The Count is On! (Part Two)

The deeper we went into Ubizane the worse the roads became. That Landy looked like Elvis, rockin’ and rollin’ while battling through some very small spaces.  Luckily I got over my claustrophobia a long time ago! While tensing our eyes looking for any sign of movement or animals next to us we suddenly looked up with the tall...gigantic...Giraffe standing right in front of the Land Rover! We couldn’t help but laugh at our own stupidity for almost missing these massive creatures right in front of us! So Hamilton called out the number of males, females and youngsters for me after analysing them carefully while I wrote all our findings down.  We were slowly but surely making progress.

Giraffe were closer than expected!

Another interesting creature we met on our road while counting the game, was a big, furry Cane Rat.  Rats aren’t really the most gracious or most beautiful animals but these Cane Rats are just too cute! They are huge with little crooked teeth and fluffy fur. I enjoyed seeing this interesting friend. Now on the other hand if I saw him in my house at night – maybe I wouldn’t enjoy his presence as much!

A Cane Rat

At one point we went down a road that, to me, looked like a game trail rather than an actual road! We counted some Wildebeest and saw a few hiding Nyala.  With an overgrown trail (I’m calling it a trail because roads are different in my mind) we bundu bashed into the bush. Leaves were flying everywhere and I was covered in branches and plants, so much so that I could probably start my own garden in the Landy! Hammy laughed as I cringed and ducked for oncoming Acacia thorn branches.  As we came to a stop in an open area where the trail connected to a road which I perceive as a REAL road, I realised the Landy was a little heavier than usual. I did not know if I wanted to look back...maybe a Wildebeest decided to join the party or it could have been my worst fear – a gigantic spider on steroids! This is Zululand after all where ANYTHING is possible! After plucking up the courage I looked behind me and there it was...a massive tree branch – the size of pretty much HALF THE TREE stuck in the row of seats behind me. So I explained the situation to Hamilton in the only way I saw fitting, “Ah Hammy you shouldn’t have! Normal men give a bunch of roses...not half a tree!”

 After driving for hours with the sun piercing through my pale skin, we were finally confident that we covered as many animals in our designated area and went back to Tree Lodge.  It was important to go through your designated area as many times as possible before calling it a day.  It helped to use landmarks such as a certain odd looking tree, etc. to ensure that game weren’t counted more than once. It is also easy to get lost in the endless bush so we were all equipped with a handy Ubizane map which we also used to mark and pinpoint the animals’ locations. 

 

Hammy looks over the Ubizane grounds to see if he can spot any herds
and to plan our next route...

While driving back I realised how dirty my pants were, not only with leaves covering it but also from pen marks. Driving in a shaking Land Rover with an open pen shaking around in your hand with beige-white pants – not the greatest idea.  It is now decorated in blue Vincent Van Gogh style stripes to remind me every day of my fun outing during the game count!  The end of our journey also brought about another critter which I did not appreciate as much as Hamilton did; a small jumping spider.  Yes, I do live in the bush and this should not faze me but unfortunately for me I really dislike these small eight-legged beasts. This little critter knew I disliked him and kept jumping back on me – and I admit; I did let out a girlish squeal every time it landed back on me! Hamilton enjoyed it very much, for him it was like an episode from his favourite comedy.  I just want to add this spider continuously made his way back to me after countless attempts of trying to get rid of him every time for the whole journey back to the lodge!  He’s probably still awaiting my return to the Land Rover since that fateful day...

Upon return at the lodge I ran for my lunch and water realising that we were gone from 10am until 2:30pm! We counted again for two days after the first trip and I can now say I’m a pro at game count and I am ready for the next one next year!

10 Tips to get you through your first Game Count!

 Here are a few tips that I picked up from my experience which might help you one day if you are asked to help in a game count on a wildlife reserve:

1. Use sun block... a lot
2. Wear a hat & sunglasses
3. Wash your face when you get back to the lodge...people tend to laugh at your red dirt-filled face
4. Don’t leave your pen-cap off while driving in a Land Rover – I drew on myself without even knowing
5. In fact (following point nr. 4) don’t wear white or light beige pants!
6. Look in front of you as well as to the sides to avoid catching a fright with a massive unseen Giraffe suddenly appearing right in front of the Land Rover
7. Get over your fear of spiders – you might get a follower like my jumping friend
8. Eat breakfast before you go!
9. Remember to pack a water bottle filled with fresh water
10. Keep your eyes open and find those animals! 

©Ettioné Ferreira

  

She said Yes!

We had the pleasure of hosting another engagement this past week. On a decorated Bush Deck Mark Agterbos asked Chantal Steenstra to become his wife and with tears in her eyes she said yes. Mark exclaimed thereafter, "She said yes!" 

Congratulations to another happy couple who became engaged at Ubizane!

A Perfect Day

On 5 October 2013 Douglas Briel proposed to Monique Kohrs in a fairy tale setting on our Bush Deck under a warm glow from the African sun. A big congratulations to the happy couple!!!

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. 

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.