Man vs World filmed at Plett Game Reserve

We were lucky to be able to assist the guys from Man vs World film a segment of their show at Plett Game Reserve recently. 

Have a look at the great adventures that Rob Bell undertakes all over the world, using only man power and nature to help him travel vast distances.  He uses no motor, petrol, electric or other power.  This is the extract from his Garden Route leg of the journey: 

"4  Garden Route, South Africa

Rob Bell tackles the mountains, rivers and coastline of South Africa's legendary Garden Route. First up is Canyoning; Rob will be swimming, abseiling, sliding and jumping his way down the Salt River gorge. Then he's back on his bike, cycling the national highway to the infamous Bloukrans Bridge. The next day starts with Trail Running on the shores of the Indian Ocean, along the spectacular Otter Trail before cutting inland to finish his epic South African journey on horseback, riding with the giants of the African plains at the Plettenberg Game Reserve."

Read more here

1 million to ban the lion trade -- Big win in court!!

Hundreds of South African lions are being slaughtered to make bogus sex potions for men. But we can stop this cruel trade.

A global ban on tiger bone sales has traders hunting a new prize -- the majestic lions. Lions are farmed under appalling conditions in South Africa for "canned hunting", where rich tourists pay thousands to shoot them through fences. Now experts say lion bones from these killing farms are being exported to phony 'medicine' makers in Asia for record profits. Trade is exploding and experts fear that as prices rise, even wild lions -- with only 20,000 left in Africa -- will come under poaching attack.

If we can show President Zuma that this brutal trade is hurting South Africa's image as a tourist destination, he could ban the trade in lion bones. Avaaz is taking out strong ads in airports, tourism websites and magazines, but we urgently need 1 million petition signers to give the ads their force. Sign the petition on the right to build our numbers fast. Amazing win! A South African court just ruled that the government violated our right to free speech when they tore down ads calling for the protection of South Africa’s lions -- and we’re all over the news. Let’s use this momentum to get our petition to 1 million and save the lions.

Go to the petition by clicking here

Western black rhino declared extinct

London (CNN) -- Africa's western black rhino is now officially extinct according the latest review of animals and plants by the world's largest conservation network.

The subspecies of the black rhino -- which is classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species -- was last seen in western Africa in 2006.

The IUCN warns that other rhinos could follow saying Africa's northern white rhino is "teetering on the brink of extinction" while Asia's Javan rhino is "making its last stand" due to continued poaching and lack of conservation.

Read the rest of the article by clicking here

Celebrating Rhino Day 2013

We celebrated Rhino Day in September and we haven't gotten around to posting the photos. So here they are! We had a fabulous day and had a lot of fun. 

We even dressed up. Can you imagine what the animals thought when they saw us on the game drive?

We had so much fun in the name of spreading information and education people on Rhino poaching and how this will actually realistically effect us in the future. 

Our Sister Lodge, Plett River Lodge

Plett River Lodge offers stunning accommodation situated right on the Bitou River, just 5 km from Plettenberg Bay, one of the top holiday destinations on the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa's Western Cape.

Set within private tree-lined gardens with unobstructed river frontage and a lavender-filled courtyard, Plett River Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for discerning guests who want a relaxed holiday with all the creature comforts. Panoramic views of the local countryside and access to the many activities of nearby Plett and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve make the guesthouse a sought-after destination.

Witness an exquisite morning sunrise over the Bitou River and listen to the sound of a Fish Eagle calling in the distance. Keep your binoculars close by to identify the prolific birdlife as you sit on the vast deck which extends over the river. At sunset unwind with a glass of wine on the deck or in the comfortable lounge where guests are encouraged to make themselves at home.

Tea and coffee are available all day in the guest lounge where there is also an honesty bar.

We welcome children and have provided swings and a jungle gym for them in the garden. Our friendly, experienced staff will babysit for you should you wish to enjoy an evening out on your own.

Guests of Plett River Lodge enjoy a discount at our sister establishment, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, for guided two-hour game drives in a game viewing vehicle and horse safaris. Just 10 minutes' drive from Plett River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the Western Cape with more than 35 species of game roaming freely.

Buffalo Hills Game Reserve

Looking for somewhere different to go with a big group of friends or a great family getaway? Buffalo Hills Game Reserve in Plettenburg Bay has awesome accommodations. Housing up to up to 22 people and accommodation rates are only an unbelievable R2000 a night this is a fantastic option for an African escape into the peace and quite for a few days.

Spend a week away with a group of friends and all the kids or just a weekend with just you and your mates exploring and adventuring around the lodge and the options are seemly limitless. From game drives and walks, cultural distillery tours and you can expect close encounters with Buffalo, Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, and Sable amongst many others. Your day activities include 2 and a half hour safari game drive, distillery tour with optional meals or the half day programme, inclusive of a guided walk, breakfast, safari game drive and light lunch.

Guests at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve can enjoy superb outdoors dinners in the boma. Gather around the fireplace and chat until the stars come out.  

Golf enthusiasts can visit some of the many world class golf courses in the Garden Route. These courses include Simola, Pezula and Fancourt. The area is also a cyclists haven. Guests can enjoy a cycle through the beautiful indigenous forest at Harkerville. There are several other mountain bike trails located in different parts of the forest and guests can also participate in guided mountain bike tours. 

Plett River Lodge Stunning Venue

Plett River Lodge has one of the most breathtaking locations along the Bitou River, perfect for sundowners. As we slowly move forward towards the end of the year many companies are searching for the perfect location for team building ventures and end of year parties and conferences.

Plett River Lodge Set is within private tree-lined gardens with unobstructed river frontage and a lavender-filled courtyard, Plett River Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for discerning guests who want a relaxed holiday with all the creature comforts. Panoramic views of the local countryside and access to the many activities of nearby Plett and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve make the guesthouse a sought-after destination.

Witness an exquisite morning sunrise over the Bitou River and listen to the sound of a Fish Eagle calling in the distance. Keep your binoculars close by to identify the prolific birdlife as you sit on the vast deck which extends over the river. At sunset unwind with a glass of wine on the deck or in the comfortable lounge where guests are encouraged to make themselves at home. 

Our new coffee shop is also perfect for relaxing and taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Grab a book, sit back, take a deep breath of fresh air and let the stress from the year fade into the back of your mind as you take total relaxation to the next level.

For bookings and more information on accommodation visit our site by clicking here

Whale Watching Season In Plettenberg Bay

Hermanus has a little competition when it comes to being the whale capital of the world. Plettenberg Bay, located just a little further east along the Western Cape Garden Route, is a spectacular destination to see Southern Right Whales. They flock to the bay from about June to November every year along with Humpback Whales moving in behind them from around November to January.

It's prime time to see these majestic animals migrate South for breeding and calving. There is something so moving about witnessing these animals make their prolific journey.

The whale watching industry is very well organized in Plettenberg Bay and boat rides and tours can be easily arranged. Plettenberg Bay takes conservation and preservation of marine life into huge consideration so viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference with the animals.

What Day Visitors Can Expect From Plettenberg Game Reserve

Facilities for day visitors include a curio shop, a coffee shop and well-stocked bar where an all-day menu of light meals and snacks is served. Guests can dine alfresco next to the children's play area or on cooler days they can get cosy on the comfortable couches in front of two roaring fireplaces.

The outside Boma, which provides an authentic African dining experience, is guarded by two massive carved wooden doors and has a bar and deck built above the dam where guests can enjoy sundowners while they watch the antics of William, the resident Hippopotamus.

Log fireplaces heat the guest living spaces and there are many comfortable sitting areas with a library of books for guests to browse through and many beautiful artifacts, trophies and original photographs to admire.

''We will definitely visit again'' - Review

Here is a review from one of our guests who stayed with us recently. We love hearing from our guests, especially when they are happy and have loved their stay here with us. 

''What an amazing time we had. The staff were exceptional, the accommodation comfortable and spacious, really old-world style, but perfect for the setting. Sitting in front of the log fire, drinking a good red wine and watching the giraffes and Nyala walk by across the lawn not 20m away - a really good way to kick back and relax. The game drive was also stunning, lots of animals, not at all skittish, mostly ignored the game viewing vehicle and Kiewiet, the guide, gave good commentary and ample time to take photos. We will definitely visit again, then to try the horseback safari.'' - Len Schaller, South Africa

''This establishment took my breath away. I fell in love with its aura. The Baroness Lodge is beautiful and exudes such extreme grandeur.'' - Sian Evans, South Africa

''It was a wonderful, relaxing stay with stunning views, wonderful safaris, wild romantic rooms, breakfasts and dinners and Plett is the perfect location if you want beach, the sea (exceptional diving),lagoon and at the same time safari and a quiet romantic place to stay.'' -
Robin Schannewitzky, Germany

Baby Animal Season!

Our new baby hippo, Wet. 

As the beginning of the rainy season approached, there has been a flurry of baby animals being conceived and born at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. In the last month we have had quite a few new additions to our Reserve and we want to celebrate it with you! It is always the greatest feeling when you see these tiny creatures being brought into this life and they are always so cute!

Our breeding lions are pregnant which is spectacular news for all of us on the farm. Our pot bellied pigs have had piglets and one of our hippos has given birth to beautiful baby and we named her Wet.

For updates on these special new additions follow us on Facebook by clicking here. We also offer great specials and will keep you up to date with the activity in the reserve.

The Outeniqua Country Hop Strawberry Festival 2013

Only an hour and a half's drive way from Plettenberg Bay is the picturesque Redberry Farm in Geelhoutboom, George. This beautiful location is home to the The Outeniqua Country Hop Strawberry Festival 2013 which takes place at the end of September every year.

Set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country close to Herold's Bay, Mossel Bay and Wilderness, the Strawberry Festival is one of the most popular family events of the year attracting both locals and visitors who come along to experience a day out in the fresh air in a safe, farm environment. Proceeds go towards the on-going marketing of the route and local charities and it creates fantastic employment opportunities for the local community. 

There is always a wide variety of stallholders exhibiting excellent food, superb local wines and cheeses, fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs as well as a superb variety of arts and crafts. There is plenty of entertainment to keep both young and old busy. The beer tent is always a hit for those too old for the miniature steam train, the 'strawberry express' and ‘bubble balls’ on the dam. There is also a new Trail run through the stunning district for the athletic and pony rides, strawberry picking and strawberry eating competitions, paint ball target shooting, jumping castles and tractor rides to keep everyone entertained all weekend.

So if you’re visiting Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve this September, be sure not to miss the Strawberry Festival for guaranteed family fun in an outdoor farm environment! 

Like our Facebook page for updates and more information like this.

The Importance of Sustainability

It has been said that humans have used up two-thirds of the world's resources and we are basically living on borrowed time. We sometimes forget just how interconnected the world really is. Every choice we make creates change and causes ripples that go on endlessly. Sometimes even the smallest, seemingly insignificant decisions end up creating huge reactions in the world around us, whether we know about them or not.


The term 'sustainability' has been a hot topic in many highly respected conservation circles for years now but there still seems to be very little change on the ground, if it's happening higher up at all. But what does it actually mean?


One definition defines sustainability as ''An action that can be continued indefinitely with little, or manageable, impact on the environment''. We need to implement this in our everyday lives. The amount of water we drink, the food we throw away and even the amount of paper we use.


We have been told all of this from primary school and yet day to day we forget these things but they are so important. The links of life are slowly breaking and the eco-system is so sensitive that a break in one link will throw it all out of balance, causing a huge increase in global warming and climate change.


Unfortunately, people still believe that global warming and climate change won't affect them. Say, for instance, the icebergs melt. It seems pretty far fetched, but it's not and it's actually happening -really, really fast. It is creating huge negative ripples, and not just literally. Polar bears are dying by the hundreds. The change in the water temperature is causing fish to die as well as penguins. Slowly, because everything is interlinked, the food chain becomes non existent and all those animals will no longer exist. 

We have to care about the world around us. It is no longer the 'next generation's problem'. It is ours and it's affecting us today. Right now. The sad thing is that it is so easy to make more sustainable and responsible decisions but we are so stuck in our patterns that we don't even realise it.

Make a change in your life and whether you know it or not, it makes a huge difference in the life of something else, whether another human right now or a plant or animal in the future.

Safari Getaways. 5 Reasons why they are perfect for everyone

So the time has come to decide where you would like to go away on a holiday break of a lifetime. Whilst the many options seem endless, here are 5 reasons why a safari holiday is the best choice you can make. Whether it's a family vacation, a romantic getaway or with friends, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve has got everything you would wish for.

1. Game holidays are so fabulous because they provide an idylic getaway where you can truly get away from the hustle and bustle of the working world. Cellphone reception is rare and why would you watch television if you can read a book in the glowing African sun or sit around an open bonfire chatting with friends - old and new?
2. It is educational. There is so much to learn while you are visiting us and the best part is you won't even realise you are being taught. Game rangers are full of amazing facts that will keep you interested and having fun.
3. Game reserves provide a unique African experience of our beautiful land and its animals. There is no other place on earth where you can see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
4. Staff at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve treat guests like family. You will feel at home with us and we will make sure that all guests are comfortable and happy.
5. We allow children at our lodge so this is an excellent and safe environment for children to explore and learn about African animals, people and culture. They are able to run around freely and build confidence.
 

Click here to visit our website

What To Pack

If you are travelling from far to visit us at Plettenberg Game Reserve, here is a quick guide to what you should pack.

Clothing:

• Neutral clothing is best for when in the bush as it will not draw unwanted attention from animals and insects and wont scare of nervous animals when on game drives and horse back rides.
• Bring closed comfortable shoes. The should preferably be worn in as you don't want blisters and uncomfortable shoes on walks.
• Our resort is pretty relaxed and guests are advised to wear practical comfortable clothing.
• Bring a coat or a shawl for the evenings in summer and for the day in winter. You are not expected to dress up for dinners but it gets cool in the evening in summers and winters can be fresh.

Extras

• Bring sunblock, hats and sunglasses as the African sun is harsh and sunburn is very unpleasant ad can ruin your holiday with us.
• Bring insect repellent especially in summer.
• Binoculars are vital for game and bird watching.
• Cameras are so important so you can capture those special memories forever.

Legalising Rhino Horn Trade- South Africa

The catastrophe of the Rhino Horn Poaching disaster is only getting worse and conservationists and the government are scrambling to find a solution.

In the last 3 years there has been a massive call to try to end the totally cruel butchery of these animals for their horns. Shocking images have been blasted across social networks and front pages and countless campaigns have rocked the country and yet it seems there has been no change.  If anything the issue has become exponentially worse.

The newest attempt at saving these animals and ending the horrific torture they go through during the terrible dehorning process, is leading the entire movement in the opposite direction.

South African Cabinet member, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, along with many conservationists, argued that the final and probably the only option that we have left is to legalise the international trade of these horns.

This radical proposal has been met with many different responses. The obvious outcry by many is due to the absurdness of the idea while others are starting to see the potential success of this proposal. With the trade being legalized, the black market will, agreeably, not be eradicated (as it never will) but will potentially be radically decreased.

This will also enable the trade to be monitored and will hopefully assist in the sustainable farming of these horns. It will most defiantly decrease the huge numbers of awful attacks on these animals where their noses are hacked to pieces and the rhinos are left alive in agonising pain.

We have seen enough disturbing images to last a life time and the numbers of dead rhinos have sent shivers down even the most hardened folks' spines. Let's hope that whatever the solution to this disaster, it is implemented soon.

Plettenberg Bay Horse Safaris

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve offers its visitors the wonderful opportunity of experiencing an African safari on horseback. This is an amazing chance to take a "ride on the wild side" so to speak. The horses and game alike are used to being in proximity to one another so you can get up close to the wild animals with relative ease.

Experienced and knowledgeable game rangers ensure that the safari will remain etched in your mind forever. Taking you to locations inaccessible to even off the most hardy off road 4x4s, you will get within very close range to Africa's finest game.

As you breathe in the fresh, clean air and feel the long grass brush below, you may feel as though you are adventuring through Africa's unchartered and untouched landscape.

Our horses are well trained and friendly so even someone who is an inexperienced rider or nervous around horses will feel at ease. We will ensure that each person is paired with the correct horse to suit them. The 2 hour ride is easy and comfortable and you can enjoy a drink at our fabulous bar when it is all over.

For bookings click here or call 044 535 0000/1 or 084 792 8288

The Baroness Safari Lodge

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve lodge dates back to 1822 when pioneer and conversationalist  Baron von Pletten built the original lodge as his headquarters for exploration of the surrounding bush and wildlife. Still standing, the lodge was built from stone found in the area and now, after careful renovation in order to preserve the original look of the lodge, all 10 rooms open up onto the indigenous gardens from where guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the Tstsikamma mountains in the distance. Enjoy relaxing on the veranda and open courtyards as the likes of zebra and wild buck are free to roam and graze around the lodge. Cool down in the plunge pool as the afternoon heat rises.

End the day off dining at our outside Boma closed behind by massive carved wooden doors. The authentic Africa restaurant is dedicated to bringing guests only the highest quality uniquely African meals. The restaurant has a bar deck that that hangs over the dam which has become a favorite spot for sundowners after a day in game park.

After eating a superb meal at our restaurant head off to your room which is eclectically decorated and finished with polished cement and yellowwood floors. High ceilings compliment the luxurious crystal chandeliers and four posters beds. Float off to a peaceful dreamland as you sleep under under mosquito nets, linen sheets and chenille or faux-fur throws.

For more information and bookings contact Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve by clicking here.

Great Travel Stories

We all need a good laugh sometimes so we have decided to take a break and post some hilarious travel stories that we have heard. Here they are just for your entertainment...

  

Funny translations seen in hotels in Japan:

• Is forbitten to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.
• Please to bathe inside the tub.
• You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
• Information booklet about using a hotel air conditioner: Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.
• Guests are requested not to smoke or do other disgusting behaviors in bed.
• Depositing the room key into another person is prohibited.

True Stories from Flight Attendant announcements:

•  "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane..."
• "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation, and in the event of an emergency water landing, please take them with our compliments."
• "We do feature a smoking section on this flight; if you must smoke, please contact a member of the flight crew and they will escort you to the wing of the airplane."
• "Smoking in the lavatories is prohibited. Any person caught smoking in the lavatories will be asked to leave the plane immediately."
• Pilot - "Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land... it's a bit cold outside, and if you walk on the wings it affects the flight pattern."

Wedge Classic 2013

The Wedge Classic body boarding competition is coming up on the 3rd to the 5th of July and bodyboarders around South Africa ready and keen for some crazy waves. Their tag line says it all, OFF THE HOOK, that's just what it will be. Once again, South Africa's longest standing body boarding competition will feature some of the most talented and groundbreaking individuals in the sport showcasing their skills and undeniable love for the sport.

The Wedge Classic is the fourth and final bodyboarding event before the S.A. Championships at the end of September and will give bodyboarders a final chance to perfect their moves.

The Wedge Classic is one of South Africa's most anticipated and desired bodyboarding competitions in South Africa and Plettenberg Bay has been a favourite spot for bodyboarders for decades. It is the prime location to hold The Wedge and it has become a longstanding tradition and a favorite on the bodyboarding event calendar.



The competition is a favorite amongst fans too as South Africa's most admired and respected boarders compete. The beach is usually packed with keen spectators who are kept entertained by some of the most daring and inspiring bodyboarding South Africa has to offer. Food stalls, promotions and the Red Bull Vibe Mobile will keep the beach pumping throughout the day and VIP Nightclub will keep the party going well into the night,

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a night or two, Plettenberg Game Reserve will give you the chance to see all of the Big 5 and more. Plettenberg Game Reserve is just 12km outside of Plettenberg Bay and the short drive will bring you to the Southern Cape's biggest game farm. Boasting a variety of biomes and home to over 35 species of game and hundreds of bird species, this is a perfect place to getaway for a while. To contact Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve and to make bookings click here.

Images from Show Me

6 Must Have Items To Bring On Safari

If it is your first time on a safari you might be unsure on what to bring along with you. Here are some of the most important things you should have with you so that you can make the most of your trip.

6. One of the most valuable items you should bring on safari is a journal. Your safari experience will be etched in your mind forever but memories fade. Keeping a journal is a brilliant way to make sure that you never forget. Keep track of the animals you see, how you feel, who you meet and your general day to day experiences will be treasures when you read it back years later.

5. An animal spotting guide it very helpful when seeing so many animals. Is really helpful to be able to distinguish what animal you are looking at.

4. Binoculars are also extremely helpful when you are in the bush and game viewing. Because animal roam freely in game reserves they are not always in viewing distance. Binoculars will help you spot and watch animals that are far away.

3. Water. This is very very important. When on safari most of the time you will be driving in very remote areas where drinking water is none existent. Bring enough water to keep you hydrated, if you are with children make sure they have their own bottles too. In summer it gets especially hot and dehydration can be deadly.

2. Insect repellent is very important. Keep mosquitoes and other bugs away will be a priority as they bites can be terribly bothersome. Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is malaria free area but there are parts of South Africa that are danger zones. Apply insect repellent in the day and especially at night. Burning citronella oil candles helps too keep mosquitoes and flies at bay.

1. Don't forget your camera. You will be very disappointed if you have no photos or video footage to capture special moments and the animals you come into contact with.

Canned Hunting - Our Endangered Lions

We did a post a while ago about the tragic decline in the African lion population and I was doing a little more research the other day and come across a shocking article from The Guardian online. The article explained the horrendous practice of canned hunting.

Lions are hand reared from cubs, growing up and bonding with the very humans who let them out into a small enclosure and then hunt them with a group of paying tourists. The article included cellphone footage from one of the hunts and to see the fear in the lions eyes was so saddening. Also, honestly, it riled so much anger in me towards the hunters and more so the game rangers who are supposed to be protecting our game.

These people become rangers supposedly to protect these animals and here they are putting these lions in the most frighting and traumatic experience you can imagine. These lions have bonded probably with the very ranger shooting them and helping tourists hunt them down.

If we are living in an era where our animal populations are so sensitive, we should be doing more to protect them and ensure that there are still lions around in the next 100 years. The problem is that tourism is a huge economic sector and tourists will pay thousands for the opportunity to shoot a lion "in the wild".

I have linked the article but is has footage that could be upsetting to some readers.Click here to see the article and here for more reading. 

*Image courtesy of Guardian UK 

We are under new management and improving!

“Good, but potential to be amazing”

Reviewed 30 May 2013 

My husband and I stayed for 2 nights at the Baroness Lodge and were blown away by the service of the staff. They were accommodating, friendly, remembered our names the first time and nothing was too much. We were shown to our room, which felt like a cabin in the woods with an indoor fireplace, incredible views of the valley from the bedroom, as well as living room and bath! On arrival, we were delivered sparkling wine to our room and each evening a fire was lit for us. We felt very spoilt!
On the downside, the Lodge itself is in need of a little TLC. We were told it is under new management, and is far better than it was a few months ago, however I believe there is still a long road to travel to get it up to scratch to be a top class establishment. And it has the potential to be one. There are maintenance issues such as peeling paint and rotting wood which would be quick to fix, and just needs to be done.
Saying this, the price was certainly kind to our pockets! And I would recommend the Lodge to those looking for a budget-friendly safari experience. 

Taken from TripAdvisor

Alan Ainslie - Wildlife artist

Alan Ainslie is one of South Africa's most celebrated and respected wildlife artists. His work ranges from prints to drawings, paintings and sculptures. He was commissioned in 1984 to produce paintings for a wildlife calendar. By 1987 the well known conservationist, Clive Walker, was opening Ainslie's first solo exhibition and since then his paintings have been included in exhibitions with world renowned artists such as Harris-Ching (New Zealand), Keith Joubert (South Africa), Kim Donaldson (South Africa), and Paul Bosman (USA). He has also  been commissioned for many life-sized sculptures and donates many of them as prizes for nature conservation competitions and fund-raisers. He has done portraits for some of the world's greatest leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, Albert Luthuli and Desmond Tutu. His graphic designing skills have brought him to design numerous stamp series.

To see his work click here

Family Holiday

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in the Southern Cape. It has an abundance of game with buffalo, lion, rhino and many more. They have excellent facilities for both day visitors as well as those who are wanting overnight accommodation. The reserve is child - friendly and since it is malaria-free, everyone is protected. Safari rangers are experienced with children and everyone is welcomed onto game drives where viewing animals up close is an exciting experience that all can enjoy. With exquisite overnight accommodation that caters for even the most refined guest, you are sure to enjoy the comforts Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve has to offer.

Dwindling African Game

There is a major crisis brewing under Africa's skin and if we don't act fast we will be faced with dire consequences that will leave us in an irreversible and  heartbreaking situation. Africa's game is dwindling fast and there are many factors that are creating this problem, unfortunately they all seem very difficult to control.

Africa's climate is changing. The growth of deserts and the destruction of forests is causing a great disturbance within the animal kingdom. Habitats that are destroyed force animals to adapt or die. Many of them, for example the African Elephant are threatened as their habitat and food is being destroyed to make room for human developments. Many animals are not breeding leaving a huge gap in the next generation. They are changing their migration patterns or disturbingly just dying out. According to Anthony Nyong, a professor of environmental science at the University of Jos in Nigeria, “Climate change could undo even the little progress most African countries have achieved so far in terms of development.”

Read more on the Rhino poaching problem in South Africa

Image from African Point

Poaching in the last 20 years slipped under the radar and now that the problem has been uncovered, we see that our animals are on the verge of being destroyed. There is a colossal catastrophe in South Africa with almost a wipe out in Rhinos. With almost 2 Rhinos being poached a day and stories of entire elephant populations being poached for ivory, there is a massive need for this bloodshed to end.

Read more on The African Game Black Market

With the change in animal life and plant life Africa could face consequences that will be irreversible. Africa received a lot of its annual income through tourism. If there is nothing left to attract tourists, there will be a massive withdrawal from the continent. More worrying, the extinction of these animals will cause an imbalance in the eco-system which will be very hard to reconcile. 

The destruction of one part will lead to an avalanche of destruction throughout the African game as well as plant population, and finally leading to us. If humans continue living as though there are no serious consequences for this behaviour we are on a one way track to a very different African continent to the one we know today. 

Read more on Endangered Bird Life

For more information and to make bookings to see these animals contact us by clicking here:

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1280367/

Black Market Wildlife Trade In South Africa

Wildlife Black Market Trading
Image courtesy of Kuwait 2000

It is true that our wildlife is under attack. Every day, on average, 2 of our Rhino are killed for the illicit rhino horn trade in Asia. A few years ago elephant tusks where under siege and now it has been brought to light that our smaller animals are just as threatened as our larger ones.

The wildlife trade is very lucrative, making billions of US dollars a year. Often in the places that the animals are taken from, people living in poverty areas harvest the animals and are paid a tiny fraction of what these animals are then sold for. The kingpins of these organisations sell the animals for thousands of dollars making a huge profit for themselves.

Due to the fact that trading is illegal, animal numbers cannot be monitored and often the exact amount of animals that are taken out of their habitat cannot be measured. It has a disastrous effect on animal populations and often the extent of the damage is only noticed when numbers are dangerously low and very often it ends up in a huge need for conservation or complete extinction of the animal species.

At Plettenberg Game Reserve we are dedicated to conserving and protecting our animals first and foremost. If you would like to see our animals and visit us, click here for more information. To contact us click directly here. Visit our blog site here for more blogs on wildlife.

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For more information on the wildlife trade click here

Birds of Prey in South Africa

Dis you know there are 6 groups of Birds of Prey in Southern Africa?

1) Group 1- Secretary bird.

This bird of prey kills snakes and rodents by stamping on their heads with its long, very strong legs. They can be identified by their hooked bills, very tall appearances, bear faces and drooping appearance.

Secretary Bird
Image courtesy from North RUP

2) Group 2- Osprey

This is a medium sized Eagle. It is found all over the world.

Osprey
Image courtesy of National Geographic

3) Group 3- Accipitridae

Eagles: There are 13 species of Eagles in South Africa They are medium to large birds of prey and can be categorized by their broad wings and feathered legs.

Buzzards- We have six species of buzzards in South Africa. They are very similar to eagles but do not have feathered legs.

Goshawks and Sparrowhawks: These birds have rounded wings and long tails with yellow or red eyes. They are small to medium sized with specially adapted toes designed to help with gripping their prey.

Harriers: These birds are distinguished by their low-glide flying when they look for prey. They are medium sized birds with long narrow wings and tails.

Buzzard

Group 4: Vultures

These birds are categorized by their bald heads with very long broad wings. They are scavengers which means that they eat carcasses. We have 8 species in South Africa.  

Vultures
Image courtesy of National Geographic

Group 5: Falcons and Kestrels

These birds are small to medium sized birds with long narrow pointed wings with large heads. Kestrels hover or forage when hunting and roost in large groups called flights. Falcons are areal hunters that swoop at great speeds from enormous heights when hunting. Neither of these birds make nests but lay their eggs on cliff sides. They hunt at dawn and dusk.

Falcon

Group 6 Owls

Tytonidae Family: This group includes grass and barn owls which have distinctive heart shaped facial disks which equips them to channel sounds exceptionally well and assists them with binocular vision. 

Strigidae Family: These are all other owls.  They are distinguished by their ear tufts and large eyes. Calls like hoots, whistles and shrieks can be clearly distinguished from other birds. Mostly nocturnal, these birds are also active at dawn and dusk. These silent flyers hunt insects, small mammals, birds and fish. 

Barn Owl

Most of South Africa's birds of prey are under threat of extinction. Read here for more information on the state of South Africa's birds under threat. Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve aims to educate and promote the conservation of these birds. 

Contact Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve for a chance to see one of these birds in their natural habitat. We offer daily game drives by expert game rangers who are very knowledgeable about these birds and can assist you. Click here to contact us now for more information and enquiries by clicking here