tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76346714883042452802024-03-26T23:45:21.704-07:00Travel with Corne Schalkwyk Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-86678251149203690072016-08-30T23:34:00.000-07:002016-08-30T23:34:18.873-07:00How to host a killer pool party<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How to host a killer pool party </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host a killer snack platter this summer</td></tr>
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With soaring temperatures in the Lowveld, it’s that time of year again. With winter at its tail end, Lowvelder’ s is starting to look at the previously unused pool with some longing, and starting to gather ideas for the ideal pool party. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While you have been making the rounds to get the best sparkling pool, we went looking for foodie ideas. And we think we have a great one. This year why not host an Aperitivi Party? <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I know what you are thinking: WTF is an aperitivi party? Well, it’s an Italian version of a cocktail party sure to leave your guests wanting more. We spoke to some friends, who we can safely refer to as experts in the field to help you get the best mix to secure success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Think of the whole thing like you would a sandwich. No, seriously. It’s a sandwich. What do I mean by that? I mean you need to have a little bit of everything, all in balance. Airy bread, fatty meat, rich cheese, briny antipasto, something sweet, something crunchy, plenty of vinegar, oil and herbs…. I don’t know about you, but I’m suddenly really hungry. Let’s get started!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The liquid courage</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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As with any pool party the drinks make all the difference, we all know some people might never end up in the pool, and the aperitivi party is no different. Have some solid wines on hand, and make sure you have a good mix of reds and whites, and not just in numbers (If you want to stretch the budget, get friends to bring an Italian wine as entry) <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can’t just stop at wine, though. Having a couple cocktails will really help liven things up. And we borrowed some ideas from <a href="http://www.dauntlessdestinations.com/" target="_blank">Dauntless Destinations</a> sundowner list for this year to inspire you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Our Top 3 summer sundowners </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The New Year’s Resolution Jug</b></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b>White Sangria Cocktail</b><br /><br />This one is for Ben Heyns who got everyone excited and possibly addicted to this wonderfully fresh flavour and effervescent colour.<br /><br /><i><b>Ingredients</b></i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />1 bottle of KWV Brut sparkling wine<br />Half a bottle of KWV Classic Collection Sauvignon Blanc - and 8 shots of Melon Vodka<br />Lemonade<br />Handfuls of fresh mint<br />Sliced cucumber, White grapes, Fresh basil<br /><br /><i><b>Instructions</b></i><br />Combine all the ingredients in a jug and top up with loads of ice</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj47JFsjtUNyfuOh3XhgpDnqXGdDRKkSXwSUzbgjqmieVqr_o5M7YtTnNLzUcFJ_CBc-d9XJesKbjT63XmxWeAIhEC0NX_Y_SwXIn5gBhpQAGQ5_dZbF2MHcUNCQxcd2AHVGdMJ94WcE5/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj47JFsjtUNyfuOh3XhgpDnqXGdDRKkSXwSUzbgjqmieVqr_o5M7YtTnNLzUcFJ_CBc-d9XJesKbjT63XmxWeAIhEC0NX_Y_SwXIn5gBhpQAGQ5_dZbF2MHcUNCQxcd2AHVGdMJ94WcE5/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><b>Pimm’s and Cruxland Gin Lemonade</b><br /><br />We love this drink for its real old school colonial style.<br /><br /><i><b>Ingredients</b></i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />1 part Gin<br />2 parts Pimm’s<br />Lemonade<br />Mint, cucumber and seasonal fruit<br /><br /><i><b>Instructions: </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<b>The Salumi (Meats) </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Arguably the most important non-liquid part of your party, your meat selection should have something expected and something unexpected. According to our experts, when they host an aperitivi party, the first thing everyone goes for is the prosciutto. And if you don’t have it, people will inevitably ask, “Where’s the prosciutto?” People love it, they want it, and you should give it to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make sure to add some variety, and think of your plating when you plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Cheese </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Again, making sure you have some of the usual suspects available is gonna keep people really happy. Fresh mozzarella torn into pieces with a little bit of olive oil and salt on top looks beautiful and will also disappear quickly. Mozzarella is great because it’s more about the texture than an overwhelming flavour, so it takes on the flavours of the things around it to some degree. People also always love a little bit of Parmesan, the king of cheeses, and you know it’s going to go well with any Italian meats and antipasto you have. Finally, something like Fontina can be your unexpected but known and welcome player<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Antipasto </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re going to just go ahead and lump together all the brined and marinated vegetables. This is where you can go a little bit wild on variety. Going back to the sandwich concept, here you want to have your own microcosm of salt, oil, vinegar, sweetness, and textures. Try not to get anything too big, as those will most likely be left behind. Olives, artichoke hearts, peppers, onions, tomatoes; all the bright little marinated non-meat, non-cheese things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSKThRYPwQD-HZil8yWSKFE0BBJJFOT7VBpdFTlxyzAuGrsshsmCjw5xtQuXdjIbZrVgxEcJfm-pet8Vv-kCV4awn0r1XjUEICgA0thSNJQ8Xqa8HAJ64BshV9d9YSw4JjpgpqJCk7X1X/s1600/4604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSKThRYPwQD-HZil8yWSKFE0BBJJFOT7VBpdFTlxyzAuGrsshsmCjw5xtQuXdjIbZrVgxEcJfm-pet8Vv-kCV4awn0r1XjUEICgA0thSNJQ8Xqa8HAJ64BshV9d9YSw4JjpgpqJCk7X1X/s640/4604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The Bread </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A nice ciabatta or semolina baguette is a great pick. But once you have your standard, uncomplicated choice locked down, feel free to add something else a bit more out of the box. Rosemary-raisin focaccia, anyone?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The bits at the end to delight </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The last thing to think about is adding a little bit of texture and sugar into the mix. Fresh fruit is a great addition: figs, grapes, strawberries, blackberries, etc. These help cut through all the salty, rich goodness that’s going on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you're looking for an adventure for a group, make sure to contact the guys from <a href="http://www.toursandtickets.co.za/" target="_blank">Tours & Tickets</a> for some gread adventuarous ideas for an adventure before the celebration begins. They have 150 diffrent activities from more than 50 providers in the Lowveld to suit your needs. </div>
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Follow their updates with this link: </div>
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https://www.facebook.com/toursticketsSA/ </div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-10459688688940418372015-09-04T02:50:00.000-07:002015-09-04T02:50:33.302-07:00The "Queen of the Night" <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Don’t you
love those days when you get a message from a friend on social media, and it
changes your morning completely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Well, that’s
just what happened this morning while I was scrolling through my messages with
a cup of steaming coffee, still half asleep. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I noticed a message from Jane, a
friend and co-worker in the US. She just arrived home after a late night and
due to the time delay between the US and Africa we were both u, but sharing different
parts of the day. Upon her arrival at midnight she noticed a surprise waiting
on her porch, and what an unusual and delightful one it was indeed. In full bloom stood a rare midnight bloomer so
to speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane's Queen in full bloom<br /></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">This flower
was unknown to Jane, although she had it for years. It was gifted to her 25
years ago by a neighbor, who originally smuggled it out of Venezuela, actually
she only brought a leaf with her ….hidden in her bra. Miryiam Cash (The adventurous
neighbor) sadly has moved on, but would have been smiling from ear to ear at
Jane’s surprise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">When I
noticed the images that Jane uploaded, I was not only intrigued but drawn to it,
as there are only a handful of plants that almost never flower and when they do
it’s a fleeting moment in time and people might wait a lifetime to witness it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This beautifully
fragrant flower that blooms only one night each year was not only striking but
rare, and a sight to behold. The aptly
named “queen of the night” has for ages inspired people with it’s almost dinner
plate sized strikingly white flowers that appear at midnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Witnessing
the miraculous event of its bloom is like watching Cinderella become the bell
of the ball. But alas, dawn is "midnight" for this Cinderella, as the
flower wilts and the queen of the night becomes just a plain, inconspicuous
cactus for yet another year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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In its native habitat, stretching from the sub tropics of
Mexico to the rain-forests of South America, it never touches the
ground, instead it clings to the branch of a tree forty to sixty feet
up where it can grow 20-feet tall, wrapping its’ roots around the tree’s trunk
and feeding on sunlight, rain, and air.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perched in the rainforest canopy, the flower blooms bathed
in moonlight amidst the whirl and buzz of nigh time creature life. </div>
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The sent is
captivating, not just to us humans, but also to its primary target, bats and
moths. It’s a burst of fragrance intended
to lure them to its blooms to ensure pollination. It’s thus no surprise that with
only a few hours each year, the performance is overpowering and the sight
striking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I will have to wait like the rest of us to witness this
wonder of nature. I’m sure Jane will never look at this particular unassuming plant
in the same way, as by know she knows that hidden below those cactus like leafs
waits a burst of colour and fragrance as we all wait for the queen to perform again
next year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ugYp2A6YBxVK-UfBmfeNWi2XoUdwYbVOW8sUpGRXX1S68RnnJzH5s6SHg6bgnmTHZw8NC5uIsN6aRxoDiJXP7UctHMOLnrr3nDhXh-JlFi_GKN-UXyntFZ-vA0MUqk22v1whlx2W861/s1600/1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ugYp2A6YBxVK-UfBmfeNWi2XoUdwYbVOW8sUpGRXX1S68RnnJzH5s6SHg6bgnmTHZw8NC5uIsN6aRxoDiJXP7UctHMOLnrr3nDhXh-JlFi_GKN-UXyntFZ-vA0MUqk22v1whlx2W861/s1600/1+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Jane - The Dancing Queen - also called the queen of the night. <h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Linux Libertine', Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 1.8em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Images by Jane Behrend of Emerging Destinations <o:p></o:p></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-71287136792292155722015-07-28T02:03:00.001-07:002015-07-28T02:03:12.341-07:00"Donnie" the little engine that could<div class="MsoNormal">
The little engine that could <o:p></o:p></div>
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Debbie English, who is in her fourth year of veterinary
science at Onderstepoort, posted some touching photos this weekend of a little
rhino calf who was stranded without its mother. And we followed the story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OQlvf38S4tiOTIbpnkPhF5MebEW3s0YS4D4jInEN45t3hPNpOCaxf99g48I4DS4sMRnuE3xy6qDckCC9gDl0hV0oXMqVUT4zKKevoSbAliZGfsMqggNjRwX2W3bg7SI70UZ1tg0yPIlB/s1600/11055339_875613962505301_7176552620364599082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OQlvf38S4tiOTIbpnkPhF5MebEW3s0YS4D4jInEN45t3hPNpOCaxf99g48I4DS4sMRnuE3xy6qDckCC9gDl0hV0oXMqVUT4zKKevoSbAliZGfsMqggNjRwX2W3bg7SI70UZ1tg0yPIlB/s400/11055339_875613962505301_7176552620364599082_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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In a bizarre incident in South Africa, visitors to Kruger
national park encountered a very young lost Rhino that sought out their vehicle
for support. It was later confirmed that
the young calf of just over a year old was separated from its mother when the
mother was killed in yet another poaching incident in the park.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Young rhino imprint on their mothers and it’s probably no coincidence
that the vehicle had a similar colouration to that of rhinos. It was incredibly
sad to see the little one adopting the greyish vehicle as its mom, and not
wanting to leave the vehicle asking for support. You could not help but think of the terrible circumstances
that led to this moment and its journey in search of help, and the luck involved in encountering
a tourism road and a familiar grey coloured vehicle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Imprinting is regularly seen by safari guides in many animal
species, when they lose their mother, with some baby wildebeest running for
kilometres to keep up with their new “mom” as a safari vehicle drives away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Debbie’s father Don English, a Regional Ranger for Marula
South Region, together with the veterinarian managed to tranquilize the tiny
rhino and fly him to a new home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsT7Wt54W2HGnU5YXzFH9v40g-NDqF2cEKyP3MKXsp1fGfezUsyk6M9l4FbI6ogWxsPTsshjFfoGvWNS93qEpJ2sb8uEZ7ZKJOoNUDY7MYIoKjCnyj9D6vouhUK_YQBv5_aQCz9vLULwQ/s1600/17013_875614012505296_7446258681514344372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsT7Wt54W2HGnU5YXzFH9v40g-NDqF2cEKyP3MKXsp1fGfezUsyk6M9l4FbI6ogWxsPTsshjFfoGvWNS93qEpJ2sb8uEZ7ZKJOoNUDY7MYIoKjCnyj9D6vouhUK_YQBv5_aQCz9vLULwQ/s1600/17013_875614012505296_7446258681514344372_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; text-align: start;">He was named after the Kruger Park’s regional ranger, Don English, who, along with a veterinarian, came to his aid.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTqXe2N5C6yNwUguLz5V_XKAkXiaJV_zzftCxQkcblP4PGVxKjyJHdSmj8Z3Bq0UBNdRbqAFDQ3Qv9QjSqvyLCimwDqahp_ku2IH4Vlkrqc2ArOC90A3Xj5YPdBKvEabsnz0tuJ7ciLpq/s1600/11800416_875614062505291_4469973641865551644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTqXe2N5C6yNwUguLz5V_XKAkXiaJV_zzftCxQkcblP4PGVxKjyJHdSmj8Z3Bq0UBNdRbqAFDQ3Qv9QjSqvyLCimwDqahp_ku2IH4Vlkrqc2ArOC90A3Xj5YPdBKvEabsnz0tuJ7ciLpq/s1600/11800416_875614062505291_4469973641865551644_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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This however didn’t go without its hiccups along the route,
proving once again that this little guy is not only special but had all its angels
on-board.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pilot had to make an emergency landing after this little
Donnie, as he was referred to by now, flat-lined. After 3 minutes of
resuscitation and trying everything to save him... everyone involved was amazed
(some with tear filled eyes) when he gasped for air and his little heart
started up again. After a rough ride he finally made it to his new home where
he probably had a good snooze and is now hopefully settled in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZGbv2NuSJExbe15PK65I-tOa3JlBIQy5TCaeLYOBWeizmHy-llm3Zp0ANAjMEwOrZ4BL4eCq3PW7BivIyiiSzSMTYm-MTQbBgYMc1MuaGy4HqBdijJbBFeQNiMEJQdeBV0BgR3PPPJtk/s1600/11745694_875614122505285_2658633875915967180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZGbv2NuSJExbe15PK65I-tOa3JlBIQy5TCaeLYOBWeizmHy-llm3Zp0ANAjMEwOrZ4BL4eCq3PW7BivIyiiSzSMTYm-MTQbBgYMc1MuaGy4HqBdijJbBFeQNiMEJQdeBV0BgR3PPPJtk/s1600/11745694_875614122505285_2658633875915967180_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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The public don't often hear about successes like these so I
would like to share this happy ending with you and ask to support our rangers,
veterinarians and all the other special people involved in the fight against
rhino poaching!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks Debbie, for this incredible feel good story that
highlights not only the plight of our Rhino, but also the amazing people on the
ground that work tirelessly to save our endangered “Donnies” out there in the
bush! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><b>Where is he now? </b></u></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 14px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The story has a somewhat happy ending though, because he is now being looked after by Care for Wild Africa, an organisation that rehabilitates wild animals on a reserve in Mpumalanga.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 14px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“He’s doing very well. He drank all his milk and he’s walking around,” the organisation’s Marnelle van der Merwe said on Monday.</div>
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<strong style="font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP:</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: #f8f8f8; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;">
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to Care for Wild Africa, they would so appreciate it, and it would help so many of the little rhinos who end up here. “They do an absolutely incredible job,” says Debbie.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f8f8f8; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;">
Care for Wild Africa website: <a href="http://www.careforwild.co.za/" style="text-decoration: none !important;" target="_blank">http://www.careforwild.co.za/</a> </div>
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Source and images Debbie English: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.english.1654 </div>
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Some more Images </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusYGtXmqampnuvraX_JAQX-MuGGYfNWCY9mWcavWD-KaLlyHXc9mrtax5frwUwPFQ1EQsuZKq2b6Aqt8uQ1r2ZhW3FVhk182Hl7La6zXqp_mVoBAbEz0pTkykTL_rNc__BOZ5ec9udjur/s1600/11745311_875613999171964_1517969538241555269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusYGtXmqampnuvraX_JAQX-MuGGYfNWCY9mWcavWD-KaLlyHXc9mrtax5frwUwPFQ1EQsuZKq2b6Aqt8uQ1r2ZhW3FVhk182Hl7La6zXqp_mVoBAbEz0pTkykTL_rNc__BOZ5ec9udjur/s320/11745311_875613999171964_1517969538241555269_n.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Ft-y5W-FF5e9jUnvA2ByvOzq9Rm5VT_QRRq4BhD2WY5Nm-RXTZlxf58M9_2HP6_01k-EOwSuzW4Rm5Ng0Mg12Y9dfd4TWdTU8YRlKkXAaAKw-aGU6g3ozolUSIfe4DmFNbWn-PwDAGk/s1600/11751408_875613982505299_4887166843911152612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Ft-y5W-FF5e9jUnvA2ByvOzq9Rm5VT_QRRq4BhD2WY5Nm-RXTZlxf58M9_2HP6_01k-EOwSuzW4Rm5Ng0Mg12Y9dfd4TWdTU8YRlKkXAaAKw-aGU6g3ozolUSIfe4DmFNbWn-PwDAGk/s400/11751408_875613982505299_4887166843911152612_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-31019110500353581692015-03-06T01:48:00.002-08:002015-03-06T01:48:32.533-08:00Keeping Uganda’s Rhino Safe.<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeping Uganda’s Rhino Safe. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch located in
Nakasongola district of Uganda was a hive of activity as the 10 of the 15
rhinos underwent a makeover in order to secure their future. The sanctuary is
home to the only rhino in Uganda as part of a project to secure the reintroduced
rhinos and reintroduce rhino to Uganda’s national parks as Uganda lost its
remaining wild rhinos in 1983.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWLkiNsd_6UsBWT6LRjeyiv3kz06TkVziACJeG44msOgCs8LQATxD64DUHfjb8hRtoqOlMa8bxtlBKHiQ4bVNmOKC4r7aPBM0VNA7W1dy6OS_ztTzeNLw_V9A78R8bLOJkFhw4LHLS2SP/s1600/10352908_10203917244197676_8647198392566586020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWLkiNsd_6UsBWT6LRjeyiv3kz06TkVziACJeG44msOgCs8LQATxD64DUHfjb8hRtoqOlMa8bxtlBKHiQ4bVNmOKC4r7aPBM0VNA7W1dy6OS_ztTzeNLw_V9A78R8bLOJkFhw4LHLS2SP/s1600/10352908_10203917244197676_8647198392566586020_n.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After the first six
rhinos were translocated to Uganda in 2004 and 2005, a period of four years
elapsed before the first calf was born in March of 2008. Sadly this calf was stillborn to mother
Bella. In June 2009 the first healthy
calf was born and aptly named Obama.
There were two reasons he was named Obama, he made history by being the
first rhino born in Uganda in approximately 30 years and his mother hails from
the United States and his father from Kenya. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Subsequent to the first rhino’s birth, eight more were born at
regular intervals, with the last one on the 2nd of April 2014. This made the
sanctuary a true conservation success story for Uganda and opened the road to possible
reintroduction of Rhino into the national parks down the line. Of the nine
calves, three are male and six are female, making up a total of six males and
nine females at the sanctuary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mating has been ongoing, promising further additions to the
group. One interesting aspect that transpired, was the inter-calving interval
which is close to two-years, this very short interval can only be explained as
due to a safe environment and excellent grazing throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq79oIJX1rbRSBjg8CB2qCkvJD-LnhRrN1RlURoAM_vasqejt36EapKV-b86i8QAwmP0KSch5_9IDZNIac7-Bt0ZxSte5zcUK2JZPhHy7P36zOG9qWwmuSMfzG-DtrYPVps6tW34CKRRB-/s1600/Planning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq79oIJX1rbRSBjg8CB2qCkvJD-LnhRrN1RlURoAM_vasqejt36EapKV-b86i8QAwmP0KSch5_9IDZNIac7-Bt0ZxSte5zcUK2JZPhHy7P36zOG9qWwmuSMfzG-DtrYPVps6tW34CKRRB-/s1600/Planning.jpg" height="326" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of planning went into the project to ensure a smooth delivery </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The recent work at the sanctuary was conducted by Rhino Fund
Uganda staff and rhino ecologist Dr Felix Patton, Uganda Wildlife Authority
Vets Atimnedi Patrick and Enyel Eric as well as Kenya Wildlife Services Vet
Lokool Isaac, Molecular Biologist Otiende Moses and their team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC8Jfioet8geUaJV5s3Akp8pE9ZkQQw3QBlNNmTrNzuu5vr6NFC-EK-a_eyDePe_B3Jsak1cez3_fYJR5OdtMVzY17QXFQuBzAvag5Q6jso16wsH5MRyFUcAbdmAkmwRMjLRUYyo944Lg/s1600/Poor+Malaika.+The+first+2+darts+did+not+discharge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC8Jfioet8geUaJV5s3Akp8pE9ZkQQw3QBlNNmTrNzuu5vr6NFC-EK-a_eyDePe_B3Jsak1cez3_fYJR5OdtMVzY17QXFQuBzAvag5Q6jso16wsH5MRyFUcAbdmAkmwRMjLRUYyo944Lg/s1600/Poor+Malaika.+The+first+2+darts+did+not+discharge.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Malaika. The first 2 darts did not discharge but all went well in the end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The procedure entailed sedating the rhinos so that
microchips could be implanted in both the horns and beneath their skin. Each
rice-grain sized chip carries a unique bar code. If a rhino was to get poached
and the horn recovered thousands of kilometres away in the Far East for
example, the chips could be scanned and matched to those under the skin of the
poached carcass to prove it was obtained illegally. This indisputable evidence
would then be used to convict the smugglers and traders involved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvbR3fGNmDjYaNPo8IzPdbJrlwCNr1jHBHZRbuohhESWgMaowc3Z4H-Yw1ArLLl32_Q2Dj32NyWhfpQRYDR-mBC5LLCED0YhNf6tDK8XldF26gLqreGmOzGRxT-JNYdEvYv8GxUCZKne3/s1600/10680037_10203917249877818_1832034353696604730_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvbR3fGNmDjYaNPo8IzPdbJrlwCNr1jHBHZRbuohhESWgMaowc3Z4H-Yw1ArLLl32_Q2Dj32NyWhfpQRYDR-mBC5LLCED0YhNf6tDK8XldF26gLqreGmOzGRxT-JNYdEvYv8GxUCZKne3/s1600/10680037_10203917249877818_1832034353696604730_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Says Rhino Fund Uganda Executive Director Angie Genade,
“many poachers and traders of illegal rhino horn have escaped conviction due to
a lack of evidence that the courts would accept as beyond reasonable doubt.
Microchips help in creating the necessary evidence chain in a timely way as you
just need to scan the chip to get an immediate result.”</div>
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At the same time as micro-chipping, the team also collected
DNA samples from each of the remaining Rhinos in Uganda. “DNA is like a genetic
finger printing system as every rhino, much like humans also have a very unique
DNA pattern”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dr Felix Patton, the conservation adviser to RFU explained. “DNA
is the same for an individual rhino whether it is extracted from its horns,
hair, blood or skin and, in fact, we collected samples from all these for each
of the rhinos we darted. The samples will be sent to an expert laboratory in
South Africa for DNA analysis and will become part of an Africa-wide database
of rhino DNA. Whenever a trader is arrested with rhino horn, the DNA can be
extracted and matched to a rhino on the database, similar to the way
fingerprints are, to provide further evidence of it being obtained illegally”
he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye3H78b1Y6rsAf0SNJ_-mOTRC4wbVjfyZhs5jSZLXYmr0HTNyM7yPabaJRFUcUWPXUtubobp41-zk8NFXD-Wwf74yFQTt6oKNmu-rag2YJnWn14sBxZ-90L283TRjkV_9lAgit5STEPnT/s1600/10991329_10203917231517359_2249551472837876164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye3H78b1Y6rsAf0SNJ_-mOTRC4wbVjfyZhs5jSZLXYmr0HTNyM7yPabaJRFUcUWPXUtubobp41-zk8NFXD-Wwf74yFQTt6oKNmu-rag2YJnWn14sBxZ-90L283TRjkV_9lAgit5STEPnT/s1600/10991329_10203917231517359_2249551472837876164_n.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team at work in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To avoid breading problems in future the DNA will also be
used to determine which male is in fact the sire of those rhinos born at Ziwa
to ensure that no male is so dominant that there will be genetic problems in the
future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFy4CoOoQXjXd3TAjoRo6oqs92tjcTq06yRn49xyUnquejxn4Qn_aha2XwWxQ0cCWU_omzmkpxnCDHlYL-Ziqj0XLLk7Czp84S2Ng6aVL4znEd9Z0o1rXCkP4GLaOa16NjGSboeUNVD5K/s1600/10991129_10203917228997296_4790988766984582136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFy4CoOoQXjXd3TAjoRo6oqs92tjcTq06yRn49xyUnquejxn4Qn_aha2XwWxQ0cCWU_omzmkpxnCDHlYL-Ziqj0XLLk7Czp84S2Ng6aVL4znEd9Z0o1rXCkP4GLaOa16NjGSboeUNVD5K/s1600/10991129_10203917228997296_4790988766984582136_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The team also took the opportunity presented to notch those
rhinos caught which had no notches or modify those who’s weren't clearly
defined. This helps ensure accurate identification in the field for
observation. Most of the data is collected by unobtrusive field observation,
and the small V shape cuts in the ear margins of the rhinos greatly improve accurate
data collection and identification of the individual rhinos. This system is common practice in Africa to
collect data for dissemination and it’s also very helpful if incidence of
poaching occur as it identifies the individual Rhino. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyyhBltxEHiF16-JxGQxarCAFb058DKWl0xMFqrXoHa1rdoLkIgxA5RklB9C7H4fx64QCr0eD-MrUkhXxq9jNayNNsFOZRst1285fyTaGB2ama1EefrWYZ1lR2Vhj1su2i_vhrG4EMLFZ/s1600/DNA+in+Rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyyhBltxEHiF16-JxGQxarCAFb058DKWl0xMFqrXoHa1rdoLkIgxA5RklB9C7H4fx64QCr0eD-MrUkhXxq9jNayNNsFOZRst1285fyTaGB2ama1EefrWYZ1lR2Vhj1su2i_vhrG4EMLFZ/s1600/DNA+in+Rhino.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhino conservation in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Funding for the operation came from the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda Small Grants Fund with additional
assistance from the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Africa Rhino Programme.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a great concerted effort of like minded people and teamwork to secure the future of our rhinos. We applaud the various bodies and team members that combined their efforts to ensure the future of the rhino population in Uganda. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySwICTA9FY06nGELPnWSGUHctWiy-_Vb8DwEyFYWF8CJFb-YWbCvXBV2tEHVbIUl2_lg_lTTQBzulTrB3OVRR5pMk13Gy8dDVM8Zt7UDEVWrOIInNtVVcAXUCPvDiQ0w9RyVCClx-2svS/s1600/1534277_10203917249957820_4977953156088037094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySwICTA9FY06nGELPnWSGUHctWiy-_Vb8DwEyFYWF8CJFb-YWbCvXBV2tEHVbIUl2_lg_lTTQBzulTrB3OVRR5pMk13Gy8dDVM8Zt7UDEVWrOIInNtVVcAXUCPvDiQ0w9RyVCClx-2svS/s1600/1534277_10203917249957820_4977953156088037094_n.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many hands that deliver rhino conservation in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Make sure to visit their website to learn more and follow
their updates on Facebook. Premier Safaris guest also visit the sanctuary as
part of their Murchison falls Itineraries in Uganda. Look out for the new mid-range
photographic Safaris in 2016 that will also include a stay at the sanctuary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Photo credit - JL Uys Photography </div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.rhinofund.org/" target="_blank">www.rhinofund.org</a> FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rhino.uganda">https://www.facebook.com/rhino.uganda</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Safari Details <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a>
or email <a href="mailto:reservations@premiersafaris.com">reservations@premiersafaris.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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CNN Inside Africa coverage of Uganda’s Rhino project: <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/03/world/bringing-rhinos-back-to-uganda/">http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/03/world/bringing-rhinos-back-to-uganda/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some more photos of the Rhino conservation project by JL Uys </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3C6prMFx0nFkqqSdSTymDb_q0nzFitD2O46sy1RdI4rDRScjQehHrJGCo5_p3wwPAcPhSRYhVLruFdyfPahl2436OKY8F76XH_CX7V3zThyphenhyphenJZUr2cJ2QImeiHjNhDWP3cah8eDA1lRhs/s1600/10672204_10203917239677563_7430375837672196693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3C6prMFx0nFkqqSdSTymDb_q0nzFitD2O46sy1RdI4rDRScjQehHrJGCo5_p3wwPAcPhSRYhVLruFdyfPahl2436OKY8F76XH_CX7V3zThyphenhyphenJZUr2cJ2QImeiHjNhDWP3cah8eDA1lRhs/s1600/10672204_10203917239677563_7430375837672196693_n.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes a village to help a Rhino </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK9wtCBch_PIJCN8zp8O8iTzjzFtoIC4tpvoZuJu5AZ2r_NvFjcHAhWPNDzSGx93rmhMk53r70orLLVX1BUEMJb3cldxHUMRrYoVlwhicFWu5vVx8-57boOufcjlNhtaY_KSGGk_d2TzR/s1600/Ear+Notching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK9wtCBch_PIJCN8zp8O8iTzjzFtoIC4tpvoZuJu5AZ2r_NvFjcHAhWPNDzSGx93rmhMk53r70orLLVX1BUEMJb3cldxHUMRrYoVlwhicFWu5vVx8-57boOufcjlNhtaY_KSGGk_d2TzR/s1600/Ear+Notching.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ear Notching </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S0ZtSbcl4Pj1Z_8E4-JHrtgod3SgDwmBBd8gPDtQs6lzkwmdAxWJBDDGFyksF7sTP7RWnYX6eu4M5oitgNcrJyJzObnC7pdMqjkJDn1NPWcjOQKhHJWl-3G4CdcZB8gGWBVcFE-OQKiI/s1600/10498416_10203917226277228_447659990382896875_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S0ZtSbcl4Pj1Z_8E4-JHrtgod3SgDwmBBd8gPDtQs6lzkwmdAxWJBDDGFyksF7sTP7RWnYX6eu4M5oitgNcrJyJzObnC7pdMqjkJDn1NPWcjOQKhHJWl-3G4CdcZB8gGWBVcFE-OQKiI/s1600/10498416_10203917226277228_447659990382896875_o.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedated Rhino </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-17845133968114361482015-03-02T03:28:00.002-08:002015-08-26T00:27:25.353-07:00The sleeping lion emerges in East Africa <div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAs9WTPDX-H5uscCQ_Y6bXrtp41iqWzoSVxX7wi9wqp4zvFptlTOM_F9RRR9dkGivsXCDeIZH5VybhAPewu1X7gcCXAq45sljC9GU0cCwSz3lm8j0-Jp5yjd13-aARTMUn2mPfgxKb6lq/s1600/Blog+Image+lion+by+Corne+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAs9WTPDX-H5uscCQ_Y6bXrtp41iqWzoSVxX7wi9wqp4zvFptlTOM_F9RRR9dkGivsXCDeIZH5VybhAPewu1X7gcCXAq45sljC9GU0cCwSz3lm8j0-Jp5yjd13-aARTMUn2mPfgxKb6lq/s1600/Blog+Image+lion+by+Corne+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion on conservation drive by Corne Schalkwyk as part of Premier Safaris in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We are all aware that last year was a very rough year for
the East African tour operators as a barrage of negative press hit the East
African region. This happened when Africa travel was actually at an all-time
high and cough many of us off-guard, as a massive drop-off was the last thing
east Africa was expecting. Especially the emerging destination Uganda, seen as
the “pearl” of the East Africa offerings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda in 2012 showed remarkable growth in their tourism
industry, even outgrowing major markets in Africa such as South Africa if taken
as a percentage growth for the year in 2012. Lonely planet hailed it as the
best destination for 2012. This was due to a sustained return in stability,
security and a combination of some great marketing by the private sector
investors in Uganda such as one of their larger tourism role players Marasa
Africa as part of the Madhvani group of companies. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FTzMbIbxsV0ErCG8ZS095fh2_YA1wYzZnkmutbf1szPLqJpXlM1oguEhLTNYl9ejNq8BzcOPl7cOq9bLH31GPRazlMGEp6K5D8iTKjb5fl50B4pijlpspyr6ZMl7EXgm9zZBOWUiDkDg/s1600/map_uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FTzMbIbxsV0ErCG8ZS095fh2_YA1wYzZnkmutbf1szPLqJpXlM1oguEhLTNYl9ejNq8BzcOPl7cOq9bLH31GPRazlMGEp6K5D8iTKjb5fl50B4pijlpspyr6ZMl7EXgm9zZBOWUiDkDg/s1600/map_uganda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uganda Map www.johnstevenssafaris.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The country was finally on track and tourism became the
single largest income earner for this "Pearl of Africa". This was
followed by a great 2013 even throw there were worries about government
implementing new taxis on Safari accommodation and how this would affect their
forward bookings. In the case of 2013 calmer heads prevailed and government
assisted the country and held back on implementing the tax. In many ways this
assisted the private sector to invest in marketing and expansion of much needed
new product offerings. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately 2014 turned into a bit of a horror show as government
realized the potential funds that could be generated by taxing the small yet
growing industry in this otherwise poor region and pounced on the fledgling
industry when they were in need of funds, in some respects the tourism industry
paid the price for the anti-gay bill that was introduced and then scraped in
Uganda. Government funding dried up as external forces showed their dismay with
the bill, and they made up the difference by taxing this emerging industry. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPXhZo_TNNg3odxcaTmOpletAZVI5PwH4z9OBmEzjX2M8tOg03V8hXDWojL7_2rKdEWvOSEO9w16I1YeyCqOPpbZFVv_wL6AG8nlkQnCIgJRp02EOrpkuF7zFY57Ft7hfLT0JH9GDIzxo/s1600/uganda_anti_gay_bill_ap_605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPXhZo_TNNg3odxcaTmOpletAZVI5PwH4z9OBmEzjX2M8tOg03V8hXDWojL7_2rKdEWvOSEO9w16I1YeyCqOPpbZFVv_wL6AG8nlkQnCIgJRp02EOrpkuF7zFY57Ft7hfLT0JH9GDIzxo/s1600/uganda_anti_gay_bill_ap_605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images that emerged as part of the Anti gay bill campaign internationally </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This new vat on accommodation at a hefty 18%, in turn sky-rocketed pricing and
heavily impacted on the tour operators who tried to absorb the vat where
possible to assist their clients and forward bookings into 2015. In some
respects the industry that was most outspoken about the bill and its
implications ended up paying the price of resistance. </div>
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Unfortunately this was not the end of the regions problems.
The Ebola crises hit the continent, and even throw the problem originated in
West Africa thousands of kilometres away from Uganda. It hit the country
already crippled by an anti- gay bill looming above its head and new taxes
hard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Combined with the new increased pricing, and an unofficial
travel ban due to the gay bill in Uganda, Ebola became a last straw scenario,
almost breaking the relatively new industry. Uganda also had to deal with some
mostly irresponsible reporting on terrorism and security treats related to
possible bomb blasts.....that never took place. We know that internationally
there is an ongoing terrorism problem but east Africa didn't have the
additional scope to overcome these in 2014. Although there were isolated
threats to Uganda security in most part this was over-spill from their neighbour’s
Kenya that was battling from serious security treats and bomb blasts that
managed to bring its coastal tourism to its knees.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxDXzf_i3chFOdmvOXU7AIvAWoM8TgG7G0giHlFO5gHmcRdHrsOgyBNNP5NMH7PoAxPyQNvtudiZnBufAN4jtdoUmycy41NAGXQrhMlRGn_YykVmxSewHqM_4C725AwgYwh4jK6wfFnKg/s1600/Premier+Safaris+lion+conservation+Trips+in+Uganda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxDXzf_i3chFOdmvOXU7AIvAWoM8TgG7G0giHlFO5gHmcRdHrsOgyBNNP5NMH7PoAxPyQNvtudiZnBufAN4jtdoUmycy41NAGXQrhMlRGn_YykVmxSewHqM_4C725AwgYwh4jK6wfFnKg/s1600/Premier+Safaris+lion+conservation+Trips+in+Uganda.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Safaris experiential Lion conservation trip in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Mistakes and crises management from 2014, was harder to
leave behind than expected and was clearly coming to the foreground in early
2015 when there was a serious lack of forward bookings due to cancellations and
an almost unofficial travel ban to east Africa. Uganda was left with serious
concerns related to closure of some tour operators, and downsizing within the
industry. But the 2015 reality wasn't unforeseen by the larger investors such as
Marasa Africa, that also has properties within Kenya. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IS83R2myyOrtX6Nnsvpo_Q8MZ3PXQwv81AW1NNXvNUUCyx10TV5_HnoZTfBrTRNyAPRXoeN7z5_GrViFR93SgQoghkDPgPw-HOxstfGKhJTZ4jeZcVSai1paOpmBq4gBbMEcbTZvWFXO/s1600/Marasa+work+to+help+Uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IS83R2myyOrtX6Nnsvpo_Q8MZ3PXQwv81AW1NNXvNUUCyx10TV5_HnoZTfBrTRNyAPRXoeN7z5_GrViFR93SgQoghkDPgPw-HOxstfGKhJTZ4jeZcVSai1paOpmBq4gBbMEcbTZvWFXO/s1600/Marasa+work+to+help+Uganda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marasa Africa clients #TravelToUganda campaign </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>By late 2014 larger private tourism investors in Uganda
began to address some of the issues in response to the fact that they noticed
that tourist sees Africa as one country, this was echoed by feedback from many
tour operators. It was clear that people didn't know where Uganda was,
especially in relation to West Africa. They also didn't know that in some cases
Europe was actually closer to the hot zone than Kenya or Uganda. And
unfortunately Uganda was also included with Kenya when it came to risk
assessment done by potential tourists as it’s a major add on to Kenya Safaris.
Marasa Africa tried to address this with an “Africa is not one continent
campaign”, while sending out images of tourists enjoying their lodges without
fear of Ebola.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDUufbjvb7XFi-VsgR4pnXPXCKAI6UyGpgEcNP_Z0qNjQWTzium63rTqPRt3RRwK2BS3brSceaLz46rIkZIfVpx_GiGtNBzk-LSaPZWeZTE0HybWdGfTrt-o-nDEuYCGFtHJp4Ry1877/s1600/DSC_9732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDUufbjvb7XFi-VsgR4pnXPXCKAI6UyGpgEcNP_Z0qNjQWTzium63rTqPRt3RRwK2BS3brSceaLz46rIkZIfVpx_GiGtNBzk-LSaPZWeZTE0HybWdGfTrt-o-nDEuYCGFtHJp4Ry1877/s1600/DSC_9732.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Gorilla Safari experience as part of Uganda Tourism board and Marasa - Photo by Peter Hogel </span></td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For years Uganda was the Gorilla Safari add on to a Kenya
migration trip. Jinja along the Nile, was the adventure and backpacker “White
water rafting" section that can be combined with a Kenya Safari. As Uganda
started too emerged as a stand-alone destination, it still had to deal with old
perceptions and a lack of longstanding quality destination marketing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is starting to change and not only did the heavily
underfunded country of Uganda make it through some of the worst times East
Africa tourism has endured in recent years, it is showing signs of healing and
new re-emerging . <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8choLuivR4AkTsJlGkR1gYPZ2lDS86d117WIQ7IZ6ptiD0HIiz6O2hPJIwdCfbM6uH3_8auezk1wwzdzfA96cmCzSrIQ8Bgizh4KbAcGjEeKSqXWiSoCkKwxX61If1lUy_clJa6BRw_Ji/s1600/Water+Safari+on+the+Nile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8choLuivR4AkTsJlGkR1gYPZ2lDS86d117WIQ7IZ6ptiD0HIiz6O2hPJIwdCfbM6uH3_8auezk1wwzdzfA96cmCzSrIQ8Bgizh4KbAcGjEeKSqXWiSoCkKwxX61If1lUy_clJa6BRw_Ji/s1600/Water+Safari+on+the+Nile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murchison falls in Uganda </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After having discussions with major tourism destination
marketers around the world it became clear that it was only a matter of time
and some much needed investment in specialist
skills needed to market the country, before this sleeping lion awakes. Hanna,
the owner of the internationally renowned PR and tourism marketing company KPRN
in Germany mentioned that we would be surprised as to what will happen if the
right company gets hold of this lion and wakes such a sleeping lion.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It would seem that there is a nudging at this sleeping lion
as last minute enquirers are coming in to the country and companies with good
reputations and quality guides are once again coming to life in Uganda. Even
the more skittish US market, is returning to Uganda to ensure they get a piece
of the biodiversity the country offers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YxAcrfVYEPT-UJEgO5I-9JPCduZdca1Wa8S4OmfwFi49wzb6f0Pgdb7i4MKkkojNaR87VFKgIT57i71wB1HS1B40bfuqGsUYQdBvFIIlMmfs0_AEUEBWd5Ujx7AZtz-pIrc6jRnZNREh/s1600/Elephants+in+the+Nile6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YxAcrfVYEPT-UJEgO5I-9JPCduZdca1Wa8S4OmfwFi49wzb6f0Pgdb7i4MKkkojNaR87VFKgIT57i71wB1HS1B40bfuqGsUYQdBvFIIlMmfs0_AEUEBWd5Ujx7AZtz-pIrc6jRnZNREh/s1600/Elephants+in+the+Nile6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nile delta in Uganda close to the Marasa Africa lodge Paraa Safari lodge </td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p>It’s hard to match Uganda's range of biomes and activities
and experiences elsewhere, even in east Africa. It’s long been described as the
sample board of Africa, having pieces of almost every country within Africa in
one small spot.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk7OWroEk4xPXzTh4yLAktgvwcNtlg3D58MKnAMXrsXFA4FLXBlIj72a6JIMAimUxVGGczoEFHTUuZasmmWLBIG6VT2gz_U8EIkD_XlaBcm9aJeTLeGJi_PRSjBFl1d20efJ_bp8zupQK/s1600/Guiding+Mountians+By+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk7OWroEk4xPXzTh4yLAktgvwcNtlg3D58MKnAMXrsXFA4FLXBlIj72a6JIMAimUxVGGczoEFHTUuZasmmWLBIG6VT2gz_U8EIkD_XlaBcm9aJeTLeGJi_PRSjBFl1d20efJ_bp8zupQK/s1600/Guiding+Mountians+By+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Guiding mountain from Clouds lodge used by Premier for gorilla trekking </td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda is bound to step out, and show Africa its plumage. It
is after all the capital of Africa’s birding with a staggering more than 1000
species. This is the highest concentration of birds found in Africa (more than
50% of the total species found on the continent), and is the most accessible
place to see the legendary Shoebill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhHfnUT-7CgHb5EgaXNnv9Z7ccha_xNhyphenhyphenIu4Wn4qwsU0Ab5eMW6E0u59ERJNYgnztOLvON2HjmUqeSDlh9zNQD2GrAMCwsifv4KlqkKsROmoMEH24qgy7T7wU0yUE_CK6nTFnS-zchQFM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhHfnUT-7CgHb5EgaXNnv9Z7ccha_xNhyphenhyphenIu4Wn4qwsU0Ab5eMW6E0u59ERJNYgnztOLvON2HjmUqeSDlh9zNQD2GrAMCwsifv4KlqkKsROmoMEH24qgy7T7wU0yUE_CK6nTFnS-zchQFM/s1600/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kazinga Channel one of Uganda's hot-spots for birding by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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This abundance of species combined with its already well
known primate offering including the largest numbers of the critically endangered
mountain gorillas is going to be a force to deal with when it emerges from its
sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpQIrTdtKJI9AFTGK8ebGSaACvGeJ2laHxs3E2DbPlYRkMHyIrwJi-iT48h_YTHu-mKib7zQcY7MxKlQAA80JnDb9ssGzjeSTkyLe4Vc5tyfq0dqM1_6wL4UApOwL3I9SWEiMiCk_2zD/s1600/Buffalos+by+the+Nile4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpQIrTdtKJI9AFTGK8ebGSaACvGeJ2laHxs3E2DbPlYRkMHyIrwJi-iT48h_YTHu-mKib7zQcY7MxKlQAA80JnDb9ssGzjeSTkyLe4Vc5tyfq0dqM1_6wL4UApOwL3I9SWEiMiCk_2zD/s1600/Buffalos+by+the+Nile4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Remote,
bespoke experiences awaits in unspoiled parks teeming with wildlife in Uganda </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Hopefully we will
once again see the old colonial safari destination that combined glaciers treks
in the Ruwenzori with great outstretched savannah safaris along the Nile and
the Kazinga channel in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFGiZryRvg4DnZRZpGK-veOvcV5WHSK-pGvyuNp5bjmqHkjb6qy7f-gLiyAqkzdWxyWyhHsA-PTNlMosmM3KR4xyqreTF7WAvz1APKFPoomde0c3miXrO31zCFVXxeJRlZ_PNgyzFv8-T/s1600/Uganda+lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFGiZryRvg4DnZRZpGK-veOvcV5WHSK-pGvyuNp5bjmqHkjb6qy7f-gLiyAqkzdWxyWyhHsA-PTNlMosmM3KR4xyqreTF7WAvz1APKFPoomde0c3miXrO31zCFVXxeJRlZ_PNgyzFv8-T/s1600/Uganda+lion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sleeping lion is growing up and showing its teeth - Uganda Tourism by Jonothan Hen-Boisen</td></tr>
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Kenya is also showing good recovery and it’s definitely “open
for business” as usual, 2015 might just be the year of recovery for East
Africa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Below are some of the exciting new products emerging form Uganda about to take the industry by storm. These include Hot air balloon Safaris over the crater lakes of the rift valley from Mweya Safari lodge, Specialist programmes by Premier Safaris that made it to the list of best Bucket list Safaris for CNN travel readers in 2015 and many more experiential travel options being released this year. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygQjWTrxcinrSEAzhOjtt9QnMH027CH8l-KLX5v83veLfw31qIMxvisdhPMLnv1a29kJfuqUXYE9A__WTPIurM3jkxj5Dnd0Enc4tfc4mkwU7vNU-yFYSA5NYUnrn8F4bBu94Nkl2IirG/s1600/DSC_7571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygQjWTrxcinrSEAzhOjtt9QnMH027CH8l-KLX5v83veLfw31qIMxvisdhPMLnv1a29kJfuqUXYE9A__WTPIurM3jkxj5Dnd0Enc4tfc4mkwU7vNU-yFYSA5NYUnrn8F4bBu94Nkl2IirG/s1600/DSC_7571.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot air Balloon Safaris over Queen Elizabeth National park with a bush breakfast from Mweya Safari lodge </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQafX6uL1ifG1rIehbWIvG0y61gy3X-5X-uctnoEovXhg6-smJ94LHRfu0d9191jieCvR5LQXJv53cE-SaoRTpgf4r3XZCZWE57qcKblz7iXbDgGXzs4g-aW8ZBeMiPRUf8-KhqOe6QFta/s1600/Kivu+Tree+frog+from+the+nocturnal+forest+walks+in+Kibale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQafX6uL1ifG1rIehbWIvG0y61gy3X-5X-uctnoEovXhg6-smJ94LHRfu0d9191jieCvR5LQXJv53cE-SaoRTpgf4r3XZCZWE57qcKblz7iXbDgGXzs4g-aW8ZBeMiPRUf8-KhqOe6QFta/s1600/Kivu+Tree+frog+from+the+nocturnal+forest+walks+in+Kibale.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier photographic trips led by Albie Venter - These trips include night time searches for nocturnal delights of Uganda </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl055tHFP2BrLDA0kPUC_o9n8sRCC18K1G3BEMwlqyP4Soq-UseVq1UdhzfdR6s_2vWwtJ1DcS5bb1dC32UVUnZdHnR26sYxfuaunchNJw9xG5-fXD2kJcGHNwyYDd5Qncm68HVFRDVNa/s1600/103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl055tHFP2BrLDA0kPUC_o9n8sRCC18K1G3BEMwlqyP4Soq-UseVq1UdhzfdR6s_2vWwtJ1DcS5bb1dC32UVUnZdHnR26sYxfuaunchNJw9xG5-fXD2kJcGHNwyYDd5Qncm68HVFRDVNa/s1600/103.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intimate Gorilla with Premier and CTPH</td></tr>
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Even the gorillas gave Uganda a thumbs up, as their numbers have been steadily increasing with the borders secured. This is an incredible success story for conservation that almost lost one of our most endangered species. The CTPH has even managed to reach the local community surrounding the gorilla sanctuaries and has reported a decrease in the human birth rates by means of an educational campaign to teach about contraception and the benefits of smaller households. </div>
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Some links related to the information used for this blog update: </div>
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Premier Safaris website</div>
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<a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/" target="_blank">www.premiersafaris.com </a></div>
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Premier Safaris conservation partner in Uganda CTPH - conservation through public health: <a href="http://www.ctph.org/">http://www.ctph.org/</a><br />
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Marasa Africa Lodges:<a href="http://www.marasa.net/" target="_blank"> www.marasa.net </a></div>
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Uganda Tourism: <a href="http://www.visituganda.com/">http://www.visituganda.com/</a><br />
<span style="color: white;">PM</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkxygeMlwh4tG-rSKzyAP2w860XTzNBK0uvfBTU-repcBg8svK_Nt-el3S8yk4DNx3OfllG3jJCxARTOjPoLuAKgI9riFZnsPIzFnkeJBJ9p8V_CGOgdp_c7JcZSZSXIkXYeI2_otitWc/s1600/C.T+Schalkwyk+Gorilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkxygeMlwh4tG-rSKzyAP2w860XTzNBK0uvfBTU-repcBg8svK_Nt-el3S8yk4DNx3OfllG3jJCxARTOjPoLuAKgI9riFZnsPIzFnkeJBJ9p8V_CGOgdp_c7JcZSZSXIkXYeI2_otitWc/s1600/C.T+Schalkwyk+Gorilla.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intimate Gorilla Safaris with Premier Safaris as mentioned by CNN Travel - Image by <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Jonothan Hen-Boisen</span></td></tr>
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<br />Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-4315282847514460832014-10-14T06:09:00.000-07:002014-10-14T06:09:50.883-07:00“Tourism may get sick, but it will never die,”<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tourism may get sick, but it will never die,” commented one
of our guides recently. The comment was a response to my comment on our much
lower enquiry rate experienced after the start of the Ebola scare. </div>
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This made me
think of the resilience that is Uganda. And indeed this country has had its fair
share of hardship, and dysfunction and even unfortunate unnecessary negative
press. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Africa is not for "sissies' they say, and tourism in Uganda isn't
for the faint of heart. Unfortunately Africa is still seen by some as one
country, and even those that can find Uganda on a map only remember its ruthless
past.And that is a pity! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Topi in Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Its one of the most beautiful countries I have come across, not to mention one of the most diverse. I called it the microcosm of Africa in previous posts, and I stand by that comment. It would be a shame to avoid it, especially since they don't have any cases of Ebola. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impala lake mburo national park Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Lots has been written and spoken about the many failures in the
ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa. From the genuine lack of access to basic
health to the fact that in most respects it’s the nongovernmental volunteers
including guys from Uganda on the ground fighting for our survival. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But not nearly enough has been said about the impact this is
having on other countries in Africa, and in this case the ones that don’t have
cases of Ebola.</div>
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Yes, travellers in some respects are geographically challenged
and don’t know that Uganda or Kenya isn't rife with Ebola. In some respects,
they might not even know that it’s not close to the affected areas in West
Africa….it’s Africa after all, and isn't that just one country? <o:p></o:p></div>
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East Africa has seen a significant drop in tourism
enquiries, making it very difficult for tour operators and destination managers
on the ground to even educate tourists. If they don’t ask, how do you explain
that its thousands of kilometres away. It does however highlight the fact that
the poorer more undeveloped countries need good PR, they actually need
destination marketers that have the background to market a country and ensure
its spot on a map. <o:p></o:p></div>
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South Africa has done this very successfully, or is it the
name? They have less cancellations related to Ebola, although we know they didn't escape the impact. Should we include east into the name Uganda to make sure tourists know where
a county is located.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheetah brothers in Sabi Sands in South Africa by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Border screening measures make it seem as though something
is being done, but are wasteful, inconvenient and pointless, says Dr Richard
Dawood. Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry – the capitals of Liberia, Sierra Leone,
and Guinea – are closer to London than they are to Nairobi, Cape Town or
Victoria Falls. And if you missed it .... Uganda! </div>
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Yet the evolving Ebola outbreak in West Africa has already
devastated travel to unaffected countries far away, cutting tourism to East and
Southern Africa by as much as 40 per cent. Industry experts are fearful of
downplaying risks – the lingering memory of John Gummer, Minister for
Agriculture at the start of the “mad cow” BSE outbreak in 1990, feeding his
daughter a hamburger in a much-ridiculed attempt to allay public fears, looms
large.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We also have the bush meat trade issue. It’s probably to
blunt to inform a client that although we love the idea of embracing local
culture we don’t advise you eat the local bat population. The same goes for our primates....Uganda is actually very fond of its Chimps, and its frowned upon to eat them.We also don’t want to
impact on the bat population, as it’s already evident that we desperately need
them ....so "NO" killing them is not an option. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M group Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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We should however have a look at the emerging or resurgence of viral
pathogens and their links with the previously untouched biomes. We are likely
to come across hundreds if not thousands of nasty new viruses we don't even
know about during our increased push into these biologically diverse
ecosystems.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bwindi Impenetrable forest Uganda </td></tr>
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And as our guide so creatively stated “Tourism might get
sick” or more appropriately there will be a downturn but people will travel. Best
we look at the things that will help, and evaluate and work on the less urgent
aspects highlighted by the disease at a later date once we have a grip on the
disease that plunged the international community into a state of fear.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The important facts to keep in mind concern Ebola’s method
of spread. You need to be in contact with bodily fluids or blood, thus keep
away from infected people unless you are a medically trained person. From the
world Health organisation it’s clear that only symptomatic or unwell cases can
spread infection. Contact with symptom-free people carries no risk. Ebola is
NOT an airborne disease, and no virus has ever “mutated” to change its mode of
transmission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Advise for travellers: Wash your hands, repeatedly and frequently
if it is possible. Use sanitizers where possible. And for now try and avoid unnecessary
hand shaking and personal contact. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Some advice from African Trade and tourism medical advisor</b>: Dr
Richard Dawood, Atta's Medical Advisor is a specialist in travel medicine at
the Fleet Street Clinic <o:p></o:p></div>
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How do I rate the risks? <o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s no room for complacency, and it is essential to
follow the latest advice from the WHO and UK public health authorities, but I
have no plans to restrict my own travels at present. There could be some
attractive bargains on offer in East and Southern Africa this winter, and I see
no current prospect of Ebola risk in the splendid isolation of a luxury safari
or a beachside villa, thousands of miles from the heart of the crisis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>WHO: The latest update on the Ebola virus disease: </b>West
Africa and Democratic Republic of the Congo <o:p></o:p></div>
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The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues in an
upward epidemic trend in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in West Africa. The
high number of EVD infections in health-care workers continues to be a cause of
great concern. The situation in Nigeria and Senegal remains stable with no further
cases reported. The recently reported case in the United States has died and
follow-up of contacts is ongoing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On 6 October 2014, the Spanish authorities notified WHO
under the International Health Regulations (IHR) that an auxiliary nurse in
Spain had been diagnosed with EVD. The health care worker had treated an EVD
case infected in Sierra Leone who had been medically evacuated by Spain to
Madrid on 22 September 2014, where he died on 25 September.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the first documented transmission of Ebola infection
in the European Union. Spanish authorities are conducting an intensive
investigation of this case, to determine the mode of transmission and to trace
those who have been in contact with the health care worker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A separate outbreak of EVD in Democratic Republic of the
Congo, which is not related to the outbreak in West Africa, appears to be under
control</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batwa "Pygmy Elders share a comment - The impenetrable forest Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk. </td></tr>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-52435564843102364582014-09-29T23:54:00.000-07:002014-09-29T23:54:50.533-07:00The fishing village<div class="MsoNormal">
The Kazinga Channel in Uganda is a wide, 32-kilometre long
natural channel that links Lake Edward and Lake George, and a dominant feature
of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel attracts a large variety of wild
animals and birds, with one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos and
numerous Nile crocodiles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Hippo that swam up to the boat at Kazinga in Uganda - Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocodile on the Kazinga channel by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Unlike the crocodiles that Murchison in Uganda is known for,
we were told that these crocodiles only eat fish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A boat trip down the channel is one of the best ways to explore
this oasis that plays host to the fascinating species within the park, and a
must for keen birders that visit Uganda. Nestled on the banks of the Kazinga Channel
you will find a small fishing village that has become an integral part not only
of Queen Elizabeth national park but also of life on the channel itself.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Skimmers landing along the Kazinga channel - Photo by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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The
village known as Katunguru, fishing village is also one of the best examples of
sustainable tourism in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacob our guide waves as we steer the boat closer to shore.
A myriad of young children make their way down the banks to great us. You can’t
but be reminded of the candelabra trees within the park on seeing a grouping of
kids all of a similar age grouped together as they rush down to the water’s
edge to great Jacob. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob from Premier Safaris teaching us how to work the fishing boats in Kazinga </td></tr>
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Jacob himself is one of the success stories of the village,
having grown up along the channel he now works for Premier Safaris known for
their innovation, and providing intimate experiential experiences in Uganda. And
you can’t get more intimate then being guided home by Jacob. He is taking us to
meet the family, friends and fisherman that live in his village as part of our
Uganda meander tour of Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_Tt3UE7UXRkFXEkgiSr-If2i7Hb-X_u9wMb6i3vfMSWfUBiPIN_JwFPkPfHR96HcwAB28f2J0tO_dp-6eoVJWIGu3MYp0REan76JWl8NVRICB39taIez1Facba7FgEncje16H4MoAlaf/s1600/Introduction+to+the+fishing+boats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_Tt3UE7UXRkFXEkgiSr-If2i7Hb-X_u9wMb6i3vfMSWfUBiPIN_JwFPkPfHR96HcwAB28f2J0tO_dp-6eoVJWIGu3MYp0REan76JWl8NVRICB39taIez1Facba7FgEncje16H4MoAlaf/s1600/Introduction+to+the+fishing+boats.JPG" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Safaris guide sharing some knowledge on how they approach fishing in the channel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we feel as
if we are returning one of their own. Smiling faces and loud greetings are
exchanged as we disembark to explore the village and its people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBHIQ_-ahYXFYdMvW2ISjh-ZL3J_RRjbBiRcn1KT_R135Kjb_g5QCc03va_WUi4FvwbrXfO1QXcInVDK5HRuySeX9igB1NmCAGz9-cDVubDEL9z9lDmadr24sW0fS7dUk4Ks7ZEbbOuas/s1600/Kazinga+Channel+children+by+Corne+Schalkwyk+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBHIQ_-ahYXFYdMvW2ISjh-ZL3J_RRjbBiRcn1KT_R135Kjb_g5QCc03va_WUi4FvwbrXfO1QXcInVDK5HRuySeX9igB1NmCAGz9-cDVubDEL9z9lDmadr24sW0fS7dUk4Ks7ZEbbOuas/s1600/Kazinga+Channel+children+by+Corne+Schalkwyk+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling faces of the children of the fishing village by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Marasa Africa who owns the luxury Mweya Safari lodge nestled
on the peninsula with views that stretch over the lazing channel, has a keen
interest in the village. It’s their sustainable tourism partner and part of
their $1 for the future project. The lodge includes $1 for every guest staying
at the lodge and these funds goes towards community projects, such as the
fishing village school project. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuZ9-8Q1sJBnp0xJYr-wLOEsvxpXKUEHprT7EH4B5ds-t0l1EbQO2reitzkZkM8GYiGhuAik6DEGsQXYYvOPa9XNtxZX9RY3k1izyrfjBV7ZVQ97Pu81Xdbgdo4qp_dbt5TV5apo8fWV/s1600/2013-02-16+07.28.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuZ9-8Q1sJBnp0xJYr-wLOEsvxpXKUEHprT7EH4B5ds-t0l1EbQO2reitzkZkM8GYiGhuAik6DEGsQXYYvOPa9XNtxZX9RY3k1izyrfjBV7ZVQ97Pu81Xdbgdo4qp_dbt5TV5apo8fWV/s1600/2013-02-16+07.28.58.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mweya Safari lodge overlooking the Lakes as well as the channel </td></tr>
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Having seen the updates on their school project, I was keen
to see the completed school at the village. And we were amazed at what they
were able to achieve. What was initially a renovation project, became a rescue
project as the school resembled a crumbling ruin. It now resembled a newly
built school with gleaming boards and newly painted walls the school looked
almost out of place in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98nKCQYOM8jwwtREUHtHFdn-WvCJ6l-Gyx_27ODcHO1BO7aw-ieMnEcQMT9FUxx23qTFAcPR947BQFyOgoJL-XhGpYiWvd9yhxv2Xv5ql6AUr4jihBDTFy7P-dHlDXCl-qHjAAUMNsem7/s1600/Kazinga+child+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98nKCQYOM8jwwtREUHtHFdn-WvCJ6l-Gyx_27ODcHO1BO7aw-ieMnEcQMT9FUxx23qTFAcPR947BQFyOgoJL-XhGpYiWvd9yhxv2Xv5ql6AUr4jihBDTFy7P-dHlDXCl-qHjAAUMNsem7/s1600/Kazinga+child+-+Copy.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Children running along the waters edge to great us - Photo by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Having travelled through Uganda on our way to Queen
Elizabeth, one can only be proud to have played a small part in this upgrade.
We passed many a community that would be envious of this new school at the
village. Proudly the inhabitants ask us what we think… its nice…. You like it?
Are some of the questions falling around us as I try and pin out where the
questions are coming from, as by now we have managed to gather a big crowd of
people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UgOmIMahor57ALbRZtqgfak2h5lbI9BKrAZpYH-MkTLzMm_TQ3-CXk9ymUG85voBQINIrf2tmm3AdZJVEcpr5vzAbPu15WoeCQcBCOYHkGRDI30567YOmFXA_feTXQQN_ucNqgsrrqOY/s1600/The+school+at+the+start..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UgOmIMahor57ALbRZtqgfak2h5lbI9BKrAZpYH-MkTLzMm_TQ3-CXk9ymUG85voBQINIrf2tmm3AdZJVEcpr5vzAbPu15WoeCQcBCOYHkGRDI30567YOmFXA_feTXQQN_ucNqgsrrqOY/s1600/The+school+at+the+start..jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The School before they started the project </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm3r2VtXZecIjdU7YvoX_0PIosW19iOELNKBhK67VK4BgVQDFgj-u-wLhx0pUxJmL_kmrmOoi-Q13cYeU_kWIbe4fh-HDdd85EbUnxGjGEhqdNhsvwbcj-nCONqnKnq5U3Uwg6alRFLfx/s1600/Now.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm3r2VtXZecIjdU7YvoX_0PIosW19iOELNKBhK67VK4BgVQDFgj-u-wLhx0pUxJmL_kmrmOoi-Q13cYeU_kWIbe4fh-HDdd85EbUnxGjGEhqdNhsvwbcj-nCONqnKnq5U3Uwg6alRFLfx/s1600/Now.png" height="151" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school after the renovations. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We meet Jacob’s mother as she shows us her humble home, and
it fills us with a sense of pride to know that Jacob our guide has come a long
way, and now directly impacts on his village. </div>
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He is able to bring tourism and
tourism dollars to his isolated village. Marasa “Mweya” also buys their fish
from the village creating a great partnership with the locals. </div>
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Not only do the
guest have locally sought fish on their plates but it provides and income from
tourism for the village that helps not only sustain them but impacts indirectly
on conservation, as they don’t need to poach the wildlife in the park to feed
themselves. </div>
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The lodge also trains and provide employment opportunities to
the local people, this helps strengthen the link between tourism and
conservation in the park.</div>
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Premier as in the case of Jacob, looks for guides
with years of experience and local knowledge working within the national parks in
Uganda and it provides a goal for field guides in Uganda, as even our boat
guide and birding expert explains that he wants to work for Premier one day.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The nature of humanity is that it actually thrives on
community, starting with our families, our villages, our country and then our
engagement with wider communities all structured in the same way, from grass
roots upwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yy5pCcUiJVSTghyphenhyphenVtQ1sP2qdZ9v3jugK5oFfbDJH_u0WLbK3oviVJiFAzHcDbWe-UfJ0eqJ6cy2gc3br6C_NoPZp4t9AexbXQxaBQq7bSUiCEFMg9hgsIv-hMp8Dy6SeL9ZT_YqiHYHX/s1600/Buffalo+along+the+channel+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yy5pCcUiJVSTghyphenhyphenVtQ1sP2qdZ9v3jugK5oFfbDJH_u0WLbK3oviVJiFAzHcDbWe-UfJ0eqJ6cy2gc3br6C_NoPZp4t9AexbXQxaBQq7bSUiCEFMg9hgsIv-hMp8Dy6SeL9ZT_YqiHYHX/s1600/Buffalo+along+the+channel+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildlife and the community share the same space in Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda - Photo: Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We often disregard the significant individual contribution
we can bring to our own communities and the support that we can provide with
our tourism dollars. Enhancing and supporting local schools and businesses,
volunteering at football clubs or scouts, being mindful of our neighbours,
helping improve local amenities, celebrating local customs and local cuisine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All these help protect and improve our cultural heritage and
the place we call home, making them better places to live in and better places
to visit.Tourism has an incredible ability to touch the daily lives of people
all around the world as we learn from one another and support sustainable
practices.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tourism is simply an extension of this community philosophy,
reducing distances between people but at the same time enhancing cultural
understanding across borders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And yes they were right when they said they believe that
unique encounters always begin off the beaten track...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFmpDGSj9wlEXi_BLjVwjh5SgBSC6K4BbnAgt2COUfH0T260Bot3Vqm_XM1AGvLL3FTvLxiLjldMcTjxoQRFeq_FMdlH6FwOHECkoSTH4Ag6wHP3go1qDn6Ec2OHxjnegYPYh9LEuNiiV/s1600/Reed+or+long+tailed+cormorant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFmpDGSj9wlEXi_BLjVwjh5SgBSC6K4BbnAgt2COUfH0T260Bot3Vqm_XM1AGvLL3FTvLxiLjldMcTjxoQRFeq_FMdlH6FwOHECkoSTH4Ag6wHP3go1qDn6Ec2OHxjnegYPYh9LEuNiiV/s1600/Reed+or+long+tailed+cormorant.JPG" height="506" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With around 600 bird species the channel is a drawing card for International birders - Reed or long tailed cormorant by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For more information on Premier Safaris and the Uganda meander visit www.premiersafaris.com or use the links below. </div>
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Premier: <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> (They offer some of the best Safaris in Uganda) </div>
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Uganda Meander program: <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/uganda-meander-11-days-best-uganda" target="_blank">http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/uganda-meander-11-days-best-uganda </a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbStauJBJF6x2jKtVmjvKscRV95YLYKq1N7QuFQw2EwSlKHJO1uN-G28FDTDa5iL06y6-Xb8AJuJwZUI2sNfeD5ttGzAluVrtlOmH9m6Vz2m7M3ThNdqyk7GbptXIQgUl2zVBPc3JcVgLi/s1600/The+attack+by+Corne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbStauJBJF6x2jKtVmjvKscRV95YLYKq1N7QuFQw2EwSlKHJO1uN-G28FDTDa5iL06y6-Xb8AJuJwZUI2sNfeD5ttGzAluVrtlOmH9m6Vz2m7M3ThNdqyk7GbptXIQgUl2zVBPc3JcVgLi/s1600/The+attack+by+Corne.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if to say goodbye a fish-eagle flew over us as we returned to the lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">#africantuesday #TravelUganda </span></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-5044603248196739942014-09-16T02:34:00.000-07:002014-09-16T02:34:04.351-07:00Travel in Africa – “don’t do it, it’s too dangerous!”<div class="MsoNormal">
After numerous questions on how dangerous it is to travel in
Africa and comments on eating the local food, I thought it wise to make a list
of some of the stupid travel advise one needs’ to ignore. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nWxw9ARUT9-GfhDfqKC8EkmQI0kTG8TiNOX6P68goNEBO0e7yEGNchckHfN-vzejmybZ9eEXnj4h27qIkwNouSGmok9V0mZumh028uHVJQFUi63bwszuun1qw0qcTMYXmmMGv7yH3Bgf/s1600/Sun+set+in+Africa+By+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nWxw9ARUT9-GfhDfqKC8EkmQI0kTG8TiNOX6P68goNEBO0e7yEGNchckHfN-vzejmybZ9eEXnj4h27qIkwNouSGmok9V0mZumh028uHVJQFUi63bwszuun1qw0qcTMYXmmMGv7yH3Bgf/s1600/Sun+set+in+Africa+By+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Africa by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’m still around and have been able to make it my career to
travel in “dark dangerous Africa”.</div>
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The world is would seem, is not as dangerous
as our ill-informed parents and the mainstream news media would have us
believe.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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If we paid attention to all of it, we would hardly leave the
house. Ok maybe… armed with a load full of Imodium, every new malaria tablet on
the market and devotedly wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m here to state that with a little common sense, and adventurous
spirit and your wits about you, you can and should get out there and explore.
You can and must travel, and can do it safely!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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These are some of the common, stupid, though well-
intentioned travel “tips” that I ignore all the time….and so should you! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>“Don’t eat the local food. You will get violently ill” </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you travel long enough, you may very well get sick and
believe me I have. But, after years of traveling and dining on plenty of dodgy
meals in even dodgier places, I've never been truly gut-wrenching sick. Like
everything else, it’s all about common sense. Eat where the locals eat and
you’re likely to be just fine. And the local’s know some great spots that add a
great local flair to your travels. You might even find that elusive dish that
you can no longer live without! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>“Why would you ever leave South Africa? It’s the best spot
in Africa !”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly members of my family made a similar statement. I think
it stems from the idea that South Africa is the civilised version of the rest
of Africa, and once you have been to the best why visit the rest? Well, how
would you know….you haven't been anywhere else?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Travel is a great way to experience the world, emerge
yourself and learn from other cultures and evolve as a person to become a
better informed individual. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPKKj0E1Ermm_p6FRdkwOoYJl2-fNTC7dZCeAYgKgt0XtiTDE8JjZTIXiAQDyNH0D9fiz5UA4lzFUpJdD6u4PXgHXbONeTzDNSfYuhPhQNVzW9oogNsBSuwRMcclbqpWzSS8SlraqvQKp/s1600/DSC02008f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPKKj0E1Ermm_p6FRdkwOoYJl2-fNTC7dZCeAYgKgt0XtiTDE8JjZTIXiAQDyNH0D9fiz5UA4lzFUpJdD6u4PXgHXbONeTzDNSfYuhPhQNVzW9oogNsBSuwRMcclbqpWzSS8SlraqvQKp/s1600/DSC02008f.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botswana </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>“It’s too expensive. What about your future plans, your
career.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well my advice is
speak to the thousands of folks who've been globetrotting for years with no
fixed address making little more than the average minimum wage that you find
dotted around Africa taking in the experience, and they’ll assure you
otherwise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And you don’t need to sleep in sketchy hostels or eat canned
cat food every night. Make informed decisions, speak to other people that
travel or read their blogs for advice. It comes down to being smart and knowing where
you can save and where you can splurge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I made sure to incorporate my travel into my career
objectives and now I get paid to know Africa. Not a bad job if you can get it! Not
all of it will always be a big GO! sign. But I’m sure you will know, there is
never a picture perfect time to travel, buy a house or have a child. If it’s
your true passion, wouldn't you rather take the chance now? If it doesn’t work
out, at least you tried and had an adventure while doing it!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa1B0LsxXd94aLJwtCEjjkHRo59SwyN-aJtUA2ixv4PgSAL3w3WTC70qKUnjZz3cmRtxkD5sS7ZjHpjjQtXGknXcY8iQvynsLgHTiooXUlrWtFYeWk9RnveGXoTnjCd24ez1P1benP7z9/s1600/399505_10150967957283873_1459043243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa1B0LsxXd94aLJwtCEjjkHRo59SwyN-aJtUA2ixv4PgSAL3w3WTC70qKUnjZz3cmRtxkD5sS7ZjHpjjQtXGknXcY8iQvynsLgHTiooXUlrWtFYeWk9RnveGXoTnjCd24ez1P1benP7z9/s1600/399505_10150967957283873_1459043243_n.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a drive on a harley in a nature reserve </td></tr>
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<b>Malaria and other tropical diseases are sure to kill you” </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well they might, but we all know by now that you can pick up
a nasty illness anywhere in the world. The recent Ebola outbreak will definitely
have us hearing about this “Tip” a lot more. When I said eat the local food…. I
didn’t include the local primate population mom! could be a good reply? <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s important to be aware and informed about the country
and the diseases that you might pick up. Do your research and get the necessary
inoculations and be a preventative traveller. It also helps your doctor to know
where you visited and what you might have been exposed too. But here is the surprise….
The local doctors are better equipped in some cases to treat illnesses like
malaria as an example. They see it all the time and you might be the third or fourth
person on that day that walks in with the illness. And yes prevention is better
that cure! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I travel with a malaria test kit, and test myself … a lot….
If you think you have a cold….test! I have survived malaria….. more than once,
and with local doctors and medication found in the countries that I where
traveling at the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t use malaria tablets anymore, and haven’t for years
as I’m in Africa most of the time and I can’t make it a part of my daily
routine year in and year out ….. It’s not a vitamin after all. But that doesn’t
apply to everybody, if you can you should take preventative measures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I still use bug spray and mosquito nets to try and keep
myself safe.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSe1nch1VFAEWFtTdYaMvgHYkr1CaL4T1QC1xoL5epbNTerqvaXjy1d85jllHbwCW-PQii9fjM_SmeK_xbMIy-Imr0GwuCsd9wQFhzEzfuvafJsAGY_9oK70Sp5XRp-6lXAZpUn-1IBH7/s1600/561354_10150967955528873_199963850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSe1nch1VFAEWFtTdYaMvgHYkr1CaL4T1QC1xoL5epbNTerqvaXjy1d85jllHbwCW-PQii9fjM_SmeK_xbMIy-Imr0GwuCsd9wQFhzEzfuvafJsAGY_9oK70Sp5XRp-6lXAZpUn-1IBH7/s1600/561354_10150967955528873_199963850_n.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take Risks and have fun by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq791XNNvj9PUkyYZ4WrVZk76Lnvcx90tHhQHqOZvb05tF_JlYy2bvubqbNMXoWXVcDomtfA-Phh9FgSfqjvzgg8shTNC6QcOqQOS-zh02bPOfNZn0qsnzhsLA1IqLdo7xBJzJQ0F3X0dR/s1600/A-mosquito-on-a-leaf-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq791XNNvj9PUkyYZ4WrVZk76Lnvcx90tHhQHqOZvb05tF_JlYy2bvubqbNMXoWXVcDomtfA-Phh9FgSfqjvzgg8shTNC6QcOqQOS-zh02bPOfNZn0qsnzhsLA1IqLdo7xBJzJQ0F3X0dR/s1600/A-mosquito-on-a-leaf-008.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
'Mosquitoes will lay in any still water, but do best in
stagnant spaces - Photograph: Alamy<o:p></o:p></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-45208035973655155542014-09-08T23:21:00.000-07:002014-09-08T23:21:19.793-07:00The “ugly ducklings” of the bird family <div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s face it, most people are not smitten by vultures but despite
your opinion of these birds, they are vitally important scavengers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-kBn7XyqGhCbpMekUxbi2obz7uvwgVgiZnoCYWA2xMyaCCWTPT8kO_nxBWxU63ZD6_vCAQZS-vfwhJ9O9wFhpRrvhMeKVABP5qSTRzTpIYOKQMXM-Y_OE0cKHvC6TEfpRkVRKskl31LH/s1600/Vulture's%2BFlight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-kBn7XyqGhCbpMekUxbi2obz7uvwgVgiZnoCYWA2xMyaCCWTPT8kO_nxBWxU63ZD6_vCAQZS-vfwhJ9O9wFhpRrvhMeKVABP5qSTRzTpIYOKQMXM-Y_OE0cKHvC6TEfpRkVRKskl31LH/s1600/Vulture's%2BFlight.JPG" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lappet face vulture in flight by Corne Schalkwyk. </td></tr>
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Research in East Africa has shown that carcasses decompose
almost twice as fast when vultures forage at carcasses as opposed to carcasses
where vultures are not present. If vultures were to go extinct, carcasses may
persist longer in the environment and this could have a number of consequences
for the health of wildlife, livestock and humans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lappet-faced Vulture uses its strong bill to tear up skin
and tendons. It also steals food to other raptors feeding close to him. It
often feeds first, because it is the most adapted to tear up the skin and
starting the feast. The strong, large bill easily tears up the flesh, and
thanks to the bare head and neck, it is able to dig about into the carcasses
without blood on its feathers. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdWSKsmOEPKWJlDxkbmYudZdaEKwGPieAYCY9V1pg704SIDdM2-ogVaN11aRb6U4nJlTgqse2XA7FlP_dSJEzTJmGgbGmfalivXdWs4VBeKDt0ECpf3gzcrteK49Y3Vl_U4A4FcqXHUAZ/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdWSKsmOEPKWJlDxkbmYudZdaEKwGPieAYCY9V1pg704SIDdM2-ogVaN11aRb6U4nJlTgqse2XA7FlP_dSJEzTJmGgbGmfalivXdWs4VBeKDt0ECpf3gzcrteK49Y3Vl_U4A4FcqXHUAZ/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.png" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of lappet Face vultures in Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Ruppell's vultures, named after a German explorer, are large
African vultures. Much of their day is spent soaring in the air on thermal
currents, at some surprisingly high altitudes, and using their keen eyesight to
spot long forgotten carcasses. They home in on the carcass in flocks and with
all the tasty flesh gone, these scavengers will eat what's left over, using
their powerful hooked beaks to tear skin and break bones with ease. A decline
in the range of these very social birds is partly a result of their being used
in black magic.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1XrNqsLzckzHlx0sFjEVNuGen2JhvEWXskYj4s3NYI0JeMeRxc51ac2JOSuUdwQuZ2_GISatDlCG8zqHS2bAtIoRKkAn_kvQ1zhwAwYnoxSiqxZyPuo4hfvIypnkcMZwo8yp9o0MY5Dn/s1600/Ruppell's%2Bvulture%2BPhoto%2Bby%2BTui%2Bde%2BRoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1XrNqsLzckzHlx0sFjEVNuGen2JhvEWXskYj4s3NYI0JeMeRxc51ac2JOSuUdwQuZ2_GISatDlCG8zqHS2bAtIoRKkAn_kvQ1zhwAwYnoxSiqxZyPuo4hfvIypnkcMZwo8yp9o0MY5Dn/s1600/Ruppell's%2Bvulture%2BPhoto%2Bby%2BTui%2Bde%2BRoy.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruppell's vulture Photo by Tui de Roy</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Question for the day - Did you know that Rüppell's & Lappet-faced vultures are the only two species of vultures that can open up carcasses?</div>
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This post was re-posted from "One photo at a time" - Photography page by Corne Schalkwyk. </div>
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Photography page link on Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/CT-Schalkwyk-Photography/161674203990102">https://www.facebook.com/pages/CT-Schalkwyk-Photography/161674203990102</a></div>
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If you are a birder and would like to do a birding Safari in
East Africa contact Premier Safaris or visit their website at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the best Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda make sure to speak
to Premier Safaris. Also have a look at the Uganda Meander “Best of Uganda
Safari” <o:p></o:p></div>
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For more images: <a href="http://tanzaniabirds.net/African_birds/vulture_Rueppells_griffon/rgv.htm">http://tanzaniabirds.net/African_birds/vulture_Rueppells_griffon/rgv.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-67932620525436055042014-08-07T22:27:00.000-07:002014-09-23T23:12:07.486-07:00“Clarence” the story Continues<div class="MsoNormal">
I first became aware of this on-going battle that epitomises the human animal conflict that silently exists in almost every conservation area around the globe when I heard the story of Clarence. Now an aging male lion “Clarence” has had his share of hardships but defied all odds in what can only be described as one of the most inspiring tales I have come across in Africa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wnc_f9oXcHdzkBNm7MaaUVD3uTf5YMtZ1tbumSp7FHfYJtyX53AoPkAWwjvG4LZ0gV6WtKhplNOivQrHBaxG4au5GgpVGon73O4brzTkc52qtGNKBOZXRSV7BsY2NQ3C-nfcrTi37aV5/s1600/DSCN1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wnc_f9oXcHdzkBNm7MaaUVD3uTf5YMtZ1tbumSp7FHfYJtyX53AoPkAWwjvG4LZ0gV6WtKhplNOivQrHBaxG4au5GgpVGon73O4brzTkc52qtGNKBOZXRSV7BsY2NQ3C-nfcrTi37aV5/s1600/DSCN1756.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie and Clarence in happier days</td></tr>
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Since that update, now a year ago, we kept our eye on this amazing lion to see how the story unfolds and wanted to once again share this story on the brink of world lion day that will be celebrated globally on the 10th of August 2014.<br />
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In Uganda a country that can only be described as a microcosm of Africa where you encounter active volcanoes, deserts, amazing jungles, huge lakes and sprawling grassland savannahs I also stumbled onto an almost unbelievable story of survival against all odds!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mXM8-0721Kn3CM9BEVh99jX06utcw437sQmjU-Ichweer7hdrmlbV0rr0uuU1ztilW5GGHyhHgKYeje8N1C-MvP96MEHJm6shf480a7gEJgrFha3eH2-QdTRBSk1Ty0-Lat5iSXKhctr/s1600/DSC_0633+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mXM8-0721Kn3CM9BEVh99jX06utcw437sQmjU-Ichweer7hdrmlbV0rr0uuU1ztilW5GGHyhHgKYeje8N1C-MvP96MEHJm6shf480a7gEJgrFha3eH2-QdTRBSk1Ty0-Lat5iSXKhctr/s1600/DSC_0633+-+Copy.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo in Murchison falls national park by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Visitors to the Murchison Falls National Park will be awed, inspired but also saddened by their encounters of the resident lion prides of this truly wild and amazing park in the great lakes region of Eastern Africa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eF7Z_f6V-C_HEGqv9e4MPb-cmQo9OVznIR7tsktXtrLbWvR_CZz6-WFaAF3RM0oSoBtXBkFUrVdZZlOLYacIsMKQre6HWL_4WMauCFog704VuqQChg76EtyOxsYsa9hTAx6iGIr5ZPv0/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eF7Z_f6V-C_HEGqv9e4MPb-cmQo9OVznIR7tsktXtrLbWvR_CZz6-WFaAF3RM0oSoBtXBkFUrVdZZlOLYacIsMKQre6HWL_4WMauCFog704VuqQChg76EtyOxsYsa9hTAx6iGIr5ZPv0/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Safari on the White Nile in Murchison Falls National park by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Clarence also referred to as "butcher-man" by the locals in reference to a Ugandan reggae singer that has a similar limp in coalition with his brother fondly referred to as Bernie by the guides ruled the park for many years ruthlessly dispatching upcoming rivals, even killing the male of a rival pride in the area before disaster struck the brothers in 2011. Clarence got caught in a poacher’s snare that left him with a life-threatening injury on its hind leg. The kings, of the well-known six-member pride, had been limping in pain following the snare incident that led to a fracture in the limb. The field staff of Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) had observed that the fracture was evident and very serious, as the lower limb was hanging and only held by a small ligament.</div>
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UWA took the courageous yet unusual decision to intervene as part of their fight against the on-going losses due to poaching in the park. Dr Atimnedi in an effort to save Clarence performed the first amputation on a wild lion in the park removing the lower part of him leg in a procedure that lasted approximately an hour. This led to the start of an unparalleled survival story of a very unusual pride of lions. This saga led me to take a keen interest in these lions that showed an incredible will to survive and adapt against all odds. </div>
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Not only did “Bernie” take over the leadership from his once more dominant brother, he also showed incredible compassion not often documented in male lions, by supporting and hunting for his now vulnerable disabled brother. The females in the pride adjusted to this new very unique dynamic and ensured the survival of the pride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hVUnrUFH5JFJxqnlbRFBgqHeATDn289YFVMhJ_xbADNqyINn5CpLfB6qqpukzbzZb3EnGiocIt-vHu9lbvylue_5CTxnfYclfj-Xp0-3RpLykLA73iXBuvWtTOrXcjHtYiQ4KoVGUozM/s1600/Sharmina+Haq1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hVUnrUFH5JFJxqnlbRFBgqHeATDn289YFVMhJ_xbADNqyINn5CpLfB6qqpukzbzZb3EnGiocIt-vHu9lbvylue_5CTxnfYclfj-Xp0-3RpLykLA73iXBuvWtTOrXcjHtYiQ4KoVGUozM/s1600/Sharmina+Haq1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie - photo by Sharmina Haq</td></tr>
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Other lions in the park suffered a similar fate in the never ending human conflict but showed the same resilience. One female was trapped in a particularly nasty device referred to as a wheel trap and had to undergo an amputation in order to save her life. A second lion from the same pride was caught in a wire snare and was able to free herself and healed but shows signs of impairment due to the injuries.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wako with a snare around her leg</td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">Both Pamela (the female with the amputated limb) and Wako (snare victim) survived and is still regularly encountered in the park. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9vtqehgOF06wqABci5GT5q18WYjeUgwcgduqr_L-rsswC69tyv9x8RfRz-dg8JoAijbQNGVYdf_UGR6T6-iZXiAuZ4gw9IOYsJM3MHnC7WILR_f5KCbqOFLumOsIXwn337lPP78c2EJ8/s1600/Pat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9vtqehgOF06wqABci5GT5q18WYjeUgwcgduqr_L-rsswC69tyv9x8RfRz-dg8JoAijbQNGVYdf_UGR6T6-iZXiAuZ4gw9IOYsJM3MHnC7WILR_f5KCbqOFLumOsIXwn337lPP78c2EJ8/s1600/Pat1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: white;">Pamela (the female with the amputated limb) </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">The good news came when one of Premier Safari’s tour operators visited the park recently and encountered Clarence “the 3 legged lion of Murchison’s” as he is now known amongst the visitors. Not only was he healthy and moving around with the pride, he was actually mating and ensuring the enduring spirit of this special pride lives on to write the next chapter of this very special groups of lions. We can all learn a lot about hardship and an incredible will to survive from these lions. Against all odds the pride survives proving once again “Africa is not for the weak at hart”.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujzeVE9d_p2oOz72T4jijYzsxlh2tAbdfdHD3jSuPtKmpIU2MaW6eWZkQBiulzStvjpfrQ0z9NIBNszpWq20N3W3CUt1NOgBXL3LDP4bFbKd9SQs-_ivuDHCiLuFU2x5ARwwnggBklvUY/s1600/Clarence+maring.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujzeVE9d_p2oOz72T4jijYzsxlh2tAbdfdHD3jSuPtKmpIU2MaW6eWZkQBiulzStvjpfrQ0z9NIBNszpWq20N3W3CUt1NOgBXL3LDP4bFbKd9SQs-_ivuDHCiLuFU2x5ARwwnggBklvUY/s1600/Clarence+maring.png" height="242" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Sadly in 2013, Bernie was also caught in another snare and eventually died of suffocation. Once agian the future of Clarence and the pride looked bleak. We waited in anticipation to see if Clarence would be able to survive without the help of his brother and protector.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdJ7GfOs1wSbpj4tDkOcJKPoX6T_6xpn00Qa85bY5mxaqesHjTzmpnQle6p0bJNBwcrVef4Wl4CZXpxIG3aVyG-guboysZcomeFb_JSpIn-k88gxmNnMMPByqAbcfDVSYpHUlVFen3sOn/s1600/10534711_764867656866644_8899602499976115870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdJ7GfOs1wSbpj4tDkOcJKPoX6T_6xpn00Qa85bY5mxaqesHjTzmpnQle6p0bJNBwcrVef4Wl4CZXpxIG3aVyG-guboysZcomeFb_JSpIn-k88gxmNnMMPByqAbcfDVSYpHUlVFen3sOn/s1600/10534711_764867656866644_8899602499976115870_n.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Clarence in 2014</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">We were once again, stunned and surprised to recently find Clarence not only alive and well, but feeding on a buffalo carcass. This really is the lion that could and will survive against any odds Africa troughs at him. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-RjMLfuBgUDybQmSmh4NaRICjW3iMuxqojuT_4BPUNjdHFPS4w08SAQjsJnzjsPCGvtrgtQD66KhQijm0obkGgC6xsWrq_pqUPwevf-5dDVFDsInJ_fXUIiT4CbQa6xVror8WJp5Nb9e/s1600/Clarence+after+meal+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-RjMLfuBgUDybQmSmh4NaRICjW3iMuxqojuT_4BPUNjdHFPS4w08SAQjsJnzjsPCGvtrgtQD66KhQijm0obkGgC6xsWrq_pqUPwevf-5dDVFDsInJ_fXUIiT4CbQa6xVror8WJp5Nb9e/s1600/Clarence+after+meal+2014.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">The problem remains in Murchison’s Falls National Park: </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Poaching remains a major challenge in Murchison Falls, Uganda's largest national park, according to the Conservation Area Manager.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Some of the poachers are armed, while others use wire snares that either kill the targeted animals or injure other game indiscriminately. The park also accounts for the largest remaining population of Rothschild Giraffe (approximately 75% of the remaining giraffe of this sub-specie can be found in the park) </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What is being done? </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The Wildlife conservation society together with Uganda Wildlife Authority and other role-players such as Uganda Conservation Foundation and Marasa Africa lodges in Uganda are involved in a concerted effort to conserve and ensure the future of this majestic wildlife area to ensure that future visitors can experience the wildlife of this park. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Most recent campaign: (This campaign will be repeated in 2014) </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> Marasa Africa, a member of the Madhvani Group of Companies, one of the largest private-sector groups in East Africa, joined Uganda Conservation Foundation in supporting and creating awareness through their marketing efforts of World Lion Day that took place on the 10<sup>th</sup> of August 2013, a day that was celebrated around the world to call attention to the endangerment of the King of Beasts. On the day, the Marasa properties in Uganda – Chobe Safari Lodge; Paraa Safari Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge, also donated $1.00 for each room night at their lodges to the UCF to ensure conservation through Action programmes that provide practical support to revitalise and protect natural habitats, biodiversity and also helps protect lions in the national parks from poachers. This will also benefit the vulnerable tree climbing lions in ishasha -guests of the lodges were also informed and invited to donate to the UCF.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOg_cDaUffCD5u3enmXfb_h64wHNMb1ajd2v8sci7OYK7iVhh15-LqlAkpXU_Y6Vo1epeOeHJYQmUMwgl7-uGykC8Y3gpb49dxZqZwL_xvf5zbu5h4a1msgOF2W-AuF9bMvCWQ70-UPi8/s1600/Game+Drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOg_cDaUffCD5u3enmXfb_h64wHNMb1ajd2v8sci7OYK7iVhh15-LqlAkpXU_Y6Vo1epeOeHJYQmUMwgl7-uGykC8Y3gpb49dxZqZwL_xvf5zbu5h4a1msgOF2W-AuF9bMvCWQ70-UPi8/s1600/Game+Drive.jpg" height="186" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;">With Ugandan marine ranger posts at both Semanya and at Paraa, the UCF is able to specifically target snare-setting lion poachers who come across Lake Albert. UCF director Patrick Shah says “Our continuing program of building land and marine ranger posts in Murchison Falls Conservation Area will further reinforce our efforts and have a direct effect on lion welfare.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The 2014 campaign :http://www.atta.travel/member/1790/marasa-africa/news/4415/worldlionday---august-10th-2014-3-days-to-go </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Travel to Uganda: </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJs5g9mEwUEUm_0FpI4Wxk6eUWId-RqYlKukf9rPhcRUaPY-dRlsPaMid8YYZPnQulTQdrRFBn6WfOF33dt0Rd3cNryL8og33TjlqNE3oHwB94t-Lq-scJlaoImU4n80xeC9b1njdHD_Q/s1600/Premier+Safaris+on+the+lion+research+trips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJs5g9mEwUEUm_0FpI4Wxk6eUWId-RqYlKukf9rPhcRUaPY-dRlsPaMid8YYZPnQulTQdrRFBn6WfOF33dt0Rd3cNryL8og33TjlqNE3oHwB94t-Lq-scJlaoImU4n80xeC9b1njdHD_Q/s1600/Premier+Safaris+on+the+lion+research+trips.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Premier Safaris in Uganda - Lion conservation trips </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">Below is some links to the role players in Uganda, experience the pearl of Africa with informed experienced partners. Uganda needs to be added to your “bucket list” if it’s not already there. Where else will you meet the largest remaining population of the endangered population of mountain gorillas, followed by a adventurous water safari down the white Nile. </span></div>
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<b> <span style="color: white;"> Marasa Africa lodges</span> </b> - <a href="http://www.marasa.net/" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">www.marasa.net</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: white;"><b>Premier Safaris – East Africa Travel provider</b> </span>– <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/" style="color: black;">www.premiersafaris.com</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Conservation support in Uganda</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: white;">Uganda Wildlife Authority </span>– </b><a href="http://www.ugandawildlife.org/" style="color: black;">http://www.ugandawildlife.org/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: white;">Uganda Conservation Foundation </span>- </b><a href="http://www.ugandacf.org/" style="color: black;">http://www.ugandacf.org/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: white;">Giraffe conservation Foundation</span> </b>- <a href="http://www.giraffeconservation.org/" style="color: black;">http://www.giraffeconservation.org/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: white;">Wildlife conservation society </span>- </b><a href="http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/africa/uganda.aspx" style="color: black;">http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/africa/uganda.aspx</a></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-48406757210386827442014-07-15T00:25:00.001-07:002014-07-15T00:25:06.723-07:00MCC in Uganda - 2013 Tour | The Spirit of Cricket <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9nVFkopZ4Sw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Sport Tour to Uganda - update from <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/" target="_blank">Premier Safaris </a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">MCC and Lord's cricket went on tour to Uganda with Premier<br />
Safaris to spread their love for the game and experience.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Coaching local school kids, developing cricket abroad and<br />
spreading the message of the "Spirit of Cricket"-This clip shows a few<br />
of the highlights from MCC in Uganda. Premier was proud to support and provide arrangements<br />
for their visit while in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nVFkopZ4Sw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nVFkopZ4Sw</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-81599408059648444382014-06-26T23:34:00.001-07:002014-06-26T23:34:28.268-07:00Mbale, tucked neatly into the foothills of Mount Elgon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhyphenhyphenqCxufbr_ZImksV8p2tHpLNMeyCbNLGxoOKBP7jFUzTaFlGF9qIE3K5o5QxkyiijbS3kYcAKvBHA4VCEsGlLNjb8zlXjF2TCt8o95RB_X1Ph69v336y8td0EUzQJ0_knKtWxA0p1FY9/s1600/Clock+tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhyphenhyphenqCxufbr_ZImksV8p2tHpLNMeyCbNLGxoOKBP7jFUzTaFlGF9qIE3K5o5QxkyiijbS3kYcAKvBHA4VCEsGlLNjb8zlXjF2TCt8o95RB_X1Ph69v336y8td0EUzQJ0_knKtWxA0p1FY9/s1600/Clock+tower.JPG" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we turned around the ever present clock towers (yes they
have one too) at traffic circles, it strikes me that the town is still in its
70’s heyday. Although somewhat dilapidated the 60s and 70’s is still in full
swing in this towns architecture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With flash backs of Maputo still in my mind Frida, a friend
and on this occasion our guide, directs us down one of the many potholed filled
streets that didn’t keep track of the times. It’s very evident that business has
come to town as bank logos flashes by my window. Things are moving here and I can’t
help but wonder if they will lose all these great art deco inspired and
colonial style buildings as the future envelops this blast from the past. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXvNTLwfK0y_dH8mUSSE_4-R60wvazXTVAxZpy_EwjQhvu94FhBaV0hSzq9hFws4Hy6PyydP2psA2akZxsEu3SmL_6ZXZPpWqUxZAyfzmQ4qqOf8AgZJSsYAmjhlyVICmYaerVOzMTm9m/s1600/Business+on+the+street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXvNTLwfK0y_dH8mUSSE_4-R60wvazXTVAxZpy_EwjQhvu94FhBaV0hSzq9hFws4Hy6PyydP2psA2akZxsEu3SmL_6ZXZPpWqUxZAyfzmQ4qqOf8AgZJSsYAmjhlyVICmYaerVOzMTm9m/s1600/Business+on+the+street.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Business
on the street by Corne Schalkwyk</span></td></tr>
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Mbale, town is located in the south-eastern part of Uganda. With
its feet tucked neatly into the slopes of the now extinct volcano mount Elgon
at around 4,321 metres above sea level.</div>
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It’s a fertile spot, especially priced for its coffee, Frida
informs me. She is taking me to see a spot her mom wants to develop as well. More surprisingly, Mbale is home to the
Islamic University and the Moses Synagogue around which most of the Abayudaya or
"People of Judah" live. The population includes members of the Gisu
ethnic group, mainly the Bamasaaba and Bagisu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We went for a small pub hopping session to see the hotels
and some of the new guest houses that seem to be popping up all over the town.
Tourism is coming to Mbale too, they are getting ready and taking a “if you
build it, they will come approach”. They might be right, as the budget market
is starting to stream into the town, be it mostly American’s come to save or convert
the locals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecGTV2xNzioczm24ZvK_ljumD7PX3XFGU4OzOcZZqboDg4ucm6lmwKDRrZZ-wVsdTmnH4Jw3-1hsaeZ7VApm9p9TiTue1q8-ZPaf6aWtee37eAJ3KflTE1IxeLjJGoMh69h4NdH3fKBSI/s1600/DSC_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecGTV2xNzioczm24ZvK_ljumD7PX3XFGU4OzOcZZqboDg4ucm6lmwKDRrZZ-wVsdTmnH4Jw3-1hsaeZ7VApm9p9TiTue1q8-ZPaf6aWtee37eAJ3KflTE1IxeLjJGoMh69h4NdH3fKBSI/s1600/DSC_4184.JPG" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
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I also met one of the
new entries into the market that set up a backpacker style guest house called Casa
Del Turista, he neither seemed Italian or catholic and I later heard that he was
Muslim but studied in Italy. He seems to
have hit the nail solidly on its head, as young foreign visitors peal out of
every corner. I couldn’t help but smile when I walked passed an American dooms
day prepper giving the rest of her group some much needed tips…..only in Uganda
I thought to myself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Early the next morning after refueling on the delectable Arabica
coffee after being woken by the ever present crows in Mbale, we set off to Mount Elgon.</div>
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The mountain has
the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it
is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its
vast form at around 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the
surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot
plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for weird and wonderful
flora and fauna. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfMCqmV8wUkO8JvpWew0FGKJCzicfzk1X9OwjvmL2lWdpAUgoAr1BeahhDVHOVWmgJxX7H0BX2CtMrueEhqiMDU1d3DOtOVzoLI9QLbuNoj_GypFWLmg0Puqc0DHy7nMLqtUbTiB0bjjF/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfMCqmV8wUkO8JvpWew0FGKJCzicfzk1X9OwjvmL2lWdpAUgoAr1BeahhDVHOVWmgJxX7H0BX2CtMrueEhqiMDU1d3DOtOVzoLI9QLbuNoj_GypFWLmg0Puqc0DHy7nMLqtUbTiB0bjjF/s1600/1.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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With over 300 species of birds including the endangered
Lammergeyer I was sure to be the pain in Frida’s existence. Frida is still
learning to cope with birders, and having two of us in the car, were sure to
test her patience. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda
and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has
been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a
magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach
common to many mountains. Here most people aim to descend into the vast 40km²
caldera.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mt Elgon was once Africa's highest mountain, far exceeding
Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to
4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the
continent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our aim on the day however was not the climb the mountain
peaks but to visit to the falls, called Sipi falls It’s a series of three waterfalls that lie on the
edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border.</div>
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The Sipi Falls area
is particularly famous for locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica
only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 metres. Coffee tours are
organized through guides with knowledge of coffee farming, processing and
roasting. Profits from this go towards community projects in the area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although we were climbing up a steep hill and I could hear
the group huffing and puffing, it was a worthwhile exploit to see this stunner,
arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Uganda. It doesn’t have the force
of Murchison falls but it’s a total biome overload of new plants and even
little colourful gems to find. And find
them we did! Dotted around the area are beautifully coloured chameleons, big
and small that dangle in the misty spray of the forest undergrowth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphrlIPaJS_3vYfrYGx9OSoA5Mfmq-5oqPuj_U97dQRwKgdFjsrve3t2GyzHG52_Le2LjPK4Y7PUA1u0kEHPOC0JcuUk3yPNoojJdGw0FTsxuvUi0cCu_Gp8-ImQowhlcPLUIfXqiiiiYW/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphrlIPaJS_3vYfrYGx9OSoA5Mfmq-5oqPuj_U97dQRwKgdFjsrve3t2GyzHG52_Le2LjPK4Y7PUA1u0kEHPOC0JcuUk3yPNoojJdGw0FTsxuvUi0cCu_Gp8-ImQowhlcPLUIfXqiiiiYW/s1600/1.JPG" height="415" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Chameleon by Corne Schalkwyk</span></td></tr>
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As we descended past caves and crevasses the heavens opened
up and poured down on us, cutting short our planned cave visits. We still left
the mountain (now very wet) in good spirits assured to return to this magical
spot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For tours to Uganda contact Premier Safaris at reservations@premiersafaris.com or have a look at their website at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/" target="_blank">www.premiersafaris.com </a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJyNgsGtXYfXcnFheeZqqtIQ5LQWEqSBUZTidf8K6ZoF5i93xuOxSi7DBGVl7YsWSUVy_wxvzQXoXCUWJDwCJS9Z1SpsfJ-U2OOeegpkruVIbBTIDeWpMZjcz4iy1iCqfNLCEfUfwZq_-/s1600/DSC_4060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJyNgsGtXYfXcnFheeZqqtIQ5LQWEqSBUZTidf8K6ZoF5i93xuOxSi7DBGVl7YsWSUVy_wxvzQXoXCUWJDwCJS9Z1SpsfJ-U2OOeegpkruVIbBTIDeWpMZjcz4iy1iCqfNLCEfUfwZq_-/s1600/DSC_4060.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goat smoking his own brand of pipe in Mbale<br /></td></tr>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-15127217225622761862014-06-19T22:43:00.002-07:002014-06-19T22:43:26.475-07:00Live your journey <div class="MsoNormal">
The DSTV team of KykNet recently travelled to Uganda to
visit with myself and our team at Marasa Africa who own some of the most
impressive properties within the national parks in Uganda. Gerrie Pretorius, a well-known
singer and presenter of “leef jou Reis” traversed Uganda to get to know its
special places and to sample and even learn how to prepare its traditional
dishes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEUxie4Yia8RlXOeL9L1RmNu8mjL_9cD0BgHieKabkCrpDyHJiGTyxFNXbFu7Um4_IL_OHpoIvHUWT5HKBWFNdkYf_Q2MQX4ao30dGrd9t6wgQpdRb-N8IdmrEH3AVVVfCjNVdQZRPPmI/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEUxie4Yia8RlXOeL9L1RmNu8mjL_9cD0BgHieKabkCrpDyHJiGTyxFNXbFu7Um4_IL_OHpoIvHUWT5HKBWFNdkYf_Q2MQX4ao30dGrd9t6wgQpdRb-N8IdmrEH3AVVVfCjNVdQZRPPmI/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_13.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gerrie Pretorius with one of Premier Safaris collectible walking sticks to tackle the gorilla trek </span></span></td></tr>
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The programme focuses on experiences and wants their viewers
to really learn about the countries that they visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZjm1vgZJIGdJogip55zquUUH0dwzk3QHuj5OSd3SPDax00CQbPEzwKMCx_DpXKij1imAzSURE9G8ZfanSgfMnDuusRxQr2AFNRPr6iTPjgn9vjWqcY_sQ62AvXLehQLrBNLLtiYjEC2T/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZjm1vgZJIGdJogip55zquUUH0dwzk3QHuj5OSd3SPDax00CQbPEzwKMCx_DpXKij1imAzSURE9G8ZfanSgfMnDuusRxQr2AFNRPr6iTPjgn9vjWqcY_sQ62AvXLehQLrBNLLtiYjEC2T/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_10.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Gerrie Pretorius from "Leef jou reis" and Corne Schalkwyk from Marasa Africa at Silverback lodge </span></td></tr>
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As part of the trip they turned at the source of the Nile in
Jinja town where they were hosted by the newly opened Jinja sailing club on arrival
before making their way west following the tourism route created by Premier
Safaris aptly named the western wonderland tour. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Below are some of the photos from their visit to Bwindi
impenetrable forest as part of their visit to silverback lodge overlooking the enchanting
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. The lodge is on the
edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of
Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back
over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously,
this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 420 mountain gorillas,
roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups,
which can be tracked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulzyoU5lYTxZt7NNTit02eaxuygKgEecFHWCuEKBrRuW9hobQWeA-T3GZe1BVF1T6oLiI0X-a_uqmpMmAxcQgEUskoqVCTCosnX8a_x3tWfLFXBWvA0krzfci5LMoZPspFS4h0aCzAgb_/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulzyoU5lYTxZt7NNTit02eaxuygKgEecFHWCuEKBrRuW9hobQWeA-T3GZe1BVF1T6oLiI0X-a_uqmpMmAxcQgEUskoqVCTCosnX8a_x3tWfLFXBWvA0krzfci5LMoZPspFS4h0aCzAgb_/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_12.png" height="356" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missed covered views from Silverback Lodge </td></tr>
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This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a
further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and
chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species
of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35EdLXCzDoXSk6lzklTNSJ5BCFsRxh1EkfKozRqpE_2RjcnHIRJXWGbmn3b0HlmvANp0DvpGfUCb2adUUuoJRNXHDLvRLj1ldl17fGjv7JX6oj1gEjoVoY8VOVINBT4vO_l4fvw19AWlD/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35EdLXCzDoXSk6lzklTNSJ5BCFsRxh1EkfKozRqpE_2RjcnHIRJXWGbmn3b0HlmvANp0DvpGfUCb2adUUuoJRNXHDLvRLj1ldl17fGjv7JX6oj1gEjoVoY8VOVINBT4vO_l4fvw19AWlD/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_03.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Gerrie Pretorius searching for Gorillas<br /></span></td></tr>
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The neighbouring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an
impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas and budget campsites, as well
as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bWb0UPK9ArNyM2NNZ5HrADUhrmBZ0Ev-1al0hEFNVBJSN319VOF1PhgRckzMo4zWJ3LfzCaW1qkI6ZnP4eXbxT5-H0DobKKF3UM7xMARTNvhGVFDhtke48fpRO-Yxi1sVm9S5vJn-O8u/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_06.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bWb0UPK9ArNyM2NNZ5HrADUhrmBZ0Ev-1al0hEFNVBJSN319VOF1PhgRckzMo4zWJ3LfzCaW1qkI6ZnP4eXbxT5-H0DobKKF3UM7xMARTNvhGVFDhtke48fpRO-Yxi1sVm9S5vJn-O8u/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_06.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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Opportunities abound to
discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances,
workshops and village walks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember to tune into DSTV (KykNet) tomorrow evening for the
2nd episode on Uganda with myself and Gerrie Pretorius at one of our Marasa
Africa lodges Silverback Lodge<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://kyknet.dstv.com/2014/06/13/leef-jou-reis-20-junie-2014/">http://kyknet.dstv.com/2014/06/13/leef-jou-reis-20-junie-2014/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is a small teaser of the series on DSTV (KyKNet Channel
144)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5q0gDsMnI&feature=share">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5q0gDsMnI&feature=share</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Get more information on Premier Safaris at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> or have a look at the western wonderland trip that the team experienced. </div>
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<a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/western-wonderland-8-days-uganda-primate-wildlife">http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/western-wonderland-8-days-uganda-primate-wildlife</a> </div>
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Want to know more about the Marasa Africa Lodges in Uganda and Kenya? visit their website at <a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgVra5G3ChcCsOvj2BKhtYyzupKU3XIz2qMOIAsOCuT9bmWLDJ_9ETchmn7T5d9tt7DSK_BlQSxDq8B2siwniqBFz2S-Wzha2hVNjOFiIC2Bdtr6YnHMMC504tdnCgnciAoeru67x0sBU/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgVra5G3ChcCsOvj2BKhtYyzupKU3XIz2qMOIAsOCuT9bmWLDJ_9ETchmn7T5d9tt7DSK_BlQSxDq8B2siwniqBFz2S-Wzha2hVNjOFiIC2Bdtr6YnHMMC504tdnCgnciAoeru67x0sBU/s1600/LJR_EPS24_UGANDA2_11.png" height="362" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Silverback lodge in Uganda </td></tr>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-5778370748333743052014-06-15T21:07:00.000-07:002014-06-15T21:07:36.073-07:00World Giraffe Day - 21 June 2014<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Come
on guys let’s stick our neck out this giraffe day in support of this
initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SFwP27J2q5rfCvA1wggRJiJGvcH3rrw9PGyxOyKJI6OtmF9YJBInnhcC9G-X01uqiVHkhKZ4Cl-zpQSND94dKDmjQ3CbeMM0s_rTxRCdJ0smDIEofzHebwRyPMASjD9CS4CWCTsdj7Ui/s1600/Paraa+safari+drive17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SFwP27J2q5rfCvA1wggRJiJGvcH3rrw9PGyxOyKJI6OtmF9YJBInnhcC9G-X01uqiVHkhKZ4Cl-zpQSND94dKDmjQ3CbeMM0s_rTxRCdJ0smDIEofzHebwRyPMASjD9CS4CWCTsdj7Ui/s1600/Paraa+safari+drive17.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rothschild Giraffe at Paraa Safari lodge by John Gibbons </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Remember
to send Marasa Africa (<a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a>) your best Giraffe photos to support this
worthy initiative to highlight the plight of the noble giraffe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Marasa
Africa lodges Chobe and Paraa Safari lodge official supporters of the
initiative wants to share your photos to raise awareness of the threatened
Rothschild giraffe within Murchison Falls national park. The Park is the ancestral
home to the Rothschild Giraffe one of the more threatened subspecies of
giraffe. The park is home to around 70% of the remaining population of this subspecies
that is threatened by encroachment and human animal conflict. Best photos of the day also receive a free </span>massage<span style="font-size: small;"> from either Paraa or Chobe Safari lodge located within the park. If you are at any of these lodges for the next week, make sure not to miss out! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">World
Giraffe Day is a new and exciting initiative of GCF to celebrate the tallest
and longest-necked animal on the longest day or night (depending on which
hemisphere you live!) of the year – 21 June! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSYbQ_boMtkiMGU4-z0Rt51ltJtIY17QrXHoKa0IOvMf9wOAeRzGcFFvM643KMOWegE7JanolT8hi93zhSpPitMZUdnhvSCUoDrAPFV1rcNFDmNO-g6iD5cBuRSCXmjvzrXFjwuzI_qnE/s1600/10441094_10152368181093855_8399364313861019241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSYbQ_boMtkiMGU4-z0Rt51ltJtIY17QrXHoKa0IOvMf9wOAeRzGcFFvM643KMOWegE7JanolT8hi93zhSpPitMZUdnhvSCUoDrAPFV1rcNFDmNO-g6iD5cBuRSCXmjvzrXFjwuzI_qnE/s1600/10441094_10152368181093855_8399364313861019241_n.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not
only is it a worldwide celebration of these amazing and much loved animals, but
an annual event to raise awareness and shed light on the challenges they face
in the wild. By supporting World Giraffe Day you can help to support giraffe
conservation efforts in the wild that will ultimately help to secure the future
of this amazing creature in Africa. With only less than 80,000 giraffe
remaining in the wild, the time is right to act NOW!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rothschild's
giraffe is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, with only a few
hundred members in the wild (Estimated at around 1300 individuals remain) .
Also known as the Ugandan giraffe around 70% of the remaining giraffe of this subspecies
can be found in Murchison Falls national park in Uganda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While
giraffes in general are classified as Least Concern, Rothschild's giraffe is at
particular risk of hybridisation, as the population is so limited in numbers.
Very few locations are left where Rothschild's giraffe can be seen in the wild,
with notable spots being Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya and Murchison Falls
National Park in northern Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0G4E53i21gE4JENsFqK-GYiPebXM8Ec7KJmolTNez8hkqWm12v4hnjWbeIvMAec9Az-5OwbBVcTAjBtz-Un2qd_8ZRjGYdaSB5ZOVH1-zw4LA7fByOChXa0DOq_k4LRRz3b1YNCq14n5/s1600/Paraa+Safari+drive24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0G4E53i21gE4JENsFqK-GYiPebXM8Ec7KJmolTNez8hkqWm12v4hnjWbeIvMAec9Az-5OwbBVcTAjBtz-Un2qd_8ZRjGYdaSB5ZOVH1-zw4LA7fByOChXa0DOq_k4LRRz3b1YNCq14n5/s1600/Paraa+Safari+drive24.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rothschild's
giraffe is easily distinguishable from other subspecies. The most obvious sign
is in the colouring of the coat, or pelt. Where the reticulated giraffe has
very clearly defined dark patches with bright-whitish channels between them,
Rothschild's giraffe more closely resembles the Masai giraffe. However, when
compared to the Masai giraffe, Rothschild's subspecies is paler, the
orange-brown patches are less jagged and sharp in shape, and the connective
channel is of a creamier hue compared to that seen on the reticulated giraffe.
In addition, Rothschild's giraffe displays no markings on the lower leg, giving
it the impression of wearing white stockings.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydt2KfLXorDG22mPtz_niwl1AAZFWKbBRS95BNTUYcPqZY4_22EyzMD4M3qGrNVAUwcIZxfUSwhKw-LPFkcefEyzv-7fhVV2Mk0Y8k5iEzIZsR5VMoDe-TmC7H3jfCoXpIswJLoOZQ7ha/s1600/Chobe+giraffes10+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydt2KfLXorDG22mPtz_niwl1AAZFWKbBRS95BNTUYcPqZY4_22EyzMD4M3qGrNVAUwcIZxfUSwhKw-LPFkcefEyzv-7fhVV2Mk0Y8k5iEzIZsR5VMoDe-TmC7H3jfCoXpIswJLoOZQ7ha/s1600/Chobe+giraffes10+-+Copy.jpg" height="293" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rothschild Giraffe at Chobe Safari lodge in Uganda by John Gibbons </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another
distinguishing feature of Rothschild's giraffe, although harder to spot, is the
number of ossicones on the head. This is the only subspecies to be born with
five ossicones. Two of these are the larger and more obvious ones at the top of
the head, which are common to all giraffes. The third ossicone can often be
seen in the center of the giraffe's forehead, and the other two are behind each
ear.They are also taller than many other subspecies, measuring up to six metres
tall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Are
you a GiraffeSpotter? The official launch will be 19 June 2014 in time for
World Giraffe Day! Check out www.giraffespotter.org<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Pqg7_AIeCU08PFyyPLB49doC_Xt3_qc0pegywV_YzRt6dadof_P1B0xB7YIsZO_QhJ_I_brOdZauIlySwDspRMYQ4kLkpxFZX2WX-uKcDqijyJnfDx8_3t66ATOJEAlKw-cFQ6p3rtZ/s1600/Corne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Pqg7_AIeCU08PFyyPLB49doC_Xt3_qc0pegywV_YzRt6dadof_P1B0xB7YIsZO_QhJ_I_brOdZauIlySwDspRMYQ4kLkpxFZX2WX-uKcDqijyJnfDx8_3t66ATOJEAlKw-cFQ6p3rtZ/s1600/Corne.JPG" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Safaris on a Rothschild fact finding Safari </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">GCF
has a new and exciting Conservation Research Volunteer opportunity coming up in
our Rothschild's giraffe project in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
Ideally, we are looking for an experienced field researcher who will be
available for a 6-months period starting in 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Send
your giraffe photos to <a href="mailto:corne@marasa.net">corne@marasa.net</a>
in the week to follow and participate in creating awareness globally!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Support Giraffe links:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">www.</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">giraffe</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">conservation.org </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-29323025668442158682014-06-11T22:02:00.000-07:002014-06-11T22:02:22.078-07:00The Medley of Wonders!<div class="MsoNormal">
Queen Elizabeth National Park is undeniably one of Uganda’s
most popular tourist destinations.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrbv4UifTrNbCmFIUE45ov92VHiZTTXCleDld742OT-_Z3ED1WamMVEazkc0xsAtFPM7okDd60NijTVvXDLc29ZAyIXzrfwQX8qlRkmEMtPwh1of1WhbaZmpgdnFyo6ijDJGqQ0CthhCi/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrbv4UifTrNbCmFIUE45ov92VHiZTTXCleDld742OT-_Z3ED1WamMVEazkc0xsAtFPM7okDd60NijTVvXDLc29ZAyIXzrfwQX8qlRkmEMtPwh1of1WhbaZmpgdnFyo6ijDJGqQ0CthhCi/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kazinga channel close to Mweya Safari lodge </td></tr>
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The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include
sprawling savannah, shady, humid forests, sparkling crater lakes and fertile
wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game safari, ten primate
species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds can be found in
this diverse ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ57bJWlYWQntxI90eTo4Rqs_Rbee9BFWUOrYSocnpzq_ZXwU-nCbr9fxsJsFQsMVq_t4OFh30L6CteACF1An3a7h_rDqOl3D91ZdUAobQoRXwt3sTRdK5oQmqzvl53uKSxGjiLrjhIP6/s1600/DSC_3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ57bJWlYWQntxI90eTo4Rqs_Rbee9BFWUOrYSocnpzq_ZXwU-nCbr9fxsJsFQsMVq_t4OFh30L6CteACF1An3a7h_rDqOl3D91ZdUAobQoRXwt3sTRdK5oQmqzvl53uKSxGjiLrjhIP6/s1600/DSC_3209.JPG" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
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Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains,
the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved
dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel
with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless
Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of
unsuspecting Uganda kob.</div>
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As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen
Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many
opportunities for visitors and meet the local communities within the park and
enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HAo8cX77Y8x2hNWthI3dxiY9QcjvDp6YKyybvSzn5HhApNvLFucDcEjsA5m3avV4nCpJofW1PRYd3LQha0slL8Q9bR2qQm1hRVvGJ5qjPytMCGhCySh2FQ1WEpe3tOKzkkvG4tIaDZq_/s1600/DSC_3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HAo8cX77Y8x2hNWthI3dxiY9QcjvDp6YKyybvSzn5HhApNvLFucDcEjsA5m3avV4nCpJofW1PRYd3LQha0slL8Q9bR2qQm1hRVvGJ5qjPytMCGhCySh2FQ1WEpe3tOKzkkvG4tIaDZq_/s1600/DSC_3574.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Child photographed at the Kazinga fishing village along the Channel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mweya Safari lodge one of the Pearls in the Marasa Africa crown
hovers over the Kazinga Channel below. This 32-kilometre long, natural channel that
links Lake Edward and Lake George, and is a dominant feature in the Park. The
channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world’s
largest concentrations of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles and an incredible
array of birds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmjU9SqULoPkLHY7QPVmURFi9ViO1KJNoG7Z6YW5MermO2ikaxFyW2OqRluBk2y1EvsL5eOIUPqDDz799hcwAh3DYQ02T8Wv7cUtMezSaxmQSgc6xnVP76meAvuiaRnoJNmU6FmaeUs86/s1600/DSC_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmjU9SqULoPkLHY7QPVmURFi9ViO1KJNoG7Z6YW5MermO2ikaxFyW2OqRluBk2y1EvsL5eOIUPqDDz799hcwAh3DYQ02T8Wv7cUtMezSaxmQSgc6xnVP76meAvuiaRnoJNmU6FmaeUs86/s1600/DSC_3285.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo along the Kazinga channel </td></tr>
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While travelling along the channel you are assured to
encounter numerous fish eagles known for their very distinctive and some might
say haunting call. These eagles are perched all along the channel ready to
swoop down and grab fish from the water below.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ7WZg4RRqKUYkCOMj1LmeqEaDqU50T826_C-FzEcwEDb22-A8LdPfYMUW1HH4Rift47svfM5KWjpTu7s74PQYFfiQ8xVLKfECGvLTQ8Pt4Y5E68LSXxXqIUUGU7DYBNaF9JMfD4KBara/s1600/Fish+Eagle+Kazinga+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ7WZg4RRqKUYkCOMj1LmeqEaDqU50T826_C-FzEcwEDb22-A8LdPfYMUW1HH4Rift47svfM5KWjpTu7s74PQYFfiQ8xVLKfECGvLTQ8Pt4Y5E68LSXxXqIUUGU7DYBNaF9JMfD4KBara/s1600/Fish+Eagle+Kazinga+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Eagle on perch by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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It’s a spectacular sight to see
them leave their perches or drag their catch to shore. But make no mistake this
eagle will also catch monkeys or other birds and even crocodile hatchlings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv0VAF2KLRamMai3gPm-w0d02tWiZsIGwKzQQ95IXqpjTLmLvJ54u2FqR8q5xpDSZe4bMm-PltPasbE3Af9R6EQ4843dGLXqO8Jkg3uYHKhYCUzU4nGbk99o3s4dbb77nygfwBhqzIZ6q/s1600/Take+off+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv0VAF2KLRamMai3gPm-w0d02tWiZsIGwKzQQ95IXqpjTLmLvJ54u2FqR8q5xpDSZe4bMm-PltPasbE3Af9R6EQ4843dGLXqO8Jkg3uYHKhYCUzU4nGbk99o3s4dbb77nygfwBhqzIZ6q/s1600/Take+off+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="522" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take off by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Make sure to visit the peninsula in Queen Elizabeth to take
in the spender of the reflecting water and its hidden gems.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNQfmnDrNVuq_0rVSnxgaP8GBhc1FVdpbvxLx9amVMcWx7dJWy9YBKYDURODRoVm712JlG45M4Y28z4lc0vvPLrQ23aTK8b2-D4rMxh4SPGamHvWm_vgYPri1Q1Mgfw5JfABfTHWLhT1a/s1600/The+attack+by+Corne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNQfmnDrNVuq_0rVSnxgaP8GBhc1FVdpbvxLx9amVMcWx7dJWy9YBKYDURODRoVm712JlG45M4Y28z4lc0vvPLrQ23aTK8b2-D4rMxh4SPGamHvWm_vgYPri1Q1Mgfw5JfABfTHWLhT1a/s1600/The+attack+by+Corne.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Eagle in Flight by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of
Wonders!<br />
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For bookings or information on the lodges contact Premier Safaris at www.premiersafaris.com or email reservations@premiersafaris.com<br />
<br />
Mweya Safari lodge - www.marasa.net<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-20979412623927558462014-05-05T21:08:00.001-07:002014-05-05T21:11:25.520-07:00The “Pearl of Africa” photographic Safari <div class="MsoNormal">
Premier Safaris known for providing some of the most
intimate Safari experiences on earth, has launched its Uganda specific
photographic safari trips to give participants a unique glimpse into the “Pearl
of Africa” ensuring not only an informative Safari but also extended access to
remote areas and specialists to ensure a wide range of encounters that can be
captured by the wildlife photographer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8M82TzIGvILm_6RigYBaN_sdhM3APm8MWo8oqhCPt2bfDvYcU_8oeXp1S1tMZWBbnnaTwY48Ge1gXKNaCxovOMNObtNGbCQTk0D7nMp2nrODI4QcH6qMY_w-PJAtw9GD6EvklYgIKw9S/s1600/As+the+sun+sets+in+Queen+Elizabeth+national+park+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8M82TzIGvILm_6RigYBaN_sdhM3APm8MWo8oqhCPt2bfDvYcU_8oeXp1S1tMZWBbnnaTwY48Ge1gXKNaCxovOMNObtNGbCQTk0D7nMp2nrODI4QcH6qMY_w-PJAtw9GD6EvklYgIKw9S/s1600/As+the+sun+sets+in+Queen+Elizabeth+national+park+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo at sundown close to Mweya Safari lodge Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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This unique access provides enhanced photographic
possibilities for photographers to enable them to capture the primate diversity
as well as the behaviour and interactions of the wildlife in Uganda. Premier
Safaris will meet you on arrival at the airport, and assist through customs to
ensure your trip to the microcosm of Africa is a smooth one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda fast reclaiming its spot as one of the best Safari
destinations offers an astounding amount of diversely different biomes and
encounters for the photographer to capture.
With over 300 mammals, 20 of which are primates, both diurnal and
nocturnal that can be tracked this truly makes for a spectacular photographic
adventure not to be missed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgwOOeu3WeLwts2BDXaZlQf-usM3pYZM83mbWd7qfSyXWVhlL8-5y8FiWVSnUyyCkHXqkeKK3OLu6FrcvkUxKC7ZBjOx0XLA8rTBBveH-bl9ArT3YwtsY5T73UDQdzZf2XmxJSnNAH02W/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgwOOeu3WeLwts2BDXaZlQf-usM3pYZM83mbWd7qfSyXWVhlL8-5y8FiWVSnUyyCkHXqkeKK3OLu6FrcvkUxKC7ZBjOx0XLA8rTBBveH-bl9ArT3YwtsY5T73UDQdzZf2XmxJSnNAH02W/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birding Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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Five types of monkeys are found in Uganda including the
colobus, guenons, baboons, patas and mangabeys. Some Guenon species are found
everywhere in the country in addition to those found in the forest. Patas
monkeys have a reddish brown coat, unlike the guenons grey coat and are
restricted to northern Uganda in Kidepo and Murchison falls National Parks.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPIKan3J8R-jYM9UZN5gZYGqzsWLvaOKVpuSb_EyhdanNq2Vz_J1CMwWU91TjpL3OWRLWlL-U039hxJZwDOoL_VX2FN_UiOpEgAF8E35AImK46g_dvSltmATWBjO0T_ZY122rzfepJCo0/s1600/9234_1142101317630_3511233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPIKan3J8R-jYM9UZN5gZYGqzsWLvaOKVpuSb_EyhdanNq2Vz_J1CMwWU91TjpL3OWRLWlL-U039hxJZwDOoL_VX2FN_UiOpEgAF8E35AImK46g_dvSltmATWBjO0T_ZY122rzfepJCo0/s1600/9234_1142101317630_3511233_n.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Albie Venter</td></tr>
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A few of the primates in Uganda, for example the bushbaby
and the potto are never seen by the tourists as they sleep during the day and
are active at night (nocturnal). We have included a guided night walk in the
forests to enhance your chances of spotting these guys as well. </div>
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As one can clearly notice, Uganda is a country endowed with
Primates that differ noticeably. Making the country, the number one primate
destination around the world. But what we didn't know about was its incredible mammal species and wildlife game viewing attractions that makes it one of the best all round photographic trips in Africa. Especially as it doesn't attract the crowds, a vital part of the experience is the sense of true wilderness that is a rare commodity indeed. </div>
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<b>Some of the key aspects that make this such a great trip for
wildlife photographers:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-N0UTa4wGwN4vz-o0u4aO8JSDFRQvaRr4CFpp2ie9gAw8rFokQKDXeseERw8296H-XALKzWuhh7FFKAuZ7TVWpvNd9evEBEarlnJBzEJB9jhv3DV2kkGbQg0mMWXxTbcttcob57Fl_RN/s1600/Lion+Trek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-N0UTa4wGwN4vz-o0u4aO8JSDFRQvaRr4CFpp2ie9gAw8rFokQKDXeseERw8296H-XALKzWuhh7FFKAuZ7TVWpvNd9evEBEarlnJBzEJB9jhv3DV2kkGbQg0mMWXxTbcttcob57Fl_RN/s1600/Lion+Trek.JPG" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Safaris lion trek by Joe Yogurst </td></tr>
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<b>Get off the beaten path in search of lions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Join the research team of “Uganda carnivore research” in Queen
Elizabeth National park for an in-depth understanding of the conservation
status of lions in Uganda and the challenges that they face.</div>
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You will travel with one of the research team as they search
for lion prides in the national park to gather information and track their
activities. This is an ideal photographic opportunity to go off road in search
of lions, and capture their behaviour and interactions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This exclusive access to remote off road areas of the park
is an incredible way to enhance your knowledge of lions, leopard and Hyena and
increase your chances of spotting and capturing theses amazing creatures while
learning about the different individual’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV2j_V5phcm3QIBScv6_lcY1CGq7VGdEj4OGYoz4VS7AHvfynyFE9crVQ2gi8AM9yoAopMvRSKbvfR2G385IofThLqHmGB_9G01G1KBXcnVjBOcA2nrzyO1pXgyyB815hnWQNSPbHCSng/s1600/QE+-+Crater+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV2j_V5phcm3QIBScv6_lcY1CGq7VGdEj4OGYoz4VS7AHvfynyFE9crVQ2gi8AM9yoAopMvRSKbvfR2G385IofThLqHmGB_9G01G1KBXcnVjBOcA2nrzyO1pXgyyB815hnWQNSPbHCSng/s1600/QE+-+Crater+lake.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lakes Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
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<b>The Crater Lakes </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda can easily be called the “land of lakes” as almost a
third of this microcosm of Africa is covered by water. For the water lovers
amongst you, this destination in East Africa is pure bliss.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, dominates the
southern border of the country while Lakes Edward and Albert lie to the west
but it doesn't end there. Other lakes
and more spectacularly the crater lakes are dotted around Uganda like the
pearls in its spectacular necklace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These crater lakes are large holes in the ground or a
surface caused by an explosion/volcanic eruption. Lakes located in dormant or extinct volcanoes
tend to have fresh water, and the water clarity in such lakes can be
exceptional due to the lack of in-flowing streams and sediment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several extinct volcanoes of a specifically violent type
called the ‘explosion craters’ are found within western Uganda. From your home base at Mweya Safari lodge on the peninsula
you are within easy reach of some of the most spectacular crater lakes Uganda
has on offer.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEqGToGHvioG-NbT3KLnwzZUETT3IXaK7tySCjTnEzXmfEbH7DSeCDkjpQ-OTSwnxvhms2kK0G9TLGPmpI4kiGuvzeLJEnffRHubg1XuMp9KXh83ksfxL0dUY1rfz26gNyAEsnWnA4qxT/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEqGToGHvioG-NbT3KLnwzZUETT3IXaK7tySCjTnEzXmfEbH7DSeCDkjpQ-OTSwnxvhms2kK0G9TLGPmpI4kiGuvzeLJEnffRHubg1XuMp9KXh83ksfxL0dUY1rfz26gNyAEsnWnA4qxT/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimp encounter in Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Chimp trek and night walk </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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While you venture into the kibale forest, learn how to track
Chimps and the process behind habituation of Chimps. This is a greatly enhanced
opportunity for photographers to capture animal behaviour and interaction
between Chimps. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The forest are alive with all sorts of other primates and
birding encounters as well as an array of butterflies and mushrooms that make
for interesting and challenging photographic opportunities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6NSNVGEp3VgOx2aN6JuKUR21qh_xgFl_AaBjWUoE4gjBTILEoXp1M3hecSTL_TadjjMdP6mTVwyoK51WfmFkGrgKZudDMzKm4EsyIYkRaRyV8-DvBWr9noIwGNyTZe_-oNFK9whTfF-9/s1600/DSC_2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6NSNVGEp3VgOx2aN6JuKUR21qh_xgFl_AaBjWUoE4gjBTILEoXp1M3hecSTL_TadjjMdP6mTVwyoK51WfmFkGrgKZudDMzKm4EsyIYkRaRyV8-DvBWr9noIwGNyTZe_-oNFK9whTfF-9/s1600/DSC_2293.JPG" height="431" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla In Bwindi by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Gorillas in your midst </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The rain-forest is spectacular, heavily vegetated and dense
landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for trekkers.
This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas as it hosts more than half
the remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas, where the time
taken and terrain varies according to the movements of these fantastic apes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The thrill of spending time with and observing these gentle
giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long lasting
memories of a truly unique experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Some of the areas that are included as part of this once in
a lifetime photographic exploration of Uganda. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZNAUwHqgbE4Wjiyt6W_Rl7aDiZHpKRB80VOlHyFLzhEYBuZb9moiTw53L7IBu-6qbPVPEW9u1wT38NRtMoq8RxWW5Fxq79vygl9zQm1AU9FzQysNOcxGv1-6OG_pgVgqVE1NFUA49Fc-/s1600/DSC_0684+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZNAUwHqgbE4Wjiyt6W_Rl7aDiZHpKRB80VOlHyFLzhEYBuZb9moiTw53L7IBu-6qbPVPEW9u1wT38NRtMoq8RxWW5Fxq79vygl9zQm1AU9FzQysNOcxGv1-6OG_pgVgqVE1NFUA49Fc-/s1600/DSC_0684+-+Copy.JPG" height="409" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kibale forest floor by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
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<b>Kibale National Park </b>contains one of the loveliest and most
varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with
patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the
park on an elevated plateau.The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most
famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4PzhTduh45Wzmxf8aSdJ1owBnv9b28w4cxBVChfBgSG0DLZ0nHU-MZ6ah7N2qArrZLPxFq_F_5C01AqyR6td3XE71dpgN3C6vJvkTvZZ_UbMmROKRklh1qOl6nM5X-2Xb2Y87fmnez6Y/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4PzhTduh45Wzmxf8aSdJ1owBnv9b28w4cxBVChfBgSG0DLZ0nHU-MZ6ah7N2qArrZLPxFq_F_5C01AqyR6td3XE71dpgN3C6vJvkTvZZ_UbMmROKRklh1qOl6nM5X-2Xb2Y87fmnez6Y/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" height="320" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Safaris entering Kibale forest </td></tr>
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It also contains over 375 species of birds. Kibale adjoins
Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south to create a 180km-long corridor for
wildlife between Ishasha, the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth
National Park, and Sebitoli in the north of Kibale National Park.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Kibale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most
rewarding destinations to explore. The park lies close to the tranquil
Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of the Queen Elizabeth,
Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks, as well as the Toro-Semliki
Wildlife Reserve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Queen Elizabeth National Park</b> is understandably Uganda’s
most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include
sprawling savannah, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands,
make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including
chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4BDhrbkDQ1IXB1TO9JxW_MuKA0N5NG3O8IP5TMcs2RqhlRlVVxqPsik82bq9N62t_RTzcv8AQuDi0EGyqz4cHJ_akGDwo_ge4q8AwdeDhLYLGKo_ybZN82eEh9Z4e-udgXPsvlAOHfi-/s1600/526346_4417862689617_1704066931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4BDhrbkDQ1IXB1TO9JxW_MuKA0N5NG3O8IP5TMcs2RqhlRlVVxqPsik82bq9N62t_RTzcv8AQuDi0EGyqz4cHJ_akGDwo_ge4q8AwdeDhLYLGKo_ybZN82eEh9Z4e-udgXPsvlAOHfi-/s1600/526346_4417862689617_1704066931_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Albie Venter</td></tr>
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Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains,
the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved
dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel
with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless
Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of
unsuspecting Uganda kob. These famous tree climbing lions are a spectacular
site for photographers that rarely get the chance to photograph lions in trees.
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As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen
Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many
opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy
storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the
conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding
communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of
Wonders!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj092vp3sGfexSVdb7nYKLcZa00fjkEt-a_dwjA2S56Zp6dT7OX4jdeM649DQWst6pzADa00RYr39GLIpnQOQKY-Vxkc1skXUpYwtT2CNowpz2DrKvfFygzcX5z2zxfSAPdWsmpqBubN6Fk/s1600/IMG_3720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj092vp3sGfexSVdb7nYKLcZa00fjkEt-a_dwjA2S56Zp6dT7OX4jdeM649DQWst6pzADa00RYr39GLIpnQOQKY-Vxkc1skXUpYwtT2CNowpz2DrKvfFygzcX5z2zxfSAPdWsmpqBubN6Fk/s1600/IMG_3720.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverback lodge by John Gibbons </td></tr>
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<b>Bwindi Impenetrable National Park</b> lies in south-western
Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed
by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which
dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More
famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain
gorillas – roughly half of the world’s remaining population, including several
habituated groups, which can be tracked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZlP45zmzmJkBW6vy3HHHkAfMTM9Xac230I79s_h5mpRV51wEwUzyVRCH86mmsfiro3ViNI0UhlUYZ-yY-INnFWpKj9hNkcLY7_yZ3EHBnF_iw2Jn2zL0u_CgULUzcEV74vPxzF0OE1SY/s1600/Bwindi+forest+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZlP45zmzmJkBW6vy3HHHkAfMTM9Xac230I79s_h5mpRV51wEwUzyVRCH86mmsfiro3ViNI0UhlUYZ-yY-INnFWpKj9hNkcLY7_yZ3EHBnF_iw2Jn2zL0u_CgULUzcEV74vPxzF0OE1SY/s1600/Bwindi+forest+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Gorilla by Premier Safaris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a
further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and
chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species
of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Your specialist guide
for the June “pearl of Africa” departure.</b></div>
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Albie Venter studied Nature Conservation in Cape Town, and
has been involved in professional wildlife guiding, wildlife management and
eco-tourism for the past twelve years. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfOuBLcyvJpWRZ1VZvRO6fWORq50jfF7eJtLoacNgOwxl_gzq5rzfrPl7k6z5Nle2N8GctXWstg0zwtP9DuQdNrs7jQntAq3oEd7VmMvCUxejSOZ3Mg_dDK7-ag3FOiuA3PH4dQ9YQoBA/s1600/Albie+venter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfOuBLcyvJpWRZ1VZvRO6fWORq50jfF7eJtLoacNgOwxl_gzq5rzfrPl7k6z5Nle2N8GctXWstg0zwtP9DuQdNrs7jQntAq3oEd7VmMvCUxejSOZ3Mg_dDK7-ag3FOiuA3PH4dQ9YQoBA/s1600/Albie+venter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Albie Venter</td></tr>
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He has been a member of the Field Guide
Association of South Africa (FGASA) throughout his career, and holds both Level
3 and SKS-DA (special knowledge and skills –Dangerous Animals) qualifications
in addition to Bronze Level Guiding Certificate of the Kenyan Professional
Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). Albie is a registered Field Guide Assessor
for the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa - FGASA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An avid
Conservationist, he started his career in the pristine Lowveld region of South
Africa’s Limpopo province adjacent to the internationally renowned Kruger
National Park, later moving on to guide at and manage Game Lodges and Safari
Camps in both South and East Africa. Guiding has taken him to many Southern and
East African countries and regions - from the rugged Cederberg Mountains of
South Africa’s Cape floral kingdom interpreting the ancient rock-art of the
legendary Bushman, to leading walking safaris amongst the wildlife herds of
East Africa in pursuit of big game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5ByZDGSIedW6uyABe4vImCQIAidb1P3VhlAS621FCEV0bKBkRXGku1b298rJ1qIoweRpE5tGYAj_OBeVxxLhfqvfUkilRbTFm8H4nqEtkfTNccTy8eS6ojYFTDb1XRxP-FoCZ8wTbFNi/s1600/Albie+Venter+-+Samburu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5ByZDGSIedW6uyABe4vImCQIAidb1P3VhlAS621FCEV0bKBkRXGku1b298rJ1qIoweRpE5tGYAj_OBeVxxLhfqvfUkilRbTFm8H4nqEtkfTNccTy8eS6ojYFTDb1XRxP-FoCZ8wTbFNi/s1600/Albie+Venter+-+Samburu.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Albie Venter </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Albie is a keen photographer with photographs and articles
published in several nature based magazines including Africa Geographic, Africa
Birds and Birding, WILD, Getaway, Southern African Country Life and East
African Travel News.</div>
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Several of his images can be seen in Wildlife Photographic
competitions, Calendars and other publications. Albie nurtures an interest in
all aspects of wildlife, from invertebrates to the big and hairies - but birds
hold a special place in his heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCduOKvJJukgdjZhqfKDp1xH_OVXj5Xx6L0ZBN4jVSB5iSTn1vofKCVZ12jJiJaty4QthOlUtqvDxbFIBiSqSu93MyaiAzjsXUWfT_GqWHEJhf2CBEEJKBc3mBQ2fIY_KSRUHX9lmPqKgo/s1600/313001_1989747988267_897243544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCduOKvJJukgdjZhqfKDp1xH_OVXj5Xx6L0ZBN4jVSB5iSTn1vofKCVZ12jJiJaty4QthOlUtqvDxbFIBiSqSu93MyaiAzjsXUWfT_GqWHEJhf2CBEEJKBc3mBQ2fIY_KSRUHX9lmPqKgo/s1600/313001_1989747988267_897243544_n.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Albie Venter </td></tr>
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<o:p> Space is limited for this truly "once in a lifetime" adventure trip to Uganda, remember to book your spot now!</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>For more information on Premier Safaris visit their website at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> or email the office at reservations@premiersafaris.com</o:p></div>
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<o:p> You can also follow their Facebook site at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PremierSafaris">https://www.facebook.com/PremierSafaris</a> </o:p></div>
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<o:p>See the link to the latest publication by Albie (Premier Safaris tour leader) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PremierSafaris" target="_blank">- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=657511544297849&set=a.347268911988782.73039.230111593704515&type=1&theater</a></o:p></div>
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Photo credits: Miguel Angel Pedrera Pomeda, Albie Venter, Corne Schalkwyk, John Gibbons <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oACnBD6fk5korChtuTOo2mn7Dn2rxyshUeRMaOW3-nluj-9ExeeCSLdLYsqpjUsP4L218piJp34ERh4ANfKBMuajFBQOBR0Fq3lW26nVJQJv-ts-MoluB0T2k9lgOzcr5w6u7FDYGv6w/s1600/Gorilla.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oACnBD6fk5korChtuTOo2mn7Dn2rxyshUeRMaOW3-nluj-9ExeeCSLdLYsqpjUsP4L218piJp34ERh4ANfKBMuajFBQOBR0Fq3lW26nVJQJv-ts-MoluB0T2k9lgOzcr5w6u7FDYGv6w/s1600/Gorilla.png" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-14291841872323579822014-05-02T01:58:00.000-07:002014-05-02T01:58:13.302-07:00The stopover amongst the Ankole<div class="MsoNormal">
At 260 square kilometres Lake Mburo National Park is a
decent slice of wilderness in Uganda, located roughly half way between the
capital and parks to the west such as Bwindi. Making it an ideal stopover for
tourists taking the scenic route, either on their way to the rainforests that
hide the critically endangered mountain gorillas or on route back from Bwindi. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy21cfRjkHzQa0EpsD3JqlN0TwUu3GWoAQy03uT4hgPE4MAWYDZWB_FA3Zy_Gjhq1gtRkCtKwem-SZ7k733zfS0MANhfXgp6NpSdnO9F0gZr0A5q5SNkHoHuGpZFQFOTrCYDTWbRWJUns/s1600/Lake+Mburo+lodge+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy21cfRjkHzQa0EpsD3JqlN0TwUu3GWoAQy03uT4hgPE4MAWYDZWB_FA3Zy_Gjhq1gtRkCtKwem-SZ7k733zfS0MANhfXgp6NpSdnO9F0gZr0A5q5SNkHoHuGpZFQFOTrCYDTWbRWJUns/s1600/Lake+Mburo+lodge+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Lake
Mburo National Park by Corne Schalkwyk </i></span></td></tr>
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The park could be called one of the quirky examples of how
to approach conservation as we noticed a state owned cattle farming business on
the one side and lots of community cattle farming encroaching on the park
itself. Historically the park was much larger but lost the battle for land as
pieces of the park was given back to the community, as the lion numbers
dwindled to zero. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEx0qKKoSIRZ1gdWm6BTE4-GpJbkxEnnY67WbtMUau3k1mraYe54KcVzKumToGBlV-hbmMw6aC6sxmVbphv5YPgXE94qSYrjlXIBREq3Qvlzz4qEwGXfMxWz97Ku6LpbpT-npM04xGg-0/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEx0qKKoSIRZ1gdWm6BTE4-GpJbkxEnnY67WbtMUau3k1mraYe54KcVzKumToGBlV-hbmMw6aC6sxmVbphv5YPgXE94qSYrjlXIBREq3Qvlzz4qEwGXfMxWz97Ku6LpbpT-npM04xGg-0/s1600/2.JPG" height="345" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ankole long horned cattle of Uganda by Corne Schalkwyk</span></td></tr>
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It wasn't all bad news as I had an interest in the local
cattle breed that has a very Ugandan legacy in its own right. In a way it
reminded me of the Masai Mara, as these cattle ranchers also sneak their cattle
into the park at night. It was a great opportunity to get a closer look at the
Ankole long horned cattle of Uganda. The
Ankole Long-Horned Cow is less productive in meat and milk if compared to some of
the new exotic (non- indigenous) breeds, but better adapted to semi-arid
conditions. The breed can endure seasonal movement and does not require
expensive investments in water points and veterinary care – making it the
mainstay of the pastoral economy in this area of Uganda.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTw-mK3H-hsitftE0OJx0GsNvq6UHID6UBUEYj8lC5mgzePzWYSJxRx09uibZyqlJW_YZ_BV2hf3YwireeLOlcRwFEbQPIp9CC66Cx7n-CH792Qb22IDwyyzUn_tAYN89VEc848whAPH/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTw-mK3H-hsitftE0OJx0GsNvq6UHID6UBUEYj8lC5mgzePzWYSJxRx09uibZyqlJW_YZ_BV2hf3YwireeLOlcRwFEbQPIp9CC66Cx7n-CH792Qb22IDwyyzUn_tAYN89VEc848whAPH/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ankole cow in Lake Mburo by Corne Schalkwyk </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_R1xmzOVS9RE4LZFQ4fu6Ct-qmWaPIHNkD5Ux77Oz3aULvge_0JmOwROKiuod3Ifc-lJbnxxqKfX_323T5M9T8sehsrEWhbj-fd_SI12OSJtheh2Veimk7iEDGgoBMgLzujwdajHdOFY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_R1xmzOVS9RE4LZFQ4fu6Ct-qmWaPIHNkD5Ux77Oz3aULvge_0JmOwROKiuod3Ifc-lJbnxxqKfX_323T5M9T8sehsrEWhbj-fd_SI12OSJtheh2Veimk7iEDGgoBMgLzujwdajHdOFY/s1600/1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyena in Lake Mburo </td></tr>
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When the lions disappeared due to human animal conflict it
however did lead to an interesting phenomenon, proving once again that nature
finds a way. The hyena in a very short space of time took advantage of this
loss. It was great to see that this park has a very active and even growing
Hyena population.</div>
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They took over the gap that was created when the lions were
killed and became the apex hunters in the park, leading to a growth in numbers
that is a very rare thing for predators in Uganda. Havening noticed the alarming
decline in hyena numbers in Queen Elizabeth National park, this made for a
welcome change. The very healthy hyena populations were a great plus and sure
to attack visitors to the park.</div>
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Fables persist amongst the locals, that one
lone male lion still roams the park. But I think it’s just that, a story told
to guests to give them hope that lions will return to this little piece of
wilderness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The park is named after the lake “Lake Mburo” that it infolds
and has numerous birding and game viewing opportunities. It’s notable that it
also hosts some of the species that is normally associated with Southern Africa,
such as Impala.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12iA6gt5mz2Tkid1axAPAMIv7XocQdp9xIbAfhOG2KQZQVwn8faKtZoYk7IXvIlV3FDu0mF91Wohqs2v0WmCOG4lGxyBk2jCvUxvGEG62aZ3DCk-9whJrYiig2POrw9RY60hisyxHMt6v/s1600/Young+Impala+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12iA6gt5mz2Tkid1axAPAMIv7XocQdp9xIbAfhOG2KQZQVwn8faKtZoYk7IXvIlV3FDu0mF91Wohqs2v0WmCOG4lGxyBk2jCvUxvGEG62aZ3DCk-9whJrYiig2POrw9RY60hisyxHMt6v/s1600/Young+Impala+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>New
born Impala by Corne Schalkwyk </i></span></td></tr>
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It lies about 3.5 hours’ drive from Kampala making it easily
accessible for a weekend break. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although the habitat is amazing it can be challenging for
game viewing but it’s the only place in Uganda where you are able to see large
herds of impala, zebra and eland.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIWdSVVG3dTolfdTodXxdc69RDlUN1L9SuT-88BTKeCnWKIFezMvVSY_JmLB7wYO5cfdXzUcHgi9d9opBQbHLoxXeUs-6H7sz8-4xK9ggs0hIQm9J5L_1-DPLV9FXqLHKp8UPwHumR4Kn/s1600/Zebra+in+Lake+Mburo+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIWdSVVG3dTolfdTodXxdc69RDlUN1L9SuT-88BTKeCnWKIFezMvVSY_JmLB7wYO5cfdXzUcHgi9d9opBQbHLoxXeUs-6H7sz8-4xK9ggs0hIQm9J5L_1-DPLV9FXqLHKp8UPwHumR4Kn/s1600/Zebra+in+Lake+Mburo+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Zebra in Lake Mburo by Corne Schalkwyk</i></span></td></tr>
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You will encounter dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes,
thickets, open and wooded savannahs, forests, lakes and swamps as part of this
little hidden gem in Uganda that provides a home to a surprising diversity of
plants and animals in this hideaway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After some game drives to explore the park we dosed off with
the sounds of Hyena and awoke much the same way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNetS2YKMSGu6pPXmeQFeZTe9uycbbSPAbFRjpBOZPsbvelfdWHhgCIuGcyex6SHFA9-mBHWzckGdVfOxfT4Xqosj6AmMlKwu5L7_-h4HbPxPbceDv4VJEAj1qe7ooPx7KcC33Zigg94Z6/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNetS2YKMSGu6pPXmeQFeZTe9uycbbSPAbFRjpBOZPsbvelfdWHhgCIuGcyex6SHFA9-mBHWzckGdVfOxfT4Xqosj6AmMlKwu5L7_-h4HbPxPbceDv4VJEAj1qe7ooPx7KcC33Zigg94Z6/s1600/Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="411" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views over the national park from the lodge is spectacular - Photo by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
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We stayed Mburo Safari Lodge, situated on the edge of Lake
Mburo national park in Kiruhura District, a mid-range property that offers good
value for money. They have private bungalows tucked into the bush, each with
its own viewing deck. One of the best features of the lodge is its impressive
views over the park from its vantage point high up a hill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvAqleAgsLrysJMOd-JFDnY0zzpZmu3dkniTH8TcVsAT9XKXeHJ4qP1xgAP80D1QNryGb3bj_nM25XkWyVAMQA0jMJXv1xNV5ei5e6bKn9BT13zbuI1VE45gedcBOyNmpz-chrISI6FkY/s1600/C.T+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvAqleAgsLrysJMOd-JFDnY0zzpZmu3dkniTH8TcVsAT9XKXeHJ4qP1xgAP80D1QNryGb3bj_nM25XkWyVAMQA0jMJXv1xNV5ei5e6bKn9BT13zbuI1VE45gedcBOyNmpz-chrISI6FkY/s1600/C.T+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found the staff friendly and helpful, and the food was of
a good quality and well presented. Nothing beats the fresh locally sourced
fruits presented for breakfast. Uganda definitely has the best pineapples in
Africa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It provides an isolated peaceful feel with great food and a
good selection of decently priced wines for the all-important sundowner. The
lodge also offers a pool next to the dining area with Wifi access to upload the
sightings of the day from the comfort of one of the great viewing decks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh7vHBR5JWDiLvYpsdWNHUe9uV9ttqOFsfnmx7r06RlQfDF0QR9wCpmayRMtBzmsqu5VGS9Zxz4W6jx-NXGmqXJp0Rkdsx4C7ohcCQST91Jnki5LjQEGDc3eVIsp8UzvzntSKfC_6DjwP/s1600/Lake+Mburo+lodge++Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh7vHBR5JWDiLvYpsdWNHUe9uV9ttqOFsfnmx7r06RlQfDF0QR9wCpmayRMtBzmsqu5VGS9Zxz4W6jx-NXGmqXJp0Rkdsx4C7ohcCQST91Jnki5LjQEGDc3eVIsp8UzvzntSKfC_6DjwP/s1600/Lake+Mburo+lodge++Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="413" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The viewing decks at the lodge by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
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It’s a great stopover or weekend break that provides African
hospitality that echoes through the style and design of the lodge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Each self-contained thatched cottage is aptly named after
animals, and I’m sure you will easily find your own match. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUs1VLf73L-By4LP_7mjJYBFKjuMgRA0jtvZL3PiiX6aYFXmqphzGvXbf44EAlOPhqcTQzilnV0uug2n_D4UYT7bcIOJf_5McIeiroin2FuZUi1mywH9QkGDC-ONS32jdPRtQoAeRsa6/s1600/DSC_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUs1VLf73L-By4LP_7mjJYBFKjuMgRA0jtvZL3PiiX6aYFXmqphzGvXbf44EAlOPhqcTQzilnV0uug2n_D4UYT7bcIOJf_5McIeiroin2FuZUi1mywH9QkGDC-ONS32jdPRtQoAeRsa6/s1600/DSC_2639.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushbuck by Corne Schalkwyk</td></tr>
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Credits : Photos and content Corne Schalkwyk. </div>
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For full package tours to Uganda including Lake Mburo
National Park visit Premier Safaris at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a>
or contact the office at <a href="mailto:reservations@premiersafaris.com">reservations@premiersafaris.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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More images of Ankole - <a href="http://www.africandigitalart.com/2014/04/sightings-of-the-sacred-cattle-daniel-naude/">http://www.africandigitalart.com/2014/04/sightings-of-the-sacred-cattle-daniel-naude/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-81120746963584124632014-04-30T00:50:00.001-07:002014-04-30T00:50:10.955-07:00Nature’s paintbrush! <div class="MsoNormal">
Did nature just run out of paint or is there more too these
fascinating spotted or white animals we encounter in nature? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of late I have encountered some fascinating specimens of rarity,
more notably in Uganda while on safari. I updated you on the case of the “pink
hippo” that we encountered at Chobe Safari lodge….and yes Uganda also has a Chobe;
I didn't lose my way and ended up in Botswana. The Uganda version is one of those must see places, especially if you wanted to photograph the rare <o:p></o:p>Rothschild giraffe as the park is home to the remaining 70% of this rare subspecies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO-KoENhFGDg6GoeChdPrPQvgNpq1gSiKjqnY7PhV9RVA45HfWNjI_-2l7oaZfVHyXndpa54u7ft_-0skaUMF2pPF8H-YB3bc5bcIlQz1tfufue4BKQs2d5O3U8jK6QndCAVxvcczpEtQ/s1600/Chobe+John+Gibbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO-KoENhFGDg6GoeChdPrPQvgNpq1gSiKjqnY7PhV9RVA45HfWNjI_-2l7oaZfVHyXndpa54u7ft_-0skaUMF2pPF8H-YB3bc5bcIlQz1tfufue4BKQs2d5O3U8jK6QndCAVxvcczpEtQ/s1600/Chobe+John+Gibbons.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i> Rothschild giraffe outside Chobe Safari lodge in Uganda by
John Gibbons</i></div>
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This Chobe lodge is located in Murchison falls national park
in Uganda along the Frothing river Nile, and was named after the area. In the local
lingo Chobe refers to place without men, referring to old tribal wars that took
the men from the area in days long gone. Marasa Africa rebuilt the lodge two years ago once Joseph Kony and his lords residence army was pushed out of the area and Uganda, making this unspoiled area accessible to tourism again. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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While visiting the lodge, we stumbled onto a hippo
that was covered in white spots, making it appear pinkish and I was intrigued
to hear from the local guides that is was not an isolated case in the park and
that they have seen completely pink coloured hippos. This obviously got my
attention and I tucked this little titbit away as we proceeded with the trip,
determined to find out more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcNWV3GxfT43akHnWmU5U2XbXZKISyHsYySL1I4UZa4z6V7lpugcpB9jzltEE5IaJ6nPTPjNl4MBpYKTOZAtRsI6mhr8_25bAcgVldAT9WwxjigZwAiFJFRlyyh5ReWRwetBybCsyhR3d/s1600/Marasa+Africa+by+Kim+Allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcNWV3GxfT43akHnWmU5U2XbXZKISyHsYySL1I4UZa4z6V7lpugcpB9jzltEE5IaJ6nPTPjNl4MBpYKTOZAtRsI6mhr8_25bAcgVldAT9WwxjigZwAiFJFRlyyh5ReWRwetBybCsyhR3d/s1600/Marasa+Africa+by+Kim+Allen.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> Photo - Spotted pink hippo in front of Chobe Safari lodge by Kim Allen</i></div>
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On a Safari to Queen Elizabeth national park in the weeks
that followed we took clients on a water Safari down the Kazinga channel. As we approached a bachelor herd of buffalo on
the banks of the channel I noticed that it was a combination of both forest and
Cape buffalo, which was new to me in itself. But even more peculiar was the
very evident white stripe down the front of the one males face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ44gcT0IdM2WIgXWOd5-OuCMZap-Wj7lKRUD2ndZC1jbyXJ7fUURCk8MfxK4FxuMLQ-ImQ5rEModmR6XtRJhOkfMdCzxC_Jly_yYeFArZU3i4OAoWeB9FwwZel9MUS4KXEOSQzm3wP6p5/s1600/Buffalo+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ44gcT0IdM2WIgXWOd5-OuCMZap-Wj7lKRUD2ndZC1jbyXJ7fUURCk8MfxK4FxuMLQ-ImQ5rEModmR6XtRJhOkfMdCzxC_Jly_yYeFArZU3i4OAoWeB9FwwZel9MUS4KXEOSQzm3wP6p5/s1600/Buffalo+by+Corne+Schalkwyk.JPG" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo - Both forest and cape buffalo found lazing together on the banks of the Kazinga Channel by Corne Schalkwyk. </i></div>
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That was my first encounter with this buffalo
bull, that I now know has been spotted in the area before by guides and the
locals estimate that they first noticed him some five years before as a young
calf. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On my return to the lodge, I sent some photos off to both
Lex Hes and Anton Lategan of EcoTraining in the hopes that my old employers and
mentors could shed some light on the curious case of the white faced buffalo. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4kFak5tDkJmzFKBYLOgLUAfhDSGjDUL0Lpxpezr16gVmDldtZBAOOsG_-k5_uFFWOCH98e8TZj4X4-yroohbrzm4lYnTYFZwkKLtyMM-J04S4oA4it-68gkB8wUXgwNCqnXEM7jDHs4S/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4kFak5tDkJmzFKBYLOgLUAfhDSGjDUL0Lpxpezr16gVmDldtZBAOOsG_-k5_uFFWOCH98e8TZj4X4-yroohbrzm4lYnTYFZwkKLtyMM-J04S4oA4it-68gkB8wUXgwNCqnXEM7jDHs4S/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" height="354" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> Photo - Curious case of the white faced buffalo by Corne Schalkwyk</i></div>
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In the weeks that followed I got some feedback from guides
and EcoTraining on abnormalities and colour variations in wild animals. This
also opened the door to discussions around possible inbreeding or interbreeding
of wild animals and even domestic animals, as Uganda doesn’t have fences
surrounding their national parks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only did I learn a lot, it actually made me feel at home
in Uganda as this was a normal part our office life at EcoTraining and to be
truthful, something I missed in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Genetic abnormalities are present in all wildlife. Even
birds have white spots that appear to be a linked to albinism or leucism. This is due to the fact that every animal, from
cockroaches to apes makes melanin and can have albinism. Such animals normally
fare poorly in the wild and don’t always survive long enough for us to enjoy or
see them in the wild, but the occurrence of albinism runs the gamut across the
animal kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Their rate of survival is virtually zero. Predators easily
pick them out of a group. Families and social groups can exclude them because
to every other member, they look foreign. The specimens we normally see are in
captivity as their survival rate increases significantly in captivity. When it comes to mating, some species fare
better than others. The albino peacock attracts females just fine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUvZvrZGOxCipWiljz2Gmu0cCVMEO08vx-BI-6c7cbtRFqaJtB3ZhRzDRKXruOVdLhnOhk9GDFv9ZZOjq90kAXMEshwu6CB0wFDjgXj9CK580ejyyhaZcSyWSVC44eoLF1Kkjg9QWuPcy/s1600/Paraa++Pink+hippo+by+Penny+Boyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUvZvrZGOxCipWiljz2Gmu0cCVMEO08vx-BI-6c7cbtRFqaJtB3ZhRzDRKXruOVdLhnOhk9GDFv9ZZOjq90kAXMEshwu6CB0wFDjgXj9CK580ejyyhaZcSyWSVC44eoLF1Kkjg9QWuPcy/s1600/Paraa++Pink+hippo+by+Penny+Boyd.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> "Pink Hippo" spotted on Safari at Paraa Safari lodge - Photo by Penny Boyd</i></div>
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Albinism derived from the word “white “is a congenital
disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the
skin, hair and eyes due to absence of the copper-containing enzyme involved in
the production of melanin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While speaking to my friends and co-workers at Marasa Africa
and Premier Safaris in Uganda it became apparent that there has been some
ongoing sightings of “Pink Hippo’s” in Uganda, Maanan even sent me this amazing
photo taken by Penny Boyd of a completely pink hippo that they spotted on a
game drive close to Paraa Safari lodge in Murchison falls national park in
Uganda prior to me joining the team at Marasa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The hippo we spotted at Chobe wasn’t an albino as it had
dark eyes and some pigmented spots on its body. Therefore it is most likely
that this is an example of a leucistic hippo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3MYrY2Z-NOvhz3LhHDO7PeZSziL9fbM7aMgHM8gxLiCNOrNW0LZUEsRVzyVxqCKBEt7UJ0TteIP5eIvY0qc1NMHX7MkMxloIYfXGWjPwiTuIR3WkUL9YRVP6nvwAxH4fCexjcCF60Zfc/s1600/Young+Impala+by+Lex+Hes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3MYrY2Z-NOvhz3LhHDO7PeZSziL9fbM7aMgHM8gxLiCNOrNW0LZUEsRVzyVxqCKBEt7UJ0TteIP5eIvY0qc1NMHX7MkMxloIYfXGWjPwiTuIR3WkUL9YRVP6nvwAxH4fCexjcCF60Zfc/s1600/Young+Impala+by+Lex+Hes.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> Photo - Another example from Lex Hes - Lex took this photo of a young Impala in South Africa </i></div>
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“Leucism is a condition
characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans. Unlike albinism,
it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.” Different
to most cases of albinism, leucistic animals generally retain some essence of
their normal pigmentation. A partial expression of leucism can be exhibited in
the form of an animal having spotted or piebald appearance. The skin appears
pink; its coat or fur colour may vary from blond to beige to pure white. Uganda
has some great examples of this as the photos have shown. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Leucistic and albino animals are also easily spotted by
predators which greatly reduces their chances of survival. Fortunately, hippos
are too big for most predators, and this is probably why we spot more of these
examples of nature’s sometimes wondering brush. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Given the millions of different shades of colour that we see
in nature, it’s no wonder that, once in a while, nature might simply run out of
paint. Perhaps this is why pure-white or patched coloured animals leave such a
strong impression on us. Some of them look like ghostly spirit animals,
especially if encountered at night. Others, like albino whales or apes, are
lonely one-in-a-million albinos with striking, unexpected appearances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a keen wildlife photographer, it is always exciting to
photograph something a little bit different, or out of the ordinary and Uganda
delivered on the unusual. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether you find them strange, beautiful, abnormal or
freakish, I hope you enjoyed this update of Uganda sightings that nature…..just
forgot to colour in its normal way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By Corne Schalkwyk <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Photo Credits:</b>
Penny Boyd, Lex Hes of EcoTraining, Kim Allen of Chobe Safari lodge, Corne
Schalkwyk and John Gibbons <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you would like some more information related to the
update above or Uganda in general please see information below: <o:p></o:p></div>
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Travel to Uganda with <b>Premier Safaris</b>, visit their website
at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> or
contact <a href="mailto:reservations@premiersafaris.com">reservations@premiersafaris.com</a>
.</div>
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Premier have a great upcoming photographic Safari with Albie Venter (also from
EcoTraining) in June called the "Pearl of Africa" Photographic Safari to Uganda – <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/%E2%80%9Cpearl-africa%E2%80%9D-photographic-trip">http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/%E2%80%9Cpearl-africa%E2%80%9D-photographic-trip</a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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To learn about the <b>Marasa Africa</b> lodges in Uganda and Kenya,
Including Mweya, Paraa and Chobe safari lodges mentioned above visit their
website at <a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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EcoTraining - Nature Guide Training – Reconnecting you to
the natural world through educational, exciting and life-changing wilderness
experiences - <a href="http://www.ecotraining.co.za/">www.ecoTraining.co.za</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also read the original update on the blog: <a href="http://travelcorne.blogspot.com/">http://travelcorne.blogspot.com/</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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White Buffalo calf in Kruger - <a href="http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/wildlife/wildlife-and-nature/white-buffalo-calves-in-kruger-area/">http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/wildlife/wildlife-and-nature/white-buffalo-calves-in-kruger-area/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Tip for the day - #Wildlifewednesday </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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Take a holiday, and travel to the wild as fascinating experiences awaits you. You can always make more money but our untouched wilderness and exploration is fast slipping out of our grasp. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ozDmducrwvKDfLW-yqkdpIYs96RIn4DZ_X-sH4oQJRjDE2BcUpIcbKWEYtH6U6ObLIkyMjg6jveVueAj3wWVIdB30XfwMWVOJ_Lm2elMeTjPhSuN8abflQ32y_u_lc7bmItSkgqO46Hg/s1600/Lion+Research+with+Premier+Safaris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ozDmducrwvKDfLW-yqkdpIYs96RIn4DZ_X-sH4oQJRjDE2BcUpIcbKWEYtH6U6ObLIkyMjg6jveVueAj3wWVIdB30XfwMWVOJ_Lm2elMeTjPhSuN8abflQ32y_u_lc7bmItSkgqO46Hg/s1600/Lion+Research+with+Premier+Safaris.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-67063200755096437202014-04-28T04:37:00.002-07:002014-04-29T03:10:36.082-07:00Lake hopping in Uganda<div class="MsoNormal">
Encounter the Crater lakes of Uganda <o:p></o:p></div>
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Uganda can easily be called the “land of lakes” as almost a
third of this microcosm of Africa is covered by water. For the water lovers amongst
you, this destination in East Africa is pure bliss.</div>
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Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, dominates the
southern border of the country while Lakes Edward and Albert lie to the west
but it doesn't end there. Other lakes and
more spectacularly the crater lakes are dotted around Uganda like the pearls in
its spectacular necklace.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A great adventure awaits the traveller to its waters, from white
water rafting, which has caught on as a popular tourist activity, especially on
the River Nile to boat Safaris and river cruises. One can also try your hand at
bungee jumping into the waters of the Nile below. Other popular activities
include sport fishing safaris and sailing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to provide a glimpse into some of these spectacular
“pearls”, and went for my favourites the lesser known crater lakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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These crater lakes are large holes in the ground or a
surface caused by an explosion/volcanic eruption. Lakes located in dormant or extinct volcanoes
tend to have fresh water, and the water clarity in such lakes can be
exceptional due to the lack of in-flowing streams and sediment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several extinct volcanoes of a specifically violent type
called the ‘explosion craters’ are found within western Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i> Photo from National Geographic - Queen Elizabeth Crater lakes </i></div>
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Most of these crater lakes are located in the Western Rift,
also called the Albertine Rift, edged by some of the highest mountains in
Africa, including the beautiful Rwenzori mountain chain in Uganda, the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and Mitumba
Mountains in Eastern Congo (DRC), west of lake Tanganyika.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personally I prefer to head straight for Queen Elizabeth
national park that hosts 5 crater lakes amongst its incredible varied biomes. (Visit
Mweya Safari lodge – <a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a>) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Some of my favourite crater Lakes in Uganda.</i></b></div>
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<b>Lake Bunyonyi</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Or also called “lake
of many little birds", is located about 13 kilometres away from Kabale
town. This bilharzia free lake, is great for swimming and makes a popular day
trip from Kabale. Its also the second deepest lake in Africa at around 900 m
deep. The lake is dotted by lots of small islands (29 of them) that gives it a
magical almost fairy-tale like feel.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoTt7cm2muXgRQjfTA4Qmy812OO79vy3mRHrgbBA6QOJdALxFE-JjlflcXRdZK2YNhRrypC5Nqc02JezvZvLBlVDWuLI57RxhohTdJnGoMJYk-KkR-TMksGB9nEaAqQE_S6Ujs6T9OTWn/s1600/The+setting+sun+painting+lake+Bunyonyi's+waters+red+in+between+a+myriad+of+tiny+islands+Photo+Credit+Luis+Azoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoTt7cm2muXgRQjfTA4Qmy812OO79vy3mRHrgbBA6QOJdALxFE-JjlflcXRdZK2YNhRrypC5Nqc02JezvZvLBlVDWuLI57RxhohTdJnGoMJYk-KkR-TMksGB9nEaAqQE_S6Ujs6T9OTWn/s1600/The+setting+sun+painting+lake+Bunyonyi's+waters+red+in+between+a+myriad+of+tiny+islands+Photo+Credit+Luis+Azoy.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The setting sun painting lake Bunyonyi's waters red in between a myriad of tiny islands Photo Credit Luis Azoy </i></div>
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<b>Lake Katwe </b></div>
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This one is a salt lake in Queen Elizabeth national park on
route to Mweya Safari lodge. The lake is known throughout Uganda as an area of
salt production and indeed has been producing high-quality salt for many years.
The first written reports of salt production on Lake Katwe came from first
European explorers to Uganda - John Speke in 1863 and Grant James in 1864, who
described the product as perfectly pure in colour and state.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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More importantly for the tourist visiting Uganda, it’s also
known for the flamingos that visit during their migration. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Photo credit: Evaporation fields, Katwe Salt Lake, Queen
Elizabeth NP /Photo Credit: Joshua Wiese<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Lake Nkuruba<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Lake Nkuruba offers the perfect base to indulge in chimp
trekking in the nearby Kibale National Park or to explore one of the world's
densest concentrations of volcanic crater lakes. Or for those looking for a few
nights rest away from it all. This is a great spot for swimming or for those
wanting to spot red tailed monkeys or black and white colobus monkeys that are
known to run around the lawns in a very surprising laid back manner. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Photo Credit- Crater Lake,
Nkuruba. Photo Credit Shanidov<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Lake Kyaninga<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Set against a stunning backdrop of the legendary Mountains
of the Moon is Kyaninga, or as I refer to it the peaceful lake. For accommodation
and plenty of great hikes around the area, you can always book in at the
upmarket Kyaninga lodge.</div>
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When Englishman Steve Williams first saw the lake on his way
to visit the gorillas, there was nothing there aside from unspoilt natural
beauty and breath-taking vistas. There aren’t many people who could stand on
the rim of an ancient crater lake thousands of miles from home, and have the
vision to imagine building a luxury lodge entirely out of timber on that very
spot. <a href="http://www.kyaningalodge.com/">www.kyaningalodge.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F29hAHt8mp7i-GeNWCxKmLhuMkIcY9EfKN8Z2a-DLgiFiyrpp6naTE3YOYv8JNkuwxV2SbxYxBPOYsDiG8j7JzZwK_k9eEkpOb3MovsZT7FcrOFIc4Cyg_9huDtTi51t-EGdl2rXaDid/s1600/Rose+&+Fitzgerald+dairy+-+also+see+website+link+at+the+end..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F29hAHt8mp7i-GeNWCxKmLhuMkIcY9EfKN8Z2a-DLgiFiyrpp6naTE3YOYv8JNkuwxV2SbxYxBPOYsDiG8j7JzZwK_k9eEkpOb3MovsZT7FcrOFIc4Cyg_9huDtTi51t-EGdl2rXaDid/s1600/Rose+&+Fitzgerald+dairy+-+also+see+website+link+at+the+end..jpg" /></a></div>
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<i> Photo credit - Rose & Fitzgerald dairy - also see website link at the end.</i></div>
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<b>Lake Nyinambuga<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Situated South of
Lake Nkuruba, Lake Nyinambuga is a crater lake and is located in Kabarole
District, Western Region, Uganda. The estimate terrain elevation above sea
level is 1389 metres</div>
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The comfortable and luxurious Ndali Lodge is set on a narrow
ridge overlooking this aquamarine coloured lake a 100 metres below. The lodge has
stunning all-round views of the mountains to the west, the Rift Valley lakes to
the south and the crater lakes to the east and north. <a href="http://www.ndalilodge.com/">www.ndalilodge.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lake Nyamusingire<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i> </i><i>View from Ndali lodge over Lake Nyinambuga/Photo Credit: Safari-Partners</i></div>
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<b>Lake Nyamusigire</b></div>
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Also commonly written as “Nyamusingiri” is
Uganda’s largest crater lake. The lake is situated on the edge of Maramagambo
Forest south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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Whimsical black-and-white colobus monkeys play in the trees
around Jacana Lodge, and baboons are never far away. You can also arrange trails
and boat rides with the lodge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn1HLCvwnU2PMCfFhlOKD3HNxuGRi1ceMIPMB5Yi2XElkQM7cGLQQOcjO0GsBjG0nv1KShsYRcWu98yOyKYqZ4iSUxv4CAfWmb9SaVySuw1uD1smB0fEf7IyKGzdYQj51jNuM7Npa2aOZ/s1600/Sunset+over+Nyamusigire+by+Mike+Gadd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn1HLCvwnU2PMCfFhlOKD3HNxuGRi1ceMIPMB5Yi2XElkQM7cGLQQOcjO0GsBjG0nv1KShsYRcWu98yOyKYqZ4iSUxv4CAfWmb9SaVySuw1uD1smB0fEf7IyKGzdYQj51jNuM7Npa2aOZ/s1600/Sunset+over+Nyamusigire+by+Mike+Gadd.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo Credit - Sunset over Nyamusigire by Mike Gadd</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5Pj2XJ8jyx2uQxkjjh-F3FcSbzRevk1AnC4SKWOsu5wjcTylfEDBJNTYvaPMQkeAKohrk3NNOAeHOSD0wIsLRsqTMquzfK6tqTNDqMD9XQGszJkGiQWT02bHJJD2BN9D5Ah6pXHNFh3-/s1600/large_Jacana-lodge-lake-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5Pj2XJ8jyx2uQxkjjh-F3FcSbzRevk1AnC4SKWOsu5wjcTylfEDBJNTYvaPMQkeAKohrk3NNOAeHOSD0wIsLRsqTMquzfK6tqTNDqMD9XQGszJkGiQWT02bHJJD2BN9D5Ah6pXHNFh3-/s1600/large_Jacana-lodge-lake-view.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo credit - Jacana-lodge-lake-view</i></div>
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<b>Lake Nyabikere<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Lake Nyabikere, which means “LAKE OF FROGS”, is only 13km
from Fort Portal on Kamwenge Road, and just 100m off the main road at the edge
of Kibale Forest National Park. Swimming is possible. Boat trips on the lake
can be organized with local fishermen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAsbSIMileS9m5T1OM3tJTWkJErkK0PvDw5M-d8FSlS44FyjbM8nT1i6JkmHvaEXvNoXsQvdqGJNYnP_RgpnlV7SPJch289fDqKhH5LYPmGMADFlJVfbxLrfYCKni1iN7G5BqgVmWagwu/s1600/A+fisherman+on+a+reed+float+at+Lake+Nyabikere+via+Rebecca+Genevive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAsbSIMileS9m5T1OM3tJTWkJErkK0PvDw5M-d8FSlS44FyjbM8nT1i6JkmHvaEXvNoXsQvdqGJNYnP_RgpnlV7SPJch289fDqKhH5LYPmGMADFlJVfbxLrfYCKni1iN7G5BqgVmWagwu/s1600/A+fisherman+on+a+reed+float+at+Lake+Nyabikere+via+Rebecca+Genevive.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A fisherman on a reed float at Lake Nyabikere/Photo Credit: Rebecca Genevive</i></div>
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<b>Lake Nkugute </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This mysterious lake shrouded in myth is located along
Mbarara-Kasese highway within the newly-created Rubirizi District, Bunyarugu
County. Nkugute which means “swallow” is believed to have been formed 12,000
years. This is evidenced by the existence of hot springs. Much talk about the
myth that the lake used to swallow children every year…..as the story goes it
would be one boy and one girl every year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Why head for Queen
Elisabeth national park? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you are interested in water Safaris and crater lakes it’s
an ideal spot to include game drives as part of your lake exploration. One of
the best spots to use as a home base within the national park is Mweya Safari
lodge one of the Marasa Africa properties in Uganda. (<a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a> )<o:p></o:p></div>
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The lodge overlooks the Kazinga Channel that links lake
Edward with Lake George and it has the greatest density of hippos in Africa,
not to mention plentiful crocodile, elephants and water birds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Queen Elizabeth Park is renowned for its variety of big game
and plains wildlife such as buffalo, warthog, leopard and lion. Antelope
abound, too, including Ugandan kob, defassa, waterbuck and bushbuck. This park
is also fantastic for birding and butterfly viewing. Hardy adventurers can make
the 10-mile trek into Kyambura Gorge to see chimpanzees and red-tailed monkeys.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information on Uganda national parks as well as package tours to Uganda and Rwanda contact Premier Safaris at reservations@premiersafaris.com or visit their website at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/" target="_blank">www.premiersafaris.com </a></div>
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Map of Uganda lakes </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cl5xrTwGElOfr90R63pzDf72WH9wC-FeU3d0HSiX5jnqvdIISSxua3_5oqZtwMyvo1ndMY5thIDLYEjWSqdunMSmneA4GTM3cdciWWAqbaOEJ2iIgcHJPRzi2Yi2mtTg9bxJnYTtYz8V/s1600/590px-Rivers_and_lakes_of_Uganda+(1)-+Rivers+and+lakes+of+Uganda.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cl5xrTwGElOfr90R63pzDf72WH9wC-FeU3d0HSiX5jnqvdIISSxua3_5oqZtwMyvo1ndMY5thIDLYEjWSqdunMSmneA4GTM3cdciWWAqbaOEJ2iIgcHJPRzi2Yi2mtTg9bxJnYTtYz8V/s1600/590px-Rivers_and_lakes_of_Uganda+(1)-+Rivers+and+lakes+of+Uganda.png" height="320" width="315" /></a></div>
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Also read - <a href="http://www.roseandfitzgerald.com/travel-diaries-kyaninga-lodge-in-fort-portal-uganda-2/">http://www.roseandfitzgerald.com/travel-diaries-kyaninga-lodge-in-fort-portal-uganda-2/</a></div>
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Marasa Africa Lodges in Uganda and Kenya including Mweya Safari lodge featured here - <a href="http://www.marasa.net/" target="_blank">www.marasa.net </a></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-46316034880641506982014-04-27T02:26:00.003-07:002014-04-27T02:32:50.561-07:00The Acrobats of the undergrowth “Mousebirds” <div class="MsoNormal">
In the field, mousebirds are fascinating and entertaining
birds to observe, and the more so when we consider that these enigmatic African
birds are the sole survivors of a diverse and puzzling lineage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mousebird, common name for a family of small birds found
only in Africa. The mousebird lives in open woodland and bushy country south of
the Sahara.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mousebirds (order Coliiformes) are one of those puzzling birds
for birders in the field. They do not look or act much like any other birds. The
mousebirds are a small group of (possibly near passerine) birds, which have no
known close affinities to other groups, though might be close to trogons and
owls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves much like rodents,
in search of berries, fruit and buds. This habit, and their legs, gives rise to
the group's English name “mousebirds”. It is a ground bird capable of moving
quickly through thick foliage or along the ground by running or hopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mousebirds are social fruit-eaters that acrobatically dangle
precariously at odd angles in tight clumps, feet spread wide and long tails
often splayed. The six living species are all found in Sub-Saharan Africa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) is the largest
species of mousebird, as well as one of the most common.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In early morning and
late afternoon they are often to be found sunning themselves, sitting with
their legs well apart and bellies exposed to the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Interested in Birding in East Africa - Contact the experts <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> </div>
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Photos by C.T Schalkwyk as part of a Premier Safaris Birding Trip in Kenya </div>
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Accommodation at the Aberdares country club and "the Ark" - <a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a> or contact Premier Safaris at reservations@premiersafaris.com for full package tours to Kenya or Uganda. </div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-70274785401726348812014-04-16T02:16:00.003-07:002014-04-16T02:16:50.586-07:00Meet the sheriff<div class="MsoNormal">
We tend to concentrate on the big and harries, and forget
about the smaller reptiles and birds.</div>
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Today I wanted to write about birds and decided to go right
for the big boy, the sheriff amongst birds so to speak. This bird is bound to
get even the non-birders attention. The Martial Eagle, the largest eagle in
Africa and one of the most impressive birds to encounter while on safari.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They are the largest of the African eagles and incredibly
powerful, capable of knocking an adult man off his feet. They reputedly have
enough power in one foot to break a man's arm. The largest eagle in Africa and
one of the largest in the world, the Martial eagle weighs in at almost 6.5 Kg. The
upperparts are dark brown with a white belly with black streaks; the legs are
white and have very large talons. The immature bird looks quite different from
the adult. The adult eagle has a body length of between 78 and 86 cms , a
wingspan between 1.9 and 2.6 m <o:p></o:p></div>
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In some areas birds form an important part of the diet,
including guineafowl, francolins, bustards, and poultry. Birds as large as a
European Stork are recorded to have fallen prey to the Martial Eagle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Martial Eagles feed on gamebirds, hares, hyraxes, small
antelopes, monitor lizards and other medium sized vertebrates. Nests are built
invariably in trees, high above ground, but often in the largest tree in the
area, growing on a steep hillside or in a gorge, where the bird has a clear
sweep off the nest. Martial Eagles form monogamous pairs and they usually mate
for life. Pairs tend to breed once every two years and the breeding season
correlates with the dry season across their geographic range. Females lay 1 - 2
eggs and incubation takes approximately 45 - 50 days. Between 90 and 100 days
after hatching the youngsters are ready to fledge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They prefer uninhabited stretches of thornbush and savannah
found over much of Africa, occurring also in open plains and semi-desert
country. It spends much of its time on the wing, and is usually seen soaring
about hill slopes, often at a very great height rendering it almost invisible
to the naked eye. Early in the morning before it takes to the wing for the day,
or in the evening prior to roosting it can be seen perched in trees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBMN8p2QWtabAAw92KC2s20KAX5xR3a74gJ9BWP7s9C31q6JBVUw3zs9tH53QVM7Ej8N6scT-M_ogtWPuMX04Sfv4jRSzGQSk2RMkHo2eFR3u-gbz3frHincybDYjtBXnrFNy31rl0BVC/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBMN8p2QWtabAAw92KC2s20KAX5xR3a74gJ9BWP7s9C31q6JBVUw3zs9tH53QVM7Ej8N6scT-M_ogtWPuMX04Sfv4jRSzGQSk2RMkHo2eFR3u-gbz3frHincybDYjtBXnrFNy31rl0BVC/s1600/1.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Interesting Facts: Martial Eagles are the only member of the
genus Polemaetus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These photos were taken by Corne Schalkwyk during a visit to Mweya Safari lodge
– while on Safari with Premier Safaris in Uganda. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Birding Safaris in Uganda - Premier Safaris visit <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> or email reservations@premiersafaris.com <o:p></o:p></div>
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To visit the lodge: Mweya Safari lodge is part of the Marasa Africa Group of lodges<a href="http://www.marasa.net/" target="_blank"> www.marasa.net </a></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-42109616192818685372014-04-10T03:40:00.000-07:002014-04-10T03:40:34.526-07:00The band of brothers <div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, I travelled to Queen Elizabeth national park and
more specifically Mweya Safari lodge to visit the Band of brothers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXndt60Nw6EfQLjJiVocSfAreCngG6dlsOXwr5B8C8W7t9qDCxAzvQytfTXsyY50qXfe5yq_mBLHBlI2rn6bKeN2__kA36mM4yAXHnj2B6gBy_fJhDD3HHOByMFlF3QSeFuz_mEtVlTaDC/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXndt60Nw6EfQLjJiVocSfAreCngG6dlsOXwr5B8C8W7t9qDCxAzvQytfTXsyY50qXfe5yq_mBLHBlI2rn6bKeN2__kA36mM4yAXHnj2B6gBy_fJhDD3HHOByMFlF3QSeFuz_mEtVlTaDC/s1600/1.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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This charismatic striped mongoose family was made famous by
the BBC film about their daily lives and struggles around the lodge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Banded mongoose much like their distant cousins the meerkats
are part of the mongoose family, only twice as heavy if compared to the
meerkat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They are social animals, living in large family groups of up
to 20 individuals, although the Mweya family is significantly larger than other
families I have encountered at around 70 individuals. They sleep in a underground network or whatever
they can use for the same purpose and during the day they venture out of their
dens in search of for food. Their diet consists mainly of scorpions, beetles,
lizards, eggs and small mammals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They forage in groups but unlike the meerkat they don’t use
a century to guard the group. They need to be extremely vigilant while they are
out in the open so that they aren’t surprised by predators such as birds of
prey or jackals. They also stand on their hind legs as they aren’t very tall so
they try to seek out the high ground in order to get a better view of their
surroundings. The higher the vantage point the better so they will go to
impressive lengths to find that perfect lookout post!<o:p></o:p></div>
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These banded brothers are completely wild but over time they
have become habituated to humans. They have been used for research for many
years and have become part and parcel of the Mweya Safari lodge experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are patient you can easily gain their trust and get
up close and personal with these inquisitive little fellows. They would even allow some people to touch
them although we don’t recommend it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All the members of the group are related to each other and
you can have up to 9 generations in the same family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3yWnibn0o7kAm2s-k9S802mit-Tx2dBiVNB7JVtnST35SlpCh37KnTIuy3xje8xDKCd_j3_21ACz7BqfFFpfR92xAgapEvEZbaA3D7dn-92ewGAFR58WwzJj7wskWJpIywbjOY_zZIdF/s1600/DSC_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3yWnibn0o7kAm2s-k9S802mit-Tx2dBiVNB7JVtnST35SlpCh37KnTIuy3xje8xDKCd_j3_21ACz7BqfFFpfR92xAgapEvEZbaA3D7dn-92ewGAFR58WwzJj7wskWJpIywbjOY_zZIdF/s1600/DSC_1555.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The banded mongoose doesn’t have a single dominant pair and interestingly
the females are able to time their date of birth to coincide to create a
nursery environment. These pups are then raised by the family as a unit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This family has been part of ongoing research since 1994
providing a fascinating insight into their species and social system. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For those interested in meeting these little fellows, you
can always contact “Premier Safaris” at <a href="mailto:reservations@premiersafaris.com">reservations@premiersafaris.com</a>
or look for programmes on their website at <a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/">www.premiersafaris.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mweya Safari lodge is part of the Marasa Africa group of
lodges in East Africa – <a href="http://www.marasa.net/">www.marasa.net</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0East Africa1.7575368113083254 32.34375-29.144299688691675 -8.964844 32.659373311308329 73.652344tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-45120022841940417652014-03-29T22:44:00.002-07:002014-03-31T00:10:53.461-07:00Our "Pink" encounter <div class="MsoNormal">
Recently we have been stumbling onto the unique and weird
wildlife that Uganda has been hiding from us up to now. All animals are obviously not created equally,
but this reminded me off some interesting facts related to these animals as
well as the abnormalities that occur in nature. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hippos are a lot cooler than we normally allow for. In fact,
hippos never sweat. Not because they’re so calm and collected, although that
might be true. Quite literally, hippos do not produce sweat. The reddish-orange
stuff that does emerge from large pores deep in their skin might look like
sweat and in some cases are referred to as blood or bloodlike due to its
appearance, but according to a study by two Japanese scientists, hippo goop is
a combination of anti-biotic and sunscreen.</div>
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The red hipposudoric acid, and the orange norhipposudoric
acid. Both are conjugated three-ring structures. The two compounds absorb light
in the UV-visible range (200-600 nm) and so are thought to protect the hippo's
dermis from the sun. Additionally, low concentrations of hipposudoric acid
inhibit the growth of bacteria. Both compounds are highly reactive, and tend to
polymerize when removed from the hippo and/or a water source. An unknown agent
in hippo mucus keeps the compounds from polymerizing for several hours, even
after the hippo sweat dries."<o:p></o:p></div>
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After analysing the stuff in the lab, the scientists found
that the pigments that give hippo goop its reddish colour are highly acidic and
help keep certain kinds of harmful bacteria from growing. That probably
explains why hippos can sustain gashes and injuries during fights with other
hippos and not suffer from infection.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The scientists also found that the goop absorbs the sun’s
ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer. So hippos enjoy a
kind of natural sunscreen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If we apply this to the philosophy
that one can learn from nature and or imitate nature surely we would be able to
learn from this to produce a natural sunscreen that humans can use to deal with
that deadly African sun. Maybe even use Hippo goop the next time you go under
the knife to help you heal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But as I mentioned not all hippos
are created equal. We spotted this
almost pink hippo at Chobe Safari lodge in Uganda and I couldn’t help but wonder
what happened here? It’s is definitely not an albino, maybe a case of “leucistic
hippo." I was aware of an odd-looking hippo encountered in the Mara that
has a condition called leucism, which occurs when the skin produces less
pigment than usual, making it appear pinkish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAqiIEw-oVI8zoOwTdg0roN2vrpIOTSo4O74dns3Xe0Rb1fId9X_gqAIknhSwP0DTUzRDU_SeqLQkn0hqKuPkCYmBGs8R2mbuiwq5DnA3Wrd2x0u0Imt5Ss4138mVGhCtONONtaaTSz0/s1600/IMG_2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAqiIEw-oVI8zoOwTdg0roN2vrpIOTSo4O74dns3Xe0Rb1fId9X_gqAIknhSwP0DTUzRDU_SeqLQkn0hqKuPkCYmBGs8R2mbuiwq5DnA3Wrd2x0u0Imt5Ss4138mVGhCtONONtaaTSz0/s1600/IMG_2885.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It still amazes me how often nature
reveals something unexpected, and truly amazing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you think? Sunburn, Sweat
or Leucistic?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks Kim Allen (GM at Chobe Safari lodge Uganda). Corne Schalkwyk (Premier Safaris)<br />
www.marasa.net<br />
www.premiersafaris.com </div>
Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0Uganda1.373333 32.290275000000065-6.7271175000000012 21.963126500000065 9.4737835000000015 42.617423500000065tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-74677748094323478562014-02-24T18:08:00.000-08:002014-04-28T00:45:05.862-07:00Bring on the Explorers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HPmSv9wd3tBRlzgv78wTD6sAf6jHbokOhacsG4foKuibGy0WcLIizCZzed4GoPjlvCk75lgd1eC5Kd46W2WIRQSMErZr8QAIcL8w3annKckOVxh6P2HedPqLTSvOLcbd2Vj40_X2Pob/s1600/Explorers+banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HPmSv9wd3tBRlzgv78wTD6sAf6jHbokOhacsG4foKuibGy0WcLIizCZzed4GoPjlvCk75lgd1eC5Kd46W2WIRQSMErZr8QAIcL8w3annKckOVxh6P2HedPqLTSvOLcbd2Vj40_X2Pob/s1600/Explorers+banner.png" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
president of the Explorers club visited Uganda for the first time recently when
he landed in Uganda on the 19th of February this year to tour
Uganda prior to a Gala dinner as part of setting up the first African
Chapter for the explorers club. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">President
of the explorers club “Alan Nichols” joined Premier Safaris specialist Gorilla
conservation and health guide Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka for a better insight
into Bwindi’s Gorilla families. CNN Inside Africa followed Their progress in
Bwindi while they tracked and inspected the nests of the Mubare Family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About the
Club</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society
dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital
to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has
served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists
worldwide. Their headquarters is located at 46 East 70th Street in New York City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Founded in
New York City in 1904, The Explorers Club promotes the scientific exploration
of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the
physical, natural and biological sciences. The Club’s members have been
responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: First to the North
Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to
the deepest point in the ocean, first to the surface of the moon—all
accomplished by Their members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Club
provides expedition resources including funding, online information, and member-to-member
consultation. And their famed annual dinners honour accomplishments in
exploration. But probably the most powerful resource available to those who
join the Club is fellowship with other members—a global network of expertise,
experience, technology, industry, and support. The Explorers Club actively
encourages public interest in exploration and the sciences through its public
lectures program, publications, travel program, and other events. The Club also
maintains Research Collections, including a library and map room, to preserve
the history of the Club and to assist those interested and engaged in
exploration and scientific research.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anthropologists to Zoologists</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Explorers Club, which has some thirty chapters in the United States and around
the world, is characterized by the great diversity of its members’ backgrounds
and interests. The seven founding members included two polar explorers, the
curator of birds and mammals at The American Museum of Natural History, an
archaeologist, a war correspondent and author, a professor of physics and an
ethnologist. Today the membership includes field scientists and explorers from
over sixty countries whose disciplines include: aeronautics, anthropology,
archaeology, astronomy, biology, ecology, entomology, mountaineering, marine
biology, oceanography, palaeontology, physics, planetology, polar exploration,
and zoology. You can find out more about what our members are doing in the
Expeditions section of the site<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Membership of the Explorers club –
Who are they? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Members are those individuals who have contributed in broad terms to the
cause of exploration and who evidence a sustained interest in some field of
scientific exploration and the furtherance of scientific knowledge of the
world. Proof of such interest and activities must be set forth in the
application for membership.<br />
<br />
Extensive travel without a scientific purpose or objective, big-game hunting,
photography or similar pursuits in remote parts of the world do not represent
sufficient qualifications to become a member of The Explorers Club. On the
other hand, active participation in field expeditions sponsored by a recognized
scientific organization, university or museum will be given serious
consideration, even if the results are part of an ongoing study.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">The history of the head office in New
York<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2yZUSwZqq-9NRop2t3uiTgI9zFrwKRmczzJdQcwPbyuwFxlI9Vn_cBwSONMOCxw8NQbRsp6pWu-SHDJbQGV9Fjo-U8TDgwnP9G8rVxVANDRjFHrWaPddVcUpWjOmzAHVNr9a7M6kw2yn/s1600/the-fireplace-was-exquisite-with-mermaids-carved-into-the-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2yZUSwZqq-9NRop2t3uiTgI9zFrwKRmczzJdQcwPbyuwFxlI9Vn_cBwSONMOCxw8NQbRsp6pWu-SHDJbQGV9Fjo-U8TDgwnP9G8rVxVANDRjFHrWaPddVcUpWjOmzAHVNr9a7M6kw2yn/s1600/the-fireplace-was-exquisite-with-mermaids-carved-into-the-side.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">In
1912, The Explorers Club took upon its rolls all the members of the Arctic Club
of America, to which it had sublet quarters and to which it was closely allied
through overlapping memberships. The Arctic Club also had been organized by
Henry Collins Walsh when he was one of a party returning to New York after the
wreck of the Miranda off the coast of Greenland. This cruise--organized as Dr.
Frederick A. Cook’s Arctic Expedition of 1894--ended abruptly when "a
single solitary iceberg among the almost countless numbers that would be passed
on the way would wilfully crash into the Miranda...." (Walsh 1896. The
Last Cruise of the Miranda. New York, Transatlantic Publishing Co.). Walsh,
Cook, and the other explorers promised each other to meet annually to celebrate
their common bond.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The growing membership rolls made it necessary
to secure larger quarters. Accordingly the Club purchased the brownstone at 47
West 76th Street, which became its headquarters in January 1922. At about this
same time, the membership decided to publish a periodical, entitled then as
today, The Explorers Journal. Volume one, number one, is a slim black and white
pamphlet dated November 1921. The journal was designed as a forum to share news
from the field, news from headquarters, new acquisitions, obituaries, book
reviews, and so on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">During the late 1920s, the generous donations of
Club president James B. Ford so increased the holdings of the Club's library
that a new headquarters was needed. Accordingly, an eight-story building was
erected at 544 Cathedral Parkway (or West 110th Street). The Club relocated in
1928, armed with a plan to offset the cost of the new building by subletting
the five stories of bedrooms included in the design. During the years that
followed, the rental income proved insufficient. Today, the building is a
Columbia University dormitory. Visitors can look up at the façade and see
allegorical portraits representing the continents. In 1932 the lease at
Cathedral Parkway was cancelled by mutual consent, and the Club leased its next
and penultimate quarters at 10 West 72nd Street, across the street from the
famed Dakota building.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In 1965 the Club purchased its current
headquarters at 46 East 70th Street—a stunning Jacobean townhouse built in 1910
for Stephen Clark—for the sum of 650,000 dollars. The building was renamed in
honor of Lowell Thomas, famed journalist and a member of the Club, whose
generosity helped make the purchase possible. This beautiful townhouse is a
fitting home for the Club and also opens its doors for private occasions
through our Catering service.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">It was here, in 1981, under the tenure of
President Charles F. Brush, that the Club again welcomed a new class of
members, greatly expanding its rolls. Who were the new Explorers Club members?
At last, in the final generation of the twentieth century, women were allowed
to join. The first female members included Sylvia Earle, <b>Dian Fossey</b>, Rita Mathews, Anna Roosevelt, and Kathryn Sullivan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #646464; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Here's a portrait of Danish explorer Peter
Freuchen, who got frostbite on his toes and smashed them all with a hammer
himself. When you smash all your toes off with a hammer, you can have a
portrait in someone's trophy room.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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From - THEY'VE GOT LIONS, SECRET RADIO CONTROL ROOMS, AND
CANDIED SCORPIONS BY ANDREW ZIMMER<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The president of the Explorers club joined Premier Safaris and Dr Gladys from The CTPH on a trip up the Bwindi mountians to see the Mountian Gorillas first hand. They were also joined by CNN's Zain Verjee who had this to say" The forest was in charge. I knew it the moment I gazed at its dense green overcoat, searching for cracks of daylight in its chaotic folds"<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">As featured on CNN Inside Africa - </span><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/25/travel/no-pain-impenetrable-forest-gorillas/index.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://edition.cnn.com/2014/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>03/25/travel/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>no-pain-impenetrable-forest-gor<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>illas/index.html</a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Dr Gladys' Intimate Gorilla Experience - </span><a href="http://www.premiersafaris.com/itineraries/dr-gladys-intimate-gorilla-experience" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.premiersafaris.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>itineraries/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>dr-gladys-intimate-gorilla-<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>experience</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">Read more:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: #003399;"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/explorers-club-new-york-2012-10?op=1#ixzz2uIKU6gws">http://www.businessinsider.com/explorers-club-new-york-2012-10?op=1#ixzz2uIKU6gws</a></span></span></div>
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Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7634671488304245280.post-74835952112474709302014-01-24T03:59:00.000-08:002014-01-24T03:59:14.748-08:00Two Ugandan entries compete for top prize at Atta’s newly launched competition. <h2>
<a href="http://wolfganghthome.wordpress.com/" sl-processed="1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #152002; font-size: 30px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wolfgang H. Thome's Blog</a></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">The London based Africa Travel and Tourism Association (Atta for those in the Industry) – membership is considered quintessential for Africa’s leading hospitality and safari businesses – has announced the launch of their first ever photographic competition, featuring eye candy highlights from across the African continent.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">Notably, and a bit of home pride is surely not misplaced here, are two pictures from Uganda included in the 11 selected by Atta, featuring a boat in the delta of the River Nile near Lake Albert (by Marasa Africa) and a second one showing one of our prized gorillas submitted by Premier Safaris of Uganda.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">Read the full story - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">http://wolfganghthome.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/two-ugandans-entries-compete-for-top-prize-in-attas-inaugural-photo-competition/ </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">To vote for your favorite use the link below - </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.604235596315169.1073741833.150557278349672&type=3 </span></span>Corne Schalkwykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04775875247763172187noreply@blogger.com0