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Our Cat Release Program

The main emphasis of the cat project is to release the progeny of animals back into the wild. We only keep our breeding pairs (ambassador animals) and those animals that cannot be released, at the project and for educational purposes. All offspring, where possible, will be released into the wild, back where they belong. In the 22 years that the Emdoneni Cheetah Project has been in operation, we have successfully rehabilitated and released Servals, Caracals, African Wildcats and Cheetahs. ‘We are delighted to accept the two new Servals and play our part in ensuring the conservation of this rare and beautiful species. ‘iSimangaliso provides them with a secure home away from inhabited areas and the threat of snaring,’ says iSimangaliso Wetland Park CEO, Andrew Zaloumis. Servals are listed on the ‘Threatened or Protected Species’ (TOPS) list owing to their rarity. They are vulnerable to being snared and killed by farmers, in particular for their beautiful pelts. October 2017 – Servals Released at Fanie’s Island April 2017 – Servals Released at iSimangaliso Wetland Park March 2017 – African Wildcat Release at Private Game January 2017 – Cheetah Released – Mossel Bay March 2014 – Servals Released at Mkuze Game Reserve August 2012 – Servals Released at iSimangaliso Wetland Park The adult female and young male were confiscated from a farmer in Vryheid who kept them in captivity illegally, apparently to be used for hunting purposes. According to the farmer they were found in snares, but on investigation, no marks were found on their bodies to support the claim. They were recovered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife District Conservation Officers and taken to the Emdoneni Cheetah Project near Hluhluwe. The cats were set free in the open grassland area in the Easter Shores side of the park, a suitable habitat and where plenty of prey is available. Servals eat mainly rodents, fish, birds, insects and small reptiles which are found in abundance in natural wetland areas. On a previous occasion Servals were released in the Western Shores side of the park. August 2011 – Caracals Released at Private Game Reserve July 2011 – Caracals released at a Private Game Reserve Releasing two caracals born in captivity into the wild, turned out to be both a sad and exciting moment for Emdoneni Cheetah Project owners Louis and Cecillie Nel. Two one year old male caracals, born at Emdoneni Cheetah Project, Hluhluwe, were part of the breeding project aimed at saving the African wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval from extinction. The intention is to breed where possible and release the offspring back into their natural habitat. The cats were released in the Mziki Shareblock at Phinda Game Reserve after being judged fit and able to hunt for themselves. Tiptoeing out of the crate, the first male entered his new home by first stopping right in the middle of all the spectators to give them a last close-up inspection before disappearing into the forest. Male number two wasn’t too keen on exploring his new habitat and it took a lot more convincing before he made his leap for freedom. The caracal is an endangered species, mostly killed by farmers because of predation on their livestock. In some areas they are killed for their skin and meat. The Nel Family truly have One Heart, One Passion and One Goal, to save these rare species. “I think I could turn and live with the animals, they are so placid and self-contained; I stand and look at them long and long.” By Walt Whitman

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Emdoneni News

Turtle Tours

St Lucia turtle Tours (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) begin in November when Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles come ashore on the golden beaches in the St Lucia Turtle Sanctuary, to lay their eggs. On the St Lucia turtle nesting tours we drive along the beach (iSimangaliso Cape Vidal too Leven Point) at night in search of turtles. At certain stages during the nesting process, turtles can be approached, viewed and photographed without causing disturbance to the turtles. Once the female Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles have nested, the eggs incubate for about 65 days, depending upon nest temperatures. On St Lucia turtle hatchling tours, we drive along the beach in the turtle sanctuary with very dim flashlights looking for baby turtles as they move down the beach towards the ocean. If you are going to be in South Africa in the St Lucia area, this is a phenomenon not to be missed. 2014 Shoreline Boat Turtle and Walking Safaris have officially been awarded with the Turtle Tour concession for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park area. The commencement date for the Turtle Tours is 12 November 2014. The tours will depart from St Lucia and please do take note that the times vary according to the tides and therefore each evening will vary. Its an incredible tour with the benefit of being able to witness two separate types of Turtles that frequent the beaches of St Lucia, these include the Logger Head and Leather Back Turtles. Please do take note that sightings are not guaranteed as the same applies to a safari into any game reserve. What is incredible is that one will travel through the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park enroute to the beach at Cape Vidal while traveling to the beach one also has the added benefit of coming across various animal species that frequent the area these include Hippo, Buffalo, Rhino, Antelope and even the odd Leopard. Once you arrive at the Cape Vidal beach your guide will deflate the open game drives tyres and then you are officially off on a Turtle Tour along the beach, the stretch of beach that you will 4×4 on is a reserve and the distance that you will travel is aprox 27km before you get to the sanctuary. It is along this stretch of beach that you will be looking for the turtles. From November the Turtles start to lay their eggs and once the incubation period is complete then only will the hatchlings depart into the water never to set foot onto land again in the case of the males. Did you know that when the females are ready to lay their eggs that they will always return to their birth stretch of beach never mind where in the ocean they are. Turtle Tours are an incredible and magical outing definitely a once in a life time experience should you be interested in booking this tour then please do Click Here for prices and availability. Seats are limited to 10 so please do ensure that you have made bookings prior as the Turtle Tours do coincide with High season in St Lucia. We are incredibly excited to mention that during our current season of 2015 that the sightings have been awesome thus far not to mention that our success rate currently is more than 94% for Leopards. This is amazing as it adds so much more value to the extraordinary outing as it is. Turtle Viewing Season: Starting Date: 1 November End Date: 31 March Telephonic Bookings: +27 35 5901555 iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia Why not join a Turtle Tour while in iSimangaliso Wetland Park , St Lucia and not only get to witness the Turtles, Leopards but some magnificent scenery as well. Turtle Tours are conducted on the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Accessing the Eastern shores is done by entering the Cape Vidal gate from St Lucia. The Eastern shores borders the Indian Ocean on the East and the St Lucia Estuary on the West. Traveling to Cape Vidal is a 28 km journey prior to one being able to access the beach. What makes the Turtle Tours even more spectacular is the fact that one has the opportunity to enjoy a Night Drive Safari both en route and back to St Lucia on completion of the Turtle Tour. While en route one may come across various wildlife species including Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, Hippo, Antelope and smaller nocturnal species such as Chameleons. Its a magnificent outing in an incredible park. Turtle Tour Sightings The 2015/2016 Turtle Tour Season (area: St Lucia/iSimangaliso Wetland Park) has truly been a magnificent season thus far. November 2015 started of with splendid sightings of Leopards virtually each evening. Furthermore our Ranger Jacques was fortunate to spot more than 1 Leopard on most nights in and among-st other Nocturnal wildlife. The Turtles started showing themselves from mid November and continued throughout the season. Leatherback Turtles and Logger Head Turtles where witnessed on numerous occasions throughout the season. December Leopard sightings dwindled a bit due to more traffic on the Cape Vidal road but quickly increased after the festive season. As of late January a lot more LeatherBack Turtles had been witnessed with numerous Logger Head hatch-lings. LeatherBack Turtle Facts LeatherBack Turtle: Reptile Carnivore 45 year Lifespan Can weigh up to 900 kg LeatherBacks are the largest turtles on earth. As their name implies their skin is thin, tough and rubbery. Made up of thousands of bone plates that gives an impression of leather. The LeatherBack is the only turtle that does not have a hard outer shell. The length of a adult Turtle can be up to 2,7 m long. Scissor like jaws, jellyfish is the main diet of this magnificent creature. Female Turtles between the ages of 6 and 10 years will mate every 2 to 3 years. A female may lay her eggs up to 9 times during one season with an average of 10 days between nestings.

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Emdoneni News

Valentine Special at Emdoneni Lodge

Valentine Special Spoil yourself and your partner with a luxurious, romantic treat at Emdoneni Lodge Book now and qualify for: ♥A 35% discount on your stay (inclusive of breafast and dinner) ♥Receive a FREE bottle of champagne and chocolates on arrival in your room ♥PLUS a spa voucher to the value of R200 per person when spending R700 or more ♥ALL cat tours included Please note: Special valid from 14 February to 28 February 2019 Minimum stay: 2 Nights Terms & conditions may apply

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Emdoneni News

Top 15 destinations to visit in KZN

Probably one of the most diverse provinces in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal offers travellers a little bit of everything – warm oceans and good waves, quaint little towns to explore, majestic mountains for hiking, a world class city with diverse cultures, as well as a gateway to three neighbouring countries: Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. We check out the top 15 below, so if you’re keen to explore more of this captivating province, take a look at this list of much-loved holiday spots in KZN: 1. Ballito Located only 45km from Durban, Ballito has fantastic beaches and an array of superb hotels, restaurants, shopping and vibrant nightlife, firmly establishing it as KZN’s top destination. 2. St Lucia Gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the booming eco-village of St Lucia offers an enticing selection of things to do ranging from scuba diving, to turtle tracking and guided walking safaris. 3. South Beach Durban has been making waves as one of South Africa’s must-visit destinations over the past few months. If water, waves and sunbathing babes are your thing, lively South Beach near uShaka Marine World is the place to be. Make the most of your time in the city 4. Umhlanga Rocks Situated 20km north from the centre of Durban, the seaside resort of Umhlanga Rocks has a swathe of chic apartments and a red-and-white lighthouse overlooking the lovely beach. It is also home to two of the top 10 South African hotels where the richest of the rich check in! 5. Shakas Rock Shakas Rock boasts one of the Dolphin Coast’s most picturesque beaches with a fun tidal pool and a ski-boat launch site. It draws less crowds than neighbouring Ballito and has a super chilled vibe. 6. Uvongo Uvongo is a lively holiday town offering one of the best swimming beaches on the South Coast as well as a lagoon complete with its own waterfall! It also has a selection of decent restaurants, pubs, shops and activities. 7. Umdloti Beach Photo credit: bookings.com This subtropical seaside resort town and conservancy is renowned for frequent dolphin sightings, good surf and a lovely swimming beach. 8. Durban North Durban North’s excellent swimming beach, great surf and magnificent ocean views are a quick 15-minute drive north of central Durban. If you enjoy good food in quaint surroundings, the super cute Freedom Cafe is an absolute must-try. 9. Margate Beach Photo credit: www.kzn-southcoast.com Margate is an immensely popular spot during the December holidays. Its beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, water skiing and surfing. There is also loads to keep the whole family entertained from markets and shopping, to lively nightlife and great dining. One of these days the KZN south coast will also be home to KZN’s first official nude beach at Mpenjati, about 20km from Margate. 10. Shelly Beach Photo credit: Afristay Named for the millions of miniature cowrie shells that wash up on the shore, Shelly Beach offers a horde of outdoor activities and entertainment, including the creepy yet cool Pure Venom Reptile Park, where you can spot everything from crocodiles to colourful birds of paradise, as pictured above. 11. The Bluff Situated atop a hill south of Durban harbour, The Bluff is a well-established seaside suburb that has developed into an immensely popular holiday spot. 12. Amanzimtoti Photo credit: amanzimtotiguesthouse.co.za Amanzimtoti is the perfect holiday destination for families, offering an array of activities including shopping and restaurants as well as safe swimming, surfing and fantastic shore and deep sea fishing. 13. Underberg Photo credit: www.drakensberg-info.co.za Magnificent views and outstanding fly-fishing, hiking and mountain biking activities characterize this flourishing gateway to the southern Drakensberg. 14. Warner Beach Apart from exceptional surfing and long beaches just begging to be walked along, Warner Beach is also located close to Aliwal Shoal, one of KZN’s top dive sites, making it a prime destination for those in search of watery adventures. 15. Bergville Photo credit: www.drakensberg-info.co.za While KZN is often associated with its tropical beaches and warm water, the Midlands offer a wonderland of charming country life. Bergville is a soothing stopover and convenient base from which the explore. Source credit: www.traveller24.com

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Emdoneni Tips & Information

Guide to the 7 Travel Photo Trends in 2019

Times are changing and people nowadays put emphasis on saving time and money when they want to take a good picture. At the same time, people are also getting more educated on using a camera and they know what it takes to snap a great photo. The following are the top 7 travel photo trends in 2019. Using Smartphone instead of DSLR to Take Photos Most tourists don’t use point and shoot camera to take photos nowadays. One of the reasons is that they don’t know how to adjust complicated settings like shutter speed. They much prefer using a smartphone to take pictures because the smartphone camera is already adjusted to the optimal setting. All you need to do is to frame the scene you want to take a photo of in your phone screen and press the hit button. After taking the photos on your smartphone, you can have them transferred to your computer and organized using software like Movavi Photo Manager. You can add tags to your photos to sort them, for example, putting Belgium travel photos under the tag Belgium. It also allows you to make simple edits, for example, using resolution presets for resizing the photo, rotate left/right, and color adjustment. The Balance of Lighting in Photo Many tourists now understand the importance of their photos to have balanced lighting. Key parts in the scenery must be highlighted while other less important parts can be covered in shadow. They know that the photos have different look if they take the photos in different light conditions. For example, photos that appear bright are shot in the golden hour when the sun is hot. On the other hand, photos with some shadowy parts are shot when the sun is not that bright and hot. Sharing Photos on Social Media Sites There is an increasing number of tourists posting their travel photos on social media sites. Skilled tourist photographers like to share their travel photos to get recognition and get their work published in magazines. Others that are less skilled like to share their travel photos to contribute some information on the places they have visited. Adding Humor to Your Travel Photo Humor is becoming an important trend in travel photography. Many people like to act playful, for example, doing a funny thing that is related to the travel venue they are taking photo of. Humor travel photos are usually taken by younger travelers who don’t take things seriously. Including the Locals in Your Photo Multilocalism is a popular trend in travel photos. It shows people of the foreign places that you have met, for example, a photo of the locals performing their daily routine or you can pose a selfie with a local. Sharing the photo online allows you to show how enriching your travel experience has been. Highlighting the Cuisines in Your Trip A lot of tourists also like to take food photography when they are traveling. You can take a photo of the food that you enjoy at the restaurant. It can also spice you saw a seller selling in the marketplace or a variety of local cuisine sold by the local stalls. If you take a photo of restaurant cuisine, you can put a caption on the photo to state the ingredients and cuisine origin. Taking Photos of Streets Street photography is another trend in travel photography. It can be a photo of strangers walking down the street or an empty alley in the city. The street doesn’t have to be in a busy city and can be any place as long as the shot is natural. Usually, it is a public street and capture with a basic camera. Source: technobng.com

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