safari – thompsonsafricadbn

The ‘Secret Season’ with African Bush Camps

September 20, 2018November 16, 2018Tagged africa, birding, botswana, green season, lake kariba, linyanti, mana pools, nature, photography, safari, secret season, wildlife, zimbabweLeave a comment

No two safari experiences are ever the same. And why would you want them to be? There is a thrill in the unexpected, the wild, raw nature of it all. So too is there no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ time to indulge in a safari.

Traditionally, the green season (between the months of December and March), or the rainy season, is considered to be a quieter time in the safari industry. The perception is that there are less wildlife sightings due to animals being more dispersed rather than concentrated around scarce water sources. At African Bush Camps, they are acutely aware that it does not mean the animals are not there! Hence their ‘rebranding’ of the ‘Green Season’ to the ‘Secret Season’.

Imagine lush, green bush contrasted against a bright blue sky? Yes, rain can be expected but its generally in the form of afternoon thunderstorms which clear to blue skies! The thunderstorms are an attraction in themselves as they move over dramatic landscapes.

And then there’s the colours…. an abundance of bird species are in their very best breeding plumage, putting on an incredible display of colour.

Photographers? Rains bring vegetation alive with vivid colours and settles the dust and clears the air which is great for photography.

Brochure featured African Bush Camp properties are:

Linyanti Bush Camp and Ebony http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/southern-africa-2019/#38/

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/southern-africa-2019/#64/

Kanga Camp & Zambezi Expeditions http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/southern-africa-2019/#68/.

A safari experience for absolutely everyone!

To learn more or to make a booking, contact a Thompsons Africa consultant @ info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

In the Spotlight… Nogatsaa Pans Lodge

August 13, 2018Tagged africa, african bush, botswana, carbon footprint, dining, nogatsaa, safari, stargazing, wildlifeLeave a comment

There is nothing quite like sitting quietly watching as the animals of Africa come down to a waterhole to drink. So what better position for a safari lodge than to overlook an active waterhole? There is always something to look at, from the resident hippo’s to the elephants and if you’re really lucky, the predators will put on a show for you.

The nights at Nogatsaa are not to be outdone by the spectacular game activities of the day, boasting the ‘chills down the spine’ night sounds of the African Bush and unforgettable stargazing with the Botswana night sky becoming a cosmic show.

Nogatsaa Pans Lodge has it all to ensure you leave Botswana with a true ‘in-the-bush’ African experience. Designed with minimal impact on the environment and great care taken to leave a small carbon footprint, Nogatsaa Pans’ service excellence, synonymous with Ghoha Hills Lodge, is extended in the hospitality offered at Nogatsaa Pans Lodge – with total commitment to comfort and wellbeing.

The fascinating safaris and experiences of Ghoha Hills and Nogatsaa Pans awakens all your senses and is irresistible to those who appreciate excellent service, great hosting, fine fare, romance and adventure.

Nogatsaa Pans staff recently underwent leadership and teamwork training, ensuring guests will experience the highest quality service excellence at every touch point.

View this first time feature in the Thompsons Africa brochure http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/southern-africa-2019/#40/

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant on info@thompsonsafrica.co.za for more information and to make a booking.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve

August 19, 2015August 19, 2015Tagged big five, kingfisher, leopard, lion sands private game reserve, rhino, sabi sand, safari, ulusaba private game reserve, wildlifeLeave a comment

The renowned Sabi Sand is one of the oldest and largest proclaimed private reserves in South Africa. It is well known for exciting leopard sightings – this fact alone being testimony to the incredible wildlife experience that this healthy, game-rich area has to offer.

Lion Sands River Lodge - Leopard — Lion Sands River Lodge – Leopard

History of the Sabi Sand Reserve

Already proclaimed in 1898, the original Sabie Reserve was a forerunner to the massive Kruger National Park. Former land owners, excised from the area when the 1926 National Parks Act was passed, created the Sabi Private Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park in 1934. Six families who formed part of these pioneering land owners still own land in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve which was formally established as an association in 1948.

Location of the Game Reserve

Located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve takes its name from the Sabi River and the Sand River which flow through the wilderness area. The Reserve spans across 65 000 hectares (650 square kilometers) of land.

Wildlife in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

In addition to the Big Five, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is home to 145+ mammal species, 500+ bird species, 30+ amphibian species, 110+ reptile species and 45+ fish species.

Fences

Due to the threat of foot and mouth disease and the ever present threat of hunting, fences were erected between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve in 1961. The eastern border fence was removed after negotiations in 1993 allowing wildlife to roam freely between the two parks.

The Big Five ‘Born’

The name ‘Big Five’ was originally a name given by hunters to the five largest and most dangerous African mammals: rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard. In the 1970’s, when the birth of the luxury safari was gaining momentum, marketers ‘rebranded’ the concept of the Big Five and today, the Big Five are the most sought after wildlife to see while on a safari…., the ULTIMATE goal of any safari experience.

On Safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Accommodation varies from the absolute thrill of a luxury tented camp to the graciousness of award-winning deluxe lodges with the most sensational décor, health spas and gourmet cuisine.