Fish Eagle Safaris

AFRICAN SAFARI NEWSLETTER #26
Spring 2006


In this issue:

BOTSWANA, MALAWI & NAMIBIA GROUP TRIPS

In the more than 15 years we have been helping our clients with safari trips in Southern and Eastern Africa, we have never been as excited about the variety of scheduled small group trips available as we are this year. Our associates Wilderness Safaris have outdone themselves with their new Adventurer and Discoverer safaris in Botswana and Namibia and now also Malawi. They have completed revamping their 2006 range of group trips in Botswana and Namibia, and have introduced several new Namibia trips as well as a new Malawi departure, the Great Malawi Journey. Detailed itineraries are available in the GROUP SAFARIS (link) section of the website.

The Discoverer Explorations such as the Great Wilderness Journey, are a luxurious range of safaris that take advantage of superb locations, taking guests on a select, spectacular journey through remote wilderness areas to enjoy the most outstanding wildlife viewing in Africa. The itineraries provide superb encounters with the most diverse, famous and scenic areas in each country.

The Adventurer Explorations such as the Migration Routes Safari, combine unique mobile trails camps with a variety of other locations and accommodation to provide an intimate, insightful encounter with the country or region.

We have already received some very good feedback from clients who have taken one of these trips, such as the Evans family (June 2005):

"Our Migration Routes trip (Adventurer Exploration) to Botswana was amazing! The safari was everything and more of what we expected, not only for what we saw but also for the people we met. All the people associated with Wilderness Safaris were great, and our guide, Pilot, made the trip for us. What a beautiful country, we loved every minute. We will go back as soon as possible. Thanks for everything!"

The Great Namibian Journey (Discoverer Exploration) is the experience of a lifetime - as described by a delighted guest:

"It is easily one of the best trips I have ever taken. Namibia is astonishingly diverse and beautiful. I was happily surprised by the terrain, the scenery, the wildlife, plant life etc. at every turn. The camps in which we stayed were great - I think Skeleton Coast is a favourite for its location, Ongava Tented Camp for the waterhole and wildlife we saw there (the rhino were incredible, and seeing a giraffe come to drink while we were having cocktails was unbeatable!), and Doro Nawas for its luxury and pampering..."

"Our guide, Gerhard Thirion, was fantastic. His love for Namibia and all its facets was infectious. He really seemed to enjoy showing us around, educating us, pointing out so many things that might otherwise be overlooked, and getting us to try new things."

Many of the trips for 2006 - especially for the summer months from June through August - are already full, but there is still ample space for the Falls. So if you are considering a trip for 2006, please call or e-mail for further information.

RHINO RE-INTRODUCED IN NORTHERN KRUGER PARK

In July 2005, rhino returned to the northernmost area of the Kruger National Park - for the first time in over a century.

In a cooperation agreement between South Africa National Parks (SANParks), the Makuleke community (landowners of the Makuleke concession) and Wilderness Safaris, four white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) were reintroduced into the Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The cost of the capture and relocation was carried by Wilderness Safaris as its part in the cooperative agreement and as the concessionaires in the Pafuri region.

In a well-run operation, the four rhino were captured by the SANParks Game Capture Unit near Satara Camp, and transported up north to be released in a boma or fenced in area near the new Pafuri Camp. Once accustomed to their new environs, they will be released, to roam the entire area north of the Luvuvhu River.

In addition to establishing a much-needed breeding nucleus within the Kruger, these charismatic large mammals will also provide wonderful viewing opportunities for guests of Wilderness Safaris at Pafuri Camp. It further adds to the already astoundingly high mammal diversity in the concession where more than 70% of Kruger's fauna is found in an area approximately 1% of its entire size.

The rhino were released on the same day of the opening of Pafuri Camp. This beautiful camp is situated along the gently flowing Luvuvhu River in Kruger's northernmost vicinity and promises a winning combination for guests in terms of offering a wonderful wildlife experience, remoteness and ancient human history.

I have spent much time in this area myself over the years, having been fortunate enough to participate in two Nyalaland Trails inside the Kruger Park, as well as making many visits to one of my all-time favorite Kruger Park camps, Punda Maria. It is definitely my favorite camp in Kruger Park, and not only because it offers outstanding birdwatching with many endemics present only there. The landscape in the area is endlessly interesting, with rivers, sand forests, ravines and other features combining to offer the visitor a superb diversity of habitats, with resulting diversity of mammals, birds etc. Prospective visitors may wish to combine a few days at this atmospheric little camp, before continuing on to Wilderness Safaris Pafuri Camp. The northern Kruger Park area is remote, much less traveled than the south and offers an experience like the Kruger Park of many years ago. Go and see it for yourself.

SOUTH AFRICA'S EASTERN CAPE

South Africa's Eastern Cape is an ideal choice to extend a trip in Southern Africa, in an area which is well known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful uncrowded beaches, a rich cultural heritage and captivating scenic beauty. The province is also known as "Settler Country", since this is where the Dutch, British and Xhosa had their first encounters, and the area's history is filled with stories of the historic conflict. The coastline is a watersport enthusiast's dream, with sunshine almost all year round. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to magnificent wilderness areas in and around the Addo Elephant National Park. The safe beaches and malaria-free game reserves make this region an ideal family holiday destination. Two of our favorite properties in this area are Gorah (Addo) and the Sands at St. Francis.

Gorah, the first private concession in a National Park in the Cape, is a 4500-hectare malaria-free sanctuary and the most densely populated elephant area on earth. The main house of Gorah Elephant Camp is a gracious old building built in 1856, and has been immaculately restored and period-furnished. Colonial verandas look out over the African plains from 10 luxury tented suites with thatched canopies and king-size beds. The service is warm and personalized, with a meticulous attention to detail. Lighting here is provided with romantic candles and lanterns and not electricity. Close-up encounters with elephant, together with sightings of black rhino, Cape buffalo herds, and numerous antelope species, make game viewing activities varied and exciting. The bird life is excellent. 70 km or 45-minute drive from Port Elizabeth.

Only an hour's drive west of Port Elizabeth, the perfect beach holiday beckons. On the ocean's edge, The Sands at St. Francis has sweeping views of the sun-drenched beach and glistening sea. A relaxed and informal atmosphere is reflected in the African beach-style decor. Spacious bedrooms offer luxury style, each opening onto a private deck. Rooms are air-conditioned and some offer a Jacuzzi on their private decks. The octagonal glass-fronted restaurant is open for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and boasts a superb selection of estate wines.

NEW WILDERNESS SAFARIS CAMP IN DAMARALAND

Located in the Damaraland region of Namibia, Wilderness Safaris newest camp, Doro Nawas, is set in the valley of the dry Aba-Huab River with spectacular views of the Etendeka Mountains to the north and the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein to the south. This exciting new destination is a joint venture between Namibian investors, the local community and Wilderness Safaris.

The unique lodge design and outline allows for an unspoiled panoramic view of this diverse and dramatic landscape, which varies from tabletop outcrops, small canyons, dry riverbeds to vistas of grass-filled savannahs. Activities include game and nature drives as well as visits to Twyfelfontein, where guests can be awed by San rock art and Africa's largest collection of petroglyphs - prehistoric rock engravings.

Doro Nawas is the perfect base from which to explore a gloriously untouched part of Namibia, and offers a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the economic empowerment of the local community.

NEWS FROM WILDERNESS SAFARIS CAMP

  • Leopard sightings have been so plentiful at DumaTau, that at one stage last summer they were averaging three per drive, prompting a guest to ask, "Do you guys breed leopards here?"

  • Three lion have been seen in the remote Serra Cafema area - one big male and two younger males, sub-adults. They were spotted as they walked up from the south, crossing over the airstrip on their way. They were seen near Leeu River, a dry riverbed in a canyon, with a couple of water-filled springs, about 40km from camp.

  • Pafuri Camp in the Makuleke Concession is now open and running. As word spreads about the standard of accommodation, the beauty and productivity of the concession and the value-for-money rates, there is no doubt that occupancies will rise dramatically. Game viewing has already been good with three leopard sightings (male and female), lots of elephant bulls, herds of buffalo and a thrilling lion encounter. General game is also plentiful, such as nyala, impala, kudu, waterbuck, warthog and zebra.

  • One of the highlights of a recent Spirit of the Namib Exploration in Namibia was the kayaking at Pelican Point in Walvis Bay. The kayaks were surrounded by literally hundreds of seals, some even jumping right out of the water. Heaviside's Dolphins also appeared a mere 40m from the boat and humpback whales were also seen on a full day excursion to Sandwich Harbour.

VISA HINTS

Namibia
The Namibian Tourism Board has issued a reminder to all visitors concerning visa requirements for travelers to the country: all passports must contain at least two full blank pages and passports must be valid for at least six month longer than the intended stay.

Zimbabwe
At present, American passport holders and most European passport holders have to pay US$30.00 for a single entry visa on entering Zimbabwe or US$ 45.00 for a double entry visa. This has to be paid in US Dollars directly at the border and in the exact amount, as no change is available. Please note that these may vary without any prior notice as this is a government-regulated fee.

BROCHURES & INFORMATION AVAILABLE

Please e-mail or call 800 513-5222 between 0900 and 1700 CST, for country brochures, trip itineraries and price lists - or to be added to our mailing list.


Fish Eagle Safaris
11152 Westheimer #150
Houston, TX 77042
Tel 800 513-5222
Tel 713 467-5222
Fax 713 467-3208
E-mail: exafrica@aol.com
E-mail: jduplessis@houston.rr.com
Website: www.fisheaglesafaris.com



Fly-In Safaris
Information Request Form / Client Testimonials / Home

***************************
Fish Eagle Safaris
11152 Westheimer #150
Houston, TX 77042
Tel 1-800-513-5222 (USA and Canada)
Tel 713-467-5222 (from outside North America)
Fax 713/467-3208
E-mail: info@fisheaglesafaris.com