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www.thevillagenews.co.za
21 October 2020
Afrikanos offers a whole new experience
LEFT: If you do not want to dive with the crocodiles, you can view them through a window on the other side of the pond. RIGHT: : Joseph Sibanda is the friendly and informative guide who can tell you everything there is to know about the Nile crocodile.
Writer Hedda Mittner Photographer Taylum Meyer
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nown as the Great White Shark Capital of the World, Gansbaai already offers visitors the opportunity to see the Marine Big Five – whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins – all in one place. And now visitors are in for a new experience – getting up close and personal with the mighty Nile crocodile, the largest freshwater predator in Africa. It sounds far-fetched, I know, but that is exactly what Afrikanos is offering. And no, you don’t have to get into a cage, but can ‘free-dive’ in their crocodile pool, where a first-in-the-world stainless steel net separates you from their six Nile crocodiles. Kitted out with a towel, rash vest and goggles, you can submerge yourself in the pool, which is run by a completely natural filtration system with no added chemicals, and observe these fascinating reptiles in a natural swimming environment while the net safely keeps the crocs on their side of the pool. Afrikanos is situated just outside of Gansbaai, in the lush wilderness area of Birkenhead near the
Danger Point lighthouse. The bar and restaurant are located in an attractive stone building with a thatched roof, and the veranda overlooks a small wetland and the crocodile pool, with a suspended walkway leading to an observation deck. Owned by Marc Kotze and managed by Keith Louw, Afrikanos was ready to open for the public just two weeks before the start of the lockdown back in March, and it’s been a long wait for them to finally reopen. Maybe that’s part of the reason why visitors receive such a warm welcome from all the staff, who are attentive to your needs and go out of their way to ensure a pleasant experience. In charge of the crocodile tour is Joseph Sibanda, a Zimbabwean native who grew up on a farm where crocodiles in the river often attacked the family’s cattle. He went on to work in nature conservation at Victoria Falls before relocating to the Cape. He has been at Afrikanos for four years, during which time he has been involved with every step of the development of the property into a crocodile facility. Joseph is a very friendly and informative guide who can tell you everything there is to know about the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Sourced from a breeding facility in Bonnievale
(of all places), the Afrikanos crocodiles are all females and grow to 3 metres in length (the males reach up to five metres). The pool is stocked with different kinds of fish for them to snack on and they are fed chickens twice a week. During winter, however, they hibernate for up to six months and, amazingly, during this time they can survive on the fat stored in their tails alone. Their lifespan is similar to that of humans, with maturity reached at about 13 years, and they live up to around 80 years, although Joseph says the longest surviving Nile crocodile is 114 years old. The female lays 45 – 80 eggs and they hatch after an incubation period of about 90 days. The croc babies have a sharp ‘egg tooth’ to help them break out of their shell. Although they usually only spend a few minutes underwater, Nile crocodiles can hold their breath for up to two hours. On land they can move at speeds of up to 15 km/h but in the water they are much faster, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h. When their jaws snap shut, it’s with a bite force eight times that of a great white shark’s jaw. These are just a few fascinating facts about Nile crocodiles – you’ll have to do the crocodile tour
to find out more. And if getting into the water in close proximity to these rather frightening animals is not for you, you are welcome to stay on dry ground and observe them from above, or through the window that gives you an underwater view of the pool. The veranda of the Afrikanos Bar & Grill is a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy being out in nature. There is also a lovely play area for children to keep the young ones busy while waiting for your food orders. Since reopening only a limited menu has been offered, but it includes very tasty pizzas and burgers, and a no-fuss kiddies’ menu. According to the manager, Keith, the menu is still evolving and more dishes with a local flavour will be added soon. The fully-licensed bar serves local wines, craft beer on tap and some interesting cocktail specials. The opening hours for the restaurant are from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 until late (kitchen closes at 21:00), and for crocodile tours and dives from Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00 and 16:00. Afrikanos is offering restaurant guests a free crocodile tour until the end of October. Call 083 206 9278 for bookings.
LEFT: The elevated walkway above the crocodile pool with the restaurant in the background. RIGHT: At Afrikanos you can ‘free-dive’ in their crocodile pool, with the stainless steel net safely keeping the six Nile crocodiles on their side of the pool.
