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

November 2002

Read about events at Djuma Game Reserve

Vuyatela

Bush Lodge

for more information visit www.djuma.com

If you would like to subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click here

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

Djuma Game Reserve forms part of what is known as the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, the word "wildtuin" being an Afrikaans word for "game reserve". Click here to see the SSW Map on the Djuma web site Djuma's entrance to the SSW is via Gowrie Gate, one of three gates that allow you access to this 65 000 hectare (153 000 acre) wildlife sanctuary. The SSW in turn forms part of the greater 2,3 million hectare (5,7 million acre) Kruger National Park game preservation area. No fences exist within this area and animals are free to roam unhindered through this enormous conservancy.

There are many other private and commercial lodges in the area, and visitors will experience their safari in Africa's most successful "Big 5" private game reserve. The Sabi Sand Wildtuin is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage commercially active photographic safari operations on this property.

Unfenced between landowners and sharing a common environmental management program, this association is administered by a warden reporting to an elected executive committee. The Sabi Sand Wildtuin shares a common 50km (31 mile) unfenced boundary with the world famous Kruger National Park in the east. Two perennial rivers service the Game Reserve with a valuable water
supply. The Sand River flows through the Sabi Sand Wildtuin for 50km (31 miles) from northwest to southeast and the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary, which ensures that this area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Such is the
environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round.
The history of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin dates back to 1950 when the landowners formed this private nature reserve. Credit for this association however should go to the original pioneers of this private game reserve in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Of these pioneers, no less than six of their families are now third and fourth generation owners of the land - a credit to the foresight of their forefathers who loved and respected Africa's flora and fauna. The origins of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin started in the early half of this century as hunting concessions in the dry winter months during the dormant period of the mosquito and the malarial parasite. Since 1962, the Sabi Sand Wildtuin has transformed its role into one of a commercial photographic safari conservancy.

Edited from The Sabi Sand Wildtuin Brochure

October has had some really exiting moments for Vuyatela. We have had the most amazing sightings in and around the lodge. On a couple of occasions we have had the two prides of Lions visit the watering hole. We had the Sikutane pride drinking at Gowrie dam just after we had the Safari Female Leopard drinking over the water from them during tea, so the guests were treated to two of the big five literally in one sighting. As soon as the guests had departed we had a huge bull Elephant come down to drink. Imagine having all of these animals in one sighting! It was rather an adrenaline rush for us watching from the deck. The Elephant seemed to tolerate the Lions for a while but them decided it was time to have them move along, so with a trumpet or two and some charging they were sent on their way. During the commotion, the Safari Female Leopard minded her own business and moved down the drainage line towards Khaya 8.
We also saw the return of "One Tusk" the Elephant. Even though we have the electric strand around the Lodge, he managed to find a small gap between Khaya 1 and some thick bush and basically tiptoed into camp. We were all shocked to see him standing in between the rooms. After the guests had departed on afternoon safari, we had Jurie, Pippa, Campbell, Mark and Bhulu encouraging him to leave. Zee, another of Campbell's dogs also gave chase and after a huge trumpet and some running "One Tusk" left the lodge through the fence and has decided to leave us in peace for now. He did manage to grab one of the newly planted fever trees and gobble it down before leaving.
Steve had some close encounters of the Leopard kind one evening whilst "star gazing" he had a young female Leopard walk right past him. The young Leopard proceeded to pass the kitchen and exit the Lodge over the main deck. We found tracks the next morning all round the lodge.
We also welcome two new members to the Vuyatela team they are Warren Pieterse and Marietjie Van Niekerk. Warren will be assisting Mark and Steve as well as looking after the maintenance side of things. Marietjie will be taking on the Kitchen and Housekeeping. Rexon Ntimane, our virtual ranger, has become a temporary guide at Vuyatela. So many real-life guests wanted to share more time with him, and Rexon had previously expressed a wish to guide, so it looks like a win win situation! We wish them all the best for their future with us.

The prevailing hot, dry conditions continue to put a strain on the normally lush garden, but Andrew, our grounds man, is doing a sterling job of keeping the grass and new plants alive. Other challenges include some Bushbuck, which are seen on a daily basis wandering in the camp nibbling on the tender shoots lovingly nurtured by Andrew whose tolerance levels must be commended! We have also had first sighting of Redheaded Weavers busy building their nest in Liane's yard and the female inevitably pulling it apart!
At the often-frequented floodlit water pan in front of the Lodge, three white Rhino treated us to a rare visit whilst we were enjoying dinner in the Boma. The whole dinner came to a standstill as the guests rushed to capture this on film. Rhino have only been sighted twice in the last four years drinking here so very exciting for all. Only a few days later we were visited by a huge herd of buffalo (hundreds strong) and they quickly drained the pan dry, leaving the stragglers to only gaze at it in desperation.
In the lodge the upgrading of the original chalets has started with much creative input and decorating ideas from the Pippa and Pendrae - now the tough task lies with Campbell and George to make their visions reality! We await the completion in November with excitement.
At long last, our ranger Jimmy is back on his feet and returned to us somewhat sore after his operation, but still in his usual high spirits. He has thrown himself back into the action of guiding and keeps us all entertained with his enthusiasm. Jimmy and Chris (Guide from Vuyatela) managed to upright the Fever trees at the dam - which you may recall an elephant pushed over one night in a fit of temper at being chased away from the swimming pool area - with the help to of some strong labour and the tractor. Well-done guys!
Liane has inherited two young tree squirrels from a neighbouring reserve, which were abandoned by their parents. Along with their natural cuteness, they have very quickly become part of our extended family. They will be with us for a few more weeks until they can fend for themselves, we shall keep you updated on their release.
Exciting news from the staff village is that one of our longest serving staff members; Bongi has just got married to Dixon, who is her long-term partner and also our very first ranger! Dixon and Bongi joined the Djuma team way back in 1993. Dixon moved along to another lodge a few years ago, but still stays in contact and does temp guiding at Djuma from time to time. Congratulations to them both and we wish them well for their future together.
We have had a number of return guests this past month, and also many referrals from past guests. It gives us a great deal of enjoyment seeing familiar faces again and meeting friends of friends. So keep spreading the good news and thank you.

Another very busy month has just gone by with lots of familiar faces from the past. Steph and Ian Lowe along with friends and family had a great time at Galago. Ian was instrumental in building Vuyatela three years ago, so many stories were told and memories recaptured.
We are still waiting for the summer rains. The month started with a teaser of 12 mm and a brief flush of greenery, but the landscape is now looking very parched and the waterholes are dwindling to muddy puddles. The impala ewes are bursting at the seams and ready to give birth to the next generation of lambs, but not until the prospect of rain is good and truly on the way. The summer migrant birds have started returning and we all await the first call of the Woodland Kingfishers and the awesome turquoise sight of their mating and territorial displays.
In the meantime we watch the South Western horizon for mounting storm clouds that will bring us the excitement of an electrifying thunderstorm. For now we can only dream of that sweet wet smell, intense blue-grey sky, raindrops that sting as they hit one's skin and the myriad of rainbows that follow the earth quenching deluge.

Home
 

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

 
Webmaster: