Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Elephant, Hyena and Lions Outside My Tent!

Tanda Tula — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:05:07 +0000

Have you ever been woken to strange sounds in the night while camping, to first find a large elephant standing over your tent, and later a pride of lions battling a clan of Hyena, a few metres from your tent entrance?

Patrick O’ Brien, well-known guide and wildlife photographer, recently took two of our guests on a two night walking safari experience. This experience provides an opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the Timbavati wilderness and wildlife on foot and up close, and to sleep under the stars, exactly as the early explorers did. Our guests sleep in the safety of a raised hide which over looks a watering hole, while the ranger sleeps a few metres away in a tent.

Patrick expected a fairly straight forward few days in the bush, but this was not the case!

Read Patrick’s encounter below. Tanda Tula would like to thank Patrick for sharing his story and images with us. What an experience this must have been!

By Patrick O’ Brien

A two day walking safari turned out to be one of my best experiences ever in my career of 15 years in the African bush. I would like to share an exceptional and truly once-in-a-life-time-story with you.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is the only camp in the entire Timbavati Private Nature Reserve offering an overnight walking safari experience (where you spend two nights out in the bush). Standard game drives allow us to get really close to animals and we generally see more game in a limited time, but let me tell you that walking makes one really appreciate the wilderness, an awareness that one cannot get in a safari vehicle. The uniqueness of that feeling is so great that words are often inadequate to explain it. But let me try…..

I took two great guests, father and son, on a 2 night Tanda Tula walking safari a few days ago. We camped out at the Machaton dam hide, a beautiful spot with a breathtaking view of the Machaton Dam waterhole.

The first afternoon we walked for just over 2 hours and returned back to the hide just before a honey badger crossed our path. Seeing a honey badger in the wild is indeed a rarity! Dinner that evening was under the stars and Bishop the chef did a great job. We went to bed early and after a good night’s rest started the next day with a pot of hot coffee made on the same fire that we sat around that evening.

We had a very enjoyable 3 hour walk and after a wholesome brunch at the waterhole we all took time off to rest. My tent is set about 20 meters from the hide which the guests stay in, and just as I wanted to rest I heard a loud thump right at the entrance of my tent. When I opened the tent there she stood, an elephant the size of a mammoth. A large female elephant all on her own. I was amazed to learn how incredible relaxed and calm this elephant was. She could not be bothered about me fiddling to take a picture. What a nice surprise-visit!

After the afternoon walk we were back at our base camp to enjoy another delicious meal prepared by Bishop and retired to bed fairly early. A troop of Chacma baboons moved in late that evening keeping me awake with their chatter. I chased them to a nearby tree and finally dropped straight back in bed only to be woken up an hour later with another sound of the night. I could hear a hyena clan creating all kinds of commotion.

I unzipped my tent and walked with my torch toward them, and got a surprise. A mere 20 meters away I could see two lions which appeared to be feeding on a carcass, and at least 15 hyenas standing around them trying very hard to get them to release their prey. I was very excited and so were the two guests who had been watching this event taking place for the last half hour, from the safety of the hide (raised off the ground) and were now desperately trying to tell me that there is a lion 6 meters from me in a tree. This I failed to notice simply because I was so taken by what I had just seen! Well, you would think that it could not get more wild that that, but think again! In the corner of my eye I saw a young male lion looking at me. I am not sure who got a bigger fright. I started moving cautiously back to my tent and he quickly moved down the tree, between me and the tent, and then down the embankment after which he disappeared.

In the meantime the two young male lions held off an impressive counter attack from the hyena clan. Apparently it was their kill that the lions took from them. Hyenas in Kruger Park hunt as much as 70 % of their own food. Lions are bigger thieves than what Hyenas are and this night we witnessed the proof of that. The guests later told me that the hyenas had hunted an impala by chasing it into the dam. No more than 4 minutes after they had killed the impala and started feeding 4 lions arrived and stole the kill from them. This brave move was short-lived and the hyenas successfully took their kill back. A few minutes later the lions made a second attempt out of desperation and luckily took the kill once again away. That was where it ended. The carcass, which wasn’t large, was consumed by both parties with the lions claiming the better part of it. But the hyenas won the fight as they were far more organized being the top apex predator of the African ecosystem.

Unfortunately I could not capture any images of the actual fight due to the time of night and as I was trying to stay out of harm’s way with so much happening around me at that time. Anyway I would like to share a few images I took of the hyena clan which seemed to be a fun event in the same dam a few days earlier.

I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did writing and re-living it. Come and join me on another walking safari at Tanda Tula Safari Camp!

Enjoy,

Patrick O’Brien – Wildlife Photographer and Professional Guide.

View Patrick’s website here: mandevowildlifephotography.zenfolio.com/

If you are interested in learning more about the two night walking safari experience, click here for more information. Alternatively email Dolly at reservations at reservations@tandatula.com.

Author Tony Park visits Tanda Tula and donates to our adult literacy programme

Tanda Tula — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:32:16 +0000

Tony Park, Australian author of nine highly acclaimed novels, all set in Africa, arrived in South Africa recently to promote his latest book ‘’Dark Heart’’ and to spend a little time soaking up the African bush. Tony and his wife, Nicola, visited Tanda Tula last week and spent a few days relaxing and enjoying the Timbavati bushveld. Don and Nina Scott, owners of Tanda Tula, met their friends Tony and Nicola several years ago and were delighted to welcome them back to the Timbavati.

Tony has been involved with various community and responsible tourism projects over recent years, so when he was in camp and Don and Nina told him all about the Tanda Tula Adult Literacy Programme, he jumped at the chance to offer his help. The classes, which focus on reading, writing, comprehension, conversation and general knowledge in the English language, make use of a small library which consists of a wide range of books, from entry level material to more advanced novels.

Tony kindly offered to donate a selection of his novels to the programme’s library which will be used in the advanced class as setworks for reading appreciation. “This will be the first time that we are able to focus on novels and reading for appreciation, so we are eagerly looking forward to the response from our staff ” said Nina.

In the image above you can see Tony Park with Thabo (Duty Manager) and Civilised (Ranger).

Tony’s books are filled with adventure, romance, action and suspense, but they also shed light on political and conservation issues, primarily poaching throughout Southern Africa. Added Nina, “Tony’s books make for thrilling, informative and fun reading and we are certain that his novels will spark a new found interest in reading as a hobby for many of our staff”.

We are delighted with Tony’s contribution to the programme and we will keep everyone updated with the progress.

Read more about the Tanda Tula adult literacy programme by CLICKING HERE

Tony’s novels include:

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About Tony Park

Tony Park has written nine novels, all set in Africa. He was born and raised in Australia and prior to being a novelist, worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and later a freelance writer.

He is also a major in the Australian Army Reserve and served six months in Afghanistan in 2002 as the public affairs officer for the Australian ground forces. He and his wife, Nicola, are extremely passionate about the African bush, dividing their time between their home in Sydney, and their second home situated on the border of the Kruger National Park.

Visit Tony’s website here: www.tonypark.net/ or like him on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/TonyParkAuthor?fref=ts

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11 June: New Resident in Tanda Tula’s Territory

Tanda Tula — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:26:20 +0000

He’s a big leopard, and according to Ranger Formen, the biggest he’s ever seen. His scars and tattered ears indicate he has a lot of life experience. Judging by his full belly, he’s a successful hunter. Just the kind of fellow most females would be attracted to.

Our rangers know him as the Argyle male, named after a territory north of Tanda Tula, but he made his way south and it appears he is planning to take up residence in our area. We are now spotting him more frequently on game drives.

Relaxing in his new territory

Ranger and General Manager of Tanda Tula Safari Camp Dale Jackson speculates on the reason for the relocation: ”Simply put, there was a vacancy. About 6 months ago, we found the body of a male leopard. That incident left our territory with a few sub-adult males, and several females, including one we know as Marula.

She’s about three years old and likely ready to mate. I think he’s here looking for her.”

While he’s looking for her, Tanda Tula guests will continue to enjoy various sightings of him!

Words and images by Jacquie Gauthier

Chef Ryan’s Helpers: Meet the team!

Tanda Tula — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:38:37 +0000

Greetings to all the Tanda Tula foodies!

Whenever I am out serving lunches and dinners, people always ask me how I manage to prepare all these meals all the time, and to such a high standard.

The simple answer: My team behind the scenes in the kitchen!

There is a saying that goes, “An executive chef is only as good as the kitchen team that supports him”. Here at Tanda Tula Safari Camp, I am extremely lucky to have a small team of dedicated chefs who help me maintain the quality and general routines within the kitchen.

First off, there is Dave Mathebula, my right hand man. Dave is my head chef who takes control of things when I am not around.

Then we have Bishop Makhubela and Maggy Mbambo, my general chefs. They help me with all the preparation for dinners and breakfasts.

Lastly, there is Girly Mathebula and Joe Chauke. They take care of all my lunch time preparation.

The passion and dedication of the entire team is nothing short of exceptional, and it is an absolute pleasure to be cooking alongside them each day.

So that is the secret of Tanda Tula’s culinary success – a well trained, reliable and passionate team.

So, if you are planning on visiting our safari camp in the near future, ask to meet the people who help me create magic at Tanda Tula!

Have you visited our recipe page where you can download a variety of recipes to create your very own bush cuisine? Click here to visit the page

Until next time,

Ryan

Spring Special (01 November 2013 to 15 December 2013)

Tanda Tula — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:01:00 +0000

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is now offering travellers a Spring special valid from 01 November to 15 December 2013. Book a minimum of 3 nights and receive our previous winter rate of R4,000 pppn.

In addition, guests will receive a complimentary road transfer to and from Hoedspruit airport and the lodge, and Tanda Tula will cover the Timbavati conservation fee.

This special includes: luxury tented accommodation, laundry, daily game drives & game walks, all meals and all local soft drinks, beers, spirits and house wines.

Terms and conditions:

Only valid for new bookings.
Only available between 01 November and 15 December 2013.
STO rates apply.
A single supplement applies on road transfer only.
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special or package.

For more information or to make a booking, please click here or email reservations@tandatula.com.

Harry the Hippo enjoying the dam at Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:46:23 +0000

We are fortunate to have a dam situated within our safari camp. The dam attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including the big five. One animal though, Harry the Hippo, is our most frequent visitor as he has made the dam his home. He takes it easy during the day and then moves off at night, usually returning in the early hours of the morning. We have to be very careful walking past his little home each morning and evening, just in case he is making his way across our path! We have many stories to tell about old Harry!

Autumn Game Viewing

Tanda Tula — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:20:29 +0000

By Dale Jackson

The last few weeks have delivered some wonderful sightings and experiences for our guests. From lions and leopards to our resident hippo rolling around in camp dam.

The hyena den situated to the south of camp has again produced some wonderful interaction between clan members, with the dominant females dishing out some serous discipline amongst the youngsters.

As the surrounding bush dries out buffalo herds are again making their way into camp dam to quench their thirst. This makes getting back to your tent in the evening very interesting!

The young Machaton pride males have been a real highlight the last few weeks. The pride have been following the large buffalo herds and have on occasion been successful in tackling one.

We have also been fortunate to see a lot of male leopards recently. Rockfig Jnr’s young male has been enjoying the thick bush of the Machaton river system and looks to be doing well on his own. Another large male seen recently was the enormous Argyle male who looks to have been displaced from his regular territory in the north by a younger stronger male. He seems to have taken up residence to the west of us as the area has been vacant of a large male for some time.

As you will see in the images below, general game has been prolific and large numbers of giraffe, zebra, kudu and nyala are seen on a daily basis on drive. Enjoy.

We are very fortunate at Tanda Tula Safari Camp to be located deep in the African bush, with no fences around our bush camp. This means that game, including the big five, are free to roam through and past our camp offering our guests an incredible African safari experience. Read more about the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve here: www.tandatula.com/timbavati-nature-reserve/wildlife/

Southern Cross School Library welcomes Tanda Tula Learners

Tanda Tula — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:47:51 +0000

Now in its second year, the Tanda Tula Adult Literacy program has created some new readers, so it was time these students were given an introduction to the world of books.

Nina Scott (co-owner and manager of our safari camp) arranged a special field trip to the library of Hoedspruit’s Southern Cross School. When the day arrived, the excited learners turned up looking sharp, eager and ready for the hour long drive into town. They were greeted warmly by librarian Sharifa Razak, who gave a talk explaining the difference between fiction, non-fiction and research books, and how to use the library to find the information you are looking for, or the type of books you like to read.

After the presentation, students spent time looking through all the choices on the shelves, and each chose one to borrow.

It was the first time visiting a library for most of the students, and they were very impressed with the experience. Librarian Sharifa was equally impressed by their energy and enthusiasm.

It looks like this will be the beginning of an ongoing relationship between our program and the library! You can view a few images in the gallery below.

We will keep you posted on the progress of the Tanda Tula Adult Literacy Programme. If you are visiting us in the near future, we would love to tell you a little more about it.

Words by Jacquie Gauthier

Hyena Den Excitement at Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:12:07 +0000

Guests at our tented bush camp were treated to a sighting of a number of Hyena interacting at their den. The Hyena is primarily a scavenger, though they will occasionally go after smaller game if the opportunity presents itself. Most evenings at our safari camp guests will hear them calling as they communicate with each other. There are various such dens throughout the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and watching the interaction between family members always adds to a special African safari experience. Video by Jacquie Gauthier.

Lions on buffalo kill while leopard waits patiently in tree above

Tanda Tula — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:49:44 +0000

Tanda Tula guests continue to be thrilled by the return of the Machaton pride lions to our area. Sightings are becoming more frequent as the young males quietly go about the business of getting bigger and stronger, getting ready to eventually defend their reclaimed territory. We recently saw them enjoying the spoils of a buffalo hunt, and we weren’t the only ones watching. A young male leopard found a good vantage point high up in a tree, where he patiently watched, waited and napped hoping that at some point the lions would have their fill and leave him the leftovers. As the sun set, they continued eating. We don’t know if the leopard’s patience paid off, but when we checked the next morning there was nothing left of the kill.

The Machaton matriarch is doing her job well, teaching the young ones the necessary skills to stalk and suffocate their prey. When we caught up with them again that evening and we were able to observe the instructional play that saw the boys taking turns biting Mom on the neck and covering her muzzle with their mouths, mimicking the strangulation and suffocation techniques that will make them successful hunters in the future.

Words and images by Jacquie Gauthier

At Tanda Tula safari camp, big five game viewing is exceptional, as with many other Timbavati safari lodges, but it’s important to remember that there are many other smaller species which are just as special to see. Nocturnal animals such as the brave honey badger, the porcupine and civet are always a treat to come across. In camp, while relaxing on your private deck over looking the African bush, you can encounter some of our ‘resident’ game such as the nyala, banded mongoose, squirrels and even Harry the hippo!

View our gallery here