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THE CULTURE OF KWAZULU-NATAL

Are you planning a trip to Kwazulu Natal and want to know what makes this beautiful part of South Africa so unique, look no further! SANIBONANI! HEITA! HOWZIT! MAJITHA! ZWAKALA! You can’t take anything too seriously in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s just too hot for that – and besides, it takes too much energy. We like to relax and would rather use our energy in more constructive ways. For instance, if we can’t lie in the sun watching the inside of our eyelids, we’d rather be surfing, playing beach soccer, strolling along Durban’s world-class promenade, fishing, hanging out with our friends and families, watching the plants grow (hey, we’re sub-tropical here and there are a lot of really, really nice plants) and generally making the most of our lives. This is not to say we don’t work. We do, and we work hard … when we need to. Evidence of our hard work is the fact that Durban alone provides some 11% of South Africa’s gross domestic product, has the busiest port in Africa (so from a business perspective, we are the gateway to commerce in the whole southern African region) and we are South Africa’s leading domestic tourism market. It’s just that in KZN, work often feels like play, and besides, why stress out with too much work when there are so many other fun things going on? We’re not known as a great, family holiday destination for nothing you know. “We’re cool with being warm” In KwaZulu-Natal we’re famous for our warmth – warm, as in friendly and welcoming, but also sub-tropically warm. That being said, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to be chilled here. So, as far as we’re concerned, we’re completely cool being a warm, happy part of the country. And KZN is a happy place – because being happy is what comes naturally when you don’t take things too seriously. It’s easy to be happy here. As long as the sun rises, the kids are occupied, business is taken care of, there’s a good game of sport either to be watched or played, the surf is great, there’s a breyani or a braai on the go, some lekker places to enjoy a dop and to siya-groova a bit with your buddies – well what more could you possibly want? “Being happy is what happens naturally when you don’t take things too seriously”. Okay, so we have a reputation for being laid back and easy going, but hey, we’re not doff. We like it that way. That’s why we live here and not in one of those places where you have to act larnie, dress right, be seen in the right places, read the right books, hang with the right people or where business is everything and life is so fast-paced and hyped you have no time to enjoy yourself. As some locals may say, “Bru, you’ll just get stressed. Rather chill china”. The way we see it, let everyone else rush around if they want. We’ll go at our own steady pace, conserving our energy for things that really matter – things like the big Sharks games for instance, (for those not in the know, the Sharks are our provincial rugby team of whom we are ridiculously proud and supportive), the Durban Vodacom July horse races, the Comrades marathon, the Duzi canoe marathon and the amaShovashova cycle race. And of course, even more importantly, one always needs to conserve one’s energy for a quick dip in the warm Indian Ocean, a good curry, preferably a Bunny Chow (a take-away curry served in a half loaf of bread which was invented here in KZN) or a seafood platter and a. We may look as if we’re just hanging out here on the edge of the East Coast of Africa, but in reality, not only are we really central to everything that is going on, but we’re cooking. Check it out … WE EVEN HAVE OUR LANGAUGE IN KZN. HERE’S A QUICK TRANSLATION IF YOU DIDN’T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING YOU READ ABOVE Heita, Howzit, Majitha, (township and slang greetings) breyani (popular Indian dish made from rice ‘n spice ‘n all things nice) braai (barbeque) lekker (very nice) dop (a quiet drink) siya-groova (party) doff (stupid) chilled (relaxed) cooking (going places) bru (my brother) chill china, (Relax my friend: from the Zulu umshana = my nephew, and the cockney china plate = my mate) larnie (important person) check it out (see for yourself) Bunny chow : often referred to as a bunny, is a popular meal which is of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry. It originated in the Durban Indian community. Source credit: www.zulu.org.za

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Emdoneni News

Game Drive at Emdoneni Lodge

8 Tips to get the Most from your Game Drive 1) Understand how a game drive works Some people like to live in suspense and take life as it comes. If that’s you, you can skip this part! Others get more from an experience if they understand how it works… Broadly speaking private game lodges offer open vehicle game drives with anything from 4-6 people (at the most expensive lodges) up to 10 people on a game vehicle, usually somewhere in between. There is a place for one person next to the ranger (more on that later) and then three rows of seats usually each one a little higher than the last. The drive usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours depending on what you see and there’s a break for morning coffee/tea and for evening sundowners which is also an opportunity for a bush loo stop. Usually the ranger will be in radio contact with other vehicles. Either belonging to the same lodge and/or neighboring lodges traversing the same area. This is a good thing because more eyes out in the bush mean more sightings and everyone wins. But of course there is an etiquette involved here! A private game reserve doesn’t want 10 vehicles converging on a sighting all at once. As this disturbs the animals, the tranquility of the bush and throws your chances of getting a stunning photo badly off-kilter. So when a vehicle comes across a major sighting such as one of the so-called Big Five, or wild dog cheetah etc, they spend a few minutes enjoying the sighting in peace before radioing in to other vehicles. There then follows a delicate ‘dance’ between the rangers as to who heads to the sighting next depending on their distance away. Usually two and not more than three vehicles are allowed at a sighting at any one time. If you are second to a sighting, you cannot immediately go in front and take the best vantage point thus ruining the experience for the original vehicle. However as they move off, your ranger can move the vehicle into a better spot for photos. Your ranger will try to ensure that all people on the vehicle can get a decent photo. Please keep in mind that depending on the terrain, the animal’s behavior and the lighting, this is not always possible… Sometimes you may find yourselves in a sort of ‘queue’. Of course a good ranger will not make this obvious to you and will occupy the time discussing other things. The private game lodges generally stick to the reserve roads but are allowed to go off road to follow a major sighting. However whether they do so or not depends on the terrain. It might look fine to you but they will know that there is major ‘donga’ (sharp steep cleft in the bush uncrossable) for example. In an “ideal” game drive, you will have a mix of good, sometimes even exciting sightings with plenty of time to just appreciate the animals, lots of discussion with your ranger and also the chance to learn about other aspects of the bush such as plants, birds, how to track animals, how to know which animal passed on the basis of their dung etc. However not every game drive is an epic one just as not every day will be the best day ever. Some drives are quiet. Sometimes this is because of the weather – a strong wind or a cold front affects animals as much as humans. Sometimes you’re just not lucky! 2) Bring the right kit I go into this in some detail in our What to Wear guide but as far as the actual game drive goes, try to have the following: • Camera – See next point • Binoculars – the best you can afford and ideally one for each person • Sunblock • Wide brimmed hat for summer, and woolly beanie for winter • Animal and bird books – usually on sales in the lodge shop if you don’t already have • For bush loo stops – some tissue & a bag to put it in afterwards, hand sanitizer • Layers of clothing for late autumn to spring • Mosquito repellent for summer • Water (if the lodge doesn’t provide it) For families • Simple animal check-list – great for keeping kids motivated • Access to photography whether it is a disposable camera or borrowing your camera phone • Binoculars – ideally one for each family member – have I said that before? Shall I say it again • Dried fruits if your kids are likely to get hungry (though snacks are provided at the break) 3) Sit in the middle of the vehicle This gives you the best of all worlds. You are high up so animal sightings are good, but not so far back that you can’t ask questions of the ranger. However each seat has pros and cons. The front seat is ideal for older less mobile people and in winter, it is definitely the warmest. But your sightings are not nearly as good because you don’t have the height. The first seat is ideal if you like to ask a lot of questions and you have an unobstructed view to the front (my preference). The middle row gives you greater height but you can still hear the ranger. The back seat is a love it or hate it experience. My husband reverts to being a naughty schoolboy at the back of the bus (much giggling and in-jokes with the kids). It is definitely the bumpiest option and also the coldest in winter but you do have the added advantage of being able to look over your shoulder at what is behind the vehicle – ideal if a line of animals such as a pack of wild dogs has just walked from the front to the back. 4) Ask Questions This does what it says on the tin. The

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Emdoneni Lodge is SATSA bonded.

2019 certificate received! Emdoneni Lodge is SATSA bonded. SATSA – Official More about SATSA: The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is a member-driven association that offers inbound tourism services companies the highest level of quality in the tourism industry. Who is SATSA SATSA is a member-driven credibility association that strives to set the highest standards in the Tourism Industry We strive to maintain our three key qualities in all of the work we do: credibility, value and authority. Using a SATSA member provides peace of mind for those who seek to do business with credible tourism partners Members undergo a strict registration process and are required to sign and agree to abide by a Code of Conduct What is SATSA’s purpose? To provide buyers with quality advice and references to assist them in making an informed decision in their selection of suppliers To provide our members with key services and benefits as well as representation at local, regional and international trade shows and conferences To lobby on issues that impact members businesses and profitability Source credit: www.satsa.com

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Emdoneni Lodge’s Beekeeping Diaries by our beekeeper Craig Munro

8/8/17 Both hives now have bees in them. Exciting times! The strength of the swarm will be checked regularly before Spring and Summer. 19/12/17 Full inspection of all frames were done today. They are doing great and I’m very happy with their growth and health. The one colony had a minor hive beetle infestation but all have been destroyed so the bees can work without pests. Both hives are almost ready for the honey supers but I put them on now as I am satisfied the colonies are strong and ready. God willing we will have a honey harvest within the next two months 30/1/18 Ok, inspection done! Some good news, some great news and some exciting news! Good news: Number two hive, is very strong and very healthy. Packed with happy, working bees and no evidence of disease or pests again. Not even one hive beetle seen. The brood chamber is full, all ten frames with a huge honey crown above the brood combs (slight concern that they are not using the space above in the super but will monitor this). They are drawing out the comb in the super now which is good but if the queen excluder is slowing them I will remove it next time. Great news: number one hive is phenomenal! From a small colony that moved in during winter and through a dearth period they have exceeded expectations massively! These guys are the real deal? The super is filling up fast, seven nearly full frames and drawn comb in the other three. They will need another super chamber within the next week. Gorgeous acacia honey coming soon!! Exciting news: The eucalyptus plantations are just coming into flower, from now until April/May there should be a rich abundance of nectar available to the bees in every direction! If the weather conditions are right they should produce a very good crop. Hold thumbs and pray. We can split the hives after the harvest and create another colony as well. 25/4/18 I inspected all your hives yesterday. They are healthy, with no obvious pests or parasites present. They seem to have just stopped making, this was evident on the last inspection as well. A bit strange but possibly because the source of nectar was abruptly cut off. Anyway, the bees are fine. Perhaps they will reward you with a nice spring crop. 13/6/18 Your new hive is in place and ready for bees which I will bring soon. (Unless a swarm moves in by themselves) I have returned the empty super chamber and placed it on top of the 3rd hive, I also returned the frame to the 1st hive. I have completed a full inspection of all three occupied hives and am very happy with their overall health. Number one and two are still strong with plenty of honey in the brood chamber to see them through winter. Number three is a bit weak with less honey but I am not worried about them as they have a healthy laying queen and eggs in the cells. There are no parasites or signs of disease in any of the hives. I have removed the new swarm from the cupboard area and cut away all the combs, the queen is also captured so there is no chance of re-establishing themselves. I will check the hives again around end of July, there are signs that they have found some winter food which will mean strong colonies ready to take advantage of the spring nectar. 5/2/19 There are now four healthy beehives situated in the peace of the bush at Emdoneni. The bees have done very well to maintain their strength through winter and a few tough months so far this summer with almost no surplus nectar around. The latest inspection shows that they are now finding a good strong flow of nectar and starting to produce a divine Acacia and Eucalyptus honey which should be ready to harvest soon. 28/3/19 Beekeeping course today at Emdoneni! Four interested beekeepers arrive with huge excitement to learn more about this amazing specie. Over the last two years Emdoneni experienced joyousness moments as we observed the healthy activity of our local liveliness bees. Our beekeeper carefully planned the process and unquestionable worth the wait, our bees’ produced the most delightful pure, raw, natural organic honey. We recently bottled our second batch of honey, made with utmost love, at Emdoneni by our hard industrious and diligent bees. What a beautiful (bee-autiful) natural event to witness! We are really chuffed with our resident busy bees who have worked extremely hard throughout the drought to offer us their exceptional natural gift. Emdoneni’s owner, Cecillie Nel also qualified as a beekeeper and will take on the duties along with Craig Munro to make sure the hives and bees are happy and healthy. What a privilege to be able to observe and to work with these clever little creatures!

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Emdoneni Lodge Accommodation

Accommodation at Emdoneni Lodge and Spa Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project and Spa, is a high quality three star lodge and is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Guests can relax and enjoy the true South African hospitality while viewing all Zululands’ resources. If you ever dreamt of getting close to nature, Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project & Spa is the place to visit! Close to the National road (1.5 km), Emdoneni Lodge is accessible for any visitor who still wants to experience the luxury of a bush environment and also be close to the main attractions such as Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves (23 km) and St Lucia World Heritage Park (from 30 km away). This intimate multi-award winning lodge is the ideal location from which to explore the wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand. Nature lovers & enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of our wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives offered at Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves, guided and non-guided walks done at the lodge, cultural excursions close by and relaxing boat cruises at Lake St Lucia. Our passionate and very knowledgeable guides cannot wait to introduce you to our region! Emdoneni Lodge offers guests elegantly decorated, intimate and comfortable accommodation in Hluhluwe in chalets and/or rondavels, on a bed & breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast basis. There are mainly showers in the rooms, with the exception of two rooms which do include baths. WiFi is available, free of charge, to all our guests. The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage our guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquil lodge surroundings, including a boma, swimming pool and sky deck. Walk with the wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Nyala and Red and Grey Duiker. The bird life in Zululand is also abundant. The surrounding area is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. Some of the specials one might go in search of are: Narina trogon, Blue Crested Lourie, Mangrove King Fisher, African Broadbill, Pink Throated Twin Spot, Blue Billed Fire Finch. Come and be mesmerised by the beauty of the Caracal, enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed & agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat… We offer educational tours daily, Monday to Sunday with a feeding during the afternoon tour only. ALL tours to the Cheetah Project will be FREEof charge during the duration of your stay when you book, on DBB directly from our website and not through an online travel agent. It is impossible to run out of things to do in this little slice of wilderness heaven. Some of the activities at Emdoneni Lodge are visiting the cat centre, taking nature walks amongst the animals, join a game drive to the Game Reserve or book an activity for the kiddies whilst pampering yourself at our Spa! If you feel like a day out to explore the surrounding areas, there is plenty more to do. Visit the Hluhluwe Game Reserve (around the corner from us) or Mkuze Game Reserve and take a game drive in search of the elusive and famous Big Five. If its Zulu culture and education you’re after, then visit the Zulu Cultural Village. Those of you in search of water-based activities have the option of visiting any of the following: Lake St Lucia, Cape Vidal Snorkeling Safaris, Sodwana Bay, St Lucia Wetlands, Jozini Dam and Kosi Bay. Chalets Spacious and elegant chalets with an authentic atmosphere to maximise comfort. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom (shower only) and a lovely view on the garden. Two chalets adjacent to each other with a split patio. We offer twin beds or king size beds with an en-suite bathroom. Tea and coffee making facilities are also available in all rooms. Rondavels This unique African-style, round, thatched roof is called a rondavel. The unit consists of two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (with shower only). Each unit has an adjoining door between the two bedrooms, making it ideal for families. The rondavels have a view over the garden and it is in close proximity of the swimming pool and restaurant. The units are elegantly decorated with an authentic atmosphere. Extras: Air conditioners, ceiling fans, bar fridge, as well as coffee and tea making facilities. Honeymoon Suite The Honeymoon Suite, Windfall Cottage, is privately situated under Marula trees and offers great comfort and privacy. It consists of a lounge with DSTV, romantic bedroom, en-suite bathroom with a free standing bath, leading to an outside shower in a privately fenced Boma area. Sit and relax on your private patio, having your morning coffee or tea. In the afternoon, enjoy a glass of wine and watch Zebra, Nyala and Impala roam around the cottage. Ideal for honeymooners or for those looking for a romantic weekend away. Our Facilities The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage our guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations – Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Available at Lodge : 24 hour reception Wi-Fi internet available in public areas Swimming pool Sky deck Boma for evening dinners Restaurant Bar Office facilities Housekeeping and laundry service Safe for valuables Air-conditioning and ceiling fans Parking available View and photograph cats at the Emdoneni Cheetah Project Family friendly Fun activities for kids, by experienced guides Babysitting available Walking and hiking trails Small Game Reserve with wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Nyala, Wildebeest, Red and Grey Duiker Excellent bird watching opportunities Housekeeping and laundry service Available in Rooms : Night Guard Amenities Housekeeping Laundry service Safe for valuables Air-conditioning Ceiling fans Safes for valuables in all rooms Bar fridges in all rooms (not stocked) Coffee & Tea making facilities (Plunger filter coffee) Own patio

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