Travel Tales from India

Calling All Hippos!

by Mridula on May 20, 2013

in Canon D550,Photography,South Africa,Videos

As we got down from the car Erick started loading the rifle. He took out three bullets and told me, one is for you, the second is for this lady and the third is for her. Then he turned towards the only male member of the group and told him, “I am sorry I have nothing for you, if trouble comes, you have to run!” The rifle was actually for protection, if need be, for our walk. We all hoped it would not be used and it was not.

When we were given the option to walk in the bush four of us took it. In South Africa bush is an apt name for their jungle as the growth is low and trees only a few. And how I am missing them now! Manyeleti Game Reserve and Tintswalo Lodge is always going to be special for me for it was my first glimpse into the South African wildlife.

The bush walk was the only time in our entire safari when we did not want to see any animals. But it was interesting to watch various pug marks and their characteristics. We also talked about a lot of plants and their use in African life and the feeling was quite similar to the way we talk about the plants and their medicinal values in India!

At one point Erick started going round in a circle. I immediately asked him, why was he doing that, making us behave like sheep? We all went round in the circle too! This trick has been played on me at a tour of Manchester United Stadium as well. So this time I was wiser. We all had a good laugh over it!

The walk ended at a pond where we counted 13 hippos! Erick first told the hippos loudly, “Open you mouth” repeatedly. When that effort failed to produce any effect he tried to mimic the hippos and I captured his efforts on a video.

Erick Calling Hippos

The hippos remained submerged for most of the times. But it was an absolute pleasure to watch them going about their business. Also we had coffee, tea and warmer things as well at the spot. What fun it was to have tea with the hippos on my birthday! I have seen their pug marks too and they are huge. I asked Erick if they attack humans and he said no, not unless we stood between a hippo and their water. Otherwise they eat grass and such stuff.

Submerged Hippos in a Pond, Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa

Usually at the end of a trip I am eager to go home. South Africa was an exception, it was 50-50, half of me wanted to go home and the other half stay back and explore the bushes.

Tagged as: Hippos, Manyeleti Game Reserve, Pond, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Wildlife

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Rhino Poaching in South Africa

by Mridula on May 19, 2013

in Canon D550,Photography,South Africa

I got to hear about rhino poaching at INDABA 2013, much before we reached the bushes. While walking around the INDABA 2013 stalls I spotted Tintswalo Lodges and I dropped in to say hello as I knew we were doing safaris with them later.

Later that day two of our group members told me that there were people from Tintswalo who were attempting to walk 1000 kms to raise awareness and funding for Rhino conservation. They call the initiative TREC 1000.

Single Horned White Rhino, South Africa

We heard the voices of concern all around INDABA 2013 with various game reserves pitching in their efforts and concerns. You can follow the progress of the walk from their TREC1000 Facebook page as well. Lately all doesn’t seem to be going according to the plan out there, I hope the luck changes for the group soon.

Fritz Breytenbach of TREC1000

We met Fritz Breytenbach at INDABA 2013 and he talked passionately about his walk. His camera had already been knocked out by an elephant once. We also talked to people from South African National Parks and one of the officials said about the situation, “We are bleeding … it is a war we cannot afford to lose.” Apparently 2 rhinos (all spices) are poached daily in South Africa alone, a majority from Kruger National Park.

A rumor that powered rhino horn can cure cancer has wrecked havoc on the rhinos in the recent time in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. The park rangers also felt that they were trained in maintaining the park and not fighting an armed war with the poachers. So South Africa has enlisted the services of retired military officer Johan Jooste to coordinate the anti poaching efforts.

White Rhinos, Manayeleti Game Reserve, South Africa

We had this really close encounter with white rhinos on our first ride with the Tintswalo Lodges and it was such a fascinating experience. To think that these animals are indiscriminately killed is a huge reflection on the human nature. I was told that the commercial angle was just too much to resist. Apparently one rhino itself is worth a few million South African Rand. Having a long border with Mozambique without a fence is also considered to be part of the problem as poachers get away to that part after poaching.

The issue of protecting rhinos in South Africa is a complicated one with no easy solutions in sight, however it was heartening to see so many people acknowledge it, talking about it and doing their bit.

Tagged as: Manyeleti Game Reserve, Poaching, Rhino, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, TREC1000, White Rhino

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Close Encounters with the African Lion!

by Mridula on May 15, 2013

in Canon D550,Photography

The wildlife experience at the Manyeleti Game Reserve with the Tintswalo Safari Lodge has been beyond expectations, if you need a proof look below.

African Lion, Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa

Some of my encounters have been so close I actually shot with the normal (18-55 mm) lens rather than the 75-300. However the above picture has been shot by the 75-300. We were so close to two sleeping lions that we could hear them breathe. This one just lifted its head once or twice and then went back to sleep completely unconcerned about two jeeps full of human beings.

A Sleepy African Lion at the Manyletei Game Reserve, South Africa

Folks I have no internet in my room and I am typing this from the lobby and my colleagues are waiting for dinner. So have to go. Two more days in South Africa but the safaris have come to an end. You can never go back home the same person after visiting South Africa!

Tagged as: African Lion, Lion, Manyeleti Game Reserve, Meet South Africa, Tintswalo Safari Lodge

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Its Time for Wild Encounters in South Africa!

by Mridula on May 14, 2013

in Canon D550,Photography,South Africa

So it is time so say goodbye to Durban. I had a great time at INDABA 2013 and I like what I saw of Durban, which is very little. I sincerely wish that this is just the beginning of my relationship with the continent. It is a warm (not weather wise right now) and lovely place.

Durban at Night, South Africa

I was not sure how would I feel at INDABA 2013 as this was my first time for attending a big trade event and I certainly didn’t expect that I would miss it. But I am surely going to miss the buzz of the place. Here almost everyone talks about Corporate Social Responsibility and Conservation. It is part of the everyday vocabulary. I wish it was so in India too. And there are exciting things to look forward to from tomorrow. We are heading to the Manyeleti Game Reserve.

Wild Encounters, Durban, South Africa

I am now absolutely looking forward to the wild encounters in South Africa! I have a 4.00 am check out time to catch an early morning flight and before that I have to get up and pack as well. It is already 1.48 am in India and I am for sure sleepy. So I will keep this short. I am really excited and looking forward to my safaris and the bush experience. See you all from Manyeleti which boarders Kruger.

Tagged as: Durban, INDABA 2013, Manyeleti Game Reserve

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Exploring Durban on a Sunny Day!

by Mridula on May 13, 2013

in beach,Canon D550,Photography,South Africa

I arrived at Durban really tired and crumpled. And by the time I could even vaguely take stock it started raining. And it rained for more than a day almost continuously. And then today morning when I very reluctantly opened my eyes this was the view that greeted me right out of my hotel window!

Sunrise from my Hotel Window, Durban

I hope I get a similar view tomorrow and that I wake up less reluctantly as well. I have also spotted birds around the area but I do not promise that I will get up early enough to click pictures!

uShaka Marine World, Durban, South Africa

And then in the evening we had a few hours to spare. It was bright and sunny, a lovely day to roam around. We first visited a local flea market. It was so colorful, I love the African colors, they are so vibrant and earthy. I also find it simply amazing the way people carry those bright colors here. After that we to the uShaka Marine World and took a stroll around. There I saw this gondola on the water as the sun was turning everything to gold!

Durban, South Africa

We then went to the beach and it was such a good decision. It was full of people, today being Sunday, and a great place to take a stroll. I wish I would see the view through the eyes a little more, rather than primarily through the viewfinder. And that is going to be my ‘note to self’ for today as well.

The Pier at uShaka Marine World, Durban

After standing for a while my colleagues realized I would not stop clicking pictures unless they dragged me away, literally. So they offered if we chould walk by the beach to go back to our hotel. I readily agreed. They were almost always walking ahead of me and waiting with impatience while I tried to click one more shot!

Walking on the Beach, Durban, South Africa

It has been a day well spent first at INDABA 2013 and then later as we explored Durban on a sunny day. Tomorrow we explore parts of Durban with South Africa Tourism and I am so looking forward to it.

Tagged as: Durban, INDABA 2013, Sea

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Faces of INDABA2013 Come Meet South Africa!

by Mridula on May 12, 2013

in Canon D550,Photography,South Africa

If you have visited this blog before you know I mostly don’t post pictures of people. But at INDABA 2013 there are so many people and so many people with camera that I too tried my luck at clicking people. So come see some faces at INDABA 2013 on Day 1, come meet South Africa.

Sand Sculpting, INDABA 2013, Durban

This was right before the Tourism Minister of South Africa Marthinus van Schalkwyk was about to address the media. I love the colors I have seen till now and how I am waiting to see more.

Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister of South Africa

This is the tourism minister of South Africa- Marthinus van Schalkwyk, and he addressed the media in the morning and was there at the opening ceremony of INDABA 2013 as well. You can see how difficult it was to click a picture of his! For this one too, I requested someone to move so that I could also click a picture!

The Smile Says it All! INDABA 2013, Durban

I have often red that you can stand in a corner with a camera and photograph people walking by. I never tried it before but it works, at least if it is quite crowded. Hardly anyone noticed me!

I Wanna Dance, INDABA 2013, Durban

I have to say South African music rocks, for even a stone statue like me goes foot tapping! This person was ready to dance at the hosted dinner in the evening.

The Dancing Gandma, INDABA 20313, Durban

At the opening ceremony there was a point when almost the entire auditorium stood up and danced. This grandma was up and dancing much before that!

I Hope it was Not Loaded, INDABA 2013, Durban

No I do not know what he was doing, all I was sure of was that it was not loaded and he was pointing it at the other photographer who dared to take a picture! Just kidding he was posing for the other photographer.

The Model and the Product! INDABA 2013, Durban

You decide what you like more, the model or the product? She was also modelling for someone else and I just gate crashed their photo shoot.

Colorful Attire, INDABA 2013, Durban

He was walking out of the auditorium after the opening ceremony of INDABA 2013 and after clicking I showed him the picture. He gave me a smile and a big thank you and walked on.

Lovely Smile, INDABA 2013, Durban

She was cat walking along a stall where a fashion show was taking place. And when she saw that I was taking a picture, she paused for a while and gave the camera that lovely smile!