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

  
 

April 2009

  
 

Read about events at Djuma Game Reserve
 
 

Bush Lodge
"We have had an elephant bull around camp...." …. Click here to read more.
 

Vuyatela
"The combination of blue sky, water and butterflies...." …..Click here to read more.
 
 

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This newsletter is archived in the Drumbeat section of our web site
Editor: Pippa Moolman
 
The photos above were taken by Graham Cooke - private guide - and Anet van Niekerk - manager at Bush Lodge.
 
Bush Lodge

March has brought fresh cool weather, especially in the early mornings. The days have been hot, but thankfully not as humid as January and February. Early morning misty condition herald that autumn is on the way and our winter fleecies have been brought out from summer hibernation.
We have had an elephant bull around camp, eyeing the new dam with suspicion. He seems to prefer using the old watering hole in front of the lodge, but will no doubt make a move to more spacious surrounds at some stage. The same ellie paid a visit to the honeymooners in Chalet 8 and draped his trunk over the electrified fencing and then plopped it onto the stoep, much to the delight of the guests. We have spotted hippo spoor coming over the new dam wall, but it has yet to take up residence there. Most nights we hear the chuffing of a big male leopard around camp as this seems to be his newly claimed territory. We have seen him from the vehicle but are still awaiting a sighting from the lodge itself.
Out on safari the highlights for the guests have been frequent sightings of Karula female leopard and her two cubs, as well as Whitecloth female leopard and her single cub. All three cubs are about three months old now and their experienced mothers show them off to the guests during the day, and tucked away safely during the night. They are a delight to watch playing in the drainage lines and scampering up and down trees under the watchful guidance of the mothers. Sandy Patch lone lioness has started showing us her three cubs more regularly, but being on her own tends to shelter them in thick riverine bush more often than not. Large herds of buffalo number up to 400 have been seen often all over the reserve. We have also seen active herds of elephants, most sporting tiny babies. Guests were also lucky enough to see a hyena stealing a kill from a leopard one morning.
Happy staff birthday wishes go to Monica and Ivy.
Fond safari wishes from the Bush Lodge crew
 
Vuyatela
March has got to top the year for perfect weather, with beautiful sunshine daily. The combination of blue sky, water and butterflies that paint the greenery with their most beautiful colours, who could ask for anything more? Early in the morning we rise to various birds singing different tunes, which goes beautifully with the cool breeze and shows we are approaching autumn.
Finding game amongst the thick bush and long grass has been challenging for our safari team, but as always, they come up trumps, showing our guests insects and the "little five" in between big game sightings. The month was dominated by breeding herds of elephants on almost every drive. We have been blessed with long elephant bathing sessions in Gowrie dam, some going on for as long as six hours! The elephants have also been showing off their swimming skills at Buffelshoek dam while we sip on sundowners.
The soap opera surrounding our lion prides goes on. In March we only saw the lone Sandy Patch lioness, her three cubs and the remaining Manyeleti lion. There have been no visual signs of the prides: Mapogo, Nkahuma, Styx or Windmill, but we hear them roaring in the distance. Karula female leopard and her two cubs have been spotted roaming near the lodge, but not seen on kills as often as last month. Although the thick vegetation has not favoured cheetah sightings, we were lucky enough to see four cheetahs relaxing at Big dam on Buffelshoek. Another exciting sighting was of a family of six rhinos ambling down the road together.
The marula trees have finished fruiting, but the baboons are still hanging around camp to see if they can sneak another romp on the Rubbing Post (spa) couch! At least the impalas and nyalas that frequent the lodge are more suitable visitors, minding their own business and keeping the grass "mown". The monkeys are always spot on time for breakfast, lunch and tea and more often than not manage to steal some food before scampering up the bird viewing tower out of reach of staff.
We welcome back our return guests David and Brenda Bam, the Gentrys, and Kathy and Saul Garlick. We also have good time of singing happy birthday to Bill Garrett. It was great to touch base with all of you. Staff birthday wishes go to William and Charles.
Until we meet again, best wishes from the Vuyatela team.
 
Join us next month and share our experiences as the seasons march on.
 
 
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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

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