Welcome to DesBNet - Kruger Safari

No. of Visits 1 - Last Visited 2002

General

How to celebrate One's 40th Birthday - Good Question. "I know, let's do something different....How about a Safari!". Being an animal lover, it always gives me great pleasure to get close up to unusual species, and this trip turned out to be an experience that I will never forget.  When people mention the word "Safari", it conjures up images in your mind of  "Out of Africa", "Daktari", &  "Born Free".

After much investigation, we chose to visit the Djuma Game Reserve, and a splendid choice it was too. They have an excellent website, which includes a Rangers Diary section, so that you can get an idea which animals you may encounter, and the regularity of sightings. They are heavily involved in the AFRICAM website, & host a number of the video cameras both at the lodges & on the Game Drives, which gives you further opportunities to research your chosen camp. One of the major influences in choosing Djuma over the numerous alternatives was the friendly attitude that came across in all of my dealings with them. Most other camps seemed more interested in selling their sumptuous surroundings. Djuma  not only do that, but you really get the feeling that they care about the Staff, Guests, Wildlife, & Local Communities.

Geography

Djuma is a 50000 Hectare Private Game Reserve located in part of the exclusive Sabi Sand reserve. This in turn is situated in the Lowveld, on the western side of the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The terrain is a mixture of savannah & bush. There are no fences between any of the reserves, so the wildlife is free to roam as they wish.

Climate

Summer spans the months of December, January, February & March. These months bring the birth of the antelope & other browsing animals. Brief Thunderstorms are a regular feature, and the temperatures are generally high. During Autumn - April & May , the temperature begins to cool a little, though when we visited (Early April) we walked into a 39˚ cauldron! The mornings & evenings though, warranted a fleece. June through to September is designated as Winter here, and are both the driest & coldest months of the year. At this time, the waterholes begin to dry up & the wildlife viewing is more abundant as the animals congregate around them for the last remaining drops of water.  Springtime awakens in October as the rains reluctantly return. The landscape begin to lose their Khaki parched shades and become greener during November .

 **** MALARIA ****

Malaria is a year round threat in these parts, and should not be taken lightly! Try to avoid being bitten & take precautionary measures such as covering yourself up & using insect repellent sprays. Above all, ensure you complete a course of Anti-Malarial tablets.

History

Kruger is the largest National Park South Africa. Divided between 2 provinces, Northern Province & Mpumalanga, Kruger became a popular Hunting spot, and indeed has some of the most varied species of Bird & Animal life anywhere to be found in the world.
Due to the malarial risk nature in the area, settlement in the African Savannah comes with it's drawbacks. However, the nomadic San stone age people developed the survival techniques necessary to habitate here. Evidence of their Rock Artwork can still be found in certain places.
In 1898, the incumbent President of South Africa, Paul Kruger took the step of declaring the Park  a Wildlife Reserve for the animals, naming it The Sabie Game Reserve in 1903.  The Park was renamed to Kruger National Park in 1923, when it was expanded, and covers approx. 2 million hectares. Over 250,000 mammalian inhabitants falling into 147 species including all of the "Big Five":  300 black rhino, 2,500 white rhino, 8,000 elephant, 900 leopard, 15,000 buffalo and 2,000 lion,  as well as 507 bird, 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian and 114 reptile species,  the park features excellent drives and trails through both dense bush and dry scrub.

The interesting history of the Djuma Game Reserve is well documented on their website. (Link can be found on the Left Hand Pane)

Language & Culture

Many of the local population of Shangaan Tribes people are employed in various jobs, providing services to Game Camps & Reserves. This brings in a steady income for the families, and you will find that one person at work, may provide for the rest of the family back in the village, thus, external employment is coveted. The Local people are on the whole, extremely hard working, honest, & have an ebullient nature. Visits to the Villages can easily be arranged by speaking to the people themselves.

The owners of Djuma Game Reserve are extremely active in aiding the local community -  not just by providing employment - but also sponsoring the local Day Care Centre in the village of Utha

Accommodation

The Kruger National Park has many lodges available for Self-Catering rental. Guest Houses are a popular alternative, many of which are located close to the Park Entrances. Many people, such as we did, opt for the luxurious Private Game Reserves, of which there are many. Here, you will be waited upon, Hand & Foot, for the duration of your visit. Most prices for these Top of the Range Reserves include ALL meals & activities, including both an Early Morning, and Evening Game Drive, complete with the services of a Ranger & Tracker, to spot the wildlife.

Djuma Game Reserve consists of 3 separate Lodges - Bush Lodge, Vuyatela, & Galago - each with their own atmosphere. We stayed at both Bush Lodge, and Vuyatela, each for 2 nights.

Bush Lodge is a comfortable camp comprising of 8, comfortably appointed, thatched Rondavels. The Main building, again thatched, contains the Bar & Dining Areas, and  a viewing Deck. Behind this building, is the 'Boma' (Camp Fire)  area, & Swimming Pool - essential for a cooling dip in the midday sun. The friendly staff at Bush Lodge welcome you into their camp and make you feel at home straight away. The menus on offer encompass a wide range of produce, innovatively prepared & presented by the Cooks with great pride, and rightly so!

Vuyatela - meaning "Welcome" in the local dialect - was found to be a quite remarkable experience. The camp has been built by a local workforce, using time honoured techniques and a fascinating range of materials. Each 'Kaya' (chalet) has it's own private viewing deck, along with plunge Pool & a separate lounge area, complete with mini-bar. Local artwork decorates the luxurious Kaya's, and they are finished off with an Outdoor Shower, complimenting the already well equipped bathrooms. A viewing platform overlooking the Dam (Lake) gives excellent game viewing opportunities -  that is if you haven't seen enough from your own deck - and a fitness centre is also available. The Main Building comprises of a Dining Area, complete with aquarium, a Bar, and a lounge Area with an open Fire. For Webaholics, Internet access is also available in a separate lounge.

Catering at the Camps is prepared & cooked on-site, and comprises Early Morning Tea/Coffee with Rusk, Further Tea/Coffee & Muffins on the Game Drive, Full Breakfasts, Lunch, Afternoon Tea/Coffee & Cakes, and Evening Meal - You will never be Hungry !!!! Alcoholic beverages are reasonably priced, and both camps boast a good selection of wines.

2 Game Drives per day are included in the price of the accommodation.

Sight Seeing

The bushveld has a wonderful atmosphere, being extremely varied in it's make-up, you never know what is just around the corner! To many, The BIG FIVE of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant & Buffalo are the major pull of going on Safari. On top of these, we spotted many other animals including Zebra, Giraffe, Hippo, Warthog, Bush baby, Hyena, Baboon, Monkey, Wild Dogs, & many species of Antelope. The diverse array of birds on offer makes this a 'Twitchers' paradise. The Rangers & Trackers are have a passionate interest in all of the birds, animals  & Plant-life on display - their knowledge really is astounding - and they readily feed you information about their favoured habitat & habits - fascinating stuff! When you return from an outing in the bush, you soon realise what an awesome experience it is - memories that will stay with you forever. Remember, this is not a zoo - wild animals can be DANGEROUS, so always be extremely careful, and NEVER get out of your vehicle, unless accompanied by an experienced  guide.

There is much more to this area than just "Bagging The Big 5". Trips to the Local Villages are popular, and the spectacular Blythe River Canyon is a short drive away. 

Beaches

Most lodges have a swimming and/or plunge pools. Watering Holes & Dams (Lakes) are NOT ideal places for a lunchtime dip as these are the source of precious drinking water for the wildlife, and indeed, are the best place to spot many of the animals, but do so from a distance! Swimming with Nile Crocodiles is not on my list of Top 10 relaxation techniques! If you are looking for a bit of Beach, you are best off flying down to Durban or Cape Town after leaving the Kruger Park.

Local Transport

The Public Transport is almost non-existent here. If you are visiting the Kruger Park itself, you will need to hire a car (PLEASE NOTE - IT IS AN OFFENCE to drive Off-Road in the Kruger Park). Many of the private reserves can organise transfers from Johannesburg / Pretoria, or the local airports. Some reserves have an aircraft landing strip, and you can arrange to fly directly in to your chosen reserve. This is the option that we took, and it was worth every penny. You really get a good view of the local area, and, if you are lucky, may spot some wildlife from 1000ft up! When inside the reserves, transport is by means of open sided 4 wheel drive vehicles - essential for going "Off-Road".

Night Life

Sundowners - watching the spectacular African Sunset whilst enjoying your favourite 'tipple' are constitutional here. Upon return from your Night Drives, attention centres upon the evening meal. At Djuma, your Ranger joins you & the rest of the guests at the dining table. Talk of the days game sightings predominate, however, local family life, customs & favourite pass-times are often raised. Many reserves also have a 'Boma' or enclosed Camp Fire area for dining under the stars. Given that the Morning Game Drives generally commence at 6am, late nights are few & far between.

Restaurants

Game Lodges in the Kruger Park are mainly Self-Catering, and when in South Africa, the 'Braai' (or barbeque) is a part of life. The Reserves fully cater for their guests, providing  excellent cuisine, much of which is locally sourced.

Shopping

Locally hand-made curios are common souvenirs from these parts. Wooden animal carvings & pottery seem to top the list.

Car Hire

There are many options available for Car Hire at the major airports, and prices are extremely competitive. You can budget for about £20-£25 per day for a family saloon. Petrol is inexpensive, but ensure that you keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

Getting There

Kruger Park is approx. a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The local airports at Hoedspruit & Skukaza can be accessed by scheduled flights from Jo'burg, with a flying time of less than an hour. Car hire is available at both airports. Road or Air transfers can be arranged by the Game Reserves.