In the African night, the beat of a drum means news...

February 2006

Read about events at Djuma Game Reserve

Vuyatela

Bush Lodge

for more information visit www.djuma.com

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This newsletter is archived in the Drumbeat section of our web site

January was a hot month at Djuma - both literally and figuratively! The temperatures have hovered around 30 degrees Celsius most days, only cooling down during the occasional rain shower. And out in the bush, the game viewing has been sizzling hot too. The two leopard cubs are growing up quickly now and the rangers were thrilled to witness what was most likely their first kill. The female cub managed to catch a young impala that strayed too near. She managed to pin it down securely, but then seemed unsure of how to complete the kill. So, before dinner escaped, the mother leopard (who up until then had been lounging on a tree branch nearby) quickly moved in to deliver the coup de grace. It was impressive to witness the hunting skill that the young cub displayed despite her youth and lack of experience. The Sandy Patch Pride (2 females and a male) have been sighted often. The female whose cubs died last month was seen mating with the male so hopefully she'll produce another litter soon. The other female's two cubs have been seen a few times so we wait to see if they can survive this crucial period. It isn't going to be easy, as the rangers have sighted two young male lions wandering around in the pride's territory obviously looking for them. We've had a number of cheetah sightings this month and also a very rare sighting of a honey badger.
The Marula trees have started fruiting so not only are the elephants gorging themselves on the seasonal bounty, but out in the villages there is Marula beer being brewed as fast as the villagers can collect the tasty fruit. The Golden-tailed woodpeckers and the greater blue-eared starlings have both fledged from the nesting boxes in the camp, but unfortunately the Robins did not survive.
We've had a busy month in the camp with a number of return guests whom we were delighted to see again. We congratulate Jenny & Ed and John & Julie who celebrated their honeymoons with us. And we particularly enjoyed hosting some of the Morrison wedding party from Vuyatela. Congratulations and best wishes to Duncan and Sara-Jane on the occasion of their marriage. Piet, Kim and Chris enjoyed some time away after the busy Christmas season and we welcome Julie as our new student volunteer for the next three months. She hails from Durham in England and is taking a gap year before she heads off to Bristol to study Zoology. I'm just guessing, but I think after three months at Bush Lodge her lecturers will have a hard time telling her things about African wildlife that she won't already know.
And then finally on a personal note, this will be the last newsletter from me, as after six amazing years at Djuma I leave to travel and spend time with family and friends. The staff at Djuma have been largely responsible for the enjoyment and personal fulfilment I have received from my job over the years and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me into the 'Djuma Family' so warmly and for the endless hard work they put in every day to ensure that Bush Lodge is the fantastic lodge that it is. I pass on the management of Bush Lodge to Kim and Piet who will together strive to maintain the high standard of Safari Experience we've always offered.
With warm wishes I bid you all a fond farewell,
Liane

Happy New Year to all. May this year bring you peace and joy!
The bush is looking absolutely amazing at the moment, a lush green that we are really enjoying. There have been some very hot and humid days, as well as some really wet and slightly cooler days. We had a week of rainy weather and predictions are that we will be getting even more rain in the months to come.
The game around the lodge has been divine. The watering hole has been occupied by a dominant male Hippo the whole month, with visits from two other Hippo's from Buffleshoek dam. One morning, he gave a good display of who is boss in Gowrie dam. It was quite amazing to see, but after about 40 minutes of light action all three of them regrouped and were quite relaxed for the rest of the day. There have been some wonderful herds of Kudu at the dam too, some males showing highly impressive horns. Our Nyala have been very busy around the lodge with a couple of new arrivals in the herd. We saw a group of four Elephants come down to drink at the dam one day, followed by a swim. They seemed to be enjoying themselves so much that they forgot about the resident Hippo who was not looking too impressed by the boisterous visitors. They moved off slowly enjoying the lush green around the dam. We had a male Lion through camp a couple of weeks ago. He seemed to be quite relaxed as he walked through camp checking out his turf.
Out on drive we have been seeing fantastic game with Leopard in abundance - up to four on a particular evening. The Leopard cubs are also doing well and are getting quite adventurous around vehicles. The Lion cubs are also great and doing well. We have had some lovely Cheetah and Rhino sighting too.
Congratulation to Sarah Jane and Duncan, back with us this month to get married in the bush. They brought along 22 close friends and family to enjoy the romantic day with them. It was a lovely hot day with no sign of rain for a change. The ceremony was held next to Gowrie dam with Baboons in the background as well as some Impala. Marietjie exceeded herself with a lovely wedding cake that went down very well with all. Sarah Jane spend a good three hours being pampered by Nonku in the spa on the day - she looked absolutely radiant. Warren was looking after the rest of the wedding guests who stayed at Bush Lodge. He was their allocated guide for the two nights. The amount of jest and banter from the vehicle suggests that all had a fabulous time. Also, two other ex-staff tied the knot in January. Steve Bailey and Nicole Witte got married in the Timbavati just down the road from Djuma. Congrats to you guys too.
Sarah Pharo returned to us this month for a quick 3 day break with friends. Willem Van Bergen and Harry Siertsema were also with us for 3 days with some friends for some rest and relaxation. Marie Heaton also came along with some friends for a quick break. Grant McDonald also popped in for a visit, first time since the lodge was built.
We also would like to extend our condolences to the Marimane family for the sudden loss of a loved brother and son Mangesi.
On a sad note for Djuma we bid farewell to Liane Allaway, who has been an inspiration to us all for more than 6 years. Liane has decided to do some traveling but we all hope she will be back in her place in the bush before long. Liane, the Vuyatela team wish you all the best and all that is good for the future. Remember, our doors are always open to you whenever you would like to pop in, or just simply return for good.

Until next Month
Cheers fromMark and the Vuyatela team

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Djuma Game Reserve
P. O. Box 338, Hluvukani, 1363, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Tel: (+ 27 13) 735 5118
Fax: (+ 27 13) 735 5070
 

 
Webmaster: Jurie Moolman