Safari Blog

Seeing an animal being released into the wild on a luxury safari is a remarkable and unforgettable experience - one of the most exciting parts of safari holidays, if you are lucky enough to witness it! Guests at Samara Private Game Reserve in the Great Karoo, South Africa, were treated to such an event last month when Bellini the cheetah was released into the wild. The six-year-old female cheetah was brought to Samara from the Endangered Wildlife Trust as part of their cheetah metapopulation programme. This particular programme aims to ensure optimal cheetah genetic diversity by moving cheetah between reserves. Bellini was adopted from a reserve in the Waterberg where she was related to the other cheetah on the property. At Samara she brings new genes which will hopefully mean new life should she decide to mate with any of the male cheetah. Bellini had been placed in a large enclosure (a boma) to enable her to adapt to her surroundings in a protected environment before being released. After just a day of being in the wild guides and their guests went to see how Bellini was getting on. She was found not far from the boma, enjoying the sunshine beside a river. Eventually she got up and moved towards a large plain where animals frequently graze. The only animal nearby was a large adult gemsbok and, thinking this was far too big a challenge for little Bellini, they let her be. But later that day she was seen stalking the gemsbok! She appears to have no fear and a hearty appetite – excellent qualities for a long and prosperous life in Samara.

Sausage Tree Camp has recently announced the ‘re-creation’ of Potato Bush, a luxury safari camp first established back  in 1998. Potato Bush will be built adjacent to Sausage Tree Camp in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The site is nestled under Mahogany, Sausage, Winter Thorn and Acacia Tortillas Trees that provide ample shade from the beaming African sun and has stunning panoramic views over the Zambezi River and escarpment. There will be four tents in total: three of which are doubles while the fourth will be a family tent. Each tent will be made of canvas and rosewood and has a large deck, private plunge pool and both indoor and outdoor showers to allow you to really make the most of the superb surroundings. In the family tent there will be two double rooms, making Potato Bush perfect for family safari holidays. Both bedrooms with have their own en-suite bathrooms and the tent itself will have its own private deck and plunge pool where you and your family can relax and enjoy each other’s company in between safari activities. As well as the bedrooms, an open plan dining and lounge area will be built. Each tent can access the communal areas by raised timber boardwalks. With game drives, boating and fishing on offer, if you’re looking for an active, adventurous holiday Potato Bush will be ideal.

Wilderness Safaris have recently announced their latest activity, the Rhino Tracking Experience. Guests at Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Lodge in Malawai’s Liwonde National Park will have the opportunity to track black rhino and see them in their natural habitat as well as getting involved in the practicalities of the rhino monitoring. You won’t just be learning during this activity, with 90 per cent of the fee going towards a rhino conservation programme, you’ll be directly contributing to this ancient species’ survival. The experience begins with an introduction to the plight of the black rhino followed by a three hour long walk with armed Rhino Protection Team scouts and guides. After your walk you will be treated to a delicious bush breakfast or dinner to refuel. To maximise the educational benefits of the experience the programme is limited to just two guests at a time, both of which must be over eighteen-years-old. Aside from the new rhino experience, guests at Mvuu Lodge and Camp can enjoy several other exciting Africa safari activities. Birding in the area is excellent, so if you are a bird enthusiast you will be treated almost non-stop birding during your stay. You’ll also be able to enjoy game drives, safari walks plus lots of boating trips. Another favourite activity at the lodge is village visits. Staff at the camp feel that Liwonde National Park is about people as well as wildlife so guests are encouraged to spend some time experience the local culture in the nearby villages.

The latest addition to the Wilderness Safaris collection of camps is Odzala Camp, their first in the Republic of Congo. Odzala, which will open in May 2012, aims to use responsible lowland gorilla-orientated tourism as a catalyst to spread the rainforest conservation message both locally and across the globe. The two carefully constructed camps leave as light a footprint as possible and blend perfectly into the forest environment. The first, Lango Camp, is on the edge of the savannah and the second, Ngaga Camp, is in the heart of a marantaceae forest. Both have six guestrooms; each is inspired by the designs of the local B’Aka Pygmy groups. Natural materials are used extensively throughout including sustainably harvested hardwoods, bamboo and raffia palm matting. At Ngaga Camp each guest room is raised four metres above the ground with its own wraparound walkway allowing you to really appreciate the forest canopy. Both camps are in the Odzala- Kokoua National Park in the heart of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest. Here you will find a host of forest biodiversity as well as Africa’s densest population of Western Lownland Gorilla, making it the perfect place to see these truly fascinating primates. Activities here range from gorilla tracking (habituated groups), pirogue rides along lush river systems, game drives in the savannah, night drives, walks along the forest streams as well as spending time in the forest.

Chapwani is a small island surrounded by crystal blue waters filled with vibrant corals and colourful starfish. This is the perfect place for a relaxing break after safari holidays or simply for a romantic getaway. You’ll be able to completely relax, away from timetables, deadlines and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With no telephones or televisions in the bedrooms you can simply enjoy the beautiful natural sounds of this tropical area in peace. During your stay you can explore the island and discover its fauna and flora on the nature trail. The trail passes through a variety of areas; some are large open spaces and some packed with lush vegetation. Along the way you’ll spot tonnes of wildlife. White herons live along the banks of the inland lake and hidden in the bush there is a community of dik dik. The incredibly rare coconut crabs also reside on the island; these huge crabs are a protected species close to extinction. At low tide there is a spectacular show of starfish immersed in the coral reef and several natural pools packed with with fascinating marine life. If you want to venture out further, Chapwani is just a short boat ride away from Zanzibar’s popular Stone Town. With plenty to see and do in stunning natural surroundings, Chapwani makes the perfect addition to a Kenya or Tanzania safari.