click to the pics

Big birthday was comming up, that’s why we decided to go away ….. far away!
Some time ago, a young leopard smiled at me from a photo website. The image was labeled with „Londolozi“. When I found out what Londolozi was, we both knew it would be the place to visit. We thought that now a days it is quite complicated to reach our chosen destination, South Africa by Land Rover, not only because of time but also due to the political situation in several states on the African continent. So we travelled the short and easy way.

On tour : 18. – 22. June 2014:
Destination:
Londolozi Private Game Reserve Tree Camp, Sparta Farm, Sabi Sand Mpumalanga ZA
June is wintertime in South Africa
Sunrise: ca. 06:40 am Sunset: ca. 05:15 pm

Daily schedule:
5:45 / 6:00 am wake up and coffee
6:15 / 6:30 am morning game drive incl. sunrise
scheduled breakfast at camp: 9:00 – 10:00 am – well, usually we were not back before 11 am….
ca. 2:30 pm lunchtime (we used to skip after late breakfast)
3:00 pm evening game drive incl. happy „bush“ hour from the pic nic basket at sunset
7:00 pm candlelight dinner round open fire

We booked an open customized Land Rover TD4 and were accompanied by young ranger/driver Mark Nisbet and Elmon Mhlongo, tracker with more than 40 years of experience. Together they built a real dream team, both photo enthusiasts and confirmed „off roaders“ – thumb up for us at 100% …..
In 5-days (incl. day of arrival and departure) we had 8 game drives. Got stuck once in Sand River (yes it’s winter and therefore sand, not water….) and got out without the help of MaxTrax or other newTech stuff but with all what nature offers. And thanks to Elmons experience were able to spot the following animals:

• Stenboks
• Impalas (herds of…)
• Nyalas
• Kudus
• Giraffes
• Plains Zebras
• African Elephants
• White Rhinos ( with pup)
• Hippopotamus
• Nil Crocodile
• Warthog
• Blue Wildebeest
• African Buffalos (a big herd)
• White-tailed Mongoose
• Side-striped Jackal
• Spotted Hyenas (with cubs)
• Cheetahs (with cubs)
• Leopards ( namend „ To Tone“ and „Vomba“ )
• Lions ( „Sparta“ pride and, „Tsalala“ pride, both with cubs and whippersnappers as well as two „Majingalane“ males)
• Baboons around the camp
• different birds incl. Vultures and Eagles
• several small mammals like tree squirrels and others

It was beautiful to see all these wild animals in their natural habitat especially when considering how many of them are endangered. Londolozi emphasizes on the well-being of wildlife. 15’000 ha of bushland is not fenced and therefore allows migration within the whole territory of Krüger-and Transfrontier Park. Anti poaching programms are under way and a patrol station is near by. One has the impression that there is kind of „soft tourism“ in consideration and with respect to all what nature has to give.

Highlights:
Whole day tracking of the Sparta Pride Lions with successful sighting on„ birthday’s evening“. The Rhino with pup. Our car surrounded by whippersnapper and other Elephants . Cheetahs with cubs. The Hyena Cubs Den. The Majingalane Lions.

Malaria:
Although Londolozi is located within Malaria zone, the risk is rather low in winter. Upon recommendaton of the Swiss Tropical Institute, there was no need for prophylaxis during our short stay. We used anti-Mosquito spray and light colored outfit. For longer stay in winter, the Institute would recommend to have ICE medics „in the pocket“.

To arrive:
Flight to Johannesburg OT, then connecting flight with FedAir (bush taxi like with stop overs), booked through the camp.