Ebenezer Dam is fed by the Groot Letaba River, near Tzaneen, covering about 386 ha at 1,360 m of elevation. Ebenezer is quite different to Tzaneen, being situated high in the Magoebaskloof. It is a cool, clear lake, often covered by rolling mist in the morning hours.

Ebenezer Dam

The dam has a beautiful scenic spot for picnicking (Public) as well as other water sports, and even river raft trips can be organized for groups between 10 – 30 people. Bank fishing is very difficult at the dam as the banks are steep, but boat fishing is sure to pull in one of the following: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Carp, Kurper, or Barbel. There is also a pleasant campsite for overnight trips, with a slipway for launching boats. Unfortunately there is a fee for launching.

For more information on launching, fees and times contact The Boat Club on +27 (0)15 276 2341 or
Mobile: +27 (0)82 802 0888.

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Service Providers

Kaya Khutso

The three storey thatched Pension Kaya Khutso is situated on the edge of an indigenous forest, a perfect blend of colonial comfort and style. The area boasts of an incredible variety of plant and animal-life. There is an abundance of natural, cultural and historical attractions. Amazing walking trails, trout fishing, quad biking, abseiling and lots more. 5 en-suite Bedrooms, each with own balcony; a Luxury Honeymoon Suite, 2 spacious Family Rooms, 1 Wheelchair Friendly Room surrounded by stunning gardens and a braai area on a deck overlooking the forest make this a favorite overnight spot.

 

 

Picasso's

Don’t forget to drop in on Horst at Picasso’s Restaurant in Haenertsburg. “I live to delight my guests. Since I took over this little wooden restaurant in the mountains of Haenertsburg I am the happiest.” And so are his guests!

 

 

 

 

Magriets BnB

MaGriet’s B&B is situated in the picturesque village of Haenertsburg (7 Bok Street). Two spacious en-suite double bedrooms are provided, with DStv in each suite. Scrumptious breakfasts are Magriet’s trademark; she is known for her delicious meals throughout the area.

Tzaneen Dam is set in the tropical area of South Africa, surrounded by tea, banana and fruit plantations. Only an hour’s driving away from the Kruger National Park, this wilderness area incorporates the dam basin and a peninsula, with plenty of angling and fishing opportunities.

Tzaneen Dam

Previously known as Fanie Botha Dam, the lake is fed by the Letaba River, just outside the town of Tzaneen. To access the lake, a drive along several kilometres of tracks through dense mature eucalyptus forests is required. When you emerge from the forest, it was well worth the trip as the dam is fantastic to look at and just oozes big fish!

Stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass, the dam is a fixture on the tournament circuit being the venue for several competitions, including the annual Tzaneen Bass Classic held in June of each year.

This is also a favorite birding area with more than 350 bird species. Stay overnight at a picnic site or a caravan park and nature will treat you to magnificent copper bronze skies at sunset.

The surface area covers about 12 km² at an elevation of 728 m. Boating is permitted in most areas, and there is an official slipway at the Aquatic Club.

....that BEEEEG!

The lake is home to some hippos and at least one fairly large crocodile, so swimming in shallow backwaters is not recommended. The hippos are not too aggressive but should still be avoided as they might just be having a bad day. Remember, in Africa, hippos have right of way.

Although access is restricted in many parts, bank angling is possible in many areas, a float tube or canoe would make some of the standing timber accessible. Watch out for hippos and crocs!

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Service Providers

Stay overnight at Tzaneen Wildlife Camp where a picnic site or a caravan park and nature will treat you to magnificent copper bronze skies at sunset. Visitor’s facilities consist of caravan and camping sites with ablution facilities: 28 Stands, Barbeque Area, Parking.

Fairview Hotel & Village

Fairview Hotel & Village boasts various types of accommodation, hotel style units, suites and selfcatering chalets. These 40 units can sleep 80 people and are tastefully decorated in an Afro-colonial style. All rooms are supplied with all necessary amenities in bathrooms as well as a coffee and tea tray. DSTV is in all rooms and wireless internet can be accessed in public areas.

 

Mashutti Country Lodge

Located on a country farm near Tzaneen, at the foot of the Wolkberg mountains, Mashutti Country Lodge is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of tropical gardens, abundance of fruit and nut trees, and lush vegetation. The great location of this Lodge offers ample opportunities to explore the nature reserves, hike in the mountains, visit local museums, or tour the coffee, tea, and cotton plantations. View the artefacts of pottery, beads, and pole carvings found at the nearby Tzaneen Dam, go fly fishing on a local river, and feed a crocodile at the Agatha Crocodile Ranch. This Country Lodge offers 40 standard double rooms along with 4 suites, all finished with hand crafted mahogany.  Two swimming pools located in the midst of lush, tropical gardens where you can float in paradise while admiring a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. A warm and inviting lounge area is ideal for reading a book, relaxing with a drink from the bar, or playing a board game. Watch some television in the TV lounge before heading over to the restaurant for an a la carte meal in the dining room with magnificent views.

The sparsely populated Republic of the Congo is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest and fingers of moist savannah covering its interior.

boating on the Mambili River

Odzala-Kokoua National Park (OKNP) lies is the remote north of the country, on the border with Gabon. It’s right in the heart of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest. Aside from a host of forest biodiversity, it holds Africa’s densest population of Western Lowland Gorillas. It is also renowned as the richest forest block in central Africa for primates species with eleven diurnal species recorded.

Activities range from gorilla tracking (habituated groups), pirogue rides along lush river systems, night drives in the savannah, walks along lush forest streams and salines, and of course time spent at the productive forest bais.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Odzala-Kokoua is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, having been proclaimed by the French administration in 1935. It covers some 13600 square kilometres (1.360 million hectares) of pristine rain forest and is an integral part of both the Congo Basin and the TRIDOM Transfrontier Park overlapping Gabon, Congo and Central African Republic. It holds globally significant populations of Western Lowland Gorilla and Forest Elephant as well as a plethora of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species of which around 50 are classified as medium- or largesized.

Odzala has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as Africa’s highest density of Western Lowland Gorillas and central Africa’s highest density of Chimpanzees.

Bais

Bai

Bais, or salines, are swampy, grassy areas that are dotted across the rainforest and which offer a rare chance to catch a glimpse beyond the ‘green curtain’ into the lives of the forest dwellers. Various mammal species come to the bais on a regular basis in order to access various elements from minerals and salts, to sedges and water loving grasses to water. These bais range in size from less than a hectare to more than 10 hectares and represent the best chance of seeing forest wildlife. Viewing at the bais takes place from raised platform hides, or miradors, and requires patience. The bais we visit in Odzala-Kokoua are relatively small and as a result offer the opportunity for close up viewing of various species.

Western Lowland Gorilla

Western Lowland Gorilla

There are two species of gorilla found in Africa, the Western Gorilla Gorilla gorilla and the Eastern Gorilla Gorilla beringei. The Eastern Gorilla consists of two subspecies, the well-known Mountain Gorilla G. b. beringei of Uganda and Rwanda, and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla G. b. graueri of the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both of these subspecies are considered Endangered. The Western Gorilla also consists of two subspecies, the Western Lowland Gorilla G. g. gorilla principally of Congo (Brazzaville) and Gabon, and the little known Cross River Gorilla G. g. diehli of the border region between Cameroon and Nigeria. Both of these subspecies are considered Critically Endangered as a result of commercial bushmeat hunting, disease epidemics and habitat loss. The very slow rate of reproduction accentuates all these effects. It is the Western Lowland Gorilla that occurs in Odzala and is found here at the highest densities so far recorded for the species.

In the area of Ngaga Camp Western Lowland Gorillas live in groups ranging in size from 10 to 25 individuals (average 16-17 animals), usually with one silverback, maybe 5-7 adult females and then a collection of sub-adults, babies and sometimes subordinate males. In this high density area, home range size is between just less than 4km2 and just over 8km2 (average 5-6km2 or 2 square miles). Movements within the home range depend on seasonal utilization of key food types. Staple foods for example include leaves, shoots and plant material, but the seasonal availability of fruit is crucial in the diet and influences group foraging movements.

Born at 2kg (4.5lbs), female Western Lowland Gorillas will grow to around 70kg (150lbs) in weight, while the much larger males might reach 180kg (390lbs) and stand 1.8m (6 feet) in height.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla Tracking

Western Lowland Gorillas can be observed in two different ways while in Odzala: either through tracking habituated groups using the impressive skills of our expert local Mbeti trackers (Okoko Zepherin and Okele Gabin), or by patiently waiting at hides on the edge of forest bais for family groups to forage on the sedges (water-loving grasses) there.

As a result of the work done by gorilla researchers Dr Magda Bermejo and German Illera, a number of habituated groups can be tracked and observed in the area around Ngaga Camp. In this extended 30km2 (11.5 square miles) area there are no fewer than 7 groups totalling 105 individual gorillas. Two of these groups are usually accessed by our guests while a third is observed primarily for research purposes. Other groups are also seen on a regular basis.

Given that Ngaga Camp is situated at an overlap between the home ranges of three different gorilla groups and close to another three, tracking expeditions do not cover enormous distances and can range in length from 1-8km (0.5-5 miles) over undulating country. The undergrowth can be thick however and, including the time spent with a gorilla group, excursions can last between 2 and 5 hours.

Gorilla viewing protocol is based on the guidelines issued by the IUCN for great ape viewing and is very similar to that of Rwanda/Uganda. Protocols are designed specifically to limit behavioural impact and also potential disease transmission from humans to gorillas. They are critical for gorilla conservation.

• Minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years – this is for reasons of safety but also for possible disease transmission, with children under this age more prone to infection.
• Maximum proximity to gorillas is 7 metres (22 feet). It is not permitted to approach more closely and we typically view the animals at 10-15m (32-50 feet).
• Maximum viewing duration of any group is 1 hour per day. Each group is only visited once per day, but if guests would like to spend more than an hour with gorillas on a particular day and time allows it is possible to track a different group following the first encounter.
• Maximum number of guests per gorilla tracking excursion is 6.
• Guests that display cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms, will not be allowed to track gorillas.
• No food is permitted on gorilla tracking excursions, nor is smoking allowed. Hand washing facilities are provided at Ngaga Camp prior to gorilla tracking.
• While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions.

The Bloemhof Dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa, covering an area of some 25 000 ha and reaching over 100 km upstream from the dam wall. The dam is fed by the Vaal River.

Bloemhof Dam Wall

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve hosts a wide variety of plains game with particularly large herds of springbok, black wildebeest, eland and gemsbok. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded at the reserve including some rare waterfowl on the dam. The reserve hosts several national and international fishing competitions including the Tri-Nations and the Bloemhofdam Bonanza. The Bloemhof Dam is open for all watersports. Powerboat launching facilities are provided. Angling is also permitted on the Vaal River below the dam wall. When visiting the Bloemhof Dam Reserve, take in the dam wall, accessed from the village. A dramatic experience when the river is in full flood.

Giraffes in Sandveld Nature Reserve

Sandveld Nature Reserve, situated on the Free State side of the Bloemhof Dam (at the confluence of the Vaal and Vet Rivers), is the Free State’s top birding spot. Its roughly 37 000 hectares comprise a range of habitats (particularly kalahari Thornveld), and boast a checklist of approximately 295 bird species. A two to three day stay in the pleasant surroundings is recommended. Most habitats are easily accessible. Lists of 70-80 bird species are usual, while up to 150 species may be seen over a weekend in late summer.

Habitats include open water, shoreline, marshy areas, grassland, karoo scrub, kalahari Thornveld savanna and woodland, and sweethorn (acacia karoo) savanna. Some rocky areas are also present.

A good network of gravel roads traverses the different habitats, chalet accommodation, night drives, organised walks, picnic sites for day visitors.

Climate

Generally mild to hot, but can be cold in winter, especially at night.

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Service Providers

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve offers a group-camp complex consisting of three self-catering, furnished chalets, with 3 bedrooms each, three dormitory type sleeping halls with six beds each, an ablution block, a kitchen and a small conference or function facility and lapa.

Fishing at Bloemhof Dam

All 3 chalets have 3 bedrooms with 2 single beds in each. They are equipped with linen, except the towels. There is a toilet and shower in the chalet. An open plan kitchen with cutlery and crockery, a built in kitchen unit with wash basin, 2 plate stove and fridge. There is a kitchen table with chairs and a cane lounge set with coffee table. Outside is a lapa for braai. Costs are per person per night plus once off entrance and fishing fee. Chalets are 1.Ѕ km from the dam.

The 3 sleeping halls have 6 single beds in each, and are also equipped with linen except the towels, separate ablution and kitchen with cutlery and crockery, fridge freezer combination, 2 stoves. There is a lapa for braai. Costs are per person per night plus entrance and fishing fee.

Camping at Bloemhof Dam

The log cabins with 2 bunk beds for 4 people are equipped with linen except towels, have toilet and shower inside, a kitchen unit with wash basin and gas stove and fridge. Lights and geyser are solar powered. Cost are for the entire cabin per night. Visitors must bring their own cutlery and crockery.

Camping facilities are available at the angling area.

A thatched hunting camp has been opened on the reserve which can be hired as a unit offering a peaceful environment in the centre of the reserve. There is no electricity at this camp which is powered by solar panels.

Plek Vanni Visarend

Plek Vanni Visarend is located in Bloemhof on the banks of the Vaal river. The lodge can accommodate 32 people. There are 8 rooms available – all 8 rooms can sleep 2 people and each room has “en-suite” bathrooms. Our 1 room has a jacuzzi in the room. There are two 4 bed self-catering units and one 6 bed self-catering unit, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and bathroom and DSTV. All rooms are equipped with a air conditioning.

On the premises there is a restaurant to cater for 250 people. Breakfast/lunch and dinner are served. There is a open bar located on the deck of the restaurant where guests can enjoy a sundowner while looking over the water and watch the sunset.

 

River View Resort

River View Resort is an upmarket holiday destination in Bloemhof that offers a great self-catering stay for the whole family.

Each of the four chalets at River View Resort has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They are fully equipped including linen and towels. The open-plan kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and a TV room with DStv is available. The units have built-in braais, there is air-conditioning in every room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available for overnight accommodation.

Guests have access to a heated pool and separate parking. Fishing decks are situated 20 m from the chalets on the banks of the Vaal River.

 

Vrolikheid Gastehuis, situated in a peaceful area in town, offers three bedrooms: 1 double and two twins. It also has a full bathroom, separate shower and separate toilet. There is a lovely lounge with a TV and a fully equipped kitchen, with braai facilities outside. Breakfast will be available on request.

The Boteti River (also Botletle River) is a natural watercourse in Botswana. It derives flow from the core Okavango Delta through the Thamalakane River in Maun. It flowed year-round before the mid 1990s, after which decreasing flows led to seasonal desiccation in some lower reaches. In the rainy season the Boteti discharges to the Makgadikgadi Pans, bringing that area alive with seasonal activity and high biological productivity. In the dry season the Boteti is particularly important to provide wildlife an area to congregate, since most seasonal ponds and drainages are devoid of water.

The Boteti flows out of the Thamalakane River swamp at Toteng, then flows northestward past Tlkaseoulo, over Ghautsa Falls, and then flows east past the villages of Makalamabedi, Muekekle and Matima, and then at Kwaraga it turns south past the villages of Phukumakaku, Sukwane, Rakops (Jakops), and Xhuma (Khomo). It then flows past Lake Xau (or in a very wet year into and out of Lake Xau) and then heads east past the village of Mopipi (Madista) and into the Ntwetwe Pan.

Boteti River towards Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Boteti stretches from Ngamiland to the main Boteti District where it is used to fill the Mopipi Dam, which is important to the many diamond mines of the area, particularly the Orapa diamond mine. The diversion of the river has left many residents without an adequate source of fresh water; moreover, they could no longer enjoy fishing and other activities in the river.

In the early and mid 20th century the lower Boteti, below Sukwane, was a major grain producing area, with over 2,000 ha. under cultivation at late as 1980. However, the number and extent of wet years has declined, and the river was channelized below Rakops to increase flow to the Mopipi Dam.

This river stopped flowing in 1993 due to shifting tectonic activity under the Delta. The Boteti River is now reliant on the flooding levels of the Kavango River and the Okavango Delta and therefore ranges from periods of ample water and droughts.

However, its riverbanks are steep and afford excellent views of the riverbed, to which animals flock in the winter months as the pans dry up. Game viewing on the banks of the Boteti River can be very exciting. Roughly three percent of the Okavango Delta’s waters flow away through the Boteti River and two other channels. This outflow sustains the Delta’s fresh water ecosystem as it carries away salts and various minerals, which would settle in the Delta.

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Service Providers

Meno a Kwena Tented Camp

Situated on the high southern bank of the Boteti River, Meno a Kwena (Tooth of the Crocodile) is owned and run by David Dugmore, a professional guide and photographer. The camp borders the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The charmingly decorated camp is all about experience. Eight tents offer comfortable accommodation, each with its own bathroom, with authentic safari bucket showers (hot water on demand) under a roof of wide African skies. Camp cuisine is cooked on open wood fires and in tin box ovens in the ground. Fresh baked bread from the coals of a hardwood fire is a perennial favorite. The hide-out provides unequaled opportunities for game- and bird watching.

Game drives are arranged in open 4×4 vehicles into the three Kalahari wildlife sanctuaries – Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Parks, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The area is home to southern Africa’s largest wildebeest and zebra migrations, and a fascinating resource of pre-historic human relicts on what was once the bed of a vast inland lake.

Leroo La Tau

Leroo La Tau (The Lion’s Paw) is situated on the western bank of the Boteti River, northwest of Khumaga Village and about 140 kilometres southeast of Maun. The eastern bank of the Boteti River forms the boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, which stretches away from the riverbank towards its interior of scrubland and mineral rich grasslands.

With just 12 thatched chalets, each with en-suite bathrooms, a dining room, reading room and bar in the main lodge, expansive wooden decks and a plunge pool, guests can immerse themselves seamlessly into the ultimate wildlife experience in Botswana.

 

Perched on a hillside overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the New River Lagoon, the Lamanai Outpost Lodge provides a jungle experience unlike any other. Adjacent to the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

Sunrise on Crab-Catcher Lagoon

‘Lamanai’ means ‘submerged crocodile’, and you only need to observe the 28 mile long spring fed lagoon next to Lamanai Outpost Lodge to find them. Here, amid the remnants of a major Maya city are an astounding variety of habitats ideal for nature adventure activities, departing directly from your cabaña’s doorstep each day.

Or try guided excursions after nightfall to delve into the mysterious nocturnal wilderness of the lagoons and jungle beyond. With most tours departing with only six or fewer guests, your choice of the two activities included per night’s stay is guaranteed to make for a rewarding and a very personal agenda.

Accommodations feature a thatched roof over hardwood interiors that are fully screened and nicely ventilated, and include electricity, refrigerator, and a private bath with hot and cold water. Most of your time at the lodge is likely to be spent leisurely enjoying your veranda.

Lamanai Outpost is one of a very select handful of Belize’s jungle lodges to have been frequently featured on shows and channels as Wild Things, Discovery, Animal Planet, National Geographic Explorer and World Gone Wild. The lodge also earned the distinction of being voted Belize’s Hotel of the Year for 1999 and 2000.

Veranda at the Lodge

Cabaña

Lamanai is all about the activities, tours and wildlife, and the staff make sure you don’t miss anything and make the absolute best use of your time. The energy of the staff and other guests will make 4 hours in an airboat spotting birds pass in a flash and leave you wishing it would never end.

Mayan Ruins

Lamanai is located on the New River Lagoon and is one of the largest sites in Belize. About a hundred buildings have been uncovered including NIO-43, which is the largest ruin of the pre-classic Mayan world. The site is spread across 950 acres.

High Temple at Lamanai

Occupied between 1500 B.C. and the 19^th century, the city of Lamanai had an extremely long lifetime. Greatness was received early as the structure NIO-43 proves. The city went along minding its own business until the first contact with the Spanish. It even lasted long enough for a Franciscan monk to record its original name Lamanay or Lamayna, thus allowing its name to remain what it always has been.

Besides the two Christian churches, reservoir and the sugar mill, most of the structures are distinctively Mayan. The most important of these is NIO-43. Built about 100 B.C, it was preserved in a modified 600 A.D. version. The discovery of this structure was extremely important. In the late classic period most of the ceremonial structures were converted to residential quarters thus slowly weakening the hierarchical order.

First discovered in 1917 it was not until 1974 that the site was seriously excavated and preserved by the Royal Ontario Museum. Before 1974 the site was left untouched except by the occasional passing archaeologist or looter.

The site can only be reached by boat down New River, or by the road from San Felipe, which is usually not accessible during the rainy season.

Lamanai spends its days in the company of the residing families of howler monkeys. The surrounding reserve is rich in wildlife due to the depletion of surrounding forest by the farmlands. There is also a richvariety of waterfowl in the surrounding lagoon. The Lamanai ruins have become a sanctuary for wildlife and history.

Belize

Belize (formerly British Honduras) is a constitutional monarchy, and the northernmost Central American nation. In fact, it straddles the south-eastern rim of Mexico’s famous Yucatan peninsula, due south of Cancun. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico, south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Culturally unique among its Central American neighbors, Belize is the only nation in the region with a British colonial heritage.

Location (17° 45′ 51″ N, 85° 44′ 14″ W)

Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Belize in a larger map

The Hartbeespoort Dam, surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, is a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips. All water sports may be enjoyed including para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.

With about 56 km shoreline, it is a popular week-end getaway for both Pretoria and Johannesburg, and as such, attracts some of the wealth concentrated on this region.

Hartbeespoort Dam

For the adventurous there is paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning, as well as an aquarium, private zoo, a snake park and a cable way. Or, explore and discover the scenic beauty, entertaining attractions, fun activities & places of interest of Jozi’s favorite playground.

The village of Hartbeespoort is situated along the shores of the dam, among undulating hills and panoramic views of the dam and the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the hills and valleys, the scenic drives, challenging hikes and gentle rambles on offer.

Also of interest is the Crocodile Ramble, an arts and crafts route with day visitor and overnight facilities. Pecanwood Estates hosts the annual Nelson Mandela Invitation Golf Tournament.

The Heritage Route starts at the dam, going north to the Pilanesberg National Park and on to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north.

History

Many years ago, a man by the of General Hendrik Schoeman, owned a farm called Hartbeespoort. He had the idea of building a dam, in which the community could gain from. During 1896 building of the dam wall began in the Crocodile river, near the railway line that today runs to Meerhof. It was the largest dam in the southern hemisphere.

He named this dam “Sophia dam”, after his wife, but was later changed to the name that stands today: Hartbeespoort dam. The dam wall cost a staggering R10 000 to build… Back then.

In 1905, it was decided to relocate the location of the dam wall. It would be positioned between two mountains; the same position still remains today.

A swedish man by the name of August Karlson was hired to engineer the build. However, due to financial problems and the onset of war, construction came to a halt soon after.

Building commenced again in 1918. Unfortunately, during 1921, torrential rain washed the temporary dam away. Again construction came to a stand still. Out of sheer frustration, August Karlson resigned from his position.

The council was left with no one to finish the build, so they hired a young, but talented engineer named F.W.Scott. With the dam finally built, the first road over the bridge was tarred. This became the new road between Pretoria and Rustenburg.

The Magaliesberg are among the oldest mountains in the world, almost 100 times older than Everest. They stretch for 120km from Bronkhorstspruit Dam east of Pretoria to Rustenburg in the west and separate the highveld grasslands to the south from the bushveld savannah in the north.

Nature lovers consider Gabon an exotic and rare tropical treasure. Yet tourism here still remains almost totally undeveloped. Dense forests rich in wildlife cover 70% of Gabon’s landmass, its vast picturesque coastline is predominantly wild and unspoiled, and its inland and coastal waters teem with myriad species of fish, reptiles and marine mammals.

Elephants on the beach

Loango National Park is a coastline park that encompasses some 1,550 km² of land and is famous for its variety of unspoiled landscapes. Africa’s Last Eden – that is how the ecologist and conservationist Mike Fay referred to Loango National Park in 1997, when he walked 3000 km along the forest corridor between Congo and Gabon, to shine a global spotlight on Africa’s most pristine rainforests and the need to protect them.

Gabon is home to western lowland gorillas, nearly 200 other mammal species and 600 species of birds. In Loango National Park, you have a chance to see amongst others: the smaller forest elephant, red forest buffalo, red river hogs with furry ears, the slender snouted crocodiles, sitatunga, duikers, a variety of monkeys, a huge array of birds, whales (in season), hippos, and of course, western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees.

Can’t miss: the forest elephants and buffalos on the beach – the gorilla sanctuary – the church built by Gustav Eiffel – pristine nature – jungle, savanna, wild beaches, lagoons, mangroves.

Lowland gorilla

But there’s plenty more to discover in the rainforests and waters besides hippos, for Gabon is home to thriving african traditions and more than 8,000 plant species.

After South Africa, the world’s largest concentration and variety of whales and dolphins can be found right off the Loango coast. The area has over 100 kilometres of uninhabited coastline, and humpback and killer whales are easy to observe here (from mid-July to mid-September).

Loango is renowned worldwide as a site for tarpon of record size, as well as many other large saltwater fish.

Gabon’s small population (less than 1.5 million), abundant natural resources, and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous African countries, with a longstanding stable political climate.

Activities

Loango National Park - aerial

• Safaris in Loango National Park
• Cultural excursions
• Fishing
• Walking safaris
• Whale-watching
• Expeditions to: Akaka Bush Camp, Evengué Lodge & Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project, Tassi Savannah Camp, Pte. Ste. Cathérine Beach Camp
• Jungle hikes
• Motor boat trips
• Kayaking excursions
• Hikes of several days’ duration to Petit Loango (for the physically fit!)
• Overnight fly camp on Petit Loango beach
• Beach cycle tour to Tassi Savannah Camp


Surfing hippo

• Sea turtle night patrol
• Deep-sea fishing
• Beach walks
• Beach cycling (depending on tides)
• Viewing animals on the beach
• Mangrove hikes
• The Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project
• St. Anne’s Catholic Mission, designed by Gustav Eiffel
• Boat trip on the Mpivié River
• Canoeing
• Eco-walks around the island

Special months

Mid-July to mid-September: whale-watching
October to April: elephants and buffalos on the beach
October to February: turtle season
September to March: fishing season

Service Providers

Service Providers

Loango Lodge with Elephant

Lodges and camps vary greatly in terms of what they offer and where they are situated. But wherever you are in Loango National Park, forest, savannah, lagoon, and beach are never very far away.

Loango Lodge features 7 upscale, traditionally decorated bungalows, each with a private terrace and superb views of the tranquil river and the park.

 

 

 

Evengué Lodge - river

Evengué Lodge is located on an island that also is a gorilla sanctuary and reintroduction center run by the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project .  The lodge has five comfortable bungalows (one of which floats on the lagoon), each with a private terrace, either facing the lagoon or set in the forest. Nearby is Mission St. Anne, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel.

 

 

 

 

Pte. Ste. Cathérine Beach Camp - beach

Pte. Ste. Catherine Beach Camp is so remote that the only footprints in the sand besides your own are those left by scurrying crabs (or, between October and February, nesting turtles). It is comprised of five cozy Meru tents, each with two single beds, an en-suite bathroom and shower, mounted on a platform with a private terrace under a palm-thatch roof facing the ocean.

 

 

 

 

Akaka Bush Camp - viewing platform

The five-tented Akaka Bush Camp, meanwhile, faces the forest in the remotest part of Loango.  The only way to reach the camp is by boat (2-4 hours from Loango Lodge).  It was on these wild unspoiled beaches of Petit Loango that Nick Nichols shot the famous pictures of surfing hippos for National Geographic.

 

 

 

 

Tassi Savannah Camp - Red Forest Buffalo

Located on the savannah, the Tassi Savannah Camp will give you a much more classical ‘Africa feel’, not easily found elsewhere in densely forested west central Africa. Arrangements are simple with five two-bedded tents, surrounded by primary and secondary forest with wide-open vistas not often found in densely forested Central Africa.

 

The Sangha Tri-National zone was created on the initative of COMIFAC, a conference of the ministers of forests from the countries in the Congo basin. The Sangha River Tri-national Protected area (STN) includes Dzanga Sangha Special Reserve in Central African Republic, Nouabale Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and the Lobeke National Park in Cameroon (with 2 sectors forming the Dzanga Ndoki National Park).

Sangha River

The agreement between the parks was initiated to co-ordinate and police efforts against poaching, ivory/arms trading, illegal fishing and hunting.

Forest bais [clearings] attract numerous forest elephant; there are habituated lowland gorilla and strong populations of wild chimpanzee amongst numerous other species which include bongo and sitatunga. Many endemic birds are found in this area, amphibians, fish and swallowtail butterflies.

The protected areas constitute about 2.8 millions ha. Since they are located away from larger localities and traffic routes, they have been spared by intensive economic uses for a long time. Thus, a unique natural landscape comprising a high density of large mammals has been preserved.

The Dzanga Sangha Reserve

Found in the rainforests of southern Central African Republic, the reserve covers an area of around 400 hectares. The two central sectors of the reserve, the Dzanga and the Ndoki, make up the whole of the park.

Lowland Gorilla

Large mammals seen include forest elephants, forest buffalo, giant forest hog, western lowland gorilla and bongos (forest antelope). Also seen are a good collection of sitatunga, warthogs, numerous monkeys, galagoes, leopards and wide range of birds and other species. The park is inhabited by the Ba’Aka [pygmy] tribe who have assisted in building an incredible tourist programme and assist with tracking and guiding.

Activities in this area include visiting the salines at least once a day; lowland gorilla tracking (there is a family of 16 habituated gorillas), bird watching, dug-out pirogue rides along the Sangha River and its tributaries, net hunting with the Ba’aka; medicinal plant examination with the Ba’aka and traditional dances.

Itineraries are set departure and include Dzangha-Sangha National Park, Mbeli Bai and Bai Hokou Research centre. All expeditions are accompanied by a full back up team of locals and specialist guides. Most trips start from Brazzaville, Libreville or Douala.

Nouabale Ndoki National Park

Created in 1993, important populations of forest elephant, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and other endangered mammals live in this park. Over 1,000 plant and tree species and 300 bird species also make this their home.

There is an extremely low human population density in the surrounding area, and no human habitation in the Sangha Tri-national zone itself. The Park remains an intact forest ecosystem free of human disturbance or exploitation, with significant populations of large mammals. It is seen as a great success by conservation bodies.

Lobéké National Park

Forest Elephants

The Lobéké National Park falls within the south-eastern corner of the Republic of Cameroon. It is part of the larger Congo Basin forest block with a very low population density. There are a high diversity of plant communities almost untouched by human activity and the forests support high densities of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, bongos and many other forest species. Primate species besides the gorillas include spot-nosed monkey and gray-cheeked mangabey, amongst others.

The forest clearings attract a high number of African grey parrots and green pigeons. The aquatic fauna is extremely rich with more than 62 fish species recorded in the rivers and streams. The rivers have very high populations of shrimp, which are harvested by native tribes.

Local communities include the Bagando and Bakwele, ethnic groups of Bantu origin, and semi-sedentary forager-farmer Ba’aka Pygmies. Small groups of Moslem traders and Congolese, Senegalese and other nationals from West Africa are involved in ivory and gold trafficking.

Forest products such as honey and bush mangoes are widely distributed and harvested by the locals. Mango harvesting mobilizes the entire local population.

service providers

Service Providers

Chilling time at Doli Lodge

Situated on the banks of the great Sangha River in Central Africa, Doli Lodge is the perfect place from which you can explore this wild rainforest, and experience its extraordinary wildlife and traditional communities.

From Doli Lodge you can witness Africa’s greatest concentration of forest elephant as they gather at the “grand central junction” of Dzanga bai—a natural clearing in the rainforest. Led by skilled BaAka trackers, you can follow the striking silverback Makumba, a good-looking gorilla with a tall crest and muscular form, and his habituated group of western lowland gorillas. Hike along elephant paths, through clouds of butterflies, and along bais inhabited by red forest buffalos, herds of busy red river hogs, rare situtunga and bongo antelopes, flocks of noisy African grey parrots, and specials such as Hartlaub’s forest ducks. Join clans of BaAka, traditional hunter-gatherers of the rainforest, as they sing and yodel and search for edible leaves, medicinal bark and roots, and small game to bring back to their villages. Experience Bayanga village life, maybe catch a local game of basketball, and take traditional canoes called pirogues along the Sangha River to see the natural process that produces palm wine from the forest. Meet and learn from our partners and researchers at WWF and WCS, people in the field who are dedicated to conservation and sustainable travel in the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park.

 

An agile wallaby is one of the cutest marsupials you’re likely to see. These little bounders with wide-open eyes and a curious gaze are gathering around my verandah as I try to sleep. The frogs are croaking and the dingoes are baying.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge, 170 km from Darwin, provides a collection of luxury African-style tents and cabins on the edge of the Mary River wetlands

This is Wildman Wilderness Lodge, a collection of luxury African-style tents and cabins with a central lodge and infinity swimming pool that has opened recently on the edge of the Mary River wetlands between Darwin and Kakadu National Park.

In the wetlands, irritable buffalo and pigs are wallowing in the mud. These feral beasts are in the cross-hairs of a shoot-to-kill eradication program aimed at protecting this 8000-square-kilometre flood plain. They trample among lily pads in ankle-deep water that has the largest concentration of crocodiles in Australia and teems with jabiru, magpie geese and loud, screeching black cockatoos.

One of the crocs here is a five-metre salty named Big Arse, who might be aged 40 years to 60 years and lives in Wildman’s home billabong. Just in case you don’t see him during a resort boat cruise, he is captured in a photo hanging in the main lodge.

I have my tent zipped up tight, not to keep out these wild things but as protection from the mosquitoes, which leave bites like sherbet bombs of itchiness, ready to explode when touched.

Wildman’s tents have polished blackbutt floors, king-size beds loaded with soft pillows and ceiling fans over the beds to stir the hot air. The tents have chic corrugated-tin bathrooms and flushing toilets and each has a writing desk, a mini bar and verandah chairs. Each tent costs about $100,000 to assemble and is finely finished and draped in the best African canvas. They are also equipped with a “survival kit” that includes a wind-up torch, hairdryer, sunscreen and insect repellent, but this is where my troubles start.

I’m too slow to apply the Wildman-issued Aeroguard during an afternoon bush amble with indigenous guide Neddy Tambling and the mosquito bites are now driving me crazy as I lie under the ceiling fan, listening to the creatures and eyeballing the agile wallabies under the outback stars.

During the walk, Tambling takes us to the soggy edges of the wetlands where termite fields, pandanus and paperbark give way to near impenetrable pools, channels, billabongs and rivers. Tambling has us tasting rosella flowers and smelling eucalyptus plants used as bush medicine. He shows us trees used for making spears and tells of hunting file snakes and turtles. He keeps an eye out for crocodiles and, half-jokingly, advises: “Run for a tree if you see a buffalo.” On a routine day, Tambling sees more buffalo than people. “I went to the footy in Melbourne last year to watch my nephew [Richard Tambling] play and I’d never seen so many people together in one place,” he says.

Walking to the edges isn’t the only way to explore the wetlands. We also hop in a helicopter and take a scenic flight, scooting low across the water as buffalo and pigs scurry off. Our pilot, Phil O’Driscoll, tells of catching a crocodile recently to relocate it somewhere safer (safer for people, I guess). “We were dragging it up the river bank with a rope but it was so muddy, we were all slipping down towards it,” he says. “We finally tied the rope to a bullbar on the four-wheel-drive and pulled it out that way.”

Crocodile stories are all around. O’Driscoll drops us in the wetlands at a waiting airboat driven by Robert Townsend. There’s mud between our toes as we scramble aboard for a joy ride, powered by a Chevy V8 that drives a big aeroplane-like propeller at the rear. As we skim across the water’s surface at high speed, small freshwater crocodiles thrash out of the way. The big saltwater crocodiles keep their cool and submerge, leaving only a trace of bubbles. We come across some horses on high ground and Townsend tells of mustering a stranded herd of eight last season with the airboat when a crocodile attacked. “They were swimming in a tight pack and the croc jumped on the back of four of them and started to bite into them but it was too small to take them down. I spent the next few days stitching up horses.”

The helicopter and airboats are in the repertoire of activities at Wildman, owned by Indigenous Business Australia and managed by tourism entrepreneur Grant Hunt, whose Anthology group also has Wilpena Pound Resort, Cradle Mountain Huts and Bay of Fires Lodge.

At a more gentle pace than the chopper and airboat, Wildman’s executive chef, Aaron Lee, provides cooking demonstrations over the outdoor fire-pit, where he cooks butter scallops and baby ocean trout with lemon myrtle, rosemary and lime.

“I’ve wrapped the fish in foil today but if we were out camping [real camping, without luxury tents, I presume], then I’d use paperbark,” he says. The open fire is a focus at the lodge and is surrounded by wraparound, sofa-style seating perfect for sunset with drinks.

To the right of us are the tents and to the left are cabins called “habitats”. They have been relocated from the defunct luxury Wrotham Park Station, 2800 kilometres away in Queensland, and provide airconditioned comfort.

As we watch the sun dip and the frogs and cicadas start their cacophony, the mosquito activity increases and I know it’s time to move inside.

Location (12° 31′ 40″ S, 131° 34′ 0″ E)

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