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

A Restaurant with a difference:

Here at Ubizane Wildlife Reserve, the well being of nature and its occupants is of high importance to us. A not so well known fact about Ubizane wildlife Reserve is our Vulture Restaurant.  

It was late afternoon when our General Manager Tiaan, dropped off an Impala at Our Vulture Restaurant, which he had come across during his many patrols of the bush.

Early the next morning we noticed Vultures thermalling above the restaurants location, and by early afternoon, when we went to investigate further we were quite astonished to discover +/- 80 Cape Vultures sitting on the road and in the bush. Clearly the Impala didn't touch sides for the hungry scavengers, as there was next to nothing left. 

Vultures are any medium to large sized scavenger birds, feeding on the carcasses of dead animals. Vultures do not generally kill their own prey. As scavengers, vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by contributing to the decomposition of dead animal matter, cleaning the environment and reducing the spread of diseases.   

A vulture restaurant is an open area, where vultures can easily land and take off from; where fresh and poison free meat and/or carcasses of domestic livestock or wild mammals are put out for vultures and other scavengers. Feeding vultures at vulture restaurants can contribute to the survival of these birds, especially during periods of food scarcity and when young birds fledge. Vultures, like many other large birds, are under pressure from many different causes in the modern world as the human population increases. 

Traditional beliefs and Medicine are also a contributing factor to the decline in Vulture numbers. Vultures are used in the traditional medicine industry for a range of purposes, but are believed to be most effective for providing mystic powers, foresight and increased intelligence. The main drivers of demand for these uses are betting and gambling, for improved business success, and intelligence in school children. Vulture is also prescribed by traditional healers for various ailments, including headaches.

So the next time you see vultures thermalling (Birds use temperature differences in neighboring air masses to glide in tight circles and using thermal uplift to gain altitude with very little wing flapping) do not see it as an omen of death, but rather as a contribution to the operation of the ecosystem.

Swallows of Ubizane Wildlife Reserve:

With the rainy season well on the way, Ubizane is lucky enough to welcome back the Greater Striped Swallows. Being intra-African migrants, these swallows return to the southern parts of Africa during their breeding season. Over the past few weeks the Greater Striped Swallow has become a regular sighting, with their chatty call and regular swoops under the lodge’s thatched roofs.   

Swallow Nest outside GM's Office 

Swallows are well known for their nest building capabilities, made entirely of mud and wedged in between two supporting structures. The nest building process normally begins at the beginning of the breeding season, September through to May. It is during this period that the monogamous pair (Only having 1 partner) will either repair their nest that was built during the previous breeding season, or build a totally new one.

The Greater Striped Swallow is often mistaken as a ‘tame’ species, due to its close proximity to humans and its fondness of building its nests on buildings. Ubizane’s General Manager Natascha Pienaar, got to experience this ‘tame’ species firsthand one morning when a Greater Striped Swallow politely landed into her hand bag, which was sitting close to her office window.   

 Swallow with Mud on its beak, in Natascha 's hand

This particular Greater Striped Swallow has been working hard on his master piece of a nest, just outside our General Managers Office for quite some time, and he often perches on the open window.

Not long after Natascha fished the Swallow out of her bag, and released him outside; the Swallow was soon back to work on his masterpiece, perfecting it for his new arrivals. 

Giraffe Necking:

Giraffe are not an unfamiliar sight here at Ubizane, as many guests will know they are quite curios creatures, and are often wandering around the lodges parking areas being their normal inquisitive self. However, this week we were treated to an unusual sighting of two male Giraffes necking. It was Wayne, our House Keeping Manager who spotted the two Giraffe near Safari Lodge parking area.

2 Male Giraffe at Safari Lodge, preparing for their dual.

Giraffe engage in “Necking” in order to determine dominance and hierarchy. When watching these graceful animals, one cannot help but think that it looks like a well rehearsed dance. “Movement and counter movement appear rhythmical and synchronized, imparting the supple grace of a sinuous dance.” – Richard Despard Estes (The Behavior Guide to African Mammals)


The two males began their duel outside of Safari 10, at first it seemed a friendly affair with them facing each other, moving back and forth with their legs locked in a stiff position. They even rubbed up against each other’s necks and flanks. One can easily mistake this behavior simply as two Giraffe being friendly. But this is low intensity sparring or “Necking”.


It was not until the Giraffe had reached Safari Lodge Parking Area that things started getting serious, and they entered what is called a higher intensity stage. Having no regard for the beautifully finished flowerbeds that edge the pathways leading to the rooms, the larger darker Giraffe kept pushing the other male; leaning against him and forcing him to go to more open grounds. 

 

As soon as the giraffe were in a more open area next to the parking area they both splayed their legs, as if to brace themselves for the blow. Once again it was the larger darker coloured male that was the first to ‘swing’ and knock the other male on his rump. The sound that comes from Ossicones (name given to the horn like structures on a Giraffe’s head) hitting lean rump muscle is quite amazing, it almost sounds like a slap but has a deep bellowing sound to it.

After the first hit was dished out, and the ‘tit for tat’ game wore off, the two males continued their back and forward sway, with their characteristic out-stretched necks and stiff legs and they made their way down to Safari Lodge’s pool area. Pausing every now and then to asses each other and their surroundings.
It was almost as if these graceful creatures did not want a witnesses to this harsh battle, and the males soon made their way into the bush, at a rather slow and painful ‘dancing’ pace; where they would be able to continue their duel in the privacy of the thick bush.

Their intense dual lead them all the way to the pool area

It was only on our way back up to the parking lot that we noticed how much damage a Giraffe’s dominance spat can cause. Besides the trampled flower beds, we found numerous muddy footprints along the pathways, as well as a broken light and Aloe. Although it meant extra work for our maintenance team, we couldn't help but feel privileged to have witnessed such graceful animals involved in such an intense dual.

Muddy Pathway by pool area

Giraffe footprint 

Broken pathway lamp 

Broken Aloe by Safari Lodge 

An Ubizane Engagement:

After being together for nearly ten years, Peter and Clementine took a step closer to tying the knot, by getting engaged on Saturday the 6^th of October at Ubizane Wildlife Reserve.   

Peter and Clementine after the question was popped 

Peter had been in contact with Ubizane’s Reservationist, Jade for numerous weeks; arranging the special occasion which was a surprise to the fiancé to be. The entire Ubizane team played along and kept the special evening a secret.  After hearing tales about the wonderful adventures their friends had in Africa Peter and Clementine decided to experience it for themselves, little did Clementine know that she would be leaving this majestic continent with more treasured memories than she initially bargained for.

The big day had arrived, and after weeks of counting down the days, preparations to make the engagement as special and memorable as possible were well on the way. Ubizane’s magical Bush Deck, with its mystical Fever Trees as a backdrop and tranquil silence was chosen as the venue. Enjoying a late afternoon game drive, the blissful couple arrived at the bush deck in time to view the breath taking sunset through the Fever Trees. 

Sun set through the Fever Trees 

Peter & Clementine on their Game Drive with guide Julian 

A private table awaited the happy couple 

Thinking it was the usual Ubizane Sun-downers stop off point, the couple arrived at a romantic setting that was subtly lit by candles. The scatterings of delicate yellow veld flowers lead the way to an elegantly set table that had a chilled bottle of Champagne and Chocolate dipped strawberries waiting. Dream-like Chinese lanterns danced subtly in the late afternoon breeze as the Peter asked Clementine to be his wife.   

Chilled complimentary Champagne for the newly engaged couple

Ubizane's Bush Deck 

With the formalities for the most part over, the newly engaged couple relaxed under the canopy of trees and enjoyed a refreshing glass of champagne, while the soothing sounds of the African bush provided peaceful background music, enhancing the African experience a step further.  

Once the sun set, the candles lit the Bush Deck subtly 

Peter and Clementine enjoyed a relaxing stay here at Ubizane, complimented with Hluhluwe Imfolozi and Ubizane Game Drives as well as numerous trips to the surrounding attractions such as an education trip to Emdoneni, a relaxing boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary and a unique opportunity to revel in the numerous cultural villages that historic Zululand has to offer.   

The entire Ubizane team wishes Peter and Clementine nothing but warm wishes for their future, and hope to see them back here at Ubizane in the not so distant future!   

Home Grown at Ubizane:

Many of you who have been to Ubizane Wildlife Reserve might have had the pleasure of dining in our Restaurant, Boma or Bush dinner sites and enjoyed our chef’s fine cuisine.

However, what you may not know is that many of our ingredients are grown on the property, in our very own vegetable garden. 

Large Vegetable Garden at Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

After the first rains it wasn't just the grass that had transformed, but our vegetable garden at the back of the kitchen as well. We were extremely proud to harvest the first of our baby carrots, which will be freshly prepared for one of our dinners.  

Baby Carrots 

Our Spring onions are also looking perky after the rejuvenating rain, and despite them being used constantly in our soups, salads and as a garnish on many of our delectable dishes. We also have our cherry tomatoes; which our chef is eagerly waiting for them to turn their characteristically red colour, and is actively planning dishes that will enhance their sweet juicy taste. These tomatoes along with our Cos Lettuce and Spring Onions make a beautiful organic salad, which is often enjoyed as a refreshing starter on a hot summer’s night.   

Cherry Tomatoes 

Spring Onions 

Cos Lettuce 

Who would have thought that Beetroot could be used for anything other than as a salad? Here at Ubizane we are a firm believer in thinking out the box, and we have proud ourselves with the creation of our Beetroot cake. I know that the first reaction is somewhat of a negative one, but you have to reserve your judgments until you have experienced its refreshing, moist taste. And seems that our beetroots are sprouting up eagerly, our Beetroot cake should be appearing on the menu any day now. 

Beetroot 

It not just vegetables that thrive in the Ubizane Vegetable garden, but an assortment of herbs too! Everything from Sage to Parsley and Dill to Coriander servers as good accompaniment to our Pan African Cuisine and enhances the flavors ever so subtly. 

Sage 

Why the Dung Beetle is so strong:

When you walk through African during the rainy season, you may come across large black beetles pushing along large balls of animal dung as big as apples. These are known as Dung Beetles and this old Batonka story tells us why they do this.  

Long ago, Dung Beetle and Butterfly were the best of friends. They were always together as they went about their daily business. One day, they were resting in the shade of a tree when First Man and First Woman walked by.

“Oh, what a beautiful Butterfly!” they exclaimed. And they stood and admired her for quite some time. When First Man and First Woman resumed their travels, Dung Beetle said to Butterfly “Whenever First Man and First Woman see you, they stop and admire you. They never take a second glance at me, am I so ugly?”

“Nonsense” said Butterfly “It’s only because you have nothing to attract their attention. Humans admire beauty and strength. If you had to become the strongest insect in the world, for instance, they would sure take notice of you.”

“I could never become the strongest insect in the world” said Beetle sadly.

“Certainly you could” Butterfly quickly replied. “Remember, if you make no effort you can expect no results. But if you try you might succeed” 

Dung Beetle decided that she would try. She went off on her own for a long time. Dung Beetle tried all sorts of exercises and challenges to become strong. Through continued effort she became very strong. At last she returned to her friend Butterfly.

To show Butterfly how strong she had become, Dung Beetle fashioned some huge balls of elephant dung. Theses balls were many times the size of Dung Beetle. But she was now so strong that she had no trouble pushing them around with her back legs.

As Dung Beetle was doing this, First Man and First Woman passed by, They were both amazed by Dung Beetle’s prowess, that they didn't even notice beautiful Butterfly.