Final Farewell to Tiban…

For those of you, who have been following our Social Pages, you might have seen that our beloved rescued Warthog, Tiban was recently released into the great big world of Ubizane; where 1200 hectares of wide open space awaited him.

But, Tiban being his usual lovable attention seeking self had other plans...  

Tiaan dropping Tiban off in the Bush 

The Pienaar family had to face the inevitable heart breaking goodbye, as they bid their final good bye to Tiban, who had since day 1 become part of the Ubizane family. Tiaan then took Tiban up to one of the dams on the reserve, and dropped him off. Overjoyed by the over-sized puddle of water, Tiban was soon wallowing in the mud, and hardly noticed Tiaan driving off. 

  

Tiban enjoying the mud at the dam

But, yet again Tiban was one step ahead of everyone else and shortly after Tiaan’s return to the Lodge; Tiban came trotting down the parking area towards the Reception area. After his usual friendly but boisterous greeting to the staff, Tiban then bee lined for the General Managers office desk, where he lay down.  After much convincing and a lot of patience, Tiaan managed to coax Tiban out from the desk and away from the lodge.  

Tiban making his way to the lodge, after he was released

Tiban on a one way mission through the lodge

In his happy place, Tiban revisited one of his favorite places, under the GM's desk

 A week later a second attempt to set Tiban free, was more successful. Whether it is because he was dropped off on the far side of the reserve, or because this time he finally realized that there is a whole wide world waiting for him.

It has been over a week since we released Tiban, and even though we miss his cheerful face and bubbly personality, and the fact that our hearts stop for a little while when we see a warthog close to the lodge. We realize that he is where he belongs, and our ultimate goal of releasing an orphan warthog back into the bush has been achieved! 

A Magical African Wedding:

Ubizane was lucky enough to host yet another magical African wedding!

A big CONGRATULATION goes out to Agata and James, who tied the knot on Ubizane’s breathtaking bush deck.   

Admittedly, Mother Nature had everyone’s nerves on edge when the heavens decided to open up and provide Agata and James with an abundance of good luck.  Fortunately enough, the rain subsided and a romantic ceremony was enjoyed by all! 

Shortly after having photos taken out in the African bush, the happy couple returned to Tree Lodge where a delectable buffet dinner was served in the boma.  

After the celebrations the newlyweds retreated to their honeymoon suite, which the Ubizane staff had romantically decorated for them. Upon arrival the couple was greeted by an ‘old school’ “Just Married” sign with dangling tins which hung across the entrance of their staircase leading into their room. 

Natal Robin Chicks of Zululand Tree Lodge:

With summer well on its way, babies seem to be popping up everywhere. The newest arrivals to join the ever growing Ubizane family are a pair of Natal Robin chicks.

This is a striking bird, with its bright orange under part, slate-blue wings and delicate twig-like legs. The well manicured garden of Zululand Tree Lodge often provides tasty nibbles for this energetic bird, or in this case a secure nest to raise its chicks in. 

Natal Robin with some tasty treats for her hungry chicks 

By chance one morning the front office staff noticed a carefully constructed nest huddled in between an Aloe at the front of Reception. To their amazement when they ambled closer to get a better look, 2 rather fragile chicks raised their shaky heads and gaped for food. 

Tree Aloe where the nest was built 

The Natal Robin generally breeds from September right through to January, but breeding tends to peaks in November. After a joint effort of constructing a nest which consists of mainly twigs, dry grass and dead leaves; 2 eggs are laid and are incubated solely by the female for 14 -15 days. 

Hungry mouths being fed 

Tracking their progress daily the entire Ubizane Wildlife Reserve’s team was truly amazed at the rapid rate at which the chicks grew, and after around 11 to 12 days one of the chicks had already left the nest. A close eye was kept on the lone chick, as it plucks up enough courage to leave the comfort zone of the nest. A heartwarming moment was shared amongst all at Ubizane, as the last chick finally left the nest for good, and ventured out into the great big world. 

Eyes just starting to open 

Wing Feather beginning to sprout

The nest was too small for both of them at 1 stage!

Last of the 2 chicks getting ready to leave the nest

Impala Lambing Season Is Upon Us!

Ubizane Welcomes CAPRISA:

After Months of planning and preparation, Ubizane was proud to host CAPRISA’s workshop on Mucosal Immunology, HIV Vaccines & Microbicides. Scientists and delegates from all corners of the world began arriving on Tuesday the 13^th of November. The CAPRISA delegates were warmly welcomed by our Front Office staff; welcome drinks and refreshing towels, to cool off after a long and hot journey into the heart of Zululand.

Once refreshed, the guests were transferred to their rooms, after which a Pimms Cocktail and delicious snacks were served at Tree Lodge.  

Safari Lodge’s sprawling lawns, with its aged Aloes and Scented Thorn Trees were to be the back drop to a truly African dinner, set under the bright African sky and enclosed by majestic Marula Trees. But as any South African will tell you, Mother Nature does not go according to your plans, but rather the other way around and rain soon intervened moving the dinner inside Safari Lodge’s Restaurant. Ubizane’s warm hospitality and friendly faces brought an African charm to the indoor venue, where an opening session and welcome speeches were eagerly heard, after which a hearty buffet dinner was enjoyed by all. 

The highlight of Wednesday’s conference had to have been the informative poster session. Departing from Tree Lodge the guests enjoyed a short but scenic game drive, part of which was through a majestic fever tree forest. Ubizane’s magical Bush Deck served as a memorable venue, where numerous wines and delicious cheeses were enjoyed while informative posters were on display. The magical night sky held out long enough for a captivating boma dinner to be enjoyed. A variety of buffet styled food was served, along with the star of night’s cuisine an Impala on the spit.    

Thursday kicked off to an early start with majority of the delegates waking up at 04:30 am for a game drive through one of South Africa’s oldest and third largest game reserves, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. Being well known for having the largest White Rhino population on Earth, the park did not disappoint, treating the CAPRISA delegates to an exceptional sighting of 3 White Rhino right next to the road. Ubizane’s open game drive vehicles and experienced guides ensured an educational trip was enjoyed by all.

Tree Lodge Restaurant was spruced up with fairy lights and Chinese lanterns for the plated gala dinner. A selection of delectable cuisine was served; bring the formalities of the conference to a close.  

A unique opportunity to interact with one of Africa’s largest land mammals was enjoyed by many on Friday morning, with the guests enjoying an early morning trip to Bayete Zulu, where they got the once the once in a life time opportunity to intermingle with African Elephants. A scrumptious breakfast awaited the euphoric guests upon their return from Bayete Zulu.

Mid morning saw many of the CAPRISA delegates leaving Ubizane Wildlife Reserve, with a hand full of memories not only of the educational workshop that was held but also the magical African experiences that took place. With their tasty snack boxes and refreshments in hand, many of the delegates left Ubizane with a lifetime of memories, and the hope and promise of returning someday soon. 

African Bullfrog:

One of our assistant general managers, Julian came across a pair of African bullfrogs in our nearby watering hole at Zululand Tree Lodge. These frogs are also known as Pixie frogs due to their Latin name (Pyxicephalus adspesus), after that mouth full one can understand why Pixie frog is the preferred name.  

Assistant Gm, Julian holding an African Bullfrog 

Bullfrogs spend majority of their lives living underground, where the surface temperature can reach as high as 38°C and drop below freezing in the winter. Protected in their underground excavation chamber, they wait for more suitable environmental conditions. During this waiting period, the Pixie frog will slough off numerous layers of skins, forming a moisture resistant cocoon. It is this cocoon of dead skin cells that prevents the evaporation of body fluids.

During this time, they have the unique ability to slow down or even shut down certain bodily functions, and absorb water which they have stored in their bladder. They can remain in their cozy cocoon within their excavated tunnel for as long as a year.

Surfacing to breed once the rains have begun, as many as 4000 eggs may be laid in a shallow pool of water, after which the male will then fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs have been laid and fertilized it is the males that exhibit parental care. After a 2 day period the tadpoles will emerge from their egg casing and feed off each other and smaller fish. 

African Bullfrogs have the ability to blow themselves when threatened 

It will take the tadpoles a total of 3 weeks to metamorphosis into miniature replicas of their father. During this time the pool or puddle that they call home, may dry up; the male will then dig a small channel between the offspring and a larger pool of water, effectively ensuring their survival. The male will defend the pool as well as his tadpoles vigorously, and has the ability to puff himself up when threatened, in order to appear larger, and seem more of a threat. This parental care comes at a price, however as the male will consume many of the tadpoles while he is defending them.  

Ubizane’s new Entrance:

Ubizane Wildlife Reserves’ Main entrance 

has a brand new look! 

Out There Designs putting up the new sign  

Thanks to Out There Designs, brand new signs have been showcased in new elegantly built walls, accompanied by aged Aloes. Ubizane’s new entrance is finally complete.

A new notice board, as you drive through the gate has also been put up, and replaces the old one which had taken quite a beating from Mother Nature.   

Our new signs showcased in a newly built wall

Sticking to our 50 year legacy, the signs still have their Trademark Ubizane look, but are built out of new weather resistant material, ensuring that Ubizane Wildlife Reserve evolves with the latest technology available. 

Our beautiful sign is visible from both sides of the road