Shirra and Stephan tie the knot at Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

As many of our social media followers will know, we have seen our fair share of weddings here at Ubizane, that being said… having a wedding disguised as a Birthday celebration was admittingly a first for the entire Ubizane Wildlife Reserve Team.  

‘Birthday guests’ started arriving in drips and drabs throughout the course of the day on Friday. After which they relaxed around Tree Lodge Pool area quenching the summer heat away with ice cold refreshments. Suspensions did however run high when the guests were informed they were going on a Game Drive, which was pretty much compulsory.

Ubizane’s magical Bush Deck once again proved to be the venue of Choice for this romantic couple to start their happily ever after together. Secluded amongst Fever Trees, the supposed ‘birthday celebration’ was kept secretive enough. However as they turned the corner and drove up to the deck, which was elegantly decorated in white Chinese lanterns, white rose petals and custom made signs which represented their love, commitment and journey together as a couple;  was the only give-away that this was not just an ordinary birthday bash, but rather the start of a loving couple’s fairytale love story. 

 

The guests expressed their utter surprise and excitement as they all hastily climbed off the Land Rovers and headed up the stairs leading up to the deck. Making their way to their seats, the guests still in amazement of the couple’s ability to keep such a major event a secret. They were greeted by elegant cones which housed popcorn. Ubizane, being a Wildlife Reserve has the best interest of the environment and its wildlife in mind at all time, doesn't allow traditional confetti. Popcorn however provided a unique compromise and a tasty snack for the birds once the ceremony was over.  

 

Ubizane’s Boma was yet again transformed into something truly spectacular; a simple but elegant look was achieved with subtle hints of white. Scattered along the table, delicate crystal gems caught the soft evening light from the remarkable night sky which was deepened by the gentle crackling of the fire. A delicious array of home styled food created a relaxing atmosphere, as the guests sat back and enjoyed each other’s company while the sounds of the African bush provide subtle background music.  

A big Congratulation goes out to Shirra and Stephen De Klerk, the entire Ubizane Wildlife Reserve wishes you nothing but good fortune and we look forward to your return for your Wedding Anniversary. 

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!