Charity, Assistant manager/relief

Assistant Manager/Relief, Charity Mpotokwane, 25, grew up in Francistown, which means she was a city girl when she moved to Maun after high school to earn her hospitality operations certificate from Maun Technical College. Her practical training for her degree led her to the bush, to an educational attachment with Desert & Delta Safaris. She joined the company as an assistant manager trainee in February 2008, and today she works as an assistant manager/relief, alternating camps as needed when assigned managers are away.

The city girl is sold on bush life. “The first time I saw elephants swim, I said, ‘Wow. This is what brings the tourists to the country.’”

Her dream is to run her own camp in the delta. “It’s lovely to be close to nature…quiet and peaceful,” she says, adding that she’s proud to be a Motswana living in a stable country. “I don’t want to travel, because the world comes to me.”

Chobe Game Lodge Environmental News

Environmental News from Chobe Game Lodge

The arrival of the first rain showers northern Botswana

November was as always a month of change since it normally heralds the arrival of the first rains, and the saying “water is life” was quite graphically portrayed here in Chobe. We’ve had a very good raining month with more than a 150mm of rain already recorded. This brought about a drastic change in the bush as the dry vegetation sprung back to life again and to the great delight of all the herbivores new green shoots of grass and leaves can now be seen everywhere. Not only has there been a drastic rejuvenation in the vegetation, but we have also witnessed the arrival of many new babies in the bush. Most notable of these is the impala with every herd having a little crèche of babies. We’ve also seen many baby warthogs, baboons and even the banded mongoose pack around the Lodge have increased their number by about 7 or 8.

Warthog mother with her new babies.

The rains always mean that the sightings tend to slow down a bit and it is especially the elephants that are conspicuous in their absence. At the beginning of the month we still had large herds of zebra and sable which have all disappeared inland trying to find new grazing grounds.

Large herds of zebra were a common sight around Kabulabula before it started to rain

A very unique picture of a leopard feeding off baby elephant. Picture courtesy of Mr Peter Hodes.

The above picture was sent to us by one of our guests, Mr Peter Hodes who was a guest at the Lodge on the evening of the 22nd of October. Mr Hodes and fellow guests went out on a boat excursion with guide Onkabetse Abel and managed to capture this very unique picture of a leopard feeding off the carcass of a dead baby elephant. The little one possibly died due to the dry harsh conditions we experience here in Chobe during late October and leopards are not averse to scavenging.

On the way into Sedudu valley en route from the Sedudu Gate we now have a clan of spotted hyenas that has made the culverts under the road their central den over the last
month, as they have done in previous years. We have so far counted four pups – two sets of two of different ages. The pups are however rather skittish and we haven’t been able to get any good pictures of them so far.

Young spotted hyena outside the den

The change of season have improved birding conditions however as most of our migratory birds have by now returned to the area. Among these count the woodlands kingfisher, Klaas’s cuckoo, Diederick cuckoo and Steppe buzzards.

On the 29th of November Chobe Game Lodge will be entering at least one team in the Birding Big Day event organised by Birdlife Botswana. For this event teams with a minimum of 4 members enter into a competition where they try to count as many as possible bird species over a 24 hour period in an area with a radius of no more than 50km. The South African record is 313 species, but Chobe has a record of only 115 – a number we are sure we can easily beat! We will report back on this event as soon as possible.

That was a glimpse of all the environmental happening of Chobe over the last month – we will keep you posted on all new bush news in the coming month.

Regards
The Chobe Game Lodge Guides.

Compiled by
Wouter Theron, Environmentalist, Chobe Game Lodge

Solomon, Guide at Leroo La Tau

Guide: Solomon Gakenathata

Goes by: Solomon

Date of Birth: April 14, 1983

Home village: Etsha 13


Desert & Delta guide since: September 2007

Favorite animal or bird: Leopard because “normally when it kills its prey, it takes it up the tree and doesn’t want to be disturbed by any animal. I like the Woodland Kingfisher, a summer visitor. Once you hear the Woodland Kingfisher calling, it indicates that in 2-3 days it will be raining. That’s why I go for it.”

Favorite reference book or tool: “Sasol Birds of Southern Africa” by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton

Favorite food: papa and beef seswaa

Special talent: singing and traditional dancing

A hope for his lifetime: ”I prefer to get married, then I can settle down with my wife.”

Most memorable experience at Leroo La Tau: “I saw two females and the male rhinos. I stopped in the car. They were maybe 10 metres away, and they started coming to the vehicle. They were just sniffing. I was having two guests, and I told them, ‘Don’t speak.’ They (the three rhinos) came four metres to the vehicle.”

Best thing about Leroo La Tau: The migration of animals, like blue wildebeest and zebras, through LLT.

What makes Botswana special: “The delta. The wild animals that we’ve got. Same applies to the people in Botswana: We’re very peaceful. Even if you meet somebody on the way, they will stop and tell you which way you want to go.”


Interviewed by Maria Henson, volunteer, Desert & Delta Safaris

Changing Seasons Savute Safari Lodge

Savute has definitely seen some changes during the last couple of weeks. The long, dry spell has at last been broken with good rainfalls being recorded throughout the region. One particular storm has provided 130mm of rain in three hours! This has turned the previously dry region into an emerald paradise.

Then

Now

Suddenly the skies are filled with migratory bird species, making Savute a Bird Watchers heaven. During one short drive I was able to spot six different species of Stork alone (Marabou, Yellow-billed, White, Abdim’s, Woolly Necked and Saddle Billed Stork) The Carmine and European Bee-eaters are adding bright splashes of colour to the green grass lands, and Swallows and Swifts are seen in thousands hawking insects from the skies.

Birds are not the only ones that has arrived in force. The Impalas has started dropping lambs, and every herd is accompanied by some small lambs, most less than a month old. This provides a great training opportunity to the Wilddog pups. On three occasions we were lucky enough to observe the adults training the pups in hunting Impala. The smaller lambs are an easy target for the pups, giving them the ideal opportunity to train for the day when they will have to start joining the hunt for larger prey.

The Buffalo has also returned to the area. With the sprouting of new grass, the boys are coming back to Savute, looking for the succulent new growth. Currently the Buffaloes are restricted to groups of old bulls, but soon this will change as the cows also come through to share in the abundance of food. All the other grazers are also making a return to the area, with regular sightings of Zebra and Wildebeest dotting the area around the marsh.

With the abundance of game in the area, the predators are also making use of every opportunity. Two “new” adult male Lions has came into the area during the last couple of days. They both appear relatively young and in a very good condition. They were also able to link up with a local female that is seen with them on a regular basis. This leads to some major conflict between them and our regular males – the Mababe Boys. Every evening the sound of males roaring reverberates through the camp. At this stage the competition seems to be restricted to a roaring contest, a means of advertising their presence in the area. This will however soon escalate to full on warfare, where battle lines will be drawn as to whom will be the top dog (or is it cat?) in the Savute region. The Mababe Boys are substantially older than the two youngsters and are past their prime, whereas the two new guys are just reaching their peak. In the advantage of the Mababe boys is that they are three (one older and two younger brothers) compared to the two new males. The question is therefore a lot easier than the answer: Would numbers and experience prevail over age, or would strong, vibrant muscles overcome old weary ones? Only time will tell, and we will keep a beady eye on all the happenings.

Kobus Lubbe, Manager at Savute safari Lodge

World Aids Day Commemorated at Chobe Game Lodge

World Aids Day on the 1 December 2008 was commemorated by management and staff alike.

The morning commenced with a gathering at the lake with a prayer delivered by our Senior Guide Moses and an Inspirational message centring on the Botswana World Aids Day theme, Leadership: Behaviour Change Is My Key Responsibility to STOP HIV and Aids, given by one of our Staff Wellness Committee members Shozi. Obviously this is an issue not to be taken lightly and the severity of the plight in Africa as well as World Wide was in everybody’s minds.

A vital concern in any organisation is the Staff and their Well Being. A staff wellness committee was formed in October to focus on these issues. In view of our remote location, we had to think of a physical activity that would suit all. After consultation with management and a substantial financial commitment, the decision to build and equip a volley ball court was made.
During the past two months management and staff have actively been practising and participating in games and learning all the rules associated with this highly entertaining and energetic sport.

One may ask what on earth does this have to do with World Aids Day and the answer is simple. Health and fitness is imperative in this environment and a Volley Ball Tournament would be a fitting event to hold.
The event included a fund raiser whereby various goods were sold to supplement our steadily growing staff wellness fund ,which is utilised for purchasing items for those that are either unwell or have been hospitalised.
The format of the competition was round Robin with 4 teams of 6 competing with innovative , fun and inspirational names such as the Overlanders, the Babatona, the Dikakapa and last but not least the Red Devils. Shouts of encouragement and whoops of excitement emanated from the staff and an impromptu Cheerleading squad was even created. The event lasted long into the early evening with war injuries being sustained during the quest to outplay and outwit their opponents.

The final was hotly contested between Team Overland and Team Dikakapa and our lady umpire was put under extreme pressure to award points to various spectators favourite teams. The event after three arduous and demanding rounds was won by Team Dikakapa and a floating trophy sponsored by the lodge was presented by the Human Resources Manager.

The day was hailed as a great success but the seriousness of the occasion remained in everybody’s minds. We all know how important it is to emphasise and reiterate to staff how deadly this disease is and the importance of education regarding the illness is. It is wonderful that we could do this in a more pleasant way and yet still make people aware of how big a role health and fitness plays in combating the virus.

Management, Chobe Game Lodge

Boteti Lions and Brown Hyena movements

Leroo La Tau is not only about lion, zebra and wildebeest. Leroo La Tau also boasts Chobe bushbuck, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, impala, kudu, jackal, porcupine, genet and caracal, to name but a few. In addition, there is also the possibility of seeing the rare white rhinoceros. Most unique however, are the crocodiles and an amazing pod of hippo which have survived in extremely adverse conditions for over 12 years. The hugely contrasting seasons and terrain make this area of the Makgadikgadi a unique haven for large herds and predators alike.

Researcher Glyn Maud based themselves at Leroo La Tau, tracking collars on brown hyaena and lion. The immediate information from these transmitters would show us their movements, especially now the migration has moved away to the saltpans. They achieved the aim with a couple of collars onto brown hyaena (one a cell phone collar and the second a normal GPS remote download collars. They also put a cell phone GPS collar onto a lioness.

While we were doing the darting we saw males on the other side of the fence. The next aim will be to get funds together to get a cell collar onto a male lion to observe fence crossing, as it is mainly the male lions that cross the fence, but the data captured will give clearer picture over a longer period.

Glyn Maude, Researcher at Leroo La Tau

Lions on Palm Island - Xugana Island Lodge

Lets Ngoma & Joel Body took their guests walking on Palm Island this morning. A few of them already saw lions on yesterday’s walk, but from a distance. The guests joining on the walk were Mr & Mrs Grehl travelling with Mr & Mrs Mess from Germany, Claude & Susanne Chatelain from Switzerland and John & Kate English from the UK.

They saw 2 lions from a distance and started circling them to get closer. Nearing them, only 1 was visible, so they decided to wait a little. While Lets was standing with the guests, Body walked to a nearby termite mound to get some height and saw another 2 lionesses. This young male (as in the photograph) was watching him and stood up. Lets said it took about 2 seconds before the male turned around and started approaching them, walking slowly, grunting. Lets started shouting at him after which he turned around and went back.

Lets was concentrating to keep his guests calm, but as he says – “Everyone stood their ground!”

Photographs taken by Lets Ngoma.

Sekoma Profile on Kelvin Pising Sikanda

Guests always want to know more about our staff, who they are, where they come from and the role they perform in the operation and as such we decided to do a monthly profile. This month the Sekoma focus is on our Camp Manager Kelvin.
Kelvin is of Zambian descent and was born in Livingston in the Southern Province. His home language is Lozi but he is completely fluent in English and is even learning a little bit of Afrikaans. In 1992 he became a Wild Life Conservation Member and this is where his interests began.

Kelvin was employed on Sekoma Island during 1998 as a Game Guard prior to the lodge being built, so it was a natural progression for him to become a Guide and his experience grew from there. He is an avid fisherman and his exploits of the Tiger Fish he has caught will be of interest to all. He adores Bird Watching and is extremely knowledgeable regarding local folklore and places of interest.

Kelvin was promoted to Camp Manager in 2001 and has excelled in this position, learning new things every day. He is well liked and respected by guests and staff alike. His current passion is creating new and diverse Fly fishing activities throughout the lower Zambezi , some of the best spots being found amongst the white water rapids below Sekoma Island , getting there is quite an experience, utilizing the lodges new rubber ducks which have been purchased for these and other activities.

Look out for the “Big Man” on your next visit to Sekoma!

Chobe Game Lodge Star of the Month

Excitement and Anticipation are the only two words that I can think of that aptly describe this award. On a monthly basis each Department Head nominates a member of staff in his or her operation that they feel have excelled in their normal duties and have exceeded expectations and shown initiative. The Star of the month is then selected by the General Manager .A monetary award is presented to the winning staff member at the monthly meeting. The Winners names are then put forward for the Employee of the Year Award which has a great amount of prestige and accolade attached to it. Four of the twelve candidates selected during the year are then chosen and receive a further incentive.

The Star of the Month for October is Mr. Masheleng Gombalume. This very wise, articulate and very soft spoken gentleman is a Sous Chef in the Chobe Game Lodge Kitchen as well as one of the shift Supervisors. He was born in the small village of Senyawe in North Eastern Botswana and speaks a variety of dialects from Kalanga and Setwswana to Ndebele. His absolutely amazing culinary passion stemmed from a chance encounter with a French Restaurateur at the age of 21 and his love of food grew from there.

He has worked in a variety of Lodges and Hotels, widening his knowledge and experience. He joined the Chobe Game Lodge Family on the 18 March 2004. His ability to excel in whatever task he has been assigned and his eagerness to train and pass his encyclopedia of culinary knowledge onto the trainees is the reason why he received this award. His comments on receiving his cheque were as gracious as ever: “My wife and family would like to thank you for giving them a good Christmas.” His aspirations for the future ,of course Food, Food and more Food!

Chobe Game Lodge through the years

Chobe Game Lodge Through The Years

On the event of our 25 Anniversary since reopening, we decided it might be quite an enlightening and fun exercise to take a look back through the years. How the lodge looked in the good old Eighties and how it has changed and grown, keeping up with new trends and guest expectations into the first decade of the millennium. Every month we will be doing a feature on an aspect of the lodge ranging from the lodge façade and entrance through to the rooms, public areas and swimming pool as well as all the extra touches that have been added since 1983

This month’s focus is on one of the Jewels of the lodge, our sparkling new Rock Pool and stunning surrounding Landscaping that came into being in April this year. This replaced the really old fashioned and weather worn pool that had served our guests so well in the past. We managed to obtain a few historical photographs depicting what the pool looked like originally and then more as we progressed through the ages. The original lodge was in a very sad state and the pool took a lot of tender loving care and hard work to once again make it usable. However as anybody who knows Chobe Game Lodge and our Managing Director Mr. Jonathan Gibson this would be a task that would not defeat him.

The pictures above depict what the pool and environment looked like after the Bush War prior to refurbishment.

The above state of affairs did not last long and soon there was a bright, sparkling refurbished pool which served both local and international guests well for many years. Of course the furnishings and landscape were updated on a regular basis, however glancing through pictures from previous years it is still outstanding to see plastic chairs and loungers which at that stage were really considered quite modern.

The decision was eventually made that as much as everybody was attached to this grand old lady the time for a new an updated model had arrived. Much planning and attention to detail went into this and the process from start to finish took approximately two years. Initially sourcing the correct contractor, the land surveying that had to be done as well as the logistics of importing the relevant building material and last but not least obtaining work permits for the contractor and staff-No easy task at the best of times. Eventually everything was in place and the building began, the process lasted approximately 6 weeks and cost P675000. Despite all the obstacles such as the long hours and extreme conditions, all the efforts eventually bore fruit and the phenomenal project had come to an end. The new rock pool is a spectacle to behold, not only is it a stunning and gorgeous sight but the landscaping that has been done is aesthetically pleasing and pleasantly charming. The furnishings that have been purchased definitely complement this new feature and the environment.

Make sure that you indulge in a cool and refreshing splash on your next visit to our beautiful lodge.

Birders Paradise at Xugana Island Lodge

Being a ‘Birder’s Paradise’, here are just a few of the birds currently flying around at Xugana Island Lodge:

Brown Firefinch – Tiny bird, usually seen in small flocks.

Paradise Flycatcher – The breeding male has an extravagant ribbon-like tail as seen on the photograph. He takes turns with the female to hatch the eggs.



Blackeyed Bulbul – A lively bulbul seen in pairs or small groups. The call is a series of liquid whistles although the alarm call is better known.

Chinspot Batis – The female has a chestnut breast bar and the male has a broad black bar on the breast.

Kurrichane Thrush – This bird is mostly seen on the ground, searching through leaves for worms & insects.

Greenbacked Heron – Meet Harry, he comes every night to feed in the area in front of the bar at Xugana. Waiting patiently for his dinner, he is a very successful ‘fisherman’.

African Darter – A silhouette of the African Darter, usually seen with the wings outstretched to dry.

Greater Blue-eared Starling – Seen in abundance around the lodge, especially around brunch time!

Malachite Kingfisher – This photograph was taken on the way to the hippo pools, driving past. They are usually seen perched low among the reeds.

Redbilled Francolin – Feeding primarily on insects and seeds, they are seen running around the gardens in the lodge.

Mourning Dove – The similar Redeyed Dove is larger, with a pale-pink head and red eyes. The soft call, gives this bird its name.

Whitefronted Bee-eater – The throat is red, the forehead white, the vent a bright blue and a white band runs below the black mask.

Giant Kingfisher – A massive, charcoal-grey kingfisher with white-spotted back. This photograph was taken near Palm Island in the Main Channel.

Pied Kingfisher – Our resident kingfisher, Spike, is seen every night fishing in front at the bar area. He now has a family, joining in the daily activities. The white underpants are divided by a double chest bar in the male, and a single broken bar in the female.


Photographs taken by Mark & Lizl Carlsen, Managers at Xugana Island Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge goes green

Saturday the 11th of October 2008 was a day that all at Chobe Game Lodge had been eagerly anticipating for quite some time. Almost a year earlier the decision to purchase 24 Solar Panels at a substantial cost had been made and the aforementioned ordered. The logistics in obtaining said items however had taken longer than anticipated but eventually there they were. The panels were gingerly offloaded and a brace quickly built for these particularly fragile items to hold them until installation could be completed. This proved to be a highly entertaining exercise participated in by all from our highly skilled Maintenance staff to the Gardeners even including input from various members of Management.


These panels were to be our first foray into going green on a large scale, with major energy saving taking place especially in relation to the electrical geysers which are used extensively during the year. This would also obviously relate into a huge financial and energy resource conservation amounting to an almost 65% power saving.

We have six geysers at the lodge at present that heat approximately 6000 liters of water daily. The 24 panels have been split up into sections of 8 placed on the Main building and the East and West wings respectively. We had to install inline Solar Driven Water Pumps on the West and East Wings due to the location of our Solar Panels, being above the electrical geysers. Hot water rises, so to ensure consistent circulation the solar heated water had to be forced downwards to the geysers. These little pumps are quite interesting due to the fact that they pump faster as the water heats up. The first panels were put up at the beginning of November and are already making a difference. The Management and Staff at Chobe Game Lodge take it to heart ensuring all practical measures are implemented which can result in the decrease or reduction of pollution as well as limiting the exploitation of natural resources which made the solar panel water heating system ideal for our purposes as solar energy is clean and renewable energy.



Management also recently made the decision to replace all the existing incandescent light bulbs in the hotel with energy saver bulbs resulting in an energy saving of approximately 80%.The globes are low energy consumption units, using only 11W as opposed to the average 60W incandescent standard bulb. Over 400 bulbs have been replaced throughout the lodge and surrounds with Warm White bulbs being installed in the rooms and Yellow bulbs along the walkways. These bulbs last approximately six times longer than normal bulbs and attract far fewer insects. Updates will follow regarding the success of these projects.

An Okavango Delta Boat transfer

One always thinks of a transfer while on holidays possibly involving a taxi, train, aeroplane or tube but here at Camp Okavango we have an unforgettable transfer by boat to one of our sister lodges – Camp Moremi. Here the transfer doesn’t only mean getting from A to B but it also includes an opportunity to view the Delta’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Instead of been squashed in a stuffy queue one gets to relax on a boat, learn about the fauna and flora of the diverse Okavango Delta and take in the fresh untouched African wilderness.

So what does a boat transfer involve?

After a relaxed breakfast in camp our guest will jump on one of our motor boats with a very experienced and knowledgeable local guide as their driver. Setting off from the camp you will begin to meander through the papyrus lined channels of the Okavango. On these transfers one never knows what to expect. After about 20 minutes you will enter into the flood plain behind the camp where there could be a possibility of seeing the very rare Sitatunga. This is an aquatic antelope which lives in the papyrus. It has splayed, elongated hooves which helps it to run in the mud with out getting stuck, a wonderful adaptation for these animals. On one such boat transfer the guests where incredibly lucky to see an African Rock Python attempting to swallow a Spur Winged Goose while a crocodile looked on! After crossing the flood plain the boat will join the main channel know as the Mounachire channel following the water down stream you will continue to travel through the wider papyrus lined channels. Around each corner you never know what to expect, you may be fortunate to see elephants swimming in the channel, crocodiles basking in the sun and plenty of birds going about their daily activities.

In the hotter months the elephants enjoy the refreshing Delta waters so one always needs to keep a look out on the banks of the Delta or even right in the middle of the channel where you may just see the trunk acting as a snorkel! For birders look out for the African Jacana’s – known as the Jesus bird as it walks on top of the water lilies.

Just before Gadikwe Lagoon, which is the half way stop you will come across the biggest heronry in Moremi Game Reserve. There you will find countless species of birds nesting. Every year the same birds migrate from all over the continent and some even come from Europe to breed at this particular spot. Some of the birds you will see are Marabou Storks, Yellow Billed Storks, Egrets and Ibis. Because of the possibilities of eggs or newly hatched babies falling into the water below their nests, the crocodiles, cat fish and monitor lizards wait in eager anticipation for an easy meal.

From viewing the birds at the heronry the boat will then stop at Gadikwe Island where you can stretch your legs, use a friendly tree and have a hot cup of coffee or tea. At this point you will swap boats and guides and from that stage the guide will take you safely onto Camp Moremi.

After the Gadikwe stop you will notice the change in scenery and vegetation. The water is shallow and you will move from one lagoon to another. The channels change from papyrus lined to over hanging Water Berry Trees. The viewing of game does not stop as you are now passing by open plains. Look out for lions keeping watch from a termite mound and giraffes browsing on Sausage Trees.

The whole transfer will take approximately 3 hours depending on what you see along the way. You will arrive at Camp Moremi just in time for brunch!

Leopard of Camp Moremi

Camp Moremi
Nov. 19, 2008

What licks its paws, sharpens its claws, rolls in the grass, scratches the ground, rubs its head against a log to relieve an itch and sips water from a puddle like milk from a bowl?

If you guessed a house cat, you could be right. But if you guessed a leopard in Moremi Game Reserve on this particular afternoon, you would be spot on.

Camp Moremi Guide Kagiso and I had a stroke of luck. Kagiso spotted tracks and followed them until we found this male leopard. We couldn’t believe it: He was relaxed and treated us as
fellow travelers. He would walk a bit, and we would ease along him behind the truck.

He would stop and strike a pose, and we would shoot his photo. At times, if I were brave enough or foolish enough to lean out of the truck, I would have been able to touch him; that’s how close he was. Neither Kagiso nor I could get over the fact that we had 45 minutes with this gorgeous creature, watching him do all of the cat-like activities I mentioned in the first paragraph. I had a chance to absorb the whole of the scene: not just watch the leopard in all his glory. I was able to observe the red-eyed francolins scatter about in a panic, squawking their warnings to other animals. I watched a giraffe stand frozen in the distance, craning its neck like a leaning Tower of Pisa. He wanted to know if the leopard was coming his way. Ditto the impala. They stood as if on ice.

Kagiso thought the leopard’s belly looked full, so at least for those moments the impalas need not have worried that they were on the dinner menu. This leopard was content to mark his territory and flaunt his fabulousness on the afternoon cat walk. Lucky for me I had a good seat for the show.

Volunteer, Maria Henson - Camp Moremi

Fireball Lily at Xugana Island Lodge

Nov. 18, 2008
(with photos of the Fireball lilly and Lets Ngoma)

Botswana’s rainy season is here, a time for parched ground to sprout new growth and for the trees to turn a brilliant shade of green. In the delta fireballs of color are sprouting as well – appearing only during this season and serving as exclamation points on the landscape.

On the morning walk today at Palm Island, Xugana Island Lodge guide Lets Ngoma introduced guests to Scadoxus multiflorus – the scarlet Fireball lily.

The flowers can be the size of a fist, and their round flowerheads provide an explosion of intense color that one can’t miss when scanning the green floodplains. They announce that precious rain – Pula! – has arrived in thirsty Botswana. Ground-level fireworks: that’s how they strike me -- another spectacular show in the Okavango Delta.

According to “Common Wild Flowers of the Okavango Delta: Medicinal uses and Nutritional value” by Veronica Roodt, the Fireball lily’s extracts are used for colds and asthma cures in India. In Tanzania, the mentally ill are bathed in its root infusion, and there is a belief that its root decoctions, taken at regular intervals, can cure sterility in women. In Senegal, the bulbs are mixed with other plants to treat dropsy.

From the perspective of this member of the walking safari today, the Fireball lily treats the senses to one more natural delight of Botswana. It’s the newest splash of color on the delta’s ever-changing natural canvas.

--Maria Hensonvolunteer, Desert & Delta Safaris

World Responsible Tourism Day at Camp Moremi

All staff and guests wore their green ribbons proudly today!!

The ‘I know my status’ campaign was celebrated with lots of singing and dancing by the staff who really enjoy themselves.
Our guests were thrilled to be involved with us on such a special day and they too enjoyed the singing and dancing, some were even seen tapping their feet to the rhythm of the African beat.

Thanks to all our staff and guests who took their time to share stories and information with each other.

World Responsible Tourism Day - Xugana Island Lodge

The staff at Xugana Island lodge and celebrated World Responsible Tourism Day

Lesego Vanham (Assistant Manager at Xugana Island Lodge) attaching Green Ribbon to Jessica Basenyeng, housekeeper at Xugana Island lodge)

We enjoyed celebrating World Responsible Tourism Day, handing out green ribbons to the guests and as a team at Xugana Island Lodge we hope to continue to act responsibly in tourism while providing the best experience for our guests. The celebration was concluded with two Setswana songs that showed the importance of tourism to the people of Botswana.

World responsible Tourism Day celebrations at Camp Okavango

It was fantastic to be able to celebrate World Responsible Tourism Day in camp and to be able to create awareness to both the staff and our guests through the ‘I Know My Status’ green ribbon campaign. As staff members of Camp Okavango we are proud to be working for a company that is so dedicated to changing the way we think about HIV/AIDS, how we help those who are infected and affected by the disease and reducing the stigma that is attached to HIV/AIDS.

The staff celebrated this day with the guests at brunch time. We started the celebration with an opening song and then there was a brief explanation about the meaning of the green ribbon and what Desert and Delta Safaris does as a company and what they want to do in the future.

The company has created a staff wellness program which focuses on ensuring that the staff members are healthy in mind, body and soul. We are very fortunate to have a company doctor, a Pastor as well as the government operated clinics that come into the camps to help achieve these goals. We also have Peer Educators and Lay Counselors who are members of staff, who have been specifically trained to educate their peers on various topics each month that will help to ensure that the staff have healthy minds, bodies and souls.

We are also very proud that 98% of our staff know their status and are proud to wear the green ribbon. The green ribbon is a sign of hope and of life as well as a responsibility to live a healthy life. Botswana as a country has reason to be very proud for their dedication to fighting the epidemic. Botswana was one of the first countries to offer free anti- retroviral treatment to the people as well as a program to prevent mother to child transmission. The green ribbon symbolizes the hope that the people of Botswana have for a wonderful life irrespective of their status. It also is a reminder for those who are HIV positive that there is hope and help available to them as well as reminding them to protect themselves and others, to eat healthily, to exercise and to encourage those who are in the same situation as them. For those who have a negative status the ribbon is a reminder to protect themselves, to encourage others to do the same and to help those who are affected by the disease.

The Camp Okavango team was glad to be able to create awareness amongst our guests and hopefully aid in reducing the stigma around HIV/AIDS. We enjoyed celebrating World Responsible Tourism Day, handing out green ribbons to the guests and as a team at Camp Okavango we hope to continue to act responsibly in tourism while providing the best experience for our guests. The celebration was concluded with two Setswana songs that showed the importance of tourism to the people of Botswana.


Michelle Fowler, Camp Okavango

World Responsible Tourism Day - 12 November 2008

I KNOW MY STATUS CAMPAIGN

Desert & Delta Safaris is proud to support WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on 12 November 2008.

Desert and Delta Safaris’ workplace intervention started in 2002 when our Managing Director, Mr Derek Flatt, compiled the first HIV / AIDS policy for Desert and Delta Safaris. This was communicated to our employees and also onboard was Chobe Holdings Managing Director, Mr Jonathan Gibson, who in turn, hired the company Doctor, Dr Andre Birkenstock. Dr Birkenstock travels on a regular basis to all our lodges, implementing the policy through a three dimensional approach: healthy mind, body and soul. We also make use of the services of Pastor Canaan Chatukutu who visits our lodges and takes care of the spiritual side of mental health, promoting Christian behavior change and relationships. We are proud to stand recognized today as one of the leaders in our industry when it comes to workplace intervention around HIV and AIDS and can boast that 98% of our entire workforce “Know Their Status”.

“In recognition and support of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day, Desert and Delta Safaris envisages to launch our “I Know My Status” campaign. Our intention is to create awareness and in doing so, reduce the stigma that surrounds the HIV/AIDS topic by distributing Green Ribbons on 12 November 2008. “This campaign is not only geared at our own staff and communities surrounding our business operations but to the Travel Trade worldwide”: says Marketing Director, Walter Smith.

Leroo La Tau sightings update

Update Leroo La Tau, bordering Makgadikgadi National Park

07 November 2008

We have returned from our month's leave and what a welcome home, we can see the difference that a little bit of rain has done. The lawn that you see as you walk out to the deck is a dark green and lush, the view from the lodge on the other side of the dry river bed is starting to get green spots on it and we know that soon it will be thick enabling the animals passing by to have shelter from the sun and rain.

We love this time of year, a new beginning for many babies - so far we have seen zebra, bushbuck, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, impala. The lion cubs are growing and coming into the time when food is plentiful, we are sure they will grow before our eyes.

We are also aware that as the temperatures are rising (40deg C +) the water becomes very precious and there is much fighting going on between 600 - 1000 zebra (at a time) that are all trying to get some of this element at the waterhole infront of the lodge. Unfortunately a well placed kick can send a zebra down the floor and later to perish, which is sad, but nature. This has happened a couple of times now since we have been back. The numbers of zebra coming to the waterhole is still high, but we also know that soon they will move to flatter and safer areas where natural pools of water have formed.

The lions are also moving in....there have been sightings of 9 lions as well as another group of 4. Two days ago the guests saw lions busy killing a pregnant zebra and also on a different occasion feeding on a giraffe. We also saw lions walking past the waterhole in front of the loge, which is exciting as the guests could watch them in the moonlight safely from their private decks.

5 Wild dogs have been spotted 4 days ago moving closer into the area, so we keep fingers crossed to see more of them in the not to distant future.

Cheetahs are also showing themselves now. There have been sightings of 4 and also, much to our excitement, a mom and 2 young ones.

Today, our guests saw the 3 Rhino together, I'm glad they have been seen again and hope the guests understand what a treasure it is to see them.

At 05:35 this morning while staff were preparing for breakfast and a brand new day, I took some time to watch the sunrise, which was a burst of hot pink across the bottom of a thick line of grey cloud. As I turned to the lodge, I saw how it was casting it's pink light onto the building behind me and was thankful for another beautiful day in paradise.

Craig Riddle, Manager Leroo La Tau

Sightings update at Savute Safari Lodge

The last week has seen the build-up of thunder clouds all around the Savute Region. The first couple of raindrops have fallen on the parched earth. (Only 1mm, but every drop helps!) With the first drops of the summer, a lot of animals are starting to move through the region, following the clouds to where the most rain has fallen.

While driving around the camp I was very surprised to come across a single Sable Antelope Bull that was resting in the shade of some Apple Leafs at the back of the camp. During tea time he decided to come down to drink at the waterhole directly in front of the camp. Although we do see the occasional young bull at some of the natural waterhole in the area, this is the first time that a mature bull has been seen drinking at the waterhole directly in front of the camp, and this with everybody having tea while overlooking the waterhole.

Yet this was not the only sighting of Sable in the area. A couple of days later the guides observed a breeding herd of nine animals walking towards the Mababe depression, where the majority of the rain has fallen.

On a game drive in the Rhino vlei area, the guides observed a small herd of rather large antelope crossing the Savute Marsh to the south of them. On driving closer to the area, they were lucky to observe a herd of Eland moving across the plains. This was only the second sighting of Eland this year, making it a rare occurrence indeed!

That afternoon Energy, one of our guides, took some clients on a game drive towards the Harvey’s Pan / Quarry Hill area. In between the dense vegetation he could see a grey shape moving amongst the trees. Not being able to see what it was, he decided to follow the shape until it broke cover and appeared in a big clearing which it crossed at speed. He was very surprised to find out that it was a Gemsbok, very seldom encountered in this area. The Gemsbok is usually restricted to the Kalahari Region, at least 300km to the south of us so a sighting in this region is very uncommon.

The birds has been following the same patterns as the beasts, and a number of migratory species and seldom seen species are now coming into the area, waiting for the abundance that the first rains would bring. Sightings include Yellow Billed Kite, Long Crested Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher and even some Violet Backed Starlings that has decided that the sprinklers around camp make the perfect drinking spot.
As the clouds are building up again today, we are waiting for the first big thunderstorm, bringing rain to the area. Who knows what other species the first rains would bring!

PS: For the Large predator watchers: The Lions are still in the area, with one large male regularly entering camp at night. The Wilddogs has also decided to come and rest in camp late in the afternoon on Wednesday, with the six pups entertaining everybody with their antics.

Kobus Lubbe, Savute Safari Lodge Manager