Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
S P R I N G 2 018
As you may know, each private game reserve is responsible for its
own conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures, including all
Andrew
CONTENTS
ASHTONS INTO THE WILD TEAM
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
lorna@macpublishing.co.za
+27 (0)78 425 4382
REGULARS
6 ASHTONS TEAM, SCHEDULES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
7 ROUTE MAP
10 WILD NEWS
28 FUN STUFF AND REVIEWS
31 EVENTS
33 ANIMAL SIGHTINGS GAME
The battles in the war against the vile poaching industry are still being waged, perhaps even
more than ever. Our dedication to conservation coverage is designed to raise awareness
and, hopefully, some funds so that more battles are won and more species can be saved
but so much more still needs to be done. Which is why it was great to talk to corporate
heavyweights Dimension Data and Cisco about their Connected Conservation initiative in
MAC Publishing
& Consulting
this edition. The impact the initiative has had in a relatively short period of time has been
incredible. Hopefully some other corporate powerhouses will be inspired to follow suit!
Editorial Disclaimer. Ashtons and Mac Publishing We also take a look at the property market in the hottest investment spot in the Kruger
consider its sources reliable and verifies as much data Lowveld – Hoedspruit – through the eyes and words of the locals who are promoting the
as possible. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur,
consequently readers using this information do so at
town and the region. The global property market isn’t as safe a bet as it used to be, but there
their own risk. While every effort has been made to are still locations that offer great returns, and Hoedspruit is certainly one of them.
ensure that information is correct at the time of going All of this along with our regular features – Wild News, Bush Spots, Events, Fun Pages and
to print, Mac Publishing & Consulting cannot be held
responsible for the outcome of any action or decision
the wonderful Animal Checklist – means that you won’t be short of prime info on your
based on the information contained in this publication. travels today.
The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the
completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content,
explanation or opinion. © Mac Publishing & Consulting.
Feel free to take this copy of Into the Wild with you and look forward to reconnecting in
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be the Summer!
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
Wild team xx
any form without prior written permission of the Publisher.
Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.
TEAM Over 70 000 clients already booked between January 2010 and August 2018.
reservations@ashtonstours.com
Daily departures from Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, Skukuza, Protea Hotel Kruger Gate,
Hazyview, White River, KMIA (1 Nov 2018 onwards) and Nelspruit with no minimum
+27 (0)21 683 0234
passenger requirements or single supplements.
Opportunity to view some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery en route. Phalaborwa
RESERVATIONS
Corien Mitchell Provides the most affordable transfer between JOHANNESBURG and the game
Petro Van Heerden lodges and safari operations in the greater HOEDSPRUIT, PHALABORWA, HAZYVIEW
& Southern Kruger areas.
Grietjie Reserve
Monica Ehlers
Miguel Thomaz
Our fixed pricing is a fraction of the cost of flying between Johannesburg and Parson’s Reserve
any one of Hoedspruit, Skukuza, or KMIA/MQP (1 Nov 2018 onwards) where flexi
OPERATIONS pricing applies in accordance with demand.
Ian Mitchell
Three Bridges
David Harrison Ashtons offers commission off rack rates to all registered agents, tour operators, game Karongwe
lodges and accommodation facilities which is not offered by the airlines. Makalali Balule
Pieter Van Heerden Reserve Reserve
Reserve Olifants
Mzu Peter West Gate Klaserie
Ashtons offers 7 Hoedspruit area shuttle locations which are at or close to all Reserve
Susan Iles
main reserve gates for lodge collection and return. R526
MARKETING
York Gate Timbavati
Ashtons also offers affordable ‘Add-on’ transfer rates between Hoedspruit / Hazyview Reserve
Andrew Iles and each individual Game Lodge and Accommodation Facility in the surrounding
Nicola Reekie areas, available to Kruger Shuttle clients ONLY. Separate vehicles may be used for the
Southern R40
local transfers.
Boom Gate
Mymoena Davids The Bush
Aby Kane Pub & Inn
International quality shuttle vehicles - clients are transferred in 14-seater Toyota Rock Fig Lifestyle Centre
Quantums with air-conditioning, individual seat belts, bottled water, cup holders,
DRIVERS
magazine nets, satellite tracking, and large luggage trailers. Hoedspruit Eastgate
Chris Cosnett Airport
Thornybush
Brendon Matthysen R100 Million Passenger Liability Insurance and PAX-Sure of R500 000 per seat. Reserve
James Wheeler R36
Gerhard Scheepers Shuttle drivers are very experienced, have a valid professional driving permit, and Kapama
Hector Ndlovu each drive for maximum 6-8 hours per day. Reserve
Johan Britz Kruger
Ashtons has been a South African tour operator since 1993 and is a Bonded National
Gilly Gordon
Member of SATSA (membership number 486).
National
Hannes van Helsdingen Park
Nelius van Rooyen The Ashtons Kruger Shuttles are endorsed by all the major tour operators, lodges
Johannes van Velden and accommodation facilities that bring international tourists into the Greater
Hans Heilgendorff Kruger areas & surrounds. Guernsey Reserve
Manyeleti
Reserve
Blyde
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE Valid until 31 October 2018. The new Lowveld Shuttle will be added here in the Summer edition. River
Canyon Sabi Sand
Kruger Shuttle: Hoedspruit Reserve
Pick-up / Drop-off Location Arrival time from JHB Departure time to JHB Applicable areas
OR Tambo Depart at 06h45 Arrives at 17h00 - 18h00 -
Southern Boom Gate 12h15 - 12h45 12h00 Karongwe, Makalali
Three Bridges 12h30 - 13h00 11h45 Parsons, Grietjie and Phabalorwa R36
Olifants West Gate 12h45 - 13h15 11h30 Balule R536
York Gate 12h45 - 13h15 11h30 Balule
Protea Hotel
Rockfig, Hoedspruit 13h00 - 13h30 11h15 Hoedspruit and surrounds Kruger Gate Skukuza
East Gate Airport 13h15 - 13h45 11h00 Kapama, Thornybush Hazyview Rest Camp
The Bush Pub and Inn 13h15 - 13h45 10h45 Klaserie, Timbavati
R40
Kruger Shuttle: Hazyview
Pick-up / Drop-off Location Arrival time from JHB Departure time to JHB Applicable areas
OR Tambo Depart at 07h45 Arrives at 17h00 - 18h00 -
Nelspruit - Kruger Lowveld Tourism Office, Crossing Centre
11h15 - 11h45 13h15 Nelspruit
White River - Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre 11h45 - 12h15 12h45 White River
White River
Hazyview - Perry’s Bridge 12h30 - 13h00 12h00 Hazyview
N4
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate 13h30 - 14h00 11h00 Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands To Johannesburg Nelspruit
Skukuza 14h30 - 15h00 10h00 Kruger National Park O.R. Tambo
Gilly Gordon
On the road
with Ashtons
Chris Cosnett Chris Cosnett
Spring 2018 // 13
‘Put your money in bricks trip to the local grocery store is possible town itself offers fabulous restaurants It is truly a blessing to live in this
or give way to a coalition of cheetah and heaps of exciting adventures and special place called Hoedspruit and
and mortar, you can’t go
crossing the R40! activities such as hot air ballooning, a privilege to help others realise their
wrong son,’ were the words The local airport, Eastgate, is a abseiling, the cheetah sanctuary, Blyde dreams. We might sell properties but its
I would often hear from my 15-minute drive from the centre of town. Canyon adventures to mention but a people we love to work with. We are just
grandad when I was a young It is serviced by four scheduled flights a few. Schools (primary and high schools) a phone call away, give us a call so that we
lad. It’s about as far as his day from Johannesburg and two from doctors, dentists, speech therapists and can help.
Cape Town, ensuring easy access from other specialists, paramedic services, Contact Pam Golding (Hoedspruit) on
investment advice would
most places in SA, as well as allowing not one but two shopping centres, +27 (0) 15 793 2712
go because, back then and residents to travel with absolute ease art galleries and much more. Sports
for so many years, putting and comfort. Combine that with the activities include golf, tennis, hiking
money into property was Ashtons shuttle service bringing people running and cycling trails.
always a safe bet. That was to and from Gauteng, you get an idea of The property market in Hoedspruit is “For a secure, safe and tranquil
just how popular the town is becoming. currently good with a lot of international
until the dark clouds of the lifestyle” by Rose White, Chas
Modern technology has allowed visitors investing in property as well as
2008 financial crisis that left individuals and families to work South African clients seeking a quality Everitt Hoedspruit
many with a bloodied nose remotely, allowing for a lifestyle that lifestyle. A variety of requirements, such Hoedspruit is a booming little tourism
having put their futures in the is less about smog, stress and traffic as commercial lodges, holiday homes, and agricultural town. There is currently a
hands of the global property jams and more about clean air, green- secure estate living, and game farms huge demand for more affordable houses
living and nature! The myriad of are in demand. Many clients wanting to
market. The market rocked, in the area. Along with the big movement
activities offered within the surrounds escape city life come to us in search of that is taking place, people moving in
banks stopped lending and of Hoedspruit, allows for active and paradise and we are fortunate that we and out of town, more in than out, there
the biggest casualty was educational family time together, as well can meet their needs. has developed a big gap in the market
the hardworking, honest as the opportunity to count the big five There are many benefits of investing for a developer to put up more affordable
consumer. The last 10 years and tick off the bucket-list trip to the in a property in Hoedspruit. Naturally houses, for sale or to rent, we need it in
famed Kruger National Park. the peaceful lifestyle that is on offer is
has seen a gradual, if a tad the area.
Hoedspruit enjoys hot summer a huge drawing card. The small-town Along with our neighbouring town,
cautious, trust in property days and summer rainfall, with a warm, lifestyle, that offers residents safety and Phalaborwa, having so many issues
start to once again grow. dry winter, typical of the South African security in a beautiful part of our country and uncertainty at the mine, more
Finding the right prices in the bushveld. Days are cooled by a gentle speaks for itself. Furthermore, and and more people are wanting to move
right locations is paramount, breeze originating from the Klein arguably more importantly and valuable to Hoedspruit, seeking a stable and
Drakensburg. As the gateway to Safari is the tremendous return on investment.
leading investors to search for guaranteed income.
Africa, Hoedspruit survives on a constant The reality of a constant demand for Given the tough economic climate,
towns and cities that can offer and vibrant international tourist market, these properties makes for an obvious households are under financial pressure,
the security, and long-term that generates much-needed foreign and sound investment opportunity. The saving up for a deposit and transfer fees
returns, that they require. currency. In addition, the warm climate diversity in properties is what makes our can be a problem for some households,
Hoedspruit is one such gem. has encouraged a heathy number of fruit market special, from wild to mild. There making it difficult to afford a good family
farmers to settle in the area, a further is simply something for everyone’s taste,
Into the Wild spoke with or starter home.
foreign currency injection, as most of the budget and needs. We are finding that folks are wanting
three property guru’s who citrus produced is exported. Pam Golding have many stunning to move out of the cities and away from
ply their trade in Hoedspruit The property market in Hoedspruit homes on offer, but also open stands on the traffic problems and crime in the city
and wider Kruger region, has remained buoyant despite the wildlife estates such the Big 4 Moditlo to the quiet, safe lifestyle of the Lowveld,
helping families, investors and various shifts in the national and global Wildlife estate as well as other plains, particularly Hoedspruit.
markets and remains an interesting game estates where leopard naturally
prospective business owners The various estates in our area offer
option for those wishing to purchase occur and wild dog traverse. So, if prospective buyers with a wide variety
get exactly what they are their own piece of Africa, be it a holiday designing and building your dream of options. Each estate offers something
looking for. Here’s their take home or an investment. home is something you aspire to, the unique. From amazing mountain views
on why Hoedspruit is a place Contact Jordan Properties on opportunity is well within your reach. to river frontage. All the estates offer a
for you to seriously consider +27 (0) 15 793 0471 The beauty of building your own place safe and tranquil lifestyle. Most of the
is the fact that all you need is a foot in
placing your hard-earned estates are perfect for retirees, our climate
the door, starting as low as R135,000 is great and our town offers a friendly,
investments. for a stand and then waiting to build caring environment with lots to do from
when it suits you, and with the help of
“We love where we live! bowls, bridge, art classes and even garden
Land Bank this option becomes so much clubs. There are several safe cycling routes
What’s not to love?” by Louise easier. available in the area too. The estates offer
“Life in Da’ Hoed” by Trevor Militz, Pam Golding Properties One of our most distinctive and a safe place to live that is also perfect for
invaluable assets we are fortunate to
Jordan, Jordan Properties (Hoedspruit) travel so you can lock up your home and
offer is the opportunity to own property know that it will be safe while you are
There are few places in the world that Hoedspruit is a very special little place. within the boundaries of the Kruger away.
have the look and feel of the little town But don’t let its relatively small stature National Park. Big 5 pristine, natural Hoedspruit now has a number of good
of Hoedspruit, South Africa. Situated mislead - Hoedspruit offers a gloriously bush on 21-hectare properties or bigger schools including 3 high schools. A lack
between the great Kruger National Park wide range of activities, adventures and farms for either your private use or the of high schools in the area was always a
and the Blyde River Canyon, this sleepy excitement. Being the safari capital of opportunity to run a Big 5 game lodge problem as some children did not want to
little village has come alive during the South Africa, it goes without saying that or purely as a solid investment. This attend boarding schools away from home.
last decade! Unique in the sense that wildlife is the core of our being with the might sound incredulous, but totally a This has opened the market even further.
one may have to wait for a family of Kruger National Park and other world- reality. We are fortunate to have excellent schools
warthogs to vacate a car park before a famous reserves on our doorstep. The
currently good
children can ride a bicycle or walk to attraction is the game farming industry
school plus have the freedom to play in in our area.
the streets! Hoedspruit has a lot to offer,
Thriving Thornybush
The Thornybush Collection continues to
provide an excellent bushveld experience
through an innovative approach to service
delivery and wildlife sustainability.
The announcement earlier this year that Thornybush game reserves – already a costly business to run –
Private Game Reserve would be removing its eastern have become even more capital intensive. However,
boundary fence with Timbavati, in the process despite pushing its prices up in the past few years,
opening the reserve up to the Greater Kruger Park, Thornybush Collection has seen no drop off in
means that guests to the reserve, home to eleven of demand for accommodation from visitors eager
the Thornybush Collection’s exclusive four and five- to experience the African bushveld in style. In fact,
star luxury game lodges, are set for an even richer occupancy for 2017 is around 70%, significantly
game experience. above the average hotel occupancy.
The 14 000 hectare Thornybush Private Nature Thornybush Collection CEO, Nic Griffin, attributes
Reserve has long had a sterling reputation for this to the changes made within the Collection in
offering a unique wildlife experience, sharing the the past few years to placing a greater premium
Kruger National Park’s huge diversity of animal on people. As he explains it, in this industry, luxury
and bird species. Opening the reserve up to the accommodation, a quality dining experience and a
Greater Kruger, however, promises to ensure more memorable game experience are ‘hygiene factors’.
significant numbers given that animals are now able Game lodges that wish to differentiate themselves
to traverse over a greater footprint. It also allows for need to go further.
new bloodlines to be created which means healthier
wildlife and increased availability of food and water “In line with industry trends we used to experience
resources. relatively high turnover in lodge management
personnel,” he reveals. This negatively impacted
Poaching continues to be a significant threat faced guest satisfaction levels. In an effort to address this
by all game reserves with the result that security Thornybush Collection revised its staff remuneration,
costs for private game reserves in particular have performance and incentive reward programme. The Photos by Desmond Scholtz
escalated significantly as every effort is made to result was the Collection began to attract slightly
better protect wildlife. older and more experienced lodge managers. At
the same time as overhauling its human resources TOP: The deck
Thornybush Private Nature Reserve has been no practices it relooked at certain company policies
exception to these escalating costs and even prior such as for the first time allowing lodge managers to view at Thornybush
to dropping the fence with Timbavati, the reserve have pets and children on site. Game Lodge.
had implemented a number of additional security Bottom from left:
measures including screening all employees in the Over the past few years this has resulted in reduced elephants in the
reserve. Any employee who fails the screening test lodge management turnover and more committed reserve; a suite at
twice is barred from entering the reserve. Guests to teams managing each lodge which has had a Thornybush Game
the reserve are requested not to use their mobile significant impact on improved guest satisfaction
phones while on game drives in order to reduce levels.
Lodge; bath time at
the risk of their location details being transmitted. Chapungu Luxury
Rangers and trackers are similarly not allowed to Within the hospitality industry unsolicited guest Tent Camp.
use their mobile phones while on game drives. feedback reviews are one of the most valuable
marketing tools. Guest reviews on lodges in the
Not surprisingly, the increased costs around Thornybush Collection on sites such as TripAdvisor,
security have meant that game lodges and private currently the most visited travel website globally, tell
20 // Spring 2018
+27 (0) 82 656 2969 - www.daktaribushschool.org
DAKTARI is not open to day visitors - sponsors only
Connecting
Conservation with
Technology
by Andrew Sullivan
The ‘protectors’ often rely on donations, technology, Dimension Data and Cisco
financial and material, from the wider pooled their extensive resource and
public to help them maintain their launched Connected Conservation.
defences so they can fend off the The goal was to help protect and stop
invading dark forces; support is always the poaching of rhinos using a unique
forthcoming, welcomed and very much solution, starting with a pilot scheme in
appreciated. But it never seems to be a private game reserve adjacent to the
enough. It got me thinking about the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
areas of our society that could (and
24 // Spring 2018
us, ‘More than ever before, technology elusive so far in this unnecessary, awful
has given us the ability to change the war – hope. The intention is to roll out
world – not tomorrow, not someday, across all the plains of Africa over the
but now. At Cisco, we’re dedicated to coming years which will in turn have a
making a difference by connecting the massive impact on the abilities of the
world and protecting the oldest and
most vulnerable animals with some of
callous poachers and their unscrupulous
bosses.
We will continue to
the newest connectivity technology. We
are extremely proud to be part of the Mr. Watson sums up the attitude of this roll out the project in Daktari is a registered NPO near Hoedspruit.
It is a bush school, where the mission is
combined effort through his personal
expansion of Connected Conservation
into Africa, to save more endangered ambitions, ‘If I have one passionate as many reserves as to educate and inspire local children to
value their environment and stimulate
species.’ dream, it is to eradicate all forms of community development. We are also a
ADVERTISE IN ASHTONS
To advertise in Ashtons Into The Wild
contact Lorna on 0784254382 lorna@macpublishing.co.za or kirsten@macpublishing.co.za
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Spring 2018 // 31
Just for Fun 15/08/11:
Consecutive Pairs Sudoku by Prasanna Seshadri
Theme: PS
CONSECUTIVE PAIRS SUDOKU RULES. Classic Sudoku Rules. Additionally, if a
Rules: Classic Sudoku Rules. Additionally, if a grey circle is given between two
grey circle is given between two adjacent cells, then the two numbers in those cells must be
adjacent cells, then the two numbers in those cells must be consecutive.
consecutive. (Note: not all grey circles are given; adjacent cells without a circle may contain
(Note: not all grey circles are given; adjacent cells without a circle may contain
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A 9 4
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REVIEWS
6
Why we love
B
5 6 4 1
AshtonsTours
A
3 2
FLOWER NAME MATCH 9 8 Kruger Shuttle: Early
Match these following 8 flower names 2 6 Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
with the correct picture and you’ll have 7 3 review by Ms. Chanté Putter
flora bragging rights!
Travelled with Ashtons a few times
Flame Lily, String of Stars, Impala
Lily, Krantz Aloe, Mountain Aloe, = 2, 4, 6, 8 now. Very happy with your client
Pride of De Kaap, Wandering Jew, service and efficiency!
Wild Dagga/Lions Tail.
= 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Kruger Shuttle: Johannesburg
to Hazyview review by Nerina
Meyburgh
10 out of 10! I had a fantastic
experience. Spacious. Speedy.
Efficient. Thank you .
32 // Spring 2018
Take the fear
out of Forex.