WINDOWS TO WILD AFRICA
Covid-19 may have hit the pause button on all our travel plans for now – but it doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming and planning our next African adventures…
Armchair safaris are the new “in thing” with virtual game drives and even real time remote game viewing keeping us hooked – allowing us to indulge in a little travel escapism during lockdown. Tourism is actually the lifeblood of wildlife conservation in Africa. It funds the fences that keep our wildlife safe, pays the salaries for the anti-poaching teams who risk their lives daily to save our rhinos, elephants and pangolins - and feeds millions of families through tourism employment. Every time a guest checks in, they actually invest in Africa’s sustainability and community upliftment.
But for now, here are some windows into what is waiting for us on the other side…
MALAMALA - #RangersInIsolation
While MalaMala is currently closed to guests, a small team of rangers are holding fort - and are focussing their time and efforts on honing their video and editing skills whilst delivering epic “Rangers in Isolation” videos each day via MalaMala’s YouTube channel and across their social media platforms. There are already more than 45 videos online that deliver action-packed safaris in what is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most famous game reserves with prolific wildlife and Big 5 sightings galore! Some of their videos, like this one with 22 lions shading themselves with Pieter’s vehicle, have even made the UK press! Join Pieter and the team on their social platforms or click on the link below to view on YouTube. They are also teaming up with the very popular platform 'Latest Sightings' to bring you LIVE safaris - so be sure to subscribe.
MACHABA SAFARIS - #OnSafariWithNala
Nala has lived in the bush in the Okavango Delta since she was 3 years old. Her parents Shaun and Elcke Malan manage Machaba Camp so this is her home, school and playground along with her brother Khan. Home-schooling might be a new concept to most of us, but these two are well versed in the art – in fact so much so, that they are offering “On Safari with Nala Classrooms from the bush” during lockdown. Be sure to check out her videos as she teaches us about her favourite animals –hyenas, vultures, chameleons and even a bush kitchen lesson with socks on how to make the famous Machaba fudge! If anyone can raise your spirits and put a smile on your face in these challenging times for tourism – its Nala. We think she will make an excellent safari guide in the future if she follows in dad’s footsteps! Check out her #OnSafariWithNala videos on Facebook.
Watch this space for news of Machaba’s new Kiri Camp opening later this year, also in Botswana’s Okavango Delta - as well as the new Ingwe Pan Camp and Mana River Camp opening soon at Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
ROYAL MADIKWE
TJ and the other rangers at Royal Madikwe have also been sharing some great safari snippets from Madikwe in lockdown. This lion, known as the “Southern male” - echoes, I’m sure, how a lot of us are feeling in isolation as he shares a socially distant drink with a fellow member of the Big 5!
But it’s not all been about safaris. The team has also, in partnership with Bright Futures Trust UK charity, been heavily involved in helping to feed over 800 local families in two local villages who have been left in dire straits due to the lack of tourism in the North West. Over 80 tons of donated food, handsoap and face masks will be delivered to those in need. Check out all their videos on YouTube or on their social platforms.