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The Klaserie: a wilderness that earns its reputation

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:12:22 GMT

A closer look at one of South Africa's great private reserves

Ask anyone who has spent time in the Klaserie what makes it different and they'll pause before answering. Not because the answer is difficult, but because it's surprisingly hard to put into words without sounding like you're overstating it. The truth is that this reserve, sprawling across some 60,000 hectares of phenomenal wilderness, has a quality to it that you feel rather than see, and it tends to announce itself quietly, usually somewhere between the moment you pass through Enkhulu Gate and the moment you realise you haven't thought about your phone in three hours.

The Klaserie doesn't exist in isolation and that's fundamental to understanding what makes it exceptional. Its eastern boundary opens directly into the Kruger National Park with no fences between them, making it part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. To the south it shares an equally open border with the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Together with the Umbabat and Balule reserves, the Klaserie forms part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR), a collective that has been working in concert with South African National Parks since the early 1990s to manage the Greater Kruger as a single, continuous wilderness.

The result is one of the largest unfenced protected areas in Africa, and it means that the wildlife moving through the Klaserie does so with complete freedom, following ancient seasonal paths that have nothing whatsoever to do with where one reserve ends and another begins.

This is not a peripheral detail. It's the reason why a morning game drive in the Klaserie can produce a lion pride that last night was deep inside Kruger, or a herd of elephant that has spent the week grazing its way through the Timbavati. The reserve is porous in the best possible way, and the wildlife reflects that freedom in everything it does.

A landscape of beautiful contradictions

Travel the Klaserie from north to south and you travel through several different worlds within the same reserve. The northern reaches are characterised by rocky ridges and valleys, a more rugged and dramatic terrain, while the south opens into undulating deciduous woodland interspersed with combretum thickets that give the landscape the feel of classic Greater Kruger bushveld.

Threading through it all from south to north, the Klaserie River is the reserve's defining geographical feature, entering near the southern boundary and meandering northwards before cutting east and joining the Olifants River beyond the reserve's northeastern corner.

During the wet season it runs strongly, drawing wildlife along its banks and supporting dense riverine vegetation; by the height of winter the riverbed is largely dry, with small pockets of water here and there, but the tall trees and thickets that line its course remain, creating a corridor of shade, birdsong and concentrated wildlife activity that rewards those who follow it patiently.

It's this diversity that keeps the Klaserie interesting regardless of what season you visit, or how many times you've been before. The reserve has a way of rearranging itself just when you think you've understood it, presenting a combination of habitat, light, weather and wildlife that you haven't seen in quite that way before. Guests who return year after year will tell you this without any prompting at all.

The southern section and the importance of water

Baobab Ridge sits on a gentle ridge in the southern Klaserie, its position offering sweeping views across the bush in a way that, on a clear winter morning, feels almost indecently beautiful. The drive in from Enkhulu Gate sets the tone for everything that follows: as you turn off the tar road the road narrows, the bush closes in, and the sense of leaving the ordinary world behind happens almost before you've noticed it starting.

The southern section has a few small seasonal rivers and dense drainage lines, which elevates the importance of the pans and dams scattered across the area to something close to theatrical. As the dry season takes hold and water elsewhere retreats, these become the gathering points for an extraordinary cast of characters.

Elephant herds arrive with their calves, the youngsters barrelling in with an enthusiasm that never quite loses its comedy. Buffalo come in numbers and in their own time, the older bulls standing in the water long past any practical necessity, apparently just because they can. Lion prides move between sources with a purposeful efficiency that makes the whole reserve feel like a stage they own entirely. From the lodge's waterhole, guests watching from the deck have front-row seats to a drama that writes itself anew every day.

What the dry season does to this place

The Klaserie is worth visiting in any month, but there is something about the dry season, from May through to October, that rewards the patient observer in ways that are hard to overstate. As the grass drops and the vegetation thins and the light turns that hard, clean, winter gold, animals that spent the summer as shadows in the green become suddenly and fully visible.

A lion pride crossing open ground in the early morning... A leopard draped along a leadwood branch with the proprietorial ease of an animal that has absolutely nothing to prove... A pack of painted wolves moving through the pale winter grass at a pace that says they know exactly where they're going and they'll be there shortly...

Watching this unfold from an open vehicle with a small group of people, guided by someone who knows this particular piece of the Klaserie the way most of us know our own neighbourhoods, is an experience of a very particular kind. There's no crowd, no convoy, no competition for the sighting. At Baobab Ridge it's just you and the bush and whatever the morning has decided to offer.

A reserve with a conscience

The Klaserie has been a formally protected reserve since 1972 and a founding member of the APNR, and the conservation culture that runs through it is genuine rather than decorative. Anti-poaching operations, elephant research, the long-running Southern Ground Hornbill Project, community support through initiatives like Eco Children: these are commitments that the lodges and landowners of the Klaserie take seriously and fund consistently.

Baobab Ridge is proud to be part of that community, sponsoring a ground hornbill nesting box that has already seen its first successful hatching and contributing actively to the conservation work that keeps this wilderness what it is.

So, when you choose to spend time here with us, you're supporting something that matters well beyond the edges of your own experience, which feels like a great additional reason to come!

Finding his feet on a new path...

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:13:24 GMT

Meet bubbly butler Harold Shikwambane

From Phalaborwa to the wilderness, Harold’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and balance. It’s a story of someone who has navigated the twists and turns of hospitality work, the challenges of running his own business, and the demands of family life, all while discovering the rewards of working and living in a space where the rhythm of nature guides each day...

Harold’s path has been shaped by movement, learning, and the search for the right fit. Born in Phalaborwa, he grew up surrounded by family and community before heading to Johannesburg after finishing school.

“I stayed with my sister and went to a private hospitality school for six months, focusing on food and beverages,” he recalls. From there, he started his career as a bartender at a hotel in Johannesburg. When the hotel closed in 1998, Harold returned to Phalaborwa, ready to explore the next chapter of his career.

Over the following years, Harold built a breadth of experience in hospitality, moving between lodges and hotels across South Africa. “I worked at big places and small lodges and I’ve learned a lot in the process, but sometimes I felt a bit lonely when I was far from home,” he says.

His career path reflects the life of many in the tourism industry - periods of growth and opportunity, punctuated by challenges such as retrenchments, management changes, and the unpredictability of long-distance work. Along the way, Harold also tried running his own catering business, providing meals for schools and private events.

“Sometimes it’s frustrating. People call after a long time, or plans fall through. I realised I needed something more stable,” he explains.

Working at Baobab Ridge has marked a turning point. “I’m enjoying it very much," he says. "This place is small, manageable, and feels like a family. The team is tight-knit, and we know each other well,” Harold says, his enthusiasm clear. For someone used to working in larger hotels with dozens of staff, the change was refreshing.

“Previously, I worked in big lodges with 50 or more staff. It was hectic, and sometimes you feel like just a number. Here, everyone works together, and you can see the difference your effort makes every day. I enjoy that,” he explains.

Life in the bush brings its own rhythm. The pace is steadier, the environment immersive, and every day presents new opportunities to learn. “I love seeing how things work behind the scenes, from housekeeping to guest services,” Harold says. “Even the small details make a difference. You can’t just go through the motions here. You have to be involved, aware, and attentive. It keeps you sharp.”

Family is important to Harold. He and his wife, a head chef working in another nearby game reserve, have three grown children - a boy and two girls. “We manage our schedules so we can still spend time together. The kids are grown, so we don’t have to worry too much about home life. We’re fine,” he says.

Their shared understanding of hospitality work allows them to support one another through long hours and the unpredictable schedules that lodge life demands. “It’s not always easy, but we make it work. The schedules line up well, and we still have our time together,” he adds.

Harold’s path has also taught him patience and perspective. Moving between lodges, cities, and even running his own business has given him a sense of resilience. “I’ve learned that sometimes you have to adapt to what life gives you, whether it’s a new manager, a big lodge, or a smaller one. The key is to stay committed and focused on what you can control,” he says. His ability to adjust has made the transition to Baobab Ridge smoother, allowing him to find both satisfaction in his work and peace in his personal life.

After years of searching for the right place, Harold has found a rhythm at Baobab Ridge that suits him. “I’m happy. The management has been great, and the place feels right. I plan to stay a while and make this my home,” he says. His story is a reminder that finding your place, whether in the heart of the bush, within a close-knit team, or alongside family, is about patience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace change.

In the end, Harold’s experience shows that with persistence and heart, it is possible to carve out a life that feels right both professionally and personally, in even the most unexpected of places.

From village life to the wilderness

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:18:19 GMT

The journey of lodge administrator Glad Magopane

In the heart of the Klaserie, where wildlife roams freely and each day brings something new, Glad Magopane has found her rhythm in charge of lodge administration at Baobab Ridge. Her curiosity, resilience, and willingness to embrace the unexpected have helped her carve out a place for herself, not just in a demanding job, but in a life that balances adventure, learning, and the simple joys of being close to nature...

At 31, Glad has already carved a path full of learning, adaptation, and quiet determination. Born in the small village of Brooklyn, near Acornhoek, her early life was shaped by community, family, and the rhythms of a rural upbringing.

“Growing up in Brooklyn was quite nice,” she recalls. “I loved my school years and after taking a gap year I started working as a waiter at a local café, undertaking further education part time."

Glad’s drive to grow saw her qualify in financial management while balancing work commitments and when the café closed, she found her way into the hospitality world, starting as front of house at a small local lodge before moving up to a larger, luxury safari establishment in Hoedspruit. “I worked front of house and later I got a promotion to handle stock and processing for the company,” she says.

Like most in the tourism industry, her career was interrupted by COVID, but she returned and continued to grow professionally, ultimately earning a promotion by 2022.

The transition to Baobab Bridge was a new chapter. “It’s a bit of a change, working in the wilderness instead of Hoedspruit,” she admits. “But I adapted, and I’m enjoying it. I was behind the scenes before, so now being on the floor, dealing with guests, and learning new things has been fun.”

Glad’s enthusiasm for learning extends beyond guest interactions. She’s delving into reservations work as well, working alongside her colleague, Baobab Ridge reservations manager Linda Arthur. “She’s a legend,” Glad laughs. “I didn’t have a clue about reservations before, but I’m learning.”

Adjusting to life in the bush came with its own challenges. “I was scared at first,” she confesses. “Coming from town, I wasn’t sure how I would adapt. How would I get along with new people and management? But I told myself I had to take the challenge. Life goes by quickly when you’re busy, and now it feels natural.”

Glad has found a rhythm and a sense of belonging at Baobab Ridge. “It’s quite easy becoming part of the team. The other day, I told one of the chefs I felt like I’d been here six months already. It’s easy going, and I love learning and being on the floor. Everything’s looking bright. I enjoy working here.”

Family remains central to Glad’s life. She is one of five children, and although she doesn’t have children of her own yet, she feels grounded and content. “I’m just enjoying life and seeing how it goes. Plans come, but sometimes life decides for you.”

From a small village to the heart of the wild, Glad’s journey is one of growth, courage, and curiosity. Her story is a reminder that embracing change, learning along the way, and facing fears head-on can lead to unexpected and rewarding adventures.

A passion for the wild

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:47:45 GMT

Meet Baobab Ridge guide Shadrack Mathebula

Some guides learn the bush through books, exams and years on the job. Others grow into it long before they ever wear a uniform or lead a game drive. For Shadrack Mathebula, guiding is not just a profession, but an extension of a life lived close to the land, shaped by memory, movement and a deep cultural understanding of the wilderness. Let's find out more about his journey...

Shadrack's childhood unfolded in a time before fences fully reshaped his landscape, when wildlife and people still shared the same spaces. Born and raised in the village of Share, close to the Manyeleti Game Reserve, he herded cattle when he wasn't attending school, spending long hours outdoors, immersed in the rhythms of the land.

In those days wildlife moved freely through the area. Impala, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe mingled with livestock, and the bush was not something separate from daily life. These early experiences shaped a lifelong connection to the natural world. “It's where I developed a passion for wild animals,” he says, sagely.

No one else in Shadrack's family worked in the safari industry. He was the first and his path into guiding came through mentorship rather than inheritance. A respected local guide recognised his potential and took him under his wing.

“He’s the one who groomed me and taught me to become a tracker,” Shadrack says. “He trained me properly and sent me for formal education.” Tracking was his entry point, but it was never meant to be the end. “I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life being a tracker,” he says. “I tracked for three years and then after that I qualified as a guide.”

Like many guides, his journey wasn’t linear. After leaving school, Shadrack enrolled at college in Nelspruit to study business administration, but financial pressures forced him to stop before completing the course.

Tracking offered both work and purpose, and in 2002 he secured his first formal position in the safari industry. Two years later, he wrote his FGASA Level 1 and was promoted to junior guide. "From there, I didn’t look back,” he smiles.

Now 51, Shadrack is still studying. “You can’t stop learning,” he says. “You never know everything even though you want to know everything, so you have to learn a lot.”

His guiding career has taken him across different landscapes, including a six month placement near Cape Town. It was a valuable experience, but it also reinforced where he truly belongs.

“It was very different,” he says. “I missed the real bush.”

He joined Baobab Ridge in June 2025 and quickly found his rhythm. “I’m enjoying it very much,” he says. “You become part of the family here.” The pace suits him. “Where I was before, there were a lot of people and a lot of pressure,” he explains. “Here there are fewer people and the work is relaxed.”

The bush may be more open, but the wildlife is abundant. “We’re seeing huge herds of buffalo,” he says, “and leopard every two or three days. Where I was before, you could stay for a month without seeing one.

Choosing a favourite animal isn’t easy. “I like all animals,” Shadrack says, before admitting he likes leopard the most.

Home is still Share village. “I’ve got my wife and three daughters there,” he says proudly. “They’re 21, 16 and 11.” His eldest is studying to become a teacher through the University of South Africa. His middle daughter dreams of becoming a doctor. “It’s expensive,” he admits, “but these days there are opportunities like student financial aid.”

After years of long rotations, family life feels more balanced now. “Before, I was doing six weeks on and two weeks off,” he says. “Now it’s better. I’m home every month. I see them more.”

Looking ahead, Shadrack hopes to become an assessor, particularly in tracking. “Tracking is very important,” he says. “It’s part of our culture.”

That cultural connection runs deep. Growing up Shangaan, the bush was both home and pharmacy. “Back in the day, there were no hospitals or chemists,” he explains. “We used roots, bark and leaves for medicine.”

He speaks easily about traditional knowledge. “Red spike thorn helps with congestion,” he says. “Elephant dung can clear blocked nostrils, help with headaches and keep mosquitoes away.”

Marula trees hold particular importance. “We use marula trees to communicate with our ancestors,” Shadrack says. “When someone wants to get married, the family goes under the tree and introduces the couple to the ancestors. We ask them to guide and protect us.”

It’s a practice that extends to life’s major transitions. “If I want to go and look for work, we speak to the ancestors and ask for protection,” he explains. “They go with you.”

This worldview shapes his perspective on conservation too, especially when it comes to elephants. “Back in the day, elephants were free,” he says. “They used to move from country to country.”

The problems people see now, he believes, are human made. “The moment elephants were fenced into small places, that’s when they became destructive,” he explains. “They need huge space. When they are stressed, they knock down trees.”

He’s clear where responsibility lies. “The problem is not the elephants,” he says. “It’s caused by us.”

He recalls an old elephant bull from his tracking days, famous for breaking fences and refusing to stay put. “They moved him far away,” Shadrack says, “and the next morning he was back. Elephants don’t care about borders.”

For Shadrack, guiding is about sharing these truths with guests. Helping them see the bush not as something static, but as a living system shaped by movement, memory and history. “Elephants have been here longer than us,” he says simply. “We must remember that.”

It’s that depth of lived experience, cultural understanding and quiet authority that defines Shadrack. A guide shaped not just by training and qualifications, but by a lifetime of walking with the land.

All our seasons explained

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 04:43:32 GMT

Christmas means summer in the Klaserie...

December at Baobab Ridge is pure summer. While much of the world prepares for snow and scarves, we celebrate the festive season with long golden days, balmy evenings, glowing sunsets and the joyful chorus of birds and insects thriving in the heat. Christmas here is celebrated outdoors, surrounded by green and life and the wild beauty of the Klaserie in full flourish. It is the height of summer, the height of abundance, and a truly unforgettable time to be on safari...

Christmas aside, what makes the Greater Kruger so extraordinary is the way the year unfolds in distinct chapters, each one offering a completely different experience of the bush. Whichever season you join us in, the magic is guaranteed. Here’s how the Klaserie transforms throughout the year:

Spring

Kicking off officially on 1 September each year, spring brings the promise of new life, as the days and nights begin to warm up, trees begin to slowly leaf and the bush prepares for change. Daytime temperatures begin to rise, averaging in the high 20s (deg C, of course) and occasionally hitting the low 30s. Nights become slowly warmer as the promise of rain builds.

The bush is still painfully dry but when the first rain falls, it seems to transform overnight, with fresh shoots of grass pushing through the parched earth. It’s hard to place hand on heart and say we get rain from October, with global warming affecting our weather patterns, but when it happens, it’s such a blessing and a marvellous thing to witness, as the wilderness sighs with relief and the transition to summer begins.

Summer

From 1 December to the end of February is summer in South Africa. This is when our skies are filled with migrant birds in their colourful breeding plumage, when the bush is filled with baby animals and the rains bless us, creating a veritable paradise. The days are hot and balmy, sometimes getting up to the high 30s and low 40s, and the evenings are warm with occasional humidity depending on the amount of rain we have. Life is everywhere, from insects to frogs, and everything in between.

Everything makes the most of this time of year and experiencing the wilderness at its peak is simply mind blowing. You’ll thank your air conditioning in your room, live in the pool and love any spot of shade you can find! But it’s worth it, especially if you’re a keen birder and photography fan.

Autumn

Our favourite season here at Baobab Ridge. From March to the end of May the days are sunny and warm, the evenings begin to cool, the bush is still green but begins to lose its density and life is good. The grasses begin to seed and there are birds everywhere. The odd late storm adds a touch of magic and as the leaves begin to turn the colours are a sight to behold. As water sources created by rain begin to evaporate, animals are found more frequently at permanent water such as dams and waterholes, and the predators become more visible, having to work harder for their prey.

You’ll need a jacket on your morning and evening game drives and the air conditioning won’t need to work as hard! Average daytime temperatures are in the low 30s, slowly descending to the high 20s and the nights dip towards the mid teens.

Winter

Running from 1 June to the end of August, these are our coldest months. Yes. It does get cold in the African bush, especially in the early mornings and evenings. And even more so when you’re on an open safari vehicle heading out as the sun comes up! Temperatures at night can drop to single figures and frequently do. But as the sun climbs, it warms up, with average daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20s. As the sun goes down, at around 16h00, it loses all power and the temperatures drop dramatically.

This is the season of layers – embarking on your morning drive with all of them on and taking each layer off as the sun gets warmer, and going out of an evening with a single layer and adding them one by one as it gets colder. You will need a beanie hat, puffer type jacket and gloves.

We provide you with warm blankets on the game drives, and hot water bottles if needed! The game viewing is exceptional, and concentrated around water. The bush is sparse and somewhat drab, but never loses its charm.

There's no "best" time to visit Baobab Ridge - every day is special, every month magical and every season spectacular. So with 2026 just around the corner, we're looking forward to seeing you on safari next year!

The build-up to summer has begun

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:22:48 GMT

At Baobab Ridge, the colour green is returning!

Summer is on its way. The Klaserie has tasted the first drops of rain at last, soaking into thirsty earth and turning the dust a deeper shade for only a moment before it disappears below the surface. The change is already dramatic. Trees have burst into full leaf, canopies thick and vibrant again. A fresh carpet of green grass is spreading fast across the savanna, softening the sharpness of the dry season’s edges. The bush feels alive, renewed, and eager for what comes next...

This is just the opening act. The sky is gathering its strength. The real storms are still building. This is the season of anticipation when every creature responds to the shift. Antelope graze with relief on the new grass. Zebras look more content, no longer wandering far in search of something fresh to eat. Elephants splash in reinvigorated waterholes, skin dark with mud. The air is different too: richer, scented with plant resins and blossom.

Predators adapt with the changing landscape. Lions relish the thicker cover, their movements smooth and strategic through the lush regrowth. Leopards slip like shadows between the green, taking every advantage of the renewed vegetation. Nights remain full of tension and energy, but the mood has lifted. Survival feels less strained. Life has space to flourish again.

For guests on safari, this transition is a gift. You witness the bush as it rebuilds itself, moment by moment. Migratory birds have returned and mornings ring with their calls. Butterflies dance wherever the sun touches. Every detail feels intensified: the shimmer of early morning dew on leaves, the brilliant green of new growth against a storm-dark sky, the electric hush that fills the air when thunder rumbles just out of reach.

There’s a delicious uncertainty in not knowing when the heavens will truly open. Some days end with nothing more than distant lightning flickering. Others come close, with a hot wind and a sky swollen with potential that never quite breaks. The bush holds its breath. The great downpours are coming - the ones that will swell dams and fill riverbeds, turning quiet pans into gathering places for wildlife.

Evenings at Baobab Ridge are thick with warmth and expectation. Sundowners glow golden against a landscape rising into abundance again. From the pool deck you can watch the waterhole come alive with renewed activity. Night drives feel charged, a mix of returning calm and predator excitement. A lion’s deep call rolls across greener plains. Hyenas trot with purpose, ears pricked for any opportunity the changing season brings.

Around the boma fire, the conversation often turns to the storms. When will they break? How hard will they fall? Will tomorrow finally be the day? It is a communal yearning shared by guests, guides, and the land itself. For now, the bush is busy strengthening. Rebuilding. Preparing.

Summer doesn’t arrive quietly here. It gathers power until one fierce afternoon when the sky finally tears open and rain falls so heavily that even the elephants seem startled. Puddles become pools. Pools become pans. Overnight the world turns lush and loud. And when that moment comes, the wait will have been worth every heartbeat.

The Klaserie - a lesson in slowing down

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:19:12 GMT

Nature takes the lead in this wondrous wilderness

There’s something about the Klaserie that gets under your skin. It’s not just the wildlife (which is exceptional) or the landscapes, which roll out in wild, golden silence. It’s something quieter. Something older. A feeling that this is a place that’s held stories far longer than any of us have walked its paths...

Unlike the more crowded corners of the Greater Kruger, the Klaserie seems to exhale slowly. There’s time here: time to stop, time to sit, time to watch the kudu freeze mid-step or listen as the wind moves through the mopane. Here, a safari isn’t about chasing sightings, it’s about settling into them. Letting them happen around you. Letting the wilderness unfold in its own rhythm.

That slow magic often begins before the game vehicle even starts. You might wake to the low roar of a nearby lion or the distant bark of a jackal calling to its mate. Morning light spills over the bushveld, revealing shapes you missed in the dark: the pale silhouettes of knobthorn trees, the glint of dew on spiderwebs strung between branches. Somewhere in the distance, hyenas whoop, their strange laughter echoing between the trees. The air is cool and still, and everything feels possible.

Then you drive out, following the sandy tracks that wind through a landscape both vast and intimate. The Klaserie feels untamed yet deeply personal. It's a place where every bend in the road carries the possibility of surprise and the open spaces encourage the patience it takes to let nature reveal herself.

Sometimes the drama comes in a rush: a leopard slipping across the track ahead, her tail curling once before she melts into the grass; a herd of elephants trudging in from the heat, the matriarch pausing to test the air before leading her family to water. But more often, the Klaserie’s beauty lies in its quiet. A giraffe silhouetted against the sunrise, a lone elephant bull feeding under a leadwood tree, a pair of hornbills squabbling over a fallen fruit. These are the moments that linger - soft, simple scenes that speak of a wilderness unhurried by time.

It’s also in the conversations. The ones you have with your guide as you bounce along the track, learning the language of the bush. The guides at Baobab Ridge know this landscape like an old friend. They don’t lecture, they share. They’ll pause to show you how a spoor tells a story - the drag of a lion’s tail across sand, the delicate print of a mongoose, the sharp indent of a kudu’s hoof.

They’ll point out how the call of an oxpecker can lead you to buffalo, or how the shape of a termite mound can hint at soil and rainfall. It’s a different way of seeing, a deepening of understanding. In the Klaserie, the wilderness isn’t a stage for spectacle, it’s a living, breathing network, every piece linked to another.

When the drive ends, the peace of the lodge wraps around you once more. At Baobab Ridge, there’s no rush to fill the silence. Mornings stretch into long, lazy afternoons. You might drift to the pool with a book, or simply watch as elephants wander through the grass below the deck. As the day fades, there’s always time for a sundowner to interrupt your afternoon game drive as the light turns honey-gold over the horizon.

Evenings bring their own rhythm. The crackle of the boma fire, the flicker of lanterns, stories traded under a sweep of stars. Sometimes a honey badger will shuffle by, bold and unbothered. Sometimes a bush baby will leap across the trees, its eyes catching the light for a split second before vanishing. And sometimes it’s just quiet.

That’s the thing about the Klaserie. It doesn’t perform. It doesn’t try to impress. It simply is and in that stillness lies its power. This is a place that invites you to slow down, to listen, to remember what it feels like to be part of the wild rather than a visitor to it.

Long after you’ve left, you’ll find the memory of it returning as a reminder that somewhere out there, under the same wide sky, the Klaserie is still breathing quietly, carrying its ancient stories forward.

That’s what makes it special. This wild place doesn’t need to shout, it just needs you to listen.

Meet the Klaserie's iconic predators

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:51:02 GMT

They encapsulate the raw beauty of the wilderness

When people dream of an African safari, it is usually the predators that come to mind first. There is something magnetic about a lion’s powerful stride, the gleam of a leopard’s eyes in the half-light, or the sudden acceleration of a cheetah across the plains. These moments seem to capture the very essence of the wild. The Klaserie's open savannahs, thick riverine belts, and unbroken wilderness, are some of South Africa’s finest places to witness such encounters...

In the Klaserie it's not only the famous big cats that command attention. From stealthy hunters to cunning opportunists, the reserve supports a remarkable diversity of carnivores - some dominant and dramatic, others quiet and elusive. Together, they shape the delicate balance of this thriving ecosystem, ensuring no part of the wilderness is left untouched by the predator’s influence.

The predator landscape in the Klaserie is as varied as it is captivating. From the drama of lions asserting dominance over a kill, to the delicate flick of a serval tail disappearing into tall grass, each predator plays its part in the intricate story of survival. For guests at Baobab Ridge, every sighting is a brush with the raw beauty of Africa, whether it is fleeting - a shadowy leopard slipping away into cover - or lingering, like a pride of lions sprawled in the shade.

What makes these encounters so memorable is not just the sight of the animals themselves, but the context in which they are experienced. The Klaserie is a place of vast space and relative solitude, meaning sightings often feel intimate, shared with only a handful of others. The result is an unhurried safari experience where there is time to truly absorb the drama, to follow the spoor of a predator, or to sit quietly as the bush reveals its secrets.

The big and the bold

Lions are often the first to make themselves known in the Klaserie. They are the rulers of the open plains, sometimes seen resting for long hours under shady trees, but always with an air of potential. Come dusk, their roars roll across the landscape, a sound that vibrates in the chest and sends a shiver down the spine.

Watching a pride interact is a lesson in social bonds: cubs play-fighting, females grooming one another, or males asserting dominance with a flick of the tail or a deep growl. When they rise to hunt, it is with purpose, and few experiences match the thrill of following their silent forms as they fan out across the grass.

Leopards, by contrast, offer something more secretive. Solitary by nature, they are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into thickets and tree canopies. Sightings often feel like chance gifts, whether it is a flash of rosetted fur disappearing into cover or the surprising sight of a leopard draped in the branches of a leadwood tree.

They are highly adaptable, equally at home in the dense riverine forests as in the rocky ridges, and their presence is a reminder that even the most elusive predators leave their mark on the ecosystem.

Cheetahs bring a different kind of drama. Built for speed rather than strength, they rely on open spaces to chase down antelope with bursts of astonishing acceleration. To watch a cheetah scanning the horizon from a termite mound, or to witness the blur of movement as it launches into a chase, is a memory that endures long after the dust has settled.

Then there are the African wild dogs - nomadic, intelligent, and endlessly entertaining. With their mottled coats and expressive ears, they are among Africa’s most charismatic hunters. Their hunts are fast, efficient, and built on teamwork. A pack in full pursuit moves as one, each member knowing its role, and the outcome is often successful. To keep pace with them as they dart through the bush is to feel the pulse of the wilderness itself.

The silent and the small

Beyond the iconic predators lies another layer of Klaserie’s carnivores - secretive cats and lesser-known hunters that are every bit as fascinating. The caracal, with its sleek body and black-tufted ears, is a master of ambush. It has been known to leap several metres into the air to catch birds mid-flight, an acrobatic feat that underscores its agility. Mostly nocturnal, it prowls the shadows, and glimpses of it are rare enough to be considered highlights of any safari.

The serval is another elusive beauty. Long-legged and lightly built, it thrives in grasslands and wetter patches of the reserve, where its acute hearing allows it to pinpoint rodents hidden beneath the grass. Its hunting technique is distinctive: a sudden leap followed by a precise pounce that brings its quarry down with remarkable accuracy. To see a serval at dawn or dusk, its golden coat dappled by soft light, is to witness one of Africa’s most elegant predators at work.

Even smaller, and often overlooked, is the African wild cat. Often mistaken for a domestic tabby, this shy feline is a true original, one of the ancestors of today’s house cats. It is a solitary and capable hunter, stalking rodents and small birds with perfect stealth. Most active at night, it slips silently across game paths, a reminder that even the smallest predator plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.

The opportunists

Of course, no portrait of the Klaserie’s predator life would be complete without the spotted hyena. Long burdened by its reputation as a scavenger, hyenas are in fact among the most successful hunters in Africa. Highly social, intelligent, and adaptable, they often work in groups to bring down sizeable prey.

Their bone-crushing jaws leave little to waste, ensuring nutrients are recycled back into the ecosystem. By day they are often glimpsed slinking across open clearings; by night, their whoops and eerie calls echo across the reserve, a haunting chorus that gives the bush a voice after dark.

Every encounter is different, shaped by season, time of day, and chance. Some moments are filled with heart-stopping intensity, others with quiet reverence, but all of them stay with you. Long after the dust has settled and the vehicle has moved on, the memory of predators lingers, etched into the story of your Baobab Ridge safari.

A safari after dark

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:27:02 GMT

Discover the magic of night drives in the Klaserie

As the sun sinks below the horizon over the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, the bush shifts into a different rhythm. The air cools, and the colours fade from golds and greens into deep blues and inky blacks. Daytime animals settle down, and the wilderness begins to stir in ways that can only be experienced after dark. Night drives here unlock a hidden world - the nocturnal theatre of Africa’s bush, alive with sound, movement and mystery.

When you set out from Baobab Ridge for an afternoon drive, you leave in daylight but return after dark, with the last hour or so of the drive spent experiencing the bush of the Klaserie at night. This is when everything familiar transforms...

The wide-open savannahs and dense thickets of the Klaserie give way to shadows and flickering light. The quiet that settles after sunset is thick with expectation. This is a time when animals that are rarely seen in daylight come alive, when predators roam freely, and when the secrets of the bush reveal themselves only to those who are patient and watchful.

The sounds of the night are markedly different from the day. Birdsong fades into silence, replaced by the persistent chirp of crickets and the haunting calls of owls perched in the trees. Occasionally, the distant roar of a lion cuts through the night, a powerful reminder of the life pulsing through the reserve after dark. The eery wail of a hyena calling to its clan is often heard after dark. These sounds create a rich and sometimes gooseflesh-inducing soundtrack that draws you deeper into the experience.

Predators are often the highlight of any night drive. Leopards, masters of stealth, are notoriously difficult to spot in the daylight. But under the cover of darkness, their eyes catch the beam of the spotlight, glowing like amber jewels. Watching one move through the bush, silent and purposeful, is one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters imaginable.

Lions also come into their own at night, more vocal and active as they patrol their territory or rest together in small groups. The chance to hear their deep, resonant roars and glimpse them illuminated in the night is a rare and unforgettable experience.

But it’s not just the big cats that make the night special. Smaller nocturnal creatures offer fascinating glimpses into Africa’s nighttime ecology. Civets and genets, with their spotted coats and keen senses, prowl for food. Jackals use the darkness to hunt and scavenge, moving quickly and quietly. Bush babies leap energetically from branch to branch, their large eyes reflecting the light in a way that is almost magical.

The night sky over the Klaserie is another spectacle entirely. Freed from the light pollution of cities and towns, the stars shine with astonishing clarity. The Milky Way stretches across the sky like a silver river, and familiar constellations blaze brightly. On a clear night, it’s easy to lose yourself in the vastness of the heavens above - a humbling reminder of the scale and mystery of the wilderness both above and below.

Night drives offer an experience that daytime safaris simply can’t match. Many of the animals you’ll encounter only emerge when the sun sets, and their behaviours and interactions are fascinating to observe. The quiet patience required to spot a small predator moving through the undergrowth or to watch a group of lions settling down for the night brings a new depth to your understanding of the bush.

There is also an undeniable thrill in being immersed in the night wilderness, where the familiar sounds and sights of daytime are replaced by something ancient and primal. It’s a chance to experience Africa on its own terms, at a time when it is most alive.

Returning to Baobab Ridge after a night drive, you carry the echoes of the evening with you - the glittering eyes in the darkness, the distant roar of lions, the crackle of dry leaves underfoot, and the vast, star-filled sky overhead. This connection to the wild, felt most keenly in the hours after dark, stays with you long after your safari ends.

For anyone seeking to truly experience the bush, a night drive in the Klaserie delivers. It reveals a hidden side of Africa’s wilderness - one of quiet hunters, secretive creatures, and the endless night sky - making it an unforgettable part of the safari story.

The Klaserie wildlife calendar

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:48:06 GMT

What’s happening month by month at Baobab Ridge

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offers a dynamic environment, where wildlife rhythms change with each passing month. For visitors, understanding these seasonal shifts can elevate a safari experience, offering a deeper connection to the wildlife and landscape. From the lush green season to the golden hues of the dry months, every time of year presents unique opportunities for both observation and photography. Here’s what you can expect month by month...

January – A green explosion

The rains are well underway, and the Klaserie is at its lushest. Rolling green grasslands, thick bushveld and water pooling in seasonal pans create a visual feast. Young antelope are everywhere, and predators are never far behind. Afternoon thunderstorms often build in the distance, adding drama to the skyline. Migratory birds are in full swing – look out for European rollers, woodland kingfishers and cuckoos making the most of the insect-rich bounty.

February – The height of summer

With regular rain and warm temperatures, the landscape continues to thrive. Wildlife sightings may be slightly more challenging due to thick vegetation, but the rewards are rich – vibrant sunsets, colourful butterflies, and those magical quiet moments when the bush breathes after rain. Birding remains exceptional, and the lush backdrop is ideal for photography with a softer, green-toned palette.

March – Subtle shifts begin

The days are still warm, but the rains begin to slow. Grass remains long, but there’s a sense of quiet preparation as the bush readies itself for the dry months. Young animals born at the start of the season are growing stronger, and you’ll often see them play-fighting or practising their moves under watchful parental eyes. Predator activity remains high, with lions and leopards taking advantage of any lapse in vigilance.

April – A golden turn

April marks a noticeable change. The air becomes drier, the nights cooler, and the landscape begins to lose its emerald sheen. Trees start to thin, and the first hints of yellow creep into the grass. Elephants become more visible as they begin moving between dwindling water sources, and game viewing starts to improve as visibility increases. It's a calm, comfortable time to be on safari, with milder temperatures and golden afternoon light.

May – Autumn quiet

The bush is now firmly in transition. With almost no rain, waterholes begin to shrink, and animals slowly start concentrating around reliable sources. The scenery is striking – warm, soft colours dominate the landscape, and dust kicked up by passing herds adds atmosphere to late afternoon drives. Cool mornings hint at the winter to come, and predators begin to shift territories in response to changing prey patterns.

June – The bush lays bare

Winter arrives with crisp mornings and chilly evenings. The vegetation thins considerably, making this one of the best months for spotting elusive species like leopards, civets and genets. With less water available, the game becomes more predictable – often gathering at specific pans or rivers during the heat of the day. Lions are vocal at night, and their roars carry across the dry air. Safari blankets and steaming mugs of Amarula coffee become your early morning best friends.

July – Peak predator time

July is classic dry season safari – golden grass, clear skies, and wildlife clustered around water. This is the time for thrilling predator-prey dynamics, as herds of impala, zebra and buffalo become easy targets near waterholes. With Baobab Ridge’s excellent guiding team, you’ve got a front-row seat to the action. The cool temperatures also mean animals are active for longer into the day. It’s prime time for photographers and wildlife lovers alike – the drama of the bush is on full display.

August – Crisp, clear and electric

The coldest month in Klaserie, August is also one of the most rewarding. With little to no rain and minimal vegetation cover, visibility is exceptional. Elephant bulls move through in search of marula bark and pods, and bachelor herds of buffalo often kick up clouds of dust as they charge across dry riverbeds. Carnivores make the most of the lean times, and hyena clans are especially vocal. Morning game drives may start frosty but warm up quickly with the rising sun.

September – Spring whispers

By mid-September, there’s a change in the air. Temperatures start to climb, and the bush seems to hold its breath, waiting for the rains. Trees like knobthorns begin to flower, and the first migrants – such as the red-chested cuckoo – return, bringing their calls back to the reserve. Predator sightings remain excellent, but the energy is different now – it’s as if nature is on the cusp of something.

October – The build-up

October is hot, dry and full of tension. Dust hangs in the air, and game is heavily reliant on permanent water. Elephants are everywhere – splashing, digging, and creating mud wallows. The predators are relentless. You may witness lions hunting in the heat of the day or wild dogs moving quickly between thickets. Then suddenly, after weeks of waiting, a storm breaks and the earth drinks. The relief is palpable.

November – Life returns

With the first proper rains of the season, the bush responds instantly. Bright green shoots push up overnight, and animals rejoice. Impala lambs arrive in their hundreds – a feast for predators but a heart-melting sight for guests. Birds return in force, singing their arrival. Frogs call from puddles, dung beetles emerge in comical whirls, and the scent of wet earth fills the air. It’s a time of rejuvenation – loud, busy and beautiful.

December – Summer in full swing

The festive season brings full summer conditions. The bush is once again green and dense, alive with movement and colour. Birds are nesting, reptiles are active, and insect life flourishes. Afternoon storms are frequent, often accompanied by dramatic skies and lightning. Game drives become an adventure through this lush, buzzing world – expect the unexpected, from lions snoozing in wildflowers to elephants enjoying a muddy wallow.

A year in the wild

No matter the month, the Klaserie offers something unforgettable. From the dramatic theatre of predator and prey in the dry months to the riotous rebirth of the green season, the wilderness never stops moving. Baobab Ridge gives you a front-row seat to it all – a year-round safari experience that evolves with the seasons, just as nature intended.

A guide to dry season photography

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:07:58 GMT

Tips for capturing the magic of the Klaserie in winter

The dry, winter season in the Klaserie is like nature’s canvas waiting to be painted in vibrant shades of gold, russet, and brown. It’s a photographer’s dream, with landscapes and wildlife that shift dramatically as the season unfolds. From sunburnt grasslands to dense riparian woodland and permanent waterholes that attract life, this time of year offers a different kind of magic.

For photographers at Baobab Ridge, every game drive, every moment spent in the bush, is an opportunity to capture the essence of a wild landscape in perhaps its most striking form. The dry season, which typically spans from June to the end of October, brings its own set of challenges and rewards, and understanding how to work with the changing environment is key to taking the perfect shot.

The ultimate time for photography

With the light playing off the dusty, dry earth and the wildlife concentrated in fewer areas, there are endless opportunities to capture iconic images that tell the story of survival, beauty, and the rugged resilience of the African bush. Whether you're looking for dramatic landscape shots, action-filled wildlife scenes, or peaceful moments by a waterhole, the dry season provides the perfect backdrop for any photographer to create magic.

The golden hours

One of the most noticeable changes during the dry season is the light. With the sun at its most intense, and lowest (thanks to the southern hemisphere being tilted away from the sun at this time of year) the quality of light shifts, creating rich contrasts that can make even the most ordinary scene seem extraordinary. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to photograph the Klaserie landscape in its full glory.

As the sun rises over the bush, it casts a golden hue over everything it touches. The warm light bathes the open grasslands and highlights the features of animals, creating dramatic silhouettes and soft shadows. The occasional early morning mist adds a layer of mystique, transforming the horizon into a soft blur of pastel hues, and giving photographers the perfect chance to capture the ethereal beauty of the bush at first light.

As the day progresses and the light intensifies, the contrast becomes sharper, and midday shadows can create striking compositions when framed correctly. The best light for most wildlife photography, however, is in the late afternoon. With the sun beginning to dip, it casts long shadows and enhances the textures of the land, creating the perfect backdrop.

Life in the dry season

This time of year also has a significant impact on animal behaviour. With fewer water sources available as dams that are not pumped dry up, animals tend to concentrate around the remaining waterholes, which creates perfect opportunities for photographers. This is the time to capture dramatic moments of wildlife interacting with their environment - whether it’s a herd of elephants taking a dust bath, lions resting by a dam, or buffalo grazing in golden grass under a vast, brilliantly blue sky.

The lack of thick vegetation also makes wildlife more visible, giving photographers unobstructed views. The open landscape reveals creatures in all their glory, from predators like lions and leopards, to grazers like zebras and antelopes. Their coats appear more vivid against the backdrop of dry grasses and bare foliage, making for striking compositions that are rich in detail and texture.

As the dry season sets in, certain bird species become more visible, offering incredible opportunities for bird photography. Bright plumage stands out beautifully against the muted tones of the surrounding landscape, and with fewer leaves in the trees, capturing them mid-flight or perched is much easier.

Hot photographic tips

To make the most of your photography experience during the dry season, consider these composition tips that focus on capturing the essence of this unique time of year.

Use the contrast: The dryness of the landscape creates bold contrasts between the bright blue skies and the warm browns and yellows of the earth. Play with these contrasts to create dramatic compositions. The stark landscapes make excellent subjects for wide-angle shots.

Capture the dust: The dry season often brings swirling dust in the air. This can be used creatively in photography to add texture, depth, and atmosphere to your shots. Whether it’s an animal kicking up dust as it runs or elephants dust-bathing, dust can convey movement and energy.

Focus on the light: The harsh midday sun can be tough for capturing crisp, clear wildlife shots, but it can be used to highlight textures and shapes around camp and in front of the pool deck where the waterhole is a constant hive of activity. The light of early mornings and late afternoons, however, offers softer tones that work well for portraits of animals and landscapes. Always adjust your camera settings to accommodate these changes in light.

Get close: The dry season often brings animals closer to waterholes, which can offer incredible close-up opportunities. A zoom lens or a camera with a large sensor will allow you to capture intimate details of animals as they quench their thirst or interact with each other.

It's not all about gear

Whether you're relying on the (very) good cameras in your smartphone or are a keen hobbyist with one of the latest mirrorless cameras, creating a photographic documentary of your safari at Baobab Ridge is about capturing memories - moments in time that you don't want to forget. And sometimes it's better to just sit back and watch the wilderness unfold with your own eyes rather than through the viewfinder. So please remember to allow yourself that luxury!

Where your gear is concerned, with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras it's sometimes nice to have two bodies - one with a zoom lens (100-400mm for example) and one with a wide-angle lens for landscapes (55mm). But if you can't bring two bodies, and your objective is wildlife, then the zoom is the priority as you can use your smartphone for landscape shots.

Tell your guide the kind of shots you'd like to capture and they'll go the extra mile to ensure you have a chance of getting the shots you're after. All of them understand the perfect positioning and photographic angles required.

The art of the guide!

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:29:54 GMT

Following clues in the Klaserie

At Baobab Ridge, we're blessed to have a team of talented safari guides on hand to enhance the safari experience... But - our safari guides are more than knowledgeable experts behind the wheel of an open safari vehicle - they are the interpreters of the land, the eyes that read between the lines of the African bush and a bridge between generations of bush wisdom and visitors enjoying wild Africa for a fleeting moment. Let's find out more...

The ability to spot a distant predator, identify an elusive bird’s call or trace the path of a herd of elephants from the faintest signs in the soil isn’t something that comes from textbooks or manuals. It’s learned, honed, and passed down through generations of guides who have spent their lives in the wilderness.

For our guides every safari is a treasure hunt, and the bush is full of clues waiting to be discovered. But to truly understand these clues, you must look past what’s in front of you. It’s about noticing the subtle, the fleeting, and the seemingly insignificant - those tiny details that tell the bigger story of life in the Klaserie.

When you first drive out on to the dirt roads of Baobab Ridge, it’s easy to think of it as just another stretch of land. But for our guides, every inch of terrain holds a narrative. It starts with something as simple as the tracks left behind in the sand. A lone paw print could indicate the passage of a hyena, but the way it’s pressed into the ground might tell you how long ago the animal passed through. The size and depth of the print can reveal whether it was walking slowly or running. The shape of the print could hint at whether the animal is on a hunt or simply moving through its territory.

These signs aren’t just guesses - they’re answers to a question that’s always in the air: What’s going on right now in this place? And the guide’s job is to piece those answers together, forming a story.

That’s the true art of guiding: it’s about reading the land like a book, but it’s also about connecting with our guests and helping them see what’s often invisible to the casual observer. The track you spot might be something you wouldn't immediately notice, but when the guide points it out and explains the subtle shift in the soil, that moment becomes part of the story. It turns from a footprint in the dust into a snapshot of life - a fleeting moment that’s gone but still holds meaning.

Guiding goes beyond the physical act of spotting a track or observing animal behaviour. It’s about understanding the rhythm of nature and interpreting its language. It’s no accident when a guide knows exactly when to stop the vehicle and look up at the sky to spot a bird of prey, or when they tell you to listen intently for the distant roar of a lion. Every sound, every change in the wind, every rustle in the undergrowth plays its part in the grand narrative of the bush.

For many guests, the real magic of a safari lies not just in the animals they see but in the way the guide brings everything to life. It’s in the stories shared over a quiet afternoon, the cultural context of the land, and the personal anecdotes of a guide who has spent years in the same corners of the Klaserie, watching, listening, and learning. They are not just the eyes of the bush; they are its heart and soul, connecting you to something much bigger than the safari itself.

A guide's relationship with the bush is also one of deep respect. At Baobab Ridge, our guides take their role as guardians of the environment seriously. They don’t just lead safaris - they act as stewards of the land, respecting its rhythms and learning from it every day.

Their knowledge is rooted in more than facts; it’s an intimate understanding of how the animals interact with the land, how the seasons shape everything, and how every experience in the bush is part of a greater ecological puzzle. They know that every animal sighting, every plant, and every topographical feature tells a story about the land, and their responsibility is to help preserve that.

For example, when you walk with Devine, you aren’t just following the track of an animal - you’re walking in the footsteps of generations of guides before you. Their knowledge, passed down through years of training and hands-on experience, forms the foundation for every safari you experience. This is why a safari at Baobab Ridge is never just about a list of animals you see, but about understanding the incredible ecosystem that sustains them.

So, as you set off on your next adventure with us in the Klaserie, take a moment to watch your guide. Notice how they read the landscape, how they see stories in the smallest details, and how they invite you to do the same. Because in the bush, the clues are everywhere - you just need to know how to see them.

Under the stars

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:45:43 GMT

What night-time at Baobab Ridge is really like

When the last orange and amber hues fade behind the Drakensberg escarpment, something shifts in the Klaserie. The sun surrenders to the moon, and the African wilderness takes on a completely new personality - quieter, yes, but more mysterious, more primal. At Baobab Ridge, nighttime is more than a transition; it’s a transformation. For many guests, it becomes the most unexpectedly moving part of their safari.

As darkness falls, there’s a brief, almost meditative pause - the bush catches its breath. The chatter of francolins and the bickering of vervet monkeys taper off. You might notice the hush before anything else. And then, subtly, it starts: the rhythmic croak of bubbling kassinas around the waterhole, the slow drone of cicadas, the deep-throated call of a distant hyena.

Out here, the absence of human noise makes room for the language of the land. Some of it is gentle. Some of it, like a lion’s roar ripping through the night, is unforgettable.

Evening game drives are not just thrilling - they’re essential for seeing a different side of the ecosystem. As the temperature drops, predators become active. Your guide scans for fresh prints by spotlight, while keeping an eye out for the glint of eyes in the distance. You might spot a leopard descending from a marula tree or a clan of hyenas beginning their nightly patrol. Porcupines, civets, genets, white-tailed mongooses, bush babies - nocturnal life emerges with surprising flair.

But not everything is on the hunt. You’ll also witness moments of unexpected calm: a herd of elephants resting silently under the trees, or a lone giraffe standing silently against the night sky.

The sky you didn't know you were missing...

There are few places left in the world where the sky looks like it does above the Klaserie. Far from city lights, the celestial show overhead is one of Africa’s most underappreciated luxuries.

Look up and you’ll see the Milky Way stretch like a luminous belt across the sky. The Southern Cross marks your bearings. Scorpio and Orion rotate with the seasons, and satellites crawl steadily between the stars. On new moon nights, it feels as though you can see forever.

Our guides are happy to point out constellations and share indigenous stories about the stars - or, if you prefer, leave you in peaceful awe.

As night falls at Baobab Ridge, the lodge comes alive with a different kind of energy. Lanterns flicker, and in the boma the smell of grilled meats wafts through the air as a traditional braai is prepared. Guests gather around the firepit, wine in hand, swapping stories under the stars. There's laughter, quiet reflection, the clink of glasses, and the occasional moment of silence when something howls in the distance.

And for those who dine under the stars, wrapped in a blanket on a chilly winter evening, the experience is almost cinematic. It's not just dinner - it's a front-row seat to the wilderness.

Night isn’t downtime in the bush - it’s part of the rhythm, a vital half of the story. It's when the nocturnal creatures thrive, when the landscape breathes differently, and when your senses tune into things you didn't realise you'd been missing.

At Baobab Ridge, the magic doesn’t end with the sunset. It deepens, softens, and sometimes even roars! Whether you’re on a night drive, stargazing from your suite’s veranda, or falling asleep to the sound of jackals calling across the plains - you’re not just witnessing Africa. You’re living it.

Safari magic, moment-by-moment

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:20:52 GMT

Experience the thrill of a game drive with Baobab Ridge...

There’s something about the African bush that awakens a primal sense of wonder - an unshakable feeling that you’re part of something ancient, something vast and untamed. At Baobab Ridge, that magic isn’t just witnessed; it’s felt on our morning and afternoon/evening game drives. Not just about spotting animals, each drive is about stepping into another world, guided by experts who understand the land like an old friend. Here, time bends to the rhythm of nature, and adventure unfolds with every passing moment...

A safari at Baobab Ridge begins before the sun even considers rising. When your cellphone alarm goes off some unearthly hour - one you'd never consider getting out of bed at ordinarily, it’s an invitation to step into another world.

You freshen up, get dressed and step outside... The air is crisp, carrying the deep, earthy scent of the bush after nightfall. Inside the main area, warm light spills from the dining room, where hot coffee awaits, and the quiet murmur of anticipation fills the air. The guides, always impossibly cheerful despite the hour, greet you with knowing smiles - they’ve seen it before, that initial bleariness that transforms into wide-eyed wonder the moment the open game viewer rumbles into the wilderness.

The chill of the morning is a sharp contrast to the warmth of the coffee still lingering on your lips as the wheels roll into a pre-dawn Klaserie. The bush at dawn is a world in transition. A faint mist clings to the long grass, birds begin their first tentative calls, and the cool air carries the deep, rasping cough of a leopard somewhere unseen.

The guide is a master of his craft, reading the land like an open book, following tracks in the sand with an ease that seems almost supernatural. He pauses, listening, scanning. Moments later, two lions emerge from the shadows, their breath curling in the cold air. One lifts its head, regarding the vehicle with eyes that gleam amber in the rising sun. It’s a moment of pure awe - just a few metres away from one of Africa’s most iconic predators, close enough to hear the slow exhale of its breath.

As the golden light spills across the land, the horizons seem to get bigger, and with each passing minutes the sun gains height and Africa warms up. Layers are shed as darkness is finally banished and the wilderness reveals its secrets. The sightings are good - lots of plains game, especially around waterholes and dams... Elephants moving slowly between the trees, eating as they go... Birds of prey taking to the air as the rising sun creates the first thermals of the day.

The vehicle pulls up beneath an ancient marula tree for a break. Out come the flasks of hot water and tins of coffee, hot chocolate and tea, and the much-anticipated crunch of rusks and cookies, a simple pleasure made extraordinary by the setting. The bush stretches in every direction, endless and alive, the soundtrack a mix of chirruping birds, and the occasional rustling in the undergrowth that sends hearts racing. A splash of Amarula in the coffee adds to the sense of indulgence - because here, in this untamed place, time slows, and life is savoured moment by moment.

Back at the lodge, breakfast is a feast best enjoyed on the deck overlooking the wilderness. The scent of sizzling bacon, fresh-baked bread, and strong coffee drifts through the air, a reward for the morning’s early start. Conversation is animated, full of retellings of sightings and infectious enthusiasm.

Midday is a time for rest. Some of us retreat to our suites, lulled to sleep by the distant calls of doves and the chirping of crickets. Others drift towards the pool deck, book in hand, feet dangling in the cool water. The heat of the day settles over the bush, a gentle hush falling as the animals seek shade, and the lodge becomes a haven of peace.

Lunch is light but satisfying, a delicious interlude before the adventure begins again. As the afternoon drive departs, the bush has changed. The light is warmer, the air thick with the scent of sun-warmed earth and wild sage. Elephants, their massive forms bathed in golden light, wander across the savannah, their ears fanning gently. Giraffes pause mid-chew, their long lashes blinking lazily, watching with idle curiosity. The guide, as always, turns each moment into something extraordinary, pointing out the tiny details - the delicate tracks of a porcupine in the sand, the flash of a lilac-breasted roller as it takes flight. The knowledge is endless, the passion unmistakable.

As the sun sinks lower, the vehicle pulls up to a scenic ridge, just in time for sundowners. Glasses clink, the ice melting slowly as guests sip their drinks and soak in the view. The sky is ablaze, shifting from fiery orange to dusky pink, the land stretching endlessly before them. It’s a moment that feels almost surreal - a scene so beautiful it hardly seems real.

But the day is not over yet. As darkness descends, the guide switches to a spotlight, sweeping it across the landscape. Eyes flash in the blackness - bush babies bouncing between branches, a hyena trotting purposefully along a game trail. Then, the highlight of the night: a leopard, finally visible, moving with liquid grace through the grass. Time stands still. The air is thick with exhilaration, the thrill of sharing space with such an elusive creature.

Back at the lodge, the boma fire burns low, its golden glow casting flickering light across the dinner tables set for a feast beneath a canopy of starlight. Dinner is rich with laughter and the kind of conversation that only happens after a day spent in the wild. The calls of distant lions punctuate the night, a reminder that, out here, the wild is never far away. Bellies full, hearts fuller, we linger around the fire, reluctant to let the day end. But sleep calls, and with it, the promise of another dawn, another adventure.

Tomorrow, we will do it all again. And it will be just as magical.

Love - the wilderness way!

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:05:40 GMT

The mating game is a complex and sometimes challenging one!

By its very nature, a safari is an experience steeped in romance and adventure. Add in the incredible wilderness of the Klaserie in the heart of the expanse that is the Greater Kruger National Park, and you have the ultimate destination for those looking at celebrating love, one another and the wonder of the wilderness. Which is why Baobab Ridge is the perfect place to be during the month of love...

Love, in the animal kingdom, is less about candlelit dinners and more about instinct, power, and strategy. At its core, it's about ensuring the continuity of DNA. Every behaviour, from the ferocious battles of lions to the gentle trunk touches of elephants, is ultimately about passing on genetic material to the next generation. For many species, this is a high-stakes endeavour, fraught with competition, environmental pressures, and the constant threat of predation. The ability to secure a mate often requires a combination of physical strength, strategic thinking, and adaptability - qualities that ensure only the fittest genes are perpetuated.

In the Klaserie, the rhythms of life and love play out against a backdrop of rugged wilderness, where every sound and movement tells a story of survival. The mating game is not just a biological imperative but a demonstration of the diverse strategies animals employ to ensure the continuity of their species.

For many, the path to romance begins with a bit of detective work. In mammals, for example, males often determine a female’s fertility by "testing" her urine, rolling its scent over a vomeronasal organ called the Jacobson's organ to chemically process it and look for pheromone-heavy clues. The grimace this action produces is known as the flehmen response, from the German word for curling the upper lip. If she’s ready, he will follow her persistently, waiting for the right moment to mate.

For lions mating is an intense affair. A lioness in oestrus can mate up to 50 times a day over a four-day period, with bouts lasting less than a minute. This frequency ensures conception but also serves to strengthen the bond between the mating pair. Male lions, often competing for the opportunity, rely on dominance and strength to gain the lioness’s favour.

Roaring battles and displays of prowess are common, as the strongest genes must prevail in the pride’s future generation. These encounters are raw and unapologetically primal, yet they underscore the collaborative nature of pride dynamics, where teamwork ensures the success of cubs. However, the process isn’t without its challenges; rival males often engage in fierce takeovers, sometimes killing existing cubs to bring females back into oestrus and secure their own lineage.

Leopards, on the other hand, conduct their courtship with an air of discretion. These solitary cats meet for brief, often aggressive, mating encounters. A leopardess in heat will vocalise to attract a male, and when they find each other, the process is marked by snarls and swipes, blending hostility with necessity.

After a few days, they part ways, leaving the female to raise her cubs alone. For leopards, love is fleeting, but the survival of their young is fiercely personal. The female must not only nurture and protect her cubs but also navigate a landscape filled with predators and rivals, ensuring her offspring reach independence.

Elephants, the gentle giants of the bush, take a more prolonged approach. Bull elephants seek out receptive females, using a combination of low-frequency rumbles and scent to communicate their readiness. Courtship involves a delicate dance of trunk touches and playful nuzzles, an extraordinary display of tenderness from creatures of such immense size.

Dominant bulls have the edge in securing mates, and their genetic vigour is often passed on to the next generation of these intelligent, family-oriented animals. Yet, the process is not without competition. Younger bulls often attempt to challenge more experienced ones, leading to dramatic confrontations that highlight the stakes of reproduction.

Among giraffes, romance takes an unusual twist. Their courtship can be lengthy, involving necking bouts where males duel by swinging their necks and heads in powerful arcs to establish dominance. Despite their towering elegance, giraffes’ pursuit of love is as grounded in survival as any other species. Challenges such as predation and habitat loss add another layer of complexity, making successful mating and raising calves an increasingly difficult task.

Warthogs, often underestimated in their complexity, also have their own quirky rituals. Males, or boars, vie for the attention of females by engaging in head-to-head combat. Once a boar wins the right to mate, he courts the female by rubbing his tusks against her and engaging in a playful chase. It’s a scene that contrasts their rugged appearance with surprisingly endearing behaviour.

Despite their seemingly carefree attitude, warthogs face significant challenges in ensuring their offspring survive. Predators and environmental pressures mean that only a fraction of their young will reach adulthood.

For impalas, the mating game is one of stamina and strategy. During the rut, which happens between April and June each year, males establish territories and gather harems of females, defending them from rivals in intense battles. The victorious ram emits loud grunts and uses scent to assert his dominance, maintaining control for just a few weeks before exhaustion sets in.

His tenure as harem leader is short-lived but crucial for passing on his genes. Female impalas, meanwhile, synchronise their birthing periods to overwhelm predators, ensuring that more calves survive in what’s known as a survival-by-numbers strategy.

Love in a wild place may not conform to our traditional notions of togetherness and romance, but there are certain species who mate for life, finding that special partner to spend the rest of their days with. Jackals and painted wolves, for example, form life-long pair bonds, as does the tiny steenbok.

Romance is in the air...

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:35:44 GMT

Come and celebrate love with us!

Offering an exclusive retreat where the call of the wild merges seamlessly with luxurious comfort, Baobab Ridge offers couples the chance to connect not only with nature but also with each other, all while enjoying the magic of one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

With seven suites, the lodge ensures an intimate, tranquil and personalised atmosphere that's perfect for romance. Each suite boasts its own private veranda with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness allowing for an immersive experience par excellence and even a spot of game viewing! Floor to ceiling doors open right up to allow the outside inside, creating a seamless transition between luxury and wilderness.

Inside, the air-conditioned suites are elegantly styled, featuring plush furnishings, luxurious linens, and all mod cons, making it easy to unwind after morning and afternoon game activities. With exceptionally spacious bathrooms complete with a soaking tub to die for, there's always time to enjoy a romantic, candlelit bubble bath with a bottle of bubbly on the side! Indeed, just ask what you'd like included in your in-room fridge and we'll make sure it's stocked for you.

The lodge's secluded location, coupled with its wonderful, down-to-earth and extremely welcoming ambience, creates an ideal setting for romance. Imagine waking up to the first light of dawn, sipping coffee on your deck as the bush comes alive with the sounds of birdsong before heading out on a morning game drive, exploring the wonders of the African wilderness... Evenings are equally magical, with candlelit dinners under a canopy of stars, complemented by the distant roar of a lion or the haunting call of a hyena — a reminder that you’re truly immersed in the wild.

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is a pristine, unfenced area adjoining the iconic Kruger National Park. This prime location provides exceptional game-viewing opportunities without the crowds. Baobab Ridge's knowledgeable guides lead twice-daily game drives, where you can encounter Africa’s famed Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) as well as cheetah, painted wolves (African wild dogs), and an array of other species. The open safari vehicles ensure thrilling wildlife encounters that feel personal and unique.

The intimacy of a safari here is unmatched. Your guide tailors each outing to your preferences, whether you’re keen to photograph a leopard on the hunt or watch elephants at a waterhole. Sundowners in the bush are a highlight of afternoon/evening drives, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the landscape as you toast to the beauty of the African wilderness.

Here are some of the top things to do during your stay:

1. Game drive magic

Witness the incredible diversity of wildlife in Klaserie with expertly guided morning and afternoon/evening game drives. Don’t miss the chance to see predators on the prowl at dusk or the early morning antics of elephants as they greet the day ahead.

2. Sundowners

Enjoy a quintessential safari tradition with sundowners in the bush. Sip on your favourite drink as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

3. Chillax by the pool

Spend time between activities lounging by the pool, which offers uninterrupted views of the bushveld. Keep your binoculars and cameras handy — wildlife sightings are common at the waterhole in front of the deck!

4. Romantic dinners under the stars

Treat yourself to a culinary experience like no other, with alfresco dinners served under the African sky. The crackle of the fire and the symphony of nocturnal sounds create a setting you’ll never forget.

5. Guided walks

For a closer connection to the environment, head out on a guided walk with an experienced guide. Learn about the smaller wonders of the ecosystem, from unique plants to the tracks and signs of wildlife.

6. Enjoy an in-room massage

Unwind with a massage in the privacy of your suite, where the soothing sounds of the wilderness serve as your backdrop. This is the perfect way to recharge for another day of adventure.

7. Stargaze from your private verandah

With minimal light pollution, the night skies above Klaserie are dazzling. Spend an evening stargazing from your private deck, where you can spot constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way.

Far from being just another romantic interlude, a safari at Baobab Ridge curates a journey of love and discovery. Every detail, from the attentive service to the thoughtfully designed activities, ensures an experience tailored to you. Whether you’re toasting your love during a sundowner or sharing the thrill of spotting a leopard in the wild, each moment at Baobab Ridge is steeped in romance and adventure.

Want to pop the question or just say "I love you" in a unique a special way? Ask us about creating the perfect romantic dinner for two, private sundowners or special moment and we'll go the extra mile to make sure your stay is out of this world and a celebration of the untamed beauty of Africa, shared with the one you love.

Get in touch to find out more.

The Life and soul of Baobab Ridge!

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:28:04 GMT

Meet butler extraordinaire Life Mgwena...

He's the man with the mile-wide smile who always goes out of his way to ensure Baobab Ridge's guests are well taken care of, working hard to make everything at mealtimes and beyond absolutely perfect. But for butler Life Mgwena "life" started out on a different trajectory to the one he now finds himself on. Let's find out more about this invaluable member of the Baobab Ridge team...

His smile lights up the room! Well, deck, actually, where he's busy laying tables for lunch, positioning umbrellas to offer optimum shade from the African sun and carefully adjusting cutlery with focussed precision! Life Mgwena loves what he does and feels he has found his forever home here at Baobab Ridge, where he's been a butler since early 2023.

"I am very happy here," he laughs as he perfects the table settings, his eagle eye spotting an errant spoon and correcting its placement. He's not wrong, because contentment shines from him as he busies himself with the prep work. "It doesn't matter how many times I do this I still get a kick out of making it look amazing," he giggles.

Life comes from the nearby village of Hluvukani, on the borders of the Manyeleti Game Reserve and close to the northern reaches of the fabled Sabi Sand private nature reserve. His father was a renowned artist and crafter and as a child Life remembers guests from nearby luxury safari lodges being brought to visit him to purchase his creations.

"That's where my fascination with hospitality and tourism took hold," he explains. "I saw all these people visiting my community and my home and was amazed by it. I knew I wanted to be part of it because it made us feel so special and so blessed."

When he matriculated from Mugena High School he moved to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park as a research assistant for a team of botanists documenting the flora of the region. It taught him a lot about botany, but his heart was set on hospitality, so when the opportunity came to work at the famed Mala Mala in the Sabi Sand he jumped at it.

Starting out as a gardener, thanks to his botanical training, he quickly proved himself and moved up to maintenance and then the kitchen, before being relocated to Hillcrest near Durban to further his hospitality training, learning every facet of each department.

"In 2010 I was moved back to Mala Mala and continued to work there for two years before getting an opportunity in the private restaurants in the Kruger National Park, spending a few more years honing my skills there. But when I moved to Boabab Ridge it felt like I had come home, and I immediately knew this was where I belonged," explains Life.

Being a butler means dealing with guests each and every day and it's Life's favourite part of the job. "I love meeting people from all over the world and finding out where they are from and all about them," he says. "My job is very service orientated as I am serving guests with food and drinks, making sure they have everything they need and that they are happy.

A father of two children aged 17 and 12, Life turns 38 next March and is looking forward to furthering his career at Baobab Ridge, where he knows there are opportunities for him. "I would love to study hospitality further and expand my skills, and see myself growing within the team here," he says with his trademark smile.

"I come from a community where tourism plays a big role - with the Manyeleti Game Reserve and northern Sabi Sand offering lots of opportunities for local people to become involved in the safari business. So, I appreciate the value that tourism has for local people and am enormously grateful for the opportunities it has given me, both professionally and personally.

"I am also full of gratitude for the new 'family' I now have here at Baobab Ridge - my team of colleagues who make every day at work enjoyable and fulfilling. This is truly home to me!"

Meet the baobab - our tree of life!

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:58:00 GMT

This legendary African icon is a true wonder of nature...

As you traverse the northernmost landscapes of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, you'll occasionally find a silent giant that has stood watch for centuries – the baobab tree. Known scientifically as Adansonia digitata , this majestic icon belongs to a family of ancient trees that also flourishes in Madagascar and even in parts of Australia. Revered across continents for its resilience and life-sustaining qualities, the baobab is one of nature’s great survivors. It's also "our" tree, with young specimens of it growing on the ridge that gave us our name. So, let's find out more about this fascinating African legend...

Our baobab at the pool deck in all its changing forms...

The African baobab, commonly known as the “tree of life,” holds a place of honour not only here in South Africa but throughout the African landscape. These colossal trees can live for thousands of years, offering shelter, food, and water to animals and humans alike. In the Greater Kruger, the southernmost area you'll find these amazing trees, baobabs thrive as robust symbols of survival in an environment of extremes.

Towering over the bushveld, these trees endure blistering heat and dry seasons with their water-storing trunks and deep roots. During the dry season, their moisture-rich interiors act as life-saving reservoirs for wildlife and people alike, underscoring their place in tribal folklore as symbols of strength, adaptability, and wisdom.

Africa boasts a remarkable "baobab belt," stretching across the continent from the savannahs of Senegal in the west to the arid lands of Sudan in the east. This belt encompasses regions where baobabs flourish, playing critical ecological and cultural roles. The most southerly baobabs are found in the northern region of South Africa, particularly in Limpopo Province, where they mark the edge of their natural range. These southern sentinels are a testament to the tree's incredible adaptability and resilience.

At Baobab Ridge, our baobabs were planted many decades ago and are flourishing. The largest is to be found overlooking our swimming pool, and there are several smaller specimens throughout the lodge's grounds. We think they were already established seedlings when planted, but it's hard to know for sure because they are not exactly the world's fastest growing tree! In fact, Baobabs are famous for their slow growth rate, taking literally centuries to reach giant status.

An old rule of thumb for assessing a baobab's age adds 100 years to each metre of the trunk's circumference at its widest point. The further north you go from the Klaserie, the bigger the baobabs get. In the far north of the Kruger National Park, they are well on their way to becoming ancient. Once you cross the Limpopo River and head north beyond the Zambezi, you find true giants that are more than 2,000 years old.

There are equally ancient baobabs along the Nile that are another testament to the tree's storied past. These venerable giants have witnessed the ebb and flow of civilisations along the world's longest river, standing as silent witnesses to history.

Across Africa, tribal beliefs about the baobab’s upside-down shape have grown over centuries. According to traditional stories, the gods planted the baobab upside-down after it boasted too proudly, leaving its “roots” to wave in the air as a reminder of humility. This fantastical form has only enhanced its reputation, with some communities seeing the trees as ancestral spirits. The image of a baobab silhouetted against the evening sky is a sight that speaks to these age-old beliefs, inviting awe and reverence.

Not far from Africa’s shores, Madagascar boasts six unique species of baobab, whose tall, slender trunks rise dramatically against the island’s red soils. While these species differ in appearance from the African baobab, they share similar cultural significance, often considered spiritual trees and frequently celebrated in local lore. Madagascar’s famous Avenue of the Baobabs, where rows of Adansonia grandidieri stretch like ancient sentinels, draws thousands of visitors each year. Here, the trees are icons of natural and cultural heritage, representing a connection between the people and the land.

Baobabs also have a distant cousin in Australia, Adansonia gregorii , which thrives in the northern landscapes. Indigenous communities have long used the trees for food, shelter, and medicine. Known locally as the “bottle tree” due to its swollen trunk, the Australian baobab is called a "boab" and shares the unique water-retaining quality of its African and Madagascan relatives, providing essential moisture to communities and wildlife in its arid surroundings. Like the baobabs of Africa and Madagascar, Australia’s baobab is also celebrated in indigenous folklore, representing ancestral connections and survival.

Here at home, the baobab is a keystone species of its ecosystem, offering food and refuge to animals such as elephants, baboons, and birds. Elephants often strip its fibrous bark for moisture, and baboons feast on the nutrient-rich fruit, aptly named "monkey bread." This fruit, prized for its high vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidant content, has become an export commodity for health markets, yet its use in Africa extends back centuries as a staple of both diet and medicine. It used to be the source of creme of tartar and today it's become an economic driver, thanks to its use in a wide range of essential oils and botanical extracts favoured by the wellness industry.

The otherwise bare tree goes into leaf in the rainy season, usually from November onwards and flowers shortly after. The flowers are huge, sweet-smelling and pendulous, and open at night, attracting hawkmoths (their main pollinators) and bats. The fruit emerges from the flowers and takes around six months to grow.

Baobab fruit and oil deeply nourish the skin, leaving it soft, supple and radiant and the oil acts as a skin barrier. We have baobab bath oils available in our bathrooms for guests to use in our wonderful soaking tubs. Its collagen-stimulating prowess makes it a prized ingredient in skincare and cosmetics worldwide.

Similarly, baobab products are used in scalp and hair care, to banish dandruff and add shine. Also known as the "pharmacy tree" baobab products work wonders for skin conditions like eczema, hives, and acne, as well as assisting with sun care. As a dietary supplement, baobab fruit pulp provides a powerful dose of essential vitamins and minerals, bolstering overall health and immunity.

So, the next time you come to visit us, pay our baobabs a visit, hug them, stroke their super-smooth trunks and marvel at just how amazing they are!

A tale of two chefs

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:32:27 GMT

Meet budding culinary magicians Sharlotte and Reggie

Guests at Baobab Ridge are always blown away by the amazing food prepared by our incredible team of chefs and kitchen staff and creating wonderful, home-cooked dishes filled with healthy ingredients is something of a speciality. It's always good to learn about the people creating this culinary excellence and the journeys they took to become valued members of the Baobab Ridge family, so without further ado, let's "meet" chefs Sharlotte Sithole and Reginald "Reggie" Mogwera...

Sharlotte hails from the village of Hlavekisa on the outskirts of the Manyeleti Game Reserve not far from the Klaserie. Born and raised there, she matriculated from high school in nearby Hluvukani and then attended the Southern African Wildlife College where she studied to become a field ranger. That's right - while food might be Sharlotte's first love, a close second is her fascination and affection for the wonderful wilderness of the Greater Kruger National Park.

"It was a round-about route to doing what I love and combining my two passions," smiles Sharlotte. "I couldn't go to chef school straight from school because it was very expensive, but when I finished at the wildlife college I managed to get a learnership with the renowned Singita Culinary School, based at Singita Lebombo in the Kruger National Park," she explains.

"I graduated with my culinary certificatte and went on to work for Singita for another two years, both a Lebombo and in the Sabi Sand private reserve before moving here to Baobab Ridge in August 2023."

The 30-year-old mother of three sons is loving the change of pace and the challenge of working in a different environment. "I am enjoying it tremendously," she says. I love the interaction with the guests and the chance to flex my culinary muscles. I welcome change and love exploring new things and meeting new challenges.

"I am still learning, and every day I am furthering my culinary skills, thanks to all of the chefs here at Baobab Ridge who are showing me so much and broadening my skill set. And to top it all I get to do the thing I love most in the environment I love the most, so it really is a win-win situation," she says.

Sharlotte is working towards becoming a sous chef and would also love to expand her knowledge of the wilderness and the wild animals and plants that call it home.

"I always wanted to learn about the bush and about animals and plants. I heard so many stories from my family and friends about wildlife when I was growing up and being Shangaan we have a deep connection to the wilderness and specialise in tracking. I was always in awe of those who can read the bush like that. I loved learning about it and want to learn more. Being in the kitchen and seeing animals in and around the lodge and at the staff camp is wonderful. I'd love to try guiding one day. Who knows," she laughs!

For Reggie (29), "home" is much further away in Zeerust, North West. Born and raised in a small village outside of Zeerust, he began working in a lodge kitchen as soon as he matriculated from high school, starting out in the scullery at Madikwe Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve.

"I learnt the basics of working in a kitchen and became interested in learning to cook with a focus on pastry making," says Reggie. "I was given the chance to train to be a commis chef, going to Johannesburg to train in pastry, and when I returned to work I took over the role of pastry chef and worked there up until the COVID19 pandemic."

As for so many in the tourism industry, 2020 took its toll and Reggie moved to a lodge in the Marakele Game Reserve temporarily as a night porter, grateful to be working again. When the opportunity came to return to his culinary career at Baobab Ridge he jumped at the chance and joined the lodge's chef team in June 2023.

He's not looked back and is loving working in the Baobab Ridge kitchen. "Pastry is my first love but here I am also learning about being a hot chef as well as getting to bake," he says with a smile. Cakes are a speciality, and he loves creating them for guests celebrating special occasions, or whenever the need for a cake arises!

Reggie has a young son who lives with his partner in Rustenberg, North West. "I see him whenever I am on leave, even though it's a challenge to get there from here, requiring a bus to Pretoria and a taxi from Pretoria to Rustenberg. It takes around 12 hours to get home," he laughs. "But it's worth it!"

Reggie loves the Klaserie, even though it's very different to his "home" wilderness area of Madikwe. His plans are to eventually become a chef consultant and train future chefs. But for now he loves working at Baobab Ridge. "The place is beautiful and meeting new guests from all over the world is really rewarding, as is being part of the Baobab Ridge family," he smiles. "I am very grateful for having a career in the bush doing what I love doing. It's better than a nine-to-five job indoors in the city. I am blessed!"

Meet Baobab Ridge's manager, Nic

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:54:36 GMT

He's helping to take our little lodge to new heights

It's taken some 30 years of hard work fuelled by a passion for the African bush for Nico "Nic" van Zyl to find his bliss here with us, and now that he has, he feels like he's "come home" and become part of a huge, welcoming and loving family. He's brought his own, unique brand of hands-on leadership with him and has quickly become a guiding light for the entire Baobab Ridge team. Let's find out more about his journey...

Nic is a doer. He's only happy when he's completely immersed in the business of running a busy safari lodge, getting his hands dirty as and when needed. Whether it's helping to fix a faulty generator, capturing and relocating snakes or assisting with table service at mealtimes when the lodge is busy, getting stuck in is part of his DNA. It's this ability and willingness to lead by example and as a valued part of a team that has helped him to effortlessly step into the leadership role at Baobab Ridge and steer the lodge's full recovery from the lingering after-effects of the COVID19 pandemic.

Born in Johannesburg, Nic's family moved to Durban when he was young. "Durban is where I grew up and a place I still call home," he says with a smile. "So, even though I come from an Afrikaans family, I grew up very English because Durban is an English-speaking city with strong English traditions, thanks to its colonial past," he explains. Nic did all of his schooling in Durban and was 18 months into a financial auditing course when, aged 19, he realised crunching numbers was not going to cut the mustard for his restless spirit.

"My uncle had bought a former cattle farm up in Mussina and wanted to turn it into a game farm, so my dad suggested I go and work for him. As soon as I got there I fell in love with the bush and realised that working in the wilds of Africa was my calling," recalls Nic. "My dad's side of the family were farmers so we'd always spent holidays on farms, so the transition wasn't that drastic for me. So, I began working on the farm, building camps, building a house, reintroducing game and after two years my uncle sent me to Eco Training to do my game ranger's diploma and then I returned to the farm. Ever since then I have worked in the bush or at least with animals."

Nic's other big passion in life is horses. He spent 10 years as a full-time horse safari guide in KwaZulu-Natal and the Waterberg, met and married an English girl and in 2002 moved to England, about as far away from his beloved bush as it's possible to get. "It was my love of horses that saved me in a new country so far from Africa as I applied for a job as an equine handler in one of the big equine hospitals in Hampshire, close to where we lived, and worked my way up, becoming a clinical equine nurse. I also groomed for a few top riders in England before moving into the equine ICU at a major equine hospital."

In 2006 Nic co-founded the Vets Go Wild programme for a gap year organisation called WorldWide Experience for veterinary students interested in spending time with wildlife vets in Africa, and so began his reconnection with the land of his birth.

Nic moved back to South Africa after 17 years in the UK. "I based myself once more in KwaZulu-Natal and began guiding and doing conservation work, being involved in rhino conservation working under Dr Ian Player. During this time, I got a good grounding in environmental management, conservation and infrastructure development and management, as well as anti-poaching. I eventually moved into safari guiding full time and this gradually evolved into hospitality," explains Nic.

The path towards lodge management was cemented when Nic was recruited by renowned safari group &Beyond to help manage their lodges, initially based at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania, moving to Klein's Camp and then to Sandibe in Botswana. "Through &Beyond I got involved in community programmes and sustainable development projects, which I absolutely love. It quickly became my passion, working with local communities and taking guests to see the projects we were working on," says Nic.

"I also quickly saw how important it was to reduce the impact on our environment as much as possible, working on ways to operate in a more sustainable way. So, after a successful career with &Beyond, when I turned 43, I decided to further my education by doing a degree and was accepted by a university in East Sussex, England, undertaking a bachelor's in sustainable tourism. I focused on green eco tourism and did my dissertation on waste management in the Okavango Delta and how it is being dealt with and ways it can be reduced.

"When I completed my degree, I returned to South Africa and was offered a position with Eco Training to sell their professional courses into the alumni of various universities in the UK. I was based in Nelspruit in Mpumalanga and began in March 2020. Fate obviously stepped in and COVID19 struck, putting an end to things before they even began. I spent lockdown in the Cedarberg looking after a farm and as things began to open up again, I started looking for opportunities, getting a position at Rhino Sands in KwaZulu-Natal," says Nic.

In September 2023 Nic was offered a position at Duma Tau in Botswana with Wilderness Safaris but by January this year still hadn't received his permits. "So, when the opportunity came to apply for the manager's job here at Baobab Ridge, I jumped at the chance. I had a meeting with our owner, Nini Gouveris and started the job shortly afterwards. I've been here for nine months now and have loved every single minute!"

Nic is unashamedly guest-centric, focusing on not just meeting guest expectations but exceeding them, tailoring the safari experience to make them feel welcome and at home. "I always say to my staff, we've got to be happy and if we are happy, it rubs off on the guests. They should arrive as guests but leave as friends," he smiles.

Nic has put all of his experience and skills to good use at Baobab Ridge. "I'm fortunate to have been given the chance to make changes and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the lodge, helping to build and cement our amazing team so that they can offer a truly superlative safari experience to our guests," he says.

"The future is looking bright for Baobab Ridge and I am excited to be part of this incredible team and feel honoured to be leading it forward. There's lot of plans in the works - we've just launched our brand-new sundowner deck out in the bush a short distance from the lodge, doing our first bush dinner on it which was a huge success. And we're finally back to where we were before COVID, on an upward trajectory, receiving guests from all over the world who absolutely love what we're doing here."

So, what's next for Nic? "I just love it here and am planning on staying put," he laughs. "I truly feel like I've come home here and feel a strong connection with Baobab Ridge and the Klaserie, and especially the amazing people we have here. This is my idea of heaven, and I feel very blessed to be a part of such an amazing brand."

Our most secretive "guest"

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:36:02 GMT

Meet the elusive aardvark, the Klaserie's undercover agent

Hardly ever seen, although the evidence of their nightly activities is all around us, the aardvark has achieved near mythical status! This nocturnal ant-eater has been captured on our camera trap and we frequently find its tracks in and around the lodge, but getting a great sighting is a rare occurrence indeed, even though it's a common resident in these parts. Let's find out more...

Simply put, the aardvark is the Klaserie's ultimate secret agent. Sticking to the shadows and being at its most active during the middle of the night, this odd-looking and rarely seen mammal is nonetheless a critically important part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, helping to keep ant and termite populations in balance and creating burrows, dens and shelter for an assortment of other animals like hyenas, painted wolves (African wild dogs), warthogs, mongooses and porcupines.

Snapped on our camera trap drinking at our waterhole in front of the lodge, but rarely seen in the flesh, the aardvark

is native to the savannahs and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Its name is an Afrikaans word meaning "earth pig" which probably came about thanks to its odd, elongated and pig-like snout and its predilection for excavating huge holes in the ground in its ongoing search for its diet of ants and termites.

It's actually an apt description of this burrowing creature, but it is neither a pig nor related to any other living species. The aardvark belongs to the order Tubulidentata, a unique classification highlighting its evolutionary distinction as the only surviving member of this group.

Recognisable by its stout body, arched back, and long, tapering snout, the aardvark is well-equipped for its nocturnal lifestyle. Its ears are large and upright, reminiscent of a rabbit, providing it with sharp hearing. The aardvark’s thick skin, covered with sparse, coarse hair, offers protection from the harsh environment and insect bites. However, what truly sets this animal apart are its powerful forelimbs and spade-like claws, specialised for digging. These adaptations allow it to excavate deep burrows and break into concrete-like termite mounds with remarkable efficiency.

Diet is central to understanding the behaviour of the aardvark. It's what's known as a myrmecophage, feeding almost exclusively on ants and termites. The aardvark’s long, sticky tongue, which can extend up to 30cm, is perfectly adapted for lapping up these insects. It's known to consume tens of thousands of ants or termites in a single night, roaming large distances as it hunts. Despite its specialised diet, the aardvark is an opportunist and may occasionally eat other insects or, where it is available, the aardvark cucumber, an equally strange plant that it has a symbiotic relationship with.

This plant grows and ripens underground and aardvarks are the only creatures known to eat the water-rich cucumbers. They deposit the seeds in their poop, giving them the nutrients they need to germinate in the process. In this way, the cucumber is dependent on the aardvark for survival.

The aardvark’s solitary nature is evident in its habits. Emerging at dusk, it sets off alone on its nightly foraging expeditions, navigating the darkness with its keen sense of smell and hearing. After locating a termite mound, the aardvark’s digging prowess is unmatched; it can break through the hard outer crust in minutes. Once inside, it feeds with quick flicks of its tongue, consuming its prey while carefully avoiding the soldiers’ defensive bites.

Reproduction in aardvarks is a quiet affair, largely shrouded in mystery due to their elusive nature. The gestation period lasts approximately seven months, culminating in the birth of a single offspring, typically between May and July. The newborn is initially hairless and blind, weighing about 2kg.

It spends its early weeks in the safety of the burrow, nourished by its mother’s milk. At two weeks old, the young aardvark starts exploring outside the burrow under its mother’s watchful eye, and by six months, it is weaned. Juveniles remain with their mothers for up to a year before venturing out on their own.

Aardvarks are prolific diggers, and their burrows serve multiple purposes. Not only do they offer shelter from predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem. As we have said, abandoned burrows provide refuge for a wide range of animals. They are also complex, with multiple entrances and chambers, and are often reused over generations.

Despite being widespread, the aardvark remains difficult to observe in the wild, largely due to its nocturnal and solitary habits. Its populations are currently stable, but habitat loss and hunting in some regions pose threats. In certain areas, aardvarks are hunted for their meat or as part of traditional medicine practices, while in others, their burrows are destroyed to prevent damage to agricultural land.

Thankfully, here on the Klaserie this amazing animal is protected and is thriving, and helping to maintain the integrity of the wonderful ecosystem we call home. Its blend of peculiar traits and behaviours makes it as special as the environment around it and underscores its importance to maintaining the natural balance of our wilderness areas. All of which goes far beyond its unassuming and decidedly weird appearance!

Meet the mongooses

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:00:44 GMT

Baobab Ridge is a safe haven for these cute carnivores

Baobab Ridge has become a unique sanctuary for two of South Africa's most remarkable carnivores: the banded mongoose and the dwarf mongoose! These small, social predators, though different in size and habits, both play integral roles in the Klaserie’s rich ecosystem and are often seen in the lodge's gardens where they entertain guests with their wonderful social antics. Let's find out more about them...

The banded mongoose, recognisable by its grey-brown fur adorned with dark bands, is a familiar sight at the lodge. These social animals live in groups called troops or businesses, which can consist of up to 40 individuals. Troops are typically led by a dominant male and female, who often form monogamous pairs. The social structure of banded mongooses is complex and co-operative, with all members of the troop participating in the care and protection of the young. This communal rearing enhances the survival rate of the offspring, a vital aspect of their life in the wild.

Banded mongooses are diurnal and spend their days foraging for a diverse diet that includes insects, small vertebrates, fruits, eggs, and small reptiles. They have developed a unique method of handling prey with hard exteriors, such as beetles or bird eggs, by throwing them against hard surfaces to break them open. Their vocal communication is intricate, with a range of calls used to convey different messages, from alarm signals to maintain group cohesion to individual recognition through scent marking.

In contrast, the dwarf mongoose, the smallest member of the mongoose family, is known for its diminutive size and rich brown fur. They are Africa's smallest mammalian carnivore and also live in businesses, which can include as many as 30 individuals. As with the banded mongoose - the social structure of "dwarfies" revolves around a dominant breeding pair, while subordinate members help with raising the young and defending the territory. Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals and fruits, making them adept hunters with sharp claws and keen senses.

Naturally inquisitive and impressively brave, being known to nip at the heels of duikers and chase off perceived threats much larger than themselves, their social structure is quite fluid and as youngsters reach adulthood, they often go off to spend time with other troops, sometimes returning to their natal troop to catch up with family and friends. This helps to prevent inbreeding and keep gene pools diverse.

Communication among dwarf mongooses is equally as sophisticated as with their banded cousins and involves a wide range of vocalisations, body postures, and scent marking. They have different alarm calls for different threats, like birds of prey and snakes, and "muster" calls that bring all the troop members together.

They keep in constant contact with one another when foraging with lots of beeps and tweets. When competing for food, hierarchical rankings kick in and the dominant female, who rules the troop, will growl and dish out bites to transgressors.

Their co-operative breeding system ensures that all troop members participate in the upbringing of the young, increasing the pups' chances of survival. This co-operative lifestyle also provides significant protection against predators, as they can mob predators and use their collective vigilance to detect danger early. Indeed, dwarf mongooses will often chase banded mongooses away from their troop when there are babies in tow.

Both of these amazing mongoose species exhibit advanced cognitive abilities and social intelligence. Banded mongooses learn from one another and adapt their behaviour based on the success of other group members. Similarly, dwarf mongooses demonstrate problem-solving skills and social learning, with younger individuals acquiring skills by observing older, more experienced troop members.

In the Klaserie Private Game Reserve, these mongoose species contribute significantly to the ecological balance. As predators of insects, reptiles and small animals, they help control populations of these species. Their foraging activities also aid in soil aeration, promoting plant growth. Moreover, as prey for a variety of larger predators, they play a crucial role in the food web.

The Klaserie Private Game Reserve offers a haven where the intricate social structures and ecological roles of banded and dwarf mongooses, along with other mongoose species like the slender mongoose, white-tailed mongoose and water mongoose, can be observed and studied.

Their presence highlights the importance of conserving diverse species to maintain the health and balance of ecosystems. As visitors and researchers explore the reserve, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these remarkable creatures and the vital roles they play in the natural world. As for guests at Baobab Ridge - they can relax and get the benefit of close-quarter observations of these charming little animals.

*Just remember that while these gorgeous creatures look incredibly cute, they are wild animals and can inflict a serious (and painful) bite with their razor-sharp teeth if you try to touch them. If you see them at the lodge, it's important that you don't feed them under any circumstances, even if they are around during mealtimes, as this creates a serious problem for us and a danger to you. If you are bitten, please inform the manager, as you will require a rabies vaccination.

All about the humble pangolin

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:57:43 GMT

Meet Africa's scaly anteater and its most threatened mammal

Elusive, rarely seen (especially in the daylight hours) and almost mythical in standing, the ground pangolin is one of the most fascinating creatures in the Greater Kruger wilderness, thanks to its odd appearance and the ability to survive by exclusively eating one of the smallest of Africa's insects - the humble ant. It's also one of the most threatened mammals on the planet. Let's find out more...

When guide David Mathonsi recently found a ground pangolin foraging in broad daylight besides a road not far from the lodge - in virtually the same place he last saw one in 2019 - we were reminded just how precious and unusual this beautiful animal is and wanted to take the opportunity to share more information about them with you.

From a safari perspective, the chances of seeing a pangolin in the wild are exceptionally slim. Mostly nocturnal, and naturally secretive, sightings of them are few and far between, not because there are so few of them but because they are the most active when we are tucked up in bed.

There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of which are found in Asia and four here in Africa. Our African species are the ground pangolin, also known as the Temminck's pangolin, which is found here in the Greater Kruger and throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and the giant pangolin, white-bellied and black-bellied pangolins - all found in the Congo basin region of central Africa. The giant pangolin is also found in certain parts of west and east Africa.

While the ground pangolin, as its name implies, is terrestrial, black-bellied and white-bellied pangolins are adept climbers, using their claws and semi-prehensile tails to grip bark and scale trees.

Pangolins are covered in tough scales made from keratin - the same protein that forms rhino horn and our own hair and fingernails. Overlapping like artichoke leaves, these scales grow throughout the pangolin's life and the scale edges are constantly filed down, thanks to the digging of burrows and tunnelling in search of the ants and termites they eat.

A pangolin's underside does not have scales, and is covered instead with sparse fur. It's this soft underbelly that they try to protect when rolling into a tight ball to defend themselves from predators and danger,

using their strong, heavy tails to wrap around themselves and present an impregnable shield. It's exceptionally hard to unroll them once they have curled up into this defensive position, even for the strongest lion!

Their heads are small and conical and they have no teeth, using an amazingly long, muscular, and sticky tongue to reach and lap up ants and termites in deep cavities. A pangolin's tongue is rooted internally near its pelvis and last pair of ribs. When it's fully extended it can often measure almost as long as the head and body combined!

Pangolins are not great at seeing danger as their eyesight is poor. They rely on an acute sense of smell to locate termite and ant nests. They feed predominantly on wood-eating ants and termites and research into ground pangolins has revealed that they are highly selective when it comes to which types of this grouping, known as formicid ants, they prefer, targeting only 19 species.

In order to deal with the high formic acid content of the ants they prey upon, a pangolin’s stomach is muscular and has spines of keratin projecting inwards. It also eats small stones to help its stomach mash and grind the ants down.

Ground pangolins are often seen walking on their hind legs, using their tails as a counterbalance, giving them an appealing, dinosaur-like appearance. Their limbs are stout and well adapted for digging. Each paw has five toes, and their front feet have three long, curved, claws which are used to dig and demolish termite and ant nests and excavate sleeping burrows.

They can run surprisingly fast. They are good swimmers too and love rolling in water and mud especially, coating their scales with it while having fun at the same time.

Ground pangolins have fixed territories which are shared by an adult male and female, as well as the previous year’s offspring. It's not certain yet how territory boundaries are maintained but it's presumed that pangolin males scent mark. They are not exceptionally aggressive but have been known to engage in combat, standing up on their hind legs and slashing at one another with their long claws and sometimes attempting to wrap themselves around an opponent and squeeze it.

The gestation period for a ground pangolin is estimated at five months and females usually give birth to a single pup a year, although twins have been recorded. Pups are born with fully-formed but soft scales, which harden over the first few days. The mother leaves the baby in a burrow, periodically returning to nurse it. When about one month old, the baby accompanies the mother while she forages, hitching a ride on the mother’s back, hooking its claws under the scales.

Pangolins make very few sounds. When they walk or climb, their scales can be heard rubbing against one another and against the vegetation and sometimes they chuff and snort when feeding. Males also occasionally make a soft hooting noise.

Sadly, the pangolin is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, thanks to high demand from Asia where their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies.

All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws, but there is still a growing domestic and international illegal trade in pangolins with poaching at ever-increasing levels. The ground pangolin is suffering the most, thanks to it being the most widespread and numerous of all the African species.

Thankfully there are enormous efforts being made by both local and global conservation organisations to protect our pangolins and reduce the devastating impact the illegal wildlife trade is having on them.

Meet Lodge Anchor Adelaide

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:49:01 GMT

A TWIST OF FATE HELPED SHAPE HER FUTURE...

When you stay at Baobab Ridge you're always impressed by the warmth of its wonderful team of people who take care of guests as though they were family. Indeed, it's this family feel that captured the heart of Lodge Anchor Adelaide Mbowane when she arrived in 2017 to fill in for her aunt who had fallen ill. Working at a safari lodge was not exactly what Adelaide had planned for her career, but she's exceptionally glad fate stepped in the way it did and gave her the opportunity to prove what she is capable of.

"I was born and raised in Acornhoek," says the bubbly mother of two boys, aged nine and two. "Growing up it was just me and my younger sister and when I left school I wanted to study engineering. Before leaving for Pretoria to start my studies I took the time to do a computer course, getting a diploma in the process," explains Adelaide.

"I went to Pretoria in 2015 with high hopes but sadly economics kicked in and as my family were experiencing financial difficulties I didn't finish the course and returned home a year later," says Adelaide.

She spent the whole of 2016 at home without work until her aunt, who worked at Baobab Ridge, paid for her to attend a beauty school where she learned to give massages, facials and a range of other beauty therapies which enabled her to get experience working at a safari lodge in the Klaserie.

In 2017 her aunt fell ill and had to be hospitalised, and Baobab Ridge got in touch with her to see if she could fill in for her while she recovered.

"And so I came to Baobab Ridge to help out but tragically, my aunt passed away, and I was offered her job full-time," she says quietly. "It gave me the opportunity to take care of the people my aunt had been taking care of," she explains. "She had been taking care of me, my sister, my mum, my children and all of us. So I started here in 2017 and when I first got here I was in the scullery, washing dishes and helping in the kitchen."

Adelaide's friendly, outgoing personality and winning ways with guests got her noticed and was asked if she'd like to train as a waitress. "I jumped at the chance and was eventually promoted to a full-time waitress after I had completed my training," she says with a wide smile. Waitressing led to helping with front of house and more admin-based duties, as well as working in the office and eventually, in April 2024, she was promoted to the position of Lodge Anchor - something she's exceptionally proud of.

"It's like a dream come true. I always saw myself as a manager and now I have achieved my goal of being part of the management team and looking forward to working towards becoming a general manager eventually," says Adelaide.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to move up in the team and it just shows what hard work and commitment can achieve. I absolutely love interacting with our guests and all aspects of hospitality, making them feel special and at home," she adds.

"I feel like I belong here and would never return to the city to work," she says. "I love it here so much. It's peaceful and so beautiful and it's become like home to me, and my colleagues are part of my extended family," she laughs. "I love each and every day here, and get out of bed excited every day at the prospect of work. Being part of such an enthusiastic management team is also wonderful and creates a wonderful, positive vibe which guests just love."

Her mum takes care of her kids while she works. "It was hard at first, but I quickly got used to it and while it's always sad not seeing them in person, we video chat every day and so I stay in touch with them. My mum is very proud of me and laughs at me when I go home and say 'I am the manager now, so I don't do the chores', telling me I am not the manager at home yet," she giggles.

It's a far cry from her humble beginnings but she's still very grounded and proud of where she has come from. "It's great to be a role model for others now and show them what can be achieved and inspire them to work hard and be positive. There is nothing that can't be achieved if you work hard to make your dreams come true," she nods wisely.

Adelaide loves tourism and the opportunities it's given her. "It's so important for me and for my community. Tourism and conservation are so valuable to us and I do everything I can to help my community understand this," she explains.

"I didn't understand when I started here, but now I realise just how important it is for us to protect areas like this. When I go home I make sure to share my experiences with my friends and my community, and make them understand the benefit that tourism can bring to us. Baobab Ridge owner Nini also allow our kids to come here so they can understand the beauty of nature, so that's a wonderful bonus too," she adds.

"I'm very happy here and I love the challenge of helping to grow Baobab Ridge and my career and look forward to what the future brings," she says.

Working his way to the top

Mon, 27 May 2024 11:24:47 GMT

Meet our new Assistant Lodge Manager Amukelani

With a background in hotel management and a passion for learning, Amukelani "Amu" Sithole is carving out an exceptional career for himself at Baobab Ridge, impressing all who meet him with his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and service excellence...

His smile says it all. Proud as punch to be the new Assistant Lodge Manager, putting on his new uniform for the first time was a special moment for Amu, and marked the beginning of the next phase of what has so far been a stellar career in tourism - an industry he loves being part of.

Born and raised in Acornhoek where he did all of his schooling up to matric, the 39-year-old father of three has worked hard to get where he is and has overcome the challenges that humble beginnings so often present.

"When I completed my matriculation in 2002, I was unable to continue with my studies due to financial constraints, but I determined not to let that stop me from learning and growing," says Amu shyly. "So, I joined my grandfather in the Eastern Cape. He was involved in building houses. It wasn't my chosen career path, but I stayed for four years learning what I could and saving so I could pursue my real interest which was tourism. So, in 2008 I enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology to do a distance learning course in travel and tourism, finishing the course in 2010 while based in Nelspruit," explains Amu.

"I was one of the luckiest students because I managed to do my practical in 2010 while still studying, completing the six-month on-the-job training at the Road Lodge and City Lodge in Nelspruit, and after the six-month practical I was offered a permanent job at Road Lodge, which I gladly accepted. It was the big break I had been hoping for and I loved learning about every aspect of hotel management, moving around the country as I progressed," he says. "I spent six months in the City Lodge in Rustenberg in North West Province before being moved to City Lodge in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where I stayed for four years. By this time, I was a duty manager and loved my job. But still yearned to learn more in different aspects of tourism.

"So, I returned home to Acornhoek to study some more, undertaking a teaching course through Unisa, which I am still busy with part-time. I got a job in a local Hoedspruit restaurant and worked there from 2016 to 2018 when I joined a boutique luxury guest house, putting my experience to work for the next few years. Of course, COVID19 hit us all very hard, and I eventually joined the Baobab Ridge team last year as a waiter and front-of-house assistant, determined to make a fresh start," Amu shares.

"Tourism was always something I wanted to do and that I really enjoy. I have a true passion for it, and I always think it's much easier to do a job you really love and that you are committed to, rather than just working to earn money. I am blessed in this respect. I am where I belong and am growing," he says.

Amu constantly needs to fuel his passion for learning new things, and loved the processes it involves. "I am currently studying for my FGASA qualifications as well as my teaching qualifications through Unisa, shadowing our guide Devine when I can. I'm looking forward to gaining more experience and understanding the bush a lot more. Of course I have to balance this with being the Assistant Lodge Manager but I think it's good to have as wide an understanding of the safari industry as possible," the studious Amu says.

"I fell in love with the bush as soon as I moved here and getting my guiding qualification will fulfil my hunger for learning, even if I don't ever work as a guide. I love getting as much experience as possible."

When the chance came to apply for the Assistant Manager's position Amu jumped at the chance to push himself and was lucky enough to get the job. "I am exceptionally proud of this achievement as I feel my qualifications and experience in the industry are being recognised and are being put to good use. And of course I am doing my favourite thing which is learning!" he laughs.

"We learn every day and learning is a privilege. The nice thing about working with guests is that you meet people from all different walks of life, from different countries and cultures, learning about them and where they come from. It's also wonderful to engage with them and contribute to making their stay at Baobab Ridge truly special," says Amu.

"I don't want to limit myself where learning is concerned, I would like to grow with the company further and see where life takes us... This is a wonderful place and a wonderful team to be part of. It's a close-knit team that's very much like a family."

Family is something very precious to Amu. "I am married to a beautiful lady who was a childhood friend and is now my partner for life, and we are blessed with three daughters, aged 12, 10 and three," he explains. "I met my former English teacher recently and told him about my eldest daughter who is now at his high school, and he is now watching out for her and pushing her to achieve great things."

It seems that the learning apple has not fallen far from the tree where Amu is concerned. "I hope I am passing on my passion for personal growth to my girls. It's important to me to be a role model in everything I do, and if my daughters can achieve the same happiness in their work that I have, I will be very content."

Baobab Ridge's team is on the up and up!

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:42:00 GMT

Hard work has been rewarded with some exciting promotions

At Baobab Ridge we understand that our people are our greatest assets, and deserving of investment, providing them with ongoing training and skills development. We also encourage them to dream big - identifying talent and helping each staff member to reach their full potential and have a happy, satisfying career with us. So, when openings recently became available, we looked within our existing complement of staff to fill the positions...

"We advertised our vacancies internally to our staff and gave them the chance to apply for the jobs with a motivational letter, CV and any valid documents," says Baobab Ridge owner and founder, Nini Gouveris. "Lodge manager Nico van Zyl and I interviewed them and we made the our decisions, taking in account previous and current work experience, studies and, of course, aptitude for the positions on offer," she adds.

Based on Nini and Nico's findings, we're delighted to announced the following exciting promotions for four of our dedicated and truly inspirational members of staff...

Assistant Lodge manager- Amukelani Sithole

"Amu has been a shining star since he started with us in 2023, with an eye for detail and exceptional service to our guests," says Nini.

"He was employed as a waiter, but we didn’t know of his previous work experience as a duty manager and also as a teacher in hospitality.

We believe that with our support and guidance, he will be a great asset in teaching the other staff, especially when it comes to service training and how to assess what guests want before they request it. He is very reliable and hardworking, and we believe he will do an exceptional job. He will shadow Nico for the next few months and learn from him directly."

Lodge administrator- Minkhenso "Priviledge" Mkasi

"Khenso has studied labour law and has grown immensely in the two years she has been with us," explains Nini. "Even though she was employed as a waitress, being so reliable at work and knowing she had computer experience, I felt she would easily learn how to use our stock and reservations systems, so we trained her in the office. She has been a huge asset in the office and has shown to be forward thinking and very capable of finding solutions for problems that arise. We feel her strength is in administration and foresee her going much further in the future."

Lodge anchor- Adelaide Mbowane

"Adelaide had no previous lodge experience and started in our scullery (2017). She showed such great enthusiasm that the previous managers decided to train her in waitering. She did very well in that role, but again I saw the potential in training her up, as she also had computer skills. Adelaide learnt very quickly and adapted to the role with ease. She even trained Minkhenso when she started in the office and she has been amasing with our guests. She has a really warm and helpful personality when it comes to our guests and has been very enthusiastic to make their stays extra special, arranging special treats and dances for our guests as a surprise. She will still do admin work in the office, but will focus more on our guest relations. We think she will flourish in her new position.

Head Chef- Dimakatso (Maggy) Mapayile

"Maggy has been with us since 2018 and has taken on the head chef role from time to time, in between us hiring new head chefs," says Nini. "She is very comfortable with how things work at the lodge and has had great ideas that have greatly contributed to our lodge menus. She is very confident that she will manage very well in her new role and will receive additional training from us and of course lots of support, to help her grow in her new role."

Meet Maggy - Baobab Ridge's Head Chef!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:04:49 GMT

Maggy Mapayile is a self-confessed food fanatic and is over the moon at being Baobab Ridge's Head Chef. It's a role she feels she was born to fill and one that started in the mother of two's childhood. Born and raised in nearby Buffelshoek, Maggy went into the restaurant trade straight from school, working in a local eatery in Hoedspruit where she started out as a scullery worker. "Eventually they promoted me to the cold kitchen, and then to the grill, and I learned every part of what it takes to cook and run a professional kitchen," says Maggy.

After many years spent honing her skills in various restaurant kitchens, Maggy got the opportunity to move into the safari industry when she was offered a job in the kitchens of a major luxury safari lodge. "Things then changed very quickly as I learned about recipes and how to prepare more elaborate and sophisticated dishes," she says.

In 2018 Maggy made the move to Baobab Ridge and hasn't looked back. "It's been a wonderful time," she says. "I have learned so much and have become part of the Baobab Ridge family, working closely with the other chefs and I am loving my life here," she says. Appointed as Head Chef in April 2024, she's elated to finally be in charge of the kitchen and to have her skills as a chef formally recognised.

"I am so proud of what I have achieved, but all credit to Baobab Ridge for seeing my potential and helping me to reach it, supporting me and challenging me at the same time," she says.

Baking is Maggy's forte... "I always loved cooking over the fire at home, especially when it came to making pot bread and dumplings," she says. "It's no secret that I love baking. It's my favourite. As long as I have the ingredients I can bake anything," she explains. "Here at Baobab Ridge I like to make breakfast breads and dinner rolls. There is nothing like fresh bread, especially when it is still warm from the oven," she laughs.

"All of the chefs here work together to plan new dishes and work out new menu items," explains Maggy. "We also like to include as many traditional dishes as possible, like morogo (spinach), pap and sheba, samp and beans and even mopane worms, which some of the guests like to try," she smiles.

She watches a lot of cooking shows on TV and her favourite chef is Gordon Ramsay. "I am teaching my two children to cook too," she says. "I have two daughters - they both love cooking and learn a lot from me," Maggy adds.

"Cooking is about being patient and taking care not to rush things, making sure you make everything with love so that the guests enjoy the food," says Maggy. "This is the big difference between working in a restaurant and working here in a safari lodge. I get to meet my guests and hear what they think about the food. And see when they really enjoy something. It's a wonderful thing to make good food that people enjoy eating. It makes me feel very blessed," she says.

"It can be challenging sometimes if we have vegan guests or lactose intolerant guests. But it keeps you on your toes and you never stop learning," adds Maggy.

"I would like to encourage young people to go to school and learn as much as they can and consider a job in tourism. They have to work hard but the rewards are great."

Meet Khenso - our tourism rising star!

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:23:40 GMT

Baobab Ridge helped her find her

hidden potential

It's hard to miss Baobab Ridge's Lodge Administrator, Minkhenso Priviledge Mkasi because of her dazzling smile and sunny personality as she greets guests at Baobab Ridge. She seems perfectly at home and in her element, so it's strange to learn that tourism was not the first career choice for this bubbly and uber-efficient rising star!

Born and raised in the small village of Cottondale in nearby Acornhoek, the young Khenso, as she is known, spent her primary school years at home, moving to Hoedspruit Indepedent College for her high school years, where she completed matric in 2016. From there, she chose the law as her career goal, attending Vaal University of Technology where she studied labour law, gaining her diploma in record time two years later.

She added on an additional year to get her degree in labour relations, leaving university in 2020 ready to take on the world. Before getting a job in her chosen career she agreed to help her father with his guest house for a while, which is where the seeds of a career in tourism were first sown...

"Although I was a receptionist, because it was a family business I helped with all of the jobs a busy guest house presents - doing housekeeping, laundry, front of house - you name it, I did it," laughs Khenso. "I didn't know it at the time but I got a good grounding in what it takes to run a tourism establishment, so when I left in December 2021 and came home to consider my future, I found myself intrigued by the prospect of a career in tourism."

So, when the opportunity came to work at Baobab Ridge, Khenso jumped at the chance. "I thought 'let's give this a try' and started out as a waitress, learning all I could, and after eight months magic happened and I was promoted to front of house and stock control, which is what I am doing now!

"It's been an amazing transition and I am loving it. My father was sceptical at first, but when he saw the photos of wildlife and the lodge I was uploading on to my social media pages he realised I had done the right thing, and he decided to follow suit, purchasing an open safari vehicle and employing guides to offer full-day tours into the Kruger National Park. He says I inspired him and is loving this new side to his business."

Now 27 years old and the mother of a four-year-old daughter, Khenso is a family girl at heart. "I have an elder brother who's 28, and a younger sister of 25, and my last-born brother who's just 17! My mom looks after my daughter for me. I love spending time with them all during my leave each month - we work a rotation of 21 days on and seven days off. And my daughter and I spend time on WhatsApp every day."

Taking the leap of faith in tourism is something Khenso is very proud of. "I started from the ground up in my tourism career and am so grateful for the experience I have had as a result. I really understand things and am so grateful to Baobab Ridge for the opportunities I have been given. The Baobab Ridge team, and the owners Nini and Brandon, have made me what I am today. They are my second family."

Her hard work and commitment have been rewarded with her recent promotion to Lodge Administrator, something Baobab Ridge owner Nini Gouveris feels is well deserved: "Kenso has grown immensely in the short time she has been with us. Even though she was a waitress, being so reliable at work and knowing she had computer experience, I felt she would easily learn how to use our stock and reservations systems, so we trained her in the office. She has been a huge asset in the office and has shown to be forward thinking and very capable of finding solutions for problems that arise. We feel her strength is in administration and foresee her going much further in the future," says Nini.

What does the future hold for Khenso? "Perhaps I may move into management, who knows? But for now I am so happy. I had hidden potential I didn't know about, but Baobab Ridge saw it and helped me fulfil it. I love tourism so much.

"I love meeting people from all over the world and learning about them and their different countries. I would like to further my learning with a tourism course, or perhaps even a guiding course, so I can know more about the wilderness around us here in the Klaserie. There are no limits here, which is what makes this place so special."

Saving the southern ground hornbill

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:35:17 GMT

We are helping efforts to conserve and protect these amazing birds

Here in the Klaserie we're celebrating being part of a two-decade-long effort that's brought the southern ground hornbill back from the brink of extinction through dedicated research and the introduction of artificial nesting boxes, one of which is sponsored by Baobab Ridge and has seen it's first successful nesting and hatching this season...

The iconic southern ground hornbill ranges across the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa's Eastern Cape to Kenya,

occupying territories as large as 100 square kilometres per group. But habitat loss and a combination of other factors such as climate change have seen numbers plummet. Enter the heroes behind this success story - the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project, operating under the wing of the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town.

Since its inception in the early 2000s, the project has been monitoring hornbill groups across the Klaserie and its neighbouring reserves that make up the APNR and setting up artificial nests to provide breeding opportunities for these birds.

Despite their extensive territories, natural nesting sites are scarce for these ground hornbills. So, the project's introduction of artificial nests has been a game-changer, with over 100 nestlings successfully fledging from these structures during the last breeding season alone.

Despite having such large territories, natural nesting sites (large tree cavities) are few and far between with there being only a handful scattered throughout an area of about 200,000ha. The artificial nests were quickly accepted by the birds and since then, nests have continuously been maintained and installed throughout the APNR reserves with the help of sponsorship from lodges and camps.

These artificial nests provide 30 groups of birds with the opportunity to breed during the breeding season (October – March). As they are slow breeders and extremely long-lived (up to 60 years), providing them with these artificial nests has resulted in the APNR being a stronghold for the species within the country.

Throughout their range, each group fledges only one chick on average every nine years, however, within the reserves here and through artificial nests, the groups on the APNR successfully fledge a chick on average every three years.

The APNR project isn't just about boosting numbers; it's also about understanding these birds' social dynamics. Researchers are delving into the intricate workings of hornbill groups, unravelling the roles different individuals play in tasks like territorial defence and reproduction.

Furthermore, the project is keeping an eye on the impact of climate change on these birds. With rising temperatures potentially affecting feeding rates and breeding success, researchers are investigating how ground hornbills might adapt to a changing environment.

The project's monitoring of the nests allows for another aspect of the species’ conservation. When the birds do breed, the female lays two eggs about five days apart and she has the sole responsibility for incubation which lasts about 40 days.

These eggs then hatch a few days apart with the second chick being considerably smaller, resulting in it being outcompeted by the older chick and dying 99% of the time in the wild. That is where the researchers step in. When the second chicks hatch, they go and remove it from the nest (otherwise known as harvesting). These chicks are taken straight to a specialised ground hornbill rearing facility run by the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project which works together with the APNR project.

There they are raised with semi-wild captive individuals where they learn how to do typical ground hornbill things before being placed into a newly created group along with other harvested birds. Groups are then released back into their historic range throughout the country. The goal is to slow the decline in numbers and release birds back into their historical range, and it's been working well.

Baobab Ridge's artificial nest has been a hive of activity this breeding season seeing its first successful nesting, hatching and fledging. Our second chick is growing beautifully at the rearing facility and has a bright future ahead of it.

Aside from the conservation efforts being carried out by the APNR project, light is being shed on the fascinating characteristics of these magnificent birds. Here are some quick facts:

They are the largest co-operatively breeding bird in the world, with each group consisting of 2 to 11 individuals.
There are an estimated 3,000 birds left in the wild, with 1,500 estimated to be within South Africa.
Each group contains a single adult female, distinguished by the blue patch just underneath the bill.
Juvenile birds have a dull grey throat skin colour.
They are faunivorous birds, consuming invertebrates, snakes, birds, small mammals, and even scavenging on carcasses.
They are good fliers, although they generally only fly at canopy height.
They produce a deep booming vocalisation that can be heard from several kilometres away and can occasionally be confused with the calls of a lion.
They are one of the few species in which kidnapping has occurred, with groups invading territories to steal juveniles from other groups.

Despite the challenges ahead, the dedication and determination of those involved in this amazing project offer a glimmer of hope for the future of the southern ground hornbill. With ongoing research, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, these majestic birds may yet reclaim their rightful place in the wild. We are extremely proud to be part of that future.

Falling in love... Again!

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:03:02 GMT

Celebrating the art of romance all year round!

We do "love" rather well here at Baobab Ridge, and at this time of year, when an abundance of hearts and plethora of red roses are just around the corner, along with that annual celebration of everything romantic on Valentine's Day, we play host to lots of couples out to make the most of "we" time. But there's more to falling in love with love at Baobab Ridge than meets the eye...

You see, we firmly believe that love is worthy of celebrating all year round, and not just the Hollywood version of "boy meets girl" etc etc, but other kinds of love that this magical place of ours encapsulates effortlessly. Bottom line: you don't have to be in a relationship to experience love here in the African wilderness - it's all around you in the incredible energy that wild Africa shares with anyone open to sharing it.

Whether you're single, married, divorced, widowed, on the queer spectrum or just trying to figure out who you are, the Baobab Ridge safari experience will undoubtedly make you fall in love... With Africa as well as yourself and, if you have one, your partner. And that's really special and worthy of celebrating, don't you think? So don't feel excluded in the "month of love" - come and join us and let's celebrate being in love with ourselves, each other, this incredible continent of ours and the fantastic creatures and plants that call it home.

We LOVE to celebrate love. It's something we excel at. So if you are planning to come and visit us over the "month of love" (or at any other time of the year) and have a special someone you want to spoil and pamper, let us know in advance what you have in mind and we'll take care of the rest...

A romantic sundowner for just the two of you... A private dinner on the pool deck under a canopy of twinkling stars... A picnic out in the bush... A proposal in a dry river bed with bubbly on tap... Candlelit bubble baths filled with rose petals and a fine South African wine... We also host weddings and take care of everything for you, so that all you have to do is arrive with your guests and enjoy the celebrations.

Singletons take note. If you need to retreat from the rat race and reconnect with yourself and the spirit of wild Africa, we are more than happy to give you fabulous alone time and pamper you just as we would a couple. Whether it's a private massage in the comfort of your own room from our wonderful roving masseurs, an afternoon in a hide overlooking a waterhole, a solo dinner on the pool deck or medidation session out in the bush, feel free to tell us what you need and we'll help you fall in love with you and the world around you.

We welcome lovers of all ages, too, so don't think that a Baobab Ridge romantic safari is just for the Gen Zs! Come and be spoiled by us no matter how old you are, and bring the whole family if you like! Whether you're starting out again with someone new or celebrating a milestone anniversary, it makes no difference. Love is love. And worthy of gathering friends and family around you to give thanks and to share it as widely as possible.

If you shun the froth and frill of Valentine's Day and the commercialisation of "love" then that's fine too, because we tend to agree. February may be the month of love, but you are welcome to come with your loved ones and celebrate being together at any time of the year, experiencing the magic of Mother Nature - the greatest love of all!

Antelopes aplenty!

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:21:08 GMT

Fascinating creatures of hoof and horn!

They're on top of the menu for most of the predators on the Klaserie, but there's more to these amazing antelope species than just providing dinner for hungry hunters. Let's have a look at the common antelope species you're most likely to see on safari at Baobab Ridge...

Before we go on to describe the various different antelopes, let's sort out the differences between their sexes and what we call them. First of all, in larger antelope species, the male is termed a bull, and the female a cow. In smaller antelope, the male is referred to as a ram, and the female as a ewe.

The cut off species for this nomenclature is the Nyala. They serve as the marker due to the significant size difference between males and females. The male is classified as a bull, and the female is classified as a ewe. Any male antelope smaller than a nyala is classified as a ram, and female antelope larger than nyala are classified as cows.

Here, then, are the Klaserie's antelope "all-stars"...

Kudu

Despite their large size, kudu exhibit impressive jumping abilities, displaying super agility that allows them to effortlessly clear heights of up to 3.5m, sometimes from a virtually standing start!

These majestic creatures inhabit woodlands, bushlands, hills, and mountains, where they thrive as browsers, feeding on leaves and shoots from various plants. Their elusive nature stems from their large, sensitive ears, which make the shy antelope challenging to approach.

Males are distinguished by their impressive spiralled horns, the number of twists directly correlating with their age. These horns begin growing when the male is six to 12 months old, with one twist at two years and the full two-and-a-half twists at the age of six. Remarkably, the horns are seldom used in defence against predators but in tests of dominance between one another. In wooded habitats, kudu tilt their chins up and lay the horns against their backs, facilitating easy movement through dense bush.

The distinctive brown/greyish coat of greater kudus features white vertical stripes that cover their bodies, serving as natural camouflage from predators. When alarmed, they adopt a motionless stance, becoming exceedingly difficult to spot.

Cows and their offspring form small groups of six to 10 individuals, while bulls are mainly solitary but may form bachelor herds. During the mating season, males join female groups. The calves grow rapidly and achieve a level of independence from their mothers by six months old.

Nyala

Nyala are medium-sized antelope, weighing between 55 and 125 kg. Their name in Zulu translates to "shy one," reflecting their shy and often secretive nature.

Nyala bulls are significantly larger and heavier than ewes. They have a dark brown colour with indistinct white stripes down their torso and a white chevron between their eyes. Their lower legs are tan, and they have a dewlap, sporting a fringe of hair along their underside and a thin crest on their back.

Only male nyalas possess horns, which can reach up to 70cm in length. Female and juvenile nyala are red/brown, featuring distinctive vertical white stripes on their bodies. Ewes do not have horns but display a white marking between their eyes.

During the day, especially in the hottest part, nyala seek shade under trees and typically feed during the evening and early morning. They emit a dog-like bark as an alarm call.

Nyala primarily feed on leaves but also consume grass, twigs, fruits, and flowers. They drink daily when water is abundant but can survive in areas where water is only seasonally available.

Bushbuck

The bushbuck is adorned with geometrically shaped white patches or spots on its most mobile body parts — ears, chin, tail, legs, and neck. Bushbuck rams sport straight, spiralled horns ranging from 50 to 80cm.

Bushbucks are the least social of Africa's antelopes, predominantly preferring a solitary existence. Group associations, aside from a female with her latest offspring, are transient, lasting only a few hours or days. Mature males actively avoid each other, lacking territorial behaviour but defending areas where there is a female in heat.

When alarmed, their reactions vary. In forest or dense bush environments, they may freeze to blend with their surroundings, lie flat on the ground, or emit a series of hoarse barks while bounding away for cover when surprised in open spaces.

Duiker

A small antelope standing just 50cm at the shoulder, duiker rams sport a small set of horns. Their name comes from their propensity to dive into thick bush for cover when alarmed. "Duiker" means diver in Afrikaans! They have a distinctive zig-zag running style, rarely running in a straight line, often darting from side to side.

Duikers are monogamous and fiercely territorial, delineating their boundaries with preorbital glands and other glands situated between their front hooves. Intriguingly, female duikers vigorously repel other females from their territory, and the same holds true for males.

This assertive behaviour persists despite pairs typically being seen together only during mating. At other times, it appears that they prefer maintaining a distance from each other, with males and females staking out different parts of their territory.

Females surpass males in size, but only males boast horns. Remarkably, these little creatures are omnivores, consuming a diverse range of items. Insects, lizards, frogs, and birds are as integral to their diet as berries, fruits, leaves, and grasses. Their adaptability extends to consuming carrion, showcasing an evolutionary trait that enables them to thrive in nearly every habitat across the continent.

Steenbok

The Steenbok is one of Africa's most diminutive antelopes and boasts an average weight of approximately 12kg and a shoulder height of a mere 60 cm. These little creatures sport a stunning golden brown coat, and their most notable feature is their disproportionately large ears in relation to their small heads. Horns are exclusive to the rams, characterised by their smooth, straight, and razor-sharp appearance.

Displaying a highly territorial nature, Steenbok exhibit a varied diet, consuming everything from leaves and grasses to berries and seeds. When food sources are abundant, some Steenbok may form lifelong pairs, although they typically lead solitary lives, only congregating when it's time to mate.

Widespread and abundant, this antelope species is prevalent in Southern Africa, thriving in semi-arid landscapes, savannah bushveld, and grasslands. They prefer areas with ample cover provided by shrubs and grasses and are rarely spotted in rocky or forested terrain.

Remaining active throughout most of the day, Steenbok actively seek shade and shelter as temperatures rise. A motionless Steenbok, standing in the shadow of a bush, becomes nearly invisible, skillfully using its surroundings for camouflage.

Blue Wildebeest

The blue or common wildebeest, also known as a "gnu", is one of Africa's most well-known antelopes thanks to East Africa's Great Wildebeest Migration. While we don't get the same numbers here in the Klaserie, these large and rather odd-looking antelopes are widespread.

Their dark grey hide has a blue hue, hence their name, and is marked with dark vertical bands on the front quarters and a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both sexes grow short curved horns. In adult bulls the horns are heavily bossed.

Bulls weigh around 250kg and measures up to 1.5m at the shoulders. Cows are slightly smaller. They are seasonal breeders. Births of single calves per cow are synchronised and occur during the summer rainy season after a gestation period of nine months. Calves are born almost tan in colour and can run with the herd within minutes after birth.

Wildebeest are grazers that prefer short grass and often share the landscape with zebras in a phenomenon called succession grazing, where zebras pave the way for wildebeests by consuming taller, tougher grasses, leaving the sorter, softer grasses behind.

Impala

Impalas are the most numerous of our antelope species and organise into three types of herds: female herds, occasionally dominated by changing rams; bachelor herds; and family groups led by dominant rams. Females outnumber males, with twice as many females born annually.

To maintain herd cohesion, impalas release a scent from glands on their heels. Their excellent eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell, coupled with the release of a strong scent from small glands in their heels during danger, enable efficient communication and coordination within the herd.

Impalas are synchronised breeders, with females giving birth collectively around November each year, to coincide with the start of the rainy season. This strategic timing ensures the best chances of survival for impala calves, taking advantage of abundant food and water while benefitting from safety in numbers.

One remarkable aspect of impalas is their impressive leaping ability, as they can jump as high as 10m. Despite their relatively modest length of just over 1.5m, this agility proves essential for their evasion tactics when confronted by predators.

Waterbuck

These sizable antelopes exhibit a robust build, with bulls typically surpassing cows in size by approximately 25 percent and noticeable by their large, lightly curved horns which can reach up to 1m in length.

Characterised by large, rounded ears and noses shaped like hearts, they sport distinctive white patches above the eyes, encircling the nose and mouth, as well as on the throat. But the most noticeable white on this rather fluffy antelope is around its tail, resembling a target or, more humerously, a toilet seat!

The bull's horns are marked by prominent rings, are gracefully curved back and upwards. In territorial disputes, males employ their horns, at times with deadly consequences.

Cloaked in a shaggy brown-gray coat, these animals secrete a pungent oil that helps to waterproof them. Waterbuck do not have a particular breeding season and calves are born throughout the year, although births do tend to peak in the summer months.

Meet the Klaserie's "undertaker"

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:41:24 GMT

The marabou stork is an essential part of the ecosystem

It's probably the ugliest bird you're going to see in Africa, but the marabou stork performs a critically important role wherever it makes its home, cleaning up the wilderness of rotting carcasses and potential biological hazards and acting as nature's undertaker! Let's find out more about this odd-looking wonder that we often see at Baobab Ridge...

First of all, the marabous commands attention, even if for all the wrong reasons. A member of the ignominious grouping known as the "ugly five" (that also includes the spotted hyena, warthog, vultures and wildebeest) it's certainly not a stunner when it comes to the looks department. In fact, it's downright menacing with a bald head and neck, a beak that resembles an elongated dagger and considerable size, standing at more than 1,5m tall and with a whopping wingspan of 3,7m.

The marabou stork is distributed across sub-Saharan Africa where it's renowned as an opportunistic feeder with scavenging making up a large part of its diet, feeding on carrion, scraps and even human waste. This ability to deal with the downright disgusting aspects of death and decay, along with its long legs, long, folded dark grey wings and slow, deliberate gait, have given the marabou its nickname of "undertaker bird".

The marabou stork's unique characteristics extend beyond its physical appearance. Its opportunistic feeding habits have earned it colloquial nicknames in different regions, with some areas referring to it as the "undertaker bird."

It's an adaptable bird with the ability to thrive in various habitats, including savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and areas near human settlements. It's social too, often gathering in huge colonies where hundreds of individuals roost and nest in trees.

Both male and female storks participate in the construction of large, untidy stick nests. These nests, perched in trees and often part of colonies with other marabou storks, serve as the incubation sites for the two to three eggs laid by the female during the dry season. The co-operative efforts continue as both parents take turns incubating the eggs, ensuring the chicks receive proper care once hatched until they fledge in about three to four months.

The breeding season unveils another intriguing adaptation of the marabou stork — thermoregulation. The bare skin on its head and neck is a sophisticated adaptation that enables efficient heat dissipation. This feature is crucial for survival in the often scorching climates where these storks are found. It's also important when providing shade for chicks in the nest, enabling the marabou to become a biological umbrella in the heat of the day without succumbing.

Beyond their ecological importance, marabou storks hold cultural significance in African societies. In some cultures, they are viewed with superstition, symbolising death and misfortune. Conversely, in other traditions, they are respected for their role in maintaining ecological balance, acting as vital contributors to the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem.

The adaptability of marabou storks is further highlighted by their strong flying capabilities. Soaring on thermals, they cover considerable distances in search of food, showcasing their prowess as both scavengers and skilled hunters. Their diet includes a diverse range of prey, such as fish, frogs, terapins, insects, small mammals, and even other birds, demonstrating their versatility as opportunistic feeders.

With a lifespan of up to 25 years, marabou storks become integral members of the ecosystems they inhabit. Here at Baobab Ridge we have a local marabou that's often seen around the staff village, providing guests the opportunity to view this strange avian creature at close quarters and capture great images of it.

Marabous compete with vultures and hyenas and are often seen at kills. Their vocalisations, characterized by guttural croaks and hisses, add a distinctive layer to the cacophony of sound contributed by other scavengers around carcasses.

Despite their significant ecological role as nature's clean-up crew, marabou storks face conservation challenges. While the overall population is currently stable, localised declines are being recorded due to threats such as habitat loss and disturbance. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection, monitoring, and public awareness initiatives, are essential to ensure the continued wellbeing of these fascinating birds.

A typical day on safari

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:37:32 GMT

Sunrise to sunset at Baobab Ridge, and everything in between!

Have you wondered what to expect during your stay with us here in the wonderful wilderness of the Klaserie and what your days will look like? Will you have time for relaxation? What time will you need to get up each morning? What animals can you expect to see? Let's answer these questions and take a deeper dive into how you can spend your days and what's in store for you!

We'll start at the very beginning. Check-in is at 14h00, so if you're flying into nearby Eastgage Airport in Hoedspruit, you'll be getting a transfer to the lodge which can be arranged with us direct when making your booking. If you're driving yourselves, please don't get here earlier than 13h00 as we don't want your arrival to clash with guests who are checking out. Then you can enjoy a lovely lunch before checking into your room.

In the summer months our afternoon game drives usually leave at 4pm from the reception area, but your departure time will be confirmed with you over lunch and your drinks orders for the sundowner stop will also be taken. Then it's up to you how you spend the next couple of hours... You can settle into your room, take a nice siesta, or go to the beautiful pool deck and have a swim and relax on one of our uber-comfortable pool loungers, or chill in the lounge and have a refreshing drink from our bar.

Good afternoon!

When departure time for the afternoon/evening game drive nears, we suggest getting changed into comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing, popping a jersey or lightweight jacket in a backpack just in case, along with hats, sunglasses, binoculars, and camera gear and making sure you have applied sunscreen as the African sun can be overwhelming, especially in the summer months! (In the winter months you'll need to add in a fleece, beanie, and gloves as it can get very chilly when the sun goes down!)

Heading out into the wilderness of the Klaserie, you'll immediately be struck by the beauty of the landscapes you're driving through and the feeling of "wild" that envelopes you! You can expect so see plains species, from impala, wildebeest and zebra to giraffe, kudu and waterbuck, and a lot more besides.

Our plains species don't form the huge herds that destinations like East Africa's Masai Mara and Serengeti are renowned for. We have a completely different habitat to the great plains region, so our animals form smaller groups and herds because of the different vegetation found here in the Klaserie.

The birdlife in the Klaserie is amazing, so even if you've not been birding before, keep your eyes and ears open for some incredible, colourful species, especially in the summer months when we host a lot of inter-African, European, and Asian migrants.

If you're lucky, you'll also see elephants, and perhaps a big cat or two. Or three! We've been fortunate of late with our lion and leopard sightings, so you never know. That's the beauty of a game drive - no two are ever the same and there is no way to predict what you are going to see. We always say that it's a privilege just to be out in the wilderness, everything else is a bonus!

Cheers to a great day!

On your afternoon/evening drive your guide will find the perfect place to stop for the obligatory safari tradition - sundowners. This is where you get off the vehicle and stetch your legs while your guide prepares drinks with which to toast the setting sun and the ending of another amazing day in Africa. There are always nibbles to accompany the drinks - just enough to keep you going until dinner time!

Setting off after sunset is amazing as the sky slowly darkens and the nocturnal creatures begin to appear. Expect to hear, and possibly see nightjars, pearl-spotted owlets, skops owls and lesser galagos (bushbabies) as they emerge from their nesting spots and roosts. The sky will also be filled with various species of bat and you'll hear their high-pitched squeaks, used for echo-location purposes.

Your guide will plug a spotlight into the game vehicle dashboard to allow him to scan for wildlife and interesting things after dark. The light often picks up the reflective eyes of nocturnal creatures. We don't shine the light on diurnal animals because, like us, their eyes absorb light and the spotlight is not good for them, causing temporary vision disruption.

You will eventually wind your way back to the lodge, where you'll be greeted by the duty manager or host and welcomed with a refreshing towel to remove the dust of the African wilderness from your faces! You have a choice of either going to your room to freshen up or to the bar for some pre-dinner drinks. Either way, we meet up in the bar before moving to the boma for dinner. If the weather is inclement, dinner is moved inside.

Dinner under the stars

At the boma you'll be seated on a large table with all of the other guests, next to a crackling log fire with the vaulted heavens dotted with billions of twinkling stars above you. The noises of the African night will be all around you in bush-style surround sound. It's an amazing experience to be outside at night, under some of the darkest skies in the world, making them perfect for stargazing.

Dinner is a three-course affair and designed to make even the most discerning palates sing! You're welcome to accompany it with one of the fine South African wines on offer at our bar. If you're unsure which to choose, our staff will help you make a great selection to complement your food and preferences.

After dinner there's time for tea and coffee, or a brandy if you prefer. Then it's off to bed and a well-deserved night's rest.

In the summer months you'll need to be ready to roll for the morning game drive by 5am, in time to watch the sun rise over the savannah. So, a 04h30 alarm is the order of the day! We don't do wake-up calls anymore as most of our guests have cellphones to do this for us! Make sure to set your alarm yourself! And feel free to grab some coffee and rusks or biscuits in the dining room before you head out!

Good morning!

Morning game drives are a revelation as they give you the "news" of what's been going on during the night, thanks to tracks and signs left behind by various animals which will be seen and read by your guide. It's at this time of day that we often see leopards and lions, so keep your eyes peeled!

You'll stop along the way for a coffee and tea break and more cookies and muffins or similarly yummy baked goods before returning to the lodge for a wonderful breakfast of cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruits, more baked goodies and a hot dish of the day. The day is then yours to do with as you please before meeting for lunch and getting ready for your afternoon/evening game drive.

If you'd like to do a morning walk, please let us know and we'll see if this can be arranged with your guide. Walks take place usually in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and are not overly strenuous, allowing for all levels of fitness.

So that's it. An average day at Baobab Ridge. Rinse and repeat as often as you like! We hope to see you soon!

Meet Devine - our "heavenly" guide!

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:05:52 GMT

He's passionate about sharing his knowledge of the wilderness...

Like many safari guides before him, Devine Ngomane's initial career plan did not feature the African bush! The 38-year-old father of five originally wanted to be a doctor, but life had different plans for him.

Born and raised in the nearby village of Welverdiend, which is still his home, young Devine's original dream was to be a doctor, but when he left school after matriculation there was not enough money for university. His father was a ranger in the Kruger National Park and when Devine visited him at work, he got the idea that working in the safari industry might answer the question of what he was going to do with his career.

He decided to take the plunge into tourism but didn't know which direction to take in terms of whether to be a ranger, tracker or guide, so he started out in 2007 studying to be a field ranger at the Southern African Wildlife College near Welverdiend. After qualifying he worked for a year before deciding that a ranger's life was not for him.

Devine ploughed on, doing a tracker's course in 2008 and starting out as a tracker at a lodge in the Manyeleti Game Reserve where he worked for the next two years. The guide he was tracking for then moved to Madikwe Game Reserve in North West Province and asked Devine to come with him, so in 2009 he left Mpumalanga and moved across country to take up a tracker's job in Madikwe.

After a few months working as a tracker in Madikwe, Devine decided he really wanted to be a guide and did his Level 1 guide's training, qualifying in 2010. He was working as a safari guide in Madikwe until he moved to Baobab Ridge in November 2022, completing his Level 2 and Trails qualifications along the way.

"It was so far from home, and after 2020 with COVID19 and all of the challenges that presented, I decided that I would like to move back closer to my family at the first opportunity. I began to freelance at lodges in the area and when I heard that Baobab Ridge was looking for a guide I jumped at the chance, and here I am!"

"After almost a year at Baobab Ridge I must say I am very happy here. This is like a big family, and I have received a lot of support from the team here and from the owners, Nini and Brandon. I fitted in quickly and love the Klaserie. It's a pleasure to get out there every day and take guests on adventures!"

Devine comes from a big family, with an older and younger brother and two younger sisters. He has five children himself with his first-born - a son - now 16 and looking likely to follow in his father's footsteps when he leaves school.

"My grandfather had two wives and so we have a huge family with a lot of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Over holidays and at special events like weddings we all get together and sometimes it's hard to keep track of who's who," he laughs. His oldest brother is also a safari guide, working in Madikwe as well.

Devine's favourite part of being a safari guide is walking. It's his passion. "If I had to choose between driving and walking, I would choose walking all the time. I absolutely love walking with guests," he says. "It's a completely different experience and connects you directly to the wilderness around you. The landscapes around Baobab Ridge are wonderful for walking safaris."

He hopes to become a mentor for future guides and eventually be a guiding assessor.

"A lot of people at home don't have the access I had to the safari industry, so I want to work at that and help to improve awareness of the tourism industry and what opportunities it offers to young people coming out of school. At the moment they don't know much about it or where to start," he says.

"Giving people the right information is essential, so they know what they have to do if they want to become a tracker or a guide. Tourism has a lot to offer our local communities in terms of careers so if I can help people enter the industry and do well in it, I will be very happy."

At home Devine teaches his family and community about conservation and the importance of helping protect the wilderness areas in the Greater Kruger National Park. He takes local schoolchildren into the Kruger National Park in his free time to introduce them to what's on their doorstep and is very involved in local outreach programmes.

Why we love elephants

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:28:45 GMT

Gentle giants at heart

There's nothing quite so humbling as being in the company of African elephants, observing their behaviour at close quarters and marvelling at their size, intelligence and emotional accumen. Quite simply, we LOVE elephants and are blessed to have these amazing creatures all around us here at Baobab Ridge...

The savannah or bush elephant - Loxodonta africana - is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It's the world's largest land animal and needs little introduction. It's a global icon and perhaps more than any other species epitomises the spirit of the African wilderness. Enormously strong and yet incredibly gentle, especially where family and young are concerned, the African elephant's social structure is sophisticated and built around a dominant female, or cow, known as a matriarch.

She is the head of the herd, as well as being a repository of wisdom and knowledge passed on from generation to generation about important things like sources of water and the best feeding grounds - the two things elephant life revolves around.

Elephants only digest around 40% of everything they eat - things like grasses, leaves, shrubs, seed pods fruit and trees - which means that they need to feed virtually all day to keep up their energy levels. They also need to drink up to 200l of water a day, so tend to move between rivers, waterholes, and dams on a regular basis. When water is in short supply during our dry season, elephants will often dig for it in dry riverbed, being able to smell it underground, using their feet, tusks and trunks to excavate down to it.

Elephant family groups or breeding herds consist of related females and their offspring. Bulls leave the family unit when they reach sexual maturity at around 12 years old and they form bachelor groups, often in the company of an adult bull, who literally shows them how to behave. Adult bulls tend to be more solitary, forming loose associations with other adults and often shadowing breeding herds when females are in oestrus.

Adult elephant bulls are massive and can weigh between four and six tonnes, standing as tall as 4m at the shoulder. Cows are slightly smaller, with weights ranging from 2,7 to 3,6 tonnes. The trunk is perhaps their most iconic feature and serves multiple functions, such as feeding, drinking, communication, and the manipulation of objects.

Both bulls and cows can have tusks, which are elongated incisor teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. Tusks play a role in various activities like digging, foraging, and defence. Unfortunately, these tusks have also made elephants a target for poaching due to the demand for ivory.

African elephants have large ears that are shaped, appropriately, somewhat like the African continent. Their ears serve as a cooling mechanism when they flap them, helping to regulate their body temperature in the hot African summer. You can find Africa's elephants in a wide range of habitats, including savannahs, woodland, grasslands, and even deserts. A special sub-species - the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) lives in the rainforests of central Africa's Congo Basin.

Elephants communicate using a range of vocalisations, such as trumpeting, rumbling, and roaring. They also use nonverbal cues like body language and physical contact to convey emotions and information. They use sub-sonic rumbles to stay in touch over huge distances. The soles of their feet consist of a large, fatty pad that can detect these frequencies reverberating through the ground.

Sadly, we are losing African elephants at an alarming rate. They face significant threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and most notably, poaching for their ivory. They are listed as vulnerable (savanna elephants) and endangered (forest elephants) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Here in the Klaserie our elephants are part of a meta population that moves between our reserve and the rest of the Greater Kruger National Park region. They are well-protected, thanks to our collective anti-poaching initiatives that are themselves part of ongoing regional efforts to monitor and conserve them.

Stay in style on a family safari!

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:46:51 GMT

Our suites have enough room for everyone

The one thing we inherited when we took over what is now Baobab Ridge is lots of space, especially where our beautiful guests suites are concerned! Light, airy and with room to spare, our six superior suites and stunning family suite offer the perfect home-from-home experience for families of all sizes!

At Baobab Ridge we love to welcome extended families to come and share our brand of African hospitality and enjoy spending quality time together. Maybe it's because we're a family owned and run business ourselves, so we understand how special it is to get everyone gathered to share special moments and experiences.

Whatever the case, we are blessed with the room required to accommodate families big and small, with or without children, sleeping up to 16 people in wonderful style.

Our guest suites aren't lacking when it comes to size and floorspace, with room for extra single beds in some of our superior suites and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family suite especially designed for mum, dad and two kids. This makes baobab ridge ideal for family reunions, special occasions and celebrations like anniversaries, landmark birthdays and engagements and even weddings!

Combine the family suite with one, two or more superior suites for extended family groups or take the entire lodge out on an exclusive-use basis. The choice is yours and we're happy to tailor a safari to suit your needs. We normally accept children older than six years old, but if you take out the entire lodge we are happy to welcome younger kids as well.

All of our superior suites boast huge bathrooms with giant freestanding bathtubs and twin vanities as well as showers you could easily host a party in! The bedrooms all enjoy views out over the bush and the lounge areas have bifold doors that open out completely onto covered, private wraparound verandahs where you can enjoy morning coffee and relax between game activities.

A tea and coffee station and small bar fridge which we can stock with your drinks of choice complete the suite line-up.

Our family suite has a smaller lounge and two airy bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom with toilet, shower and vanity. The smaller of the two bedrooms has twin beds that are perfect for children.

Our décor is simple and elegant, with clean lines and minimal fuss adding to the feeling of space and the outdoor-indoor living experience. With rugs in our lounge areas and cool ceramic tiles throughout, the suites make the most of natural climate control, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

All of the suites are solar-powered and air-conditioned, with their own inverter systems ensuring uninterrupted power. There are standing fans for additional ventilation and windows are fly-screened and can be opened to take advantage of natural breezes without allowing access to bugs!

Of course, the rest of our lovely little lodge is equally stunning and perfectly geared for family fun, with room for children to play and for adults to gather and enjoy downtime together, either on our pool deck overlooking a waterhole and the rolling landscape of the Klaserie wilderness, in our lounge area that's perfect for board games or upstairs in our private TV lounge.

So, please chat to us about arranging a family safari for you and let's hopefully welcome you and your loved ones to our special piece of paradise here in the Klaserie.

Doing our bit for Planet Earth

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:09:56 GMT

Our new solar system has finally taken us off-grid!

When we inherited the buildings and infrastructure that make up what is now Baobab Ridge, more years ago than we care to mention, we knew we had a lot of work to do to reduce the lodge's impact on the environment that our visitors come from all over the world to enjoy.

It's always hard and incredibly expensive to retrofit something that wasn't necessarily designed with being environmentally friendly or eco-efficient, so over the years we've had to bide our time and take small steps that reflect our commitment to our planet and the wonderful wilderness around us.

We recycle all of our solid waste and use water-wise shower heads and plumbing to reduce consumption where possible. We did away with single use plastics long ago and invested in our own reverse osmosis system for bottled drinking water, with gorgeous glass bottles on every table at mealtimes.

Of course, COVID19 put all our efforts to the test and almost knocked the wind out of our sails. We hung on in there and thanks to a good year in 2022 and recovery of our tourism numbers, 2023 has seen us get back on track with our plans for making Baobab Ridge as green as it can be. Which is why we are delighted to share the news that we finally have installed a brand-new solar system that's allowed us to come off-grid!

We've opted for a Victron solar installation that’s the Rolls Royce of sustainable power systems. The result is that each of our our eight cottages now has its own solar panels, 5kVA inverter and battery and the main buildings run off an array of 45 solar panels, three 15kVA inverters and one 40kVA battery!

Thank goodness we are no longer dependent on mains electricity and are running the whole lodge with completely renewable energy, partly because it means that we are not affected by South Africa's current energy crisis and the loadshedding that is having such a terrible impact on our economy, but mostly because this was always our intention as part of our commitment to reducing our impact and becoming as sustainable as possible.

Sustainability is not an easy path to tread, but we take it very seriously and do what we can to make sure that we contribute to the ethos of respecting both people and our planet. From a people perspective we began Baobab Ridge with an ethos of "family first", creating a welcoming, family orientated and open environment for our staff in the belief that by having a close-knit, happy, and committed team of people, our guests would benefit tenfold.

Over the years we have recruited mostly from the communities around the Klaserie with an emphasis on empowering women in the workplace so that they can in turn empower their families. The result is the team we always dreamed of and a wonderful work environment for everyone, which, as we anticipated, has a huge positive impact on our guests.

Our commitment to people and their future is also reflected in our support of Eco Children, a non-profit organisation initiated by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve which focuses on hands-on environmental education and whole school development.

Operating in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, it works with some of the country's most severe social and environmental issues. By stimulating an interest in nature and improving learning environments, Eco Children strives to have a positive impact on environmental awareness and education amongst the youth in these areas, leading to better conservation and economic outcomes for South Africa.

Conservation efforts are also high on our list of priorities. We actively supporting anti-poaching through the K9 unit guest interactions that directly contribute to the unit and anti-poaching patrols in the reserve and the rhino dehorning programme, where guests can experience what goes into capturing and removing the horn of these precious creatures.

We also help one of our most endangered birds through the Associated Private Nature Reserves Southern Ground Hornbill Project, based in the Greater Kruger by sponsoring the installing of nest boxes that have increased breeding success by an average of 14%, slowing the decline of the species in the area.

Killer instinct

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:47:33 GMT

Learn more about the anatomy of a lion kill

Nothing brings home the raw power of the African wilderness like a lion kill. Seeing Africa's apex predator on a successful hunt, bringing down and devouring its prey is one of the most primal and thrilling things you can experience on a safari and will change the way you think about a lot of things!

Not for the faint of heart and harrowing to watch, a kill nonetheless reminds us of the incredible challenges wild animals face on a daily basis in their quest to stay alive and pass on their genes. It's the most basic instinct that's hard-wired into all animal species - kill or be killed. Everything has to eat, and that means that something has to be eaten.

While lions do hunt alone, and can be successful solo providers, they hunt best in prides, using their strong social bonds to come together and bring down larger, more nutritious prey that they would not manage to kill alone. It's usually the lionesses who initiate the hunt, most often at dusk or during the night.

Lions stalk their prey, often for hours, before getting into a position where they are close enough to charge, using strength of numbers to run down prey by either knocking it over with a swipe of a paw or pouncing onto it and using their own bodyweight, claws and teeth to either fell it outright or bring it to an inevitably fatal standstill.

The "kill" itself happens when a lion clamps its jaws around the victim's throat or nose, closing it off and suffocating it. Occasionally it will bite through the victim's neck, killing it instantly. With larger prey species like buffalo and small elephant, the "killing" part can take a long time as it's more difficult to suffocate, so sometimes the prey will be dismembered while still alive and will either bleed to death or die from shock.

Lions generally open the carcass through the soft stomach area, as this is the easiest point of entry. They take care not to rupture the stomach and alert scavengers to the kill through the smell this emits, and rather target the liver and kidneys which are highly nutritious, before moving on to major "meaty" muscle groups around the groin and hind legs.

They will gorge for a few hours before resting a short distance from the carcass, making it easy for them to fend off scavengers like hyena and jackal, attracted by the smell of blood and sights and sounds of the kill. During the day vultures are the major scavengers, and they will sit in trees around the kill waiting for the opportunity to feed on the carcass.

Lions will sometimes protect a large carcass like buffalo, giraffe or elephant for days on end, feeding and resting in between and leaving it when they have either eaten all they can, or the meat becomes too rank and maggot-ridden to be palatable. The scavengers have stronger stomach acids to deal better with rotten carcasses.

The prime prey species for lions fall in the 45kg to 450kg bracket and include everything from impala, zebra and wildebeest to buffalo, young elephant and giraffe. They are opportunistic killers and will chase and bring down prey that passes their way even if they have recently fed.

The abundance of prey has a direct affect on lion pride size - the more prey there is, the larger the prides become, sometimes reaching "super pride" status with more than 30 individuals. Most are related females and their offspring, ranging from sub-adults to small cubs, with a single or group of related or bonded males (known as a coalition).

When stalking together, a pride will use different angles of approach to cut off escape routes of their prey, watching one another to assess the best stalking strategy.

While you were sleeping...

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:19:25 GMT

Find out who's out and about under cover of darkness!

You've finished your wonderful three-course dinner, had some amazing South African wine to complement it and it's time to lay your head on that soft, white pillow and snuggle down on your uber-comfortable bed in your wonderful, air-conditioned suite... Which is when the African night comes into its own, with all manner of creatures visiting our waterhole in front of the lodge and making night-time the right time to be on the move.

Our camera trap has captured some interesting after-dark guests taking advantage of the peace and quiet to grab a quick drink and indulge in the odd dip while most humans are sleeping soundly! Everything from hippo and hyena to zebra, buffalo and elephants frequent the waterhole after dark, which is interesting because aside from the hyena, you don't expect our mega fauna to be so mobile during the night.

Of course, we get the usual nocturnal animals we expect to spot on night drives - creatures like the African civet, spotted genet and honey badger - which all pay the camp regular visits, moving between the boma area, the lounge area and deck and the suites when we are cleaning up at night.

Then there are the rarer sightings like the wonderful image of an aardvark having a drink. We sometimes get reports of aardvark being spotted in our area, and even the odd pangolin, which is wonderful to hear because these secretive creatures are so important for healthy eco-systems and not often seen.

Of course, lions, leopards and hyenas are all active at night and regularly move around the lodge on the prowl for prey. There's nothing more special that laying in bed and hearing lions roaring close to camp, or the rasping call of a leopard as it announces its presence. And the haunting, whooping howl of the spotted hyena is equally amazing to hear at close quarters.

Seeing such a lot of elephant action at our waterhole after dark just reinforces how amazingly silent these gentle giants are. You'd expect a herd of elephants drinking to make a lot of noise but far from it. Thanks to their amazing, padded "pneumatic" feet they move with the minimum of noise and make sure not to get too vocal and draw attention to themselves, because lions will often hunt babies or young elephant at night.

When the camera trap snapped a hippo at the waterhole it highlighted what we all know about these night owls! They roam over incredible distances at night, far from the water they call home during the day, grazing on grasses as they go and grabbing power naps in soft undergrowth before returning to their dams before dawn. It's most likely that the hippo image shared here is one of the pod that has made a permanent home at Goya Dam, on its way to paint the bush red!

Finding a lone zebra taking a drink after dark is interesting, to say the least. These herd animals are staple prey for lion and for a single animal to take the risk of moving away from the relative safety that numbers provide is unusual. That's the beauty of the African wilderness - you never know what it's doing to dish up, no matter what time of day it is. Which is why a safari is so special and the reason that game drives never get boring!

So next time you come on safari with us and you're getting into bed and switching off the lights, you'll be wondering who's out there in the dark and whether they'll still be around the next morning!

The fastest thing on four legs!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:34:25 GMT

Meet the enigmatic cheetah - Africa's smallest big cat!

When it comes to Africa's big cats, invariably the lion and leopard steal the limelight, but the smallest member of this grouping is without a doubt it's most fascinating... In fact, the cheetah is a complete enigma!

It's the fastest land animal on the planet, reaching 112km/h in just three seconds - that's faster than most super cars and equal to an F1 car's acceleration. It's built for super speed over short distances of up to 300m, but is less impressive when it comes to stamina, running out of energy after a minute at full speed. That's easy to understand when you learn that cheetahs take three strides a second, covering 7m with each stride!

Sprints like these use up most of the cheetahs energy quota, leading to them resting for most of each day and only moving around for around 12% of the time. Conserving energy is a priority for them so that they have the reserves they need to hunt - something they are quite literally built to do.

A cheetah's eyesight is exceptional and can pick out prey from huge distances, aided by the distinctive black tear marks running from its eyes which help to reflect the glare from the African sun. Cheetahs hunt in the day to avoid competition with their more nocturnal cousins, but they still lose a high percentage of their kills - mostly to opportunistic lions and spotted hyenas.

When they select prey they stalk quietly, getting as close as possible before sprinting from cover, running down their victim quickly, knocking it down with a swipe of their powerful paws and dispatching it with a bite to the throat. Their claws act like cleats on a running shoe, giving them extreme grip over rought terrain and their long muscular tail acts like a rudder, allowing them to make sharp turns while running at speed.

Often confused with their similarly camouflaged cousin the leopard, cheetahs have properly spotted coats rather than rosettes. It's those spots that have given the cheetah its name, which comes from the Hindi word "chita" meaning "spotted one". The spot patterns are unique to each cat. Occasionally a recessive gene causes a colour mutation producing a more blotchy, almost stripy coat, giving rise to what's known as a "king cheetah".

Female cheetahs are largely solitary when they don't have cubs to care for. They give birth to between two and five cubs at a time and raise them on their own, hiding them in dens or dense undergrowth during the day until they are old enough to learn the hunting skills they will need to survive without mum, becoming independent at anywhere from 16 months to two years old. Male cheetahs often form coalitions with their brothers or other similarly aged males, defending territory and hunting together. Males and females only come together to mate.

Cheetahs used to be found across Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia, as far as central India. In ancient Egypt they were worshipped, with the cat god Mafdet having the head of a cheetah. They were used as hunting companions by countless pharaohs and can be seen depicted in statues, paintings and in royal tombs. Today, the cheetah is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list and only an estimated 10,000 remain in sub-Saharan Africa.

Luckily, we are blessed to have regular sightings of these amazing felines, so you may be fortunate enough to see a cheetah in action during your stay with us!

Superlative safaris for lovers of all ages!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:30:51 GMT

Every month is the month of love at Baobab Ridge!

Yes. It's that time of the year again. That fabled "month of love" is just around the corner and the world is going to be all hearts and roses for a few short weeks. Valentine's Day looms and cupid's proverbial arrow is preparing for the global spotlight to be turned on all things romantic.

Here at Baobab Ridge we love love, but not just in February! We like to keep the romance going all year round and firmly believe that telling your special someone you love them and sharing precious alone time with them should not be reserved to four short weeks at the start of the year!

Romance is also not just for young couples starting out together. It's for lovers of all ages and at all stages in their romantic lives. So it doesn't matter to use if you've been in love for five minutes or 50 years, you still get to celebrate with us here at our beautiful spot in the Klaserie, far from the madding crowds and surrounded by people who appreciate how special love really is.

Don't forget, our little lodge is where our lovely owner Nini Gouveris said "I do" to the man of her dreams, husband Brandon, out in the breathtaking wilderness, surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful bush wedding. That set the stage for many nuptials to come and to this day, weddings are a staple offering at Baobab Ridge, thanks to the phenomenal expertise built up over the years organising and hosting them. So please do chat to us if you're thinking of saying your vows in a fairytale wilderness setting!

Indeed, the wilderness around us really is the star of the show when it comes to romantic getaways, weddings, engagements or just a few days in each others' company, far from the drudge of every day "normality". The landscapes are jaw-dropping (especially at this time of the year when everything is green and lush) and the wildlife is plentiful, but it's the incredible feeling you get when you're immersed in the African bush, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of wild Africa, that make it so special. The constant hum of cicadas, the birdsong in the trees, the vast, blue skies above... All contribute to the romance of a safari.

As the sun sets and night falls, there's nothing more meaningful than sharing a bottle of bubbly with your significant other out in the bush, far from everywhere, just the two of you and Africa. In fact, it's the perfect way to propose, if you haven't yet popped the question! Or to renew vows. Or just say "I love you". Back at the lodge a romantic dinner for two on the pool deck, beneath a canopy of twinkling stars in a vaulted, velvety black sky is the order of the day.

You can celebrate an anniversary, a birthday, or just being together in a myriad ways here at Baobab Ridge. Just tell us in advance what you'd like to do to spoil your partner and we'll take care of the rest. Whether it's during February or not doesn't matter - we'll make sure that hearts are a-flutter irrespective of when you come to visit us.

If it's a landmark romantic celebration that you'd like to share with friends and family we are also here for you! Consider taking out the whole lodge, filling it with loved ones and going for broke when it comes to public displays of affection! Having the lodge to yourself allows maximum flexibility if you'd like a celebratory dinner, whether for an engagement, anniversary or renewal of vows. It also lets you set the pace for you and your guests, letting us put together a customised itinerary for activities and dining.

So, as red roses steal the spotlight and hearts appear everywhere you look, think about what you'd like to do to say "I love you" - not just in February, but every single day of the year! And then let's chat!

Indulge in some stylish retail therapy!

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:09:22 GMT

Our new curio shop is getting rave reviews!

Baobab Ridge has added a new dimension to its guest experience with the opening of its very own curio shop, offering guests the chance to do a little shopping in between game activities and find the perfect gifts for loved ones back home.

The vision of owner Nini Gouveris, the new shop takes the space formerly occupied by the lodge library and gives it a new, fresh twist with beautiful antique Zanzibari-style doors and hand carved wood facia for the shelves that complement the Afro-Arabic theme already found in various décor vignettes throughout the lodge.

"The shop is the finishing touch to our new-look reception area," says Nini. "We sourced the doors and finishes in an effort to continue what we had already achieved with the blue Zanzibari doors on the pool deck and the beautiful turquoise-washed cupboard in the bar area, along with the distressed wooden display cabinet that's home to our hand-made African bead necklaces and other jewellery items that I made myself," she adds.

"Although we had a few items for sale to guests, we never really had the space to offer a proper range of items and gift ideas or share some of the wonderful things we have in the lodge, like the shweshwe laundry bags and the gorgeous ornamental sand-blasted glass beads," adds Nini. "Now we've been able to create this new space for a proper shop we've been able to add to the diversity of the things we stock, from clothing, hats and place mats to scented candles, bath foam and scarves."

On the clothing front there are new T-shirts, ponchos, fleeces, rain capes, hats, socks, buffs, beanies and peak visors as well as a range of cosmetic bags and covers for reading glasses. Woven tote and hand bags are also available.

Nini sources the glass and metal beads from community based producers in Ghana and Ivory Coast and has taken great care to ensure that the products in the shop are as sustainably produced as possible. "We want to continue our ethos of ethical procurement in the shop so I am spending a lot of time selecting items that reflect our commitment to people and planet," she says.

"Guests can spend time going through our shop knowing that, where possible, we've sourced them locally and that they have a strong connection to both this part of Southern Africa and the continent as a whole. I have actively avoided items that are mass-produced in the Far East for this very reason," she explains.

"When you buy something in the African wilderness it has to resonate with the spirit of Africa and to do that it needs to have been made here in Africa and have the benefits of its sale go directly to the people who made it."

Meet Marcia, our No 1 cleaning fanatic!

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:37:17 GMT

Keeping the lodge looking spick and span is her passion!

For Marcia Ndubane, cleaning house is not a chore, it's something she's 100% dedicated to, 24/7. You could even say it's her obsession, but one she loves and that makes her happy. Which is a good thing, because as Baobab Ridge's Head Housekeeper she's in charge of making sure everything's pristine, especially in our luxurious guest suites.

The mother of three hails from nearby Powerline Trust, a small community in Acornhoek which is where she was born and raised. She left school in 2007 and her family circumstances meant she couldn't continue her education. So she quickly found a job as a domestic worker until 2011, when Baobab Ridge first opened and she got a job as a housekeeper.

"I also helped out in the scullery and did a bit of everyting, to begin with," she recalls with a smile. "But in 2012, when Jason and Nini saw that I was a hard worker, they promoted me to the head of housekeeping and I began to run the whole housekeeping department," she says.

Being in charge of the housekeeping team was something the shy 36-year-old feels she was born to do. It was her grandmother who taught her to love cleaning and housework, urging her to get up early each morning as a young girl and make their humble home as neat as a pin, sweeping the yard, polishing floors, cleaning thoroughly before anyone else was awake.

"She never wanted to see any dirt so taught me how to do everything properly, from washing dishes and floors to linen and towels to making beds properly and keeping the yard in good order. I used to get up at 5am to start cleaning to help my mother who was selling fresh produce. Since then I have always been house proud and very well organised. I am proud of how I clean."

Marcia has a team of five housekeepers working with her at Baobab Ridge. "Even with the help of my ladies - Eunice, Delani, Disso, Prudence and Betty (who is in charge of the laundry) - it's still hard work," she laughs modestly. "But because I know what I am doing now, thanks to my experience, I manage to stay strong and lead by example, making sure everything looks lovely and is wonderfully clean."

One of the daily challenges Marcia and her team face is keeping Baobab Ridge's gorgeous bed linen looking crisp and fresh, and brilliantly, pure white! "I have to make sure that when guests come to the room everything is perfect. Keeping white linen and towels looking beautifully white is sometimes hard. I use Vanish stain remover where necessary and sometimes a bit of Jik (bleach) if I absolutely have to, soaking first and washing by hand before machine washing things."

Once guests have checked in and made themselves at home, managing the rooms is much easier, says Marcia. "It takes us 30 minutes to make beds, clean and tidy while the guests are out on their morning game drive," she explains. "When guests check out, it takes us an hour to strip a room, remake beds, do a deep clean and make the room up from scratch, but we work as a well-oiled team and everything is co-ordinated with the laundry to ensure the turnaround of fresh linen is seamless," she says.

It takes a lot of linen to ensure each room has enough sheets, duvet covers, bath and hand towels and facecloths. Add in pool towels and the towels for the guest toilets in the main lodge, as well as napkins, plate charger covers and tablecloths to boot! It's part of Marcia's job to make sure everything is kept in rotation and looking as good as new.

"When we finish the rooms we go to the laundry to help Betty there, helping with the ironing and all the linen. That's how we work. We start at 06h30 and usually finish at 11h00, if we don't have check-ins. With check-ins we work till around 14h00. We work for three weeks and then get a week off and go home to see our families," Marcia explains.

When she goes home she relaxes and takes a break from cleaning. Her children stay with her mother when she's working but as soon as she gets home she spends as much time with them as possible.

"I really love working here at Baobab Ridge with my whole heart and I genuinely love cleaning, more than anything else, even cooking," she laughs. "I feel so happy when everything looks perfect. It's part of who I am and my housekeepers know that I am a perfectionist so only expect the best from them.

"My grandmother is now 83 but still cleans as well as I do. She taught me everything and I am so grateful to her, because I have such a wonderful job doing what I love. I also now get to train the ladies working with me to become first-class housekeepers, giving them all of my experience and sharing my understanding of the importance of cleaning."

Don't overlook the humble impala!

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:53:34 GMT

Discover fascinating facts about our most abundant antelope!

Make no bones about it, hardly anyone bothers about impala! Our most prolific antelope is also the most overlooked when it comes to safari enthusiasts on game activities. Newcomers to the African bush will get excited when they first spot an impala, but soon lose interest after they've seen the third, fourth, fifth and sixth group of these beautiful but hugely underestimated creatures.

"Oh, it's only an impala" is perhaps the most delivered line on an open safari vehicle when out looking for wildlife and coming across something in the distance requiring binoculars. Most of the time we just drive past them and pay them no heed. Which is sad, because actually, impala are really cool and interesting antelopes and more than deserving of a little more attention!

Here are some of the things that make impala special in our book...

Gone in 60 seconds...

They're fast. Slender and agile, they can hit speeds of up to 60km per hour and can leap up to 3m into the air and 10m in length. It's understandable given that they're on the dinner menu of virtually every major predator, but sometimes you get the feeling that they jump for the sheer joy of it!

Horns and the fight for dominance

It's only the male impalas, known as rams, who have horns. They are lyre-shaped and grow up to 75cm in length. They take a good few years to reach this length which is when they start to compete for breeding rights and territory, fighting and wrestling one another at the start of winter in what's known as the "rut".

Dominant rams see off competition and claim the prize of a harem of ewes and their territory. The losing rams form bachelor groups till the next rut! Rams produce a scent from a gland on their foreheads to advertise their status to rivals. When a ram loses rank he produces less scent.

The mating game

Rams will mate with as many females as possible and only mate with a female once. Ewes gestate for seven months and synchronise their lambing so that they all give birth within a few days of each other. Most lambs are born in the middle of the day when predators are resting. More than half of all newborns are killed by predators within the first few weeks of their lives.

Ewes can delay giving birth for up to a month if the conditions are not favourable, waiting for rain to provide the food they need to nourish their young. There are twice as many females as males born each year!

The one and only...

Impalas are the only member of the genus Aepyceros which falls under the Bovidae family of mammals that includes buffalo, sheep, goats and cows, etc. The impalas we have here on the Klaserie are the common impala - Aepyceros melampus melampus. The other sub-species is the black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) which is only found in parts of Namibia and Angola.

Herd headed...

Impalas are herd animals and are very social. They form three types of groups - all female herds often led by a territorial ram, mixed sex family herds led by more than one territorial ram and bachelor, ram-only herds.

Herds of mostly ewes are very cohesive and often consist of many unrelated animals because parent-offspring bonds don't last beyond the weaning process. Herds of ewes can consist of up to 100 impalas whereas bachelor groups are smaller, hovering around the 30 impala range.

They roam across a large range and move according to food availability.

Clever teeth

Impala have "hinged" teeth that allow them to separate when allogrooming and the tips of the front incisor and canine teeth can move forward some 2mm before returning to their original positions. This movement makes it possible for hairs to pass between the teeth while staying in close contact with the skin, allowing the impalas to efficiently remove ticks and other parasites from themselves and one another.

So the next time you're on safari with us, take a little time to sit and study the humble impala and marvel at its amazing adaptations, clever behaviour and absolute beauty - we think it's one of the prettiest antelope ever!

Summer's here!

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:51:07 GMT

The Klaserie is bursting at the seams with new life!

When the storm clouds began to build towards the end of October we couldn't believe our luck! An early start to the annual rainy season has meant that the parched browns and dusty earth of winter have been transformed into a wonderland of 50 shades of green in a matter of just a few weeks, and summer is definitely here...

While it may only officially start on 1 December, when the woodland kingfishers return and fill the bush with their trilling calls you know that summer's here and the time of plenty has begun. Indeed, the Klaserie's bird list has increased dramatically as the summer migrants arrive by the day.

First up were the Wahlberg's eagles and yellow-billed kites, then came the Levaillant's cuckoo and the red-chested cuckoo, known locally as the "Piet my vrou" with its distinctive call that always seems to announce impending rain. The European rollers have also arrived with the European bee-eaters hot on their heels and then there's the lesser kestrels and amur falcons as well as the beautiful Diederik cuckoo. Let's not forget another of our favourite summer birds - the beautiful African paradise flycatcher with its amazing rusty red and blue grey colouring and the male's splendid long tail feathers.

The migrant birds choose South Africa as their summer home and nursery, nesting and hatching the next generation here in the Rainbow Nation. For the mammals of the Klaserie it's also baby boom time as multiple species give birth to their little ones. We've already seen our first impala lambs of the season, as well as warthog piglets, and the zebra foals won't be far behind. Even the dwarf mongooses have had their first litters of gorgeous little pups!

Of course, the temperatures are steadily rising as well, making our sparkling swimming pool the main attraction with guests at this time of year! Indeed, our pool deck is perfect for chilling out on in between game activities and allows you lots of time for birding and watching out for animals that may come to drink at our waterhole.

So what's it like to be on safari in the summer? Many people seem to think that the Klaserie is just too hot and wet to be an enjoyable destination at this time of year, but actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Summer is a wonderful time to be on safari, because of the abundance of life all around us here at Baobab Ridge and the undeniable beauty of the bush when it's lush and green.

Yes, game viewing can be a bit more challenging when the bush is so dense, but with all the babies of all descriptions around it's incredibly enjoyable, hugely rewarding and makes for awesome photography. And it does get hot, but your body soon adjusts and as long as you stay hydrated, use lots of sunscreen and wear a hat (and maybe lightweight, long sleeves for extra sun protection) it's not unbearable. Our beautiful guest suites are all air-conditioned for your added comfort, so sleeping is easy, no matter what the mercury is telling you the outside temperature is!

We do have some spectacular summer storms at this time of year, but they usually happen in the late afternoon and evenings. While we do sometimes have rainy days, it's not really an issue because it cools the bush down wonderfully when it comes, so is something to celebrate. We have great waterproof ponchos on our game vehicles to boot!

Of course, there are a lot more insects during the summer, and mosquitoes can be an issue, so we always recommend anti-malarials just to be on the safe side, but if you use insect repellant as soon as the sun starts to go down you should be able to keep the bites at bay!

The pros of a summer safari definitely outweigh the cons, then! So we hope to see you very soon!

Not all that slithers is sinister!

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:39:32 GMT

Get to know some of the harmless snakes of the Klaserie

Many people have an innate and inexplicable fear of snakes. Especially venomous ones. Here in South Africa's Greater Kruger we have some of Africa's most dangerous snakes in terms of venom toxicity, including the black mamba, Mozambican spitting cobra, snouted cobra, boomslang and vine snake. Yes, these snakes are scary, but in reality, they are more scared of humans than we are of them and will do everything in their power to keep out of our way.

Thankfully, there are more benign, harmless snakes than there are potentially life-threatening ones and we see quite a few of them both in and around the lodge grounds and out on our game activities, especially now that the weather is getting hot and they're getting more active.

We'd like to introduce you to a few of these interesting snakes in the hope that it will spark interest in them. If there's one thing that we're sure of, it's that learning about things that scare you tends to overcome that fear, replacing it with interest and curiosity. So while we understand that not all of our guests are going to become raving herpetologists, we would like to share some knowledge with you so that you feel more at ease and less worried about things that slither and slink!

We always recommend the wonderful African Snakebite Institute (ASI) and its wonderful free app to all of our guests because it has some of the best information you can find about this area's snakes (as well as scorpions and spiders) and has been created by the ASI's founder, Johan Marais, who is also the author of one of Southern Africa's most comprehensive snake books - A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa.

So without further ado, here are some of the amazing (and harmless) snakes you might encounter during your stay...

Spotted bush snake

This alert, day-active snake grows up to 1,3m long. It climbs well and is often found between the walls and ceilings of buildings, where it hunts for geckos and frogs.

Its body is bright green to copper-green in colour with distinctive blackish spots on its front half, but little or no dark marks on its back half. Its belly is yellowish to white and its eyes' pupils are orange.

This snake has keeled belly scales which enables it to climb up the bark of a tree or even up face-brick walls. It is commonly found in suburban gardens as well as out in the bush that gave it its name.

Western yellow-bellied sand snake

A fast-moving, slender snake that averages between 70cm and 1m in length. This snake is active during the day and is without doubt one of our fastest snakes. It's fond of basking but will move off rapidly and if there is a shrub or tree close by it may climb to avoid detection.

It feeds on lizards, frogs, rodents, small birds and other snakes and has a mild venom that has no real effect on humans.

Herald or red-lipped snake

This nocturnal snake loves water features. It is a toad specialist and often eats toads that look far too large to swallow!

The herald is usually greyish to olive-grey in colour but some individuals are quite dark. Its head is always darker than its body and might have white speckles on its body. In some areas the upper lip is bright red, orange or yellowish, giving it its alternative name.

When threatened this snake puts up quite a show, drawing the head back into a striking position with the mouth agape and the head flattened to expose the brightly coloured lips.

It is mildly venomous but poses no threat to humans.

Eastern tiger snake

This slow-moving nocturnal snake hunts for lizards, especially geckos, nestling birds, bats and small rodents. It's an excellent climber and spends its days hiding under tree bark or rocks.

It can often be seen crossing roads at night.

Like the herald snake, it puts up quite an impressive defence display when cornered, drawing its head back with coiled neck and striking dramatically with an open mouth. Its strikes are rather slow and it often loses its balance, though. It also flattens the head in the process but does not make a true hood like a cobra.

The venom of the tiger snake is mild and has virtually no effect on humans.

For more information on the snakes of Southern Africa and to download the free African Snakebite Institute app, visit the African Snakebite Institute website

The toughest little creature in Africa

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:30:45 GMT

Honey badgers are both fearless

and fearsome!

When maintenance worker Michael went to empty the lodge's dustbins recently he was in for a big surprise. Opening the lid of one of the bins and looking inside, he saw a face staring back at him, unusually quietly. Its beady eyes holding his as it seemed to be deciding what to do. It was a honey badger - a creature with a reputation that far outstrips its modest size and that's renowned as being one of the toughest animals in Africa! It was enjoying a bag full of used tea bags and was literally covered in tea!

Respected for its supremely grumpy disposition, fearsome teeth and claws and fearless character, this little scrapper is renowned for taking on anything that comes at it and emerging victorious. It's been known to kill buffalos and lions and will readily defend itself using the oldest ethos in warfare - the best defence is a good offence - attacking readily irrespective of the size of its opponent.

So it was with enormous care and no small amount of anxiety that brave mechanic Nicholas and Brandon transported the honey badger, still happily having its tea-party in the dustbin, out into the wilds of the Klaserie where they released it. Watch the video below of how this went down...

Although distantly related to badgers and other members of the mustelid family like weasels, stoats, martens, polecats and otters, the honey badger is most likened to its North American cousin, the wolverine. It has its own taxonomic family or genus called Mellivora. Its long body is thick-set and broad, especially across its back and its skin is exceptionally thick (around 6mm at the neck) and loose, allowing it to turn and twist within it - a useful defence mechanism that allows it to bite and scratch at anything brave enough to bite and grab hold of it.

Coming in at just over a metre long, with its small, flat head and short muzzle, small eyes and ears, it's built to avoid damage while fighting, which tells you everything, because if there's one thing a honey badger does a lot of, it's fighting, usually against foes twice its size! These curmudgeonly creatures are known for muttering to themselves like grumpy old men, and growl readily at everything from shadows to elephants.

Believe it or not, but their most famous fighting strategy is to attack the genitals and genital area of larger foes, often ripping the genitals off completely, leading to the ultimate death of the former owner from loss of blood. This is how they can bring down buffalo and lions, the latter of which find it virtually impossible to penetrate the honeybadgers' thick skin with their teeth and claws.

The honey badgers' short, sturdy legs are tipped with five-toed feet armed with very strong claws. Short on the back legs but incredibly long on the front limbs, these claws are extremely powerful and are used to dig and rip open earth and trees in the search for food and especially the honey it loves so much.

They are fantastic diggers and fast ones too - churning through the soil in minutes to excavate tunnels in even the hardest of ground. They sleep in tunnels like this during the day as they are primarily nocturnal, especially in the summer when the heat is truly on. It also uses old aardvark burrows and termite mounds as daytime retreats.

Honey badgers have a mutualistic relationship with a bird - the greater honeyguide - which calls to the badger to attract it and leads it to nearby hives. The honey badger then attacks the hive, being impervious to bee stings, and always leaves something for the honeyguide.

They are mostly solitary creatures but will team up with the opposite sex during the breeding season to hunt. They feed on a wide range of vertebrates like tortoises, snakes, rodents, birds and lizards as well as foraging for roots, bulbs and berries.

Honey badgers are exceptionally clever and that brings them into direct conflict with us humans, especially here in safari lodges like Baobab Ridge! We have had them break into our offices and the lodge itself during the night, looking for ways into the kitchen which they will readily sack if given access! The dustbins are easy pickings for them!

All in all, as ferocious and grumpy as they are, we absolutely love them for their tough attitudes and enormous hearts and even though they cause us the occasional headaches with their breaking and entering antics, we have enormous respect for their sheer tenacity, grit and cleverness.

Get some big cat action in the Klaserie!

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 07:05:09 GMT

Meet our most beautiful and beguiling predators

What makes the Greater Kruger National Park such a huge drawcard with safari travellers from across the world? Well, its incredible big cats are most certainly close to the top of the list! This legendary wildlife region has some of the highest concentrations of lion and leopard in Africa and when it comes to Baobab Ridge and the Klaserie, these two species are truly the stars of the show.

We're blessed to have regular sightings of both of these beautiful felines and each one is spectacular and special in its own right. It's easy to see why they both top the list of wildlife species our guests really want to see and our guides have become experts at finding them. Indeed, our very own David Mathonsi is renowned for his built-in "leopard compass" and ability to find these stealthy hunters!

His colleagues Moven Qibi and Paul MacFarlane are no slouches when it comes to serving up superlative sightings and both have had marvellous luck of late, especially when it comes to lions, with the famed Vuyella pride with its magnificent males and plethora of cubs stealing the limelight.

Nothing beats spending times with active lions, especially when there are cubs involved. No matter how much other pride members try to rest during the day, the cubs are always on the go, often pestering their relatives mercilessly with their constant play pouncing and energetic games. It's an absolute pleasure to watch and always entertaining.

Of course, catching glimpses and quality sightings of leopards in action is an amazing privilege that's hard to beat. Beautiful in the extreme, these powerful predators are often spotted in the high branches of trees with their kills in an effort to escape the machinations of the Klaseries healthy hyena population. Hyenas love nothing better than stealing from leopards, but when the object of their zeal gets off the ground with their prey there's little they can do than just wait it out in the hopes of a few small scraps dropping within reach!

Watching a leopard devour an impala in the uppermost branches of a tall tree is truly something special to behold as you fathom the incredible power that got cat and prey up the tree in the first place and the agility that keeps both precariously balanced there, out of reach from canny scavengers.

When the hyenas are surrounding the tree fervently trying to work out how to get to the carcass, the intrigue reaches boiling point! Will the leopard make a wrong move? Will the hyenas give up and move on? It's a knife-edge scenario that many of our guests get to witness first-hand.

Of course, while lions don't do trees anywhere near as well as leopards (they can climb, but very clumsily thanks to their weight and decided lack of agility!) when they are on a kill it's a truly awesome spectacle. And one often tinged with sadness when you see a once noble creature like a giraffe or its baby being feasted upon.

Lions too are bedevilled by hyenas and fights often break out over carcasses when a hyena clan appears and takes on the pride. It can be bloodcurdling with all of the noise and dust as the lions roar in anger and the hyenas scream and yip excitedly. It certainly isn't for the faint of heart!

So when you next come to stay with us and head out into the wilderness of the Klaserie, you may be lucky enough to capture our next great big cat sighting! Don't forget your camera and your cellphone to capture the occasion!

Images: Paul MacFarlane

On safari at Baobab Ridge!

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 07:00:13 GMT

The inside edge on our wonderful wilderness experience

The word itself conjures up images of vast savannahs dotted with game, spectacular skies and endless horizons... Safari! It's one of the most emotive, appealing and evocative travel ideas out there, but what's it actually like to be "on safari" in the African wilderness?

Romantic in the extreme, and the perfect way to spend indulgent time for lovers of all ages, friends and family alike, a safari is filled with incredible experiences... Dining al fresco, watching incredible sunsets, taking in the amazing wilderness landscapes and big skies that make wild Africa so special and exploring on foot, taking in all of the tiny details so often missed on open safari vehicles.

Here in the Klaserie in the heart of South Africa's Greater Kruger the safari experience is vastly different to those sweeping images of East Africa's great plains filled with wildebeest that grace the brochures, social media and digital platforms of global media and travel gurus alike.

While we do have open areas of gorgeous grassland, our topography is significantly different, consisting of gently undulating lowland acacia scrub and thickets of bushwillows and mopane - the "bushveld" that's typical of this region. Add to this a wealth of marula trees, shambok pods, the ubiquitous knobthorns and the tall, riparian trees that fringe drainage lines and seasonal river beds (including the jackalberry, tambotie, leadwood and weeping boer bean) and you begin to get a very different image of the African wilderness.

Spectacular in its own right, the Klaserie landscape also differs greatly depending on the season. At this time of year at the height of the dry season as winter gives way to spring the bush is sparse and dry and the dominant colours are golden browns and greys, punctuated by the soft yellow sandy soil that acts as an overlay to the underlying bedrock of granite and gneiss.

In the rainy season (November to April) the Klaserie is transformed to a lush, verdant paradise where every shade of green is represented and the grasses grow long and tall with the bush thick and seemingly impenetrable. It's wondrous to behold, and the air is filled with incredible birdlife as our summer migrants feast on the wealth of food the rains bring with them.

Out into the wild!

As is the norm with most safari lodges and camps in Africa, you head out into this magical wilderness twice a day to explore and spot the myriad wildlife species that call it home. Game drives take place in open safari vehicles so expect the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin for most of the time! This is why a hat and sunscreen are so important, irrespective of the season!

Morning drives depart just as the sun is rising over the horizon and the wilderness is waking to the promise of another day, stopping for coffee and cookies along the way and returning in time for a hearty breakfast. The early mornings give you the chance to see predators that have been active during the night, perhaps on kills they may have made.

Afternoon drives leave in the late afternoon and take in the fabled "golden hour" of afternoon light as the sun begins its descent to the horizon, pausing for traditional sundowners before taking in the early hours of the evening as darkness descends on the African bush and nocturnal species begin to appear. The last hour or so of your drive makes use of a spotlight to find these more secretive animals and you return to the lodge at around 7pm for drinks and a marvellous dinner under the stars.

No two game drives are ever the same, and even if you were to cover identical territory during your morning and afternoon adventures (which you never will as we always work to provide variety in the ground we cover) everything will look different, thanks to the constantly changing light and movement of animals.

Driving along, with the sights, sounds and smells of the African wilderness all around you, a game drive is a sensory adventure with the added bonus of not knowing what waits around the next bend in the road! That's the beauty of a safari - no matter how many times you go out into the bush it always feels like the first time! It's thrilling, exciting and soul soothing all at the same time and it becomes addictive!

Fear of missing out makes most of our guests eager to do every single drive, but sometimes it's nice to just sit on our deck in the afternoons and watch Africa pass by as animals come and go from the waterhole in front of the swimming pool and birds chatter noisily in the undergrowth. You'll sometimes spot monkeys and dwarf mongooses foraging on our lawns as well!

Whatever your choice, being on safari is a life-changing experience that shifts the way you look at the world around you. It's a privilege to see iconic species in their natural habitat and share a few precious moments in their presence, just as it's incredibly special just to be out there, in the wilderness, listening to the sounds of nature in all its wonderful, untamed glory.

Africa's waiting for you... So give us a call and let's get you here!

Images: Into My Wild Africa/Douda Aida

The story of Moven, our "Plan B" guide!

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:55:31 GMT

He's reaping the rewards of hard work and commitment

When Moven Qibi left school he wanted to go into law enforcement, but fate had different plans. Born and raised in Hluvukani, his dreams were shattered when his father sadly passed away, leaving his mother caring for him and his two sisters on a much reduced income. "There was no money for me to go and study to enter the police service," the 46-year-old father of three explains.

"I had to go to 'plan B' which was to become a guide." It's a plan B that the then young man had sensibly put in place, but again he faced the familiar challenge of having to find the money to attend the South African Wildlife College, which is where I wanted to study to become a field guide.

"I made a plan to achieve my back-up plan! My uncle and my brother-in-law drove taxis and they suggested I become a taxi driver too. I went to driving school, got my licence and started off driving taxis between Hluvukani and Acornhoek. The taxi owner knew that I wanted to go to college but couldn't afford it, so he helped me, paying me only enough to get by and saving the rest of my wages to go towards the cost of attending the wildlife college.

"We agreed I would work like that for a year but after six months he took me to the college and made a plan with them to get me enrolled and even though we didn't have enough saved up he paid for me to do a one-year course."

So Moven finally began studying and rolling out his plan B. "I studied hard because I didn't want to let my former boss down," he explains. "I was just 20 years old but knew I had to succeed. I passed all of my exams but the next challenge was to find a job. I couldn't find anything guiding but got an offer from a game lodge on Karongwe to start out as a driver, which I took, doing transfers for guests.

"When I didn't have transfers I helped out on reception, relieving the receptionists in the evenings. Finally the opportunity came to become a junior tracker and I didn't let them know I had qualifications as a guide, but just started out, quietly tracking, showing the managers what I was capable of. They noticed I was knowledgeable about the bush and asked me how I knew so much about it, so that's when I told them I had a field guide qualification."

In 1996 Moven finally became a junior guide and did his FGASA qualifications, passing his exams and getting fully qualified for his career as a guide. "I worked at Karongwe until 2021 when I went freelance and worked at EcoTraining as an instructor on their short courses. When COVID19 hit and lockdown happened I had no work, and as soon as tourism began to open up again I started looking for jobs and had an interview with Baobab Ridge and got the job, starting at the beginning of March this year. So I've been here six months now and couldn't be happier.

"I am busy with my trails qualifications now as I want to do walking safaris. It's my ambition to be a trails guide one day. There is a lot of opportunity here at Baobab Ridge and I am loving being part of the team. The bush here is wonderful and we are a big, happy family here. It's a great atmosphere in which to work."

Moven's wife is a professional nurse. Between them they have three children - "One son is from my first marriage, then we have a daughter from her first marriage, and a son together. Our eldest son is at university studying motor mechanics, the daughter is doing a chef's course and our youngest son, in his early teens, shows a lot of interest in becoming a guide," says Moven.

"He's very interested in wildlife and loves being in the bush! So maybe he will follow in my footsteps!"

Meet chef Cynthia!

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:53:48 GMT

This shy cullinary superstar lets her food speak for her!

For Cynthia Mathebula, work means doing a job she absolutely loves as a chef in the busy Baobab Ridge kitchen. It wasn't exactly the career she had planned, but it's turned out to be one she treasures each and every day.

Born in 1986 at Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek, Cynthia has spent her life in this busy nearby community. When she left school she did a computer course but her family did not have enough money to send her to college or university, so she stayed at home until 2013 when she heard that Baobab Ridge was looking for a housekeeper - a job she applied for and got.

It was a humble beginning but Cynthia was glad to be out of the house, supporting her family and getting the opportunity to learn as much as she could about tourism and the running of a busy safari lodge.

Two years later there was an opening in the kitchen and she grabbed the opportunity with both hands, undergoing training to become a chef and falling in love with working with food!

"I always loved cooking at home, and everyone enjoyed my food, so they always told me I should make food for a living. So I worked hard and learned all I could and in 2016 I was promoted to the position of chef. I have never been happier than here, in the kitchen, with my colleagues, working with food!

"my favourite part of work is baking. I just love it. I bake a lot at home and my family love what I bake whether it's scones or cakes... I have a 13-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl and I love getting to cook for them when I am at home, showing them all the dishes I have learned at work. When I am at work my aunt looks after the children and I talk to them every day."

Shy by nature, Cynthia is nonetheless always smiling and laughing and enjoying what she does. She hopes to be a head chef one day, and maybe even a TV chef! She's a big fan of Gordon Ramsay and she follows a lot of "foodies" on social media, which is where she gets inspiration from.

"I love my job. I just love cooking. I also love meeting guests, even though I am very shy and not really talkative. I prefer to let my food speak for me! It's better than words," she says.

"I am always learning new things. I get ideas and all of us chefs - Maggie, Petunia, Mamma T and I - we sit down and share our ideas and try things out, working on them until we get them right and they're ready to share with guests! Sometimes we have failures, which we laugh about, but we also have successes and when you hear that the guests have loved what you have cooked, it's a wonderful feeling.

"While I love baking, cakes especially (I have a sweet tooth) I also love creating savoury dishes like the impala stew I have just prepared for dinner tonight. It takes a long time to prepare a good stew, which has to be slow cooked for four hours, adding wine and flavouring and allowing the meat to become tender so that it melts in your mouth," she explains.

Work keeps her on her toes. "We work in two shifts, the morning shift is busy as you are doing breakfast and afternoon tea as well as preparation work for the evening meal. In the evening we just finish off the dinner dishes and serve dinner for our guests," she says.

"We have a revolving five-day menu but we often add or subtract dishes, depending on the season and the vegetables that are available. There are always favourites like the pizzas we made for afternoon tea today. It's so wonderful working here. It's a big family and we work well together and we're happy.

"COVID was very difficult for us, with us having to close and there being no guests, but thank goodness that is now in the past and we are busy once more. It's just so good to be busy and welcoming guests from all over the world who get to eat some of the food I prepare. It makes me feel very proud of what I have achieved."

The humble zebra - in black and white!

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:33:49 GMT

So much more than monochrome stripes!

They're one of the most under-rated of Africa's wildlife species and yet the humble zebra is a global icon, instantly recognisable no matter where you are in the world. However, there's an awful lot more to learn about zebras than just their trademark coat pattern!

For a start, they Africa's wild equines, related to horses but entirely different species. Part of the equidae family that includes horses and asses, there are three living species of zebra in Africa - the Grévy's zebra, plains or Burchell's zebra (which can be seen here on the Klaserie) and the mountain zebra.

Grévy's zebra is found only in Ethiopia and Kenya and takes its name from 19th Century French president Jules Grévy, who received one as a gift. It's the largest zebra, weighing in at 450kg. Plains zebras are somewhat smaller, weighing up to 385kg and are found across sub-Saharan Africa. The mountain zebra is the smallest species, topping out at 360kg and it's only found in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.

The plains zebra is a hardy, adaptable animal that's at home in a diverse range of habitats, from high mountain ranges to the great plains of East Africa and the lush wetlands of Botswana's Okavango Delta to South Africa's Greater Kruger lowveld. Grévy’s zebras rely on grassland habitats and are generally found at lower altitudes.

Not surprisingly given their name, mountain zebras are happiest in high altitudes and rough, rugged terrain. With their hard, pointed hooves they are good climbers and easily traverse the toughest of territories.

As for that legendary striped coat... Each zebra species has a different pattern of stripes and each individual animal's stripe pattern is unique, rather like a fingerprint.

Grevy’s zebra has narrow vertical stripes covering its entire body, including its ears and mane. The striping pattern of the plains zebra has a distinct "shadow" mark between strips. Mountain zebras have black or deep brown body stripes that are closely packed together. They don't have stripes on their bellies, and those on their head and body are narrower than the ones on their rump.

So what are the stripes for? Well, one theory is that they provide distraction to predators by "dazzling" them. The collective noun for zebra is a "dazzle" because when they move as a herd amongst the low scrub and high grasses of the savannah it does create a dazzling, blurry visual effect that makes it hard to single out any particular animal. Another theory is that the stripes help with thermoregulation and keeping the zebra cool. Scientists are also studying how the stripes help to protect the zebra from biting flies as they are bitten far less than horses in the same conditions!

Most zebras are very social. Plains zebras live in small family groups, called harems, with one stallion and between one and six mares and their offspring. With mountain zebras large breeding herds coexist with groups of non-breeding males overseen by a single, dominant stallion. Grévy’s zebras have a less formal social structure with herd members varying frequently.

Sadly, all three species of zebra are on the endangered species list. The Grévy’s zebra is the most at risk, with estimates at fewer than 2,000 remaining in the wild. Mountain zebras are vulnerable with only an estimated 35,000 individuals remaining. Surprisingly, plains zebras are classed as near threatened, with a declining population of between 150,000 and 250,000 left in the wild across their range.

How to create a specialist safari with us

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:31:47 GMT

From yoga to star-gazing and more!

There's much more to a safari than just the Big Five... It's a mantra we're fond of sharing with guests who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary where their safari experience is concerned.

We love helping to put together specialist group safaris that focus on things like photography, wellness, art, yoga, star-gazing, birding, walking or self-growth and mindfulness.

We understand that specialists require, well, something special! So we help to put together everything a specialist group would need to enjoy a few magical days in the wilderness of the Klaserie, focussing on their area of speciality.

For example, for keen photographers and members of photographic clubs or societies, we have access to some sensational private wildlife photography guides to lead your Baobab Ridge safari and share their insight and expertise on a one-to-one basis.

Yoga enthusiasts might like to come and spend a few days in the bush unwinding with a professional yoga instructor, taking advantage of the wonderful wild environment to improve their poses and sense of wellbeing and balance.

Try some sun salutations on our wonderful deck or out in the wilderness at a beautiful spot our guides will pick for you and your group. We take wellness very seriously and can tailor a menu to meet specific requirements and suit all diets.

If you're a budding ornithologist then how about allowing us to put together a special birding safari for you and your friends, led by one of the amazing private birding guides we work with in the Greater Kruger area? The birding is great all year round but especially fabulous in the summer, between November and February, when all the amazing migrant species are with us and breeding is at its height.

We can cater to groups of up to 16 people and recommend taking the lodge out in its entirety for the duration of a specialist safari as this allows us to be super-flexible with daily itineraries, game viewing and special, tailored activities, as well as mealtimes and menus.

Our reservations manager, Linda, is an expert in putting together specialist packages for groups, whether it be friends and families wanting to do something different on safari or organisations, clubs and societies. So feel free to get in touch to chat about the possibilities!

Grumpy, unpredictable and gloriously wild

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:43:09 GMT

There's more to Cape buffalo than meets the eye!

They're the most irascible of the legendary Big Five, and probably the most underrated, but don't be fooled by the bovine habits of Cape buffalos because these guys mean business, and are far more than just cows on steroids!

Famed for their unpredictable temperament and impressive horns, the Cape buffalo is the largest and most widespread of the four sub-species of the African buffalo and is found in Southern and East Africa. It's the largest and most formidable of the African bovids and has a reputation to match.

The Cape buffalo is probably the most grumpy of all of Africa's megafauna. Buffalos always looks at you like you owe them money. They're impossible to read and it's this aspect that makes them one of the most dangerous animals in the African bush. They never give a "tell" sign to let you know when they've had enough or have taken a dislike to you - they just charge. So we always show them huge respect when out on game drives.

Congregating in huge herds, sometimes more than 1000 strong, buffalo are bulk grazers eating mainly grass and will spend most of their day eating. Herds are dominated by large bulls who are recognisable by their huge horns that meet in the middle of their forehead forming a helmet-like structure called a boss. Cows do not have a boss, and their horns are generally narrower and more clearly demarcated.

Bulls use their horns and bosses to establish dominance in the herd, frequently sparring with one another and sometimes injuring one another in the process. The tips of those horns are extremely sharp and can inflict serious, often lethal wounds. They are not afraid to launch counter-attacks on predators like lion, sometimes goring them to death in the process.

Cape buffalos are not gifted when it comes to eyesight and hearing, but their sense of smell is well developed. They are good swimmers and will often be seen crossing rivers and wallowing in the shallows of dams and waterholes, loving the mud which acts as an insect repellant.

Where there are buffalo there are oxpeckers - we have both red-billed and yellow-billed here on the Klaserie. These little birds keep parasite numbers down, feeding on the ticks and biting flies that plague buffalos wherever they go. You'll often see egrets moving with buffalo herds, feeding on the insects and other creatures disturbed as they graze in long grass.

You'll see buffalo calves all year round. There is no set breeding season for Cape buffalo but they generally calf at the start of the rainy season, and mate again in the late summer so the calves will be born 11 months later, when the grazing is at its best. The calves are hardy and can stand within 10 minutes of being born. They are fiercely protected by the herd which always keeps them in the centre, surrounded by a sea of sharp horns.

As the bulls get older and past their prime, they leave the herd and become either solitary or form small groups with other, older bulls. You'll often see them wallowing in mud together. The local vernacular for mud is "dugga" so these bulls become known as "dugga boys".

Food for the soul...

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:40:06 GMT

Delicious dining awaits at

Baobab Ridge

If there's one thing we know how to do well here at Baobab Ridge, it's keeping you from going hungry! Whether it's coffee stops, breakfasts, afternoon teas, sundowners or dinner, we're going to make sure you eat well!

We're blessed with a team of talented ladies in our kitchen who are passionate about creating amazing food to nourish mind, body and soul, using only the freshest and most healthy ingredients we can find. We've even started growing some things ourselves, like the sweet potato our head chef Thelma "Mamma T" Mapinda has tended to lovingly and is now using.

Along with her fellow chefs Maggie Mapayile, Petunia Mohlili and Cynthia Mathebula, Mamma T is dedicated to making sure every meal, snack or nibble is as sensational as it can be. That means spending a lot of time researching recipes and training as much as possible in not just cooking but also good nutrition and how to cater to often the often challenging dietary requirements of guests.

From learning the art of making sourdough to pulling together wonderful vegetarian and vegan options, gluten and dairy free alternatives, the ladies are constantly finding ways to innovate and take tried and trusted recipes and give them their own personal stamp.

Working closely together helps this process. The entire team at Baobab Ridge operates like an extended family, which is understandable given the amount of time they spend together. So cooking up a storm in the lodge kitchen really is a family affair, with the chefs and their wonderful assistants pulling together to make food magic happen every single day.

Presentation is also a key ingredient that makes dining at Baobab Ridge something special, whether it's the icing sugar pawprints on the Africa-shaped cake tray or the edible flowers that brighten up the salads. After all, we eat with our eyes long before the food hits our stomachs!

Breads, cakes and biscuits are baked fresh from scratch, as are muffins and other sensational goodies that come out of the kitchen door. Maggie is known for her love of baking and we like to think that she'd get a Paul Hollywood handshake any day of the week! Petunia's "secret recipe" chakalaka is also legendary. But for Mamma T the best ingredient in all of the meals prepared in the Baobab Ridge kitchen is good, old-fashioned happiness and a generous dollop of love.

So the next time you tuck into a fabulous home-made pizza, a ridiculously tasty chocolate brownie, a succulent piece of fillet topped with a mouthwatering red wine jus or a specially prepared vegan curry, you'll know that the ladies in black have pulled out all the stops especially for you! Now that's what we call cooking!

Gone to the dogs... A painted wolf story!

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:24:37 GMT

THESE CLEVER CANINES ARE AFRICA'S MOST SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS

More than a dog, but not quite the stature of the wolves we are used to, the painted wolf or African wild dog falls somewhere in between in evolutionary terms. The term "painted wolf" is a literal translation of their latin name - Lycaon pictus - and it's now used to describe these distinctive and delightful predators, even though it falls somewhat short when explaining precisely how unique and infinitely fascinating these members of the dog family are.

First of all, they're canny canids and are famed for their intelligence, especially when hunting. They act strategically and carry out hunts as a pack using their incredible ability to co-ordinate and execute sophisticated chase and attack routines that inevitably bring down prey. Their kill rate is the highest of all African predators, making them the most successful hunters on the continent.

Their cleverness is matched by their social structure, with a pack being "ruled" by a dominant breeding pair which some call the "alpha" pair. All members of the pack have an important role to play in painted wolf family life, irrespective of their social ranking. They care for old and sick pack members as well as they do their young. Only the dominant pair breed but everyone takes care of the puppies, doing their best to ensure their survival.

In our previous blog, Raining Cats & Dogs , we looked at the need to conserve and protect painted wolves and that there are only an estimated 6600 of these incredible animals left in Africa. It's a need that's hampered by the enormous distances that packs cover, which can be as much as 1500 square kilometres, inevitably brininging them in contact with human settlements.

Painted wolves are considered a pest by many stock and subsistence farmers and have been known to prey on domestic animals like cattle, sheep and goats, but often the stock losses attributed to wolf packs are in fact the work of one of their rivals - the spotted hyena. Curiously, in spite of their distinctive patterned coats, many farmers wrongly identify hyenas as painted wolves, adding to their reputation as stock thieves.

Coming into contact with human settlement isn't risky just because of the threat of being blamed for killing farm animals, though. It also brings them into contact with domestic dogs and very contagious diseases like canine distemper which can devastate painted wolf populations.

We often find our local painted wolf packs along the tar road that separates the Klaserie from its neighbour, the Timbavati. They use it as an easy highway from north to south and many of the sightings we get of these amazing creatures are on or close to this road. It's always lucky to see painted wolves because they are constantly on the move, only settling when they den to have puppies. As soon as the pups are big enough and strong enough to keep up with the pack they get on the move again, killing, eating and sleeping as they go.

Whichever way you get to see them, it's always a rare privilege to see these magnificent animals and spend time observing them in their natural habitat. So when we do get a call that they've been spotted, we will always recommend making the sometimes bumpy journey to go and see them. And if we come across them ourselves, we always like to share the sighting with as many of our neighbouring lodges as possible.

The Klaserie is doing wonderful work to help protect and save painted wolves, and as a lodge we always encourage our guests to get involved with valuable conservation programmes that are both researching and conserving iconic wildlife species like the painted wolf. So feel free to ask us more during your stay with us and let us recommend conservation programmes that we subscribe to.

Meet Canaan - our master of maintenance!

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:24:23 GMT

A JOURNEY FROM GOLF TO THE GREATER KRUGER!

For Canaan Mathonsi, waking up every day in the heart of the southern Klaserie surrounded by wild animals is pretty much par for the course. It's the end point on a journey that has taken him from the fairways of one of the South African Lowveld's most dramatic golf destinations to the fabled Greater Kruger National Park, where the African wilderness has become his home from home.

For the softly spoken 41-year-old, the team at Baobab Ridge is a second family that includes his older brother, safari guide David Mathonsi. Canaan is the lodge's maintenance manager - a role that sees him responsible for a wide range of duties, from taking care of the gardens to fixing geysers and plumbing, and pretty much everything in between!

David is Canaan's older brother, and a good one at that, he says. "He's great and takes good care of me, helping me wherever he can," smiles Canaan. He also has three sisters and everyone stays close to one another in their family home of Acornhoek, not far from the Klaserie.

Canaan has been at Baobab Ridge since 2006, way before current owners Nini Gouveris and Jason Fleischer became involved. "I came here 16 years ago, and Nini and Jason took over in 2011, so I had already been here a while when they arrived," he explains, adding that life in the bush was not part of his plan when he left school many moons previously.

"When I left school in Acornhoek I played golf," he smiles widely. "I was a caddy for many years, working at Drakensig golf course in Hoedspruit, and I loved it," he says. The course is renowned for its stunning backdrop of the Northern Drakensberg Escarpment and the local wildlife that regularly visits its fairways.

"I had a handicap of 23 and loved caddying, playing when I could. I did this for three years and loved every minute of it, but was then offered a job by a man who I caddied for. He was in construction and had built Baobab Ridge and was managing it at the time and he offered me a maintenance job here, so I took it and moved to the bush," laughs Canaan. "He taught me all about construction and how to look after equipment, how to build and maintain things. I have not looked back since I moved here," he adds. In fact, Canaan has passed his tracking exams with flying colours with extremely high marks, so he is indeed a tracker in the making!

Like everyone on the team at Baobab Ridge, Canaan is very glad that tourism is beginning to recover after a very tough two years, thanks to the global pandemic. "It's been very hard," he says. "We were suffering, but now things are getting better again, even at home in Acornhoek."

At the lodge, Canaan spends every day checking that everything is working properly. "I prepare the pool deck every morning for visitors to use after their morning game drive, making sure the gardens are clean and well maintained, cleaning the boma and getting firewood ready for dinnertime and doing lots of things like this," says Canaan proudly.

At home is Canaan's wife and 11-year-old daughter. "She'd like to become a teacher, but I would like to one day become a tracker," says Canaan. "I enjoy what I do tremendously. It's a wonderful place to work and even though I was scared at first, especially of the lions, now I am really interested in the bush and the animals and have learned how to do tracking, with help from my brother, David. So maybe I would even like to be a guide like him one day," adds Canaan hopefully.

Canaan says that he practices his tracking skills every day when he gets up and leaves the staff village to come up to the lodge and start work. "I stop and look at the tracks in the road, which are like a morning newspaper, telling you what's happened during the night and which animals have been to visit," he explains. "I am always checking to see what's going on. My favourite animal is the spotted hyena, I just love the way they walk and how clever they are."

Another part of Canaan's job he truly appreciates is doing transfers for guests to and from Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. "I love meeting our guests and chatting to them, finding out about them and where they are from," he says. "I am truly blessed to work in such a wonderful industry and in such a great place."

Creating that special safari style...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:46:14 GMT

FROM DÉCOR TO DELICIOUS - THE BAOBAB RIDGE WAY!

When it comes to guest experience, Baobab Ridge is far from your average safari lodge. In a market place that's somewhat overcrowded with "traditional" lodge design, we tend to take a different approach to things, going for unique and slightly unconventional over run-of-the-mill.

Our guests always rave about our wonderful, relaxed atmosphere where they are made to feel right at home and able to unwind and be themselves. They also love our amazing food because it literally feeds into this same easygoing vibe, providing wholesome, healthy and home-cooked dishes that are good for body, mind and soul!

From full English-style breakfasts; home-made pizzas; fresh pancakes and sliders to fresh fruit skewers; cheese and cold meat platters; crisp, fresh salads and three-course dinners, meals at Baobab Ridge are never going to leave you hungry! The accent is on fresh, organic (where possible) and locally sourced ingredients and we specialise in both vegetarian and vegan options.

While we've kept the décor at Baobab Ridge understated, our lovely "matriarch" Nini Gouveris has added some amazing style statements that break the mould of the usual palette of neutrals and bush-inspired colours, providing some colourful punches in the process.

Not the least of these are our sumptuous red couches out on our gorgeous pool deck. Custom-designed by Nini to be both plush and practical, the richness of the colour provides warmth and sass and is offset by the unique a antique turquoise wooden Zanzibari doors to the honesty bar with its distinctive African portrait and complementing red traditional hats.

The couches and the upper deck loungers, with their oversized cream-coloured mattresses, were made locally from reclaimed wood in keeping with Baobab Ridge's deep commitment to sustainability. Designed with comfort in mind, we defy anyone to lay back on them and not fall asleep!

The overall look of the pool deck is one that Nini is very proud of, with its rich combinations of traditional African artefacts and objets d'arts and wonderful woods, from the latte backdrop to the rough-hewn nature of the dining tables and tribal stools used as side tables. The blue of the antique doors is picked up in the heavy glass beads used as décor items in wooden bowls both here and throughout the lodge. It's also reflected in the beautiful swimming pool that sparkles in sunlight that's filtered through tall shade trees.

The organic flow of the lodge begins in the entrance hall and reception area - a natural gathering point for guests - and extends to the lounge and bar, with its plush leather recliners offering the perfect excuse for a midday siesta! The courtyard-style deck is where breakfasts and afternoon teas are enjoyed al fresco, alongside the indoor dining room which is used when the weather prevents dinner from being served outside in the boma, under a blanket of twinkling stars.

The indoor-outdoor theme is carried into the air-conditioned guest suites, with stackable sliding doors that open up completely to covered, private verandahs with views of the surrounding bush, creating an effortless transition from inside to outside. The suites themselves are airy, cool and spacious, offering a secluded sanctuary where guests can enjoy downtime in between activities.

With their high ceilings and tall, floor to ceiling windows, the design of the suites has been driven by the elements and the need to keep cool in the summer months and warm in the winter.

All windows slide open and have insect-proof screens, allowing for natural circulation of air when the air conditioning is not in use. Neutral walls and cool floor tiles create a calm ambience that's complemented by rich textiles and textures, plush linen and throws.

Each suite has its own kitchenette with a tea and coffee station and bar fridge. Guests are always welcome to bring their own drinks (we don't charge corkage) or have the fridge stocked from the bar.

The suite bathrooms (with the exception of the family suite) are wonderfully large, with a huge soaking tub, double vanities, separate toilet and shower that opens to the outside verandah. The décor theme is crisp whites with accents of navy blue and white linen blinds.

Our gardens are filled with life, from baobab trees aplenty to large shade trees where a plethora of birds and other small animals can be seen. Our lawns are perfect for children to play on, and at night we are often visited by bush babies and even honey badgers!

If all of this sounds just too wonderful to imagine, you'll just have to come and see everything for yourselves on a wonderful safari. You'll arrive as strangers but leave as members of the extended Baobab Ridge family!

Community and conservation at our core

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:44:21 GMT

EMPOWERING CHILDREN IS THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE...

For Baobab Ridge, the way we do business is underpinned by our deep and lasting commitment to people and planet through our contribution to conservation on the Klaserie and the work we do to help our local communities. In this respect, we support the wonderful Eco Children NGO that focuses on empowering children in the villages and communities on our periphery.

Eco Children actively sows seeds of change through pioneering educational programmes that develop childrens' awareness of their environment, of conservation issues and of the role they have to play in the future of conservation. By improving the quality of education they receive and creating opportunities for them, children become catalysts for change in both their families and their communities.

Based in Limpopo, on the western border of the Greater Kruger National Park, Eco Children operates mainly in the Bushbuckridge area and works with extremely poor communities. Although these communities live adjacent to one of the most pristine natural conservation areas in the world, the majority of people who live here have never been in the park or seen wildlife.

Conservation is not seen as a priority by most locals in the villages around us here at Baobab Ridge. Statistics published by the Bushbuckridge Municipality indicate that only 80% of all households in the area have access to running water and 90% of roads are unpaved. It is statistics like this that highlight the opportunities that crimes like rhino poaching hold for these communities.

Eco Children champions community-led conservation and education programmes, so people living near natural conservation areas like the Greater Kruger are inspired to protect wildlife and feel a sense of ownership for their natural heritage.

They work with eight primary schools in the area and have established an Eco Village at each one, adopting a "whole school development" approach through partnership. This achieves the buy-in of everyone at the school as well as the communities the school serves.

An Eco Village consists of an Eco Garden and an Eco Clasroom. The Eco Garden is a large vegetable garden that demonstrates to learners the principles of food production and sustainability, and contributes to the school feeding scheme. Eco Children builds a classroom to serve as the Eco Classroom and uses this to present conservation-based lessons, focussing on teaching learners about the importance of conservation, sustainability, and the long-term benefits of tourism for the community.

Eco Children also helps the schools to improve essential infrastructure such as libraries, kitchens, toilets and additional classrooms. By transforming dysfunctional schools into educational havens with a strong eco focus, it creates spaces that are conducive to learning.

The organisation also offers a bursary programme where it shifts focus from purely educational work to empowering talented learners to escape the cycle of poverty, providing them the opportunity to give back to and influence their communities.

All eight of Eco Children’s adopted schools are among the poorest schools in South Africa. Despite the burdens placed on them by poverty, many of the children at these schools show exceptional talent and promise. Given the right opportunities they have the ability to shine academically and become leaders in their communities.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Eco Children website, here: https://www.ecochildren.co.za

Or watch the Eco Children video here: https://youtu.be/Vy-0OtPtkbA

Celebrating in style...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:43:55 GMT

LET US HOST YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT!

We make no secret about the fact that we just LOVE parties and celebrations of all kinds. Whether it's weddings in the wilderness, special anniversaries and birthdays or just the chance for families and friends to reunite and gather together, Baobab Ridge has a penchant for putting on a splendid party and hosting amazing functions.

Weddings are absolutely a speciality and we've hosted quite a few over the years, including that of our very own Nini and Brandon Gouveris! We like to arrange the ceremony out in the bush, either in a dry river bed or in one of our beautiful open areas with views of forever.

We can accommodate up to 16 people and make arrangements with neighbouring lodges for larger wedding parties, organising lodging and transport for all of your guests whether they are staying with us or elsewhere, having communal wedding breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as the wedding reception itself, here at the lodge or out in the bush.

We're no strangers to the intricacies of what is needed to make a successful "wild" wedding so can arrange flowers, table décor, hair and make-up for the bridal party and, of course, plan the perfect reception and after-party from amazing food to a wonderful wedding cake and plenty of bubbly!

Combining wedding festivities with wilderness activities is also something we love to do, from wonderful bush brunches and sundowner stops par excellence to gin tastings and wine pairings.

Thanks to our ability to create spectacular weddings, we've pretty much got things covered for all other celebrations which we can tailor to suit the occasion. Taking the lodge on an exclusive use basis gives us the flexibility to create a personalised itinerary centred around your landmark celebration, whether it's a special wedding anniversary, "big" birthday or family reunion.

We work lots of time for relaxation and family fun into every event we host on this basis, leaving you free to decide when you'd like to do game drives and enjoy special meals in spectacular surroundings. We always like to add lots of little surprises too, as our way of saying thank you for letting us host your special event!

Of course, not every special event is designed for lots of people, so if you are planning on popping the question to your special someone or just escaping with your partner or bestie for a few precious days together, let us know and we'll help to plan something truly wonderful for you, from a starlit private dining experience to secluded sundowners somewhere wonderful.

We look forward to celebrating with you very soon!

Raining cats and dogs?

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:36:55 GMT

PREDATORS APLENTY AT BAOBAB RIDGE!

As part of the Greater Kruger National Park - an area renowned for its high concentrations of carnivores - the Klaserie is blessed with regular sightings of Africa's iconic big cats and packs of painted wolves (African wild dogs).

Does it rain cats and dogs here? We'd be tempted to say yes, but that may be pushing the boundaries of providence, so we'll just rest on our laurels and tell you that you've got a good chance of seeing one of the Klaserie's fabled big cats during your stay at Baobab Ridge, as well as perhaps striking lucky where our "local" pack of painted wolves is concerned.

Of course, it's all down to good fortune and we can never guarantee what you're going to see when out on your morning and afternoon game drives, but we are blessed when it comes to getting up close and personal with these wonderful apex predators, and over the years our guests have been privileged enough to experience some amazing up-close-and-personal encounters.

Only recently we literally "tripped" over a cheetah who had decided to rest in the road between the lodge and our staff village and we often hear lions at night calling close to camp.

So what is it that makes this area so prolific when it comes to predators?

The Klaserie has a long and distinguished history of spectacular lion prides that over the years have become almost legendary in the Greater Kruger area. The Ross Pride, Mbiri Pride and River Pride are well documented and form a tremendous legacy when it comes to local lion dynamics. The same can be said for leopards, from beautiful females like Cleo and Manzi to a variety of imposing males.

The Klaserie is part of an extensive unfenced game corridor that spreads from the Kruger National Park through the neighbouring Timbavati to the Manyeleti and Sabi Sand, wedged between the Klaserie River and the Timbavati River (both tributaries of the Olifants).

In the south of the Klaserie, where we are located, the grazing and browsing is excellent and there are an assortment of waterholes and small dams, so there is naturally a proliferation of prey species here like impala, wildebeest and zebra, all of which means good hunting for big cats and packs of painted wolves alike.

When it comes to the dogs, it's often challenging to see painted wolves on a regular basis because they have such extensive home ranges, often covering as much as 1500 square kilometres! When they are not denning to have pups, painted wolves are constantly on the move, needing to feed every day. They are by far Africa's most successful hunters in that their kill rate is much higher than that of lions, cheetahs or leopards.

That said, we've been fortunate enough to have fairly regular sightings of these beautiful creatures as they move through the Klaserie and neighbouring Timbavati, thrilling our guests with their wonderful interactions and spectacularly patterned coats!

With an estimated 6,600 painted wolves left in Africa, they are officially the second most endangered carnivore (after the Ethiopian wolf) and the one with the most names! From Cape hunting dog to wild dog and painted dog to ornate wolf, they're now recognised as the painted wolf thanks to it being the literal translation of their latin name - Lycaon pictus. It's a fitting name thanks to that wonderfully mottled fur that's unique to each animal, rather like a visual fingerprint.

We just love all of our gorgeous cats and our wonderful dogs, and irrespective of whether you're a cat person, a dog lover, both or entirely ambivalent, your stay with us here in the Klaserie will hopefully give you a new perspective on these incredible predators and the importance of protecting the wilderness areas they call home.

The lovely ladies of Baobab Ridge - Meet Linda

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:09:51 GMT

OUR RESERVATIONS QUEEN AND RESIDENT TRAVEL GURU!

Linda Arthur is hugging a tree in the gardens of Baobab Ridge. It's a heartfelt gesture that sums up the incredible love she has for the lodge and the Klaserie, whose elephant eye-high grasses are blowing gently in a soft summer breeze behind her.

The lodge's reservations manager enjoys the chance to work at the lodge - something she gets to do every now and then when managers are on leave. Normally she is based in the office in Johannesburg - her hometown since she was 10 years old.

"I was actually born in Essex in England but lived in Scotland as a child," explains Linda. "My parents are Scottish and we moved to South Africa when I was 10 years old as my father had a four-year contract here. I went back to finish my schooling when the contract ended but we all decided South Africa was 'home' and after I did my O Levels, came back for good," she says.

Linda then went to business college with ambitions of becoming a secretary, but when an opening came up in the travel agency that did the travel arrangements for her father's work, she took a chance, joining the company as an intern. That sealed her fate and she has been in the travel business ever since!

"I was just 16 years old and suddenly started travelling the world on educational trips, learning about different destinations and how to get people there," she says. "In those days being a travel agent was an art, and I enjoyed it tremendously. I eventually moved to a company called Leading Travel, where one of the directors was connected to Londolozi Game Reserve. I ended up doing all of the Londolozi travel arrangements, moving over to them fulltime, helping to form their in-house travel agency, Bateleur Travel," explains Linda.

"When I left Londolozi I went over to a major tour operator but I didn't enjoy that side of the travel business as much. When Shan Varty, one of the owners of Londolozi got in touch to see if I would consider going back I jumped at the chance. I worked there for another 15 years and loved every minute of it."

Eight years ago life took an interesting turn when Linda met her Moroccan partner, who lives in Finland, and moved there to be with him. "Living in Finland is very expensive, so after trying things out and some toing and froing we decided it would be better for me to live in South Africa where I already had a house, a car and all of the things you need in the modern age to get by," says Linda.

"When I returned to South Africa from Finland I worked for a lodge in Botswana for a few months. Then Nini approached me as she needed someone to fill in for her at Baobab Ridge during the December holidays. So I came on board on a temporary basis, helping with the lodge and reservations and eventually went fulltime in June 2019 as the reservations manager."

Her role as the reservations manager is something Linda really enjoys, along with helping out at the lodge when she's needed. "I love putting 'bums in beds' and when I get to see guests falling in love with Africa - seeing a leopard for the first time, or marvelling at an elephant - I get incredibly emotional," she says. "It's like seeing it all for the first time yourself again. I just love it."

"That's why I do what I do," adds Linda. "I just want people to come and have a good time here and fall in love with Africa and Baobab Ridge. I love working with Nini. She and I have the same way of thinking about things. I love working with our team - we're like a big family and it makes working with them effortless. I also love the lodge, it's so relaxed, with such a happy vibe."

For Linda, Baobab Ridge is the ultimate place to relax. "I try and get people to come to Baobab Ridge at the end of their itinerary so they can unwind and relax before heading home. After they've done the running around, seeing the sights of South Africa, they get to unwind in the bush and have a 'slow' safari and absorb the spirit of wild Africa," she says.

"Sometimes it's about spending time in your room, having a siesta, watching the world go by from your verandah. Or laying by the pool and having a snooze in the sun, or reading a really good book. There's no fear of missing out here. You don't have to do all the game drives, you can choose to sleep late or spend time at the pool and watch animals come to the waterhole. It's about just letting the wilderness in and enjoying being in it."

Safari! The ultimate family holiday!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:13:20 GMT

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL AT BAOBAB RIDGE

With only a few short weeks until Easter (this year from the 15 to 18 April), now is the time to start planning a family holiday in the wonderful African bush...

It's hard to believe that the end of summer is just around the corner and that soon the rich shades of autumn will start to break up the overwhelming green that has dominated the Klaserie for the last three months... It's even harder to believe that Easter will soon be upon us, along with another round of school holidays!

Our sensational special discounted rate is valid for the Easter holiday period, meaning that you will still be able to get 50% off our normal rate for you and your family, provided you book a minimum two-night stay. Going on safari in one of South Africa's most celebrated Big Five safari destinations has never been so affordable, so let's look at some of the things that make Baobab Ridge such a great holiday destination...

FAMILY FRIENDLY...

We're big on families and being family friendly is part of our DNA. This means that no matter how big or larger-than-life your own family is, we're happy to make them part of ours! We welcome children from six years old upwards and all of us love having their unique energy around the lodge, keeping them occupied with lots of exciting things to do.

Every Easter we have an Easter egg hunt in the gardens and lots of treats that the Easter bunny delivers! We have excellent wifi in the main area, a private television lounge and lots of space to explore within the lodge grounds. We've also got board games and playing cards, but feel free to bring your own!

For mums, dads, grans and grandads, aunts, uncles and extended families, our pool deck is the place to chillax in between game activities, with its sumptuous sun beds and comfy loungers, cozy couches and sparkling pool, all with views of forever over the Klaserie and a busy waterhole that attracts a range of animals.

WE'LL SPOIL YOU ROTTEN...

You may arrive as strangers, but you will leave as a lifelong member of the extended Baobab Ridge family, and as with all families, we love to indulge those we love! So expect to be welcomed with wide smiles and open arms!

It's also best to leave your diet at home, because our chefs are renowned for dishing up the most delectable food that's created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and no small amount of love! If you have dietary requirements such as being vegetarian or vegan, that's no problem at all because our chefs have some amazing recipes up their sleeves! You most definitely will NOT go hungry!

Nothing is too much trouble for us and all you have to do is ask if there are any special requests. And if you're celebrating a birthday or special occasion during your stay, let's help you plan something extra special!

A WILDERNESS AWAITS...

The Klaserie is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which means there are no fences between us and our legendary neighbour! This is the home of the Big Five - rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo - and also where you can see cheetah and painted wolves (African wild dogs) on a regular basis.

Add to these impressive and iconic animals a wonderful selection of plains game, from zebra, kudu and giraffe to impala, wildebeest and waterbuck (and everything in between) and you are more than covered when it comes to game viewing.

The Klaserie is a bird-lovers' paradise, so if you're keen on our feathered friends then bring a pair of binoculars and prepare to have your mind blown! Our talented guides David and JV are good birders and will help you identify a variety of species both in and around the lodge and out on game drives.

We also offer guided bush walks, but these need to be arranged in advance and are subject to weather and other factors such as the proximity of predators and visibility of the bush. Please feel free to chat to us about this if you'd like to walk during your stay.

Our game drives take place twice a day, early in the morning and in the late afternoon. This is when you head out to explore the wilds of the Klaserie with either David or JV at the wheel to help you interpret the wilderness and its amazing fauna and flora.

SWITCH OFF, RELAX, REFRESH...

Being out in the bush is the perfect way to detox from the stresses of urban existence. So staying with us gives you the opportunity to switch off, kick back, spend quality time with your loved ones and just press the "reset" button.

Sometimes just sitting for a couple of hours, watching wild Africa pass by, is all you need to recharge your batteries. The African wilderness has a wonderful way of helping you to rejuvenate body mind and soul! So spending a few days with us in the heart of the Greater Kruger is actually good for you! What are you waiting for?

Love is in the air!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 09:11:14 GMT

YOU CAN'T BEAT THE ROMANCE OF AN AFRICAN SAFARI...

In honour of February - the month where the world goes all gooey over love - we thought we'd celebrate just how dreamy and heart-fluttery the African bush really is by focussing on all things amour at Baobab Ridge...

Yes, it's the month where saying "I love you" carries added meaning, thanks to the martyrdom of Saint Valentine and the 20th century's obsession with the day set aside to commemorate it - February 14th! However, here at Baobab Ridge we like to make every day Valentine's Day because we love sharing the immeasurable romance of the African wilderness, creating indelible memories in the process.

You could say that Baobab Ridge was made out of love! This is where our "matriarch" Nini tied the knot with her beloved Brandon Gouveris, gathering her loved ones around her as they said their vows in a dry river bed not far from the lodge. "We love hosting weddings here," she says, all these years later. "I know from my own personal experience just how special an intimate wedding ceremony out in the wilderness can be, and how wonderful it is to have a celebration under a star-filled African sky..."

All lovers are welcome at Baobab Ridge, which recently hosted the most beautiful wedding ceremony for Amelia and Cordelia Vorster who followed Nini's lead and said "I do" in a dry river bed, surrounded by friends and family.

"We are able to help plan everything that's needed to make a wedding here in the Greater Kruger simply incredible," says Nini. "We can do small and intimate, where the family take out the entire lodge and keep things intimate to larger events where we use neighbouring lodges and camps for additional accommodation, arranging transport and activities for everyone."

The bush lends itself to romance, with its vast skies and endless horizons, drop-dead gorgeous landscapes and beautiful wildlife. And Baobab Ridge is absolutely perfect as a wedding venue, offering wonderful pre-wedding and post-wedding events like bush brunches, sundowners, starlit dinners and the all-important wedding feast itself.

Before you get to the big day itself, the lodge has proven ideal for popping the "big" question, with lots of proposals over the years. "We always work hard to plan the absolutely perfect proposal with the guest, helping to pick out a wonderfully romantic spot alongside a waterhole, at sunset or over a private dinner under the stars," says Nini. "We can pop the ring in a glass of champagne or set up the perfect picnic to set the stage for the proposal," she adds.

Of course, you don't have to be proposing or getting married to get butterflies in your stomach at Baobab Ridge. The lodge and the location are just idyllic and the perfect place to indulge in intimate "we" time with your significant other and special someone.

That's the magic of wild Africa... It brings out the cherubs and encourages Cupid to fire off his magic arrows. Being so close to nature, in such a breathtaking natural setting, where your senses are heightened and you thrill to the magic of the wilderness, it's easy to fall in love with love itself! Lovers of all ages experience the magic of the wild - it's hard not to when you're surrounded by such jaw-dropping beauty.

So whether you're celebrating a landmark anniversary or the fact that you've been dating for a whole month, don't be scared to come to Baobab Ridge and spoil your partner with a special brand of romance - the kind you only find here in the Klaserie on a gentle rise bedecked with baobab trees with views of forever...

What are you waiting for?

The Omicron variant - setting the record straight

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:45:07 GMT

SOUTH AFRICA HAS BEEN DEALT A BITTER BLOW...

By now everyone in our beloved tourism industry will be dealing with the panic over the recent discovery of the latest COVID-19 variant, named Omicron by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and identified by South African scientists.

For us, the reaction to the news that a new variant had been discovered and the subsequent banning of travel to South Africa and most of Southern Africa could not have come at a worse time. We had just been starting to relax a bit as we were seeing a slow but steady increase in the number of international guests with forward bookings coming in steadily.

Within an hour of the United Kingdom's announcement that South Africa had been placed back on its dreaded red list we began to see the cancellations flooding in from across the world. Just a few weeks from what was looking like our busiest period for two years and the start of the Christmas holidays, the rug was pulled from under our feet.

We are not alone. Our industry has been floored by these unnecessary and unbelievably damaging travel bans and we are still reeling and incredibly frustrated by the injustice of it all.

So please allow us to set the record straight and deal with the fear that is now gripping the travelling world, in the hope that as more information about the Omicron variant is released and we begin to understand it better, our guests and travel partners can make more informed decisions about where we are right now.

Not a South African variant

Omicron was discovered by South African scientists who are currently working around the clock to genomically map the various mutations of the COVID-19 virus. Mutations are not new, in fact there are many of them, as is to be expected with a virus of this nature which is constantly adapting to its own environment.

The Omicron variant did not originate in South Africa. It's actually extremely hard to pinpoint where any mutation of the COVID-19 virus actually "comes from". There is much speculation over the origination of this latest variant (which most definitely will not be the last we see) but irrespective of where it first mutated, it's now most likely a globally dispersed mutation with cases of it being reported across the world now that the medical profession and pathologists know what to look for.

At the time of writing, South Africa does not have a significantly high number of cases of Omicron, especially when compared to the infection rates being documented across Europe, and those cases that have been documented are reporting very mild symptoms.

So we hope that as the proper scientific research comes in on the properties of Omicron that it proves to be a weakened version of the Delta variant and not the lethal super-spreader the world's media would have us believe it is.

Don't believe everything you read

While South Africa is preparing for a much anticipated "fourth wave" of the COVID-19 virus, the rest of the world is already in the fourth wave, with infection numbers quite literally off the charts compared to what we are seeing not just in South Africa but across Southern Africa. Indeed, Africa has thus far fared exceptionally well against this virus, as has been well-documented by the world's medical profession and the WHO.

We are not riddled with Omicron, not, indeed, any particular strain of COVID-19. We are seeing a rise in infection rates as predicted some time ago by our health authorities, in line with the modelling that's seen the northern hemisphere plunged into a fourth wave. However, our vaccination rates are improving and our government has now placed all of its resources in ensuring those who have still to get vaccinated do so.

Like other parts of the world, our government is investigated mandatory vaccination for certain activities, employment sectors and industries. For us in tourism, we have led the field here in South Africa in drawing up and implementing some of the most stringent and all-ecompassing COVID-19 health and safety protocols which we still adhere to religiously. We led the world in these safety measures at a time when Africa was being largely ostracised from the rest of the world.

Now it's being ostracised and isolated yet again, not as a result of solid science and fact, but as a result of panic and fear, and no small amount of political interference.

The reaction of the world's "western" governments to Omicron and the manner in which Southern Africa has been effectively shut down and locked out is as disappointing as it is frustrating. We can only hope that some modicum of common sense prevails and that once the scientific FACTS are in better decisions can be made.

Standing tall, in spite of everything

Irrespective of what the next few days, weeks and months hold for us here at the southern tip of the African continent, we will be here, waiting for our international guests to return and our trade partners to trust us once more.

The events of the last few days have demonstrated how much we are at the mercy of ignorance and political posturing and while we can never guarantee our guests safety, their health or a trouble-free African safari experience, we are perhaps the most experienced tourism operators in the world at managing to find solutions to crisis situations!

Even when the world's leaders slam the doors in our faces we make a plan, find a way and get people home as safely and quickly as possible. We've become masters of juggling and making sure that whoever puts their faith in us is rewarded with absolute dedication and commitment to their wellbeing.

We don't know when we are going to see you all again, dear guests and friends in the global tourism sector, but we do know we are going to see you again, hopefully sooner than later. And rest assured that when we do, we are going to make sure you have the best safari experience ever.

Africa is strong. Africa is waiting. And Africa will prevail.

The lovely ladies of Baobab Ridge - Meet Lebo

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:13:42 GMT

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST...

For 34-year-old Lebo Chiloane, the last six years spent at Baobab Ridge have changed her life. Born and raised in Acornhoek, she left Makgoka High School with dreams of becoming an engineer, attending the Mapulaneng Technical College on the Sir Val Duncan Campus in Namakgale outside Phalaborwa.

After her studies she took a two-year gap to have her daughter, who's now 13 years old, and decided to put engineering on hold so she could get a job. So in 2012 she joined the team at Pick 'n' Pay in Hoedspruit, eventually being promoted to work with the safari lodges in the area that the busy supermarket supplies groceries to.

"This was my introduction to the safari lodge industry," explains Lebo. "I got to know all of the safari camps and the managers through helping to put together their orders and arrange their deliveries," she says. "Baobab Ridge was one of my clients and in 2015 I found out there was an opening at the lodge. So on 5 December I started my new life in the African wilderness," she laughs.

Lebo learned quickly, starting out as a scullery assistant, cleaner and waitress so she could understand each aspect of running a busy safari lodge. In 2018 she was promoted to "front of house", meeting and greeting clients and assisting with their needs and requirements as a hostess.

"It's been the perfect job for me," she says. "I love meeting new people and learning about them and where they come from. I am always open to understanding different cultures and traditions, so I absolutely love my work here."

Moving from an urban environment to the bush had its challenges, though. "I was very scared when I started here, especially of the snakes," she laughs. "But even though at first I found things a bit intimidating, I have learned so much about the environment and the wildlife, and now I wouldn't work anywhere else," Lebo says.

"Baobab Ridge has a wonderful family atmosphere and that applies to both guests and staff. As a team, we work together like family and take care of one another, and we pass the love and affection from our family to our guests, making them a part of it."

Helping the southern ground hornbill

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:12:07 GMT

NEST BOXES ARE A CRITICAL CONSERVATION TOOL

Baobab Ridge takes its conservation role very seriously and contributes directly to a number of dedicated programmes. One of these is the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) Southern Ground Hornbill Project, which is based here in the Greater Kruger National Park.

The shortage of good nesting sites has become problematic for this endangered bird - the largest of the hornbill species that's largely terrestrial but typically nests in natural tree cavities. So the APNR Southern Ground Hornbill Project has created artificial nests for the birds to use and we have just sponsored one of these to help grow the local population of these impressive birds.

Ground hornbills lay two eggs, but only one chick (usually the older, stronger one) survives. Because of their endangered status, the project researchers remove one egg from each nest box and incubate it, rearing the chicks they rescue this way together and releasing them into areas where ground hornbills have disappeared or are in decline. This helps to repopulate areas where these amazing birds have become locally extinct.

The project's focus on the nest boxes has increased breeding success by an average of 14% which is excellent news for the future of the southern ground hornbill and success for the APNR project and its work that's aimed at slowing and reversing the decline of the species.

The APNR Southern Ground Hornbill Project works closely with the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology which has been investigating the birds' habitat use, reproductive success and behaviour for the past 20 years.

These large and odd-looking birds' distinctive black plumage, bright red facial skin, beautiful big eyes and enormous beaks make them stand out as one of the most striking species in Southern Africa. Their scientific name - Bucorvis leadbeateri - is derived from the latin word for large, crow-like bird and the Victorian naturalist who first described them, Benjamin Leadbeater.

The southern ground hornbill is the world's largest co-operatively breeding bird and can get as large as 1m tall, weighing in at up to 4,5kg. You'll usually see groups of up to five individuals but larger groups of up to 12 have been recorded. Groups have their own territories or home ranges that can be as large as 250 square kilometres. In each group there is an alpha pair assisted by severl "helpers" - usually male offspring from previous years. Female birds tend to be chased out at a young age so as not to compete with the alpha female. They can live for up to 70 years!

Their distinctive facial colouration provides an easy way to sex the birds. Males have throats that are completely red while the females have a patch of blue just below the bill. Juveniles don't fully develop their red throats until they are eight years old. Initially they have a greyish yellow throat for up to two years of age before slowly transitioning to the adult colouration.

Ground hornbills eat mostly invertebrates but they also target snakes, lizards, tortoises, small mammals and other birds. Their huge bill is incredibly strong and sharp and can easily pierce the carapace of tortoises. In spite of spending most of their time on the ground, they are good flyers and roost in trees.

Images: APNR Southern Ground Hornbill Project

A simple test for our American guests!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:09:45 GMT

DIY RAPID COVID-19 TEST KITS GET A BIG THUMBS UP

Concerns over having to spend time and money on COVID-19 tests for their return to the US has prompted many vaccinated Americans to stay at home rather than come and visit Africa on safari. However, as two of our wonderful American guests Sarah and Annie Stavros, from Colorado, demonstrated recently at Baobab Ridge, the test required for re-entry into the US has never been easier!

Sisters Sarah and Annie spent the last three nights of their 12-day South African safari with us in the Klaserie, braving an unseasonal cold snap that saw all of us have to grab our fleeces and beanies - unheard of in October in the Greater Kruger! The day before their departure and flight home, they showed all of us just how easy it is to travel during a pandemic, thanks to the Abbott BinaxNOW test kits they brought with them.

"They cost $150 for six test kits, and work in conjunction with the NAVICA app," explains Sarah. "Abbott recommends each traveller bring two test kits for each test, just in case something goes wrong with one," she adds. The NAVICA app is free to download on both the Google Play store and Apple App Store.

When you are ready to take a test, using the app you link via a video call with one of the NAVICA health team who walk you through the test process, using visual identification and QR codes. The test process takes approximately five minutes, via live video, with another 15-minutes waiting for the result. When the results are ready, the app reconnects the video call and a QR code is forwarded to the tester and to the airline they are using to fly home on (in this case, United).

The whole process takes between 20 and 30 minutes before the test results are forwarded, whereafter they can be printed if required. "This has been the easiest process ever," says Sarah. "All you need is wifi and a few minutes to complete the test process."

"Having these tests has removed the stress from travelling for us," says Anne as she waits for her test results. "We knew that getting tested for the return leg of our journey could prove both costly and time-consuming, especially in remote places like Baobab Ridge and other safari destinations that are often far from the nearest human settlement. So when we found out about the Abbott test kits and the NAVICA app and how easy they were to use, it seemed the ideal solution to the problem. Now I've gone through the process, it's just so easy it's a no-brainer," she laughs.

Anne's phone buzzes as the NAVICA app springs to life and the video call is re-activated. The test team member who helped her go through the test process comes back on the line. "Thank you for waiting, Anne, your test results are negative. The results will now be emailed to you and will also be available in the app where you can easily share them with your airline and immigration officials," says the NAVICA operative. Anne's phone pings as the email arrives in her inbox and in the app, to be greeted with a mile-wide smile. "Wow, how seamless was that?" says Anne, delighted at the outcome.

She and Sarah print their results on the Baobab Ridge office printer just in case they're needed in hard copy format. "Now we can relax and enjoy the last day of our safari without having to worry about tests," says Sarah. "So there really is no reason for anyone to stay at home and miss out on travelling to South Africa," she laughs.

(Please note: The test kits are ideal for American travellers on a single-country safari. For safari itineraries that feature more than one country, PCR tests are currently still required between countries.)

Meet the Klaserie’s K9 heroes!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:17:41 GMT

LEARN ALL ABOUT THESE INCREDIBLE DOGS!

Guests at Baobab Ridge are in for a real treat in the very near future when they will be getting the opportunity to meet the Klaserie's amazing detection and tracking dogs who work in partnership with the reserve's anti-poaching unit.

The Klaserie's K9 Experience is going to be offered to the lodges on the reserve to allow guests the chance to learn more about these incredible canines and watch them be put through their paces by their handlers.

The 90-minute experience features an introduction to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve K9 Unit dogs and their handlers, where they'll watch detection Labrador Dan and his German shepherd colleague Anké "detect" concealed contraband.

Trained to detect ammunition, weapons, rhino horn, ivory and drugs, Dan and Anké will "search" a vehicle and a volunteer human so that guests can see how the dogs work with their handlers at both the entrance gate to the reserve and on detection operations such as roadblocks.

They'll be joined by tracking dog Vestigo - a Doberman/bloodhound cross - who with her handler will show how she's been trained to follow and track human scent.

The detection dogs are used at wildlife crime scenes to find evidence left behind by poachers which could be linked to possible suspects. They also conduct vehicle searches at Wildlife crime scene/open area detection – to find any evidence left behind in a crime scene by poachers which could be linked to possible suspects. Tracker dog Vestigo is called in when rangers on patrol find suspicious tracks and to follow tracks found leading to and from a wildlife crime scene.

Vestigo is now being joined by German shepherd Belgo who was a gift from one of South Africa's most respected canine institutions. He's been introduced to the pack and is being trained by the handlers who themselves have been professionally trained by leading K9 law enforcement officers in Johannesburg.

Belgo has been with the team for three months now and is doing exceptionally well, illustrating how well the handlers have been training him.

"It's something they're very proud of," says Marian Viljoen who works for the Klaserie but also acts as kennelmaster of the K9 Unit in a voluntary role, supporting the handlers in the care of the dogs and their management. "The dogs are very well taken care of and are very valued members of the Klaserie team," she adds.

"We ensure they get their innoculation and are fit and healthy, maintaining their conditioning and having them assessed every six months so that we can hold valid licenses under the Performance Animals Protection Act, which are required by law to run a K9 unit of this nature," says Marian.

The Klaserie K9 Unit was started in 2017 with just one tracker dog. In 2018 detection dogs Dan and Anké joined the pack and in 2019 Vestigo came on board. "We were sponsored with Vestigo to work with the rangers on patrol to find tracks that are suspicious," says Marian. "She was fully trained to follow human scent by the age of nine months, so is a valuable member of the team."

"The dogs are deployed in the field on the Klaserie and also conduct vehicle searches at roadblocks which are also run with local police and anti-poaching units in the area as well as local community policing association Farmwatch. They can also do building searches to find hidden contraband and people. So the dogs contribute enormously to the local community," says Marian.

The K9 Experience is a fun demonstration for guests who get a holistic overview of how the dogs perform and how they fit into the anti poaching programme.

"We give a practical display of a crime scene set up with the guests taking part, hiding 'contraband' so they can see how the dogs conduct an open area search," explains Marian. "We ask the guests to hide things in a vehicle and they get to play 'baddies' and set tracks before hiding so the dogs can track and find them," she adds.

The K9 Experience will help to raise funds for the K9 unit and contribute to the anti-poaching effort on the Klaserie. "The overall goal is to continue caring for the dogs and grow the pack," says Marian. "It's an expensive exercise and we don't always have the funds readily available for unexpected expenses like vet bills, so this is going to help us tremendously."

Please chat to us about the K9 Experience when you come to stay!

Images: Rebecca Rowles

Spring has sprung once more!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:07:31 GMT

IT'S THE PERFECT TIME TO BE IN THE KLASERIE!

The bush may be tinder-dry and the daytime temperatures may be rising, but that doesn't stop spring from making its arrival known! There are signs of new growth everywhere we go at the moment, from the gradual appearance of fresh buds on trees and shrubs to the flowering of blossoms on our shambok pods and other deciduous trees.

The most noticeable signs of the seasonal transition come from above in the form of the arrival of some of our early summer migrant bird species. The Wahlberg's eagles are back and are already nesting, and will soon be joined by the European bee-eaters and an array of swallows and swifts who migrate south from mainland Europe to enjoy the warmer climes.

Some of our antelope species already have young at heel, with waterbuck and duiker in particular showing off their babies. The impalas all have big bellies with just a matter of weeks to go before the arrival of the first lambs of the season and the zebras are heavy with foal.

Everywhere we go on our game drives there's a sense of expectation in the air but the reality is that there's still some time to go until the anticipated arrival of the rainy season and the first big storms that will properly wet the ground and trigger the first rush of green.

While we are still having the odd cold front passing through (and this has been the coldest winter on record for a considerable time) the mercury is steadily rising each day, and the nights are becoming warmer and more pleasant, without the need for lots of layers and thermal undies!

It's still a good idea to bring a jacket for early morning drives and for when the sun goes down and don't forget your swimsuit as the pool is becoming more and more inviting as the daytime temperatures pass the 30 deg C mark!

Game viewing at this time of the year is spectacular, especially around water, which is in very short supply right now. A lot of the pans and waterholes are virtually dry and the larger dams are getting low. Thankfully we have our little waterhole in front of the pool deck that's pumped regularly to provide wildlife with a permanent source of water and it regularly attracts a wide variety of game, from warthogs to elephant and everything in between.

Now's the perfect time to be planning a spring break or start thinking about the Christmas holidays, so feel free to get in touch and chat to us about your plans! We're hoping to see you soon!

Walking on the wild side

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:40:26 GMT

ENJOY THE THRILL OF EXPLORING THE KLASERIE ON FOOT!

When it comes to connecting with wild Africa, it's hard to beat a bush walk. Giving the game viewing vehicle a break and getting out on foot gives you the chance to discover all of the small, fascinating things you'd never notice on a game drive and to better understand the way everything in the African wilderness is connected.

Here at Baobab Ridge we're blessed to have some of the best walking country in the Greater Kruger and an exceptionally knowledgable and experienced guide in our owner Jason, whose passion is walking safaris.

An integral part of the walking experience is tracking, learning about the often imperceptible signs that animals leave in their wake that allow us to interpret their movements, understand their behaviour and often locate them.

Walks usually take place first thing in the morning when it's cooler and easier to pick up fresh tracks. Whether it's elephant, leopard or lion or the more elusive creatures like aardvaark and genet, Jason's sharp eyes pick out their footprints from the soft sand of the road system on the Klaserie, which is like a morning newspaper giving him updates of what happened during the night.

At first it's mind boggling as Jason picks up what appear to be random marks in the sand and quickly shows you the form of a paw-print or a tiny hoof mark that's evidence of a tiny duiker or steenbok passing by. Slowly the fog lifts as Jason explains the processes of tracking, picking out easy to identify spoor that begins to test your memory and understanding of animal behaviour.

You quickly learn how to distinguish between a leopard's front paws and its hind paws, whether it's a male or female, how fresh the tracks are and, as Jason explains, where it is likely headed. "When I was learning tracking, my mentor said to me that as a relatively tall man on two legs, my point of view was drastically different to a four-legged predator like a leopard," says Jason. "So he encouraged me to lower myself to a leopard's height when tracking so I could see the bush through the leopard's eyes. This simple act changes your perception completely and you begin to understand more about the animal and its behaviour when you see things from its point of view," he explains.

Safari guide JV often joins Jason on walks as a back-up guide. He is from the local Shangaan tribe - a people renowned for their close relationship with the Greater Kruger wilderness and their near legendary ability to track. So having JV along adds to the incredible experience of connecting directly to the bush "internet" and understanding the code in which its information is "written"!

So what may look like a random swelling on the branch of a shrub is singled out and explained, as you learn it's been caused by a wasp that lays its egg beneath the bark, causing a gall to form which then feeds the larva, sustaining it until it pupates and emerges as a brand new wasp!

Walking enables Jason and JV to also show you things like this and a myriad other interesting things about plants and tiny creatures like insects that are just as fascinating as their larger counterparts, from grass seeds that drill their way into the soil to wasps that build their paper nests on blue waxbill nests in a symbiotic security arrangement that suits both species!

It soon becomes apparent that nothing in the African wilderness happens randomly. There's a pattern and process to all of it... Male leopards walking at a slower gait (which you can tell from the tracks they leave) are most likely patrolling their territory, scent marking as they go. If they move faster they're probably trying to catch up to a female or an interloper... There's an information highway out there waiting to be accessed!

So next time you come to visit us at Baobab Ridge, be sure to book a walk and tap into this amazing wilderness experience!

On safari in South Africa - clearing up the confusion

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:12:10 GMT

THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL HERE,

SO PLEASE COME AND VISIT!

We know it's hard keeping up with the latest updates on travel across the world during the global pandemic, but over the course of July we've noticed some disturbing "fake news" surfacing about travel to South Africa and the ease of travel once you are here. So in an effort to help everyone considering an African safari or an "escape" to Africa, we'd like to set the record straight!

South Africa is open for tourism from across the world and there are no restrictions on who can visit, provided those who need visas to come here have received these in advance and everyone, irrespective of their vaccination status, has a negative COVID19 PCR test no older than 72 hours on arrival in the country.

Our recent adjusted lockdown level to combat the third wave of the COVID19 virus restricted travel for residents of Gauteng province for leisure purposes, but it did not restrict transit in and out of Gauteng (ie: Johannesburg International Airport). That lockdown level has now been lifted, returing us to a more relaxed lockdown level with no travel restrictions of any kind.

This means you can travel across South Africa, between the nine provinces, with absolute ease of movement and no fear of becoming "stuck" in any one place. With full COVID19 protocols in place across South Africa, and more than enough space for everyone, we are therefore encouraging people to both visit South Africa and explore its varied and diverse regions, from the beautiful winelands of the Western Cape to the wilderness around us here in the Greater Kruger National Park.

By visiting South Africa you are lending your support to a tourism industry that's been completely devastated by the COVID19 pandemic, and you are also supporting countless families who depend on tourism for their daily bread. In short, you are saving lives and making a positive impact on local economies that have been struggling to make it through these tough times.

We have seen an increase in the number of US visitors over the last couple of months as their vaccination programme has rolled out, giving people the courage to take the travel plunge and go on that much-needed trip. And while we understand that travel from the UK is hampered by the needless "red listing" of South Africa and, indeed, most of Africa, it is still possible. And the more people who come to visit us here and have amazing vacation experiences at this time the better, because the message that South Africa is a safe travel destination needs to be shared as far and wide as possible.

The vaccination programme in South Africa has gathered momentum, and from 1 September all South Africans will be eligible for vaccination, regardless of age. So in a short time we should have had most of the population vaccinated and should have reached the point of "herd immunity" here, making the risks of holidaying in South Africa even lower.

For us, here in the wonderful African wilderness of the Klaserie, the risks of COVID19 are minimalised, as they are in all of Africa's beautiful wilderness areas, national parks and wide open spaces. So a safari is perhaps the best option for world travellers right now as it's the ideal way to social distance, thanks to remote destinations with few people in them.

Small, intimate safari lodges and camps like ours are the perfect remedy for the pandemic, giving you the space you need to unwind and switch off while enjoying pure, fresh air and the restoration for body, mind and soul that only a wilderness experience can deliver. And a stay here at Baobab Ridge is helping all of our staff and their families keep the lights on and food on the table, giving us hope that we can survive until the world finds its new normal and fears subside.

So please, if you have a trip booked but are thinking of postponing or cancelling, think again. There really is no reason not to go ahead. And if you are considering travelling, put South Africa at the top of your list and make a safari with us here in the Greater Kruger a dream come true.

Check out the following links for more information, and we hope to see you soon:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

https://www.dsv.com/en/about-dsv/coronavirus/restrictions-per-country

https://www.skyscanner.net/travel-restrictions

The Klaserie - a conservation success story

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:16:10 GMT

FROM SAVING RHINO TO PROTECTING FRAGILE ECO-SYSTEMS AND EDUCATING CHILDREN...

Here at Baobab Ridge, we're surrounded by the 60,000ha of pristine African wilderness that makes up the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve - one of the largest privately owned reserves in South Africa and part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

Established back in 1969, the Klaserie officially obtained reserve status in 1972 and is made up of a series of privately owned parcels of land that's run by an executive committee made up of landowners working in concert with the reserve warden. The Klaserie is a founding member of the Association of Private Nature Reserves - a co-operative organisation that's made up of the Klaserie, Timbavati, Umbabat and Balule private nature reserves and that works together with South African National Parks and other government entities to manage conservation in the Greater Kruger region.

Conservation underpins everything that happens on the Klaserie, with all of us who live and work here committed to protecting the wild fauna and flora that make up this near pristine environment, minimising the human footprint as much as we can.

As part of this commitment the Klaserie is actively involved in pioneering wildlife initiatives including the Ground Hornbill Project, sponsored by the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, an elephant research project under the umbrella of Save The Elephants - an NGO founded by Dr Ian Douglas Hamilton - and the Tembo Project that's currently studying buffalo in association with the Resource Ecology group of the University of Wageningen in The Netherlands.

Of course, the Klaserie is also at the forefront of efforts to protect its rhino and the rhino of the Greater Kruger National Park, with an exceptional anti-poaching programme that's in place and working closely with other anti-poaching units in the area.

The Klaserie also understands that in order to have successful conservation initiatives, there has to be support from the local communities on the periphery of the reserve. To this end the reserve has become the "home" of the NGO Eco Children, which interacts with children in local communities in a range of hands-on initiatives, providing conservation education and basic education through the adoption of four local primary schools, applying a "whole school development" approach to uplifting the next generation of conservationists.

Eco Children enables children in the Hoedspruit and Acornhoek are to receive quality basic education as well as hands-on environmental education on the reserve, helping them to embrace the wilderness, learn from it and value it. This is creating a sustainable relationship between the environment and its human residents.

Here at Baobab Ridge we actively support all of these initiatives and are proud to be part of such a wonderful community and this incredible reserve.

Discover the magic of Africa after dark...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:10:36 GMT

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE NIGHT DRIVE REVEALED

It's the most magical time of day in the African bush... The sun slowly begins its descent below the horizon as dusk takes hold. Birds fly to their overnight roosts, baboons seek shelter in the branches of tall trees and bats emerge from their daytime hideaways, taking to the wing as the last light fades to begin their nightly quest to find food.

As darkness falls the air is filled with the sounds of the night - the calls of distant owls, the constant pips of the bats negotiating their way using echo location, crickets calling and the haunting cry of a lone hyena contacting its clan. In late spring and summer the air is filled with insects and the almost electronic sound of millions of frogs.

Night in the bush is simply mesmerising and the great thing about your stay with us at Baobab Ridge is that you get to explore after dark every day, thanks to our afternoon/evening game drives which head out in the late afternoon (after a lovely tea), taking in the glorious last light of the day before stopping for sundowners to toast another wonderful day in the African bush.

The last half of the game drive takes place in the dark, with the guides using a spotlight to illuminate the bush, stopping occasionally to listen for signs of activitiy - the far-off call of a lion or leopard, alarm calls of prey animals and the like. On clear evenings it's also nice to stop and just look at the incredible canopy of stars above, marvelling at the clarity of the Milky Way and the constellations.

It's the creatures of the night that are the stars of the show, though, and what we're hoping to see every time we venture out into the wilderness after dark. Besides the obvious night hunters like leopard and lion, there's also other predators that aren't often seen, from caracal and serval to the small spotted genet. You stand a greater chance of seeing the magnificent southern African python at night too, and in the summer months there are many snake species that hunt at night, from cobras to egg eaters and the aptly named night adder.

Night is the preferred time of day for other fascinating mammals like the civet and irrascible but hugely entertaining honey badger, as well as the shy aardvark and, if you're enormously lucky, the rarely seen pangolin. It's also the realm of owls, which in Africa come in all shapes and sizes from the tiny pearl spotted owlet to the giant eagle owl.

The sights, sounds and smells of the bush at night heighten the senses and leave you completely amazed by the complexity of the way the wilderness operates. It's incredible to see how animals navigate so successfully where we poor humans can't see our own hands in front of our faces!

When you return to the lodge, you'll spend time in our wonderful boma, sitting around a wonderful crackling fire, stars twinkling brightly above, sharing your stories of the evening's adventures and the interesting things you've seen before turning in, snuggling down under your fluffy duvet and listening some more to the sound of Africa at night, looking forward to the dawn and another fantastic day in the wild.

Sweet dreams!

Meet Africa's biggest icon...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:23:33 GMT

THIS GENTLE GIANT TRULY EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA

When you think of Africa certain images spring to mind... Vast open savannahs filled with wildlife... Beautiful big cats... And more often than not, elephants. The African elephant is perhaps the continent's most iconic animal, with its ears that so closely resemble the shape of Africa, its huge stature (it's the world's largest land mammal) and its reputation for being wise and all-knowing.

It's a true giant. And a gentle one at that. It's also one of Africa's most threatened species, thanks to the demand for ivory, so protecting it in wilderness areas like the Klaserie and Greater Kruger National Park is of critical importance.

Elephants are incredible mammals. They form huge family groups, often called breeding herds, which are headed up by a single female (usually the oldest and largest) who is referred to as a matriarch. She literally rules the roost, presiding over her "family" - related adult females and their combined young, from tiny babies to sub-adults.

When male elephants - known as bulls - reach sexual maturity, they are pushed out of the family and often bond together with older, larger bulls, forming loose-knit bachelor groups. They learn from the older, bigger bulls, eventually heading out on their own. Females stay in their family unit for life.

Elephants are fiercely intelligent, display a range of almost human-like emotions, empathise with one another and other species and are sentient, recognising themselves in mirrors. They grieve for their dead, assist those less able than themselves in their family units. They help other family members in distress and are extremely tactile, constantly touching, holding and caressing each other to reinforce family bonds and friendships.

They also use tools and pass down their wisdom and understanding of the environment around them, teaching skills to one another and sharing their vast knowledge like where to find water, which areas offer good grazing and browsing, which areas to avoid (that possibly pose a danger to them) and migratory routes that have been used over countless millennia.

Elephants have enlarged ear bones and sensistive nerve endings in their feet and trunks which help them to hear and communicate over enormous distances, using foot stomping and low-frequency, infrasonic rumbles and other vocalisations like trumpeting to stay in touch with one another.

All of these things resonate at a frequency other elephants can detect through the ground, allowing them to "hear" through the soft, pneumatic pads on the soles of their feet and sometimes laying their trunks on the ground to detect vibrations.

The saying goes that elephants never forget. When it comes to wrongs done to them by humans, that statement has often proven very true. In parts of Africa where elephant poaching is rife, the elephants are extremely wary of people and have become able to work out the level of threat posed by individuals, recognising the scent of weapons and the intent of those who would do them harm.

Experts estimate that we lose 100 elephants a day across Africa to ivory poaching. So that's quite a lot of harm that's being done and represents one elephant killed every 15 minutes.

Taking all of this into account, it's truly a privilege to be able to see elephants in a relaxed and approachable state when out on safari here at Baobab Ridge. We're lucky enough to have regular sightings of both breeding herds and majestic, single bulls - all part of the Greater Kruger population of an estimated 20,000 elephants.

There's something truly special about sitting quietly and observing a family group of elephants in their natural habitat, watching their social interactions and working out their personalities. And when they come down to the waterhole in front of the lodge to drink, it's an added bonus! So we hope you get to see "ellies" on your next safari with us here at Baobab Ridge.

Come "home" to Baobab Ridge for the holidays!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:17:55 GMT

THE KLASERIE IS A WINTER WONDERLAND...

There's never been a better or more affordable time to come and stay at Baobab Ridge! With winter in full swing and the game viewing out of this world, we've extended our South African residents' low season special offer to 15 December, meaning that you and your family can come and visit over the upcoming July school holidays at a ridiculous 50% discount!

At South Africa's public schools, the holidays start on 9 July for two weeks, with schools reopening again on Monday 26 July. And for some private schools on three term systems, there's virtually the whole of August to look forward to, with schools closing on 6 August and only reopening on 7 September!

This gives you ample time to get away from it all and spend some quality family time here in the magical wilderness of the Klaserie. We've still got lots of space, so all you have to do is take the plunge and escape the concrete jungle for a few, precious days.

There's also a great long weekend coming up from 7-9 August that you can take advantage of to celebrate Women's Day in style!

Baobab Ridge is the perfect destination for families and accepts children aged six and upwards. They've got all the space in the world to run and explore as the lodge and its surrounds are fully fenced and feature wonderful gardens and lush green lawns. We've got a great selection of board games and things to keep the little ones occupied in between game activities and all of our staff just love helping to entertain and enthrall them.

We pride ourselves on our relaxed, family friendly vibe that allows all of our guests to kick back, relax and unwind and become part of the Baobab Ridge furniture! You may arrive as strangers, but you'll certainly leave feeling as if you're part of a huge, warm extended family!

Our gorgeous suites are spacious enough to accommodate families, with extra beds on hand as needed. We also have a wonderful family suite with two en-suite bedrooms and lots of privacy. The décor is modern and inviting, with wonderful fluffy duvets that are perfect for snuggling down under and beating the winter chill! Check them out here !

Winter in the bush means crisp, cold mornings and chilly evenings around a crackling camp fire in our gorgeous boma, under a canopy of twinkling stars. It also means wonderfully warm, sun-filled days here in South Africa's beautiful Lowveld. Most days are shorts and tee-shirts warm, if not erring on the hot side! But remember to bring lots of warm layers for those morning and afternoon game drives in our open safari vehicles!

Our sparkling pool may be a little on the cool side thanks to the colder nights, but it's still great to dip your feet in and laze around on the pool deck between activities, watching what comes down to drink at our waterhole in front of the lodge.

The dry season is typically the best in terms of game viewing, with the bush more sparse and open allowing our guides to spot exciting things like predators as they skulk in whatever cover they can find. Waterholes and dams are hives of activity as animals gravitate to them to quench their thirst and take advantage of the more lush greenery that grows around them.

Waterholes are a popular spot for ambush predators like leopard who often hide themselves, waiting for the opportunity to snag unsuspecting antelopes as they come down to drink. They're also the perfect backdrop for morning coffee stops and evening sundowners! What are you waiting for? We'd love to welcome you here to our gorgeous little piece of wilderness paradise!

Check out the special rates here , which remember are now valid through to the Christmas season! The high season rates kick in from December 16 and last till the end of December. And click here to make a direct booking!

We hope to see you soon!

The key to a successful safari

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:02:49 GMT

SENSATIONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCES BEGIN AND END WITH PEOPLE...

What makes a great safari? Well, being in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of Africa helps. Here in the Klaserie we're fortunate to be part of the Greater Kruger National Park with no fences between us and the legendary South African game reserve. This means we get regular sightings of the Big Five - leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino - but like all game viewing, nothing is ever guaranteed.

Every game drive is unique and different to the last, and whenever we venture out into the African wilderness around Baobab Ridge we have no idea what we are going to see. It's part of the excitement that a safari provides - the chance of seeing something amazing around the very next corner.

Sometimes things may seem quiet in the bush with periods where you may see very little at all. This is the way of things in Africa, and a safari is all about a holistic wilderness experience where you get to appreciate the way the eco-systems work and the finer details of life in the African bush as well as amazing sightings of iconic animals.

So the responsibility for connecting you to wild Africa and understanding its moods rests squarely on the shoulders of our talented safari guides - David Mathonsi and Jabulani Victor "JV" Silinda. With enormous experience under their respective belts, David and JV help to translate what's going on out there in the wilderness for our guests, helping them to understand the way the environment works and how the plants and animals that call it home interact and are inextricably linked.

By sharing information about life in the African bush - from the tiniest insects and unobtrusive plants to the Big Five everything in between - the job of a safari guide is to fill the naturally slow parts of each game activity with information that helps you interpret the wilderness and get the best out of your safari experience. Both David and JV are masters of bushlore and also have a deep understanding of the role the wilderness plays in their shared Shangaan culture.

Sometimes it's all about being still and quiet and just looking and listening, absorbing the "spirit" of Africa by allowing your senses to adjust and become alert to the sights and sounds around you. That applies to being at the lodge as well as out on a game activity, and here at Baobab Ridge, the experience is amplified by our wonderful team of staff, the majority of whom come from our local communities.

Along with David and JV, our general staff are committed to making sure each and every guest has a truly superlative safari here at Baobab Ridge. From our groundsman Canaan to our lovely housekeeping team and the talented ladies in the kitchen, the mission is to make you feel at home and put smiles on your faces. You might arrive as guests, but you will definitely leave as friends and part of the extended Baobab Ridge family!

And that, really, is the secret to a successful safari!

Safari tips: packing for the bush

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 20 May 2021 12:49:12 GMT

A HANDY GUIDE TO WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI...

When it comes to packing the perfect bag for your Baobab Ridge safari, the first rule of thumb is to understand the seasons here in the Klaserie... For a start, if you're used to the northern hemisphere's seasons you've got to wrap your head around the fact that here in the southern hemisphere they're completely the opposite of what you're familiar with!

We're now heading into winter, which officially starts on 1 June, running to the end of August. On 1 September it's spring, which lasts until the end of November, with summer kicking off on 1 December. Autumn/Fall starts on 1 March and lasts till the end of May.

The end of autumn and winter and the start of spring are our dry season, when there is little rain and cooler temperatures. The heat usually begins to build up in October until the start of the rains - which normally get into top gear from November onwards. The rainy or wet season is a lot hotter, more humid and is typified with dramatic thunderstorms and heavy downpours.

That's not to say that we don't ever get rain in the dry season, or never have a remarkably dry wet season! Like the rest of the world, climate change has played havoc with Africa's seasonality and some years we experience drought when the rains fail or aren't good.

The "peak" season for safari - when the game viewing is at its best - is from June until the rains begin, when the bush is open and dry and animals gravitate to permanent water sources. Once the rains come the bush is lush and green and very dense, sometimes making it harder to spot species like leopard and the more secretive predators. The upside is that the rainy season is the best for birding by far, with our local endemic species joined by summer migrants from elsewhere in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Here in South Africa's Greater Kruger we have a wonderful winter climate with warm sunny days and temperatures reaching 30 deg C and cool to cold nights, when the temperature can drop to below 10 deg C. If you come on safari at this time, you'll need warm clothes for the early morning and afternoon/evening game drives. By this we mean a beanie, scarf, gloves, warm jacket or fleece, long trousers and closed shoes.

In the mornings the temperature begins to rise with the sun, so the higher the sun gets the warmer it gets. In the afternoons/evenings, the opposite applies, so as the sun drops it gets colder. This means you need to dress in layers, putting them all on in the mornings so you can take them off as it gets warmer, and bringing them with you in the afternoons so you can add them as it gets cooler.

In spring and summer you'll rarely need anything warmer than a lightweight, waterproof wind-cheater - we provide waterproof ponchos on our game vehicles in case of rain. So T-shirts and shorts are the order of the day! One downside to this time of the year is that as soon as it rains, the insect activity increases, so you'll may like to include a long-sleeved shirt or long pants for protection against things like mosquitoes. We have bug spray on all of our vehicles and available for use in our common areas but feel free to bring your own!

A hat or peaked cap is essential all year round, as are sunglasses.

When it comes to selecting your clothing for your safari, go for neutral colours like beige, khaki, browns, paler blues etc. These colours help you to blend in to the environment when out on game drives. In winter, jeans are always a good bring, along with a good pair of boots or walking shoes. But also include shorts, T shirts and a swimsuit for sunbathing and swimming at the pool deck.

Here's a quick guide to things that are great to pack for your safari:

Shorts

T-Shirts

Long-sleeved shirt

Long pants

Sandals/flip-flops

Closed walking shoes

Cargo pants/cut-off pants

Lightweight sweater

Windbreaker/lightweight jacket

Fleece (winter)

Beanie (winter)

Gloves and scarf (winter)

Hat/cap (all year)

Sunglasses (all year)

Swimsuit (all year)

Camera

Binoculars

Sunscreen

Make sure your clothes are comfortable as you'll be spending at least six hours a day sitting in our open game viewing vehicles exploring the African bush! It's also good to remember that unless the weather is really inclement, we dine outside in true al-fresco fashion! Breakfast/brunch and afternoon tea are served on the deck and dinners take place around a crackling log fire in the boma under a canopy of stars. You are always welcome to freshen up and change for dinner after your afternoon/evening game drive if you like - the choice is yours.

A warm welcome for a responsible traveller!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:54:54 GMT

Baobab Ridge recently hosted renowned travel writer and publisher Tessa Buhrmann and her husband Daryl on a four-day fact-finding mission that will see the lodge and its incredible team featured in upcoming editions of the wonderful and much-lauded Responsible Traveller digital magazine.

"I was immediately blown away by the wonderful, warm welcome and the wide smiles of the Baobab Ridge team," says Tessa, reminiscing about the experience. "We felt like although we had arrived as strangers, we immediately were made to feel like friends and left just a few days later as family," she adds. "It's a remarkable thing and something that sets Baobab Ridge apart from many other safari lodges."

Tessa is focussing on two themes for her writing for the next couple of editions of Responsible Traveller - conservation and communities, and people and places. "These themes fit Baobab Ridge perfectly because of the lodge's clear commitment to both people and planet and especially the amazing rapport it has with its team of people, the majority of whom come from local communities on the edge of the Klaserie," explains Tessa.

Guided by JV for the duration of their stay, Tessa and Daryl were taken "off the beaten track" during game drives, spending time appreciating the birdlife of the reserve as well as its more prominent wildlife species.

"On our first game drive we didn't actually get more than a few hundred metres from the lodge," remembers Tessa. "We picked up a coalition of two cheetah brothers literally a stone's throw from our room, along with an accompanying juvenile hyena and black-backed jackal who were shadowing the cheetah's every move."

"We spent an hour or so with the cheetah, just watching them as the sun slowly started to sink and a storm rolled in, observing how whenever they moved, the hyena and the jackal immediately got up and followed them, keeping a safe distance," says Tessa.

Guide JV explains this behaviour... "It's not uncommon to find cheetah like this, or indeed any other big cat, being followed by hyena or jackal, who shadow them to watch if they are going to hunt and possibly cash-in on a kill," he says. "So it was a rare privilege just to switch off the vehicle and sit with the cheetah, watching them and their ever-watchful 'shadows' and seeing some interaction between them and the hyena, which at one stage got a little too close for comfort and was seen off by the cheetah."

Moving off for sundowners, JV picked up a breeding herd of elephants, allowing Tessa and Daryl the chance to spend some time with these wonderful creatures as they browsed, with one young bull investigating the vehicle at very close quarters... "It's always amazing to watch elephants," says Tessa. "And to sit still and observe them as they came to check out the vehicle was very thrilling."

Keen birders, Tessa and Daryl were also indulged by JV with a wonderful bird-watching drive along a dry river bed. "We just spent a couple of hours moving slowly along the sandy bed, seeing so many different species along the way, from woodland and brown-hooded kingfishers to Stierling's wren warbler, Jameson's firefinch, black-headed oriole and two impressive giant (Verreaux's) eagle owl," explains Tessa.

"That was an absolute highlight, along with our last game drive where we tracked a female leopard named "Cleo" for two and a half hours before we finally found her, which was more than worth the effort JV put in," she adds.

During her stay Tessa spent time interviewing various members of the Baoab Ridge team. So look out for her stories in the magazine and follow her on Facebook if you like...

The hyena - Africa's odd-looking but clever hunter

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:52:16 GMT

No one could ever accuse the spotted hyena of being beautiful. With their front legs longer than their hind ones and large, menacing heads with jaws that can crush bone they are most certainly not the pin-up poster boys of the African bush!

However, don't let looks deceive you, because although this much maligned animal is a member of the so-called "ugly five" it's also one of the most intelligent and underrated hunters out there.

There are three species of hyena in Africa - the striped, brown and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Of these, the spotted hyena is the most widespread and the largest. It also has the worst repuation! Reviled as scavengers and as being crafty, sneaky and snide thanks to the likes of Disney's Lion King, they're actually very interesting and can be rather cute, especially when they're young.

Indeed, far from being the "bad guys" and stealing lion kills, researchers have found that lions actually steal more from hyenas, meaning the popular belief that hyenas are the theives of the African bush is completely unfounded.

There's a lot of misunderstanding where hyenas are concerned. The truth is that they are clever, cunning and hugely successful as predators in their own right, with an amazingly complex and highly competitive social structure that revolves around a "queen" - a dominant matriarch or alpha female which is generally the oldest and most experienced female member of the clan.

When it comes to spotted hyenas, the females are larger than the males and dominate them completely, so that even the lowest ranked female will be dominant over the highest ranked male. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between male and female hyenas based on their genitalia because the females possess what's known as a "pseudo penis" or penile-clitoris. Indeed, female hyenas have as much testosterone as males, making them exceptionally aggressive.

This aggression comes to the fore during feeding. Whether bringing down their own prey or stealing prey from other predators like lion, leopard and cheetah, hyenas eat as a group so competition for the tastiest morsels runs high. High ranking females are the first to eat, along with their young, with lower ranking females and their offspring eating next, finally followed by adult males.

They are born aggressive. Spotted hyena cubs emerge from the womb almost black in colour with their eyes open and with teeth and will readily attack each other, often killing weaker cubs, especially in same-sexed litters. This is called neonatal siblicide and kills an estimated 25% of cubs in their first month.

Thanks to milk which has enormously high fat and protein content, the cubs grow quickly and will drink milk for up to 16 months, eating solid food from the age of three months.

The success of hyenas in a region or given territory is dependent on the ongoing competition with its closest rival - the lion. These time-worn enemies have interwoven fates because they occupy the same ecological niche and are in direct competition with one another, hunting the same prey species. So in areas where you have a high density of successful lions, you may find fewer hyena as a result.

So next time you see hyena out on a game drive here at Baobab Ridge, you'll be able to look at it with new-found respect and understanding!

Spending time with lions

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:12:44 GMT

Working in the bush has its benefits, especially in the Greater Kruger, where you're surrounded by the fabled "Big Five" - leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Our team gets to see a lot of action while going about their daily business, as was the case with our recent Easter photo-shoot which was "bombed" by a pride of lions close to the lodge.

We picked up their tracks when we set up the Easter tableau in the bush in front of the pool deck and after wrapping that particular part of the shoot, followed the spoor to see where it led.

We found them laying next to the road on the other side of the staff village and spent some time just "hanging out" with them, watching them, taking photos and video, popping the odd Easter egg into the shots we took and generally enjoying seeing them, even if they were mostly what we call "flat cat" or "lalapanzi" - a local Xitsonga/Shangaan word for laying flat and sleeping.

Lions spend most of their days in the shade, sleeping and dozing, only becoming active once the sun begins to go down and dusk draws in. They are largely nocturnal hunters, preferring the cover of darkness to track and catch their prey, although they are opportunistic (as are most cat species) and if the chance comes to grab a convenient meal at any time of day they will take it. So never let a sleeping lion fool you!

The world's only truly social big cat, lions live in familial groups called prides that consist of one or two dominant, often related males, females (also often related) and cubs. Prides can be as big as 30 lions or consist of just a few.

Prides occupy their own territory and defend it vigourously, especially from other males. Indeed, the battle for retention of territory and taking over territory is an ongoing one that dictates pride dynamics. Invading males that come in and take over a pride will kill the previous male's cubs in what's known as infanticide. A couple of days later, the mother of the killed cubs will come into oestrus and mate with the new male. Where cubs are concerned, surviving until adulthood is the greatest challenge they will face!

Pregnant females will go off on their own just before the birth of their cubs and will find a secure, safe spot far away from the pride and other potential threats in which to give birth. They will nurture the cubs for between eight and 12 weeks before introducing them to the rest of the pride, especially if there are older cubs, waiting until they are big enough to handle the "rough and tumble" of pride life.

It's a sad fact that lions are one of Africa's most threatened species, with fewer than 20,000 of these magnificent apex predators left in the wild in Africa. The loss of habitat, along with poaching for body parts, are the leading causes of the demise of the African lion. This means that the conservation and protection of wilderness areas is of critical importance.

Executing the perfect bush dinner

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:07:01 GMT

Here at Baobab Ridge we just love surprising our guests, so when the opportunity comes to do so we tend to "go large" and organise a dinner out in the bush not far from the lodge.

The unsuspecting guests are taken on their usual afternoon/evening game drive but before it gets dark - at around the time they'd usually stop for sundowners - we turn a corner and there, before their eyes, is the entire team waving and welcoming them to the most beautifully set dinner table, drinks station (and in these times of COVID-19 a fully fledged sanitation station!) and bustling "bush kitchen".

It all looks effortless, but of course, it takes a good deal of organisation and is something that requires the whole Baobab Ridge team to successfully pull off! The planning starts in the morning as soon as the guests have left on the early morning game drive, when everyone gets together to decide what will be on the menu and the check list of what will be needed is drawn up.

It's this check list that's key to the success of Baobab Ridge's bush events, whether it's a bush breakfast, celebratory drinks station or fully fledged, three-course dinner. By ticking off everything that's needed as it is loaded onto the vehicles and as it's offloaded at the site of the bush dinner, the team makes sure everything runs smoothly and that nothing gets left behind.

As much food preparation as possible is done in advance. Bush dinners are usually a braai, so it's a question of preparing starters and something for dessert, as well as getting veggies and salads ready to accompany the braai meat, which is marinated and prepared for seamless cooking. Everything is carefully wrapped and put into cooking pans and cooler boxes and transported to the site - a wonderful open plain not far from the lodge.

Tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, glasses, condiments, lanterns, tablecloths and napkins are all packed up, as is table décor. The tables are laid as they would be in the lodge boma, and decorated with foliage gathered from around the dinner site.

The chefs and kitchen staff set up the cooking station next to the braai, the drinks table is set up and the sanitisation station is prepared ready to welcome guests, with a bowl of water, soap, towels and sanitiser on hand to freshen everyone and maintain our strict health and safety protocols.

Our maintenance team chip in to help run the fire and ensure there is enough wood for the braai and to help transport everything and everyone to and from the lodge. And of course we are in constant contact with the guides to ensure they bring the guests on time and maintain the secrecy!

The result is an amazing thing to behold, as the guests' eyes grow wide with amazement and excitement on seeing the way things have been set up for them. They get to raise a glass or two to the setting sun as their dinner is prepared for them, sitting down in an idyllic setting under a canopy of twinkling stars to enjoy the al fresco meal of a lifetime, in the middle of the African wilderness!

In between dinner and dessert we often do a star-gazing session, with the guides sharing their knowledge of the African night skies and the myriad constellations in the heavens above. Using a laser pointer, the Southern Cross will be pointed out, as will key stars, planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way.

The evening will end with after dinner drinks before our guests are taken back to the lodge and the team has to dismantle everything and bring it all back to the lodge while our guests turn in for the night after another amazing bush experience!

Make Easter a holiday to remember

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:26:35 GMT

An Easter holiday here at Baobab Ridge offers you the perfect opportunity to explore our little piece of African paradise here in the heart of the Greater Kruger with your friends, family and loved ones. By taking advantage of our fantastic South African special offers getting away from it all becomes even easier with a massive 50% discount on our usual rates reducing the strain on your holiday budget. And getting away from the madness of city life is the ideal way to beat the COVID-19 blues, reboot mind, body and soul and spend much-needed time with your "tribe".

You couldn't choose a better spot, either. Thanks to the incredible rains we've had and are still experiencing in the form of isolated downpours and showers, the lush green wilderness that surrounds us will continue to support our wildlife well into winter, which traditionally starts on 1 June. Our dams and waterholes are full and should also last for the duration of the dry season.

We're often asked if game drives ever get boring! The easy answer is no, they don't, because every single day in the African bush is different to the last. You can travel the same roads time and again and they will never look the same thanks to the constantly changing light, and because you never, ever know what is waiting around the next corner, the excitement of what you may see is palpable, making each game drive truly special.

So what might you see? We can never guarantee anything, because Mother Nature is in control here and no matter what, it's always a privilege to be out in the wilderness, exploring her highways and byways.

The game viewing at the moment is out of this world, with members of the Big Five spotted regularly on our morning and afternoon game drives. Indeed, our big cat action has been fantastic of late, thanks to the presence of one of our local lion prides. Food is abundant and while some babies are still being born, most are now in their second and third months, so are growing nicely.

A safari at Baobab Ridge is about more than just searching for iconic wildlife species though... It's about immersing you in nature, showing you how the wilderness works and the intricate, interwoven threads that hold it all together... It's about sharing the spirit of Africa with you, teaching you about the amazing plants and animals that live here... And it's about people too - our wonderful Baobab Ridge family which as a guest you will become indelibly part of.

So here some images of a few of the incredible things we've seen out on safari over the last few weeks, courtesy of our good friend Marjolien Schipper-Rutten of TravelMood.

Get in touch to find out more about Easter and hopefully we'll be welcoming you soon to our lovely little lodge in the Klaserie.

Fabulous, fantastic food, glorious food!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:16:28 GMT

While our wonderful wildlife and the chance to commune with wild Africa may be the biggest drawcards for guests arriving at Baobab Ridge, they soon discover one of our secret safari weapons - fabulous food!

If there's one thing we know how to do, and do well, it's ensuring our guests don't go hungry, with our legendary brunches, sensational afternoon teas and delectable three-course dinners, plus all of the wonderful little goodies we offer up on morning game drive coffee stops and sundowners.

We've always shied away from "nouvelle" cuisine and overly fussy "fashion" food, focussing rather on what we, ourselves, love to eat - healthy, wholesome, home-cooked and delicious dishes that are designed to get taste buds tingling!

We take international staples like oxtail, pizza, lasagne and other well-loved pasta dishes as well as South African favourites like braaivleis (barbecue) and potjiekos (stew made in a cast iron pot over an open fire) and give them a fresh spin, allowing our team of talented chefs to interpret them in new and exciting ways.

Indeed, our chefs are encouraged to create their own signature dishes and put their passion for food to good use, infusing everything they cook with lots of flavour and ingenuity. It helps that we go out of our way to source fresh, sustainably grown or free-range produce from our local area and make sure that all of our menus are well-balanced and as healthy as possible. We bake breads and cakes here in our kitchens.

Indeed, baking is something of a speciality of our lovely lady chefs, all of whom come from our local community and have worked their way into both the kitchen and our hearts! They just love a "bake-off" and whether it's making fresh biscuits, muffins and rusks for morning coffee or creating sensational Swiss rolls for brunch and healthy breads for afternoon tea, the chief ingredient is love.

Our guests' needs are also a priority when it comes to food and our chefs have learned to create incredible vegan and vegetarian dishes, studying hard to ensure they exceed flavour and nutrition benchmarks top restaurants would be proud of. So whatever your dietary requirements are, rest assured that our cullinary team will not just rise to the occasion but absolutely "wow" you with their efforts to keep you well-fed, happy and healthy!

You'll always finds lots of fresh fruits, veggies and salads on offer. From the beautifully presented breakfast cups filled with in-season fruits, home-made granola and fresh, locally produced Greek yoghurt to dishes like roasted meditteranean vegetables with couscous and crisp, garden greens with feta, cucumber and cherry tomatoes, you'll eat healthily without even realising it.

Meals usually take place outside to take advantage of our wonderful climate and the thrill of being in the fresh, open African air. Brunch and afternoon tea are usually served on our beautiful deck overlooking the gardens and the boma. Dinner generally takes place in the boma next to a crackling log fire, under a canopy of twinkling stars. And of course, our famous "nibbles" on our game drive rest stops are enjoyed out there in Big Five territory.

We do our very best to make eating in the bush an art form, so also occasionally surprise our guests with an improptu bush brunch or bush dinner, but irrespective of where you eat, you know you are going to eat well!

So get in touch to plan your next South African safari and no matter what you do... arrive hungry!

Top five experiences at Baobab Ridge

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:16:07 GMT

There's nothing quite like a safari in South Africa's magnificent Greater Kruger! Here at Baobab Ridge we pride ourselves on giving our guests incredible experiences that immerse them in the wonder that is the African wilderness, leaving them with an intimate appreciation of our diverse eco-systems and the wild fauna and flora that call them home.

Everything we do is designed to put our guests in touch with Mother Nature and inspire awe and wonder at the intricate, interconnected environment that makes the Klaserie so special, as well as sharing the unique spirit of South Africa and her wonderful people. So let's have a look at the top five experiences guests can indulge in during their stay with us...

Game drives

The opportunity to get "out there" and explore the beautiful landscapes that surround Baobab Ridge, observing iconic wildlife species in their natural habitat with a knowledgable guide in an open safari vehicle, is obviously one of the biggest drawcards for our guests.

Game drives take place twice a day, early in the morning and in the late afternoon, and last between three and four hours, depending on what you see. The morning drive is worth the early wake-up call as it offers you the chance to find out what has happened during the night and be part of the African bush as it "wakes up" and comes to life with the rising sun.

You'll be woken before dawn (04h00 in the summer months when dawn comes early and 05h30 in the winter when the sun rises later) and meet up for coffee and rusks with your guide half-an-hour later, before heading out as first light takes hold.

The sights, sounds and smells of wild Africa at dawn are intoxicating and the quality of light as the sun's first rays bathe the bush in shades of soft gold are a photographer's dream come true. Your guide will be looking for tracks and traces of animal activity, especially predators, so the excitement is palpable as you wonder what is going to be around the next bend...

Morning game drives are interrupted by a coffee stop out in the bush, where you'll have the chance to stretch your legs, take a comfort break and indulge in coffee, tea or hot-chocolate, along with some wonderful home-made goodies like cookies and muffins. You return to the lodge in time for a hearty brunch.

At 15h00 you'll regroup for afternoon tea before climbing onto your faithful safari vehicle to find out what's happening out in the wilderness once more, traversing the extensive network of roads that criss-cross the Klaserie, taking in waterholes, dry river beds and dams as well as breathtaking views of the northern Drakensberg escarpment, towering on the western horizon.

You'll stop as the sun begins to set for another of our amazing experiences - sundowners (see below!) and complete the last portion of your drive in darkness, with a spotlight to find elusive nocturnal species. This is the time when you may see predators like leopard and lion in action, so keep your eyes peeled!

You'll return to the lodge for dinner, to share tales of the day's adventures next to a roaring fire.

Sundowners

It's a time-old tradition and one of the most amazing experiences to be had in the African bush - toasting the setting of the sun in the middle of the wilderness, soaking up the magnificence of it all and wondering at the magnitude of life in the wild. Sundowners are always simply spectacular.

During an afternoon drive your guide will find somewhere he knows is perfect for a sundowner spot and effortlessly deliver you in time for the spectacle that is an African sunset in the Greater Kruger. You'll get down from the vehicle, stretch and admire the view while your guide sets up an array of drinks and snacks on the front fender of the vehicle.

It's a bonding moment as you raise a glass to a fantastic day in wild Africa, watching as the light slowly fades and dusk descends. The sounds also change from the subtle daytime chorus of birdsong to the often deafening choir of cicadas, frogs and crickets, punctuated by the calls of distant owls, peeps of echo-locating bats and, if you're really lucky, a lion roaring to announce his presence...

Fabulous food

You most definitely won't go hungry during your stay with us here at Baobab Ridge! We cater for all dietary requirements, from vegetarian to vegan, and every meal is prepared with a wonderful, secret ingredient - love! Our talented chefs are passionate about what they do and go the extra mile to make sure each meal is spectacular, no matter what your preferences are.

We source the majority of our food locally, paying special attention to organic, free-range options and fresh produce that's in season, producing a range of wonderful, flavourful and healthy home-cooked dishes that are enjoyed in a variety of venues.

A hearty brunch at around 10am, after the morning game drive, sets you up for the rest of the day and is generally served out on the deck overlooking the gardens and boma, featuring juices, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals and home-baked goodies as well as a full English breakfast, ordered to your liking. Add limitless piping hot coffee and a variety of teas.

We then dish-up a wonderful afternoon tea at 15h00 which features a smorgasbord of salads, savouries, fresh fruits and home-baked bread and other tempting items to tantalise your tastebuds!

A spectacular three-course dinner is served at around 8pm, following the afternoon/evening game drive, and is usually set up in our wonderful boma, alongside a crackling log fire. Sometimes we do dinner up on the pool deck, or, if the weather is inclement, inside in our spacious dining room.

Bush walk

There's very little to beat the thrill of exploring the African bush on foot, discovering the small, infinitely interesting things you so often miss on a game drive. Our guided bush walks are an absolute must for those who want to find out more about the way the wilderness works, the relationships between plants and animals, the geology of our wonderful reserve and the fascinating minutiae of life beneath our feet!

Walks are always done in the mornings to avoid the heat of the day as much as possible. Generally, we drive for a short distance and then get off the vehicle to walk for around an hour or two, either walking back to the lodge or taking a circuitous route back to the vehicle and then driving "home". It's easy terrain and you stop regularly as your guide finds interesting things to show you along the way. Of course, there's always the possibility that you will encounter game en route, which adds to the excitment, but your guide will be armed and is fully trained to a high professional level, ensuring your safety at all times.

If you'd like to do a bush walk, please come with a good pair of comfortable and sturdy walking shoes and, preferably, a pair of long pants as the grasses can be rough and abrasive to bare legs if you walk through them.

Home-from-home hospitality

We can never guarantee what you're going to see in terms of wildlife, or what the weather is going to do during your stay with us, but there is something that never changes - something that makes Baobab Ridge truly special... Its people.

Our amazing team of staff mostly come from the local communities on the periphery of the Klaserie, having been born and raised here and together they represent the epitome of South African warmth and hospitality, sharing their wide smiles and ready laughter with all of our guests, instantly making everyone feel at home and part of the family.

So come and enjoy our own, unique brand of South African hospitality, meet our wonderful people and experience a safari beyond compare.

For more information on the activities available and the activity schedule at Baobab Ridge, click here

Royal visits, lots of babies and rain, rain, rain...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 08:04:02 GMT

Baobab Ridge was recently treated to a right royal visit from two of the neighbouring Timbavati Private Game Reserve's majestic lions - the Hercules and Sumatra males. Fortunately, our good friend "Douda" Aïda of Into My Wild Africa was on hand to capture the event with her camera, and as you can see these "brother" lions are simply magnificent.

While on safari with us, Aïda took the time to encapsulate what it is that makes Baobab Ridge so special at this wonderful time of the year with her amazing photographic skills. As you can see from the images with this post, the bush is looking spectacular thanks to all of the rain we've had and the game viewing has been epic of late.

We've had wild dog sightings as our local pack has moved through the Klaserie, targeting the newborn impala and their parents. The Klaserie is filled with baby animals at the moment, as the wildebeest and zebra begin to give birth with their foals and calves joining the impala lambs at this "baby boom" time of year.

It truly is a fantastic time to be in the bush, and perhaps one of the most romantic times of the year, making a Baobab Ridge safari the perfect place for lovers of all ages! And we just LOVE love, and are happy to help you plan a special surprise for your partner, whether it's getting down on one knee, a landmark anniversary or a renewal of vows.

The rainy season is always dramatic here at Baobab Ridge, with steel-grey skies and spectacular thunder storms breaking up the heat of the summer in sensational style! But don't panic - we've got you covered - literally! We have waterproof ponchos on our game vehicles in the event of unexpected downpours and they are big enough to put your camera bags and personal effects underneath and keep everything dry.

Rain in Africa is a real blessing, and you can almost hear the bush and its inhabitants sigh in relief when the rains fall. Being high summer, it means that the heat can get into the upper 30s during the day, so an afternoon or evening storm always cools things down as well as being incredible to behold!

We're getting ready for Christmas, of course, and that's a magical time for all of us as we welcome guests over the festive period. Our wonderful wire baobab tree has been decorated accordingly and is ready to put presents under and our chefs will be making lots of special treats for both guests and Santa! We still have some availability if you're wondering what to do with yourselves, so don't be afraid to make a last-minute booking! Get in touch at reservations@baobabridge.com and come and enjoy a brilliant bush Christmas with us!

No matter where you spend the holiday period, we hope it's a good yuletide for you and your loved ones, filled with love, laughter and joy. Merry Christmas!

From mine worker to master safari guide!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:04:40 GMT

Baobab Ridge safari guide David Mathonsi stops his vehicle and peers intently into the bush ahead... "There's a leopard!" he whispers... Sure enough, through the tangle of branches I spot the wave of a white-tipped tail and the mottled pattern of spots as said big cat moves through the undergrowth, soon disappearing from sight.

It's an epic spot, and one that helps David to maintain his record as Baobab Ridge's "leopard king". "I'm just really good at finding them," he laughs. "And lucky, too!"

Life wasn't always this lucky for David, 55, who was born over in the Manyeleti where he grew up and went to school. "I left high school early and got a job as a mine worker, eventually moving to Carletonville near Johannesburg on the gold-rich West Rand of Gauteng," he says.

"I spent the next period of my working life underground, which was very challenging, working in very difficult conditions. Eventually, it got too much for me and I began to think of ways I could leave mining and find work in the open air. After you have spent so much time deep underground, you need to see blue sky and breathe fresh air," he says wisely.

"I realised that I could get a job close to where I was born, working as a tracker in the safari industry, so I left the mine and began as a trainee tracker at a safari lodge not far from here, learning my craft," he says.

"From there I got qualified and came to work in the Timbavati at one of the first commercial lodges that was built there. I worked very hard and was promoted to guiding, doing my guiding training there and going to guide school where I completed my FGASA Level 2 qualifications," says David proudly.

"In those days I used to help out here at Baobab Ridge on my off days and eventually came here permanently, starting full-time in 2015. It was wonderful to become connected to the bush and to find my calling here in the wilderness so close to where I was born and raised. I hated being underground in the mines. I felt I was suffocating. I just love the bush and it's an important part of my heritage as a Shangaan man," he explains.

"I was very proud to learn about the bush. As a Shangaan man it is something we all learn, especially tracking," says David. "I used to follow my grandfather's cattle and learned to track them. Each cow had a unique track and I learned to tell the difference between them.

When I started learning tracking in the Timbavati, it felt wonderful and very exciting. I felt like I was coming home. I used to love Johannesburg as a young man, but now I hate the city.

"It's also important as Shangaan people that we keep our traditions alive," adds David. "We have a long history and heritage with the bush here, and it's important to keep up with this and learn about the importance of protecting the wilderness and our heritage. It's our future."

From brown to green in just two weeks!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:33:47 GMT

We've been incredibly blessed here at Baobab Ridge, thanks to the early rains which marked the start of spring with a bang. For almost two weeks we experienced tremendous downpours that have soaked the dry, dusty soil, filled dams and waterholes and completely transformed the parched, brown bush into a sea of green.

Fresh grass shoots are bursting forth, the trees are covered in brand new leaves and blossoming beautifully and new growth is everywhere. It won't be long now before the impalas drop their lambs and the other plains species like zebra, wildebeest and warthog have their babies.

The African paradise flycatchers have returned, as have the swallows and swifts, European bee-eaters and various other species of migrant birds. We're expecting the arrival of the woodland kingfisher, whose distinctive call marks the arrival of summer in the bush, any day now.

Temperatures are beginning to soar and the evenings are filled with a cacophany of sound as countless frog species compete for the airwaves, advertising their presence and readiness to mate!

It's incredible to see the change happening in such a short space of time. The photo composition taken by our very own Jason Fleischer shows that transformation over a period of a week or so, shooting the same scene every few days to capture the change from brown to green!

This is a really special time to be in the bush which is now a lush wonderland filled with life in all its various shapes and forms. The game viewing may be slightly more challenging now that the bush is thickening out, but the variety of the species you're likely to see is phenomenal and will only improve once the pregnant animals have dropped their young.

It's a great time to walk, and explore the bush with Jason, who is an experienced walking safari specialist.

It's also the perfect time to take a break from the stresses and strains of urban life in these COVID-19 times and treat yourself and your friends and family to a spot of "detox" here in the bush. We're running some wonderful specials at the moment for both fully catered and self-catering options, so please check them out here .

Our self-catering option is particularly great for South Africans wanting an affordable getaway with a group of friends or the extended family (or both!) as it allows you to take the entire lodge on an exclusive basis, bring your own food and drink and make Baobab Ridge your home for a few days. Our chefs will help you prepare your meals and our staff will do the dishes! Our housekeepers are on hand to service the rooms and you will enjoy two amazing game drives each day with our wonderful guides. All included in the rate!

Get in touch today to make a reservation and we hope to see you soon...

Vows with wows at beautiful Baobab Ridge

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:18:08 GMT

The sun is beginning to set... The African bush is flush with green and life is abundant, with birdsong filling the air and the gentle hum of honey bees as they go about their work... The sky is an impossible shade of blue... And in a dry river bed, people have gathered for a special ceremony to join together two people in love...

It sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Setting the scene for romance in the heart of the wilderness! And it's just a taste of what a bush wedding at Baobab Ridge is all about!

We LOVE love, so organising your wedding here in our beautiful corner of the Klaserie would be our absolute pleasure. Over the years we've hosted more than a few weddings, including that of our very own Nini Gouveris and husband Brandon, so we know how to make everything perfect for your special day.

It starts with a planning trip - having you out to the lodge to experience the wonderful, home-from-home atmosphere, meet the staff and select a spot out in the bush where you'd like to say "I do". We talk about food, show you some décor ideas and table settings, and discuss logistics like how many guests you'd like, how we'd accommodate them and how everything would work on the day.

The rest of the planning takes place after you've booked the big day and we work with you to get flowers organised, hair and make-up, music and, of course, a photographer to capture the magical moments.

We are able to sleep up to 16 people, including the bride and groom, here at Baobab Ridge and work with neighbouring lodges in the Klaserie to provide accommodation and transport to and from the wedding for the rest of the guests.

We always recommend making a three-night stay of it... Getting the bride's and groom's families together the day before the wedding and having a wonderful pre-wedding dinner, enjoying the big day itself and then spending the day after relaxing and enjoying the bush, with game drives and a post wedding lunch, perhaps, before heading out on married life together! Guests can choose to stay one or two nights and enjoy a bush break at the same time (we have a minimum two-night stay policy).

The ceremony itself can take place either here at the lodge or out in the bush, where we will set everything up for you, from chairs for the guests, to an aisle for you to walk down and a wonderful natural canopy under which to say your vows in front of a wedding official. We take care of transporting you and your guests to and from the ceremony venue.

Getting married in the bush is a truly special experience, and the perfect way to come together in love and complete harmony with nature. So talk to us today about helping you to plan your wedding!

Meet Petunia - the "perfect, perfect" chef!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:16:22 GMT

Petunia Mohlili's life truly began the day she started work at Baobab Ridge. Born and raised in the nearby sprawling community of Acornhoek, Petunia was at a loss what to do when she left high school. She decided to contribute as much as she could to her community by becoming a volunteer police reservist and spent the first six years of her working life fighting crime and trying to make her home a safer place.

Things changed drastically when she became pregnant in 2016 and was simultaneously retrenched from the police force - even though she had only ever volunteered! Thankfully, she had a friend working at Baobab Ridge who managed to get her a job in the kitchen scullery, helping out.

"So I started here in 2017," the outgoing 36-year-old Petunia explains with a big smile. "It was very strange coming from the police service as a crimefighter into the bush. But the difference was that I was earning an income and was able to support my family. At last I had a future," she nods, reflectively.

"I left my children to be cared for by my aunt, and decided to give this job everything I had. It was scary moving into the bush. Even when I was at school I never went on any of the school trips to learn about tourism or wild animals. So I came straight into the lodge with no experience and started to learn while I was cleaning, not just about my job but about the wildlife as well," she laughs.

"I became interested in every aspect of the lodge, and started learning housekeeping, waitressing, working in the kitchen and I loved it. I started cooking last year (2019) after being taught by the other chefs to prepare vegetables and make bread," she explains.

"I never knew I had talent as a chef and I quickly fell in love with cooking. I used to dream of being a chef as a child at home," recalls Petunia. "I always cooked at home and now I am able to make my dream come true," she adds.

Petunia loves watching the cooking shows on TV and has a big file for all of the recipes that appeal to her, spending a lot of her spare time online, researching new dishes.

"My ambition is to grow as a chef and learn as much as I can about cooking and working with food. Baobab Ridge has given me a completely new life. Even at night in bed I am thinking about what I can prepare the following day and different kinds of food," she giggles.

"My hope for the future is to become the best chef I possibly can be. I want to be a BIG chef! The perfect, perfect chef at Baobab Ridge," she laughs excitedly.

"I spent lockdown practicing at home, and since we opened for guests I've been happy to be back in my kitchen and preparing wonderful meals for everyone. I love being here. It's like family. And we are well looked after here," she says.

"I now have pride in myself and my abilities. I have a son of 15 and a daughter of 5. My son is in high school and dreams of being a social worker. I am so happy. I have a skill now and a career as a chef. I can plan for my future and for my children's future," says Petunia.

"Tourism is really important to my community. Look at what it has done for me," she states. "I have everything I want and need now. I have a direction and my children have direction and a future. All because of Baobab Ridge."

Spring makes a spectacular entrance...

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:12:11 GMT

The start of September marked the beginning of spring and somehow, something in the African bush that surrounds Baobab Ridge understood that it was time to switch seasons, in spite of a week of unseasonably cold and damp weather that seemed to be winter's last gasp for 2020!

In spite of the cold snap that kicked off the month, and the season, the game appeared to sense the change in the air and the sightings came in thick and fast, from amazing painted wolf (African wild dog) sightings to leopards, hyenas and lion... Which was wonderful because we finally welcomed our first guests to the lodge after the easing of lockdown restrictions that allowed South Africans to finally travel in their own country.

As the weather warmed up, the knob thorns began to bloom, along with the sjambok pod, and the otherwise drab, brown and sparse bush was suddenly punctuated with shades of bright yellow thanks to these trees' beautiful flowers. The soft tufts of the catkin-like knob thorn blossom and the sweet smell of the sjambok pod blooms now fills the air around the lodge and out on game drives...

Giraffe are everywhere feeding on the flowering trees and are regular around the lodge, making game viewing from the suite decks and the pool deck truly special!

The plains game is having to move constantly to find enough food to eat as the bush is very dry and thinned out at this time of the year. With the temperatures increasing each day the build up to the rainy season is under way, and the battle to stay alive until the life-giving rains come is in full swing.

For the grazers like zebra, buffalo and wildebeest it's hard to find enough to keep going each day, but thanks to our late rains earlier this year they are still in good condition. Browsers like the magnificent kudu are also challenged, but hanging out around our dams and waterholes always offers some respite as the presence of water offers up some small patches of greenery here and there...

Of course, predators don't need to worry about greenery! Our leopards and lions have plenty to eat and often hang around at water sources to ambush animals coming to drink. With the bush being so open, sometimes cover is a bit of an issue when stalking, but the long, dry, tawny coloured grass offers some respite, especially for lions whose coats are exactly the same shade!

Some of our migrant bird species have also begun to appear - from the Wahlberg's eagle to the yellow-billed kite and the various swallow and swift species that are slowly making their way from other parts of Africa, Europe and beyond.

So don't forget to bring your binoculars with you when you come to visit, which we hope you will do very soon!

Meet Nini - Baobab Ridge's "matriarch"!

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:22:13 GMT

For Baobab Ridge's co-founder, Nini Gouveris, life in the African bush is very much part of her DNA. She's the head of the Baobab Ridge "family" - the matriarch, if you will - wisely leading the talented team of staff whose warm, welcoming smiles and easy laughter help to create the wonderful, relaxed atmosphere the lodge is renowned for. She's also a dyed-in-the-wool child of Africa whose playground was the African wilderness...

Born in Johannesburg in 1975 to a German father and Malaysian mother, Nini was a "struggle child" whose parentage was, effectively, illegal under Apartheid law. "My dad's name couldn't be put on my birth certificate as he was white and mom was classified as coloured," she explains. Thankfully, it was a challenge that Nini and her family overcame, in spite of the tough times they lived through.

"My dad had always loved the bush and had spent many years in Botswana before my birth," Nini explains. "When I was born he had a bakery - the Astoria Bakery - in Johannesburg but had always wanted to start a business in the bush and so in the late 1970s he started a safari company and built Tsaro Lodge in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta. At the time it was the first up-market photographic safari lodge in the Delta," she recounts.

"I was only a toddler but he would take me up to the site while he was building and I fell completely in love with being in the bush," recalls Nini. "We'd fly up for holidays and sometimes for long weekends, and we'd go camping and pretty soon it felt like Botswana was a second home.

"My dad then developed another lodge at Xakanaxa, and when I left school it seemed obvious for me to follow dad into the industry and study tourism and hospitality and so that's what I did. I went to Switzerland and studied hotel management and tourism there, got my diploma and returned to South Africa for my first job, working at the Grand Roche hotel in Paarl," says Nini.

"I learned guest relations, marketing and banqueting at the Grand Roche, which was an excellent grounding. I then moved to Plettenberg Bay and got a job at Hunter's Country House as the assistant restaurant manager. Then, in 2002 my father was busy developing a new, luxury resort on North Island in the Seychelles and I moved there to help with the construction and to oversee the new development, setting up the reservation system and working in guest relations. Today, it's one of the most sought-after luxurious island destinations in the world and I'm very proud of the role I had in getting it started," she says.

Nini eventually left North Island and returned to South Africa, getting a job at Ilanga Travel as an inbound agent thanks to the fact she's fluent in German. "I worked there for just over three years and loved every minute of it, dealing with groups, upmarket lodges and hotels and air tours. From there I took over the marketing and sales for my father's company, Moremi Safaris and Tours, as well as Xakanaxa," explains Nini, recounting how Moremi Safaris and Tours was set up as Botswana's first tour operator to provide the logistics and reservations apparatus for Tsaro and Xakanaxa - the countries first photographic safari destinations! "There was no-one else to provide that service at that time, so Dad set it up himself," she laughs. Pioneering spirit indeed!

So how did she come to the Klaserie? "My father already had a property in the Klaserie and so when Baobab Ridge came on the market he quickly snapped it up and suggested that I lease it from him with my then husband, Jason Fleischer. I jumped at the chance to have my own lodge and in 2011 we opened, starting out with a small complement of staff as a self-catering establishment and grew it from there, going fully catered in 2016," says Nini.

Although she and Jason are no longer married, they still share their love of Baobab Ridge and Jason leads walking safaris and guides guests at the lodge. Nini married Brandon Gouveris, who helps her manage the lodge, in 2017.

"My background in tourism and intimate understanding of what works and what doesn't and my time spent in the industry, especially as an agent, has given me an excellent grounding in running Baobab Ridge," says Nini. "I've been very fortunate in gathering a fantastic team of staff here and I really think that our people make Baobab Ridge special. Their smiles are genuine and come from a deep sense of happiness and fulfilment and I've been privileged to work with them to achieve this level of contentment," she says.

"I think it's the atmosphere of family here that guests really bond with and that has helped us to stand out from the crowd."

Watch out for more blogs on Baobab Ridge's wonderful team over the coming months and learn more about the incredible "family" that's ready and waiting to welcome you!

Paving the way for women in the safari industry

sharon@safaricollective.co.za (Sharon Gilbert-Rivett) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:22:10 GMT

Baobab Ridge has put tremendous effort into empowering its team of staff, and especially its women. All but six of the lodge's 21 staff are women, and all except two come from the local communities that border the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

"Women really are the backbone of the tourism industry," says the lodge's co-founder and manager, Nini Gouveris. "And that is especially true of the safari sector, although the majority of the women involved are hardly seen, working in kitchens and behind the scenes in housekeeping, for example," she adds.

That's certainly not the case at Baobab Ridge. The ladies here are not the ghostly figures you sometimes see slipping stealthily between rooms with piles of linen or hidden behind piles of cooking pots in a busy scullery - they are very much part of the lodge's DNA and love the chance to interact with guests. It's their personalities that make the lodge so special, and their laughter that's truly infectious!

"Most of our ladies had not worked in this industry before," says Nini. "The majority started out in housekeeping and moved up from there as they showed interest in different areas of the lodge, giving them the training and skills they need to create meaningful careers in the hospitality industry," she adds.

Much of the training is given by an extraordinary role-model for the ladies of Baobab Ridge - relief manager Lettie Letsile, who started out as a scullery worker for Nini's father, Wolfgang Burre, when he opened the first photographic safari camp in the Okavango Delta in Lettie's home country of Botswana.

"Lettie worked her way up from the scullery to a head chef and then catering manager at Xakanaxa Camp," says Nini. "She then took over as manager of the camp - one of the first Motswana women in Botswana to be given a management position at a luxury safari lodge," she adds. It's Lettie, then, who demonstrates what can be achieved, and she comes to Baobab Ridge regularly to act as a relief manager and carry out training.

"I felt it was important for the ladies to learn from someone who had walked in their shoes and understands the challenges of being a woman in this industry but overcame them," says Nini. Lettie has indeed inspired the team, and will continue in her role as soon as international borders are open again and she can travel from Botswana.

One of the most important aspects of empowering the team of ladies at Baobab Ridge has been seeing them develop into role models for their communities and their own families. "This is the real domino effect of tourism and demonstrates how giving individual people opportunities to learn and further themselves in this industry benefits entire communities of people," says Nini. "We have to remember that the majority of the staff who look after us are supporting up to 10 people in their families back home in their communities. That's an enormous contribution these women are making."