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!!