Archive for October 2011
Royal Madikwe September Safari News
October 20, 2011
ROYAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2011
| Royal Safaris
What a month it’s been for the reserve and for Royal Madikwe, sharing some unbelievable moments with great guests and some amazing sightings, the weather has most definitely changed and summer is on its way. With the days reaching the early 30 degree mark, nights are warm and the first rain for the season has dropped, turning some of the plant species green and luscious. The animal sightings have been as always amazing, with one of the wild dogs having grown there pack to nearly 22. The lions have been moving quite a bit with the dominant males in the area having had cubs with the females of the north western sector. We have seen some of the summer visitor birds arriving, especially are the red breasted swallows been the first to arrive.
Elephants have been all over the royal lodge, and many guests have been lucky to have even seen our local black rhino ‘Hansa’.
Leopards are starting to become a regular sighting at Madikwe with some guests lucky enough to have seen 2 different sightings on one drive. Madikwe park management have also captured 30 buffalo for auction and are hoping to get a good sale for some of the world class disease free buffalo.
We at Royal are looking forward to having the rain start soon and for summer to start in full force, as this will no doubt bring with it many new species for the year, birds, insects, reptiles and more. All the best for October Adam & Andrew |
| Royal Experiences The month of September brought with it the warm Spring sunshine we had been waiting for. Our guests soaked up the sunshine by the pools edge, comfortably sprawled out on pool loungers and treated to decadent cocktails with a constant influx of Elephants, Dazzles of Zebra, Mighty herds of Buffalo and of course some of our usual antelope friends coming for a drink at the waterhole.
Friendly new faces from all over the globe joined the Royal family this month to experience a true African wander. Their safari’s out in the bush were enthralling and their time spent at the lodge was tranquil and relaxing. Each aspect of the lodge added to their journey in becoming a part of the family. Painting T-shirts, faces and pictures was the flavour of the month with our little Royal visitors who threw themselves into a world of fantasy and fun while parents enjoyed their safari’s! Giggles echoed through the leafless trees and into our hearts. Roaring fires, Tswana melodies and a decadent birthday cake under a rooftop of stars in the boma – with a wine tasting to tease the pallet – formed a memorable evening and provided a true taste of what this paradise is all about! Romantic and very special candle-lit dinners were arranged for our Honeymoon couple who could not think of enough kind words to thank the whole team for their magical stay! September has definitely been a month of celebration with birthdays, honeymooners, a newly engaged couple and first time safari goers! The whole team is so looking forward to the busy month of October and excited to meet all our new visitors destined to become a part of the Royal family.
Looking forward to meeting all our future guests and sharing these spectacular events with them. Drienie and The Royal Family
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Each visit a Magical Safari Experience, even our Return guests still get bedazzled by The Big 5 and more…
October 20, 2011
The Howest group arrived back to their African home on a very warm spring afternoon to the heart-warming Tswana melodies of the Royal team. Oteng greeted them with decadent welcome drinks and refreshing hand towels at the main lodge where everyone was afforded the opportunity to catch up and settle into their peaceful surroundings. They were so excited to be back and especially happy that there were no fires to interrupt their wonderful visit to Royal Madikwe. On their very first day back at their African home and on settling down to a decadent lunch, a Black Rhino came for a drink at the water hole! As they were enjoying lunch on the lower deck, they had a magnificent view and a close encounter with one of Africa’s most notorious creatures! What a great start to their visit! Their Safaris with Andrew were magical! They experienced amazing sightings of Buffalo bulls and herds, a Pride of Lions as well as a Lioness, a Male Leopard on two occasions, Caracal, Elephant bulls and herds, white Rhino and on their last morning, they were greeted by a herd of Elephants who very playfully rolled and splashed around in the water hole while they had breakfast. Jordan and Sarah were invited to spend an afternoon of doughnut making with Patience. She explained everything to him, as Sarah was taking some time out for a nap, and he took it from there – cutting out all the shapes. Jordan exclaimed that everyone was having an afternoon nap so he would make doughnuts for everyone! A very sweet thought and of course he had lots of fun doing it. Chocolate and sprinkles covered both the doughnuts and Jordan by the time he was done decorating them! This became fun for the whole family as everyone enjoyed the doughnuts 
with their snacks at Hi-Tea. Jordan and Sarah were very excited to receive the Special Royal Madikwe Kids Backpacks again as they had left theirs behind and needed a new animal checklist, etc.. so that they could keep track of all the amazing African creatures they encountered during their stay. Beautiful sunny days sought to meals being enjoyed outdoors under umbrellas during the daytime and under the starlit night sky in the evenings. The fresh air and tranquil environment ensured that everyone was very relaxed and always ready for the next adventure with Andrew. On their last evening, everyone arrived back to a lantern lit pathway extending to a very inviting fire in the boma! After settling by the fire’s side with something to wet their lips, the Royal team emerged from the lodge with powerful Tswana
Royal Madikwe magical sigthings - Leopard
melodies in which they conveyed their farewells to their extended family. The Howest party cherished their time back at their home and it won’t be long until we welcome them home again! Their words: “As always our stay was an exceptional experience! Thank you Drienie, Andrew and the Royal team – you always make us feel so at home and go out of your way to make us feel special! See you again soon! P.S. Andrew… Awesome viewing, thank you for making the effort and always going out of your way! All our love, Sven, Nats, Jordan, Linda, Bokkie, Anna, Matthias and Sarah” We are all looking forward to welcoming this wonderful group back to their African home!