Only in Africa –
Where the men are men and ride crocs —— not wear them!!

A DTE guest from San Diego sent us these photos with the caption : “WHY WE LIVE IN AFRICA”

Hope you enjoy them as much as we did — Thanks Annie !!

Dare to Explore guests are constantly intrigued by the vegetation of the African bush, particularly two types of trees that both have a very specific appearance : the Sausage Tree and the Fever Tree.

Courtesy Sabi Sabi, here is a little more about these two fascinating trees :

The Sausage Tree is sacred and is protected by tribal people in many parts of Africa. A Sausage tree in full fruit, with its distinctive, massive hanging “sausages” is a constant source of fascination for all guests. Just about every part of this tree is used in traditional medicine. The unripe fruit can be crushed open and dried out in the sun before being ground into a fine powder which will create the base of an ointment to cure skin blemishes. The powder is also used to create a paste which will cure many other skin ailments and irritations including boils, ringworm and fungal infections. (This same ingredient is used in modern herbal cosmetic creams for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. There is current research into the use of extracts of the tree in anti-inflammatory medications, anti-ageing treatments and as an anti-oxidant.) The sap of the tree is used to treat rheumatism and an ointment made from the bark is said to prevent sun damage and assist in the healing of skin cancers. Legend has it that the tree will keep away evil-spirits and even tornadoes.

The Fever tree contains ingredients which are very popular and are widely traded amongst South African herbalists. The bark of the tree is yellow and sickly looking, creating the belief in the past that it was the tree which caused malaria. It is this yellow bark which is mainly used in traditional medicine, and which is the basis of many compounds to heal fevers and eye infections. The bark can also be infused as an emetic to induce vomiting. To cure a cough or bronchitis, 8-10 leaves from the Fever Tea tree steeped in boiling water will do the trick. Local folk lore has it that if a bath is taken with ground dried bark from this tree, you are allowed to wish for whatever your heart desires. Some witchdoctors use a tea brewed from the bark of the Fever tree to enter into a dream state in which they receive messages from ancestral spirits.

At a special graduation ceremony held at Madikwe Game Reserve earlier this month, four tracker dogs and handlers, referred to as the new K9 team members, were officially introduced as members of the anti poaching squad after having undergone extensive training for three months.  

The four new warriors are named Ego, Dextah, Angel and Jana. The tracker dogs, Ego and Angel are Belgian Mallinois, a breed known for their intelligence, dedication and aggression.  Dextah is a German Shepherd, the typical ‘police’ dog, while Jana is a cross-bred German Shepherd/Mallinois. Each dog possesses specialised skills and works exclusively with one master.

IlTMAfrica is being held at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape town and  the welcoming function at The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia is a showcase of some of the best South African wines and chefs, each preparing signature “tastings” paired with specially selected wine

Hermanus has started a free “tuk tuk” service on a hop-on, hop-off basis for visitors.

This is good news for everyone because it makes  visiting the shops, bars and galleries of Hermanus that much easier..

As part of the on-going effort to combat rhino poaching in South Africa, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve has started a very interesting procedure, so far not done in other wildlife areas :
the horn of a rhino is treated by infusing it with indelible dye and a poisonous substance that will render the horn useless for commercial or medicinal use.
The rhino is not affected by this

Some priviledged Dare to Explore guests will soon be listening to internationally acclaimed pianist Tian Jiang recite in the bush at Motswari private game reserve in the Timbavati on 6 April, and again in the atrium of the Queen Victoria Hotel on 11April.

One of Cape Town’s most visited sites, the  Victoria and Alfred

 Waterfront,  now offers visitors a free, historical self-guided walking tour that lasts approximately one hour.

The tour provides interesting facts, anecdotes and archive images of life in Cape Town from as early as 1652 right through to  the V&A Waterfront today.

The starting point of the tour is at the V&A Waterfront Information Centre, where visitors can collect their free maps.  From here visitors will follow a series of 30 boards in numbered sequence, placed at significant historical points of interest and at heritage landmarks.

This self-guided tour is ideal for those who prefer to discover the historical background of Cape Town at their own pace. 

For more information, visit www.waterfront.co.za