African Bush Guide
What is a trip to Africa without visiting the African bushveld? A short distance outside of Camps Bay, only an hour or two's drive, a number of game reserves and farms can be found, a couple even boasting the magnificent Big Five.The lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino were originally named the Big Five by hunters of days gone by because these five species of animal were the most dangerous to pursue. Now days, most visitors to the South African shores are more inclined to share the territory of The Big Five for a short while and enjoy their majesty.
Most of the game parks in the area offer daybreak and sunset game drives, night drives and bush walks. Other activities that may also be available to the visitor at various lodges are bush braai's and sundowners in a riverbed.
A bush braai is a great social feast where venison or other meats are cooked on an open fire and is often accompanied by mouth watering traditional South Africa side dishes.
But, if you really want to get close to the bush and experience the excitement and awesomeness of Africa, a bush walk will get your senses zinging! There is always the possibility that you may bump into a lion whilst out walking in the bush; meet the king of the African carnivores and bow down to his splendour. Your bush walking party may be used as cover for a couple of cheetah brothers out hunting and wanting to get closer to their intended prey. You may quietly observe a warthog drinking at a waterhole and hear his grunting slurps as he gently kneels down at the water's edge. The delicacy of a steenbok can be fully appreciated and the antics of playfulness of vervet monkeys can be truly enjoyed.
A bush walk offers complete delight for the senses and those keen on learning more about the intricacies of the bush and the animals making their home in it. It is whilst you are hiking through the bush, that various animal spoor can be identified and the story behind the tracks explained, trees and their medicinal properties and traditional uses can be elaborated upon and middens can be identified and the details of their owners shared. By walking through the bush, a visitor can learn about the intimate details Africa has to offer, how each creature and plant work together in the cycle of life, sustaining themselves and each other.
Enjoy a day's outing to the bush and explore the wild side of Africa. Allow her to unveil her mysteries and share her treasures with you. She is a wild and unpredictable beauty but she is also a loving and nurturing mother. Come and partake in what she offers.
Lekker Local Tips:
* Applying an effective tick repellent to exposed arms and legs as well as spraying your clothing, is a good suggestion in order to prevent the itchy scratchies. Ticks can transmit tick bite fever, however not every tick transmits this easily treated, but uncomfortable illness.
* Wear neutral and earthy-coloured clothing when in the African bush. By blending into the colours of the veld, you do not draw attention to yourself and therefore stand a greater chance of getting closer to a variety of animals.
* Keep a pair of binoculars and your camera close at hand. You never know when that exciting photo opportunity may present itself!
