Adventure, fun and lots of wildlife on the Pongola River

Report from Expedition Leader Tom sends report to Michael Kingscote: 

All well here (Monday), we were out snorkelling on the river when you rang.

After arriving at the Pongola dam around noon we were meet by Peter and his team, a quick bite of lunch and out onto the water. Two to a boat and the first obstacle was the weir, nearly all took the plunge with Josh and Camala becoming well acquainted with the fish after a fantastic splash.

Paddling on the Pongola

On down the river negotiating various rapids and white water, until we reached our overnight camp right on the bank of the river. A large fire burned to dry everyone off and a huge spread of BBQ meat, potatoes, salad and homemade bread had everyone stuffed before bed. The boys opted to sleep out under the stars round the fire and other than us getting a little damp in the dew all enjoyed it thoroughly. A leisurely morning started with some warm up games instigated by Nicola before we hit the water in blazing sun ( the first for a while). Stunning bird life along the way included fish eagles, green pigeon, egret, bee eaters and numerous others. White water and rapids resulted in Dani and I taking a dip whilst taking photos! A mid way swim and chill on the beach let everyone build up some energy before padding the last few km to camp.

The amazing sight of main camp situated on terraced levels of sand right on the waters edge was warmly greeted and after a large lunch, beach volley ball, fishing and sun bathing were the order of the day. Ellie P celebrated her birthday in style round the camp fire, presents and cards from family and a large cake cooked by our resident chef. 16 more took the opportunity to camp under the stars and after a morning of snorkelling we hit the road for Kosi!

Tom

Tom reports on ... Elephant Interaction, Bush Camps & Walking Trails

Expedition leader Tom sends a report from Saturday:

"Well ... off road minibus driving is something everyone should try! We're on the open road!

We set off from Umkhumbi on Thursday morning and after a short drive arrived at the Elephant interaction in blazing sun, everyone had the chance to get up close to Rambo (the 'Daddy') and Mum, Rachel, feeding Rachel copious amounts of horse nuts and feeling Rambo's tongue and tusks. A short journey then had us at the northern end of Abu Madi reserve, the bush camp took everyone by surprise with flushing toilets and paraffin shower! The group erected military style 3x5 canvas tents and then we headed out on an afternoon game walk with Dillion, Gareth and Ryan our new guides. Black rhino tracks were encountered but nothing seen, wildebeest, warthog and impala were enough to wet our appetite for one day.

The evening started smoothly with a starry sky, at 0400 the heavens erupted into thunder, lightning and torrential rain, the tents stood up well and no one got wet but the night watch had to evacuate to the main veranda after the fire died and the watch tower turned into an outdoor shower. Friday stayed wet from morning onwards, however after a full day out on the reserve the groups had seen white rhino at a distance of 40m, mongoose, wildebeest, zebra, eagle owl and tracked numerous black rhino. Although very wet and muddy everyone was in high spirits and thoroughly enjoyed mountains of steak and homemade sausages round the camp fire. On Saturday a final walk produced a jackal and a few other small game but the black rhino remained elusive as ever however Dillon reckoned we were within feet at some points. After striking camp we set off towards the Pongola River* and the next leg of the adventure! " - Tom

Memorable moments include:

• The girls creating a rain dance that proved very productive! 
• Ellie P finally realised Africa is South of the UK
• Matt found the lightning a little scary and huddled up close to the other boys 
• Danny was nearly flattened by a warthog living in an aardvark hole

Photos just in of walking trails! Pongola River Phase next: Kayaking over the BIG drop, setting up camp at the riverside … and fishing for Tiger Fish!

Michael Kingscote reports:-

Spoke to Tom Saturday morning. They had just completed the walking trail, which had been conducted in wet and overcast weather, nonetheless they saw white rhino, close up; many varieties of plains game, they tracked black rhino, but did not get close enough to see him / her!

The walking trail was described by Tom, expedition leader, as being: "superb, with plenty of game, much excitement, no other people and just wilderness".
The intention, muddy tracks dependent is to drive to Pongola for lunch and then set off on their paddling along the River Pongola. They will be out of touch until Monday morning. But, everyone is well, spirits are high and they are looking forward to the ‘next phase’! -  Michael

Photo taken by expeditioner on walking trail

Guide & Ranger Tommy prepares an African BBQ called a 'Braai'

Lots of excitement on walking trails

PONGOLA RIVER PHASE:

On arriving at the Pongola River the team would have found two-man canoes waiting for them on the Riverbank along with their guides. They will have been paired up and then have taken to the water!

All ready? Let's go!

There is a surprise in store ... where they will canoe over a weir with a 3 foot drop (from the screams and excitement you would think it was the Victoria Falls!) - always great fun and a sense of achievement for everyone! Especially those who manage not to capsize!

The 'BIG' Drop! The Weir on the Pongola River

They will make camp by the riverside for the first night - before continuing down the River to the Pongola River Camp for the second night. They will have enjoyed sitting round the campfire in the evening, sharing experiences and laughter ... and listening to the unique night sounds of Africa!

Beautiful, idyllic African River: The Pongola 

Pongola River Camp

Keeping warm ... and tea!

Sunset over Pongola River viewed from camp

Rhino & baby sighted on Game Drives ... more photos just in ... and now on walking trails!

A short update from expedition leader Tom:  

Wed: A superb day today! Started with a 0430 wake up call followed by a chilly open truck drive to the park. The early start however was well worthwhile, numerous species encountered, including: elephant, warthog, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, wild dog, bee eater, vulture, impala. 

On return from the park we had supper in the main lodge followed by an early night!

We head off on walking trails tomorrow.  

- Tom

Mother and baby photographed on today's game drive

Aaron tries out Hippo teeth on boat trip in St. Lucia Estuary earlier in the week

Expeditioners photo 

Great photos just received from expedition leader Tom ...

Our intrepid Expeditioners get up close and personal with the African wildlife ... 

Wow!

"What's all the fuss?"

Our transport.

Meryl enjoys some Cheetah Interaction

Morning Bush Walk

Very rare sighting - Wild Dog. One of only 454 left in the wild!

Hippos, Crocs, Buffalo, star-gazing ... and Warthog dissection make for exciting times in Africa!

Report received from expedition leader Tom:

Monday: Another fantastic day here in Africa! An early rise this morning was followed by a great boat trip round the St Lucia estuarine system*, hippo, crocs and numerous birds including the pied kingfisher and white pelican. Lunch at a local restaurant was followed by a bit of retail therapy in St. Lucia. The girls found a few necklaces whilst the boys got stuck into the biltong shop! We ventured out on a walking trail for a couple of hours encountering buffalo (the cantankerous old men of the bush due to their grumpy nature!), antelope, water buck and hippo, the whole group behaved flawlessly impressing both Tommy (our guide) and me! The crocodile centre put some 'flesh on the bones' of the croc sightings earlier in the day. Annabel reluctantly held a year old croc ... and enjoyed it! After trying to feed at least a few of the students to the waiting jaws we still left with a full bus.

After supper we took the team out on 'Bush Quiet Time' where each person sat for half an hour - in silence - with time for reflection, star-gazing and listening to the sounds of the African night. There were mixed reactions to this ... but everyone finished the night in high spirits.
 

Tuesday:  Another great day in Africa! Warthog dissection was eventful but all participated and no fainting, a quick dip in the pool before heading to a local market and the cheetah reserve where everyone had the chance to stroke a cheetah and interact with the Caracal Cat.

Wednesday: Early start tomorrow - up at 0530 for what we hope will be a very exciting game drive! - Tom

Note: Tom has tried to send more photos ... but unfortunately the internet connections are not good and we haven't received them yet ... will post new photos if/when we receive them). 

 

St Lucia Wetlands Reserve - Indian Ocean

Hippos in the St Lucia Estuary  as viewed from the boat

Need we say more ... the biggest population of hippos in South Africa is here in the St. Lucia Estuary.

St Lucia Town
- where the hippos have been known to walk down the main street at night on their way to and from the water.

Caracal at Cheetah & Cat Interaction Centre

... the spectacular African Southern Night Sky with the Milky Way clearly visible! 

and finally ... only in Africa! A sign you may find amusing ... or not! 

Tommy, the group's main ranger/guide at the Crocodile Centre

*Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park

South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site and third largest park. Home to the country’s biggest population of hippopotamus, approximately 1,000 crocodiles and a wealth of plant and animal life. The park has 280km of near pristine coastline and comprises of 328,000 hectares of magnificent scenery. Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself from lush coastal plains to the drier woodland areas. There are over 500 different species of marine, wetland and forest birds. 

Up close and personal! Snakes, spiders and scorpions. Bush Walk and reflections round the campfire!

Expedition leader, Tom, shares with us some written thoughts and reflections from the guys as they sat round the campfire on Sunday evening:

"Since we've got here, we have many new, different views about our own lives. In the few days we have witnessed the poverty side of South Africa as well as the wealthy side. Seeing the way the people on the poverty side live can be so uplifting considering they have very little compared to what we have. Even a little wave can put a smile on their faces and then makes us mirror their happiness. This has impacted us greatly and has made us realise how much we take for granted back home and we will now respect (what we have) a lot more.

A photo taken on Sunday's Bush Walk

Recently we have visited a game reserve and witnessed wild animals in their natural habitat. The fact that we made the animal superior and respected the eco-system, has given us a more in-depth view on how important their existence is to us. A talk was given in the evening about poaching and the effects it will have on our heritage; this talk was so inspiring we want to spread the word." 

Up close ... and personal - expeditioner's photo

 Michael Kingscote reports:

Sunday was wet! In the morning Anton* gave the group a morning of instruction on snakes, scorpions and spiders (see expeditioner's snake photo above). 

Becky J, whilst shaking with anxiety, managed to hold many varieties in her hand and overcame her fears.

In the afternoon they went for a long bush walk and saw giraffe, warthog, grey duiker and zebra (see expeditioner's photo above). It was most enjoyable, despite the rain.

Today, Monday, it is off to St Lucia for a boat trip up the estuary to see hippos, crocs, perhaps an African Fish Eagle and other wildlife.

On a lighter note: Harry D, enthusiastically, challenged Tommy (the Guide) to a chilli eating competition … and lost! It was also Leader Tom’s birthday on Sunday and he was fêted accordingly!

*Anton and Emma Roberts are the owners of Umkhumbi Lodge with a passion for wildlife and conservation. Anton is a world-renowned expert on snakes and other reptiles and has been a guide and logistics expert for TV series’ such as Venom Hunter. At Umkhumbi Anton has a Gaboon adder breeding project, two king cobras, chameleons,  other reptiles, frogs, mantids (praying mantis), spiders and scorpions.

Umkhumbi has an abundance of birdlife and small game like nyala, grey duiker, red duiker and rare suni. Evening visits by bushbabies and genets are frequent in the camp.