Kruger National Park

15
Aug
2024
Bush Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for a Respectful Wildlife Experience in the Kruger National Park

Bush Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for a Respectful Wildlife Experience in the Kruger National Park

A safari adventure is one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences you can have, especially in a place as rich in wildlife as the Kruger National Park, conveniently located adjacent to Ngwenya Lodge. The park offers visitors a front-row seat to some of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat. However, to ensure that your wildlife encounter is respectful and safe for both you and the animals, it’s essential to follow proper safari etiquette. Here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit.

Do: Respect the Animals’ Space

One of the most important rules of safari etiquette is to respect the animals’ space. Remember, you are a guest in their home. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. This not only ensures your safety but also prevents the animals from feeling threatened or stressed. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer look without invading their space.

Don’t: Make Loud Noises or Sudden Movements

Wild animals are naturally cautious of humans, and loud noises or sudden movements can startle them. This could disrupt their natural behaviour or, worse, provoke a defensive reaction. While on a game drive or walking safari, keep your voice low and avoid any abrupt actions. Silence and patience often lead to the most rewarding wildlife sightings.

Do: Follow Your Guide’s Instructions

Your guide is an expert in navigating the bush and understanding animal behaviour. Always listen to their advice and follow their instructions. They know how to keep you safe while ensuring you have the best possible wildlife experience. If your guide tells you to remain still, stay quiet, or move to a different location, do so promptly.

Don’t: Litter or Leave Any Trace

Preserving the pristine environment of places like the Kruger and Ngwenya Lodge is crucial for the well-being of the wildlife and the enjoyment of future visitors. Never leave any litter behind, and take all your rubbish with you. Even biodegradable items can be harmful to animals. Follow the “leave no trace” principle to keep the wilderness wild.

Do: Dress Appropriately

Wearing neutral-coloured clothing helps you blend into the environment and avoid attracting unnecessary attention from animals. Bright colours can startle wildlife, while dark colours can make you hotter under the African sun. Comfortable, light clothing in shades of khaki, brown, or green is ideal for a safari.

Don’t: Feed the Animals

It may be tempting to offer food to the animals you encounter, but feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited and also dangerous. Human food can be harmful to animals, and feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behaviours. It also increases the risk of animals becoming dependent on humans, which can lead to dangerous situations.

A safari in the Kruger National Park is an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and witness the beauty of African wildlife up close. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your experience is not only unforgettable but also respectful and safe for both you and the animals. Remember, a respectful approach to wildlife viewing not only enhances your experience but also contributes to the conservation of these magnificent creatures for future generations to enjoy.

Posted by Ngwenya Marketing in Environmental Conservation, Kruger National Park, Wildlife, 0 comments
24
Jul
2024
5 Reasons to Go on a Kruger Safari During Winter

5 Reasons to Go on a Kruger Safari During Winter

The shorter days and cooler temperatures of winter are known to dampen our spirits, making it the perfect time to plan an invigorating getaway. For locals and international travellers alike, the Kruger National Park offers a world-class winter safari experience. With its diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and unique seasonal advantages, the Kruger provides a refreshing, wintery escape from daily life. Here are five compelling reasons to visit the Kruger during the coldest months of the year:

Mild Weather Conditions

One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Kruger National Park in winter is the mild and comfortable weather. Unlike the scorching heat of summer, winter temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities increasingly enjoyable. While daytime temperatures generally hover around a pleasant 20-25°C, the evenings can get chilly – making them perfect for cosying up around a campfire. The mild weather also enhances your safari experience by making it more pleasant to explore the park’s vast landscapes. You can spend longer periods outside making it ideal for game drives and bush walks.

Superb Wildlife Viewing

Winter is the dry season in the Kruger, which means vegetation is less dense and animals are easier to spot. Water sources often become scarce, drawing wildlife to the remaining waterholes and rivers in the park. This provides excellent opportunities for viewing a wide range of animals, including the renowned Big Five. The sparse foliage allows for clearer and unobstructed views, making it a prime time for wildlife photography. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, winter safaris in the Kruger promise breathtaking shots.

Fewer Bugs

One of the less glamorous aspects of a summer safari is dealing with bugs, particularly mosquitoes. In winter, the insect population decreases a lot, reducing general irritation as well as the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria. This makes winter an ideal time for families with young children and those who are particularly sensitive to insect bites. During the colder months, you can enjoy your safari without the constant buzzing and biting, allowing you to focus on the incredible wildlife and scenery of the park. This also means fewer pests during your outdoor meals and more comfortable evenings spent under the stars.

Tranquil Atmosphere

Winter is considered the off-peak season for many safari destinations, including Kruger National Park. This means fewer tourists, less crowded viewpoints, and an overall more tranquil and intimate safari experience. The quieter environment also provides a more intimate connection with nature while boosting the overall serenity of your visit. It’s the perfect time for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the wilderness. Fewer guests also mean fewer vehicles on the roads, resulting in a more relaxed pace and more opportunities to linger at sightings without feeling rushed.

Unique Experiences

Winter safaris offer unique experiences that you won’t find during any of the other seasons. Animals are generally more active during the day in winter and you can witness fascinating behaviours such as large herds of elephants congregating around water sources or predators on the hunt. Additionally, the winter months are also ideal for night drives, where you can observe nocturnal animals under the star-studded African sky. The crisp, clear winter nights provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing, and the Milky Way is often visible in glorious detail.

A winter safari in the Kruger National Park is a remarkable adventure that combines mild weather, optimal wildlife viewing, fewer insects, a tranquil atmosphere, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, the Kruger in winter offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you refreshed and inspired. So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and head to Kruger this winter for an extraordinary safari adventure. 

Posted by Ngwenya Marketing in Ngwenya Lodge, Wildlife, 0 comments
03
Apr
2024
19 South African National Parks for Your Bucket List (Part 2)

19 South African National Parks for Your Bucket List (Part 2)

South Africa is a nation blessed with a rich tapestry of natural wonders, and its 19 national parks stand as a testament to this diverse beauty. From the untamed bushveld and rugged mountains to pristine coastlines and lush forests, each park offers a unique experience. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the South African National Parks bucket list, highlighting must-see attractions and activities within each park.

If you missed part one of this two-part blog series, click here to read all about the parks found in Limpopo, the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. Don’t worry – we will keep your spot here until you return.

Western Cape

Agulhas National Park

Agulhas National Park, situated at the southern tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, boasts diverse flora and significant archaeological sites. Coastal plains harbour ecological wonders, shipwrecks, and ancient settlements, while wetlands provide habitat for endangered species like the Cape plantana and micro frog.

Bontebok National Park

Bontebok National Park, despite being South Africa’s smallest, hosts a high concentration of rare birdlife, fynbos species, and animals. Located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, it safeguards indigenous plant life and offers recreational activities along the Breede River.

Garden Route National Park

Garden Route National Park, situated along the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines, showcases stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse attractions like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Visitors can enjoy water sports, hiking, and culinary experiences amidst breath-taking natural scenery.

Karoo National Park

Karoo National Park features a variety of birds and mammals, including Black Rhino and Buffalo. With a rich fossil history and cultural significance dating back to the San and Khoi Khoi people, it offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.

Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park encompasses iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope, offering a blend of urban and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore beaches, forests, and historic sites while admiring rare plants and wildlife, including endemic bird species and penguins.

West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park, just outside Cape Town, is renowned for its rugged beauty and abundant marine life. Activities like snorkelling and whale watching complement sightings of mountain zebras and bonteboks amidst vibrant wildflowers from August to September.

Table Mountain National Park

Northern Cape

Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, straddling South Africa and Namibia, boasts diverse desert flora and fauna adapted to its harsh environment. On the Namibian side, visitors can marvel at the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon globally and Africa’s largest, a top tourist spot after Etosha National Park.

Augrabies Falls National Park

The Augrabies Falls National Park, spanning 820 km², derives its name ‘Aukoerebis’ from the Khoi people, meaning the place of the Great Noise, as the Orange River cascades down 60 meters in a stunning waterfall. This arid area boasts a gorge beneath the falls, averaging 240 metres in depth and stretching 18 kilometres, showcasing remarkable erosion into granite. The landscape showcases intriguing geological formations and distinctive flora, including the quiver tree. In addition to observing the falls, visitors can partake in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and game drives.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast wildlife reserve spanning South Africa and Botswana, formed by merging Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Gemsbok National Park. It hosts diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and over 200 bird species, making it a significant lion conservation area since 2005.

Mokala National Park

Mokala National Park, established on June 19, 2007, in the Plooysburg area southwest of Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa, spans 26 485 hectares. Named after the camel thorn tree, it aims to conserve endangered species such as Cape buffalo, black rhino, and roan antelope, alongside other wildlife like white and black rhino, nyala, giraffe, and bat-eared fox, offering visitors abundant opportunities for close-up wildlife encounters.

Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park is renowned for its breath-taking array of indigenous flora each spring, attracting visitors for this singular reason. With approximately 3 500 species, including unique bulb flora, it holds the richest diversity of succulent plants globally. The park is also home to numerous endemic amphibians, reptiles, and mammal species like klipspringer, aardvark, baboon, and leopard, while its birdlife mirrors that of arid western regions.

Tankwa Karoo National Park

The Tankwa Karoo National Park, situated just 250 kilometres from Cape Town, offers vast open space and tranquillity, making it perfect for solitude seekers. Activities include hiking, stargazing, and game viewing, with diverse vegetation and a rich variety of succulent Karoo plants. Bird watchers can spot special species like the burchell’s courser and the Namaqua sandgrouse, while mammal sightings include klipspringer, springbok, and red hartebeest. Carnivores like the yellow mongoose and suricate are commonly seen, with a chance of spotting the bat-eared fox on cooler days.

Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

CHAT WITH US

Have you visited any of the above places? Share your adventures with us on our Facebook Page or tag us on Instagram.

Click on any of the links below to learn more about your ‘Jewel of the Kruger’:

Accommodation | Experience | Contact Us

Posted by Ngwenya Marketing in Environmental Conservation, Wildlife, 0 comments
26
Feb
2024
19 South African National Parks for Your Bucket List (Part 1)

19 South African National Parks for Your Bucket List (Part 1)

South Africa is a nation blessed with a rich tapestry of natural wonders, and its 19 national parks stand as a testament to this diverse beauty. From the untamed bushveld and rugged mountains to pristine coastlines and lush forests, each park offers a unique experience. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the South African National Parks bucket list, highlighting must-see attractions and activities within each park.

Limpopo

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, a must-visit on any South African national parks list, is the ultimate safari destination, boasting the Big Five and a plethora of other species across its vast 20 000 square kilometres. Ngwenya Lodge, located on the park’s southern border, offers guests prime wildlife viewing without leaving the resort.

Mapungubwe National Park

Mapungubwe National Park offers a blend of history, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Positioned at the meeting of two rivers and three countries, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with attractions like The Lost City of Mapungubwe and diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards.

Marakele National Park

Marakele National Park, nestled in the Waterberg Mountains of Limpopo, provides sanctuary to a rich array of wildlife and plants. Visitors can enjoy game drives amidst stunning landscapes, birdwatching, and exploring iron-age sites, with highlights including the world’s largest colony of Cape vultures and sightings of the Big Five.

Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe

Free State

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, located in the Maluti Mountains, offers stunning wildlife and lush vegetation. Located in the north-eastern Free State of South Africa, it’s renowned for its golden sandstone cliffs, vibrant scenery, and diverse accommodations. The park, established in 1963 to preserve ancient Bushmen shelters, features well-preserved cave paintings and rare flora like arum lilies and red-hot pokers. It’s a sanctuary for endangered species like the bearded vulture and bald ibis, with a rich diversity of mammals and over 140 bird species, making it a must-visit destination in the Free State.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park

The Addo Elephant National Park covers an area of 686 000 hectares, comprising 164 000 hectares of land and a marine reserve spanning 120 000 hectares. It stands as the third-largest national park in South Africa and holds the distinction of being the only park globally that accommodates not just the Big 5, but also Africa’s “Big 7,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, buffaloes, leopards, whales, and great white sharks.

Camdeboo National Park

Camdeboo National Park offers game viewing, birding, hiking, and stargazing, notably at the Valley of Desolation. With around 250 bird species, it’s a go-to for birders, featuring African goshawks, rock kestrels, and verreaux’s eagles. Wildlife like buffalo and black wildebeest roam the plains, with 4×4 trails like Koedoeskloof and Driekoppe to explore, and the Nqweba Dam for water activities.

Mountain Zebra National Park

Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock, protects Cape mountain zebras and other wildlife in a variety of biomes. It offers sightings of buffalo, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, and diverse birdlife, with predators like hyenas, lions, and cheetahs introduced in recent years, offering guided tracking tours for visitors.

Addo Elephant National Park

CHAT WITH US

Have you visited any of the above places? Share your adventures with us on our Facebook Page or tag us on Instagram.

Click on any of the links below to learn more about your ‘Jewel of the Kruger’:

Accommodation | Experience | Contact Us

Posted by Ngwenya Marketing in Environmental Conservation, Wildlife, 0 comments
27
Nov
2023
Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition Winners

Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition Winners

We would like to extend a big shout-out and heaps of thanks to everyone who participated in the Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition! Your enthusiasm and undeniable talent transformed this competition into an extraordinary celebration of the awe-inspiring moments captured in the Kruger.

The inspiration behind this competition sprouted from the remarkable wildlife photos shared by our guests on social media. Witnessing the beauty of the Kruger National Park and Ngwenya Lodge through your lenses motivated us to create this opportunity for your photographic masterpieces to shine. The response to the competition was nothing short of incredible, and we are truly humbled by the wealth of creativity and passion displayed in each submission.

Without further ado, let’s give a virtual round of applause to our monthly winners!

March: Zahn Kruger

April: Vivienne Ruiter

May: Marijke Claassen

June: Zahn Kruger

July: Jackie Boshoff

August: Jordan Scorgie

September: Francois Smit

October: Daniélle Van Romburgh

November: Chris Rossouw

A sincere thank you to every participant for generously sharing your photos with us; it is your passion and enthusiasm that made this competition something special. Continue to capture and share your Ngwenya and Kruger moments, as we eagerly look forward to sharing them with the entire Ngwenya Lodge community!

Submit your photos to us via email or WeTransfer:

myholiday@ngwenya.co.za | WeTransfer

Posted by WSC_Dev in Kruger National Park, Ngwenya Lodge, 0 comments
05
Jun
2023
Ngwenya Lodge Gives a Hoot

Ngwenya Lodge Gives a Hoot

We love that we so often get to fall asleep to the sound of owls hooting, here at Ngwenya Lodge. This time, however, the hooting was a little too close to home…

Barn Owl found in a unit at Ngwenya Lodge

This beautiful little guy, a Barn Owl, somehow found his way into one of the units, where he was discovered by our housekeeping team. We’re not sure just ‘hoo’ was more surprised…

The housekeeping team enlisted the help of the maintenance team, who carefully and calmly, manoeuvred him into a corner where they could safely gather him up. They then duly removed him back to the great outdoors and left him in the fork of a large branch, in a dense, shady tree away from any populated areas.

Barn Owl in the bush

Interestingly enough, Barn Owls don’t actually hoot! They make a harsh, eerie-sounding shriek. This, combined with their somewhat spooky appearance, especially in flight, and their fondness for abandoned buildings, is what has led to the nickname ‘ghost owl’.

Barn owls are one of the most widely spread species of birds and are the most widely distributed owl in the world. Western Barn Owl breeding pairs are monogamous and mate for life. They are nocturnal predators, usually setting off to hunt just after sunset and returning to roost just before sunrise. The owl’s facial disk helps to channel sound to its ears, which are located on either side of the face, and they can zone in on sounds with extreme accuracy. Another remarkable adaptation is their silent flight, thanks to specialised feathers that muffle the sound of their wingbeats. This silent flight enables them to surprise their prey, making them highly efficient hunters.

Barn Owl hunting at night

In addition to the threat of loss of habitat which owls face, through deforestation and land conservation for agriculture, owls are at risk from pesticides and rodenticides, as these chemicals can accumulate in their prey and affect their reproductive success; or often kill the owls outright through secondary poisoning. Unfortunately, over the course of time, Western Barn Owls have been linked to unfounded beliefs in a tragic manner. They are believed to represent death and are seen as bearers of misfortune for humans, often associated with practices like witchcraft. It is widely believed that if a Western Barn Owl is spotted resting on a house’s roof, a family member will die the next day. These baseless superstitions and the subsequent bias against Western Barn Owls have resulted in their senseless and cruel killing by some humans.

The African Scops-Owl is the smallest Southern African owl, and is smaller than a dove

Fortunately, more enlightened folk hold these magnificent birds in high regard and understand and appreciate their role in the ecosystem.

Rats and mice are notorious for destroying crops and can cause ill health to humans through the zoonotic diseases they carry. As predators of rats and mice in both rural and suburban areas, Western Barn Owls have an important role to play.

Owls play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Greater Kruger Park Lodge ecosystem. As top predators, they help regulate populations of small mammals and birds, preventing unchecked growth and potential imbalances. By controlling rodent populations, owls indirectly contribute to the health of the region’s vegetation, as excessive plant consumption by rodents can disrupt the ecosystem extensively.

Pel’s Fishing Owl, another local resident considered one of the Kruger birds Big 6

We wish you many happy hoot spots on your next visit to Ngwenya Lodge, but hopefully not in the lounge!

Posted by WSC_Dev in Kruger National Park, Ngwenya Lodge, Ngwenya Sightings, Wildlife, 0 comments
28
Feb
2023
Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition

Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition

Ngwenya Lodge is full of awe-inspiring pulchritude that provides an extra frisson of grandeur to every guest that drives past our welcome wall into their home-away-from home.  And the greatest source of all this magnificence is the abundant wildlife that occurs on the boundary of our unbeaten location. Being situated on the southern boundary of one of the biggest and best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world – the Kruger National Park – has provided our guests with an unmatched game-viewing and birding experience without even having to leave the Resort gates, so guests never miss an opportunity to capture and share in these special game-viewing experiences.

We have seen all of your photos of herds of elephants with their calves in tow, crocodiles sunning themselves down along the riverbanks and the eagle dominating the sky with its majestic wingspan, and we thought we’d just have a bit of fun with all of you and host a photo competition on our Facebook page where you get to share your best and favourite wildlife photos with us for a chance of being featured as our Facebook cover photo for an entire month!

All you need to do is submit your favourite top-quality high-resolution photographic masterpieces to us at myholiday@ngwenya.co.za or via WeTransfer and we’ll choose the best ones to feature on our page for every month in 2023! Who doesn’t love bragging rights?

Competition Rules:

  1. Poor quality photos and videos will be disqualified.

Take note:

– Images submitted must be in high-resolution only.

– Images submitted must be above 1MB in size; any images below that size will not be accepted.

– Images and videos submitted which are pixellated or blurry will not be accepted.

– Images and videos submitted via Facebook or Instagram will not be considered. Please email or WeTransfer all submissions.

  1. Imagery submitted should only reflect wildlife and holidays at Ngwenya Lodge and the Kruger National Park; no photos of other holidays or at other game and wildlife facilities will be accepted.
  2. By entering this competition, the participant warrants that the submissions do not violate any copyright, nor the rights of any third person.
  3. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to give Ngwenya Lodge, as well as all affiliate companies, unrestricted access to make use of the submissions for marketing purposes, even if they are not the winning entries.
  4. Ngwenya Lodge reserves the right to cancel this competition at any time, if deemed necessary.
  5. The judges’ decision is final.

Sounds pretty simple, right? So start scrolling through your camera rolls and show us your best captures. We can’t wait to see them:

myholiday@ngwenya.co.za | WeTransfer

Posted by WSC_Dev in Kruger National Park, Ngwenya Lodge, Ngwenya Sightings, Wildlife
02
Jun
2022
Hear the Kruger Call

Hear the Kruger Call

Hear the Kruger call: the shrill cry of a fish eagle gliding over the floodplains; the rumbling sound of a lion as dusk settles in; the thundering hooves of a buffalo herd fleeing into the undergrowth from a predator. These are all nature’s melodies. These are all sounds that resonate in our souls, and that which we know to be synonymous with an authentic bushveld experience. But, there is so much more to the songs and calls of the wild than this. From communication to foraging, wildlife have evolved their own languages into a range of patterns and frequencies across the spectrum of species (many of which humans do not yet fully understand).

Ngwenya delves into the intricacies of wildlife communication:

Hyena

Hyenas are highly intellectual creatures that operate in large clans. These clans have social structure and a range of rules regarding their territory, hierarchy, the hunt and protection. Naturally, this means they require complex communication to uphold their system; one of the widest ranges in communication found in mammals, as a matter-of-fact. The most well-known of the hyena’s sounds is probably the hoot-laugh and giggling, which has dubbed the species with the name “laughing hyena”. While humans associate loud laughter with joy and relaxation, to hyena’s it actually signals distress and tension. The other most prominent call is the whoop which is a loud call that ranges in pitch. The whoop is used to communicate when out of visual range and can actually distinguish hyenas from one another. It is believed that these calls can signal the sex, age and status of the hyena to others. Scientists continue to study the vocalisations of hyenas, with growling being the most obscure. Hyenas are believed to use growling and body language in different combinations to communicate different meaning, the intricacies of which are still being uncovered.

Coucal

The coucal is one of 27 species of the genus Centropus, though you may be more familiar with the term cuckoo. Many of these medium-to-large birds are named for the sounds they make, or the birdsong they imitate. The two species most prominently found in the Kruger National Park are the Burchell’s Coucal and the Black Coucal. Coucal’s are widely known for the gurgling sound that accompanies their song, which many associate with a babbling brook. In fact, their local name in Kenya translates to “The Water Bottle Bird”. Their birdsong not only imitates water but has been closely studied and revealed to be linked to periods of downpour. Coucal’s will often sing before or after rain, when humidity is at an all-time high. Coucals, and birds in general, are able to produce their melodies due to an organ that only they possess: the syrinx. This vocal organ is found at the base of the trachea and produces sound when air is forced through it. The membranes of the syrinx walls vibrate when this happens; causing an oscillating effect that produces intricate birdsong.

Elephant

Elephants are known to have some of the most complex language systems amongst all wildlife. They are able to produce a range of idiosyncratic sounds, ranging from vibrations and rumbling to barks and snorts. Elephants mostly communicate using a low rumble which is produced at such a low frequency that it is seldom heard by human ears. The low rumble can be heard or felt as vibrations, by other elephants, up-to 10km away! This form of communication travels as vibrations with sound pressures reaching 117 decibels. The receptors of an elephants’ feet, known as Pacinian corpuscles, are highly sensitive and share a direct link to the somatosensory cortex of the brain, which is responsible for processing touch. The PC receptors are localised around the edges of the foot; elephants have been documented pressing their feet more firmly onto the ground to enlarge the surface area of contact so that they can hear better!

While this explains how elephants can hear one another, how exactly do they vocalise? Until recent studies conducted by the University of Vienna, scientists weren’t sure if elephant’s communicated through electrical impulses, known as AMC or active muscular contraction, or by the MEAD or myoelastic-aerodynamic method. Domestic cats use AMC to purr, while humans communicate via the MEAD method. While it is difficult to test for AMC, as it requires muscle contractions produced by brain signals, Christian Herbst at UV was able to test MEAD. His team obtained a deceased elephant’s larynx, which they connected to an airflow system. In this way, they could move air over the vocal cords of the larynx, which in turn mimicked the low rumblings and thus put the debate to rest on how elephants vocalise.

This is just three species’ ways of communicating and vocalising, but every wild animal has its own language to communicate with one another, ward off danger or to simply add a sweet song to the chorus of the bush. Wildlife also make use of a number of tools to effectively communicate that surpass sound, and these intricacies will continue to interest scholars and enthusiasts alike. All we have to do is pause and listen to the sounds of the Kruger.

Posted by WSC_Dev in Kruger National Park, Ngwenya Lodge, Ngwenya Sightings, Wildlife
27
Jul
2021
Ngwenya – A Poem

Ngwenya – A Poem

Families and friends, young and old equally relish the moment they arrive at their home-away-from-home and can step into this space of splendour. Ngwenya is one of a kind and for this reason holidaymakers lose their hearts here. Joyce Joubert, an Ngwenya Lodge shareholder recently shared ‘Ngwenya – A Poem’ with our Team. Joyce and her family have been making holiday memories at Ngwenya for 18 years and the family first purchased a slice of this paradise back in 2015.

Op Ngwenya Lodge will ek graag bly (At Ngwenya Lodge I would like to stay)
Want dis hier waar ek vrede kry (Because it brings me peace)
Om die Here te dien (To serve the Lord)
En die natuur te sien (And to experience nature)
Bring ‘n rustigheid in my (Offers tranquillity to my soul)

Saam met die vloei van die rivier (With the flow of the river)
Kom kalmte in my (Calm is washed over me)
En ek weet dis hier (And I realise it is here)
Waar ek net wil sit en tuur (Where I wish to sit and stare)

Voëlgesang van vroeg tot laat (Birdsong from dawn til dusk)
Dikkoppies wat in die skemer praat (Thick-Knees which call at twilight)
Vuurvliegies wat in die donker uitkom (Fireflies which light up the night)
Voltooi die totaal van hierdie som (Complete the sum)

Wat ‘n voorreg om te kan geniet (What a blessing to be able to enjoy)
Alles wat die natuur ons bied (All the offerings of nature)
Soos leeus wat brul, jakkalse wat huil (Such as lions that roar, jackals that whine)
Diep in die nag waar gevare skuil (Late at night when danger lurks)

Sonsondergange raak aan die hart (Sunset pulls the heartstrings)
Verdryf alle pyn en smart (Dissolves all pain and sorrow)

Dis waar ek wil bly (This is where I wish to stay)
En soek jy na my (And, should you be searching for me)
Is ek by Ngwenya (I will be at Ngwenya)
Dis waar jy my sal kry (That is where you will find me)

Thank you Joyce Joubert for this beautiful poem! We’re elated to have you as part of the greater Ngwenya Family and we look forward to making many more everlasting holiday memories together.

Posted by Ngwenya Marketing, 2 comments
13
May
2021
Explore the Kruger National Park

Explore the Kruger National Park

Ngwenya Lodge is perfectly situated along the south-eastern border of the Kruger National Park. Not only does the Resort’s location offer incredible views over the Crocodile River floodplains, where numerous wildlife venture for respite from the African sun, but it is also a stone’s throw away from the Crocodile Bridge Entrance to the Park; offering guests a gateway to explore the Kruger National Park and all the wonderful gems it protects.

Planning a day trip into (or extended journey through) the Kruger often finds families packing some ‘padkos’, deciding on one section of the Park and then aimlessly coasting along the tarmac and occasional dirt road in search for a particular species. This traditional approach certainly is much-loved and nostalgia washes over us when thinking back to how our parents, and grandparents before them, adopted this same technique. Over the years, however, a number of exciting activities, worth-while pit stops and intriguing locations have popped up across the vast collection of nature reserves, inspiring us to forego the traditional in favour of diving deep into the Kruger National Park. Whether you plan on spending a glorious week at Ngwenya Lodge, or pause only for a few days at the Resort before continuing on your road trip through the Kruger, a number of adventures await beyond the Crocodile Bridge gates! Here are a few of our favourite must-try experiences:

Crocodile River Guided Walk

Experience a new perspective of this well-known region of the Kruger. No other wilderness trails exist in this section of the Park, so this guided walk is the only opportunity to experience the Crocodile River up-close-and-personal. Guests are required to meet the guide at the Crocodile Bridge Gate at 05:00 am and are then escorted in through the gates. The guide is a wealth of knowledge on the African bush and teaches hikers an array of interesting flora and fauna facts at a relaxed pace. The excursion lasts a few hours. Interested parties should phone Crocodile Bridge Reception on +27 (0)13 735 6012 to book.

Lebombo 4×4 Trail

Starting at the Crocodile Bridge Gate and wending through rugged terrain towards Parufi Gate on the northern boundary of the Park, this 525 kilometre, 5-day track offers an exciting challenge to avid 4×4 enthusiasts and incredible views of the varying landscape to passengers. The excursion launches on a Sunday morning, travelling through Lower Sabie, Olifants and arriving at Ndzepfuri for a final night of camping, before making the final journey on Thursday to Parufi Gate. As a guided experience, Lodge guests will need to contact SANParks directly on +27 (0)12 426-5111 to book this unique adventure.

Afsaal Picnic Site

Positioned along the Mthlowa River, under the shade of tall trees, is the popular picnic site Afsaal. A collection of neat tables in the cool shade and neat bathroom facilities make this spot a favourite to break up a self-drive through the Kruger and enjoy a hearty breakfast or light lunch. Visitors can pack their own picnic basket of goodies, rent a gas braai or order a bite to eat from the kiosk onsite (we hear the pancakes are delicious!). The area surrounding Afsaal is home to a resident wild dog pack, while a number of bird species have been spotted when relaxing for a meal.

Ntandanyathi Bird & Game Hide

A lovely game-viewing hide along the edge of a large water source, the Ntandanyathi Hide offers a peaceful spot from which to enjoy ample birding and spot a number of game in close range. The name ‘Ntandanyathi’ loosely translates to ‘where the buffalo drink’. Most days, a calm hippo pod can be viewed in the cool waters, while a number of antelope species and the occasional Big 5 member have been spotted at the water’s edge. This bird and game hide is located near the Lower Sabie Rest Camp and is wheelchair-friendly.

Kruger Tablets

Known to be a favourite lounging site of the lion, the Kruger Tablets certainly are a location you should stop by while enjoying your self-guided game drive through the Park. The site was originally dedicated to Paul Kruger, who founded Sabie Nature Reserve (later renamed the Kruger National Park), and the engraved plaques can still be seen on one of the large boulders. Enjoy a leisurely drive around this unique outcrop – chances are you’ll spot the big cat lazing about in the heat of the day and end up with loads of wonderful photos!

Masorini Archaeological Site

Located approximately 10km from the Phalaborwa Gate entrance to the Kruger, the Masorini Archaeological Site offers a peek into the history of the Sotho tribe which lived here. The tribe’s livelihood relied on melting and forging iron and the open air settlement that can be viewed today showcases some of the tools, which date back to the Stone Age, as well as the ruins of foundries. SANParks has since reconstructed the homestead and guests can enjoy a guided excursion of the settlement by booking through SANParks on +27 (0)12 426-5111.

These experiences are only a handful of the options available to Kruger National Park visitors; each one offering a unique biome to explore, history to discover and wildlife sightings to be enjoyed. Venture into a new direction on your next visit to explore the Kruger National Park and all it has to offer; a new adventure each time you stay at your beloved home-away-from-home: Ngwenya Lodge.

Which are some of your favourite pit stops when exploring the Kruger National Park? Leave your suggestions for other travellers in the comments section.

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