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Report: Sept 05 Course
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RETURN TO WILDLIFE
COURSE SEPTEMBER 2005 CONSERVATION COURSE REPORT
Esingeni Bush Camp, Eastern Cape, South Africa
By Travellers Volunteers, September 2005
(Karen Clark, Kate Conroy, Cristina Paternoster) and Wayne Vos, Course
Leader |
One of the best reasons to come to South
Africa is the selection of weird and wonderful people you are likely to
encounter in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Such as Basil and his 8
foot long Burmese python ‘Nikita’, or Zak and Gerrie, the game capturing
duo, and Rosemary, our caring First Aider from BLS Medical in PE. All of
whom have not only taught us a lot but also have given us a very enjoyable
experience. Basil’s in depth knowledge of African cultures and settler
history is enlightening.
Amazing opportunities are likely to present themselves at any time
including going on a Wilderness Trail (camping out overnight in a Big Five
game reserve), helping out in game capture (which led to a quick spin in
the helicopter), sheep shearing and assisting with a controlled grassland
burn (fire management on a neighboring farm).
There is also the conservation work involving plant, bird, insect and
mammal identification through our twice weekly nature walks. Alien plant
control, game fencing (trying to keep the cute Warthogs at bay) and
helping with school groups (enviro activities), which visit the camp from
time to time are all part of the itinerary. Other conservation or reserve
management work involved clearing a stream bed near camp which was invaded
by the Australian wattle tree. The opportunity to learn about the
geography, geology and ecology of Africa also presents itself throughout
the course.
Almost weekly trips to various game reserves have given us an insight into
animal behavior in its natural environment. Visiting Shamwari game
reserve, Addo Elephant National Park and Amakhala Game Reserve have each
been a unique experience. A trip to Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary
highlighted other conservation issues in a different way.
Living in this truly wilderness camp is wonderful
(although the road into it is a tad bumpy). Waking to the sound of birds
singing and nothing else is bliss. Having the opportunity to see the night
sky in all its glory without the light pollution is an opportunity seldom
presented in the UK. A visit to the 5 star lodges in Shamwari Game Reserve
was great but they are not as special or private as our wilderness camp.
Food on camp is splendid! Our wonderful cooks Violet and Nozuko will
prepare delicious meals through the week and their cake and bread is to
die for!
Wayne Vos is our dedicated guide, full of knowledge and enthusiasm for
everything related to conservation (especially animal poo and what it
contains). He, along with his wife, children & dogs, will make everyone
feel welcome in this wonderful place.
Outside course activities not to be missed are;
Hogsback, Knysna (take a boat trip to featherbed island with precious
Martin), Whale Watching,
Louis' Pub (cheap beer) and drinking with Zak and Gerrie.
All future students should be on the look out for the otter which was last
seen at the beginning of September swimming around the dam being
dive-bombed by an angry blacksmith plover (this is a bird – you will learn
all about these when you arrive).
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