N OTTE - The Story - Notten's Bush Camp
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The Story
NOTTE
AUT
N’
BUS HENTI
S
H C C
AMP
9
1
64
Oxpeckers: With scissor-like movements, the
THE FACTS Yellow-billed Oxpecker combs their host’s hair in
search of ticks. 80% of their diet is made up
of tick blood.
TOTAL AREA OF SABI SANDS
65,000
Hectares
TWO PERENNIAL RIVERS - SABI & SANDS.
38 FULLY HOSTED LODGES.
EXCEPTIONAL GAME VIEWING - BIG 5, BIRD
VIEWING, REPTILE SIGHTINGS.
MANY OF THESE ANIMALS WOULD HAVE
NEVER ENCOUNTERED A FENCE, AS THEY
EXIST FREE RANGING IN THIS VAST CORNER
OF AFRICA.
Overview
FORMS PART OF THE GREATER KRUGER Spotted Hyena. Hyenas are famous for their scavenging abilities, but
NATIONAL PARK WHICH IS 3.5mha. the Spotted Hyena is in fact a strong hunter too. Also known as the
“laughing hyena”, Spotted Hyenas hold a bite so powerful that it can
AREAS OF THE KRUGER PARK WERE FIRST crush giraffe bones!
PROCLAIMED PROTECTED BY THE CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF NOTTEN’S
GOVERMENT IN 1898.
Notten’s Bush Camp is one of the last family run lodge’s in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As
one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s Bush Camp offers a truly authentic
African safari experience. It is a destination that will truly touch your heart and soul.
A magical atmosphere is created with the absence of electric lighting; the ambient
Bush Camp candlelight and lanterns capturing a warm and enchanting spirit of romance. Splendid
panoramic views, Notten’s is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching
Just some information about Notten’s wildlife meander past.
Safaris are led by experienced and professional rangers in open-top Landcruisers, offering
FORMS PART OF THE SABI SAND RESERVE. an adventurous discovery of the region’s prolific wildlife, including Big 5 game viewing.
Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving guests the opportunity of discovering the
9 EN-SUITE DOUBLE ROOMS. hidden treasures of the region. This can be followed by lazy hours spent in the pool or
having a massage at the Nature Spa. Under the cloak of nightfall one can enjoy the sounds
THE LAND WAS ACQUIRED BY THE NOTTEN’S
of the African night, while dining in the candlelit boma beneath a canopy of stars.
IN 1963 AND FIRST EXPLORED IN 1879.
Notten’s also plays a large role in conservation of the area and providing employment
THE LODGE NOTTEN’S BUSH CAMP WAS which adds to the development of the local community.
STARTED IN 1986.
Honey Badgers: Badgers can be useful
IT IS NOW IN ITS FOURTH GENERATION WITH in reducing the population of rats,
THE NOTTEN FAMILY. scorpions, and dangerous snakes. There
is a mutual symbiosis between the Honey
THE CLIMATE IN THE AREA IS SUBTROPICAL
Badger and the Honey Guide bird. The
WITH SUMMER DAYS HUMID AND HOT.
honey guide bird can locate honey in
WHERE IN WINTER IS COOLER AND DRY. THIS
a bees’ nest but is unable to get to the
IS A MALARIA AREA.
honey for itself, so it guides the badger
GAME VEHICLES CONSIST OF OPEN TOP to the nest. The badger cannot find the
LANDCRUISERS AND ARE USED TWICE A nest easily by itself but, once shown the
DAY FOR GAME DRIVES. nest by the bird, the badger can open
African Wattled Lapwing the nest with relative ease, using its
LIMITED LIGHTING. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE huge claws. The badger eats the honey Greater Honey Guide
CHARGING POINTS AND AIR CONDITIONING it wants and the bird feeds on the
IN THE ROOMS. remains.
NOTTEN’S THE FACTS OVERVIEW
THERE IS NOTHING AS INVIGORATING AS WATCHING AFRICA’S WILDLIFE IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT. THE
PLACE WHERE NATURE DICTATES THE RULES AND HUMANS ARE MERE OBSERVERS. The bush walk is conducted following your hearty breakfast and is not essentially a game viewing
just a little side note:
DRIVING OR BEING GUIDED ON FOOT BY OUR EXPERIENCED RANGERS WILL BRING YOU AS CLOSE AS YOU experience but rather a guided walk amongst the tranquil setting of bushes and trees, taking a route
WILL EVER GET TO TRUE NATURE, THE AFRICAN WAY. along sand roads and game trails. Walkers have the pleasure of learning about the finer details that
make up their surroundings, while participating in analyzing wildlife tracks, identifying birds and
SPECIALIZED WALKS
bird sounds. You will also identify trees, bushes, plants and seed pods and any traditional bush IF YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR INTEREST SUCH
craft and medicinal uses that apply. While you enjoy the walk at a leisurely pace, you will always AS BIRDING, PLEASE NOTIFY US SO WE CAN
have playing out in the back of your mind, the thrill of knowing you are walking in Big 5 wilderness. ASSIST YOU.
Wild Dagga or Lions Ear. The leaves, roots and
BIRDING
bark are used as an emetic for snakebites, bee BRISK WALK (EXERCISE ACTIVITY)
and scorpion stings.The fresh stem juice is used
as an infusion drunk for ‘blood impurity’ in
Duration of bush walks are approximately 1-2
some places of South Africa. riety
i n a va r
hours.
ed ed o
b e cook , r oast e
Walking safaris are offered with an armed
d h
can eame on t game ranger, knowledgeable in all aspects of
e r m ites i e d , st y o u ’re conservation, ecology and the environment of
T fr f .
ays: e, i raw
of w f c ours t t hem the bush.
d. O a
st e Remember to take bottled water, hat and
boile a n ju
Bits & Bobs
c sunscreen.
you
Can you see the spider go, Optional to take binoculars & camera.
Game drive is approx. 3 hours, there will be catching the butterfly?
a break in the game drives, to stretch legs BUSH WALK ETIQUETTE
and have morning coffee, tea or afternoon
sundowner.
Remember your hat, sunscreen, binoculars and
A DAY AT NOTTEN’S PLEASE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING
REGULATIONS, AS ANY INFRINGEMENT MAY
RESULT IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS
camera. Your early morning wake up call is to be cherished as there is no better time of day than a beautiful SITUATION OR TO CHASE THE ANIMAL AWAY.
In the event of rain, the vehicle is kitted with Guineafowl Butterfly STAY BEHIND YOUR GUIDE WHILE WALKING,
ponchos.
fresh start with the rising sun, while you are surrounded by bird songs and calls of the wild. Your
(Hamanumida daedalus). AT ALL TIMES AND LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTION
Bird books, binoculars and mosquito repellant game drive safari sets off in an open-top Landcruiser guided by an experienced and knowledgeable VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE
are all available in the vehicle. SAFETY OF YOUR GROUP.
game ranger and his tracker
Medical kit is also available in the vehicle. NO RUNNING - (if you have to, make sure you
GAME DRIVE ETIQUETTE are faster)
The afternoon game drive is at days end and coincides with grazers, after lying low in the heat of the
WE HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR THE NO SHOUTING
ENVIRONMENT WE ARE EXPLORING AND OUR day, they come out from the thickets to feed. In the midst of the African bush, sundowner drinks will REFRAIN FROM WEARING WHITE
MANDATE IS TO PROTECT IT AS WELL ENSURE be served with the setting sun and in conclusion, a night drive is conducted with a spotlight and while WHITE IS THE COLOUR THAT IS MORE
YOUR SAFETY SO PLEASE ADHERE TO THE NOTICEABLE IN THE BUSH. RATHER WEAR
FOLLOWING REGULATIONS:
predators emerge to begin their patrols, we also search for the elusive creatures of the dark.
NEUTRAL COLOURS.
DO NOT STAND UP IN GAME VEHICLE NO SMOKING
THIS BREAKS THE FORM OF THE VEHICLE, SUMMER DAILY SCHEDULE – OCTOBER TO APRIL WINTER DAILY SCHEDULE – MAY TO SEPTEMBER THERE WILL BE A BREAK TO REST.
CREATING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS 5.30 am – 6.00 am wake up call NO LITTERING
5.00 am – 5.30 am wake up call
SITUATION OR CHASING THE ANIMAL AWAY. CHECK FOR TICKS
NO SMOKING ON THE LANDCRUISER Tea and coffee served in the Summerhouse Tea and coffee served in the Summerhouse
PEPPER TICKS ARE EXTREMELY SMALL
THERE WILL BE A BREAK DURING THE DRIVE. 5.45 am game drive departs 6.30 am game drive departs SPRAYING WITH REPELLANT DOES HELP.
NO CELLPHONES BUSH TOILET
9.00 am return from game drive 9.30 am return from game drive
THIS IS COURTESY TO OTHER GUESTS. THERE IS NO ACCESS TO A FLUSH TOILET
NO SHOUTING 9.30 am breakfast in the Summerhouse 10.00 am breakfast in the Summerhouse WHILE ON BUSH WALK. HOWEVER, IT IS QUITE
undla with
Guide Tom Mavuh
NO SHIRTS OFF Bush walk offered after breakfast ACCEPTED TO REQUEST THE USE OF A BUSH
Bush walk offered after breakfast
NO LITTERING walk TOILET AT ANY TIME.
Optional extras available throughout the day Optional extras available throughout the day nts guests on a bush
BUSH TOILET
eron footpri
THERE IS NO ACCESS TO A FLUSH TOILET Grey H Pepper Tick. All ticks transmit human and animal
15.15 pm high tea in the Summerhouse. 14.45 pm high tea in the Summerhouse.
WHILE ON GAME DRIVE. HOWEVER, IT IS QUITE diseases - namely “tick-bite” fever. Be sure to
16.15 pm afternoon game drive departs. 15.30 pm afternoon game drive departs.
ACCEPTED TO REQUEST THE USE OF A BUSH examine your body and remove any ticks found
TOILET AT ANY TIME. 20.00 pm dinner served 19.30 pm dinner served
on your skin.
A DAY AT NOTTEN’S A DAY AT NOTTEN’S
KRUGER HISTORY.
Not until 1725, did the first Europeans
We offer you a great opportunity to explore the world renowned Kruger National The lowveld (location of Kruger Park) and the interior had
DAY TOURS Park, the most bio diverse nature reserve on the African continent. Although we
far more exotic goods that attracted the attention of Arab
encounter the hostile Lowveld. Francois
de Cuiper, a Dutchman, crossed the
traders in search of riches and new products. Africa had
are located within the worlds best private wilderness area, which is part of the ‘white gold’ in the form of elephant ivory. It had ‘yellow gold’,
Lebombo Mountains.
Greater Kruger Park, a day outing to explore our vast neighbouring wilderness the precious metal that kings and sultans desired and in the
area, is well worth it. late Iron Age, it had ‘Black Gold’ - slaves.
The tour which is conducted by a Notten’s Ranger departs from camp and
heads south for Skukuza, the original outpost and headquarters to the Kruger
Park. Here, we will have a leisurely stop with time given to explore the Camp, 1725
Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, River Viewing Area and a visit to the Stevenson-Hamilton
Museum. Major Stevenson Hamilton was the pioneering ranger appointed in
1902 to set up and run the Kruger Park and the museum gives great insight into International trade in
the extraordinary character, story and history of the Park. South Africa began about
We head further east along the banks of the beautiful Sabi River, the life line of 1000 years before gold
was discovered on the No sooner had he entered the
our area. Along this route don’t be surprised if we spot a pod of hippo or the Nile
Witwatersrand. Copper present day Kruger National
crocodile sunning himself along the sandy banks. At the midway point, we will take from Phalaborwa and Park, than he was attacked
a break for a delicious light lunch at the tranquil Nkuhlu picnic area positioned on Balule, salt from Eiland, at Gomondwane by the local
the edge of the Sabi River. For the return route, we will head north east winding our and crops like sorghum tribesmen and beat a hasty retreat
and beans, had long been to the coast.
way along the equally scenic Sand River.
traded locally.
The Kruger tour is approximately 130km and duration 3-4 hours, depending on the
game viewing. Highly recommended.
1813 In 1898, President Paul
For another century the area remained a mystery Kruger proclaimed
The first European to return was Joao
Minimum: 2 people to adventurous Europeans, who had already the area between the
Albasini, a Portuguese trader who
circumnavigated the World but had not yet Crocodile and Sabi
Notten’s also offer a full day Kruger excursion incorporating a more diverse area to ventured from Delagoa Bay in 1830, and
conquered or colonised Africa, its wildlife or its Rivers as the Sabi Game
began establishing trade links inland.
explore and includes a viewing area of the spectacular grassland savannah. people. In time the Lowveld became known as the Reserve.
‘White Man’s Grave’.
Golf trips can be arranged to the Skukuza 9 Hole Golf Course, which is 45 minutes
away from Notten’s. This gives golfers a unique opportunity of playing a round of
golf within an unfenced area of the Kruger National Park. 1903
Minimum: 2 people 1898
By the end of the century, hunting
mania had wiped out the Lowveld’s
Cultural tours can be arranged into the local Shangaan community, to get an huge herds of game. 1926
insight into their rural way of life and culture.
1927 Farmers voiced stiff opposition
Approximately 2-3 hours.
1903, between 2000 - 3000 people were accusing the Reserve of being
Minimum: 2 people
moved out of the Sabi Reserve. Similar “a breeding ground for lions”.
removals were conducted throughout Both domestic stock and people
PLEASE ASK ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF FOR MORE DETAILS. Kruger’s history. Major James were attacked. Harry Wolhunter
Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed the possibly South Africa’s most
On 31 May 1926 the National first warden and told to manage a piece famous ranger, he was attacked
Baby elephants take Parks Act was proclaimed of land the size of the Netherlands. by a lion in 1903. As the big male
to sucking their In 1927 3 cars entered the Park. Two years later there were 850 cars and with it, the merging of the The short statured, short tempered dragged him off, he felt for its
visiting for a fee of one pound. Over the next 50 years some 150 000 Sabi and Shingwedzi Game Scotsman achieved this and earned heart and stabbed it fatally with
trunk for comfort
people visited the Kruger National Park annually. Today there are Reserves into the Kruger himself the name ‘Skukuza’, meaning his sheath knife.
in the same way that 700 000 wildlife enthusiasts who visit the Park every year, enjoying the National Park. “he who turns things upside down”.
humans suck their fruits of a long, fascinating and hard won battle to create one of the
finest Game Parks in the World.
thumbs.
KRUGER DAY TOURS KRUGER HISTORY
NOTTEN’S HISTORY.
It wasn’t until 1986 that Bambi and Gilly
Notten, following their dream, opened their
THE BEGINNING OF THE SABI SAND RESERVE.
family home to what is known today as
Notten’s Bush Camp.
The pangolin’s closest relatives are carnivores, but
It all began in 1963 when John 1986 they are the only mammals that are covered in
Notten acquired a portion of the Sabi scales. Pangolin scales are made of keratin, just
Sand Game Reserve.
like our finger nails, and make up 20 per cent of
Bambi and Gilly started Notten’s in 1986. It families are now third and fourth generation
their body weight.
was always a dream of theirs to live in the
1963 owners of the land – a credit to the foresight
bush and run a game lodge. It has been an
of their forefathers who loved and respected
amazing adventure together. Bambi passed
away in 2015. Africa’s flora and fauna.
The Sabi Sand Reserve was proclaimed in
1898 and incorporated with what are today
The Sabi Sand Reserve is part of the both the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National
largest conservation areas in South Park. However, in 1926 the National Parks Act The highest concentration of leopard is
Africa and it is the oldest of all the private of South Africa was passed and many private found in this area.
reserves. It was formed in 1948 and landowners were excised from the Sabi Sand
comprised of many privately owned game Reserve. They in turn formed the Sabi Private Africa. Its focus and foresight is on
lodges, covering an area of Game Reserve in 1934, a forerunner to the Sabi Conservation, with the main objective
65000 hectares of savannah thornveld. Sand. of the Sabi Sand game management
It is now part of the Greater Kruger policy to monitor the habitat and
National Park which is 3.5M hectares In 1961 and as a result of the threat of foot and wildlife densities. Sabi Sand focuses on
The legacy of this private safari lodge and there are no fences between them, mouth disease and the continued hunting on conservation and the environment only.
in South Africa is now in its fourth To this end it was conceived and remains
so the game moves freely through this adjacent private land, fences were erected
generation in the Notten family.
enormous natural reserve. This is one between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National as an association whose aims are the
It was from this dream that the story of Notten’s Bush Camp began and
made it possible for the family to contribute to the preservation of a of South Africa’s most treasured natural Park. The Sabi Sand also fenced their perimeter promotion and conservation of wildlife,
magnificent piece of South Africa, which has been shared with special
sanctuaries. Notten’s forms part of the to the west to prevent the movement of game fauna and flora and to the preservation of
people from all over the world. It is a place that has witnessed incredible the area as a sanctuary for every type of
southern section of the Sabi Sand Game from the area. In 1993, however, after much
events and amazing characters, both animal and human, which have
Reserve. Its neighbours are Mala Mala discussion between the Kruger National Park indigenous wildlife. The protection of the
carved the enduring story to be enjoyed today.
on its eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on and Sabi Sand, the fences between the two rights and interests of the reserve with
its western boundary. Notten’s shares reserves once again came down and animals respect to the Sand River (the lifeblood of
During the same time frame Spektor Matabula was
The male Rhino Beetles have the Sabi Sand) are also promoted and the
employed by the family in 1963 and he would be proud traversing with Sabi Sabi and has over soon migrated between the park and the private
to know that his son and his son’s children are now a
signature horns on the top of hunting of wildlife is forbidden.
15000 acres of pristine land for game reserves to the west. The Sabi Sand Reserve
part of Notten’s Bush Camp. their head, very similar to a
viewing. now forms part of the greater Kruger National
rhinoceros, which can be two- Bats: While others can glide, bats are the only mammals
The history of today’s Sabi Sand Reserve Park wildlife enclave and its immense wildlife
thirds their total body size. capable of continued flight.10 of the species are on the
as a formal association dates back to gene pool. This area is also in the process
endangered list.
1948 when the landowners formed the of being further enlarged within the Peace
private nature reserve. Credit for the Park concept with an expected integration
association, however, should go to the and amalgamation with protected areas in
original pioneers of the reserve in the late Mozambique, and eventually Zimbabwe.
1920′s and early 1930′s. The Sabi Sand Reserve became the birthplace
Of these pioneers, no less than six of their of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern
SABI SAND HISTORY
FLORA & FAUNA Olive Toads hunt insects and are often seen on
the road at night. Each year they make long
There are more than 50 species of Hibiscus in South
journeys overland to breed in temporary water
Africa alone occurring in a range of habitats. The
bodies such as vleis, dams and pans.
MOST BIO-DIVERSE WILDLIFE AREA flowers are very attractive for a range of insects
2000+ including butterflies and bees and in turn attract birds
Species that prey on the insects.
THE WILDLIFE VIEWING AT NOTTEN’S BUSH
CAMP IS SECOND TO NONE AND INCLUDES Rhombic Egg Eater. Eggs are swallowed whole into the neck region and
THE BIG FIVE. then cracked using bony projections below the vertebrate, the shell crushed, the
contents swallowed and the remains of the egg shell regurgitated in a neat
TWO RIVERS SUPPLY THE SABI SAND 330+ tree species, 45+ fish species, 30+ little package.
GAME RESERVE WITH A VALUABLE amphibian species, 110+ reptile species,
WATER SOURCE. THE SAND RIVER FLOWS
500+ bird species and 145+ mammal
THROUGH THE RESERVE FOR 50KM (31
MILES) FROM NORTH WEST TO SOUTH EAST species and all occurring in their own The “Bambi Pan” infront of camp provides a haven for wildlife; frogs, herons,
WHILST THE SABIE RIVER FLOWS ON THE natural environment, which has been
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY.
water monitor lizards, frolicking warthog, impala and lots more. Either scattered on the vlei
preserved in its original splendour.
below the balconies or sipping water on the edge, there is no shortage of animals.
IT HAS ONLY EVER BEEN A WILDERNESS
AREA AND IT IS ALSO HOME TO A NUMBER
OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, INCLUDING
WILD DOG.
GROUND HORNBILL: THERE ARE LESS
THAN 1500 GROUND HORNBILLS LEFT IN
SOUTH AFRICA.
SOUTH AFRICA STRETCHES BETWEEN THE Wild sage. Margaret Roberts recipe for sage tea is to
22ND AND 34TH DEGREES OF SOUTHERN pour one cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of
LATITUDE AND HENCE IS PART OF THE
fresh leaves, allow to draw for 5 minutes, sweeten with
SUBTROPICAL ZONE.
honey and add a slice of lemon for taste.
PRECIPITATION IS TO BE EXPECTED MAINLY
IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND THE
SEASONS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
STAND IN DIRECT OPPOSITION TO THOSE OF
THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. Over two hundred different species live in abundance,
whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most
experienced ornithologist with rare finds. Such is the
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE CAMP environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds,
IS UNFENCED AND LION, LEOPARD,
remain in their territories all year round.
ELEPHANT, RHINO, BUFFALO AND HYENA
ARE KNOWN TO ENTER THE CAMP
OCCASIONALLY. SPECIES SUCH AS
MONKEYS AND SNAKES MAY ALSO BE
FOUND WITHIN THE CAMP AREA.
FLORA AND FAUNA FLORA AND FAUNA
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. SOUTH AFRICAS MOST VULNERABLE & VENOMOUS.
CHEETAH - VULNERABLE THE PUFF ADDER: VENOM: CYTOTOXIC. SHORT, FAT,
This acacia can grow about 18 feet tall, but is
often stunted in its growth. The whistling thorn The Cheetah has 5 main threats all of which LAZY AND VENOMOUS, WILL LET YOU STAND RIGHT ON
The Sabi Sand area has always been the
acacia protects itself with pairs of long thorns include human interaction. Cheetahs outside ITS BELLY, THEN GIVE YOU A WHACK IN THE LEG. HAS A
perfect location for hunting and has lured many Tsetse flies can be said to have shaped the
up to 3 inches long. of protected areas are perceived as dangerous VERY FAST STRIKE.
avid game hunters from as early as the 1860’s. development of Africa. They effected human settlement
and therefore shot.There has also been an
It became especially popular during the winter because they infected humans and livestock with
increase in illegal capture and trade. Planned THE BLACK MAMBA: VENOM: NEUROTOXIC. 2ND
months as there was less chance of malaria or disease. Cows and people were killed which provided
relocations also tend to result in the fatality of BIGGEST VENOMOUS SNAKE IN THE WORLD AND THE
being bitten by tsetse fly. There were minimal a unique angle of conservation. Where there were
conservation laws and wildlife within the area
the cheetah because of poor management. FASTEST MOVING! HYPER TOXIC AND AGGRESSIVE. CAN
Tsetse there was less human development.
declined drastically. It was only until 1902 after AFRICAN WILD DOG - ENDANGERED LEOPARD - VULNERABLE GROW UP TO 5M.
Hamilton set out to expand the wildlife reserve Dedicating their time, resources and
the Anglo-Boer South African War that Major The cause of decline of the wild dog is Leopards main threat is human interferance,
and in 1926 for the first time tourists were energy to help the communities that
James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed mainly due to human interferance. Such from poisoning and poaching within protected THE MOZAMBIQUE SPITTING COBRA: VENOM:
allowed into the reserve. Discussions were surround them, is one of the details that
warden for the Sabi Sand Reserve. things as: conflict with livestock and areas, to shooting and snaring more common NEUROTOXIC AND CYTOTOXIC. IS A VERY COMMON
held regarding the well being of the animals not only makes the Sabi Sand lodges game farmers, accidental killing through in non protected areas. A leopards coat is also SNAKE IN AFRICA WITH A VERY POTENT VENOM, THE
living within a fenced area without the ability note-worthy but also exceptional. These poachers’ snares, road accidents and a valuable as well as beautiful trophy for a SPECIES ACCOUNTS FOR MANY SNAKE BITES AND FOR
to migrate. This lead to all fences within the community outreach projects vary infectious disease. hunter. A shocking yet common cause of death THAT REASON IT’S CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST
reserve being removed and in 1950 the Sabi depending on the needs of the lodge’s
SERVAL - NEAR THREATENED is poor GPS collar fitting and adjustment which DANGEROUS SNAKES IN AFRICA.
Sand Wildtuin was formed. Further positive immediate neighbours and are centred
Servals rely on the habitats which leads to asphyxiation.
Among the longest-serving firearms of all steps were taken in 1993 when the area was around education, small business
consist of high rodent densities. These PANGOLIN - ENDANGERED PARABUTHUS GRANULATUS & TRANSVAALICUS:
time is the British Lee-Enfield .303 rifle. merged into the Greater Kruger National Park. creation and support, housing and
are mainly wetlands and associated Electrified wildlife and livestock fences pose SCORPION, THIN PINCERS, THICK TAIL. THE SMALLER
The original model was named the Magazine Collectively the Sabi Sand reserve is involved in medical aid. The Sabi Sand Reserve is an
grasslands. These grasslands are being the largest threat to pangolins within South THE PINCERS THE BIGGER THE STING. THE BADDEST
environmental management programs, studies association of freehold landowners, many
Lee-Enfield (MLE)—nicknamed the “Emily” lost due to annual burning, over grazing Africa. Bushmeat, local medicine, demand SCORPION ON EARTH AND DEFINITELY NOT A LOBSTER.
and anti-poaching. of whom manage commercially active
which came into widespread service in the by livestock, intense wildlife/livestock within asian markets are also threatening CAN BE SEARCHED FOR WITH AN ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT.
mid-1890s. safari operations within the reserve. the species.
farming which results in decline of small
These include: Sharing a common environmental
mammals, land transformation due to GROUND HORNBILL - ENDANGERED
- Alien plant control. management program, this association is
arise of buildings and roads and invasive The number of Southern Ground-Hornbills
- Micro catchment management to combat administered by a warden reporting to an
alien plants. outside formally protected areas in
erosion. elected executive committee.
BROWN HYENA - NEAR THREATENED South Africa is declining due to loss and
- Monitoring of wildlife and habitat densities.
Asarums or Wild Gingers are The fact that brown hyena mainly live on transformation of habitat, poisoning,
- Anti-poaching units.
low growing, woodland perennials private land outside of protected areas, persecution and electrocution. The species
- Control of runaway fires.
that are known for their showy, makes it more likely that they may come is listed as globally vulnerable and have been
Cyclamen-like, heart shaped foliage into conflict with humans. They are often uplisted to Endangered in 2014 in South Africa.
It is also involved in helping the surrounding
and their very unique, three lobed shot, poisoned, trapped, snared and The button spider or Black Widow is venomous but the one
community with activities which help them to
flowers that hide from view below hunted with dogs in an attempt to reduce with the red markings on its bum are deadly. Neurotoxic
generate income; provision of health care and
the foliage. The common name of livestock killings. venom affects the central nervous system and the bite is
provision of drinking water. There are a number
Wild Ginger refers to the fact that SPOTTED HYENA - NEAR THREATENED usually accompanied by severe pain.
of community outreach projects run from the
when crushed, the stems and roots Like the Brown Hyena, the spotted also
Torchwood or The Balanites tree is used Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Working Crocodiles carry their babies to the water in
have the strong aroma of lemon traverse non protected areas where
locally for many products: the wood is used with visitors to the reserve, a number of the their mouth. Baby crocodiles can make noises
ginger. Asarums, however, have no they are either shot or poisoned. Many
for making tools and furniture, the fruit lodges in the wilderness area run programs that from inside their eggs before they hatch. The
relationship whatsoever to the species Spotted Hyena are accidentally caught in mother can hear their voices, then digs up the
for sweets and alcoholic beverages, and the attempt to enrich the local community’s lives.
of plant that is used to produce snares set up to catch game meat. eggs from the sand, and takes the hatchlings
kernels for cooking oil and medicines.
culinary ginger. to the water.
COMMUNITY ENDANGERED LIST
The gardens around camp
Lilac Breasted Roller provide a lush green play
ground for vervet monkey
and warthog.
Starling
The camp has 9 en suite
rooms. Each with their
own individual charm of
colonial afro-chic.
If you look carefully you will
notice that the “rock” is actually a
Lizard Buzzard hippo’s back.
Midion Mkansi, assistant chef.
Phindile Khoza, front of
house staff.
Sibongile Mdhuli,
assistant chef.
Solanie Mbhiza, front of
house and spa therapist for
more than 20 years.
yi
n i Sibu Henry Mnisi has now been Notten’s head
a er
Thul g rang chef for 30 years. He has a natural
Yo u n flare and passion for cooking
One of our rangers, WonderHAVE YOU SEEN & DID YOU KNOW? MONGOOSE - DWARF
Dwarf mongooses are very sensitive to the cold and
tend to live in termite mounds. They are territorial
AGAMA - TREE
CHAMELEON - FLAP-NECKED
The horns of a mature bull kudu have two and
CROCODILE - NILE
AARDVARK GENET - LARGE SPOTTED and mark the interior of the mound with secretions a half twists, and, if straightened, would reach
from cheek and anal glands. GECKO - BIBRON’S THICKBED
Afrikaans word translation “earth pig” has ears & an average length of 120cm. However, they may
Name after an area in Spain, where the species were found in GECKO - TROPICAL HOUSE
nose resemble those of a pig, also burrows alot. Sambane MONKEY occasionally have three full twists and the record
the 18th century.
(Zulu) Xiyambana (Shangaan) Monkeys also have their own unique set of LIZARD - GIANT PLATED
length is a whopping 187.64cm. The horns do
GIRAFFE fingerprints just like humans do. ... Monkeys have LIZARD - ROUGH-SCALED
BADGER - HONEY a brain that is large for their size and it is part not begin to grow until the bull reaches 6–12
Arabice word “xirapha” meaning “one who walks swiftly” SNAKE - AFRICAN ROCK PYTHON - NON VENOMOUS
Eats honey, badger from the French word “becheur” of the reason why they are so intelligent. They are months, twisting once at around two-years-of-age
meaning digger. HARE - SCRUB believed to be smarter than other primates including SNAKE - BLACK MAMBA - NEUROTOXIC
Apes and Lemurs. SNAKE - BOOMSLANG - HAEMOTOXIC
and not reaching the full two-and-a-half twists
BABOON - CHACMA They do not live in burrows, they live in hollows pressed by
their bodies under bushes. They are found solitary, but when a PORCUPINE SNAKE - MOZAMBIQUE SPITTING COBRA - CYTOTOXIC & NEUROTOXIC until the age of six.
The chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), also known as the
female is on heat 1-3 males may follow her. When they are in Porcupines can’t shoot out their quills, but they will
Cape baboon, is, like all other baboons, from the Old SNAKE - PUFF ADDER - CYTOTOXIC
danger, they sit still until the last possible second then they bolt be easily released when predators get it touch with
World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all SNAKE - RED TIPPED HERALD - MILD VENOM.
off in a zigzag fashion – about 70km/h animal. Lost quills are replaced with new quills.
monkeys. Baboon in Zulu is called imfene. This word
Porcupines are nocturnal animals. This means that SNAKE - SHIELD-NOSE - NEUROTOXIC
comes from the verb fana which means ‘to resemble’. This
HYENA - SPOTTED they sleep during the day and become active in the
implicitly means ‘that which resembles a human being. SNAKE - NIGHT ADDER - CYTOTOXIC
South African people know the hyena by its Zulu name, impisi , evening.
SNAKE - SPOTTED BUSH - NON VENOMOUS
BUSHBUCK while some tribes in Zimbabwe call it sisi. These words literally RHINOCEROS
Bushbuck or Imbabala (Tragelaphus sylvaticus). The
Bushbuck is a close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala.
mean ‘the purifier ‘, ‘the cleaner’, ‘the one who makes things
orderly ‘. This name is indicative of the hyena’s tendency to
Greek word “rhis” meaning nose and “keras”
meaning horn, direct translation “nose horn”.
SNAKE - YELLOW BELLIED SAND - MILD VENOM.
TERRAPIN - HINGED
SOME COLLECTIVE NOUNS... to make you sound cool.
The rams are very elegant in appearance, sporting dark tidy up the carcasses on which it feeds. TORTOISE - HINGED A JOURNEY OF GIRAFFE (WALKING) A MURMURATION OF STARLINGS
SERVAL
greyish-brown fur, with white spots on the flanks and
prominent white socks. HIPPOPOTAMUS The serval is a skilled hunter that employs several TORTOISE - LEOPARD A TOWER OF GIRAFFE (STANDING) A PITYING OF TURTLEDOVES
techniques. They will actively trail, wait in ambush A CRASH OF RHINO A MURDER OF CROWS
BUFFALO African people believe that the hippo is an animal of confusion
or run down their prey and are successful more
because it cannot make up its mind whether it is a rhinoceros or A DAZZLE OF ZEBRA A CHARM OF FINCHES
The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large bovine. often than any other cat species - about 50 percent
an elephant. The Zulu people call the hippo invubu. This word has HAEMOTOXIC VENOM: TOXINS THAT DESTROY RED
The adult buffalo’s horns are its characteristic feature: they of the time. A LEAP OF LEOPARD A WING OF PLOVERS
several meanings one of which has to do with mixing from the verb BLOOD CELLS, DISRUPT BLOOD CLOTTING, AND/OR
have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across vuba which means ‘to mix’, ‘to knit together ‘ or ‘to combine’. In WATERBUCK A COALITION OF CHEETAH A MUSTERING OF STORKS
the top of the head referred to as a “boss”. this sense the word invubu means ‘the mixed up creature’ or the The trademark white ring around the waterbucks’ CAUSE ORGAN DEGENERATION AND GENERALIZED
A CLAN OR SISTERHOOD OF HYENA A FLOCK OF SWIFTS
BUSHBABY - LESSER & THICK TAILED creature which is unable to make up its mind what it is! hindquarters is used as a “follow me” sign. If TISSUE DAMAGE. DEADLY.
A SKULK OF JACKAL A DESCENT OF WOODPECKERS
one of the group spots a predator and runs, the CYTOTOXIC VENOM: CYTOTOXINS TYPICALLY ATTACK
Lives in the “bush” and their call sounds like that of a IMPALA rest know where to follow to avoid becoming dinner A FLOAT OF CROCODILE A HEDGE OF HERONS
crying “baby”. Males are known as rams, while females are referred to as for one of the hungry cats. ONLY A SPECIFIC TYPE OF CELL OR ORGAN AND
A POD OF HIPPOS A PARLIMENT OF OWLS
CARACAL
ewes and have no horns. CAUSE TISSUE DAMAGE, RATHER THAN AN ENTIRE
WILDEBEEST - BLUE A HUSK OF HARES A BEVY OF QUAIL
JACKAL Despite its ugly appearance, African people hold the BODY. DEADLY.
From the Turkish name “garah-gulak” meaning black A TROOP OF MONKEYS AN UNKINDNESS OF RAVEN
ear, with reference to its black ear tuffs. Jackals are cooperative, cunning hunters. They can best be wildebeest in such reverence that the Zulu word for NEUROTOXIC VENOM: NEUROTOXINS BIND TO
A COLONY OF FROGS A LIGHT OF SWALLOWS
described as opportunistic omnivores. They cooperatively hunt small wildebeest: nkonkoni is used to denote a champion THE NERVE RECEPTORS CAUSING THEM TO
CHEETAH antelopes and also eat reptiles, insects, ground-dwelling birds, or leader in any field. The wisest and greatest A DRAY OF SQUIRRELS A HOST OF SPAROWS
fruits, and grass. traditional healer in any community is always STOP FUNCTIONING. NEUROTOXINS EFFECT THE
Hindu word for “chita” meaning “spotted one” A CETE OF BADGERS A GAGGLE OF GEESE
called the ‘inkonkoni’. The best football player in CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND DEATH WILL
CIVET KUDU A SOUNDER OF WARTHOGS A CLEAVAGE OF SOUTHERN BLACK TITS
any township is always nicknamed ‘nkonkoni’ in RESULT FROM THE NERVES IN YOUR DIAPHRAGM
Kudus are capable of jumping as high as seven feet. In order tribute to his football skills. A PARADE OR MEMORY OF ELEPHANT
African civet, Civettictis civetta. A small, lithe-bodied, mostly
to save themselves from enemies or possible danger. NOT FUNCTIONING AND YOU WILL DIE FROM
nocturnal mammal native to tropical Asia and Africa. WILD DOG - PAINTED WOLF
AN OBSTINACY OF BUFFALOES
RESPIRATORY FAILURE.
LEOPARD The scientific name for the African Wild dog means A BUSINESS OF MONGOOSE Flap-necked Chameleon. Chameleons’ conical eyes have
DUIKER - GREY
All African tribes regard the leopard as an “painted wolf”. No two wild dogs have the same A CLOUD OF BATS fused eyelids, leaving just a pinhole through which to
Afrikaans word meaning “diver” the action of the markings, which makes them easily identifiable as Triangular shaped head means that it is
animal that symbolizes all that is noble, courageous
antelope when running away. individuals. a venomous snake. see. They revolve independently, allowing the chameleon
and honourable. It is called ingwe by the Zulus
and nkwe by the Basutos. These words originally ZEBRA a 360 arc of vision. The eyes possess stereoscopic depth
ELEPHANT
meant ‘pure sovereignty’ or ‘pure kingship’. A zebra’s stripy coat is thought to disperse more than perception for an accurate strike.
African people regard the elephant with a very deep
70 per cent of incoming heat, preventing the animal
reverence. The Zulu, Tswana and Tsonga names for LION from overheating in the African sun. This is because
the elephant all mean ‘the forceful one’, ‘the unstoppable
ingonyame, the Zulu word for lion means ‘the master of all air moves at different speeds over light-absorbing
one’. In Zulu the name for an elephant is indlovu, Rounded shaped head means that it is
flesh’. This name consists of two words, ngo, meaning very black stripes and light-reflecting white stripes, so the
from the verb dlovu, which means to ‘crash through’, ‘to a non-venomous snake.
high, and nyama, which means ‘flesh’ or power. zebra creates its own cooling air currents.
pierce savagely’.
DID YOU KNOW COLLECTIVE NOUNSWhite Backed Vulture.
Leopard with Warthog kill.
Klipspringer
Black Rhino
Hare
Our very own choir of Red
It is not a strange sight Billed Ox Peckers getting
to see a Leopard strolling Yellow Billed Hornbill, together on a Zebras back for
through camp. also known as Zazu scheduled practice
from the Lion Kinganother side note:
3 year old male Kudu. You can tell
the age by the number of twists from
GAME PRINTS
MEASUREMENTS REFER TO LENGTH PAWS WIT base to tip or their horns.
CLOVEN HO
H
CLAWS Even toed u OFS
BELOW ARE A FEW PRINTS FROM THE AREA NYALA ngulate
YOU WILL BE SURE TO SEE A LOT MORE.
RF 57mm RH 53mm
THE ART OF TRACKING BUSHBUCK
UT Cats retract their claws, all except the cheetah which
I THO GEMSBOK 44mm
SW uses its claws when runnning for speed. 1. Basic level: Having the ability to identify the 110mm
PAW WS signs of the wild, animal movements, tracks and
CLA
SABLE ANTELOPE
feeding patterns.
115mm
2. To distinguish from the signs what, where, why
and how the animal is moving. Are they hunting, WILDEBEEST
mating or marking their territory.
SPOTTED HYENA CHEETAH 100mm
IMPALA
LION 3. Highest level: To be significantly intuned with RF 96mm RH 89mm RF 84mm RH 80mm SPRINGBOK 47mm
RF 128mm RH 121mm nature. To understand the flow of the habitat that 54mm-63mm
LEOPARD
you are tracking within. The master tracking no
RF92mm RH92mm GENET longer looks for tracks but intrinsically knows how ELAND COMMON DUIKER
RF 32mm RH 30mm and where the animal is moving - they are at one PORCUPINE
F 100mm H 85mm 40/42mm
with the animal. BAT EARED FOX RF 50mm RH 81mm
KLIPSPRINGER
ARFICAN WILD CAT RF 39mm RH 36mm WILD DOG
20/21mm
RF 36mm EH 36mm
Our master trackers Joe and Tom. Joe Mathebula RF 70mm RH 65mm
Started at Nottens in 1982 and Tom Mavundla
SERVAL started at Nottens in 1987.
CARACAL STEENBOK
RF 47mm RH 44mm DIK DIK
RF 47mm RH 55mm F 39mm H40mm
F 21mm H23mm
LARGE GREY MONGOOSE AFRICAN CIVET
RF 42mm RH 44mm RF 45mm RH 52mm WARTHOG
BLACK BACKED JACKAL
45mm
RF 51mm RH 56mm
Chacma Baboon SUNI
GIRAFFE F 23mm H22mm
RF84mm RH80mm
SIDE STRIPED JACKAL
es,
TOES of 3 to
HANDS & consist
WHITE-TAILED MONGOOSE RF43mm RH47mm
th ,
rints b o ree toes
RANGER
RF 41mm RH 41mm
R h in o footp e r h in o has th r
HUMAN ck whit ute
nd Bla nt. The to the o
Various sizes 5-11 White a r e differe e c o m pared
they a lar g le toe
LAND CRUISER - KING OF ALL ROADS E however is very e midd
GAM
th a t to th
to e clos e r iffer-
middle situated subtle d FS
BIG with a a
N HOO
Toyota W31 x D10.5 r e is
a
e outer
toe s
rhino.
Th is
L O V E
NON C
.
Humans are among the least genetically diverse apes, mostly because we toes. Th e black to see it
The Hyrax is the closest relative d to th s ervant te
ungula
CHACMA BABOON p a r e r y o b
all appear to be descended from a small group of humans who lived Front feet are rounder than the back when c
om be ve
to the elephant. Both evolving one ne
eds to to e d
Odd
Right hand 79mm Right foot 137mm
a n d
from a common ancestor.
in East Africa. feet to help support the weight of their ence
Homo sapien large skull, trunk and tusks.
Rhino Hippo
VERVET MONKEY 250mm 250mm
ROCK DASSIE (HYRAX) Elephant
Right hand 59mm Right foot 74mm Zebra
RF 30mm RH 50mm F 500mm H 520mm
92mm
GAME PRINTS GAME PRINTSOur dining area is open Tracker Tom
which allows for birds
and sometimes cheeky
monkeys to join you.
Have some “me” time and
treat yourself to an afternoon
in the spa. Mozambican cobra making it’s way
A playful little cheetah cub nibbling on an impalas
down one of the roads close to camp.
tail. Once the cubs have reached six weeks, they start
to follow their mother around and begin to eat meat
from her kills.
Grab a book, put your feet up and
A naughty baby ellie showing some attitude.
enjoy the bush.NOTTEN’S AT NIGHT. A different perspective is seen at night. Both of camp and the surrounding bush. Once dusk sets in and the sun disappears below the horizon, the atmosphere shifts. The bush at night is a magnificent thing. The air cools, the smells change and the wildlife come out to play. Be sure to take a moment to let it all sink in. Listen for the call of the night jar and the cicadas chorus. Warm your toes at the camp fire and let the flames sink you deeper into the night shift trance.
UNDER THE AFRICAN SKY.
BIG 5 OF THE AFRICAN SKY
Sun eclipse
Moon eclipse
SOUTHERN PLEIADES ETA CARINAE NEBULA COAL SACK
OPEN CLUSTER IN CARINA BRIGHT NEBULA IN CARINA DARK NEBULA IN CRUX
WHAT IS IT? A very young open cluster of bright WHAT IS IT? A region of recent star formation as WHAT IS IT? A huge pocket of very cold, dense
blue-white stars. well as imminent stellar destruction and death. gas and dust containing enough matter to make
OTHER NAMES: Theta Carinae Cluster, Lacaille OTHER NAMES: Lacaille III.5&6, Dunlop 309, Gum 3 500 Suns.
II.9, Caldwell 102. 33, RCW 53, Caldwell 92. OTHER NAMES: Magellan’s Spot, Black.
SIZE: 14 light years diameter. SIZE: 300 light years across. Magel- lanic Cloud, Old Bag of the Night, Black
African cicada produces the loudest Interestingly crickets chirp at different rates DISTANCE: 525 light years. DISTANCE: 525 light years. Dove, Caldwell 99.
insect sound in the world, regularly depending on their species and the temperature of their AGE: 40 million years. AGE: 7 500 light years. SIZE: 50 light years diameter.
LUMINOSITY: 4 500 Suns. LUMINOSITY: 1 million Suns. DISTANCE: 500 light years.
producing sounds at 106.7 dB at a environment. Added bonus is that they are edible.
Highlights: Highlights: Highlights:
distance of 50 cm (this is about as loud
• One of the nearest star clusters to us. • The brightest patch along the southern • It is a dormant stellar nursery, with no
as a power saw).
• Lies in the Orion (or Local) Arm of the Galaxy (in Milky Way. stars inside, in the early phases of development
which the Sun also lies). • Large, young and very energetic star. into a star-forming region.
• The first Western astronomer to document it • 5th magnitude orange-coloured star eta Carinae: • Lies in the Orion (or Local) Arm of the Galaxy (in
Some san bushmen were taught that ground to catch it. Some say that all the stars Notten’s comes to an end, put your feet
was Lacaille during his stay in Cape Town (1751). next supernova in the Galaxy! which the Sun also lies).
stars are, in fact, small creatures, and fall to the ground each morning, and we see up by the camp fire and enjoy some star
• It is the most prominent, isolated dark cloud in
look like tiny porcupines – they have little them on earth as insects. gazing. Constellations such as Scorpius, OMEGA CENTAURI THE MILKY WAY the southern Milky Way.
legs, ears, teeth and are covered with tiny When the sun sets the bush is an enchanting Sagittarius (the archer) and of course GLOBULAR CLUSTER IN CENTAURUS BARRED SPIRAL GALAXY
• The Coal Sack is best seen on a dark moonless
WHAT IS IT? A massive, dense cluster of WHAT IS IT? A barred spiral galaxy (SBc) that is
spines. Others say that stars are actually place. The animals are replaced with the “night Orion the hunter with his 3 star studded night when it appears sharply silhouetted
stars that are the remains of a dwarf galaxy our home in the cosmos.
ant lions, watching from overhead with shift” and the sounds of crickets, cicadas belt can be seen clearly from the southern against the background Milky Way.
cannibalized by our Milky Way. SIZE: 110 000 light years across.
their bright eyes. When they are hungry and the distant lion’s roar. The well known hemisphere.
OTHER NAMES: Lacaille I.5, Dunlop 440, Benne61, AGE: At least 13.6 thousand million years.
and see an ant, they quickly fall to the soundtrack of the bushveld is the call of the
Nightjars are most active at dawn Caldwell 80. NUMBER OF STARS: 300 thousand million.
fiery-necked night jar. These nocturnal birds
and dusk when they hunt for SIZE: 300 light years. ARMS: Four main spiral arms.
drum out a distinctive and characteristic call
moths, beetles and crane flies. DISTANCE: 16 000 light years. NUCLEUS: Contains a 2 million solar mass black
described by birders as “good Lord deliver us”.
AGE: 12 thousand million years. hole in the centre.
The call is particularly audible through the full
LUMINOSITY: 800 000 Suns. OUR ORBIT: The Sun and our solar system take
moon phase, less so on darker nights. Many
Highlights: 240 million years to make one orbit around the
of you will have encountered the Fiery-necked
• Contains 10 million stars. centre of the Milky Way, at a speed of 250 km/s
night jar on your evening game drives. It is
• Is the largest, most luminous and most massive (900 000 km/h).
very often found sitting on road surfaces being
globular cluster in our Galaxy. Highlights:
blinded by oncoming vehicle headlights, “sitting
• One of the few globular clusters visible to the • Member of the Local Group (along with
tight” until the very last second, before flying
naked eye, appearing about as large as the Full 48 other galaxies).
off in a disorientated manner. These sounds
Moon. • Our Milky Way is one of 200 thousand
are what gives wild Africa its life and at no time
• In the core the stars are only one-tenth of a light million galaxies in the Universe.
is Africa’s bush more vibrant than at night.
year apart.
The sky is a technicolour or scattered starts
• First observed through a telescope in 1677 by
making up the Milky Way. As your evening at
Edmond Halley.
NIGHT SHIFT NIGHT SHIFTFINDING THE SOUTHERN CROSS
Southern Cross
In some strange and mysterious way, the four stars that comprise the constellation Crux — better known as the Southern Cross — have come to represent
the lands that lie below the equator. The Southern Cross is one of the most recognisable patterns of stars in the southern night sky, and forms part of the
constellation Crux. The Southern Cross itself is actually classed as an asterism, not a constellation, as the word ‘constellation’ applies to 88 specific areas
of the whole night sky. The Southern Cross indicates the location of the pole and as such is often utilized by navigators. The longer bar of the Cross points
almost exactly toward the south pole of the sky, which some aviators and navigators have named the “south polar pit” because, unfortunately, it is not 4.5 length of S.C
marked by any bright star.
There are likely a number of readers who have never seen the Southern Cross and might wonder about how far they might have to travel in order to get a view
of the constellation. The easiest way to be sure you’ve found the Southern Cross is to look for a fifth star under the right hand arm of the cross and two bright
pointer stars (Alpha and Beta Centauri) drawing a line through the sky which points towards it.
How do you find south? The first step is to identify the Southern Cross – it is a compact group of bright stars close together in the sky with the two Pointer South Celestial Pole
stars always pointing to them from nearby. Then extend the main axis of the Cross from and in the direction of its brightest star by four and a half times its
length. You have now reached the South Celestial Pole – the point about which the Cross and all stars turn in the sky. From the Pole drop a line straight down
to the horizon – that is south.
The Pointers
It is worth practicing this from your backyard
as such knowledge will be most helpful if you Towards south on the
are ever lost in the bush! horizon
SOUTHERN CROSS
CONSTELLATION CRUX
WHAT IS IT? Composed of five stars forming the
shape of a cross, it is the most distinctive feature of the
constellation Crux, the smallest constellation in the sky.
The Southern Cross is notable for containing two bright
stars, Acrux and Gacrux, which point the way to the
Southern Celestial Pole.
SIZE: From top to bottom, Crux measures just 6
degrees. Your clenched fist held at arm’s length is 10
degrees wide.
AGE: The five stars of the Southern Cross are believed
to be between 10 and 20 million years old.
Highlights:
• It is believed that Amerigo Vespucci was the first
European explorer to see the “Four Stars,” as he called
them, while on his third voyage in 1501.Our staff love to make the
camp homely.
Painted Wolves
One of our local beauties
Looking down at hyenas
waiting for his impala kill to
drop
Perch on a bar stool at dusk and
Old days in the boma.
watch the animals to and fro.It’s always something special seeing a Leopard. Even more so when they put on such a show.
SELATI RAILWAY Baron Oppenheim, and his brother, floated the
Selati Railway Company, in Brussels, to build
a railway line, from Komatipoort, to the “new
Transvaal gold field” near the Selati River.
Bordering on the western boundary of Notten’s Reserve lies the old Selati
Railway line, running for approximately 5.2km. Styze Wierda who is the
1890 Great, Great Notten Grandfather was involved with surveying of the Selati
Line and implementing the foundation within the reserve.
In 1890, rumours came of The quantity of gold in the area was
the discovery of gold on the unknown. Nevertheless it proved
banks of the Selati River near enough to launch one of the great 1891
Leydsdorp. This started a rush railway scandals of the day.
to the Selati River Gold Field
where Karl Mauch, the most
optimistic geologist of the 19th 80 kilometres of track was laid, from Komatipoort, to the
The line between the Portuguese
century, prophesied that gold point, where Skukuza camp now stands, in the Kruger Park.
border and Komatipoort had
would be found. This was the most expensive 80km of rail track ever built.
been opened on July 1st 1891,
though the first train from
Delagoa Bay but did not reach
Pretoria until October 1894.
1894
The Selati Railway Company went bankrupt
in August 1894 - when tools were downed,
work on the foundations of the Sabi Bridge The bridge was officially opened on 25
was in progress. October 1912. After the Selati Railway
Company had gone bankrupt, the line lay
idle for 15 years, with stacks of material
and implements rusting beside the track,
and a locomotive standing in the sheds at
Komatipoort.
1902
Unitl 1909 the only use the tracks had was Hamiltons own private line.
Transvaal Government completed the Sabi Bridge, and extended the line first to
Tzaneen, and later to Soekmekaar (1912), on the main line to Rhodesia. This was
one of the most picturesque routes in South Africa through big game country. A
It became Stevenson-Hamilton’s private line after
railway line made a great difference to an area that had always been regarded
Steinacker’s Horse left. If he wanted to get to
as the back of beyond.
Komatipoort he mounted a trolley and, propelled by
manpower, made a leisurely journey through the wild Around September 1973, the Selati
country he was shaping into a reserve. At first the railway line, which ran through the
trolley was confined to a mere platform on wheels, Kruger National Park, was used for the
pushed by a dozen natives working in relays.
1936
last time. This section of line, which
1936 entered the Park just north of Skukuza,
and left it near Crocodile Bridge, used
to carry several trains every day. The
The steam locomotives took water at trains not only disturbed the Park’s
Huhla siding just north of the Sabi Bridge. characteristic atmosphere of peace
The small siding south of the bridge, and quiet, but also affected its plant
at the place known as “Sabi Bridge” and animal life.
(named “Skukuza” in 1936), was known
as “Reserve”.
SELATI RAILWAYMALARIA Just some th yes and another... A FEW RULES & REGS...
ings you side note:
the boring stuff...not really! Take note please.
should know these are important, so
WITH ALL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE STAY CALM.
have a read
DUE TO THE FACT THAT MALARIA IS A CONCERN IN THE AREA WE SUGGEST YOU TAKE MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS AS ADVISED BY YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST. EMERGENCY SITUATION: DO NOT WALK OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER OF THE
-FIRE CAMP AT ANY TIME.
USE OF INSECT REPELLENTS, PARTICULARLY ON NOTTEN’S MORNING AND EVENING GAME DRIVES, IS ALSO ADVISED AS THIS CAN REDUCE THE RISK SIGNIFICANTLY.
-MEDICAL (STING, BITE, ETC)
-DANGER (SNAKE, LEOPARD, ETC)
DO NOT WALK IN CAMP AT NIGHT ALONE.
FACILITIES
PLEASE NOTIFY STAFF MEMBER TO ACCOMPANY
YOU.
ACTION:
Mosquitoes are divided into two groups, the anopheline and the culicine mosquitoes. The culicine mosquitoes are known as ‘nuisance’ mosquitoes, although - ALERT NOTTEN’S BUSH CAMP
Please do not leave candles alight in the rooms,
- USE SIREN
paraffin lamps are fine. Gift Shop
some are carriers of yellow fever. The anopheline mosquitoes are the carriers of malaria. Mosquitoes normally feed on plant sap but the female anopheline
- USE RADIO
also feeds on the blood of humans, other vertebrates and even insects. This she needs in order to obtain the essential nutrients for egg development. The Please ensure the room curtains are unable to Internet facility available at Notten’s wifi
- MEET IN CENTRAL AREA
mouthpiece of the male is too weak to penetrate the host’s skin. knock lanterns or candles over, particularly in windy hut.
conditions.
Cell phone reception at Notten’s wifi hut.
The mosquito eggs are laid in water or damp areas at a rate of about 100 eggs every four days. The larvae and the pupae live in water and the larva take about Please familiarize yourself with the location of fire
10 days to develop into the pupal stage. Shortly afterwards the adult mosquito emerges. extinguishes near your room. Power Source in Bar, Notten’s Gift Shop,
Office, wifi hut and in rooms.
It is advisable to wear covered shoes and carry a
For malaria to be transmitted, the mosquito must feed on the blood of a host infected with the malaria parasite. The parasite goes through several Laundry
flashlight at night.
development stages inside the mosquito and eventually invades its saliva glands. When an infected mosquito pierces a person’s skin to take a blood meal, the
parasites in the mosquito’s saliva enter the bloodstream. The depth of our swimming pool is 1.7meters deep, Lap Pool/ Plunge Pool
so be careful. Please note swimming is done at own
risk – no diving. Spa
Viewing Deck
FEEDING Within minutes of being introduced into the human host, Notten’s tap water is sourced from an underground
Malaria - carrying Anopheles mosquitoes usually bite at night. the parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which spring and is safe to drink.
Bar
TIPPING
then rupture within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red
LIFESPAN blood cells. Notten’s operate on a septic tank system so please
Gym
The longer the mosquito lifespan, the higher the chance place any foreign items in the dustbin provided.
of parasite transmission. The first symptoms usually occur 10 days to 4 weeks Tour and Transfer Facilities
after infection, though they can appear as early as 8 days Medical condition and allergies. Please notify upon
WHY AFRICA Whilst gratuities are entirely at your arrival.
or as long as a year after infection. Doctor located at Skukuza (25kms)
The African vector species has a long lifespan and discretion, we are often asked for advice Standby 24/7
strong human - biting habits, explaining why most
Then the symptoms occur in cycles of 48 to 72 hours. about this.
malaria deaths are in Africa. Private Hospital located at Nelspruit
As a guideline, we suggest R200 for the
Symptoms of malaria include fever, shivering, joint pain,
BREED vomiting and convulsions. Do not be alarmed as malaria Ranger and Tracker per day and a smaller Airport/Skukuza
They breed in shallow puddles of water. is a preventable and treatable disease. amount for the general staff.
Please tip your Ranger and Tracker directly,
upon conclusion of your final game drive.
The gratuities for the general staff may be
temperature shivering headache muscle ache vomiting & diarrhea kidney failure seizures comas & death Elephant shrews can run faster
placed in an envelope and can be handed
than 30km/h and can jump up
in at the office upon settling your account.
to 3 feet into the air.
A gratuity paid in foreign currency is quite
acceptable.
MALARIA NOTTEN’S RULESYou can also read
