Safari Travel - Adventure & Travel At Your Fingertips!

Hoedspruit gets hammered!

2012-01-23T12:15:00.000+02:00

So just to see whats happening - send whatever you can to help the folks. Contact your estate agents such as Century 21, Remax, Engel&Voelkers and Pam Golding to see what you can do to assist these good folks. I know they need fresh water, lamps, paraffin, food, blankets, bedding etc, so do your thing folks!!

Floods in Hoedspruit area

2012-01-19T10:42:00.002+02:00

So today I spoke to my friend Annie from Remax in Hoedspruit and she sounded very worried, with all the rain.

More than 30 people have been airlifted to safety in Hoedspruit, in Limpopo, due to flooding in the region, the SABC reported this week.

"The bridge between the air force base and the town has been washed away, and several roads are impassable," air force spokesperson Pete Paxton told the broadcaster.

"There is a lot of water and there is a lot of areas flooded after heavy rainfalls over the past two days, but especially on Tuesday

"We then embarked on search and rescue operations with helicopters and we rescued about 30 people from either islands or treetops, or the roofs of houses and we evacuated them to safety to the air force base in Hoedspruit."

Kruger National Park spokesperson William Mabasa said the park had experienced heavy rains, affecting roads in the area.

"The most important thing is to avoid all gravel roads in the Kruger National Park. We have issued a statement this morning to warn people about the water situation. Crocodile Bridge is closed because the bridge is overflowing.

"We have closed Phalaborwa Gate as well, and bridges leading to Letaba and Mopani camps are overflowing at this stage."

We now see more closures have been issued today.

Visitors to the park should contact the public relations office to ask about the condition of the roads they intended using.

Mpumalanga community safety department spokesperson Joseph Mabuza said drivers should be extremely careful.

"We received reports that some of the bridges have been affected by rains, so we request all road users to be cautious when using the roads.

If a driver sees water on a bridge or near a bridge that is partially submerged, we request they assess the situation, whether it is safe to cross, and if there is any doubt, they must not use the bridge and find an alternative route."

Mabuza said heavy rains often created pot holes, which led to accidents as drivers tried to avoid them.

SA Weather Service senior forecaster William Msimanga said the strong downpours had been caused by the sub-tropical depression Banbo, the fourth of the season.

"We had issued a warning for persistent heavy falls in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo for the rest of Wednesday" he said.

Over the past 48 hours, 109mm of rain was recorded around Mbombela, 139mm around Skukuza, and 270.9mm around Hoedspruit.

About 170mm was recorded to have fallen around Phalaborwa over the last 24 hours.

So be cool people!

Wedding bliss at Thonga beach lodge, Mabibi

2011-12-02T14:04:00.001+02:00

I recently attended an awesome private wedding at Thonga Beach lodge which was simply put awesome. We had three nights and four days with the wedding party and in so doing were privileged to some of the best breakfasts, lunches and dinners never mind the Wedding lunch on the deck on the beach.

Taking over the 24 people / 12 roomed lodge was a fantastic idea and the management team and staff just blew us away with their "No problem" attitude. And the demands were high.

The wedding on the beach, snorkeling in the sanctuary, mucking about in the waves, tranquility, African fish eagles, yellow billed kites, turtles, whales and an amazing diving setup just make this the ultimate wedding.

The Thonga Lodge is committed to the heritage of the Mabibi tribe and all the staff are involved in this project.

The 250 odd clan or tribe have children that walk to and from school each day for 15 km each way and I am hoping that i can find like minded people who are interested in setting up a Mabibi Trust to raise money to buy a mini bus for the school children. My goal is to raise R 25,000.00 by July 2012 which will go to a second hand minibus. So if anyone is interested and has some ideas please email me and lets see if we can do something. Use it or lose it!

So this is next to the inland fresh water lake Lake Sibaya which has no rivers running into it.

Do yourself a favour go see Thonga Beach lodge - at least once in your lifetime.

Paris Hotels

2011-12-02T13:56:00.001+02:00

Well sometimes its great to get out of the bush and slum it in a city - and the only city to do this in is Paris, where the women are sophisticated, the Paris Hotels are awesome and the food is......french je ne sais quoi!

Love to buy a place in the bush - what do the banks offer?

2011-10-19T11:39:00.001+02:00

So you have now been for a weekend away and have just fallen in love with the bush and always wanting to own your personal piece of bush heaven, you meet with a great agent who finds you exactly what you want.

The only problem is you need some finance assistance, because sure you have a deposit in pounds or dollars and getting that across is quite simple because you can arrange a free money transfer from England to South Africa and all you need is a mortgage for the balance. But what are the restrictions, what are the costs and how do you get a home loan on a piece of vacant land or on your bush house or bush lodge.

So here are some thoughts and scenarios' but if you want details email a property finance specialist today!

Vacant Land - well Nedbank do not offer loans on vacant land. ABSA and FNB offer 60% loan and Standard bank offer 65% and 75%. The rule of size is maximum 8,5 Hectares but under certain circumstances up to 20 Hectares may be considered.

Bush House or Bush Lodge - well depending on the value and lloan required and whether you are a non-resident (50% max) or a non-resident with work permits (80% max) to SA citizens (up to 100% depending on the property value) - once again speak to your property finance specialist. The rule of size is maximum 8,5 Hectares but under certain circumstances up to 20 Hectares may be considered.

If this is a commercial undertaking then a different loan is applied for and the maximum loans are 60% but you will pay a raising fee of up to 2% and even then there is no guarantee of getting a loan. Business plans, financials and forecasts together with the seller and buyers pedigree is required.

So can you do it, yes! Is it easy no! Speak to your property finance specialist first! All good!

Property and the Kruger Park - take a break

2011-09-14T15:02:00.000+02:00

Time to take a break, go ahead you deserve it.

Ever imagine a place where the air is crisp and clean, the grass is green, and the sky is starlit with sparkly diamond like stars. Imagine soft sunsets filled with the sounds of chirping birds and nothing but contentment.

When i spoke with Barbara from Century 21 Wildlife properties she had this to say:

"Stop imagining because such a place exists! The Kruger National Park is a wonderful place where you can unwind from daily tension and enjoy nature at its best. Forget about stress caused by city life, and embrace the overwhelming feeling of rejuvenation and tranquility.

Being in the Kruger National Park makes you feel a lot healthier. Think of reducing your everyday tension, stress and anxiety levels. It’s almost sounds too good to be true, but believe it or not, getting away and going to quiet places is good for you! Thats why you should own your own bushveld property".

When was the last time you actually had time to clear your mind and have time to yourself? If you answered daily then good for you! However most folks barely have “me” time, simply because life is just way too hectic. Little do we realize how unhealthy and bad this is for us not only mentally but emotionally as well.

The Kruger National Park allows you to have that “me” time, which everybody needs. City life tends to make us forget about the finer things in life, the things that really matter. The long summer days spent outdoors with those you care about, the lazy winter evenings drinking hot chocolate and taking long relaxing bubble baths. These are the things that might not seem important at all, but these things need to be done for your own wellbeing. So when you are ready to buy a property in Hoedspruit next to the Kruger Park get a specialist to find you the one that suits your dreams.

Whenever things feel like they just piling up and not getting any easier, remember you can make it better by letting go and heading to the wonderful Kruger National Park.

Annie and Remax Wildlife Properties

2011-08-30T16:51:00.000+02:00

So Annie gets her gun - well done

the best property agent in Hoedspruit area and a fair deal for your bush properties and offering 100% home loans - annie and her team awesome- well done and welcome!!

When did you learn life was easier buying in the bush!

2011-07-12T14:16:00.000+02:00

Hi Geoff,

The bush sells itself, but is nice to know I may have influence.

So, How much do you need to raise? For properties zoned as Agricultural farms (like this one) and over 25ha it becomes quite difficult to raise cash and unfortunately takes longer than a normal home loan.

So yes 90 days may be needed. But to be fair houses and stands can take that long at times as well. It all depends on how quickly we can information to the bank regarding your financials, tax, banks account statements etc.

I utilise the services of Global Fundi for financing advise and while they do not raise finance for larger farms can offer excellent advise and recommendations. They can also assist to bring finance into the country at very favourable rates. I will ask them contact you, as he can explain the best options for doing so.

Kevin the seller was thrown a curve ball this morning!

He has been on a waiting list for buffalo calves because he would like them to get stuck into the long grass to reduce fire hazard. 6 became available and will cost him R16,000 each totalling R96,000. Obviously if he sells the farm he does not want to add more game to the offering and the value of this game cannot be included in the asking price. He wants to know if this will be a deal breaker. I would be a pity for him to loose such an opportunity stock is not easily available. The average auction price in 2010 for 56 auctions was R35,000 for a fully grown buffalo. They want to BOMA them on Friday and have Vets and staff lined up to do so. Let me know your thoughts?
Wish all deals were this cool!!

Renting a House in the Bush - Looks can be Deceptive

2011-06-09T09:20:00.004+02:00

Some of the older buildings in areas like Hoedspruit town may scare potential tenants because they may look rundown, but experts claim that branding areas as “unsafe” for living is unfair as some of the older buildings have a much more efficient maintenance and service record than some of the newer buildings.

so a great read: The 7 Secrets to Successful Apartment Leasing: Find Quality Renters, Fill Vacancies, and Maximize Your Rental Income

As the rental market in the Bushveld and country becomes more competitive, an increasing number of people are keenly reviewing the upkeep of the building they intend to live in as one of the most important factors to consider.

“There are many options to choose from. Why should I go to an older place, which may have problems right from start? At the end of the day, it’s all about safety and convenience,” said a resident of Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, who is now looking to move out of the area to town.

However, experts say that a simple glance of the building should not be the only factor to assess whether the place is safe or unsafe.

According to one source, some buildings in older areas of the city are in a much better state than others in newer locations, which may come as a surprise to many.

“You could well find a property in Old town that has a quicker, more responsive and efficient maintenance service than in some buildings in New areas such as Wildlife estates. Similarly, two identical buildings next to each other in the same area might well be receiving very different maintenance services,” he told us.

“The difference comes with the landlord and their commitment to their customers – the tenants. With this comes the ability to charge higher rentals. So, in the case of the buildings mentioned above, one charges a higher rent to deliver a better service,” he added.

According to another expert, some old buildings in Town are perfect examples how good maintenance can extend the life of a building.

“Maintenance is becoming a more and more talked about subject in Hoedspruit and surrounds. In theory, the economic life of a building should be 100-years plus. However, if the buildings are not properly maintained throughout, their life expectancy can reduce vastly,” said the Head of Valuations from one of the leading banks. And ABSA, Standard Bank, FNB and Nedbank feel the same.
“Good examples of this can be seen in Nelspruit and other bush type towns. Traditionally, in markets, landlords mostly enforce the upkeep of their buildings (commercial) through the provision of a full repairing and insuring lease to their tenants or through a service charge provision for residential. Proactive maintenance also improves the financial performance of a building over time, hence tightly worded leases being the norm in mature markets,” he said.

However, many residents in general complain their landlords are not bothered about the upkeep of the apartment or home once they lease it out.

"I’ve been in this house for just six months but there are so many problems here. Right from the AC to the water motor to sewage. It has been giving me trouble. My landlord lives in London and wouldn’t care to even reply to my e-mails. He should get me an annual contract from a maintenance company but he’s not willing to spend a single Rand,” said a resident of Raptors View, (one of the oldest and most established freehold bush communities in Hoedspruit).

For such tenants, experts advise a through check-up of the place before a contract is signed.

“Clients should be careful and conduct due diligence no matter where or what they lease. If it is a new building, it is advisable to see who the owner is (or are in the case of owners association properties) and if they have other properties, then check how their reputation for performing maintenance stands with these other buildings. For older properties, try and speak with existing tenants - visual appearances can be very deceptive so it is always best to investigate further,” said our bush expert.

On the other hand, A. or Residential Sales & Leasing, Expert, believes that it is not possible to instruct clients. “I do not see any reason to advise tenants to be careful. I believe it is all down to taste, budget and expectation requirements of the individual on which building they would choose,” she said.

“[Moreover], I do not know of any building deemed unsafe due to age; as long as a sound maintenance team is in place, all buildings should not be a threat for health and safety. In some developments, gyms or pools are not maintained well but that could be for many reasons, e.g., the developer is not receiving all the service charges paid, etc,” said A.

“A lot of the homes are simple structures and even pre-fabricated. Some of the older buildings even on the freehold market are showing signs of age after just 5-7 years. This is a concern as in other, more mature markets, homes over 100 years of age are very common, but the climate here is harsh and life expectancy of buildings are reduced as a result,” she added.

For those new in Hoedspruit, experts list areas with oldest buildings but rule out that they are unsafe.

“Areas such as Town, Big 5 areas etc have some of the oldest remaining properties. However, our Municipality (Theoretically) regularly checks all buildings in the area and will require an owner to repair, reinstate or renovate their properties should there be elements that are assessed to be unsafe, from the structure and items stored in emergency stairwells (in flats) all the way down to depth markings for swimming pools. If a larger, long-term commitment is being made, such as for a commercial or industrial property, then a company could be considered to provide a technical assessment of the building fabric and features prior to making a decision,” added our experts.

Food for thought! For more info look at this book and buy it now it is great and will get you going.

Hoedspruit and winter approaching

2011-04-28T12:44:00.000+02:00

I always like to hear from Hoedspruit as i own property their and have been trying to sell one of them.

So this was an email I received the other day from a friend of mine.

Dear

XXXXXX

It seems as if Autumn is over and winter has arrived but strangely so as here in Hoedspruit we are still having hot and humid days to contend with though it is getting cooler in the evenings.

With a few extra showers, the rain has kept the bush green for longer, which is always a good selling point in this area and the leadwoods and other trees are looking super.

Although for some the market may still seem depressed we are getting a lot of Internet enquiries regarding properties in Hoedspruit, some great walk in clients and hopefully more of these enquiries will result in the clients making appointments to view properties on offer and our sales continue to climb.

Please be assured of our commitment to find a suitable purchaser for your property and of our assistance at all times.

Best wishes

C

So now my place is sold! Thanks

Visiting SA - DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE Never!!!

2011-03-22T10:46:00.001+02:00

So we want you to come to SA and spend your hard earned FOREX ;Well, I'm like most of you, a beer here, a glass of wine or two there, and I always drive the car, because I brag to being a better driver drunk than a Stone cold passenger when my spouse drives!..Sounds familiar.

Well if you visiting our shores as a traveller or even if on holiday - find some responsible driver, taxi backup for ALL YOUR EVENTS when there is booze.

The situation is serious here - the law itself states NO DRINK and DRIVE but it is what happens when you are arrested that really takes its toll.

So for the rule:

DON'T DRINK and DRIVE (That includes me)

This is a recent story that just puts it into perspective in SA and how things can go.

14 March 2011

Dear Family and Friends

I am sending the same email to everyone because I just can’t bring myself to repeat this story over and over and so that everyone is on on the same page with the same information.

On Friday 11 March 2011 at 10pm I was pulled over in a roadblock and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. I had met my friend Jenny at a nearby restaurant to have a very civilised dinner and a catch up. I had three drinks and two glasses of water, something I know every single one of us has done on many occasions. I knew full well at the time that I shouldn’t have had the third but I did. We left just before 10am because I needed to get a decent nights sleep for Andrew’s birthday party on Saturday morning. I felt 100% percent when I was pulled over and told that every person stopped would do a breathalyser test. The police woman said she really wasn’t concerned about me but now that I had been stopped we would have to go through the procedures. I did the breathalyser and was just over the legal limit of 0.24. I was put in a police Quantum and with 8 paralytic men and taken to Honeydew Police Station. I phoned Bradley immediately who threw the kids in the car and arrived just in time for the kids to see me being taken out of a police vehicle.

I honestly thought that Brad would speak to the nice police officers and the nice affluent lady from Ruimsig would be sent home. 18 hours of pure unadulterated hell ensued. I was put in a room with drunk, foul mouthed men and the start of the paper work began. I was then taken in the Quantum again with these men to the Randburg Clinic to have blood tests. I was convinced we would be killed from speed and wreckless driving. I am grateful to the policewoman who stayed with me and kept the men away from me. The person who took my blood was practically illiterate and when I asked him to put gloves on he said he wasn’t afraid of my blood. I told him “buddy I’m scared of yours”. It was all done properly, I took photos of the blood kit and documents which the cops found very interesting as everyone else was sprawled out of the floor not knowing the day of the week. Bradley had taken the kids to my mom at this stage and was outside with my friend I had dinner with and her husband who is a lawyer. We were then taken back to Honeydew where we were told it would be a few minutes and we could pay our bail and go home. It’s now midnight.

Apparently to post bail you need a detective and there were no detectives and only one small cell which couldn’t accommodate the “detainees”. I was finally separated from the men and put in an office with 8 policemen sorting out crates of booze from a shebeen. They had great fun making jokes with the “lovely white lady”. At 4am three more women were brought in, 2 motherless. Just for the record, of the 23 arrested, I had the lowest count. The cops also found this amusing as I should “never have been detained”.

At 4am Honeydew police station decided they couldn’t find a detective and just couldn’t process us. We (4 ladies) had to hand over everything, including cell phones and even our belts and shoelaces and were told we would be taken somewhere much more comfortable for us. Somewhere where we would be with criminals like ourselves. We were frog marched to a proper police van and thrown in the back. Stinking filth would be a mild description. The cops told us they were taking us to the veld for some fun which white ladies enjoy. There are no words to describe the fear and degradation. We were taken, sirens screaming and ramping pavements to “shake us up” to Randburg Prison. We were reprocessed and told once again that as criminals we had no rights.

Us 4 ladies were put in a cell in the prison with 6 other women. Prostitutes, drug addicts, a shebeen owner etc etc. We were treated shockingly but I am grateful to God I was not harmed in any way. I have learnt a lot about myself and how truly strong a person I am. I was more than ready to take on a stoned drug addict who didn’t like my face. There are no words to describe the hell I have seen and experienced. The prison movies I have seen are mild. There literally is writing on the walls in blood and no where to sit or lie but on an ice cold concrete floor. No food and no water. The fear and conditions mess with your head so badly, I desperately wanted them to call me and get me out but at the same time I was so terrified of being alone with a policeman I would rather have stayed in the cell. All this time Brad was outside with Gavin and other family members gathering. Gavin woke up people, there was even a Judge on the phone. They could do nothing!! I was finally granted bail and released after 2pm.

Andrew’s birthday party was cancelled, I have had to explain this situation to my children and see the terror my mothers face. I put Bradley through unspeakable anguish. I can’t even scratch the surface of how this has affected my family.

The reason I am telling you all of this and not keeping it to myself is because it’s not in my nature to ever shut up as you well know, and it would just eat away at me carrying a secret like this. I take full responsibility that I broke the law and will face the consequences. I will not dodge prosecution or “make evidence disappear”. It’s unfortunate that I am the one who has had to learn this lesson while almost every person I know does the same thing regularly. I believe that this has happened for a reason and possibly that reason is for my friends and family to catch a wake up and realise that this can happen to anyone. I don’t know how strongly I need to say this, I need you guys to listen to what I have to say and take it very seriously. I never want anyone I care about to have to go through what I did. I am getting trauma counselling and am a complete mess. Please trust me it is worse than any movie and any nightmare. I am not being dramatic in any way that when I say if I could video what I saw and experienced, no one of you would ever touch a drop again. The big hero men who thought it was all so amusing initially, left the prison broken. Me as a female was exposed to unspeakable things. I have witnessed people taking drugs next to me and going completely mental, I have used a steel filth encrusted toilet in front of a room full of people, I have been told my Nigerians and Zimbabweans that their only wish is to “f^%$ me until I die” and i have laid on a filthy concrete floor completely helpless. And that's the mild stuff.

I want every single person to think about this and stop what you are doing. Do not ever get behind a wheel after so much as one drink, its not worth it. Male, female, young, old, black, white, affluent or not. No one is excluded from this stuffed up system that is policing our country. It doesn’t matter how little or how much over the legal limit you are, you are a criminal in their eyes and will be treated as such. Ladies, your civilised dinner parties, book clubs and play dates in the afternoons with your children could honestly land you experiencing what I did. Guys a beer or two after work, same story. I will be going to court and I will have a criminal record.

I am not saying don’t drink, I am asking you all to drink in the safety of your homes and to never ever under any circumstance get behind a wheel after drinking anything. It’s just not worth it. You don’t know your limit, everyone is a different weight, size and everyone reacts differently. Just don’t take the chance, ever.

I apologise for this letter sounding like the ramblings of a mad woman but I felt I needed to tell everyone while it was still fresh. I haven't told a tenth of what happened. I am not ashamed by what happened and I cannot let my experience go without doing something constructive to prevent others from having to go through the same thing. I won’t punish myself for the rest of my life and I will still have a drink or two but I swear I will never again get behind a wheel after so much as one sip of alcohol. I have a long road ahead of me to sort my head out and many months of court cases and trauma ahead, make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

Lauren

Hey Lauren, good on you we all need a flippin serious wake up Call. Catch a taxi man!!!!

Wilbur Smith and the rhino

2011-03-07T09:07:00.000+02:00

This is a factual account written by Wilbur Smith. I'm pretty sure you'll all enjoy the read! He is a great author after all...

The plight of the Black Rhinoceros is, of course, due mostly to the value of its horn and the ferocious poaching that this engenders. However, a contributory factor to the declining rhino population is the animals disorganized mating habits. It seems that the female rhino only becomes receptive to the male's attentions every three years or so, while the male only becomes interested in her at the same intervals. A condition known quite appropriately as "Must".

The problem is one of synchronization, for their amorous inclinations do not always coincide.

In the early Sixties, I was invited, along with a host of journalists and other luminaries, to be present at an attempt by the Rhodesian Game and Tsetse Department to solve this problem of poor timing. The idea was to capture a male rhino and induce him to deliver up that which could be stored until that day in the distant future when his mate's fancy turned lightly to thoughts of love. We departed from the Zambezi Valley in an impressive convoy of trucks and Land Rovers, counting in our midst none other than the Director of the game department in person, together with his minions, a veterinary surgeon, an electrician and sundry other technicians, all deemed necessary to make the harvest.

The local game scouts had been sent out to scout the bush for the largest, most virile rhino they could find. They had done their job to perfection and led us to a beast at least the size of a small granite koppie with a horn on his nose considerably longer than my arm. The trick was to get this monster into a robust mobile pen, which had been constructed to accommodate him.

With the Director of the Game Department shouting frantic orders from the safety of the largest truck, the pursuit was on. The tumult and the shouting were apocalyptic. Clouds of dust flew in all directions, trees, and vegetation were destroyed, game scouts scattered like chaff, but finally the Rhino had about a litre of narcotics shot into his rump and his mood became dreamy and benign. With forty black game guards heaving and shoving, and the Director still shouting orders from the truck, the rhino was wedged into his cage, and stood there with a happy grin on his face.

At this stage, the Director deemed it safe to emerge from the cab of his truck and he came amongst us resplendent in starched and immaculately ironed bush jacket with a colourful silk scarf at this throat. With an imperial gesture, he ordered the portable electric generator to be brought forward and positioned behind the captured animal. This was a machine, which was capable of lighting up a small city, and it was equipped with two wheels that made it resemble a roman chariot.

The Director climbed up on the generator to better address us. We gathered around attentively while he explained what was to happen next.
It seemed that the only way to get what we had come for was to introduce an electrode into the rhino's rear end, and to deliver a mild electric shock, no more than a few volts, which would be enough to pull his trigger for him.

The Director gave another order and the veterinary surgeon greased something that looked like an acoustic torpedo and which was attached to the generator with sturdy insulated wires. He then went up behind the somnolent beast and thrust it up him to a full arms length, at which the Rhino opened his eyes very wide indeed.

The veterinary and his two black assistants now moved into position with a large bucket and assumed expectant expressions. We, the audience, crowded closer so as not to miss a single detail of the drama. The Director still mounted on the generator trailer, nodded to the electrician who threw the switch and chaos reigned. In the subsequent departmental enquiry the blame was placed squarely on the shoulders of the electrician. It seems that in the heat of the moment his wits had deserted him and instead of connecting up his apparatus to deliver a gentle 5 volts, he had crossed his wires and the Rhino received a full 500 volts up his rear end.

His reaction was spectacular. Four tons of rhinoceros shot six feet straight up in the air. The cage, made of great timber baulks, exploded into its separate pieces and the rhinoceros now very much awake, took off at a gallop.

We, the audience, were no less spritely. We took to the trees with alacrity. This was the only occasion on which I have ever been passed by two journalists half way up a Mopane tree.

From the top branches we beheld an amazing sight, for the chariot was still connected to the Rhinoceros per rectum, and the director of the game department was still mounted upon it, very much like Ben Hur, the charioteer.

As they disappeared from view, the rhinoceros was snorting and blowing like a steam locomotive and the Director was clinging to the front rail of his chariot and howling like the north wind, which only encouraged the beast to greater speed.

The story has a happy ending for the following day after the director had returned hurriedly to his office in Salisbury, another male Rhinoceros was captured and caged and this time the electrician got his wiring right.

I can still see the Rhinoceros's expression of surprised gratification as the switch was thrown. You could almost hear him think to himself. "Oh Boy! I didn't think this was going to happen to me for at least another three years".

Own your own bushveld hideaway - private sales

2011-01-11T10:14:00.001+02:00

Raptors View Wildlife Escapes ; This is a superb re-launch of an existing development.

On the steps of everything yuou want from the bush.

We have a few private sales and special property deals available.

We know that sales have taken off and being in the bush like this is wonderful. Rentals are always in demand so whether buying as an investment, looking for a property bargain, want a weekend getaway or just your own place in a special town. Then Hoedspruit and Raptors Wildlife Escapes in your place.

Deep in the bush surrounded by Big 5

email the owner direct and save yourself plenty.

On a dark desert highway

2010-11-02T11:54:00.000+02:00

Yes, we all know that lyric, it comes from the legendary Hotel California, a song written by musical geniuses, The Eagles.

Some of the people didn't get the lyrics and what they were trying to say, but that's a post for another time.

The song has another line,"You can check out any time you want, but you can never leave!". Have you ever felt like that when you are staying in a hotel?

The feeling that you can't leave simply because you don't want to, because everything is amazing in this Randburg hotel! Yes, you get that feeling that you want to stay for eternity...

I remember when my brother and mother went to Montreal, Canada, they told me about their amazing stay at this one hotel. It really sounded like they're going to become permanent residents in it! At least they came back...

Accommodation is always something you need to sort out before travelling anywhere, so here's a nice little tip, make sure that your accommodation is some place you can call Hotel California!

Achey Breakey arms…..Fish the Skeleton Coast Namibia

2010-10-12T11:52:00.000+02:00

Fishing Namibia from the shore, well what a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Being a novice shore fisherman (the biggest catch before was a 1.5kg tame trout reared by some grandmother on samp mielies) being asked to go fish around Cape Cross on the NAM coastline, was firstly a well needed break from Homeloans, finance and demanding clients and banks and secondly an adventure, having lived in Swakopmund in the early 70’s.

Driving across from Pretoria at 3.00am and arriving at 8.00pm(bets were on for a bottle of JW Black) was awesome. Two of us sharing, stopping only for fuel and a 12 minute tyre change(move over Ferrari) we cruised across the Trans Kalahari highway and sat down for a well earned “dop en n tjop” at Kucki’s pub at 9.00pm

Meeting up with Shane Milne our intrepid guide for the next 10 days was great. Mr unassuming himself, who would take me from novice to WORLD CHAMPION UBER ALLES fisherman, turned out to be a great guy, whiskey drinker and awesome, awesome fisherman who knows the coastline, its holes, the sharks and how to find black and white mussels even in the worst of storms. Shane’s business Aquanaut Tours run by him and his true boss (the Mrs herself) is a great company and the specialized shark fishing taught us all, and especially me how to catch and release all catches, what a pleasure and what an emotional experience.

And so from day 1 it started.

If we had been in competition I would have kicked butt, with those “oh so professional” fishing partners of mine from the “Inland Sharks Shore Angling Club” ha!! 2 Bronze shark, 6 Spotted Shark, 1 Sand Shark and 1 Hound Shark in 1 day. Was I stoked! Was I excited yeah! But most importantly was I stuffed! – Completely. I actually needed an hour sleep in the day to recoup, but what a day.

From then onwards it was, staying at the most awesome cottage owned by “Cashbox” and his son “Pettycash” at Cape Cross, seals, brown Hyena, Jackals, cold mist and wind and plenty COB (kabeljou).

Time flew, the fishing was great, the weather cold and from 5am to 7pm daily I learnt how to prepare bait, tie bait from the stomach the fillets, white and black mussels, crayfish and chokka, casting up at the misty Namibian skies, braai on the beach, fish braai for supper, mussels collecting and eating and exploring that awesome stark and harsh coastline only to sleep like a baby after a great days fishing.

Photos, well 380 were stolen with my camera after a break in, in Swakopmund on our last night, but hey! This is Africa! Stuff them, they cannot take the memories and we know that these crooks too shall die.

Highway run!

2010-09-27T10:18:00.000+02:00

Ever felt like just getting into your car and start driving to see where the road leads you?

I'm pretty sure some of us have done it some time in our lives. Or maybe you just passed a thought about it? Either way, highway equals freedom, right?

A lot of people like to have a great adventure, others like to plan things first. Personally, I think you need to plan a great experience.

Get yourself amazing accommodation, find yourself a good stretch of road, enjoy a great weekend away from everything and have a blast while bungee jumping or exploring the wilderness.

Life is short, make the best out of every moment! And no, I'm not asking you to set the cat's tail on fire, just telling you to get out there and take a whiff of fresh air in a place you've never been before!

Wood you fancy a club?

2010-09-21T10:39:00.001+02:00

Playing golf is a nice way to let go.

Some people take that up literally and sometimes let go of their putter when they miss a put.

Others like to yell at the ball(as if the ball can hear them...) to boost their image. "It's the ball that travelled wide, I didn't hit it in that direction!"

Yes, golf can arise a lot of emotion and competitiveness within us all, but the trick is to steer it to good use, thus leaving you with an abundance of joy when you walk into your accommodation in Randburg after performing like a pro at Sun City.

So, hit the golf course this weekend and enjoy the hot sun, the green grass, the birdies, eagles, pars and bogeys, and let go of everything for that eighteen holes. Have a laugh when your ball travels wide, kick back in the club house and treat yourself to an amazing experience!

Tashinga - a reason for securing your bush camp when you sleep at night

2010-09-15T15:54:00.000+02:00

i do not like to take other peoples stories, but this is a bit close to the bone with us knowing these folks, knowing Tashinga and Matusadona Hills in Zimbabwe and having spent many a night camping at this amazing site. we have often been harassed by lions here and caution is the word....and i only just learnt of this...read this, use it or lose it - but do not ignore this.

So hers the story as told by the guys on site.

It was mid-morning on a Sunday when the TurboCharge fleet of sixteen boats arrived at the Tashinga Camp in the Matusadona National Park at the mouth of the Ume River. We were greeted by the sight of a magnificent bull elephant in the camp calmly feeding himself. Our first mooring spot was too exposed to potential weather, so we moved around the corner into a bay where the sight of previously-buried garbage floating on the bank was very off putting. The water had come up to such a high level that previous garbage pits were now under water. Within minutes, a gang of TurboChargers were collecting the rubbish and storing it in dustbin bags. There was no sign of any other people. We relaxed and marveled at the tranquility of the place and of how wonderful the campsite must have been in its day. There were ablution blocks that were still working and were clean, and there were various campsites within the area.

After a few hours of entertaining ourselves, three of us decided to set out on foot and try and find some national parks staff. From the camp to the offices is about a kilometer and a half. Walking the road without protection makes the road seem a lot longer. Very fresh tracks are everywhere. You enter the park’s offices via the workshops where various recent model 4x4s are in various states of disrepair. One cruiser was parked against a rock, and we assume this means it was a runner. At the office we found the wildlife manager who offered to send the camp supervisor down to the camp and book us in. We specifically asked him if there were any “problem” animals that we should be concerned about and were assured that there was nothing to worry about. We returned to camp via the same road, not as worried about animals as before.

The camp supervisor duly arrived in his Sunday clothes and took our order for firewood. The boilers were lit and everyone was quickly into the showers. We had permission to have one big bonfire in a central place, and we collected a big tree to help. During the rest of the afternoon some guys went off fishing, some played scrabble, and some even had a few beers.

Firewood arrived, and the four cooking teams started preparations for the evening meal. The sunset was as spectacular as one could wish for. It is beyond my command of the English language to describe the colors of red and pink that were exploding out of the clouds. A parks member arrived with a weapon stating that he was here to protect us and could he also have a drink pointing to the beer in my hand. Beer denied!

It was Andre Van Rooyen and Rich Elman Brown's turn to cook, and it was a superb meal. We all ate well, and there was enough left over for breakfast. We adjourned to the big bonfire. The other cooking teams had cooked on the highest part of the camp site and had had a good loud party. Slowly but surely everyone either gravitated towards the fire or to bed. It was in the back of everyone's mind that we were in a wild habitat and that the fast-rising lake was restricting the open ground that normally surrounded the camp. Cooking areas were packed up well and the thought of hyenas was never far away.

The various campsites consisted generally of one or two asbestos A-frame huts and a concrete slab. Four people could sleep in or on each. Eight guys chose to occupy the site closest to the water. This had two A-frames and a slab, all within touching distance of each other. One even had a back wall. At about midnight, there were four of us left at the fire. All the sites had people sleeping in them and all were within a forty-meter radius. Mike and I decided to call it a night and grabbed our bed packs and toured the area. Our first choice was the camp by the water but we felt it was too crowded. The moon was as bright as daylight, and we wandered from spot to spot before returning to the fire to join Bruce and Justin.

Just before four o'clock in the morning, an elephant broke down a tree. In the still of the night, it sounded very close, and the majority of the camp was instantly awake. Down at the crowded camp close to the water, Dave and Rich turned on some music and chatted. Andre was in the next hut less than one meter away. Ben was at his boat having a cigarette on his own. Lance got out of bed to relieve his bladder, shining his hunting torch at his target but not into the close bush.

Unbeknownst to any of them, a lioness and her three adult cubs had crawled down the thick bush line and were just meters away. The bright moon had just dropped below the horizon, and the night was at its darkest. Andre was asleep with his head against the back wall of the A-frame. He felt a weight on his body, and in his slumber thought he was at home and that his dog had climbed on his bed. He rolled over to tell his dog off when he saw the lion open her mouth and close it on his head. He started shouting. Andre is a big man of about 100 kgs. The lioness slapped him through his air mattress and then proceeded to slap his body against the roof of the hut two or three times with his head in her mouth. Andre was convinced she was going to break his neck. Unable to break his neck in the confined space, she then dragged him off still holding his head in her mouth.

Lance Nesbitt was the first hero. Still getting into his sleeping bag less than four meters away, he heard Andre scream and immediately knew what was happening and what to do. His torch was still in hand and he shone it straight at the retreating lioness who was already two meters away from the A-frame next to an anthill. By advancing and shining his torch on the lioness and screaming at the top of his voice, he stopped the lioness. When Lance was joined spontaneously by Dean Kendall and Bobo Gibbons, also with torches and loud voices, she dropped Andre and grudgingly walked away a meter before stopping and turning back. Very nearby were her three almost full-grown cubs. Had she dragged Andre one or two meters closer to the others, the situation might have been far more serious. The brave screaming and cussing from Lance, Bobo, and Dean was joined by more voices and more screaming. The four lions reluctantly retreated another ten meters and then squatted down in the light bush. I had grabbed my air horn from the boat.

The combination of this unfamiliar very loud noise and many torches and advancing shouting humans encouraged the four lions to wander off. They were in no hurry and on their way towards the thick bush; they walked within ten meters of John and Alex Lucas who were sleeping in the most isolated of the A-frames. Their father, Lex, was shouting for his boys, but they did not want to shout back in case it attracted any attention from the lions.

When we thought the lions had gone, Dean stated that we were very lucky that it was only an hour-and-a-half to daybreak and that it would be very unlikely that the lions would return. It has taken me longer to write the account of the incident than the actual time this part of the attack and rescue took place. When I got to Andre, he had crawled back the two meters to the A-frame and was vomiting. His face was a mess, but the bleeding was not extensive. At this point, there was every reason to panic, but the most amazing scene unfolded. First-aid kits came out of most boats. Andre was made comfortable.

Hugh Roberts calmly asserted control and administered a drip. Alex Lucas sat with Andre and monitored his shock. Hugh assessed the damage and cleaned up the wounds as best he could. Andre remained conscious throughout but did not talk much. Those who could not help congregated to the big fire, and a head count was taken. Rich found Andre's medical aid card and on one particular spot at Tashinga, Jeff managed to use his South African phone to get a signal from Zambia and phone for rescue. It is an extremely anxious time trying to explain to someone in Harare at 4:30 in the morning where Tashinga is and the state of the emergency.

It was Hugh Roberts' calming influence that prevented emotions running high. It was agreed to medevac Andre at first light to Bumi Hills, which was only twenty minutes away by boat. Radio communications were limited, but we thought that Bumi were aware of our forthcoming arrival. Later I was told that one of the boats had managed to get ahold of the Tashinga Camp (two kilometers away) who said they would send an email to Bumi. We prepared my boat for the trip, but just before we were going to move Andre, I asked for another boat as it was not safe to go in only one. Arthur had his ready in seconds, and it was decided his decking was more suitable to carry Andre.

Five hundred meters off shore, Arthur's boat stopped. He quickly corrected a loose fuel connection and it gave us the opportunity to imagine how badly things could go wrong if the rescue boat had been on its own and had broken down.

At Bumi, I was blowing my air horn as we entered the harbor, and a manager (Ian Smith) saw through his binoculars a drip being held up in the boat and knew there was an emergency. Bumi was not expecting us. Mike and Jeff decided to run up to the hotel and were met by a vehicle near the top. Lying in the boat, Andre was shivering from shock, but the early morning sun was beginning to rise. With his head covered in bandages, he calmly and bravely stated, “I cannot see, and I cannot feel my feet and that disturbs me,” a true masterpiece of understatement for us.

The staff at Bumi were magnificent. We loaded Andre onto a cruiser and took him straight to the airstrip. There we tried to make Andre as comfortable as possible. Anticipating a two-hour wait, there was not much we could do.

Hugh Roberts changed the dressing and eventually the drip. Andre was in a great deal of pain and Mike, Jeff, Arthur, Rich, and I took turns caring for him - all under the calm leadership of Hugh Roberts. We had a chance to check Andre's back. Where the lioness had slapped him through his air mattress was an intense bruise in the almost perfect shape of a lion's paw. The mattress had merely prevented her claws from ripping into Andre's flesh.

Waiting for the plane was very difficult. We later learned that it had spent nearly half an hour on the runway in Harare waiting for clearance. On hearing the plane, the Bumi staff quickly drove up and down the runway to clear the many animals. The very impressive MARS air rescue ambulance taxied close to us, and the professionals took over. Andre was carried on the mattress to the plane where he got out and walked. At the last minute, he suddenly refused to get into the plane but there were enough of us to get him those last few meters. It took the doctor and nurse about half an hour to stabilize him and prepare him for take-off. The plane took off and Andre was in safe hands. There was nothing more we could do. Hugh Roberts could sigh and rest against the vehicle. I wanted to sit in a corner and cry.

We are told that Andre was suggesting to the pilot how he should be flying the plane - the morphine had obviously kicked in! Family and friends were waiting for him in Bulawayo. From being attacked by a lion at the remoteness of the Ume river to being hospitalized in Bulawayo in less than eight hours is praiseworthy, and we need to thank all medical staff and pilots involved.

We went up to the hotel to make some phone calls and then returned to the fleet. Some national parks staff had wandered down mid-morning stating that they had heard the noise and was there anything they could do? Had I been there my reply would not have been polite.

Andre is currently in the hospital in Johannesburg. Sadly, he lost his left eye, but his life is no longer in danger. His wife Clare is with him while their three sons remain in Bulawayo to get on with their schooling. Friends have been amazing in their support for the family. Our most grateful thanks and respect goes to the heroes who chased off the lions and those who rescued Andre afterwards.

To Andre, we wish you a complete and speedy recovery. We salute your bravery.
By Rob Nixon
Jun 13, 2010

Well from my side, you are lucky mate and I wish you all the best, you certainly have a story to tell.

To all of you heroes - BAYETE - we salute you

Apollo tours!!

2010-09-13T09:50:00.001+02:00

Good news! Hotel Apollo decided to expand their horizons by offering tours to Sun City, the Kruger National Park and more!

Offering the best accomodation you'll get from a Randburg Hotel, with the most exotic restaurant and bar, you can't go wrong with them.

And now, while enjoying your stay, you can go and watch some lions in their natural habitat, doing what they do(in their natural habitat), or even get up close and personal with some elephants!

This is some experience they're offering, not to be missed! Invite some of your friends, go have the time of your life and see what this beautiful country of ours has to offer!

Swimming with the sharks!

2010-09-07T11:22:00.000+02:00

I'm sure all of us want a picture where we swim with sharks? Well, you don't need your graphic design friend anymore...

NetFlorist offers you an adventure getaway which includes a shark dive and a two night stay in the beautiful province of Kwa-Zulu Natal!

It's funny how people changed through the ages. Twenty years ago, no one would have even passed a thought of getting near a shark. Movies like Jaws and Deep Blue Sea enhanced the fear that strikes everyone at the sight of a shark.

Obviously, shark attacks are something we all fear, so for me, I'll stay on dry land, thank you very much. But most of you guys out there like to live life on the edge. Nothing wrong with that, just don't be surprised if you slip off the edge one day:)

Raptors View Wildlife Escape Hoedspruit - Gem of a private sale

2010-09-02T12:47:00.000+02:00

Nestled in sight of the nothern reacheds of the Drakensberg mountain range, Raptor's Wildlife Escape is located in the Limpopo Province not far from the well known town of Hoedspruit. Limpopo is one of South Africa's most scenic areas and best-loved bushveld destinations. Home to Africa's Big 5, abundance of wildlife and the legendary baobab tree.

This 1 bedroomed double story loft, lock-up-and-go unit offers many premium advantages including a
soon to be completed club house and pool and birdhide, 24 hour security, and Big game viewing on adjacent wildlife conservancy Khaya Ndlovu all included.

This unit has a tenant and generates rental income already. A Great investment.

Price only R 700,000.00 onco Send Email to owner: Silvex

We are number 32

Schematic

Pictures of 3 roomed unit in complex

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Let's get away from this place!

2010-09-02T10:37:00.000+02:00

As far as our human lifestyle goes, we love to create our own little worlds, our own little comfort zones. We create our own lives and live it in comfort.

So why not get out of that little bubble you created around yourself? Take a couple of friends with and go away for a weekend, hit the road, see where it leads you.

There are many travel packages you can explore online, including the wide range NetFlorist has on offer. A whole lot of options for the traveller, the abseiler, and even the off-roader!

We are living in a beautiful country with so many travel destinations, go out there and discover them all for you. You'll be surprised at all the stuff you'll find just around the corner, just over that hill, just around the bend.

Life's short, time is few, live life to the fullest, go to places, go explore the uncharted territories!!

Travelling with kids

2010-08-25T12:31:00.004+02:00

Ask any parent... travelling with kids is a challenge. Unfortunately you can't pack them in a suitcase and stuff them in the trunk so you have to think of ways to keep them occupied and happyily out of you and their siblings' hair.

So before you leave, make yourself a checklist of things you need to remember for the trip.

Pack items such as medication, a damp cloth in a plastic bag (or wetwipes), a bottle of water, first aid kit, etc.

Make a CD with a variety of sing-a-long songs for both the adults and the kids before you leave. Audio books are also a good idea. This can be bought at most bookstores.

Kids love surprises... so make up little "lucky packets" with a variety of snacks and small toys. Keep the sugar intake to a minimal and pack healthier options such as nuts, dried fruits, cheese sticks, biscuits. Drinks should be in smaller bottles with resealable lids. Keep a plastic bag handy to put rubbish in and join in the cause and don't litter next to the road.

Stop about every 2 hours or so to take a break. Pack a ball or frisbee and if it's possible and safe, let the kids play with it for a few minutes to stretch their legs and get rid of excess energy.

Apollo serves!!

2010-08-19T10:51:00.000+02:00

Yes, this is surely the best in Randburg Hotels, Hotel Apollo.

Accommodating up to 180 guests with the most exquisite foods and a beautiful view over Sandton, the Africa Restaurant is a good way to enjoy a lovely meal and network with some business associates and future potential business opportunities.

Hotel Apollo will make sure of it that you enjoy a fantastic breakfast. lunch or dinner with some great company, catering for your specific wants and needs.

So, if you are planning on a conference in Randburg, there's only one place you can be sure to contact that will satisfy you and your guests, Hotel Apollo.

You can even escape t the airport really quick if you want out or ticked off the wrong guy, the option's always there!;)

So, enjoy a business conference next time, and choose the right venue with some huge entertainment surrounding it!

Noble vineyards...

2010-08-18T10:10:00.000+02:00

One of the most beautiful places in South Africa, would probably be the Cape winelands, combining astonishing backdrops of the mountains with the huge vineyards.

Now, if you're a little boy, this is as boring as it gets for you. So, pull your sister's hair, young one, some day you'll love this...

And the same goes for people who never tasted dry red wine before. Please get a taste for it before going into a cellar? Otherwise the dry red's gonna end up on the person;s face standing right in front of you... Then you'll be asked to leave the premisses in an orderly fashion:)

It's crazy how some of the people can give you a whole book full of useless information just by tasting a wine. They can even tell you the horse's name who's sweat they're tasting! Amazing... But that's just me.

So, if you want to experience some wine culture and take some beautiful pictures with it, be sure to check out the Winelands Country Tour that NetFlorist offers. Maybe you'll pick something up on reading the past with your tongue? That could prove useful;)