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Hello again to everyone |
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The 2010 WORLD CUP is over, SPAIN has won it for
the first time in history and SOUTH AFRICA is now
back to normal business. It might have gone
quickly but the future of our country is just
beginning. We are so thankful that it came as it
has given us enormous exposure. Getting 9/10 from
FIFA president who was just too shy to give us
12/10 for our big achievement. This has cleared up
the wrong perception that people had about our
country. It is a pity as they are denying
themselves the opportunity of their life time for
exploring our country. The hospitality this
country has shown was fantastic hence this was one
of the best ever tournaments in the history of
FIFA. |
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Only two JABULANI cubs are left ~ look at the
welcome they are eceiving from their siblings! |
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Achieving over 70% occupancy shows just how
BUFFALO RIDGE has been a popular destination for
soccer lovers over this month. The relationship we
have created with them has guaranteed their return
in the near future. Lucky were the ones that
stayed for the final whistle and couple of days
after as they have far better stories to tell as
we were getting better and better and more
confident hosting the world. Some of their stories
will be the unforgettable game viewing experiences
they had at BUFFALO RIDGE. |
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With just a few water points around the reserve,
there has been an abundance of animals at our
water hole and the big dams. Unfortunately one of
the teams preparing for BRAZIL 2014 has stolen two
of our JABULANI balls and only two of the four
JABULANI cubs are left (natural selection is
probably the reason). These have recently been
introduced to the MICA pride and will enjoy the
welcome that has been shown by their siblings.
This pride has been residing behind the reserve
administration offices, where there is a pan,
waiting for thirsty prey. Although the JABULANI
cubs are still drinking from their mummy, here
they have a good chance of tasting a real lion
full course meal as food is abundant. |
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Elephant and Buffalo at TLOU dam |
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Many herds of other species have been attracted to
TLOU dam. At one point our guides were able to
spot four of the Big Five at the dam at once;
certainly by now you can guess the missing odd
one. |
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It was one afternoon when LAZARUS was the first
vehicle to arrive at TLOU dam; he was shocked and
couldn’t believe his eyes. A herd of over 100
buffalo, four different herds of elephants, and
many more rhinos and other species; it was like an
animal meeting point. |
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As no one was saying a word and the only noise to
be heard was the clicking of the cameras and
splashing of water, a pride of six lions
approached the scene. Everybody was excited and
waited patiently to see their first lion kill, but
the lions were so surprised by the number of
animals that were there. Being afraid of an
elephant and buffalo stampede, the hungry lions
stayed far away on the dam wall and enjoyed the
game viewing as well. Some young lions tried to
make some moves but gave up seeing that there
wasn’t support from the well experienced adults.
Unfortunately LAZARUS was forced to leave his
viewing spot to give other guides a viewing
opportunity but nothing really happened that day. |
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Getting rid of moribund (dead leaves and grass) is
a way of managing the area by controlled fire, but
with bad, unpredictable weather it can sometimes
get out of control. Although we experienced this
uncontrolled fire that got so close to our lodge,
game viewing hasn’t been affected at all. This has
instead cleared up many areas and made game
viewing easier. We can’t wait for the first rains
as the area will look nice and green with new
shoots. Thanks to MADIKWE LODGES, staff are always
available to respond quickly to these kinds of
disasters. |
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Some of the MADIKWE predators showing their teeth! |
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Meeting each other again is always our wish, which
we will certainly achieve one day.
A MODIMO O RE
TSHEGOFATSE / GOD BLESS US ALL. TILL WE MEET AGAIN
SHARP, SHARP |
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Warm regards
Moremi and the Buffalo Ridge Team
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