Birds of a feather...

For those of you who followed our Barn Owls story, you might be dying to hear how they are doing.  Our little chicks are all grown-up and starting to gain the birds of prey instinct that we so diligently have tried to expose them to.  

We see this when they receive food.  Whenever we start feeding them they start hissing and stamping their feet aggressively.  This is a sign of dominance as they would usually take the mice that they catch and beat them on the ground with their claws until they die.  This is a very gruesome way of killing but we must remember that these are wild birds of prey which can become just as violently aggressive as a predator such as a lion.  They also swing their heads from side to side to try and intimidate those around.  It is a very interesting process to watch as they brutally attack their food without mercy.  And yet they do it so gracefully and beautiful that it’s hard to look away. 

They have become more beautiful by the day and now look like fully grown adult Barn Owls.  The only difference is that they are a little smaller in size than a fully grown owl.

 They have much fuller rounder faces now with that perfect heart shape

All their down has gone, now it’s only the beautiful brown, grey and white soft feathers that remain.

On your next visit to Ubizane, feel free to ask us about the progress of the owls!

Join our Migration

Thursday is a big day for us at Ubizane.  For the past few months the team has been working hard to redesign and revamp our old website.  We decided 2013 is the year for change at Ubizane and we have completely redone our website.  We have upgraded our website to a look that represents Ubizane better so you can be sure that Ubizane is the holiday destination for you and your family!

The big launch is on Thursday, the 6^th of June and with it will be a brand new competition.  The first 10 people to register for the newsletter & to tell us where to find the phrase “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin” by William Shakespeare, on the new site will receive a 25% discount on their next stay at Ubizane! 

You can enter by emailing social@ubizane.co.za with your answer and your name & surname.
Competition closes as soon as 10 persons have entered complying with the rules!

The countdown to 6 June 2013 has begun, only 2 more days! Join our migration!

RED TOMATOES...

The African sun can be a tourist’s best friend and worst enemy. Sunstroke is no joke and can destroy a holiday in one quick swift.

What is sunstroke?

Sunstroke occurs when the body becomes overheated through overexposure to the sun and the brain cannot control the cooling process of the body. Sunstroke can cause confusion, light-headedness and fatigue, and shade and cool water on the skin helps. However, sunstroke is much more serious as the body can control heat exhaustion somewhat by spreading blood flow to the extremities, but it can't control the effects of sunstroke and requires immediate medical help.

6 Steps to relieve sunstroke:

·         GET OUT OF THE SUN! the sooner you are out of the sun the quicker you can relieve yourself from sun stroke, and the less damaging it will be.

·         Lower your body temperature by putting a cool, wet rag on the back of your neck. This will cool you down faster than just putting the cloth on your face.

·         Remove any extra clothing like a hat or shoes and socks to aid in the cooling process.

·         Lie down and put a cool, damp cloth over your forehead. Raise your feet a few inches to avoid potential shock.

·         Drink (sip) cool water slowly. Too much too fast can induce shock. Start on any diluted clear or light colored Powerade - dilute with water 50%. (Full strength will upset your stomach.)

·         If flu-like symptoms persist, go see the doctor immediately!

      Those with health issues as well as the very young, very old and overweight people are often especially susceptible to sunstroke and should avoid spending too much time in the sun. If staying indoors or somewhere cool is not an option, light colored, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat should be worn and water should be consumed regularly. It’s important to drink water on hot days even when you don’t feel thirsty; as it helps your bodies stay cooler longer.

Enjoy your holiday, get bronzed and feel great, but be responsible…You only have one skin so look after it. Never forget to wear sun screen, it will help with regards to stopping extreme sun burn/stroke as well as lessen your chances of skin cancer.

Be wise. Enjoy your summer holiday.