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.