Early Dawn Over A Rain Pan, Okavango delta, Photo copyright Lloyd Wilmot 2012

“In the flat barren landscape of the western Kalahari, some 50km west of the village of Sepupa on the banks of Panhandle, the sheer quartzite cliff-faces of the four Tsodilo Hills rise majestically . . . → Read More: Hokoyo Rhino Expedition! Tsodilo Walk/Trans Okavango]]> 14 Days Tsodilo Hills Walking/ Trans Okavango River Expedition

Early Dawn Over A Rain Pan, Okavango delta, Photo copyright Lloyd Wilmot 2012

“In the flat barren landscape of the western Kalahari, some 50km west of the village of Sepupa on the banks of Panhandle, the sheer quartzite cliff-faces of the four Tsodilo Hills rise majestically above the surrounding savannah. The four hills form a line and are referred to by the San people as “The Male” – the largest hill which reaches a height of 410 metres above the surrounding plain; “The Female” – a smaller hill, about 300m, but has an overall area of almost three times that of The Male; and the next in size of 40m is referred to as “The Child” and lies about 2km away from The Female. Beyond these three is a much smaller unnamed knoll, located 2.2km northwest of The Child, which legend has it was The Male Hill’s first wife who was discarded when he met and married the taller Female Hill…

View From Male Hill, Tsodil Hills World Heritage Site, Photo copyright julieannedwards.com 2012

The enigmatic and spiritual quality of the hills was noted by the famous author Sir Laurens van der Post in his book “The Lost World of the Kalahari… Archaeological studies have revealed that this area has been occupied by humans for at least 100,000 years. There are paintings on all the hills that cover 9 km2 of rock in a 22 km2 area. The best sites are at the north end of the Female hill… Tsodilo is totally removed from all other rock art sites in southern Africa adds to its aura of mystery and magic. The paintings at Tsodilo are generally unlike others in the southern African region in both style and the incidence of certain images. ” Reference: Wikkipedia

 

Okavango River & Tsodilo Hills, Aeral Photo Copyright Lloyd Wilmot, 2012

The expedition will traverse the Kalahari Sands, leaving behind the Tsodilo Hills. This walk to the Okavango River, will be a journey of reflection for the rhinos. “Most of Botswana is covered by Kalahari sands, a dry country where animals and humans have evolved to survive with minimal water”. The journey takes you into the real heart of Africa where suddenly from desert we are transformed to tropical massive waterways of the Okavango River. “The Okavango is a life giving delta with its maze of meandering channels stretching over 6,200 square miles”. Reference: “Africa”, By Kim Donaldson.

 

Your Expedition Itinerary:

 

DAY / ITINERARY

1 Maun Trsf Airport – Lodge

Overnight – Lodge, Meals & Drinks excluded, BB – Breakfast Included

 

2 Tsodilo Hills Trsf Maun – Tsodilo Hills

Fully Inclusive, Authentic Grade Fully Back Up Camp – Tsodilo

 

3 Tsodilo Hills – Full day in Tsodilo

Fully Inclusive, Camp Tsodilo

 

4 Tsodilo Hills – Full day in Tsodilo

Fully Inclusive, Camp Tsodilo

 

5 On route – Walking expedition

Tsodilo – Nxamaseri – O/night on route

Walking 0 – 15 km, Fully Inclusive

 

6 On route – Walking expedition

Tsodilo – Nxamaseri – O/night on route

Walking 15 – 30km, Fully Inclusive

 

7 Nxamaseri Island Lodge – Finish expedition at Nxamaseri

30 – 36km – O/night Nxamaseri, Fully Inclusive

 

8 to 12 Trans-Okavango – 5 xNight fully inclusive trans-Okavango

Nxamaseri – Maun – Camp on route in exclusive sites

Fully inclusive

Accommodation in dome tents

 

13 Lodge – Arrive Lodge from trans-Okavango

BB rate, Meals & Drinks excluded

Breakfast Included

O/night Lodge

 

14 Fly Out -Trsf Lodge – Airport

 

Your Expedition!

6 nights – Fully Serviced Authentic Grade Mobile Camps Tshodilo Hills / Walking Expedition

5 nights – Fully Serviced Adventure Grade Mobile Island Camping / Trans Okavango Boat Trip

3 nights – Lodge Accommodations

Walking Section NB:
Your journey starts and ends in Maun. 2 Days will be spent exploring the trails of the World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills and then 2 .5 days walk to the Okavango River. You need to be able to walk average of approx. 15km per day for 2.5 consecutive days, a distance total of +/- 40km km. This section of the trip is directly in support of Hokoyo Rhino Project. Your route will follow the track towards the Okavango River lead by professional guides. The land surface you are walking on is Kalahari Woodland with alot of sandy patches, however your reward will be arriving at your lodge on the banks of the Okavango River.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of the trip, 13 nights / 14 days

Rack Rate Per person sharing: US $ 7 900.00

Subject to 6 guests signing up for this expedition!

 

This cost includes:

- 5 nights mobile camping in en-suite safari tents, fully inclusive

- 2 nights fixed accommodation at a local lodge in Maun (Lodge) – B&B basis

- 1 night fixed accommodation at Island Lodge – Fully Inclusive basis

Trans Okavango Boating Trip To Maun

6 Day 5 Night trip: 6 days travel by motorboat from Nxamaseri to Maun through the Okavango Delta.

5 night’s tented accommodation all inclusive, mobile camping on islands in the Okavango Delta.

 

• Please note the following:

Please be advised this safari cost is an estimate and maybe subject to change.

 

 

July 2012

With

 

 

 

Julie Anne Edwards of Plains of Africa Safaris

 

In Support Of Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation

 

Black Rhino Killed By Poachers - Photo Copyright Mark Brightman, Hokoyowildlife Foundation, 2012

Black Rhino 3,610 approx. left worldwide, including,
which face escalating poaching threats & possible extinction

Includes: Road transfer from Vic Falls Airport | All meals | A tour of the Falls | A village tour | Selected drinks on activities

Day 3 & . . . → Read More: 3 Countries Safari / 6 Nights, Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia]]>

Safari Package: 3 Countries Safari / 6 Nights,

 Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia

Day 1 & 2
Transfer by road from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Zimbabwe) for 2 nights.

Includes: Road transfer from Vic Falls Airport | All meals | A tour of the Falls | A village tour | Selected drinks on activities

Day 3 & 4
Transfer by road to Kazangula Border, this is where the four countries meet. Once you have cleared customs, you will be met for your road transfer to Elephant Valley Lodge (Botswana), for 2 nights.

Includes: All meals, tea/coffee & snacks | Transfers to/from the border posts | 2 Activities per day i.e. morning boat cruise & afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park | Drinks on Activities | Laundry

Day 5 & 6
Transfer by road to Kasane Immigration for your boat transfer to Impalila Island Lodge (Namibia), for 2 nights. En-route you will clear Namibian Immigration formalities on Impalila Island.

Includes: All meals | teas/coffee & snacks | transfers to/from Kasane Immigration | 1 x Chobe river cruise, which can be taken on either day | A choice of 1 activity per day from the following: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Guided Walk, Cultural Tour or Fishing (fly fishing equipment not included) | Park Fees | Drinks on activities | Laundry

Day 7
Transfer by light aircraft to Victoria Falls airport for onward flight – where possible this will include a Flight of Angels over the Victoria Falls.

WHAT DOES IT COSTS?

SAFARI PACKAGED RATE:
Package Rate High Season, Room Basis Per Person
Single Room USD 4190.00
Double/Twin Room USD 3225.00

Low season: US$ 2040.00

High Season: 01 May 2012 to 31 October 2012
Low Season: 01 November 2012 to 30 April 2013

Excluded:

• Return flights to Zimbabwe
• Drinks other than specified
• Items of a personal nature
• All Airport Departure Taxes
• Visa Fees and travel insurance

Terms & Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Based on a minimum of 2 people
• 30% Single Supplement applies in High Season

NB: Extra Info:

• This offer may be used in conjunction with other properties
• It is possible to swap Impalila & Elephant Valley around
• Extra nights may be added – prices on request
• During rainy season return charter flights to VFA will depart from Kasane instead of Impalila – a small supplement may apply

Book This Safari Package Here!

“A once in a lifetime opportunity, to travel an age-old route across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, but this time by private plane…

Imagine – a flying safari from the Pyramids at Giza, to the Gorillas in Rwanda, over Victoria Falls, all the way to the Southern tip of this breathtaking continent, . . . → Read More: African Skies – A Flying Safari Across Africa]]>

“A once in a lifetime opportunity, to travel an age-old route across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, but this time by private plane…

Imagine – a flying safari from the Pyramids at Giza, to the Gorillas in Rwanda, over Victoria Falls, all the way to the Southern tip of this breathtaking continent, with everything in between.

The journey begins in Cairo, and after visiting 17 of Africa’s most fascinating and memorable spots, it ends in Cape Town. 
 

Even the aircraft is an experience in itself – a beautiful new, luxuriously-fitted, private Cessna Caravan, being flown by renowned pilot Christian Strebel, the Director of Kenya’s private charter company Yellow Wings. Soar across Africa’s most stunning landscapes, viewing wildlife, enchanting villages and vast expanses of savannah, lakes, rivers, forest, mountain and desert. ”

Dates:

21st May – 18th June 2012

Cost:

Please Contact me for further details… Thank you

Want to know more?

Contact Plains of africa Safaris to receive a copy of the brochure, with detailed itinerary, terms & conditions.

% of  profit on all safaris booked thru Plains of Africa go directly to Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation for Rhino Conservation!  www.hopkoyowildlife.org

Birding field trips exploring bush areas in Northern Eastern Botswana adjacent to the Zimbabwe border is a very rewarding experience for those that are interested!  In late December early January, I visited an area along the Inchye River, which, incidently is dry for most of the year until the first rains arrive when it springs to life flooding . . . → Read More: Birding Safaris – Botswana]]> Amur Falcons (Eastern Red-Footed) Falcon Falco vespertinus

Birding field trips exploring bush areas in Northern Eastern Botswana adjacent to the Zimbabwe border is a very rewarding experience for those that are interested!  In late December early January, I visited an area along the Inchye River, which, incidently is dry for most of the year until the first rains arrive when it springs to life flooding the parched sandy riverbed. 

Ichye River, Botswana photo copyright julieannedwards.com 2012

Traversing 25 acres of predominatly riverine habitat I was able to find over 70 species of birds.  My field observations undertaken over intervals of two hours at dawn, an hour over mid day and two hours at dusk, for a period of 8 days.  I quietly explored neiche habitats to find out what literally turned up!  The habitats I studied included, mopane, acacia, combretum and then riverine, with the waterberry’s/ jesse/acacia species etc.  According to “Roberts Multimedia Bird of Southern Africa”,  this area in the height of summer has over 300 species of bird to be sighted. 

 An interesting find one morning whilst in the riverine habitat was sighting 6 Amur Falcons perched on a dead tree.  Two flew down on to the moist exposed sand in the riverbed to feed on something.  “Roberts Birds of Southern Africa” mentions, that they feed mainly on insects.  What was exciting to learn about these birds being summer visitors to Southern Africa, is their interesting distribution and migration pattern.  According to “Roberts”, they are Paleartic non breeding migrants arriving in Southern Africa between November to March. Amur Falcons ”Breed in Eastern Siberia, Manchuria and China; migrate to Southern Africa via India, East Africa and possibly the Indian Ocean.  Recent reports in  the www.africanraptors.org site mentions. ” the first satellite tracking data for 7 tracked Amur Falcons”.  The research revealed that they have the “longest raptor migrations, flying a distance 2,500 to 3,100km over the sea in spring and do this by flying non-stop for between 2 and 3 days”!

Roberts Multi Media, Scientific Explained:  ”amurensis: Latin, from Amurland, the drainage area of the River Amur on the border between China and Russia. falco: Late Latin, a falcon (possibly from falx, a sickle, referring to the curved bill).”

 www.avibird.com  Conservation Status:  “This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km2. It has a large global population estimated to be 100,000-1,000,000 individuals (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but populations appear to be stable (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001) so the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations).  For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.”

 
Contact me directly should you wish to do a birding field trip, Africa has  great birding “Hotspots!”, to add to your life list!

The first and only Anglo Boer War music CD by John Edmond!

“I salute all who fell in the war, as well as in all other conflicts. This is a tribute to those who were once adversaries and through reconciliation, went on to shape the essence of our great South African Nation. A must for every history . . . → Read More: Anglo Boer War In Song By John Edmond, A Well Known Southern African Country Folk Singer!]]>  

The first and only Anglo Boer War music CD by John Edmond!

“I salute all who fell in the war, as well as in all other conflicts. This is a tribute to those who were once adversaries and through reconciliation, went on to shape the essence of our great South African Nation. A must for every history and war enthusiast!” – John Edmond

“The war between Britain, the Transvaal and Orange Free State Republics (1899-1902) was caused primarily because of the Boer irritation at British Colonial policy and the threat of losing independance of their gold rich land.

The Boer’s attacked the British and 1899-1900 saw the Boers gain successes with the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith. From 1901 the British counter offences drove the Boers to guerilla tatctics untill scorched earth policies by the British forced the Boers to submission and the treaty of Vereeniging on the 31st May 1902.  The war was commonly known as the Boer War and “The last of the gentlemen’s executions and bitterness, together with many other ghastly repercussions.

However, out of it also came human stories of valour, romance, humour, compassion and love.

This album is a salute in song to all who fell in this war and in all other conflicts and is a tribute to those who were once adversaries and through reconcilliation went on to shape the essence of the great South African Nation.”

“In the end…. More than 75 000 human lives were lost in the conflict/

More than 14,000 Africans in concentrations camps and in battle, 22,000 British soldiers;

More than 6000 Boer soldiers died and 28,000 civilians through being in concentration camps.

Nearly half a million horses, mules and oxen perished.

78 British Victoira Crosses were awarded – the largest number in any war -

“But what in the hell was it for?….” John  Edmond

  John & Teresa Edmond with Julie Anne Edwards:

The release of John Edmond latest Boer War folk song album is now out!  Alot of serious reserch went into making this CD personally by John & Teresa .  The lyrics in this album speak in such honest tones – you travel on a journey back in time to this period of the Boer War – now so long ago, but not forgotten, as memories of this time continue to be retold in family stories in generations that have followed!  People try to change history but you cant and this is why John’s album is so worthwhile – do get yourself a copy there is a link to his sight diretcly on this page! www.johnedmond.co.za

To purchase your CD go to:  www.johnedmond.co.za

As a 4×4 safari enthusiast,  I have experience with a wide selection of 4×4′s over the years including the old series 1, 2, 3, Discovery 110 & Discovery 2 Land Rovers.  In 1989, donating two Land Rover 110 to “Operation Stronghold”, “Ride For The Rhino Campaign”, as a result of cycling from Glasgow to Zimbabwe for “Save The Rhino” in 1987/88! 

This . . . → Read More: Land Rover – Experience 4×4]]>  

As a 4×4 safari enthusiast,  I have experience with a wide selection of 4×4′s over the years including the old series 1, 2, 3, Discovery 110 & Discovery 2 Land Rovers.  In 1989, donating two Land Rover 110 to “Operation Stronghold”, “Ride For The Rhino Campaign”, as a result of cycling from Glasgow to Zimbabwe for “Save The Rhino” in 1987/88! 

This year, I was recently a guest of Land Rover at their 4×4 field day.  These courses provide familiarisation of Land Rovers to their owners in order to obtain the best out of their 4×4,  build confidence for novice drivers in handling their 4×4′s correctly in rugged conditions, and, understanding their vehicles capability and strength. 

A wide selection of the very latest Land Rovers were tackling various obstacles.

The day began with a light breakfast followed by lectures in their main centre and then a number of hours in the field followed by late luncheon at the main HQ. The setting overlooked a gorgeous valley covered in indigenous trees!  Thanks to Kevin Davis and his team for an interesting day.

Off road technology is now well advanced as these modern vehicles tackle a with almost no strain whats so ever! Subjects covered included:

• Hill Decent
• Air Suspension
• Differentials Locking
• Tracking Control
• High & Low Range
• Terrain Responce
• 4×4 Information Display
• Dynamic Stability Control
• 4×4 Driving
• Front, Centre & Rear Differentiation
• Power Distribution

The Land Rover Experience cover in detail all the main aspects of 4×4 driving.  How to tackle the various obstacles i.e. hill decents, climbing hills, ditches, decending hills, traversing slopes, crossing deep water and most importantly respecting our fragile earth/environment.

Good off road driving means getting from A to B without damage to:-

1. People
2. The Environment
3. The Vehicle

To achieve this, always :-

• Be observant, i.e look
• Assess before driving, i.e. assess risk
• Drive slowly as possible

This also minimizes damage to your vehicle over hectic terrain!

Terrain with Angles: 90 degree approx.
Driving Land Rover Discovery 2. Procedure here was:

1.  Engage 4×4 low range prior to advancing in this particular vehicle.
2. Always have seat belts on and window up with no more than fist open.
3. Sit straight in your seat and do not lean down the side – follow track!  

90 degree angles with sharp dips – some wheels left ground – travel slow – 4×4 low range 1st gear, slow revs. This vehicle went very well up an exceptionally steep hill with a steady pace of no more than 2000 revs over rocky slippery hill and no problem at all – engine very powerful.

Prior to entering water – asess situation, depth and turf. Water Lilly’s usually give you a clue as to depth, but preferably walk through the water prior to driving and  watch out for crocodiles!

Maintain steady revs – keep wave of water ahead of you, steady foot on exhilorater! Steady careful pace.

Exit safely over serious rocky area – keeping wheels to high points and maintain consistency on pedal.

Land Rover Discovery 2 is very comfortable ride compared to the old 4x4s-  so this is a new experience!  It traversed up serious steep hills no problem – the engine is extremely powerful, with added luxury of inside cab provides a safer comfortable ride for both driver  and passengers on long hauls.  Each seat has its own air conditioning controls – doors are steel and heavy and windows have smash an grab coatings on all windows which are slightly tinted!

Way to go Land Rover…

“We headed south, and as the altitude dropped the temperature rose. The open plains, typical savannah with its acacia tortilis trees with their umbrella shapes offered relief from the midday sun. I looked up into the sky, way above the clouds, and noticed a mountain, rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base; it . . . → Read More: Kilimanjaro – Climb The Highest Mountain in Africa!]]>

Kilimanjaro Photo copyright 2011

“We headed south, and as the altitude dropped the temperature rose. The open plains, typical savannah with its acacia tortilis trees with their umbrella shapes offered relief from the midday sun. I looked up into the sky, way above the clouds, and noticed a mountain, rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base; it was the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), a dramatic sight to view from the surrounding plains. It was the legendary Kilimanjaro, a Maasai word meaning Large Rock.” Extracts from Hokoyo, Silent Spoors & Parting Blades by Julie Anne Edwards 2009. 

Kilimanjaro Hiking & Climbing Options

Day 3 - Alpine Desert photo copyright 2011

Your trek takes you through tropical rain forests, heathland, alpine desert to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro on Uhuru Peak in the permanent glaciers.

Uhuru Peak photo copyright 2011

Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route
Five or Six day hike plus 2 nights at base hotel
Tour Code: KILIMAR5 / 6

It takes about five days to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro along the Marangu route and involves walking about eighty kilometres.  Accommodation is in huts during the hike, plus two nights at the base hotel.

Machame Route – 6 day hike / 8 day package
Camping Route
Tour Code: KILIMAC6

This route offers some of the best scenery – ascending from the western side of Kilimanjaro, and descending down the south face.  All tents and camping equipment are portered for you, with meals being prepared by cooks.

Mount Kilimanjaro – Umbwe Route via Barafu
Tour Code: KILIUMB6

One of the least utilised routes up the mountain. This is probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mountain, and is significantly shorter than the other routes, whilst having good acclimatisation time. It also makes the distances covered between overnights at altitude shorter and avoids a lot of the crowding experienced in some sites in season. A variation on this route with additional nights to acclimatise is needed if guests wish to overnight in the crater.

LADIES ONLY KILIMANJARO CLIMB – MACHAME ROUTE
And  SINGLE PERSONS KILIMANJARO CLIMBS

Several departures are normally scheduled for ‘ladies only’, as well as a ‘singles’ only climb.  This will be on the well-known camping route, MACHAME route – a six-day hike.

Contact Plains of Africa Safaris 

My African cullinary . . . → Read More: Koeksisters! An Old Traditional Sweet Of Southern Africa!]]> Africa is the second largest landmass on Earth, and has hundreds of  different cultures, ethnic groups, who have many local culinary traditions.  On all my journeys traversing the continent I have always taken a keen interest in the diverse cuisine found north, south, west and east of our Equator and decided it was time to share snipits of my personal experiences on the subject, “African Food”!

My African cullinary journey begins in Southern Africa, often referred to as  ‘rainbow cuisine’, because of the many cultures.  Like many of us we grew up in the outlying districts in Southern Africa.  I was the eldest of four siblings  and we often all had cravings for yummie things to munch on.  Many of the places we lived in lacked a store or if they did, it was usually one small African Trading Store, so I suppose because of this,  I began to take a good deal interest in home cooking!   It wasn’t like you could just pop out to the nearest supermarket and get whatever you like!

My mother showed me loads of fun things to make as she too had grown up on a farm in Africa.  I never really followed recipes that much, however my culinary journey began with mom saying “a cup of this and that, two eggs etc. to make a cake”,  which always turned out, and in a way was a great way to learn!  Of course complicated stuff my grandmas old hand written recipe note book came out the cupboard, which I duly followed. 

Today I am going to share with you how to make a Koeksister. I have made these since I was a kid and love them! I have shared a film in this blogg and noticed they use a special cutter machine to shape the plaits etc!  I make all my koeksisters by hand cutting with a simple knife.  Below is my homemade koeksisters,  including the recipe I use,  so you can make them at home and get the kids involved!  Have fun!

My Homemade Koeksisters!

Koeksisters
This recipe I use and sharing here is taken from “The Complete South African Cook Book” by Magdaleen Van Wyk

Your Ingredients
480 g cake flour
50 ml (4 tablespoons) butter
2 eggs
250 ml milk
30 ml (6 teaspoons) baking powder
2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt
oil for cooking

Syrup:
800 g sugar
375 ml water
2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) cream of tarter
2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground ginger
3 sticks of cinamon

Julie Annes extras tit bits!
I also like to add juice of one lemon in my syrup!
In their recipe they also say “you can use margarine” well I never use margarine cause I do not think its good for you!
If you dont have a rolling pin use a large glass bottle!!
I use a simple sharp knife to cut for my plaits and dont cut them right to the end – leave the end bit uncut!

How to make them?
1. First make the syrup. Heat the water in a saucepan, add the sugar and stir untill all the sugar has disolved.  Wash down all the sugar crystals adhering to the sides of the saucepan.

2. Add the cream of tartar, ginger and cinamon to the syrup.  Boil, uncovered for 5 minutes. Do not stir.

3. Remove from the stove and chill in the refrigerator.

4. Make the koeksisters. Sift the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
 Add the butter and rub in with the fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

5. Beat the eggs and milk togetehr and add to the dry ingredients.  Mix the dough well, then knead lightly for  2 minutes to make it pliable.  Cover the basin with wax paper and leave for 1 hour.

6. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 7,5 t 10 mm with a rolling pin. Cut oblongs 80 mm by 40 mm. Starting 1 cm from one end, make a vertical cuts in the oblongs so that there are 3 strips joined at the end.  Plait these strips loosley, and secure at the loose end.

7. Heat the poil to 190 degrees C (375 Degrees F) and deep-fry the koeksisters for 1 minute.

8. Remove from the oil, drain on brown paper for 1 minute and dip in the cold syrup for 30 seconds.  Remove from the syrup and place on a dish to dry.

Note:
Handle the dough lightly and fry the koeksister soon after plaiting.
The syrup must remain cold so use only small quantities at a time, and leave the remainder in the refrigerator. Top up the syrup form that in the refrigerator when necessary.
Do not cook too many koeksisters at a time.

A Bit About the Origin of the Koeksister!

“The koeksister originates from the Dutch word koekje, the diminutive of koek meaning “cake”. It is a South African syrup-coated doughnut in a twisted or braided shape (like a plait). It is prepared by deep-frying dough in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold sugar syrup. They are best eaten cold, koeksisters are very sticky and sweet and taste like honey.

Koeksisters are of the Cape Malay origin. The Afrikaner version is much more syrupy and crisp while the Cape Malay version’s texture is more like that of a cake, spicier, and usually covered in dried coconut. There is also a difference in spelling, the latter generally referred to as koesister.” (Reference Source: Wikipedia.org)

“Patterns in the Grass” a Film by Derek and Beverley Jourbert “Zebra numbers are dwindling and their plight is serious. In 1981 nearly 45, 000 Zebras left their tracks on the grassland and thru the forests along this route. 10 years later, in April 1991, only some 7000 made that journey”

African Species (Source: Estes Behaviour Guide to African Mammals) Equus burchelli, . . . → Read More: Safari Zebra, Patterns in the Grass…]]>  

“Patterns in the Grass” a Film by Derek and Beverley Jourbert

“Zebra numbers are dwindling and their plight is serious.
In 1981 nearly 45, 000 Zebras left their tracks on the grassland and thru the forests along this route.
10 years later, in April 1991, only some 7000 made that journey”

African Species
(Source: Estes Behaviour Guide to African Mammals)
Equus burchelli, plains or Burchell’s Zebra
Equus zebra,mountain zebra
Equus grevyi,Grevy zebra
Equus africanus, wild ass

Important Zebra Migration Hot Spots!
Serengeti Migration - the largest migration in Africa – Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania
The Makgadikgadi - the world’s second largest zebra migration – Magadigadi National Park, Botswana

Most Threatened!
Grevy’s Zebra – ‘This animal is confined to northern Kenya and parts of Ethiopia. Its numbers have greatly declined in unprotected areas, and it is now globally threatened. In 1977, the Grevy population was 81 residing on Lewa Downs Conservancy. Today there are about 800, representing about 25% of the world’s population – one of only three groups in protected areas, and the only one managed privately. Lewa has been an important refuge for elephants.’ (Source: “Lewa.org”)

Grevy Zebra on Camel Safari, photo copyright Lewa Safari Camp 2011