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A2A Safaris - Botswana Camps https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps en Kids Conservation Camp in Year 3 – Botswana https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/kids-conservation-camp-year-3-%E2%80%93-botswana <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Koketso S Mookodi, Great Plains Conservation’s Community Liaison Officer recaps the 3rd Annual Kids Conservation Camp held in our Botswana camps in December.</p> <p>Once again this year, Great Plains Conservation hosted its third annual Kids Conservation Camp. To follow tradition, 20 kids from Gudigwa camp were driven from their school in Gudigwa village to Great Plains’ Selinda Explorers Camp on the banks of the drying Selinda Spillway.</p> <p>The theme of this year’s camp focused around the importance of animals in terms of the ecosystem; the help that animals provide to people, as well as their importance to the Batswana culture. The aim of this amazingly important subject was intentionally brought forward in light of Botswana’s recent hunting ban. Our Great Plains Outreach team found the opportunity and setting ideal to bring up this sometimes difficult to discuss issue. It had become apparent to the team that this year’s Kids Camp needed to stress the incredible importance of animals, as well as help the kids realize the empathy that they already have for animals.<br /> During the lessons the kids were given an opportunity to see animals from all over the world, including those in the North Pole and those swimming in the deepest oceans. In these lessons that kids were genuinely intrigued by these “strange” creatures, and for most part, desired an opportunity to see them in real life. The message given to them was that if these animals are not respected and protected, the chances of us seeing them will be nothing, and in turn there are those that have never seen animals such as elephants and lions, and have a similar desire to see them, therefore we must play our part in protecting those animals that are within our environment.</p> <p>Among the conservation education, lessons that were taught to the kids includeddefining and explaining in detail what terms such as extinct and endangered meant to them and to the entire world. It was imperative that the kids understood what the consequences would be if most of the animals they had seen were to be endangered or even extinct. During the lessons kids were given facts about the status in populations of many of the world’s threatened animals, and challenged the kids to imagine a world without them.</p> <p>Of course we could not have a camp without a number of exciting activities, and some of those that the kids enjoyed were, game drives. In fact the kids had a the amazing opportunity to see a pack of wild dogs, which was extremely appropriate considering the lessons that were being taught. Other activities included, making beads with magazine cuttings, nature walks, soccer, obstacle course race, as well as a scavenger hunt.</p> <p>After three years of hosting and facilitating the Great Plains Conservation Education camps, it has become apparent that this is a program that needs to continue, and grow. Grow into other areas that are affected and in turn affect the environment that is so precious to their future. This year the Great Plains Foundation was established, with the aim to pursue more educational initiatives as well as other community based and related projects. The funds raised thought the Great Plains Foundation, will ensure that these projects continue and become sustainable thanks to Botswana’s young Conservation Ambassadors.</p> <p>Thank you for your support,</p> <p>Koki</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0268.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0268"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0268-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0268" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0270.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0270"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0270-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0270" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0271.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0271"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0271-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0271" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0273.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0273"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0273-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0273" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0274.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0274"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0274-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0274" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0279.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0279"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0279-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0279" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0280.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0280"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0280-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0280" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0281.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0281"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0281-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0281" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0282.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0282"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0282-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0282" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0292.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0292"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0292-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0292" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0300.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-9038];player=img;" title="photo0300"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo0300-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="photo0300" /></a></p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9038&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation-updates" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation Updates</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/get-involved" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Get Involved</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-canoe-trails" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Canoe Trails</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div></div> Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:38:14 +0000 Anonymous 660 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/kids-conservation-camp-year-3-%E2%80%93-botswana#comments December highlight- Duba Plains, Botswana https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-highlight-duba-plains-botswana <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b>DECEMBER NEWS and a wonderful gallery</b></p> <p>December month has created a great opportunity of photography, especially the beautiful clouds before and after the rain with the sun rays sticking out behind a rain cloud. The paradise of Duba was flourishing with newly born red lechwes and the faint colored young tsessebes. The plains of Duba looked stunning green and for many giving them that imagination of “the last remains of the Biblical Eden” as described by one of our guests.</p> <p>The grass is green and buffalos eating well. We’ve had fires burning in the south of the concession in November and when the rains came the buffalos seemed to enjoy the new shoots as they spent most of the days in this area. Lions are not taking chances with them when they are this fit but have rather resorted to warthogs and lechwes.</p> <p>The circle of life in the bush is still continuing, with lions killing, hooded vultures cleaning up before hyenas come for bone crushing.</p> <p>The year was summed up well with celebrations and great dishes by our own Duba Chef Pierre van Zyl on Christmas day.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0104.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9064 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0104" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0104-300x226.jpg" width="300" height="226" /></a></p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9066 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0547" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0547-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Duba Cubs play together as they feast on a young buffalo</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9065 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0471" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0471-300x258.jpg" width="300" height="258" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A fish Eagles watches a Duba male, perhaps waiting for some scraps off a kill – they don’t just eat fish!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0673.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9067" alt="IMG_0673" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0673-300x182.jpg" width="300" height="182" /></a><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9068" alt="IMG_6350" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_6350-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Waterways of Duba. A great place to see Hippo, and if you are lucky perhaps a Buffalo crossing</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8606.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9069 aligncenter" alt="IMG_8606" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8606-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Could it be time to mate?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8812.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9070 aligncenter" alt="IMG_8812" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8812-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">You will only ever see such a sight at this time of year</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/New-young-maledominant.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9072" alt="New young male(dominant)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/New-young-maledominant-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> <a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Skimmer.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9075" alt="Skimmer" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Skimmer-300x192.jpg" width="300" height="192" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you mess with the ladies of Duba</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9077 aligncenter" alt="X - MAS" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">At Christmas time there won’t be any snow in Africa</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9079" alt="X-MAS" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">It was all hands to the deck getting our Christmas tree up this year</p> <p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9078" alt="x mas" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/x-mas-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9080" alt="xmas" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xmas-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Christmas Lunch in the wilds – after a hearty feast it was time to lie like Lions grrr</p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9063&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/silver-eye" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Silver Eye</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div></div> Thu, 09 Jan 2014 07:20:28 +0000 Anonymous 661 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-highlight-duba-plains-botswana#comments New Years Letter – Zarafa Camp, Botswana https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/new-years-letter-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b>Looking back on 2013</b></p> <p>We often try to explain to our guests that living in Selinda Reserve is like living in your own bubble, your own version of reality. It is therefore through our guests that we stay in touch with the outside world, so called civilization.<br /> Some of our guests have already been infected with what we call ‘vacation brain’ when they finally reach Zarafa. They have become one of us. Others are fresh from Johannesburg’s Airlink connection and have recently watched ‘BBC live’, waiting to board their plane to Maun. It is these guests that informed our team about some of the memorable events of 2013 which should not be forgotten about, not even by those living in the bush. The flash floods in India in June, the attack of the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi last September and typhoon Haiyan are only a few examples.<br /> We would like to thank all the guests visiting Zarafa in 2013 for the engaging conversations around the dinner table and the laughs around our fire pit. We enjoyed hearing about your interesting lives and about the wellbeing of the rest of our planet. The expert opinions, the points of view, the politically engaged discussions and the two-way flow of information keeping us educated and up-to-date. We also like to thank you for your interest in our environment and your support in our mission to protect the wild life and nature. We had great pleasure from sharing our stories regarding beautiful Botswana, the people, the wildlife, The Big Cat Initiative and our green energy sources in camp.</p> <p>In 2014, Zarafa will continue to surround itself with all the good in life; good people, good food, all good things we enjoy and share with our guests.<br /> May we have many more leopards observing us from below the deck and Margarita parties out in the bush. May good old George and Fred (our Zarafa elephants) stay in good health and the wild dog pups grow up to be the new leaders of the packs. To many more bubble baths, dinners in the soft light of lanterns and portions of succulent turkey breast with mustard honey sauce.</p> <p>Lwa amgolesega,<br /> We welcome you,</p> <p>Happy New Year!<br /> Zarafa Team</p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9047 aligncenter" alt="Picture Kat 2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Picture-Kat-2-203x300.jpg" width="203" height="300" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Linghi our star waitress watches the Wild Dogs of the Zibidianja pack at Zarafa</p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9049 aligncenter" alt="Picture kat 4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Picture-kat-4-300x218.jpg" width="300" height="218" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Selinda Pride Females on the hunt</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/picture-kat-1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9045];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9046 aligncenter" alt="picture kat 1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/picture-kat-1-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Sit back, relax and enjoy the view – Happy New Year</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9045&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div> Wed, 08 Jan 2014 06:35:36 +0000 Anonymous 653 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/new-years-letter-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments MEET ISAAC – Head guide in the Selinda Concession https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/meet-isaac-%E2%80%93-head-guide-the-selinda-concession <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5612-001.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8977];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-8978 aligncenter" alt="IMG_5612-001" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5612-001-216x300.jpg" width="216" height="300" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Isaac was fortuitously born in the Okavango Delta, where, as a little boy he spent lots of time hunting with his father and grandfather, resulting in a love affair with nature and all its beauty that was destined to continue growing.</p> <p>It was therefore a natural progression for Isaac to become a safari guide, a career for him, starting back in 1993. Over the years he has consistently strived to further his education, which has included spending some time in Zimbabwe in pursuit of his walking guide qualification. His recent promotion to head guide for Great Plains Conservation Botswana will see Isaac spending more of his time coaching, motivating and managing the effectiveness of the guiding team together with the day-to-day guiding operations within the concessions. He has also been an active member of BOTA (Botswana Training Authority) since 2008, assisting in setting up the standards for guides training in Botswana.</p> <p>Isaac derives great joy out of sharing his vast bush knowledge and experiences with anyone and everyone. Equally, he is able to focus on various interests and specialties that his visitors may have and as such is truly guest-driven. Included in his skill set is photography and he continues to spend most of his spare time studying in order to further his guiding and management skills.</p> <p>On the home front Isaac is also a husband and father of three children – two girls and a boy. To Isaac their education is just as important as his own, providing him with even more motivation, commitment and dedication on the work front.</p> <p>Isaac’s dream to become a guide trainer for the company one day, and maybe more, doesn’t end there. He would also like to establish a business within his local community. One that all, especially the elderly and children, can benefit from.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8977&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-canoe-trails" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Canoe Trails</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div></div> Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:32:09 +0000 Anonymous 360 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/meet-isaac-%E2%80%93-head-guide-the-selinda-concession#comments November news – Selinda Camp, Botswana https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/november-news-%E2%80%93-selinda-camp-botswana <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>November is the beginning of the rainy season for us and as such this past month has delivered fantastic cloud formations, the most amazing sunsets and eventually the first rain as well. Our guests have certainly enjoyed the beautiful light offered up at this time of the year together with the many accompanying photographic opportunities.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_55961.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8960" alt="IMG_5596" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_55961.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Also enjoying our picturesque surrounds this month was a large Nat Geo group. Selinda Camp was fortunate enough to have been selected as one of their stops on a special “around-the-world” trip in celebration of National Geographic´s 125-year anniversary. Dereck and Beverly Joubert headed up the team here at Selinda during the duration of their stay and gave a passionate talk and update on their conservation efforts under the African sky.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5530-001.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8961" alt="IMG_5530-001" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5530-001.jpg" width="640" height="461" /></a></p> <p>In amongst all the special guests who shared Selinda with us this month (Note: we only have special guests at Selinda), we also had the honour of hosting Mrs Debbi Fields, of USA “Mrs Fields’ chocolate chip cookies” fame, and would particularly like to thank her for sharing her famous recipe with our delighted chefs.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010955.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8952" alt="P1010955" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010955.jpg" width="640" height="464" /></a></p> <p>Birdlife has been abundant, especially now that the migratory birds such as the paradise flycatcher and the woodland kingfisher are back in the area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010824.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8953" alt="P1010824" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010824.jpg" width="640" height="465" /></a></p> <p>Our little wire-tailed swallows, hatched and raised under the Selinda jetty, have decided to stay on with us and now form part of the official welcome committee for our arriving guests.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5620.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8954" alt="IMG_5620" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5620.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>As is usual for this time of the year, after the first rains, the large herds of elephants have moved on in search of alternative vegetative nutrition, but we do have the occasional breeding herd passing by camp and single bulls visiting us in camp…. Including our “regular”, whom the staff have named “Bond”, caught here on camera early one morning helping himself to some of the guest breakfast.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5574.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8955" alt="IMG_5574" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_5574.jpg" width="640" height="463" /></a></p> <p>It’s also time for some of the new generation to arrive and raise the activity levels out on the plains. Impalas, tsesebe and wildebeest have already introduced their newborns to the world and we look forward to seeing many more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1030311.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8956" alt="P1030311" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1030311.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Of course with lots of antelope around there are bound to be the predators following and our guests have definitely not been disappointed on this score. We’ve had various sightings of different leopards, including two separate mating “couples”, seen on the same day in different locations on the concession.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/MG_7099.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8957" alt="_MG_7099" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/MG_7099.jpg" width="720" height="480" /></a></p> <p>… and lion have been spotted almost on a daily basis. Leaving us with lots to talk about too, even if a tad sad. There have been quite a few young elephant killed by them this month, which could just be the opportunistic taking advantage of weakened individuals at the end of a long dry season, or possibly a trend developing in the Selinda concession again? We are not quite sure …</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P10300591.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8966" alt="P1030059" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P10300591.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The Northern wild dog pack of five has entertained us on numerous occasions – including a couple of visits to Selinda Camp itself. Unfortunately without their puppies and it would appear they have lost all six of them.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010881.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8962" alt="P1010881" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010881.jpg" width="640" height="463" /></a></p> <p>The good news, however, is that the southern pack was spotted in the vicinity of our sister camp, Zarafa, with seven healthy and rapidly growing youngsters.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCN2404-001.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8967" alt="DSCN2404-001" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCN2404-001.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Cheetahs are few and far between out here, but we have managed to get a glimpse of them on four or five different occasions through the month. Some lucky viewers were even able to capture them doing a quick pose in front of the setting sun.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1020045.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8968" alt="P1020045" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1020045.jpg" width="640" height="464" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And then of course we shouldn´t forget the always present hippo. The added cloud cover and cooler weather means they now spend more time outside the water during the day, offering more than just a set of eyes, ears and a nose protruding above the waterline for better photo opportunities. The rain appears also to have brought about a certain amount of “spring feelings” within them. Testament to that lies with the number of fighting males and mating couples we have seen in front of and around camp of late.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010342-001.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8949];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8970" alt="P1010342-001" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P1010342-001.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Lots of wildlife activity, happy guests and cooler weather … and this is just the beginning of the rainy season! Imagine what Selinda still has to offer … can’t wait to see you out here.</p> <p> </p> <p>Eva Spyridis & Dave Pahl</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Camp Managers</p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8949&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div> Sun, 01 Dec 2013 13:44:52 +0000 Anonymous 361 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/november-news-%E2%80%93-selinda-camp-botswana#comments Great Plains wins 2013 PURE award https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/great-plains-wins-2013-pure-award <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Unknown.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8896];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8909" alt="Unknown" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Unknown.png" width="90" height="118" /></a></p> <p><strong>GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION IS THE “MOST LIFE-ENRICHING EXPERIENCE”</strong></p> <p>Great Plains Conservation is thrilled to receive the award for Most Life-Enriching Experience at the inaugural and prestigious PURE Awards 2013 last night at the close of the PURE Life Experiences show at the Palais des Congrès, Marrakech.</p> <p>The award is described by PURE as <em>“truly transformational, thought-provoking and perspective-shifting travel experiences that help the individual reconnect with both themselves and the world around them.”</em></p> <p>The selection process is rigid, starting with initial nomination by ‘PUREists’, a collection of the world’s elite buyers and sellers of experiential travel services. It is then judged by a distinguished panel of visionaries in travel: oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle; actor and director, Edward Norton; environmental entrepreneur, Colin Bell; award-winning author and adventurer, Richard Bangs; and sustainable architect, German del Sol.</p> <p>On describing Great Plains Conservation’s co-founders, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Sylvia Earle commented: “The Jouberts convey their passion and deeply held conservation ethic and respect for the natural world that is unsurpassed, no matter what the setting, but especially in their beloved African plains. This is conveyed to those fortunate enough to travel in their presence.”</p> <p>Dereck Joubert, Great Plains Conservation CEO, feels particularly honoured and says the award “encapsulates exactly what we set out to do at Great Plains Conservation: create experiences which spotlight the spiritual, personal, cultural and environmental Africa. Through these experiences we change lives and create conservation ambassadors – a positive outcome in the face of many challenges on the continent.”</p> <p>All at Great Plains Conservation would like to thank the judges and all the PUREists that kindly nominated us for this award.</p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8896&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation-updates" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation Updates</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/get-involved" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Get Involved</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-branding" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Branding</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/mara-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mara Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/media-centre" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media Centre</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/read-guest-feedback" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Read Guest Feedback</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-canoe-trails" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Canoe Trails</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div></div> Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:18:45 +0000 Anonymous 363 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/great-plains-wins-2013-pure-award#comments OCTOBER NEWS- ZARAFA CAMP https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-zarafa-camp <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p></p> <p>Normal<br /> 0</p> <p>false<br /> false<br /> false</p> <p>EN-US<br /> X-NONE<br /> X-NONE</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>/* Style Definitions */<br /> table.MsoNormalTable<br /> {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;<br /> mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;<br /> mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;<br /> mso-style-noshow:yes;<br /> mso-style-priority:99;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:”";<br /> mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-top:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-right:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:”ＭＳ明朝”;<br /> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Zarafa team refers to October as the ‘suicide month’ as usually the temperatures climb rapidly, but there is not yet the pleasure of quick, cooling rain showers (or “Pula”in Setswana).<br /> But (luckily!) we got surprised by Mother Nature and the first rain of the season announced itself mid-month, giving us the opportunity to practice our ‘rain drill’ (or co<a name="_GoBack" id="_GoBack"></a>de blue, or the pula practice – we are still deciding on the name) of dropping all the tent’s canvasses<span> </span>and moving the furniture inside. It was an exciting moment as the short storm was overwhelming and beautiful, nature at its best, like everything in Botswana. The guests in camp were just as excited as we were and we could not stop looking at the blue, purple and gold flashes of lightning in the far distance.<span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p>Normal<br /> 0</p> <p>false<br /> false<br /> false</p> <p>EN-US<br /> X-NONE<br /> X-NONE</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p></p> <p>/* Style Definitions */<br /> table.MsoNormalTable<br /> {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;<br /> mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;<br /> mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;<br /> mso-style-noshow:yes;<br /> mso-style-priority:99;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:”";<br /> mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-top:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-right:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:”ＭＳ明朝”;<br /> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>It was also the first time in months that Zarafa found itself without guests for a day or two, which provided opportunity for two things;</span></p> <p>1). Dreaded deep-cleaning (if you have time to lean, you have time to clean … *evil laugh*).<br /> Which was ultimately rewarded by ….<br /> 2). Some quality time with each other out in the bush!</p> <p>However, we have to say that even less exciting tasks like waxing the teak floor in the main area became fun with some African Rhythms in the background.<br /> Here you see Linghi (head waitress), who was so happy to take off her uniform for the day and to wear something really pretty, together with Lets (guide) executing a synchronized scrubbing routine.<span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p>Normal<br /> 0</p> <p>false<br /> false<br /> false</p> <p>EN-US<br /> X-NONE<br /> X-NONE</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p></p> <p>/* Style Definitions */<br /> table.MsoNormalTable<br /> {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;<br /> mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;<br /> mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;<br /> mso-style-noshow:yes;<br /> mso-style-priority:99;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:”";<br /> mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-top:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-right:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:”ＭＳ明朝”;<br /> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}<br /><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">After all the scrubbing and fixing we went out for a staff bumble and Eskay (sculler) finally got her shot of the lions. In fact, bush karma really stretched itself as we saw a drinking giraffe, buffalo, elephants, impala, waterbuck, zebra and hippos in the first 15 minutes of the drive.<span> </span><br /></span></p>  <p>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}<br /> o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}<br /> w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}<br /> .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p>Normal<br /> 0<br /> false</p> <p>false<br /> false<br /> false</p> <p>EN-US<br /> X-NONE<br /> X-NONE</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>/* Style Definitions */<br /> table.MsoNormalTable<br /> {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;<br /> mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;<br /> mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;<br /> mso-style-noshow:yes;<br /> mso-style-priority:99;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:”";<br /> mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-top:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-right:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:”ＭＳ明朝”;<br /> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}</p>  <p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>With Lets and Markus (manager) behind the wheels, we went out in a ladies and gentlemen car and even though the lionesses we visited wereall too hot to move a muscle, Isinza (chef) wore her Zarafa beanie all the way!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p>Normal<br /> 0</p> <p>false<br /> false<br /> false</p> <p>EN-US<br /> X-NONE<br /> X-NONE</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>/* Style Definitions */<br /> table.MsoNormalTable<br /> {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;<br /> mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;<br /> mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;<br /> mso-style-noshow:yes;<br /> mso-style-priority:99;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:”";<br /> mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-top:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-right:0in;<br /> mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> mso-para-margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:”ＭＳ明朝”;<br /> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}<br /> This month we also had the pleasure of welcoming Dereck& Beverly Joubert back home. They are filming elephants in the area andfound time in their always busy schedule to join our guests for drinks and dinner in the bush. Good times!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> We are looking forward to the next month! Pula! </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8821&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/media-centre" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media Centre</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div></div> Mon, 11 Nov 2013 12:10:33 +0000 Anonymous 365 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-zarafa-camp#comments Duba October News https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/duba-october-news <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC02325-800x536.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8882" alt="DSC02325 (800x536)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC02325-800x536.jpg" width="800" height="536" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Well its tough to think where to begin speaking about the events that transpired throughout October. We had some serious lion action that got to the point of a pride bringing down a buffalo every day, so fast that we were still busy watching one kill when reports of another one came in through the airwaves! The temperatures of October soared and so did the success rate of the resident prides, evidently not slowed by the heat only the hardiest flora and fauna could withstand over midday.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC02317-800x536.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8881" alt="DSC02317 (800x536)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC02317-800x536-300x201.jpg" width="300" height="201" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We have had a global gathering of guests – Kiwis, Wallabies, Boks, Yanks, Pommes, Jigs, Scandies and Scots to name a few which has brought life into the already flourishing Duba. Just don’t start a conversation about the rugby around the dinner table as its likely you wont get to bed with much time to spare before the 5am wake up!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010473-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8884" alt="P1010473 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010473-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We have had traditional music from the staff so you can further immerse yourself and understand the culture that puts everyone in such an unflappable good mood and we have put Stu’s mixology skills to the test with cocktails he makes from scratch with fresh ingredients. So far the top picks have included apple and cucumber mojitos, passion fruit daiquiris, mint julieps, Lynchburg lemonades and the classic old fashioned.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/575716_686107611399503_1406973903_n.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8888" alt="575716_686107611399503_1406973903_n" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/575716_686107611399503_1406973903_n-300x195.jpg" width="300" height="195" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010563-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8885" alt="P1010563 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010563-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>While living in the bush has its perks it can also be a place you always need your wits about you especially when the ellies decide they want to have a taste of the trees around the buildings. Likewise the lions have been wandering through the middle of the camp but unfortunately for them they ran up against James (007) who sent them packing with some bruised egos. Not that we take these things lightly as it is serious business to know this is the wild in its purest form but we do take solace in the fact that the guides here have grown up around some of these beautiful predators and know exactly how to deal with them.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1000756-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8883 alignleft" alt="P1000756 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1000756-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>The rains we can say have officially come, with the camp getting hit by some tent shaking storms lasting only a couple of hours. This means that insects that were once dormant are now seen frequently. Flying termites have swarmed the main area before losing their wings and making the rest of the journey on foot. Longhorn beetles are strolling around the ground and the intimidating (though harmless) solifuges’ have been dashing back and forth on the pathways looking for something tasty to munch.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Toast-800x533.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8889];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8887" alt="Toast (800x533)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Toast-800x533-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So let us pop a bottle and you can enjoy Duba’s landscape with something chilled in your hand as you reflect on the action of the day.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8889&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div></div> Fri, 08 Nov 2013 06:32:26 +0000 Anonymous 366 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/duba-october-news#comments Bush fires https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/bush-fires <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010723-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8852];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8855" alt="P1010723 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010723-800x600.jpg" width="534" height="400" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So we have made it into November and the good news is the rain has brought with it a reason to raise a family whether it be antelope or these awesome looking bat-eared foxes just coming out of their den for an evening of hunting. Using these huge ears enables them to become accomplished hunters in very low light so catching them before they went out to look for dinner was a lucky find.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010714-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8852];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8854" alt="P1010714 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010714-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The side-striped jackal is also a skilled hunter, preying on almost anything including insects, rodents and birds but they are opportunistic so if they get the chance of a free meal then they are never going to pass it up.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010703-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8852];player=img;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8853" alt="P1010703 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010703-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Even if you don’t get to see a big buffalo brought down by the lions there is always action if you look around you. Granted you might need to switch your lenses pretty sharpish to catch things in focus but kills in the bush are not such a rare thing.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010728-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8852];player=img;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8856" alt="P1010728 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010728-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>With the rains has also brought the wrath of nature in the form of lightning upon the dry plains, quickly catching alight and fueled by strong winds these fires can burn for days. Worry not as the camp is protected by water so you can enjoy the dramatic sunset through the plumes of smoke most evenings.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010737-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8852];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8857" alt="P1010737 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/P1010737-800x600.jpg" width="800" height="600" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D8852&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=500&action=like&font=segoe+ui&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div></div> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 12:30:04 +0000 Anonymous 368 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/bush-fires#comments

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