The beauty of the Golden Orb Spider

Most people, including myself sometimes, always only notices the obvious and bigger animals, etc in nature. However, if we just look closely, we will see the beauty in the smaller things. Spiders for instance. How many people out there just whack it when they see it, thinking it will bite and it is dangerous. But look at them and see the beauty of them. At least 95% of spiders are not venomous.
We have found this wonderful Golden Orb Spider in our garden and we hope it will stay.

Nephila pilipes fenestrate (Black-legged golden orb spider) has a creamy abdomen with a blueish marbling towards the rear and has tufts of hair on the first, second and fourth legs. It is widely distributed throughout South Africa, but absent from the drier western parts. Nephila senegalensis annulata has black and yellow abdominal markings with yellow bands on its legs. It has the widest distribution throughout South Africa. Nephila inaurata madagascariensis is more or less black, silver and reddish-brown with red legs, and may be found in northern KwaZulu/ Natal. Nephilengys cruentata spins a characteristic white web with a funnel-like retreat and is distributed throughout the eastern coastal regions. It is generally blacker than Nephila and has a rounder, less cylindrical, abdomen with an orange/ red breastplate.
They are strictly web bound and find walking on the ground cumbersome.
These large, shy but beautiful spiders may look formidable but are not aggressive, and even those who walk into their webs are unlikely to be bitten and although their bite is painful, it is not of great medical importance.

EASTER HOLIDAYS AROUND THE CORNER

We have just about seen the first quarter of 2011 flashed by and with that being said, we all know that the Easter Holidays are just around the corner. Children are on holiday and need to be entertained. Or you as a family just need to have that short break together in order to re-energize yourself for the next part of the year.

We in South Africa are lucky in that we have wonderful weather just about all year round. With April being Autumn and some of the best weather of the year, lovely and sunny during the day and just a bit nippy in the evening to make a fire to sit around if you are outside and a little bit of port to warm the insides. Because of our wonderful weather, it is ideal for families to undertake camping holidays.

We have it all. Mountains, Sea and beaches, Bush and even the desert. So take out your camping gear, check for leaks in the tents, pack up and go. A few suggestions for great camping spots:

• Bela Bela (or Warmbaths) – lots to do for the kids
• Kruger National Park – only if all of you enjoy the wildlife
• Cape Vidal – wonderful sandy beaches and great fishing
• Mosselbay and George – wonderful towns and lots to keep busy
• Drakensberg – various great camping spots
• Scottburgh – great camping grounds, walking distance to the beach
• BaviaansKloof – get in touch with nature
• West Coast

Afrique Escapades favourite is of course Marakele National Park in Limpopo close to the town of Thabazimbi. And close by you will now find the Marakele Predator Park, where you will meet the white lions and have an opportunity to see them being fed and also learn more about this mystical King of the Jungle.

http://www.sanparks.org

We have such a wonderful country with so many beautiful places. Why just always go to one place year after year? Get adventurous and choose a new destination. Who knows, you might like it. And imagine all the new memories you will collect along the way.

Visit the following website for inspiration:

http://www.southafrica.com

KALAGADI NATIONAL PARK

Kalagadi National Park is a place, dry and some might say desolate. Endless open spaces, with very few trees and in winter hardly any colour of green is to be seen. But look behind this barren landscape and you will see a landscape abundant with life and beauty. And when the sun goes down, this is the perfect place to pour yourself a glass of ruby red wine, make yourself comfortable and in silence watch the silver moon makes its entrance over this landscape, created as no other. This in itself is a humbling experience. The inky black landscapes around you and the beauty of the perfect full moon. Now is the time to reflect on how small we are in this universe of ours.

And now the drama starts in the blackness of the night.....
Out of nowhere, in the distance and sometimes not so far distance, you will hear the call of the lion. The powerfull roar of the magnificent black maned lions of the Kalahari in the dark of the night will send shivers down your spine. But to me it is a delicious shiver....and one not to be missed.....

Kalagadi is a place which will entice you to come back again and again. And because this is such a vast space, you will be able to enjoy it in reasonable solitude. Here you will see the adorable Meerkat, the Rattling mice, the very busy Honey Badgers, with the Chanting Goshawks following them for easy food, the African Wild Cat and of course...the great and magnificent black maned lions of the Kalahari.

Here you will find various tented camps to stay, like Kalahari Tented Camp and of course my ultimate favourite, Kieliekrankie. You can also camp on your own or stay in chalets/rondawels.

A visit to Kalagadi is well worth it.

THE STORY OF JABULANI

This is the story of an abandoned baby elephant who could never have known the impact he would have on the lives of 12 other elephants, and on thousands of people around the world.

In June 1997, just 4 months old, a tiny elephant arrived at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). He had been found stuck in the mud of a silt dam, and was injured and severely dehydrated. He had been abandoned by his herd.

It took a full year to nurse the elephant back to health. He truly beat the odds, as not much hope was held that he would pull through. He was monitored around the clock by a dedicated team (including a hand-reared sheep called “Skaap” which acted as a surrogate mother) and was slowly brought back to a state of health. He was called Jabulani – meaning “to rejoice”.

Now came a challenge of an altogether different kind. Despite numerous attempts to re-introduce Jabulani to the bush, he would have none of it! These humans were his family, and he had no intention of parting ways. What to do with a quickly growing elephant? …. enter the hand of fate once again.

In March 2002 word reached the HESC of 12 Zimbabwean elephants which faced a grisly and untimely end. Their owner’s farm was in the process of being expropriated by war veterans, and the elephants were tagged for their meat. A rescue mission was put into place within a matter of weeks. A massive truck left Johannesburg for Zimbabwe empty – and returned with a dozen pachyderms.

It was with amazement that the HESC team witnessed the meeting of Jabulani and the herd. He was immediately adopted by Tokwe (the matriarch) and had finally found his kin.

Left with the overwhelming custodianship of these beautiful but mammoth animals, the next logical step was in the creation of a camp to support them. This camp would enable travellers from around the world to experience the extraordinary impact of interacting with elephants.

Camp Jabulani was born.

Jabulani is somewhat stubborn, yet highly spirited. The herd has given him the sanctuary of family. He certainly takes advantage of the privilege of being the mascot! He will always head the team on safari – and quickly rushes back to his position should it be “usurped” by another while he stops for a leafy snack…. He is growing into an impressive animal, and promises to be a very large bull.

(Thank you to Camp Jabulani and Angela from OriginBlu in allowing Afrique Escapades to use content and clip)
http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/south-africa/mpumalanga/accommodation.html
http://www.campjabulani.com
http://www.originblu.com

LIONS IN KAROO NATIONAL PARK AFTER 170 YEARS

8 Lions were released in the Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West late last year. There has not been wild lions in the Greater Karoo in more than 170 years. The last wild lions were shot around 1842.
The lions were brought from Addo National Park and were released with success after they have been in a separate enclosure for a month. The introduction of lions is great new as this will have great tourism value for

the Karoo National Park. The carrying capacity for lions in the Karoo National Park has been set for between 15 and 20 lions, depending on the conditions in the Park and availability of prey species.
Previously of course the main camp at Karoo National Park was not fenced and you were allowed to go for hikes on your own. However due to the presence of the lions, the camp has now been fenced and guides will escort the guests on hiking trails.

The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. The Karoo is the largest eco system in South Africa and home to a diversity of life, all having adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. Karoo National Park is shadowed by the magestic Nuweveld Mountains and rolling plains. We are fortunate that many species once again have the opportunity to roam their former areas at Karoo National Park.

The introduction of the lions are exciting news for all lovers of the Karoo National Park. This park is known for its beauty and of course the many species of succulents found here. I personally love it here as the sun goes down and it gets darker and darker and the sky becomes an inky black. And the moon rises and you see millions of stars against the darkness of the African night. This is magical Africa.

Karoo National Park is well worth a visit. You wont find the big 5 here, but you will leave with a feeling of peace and a desire to revisit this place of magical colours.
http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/south-africa/karoo/accommodation.html

BOTSWANA – LAND OF GIANTS

Botswana is a land of vast spaces, big skies and wide horizons. In a country with the world’s fourth lowest population density, there are large parts, where human habitation barely exists. This is a place where it is still possible to get away from it all and take in the unspoiled wilderness and stark natural beauty of Botswana.

The seemingly endless expanse holds many treasures and some of Africa’s best managed and most densely stocked game parks with an equally abundant birdlife. Wildlife is suitable protected and about 17% of the land is set aside as either a national park of game reserve.

Not all of Botswana is about nature though. Botswana is a country of growing sophistication with one of Africa’s highest standard of living. Botswana is also the highest ranked country on the African continent on the global Corruption Perception Index. Here law and order still rank as high priority. The Botswana people have respect for each other and guests visiting their country. Travelling is easy in Botswana, as long as you keep to the rules of the country and respect their country.

Although Botswana offers many low budget accommodation and camping as you travel to your various destinations, here you will also find exclusive and exciting Safari and Bush lodges, most blending into their environment with little damage done to the area around them.
http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/botswana/accommodation.html

To me of course Botswana is the Land of the Giants Giant age old Boababs, the living monuments of Botswana. And Giant African Elephants still roaming in their masses. A visit to Botswana is enough to forever be seduced by the indigo blue skies after sunrise to the saffron skies at sunset, the lime green grasses swaying in the gently breeze, the beauty and diversity of the Okavango Delta and the vastness and desolation of the Kalahari desert.

LET BOTSWANA SEDUCE YOU – ITS WELL WORTH IT

UGANDA – A TOURSIT DESTINATION OF CHOICE

Uganda is a fast growing tourist destination due to its natural endowment as a country gifted by nature, stability and hospitable people. Uganda weaves its spell the moment you set you feet on its soil.

Ecologically, Uganda is where East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else, but in this lush country can one watch lions prowl the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest in the same afternoon.
But the most humble experience of course is setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of the mountain gorilla. And of course in Uganda , you have a checklist of a 1000 different bird species. Imagine that.

When visiting Uganda, you should visit:
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – this ancient rainforest is home to about half of the world’s mountain gorilla and looking into the eyes of these gentle giants is most probably the most exciting and emotional experience you will ever have on an African Safari.
• Kibale National Park – Kibale is home to 13 primate species and here you have the opportunity to track the chimps and they are a joy to watch
• Kidepo Valley National Park – this is one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas and predators are well represented..so this is the place for lions. While the game viewing is excellent, it is the sense of quiet isolation that set this place apart from others and as yet, undiscovered by the mass safari lovers.

Whether you are a first time safari-goer or a seasoned African traveller, Uganda with its unique blend of forest and savannah is simply dazzling.

http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/uganda/accommodation.html
http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za/uganda/activities.html

SIERRA LEONE - REVIVAL EFFORT FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY

Tourists in small numbers are returning to Sierra Leone's white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It has now been 8 years since fighting has ended in this war torn African Country.

A community project has been started at Number 2 River Beach, south of Freetown where a youth group runs the resort and keeps the beach clean. This also help with unemployment in this area. The resort employs about 40 villagers. Although there are lovely beaches along this coastline, this is one of the most beautiful, because of its white sands and its spectacular views.

Although Sierra Leone has a lot to offer, it is a challenge to convince tourists to visit. At the moment, Sierra Leone is not on tourists wish list to visit. Due to the brutal conflicts and in which the country's war lords used

the country's diamonds to fund their wars, the image of Sierra Leone is not favourable. However, this has all changed now and a new image for Sierra Leone is in the making. People need to know that this is a safe destination to visit.

Last year 5000 tourists visited Sierra Leone and the Goverment is making a huge effort to promote the country at travel fairs, etc.

Lets hope that more people will visit Sierra Leone and Afrique Escapades will definately promote travel to this unknown destination

http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za

AI - AIS /RICHTERSVELD - A PLACE TO FEED THE SOUL

Whenever work and the stresses of the daily grind of city life gets too much, open your mind to images of the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where the magnificent sun-baked, rocky landscapes of this mountain desert (and the only one in South Africa) will calm your senses and feed your soul.

Here you will find a quietness shared only by the few other soul travellers, travelling this lonely but beautiful place.
The strange rock formations and the diversity of succulents is food for the soul. However, due to the remoteness of this reserve, it will never be a destination for many visitors (and which for me is a blessing in disquise).

When visiting Richtersveld, however, you will have to be self sufficient, including carrying drinking water. Petrol, diesel and basic supplies are available at Sendlingsdrift. And you do need a 4x4. You can either camp or stay in a chalet.

WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR 2011 FOR AFRICA

Afrique Escapades wishes for Africa for the year 2011.

During the year 2011, South Africa was plagued by Rhino Killings which has shocked people across the world interested in the protection of our Natural Heritage. Arrests were made, which shocked the South African public even more. Court cases are due to start in soon and we hope a strong message will be sent out to those who are still involved in the poaching of Rhinos. In lieu of this Afrique Escapades wishes for all Rhino poaching to stop, a solution to be found for this problem and for more active participation by all parties involved to end this huge problem. And more media coverage to be allocated to this issue. Afrique Escapades feels passionate about this issue.


More than anything my personal wishes for this New Year 2011, are for peace to all people in Africa, end to hunger for our people on this continent and for the people of Africa to realise what a wonderful continent we are privileged to live on and to nurture, love and protect this world of ours.

Let this year be a year filled with wonder for all of us!!