Volume 9

Volume - 9

Bursting the Bubble....

Love at first Flight A hunter discovers his passion

Decoding DRS

Kgalagadi

A travellers tale on this arid region

Rockavongo How hard will you rock the Delta?

Great Competition Not to be missed Bbq steak salad

HUNTING

I FISHING I DIVING I ADVENTURES I DESTINATIONS

Dive in Style

MADE

IN

ITALY

w w w. c r e s s i . c o m

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Vol 9 2012

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With 2013 in full swing, I’m pretty sure that most New Year’s resolutions are distant memories. This however doesn’t mean you should give up on your outdoor aspirations for the coming months.

I encourage all of you to seek a new outdoor activity to participate in. Whether you’re an angler trying your hand at hunting or a camper deciding to take the plunge into the big blue, it doesn’t really matter. What is important to us, the enthusiasts, is to explore all nature has to offer and take pleasure in our journeys.

We had an amazing response on our “We want to hear about your adventure” competition in association with Cadac. Thanks for all your submissions, your adventures inspired me to add a couple of new destinations to my bucket list. I want to congratulate Mr Dirker with his wonderful take on the Kgalagadi. He is the proud owner of a Cadac hamper valued at R 3000. Keep sending your contributions, who knows, you might be our next winner.

Enjoy this edition and remember to check in at www.africanadventures.co.za from time to time for more exhilarating articles.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things”.

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Johan Viljoen

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H&T HUNTING

F EEL

THE

L EGEND

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WWW .M AUSER . COM

Contents FISHING

Regulars Letter from the editor

2

“We want to hear about your

6

adventure” competition and winner Events

32

Destinations

62

Featured species:

Pg 27 Adventure into the wild

20 27

Nyala

13

Rockavongo - its not all about

The Dorado

23

the runs

African Penguin

43

Aloe ferox

51

Recipe of the month Summer barbeque steak salad

DIVING Bursting the bubble on DCS

34

Oliver’s twist on Sodwana

40

39

Hunting Pg 40

Adventures Kgalagadi “Land of Thirst”

46

The winning contribution

I dont like you

54

Conserving Southern Africa’s Vultures

58

Pg 46

Pg 16 The Old Bushmen and a Gemsbok Love at first flight

8 16

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o hear It’s the “we want t re” u about your advent

!

N O I T I T COMPE t u o b a s u l l Te e r u t n e v d a r you ld u o c u o y d n a c a d a C a N I W rth o w r e p m a H

R3000

rs’ ut our reade ade o b a r a e h to what m We want eriences and p x e re tu n e v ad l. ences specia those experi tell ictures and and p s, e ri o st r Email us you adventure experience a ur us about yo be the lucky winner of ld u o c u the yo C tories to: Email your s ventures.co.za ad Info@african T&C’s Apply

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WIN

Mr Dirker is the winner of the Cadac hamper thanks to

his

contribution

on

the Kgalgadi, read his adventure on page 46 and remember to submit your contribution for a chance to win!

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Vol 9 2012

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hunting

The Old Bushmen and a Gemsbok

Leon Viljoen

In one of Sir Laurens van der Post’s famed desert stories he recalls the ritual that the first time San Bushmen hunter has to go through in order to get his name among his peers. And I mean literally get his name; most young men are referred to as just John or Pete or whatever in the San language until they complete their first hunt.

To illustrate the linguistic constraints of the San language some youngsters are called !Xu or Regopstaan X!U. Try pronouncing that by pressing your tongue against the back of your palate and imagine you are about to bite into an unripe olive, once the mind is ready you just let the air pop out at any orifice that will let the sound pass. Now that is roughly how it should sound!

The young hunter is tasked to venture into the semi-arid landscape and hunt the majestic eland, for the eland alone has the capability of feeding the whole clan. Armed with bow and (poisonous) arrows he would creep along the tall clumps of elephant grass, get as close as possible and aim for the flank of the biggest cow. The cow holds more favor as she leads the herd.

Once the poisoned arrow has hit the mark, and the cow has given her last bellow, the young man will walk up to the animal and praise her for the gift of life that she has given. He will then take out the eye so that her spirit will guide him from here onwards, and he would then swallow the eye, making sure that it does not burst or that he bites the eye. Hence, you will find in the olden days a fair amount of hunters being called Eland, or the San generic thereof, as nearly every hunter wanted to shoot an eland.

If you have doubts about my description, just grab the Geographica Britannica and confirm my story by looking at the rock art sketches. I hope that I have adequately described the situation, or at least done the ritual some justice, as I am about to venture into my own rather uninspiring, at least from a San perspective, story of hunting in the Kalahari.

I was invited to hunt on a game farm on the border of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park.

The park covers an area as big as the Freestate province.

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hunting

The Western edge of the park is not fenced and animals migrate from the lower water basins of the Nossop River into the winter grazing areas of the Kalahari sand dunes. Large numbers of eland, springbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich and gemsbok are to be found.

I have my heart set on a gemsbok and was quite keen to try my new 7x57 Africa Mauser. For those in the know, the 7x57 Mauser is one of the finest flat trajectory rifles around. At a distance of 200300 meters it has no equal (at least in my opinion).

I arrived fresh and bushy tailed, despite the rather long journey by road. We South Africans enjoy long road trips, but I noticed there was also a small landing strip on the farm. The owner mentioned that American hunters often prefer to fly in and, with the strong dollar vs. rand exchange rate, hiring a plane is not so expensive. Dollar envy is a serious pastime in South Africa at the moment.

Well, at least I had arrived. We sighted our rifles and I was given a guide to accompany me on the first day. Jonas was a man of the Kalahari and he was from the Regopstaan clan. The word Regopstaan means to stand tall and is derived from Afrikaans. It is a bit of a derogatory term as the San Bushmen are by nature extremely small framed, but I believe it was given in good faith as the Regopstaan clan were viewed as the finest trackers in the area and they stood tall as hunters.

Jonas greeted me and asked me what I was hoping to shoot. I mentioned Gemsbok and he said that we would have success as he can see that I am a young man and that the Gemsbok will not be able to run away from us. I believe that my 34 year old body was in a fair shape, but I was wondering about Jonas. In response to a question about his age, Jonas indicated that he has spent 61 years in this area, but he was not sure about his age, as they did not really keep track of birthdays but it could be more.

Well, the young man and the not so young man decided to try a ridge about two miles from the farmstead and we set off at a brisk pace in the direction of the dunes. I was wearing my hunting jacket and a pair of shorts and my thick-soled hunting boots. It was winter, but the climate is moderate with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Jonas was a sight to behold. He wore a loincloth, was barefoot and carried only a small bag, which held an orange and a skinning knife. I felt like Sir Ryder Haggard, exploring the dunes with my trusty companion.

It did not take long before we spotted the first herd. There were two bulls and five cows in the group. I hinted in hushed tone to Jonas that I was ready to try a stalk, but instead of whispering back he replied in a clear voice that we would not get close enough. The herd had moved under the shade of a camel-thorn tree and above the herd was two “kwevoels.� These noisy birds are also sometimes referred to us go-away birds and they act as the eyes of the herds. They were bound to see us long before we could get within shooting distance.

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hunting Jonas had spotted them first, and was highly amused by my innocence. We decided to leave the herd alone and turned into the wind trying to find another group. Jonas’ eyes were accustomed to the veld and he showed me the telltale signs of a herd that contained a large number of adults.

He did not seem to find the telltale signs of the lions following the herd interesting! Now I don’t know about you, but I was not at ease. Only the foolish will intentionally confront a lion, and I do not usually describe myself as foolish.

Jonas was concerned that the herd might have picked-up the scent of the lions and moved off beyond our hunting area. He told me to wait under the trees while he searched the dunes. He went running over the dunes and I waited for what seemed like an eternity. Thoughts of the lions would not go away, no matter how hard I tried to think of my family and my wife, etc.

Jonas eventually returned and indicated that he had found the herd. We would have to take a short run. I was in favor of a short run, but there is my Western concept of a short run and then there was the Kalahari version of a short run. I was knackered and out for the count after 10 minutes and what seemed like a mile. Jonas, bless his 61-year-old soul, was as fresh as a bloody daisy! I was cursing away, but he insisted that I am a young man and that I should have the stamina of the eland; you see there is the reference to the eland again.

We finally did catch up to the herd and I had to sit down for at least 5 minutes just to steady my legs and regain my breath. Jonas wanted me to get closer, and that meant a crawl on hands and knees for at least 30 meters. Eventually a shot presented itself. The Gemsbok has a large lung/ heart area and shot placement is easy. They rely on their keen eyesight and hearing to detect predators, and their scimitar shaped horns to defend themselves. Their cooling system is in their head, where a large number of veins run through the nasal passage to cool them off. A lung shot nearly always results in pinkish foam at the mouth.

I fired my shot and the cow went down, only to jump up again. I was bitterly disappointed when I saw her heading over the dune. My disappointment grew more profound when I turned around to find Jonas munching away at his orange. “What now?” I asked. His expression of enjoyment turned to bemusement at my ignorance of hunting in the dunes. His response was that he had to eat the orange since he would need all of his energy to skin the cow.

“But she has disappeared among the dunes,” I responded. He just nodded his head and indicated that she went to the other side of the dune because that is where the sun is hotter; she knew that she was dying and she wanted to make it difficult for us to skin her.

He was right. We found her on the slope side of the dune. The

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shot was in the lung and the bullet placement was sufficient for a clean kill. I dreaded the work to cape out the cow that was ahead us, but in the hands of the San Bushmen the trophy was prepared within the hour. Jonas asked if he could have the heart and the eyes, and I gave him the liver as well.

Later that afternoon, while we were relaxing with a cold beer, the owner of the farm told me of the high regard in which he holds his guides. He mentioned that Jonas was his senior guide and that he only works for a month or so each year on the farm. The rest of the year he disappears into the Botswana hinterland to be with his clan. He also mentioned that Jonas always picks his clients first and that it is normally the young guys because he can outrun them all, no matter the age.

I enjoyed the experience and it was a hunt with a difference, but any hunt is normally a hunt with a difference. I have not yet been back to the Kalahari, but I will go again. I might meet up with Jonas again, but then I may not.

All I know is that we are blessed in this country and in this region to have not only a wide diversity of animal species, but also a rich cultural diversity. The San Bushmen are a dying breed, as the young people no longer stay in their tribal areas. The bright lights of the city draw them away, and alcoholism has had a serious impact on their numbers. I only now realise what a privilege it was to hunt with one of the true masters of this noble and ethical sport.

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hunting

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Featured specie

Nyala Tragelaphus angasii

Brought to you by www.theanimalfiles.com

Main Characteristics Nyala are medium sized antelopes and have a body length between 1.4 and 1.6 m, a tail length between 40 and 55 cm and weigh between 55 and 125 kg. Male Nyala are much larger and heavier than females.

Male Nyala have a dark grey coloured head and body with indistinct stripes along its torso. Their lower legs are tan in colour and they have have a fringe of hair along their underside and a thin crest on their back. They have horns that measure up to 70 cm in length and a white “V” between their eyes.

Female and juvenile Nyala are red/brown in colour and they have distinctive, vertical white stripes along their body. They do not have any horns but they have a white “V” between their eyes.

They spend most of the day, particularly the hottest part, under the shade and they tend to feed during the evening and early in the morning. They have an alarm call that is a “dog-like” bark.

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Featured specie

Habitat Nyala are found near dense bush in the dry savanna woodlands of Southern Africa. They prefer areas that are close to a water source and good quality grass.

Females live in groups that consist of 2 - 30 individuals. It is not uncommon for groups of female Nyala to be related as young females stay in close proximity to their mother once they are independent.

Males also form loose groups but these are more transitory. Neither male or female groups are territorial and their home ranges often overlap.

Diet Nyala feed on grasses, leaves, twigs, fruits and flowers. They drink daily when water is plentiful but they are able to survive in areas when water is only seasonally available.

Breeding Nyala breed throughout the year although most young are born in spring and there is a small peak in the autumn. After a gestation period of 7 months, 1 calf (sometimes 2) is born. At birth the young Nyala weighs approximately 5 kg and they remain hidden from predators for approximately 18 days.

They are weaned around 7 months old but remain with their mothers until her next calf is born.

Nyala are sexually mature by the time they are 18 months old.

Predators Common predators of nyala include lions, hyenas, leopards and african wild dogs. If a predator is detected a member of the group will let out a barking call and the other nyala in the area will react and run away. nyala also react to the warning calls from other species such as impala, baboons and kudu.

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Vol 9 2012

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hunting

Johan Viljoen

On return of some friends from a bow hunting trip to a relative’s game farm, it was clear to me that if I do not acquire a bow soon, my hunting opportunities will be limited for the season.

Any fear of the unknown did not deter me and was overshadowed by my desire to spend time in the bush. My research kicked off at my local bow store. After much confusion and deliberation I was referred to Archers Edge where the friendly reception and great advice I received, swayed me into buying a Bowtech Invasion CPX and all the essential accessories.

Spending the next few days throwing arrows into my bud and carefully studying shot placement at every opportunity, I was soon confident enough in my archery skills to book my first bow hunt. I franticly started my search for a venue with large numbers of game and adequate accommodation for my young family not too far from Pretoria. This proved tricky as most weekends were fully booked and I was forced to go during the week. Enquiring as to which of my hunting buddies can accompany me, it was not surprising at all that Cobus gave me the thumbs up as he is completely addicted to the sport of bow hunting.

With our departure time set for 5:00 the Tuesday morning, all the steaks, beers, bows and nonessentials were loaded just before 21:00 the previous evening. By now the excitement has taken full control and I realised I was in for a long night. After watching the entire “Impact Shot Placement” DVD series, again, I forced myself to bed. Drifting off now and then I kept my eye on the watch and constantly visualised my shot placement.

The day of my first bow hunt finally dawned and we were on our way to Shosholoza Bow Hunting

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hunting farm just outside Beestekraal in the North West Province. I was as excited as a dog with two tales and couldn’t stop talking about what’s lying ahead. I had hundreds of questions for Cobus on what, when, where, how far and many more. He patiently answered the relevant questions and quietly chuckled at his nervous passenger. Before I realized we arrived at the gate of the farm and this is when reality really set in.

We quickly unpacked and Cobus suggested that we shoot a last couple of arrows before heading to the hides. I shot a good grouping and loaded all my equipment on the bakkie with great confidence. We were briefed on the hunting rules, handed two-way radios and a price list, which I studied prior to our arrival to prevent an expensive judgement error. At this point the wives and kids arrived just in time for a good luck kiss and with that behind us we headed out.

On our way to the hides it was evident that there was no shortage of game and we would have a good chance of harvesting a buck, spotting nyala, zebra, wildebeest, impala and many more on our drive out. By now I could not contain my excitement and could not wait to place my pin on the vital triangle. As we approached the first hide, 2 warthog fled from the water hole. I remember saying to Cobus that it would have been the ideal start to my career just to settle the nerves as this would not be an expensive mistake.

I was dropped of first and Cobus gave me a last rundown on what to do and wished me luck. Fully attired in Sniper 3D’s, I felt completely invisible as I entered the “pit blind”, not knowing that this will be the first minute of countless hours I will spend in a hide, tree stand or on foot in pursuit of a dream trophy. Silently I started unpacking my Invasion and armed it with a 350g Pile Driver arrow tipped with a T3 broad head trying not to make a noise. With my trigger secured to my right wrist, I reached for my rangefinder checking the distance to various markers. I was pleased to note that I would not be presented with a shot further than 25 meters. The video camera was set up and the wait started.....

I constantly scanned the surrounding area for any movement in the hope that a warthog or impala would show itself. By now the 10 longest minutes of my life passed and I started feeling restless. Just as my mind started playing games with me I heard the distinctive sound of hooves on gravel.

Suddenly all my senses went into overdrive and I could hear my heart pounding. As I slowly moved up to the opening, I spotted a zebra approaching from the right. He stood perfectly broadside at 17 meters and the temptation was massive. Caught up in an internal feud as to shoot or not, a sms from Cobus came through that he has just shot a zebra. This didn’t help the devil on my shoulder! I sure did want to register my first kill but it would be an expensive mistake so I decided to pass on the zebra.

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hunting Observing the striped horse in his natural environment was truly wonderful and when a giraffe bull came in for a drink, I was sold on bow hunting for life. Whilst enjoying the moment and taking several pictures, movement to the left ignited my hunting instincts again. I saw a warthog boar approaching the feed and it was game on! I reached for my bow and prepared to draw. The pig came in fast and the adrenalin was flowing at the rate of knots with all the bones in my body rattling, I could hear myself breathing. Trying to contain my nerves, I kept repeating my pre-shot drill over and over in my head. This proved fruitless and I started doubting myself. The pig was extremely wary around the feed and any attempt to draw my bow would have alerted him of my presence and caused him to flee.

I decided to draw my bow at the back of the hide and away from the opening. This meant that the pig can’t see me but also that I can’t see the pig. My only solution to the problem was to view the pig on the video camera screen and wait for the right moment to move in for the kill. The waiting was killing me and by now sweat was running down my face. This was buckfever like I never had it before. Moving slightly quartering away the pig offered me a brief moment of opportunity and muscle memory replaced the buck-fever and in an instance the pin was on his shoulder and I released the arrow to see the hog sped off in the same direction it came from. I was overwhelmed by excitement and adrenalin to a degree that I couldn’t watch the replay on the video camera to verify my shot. Shaking like a leave, I radioed the PH to inform him of my shot.

He instructed me to wait in the hide untill his arrival. Still overwhelmed, I sat down to relive the amazing experience I just had but it was a complete blank. I couldn’t recall much but what is undeniable is that this was the biggest thrill in my existence. The waiting was getting to me and all I wanted to do is get out and start the follow up to put my own mind at ease on my shot.

To my great suprise I was immediately congratulated with my first bow kill on their arrival. I said they must hold on to the thought until we got to the animal as I was not sure of the shot. They then pointed to the left were my pig lied just out of view of the opening in the hide. I couldn’t contain my joy and even sneaked in a small fist pump followed by high fives all round.

I managed to harvest a Blue wildebeest later that day with the same illegal dosage of adrenalin and relived every moment of both hunts with my friends and family that evening next to the camp fire.

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hunting

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19

fishing fishing

Adventure into the wild Shaun Reid There is something inside of us that wants adventure, there something inside of us that needs to leave the concrete jungle to go out and pursue something adventurous, something that gets our blood flowing.

I rallied up two mates (Ashley Coleman and Gavin Furgerson) and we spent a few weeks planning our adventure to one of the most beautiful parts of our South African Coast line. We were looking for a “Bear Grills“ adventure and we were going to go prepared!

Banga Nek is located on the most Southern part of the Kosi Bay System; you come in from the South. It is one of those places that you can have a truly amazing adventure, one of those memory making, life changing times that you will talk about for years to come.

Just getting there is an adventure; you have to have a 4x4, a dif lock and seriously flat tyres to navigate the sand roads leading into Banga. You definitely need a GPS - the shifting sand means the roads hardly look the way they did last time you visited, getting lost is part of the adventure, so try to enjoy it - you’ll find it eventually and it’s definitely worth while. The wildlife and natural vegetation are beautiful and the trees are teeming with bird life, so if you enjoy spotting a bird or two the trip in from the main road will be a highlight!

As predicted we got lost going in and eventually used Google maps on our cell phones to navigate our way to the campsite. Google maps is a great tool when roughing it in this area. As the road winds down towards the ocean, eventually the sand dunes end and finally the trees open up and reveal the real adventure waiting in the turquoise sea! What a sight, 20

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fishing the excitement really started to kick in and we rushed back to the campsite to set up (forget the tents! We got our gear on and headed for the back line). We were there on a Spearfishing trip to shoot a couple game fish. Banga Nek is a marine protected area so bottom fish are strictly off limits. You are only permitted to catch game fish. The area is teeming with life, the protected conditions have produced an underwater display of beautiful colours and many shoals of fish.

There is an abundance of speckled snappers, green job fish and car carp are prolific, swimming in large shoals. You are allowed to shoot the car carp but we held back and only shot one or two for eating purposes. The area is used by turtles for nesting and the water is fullid with them, so even if you don’t catch anything the underwater experience is fantastic.

The trip was a special one for me I shot my personal best king fish, I ended up shooting two kingies – one of 23 kg and one of 19 kg, both of them were beautiful! Whilst fighting one kingie I had two huge potato bass chasing it trying to eat it for breakfast. It really was an awesome experience not only was I pulling in a great fish, I had the thrill of making sure it wasn’t eaten by the potato bass on the way up and managed to capture this on camera.

Ash and Gav had a great encounter with some turtles and took some really awesome footage of two turtles doing a spectacular “dance” whilst trying to mate. I have loaded the footage to YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG5RZzv-a1A,a three minute video of these beautiful turtles, something really worth viewing. We are busy with an edit of the Banga Nek trip which will be available to view for free, it wil be posted on www.fishingcorner.co.za and on or facebook page so watch out for it.

A Banga trip isn’t the easiest fishing experience, there is a lot of walking and lugging of equipment to get out to the best spots, but it really makes great memories. Every year we say we won’t go back again but somehow the sand dunes, turquoise sea and the sense of adventure woe us back again.

Shaun Reid - www.fishingcorner.co.za

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The Dorado

Featured specie

Coryphaena-hippurus

Cobus Steyl Also known as Mahi-Mahi or Dolphinfish, it is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in offshore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the Pompano Dolphinfish. The name Mahi-Mahi means very strong in Hawaiian. Purely coincidentally, the word mahi means fish in Persian.

The Dorado can reach an age of up to 5 years while average adults can weigh between 7 to 13 kilograms. Fish over 18 kg has been caught which are exceptional specimens. Their flesh is soft and oily, similar to sardines.

Dorados have compressed bodies and long dorsal fins extending almost the entire length of their bodies while their caudal fins and anal fins are sharply concave. They are golden on their sides combined with blue and greens as well as on their back which makes them very attractive and easily distinguishable. Mature males have prominent foreheads bulging well above the body and females are smaller with rounded heads. The body is slightly slender and long, making them fast swimmers; they can swim as fast as 50 knots and very acrobatic once hooked. Out of the water, the fish often change colour and finally fade to a muted yellow-grey upon death. They are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage fish. They have also been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans.

Dorado are among the fastest-growing fish. They spawn in warm ocean currents throughout much of the year, and their young are commonly found in seaweed. Males and females are sexually mature in their first year, usually by 4-5 months old and spawning can occur when body lengths of 20 cm are reached. Females may spawn two to three times per year and can produce between 80,000 and 1,000,000 eggs per event.

Dorado are highly sought for sport fishing and commercial purposes. Sport fishermen seek them due to their beauty, size, food quality, and healthy population.

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fishingspecie Feartured They can be found in the Caribbean Sea, on the west coast of North and South America, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast of Florida, Southeast Asia, Hawaii and many other places worldwide.

Fishing charters most often look for floating debris and frigatebirds near the edge of the reef in about 37m of water. They are often found swimming near debris such as floating wood, leaves, around fish buoys or floating seaweed that sometimes holds a complete ecosystem from microscopic creatures to seahorses and baitfish. Frigatebirds dive for food accompanying the debris or seaweed.

They feed in large schools presenting anglers the opportunity to target them with a variety of baits and lures. Multiple hook-ups are very common.

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fishing fishing

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Although written in jest, and aimed at fly fisherman targeting tiger fish over the catfish run, the underlying message of the above parody is simple. Don’t let yourself get carried away in the moment. Adhere to sound fly fishing principles, the fundamentals, and you will succeed.

Not surprising, this holds true to most fly fishing situations.

it’s not all about the runs

A parody of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If: A Fathers Advise to His Son”

Rockavango

If you can keep your head when all about you Are loosing theirs and chasing runs, If you can trust yourself, when others speed by, If you can make the call, and fish the forgotten hole If you can shatter the silence With 20 seconds of screeching reels, Yours is the River and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be rocking on the Okavango, my son!

Keith Clover – Tourette Fishing CC | Photographs – Tourette Fishing

fishing

Every year I hear the same question, and understandably so; it comes in the form of a polite email, over the phone, or face to face. No matter how it is delivered, the suppressed urgency in the asker’s voice cannot be disguised. “Do you think we will hit good catfish runs? “. The simple answer is yes. However, getting stuck into a mille of frenzied catfish, does not necessarily spell good tiger fishing. And this is where a comprehensive answer to the above question takes some time.

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fishing The Okavango River, where it flows into Botswana near Shakawe to where it’s main channel begins to split into the numerous veins that spread out and disappear into the Delta proper, is called the Panhandle. It is in this main channel, with deep fast flowing water, that fly fishermen target tiger fish. The term “catfish run” is banded around as the holy grail of tiger fishing on the Okavango River; the “be all and end of all” of a successful foray to these tantalising waters. Fortunately, this is not the case. As with any river we find ourselves in (or on) throwing fur and feathers at the piscatorial habitants below, we do so at the time of year that offers us the best chance of success.

These decisions are based on an understanding of ones quarry and their prey, as well as how the local water temperatures, level, and clarity affect the system as a whole and ultimately, the likelihood of the fish in question eating ones fly. With this in mind enlightened fly fisherman from around the globe visit the Okavango River over the months of August to November. Over these months the water levels drop and temperature rises, while clarity remains relatively constant.

Waters recede off the flood plains, and bait fish are forced into the main channel. This collection of scenarios triggers tiger fish in rivers throughout Africa to eat, and the Okavango is no exception.

The Okavango River however, holds a trump card. A card, that if pulled at the correct time, and with the suitable conditions, can turn a good days fishing into an exceptional day. And this is the barbel run.

But back to the questions; what about the runs? As the parody above suggests, when casting flies to tiger fish on the Okavango river at the optimum time of year, by adhering to sound fly fishing principles one will consistently be rewarded, irrespective of fishing around the actual catfish runs or not. What are these basic principles? Well, this would take an article in itself, but the basics are consistent when targeting tiger fish in any river scenario. Focus on deep water with

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fishing structure, ideally close to or directly adjacent to a shallow area which would hold bait fish. Sand bank drop offs, small tributaries, mouths to lagoons off the main channel, and steep (preferably wooded) outside banks are examples of such areas. Channels draining the flood plains, as one finds on the Upper Zambezi, as well as back waters and the associated eddies and seem lines are also productive areas to focus ones attention. These are all prime hunting areas for tiger fish, most attracting a resident school of tiger fish that will regularly patrol the area. Fish deep, unless you see fish feeding on the surface. Vary your retrieve until you find what works (on the Okavango this is normally a steady long strip), and match your fly to the light conditions and bait fish in the area. By fishing in this manner, and focusing on the areas discussed above one will catch fish regardless of there being a catfish run in close proximity or not.

That said, witnessing and fly fishing around a catfish run is definitely first prize when visiting the Okavango River. The natural spectacle of watching hundreds of catfish working the river margins like a pack of rabid dogs is something else. Egrets squawking while hopping over the backs of a sea of catfish, picking scraps off the waters surface, and gulls dropping onto bait balls collecting in the main channel are sure signs that things are about to get wild! The lowed cracking sounds the catfish make as they move through the papyrus, saw grass, or phragmites reeds accompanied by fleeing baitfish of every variety will definitely quicken your pulse and get your fly rod singing.

Red fins and slashing rises in the main channel, as tiger fish demolish the fleeing bait fish, is the cherry on the top of this multilayered cake. A slice of which, once tasted, is hard to forget. Having a fly in the water in such scenarios will undoubtedly produce strikes.

It is important to remember that tiger fish are fairly territorial. Bigger fish will spend the majority of their time in a specific home range. These home ranges are determined by the river structure, i.e. areas in the river that offer good forage and safety for the

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tiger fish. To reiterate, you will catch tiger fish in these areas regardless. It is however, when a catfish run moves through such an area that fly fishing on the Okavango really turns on! Should you find yourself in such a position, with a run approaching, hold tight and wait for the fish to arrive. You will be treated to a session of tiger fishing never to be forgotten!

Proceeding with the cake analogy however; not every cake necessarily comes with a cherry on top. Many have a layer of fancy icing, masking the dry dough beneath. And, should a line of ten cakes be placed side by side, you may have to sample a number of them, before you find the perfect one. Similarly, not every catfish run you encounter on the Okavango River will provide good tiger fishing. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, the catfish may be moving over a shallow section of the river. These areas invariably hold very few tiger fish. The catfish my not be actively feeding, with no bait fish being flushed from the river margins to attract tiger fish. You may arrive on a run too late, the tiger fish having already fed and moved off, or simply stopped feeding. Basically, all the signs may be there, but the tiger fish may not. In these scenarios, it is best to move off and fish productive areas as mentioned above. Do not waste your time flogging the water hoping for the tiger fish to appear. If the run is substantial, you can always have a shot at it later on during the day, when it is hopefully moving through a more productive stretch of water. Similarly, do not rush off in search of the next run, in the process passing up numerous productive fishing spots in the hope that you will intercept another run. If you are lucky you will meet another run around a couple of bends, if you are unlucky, you may drive for an entire day without seeing a run. I personally prefer to fish sound water, where I know there will be fish, rather than waste a full day racing around the river searching for a potentially productive run. This is always a tough decision to make, as the “just around the next bend� optimism that is innate in many fly fisherman is an urge not easily discouraged. Fortunately, being in the guiding industry with a couple of boats on the water each day, we have a lot of inside information helping us make the correct decisions.

A quick note on productive flies one should carry when targeting tiger fish on the Okavango River.

Over the past two years there has been a fair amount of evolution in tiger fish patterns, and our current selection of flies reflects this. SF blend bait fish, tied over and under, in black, olive over grey, and tan are firm favourites. We match these three flies to the light conditions. Early morning

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fishing fishing and late evening we fish all black. During the periods of the day with bright light, we will fish the tan coloured fly. The olive over grey pattern can be fished in both scenarios, but really comes into its own when bream are flushed from the margins during a catfish run. These flies are attacked and eaten with gusto. Thus all flies must all be de-barbed as deep hook ups are common. Polar fibre bait fish in all the standard colours work, but again, olive over grey is a productive fly for big fish. Whistlers in black and in olive are very productive. Old favourites such as copper, black and red and fire tiger clousers must also have a place in your box. Ed Truter’s Swamp Donkey, in black and in olive is another productive pattern and tied weedless can be fished productively for all the bream species in the area.

With all said and done, and the constant possibility of hitting it big time around the next bend, it is never easy to make the call; to search for bigger, better and more productive runs, or to hedge ones bets and fish smartly in good looking areas? Irrespective of your preference, fish confidently if you choose the latter, and know when to stop if you take the first option. No matter what you resolve to do, by being in the right place at the correct time, fundamentally you have made the correct choice already. So yours is indeed the river and everything in it.

The only question that leaves answers is simple – how hard will you rock on the Okavango?

Cell: +27 84 622 2272 | Tel: +27 33 343 2182 Fax: +27 (0) 86 719 3621 Email: keith@tourettefishing.com Website: www.tourettefishing.com Skype: tourettefishing

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events

Not to be missed KwaZulu-Natal

GAUTENG McCarthy Toyota Half Marathon and 10km 4 February Riviera Lovers Rock Annual Vintage and Classic Car Show 5 February

Northern Drakensberg Traverse 12 February Drakenserg Dusi Canoe Marathon 14 February Pietermaritzburg Battlefields 4 in 1 14 February Newcastle

Magaliesberg Vastrap Fees 11 February

Rewind Festival 25 February Durban

Krugersdorp KFC Randburg Harriers 10 km Valentines Night Race

Mpumalanga

15 February Randburg

Sasol Secunda Marathon

NORTH WEST Maragon Platinum Mile Swim 2 February

Secunda Out @ Night Trail Run Series 1-2 22 February

Buffelspoort

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16 February

White River

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events

Freestate Kloppers / Adidas Festival of Running 11 February

Spur Adventure Sprint Race #2 10 February Somerset Wes Ultimate X 18 February V&A Waterfront

Bloemfontein Clarens Craft & Beer Festival

Eastern Cape

25 February Clarens

The Herold Cycle Tour 4 February

Limpopo

Addo

Berry Festival

Discovery Suffers Challenge

9 -10 February

16 February

Magoebaskloof

Gonubie Spar Redhouse River Mile

WESTERN CAPE

23 - 24 February

J & B Met 2 February Kenilworth

Cannonville

Ride the Rock League 4 February Cederburg

If you would like to publish your event here, please send details of event to: info@africanadventures.co.za

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diving

Bursting the bubble on....

Decompression Sickness

Johan Viljoen

Source: PADI, Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, 3rd Edition Known as The Bends or Caisson Disease, Decompression Sickness is an illness that can affect divers or other people who are in a situation that involves pressure rapidly dropping around the body.

DCS is caused as a result of nitrogen bubbles build up in the body. Approximately 78% of the air in cylinders are nitrogen. When descending in water, the pressure around the body increases, causing nitrogen to be absorbed into body tissues. This is not really harmful and it’s possible for the body to continue to absorb nitrogen until saturated, the point where the pressure in the tissues equals the surrounding pressure.

The problem arises when this pressure needs to be released. A diver must ascend slowly and carry out decompression stops if necessary - this will allow the nitrogen to slowly seep out of the body tissues and either revert to being a gas right away or to become tiny harmless bubbles which will eventually revert to gas. This is called “Off-gassing” and is normally passed out through the lungs.

If a diver ascends too quickly and the nitrogen escapes the body tissue too fast it becomes bubbles in the body and this leads to Decompression Sickness. The bubbles must normally be on the arterial side of the circulatory system to be harmful - they are usually harmless on the venous side.

Various levels of Decompression Sickness Type 1 Decompression Sickness: This is the least serious form of Decompression Sickness. It normally involves only soreness in

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diving the body and is not immediately life threatening. It is important to note that symptoms of Type 1 Decompression Sickness may be warning signs of more serious problems.

Cutaneous Decompression Sickness This is when the nitrogen bubbles come out of solution in skin capillaries. This usually results in a red rash, often located on the chest and shoulders.

Joint and Limb Pain Decompression Sickness This type is characterized by aching in the joints. It’s not clear what causes the pain as bubbles in the joint would not have this effect. The general perception is that it is caused by the bubbles aggravating bone marrow, tendons, and joints. The pain can be in one place or it can move around the joint. It is unusual for bisymmetrical symptoms to occur.

Type 2 Decompression Sickness: This is the most serious and can be life threatening instantly. The main effect is on the nervous system.

Neurological Decompression Sickness When the nervous system is affected by nitrogen bubbles they can affect the entire body.

Symptoms include numbness, tingling respiratory problems and unconsciousness. These symptoms can spread rapidly and if not treated, lead to paralysis or worse, death.

Pulmonary Decompression Sickness This is rare and occurs when bubbles form in lung capillaries. Fortunately, the lungs dissolve these bubbles naturally in most cases. However, it is possible for the bubbles to disrupt blood flow to the lungs and lead to severe and life-threatening respiratory and heart problems.

Cerebral Decompression Sickness Bubbles that makes their way to the brain thru the arterial blood stream can cause arterial gas embolism (Blood clot). Symptoms are blurred vision, headaches, confusion and unconsciousness and are extremely dangerous.

Other Forms of Decompression Sickness Extreme fatigue is very common in cases of Decompression Sickness and can sometimes be the only symptom. It is not clear what causes this but could be a tell tale sign of more serious problems. It also occurs in the inner-ear due to bubbles forming in the cochlea’s perilymph during decompression. This can result in loss of hearing, dizziness, ringing of the earsand vertigo.

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diving Symptoms Decompression Sickness can manifest itself in many symptoms, but the most common symptoms are:

Extreme Fatigue

Joint and Limb Pain Tingling Numbness

Red Rash on Skin

Respiratory Problems

Heart Problems Dizziness

different ways and has many different • • • • • • •

Blurred Vision Headaches Confusion Unconsciousness Ringing of the Ears Vertigo Stomach Sickness

Prevention There are many methods to prevent or lower your risk of suffering from Decompression Sickness.

Here’s a checklist to help you:

Ascend slowly and safely at all times.

Do all the mandatory decompression stops and don’t push the limits.

Stay around your ideal weight by staying fit.

Refrain from exercise within 12 hours of a dive.

Altitude or flying immediately after diving should be avoided.

Breathe normally during the dive.

Hydrate thoroughly prior to every dive.

Never consume alcohol before or after diving.

Visit a doctor to find out if you have a Patent Foramen Oval.

Treatment Oxygen therapy and basic first aid can be applied on the scene but followed by treatment in a recompression chamber. Here time is of the essence as any delay will have residual effects.

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diving Recipe

www.thecookbook.co.za

Summer Barbeque steak Salad

Summer time is braai time and there is usually a leftover steak that is slowly devoured in little chunks over the afternoon or next day. Here is a great way to turn that left over steak into a complete and very delicious summer meal. It’s so simple and the dressing is fantastic (2 people) feel free to double or triple this recipe.

What you need

Dressing

300g cooked steak (barbequed is great)

1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

1 large potato cubed into 2cm cubes

1 teaspoon horserash sauce

Oil for frying

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small avocado sliced

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Mixed greens torn, lettuce, watercress, spinach

2 tablespoons fresh cream

(your favorite greens) The process First do the potatoes, add a glug of oil and the butter to a pan on a medium heat. Add the potato cubes and fry until golden brown, tossing and separating them from time to time (They have a tendency to stick together). Remove and drain on absorbent paper. Slice your steak across the grain into thin slices about 1/2cm thick.

Now make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a small pot over a low heat and whisk furiously until the sugar has dissolves. Add your greens, avocado, crunchy potato cubes and steak to a bowl, toss it and then drizzle over the dressing. It is really good with both hot and cold steak.

I have also make it with barbecue chicken breasts sliced up and it is sublime.

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I had made a plan to go on a diving trip with the guys at Urban Dive Centre to Sodwana Bay up the coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. I was really looking forward to it as I had not experienced a single coastal dive in South African waters as of yet and was interested to see how the sea conditions differed here in comparison to overseas. Now of course, not one place is the same in South Africa, but I was considering this my starting point and would hope to experience many more diving destinations along South Africa’s beautiful coastline.

So it all started one early Thursday morning around 2 am. One could of course have left later but we were to all be in Sodwana Bay by the evening of the Thursday in order to get a good night’s rest for the following days of exquisite diving. Thus we were intent on getting there early to have a quick dip in the sea and then kick back with a braai to relax the rest of the afternoon. It all went as planned and our entire dive group had arrived safely by nightfall. Naturally we all caught up a bit and then decided to turn in and have an early night as we were expected on the beach by 7am the following morning.

With the sun rising the next morning we were all up and about having breakfast, coffee and preparing for our day of diving. On arriving at the beachfront we were informed that we were to leave our vehicle at the parking lot as we were going to be 40

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Oliver Stutz

Sodwana

It had been a long year and I had a lot of stress throughout it. Although saying this, it was a very successful year and a busy one at that! I had been travelling around working long hours and then returning to South Africa when I had the time.

Oliver’s twist on

diving

diving picked up by our dive operator and taken down to the beach. There are many reasons why only a couple of vehicles are allowed on the beach at a time, one of which I strongly agree with is the protection of the turtles that come up onto the beach to lay their eggs. Once we were all settled and all the necessary paperwork had been sorted out we were given a thorough and informative dive briefing. This made us all feel at ease as the whole process of our dives that day was explained to us. On our first dive we were to go to 2 Mile Reef which is as the name implies 2 miles from Jesser Point. Here we were going to descend on a dive spot known as Anton’s reef, one of the very popular dive sites. We then all kitted up and made final preparations for getting onto the boat.

After getting a helping push by the tractor the boat was in the water and we had all jumped on.

We were now in the hands of our experienced skipper who tactfully negotiated his way out to sea through the surf. All I could see were waves coming towards us and at the time couldn’t quite understand how the whole process worked of getting past the surf. After arriving at our dive site and getting kitted up, we all eagerly awaited the call of the skippers “3-2-1- GO!” Rolling backwards of the side of the boat I descended directly not even taking a moment to look back to the surface, I was in another world. Below I saw our trusty Divemaster cruising to the bottom holding onto a reel which was attached to a buoy at the surface marking our position. Left and right I saw the rest of our dive group and my buddy, below an amazing and huge reef with an intricate and diverse ecosystem working away. Everywhere I looked I saw fish, coral, moray eels and the list goes on. From emperor angel fish to blue marbel Ray’s and little 2 bar clown fish being protected in anemones, we saw it all and this all on the first dive. The coral life is so diverse and alive with movement on it everywhere even in the smallest forms such as nudibranchs. Coming back to the surface after the dive I reluctantly handed my gear up onto the boat and climbed back on. All I wanted to do was go back down and experience more of these amazing creatures.

Fortunately I was patient enough to wait for our following dives. All in all we saw some amazing marine life in our dives at Sodwana Bay with the highlight being the manta ray on our last dive on Stringer. Every dive was unlike the previous and I couldn’t get enough. With the last dive over and the day drawing to an end it was time to head home. Although I would have rather stayed a bit longer I knew I would look forward to coming back soon.

It was an amazing experience and I have been fortunate enough to experience many more since then. I would just like to thank all the guys at Urban Dive Centre as they all have a very professional take on everything whilst still making you feel at home. I could not have had such a good trip

AA

without them!

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African Penguin

Featured specie

Brought to you by www.theanimalfiles.com

African Penguins are between 68 and 70 cms in height and weigh between 2 and 5 kg. They are coloured black on their back and white on their front, with a black stripe and a unique pattern of spots on the front, with a large black beak and black feet. They have a loud, braying call that is similar to that of a donkey.

African Penguins have pink glands above each eye and as the penguin becomes hot these glands deepens in colour. This is due to more blood flowing through them so that it can be cooled by the surrounding air.

They tend to moult in November and December and during this time remain on land. After they have gained their new plumage they head out to sea to feed, returning in January to mate and begin nesting.

African penguins have an average swimming speed of 7 km/hr but they can reach speeds of 20 km/hr when they are hunting.

They dive to an average depth of 30 m but they can dive deeper and can stay submerged for up to 2.5 minutes.

Habitat African Penguins are found around the coast of South Africa. They spend their time at sea hunting for food or form colonies on the rocky shores when breeding.

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Featured specie

Diet They mainly feed on fish such as anchovies, pilchards, horse mackerel and round herrings, but also eat squid and crustaceans. When foraging they can travel distances up to 110 kms on a single trip.

Breeding African Penguins pair up for life and breeding occurs throughout the year, although the main breeding begins in February. Nests are constructed using guano and two eggs are laid and incubated for 38 - 42 days. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Upon hatching the chicks are cared for until they fledge at 8 - 18 weeks old. Females become sexually mature at 4 years of age and males at 5 years of age.

Predators Predators of African Penguins include sharks, cape fur seals and killer whales. On land their eggs and chicks fall prey to mongoose, genet, cats, dogs and kelp gulls.

Interesting Facts African Penguins are also known as: Black-Footed Penguin, Jackass Penguin, Cape Penguin.

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Hot with just one click

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adventures

Into the Kgalagadi “Land of Thirst” RP Dirker fter spending Christmas at Kakamas with the in-laws and enjoying the traditional boerekos and humorous sayings and conversation of the Northern Cape folk, our adventure started 04h00 the next morning, destination Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

A quick cup of coffee and an hour later we found ourselves in Upington fuelling up and stocking every open space in the freezer with ice and water, we opened the back door of the bakkie to load the ice into the freezer and a precious bottle of 10 year old slipped pass our defences and dropped in slow motion to the ground breaking into pieces. The fresh morning air was littered with the sweet smell of brandy. After ‘n a small tantrum and moment of sadness I thought best to be on our way into the unknown.

We arrived at Twee Rivieren gate at 09h00 and after a quick and friendly check in and purchasing of a wild card, we knew we still had a long drive to Nossob where we’ll be staying the first night.

Armed with binoculars, camera and my precious Sasol Birds of Southern Africa book we set off on what was to be one of the most amazing wildlife journeys of our young lives and definitely the hottest.

Having spent most of my life in the bushveld of the old Northern Transvaal and an avid hunter my eyes was keen on anything from an exceptional Springbok to the strikingly beautiful Camel Thorn tree. Like a true tourist, the camera started barking at anything moving, we would soon realise that there is more than enough wildlife in this arid area that you can afford the luxury of passing up a picture if the correct sunlight or backdrop is not present.

At Melkvlei, one of the many picnic spots, the plan was to braai some boerewors together with some rolletjies and be our fuel for the rest of the drive up to Nossob, parking under a camel thorn 46

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adventures the midday 44°C heat quickly persuaded us that a braai was not an option, much to the disgust of my wife after I’ve been talking up the homemade boerewors, we settled on a ham and cheese sandwiches and some refreshments.

After a 6 1/2 hour drive from Twee Rivieren to Nossob (mostly because of me insisting to stop at each herd of gemsbok and springbok to assess the trophies within the herd) with some great sightings of game, raptors and an african wild cat due to some generous pointing by a passing game ranger, we arrived at camp to a friendly greeting by the staff and a quick check-in. Myself a welltrained “bakkiepacker and offloader” due to some invaluable advice gained in my younger years from certain figures in my life, quickly got it done. We stocked up on what was used during the day at the more than adequate shop at the camp.

Nossob Rest Camp is situated within the dry riverbed of the Nossob with a hide overlooking a manmade waterhole. We quickly gathered our cameras and enjoyed a sun downer at the hide.

Just before sunset a large male lion for which the park is renowned for appeared from the opposite bank approaching the waterhole, after a quick drink it disappeared into the savannah type bush only to return with a female. The two lions had plans for an evening alone as we witnessed our first lion mating ritual.

We retreated to our chalet for a lovely evening braai, we were entertained by numerous jackal and an African wild cat trying to salvage some left overs from the grid. At 22h30 the generator called lights out and with it the ceiling fan, 32°C might not sound too hot, but at 23h00 at night it can get a bit uncomfortable, the night was spend fighting over the icepacks that we regularly changed in and out of the Engel freezer in the bakkie until we both succumbed to heat exhausting.

With sunrise we set out early in search of a honey badger that was spotted the previous night at Marie se Draai near Nossob we spotted some good jackal and a brown hyena but unfortunately the honey badger was nowhere to be seen. We were scheduled to sleep over at Bitterpan Wilderness camp, a 5 hour 4x4 route through the Kalahari dunes that brings you to a small unfenced camp with only four units, each consisting of two beds with a communal living area and kitchen. Overlooking a waterhole situated at the foot of a large saltpan the view is certainly one of the best in the Kalahari. I quickly started the fire for an afternoon Prego roll and retreated to a shady spot to rest out the day and scan the horizon for any movement.

Nightfall brings the sound of thousands of barking geckos while the full moon lit up the saltpan against the red dunes in the background, we enjoyed a lovely evening under the stars with

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adventures some of the Karoo’s finest lamb chops and a good red wine. A scorpion hunting our little reptile friends reminded us that barefoot bravery will be your own demise.

After taking a rest day we knew we had a full days driving ahead to Gharagab in the northern part of the park, the drive from Bitterpan to Moravet is a one way requiring some 4x4 driving through a remote area. We stopped over at Nossob to fill up with diesel and the necessary supplies when it struck me, I left the braai grid hanging in a tree next to the bakkie, a quick chat to the staff at Nossob who radioed Willem at Bitterpan and organised to send the grid to Mata Mata with one of the guests where I can pick it up later on. On our way north we saw an unbelievable amount of raptors, bateleur, tawny eagle, martial eagle, black chested snake eagle, brown snake eagle, lanner falcons, white-backed vultures, lappet faced vultures and a highlight and first for me was the pygmy falcon.

Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprise with Gharagab, an unfenced camp with four units with 2 beds and each well equipped with the necessary, very neat and private. Situated in the Kalahari dunes the views of the thornveld from your deck is as beautiful as anywhere in the South African bush, we were treated through the night with 2 lions at the waterhole roaring the night away and reminding you of an Africa you only read about in books of the early African hunters.

At daybreak sipping on a cup of coffee 3 male lions were busy at the waterhole enjoying the morning temperatures of the Kalahari before the sun force them to a hiding place in the shade.

We watched them go about their business hoping for the gemsbok in the distance to enter the arena. At 08h30 we were packed and ready to go heading again for Nossob, on our way there we encounter four lions resting under the shade available near a waterhole while a pale chanting goshawk was trying his best to grab a midday snack in thick brush.

Arriving at Nossob the swimming pool was a welcomed relieve from the midday heat, a quick snack and a afternoon nap, and off we went on a late afternoon drive in search of some predators, with lots of game and jackal, a bright yellow cape cobra was a first and hopefully a last for us. Just before entering camp we came across 2 cheetahs at the waterhole, it was our first of the trip and they were in no rush, giving us more than enough time for awesome pictures and a special view into their social lives.

Early morning while the temperature is still in the high twenties is the best time to view predators in the summer and maybe a glimpse of the elusive leopard on his way to rest out the heat of the day in solitude. This again proved to be the case as our morning was filled with spectacular views of lions, spotted hyena and a cheetah mother with two cubs feeding on a young springbok caught earlier the morning.

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Mata - Mata Camp

The newly build Mata Mata River Chalets was the host for our last night of 2012 and our stay in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, so with expectations high and a mood of celebration in the air we set of for a late afternoon drive in and along the Auob river where game, birds and predators are abundant. A magnificent specimen of a springbok ram made me get “bokkoors” with camera in hand, after admiring the beautiful animal we stopped at the Craig Lockhart waterhole and shared an old camel thorn with 2 dark mane kings of the Kalahari. Expectations exceeded, we headed back for camp and arrived at 19H29, a minute before the gates closed.

The chalets is equipped with a welcomed air-conditioning unit in the main bedroom, a full kitchen, large bathroom and dstv (which we declined the remote at reception). We spent the night on the patio in front of the fire overlooking a waterhole in the middle of the dry Auob riverbed with a calm and quietness not associated with new years passed. Action at the waterhole was quiet with only a fewblack backed jackals and a lone springbok came into drink and the distant roar of lions reminded you of the dangers on the other side of the fence.

On the road back from Mata Mata to Twee Rivieren we encountered lions on three different occasions and two cheetahs resting up on the far side of the riverbed. An african cuckoo was also a first and a welcome visitor at one of the waterholes along with springbok, red hartebeest and three kudu grazing on camel thorn pods. The ruins of the old borehole guards’ houses are visible along the road, we stopped to have brunch at the Auchterlonie museum that is an old fieldstone farmhouse and explain the origins of the ruins along the way. It also gives you a little insight into the lives of the farmers of the early 1900 and the conditions they had to face every day.

The unwelcome sight of a cell phone tower and the almost forgotten alarm of a sms on my blackberry gave away the fact that our little adventure is at an end. Saddened by the culmination of our trip, the sights, memories and thoughts that this arid landscape sends you home with, is a promise that you’ll return, maybe not in December, NO much sooner than that…

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Featured specie

Aloe ferox Cobus Steyl

loe ferox, also known as Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe and Tap Aloe, is a species of Aloe indigenous to South Africa. It is a tall single stemmed Aloe which has a wide distribution, ranging over 1000 km from the South Western Cape through to Southern Kwazulu-Natal. It is also found in the south eastern corner of the Free State and Southern Lesotho. It is one of several Aloe species used to make bitter aloes, a purgative medication, and also yields a non-bitter gel that can be used in cosmetics.

The bitter aloe will reach 2-3 metres in height with the leaves arranged in a rosette. The old leaves remain after they have dried, forming a “petticoat� on the stem. The leaves are dull green and sometimes have a slightly blue/red tinge to them. Spines may also be present on upper and lower surfaces of the leaves while young plants tend to be very spiny.

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Featured specie The flowers are carried in a large candelabra-like flower-head. There are usually between five and eight branches, each carrying a spike-like head of many flowers varying in colour from yellowyorange to bright red. They have 6–12 branches and the flowers have their inner petals tipped with white.

Flowering usually occurs between May and August, but in colder parts of the country this may be delayed until September. This Aloe forms a beautiful display and attracts many bird species such as sunbirds, weavers, glossy starlings and mousebirds. Insects also visit the flowers which in turn brings yet more birds to your garden. In natural areas, monkeys and baboons will raid the Aloes for nectar. Birds usually leave adorned with large patches of pollen, often causing confusion amongst birdwatchers! It is an excellent garden specimen plant and is adaptable to many conditions.

It is common on rocky hill slopes, often in very large numbers where it creates a stunning winter display. Aloe ferox grows both in the open and in bushy areas. The plants may also differ physically from area to area due to local conditions.

The bitter aloe may be grown from seed. Be aware that aloes will hybridise with any other Aloe flowering at the same time. Sow seed in a well-drained medium in shallow trays and cover lightly with sand or the seed will blow away. Once the seeds begin to germinate, keep moist but watch out for overwatering as the seedlings could rot. Once they reach 4cm in height (Approx. 6 months), transplant into small pots or bags.

The bitter Aloe is most famous for its medicinal qualities. In parts of South Africa, the bitter yellow juice found just below the skin has been harvested as a renewable resource for two hundred years. The hard, black, resinous product is known as Cape aloes or aloe lump and is used mainly for its laxative properties but is also taken for arthritis. The gel-like flesh from the inside of the leaves is used in cosmetic products and is reported to have wound healing properties.

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adventures

Fritz Rabe I don’t like you. You think that you are superior to all. You are arrogant and you make a lot of noise. I smell you from afar. My big wet nose is tuned into that sweet and sour smell that always follows you. Sometimes you smell like smoke of a kind that is different to the type that I am used to when the veldt starts to burn.

You always come and look for me. When I am busy coating my beautiful black hide with mud so that I can cool down and get rid of the annoying parasites, you come and bother me. When I lay up during the heat of the day under a big tree, you come and approach from down-wind and you disturb my rest. You are a fool. I do not like you.

I have many friends. The little Oxpeckers that keep my hide clean and groom me will always tell me when you are close. Even from down-wind. The Monkeys in the tree above me will alert me when you sneak around my area. You do not belong here. You come from far away to upset me. I do not like you.

You sometimes get close to some of my kind and make a lot of noise and then one of my kind falls down. When he dies, he lets go of the spirit that make us what we are. You call it a Death Bellow.

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adventures We are sad when we hear that. I am done being sad. I do not like you. I am going to kill you.

On my head I carry the biggest and strongest of all horns. I use it to crush anything that I do not like. I do not like you. On my rump you can see many scars where the Lion tried to catch me. He tried. I still have a piece of his gut stuck to my horn when I crushed his body into the ground.

I am called Nyati or Buff or Mbogo. Those are all names that are given to something that is indestructible. I am of a peaceful nature. I do not go around looking to fight. I just defend until I had enough. Then I can become your worst enemy. All I want is to feed on the tall buffalo grass and lie in the mud. I want to move around my valley and see how my kind multiplies.

My ears are in tatters because I had to teach the young males how to defend themselves when Lion want to eat them. The other day I was disturbed when I was sleeping close to my favourite waterhole by one of your kind.

This one also walked on two feet like an Ostrich, just like you. This one carried a big thing on her head to take my water. This one was only darker, more like me. It made a loud noise when it saw me and tried to climb a tree. I hit that tree with so much force that the one like you fell out and I danced on the body after I hooked it with my horns and threw it high into the blue sky. I do not like you. Some more of your darker kind came and threw me with sticks.

One stick stuck in my front shoulder but I managed to chase them off. Three of them never made it back. They are part of the earth now. Then you came. You first went to where the three others remains were. Then you followed my tracks, trying to find me but my friends always tell me where you are.

I keep in the thick woods. My shoulder hurts. I want to be left alone but you will not leave me. I do not like that and I do not like you. I have never threatened you or disturbed you. You have come to me. I shall finish this so that I can give my shoulder a rest. I slept in a thick reed bed when you came close. The sun was behind me so that you could not see well.

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adventures You ignored my little friends when they warned me about you. They flew up and pointed you out like they did the other day when Lion tried the same thing. Lion’s guts are still on my horn.

You walked slow, trying not to make a noise but I heard you from far. The swirling wind sent me the message that you were here. Now we will do battle and I shall walk away to give my shoulder a rest. You keep following my tracks but do not realise that I laid them out for you like that. I am waiting for you. This is your last chance.

You came and when you looked down to my track I charged you from close. The one in front disappeared and I heard him running through the reeds. He was clever. You were not. You pointed your stick at me and a loud noise and smoke came out of it. I felt something hitting my head but ignored it. I lifted you up after my right horn caught you in the soft part of your belly. I tried to throw you but you got stuck on my large horn. You screamed like the monkeys do when Leopard gets too close to them.

There was a big old Ana-tree close by. I slammed my head into it to get you off but only a part of you came off, I think that it was your leg. You stopped screaming. I did not stop. I always finish what I start. I had to shake the rest of you to get you down so that I could stand on you. I pushed you into the soft river sand until there were nothing left to stamp on. My shoulder hurt and I have a headache from that thing that hit my head. I want to go and rest in the mud pool but my body feels tired. There is blood coming from my nose. I feel that stick in my shoulder. It has gone much deeper into me after I fought with you. I feel tired but I am also triumphant over you. I did not like you.

I struggle to breathe as the blood bothers me. My body is losing its strength. My vision is blurry. My shoulder and my head hurt. I think that I shall lie down here next to you until I feel better but for now I cannot keep my eyes open.

I shall rest here for a while. I did not like you.

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V

ultures form an important ecological component of our natural environment, cleaning up carcasses and decreasing the spread of some diseases. Today, vultures face an unprecedented onslaught from human activities such as electrocutions and collisions with electrical structures, poisonings, land-use changes, a decrease in food availability and exposure to toxicity through veterinary drugs, to name a few.

Vultures, positioned at the top of the food chain, are an indicator of the health of the environment below them. The Vulture Conservation Programme (VulPro) is involved in many projects to help conserve vulture species across Southern Africa and abroad. With the assistance of our loyal sponsors and as co-ordinator of the Cape Vulture Task Force in Southern Africa, VulPro is able to work towards meeting its objectives with the end goal being to “prevent the extinction of the Cape Vulture”. Our work undertaken on the Cape Vulture has a knock on affect on all vulture species not only in Southern Africa but across the globe.

The Cape Vulture is Southern Africa’s only endemic vulture species and is considered endangered by the IUCN (2012). With only 2900 breeding pairs, this species has declined across its range and is extinct as a breeding species in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and now Namibia.

To-date, VulPro is the only organization in South Africa and possibly Africa where its primary 58

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Kerri Wolter focus is on the conservation of vulture species. However, no conservation organization can work in isolation and thus, VulPro collaborates with other like minded organizations and research institutions in order to meet its goals and objectives, in a scientifically accepted manner and according to good conservation practices.

Our mission: To be the leading vulture conservation programme for advancing knowledge, awareness and innovation in the conservation of African vulture populations for the benefit and well-being of society.

Some of our conservation objectives include: • Vulture rehabilitation: the collection of injured, grounded and disabled vultures. Toassess their condition, treat accordingly and release wherever possible. The follow-up monitoring is just as important and this is done with the use of patagial (wing) tags and GSM/GPS tracking devices as well as monitoring at feeding sites, both visual monitoring and with the use of camera traps.

• Distribution, dispersal and foraging ranges of vultures: this involves the tracking of vultures using patagial (wing) tags and GSM/GPS devices. Over and above monitoring and researching their ranges, with the use of these tracking devices, ‘hot spot’ areas with regards to powerline collisions,

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adventures electrocutions and/or powerline roosting spots can be identified and mitigated accordingly, even before an incident occurs. Over and above that, additional information can be obtained, for example unidentified vulture feeding sites, additional threats, use of vultures for ‘muti’ etc.

• Monitoring reproductive success of wild Cape Vulture populations: Reproductive success is estimated annually by visiting each colony on three separate occasions. High resolution photos of the breeding cliffs are used to plot the position of every nest (active or not). By using a standardised technique across the board every year at all the colonies by all observers, it becomes possible to monitor not only the breeding success, but also any changes in the population. From here we are able to look at specifics with regards to each of the colonies and how to address the relevant threats and population declines.

• Veterinary and ecological research related to vultures: Although the Cape Vulture is the most studied vulture in Africa, very little information is known with regards to veterinary related problems. Researching the consequences of lead and veterinary drug to vultures together with surveying and studying vulture restaurants, which will include a national database of all known vulture restaurants, is a priority given the Asian Vulture Crisis which lead to 3 vulture species becoming critically endangered in just under 10 years. Other research priorities include researching correct veterinary treatment for vultures for various injuries, poisoning cases and much more. To-date, very little is known by most vets as to the correct treatment for vultures and which drugs are safe for use.

“Vulture restaurants are artificial feedings sites used to provide safe food to vultures as a conservation tool.”

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•

Cape Vulture breeding programme for reintroduction into Namibia: This is aimed at creating a safer environment for vultures in Namibia and rebuilding the Cape Vulture population to a point of self sustainability.

•

Vulture educational and awareness programmes in Southern Africa: This involves educational talks and tours at the Vulture Centre and going into local communities with a vulture and letting ‘previously disadvantaged children and adults’ learn about vultures and their importance.

Leaving education worksheets and booklets behind with the idea that what was presented is never forgotten.

The work undertaken by VulPro has had significant positive impacts on vulture species. We believe, through our continued commitment and we will be able to mitigate more power lines to reduce power line collisions and electrocutions, we will assist in the identification of correct locations for wind farms to prevent further vulture loses through collisions with ‘greener’ energy. Information of safe veterinary drugs will be researched and distributed and this will have a significant global impact to all vulture species. Vulture colonies will hopefully gather additional protection and landowners and members of public will learn to protect and appreciate this misunderstood and yet, very charismatic bird.

VulPro is generously supported by; AngloGold Ashanti, Bioweb, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Chester Zoo, Computer Facilities, Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd, DHL Supply Chain, Lomas Wildlife Protection Trust, Mazda Wildlife Fund, Natural Encounters Inc., Rand Merchant Bank, Tusk Trust, Wilderness Safaris and Xstrata Alloys - Eland Platinum Mines. In addition, through the Endangered Wildlife Trust and their sponsors namely Sasol and the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust.

For more information, please visit www.vulpro.com or contact Kerri Wolter at kerri.wolter@gmail.com. You can also follow us on facebook under Vulpro NPC.

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Destinations

Bsorah

Luxury Tented Camp 30 min from Lanseria, come unwind among peaceful bush surroundings For more information: Tel: 039 973 2542 | Fax: 086 603 6819

e-mail: umkomaas@netactive.co.za www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.co.za

Tel: 083 234 9526 thalia@bsorah.co.za www.bsorah.com

Talbot Farm Country Get away

3 self catering lodges A bow hunters paradise in North West Limpopo

Game viewing & scenic walks Johan: 082 893 2433 | 013 456 9147 talbot@tiscali.co.za

Contact details: Alida 083 441 2754 Email: alida@arisda.co.za www.arisdariof.co.za

MKHAMBA SAFARIS 072 282 6424 mkhamba@futurenet.co.za Graeme Geldart www.africanhuntingsafaris.net Luxury Accommodation, exquisite cuisine and a variety of activities

Happy hunting for the “grey ghost of the African bush “.

E-mail: willem@matlabas.co.za Web: www.matlabas.co.za/ hunting

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Cell: 083 64 000 24 Tel: 058 622 7000 Email: info@wildhorses.co.za Website: www.wildhorses.co.za

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Destinations

Tugela Mouth, KZN, a Small village surrounded by hills, the ocean and river

Fishing, birdwatching, boat trips Tessa Roux 032 458 4093 info@driftwoodchalets.co.za www.driftwoodchalets.co.za

Carol Grobler 082 378 9870 carol@lugardomar.com www.lugardomar.com

012 254 4794

www.sableranch.co.za

Bowhunting destination situated in the Waterberg region Abraham | 073 176 4898 Abraham@sikilelesafari.co.za

Has been in the Roos family for five generations

Affordable accommodation 5 NIGHT 5 DIVE PACKAGE Dinner / Bed and Breakfast

Hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse riding trails Helena: 083 744 4245 Christo: 083 628 5055 www.bokpoort.co.za

BOOK AND PAY before 1 December AND YOUR BUDDY DIVES FOR FREE NON DIVERS R 3000 PER PERSON

For more information on any of the above trips, please call Charmaine on 011 425 5426

To advertise in

Contact : Lizel 073 777 9524 www.africanadventures.co.za

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145kW, 436Nm Torque, 2.2L R-Type Diesel, Hill Descent Control, 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, 5 or 7 seats, Rear-View Reverse Camera, Smart Key/Push Button Start, Sun Roof, Leather Interior, Climate Control, Driver and Passenger Power Seats. From R419 900 Visit 66 www.hyundai.co.za to Vol book a test drive.

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