A2A Safaris - Zarafa Camphttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-campenKids Conservation Camp in Year 3 – Botswanahttps://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>
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</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 +0000Anonymous660 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/kids-conservation-camp-year-3-%E2%80%93-botswana#commentsNew Years Letter – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://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;">
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</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 +0000Anonymous653 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/new-years-letter-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#commentsMEET ISAAC – Head guide in the Selinda Concessionhttps://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>
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</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 +0000Anonymous360 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/meet-isaac-%E2%80%93-head-guide-the-selinda-concession#commentsGreat Plains wins 2013 PURE awardhttps://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>
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</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 +0000Anonymous363 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/great-plains-wins-2013-pure-award#commentsOCTOBER NEWS- ZARAFA CAMPhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-zarafa-camp<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><!--[if gte mso 9]>--></p>
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<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>
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<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>
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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>
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<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>
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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>
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</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 +0000Anonymous365 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-zarafa-camp#comments