocodiles.
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Tiger fish breed in summer waters and the fry are washed down stream where they are protected. An alarming problem with Tiger fish is the ever decreasing population rate. Tiger fish populations are decreasing dramatically and pollution is one of the main causes. Illegal gill netting is also having serious consequences on Tiger fish populations. The Cahora Bassa lake is Africa’s fourth-largest artificial lake, situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique. The name Cabora Bassa is an earlier misspelling of the name. In Africa, only Lake Volta in Ghana, Lake Kariba on the Zambezi upstream of Cahora Bassa, and Egypt’s Lake Nasser are bigger in terms of surface water.
Some interesting stats: Max. length – 292 km Max. width – 38 km Surface area – 2,739 km² Average depth – 20.9 m Max. depth – 157 m Water volume – 55.8 km³ Surface elevation – 314 m
Some interesting facts about the history: The Cahora Bassa System started in the late 1960’s as a project of the Portuguese in the Overseas Province of Mozambique. South African Governments were also involved in an agreement stating that Portugal would build and operate a hydroelectric generating station at Cahora Bassa together with the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system required to bring electricity to the border of
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Fishing
Fishing for Tigers while enjoying the experience of living on board a houseboat South Africa. South Africa, on the other hand, undertook to build and operate the Apollo converter station and part of the transmission system required to bring the electricity from the South African/Mozambican border to the Apollo converter station near Midrand. South Africa was then obliged to buy electricity that Portugal was obliged to supply.
called Hidroelectrica Cahora Bassa. The central disagreement was over the handling of the company’s estimated US$2.2 billion (1.7 billion) debts to Portugal. Mozambican authorities argued they had not guaranteed the debt and therefore should not be liable for the payments.
During its construction, the dam site was repeatedly attacked without success by Frelimo guerrilla insurgents in an attempt to sabotage the project. Portugal increased popular support in Mozambique with this and other development works (see Mozambican War of Independence). The dam began to fill in December 1974. Until 2007 the dam was operated by Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa and jointly owned by Mozambique, with an 18% equity stake, and Portugal, which held the remaining 82% equity. On November 27, 2007 Mozambique assumed control of the dam from Portugal. In 2007, Portugal sold to Mozambique most of its 82% stake in the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric power facility in the Southeast African country. Finance Minister Fernando Teixeira dos Santos said Portugal would collect US$950 million (750 million) from the sale of its part of southern Africa’s largest hydropower project. Portugal keeps a 15% stake in Cahora Bassa, though it planned to sell off another 10% at a later stage to an investor which would be proposed by the Mozambican government. Portugal’s Prime Minister José Sócrates signed the agreement with the Mozambican government, during an official visit to Maputo. The agreement ended decades of dispute between Portugal and its former territory in East Africa over the company,
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Tel: 013 692 7199 / 013 692 7390 Fax: 013 692 6810 www.ganis.co.za Email: ganisangling@gmail.com
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Featured Specie
The Galjoen (Dichistius Capensis) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen Our national fish is also known as the following: Damba, Blackfish, Black Bream
Description: The galjoen has a fine array of teeth inside its small mouth with fleshly lips, including bands of incisors and a set of crushing teeth in the gullet. It is covered with tough scales providing protection from rocks while feeding in strong surf. The family Dichistiidae (formerly Corancinidae) comprises two species restricted to southern Africa and Madagascar. In rocky areas galjoen are usually dark grey to black, sometimes mottled or with 7 to 9 faint black bars. However, they change to silvery within a few seconds of moving over white sand. The galjoen lives up to 14 years and can attain up to 80cm or 6.5 kg.
Seasonal Movement:
Large migrations have been documented between Namibia and the Cape but is semiresident for part of the year.
Feeding / Diet: Galjoen feed in reefs with a little sand near-by. Galjoen feed on mussels, gastropods, barnacles, amphipods, isopods, redbait, polychaete worms and algae.
Where:
Distribution: Southeast Atlantic: southern Angola to Natal, South Africa. Galjoen are found from Namibia to Durban over shallow rocks and sandy areas with strong wave action.
Habitat: Subtropical 13°S to 28°S – reef-associated; marine. Normally found inshore amongst reefs, rocks and over sand in shallow coastal waters. Breeding occurs in deeper water.
Reproduction: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 – 14 years. Females mature at 34 cm (6 years) and males at 31 cm.
Galjoen are found in kelp beds, over shallow rocks and sandy areas in turbulent waters at a depth of less than one metre and when the waves break some distance offshore and where the white foamy water rushes in. Avoid fishing for Galjoen on days when the water is calm and clear. They usually remain in certain areas for long periods which make them vulnerable to overfishing. Mainly caught by shore angling where the water is turbulent and strong amongst submerged rocks and reefs.
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Fishing
How to Catch
Largemouth Basson Fly in South Africa - Gareth Roocroft
The Largemouth Bass is a very well respected freshwater fish. This predator attacks almost anything that moves, if it looks real or natural enough... Hopefully this article will give you some insight and tips on how to hook and land the Largemouth Bass using Fly Fishing methods... Catching Largemouth Bass on fly can be tricky and very frustrating, but once you hook that first Bass on fly the adrenaline will keep you going until you land the fish... Below are some tips and advice for you Bass anglers who want to give the fly fishing method a go!
What tackle do I need? Generally the idea for targeting Largemouth Bass with fly gear is to fish slightly heavier than you would if you were targeting Trout. Normally in South Africa to catch Rainbow Trout you would use between a 4 weight and 6 weight fly rod paired with the appropriate reel. In my opinion fishing for
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Largemouth Bass is no different, it all comes down to personal preference, what size leader you are going to use and how heavy your fly of choice is. Many well respected Bass anglers say that you should use a Fly rod between 7 and 9 weight for Bass... This is understandable because you have to tackle up when targeting these fish as they are such strong fighters compared to Trout, but as I mentioned it is all about what you feel comfortable with. I target Largemouth Bass with a 5 weight with floating line and a 6 weight with sinking line. So it’s up to you but I would say go with a 6 weight. In terms of leader this again goes back to how heavy the fly you are using is and how heavy the structure is where you are fishing. Largemouth Bass are not as finicky when it comes to being spooked, such as Trout are so you can afford to go with a heavier leader line... Somewhere between 2 kilograms and 5 kilograms is perfect. On a floating line I would use 2-3 kilogram line with about a 10 foot leader and on a sinking line I would use 3-4 kilogram leader, with a length of about 8 feet. I find
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Fishing
that shorter leaders work a lot better with fast sinking line. Even though many Fly Fisherman argue this topic… I have caught Bass on a 3 foot leader before on my sinking line, it just goes to show there are no set rules in the world of fishing.
The best ‘bass’ flies to use The best Flies to use for Largemouth Bass are without a doubt Zonker’s, medium to large sized Mrs. Simpson’s and the San Juan or Blood Worm imitations. These all imitate a Largemouth Bass’s natural food items. The Zonker’s are bait fish, the Mrs. Simpson’s are tadpoles and the other two mentioned above are worms. There are a lot of Bass flies on the market that work well too, but I tend to use the flies that have been catching fish for centuries. So listed below are the best flies for Bass, in my opinion on different lines:
Floating line flies for targeting Largemouth Bass: • • • • •
San Juan Worm (Fished static with the occasional twitch) Blood Worm With Bead (Fished static with the occasional twitch) DDD (Fished static, using dry fly methods) GRHE (Fished on the drop then a slow figure of eight retrieve) Flashback Nymph (Fished static with the occasional twitch)
• • • • •
PTN (Fished on the drop then a slow figure of eight retrieve) Hoppers (Fished static, using dry fly methods) Floating Ant (Fished static, using dry fly methods) Adams (Fished static, using dry fly methods) Poppers (Fished with a short retrieve and then stop etc.)
Sinking line flies for targeting Largemouth Bass • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mrs. Simpson Zonkers (Any colours and sizes) Cat’s Whiskers Red Eye Damsel (Olive & Black) Streamers Clouser Minnows Zulu GRHE Walkers Killer Black Woolly Bugger Olive Woolly Bugger White Death
How to fight and land a Largemouth Bass on fly gear When you hook a Largemouth Bass on fly you will be fighting the fish with “lighter tackle” than a spinning or bait caster set up so it is important not to give the Bass any slack and just let the Bass fight you... The bigger ones will run and take quite a bit of
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Fishing line but do not panic. Play them and tire them out and when you get the chance get the line back... When the Bass jump out of the water keep your rod tip low and your line tension fairly tight, not doing this often results in disappointment as the Bass ‘shake’ the fly out of their mouth. Landing a Largemouth Bass should be done with a net as you are using smaller hooks and lighter leader and you do not want that personal best Largemouth Bass to snap off and swim away. Wet your hands before touching the fish, take a photo and then release it. When releasing these Bass it is important to not just throw the fish back, but to revive it, as they are often tired after a long fight on Fly gear. Place the Bass in the water and either face it toward the flow of the water or gently rub your fingers along the side of the fish, thus getting its gills to move and start breathing. It is important not to bring the fish back and forward through the water as this could drown it.
You will still catch them in Winter and the chances are that if you do you will catch larger fish. It is just very tough Fly Fishing but persevere and you will get your reward. The best times in Winter to target Largemouth Bass on fly would be when the temperature is at its warmest... Otherwise Spring and Summer are my favourite seasons for catching Largemouth Bass on fly. Often when the bigger Largemouth Bass are spawning and not taking a crank bait or soft plastic, a small Zonker or Nymph thrown up against the fish often produces the bite, keep that in mind. When retrieving the fly it is important to vary your retrieve. On my more successful days I have caught Bass with the fastest of retrieves, come back a week later and it doesn’t work. Be flexible and try anything, even if it is not ‘text book style’. Tight lines, I hope you get some good Bass on fly!
Other Largemouth Bass Tips For Fly Fishing Always fish around structure, drop offs, inlets or banks (The same areas where you would fish for Bass normally).Winter fly fishing for Largemouth Bass can be quite slow especially if the water is very cold, as Bass are regarded as “warm water fish”.
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We have the tackle to fulfil any anglers’ requirements. For the best advice contact us on
BE ST ! TS I AT ASS A B A OR
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012 809 3334 5 Graham Road Pretoria East
CONTACT: Garreth Coombes CELL: +27 83 708 3787 Fax: 086 554 1061 E-mail: garreth@afrig.co.za Web: www.afrig.co.za
WORLD CLASS TIGER FISHING ON CAHORA BASSA
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Fishing
Hengel vir Galjoen Die galjoen is beslis een van die populêrste eetbare visspesies vir die rots- en strandvisvang-entoesias. Die vis se lyf word beskerm deur sterk skubbe wat dit vir die galjoen moontlik maak om in rowwe seekondisies te floreer. Die beste tyd om galjoen te vang is van Junie tot September.
Waar om vir Galjoen te hengel Galjoen floreer in rowwe, skuimerige water wat gedurende wintermaande voorkom wanneer sterk westelike en suid-westelike winde waai.
Tipiese Galjoen aas
Dié visspesie sal dan vir kos in sloepe en naby riwwe soek. Wees op die uitkyk vir rotspunte wat tydens laagwater van die strand af sigbaar is. Waar swart mossels op die strand uitspoel, is gewoonlik ook ‘n goeie aanduiding van waar galjoen aktief is.
Aas Rooiaas is die beste aas om vir galjoen te gebruik. Alhoewel vars gesnyde rooiaas gebruik kan word, verkies galjoen gewoonlik verouderde rooiaas. Meeste vissermanne kry hulle rooiaas van die rotse gedurende lae springgety. Rooiaas kan op die volgende maniere verouder word • Sit vars gesnyde rooiaas in ‘n rietmandjie en hang dit in ‘n koel droë plek vir drie dae. • Week vars rooiaas in ‘n emmer seewater in ‘n koel plek vir drie dae. Voor die aas gebruik of gevries word, raak ontslae van oortollige vloeistof. • Rooiaas wat gedurende rowwe see uitspoel, is gewoonlik reeds verouderd en gereed om dadelik te gebruik.
Ander tipes aas •
•
•
Witmossels werk ook baie goed, veral as daar van die strand af gevang word en kan ‘n verskeidenheid ander spesies ook lok. Bloedwurms is uitstekende aas as daar op sanderige bodems gevang word, maar dit is deesdae moeilik verkrygbaar. Galjoen word gereeld gevang met ‘n kombinasie van witmossel en sandgarnaal.
Hengeltoerusting Relatiewe ligte gerei kan vir galjoen gebruik word. Daar word aanbeveel om .35mm hoë skuurweerstandlyn veral om rotse te gebruik. 30
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Fishing Die basiese galjoen trop bestaan uit ‘n spil, hoek en sinker. Probeer om dit so eenvoudig en maklik as moontlik te hou. Heg jou voorslaglyn en sinkerlyn aan die einde van die spil en jou hoekstrop aan die ander kant. Die lengte van die hoek en sinkerlyn sal van persoon-totpersoon wissel, afhangend van die gebied waar gehengel word. Gewoonlik moet die sinkerlyn van ‘n ligter breekkrag as die hoof- en hoeklyn wees sodat jy nie jou hele trop verloor indien die sinker vashaak nie. Hoeke van 2/0 tot 3/0 met weerhakkies op die skag om aas in plek te hou, is ideaal.
Aanbieding van aas
Hoe om galjoen te vang
Die galjoenseisoen is vanaf Maart tot Oktober. Die minimum-grootte is 35 cm en ‘n maksimum van twee visse per hengelaar per dag mag gevang word.
Kyk uit vir areas waar die water rof en skuimerig is. Wissel jou gooi-afstande en eksperimenteer in skoon omstandighede met jou hoekstrop se lengte. Met hoogwater is galjoen geneig om naby die rotse te wees.
Neem ‘n stuk rooiaas, dop dit om en ryg dit deur die hoek om ‘n reguit aas te vorm – net langer as die hoek. Draai die aas goed vas met spookgare. Galjoen het ‘n redelike sagte mond en die hoek kan maklik uitskeur. Wees geduldig en maak gebruik van die golwe om die vis veilig te land. Onthou om regulasies oor die oes van aas in jou gebied na te gaan.
Galjoen strop
- Photos supplied by Wikus van der Merwe
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Celebrity Profile Around the Camp Fire with
Willem Alberts
B
orn in Pretoria on the 11th May 1984, Willem attended Monument Hoërskool. He made his professional and Super 14 debut for the Golden Lions in 2007. In 2010 he made his move to the Sharks were he still applies his trade. That same year he was selected for the 39 men Springbok squad. Willem made his debut for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on 10 August 2011 at the number 7 position. A colossal man, Willem weighs 119kg’s and stands 1,92m tall.
Hoeveel bene in jou lyf het jy al gebreek? ‘n Arm en ‘n sleutelbeen.
Wie het jou al die hardste geplettervat?
Wycliff Palu van die Waratahs het my hard geduik in my eerste Super 14 wedstryd in 2007, daarna het ek gesorg dat ek nie aan die ontvangkant is nie, maar aan die uitdeelkant.
Waar is jou gunsteling vakansie bestemming? Die bosveld, en sal graag nog na die Serengeti wil gaan.
Join us as we meet the man behind the scenes.
Wat is die belangrikste item wat jou op toer neem? My iPad, dis alles in een.
Wat is jou planne na rugby? Wie is Willem buite rugby? Ek is ‘n jong Christenman wat lief is vir my vrou, die natuur en die buitelewe. Wat baie hou van jag en visvang en lekker kan kuier saam my vriende.
Wat was die eerste posisie wat jy gespeel het? Ek was ‘n losskakel gewees tot in standerd 6.
Hoe oud was jy toe jy jou eerste bok geskiet het en wat was dit? Ek was 15 jaar oud, dit was ‘n rooibokram gewees op ‘n vriend, Laurence Jennings se plaas, Kruispan.
Hopelik sit ek op my stoep in die bosveld en sien die son opkom oor ‘n plaas van my eie.
Vang jy vis en wat is jou grootste vangs? Ek vang graag vis, veral varswater. My grootste swartbaars was 3 kg en sien uit om dit te verbeter – hier is grotes wat rond swem in Natal se damme!
As jy kinders een stukkie raad kan gee. Wat sal dit wees? Doen alles wat jy aanpak voluit en vertrou op die Here.
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Kolskoot
Vir Wapens en Bevoegdheid l
Rifles CZ 550 Cal 300, 375 H&H, 416 R 14 950 CZ 550 Cal 375 H&H Left Hand R 26 950 CZ 550 Cal 270, 30-06, 6,5x55 R 10 995 CZ 550 Cal 308, Bull Barrel R 14 445 Sabatti Cal 30-06 walnut stock R 8 450 Remington Cal 375 H&H R 12 250 Antonio Zoli also in LH’s Steyr Mannlicher also commemorative Mods Krico Hawa Cal 243 308 30-06 375 R 7 395 Anschutz Sako Cal 308 one only R 20 199 Tikka Expected soon AR 15 book one now Shotguns Beretta Silver pigeon 1 R 16 669 Marocchi Expected shortly O&U MC R 11 995 Tikka Over and Under Multi Choke R 17 500 Used Side By Sides from R 1 800 Handguns Glock Gen 3 Mod 19;26;23;27 H & K USP CZ Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm P Taurus G29 Reloading Layman Lee MEC
R 7 995 R 10 299 P.O.R R 5 599
For Arms and Competencies
Scopes Nikon 4 – 12 with built in rangefinder Nikon Fieldmaster 3-9 x 40 Mynox 3-9 x 40 Leopold VX2 3-9 x 40 Redfield 3-9 x 40 Meopta 3-9 x 42 Ammunition PMP Specials 30-06 180 gr 308 180 gr 308 144 gr 7 x 57 130 gr 38 Spl Remington Federal Winchester Lapua 30-06 185 gr 308 185 gr 9,3 x 62 250 gr
R 7 899 R 2 599 R 4 899 R 4 899 R 1 899 R 6 999
R 279.20 R 229.20 R 189.20 R 199.20 R 199.50
R 459.20 R 399.20 R 595.20
Primers PMP CCI Federal Winchester Cases PMP Lapua Hornady Fiocchi Bullets PMP Hornady Sierra Nosler Rifle bags Padded Vanguard Classic Single Rifle Case Air Rifles Weihrauch Diana Gamo from Magtech 1350 fps Daisy from
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Competency courses all included R350 per Unit Standard All prices only valid while stocks last and only until 19 May 2012 74 Wakis Ave, Strijdom Park, Randburg.
Tel 011 793 1137 Mobile 082 575 4828 or 084 56 57 566 E-mail mike@potshot.co.za
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Resep
Bestandele:
Wildsboud met Amarulasous (bedien 4 to 6)
Marinade: 300 ml peer- en appelkoossap 50 ml sonneblomolie 30 ml blatjang 6 sprietuie, opgekap 2 knoffelhuisies, gebreek 1 loerierblaar, gebreek 10 ml bruin suiker
Plaas die vleis in ‘n oondpan en bak in ‘n vooraf verhitte oond teen 160° C. Bak 15 minute per 500 g of 15 minute langer afhangend van voorkeur. Plaas die pere in die oondbak vir die laaste 30 minute.
Wildsvleis: 2.5 kg wilds- of lamboud 250 g repiesspek 200 g suiker 1 liter water Suurlemoenskil, gesny in 1 dun lang repie 6 pere, pitte uit en geskil 30 g sagte botter 100 g vars bloubessies 500 ml beesvleisaftreksel 100 ml Amarula likeur 30 ml brandewyn 15 ml koekmeel 30 ml koue water Takkies vars kruie soos salie of roosmaryn.
Voeg die bessies by vir die laaste 10 minute. Verwyder nou die vleis en hou dit warm in die lou oond. Sny die pere in die helfte en hol dit uit met ‘n eet lepel. Plaas nou die bessies in die pere en hou dit ook warm. Gooi die oortolige vet , helte van die stroop en aftreksel saam. Kook tot dit verminder na twee derdes. Gooi dit deur ‘n sif. Gooi nou die brandewyn en Amarula by en bring tot kook punt. Meng die koekmeel met die koue water by. Gooi die sous in jou opdien bord, plaas die boud in die middel en rangskik jou pere om dit. Bedruip die boud met die sous en garneer met kruie. Bedien die res van die sous apart.
Metode: Meng die bestandele van die marinade in ‘n mengbak, stop die boud met spek. Jy kan ook die boud met spek bedek. Plaas dit in ‘n diep bak. Voeg nou die marinade by en marineer vir 2 dae. Draai van tyd tot tyd. Plaas die suiker, water en suurlemoenskil saam in ‘n pot en kook vinnig vir 2 minute. Plaas die pere regop in die stroop en posjeer vir 8 minute. Dreineer die pere, maar hou die stroop een kant. Dreineer nou die vleis en maak dit droog met handoekrol. Smeer dit nou met botter en geur dit na smaak.
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Hunt and fish for Africa! Go on a hunting or fishing trip of a lifetime with professionals that spesialise in up-market game and fishing venues in Southern Africa.
Contact Sonia Kolver Cell: 083 680 7981 www.a2b2zjourneys.co.za
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Diving - Grant Montgomery
spearfishing
Our trip to Pemba, Mozambique Together with three friends, we set out from Centurion with my Tom-Cat in tow headed for Pemba on the far northern coast of Mozambique. As usual, my Land Cruiser ran like a dream. We pushed through to Nelspruit where we spent a night with Johan’s dad before entering Mozambique. While crossing the Komati River bridge, we tackled up and started casting a few lines. It didn’t take Cobus too long before the first Tiger was hooked. An hour’s fishing session saw us land several small striped waterdogs. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the locals and their universal command of English. This was a welcome relief from the Portuguese that none of us spoke or understood. As with any visit to Mozambique, we ran into local traffic officials and had to pay our way forward. We eventually arrived in Pemba, met our host and set up camp on the nearest vacant stand. The open bar area was a meeting place for many of the locals and, together with the resident campers, a festive atmosphere was created during evening meals. Pemba was very expensive with the local traders taking advantage of limited competition and pricing their goods accordingly. Petrol was also quite expensive but freely available.
wounded a hyena just outside the village. This was the only area where we saw any signs of wildlife in Mozambique. After waiting for the tide, we set off for the island of Quillalua, 12km offshore. Tidal movement here is a big factor, both in the diving and in launching your boat. Accommodation on the island was very basic, consisting of a thatched hut and kitchen area, but nonetheless very pleasant. The diving proved excellent. However, large areas had no fish and the distances that one had to travel were greater than we had anticipated. Visibility averaged approximately 15 m with the current and largely depended on the tides. We also had a lot of wind that did not help conditions visibility wise. We found an absolutely amazing variety of coral formations and corals. There were also lots of large Kaakap, parrots (one species up to 50 kg) various rockcods, coral trout in abundance, napoleon wrasse and rubberlips, plus we were lucky enough to spot a sail fish.
Using the camp welding equipment, we made the first repairs to the boat trailer that was feeling the effects of the long trip. We also managed an afternoon dive in the bay just south of the campsite – very pretty with lots of coral, but not much fish. After much debate we decided to head for the islands the next day. Armed with information and fresh supplies we set off early, arriving in the village of Quissanga that evening after an eight-hour trip over atrocious roads. We spent the evening with the owner of the island and made arrangements for him to keep us supplied with fuel and water and to take the fish. Interestingly, that night lions badly 40
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Diving
The water was also not that warm, considering that 30ËšC is nothing for the summer months in these waters. During our time there we got a few cuda, some small kingfish of various types (fulvy, big eye and bluespot) and we saw giant kingfish. There were also some very wary pike and greater barracuda around. The napoleon wrasse proved to be far brighter than we were with all of us seeing them on a number of different occasions. Some of these fish were in excess of 80 kg and looked huge when you were lying on the bottom. We also all saw dogtooth tuna with Cobus seeing them four times and losing one. I was lucky enough to land one of 57 kg with a well placed shot and a lot of help from my friends. What an amazing fish. Other really good fish that we got were a 36 kg rockcod of some kind and a 26 kg potato bass, 22 kg coral trout and lots of kaakap between six and eight kilograms. Having Martin, a highly skilled chef with us, meant that we were treated to 5-star cuisine ranging from open fire grills to fresh sashimi. When we started running out of fuel, water and most importantly Raspberry, we decided to head back to the high life in Pemba. After some more trailer repairs and faced with rapidly dwindling funds, we had no choice but to head for home. Until our next trip!
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Diving
on
wrecks in South Africa
Over the past five centuries a large number of ships ran aground off South Africa’s long and dangerous coastline. Due to its strategic location on the historical trade route between Europe and the East, at least 2700 vessels are known to have sunk, been grounded, wrecked and abandoned in South African waters. Wrecks and their associated artefacts can be impressive and interesting sites for recreational SCUBA diving and underwater photography. The diversity of wrecks around our coastline offers divers a wide variety of sites to visit and explore. At the same time, historical wrecks are unique, fragile and non-renewable cultural heritage resources of great archaeological value.
Wrecks are also important habitats for marine life and could be damaged by careless touching. Disturbing the protective covering of sand, plant growth or corrosion that has formed on wrecks can greatly increase the rate at which its contents decay. This reduces the wreck’s value as an historical resource and dive site and divers should avoid disturbing the delicate equilibrium of a wreck site. Anchoring into wrecks can cause severe damage to artefacts and the structure of the wreck. If you need to anchor, ensure that you do so well off the wreck. Dive with care and leave the wreck as you found it.
Divers are free to visit most wreck sites, but due to their complex and delicate nature visiting divers should be especially careful. We all have a responsibility to conserve this heritage for future generations.
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- Carlo Cronje
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Diving
Legal protection of wrecks The wrecks of ships or aircraft, and any associated cargo, debris or artefact more than 60 years old and in South African waters are protected by the National Heritage Resources Act #25 of 1999 (NHRA). The law of salvage and finds does not apply to historical shipwrecks. There are severe penalties for contravening the Act, including heavy fines and jail terms. All members of the South African Police Services, and Customs and Excise officers may act as heritage inspectors in terms of the Act, with powers of search, confiscation and arrest.
Historical wrecks may be visited provided that the sites are not disturbed or interfered with and no artefacts are removed or damaged. Not only is it illegal to remove such material, but anything recovered from a wreck needs immediate conservation treatment or it will end up rotting away or disintegrating. Souvenir hunting strips sites of artefacts and the information they carry, and denies future divers the experience of diving on a well preserved wreck.
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LYON LODGE THABAZIMBI
Bookings & Info: 082 207 6685 / 079 164 5838 Rates: R750pp single, and R550pp sharing, breakfast and dinner included. Email: lyonlodge@mweb.co.za
For more information: Tel: 039 973 2542
Fax: 086 603 6819
E-mail: umkomaas@netactive.co.za www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.co.za
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Diving Tips
The Frog Kick Scuba Propulsion Technique
The Frog Kick is a very energy efficient scuba diving propulsion technique which can be used to manoeuvre slowly while close to the bottom without kicking up silt.
Equalisation Problems
How to Frog Kick
Some peoples’ ears take longer to equalise than others. If you have trouble equalising, always signal to your buddy or dive instructor and make sure you equalise before descending further. Don’t feel you’re holding up the dive - ignoring equalisation can result in ruptured eardrums and severe vertigo.
1.
Float horizontally in the water with your legs together.
2.
Bend your knees at a right angle to your body, be careful not to bend your legs at the hip as well – keep them straight.
3.
Part your legs with your fins cutting through the water.
4.
Angle your fins while bringing them inwards and straightening your knees.
5.
When your feet are together, repeat from step 2.
How to check if your mask fits correctly The easiest way to check if your mask fits is to hold it over your face and inhale through your nose. If the mask is a good fit, it should stick to your face without the strap around your head. If you can still inhale, then the mask does not fit properly.
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Diving
Learn underwater videography - Compiled by Johan Viljoen
For many divers, capturing the world we see underwater is a way to relive their experiences or share them with non-divers. Some paint pictures or write in their logbooks, but nothing beats the instant gratification of photography or video. For many, photography is an obvious choice, but the complexity and training required are intimidating barriers to entry. However, with the advent of low-cost, high quality video, many are interested in taking this to the underwater realm. The good news is that video is as easy underwater as it is on land and can offer the shortest path to sharing your life underwater. Probably the biggest question people ask when getting started with underwater video is which video camera and video housing to purchase. In this introduction to underwater video, I’ll summarise how to make that decision based on some key factors. Since there is a lot of misinformation out there, I’ll attempt to provide you with some information to make an informed decision. Firstly, there are four things you should ask yourself when purchasing an underwater video solution:
1. What is my budget? How much you can spend on an underwater video camera varies greatly, from fully submersible cameras to splash bags to put your existing cameras in. I’ll focus on the majority of us who are somewhere in between. This means a standard video camera and separate underwater housing, specifically designed 46
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for it. Expect to pay between R 8 500 to R 130 000 for a complete system, with about a third of the cost being for the camera itself. Interestingly, even with the difference in cost, in many cases the quality of your video will be exactly the same. As the price goes up, your return-on-investment will be less, so I suggest targeting around R 30 000 and adjusting this value based on additional factors below.
2. What do I want to shoot? Many divers who are just getting into underwater video want to extend their existing travel videos with underwater elements. Others specifically want to capture certain shots for a particular use. Ask yourself if you are a generalist or a specialist. For instance, do you see yourself shooting more macro or wide angle? Day dives or night dives? Caves, wrecks or reefs? As you become more of a specialist, your equipment requirements will vary and increase in cost. For instance, you’ll need interchangeable lenses for macro or wide shots, or a three-chip camera for low light shooting. If you know exactly what you want to shoot as a specialist, increase your budget and factor this into your purchase decision. If you know you want to be a generalist, stick to lower budget equipment. If you don’t know, stick to the lower end of your budget and perhaps get a system that can grow with you.
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Diving 3. What is my technical skill level (diving and video)? If you are very new to diving, I would strongly recommend that you focus on increasing your diving skills before getting into underwater video. Not only do diving skills influence the quality of your underwater shots, it will directly impact your safety as well. Have at least 50 dives under your belt before adding anymore taskloading. Also, once you take a camera underwater, you should approach your dives as a solo diver, both for your sake when planning, but also for your buddy whose life relies on you. If you are an experienced diver, ask yourself how much video experience you have. Are you comfortable with operating a video camera already and do you know or are willing to learn everything about your housing/camera? Some people prefer everything on auto, whereas others prefer manual. You can shoot about 90% of general shots with auto, but once you start specialising, you’ll need to know everything about your equipment. Also, as complexity increases, so does maintenance and upkeep. Ask yourself how much time you are willing to devote to pre- and post-dive equipment preparation and do you have or want the necessary skills to do it. Some just want to grab their equipment and go, and then head straight to socialising after their dives. For others, up to 50% of their dive trips are devoted to their equipment. There are systems for both these types of people, so just keep this in mind.
4. What is my travel footprint? This is becoming an increasingly important consideration due to recent travel restrictions. Some divers’ video camera and housing comprise a bulk of their travel luggage and they are willing to pay extra for it, whereas for others, having the ease of a carry-on camera/housing is paramount. Generally, live abroad or local diving can accommodate larger systems, whereas resort diving or remote diving is easier with smaller systems. This is the primary consideration for many when purchasing an underwater video camera and housing.
The next question you should answer is probably the most debatable. Underwater housing comes in two types: manual housings or electronic housings. Manual housings have buttons and levers that penetrate the housing so you can push the required controls on the camera. Electronic housing uses buttons that interface directly with your camera’s control. Here are some pros/cons to each: Manual housings (Ikelite, Gates) Pros: • • •
Generally cheaper Generally increased reliability Flooded housing only ruins camera
Cons: Somewhat less control over camera functions More penetrations into housing Electronic housings (Light & Motion, Amphibico) Pros: • • •
Complete control over all camera functions Ease of camera control Less penetrations into housing
Cons: • • •
Generally more expensive More things can go wrong Flooded housing ruins camera and housing
In summary, understanding yourself first and answering a few questions can help you set your budget in purchasing an underwater video system. Then get the best system your budget can accommodate. Also note that housing is made specifically for a particular camera, so make sure you purchase both at the same time. Only a few housing manufacturers can make a custom housing for your camera. In case you are wondering, I shoot with a Light & Motion Bluefin housing with a Sony HVR-A1U HD camera.
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May 2012
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Featured Specie
The Blue Crane
(Anthropoides paradiseus) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen Also known as the Stanley Crane and the Paradise Crane, the Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa. It is a tall, ground-dwelling bird, but is fairly small in relation to the rest of the crane family. It is 100 – 120 cm tall and weighs 4.0 – 6.2 kg. It is pale blue-gray in colour with a white crown and a pink bill. Long, dark gray wingtip feathers trail elegantly to the ground. The head is large with a proportionally thin neck.
Habitat Blue Cranes are birds of the dry grassy uplands. They feed on seeds and snakes and spend little time in wetlands. They are altitudinal migrants, generally nesting in the lower grasslands and moving down to lower altitudes for winter. Many occupy agricultural areas .Of the 15 species of crane, the Blue Crane has the most restricted distribution of all.
Decline While it remains common in parts of its historic range, and approximately 26 000 individuals remain, it began a sudden population decline and is now classified as vulnerable. In the last two decades, the Blue Crane has largely disappeared from our central regions The majority of the remaining population is in eastern and southern South Africa, with a small and separate population in the Etosha Pan of northern Namibia. Occasionally, isolated breeding pairs are found in five neighboring countries.
The primary causes of the sudden decline are human population growth, the conversion of grasslands into commercial tree plantations, and poisoning: deliberate (to protect crops) or accidental (baits intended for other species, and as a side-effect of crop dusting). Although the blue crane faces many threats, many conservation measures have been put in place to protect the species by various conservation bodies like the South African Crane Conservation Programme of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Overberg Crane Group. These groups have managed to form excellent working relationships with landowners whose property the cranes live on, in an effort to protect the blue crane.
Breeding Habits The Blue Crane mates for life and displays a beautiful courtship dance which comprises of the two individuals jumping up and down with their wings extended. The birds mature at about three to five years of age. They usually lay two eggs with an incubation period of 30 to 33 days. The chicks are able to fly at about three to five months. The parents are very protective of their young and will guard them aggressively.
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Living
Birding Limpopo Province, in the
Home of The Kruger National Park - Gareth Roocroft
Along with KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo is one of the best provinces for birding. Bird watchers come from all over South Africa and abroad to go birding here. Of course the Kruger National Park – which to my mind is the best birding area in South Africa – is situated here and over 500 bird species are found in the park. Here are the ten top places to go bird watching in the Limpopo province.
Kruger National Park The Kruger National Park has all the habitats you could wish for. It is probably the best and best known birding area in South Africa. There are over 500 bird species in the park which include many sought-after and rare specimens.
Nylsvley Nature Reserve The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is a spectacular sanctuary for birds and more than 365 bird species have been recorded in the open woodlands and vast flood plains. Special bird species here include:
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African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Moorhen, Lesser Jacana, Allen’s Gallinule and the Dwarf Bittern.
Ben Lavin Nature Reserve The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve comprises open woodland and bushveld. Some of the birds to watch out for include the Bushveld Pipit, Gorgeous BushShrike and the Bearded Scrub-Robin.
Lapalala Wilderness The Lapalala Wilderness area is a great place to observe raptors and bushveld birds. It is mainly a mixed woodland region, so you can expect many great sightings.
Hans Strijdom Dam Nature Reserve The Hans Strijdom Dam Nature Reserve comprises a large dam in open woodland. It’s a good area to observe water birds and bushveld birds.
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Living
- Brown Snake Eagle
Rust De Winter Nature Reserve The Rust De Winter Nature Reserve consists of dams, grassland and open woodland. It is a good place to watch woodland bird species and the special bird to look out for here is the Olive Tree-Warbler.
Langjan Nature Reserve The Langjan Nature Reserve has a lot of scrubacacia bushveld vegetation. It has some special bird species such as the Bronze-Winged Courser, Temminck’s Courser and the Dusky Lark.
Mosdene Nature Reserve The large flood plains, mixed in with open woodlands, are the main habitats. The Mosdene Nature Reserve has high numbers of water birds and bush birds and is a great place to see a variety of owl species.
Hangklip State Forest The Hangklip State Forest is a good montane forest area and one should look out for the Crested Guineafowl and Peregrine Falcon. The Crowned Eagle and other forest birds are also present here.
Pietersburg Nature Reserve The Pietersburg Nature Reserve is a grassland area with open woodland and is the best place in South Africa to see the Short-Clawed Lark.
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Living
by Kevin Bolton
In the early 2000’s South Africans started purchasing Garmin street navigation devices. The first map set launched with these devices gave us an idea of what GPS street navigation was about. The coverage was not very good, being only the three major centers, Gauteng, Cape Town Durban and East London with the main roads between these centers. There was a quick update that included Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein but was not overly impressive. The next update appeared a few years later.
With updates twice a year this was a vast improvement on what we already had, and these updates were guaranteed.
In early 2000 the Managing Director of Map Studio was sold on the idea of creating “digital maps for future applications” an unknown entity. Rumour has it that he could not deliver on specifications for the navigation requirement of a client. However he had a vision for such a requirement in the future. This being for navigation, GIS and many other applications. It was with this dream that the company MAPiT was established, who were to sell Map Studio products but in a digital format. Map Studio only supplied road atlases in a paper format but now they needed a capability to improve the accuracy of their maps and someone to grow the existing dataset but in a digital format. Geo-Origin, a company which was established in 2000 for this kind of task, was identified to fulfil this requirement and take the digital map to the next level, which they now have done and for which they are now internationally known.
TomTom Africa Licensing is now a joint venture between TomTom International and four local South African shareholders and is responsible for the mapping of Africa. They, however, have access to any other TomTom datasets from other sister companies throughout the world.
In the next few years Georigin grew the dataset with it becoming well known. In those days their main user of the dataset was GARMAP, the new Garmin mapping produced locally under license with local knowledge (local is ‘lekker’ and better).
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In 2007 Georigin was bought by TeleAtlas, the traditional mapping partner for TomTom, and the company grew from strength to strength. In 2008 TeleAtlas internationally was bought by TomTom and the company in South Africa is now known as TomTom Africa Licensing.
The coverage of Africa at present is broken into three categories, MultiNet, ConnectPlus and Connect. MultiNet : is the top of the range mapping of an area with the best coverage and detail, and is considered the most complete dataset available with not much improvement down the line except for the regular maintenance and new developments always due to changes. This dataset is routable with street addresses including street numbers etc. Only street corner numbers are included as part of the map dataset. By mapping each and every street number this would increase the dataset to a size that is not practical. Therefore for example numbers 1, 5, 10, 15 would be mapped etc. But then the individual numbers would be calculated and allow you to find you desired address (street number) with a minimum of difficulty.
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Living This is due to the “address ranging principle.” The MultiNet coverage currently extends through the following 13 African countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt with Zambia, Malawi, Angola to be included in the course of 2012. The internationally accepted change in infrastructure for a map dataset is approximately 15% per annum but in Africa this is a much higher percentage. Every town and city in Namibia and Botswana has recently been flown for aerial photography to assist in upgrading the map datasets of these countries. Currently the dataset is approximately 1.9 million km of routable data for these countries and is considered to be complete but there will always be room for improvement. Both the datasets of MultiNet and ConnectPlus are identical. The only difference between them is the Lane Assist and Junction View features in the MultiNet dataset. ConnectPlus: The current dataset covers 24 countries in Africa including Mauritius, Reunion and Mayotte. The dataset is not complete but is growing daily. The dataset includes the major road network, and the details of the cities and towns. At present it excludes the smaller towns and back roads which are currently in process of being captured. It is extremely difficult to map some of these countries to a MultiNet level due to the fact that a lot of the towns and cities do not have street names or even numbers. Our neighbours, Namibia and Botswana have such an infrastructure which has made the task easier than in the rest of Africa.
Currently at the dataset is approximately 1 million km’s of road data for these countries at various levels of detail. The routable dataset between these 2 categories of mapping has improved by 15 000km in the last three months alone. Hopefully TomTom Africa Licensing will have all of Africa mapped to the ConnectPlus level by January 2014, but some areas will be better than others. In fact the aim is to have the mapping from Cape to Cairo ready for sale shortly. It is near completion but still needs final tweaking. Connect: This dataset covers all the remaining countries in Africa. The most difficult part of Africa to map is due to unstable situations from time to time in some of the countries and the near total cloud cover over the equator most of the time. These countries main roads and main cities have been mapped. This dataset covers about 7 000 000km’s of a combination of routable and non-routable roads. The Topographical dataset for Africa is complete for military, humanitarian and national land use applications. The dataset is a seamless dataset with routable and non routable information including some boundary fences and rivers and more importantly a 20m contour throughout the region. The mapping of these Africa countries datasets has always been done legally. It is done by officially buying the dataset through the official channels with permission or having acquired it through partnerships in the particular countries who already have the necessary permission to map and sell the data. These partnerships could be by agreement, official tradeoffs,‘buy in’ or in co-operation with a local company. This is exactly how local data in South Africa can be sourced. No mapping is done as pirate mapping, or as a clandestine project in any country.
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Living Currently TomTom Africa Licensing has official partnerships in Angola, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The creation of TomTom Licensing maps would obviously be to buy existing mapping data where it already exists through Government sources and local mapping companies in a country plus the purchase of satellite imagery which has a good enough resolution and which is still affordable. Currently TomTom Africa Licensing has a number of GPS Data Capturing field survey teams that would be used to verify purchased maps and to check identified problem areas where clarity could not be confirmed. This would be done in co-operation with the local partners. In South Africa today they use a data capturing van smaller but similar to the Google van that is regularly seen driving around in the cities. TomTom Africa Licensing have a similar capability as that of Google in the producing of street views but consider this not their core business, due to the legal and security issues linked to making such information public. The vehicle is operated by one driver and travels or maps about 3 500km of road network a month. This acquaints to approximately 1Tb of video / photography data a month. For safety the van has two computers in the back, one of which is a backup. On the roof the vehicle has a camera and laser / scanner to capture this street and road information. This was recently referred to by one of their employees as capturing road furniture which I believe is very descriptive of the task. Most of this information is automatically processed, ready for quality control. TomTom Africa Licensing does have an automated process to identify problem areas. This video / photography is used to create 3D images of buildings on the map dataset. The creating of 3D images of the inside of the building is not their core business and therefore not done. TomTom Africa Licensing’s biggest asset and contributor to their mapping datasets are the Satellite Navigation device users, the man in the street using his device daily. This is the community contribution to the mapping process being in an Active format or in a Passive Format. TomTom’s Passive community contribution is data gathering methods which are unique in the world as it does not compromise the community privacy. 54
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The Active format is when: • • •
A Garmin user sends in tracks and or waypoints which information can be added to the dataset. A TomTom user adds data to MapShare Or just straight forward web users giving feedback from TomTom’s report back websites/ forums
The Passive format is when a TomTom user logs his device onto TomTom Home and his trace data (track log) downloaded and this is used to grow the map dataset. This trace data logs a position every second as the vehicle travels. Presently about 40 000 active contributions are received a year and about 100 000 passive contributions are made every year.These contributions acquaint to millions of kilometers of road network or GPS trace data during the year. Some of this will be a duplication but will be used to verify the information. This method of data capturing reduces cost and is a saving to TomTom Africa Licensing and ultimately to you the end user. This is actual information from actual roads travelled and therefore can be relied on. Obviously there are checks in place to confirm this information before adding it to a map dataset and putting through the quality assurance process. Surprisingly a lot of this information is presently coming from north of South Africa’s borders. This method is the best way to rapidly expand the African map dataset with Quality Controls in place. The information is then added in colour coding showing; • • • • •
the direction travelled the aging report of traffic flow and live traffic reporting the average speed index of the traffic flow etc. new roads that have been opened road changes (old roads closed) etc.
This is then over laid on aerial photography or satellite imagery to confirm the information and if it cannot be confirmed then a field team would be sent to confirm the possible change. A lot of these processes are nowadays automated but will always rely on the human factor of final control and acceptance and which is obviously essential.
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Living What makes TomTom Africa Licensing unique and the world leaders? •
•
Their Active and mainly Passive mapping procedures with their atomization of their processes make them unique. The company is established internationally, their processes are well established and their coverage is unmatched in Africa.
At the beginning of December 2011 TomTom Africa Licensing moved to new offices in Southdown’s Office Park at the southern end of John Vorster Drive (M19) in Centurion. Today this is one of the widest used mapping dat sets in Africa for numerous different applications which includes the following: • • • • • • • •
Satellite Navigation street navigators, to outdoor lifestyle satellite navigation devices Fleet management systems and vehicle tracking companies Insurance companies Telecommunication companies Local and foreign military Power utilities Election authorities north of our borders Mining houses etc.
In my experience during both official and unofficial investigations during the last few years and in my travels into Africa, I have found that the TomTom Africa Licensing dataset to be of the best quality available and most reliable. Happy GPS Adventures.
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May 2012
55
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Featured Specie
The Real Yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen
The real yellowwood is one of South Africa ‘s most valued timber trees. It is also South Africa ‘s National Tree.
Description Podocarpus latifolius is a slow-growing, usually large, evergreen tree, which grows to between 20 and 30 m in height. Under some conditions, the tree does not grow more than about 2 m but looks very old and full of character. The wood is yellow and quite similar to the Outeniqua yellowwood, although not as dark or of the same quality. The bark is greyish and smooth when young but shows the characteristic longitudinal fissures as it matures. The bark peels off in strips. The glossy green leaves are long and narrow. The leaves on young trees are always larger than on mature trees. The new leaves are very noticeable as they form clusters of pale green or bronze at the ends of branches, compared to the dark green of the older leaves. There are male and female trees. The male cones (July to September) resemble catkins (an inflorescence adapted for wind pollination, found on the exotic Betula species, for example) while the female tree develops round, grey/ blue seeds on thickened, fleshy stalks known as receptacles, which as they mature, turn purple (December to February).
Distribution and Habitat The real yellowwood grows naturally in mountainous areas and forests in the southern, eastern and northern parts of South Africa,extending into Zimbabwe and further north. It is also found on rocky hillsides and mountain slopes but does not get as tall where it is exposed as it does in the forests.
Ecology When the berry-like receptacles ripen, birds such as pigeons and turacos feed on them. They are also eaten by monkeys, bush pigs and sometimes by people.
Uses and cultural aspects The real yellowwood has apparently been used more than any other South African timber. Floors in the old Cape homesteads were made of this wood. The soft yellow colour of the wood contrasts beautifully with the dark-coloured stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) and these two timbers were often used together to make furniture. The real yellowwood was used a lot for tables and cupboards, as it polishes up very well. The South African Railways used to use the timber to make railway sleepers. In bygone years it was used to make wagon boxes. Coffins were often made of it too. An unusual use was that of a butcher’s block because the wood is hard and did not chip easily. It also has no scent, so it did not taint the meat. The real yellowwood is slow-growing, but very longlived and it is able to withstand some frost. The unusual textural appearance of the leaves makes it a good contrast or background for other trees. The colourful receptacles of the female tree are most attractive. This tree would make an interesting container plant and can withstand short periods indoors. The leaf size and interesting bark are good characteristics for bonsai.
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Living
“Travelling Tight”
Deel 1
- Yolandi Strydom
20 Lande, vier grootmense, ‘n baba en een Land Cruiser ‘n Paar jaar gelede het ek, my man, ons ses maande oue baba en ‘n paartjie van Kroasië die toer van ‘n leeftyd aangepak. Almal van ons in een voertuig, so is ons toer gedoop Travelling Tight. Ons roete het in Engeland begin vanwaar ons oorgekruis het na Europa, die Midde-Ooste en ‘n gedeelte van Afrika. Ons was vir vier maande op reis. Die grootste opwinding was die droom en beplanning vooraf. Dit kan ‘n realiteit wees vir meeste mense. Ons ondervinding was dat dit onnodig is om derduisende ter voorbereiding van jou voertuig te spandeer. As jy slim werk met jou geld sal jou kostes oppad baie dieselfde wees as jou maandelikse kosrekening by die huis. Afhangende van jou voorkeure kan jy besluit of ‘n laaistelsel nodig is, en of jy sommer stewige plastiekbokse gaan gebruik. So byvoorbeeld kan ook besluit word op ‘n ingeboude watertenk of ‘n los plastiek een, ‘n lang afstand brandstof tenk of jerry kanne. Ons het twee oulike mans van Switserland ontmoet wat slegs ‘n bosbreker, jerry kanne, ‘n plastiekwatertenk, ‘n yskas, ‘n daktent en enkele los bokse gehad het. Dan was daar ook die teenoorgestelde safarie trokke wat van ‘n ingeboude badkamer tot vierwielmotorfietse het wat saam reis. In beide gevalle kon die toeriste hul toer voltooi sonder teëspoed. Ons aanbeveling sal wees om ten minste rotsglyers en ‘n bosbreker ter beskerming van jou voertuig op te sit. Dra genoeg brandstof om 1 000 km sonder opvul te kan ry. Skoon water is werlik nodig. Ons het
‘n 170 liter watertenk met ‘n reverse osmosis filter opgesit - die voordeel van so ‘n filter is dat dit ook die bakterieë in die water verwyder. Op ons volgende toer sal ons beslis weer dieselfde waterstelsel insit. ‘n Praktiese pakstelsel is baie gerieflik, veral as daar baie toerusting moet saamgaan. Spandeer baie tyd om na voorbeelde te kyk en na ander mense se voorstelle te luister. In ons geval was ons pakstelsel ‘n groot bron van frustrasie en sal ons dit heeltemal verander vir die volgede keer. ‘n Goeie idee sal wees om ‘n oefenlopie met jou voertuig te doen om te toets hoe prakties alles werk. ‘n Yskas is gerieflik, maar nie noodsaaklik. Ons het vir Klaus ontmoet wat vir die laaste dekade en ‘n half elke jaar so ‘n toer aanpak op sy motorfiets en slegs brood, ‘n ui, ‘n tamatie en ‘n stukkie knoffel saamdra. As jy versigtig kies is uiteet baie maal goedkoper as kruideniersware en altyd ‘n wonderlike ervaring. Eezi Awn se daktente kom beslis heel bo-aan ons lys. Soms het ons ‘n hotelkamer gehuur sodat ons die gebruik van die badkamer het en steeds in ons gerieflike tente geslaap. Jou kussing en komberse vou met groot gemak binne in op, en selfs ‘n vrou kan alleen die tent oop en toe maak. Jy kan jou motordiensonderdele in die groter stede koop of selfs die diens laat doen, basiese gereedskap is noodsaaklik, maar op safarie kom daar altyd iemand oor jou pad wat hand sal gee as jy gestrand
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Living
is. Ander toerusting wat ons sal voorstel is, stoele, ‘n opvou tafel, hi lift jack, maniere om te bosstort of -bad, gasstoof, herkrygingtoerusting, ‘n langlewe batterystelsel, goeie kameratoerusting en ‘n GPS. Die buitelewe klere wat vandag beskikbaar is stel jou instaat om lig te reis. Kies klere wat vinnig droog word. Sit maar ‘n warm dingetjie in.
is. Wees baie versigtig vir Egipte, gaan kyk maar na die Suid-Afrikaner wie se Discovery al baie jare by Aswan grens staan omdat hy totaal moed opgegee het met die Egiptiese beurokrasie. Die Voetsporespan moes ook hul toerplanne aanpas nadat Egipte nie hulle voertuig carnets wou aanvaar nie. En so maak hulle met almal.
My man het eenmaal ‘n drie weke tydren van Londen na Timbaktu onderneem. Alhoewel hulle net een nag in die sneeuberge spandeer het, kan sy vriend tot vandag toe nie die slegte herinnering uit sy kop kry toe hy besef sy klere is nie warm genoeg en hy is te vet om in sy slaapsak te pas nie. Afhangende van hoe goed jou neus kan hou, is drie stelle klere genoeg. Die langbroeke en hemde van goeie buitelug klerevervaardigers is koel genoeg om bedags te dra as die son kwaai skyn, en handig saans as die muskiete pla. ‘n Waterdigte houer met water en klein bietjie seep werk goed as ‘n wasmasjien, ‘n paar ure se geskud op die grondpad kry al die onaangename reukies uit. Vanaand kan jy net ophang en more is jy weer reg met jou klerekas. ‘n Kopliggie en multigereedskap is handig om deurentyd byderhand te hê. So ook ‘n klein rugsak as jy bietjie wil gaan verken en water en ‘n versnappering wil saam dra.
Na ‘n baie stresvolle grens-oorkruising na Israel het ons gedink niks kan erger wees as die ondervragingsessies oor ons geloof en ses ure se uitpak van elke liewe item in ons voertuig, insluitend my appelstronk. Maar die Egiptenare was getrou aan hul reputasie en ons grens-oorsteek na Egipte was ‘n nagmerrie. Ons carnet was afgekeur omdat dit op die agterste bladsy lys dat Egipte in Afrika is, ons amptenaar het aangedring dat Egipte in die hartjie van die Midde Ooste is. Ons moes vir drie dae op die grenspos se parkeerterrein kamp. Ons het fakse van die AA laat stuur,‘n kontak by die Mosambiekse ambassade gekry om ons saak in Arabies by hul te bepleit, maar hulle het botweg geweier om ons papierwerk te aanvaar. Saans as die kwaai amptenaar huistoe gaan het die personeel ons genooi om saam met hulle te eet en die storte te gebruik. Sommige Egiptenare het geen respek vir hul medemens. Ek het op ‘n stadium gevrees vir ons baba se welstand omdat ek bedags geen toegang tot kos en water gehad het nie, en op daardie stadium nog geborsvoed het. Tot so ‘n geval traak hul nie, en hulle sal bly staan by hul punt, en op die ou einde van die dag gaan dit oor een ding, omkoopgeld. Ons het uiteindelik die omkoopgeld betaal omdat dit die enigste manier was wat hulle ons oor die grens wou laat. Nog ‘n Egiptenaar het agter ‘n bos uitgespring en ons kampgeld gevra vir
Deur vooraf deeglik al die inligting rondom visas uit te vind is ‘n moet. Ons Kroasiese vriende het bloot aangeneem dat hul visas vir Egipte op die grens gekry word, wat waar is, behalwe vir die kruising by Taba. Dit het ‘n groot geskarrel, klompie eksta dollars en baie stres veroorsaak. Jou voertuigpapiere moet 100% in orde wees anders kan jy jou regmaak vir groot teëspoed. Die AA is baie behulpsaam met die uitreik van die carnet wat jou voertuig se “paspoort” 60
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Living die drie dae se parkering, en dit was net die begin van menige omkoopgeld wat bloot opgedok moet word anders is dit omdraai en huistoe gaan. Behalwe vir Israel en Egipte was al die ander grensposte vinnig, maklik en die personeel baie hulpvaardig. Om die visas te kry is ook redelik maklik, sorg net dat jou papierwerk in orde is soos gespesifiseer. Dit was net die uitneem van visas vir Sudan wat taamlik ‘n deurmekaar spul was. Ons het dit in Kaïro uitgeneem en jy moet maar druk en stamp in ware Egiptenaar-styl om jou aansoek by die toonbank uit te kry. Ons het werklikwaar groot teëspoed gehad met ons keuse van geldeenheid. Ons het ‘n redelike gedeelte van ons kontant vooraf in Euros omgesit, wat fantasties werk in Europa, maar daar stop dit. In Kaïro was daar nog groot banke waar ons geld kon omskakel, maar dit was die laaste. Met groot moeite het ons Euros in Sudanese Ponde omgeskakel met die hoop dat ons dit in die volgende land makliker kan ruil as Euros, net om te besef dit word geensins in Etiopië omgeruil nie en niemand wou ons Euros aanvaar nie. Ons medereisiger het sy lewe op die spel geplaas om ‘n onder-die-tafel-transaksie aan te gaan om van die Sudanese geld ontslae te raak.
Dollars is by verre die populêrste geldeenheid. Gebruik jou kredietkaart waar moontlik en klou aan jou kontant, want dit kan soms groot moeite wees om geld te ruil. Dit is moontlik om koue sardiens en gebakte boontjies uit ‘n blikkie te eet - jy moet net honger genoeg word. Ons het dit in Sudan geleer terwyl ons vir vyf dae sonder geld moes regkom as gevolg van ons geldeenheid bloutjie. ‘n Reiskliniek sal vooraf opgedateerde inligting kan deurgee oor die verpligte immunisasies. Hou jou kliniekkaart altyd byderhand. Die kliniek sal jou ook kan inlig oor malaria. Jou huisdokter sal goeie raad kan gee oor ‘n medisynetas. ‘n Breëspektrum antibiotika en beslis goeie kwaliteit medikasie vir maagaandoenings word hoogs aanbeveel. Gelukkig is mediese hulp in meeste dele van die wêreld maklik bekombaar en bekostigbaar. Jy gaan nie juis Unitas geriewe vind nie, maar bloedtoetsuitslae is in ‘n japtrap beskikbaar en Duitse antibiotika vir ‘n fraksie van wat jy tuis sou betaal is op voorskrif te kry. My man het klierkoors opgedoen nadat ons kos wat in modderige rivierwater voorberei is, in Sudan geëet het. Toe ons Etiopië binnegaan het hy vermoed iets groot is fout en ‘n kliniek besoek. Binne ‘n uur het hy die dokter gesien, bloedtoetse laat doen en die korrekte medikasie ontvang. Twee dae later was hy weer sterk op die been. Ons het ook eers na die tyd besef hoe gevaarlik
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Living dit was om met dieselfde modderwater te was. Leef liefs met die reukie saam tot jy skoner water kan vind om mee te was. Ons het nie vooraf tyd gemaak vir‘n deeglike beplanning van ons roete nie. Slegs ‘n rowwe plan was geskets. Al vind jy nie vooraf tyd hiervoor nie, spandeer ten minste een dag voor jy die grens oorsteek na ‘n nuwe land aan beplanning van jou roete en besienswaardighede. Ons het in Sudan so moedeloos geraak nadat ons ‘n groot besienswaardigheid misgery het – alles as gevolg van ‘n gebrek aan behoorlike beplanning. Track4Africa vir jou GPS is baie handig, toerboeke en die aflyn weergawe van Wikipedia is almal lekker bronne om roetes vanaf te beplan. Maak tyd om dagboek te hou, fotos af te laai, kar skoon te maak en om te rus. Alhoewel jy permanent op vakansie is het jy wel ‘n breek nodig om weer batterye te laai. Soms kan mens donker eers kamp opslaan, ‘n gebrek aan waswater en baie reën veroorsaak dat die motor en alles daarbinne, insluitend die passasiers, baie vuil en deurmekaar raak, dan is dit tyd om ‘n breek te vat vir ‘n paar dae by ‘n gerieflike kampterrein.
belangstellings, geaardhede en begrotings verskil. Ons het van ons medereisigers weer later raakgeloop as ons paadjies moes skei as gevolg van verskillende planne of roetes. ‘n Dag of twee weg van mekaar doen ook wonders om die vrienskap gesond te hou, veral in die geval waar almal in een voetuig reis. In die volgende uitgawe deel ek verder oor ons reis. Sedertdien het ons ‘n werkswinkel in Centurion oopgemaak met die naam Rasper Offroad Fabrication. Kom loer gerus in en stel jouself voor. Ons deel graag raad en ons vervaardig bykomstighede vir 4x4’s. Ons adres is Eenheid A2, Jakaranda Park, h/v Jakaranda en Jurgstraat, Hennopspark. Of skakel ons op 072 613 3589, of stuur ‘n epos na info@rasper.co.za Ons webwerfadres is www.rasper.co.za
As jy saam met vriende of familie reis, is dit wys om mekaar van tyd tot tyd spasie te gee. Mense se
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Luxury Tented Camp 30 min from Lanseria, come unwind among peaceful bush surroundings Tel: 083 234 9526 thalia@bsorah.co.za www.bsorah.com
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Classifieds
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!
Do you have stuff that you never use cluttering your house? Would you like to turn these items into cash? Make a list, clean them up and get them ready to sell. We will dedicate this page to all our readers who have unwanted equipment and items that they would like to sell. Send us information on your outdoor related equipment and items with a short description of not more than 50 words including contact details and we will gladly advertise it free of charge. We would like to keep the focus on items related to hunting, fishing, diving and general outdoor living.
Send your information to info@africanadventures.co.za
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As jy nog altyd belang gestel het in boogskiet, maar dit nog nooit gedoen het nie, is jy altyd welkom om n paar toets skote met van ons top boĂŤ te kom skiet. Ons doen funksies, spanbou, partytjies, kinderpartytjies en jaar afsluitings. Kom maak gerus`n draai.
Besigheidsure: Ma - Vry: 09:00 - 17:30 Sat: 09:00 - 15:00
Redge Grant: 082 378 0539 Dp Bierman : 082 838 5017 Bradley Matthysen: 071 603 2677 800 Wekker straat, Moreleta park, Pretoria www.archersedge.co.za redge@archersedge.co.za
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FROG PLUS
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Tel: (013) 712 3070
Get your new Ford Ranger now at Baberton Ford! Contact Pieter van der Linde 076 421 3665