Ubizane Ablaze

Fire season is upon us! During winter the grass dries out which makes it easier to catch alight in certain circumstances.  At Ubizane we try and prevent fires by creating fire breaks.  

The best way to kill a fire...is with fire itself!

On Wednesday 17 July, we decided to have a controlled fire to create a fire break.   With more than 10 men helping with the process, we were assured that the fire would be completely under our control and will not spread to the rest of Ubizane.  Fires are very unpredictable and could become out of control so easily that it took a lot of care and attention to ensure that we did not have a disastrous situation on our hands. 

The fire is started in a U- shape to ensure that there is always an escape route for any animals in the area.  This set our minds at ease as our foremost concern was for the well-being of our precious wildlife.  

Cane rats came running out of the fiery fields countless times.  These are enormous rodents are widely spread in Africa, South to the Sahara.  Their habitat is mostly the long grasslands of Savannahs and similar landscapes.  They have a mole-like appearance and can grow almost up to 10 kg in the wild!  Even though these strange rodents are found popularly in Africa, very few people from urban areas have seen these creatures. 

 Another animal that we saw during the burn was a Red Duiker escaping from the inflamed grass.  The Duiker was very confused at first and ran up and down the fence line trying to escape through our fence.  After a while when we realized the Duiker was a bit too confused to escape to the large open bush which was not burning, our general manager made his way towards the buck guiding him towards the open space.  After a while the Duiker found his way, with our help, to flame-less freedom.  After the incident we kept a close eye on any movements in the bush to ensure all animals find their way towards the escape route.  We were happy to report that no animals were found to be harmed!

Knowing that they were safe, our second concern was that the fire would spread to the lodge or to the community, putting other people’s lives in danger.  For this reason, the burning team had men at each point of the fire and men running from one point to the other ensuring that there were no runaway fires.  We were in good hands as the fire was completely under control and we safely burnt the areas along our fence line. The controlled burning took place near our western fence line, closest to the community.  This is the general area that is in the most danger for wildfire.  The fire was also in preparation for a larger controlled fire that we are planning for later this season.

 

Keep reading our blog to keep up to date about the latest Ubizane happenings!  We will be posting about the next controlled fire later this year so keep checking to stay informed! 
  

Safari Bring & Braai night

Last night, 30 March 2013, in the spirit of Easter SafariBoma hosted a “Meet you Neighbor” Bring and Braai for all Safari guests. This was the first time this year that we have done a Bring & Braai and it proved to be a very interesting night.  After sending out flyers to all Safari rooms to inform them of the Braai we prepared for a great evening. 

We made two delicious salads for safari guests  to enjoy as part of their meal; one potato salad and one Greek salad.   The salad was enjoyed by all and some went back for seconds and even thirds!

 Three braai’s were set up with grills, ready for guests to use and a bonfire in the middle of the boma was lit up to create a campfire atmosphere.  Walking through the Boma it was a sight of parents chatting away and children gathering over a fire roasting their marshmallows. Wayne, our Lodge Manager, even had to help a few to master the art of roasting!

 The Braai was a success with memories of campfire stories and the smell of burning charcoal and wood still lingering in our thoughts.  The event fit in perfectly in the Bush and will definitively be a favourite for staff and guests this year.

 The Braai is a way for guests to mingle and get to know each other in a truly South African way.

 So if you are at Zululand Safari Lodge during one of these organized Braai’s be sure to head down to the Boma for an unforgettable evening!

The Berzack Bat Mitzvah

The celebrations began on Friday, with family members from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia and all over South Africa arriving throughout the day. After welcome drinks, some enjoyed a relaxing afternoon while others had an educational trip to Emdoneni, the cheetah sanctuary. After freshening up, everyone reunited at Tree Lodge where they had Shabbat and prayers followed by a short welcome speech before a kosher buffet dinner was served.

Saturday commenced with the family gathering by the pool at Safari Lodge, where refreshments were served. The typical dry winter backdrop was brought to life by the eventful flurry of children and elegantly set tables, adding an entertaining atmosphere to the early afternoon’s pre-celebration.  

A quick game of baseball entertained both the spectators and players, working up a healthy appetite before lunch.

A delicious cold lunch was served alongside one of the many watering holes we have surrounding Safari Lodge. The bare weather stricken branches provided sufficient shade as the family enjoyed the buffet style lunch of Brisket, Cold Meat, Salads and a selection of Fruit. 

Zulu dancers provided a truly South African experience with their beating drums and traditional costumes. After a short demonstration of their refined skills, the dancers selected members from the somewhat astonished audience to join in and truly experience Africa first hand by participating in a traditional Zulu dance. The younger family members proved to be truly remarkable, with their eagerness and uncanny flexibility, and at times even giving the Zulu dancers a run for their money.

The main celebration took place in the Boma, where tranquil candles lead the way to a welcoming fire in the centre. Blue lanterns, candles and serviettes added a splash of colour to the Boma that was warmly lit with soft fairy lights that gently draped the surrounding walls of the Boma. 

The guests soon arrived and before long they came sweeping into the Boma, in their elegant attire gathering around the crackling fire, warming up before celebrations begin. After all the formalities, a lovely montage of a beautiful girl, who has now become a woman, was viewed. After which every one loosened up on the dance floor, before enjoying a kosher buffet dinner. 

The toasting of marshmallows over a sizzling fire drew the night to a close and a beautiful evening shared between family and friends, who united under an African sky to mark such a special occasion came to an end.