A2A Safaris - Wild Doghttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/wild-dogenNew 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#commentsNovember news – Selinda Camp, Botswanahttps://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>
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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/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 +0000Anonymous361 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/november-news-%E2%80%93-selinda-camp-botswana#comments