A2A Safaris - Wild Doghttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/wild-dogenAugust News – Explorers Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-explorers-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>On the newsletter front, Explorers has been somewhat quiet, we’ve been the sleepy sloths of newsletter writers, but really, it’s been quite the contrary here at our beautiful little camp on the Selinda Spillway. So, in essence, this is not so much of an “August Newsletter”, but rather a “Peak Season Newsletter” where I will try, despite my unrelenting urge to ramble on for hours with camp stories, to give a (somewhat) brief account of the wonderful highlights we’ve had so far.</p>
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<p>We’ve been busy, in the best kind of way, and that’s an understatement. I suppose the hi-light of our last newsletter was a recount of 13 beautiful painted dogs chasing and killing an impala in camp just meters from where we stood, and, without sounding too flippant or blasé about what I know some people will wait their whole lives to see, it’s become such a regular occurrence in camp I hardly bat an eyelid anymore. No, not really, that’s a lie… of epic proportions. There is SO much batting of eyelids and excitement each time it happens I can sometimes hardly contain myself, nor fumble fast or furiously enough to get my camera on the right settings as I dash out my little tented office to capture the action. Had I been just a few seconds faster, in this very picture would be a beautiful, enormous male kudu that had just run through the spillway from a pack of five wild dogs at sunset. After almost a half hour of running through camp, crashing into guests tents, being cornered in the kitchen and chased over the canoes, the kudu was lucky enough to escape, but not so lucky, I fear, was the impala that went dashing past the dinner table past some flabbergasted guests later that night from the same pack. Safe to say, we have certainly not been short of any wild dog action at Explorers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9580" alt="PIC-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-1.jpg" width="599" height="383" /></a></p>
<p>I seem to be slightly predisposed to a slight sunset obsession, I just love the light and the colours and the beauty of them, and really try always to make the most of every single one. Come to Explorers and there WILL, without doubt, be a sunset celebration of sorts.</p>
<p>A sunset bath on the Spillway…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9581" alt="PIC-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-2.jpg" width="600" height="330" /></a></p>
<p>A sunset dinner…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9582" alt="PIC-3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-3.jpg" width="600" height="372" /></a></p>
<p>A sunset lion sighting on the spillway as you canoe past… not such a regular occurrence, but amazing luck for those guests who saw these two beautiful males come right to the waters edge for a drink as they made their way to our “sunset spot” for sundowners.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-4-.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9578" alt="PIC 4-" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-4-.jpg" width="600" height="376" /></a></p>
<p>Lionesses love a good sunset too…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9583" alt="PIC-5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-5.jpg" width="267" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>The good thing about these sunsets, is there’s one EVERY single day. How lucky is that?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-6.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9584" alt="PIC-6" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-6.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>The months of June and July were filled with fort-building, tree-climbing, chocolate-cake-devouring, bow-and-arrow-making two legged little delights who learnt all about our beautiful animals, conservation and how to make an abominable mess, I mean “fort” out of every single piece of furniture and cushion in sight. Beautiful work, boys.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-7.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9585" alt="PIC-7" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-7.jpg" width="600" height="384" /></a></p>
<p>They were really quite sweet and passed their little quiz on their last night in camp with flying colours and a “Conservation Ambassador” certificate to show for it.They learnt very fast that keeping quiet on game drives and listening to instructions had all sorts of fun rewards: fishing, canoeing, playing soccer with the staff and helping in the kitchen. As a caveat to this invitation for all children to come and have fun at Explorers, be warned that they WILL fall in love with our guide Kane and leaving for the next camp might cause a bit of a scene.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-8.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9586" alt="PIC-8" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-8.jpg" width="600" height="371" /></a></p>
<p>Paddling down the spillway past a herd of elephant with your new bushman friend in Botswana, as you do when you’re a little boy…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The sightings at Explorers have been mind-blowing and recently, not a day goes by when guests aren’t coming back with stories of playful lion cubs, beautiful wild dog puppies, leopards up trees, lions on the move, cheetahs resting in the shade, kills, chases, you name it.. it’s been incredible. We’ve had leopard in camp, lions roaring through the night, hippos grunting, regular visits and loud whoops from hyenas, honey badgers causing havoc, buffalo grazing outside our tents, wild dog puppies chirping and playing with the hammock, a cacophony of beautiful sounds… we really are deep in the bush here at Explorers and I may be slightly biased but SERIOUSLY, are we not the coolest camp in the whole of Botswana?</p>
<p>Going into the dry period now, the natural pans are drying up, bringing the elephants, as well as the herds of buffalo, closer to camp and along the spillway for better grazing, creating wonderful opportunities for guests to see them from their tents, around the lunch table, peeping over showers, whilst on the canoes and out on walks. Sightings on foot have been excellent too and long, hard walks have been rewarded with surprise picnics in the bush…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-9.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9587" alt="PIC-9" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-9.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a> <a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-10.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9588" alt="PIC-10" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-10.jpg" width="600" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>For those of you who haven’t yet met our beautiful Explorers chef… this is Tshidi, lamb-shank-cooking, carrot-cake-baking guru.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-11.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9589" alt="PIC-11" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-11.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>Tshidi and I have big plans to play our small part in the “Rhinos Without Borders” Project (moving 100 rhinos to safety from South Africa to Botswana) and are working on a secret project called “Recipes for Rhinos”, so stay tuned for updates on that one. Kane, our Explorers guide, has been known to be fairly competitive and equally as dedicated to the project, agreeing to donate $5 of every tip he makes towards the Rhino Project. Team Explorers is on it.</p>
<p>So, when i’m next not busy planning picnics, setting sundowners, filling bubble baths, lighting candles, dancing with my housekeepers to old Dolly Parton tracks, chasing hornbills from the muesli bowl and fluffing cushions, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the weird and wonderful happenings at Explorers. Until next month…</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/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/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/botswana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</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/selinda-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</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 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>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 07:33:28 +0000Anonymous1096 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-explorers-camp-botswana#commentsAugust news – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>August</p>
<p>Zarafa and its Dhow Suites would like to thank the many American citizens who made the long trip to Africa for their safari!</p>
<p>For our camp, August is traditionally an ‘American month’ with around 60% of our guests coming from overseas and this year was no exception. We wish you all safe travels back home and we hope to see you next winter. Oh! And for those of you who enjoy flexible work arrangements or are retired, please do not be a stranger and visit us even earlier. In November for example, it is a completely different ball game out here!</p>
<p>Weather-wise, August has ‘played’ us. Pretending to give us an exceptionally warm winter in the beginning of the month, but a few very cold and windy days right at the very end. We say; “do not worry about things you cannot control!” – as you understand, we (luckily) have very little problems in our little safari bubble.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9544" alt="Eskay&Cristofina" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>One of the greater thing about August though are the stunning sunsets. As some of you might know, we get to see these typical red and orange colors this time of year as our neighbor country Namibia has ‘controlled burns’ to fertilize their land. The smoke and dust particles that remain in the air create these beautiful colors we enjoy every day. In the morning you can witness what we call, ‘the shadow of the earth’, which is a blue edge upon the horizon after which the sky colors soft pink. In one word: gorgeous.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9542" alt="Sunset" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>But, enough about the beauty of the Botswana horizon. You want to know what the game has been like! August was the month of the cats and the cubs. Ask yourself, is there anything cuter than 6 lion cubs tumbling over each other, chasing their moms tail? Well, maybe (just maybe), it could be the leopard cub our guides have been spotting near our home!</p>
<p>Other great news is that the guides have located a wild dog den with puppies (hurray!). More information on these little ones will hopefully follow soon, as the den is still closed for sightings until the pups are at least 6 till 8 weeks of age. These protocols are important to ensure a healthy and relaxed relationship between the dogs and the cars coming to visit them. Also, as any parent will understand, raising these little fur balls is not always easy. Especially not when you consider the possible dangers of their environment. Too many car tracks towards the den might attract predators like lions and in this way humans might influence the ‘circle of life’ before the pups and their guardians even have a chance out here.</p>
<p>On a different note, those who follow our Social Media channels might have noticed that our very own Dereck & Beverly Joubert, have visited us this month. This always goes hand-in-hand with some new furniture and Zarafa has gained new pictures out of Beverly’s collection on its walls. It becomes harder and harder to pick your personal favorite in the main area…</p>
<p>Now, attention to all wine lovers! Next to some fabulous(-ly comfortable) leather chairs in the library, our camp is also enjoying a brand new wine list (hurray #2!). We are so excited to present to you a selection of excellent wines ranging from different vineyards that share our passion for quality, as well as a sense of responsibility to our environment and the communities we serve. We cannot wait to start spoiling our coming guests with vineyard tasting evenings (or lunches, brunches? – it is always 5 ‘o clock somewhere in the world!).<br />
News from the kitchen includes our Chef Mhange who has joined Katherine and her team to delight us with his wonderful personality and cooking skills at Zarafa and the Dhow Suites.<br />
One of their new delights includes a cracker that is made from a variation of seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Tastes great, no gluten! The kitchen team has also cooked repeatedly in the bush this month, surprising our guests with lunches and dinners in the wild and even a dinner on the boat.</p>
<p>And on that happy note, we wish you all a fabulous start of September. We will keep you posted and we promise that we will not let you wait for next months’ newsletter to hear from Zarafa and its Dhow Suites.</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/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/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" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</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/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</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 class="field-item even " 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 odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</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/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</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-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:56:04 +0000Anonymous1080 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#commentsMay News -Selinda Explorers Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-selinda-explorers-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: left;">So much has been happening in May at our little Explorers Camp on the Selinda Spillway – Northern Botswana, and where to even begin seems somewhat of a challenge. We’ve had an absolutely fantastic month, not only for the spectacular sightings but for the incredible fun we’ve been having with our guests and staff. They say a picture tells a thousand words, so, here’s one thousand to start off with the rarest mammal in southern Africa right in the centre of camp – A Wild Dog.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9426 aligncenter" alt="1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>VIP Guest – Africa Wild Dog</em></p>
<p>Oh yes, a VIP guest arrived at Explorers just a few days ago and, needless to say, the staff weren’t entirely enthused at the idea of welcoming this particular visitor with the usual warm smile and face towel! And, of course, he didn’t come alone… he brought with him the rest of the pack of thirteen who chased, brought down and devoured an exhausted impala as she dashed past the office, scrambled through the kitchen and all around camp until eventually the calamity ended in the car park…THIS happened just a few meters away from us. We could hardly believe it, our hearts were racing!</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9427" alt="2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2-300x184.jpg" width="300" height="184" /></a><i><br /></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wild dog sightings have been aplenty and we’re seeing them in and around camp on almost a daily basis. Kane, our regular wild animal whisperer, entertainer and guide extraordinaire, witnessed an equally exciting and perhaps more dramatic hunt at our nearby hippo pool with his guests on foot as the dogs dashed past them, ran through the water, drowned, and, as only they can do, devoured a young female kudu with lightning speed as the sun was starting to set and the sundowners had just been poured. An absolutely once in a life time sighting as the kudu’s alarms brought in some daring hyenas to the scene, causing a battle between the two rivals as they repeatedly tried in vain to push the dogs away from their kill. The atmosphere was electric and there was an absolute cacophony of squeals, yelps and bellows with even the hippos getting out the water, sniffing around and joining in on the action. All very exciting and indeed promising signs that these beautiful painted dogs are denning nearby and we hope to discover just exactly where very soon.</p>
<p><a style="text-align: -webkit-center;" href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9428 aligncenter" alt="3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3-300x197.jpg" width="300" height="197" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In other news… it is getting a whole lot drier (and cooler) now as we are approaching the winter months and the animal sightings are vastly improving. The zebras are starting to come back from their seasonal migration route in the Savuti Marsh/Mababe Depression and we’ve had a few visits from the dagga boys (old male buffalos) as the buffalos start their search for clearer waters and better grazing along the Spillway. General game is also good at the moment and we’re seeing plenty of giraffe, impala and kudu. We’re also starting to see large herds of elephants along the Spillway and around Explorers Camp.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9429" alt="4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4-218x300.jpg" width="218" height="300" /></a><i><br /></i></p>
<p align="center"><em> That’s me at the back, paddling gently down the spillway and past a herd of elephant on our way to a beautifully set up bush breakfast at Hippo Pools. (image – Alex Walters).</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Predator sightings are top of the tops here at Explorers and guests have been treated to some incredible sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and lions; the hunts, the kills and the many disputes between the different groups with leopard tracks right through camp, nightly visits from hyenas and a kill so close by the Wapuka Lion Pride of eight that we could hear them fighting over their waterbuck from camp. Our guests were lucky enough to witness the entire thing from start to finish but hearing it all from camp was just as exciting.</p>
<p align="center"><i> </i></p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9430 aligncenter" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" alt="5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5-300x178.jpg" width="300" height="178" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Walks have been very popular here at Explorers with plenty of spectacular sightings; leopards, lions on kills, wild dogs and elephant … all on foot and expertly guided by Kane who, when he isn’t out tracking animals and sharing his bushman skills with our guests, is planning highly competitive canoe races down the Spillway with the help of myself, the new camp manager at Explorers, and our fantastic team. Have a look…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><i></i><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9431" alt="6" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/6-300x189.jpg" width="300" height="189" /><i><br /></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We saw in these particular guests a few seriously competitive streaks and decided to put their paddling skills to the test. Teams were chosen, canoes were marked with brightly coloured names, staff were out to support with posters and cheers, celebratory champagne was on ice and prizes were laid out along with some serious rules and regulations from Kane (aka “The Ref”) and the support team; camera crew, medical rescue and of course our friendly barman who was on standby with emergency G&Ts at the finish line.</p>
<p align="center"><i></i><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9432" alt="7" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">The afternoon was filled with fun, sun and smiles all round and is one we will certainly never forget.</p>
<p align="center"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9433" alt="8" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/8-300x206.jpg" width="300" height="206" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">Our guests at Explorers seem always to be a little quirky, adventurous and full of fun and that’s just the way we like them.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9434 aligncenter" alt="9" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/9-300x196.jpg" width="300" height="196" /></p>
<p>See what I mean?! Yes, that is indeed a guest donning Selinda Reserve staff uniform! On their request, our guests swopped roles and attire with the staff for the night and everyone enjoyed a meal cooked by them that evening, what a treat! The guests lit the lanterns, served the drinks, set out the chairs and shared stories around the camp fire. There was signing, dancing and lots and lots of laughter that night.<img class="size-medium wp-image-9435 aligncenter" alt="10" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/10-300x198.jpg" width="300" height="198" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The last few weeks seem to have been filled with birthdays, anniversaries, newly weds on honeymoon and all sorts of reasons to celebrate and completely spoil our guests. We have been in our absolute hosting, styling, magic-dust sprinkling element – setting up romantic dinners under the glowing light of our candle chandelier hanging from the old mopane tree, arranging copper baths brimming with bubbles under the stars.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9436 aligncenter" alt="11" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/11-300x194.jpg" width="300" height="194" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We have also been setting up cosy spots using our Swahili style rugs with floor cushions, blankets and Amarula around crackling fires and Kane has been in charge of the fishing, giraffe dung spitting competitions, practical jokes and all things fun, along with providing guests with the incredible game viewing experiences that he’s become so well known for.</p>
<p>We’re a great team and proving that anything and everything is possible and happening at Selinda Explorers Camp. It’s been a fantastic month and we are certainly looking forward to what June has in store for us…</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/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/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-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/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/hippos" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippos</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 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 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, 11 Jun 2014 06:21:23 +0000Anonymous985 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-selinda-explorers-camp-botswana#commentsNew Years Letter – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.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 +0000Anonymous773 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/new-years-letter-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments