Guest post: Okavango Delta Dreams…

By Michelle Lewis, Acacia Africa

The Okavango Delta is a breathtakingly beautiful wilderness where the safari never stops. Africa’s last remaining wetland, the ebb and flow of the seasons causes it to vary dramatically in size, the fan shaped delta ranging from 15,000 to around 22,000-sq/km on an annual basis. The labyrinth of lagoons expands as the yearly floods surge downwards from the Angola highlands, quenching the delta’s thirst for survival.
An oasis in what is a very arid country it’s almost paradoxical to find that this is the world’s largest inland delta, but it’s not the only reason to add this awe inspiring location to your list of "must sees" in Africa.

© Stephanie Millar

Elephant, buffalo, rhino, zebra, warthog, baboon, lechwe, and even the endangered wild dog reside here, but for the majority of the region’s estimated 200,000 large mammals this is not their year round hang out. They depart with the summer rains (November to March) in search of land to graze upon, and revisit the region as winter approaches once more. However, for birders the summer is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit, the numerous migrants filling the skies with a mass of colour.
For those who have opted for an overland itinerary, this is a great location in which to forgo the truck for a while and head into the real wilds of Africa, as travelling to any bush camp will be strictly native. Hop in a mokoro (a traditional dug out canoe) and you can traverse the reed filled haven with your own poler and guide, a two to three hour ride taking you into the heart of the delta itself.
A truly laid back way to safari, you may be lucky enough to spot the wildlife over the tall grasses, the elephant, and often the graceful zebra, a national representative of the Jewel of Africa coming into view.
Bush camping is primitive so it’s best to be prepared for long drop toilets, the absence of shower facilities and a couple of days of die hard endurance - but what you don’t have in creature comforts the surroundings and wildlife make up for in abundance.
You’ll normally start your safari in the early hours, your wake up call the piercing trill of the kettle over the campfire as the dawn light slowly breaking through the tall island palms. Chilly in the mornings you should pack a fleece to keep you warm, but come midday and the temperatures can soar in the high 40’s – all the more reason to get up an’ at ‘em first thing when it comes to viewing the delta’s wildlife. You’ll also need boots made for bush walking (a comfortable worn in pair is a necessity), and while there are no guarantees when it comes to the natural wonders of Africa, the absence of the usual 4X4 only adds to the excitement.

© Stephanie Millar

While it’s said to visible from space, you’ll also get a great birds eye view of the delta on a short plane ride. At this point movie making technology comes into its own, the wildlife spied from up above. And for this activity it’s wise to club together as greater numbers of people will lessen the cost per person. Either way, think carefully, as this is without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed.
You can also swim safely in the delta at various points, your adrenaline surged laps (these waters also shared by Botswana’s wildlife) followed by a late afternoon safari.  Sunsets over the delta are particularly impressive if only for the lack of light pollution, the sky above the mosaic of watery filled channels slowing turning from amber to darker shades of red. Done and dusted for the day, the cacophony of sounds once the campfire goes out is food for the soul, a whole orchestra of frogs serenading you across the floodwaters and lulling you into a peaceful slumber.

The Okavango Delta features in Acacia Africa’s 18th birthday "Free Seat" giveaway. For more information visit http://bit.ly/UcLhit

Guest post: Aren’t Lions just over sized cuddly kittens?!

As a natural born sceptic, two weeks as a volunteer at the Lion Ecology and Monitoring Volunteer Programme was not going to be the most fulfilling…. But how wrong I was!
This volunteer programme does exactly what is says on the tin and more!!! The main focus is on the resident lion pride and their ecology on a fantastic reserve in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. However, I learnt very quickly that monitoring these amazing creatures was far more rewarding them I had ever imagined. We learnt about the history, their diet preferences, the funny little habits and their very individual personalities. We got so much in-depth knowledge of about prides movements, social dynamics, habitat preferences and interactions with their entire environment. All this information plus so many outstanding photos and up close encounters.

Lions are an iconic African savannah animal which most of the visitors to this amazing country have a dream of seeing. On this volunteer project, volunteers are guaranteed to see these majestic beasts and on a regular basis. Not only that, but volunteers may get to witness some incredible encounters with other species and the ins and outs of pride life.
Now just when you though it couldn’t get much better, this project also collects data and monitors a whole array of other species via; direct observation, remote camera trapping and tracking. Species under their research include: leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, rhino and elephant. So not only do you get to see lion, there is also a chance of seeing the other 3 species out of the "big 5" on the reserve! In addition, We also got our hands dirty and assisted with some practical habitat management tasks.

The work done by the project and indeed by the volunteers has a significant positive impact on the conservation policies and practices in South Africa. The data that volunteers and staff collect goes towards valuable wildlife management reports and well respected academic institutions databases. Conservation areas will be able to make decisions that affect the balance of ecosystems and help them to restore farmland to wilderness in a sustainable way.

Volunteer roles include:

• Determine and monitor predator numbers in the including lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyaena.
• Monitor the feeding behaviour, prey selection, kill frequencies, and the ecological impact of lion and other predators in the reserve
• Monitor the social dynamics of the reserves resident lion population
• Monitor the spatial movements and territories of predators and mega herbivores in the reserve
• Habituate elephants and develop their identification kits
• Monitor the conditions of white rhino in the reserve.
• Collar and habituate resident leopards

Volunteer life at the project was also pretty good! The accommodation is in a secluded old farmhouse on the reserve. Nothing too flash but it was perfect. My favourite place was the boma, complete with dart board and a great view of a small water hole close to the house. Regular visitors to the water hole were; numerous bird and antelope species, giraffe, warthog and spotted hyena. There was even a leopard seen only a few weeks ago. If you get the angle right and don’t mind waiting, keen photographers are in for a treat! We had a braai once a week and the food was great! Not much of a pot washer so I opted to cook whenever I could!!!! We also went out on trips! To the local bar when the rugby was on, to a restaurant for a good old meal and we often went into town.
All in all the volunteer work and general vibe at the Lion Ecology and Monitoring Programme as excellent and the work was indeed very rewarding. I was pretty tired by the end of it, but I came away with some new skills, an experience I would never forget, some new friends and some incredible photographs!

Further details are available from http://www.bluelizardadventures.com/volunteer/south_africa/lion-ecology-and-monitoring-programme.html

Guest post: Marula Lodge, Zambia

If you are exploring Zambia, make sure you get to South Luangwa National Park. It is a little known gem slap bang in the middle of Africa!  Both the wildlife and landscape are stunning and rival the bigger more well-known parks in Tanzania and Kenya. 
Marula is a great little lodge at the gate of the South Luangwa National Park that caters for all travellers who are looking for a value-for-money safari.  It has lovely simple en suite rooms and great family rooms. It’s location on the border of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is exceptional. Elephants, hippo and various other local residents can be enjoyed regularly in the grounds.
The food comes highly recommended everything is reasonably priced.  Prices range from a low season accommodation $30 pppn to high season all inclusive rates of $185pppn in en suite rooms.

It is not always easy for backpackers to get around in Zambia and ‘off the beaten track’ accommodation is often expensive and exclusive.  That is why Marula Lodge has also opened a dorm.  For just $10 you can bunk down at Marula in the pleasant mixed dorm.  You can use the self-catering kitchen and hop onto a game drive as you choose.
Guests often take a siesta at the river bank or a swim in the crystal clear pool between game drives.  The quiet serene setting is perfect for recovery after a spell of hard work on a project, or as a breather for those making their way relentlessly through Africa.

Families enjoy the open spaces and relaxed atmosphere.  Marula is a family run business and the owners are happy to regale you with tales of elephants eating the guests curry, or the night 8 lions were on the lawn at 2am tossing the irrigation pipes around! The staff is as friendly and helpful as any you’ll ever meet.  Check the reviews on Tripadvisor.

All the details and more pictures can be found at www.marulalodgezambia.com.

Guest post: Lusaka’s newest backpackers hostel

Combining the best of Zambian and Irish hospitality, Kalulu Backpackers Hostel is Lusaka’s newest budget accommodation provider. Perfectly located close to transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants, we offer comfortable and affordable accommodation in secure and relaxed surroundings. Whether you’re exploring the city, lounging by the pool, swapping tales by the fire, or enjoying a cold beer to the sound of some African beats in the bar, our friendly and experienced staff will make sure you enjoy your stay with us.

With a mix of dorm beds, private rooms, and camping, we have accommodation to suit everyone. Two of the rooms are located in a separate cottage, complete with its own kitchen and bath facilities – perfect for families or for long-term volunteers.  Linen is provided in all rooms and towels are available from reception.
Delicious meals are available at the cafe, or you can cook your own in the communal kitchen.

Lusaka, Zambia’s bustling capital city, is a great base to explore this amazing country. Whether you’d like to take a safari to one of Zambia’s famous National Parks, visit the mighty Victoria Falls, or get your adrenaline pumping at one of the many adventure activities on offer in Livingstone, we can advise you on the best options and take care of your bookings.

We have all the facilities you'd expect from a great hostel:

• Free Light Breakfast
• Fully Stocked Bar
• DSTV
• Internet
• wimming Pool
• Cafe
• Communal Kitchen
• Barbeque/Braai Area
• Fireplace
• Book Swap
• Tour Bookings
• Airport Transfer Service
• Laundry Service
• Secure off-street Parking

Kalulu Backpackers Hostel online booking >>

Guest post: The White Bushman!

On my recent trip to Namibia we came across an amazing person who conducts some of the best guided walks I have ever experienced. "Boesman", or "Bushman" in Afrikaans language, is a white Namibian who organizes guided desert walks throughout the Sossusvlei area.
His business, "Sossus-On-Foot", is renowned in the region and is definitely a must-do activity if you ever wander around Sossusvlei or Deadvlei.
We had a chance to visit his own property and it turned out to be a very informative walk. It's amazing how much the guy knows and you can definitely tell he is extremely passionate about what he talks about.
Did you know, for instance, that some creatures have adapted to the desert and wouldn't be able to survive if it were to rain again? Rain, as he puts it, would simply "kill the desert", and with it most of its animals would perish.



Anyway, I thought I'd include a video clip of his talk to illustrate all this. In it you'll learn quite a bit about one specific animal that has adapted to desert life: the scorpion. Boesman unveils what you need to know about these incredible living beings, from how to handle them to "the real truth about scorpion stings".

Enjoy! ;)

Michaël Theys
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Mike runs the travel blog "African Safari Guide"; follow his tweets via @AfricaFreak