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 13th 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.
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