SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE
The month of July is notorious for one of the busier safari months on the calendars of safari guides and bush pilots in Africa. Bruce and a close friend, guided and flew a USA couple for 27 days around Africa by private plane ( Pilatus PC12).
We covered 6 countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia and Namibia) which allowed the safari to be filled with contrast and endless photographic opportunities. Please do enjoy the photographs enclosed in the newsletter taken whilst on this particular safari.
Whilst in Rwanda, Bruce also had the opportunity of viewing the new Bisate Lodge (Wilderness Safaris) which has recently opened and allows easy access to the Virunga Volcanoes National Park for prime Mountain Gorilla viewing. Tourism is certainly on the up in Rwanda as Mr Paul Kigame takes a 3rd term in leading this amazing country. Renowned tour operators like Singita and the One and Only will be investing in lodges in due course.
We were extremely lucky in seeing a wildebeest / zebra migration crossing the Mara River in Tanzania. Crossing this gauntlet takes its toll as the 18 feet Nile Crocodiles await any stragglers. A bucket list experience to say the least.
Upon returning to South Africa 27 days later, Bruce and his wife, Ashleigh, were welcomed to the arrival of their second child, a healthy daughter called Georgina.
In September, Bukela undertook a 2 week safari referred to as the ‘Best of Wilderness Safaris Flying Safari‘. Bruce led two couples around by Pilatus PC12 encompassing the highlights off Southern Africa. The group was elated to see a lioness in a tree in the Okavango Delta something which is unique to Tanzania. The lioness was using the Marula Tree as a vantage point and escaping the irritation of flies. Smart lioness!
Over the months of November & December umpteen impala lambs are born across the continent. This is of course a feeding frenzy for the predators with impala lambs scattered around every bush. On a recent game drive of Northern Botswana, we came across an African Rock Python which was engulfing a young impala. A rarity to see but somewhat saddening.
Bruce will be undertaking a journey of a lifetime by private jet (5.5 hrs from Cape Town) to the Antarctica over mid January. This 4 day safari of the lowest point on Earth will be a carbon neutral experience that is as luxurious as it is adventurous. The 6000 Emperor penguins and neon-blue ice tunnels await. It can make a wonderful add on to an African safari and certainly will be beyond a bucket-list trip. Bruce will share this unique experience with you in the next newsletter.
Wishing you and your beloved ones a wonderful festive season.
Live safari
