ASHTONS

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INTO THE WILD

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Conservation is one of the issues that remains very close to our hearts
at Ashtons, which is why it always has prominence in this magazine.
Over the past 18 months the emotive topic of legal, permitted trophy
hunting in the Greater Kruger has caused robust debate that has
reached far and wide. It has been very disturbing to see how readily
people share extremely polarizing views without being in possession of
all the facts. And in the case of certain journalists, there is an apparent
decision to only declare certain facts in support of their specific
agendas. Then of course, social and online media turn hot topics into
wildfires that have significant ramifications for those whose livelihoods
depend on tourism to our game reserves.
Up until my late teens I staunchly believed that all trophy hunting
should be outlawed, especially for the iconic species. It was a wildlife
documentary that first made me aware of the significant revenue
that legal, permitted trophy hunting contributes towards conservation.
Over the years my personal aversion to the sport has given way to the
inescapable conclusion that, if we’re going to actively contain wildlife in
specific areas that are ring fenced and surrounded by human habitat,
then legal trophy hunting has a direct role to play in the conservation of
those species.
As you may know, each private game reserve is responsible for its
own conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures, including all
the related fund raising. And many private reserves that form part of
the Greater Kruger provide a ‘buffer’ between rural communities and
Kruger National Park itself. So, it is vital that these private reserves get
their conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures right, which is
a big responsibility that comes with a massive cost. So where do the
funds come from?
Regardless of anyone’s personal views relating to legal trophy hunting,
it is a sobering reality that for decades the lion’s share of many private
game reserves’ conservation budgets has come from that very source,
with a much smaller percentage contributed by tourism. Some seem
quick to point the finger at the commercial lodges, who purely offer
photographic safaris, saying they are either secretly partaking in or
condoning hunting, or should be contributing more to conservation
out of their own coffers. That mindset reveals complete ignorance of
both the internal structures of the private game reserves and of the
massive costs and complexities of the hospitality industry.
The tourism solution has begun with significant increases to the
conservation levies paid by all visitors to the private game reserves,
bringing them more in line with the levies charged by Kruger National
Park itself. But it continues with the responsibility that you and I share to
educate ourselves in the complexities of this emotive issue and, where
possible, take meaningful action. Instead of just liking and sharing
irresponsible posts or articles that do not present the whole picture and
can do so much more harm than good.
Andrew
 CONTENTS
ASHTONS INTO THE WILD TEAM

PUBLISHER & SALES

LORNA MACLEOD
+27 (0)78 425 4382
13 INVEST IN HOEDSPRUIT
EDITORIAL HOEDSPRUIT IS SUCH A GEM
ANDREW SULLIVAN
21 DAKTARI
ART DIRECTOR BUSH SCHOOL & WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE
ALICE EVANS
23 CONNECTING CONSERVATION WITH
JUNIOR DESIGNER TECHNOLOGY
ROXANNE CONRADIE THE ONGOING BATTLE TO PRESERVE OUR LANDSCAPES
AND THE ENDANGERED ANIMALS
ADMINISTRATION & SALES
KIRSTEN MACMILLAN 29 NOURISH
GIVING KIDS A CHANCE
COVER PHOTO
COURTESY OF CHRIS COSNETT

PUBLISHED BY MAC PUBLISHING

& CONSULTING ON BEHALF OF
ASHTONS.

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.

e Ashtons Into the

Ashtons buy all rights to contributions, text and images,
unless previously agreed to in writing. Th
 WHY BOOK OUR SCHEDULED KRUGER SHUTTLES?
ASHTONS Kruger Shuttle HOEDSPRUIT and Kruger Shuttle HAZYVIEW

TEAM Over 70 000 clients already booked between January 2010 and August 2018.

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Our fixed pricing is a fraction of the cost of flying between Johannesburg and Parson’s Reserve
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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
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Southern R40

local transfers.
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International quality shuttle vehicles - clients are transferred in 14-seater Toyota Rock Fig Lifestyle Centre
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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

6 // Spring 2018 Spring 2018 // 7

Gerhard Scheepers Chris Cosnett

Gilly Gordon

Gilly Gordon Chris Cosnett

On the road
with Ashtons
Chris Cosnett Chris Cosnett

Hans Heilgendorff Chris Cosnett

wild news
Here’s our round-up of news
stories that have hit the
headlines across the Kruger
Lowveld and other game
parks across the wider
Southern African region…
ARRESTS OF POACHERS
South African National Parks
announced the arrest of 23
suspected rhino poachers in the
Kruger National Park (KNP) since 19
July 2018 - a day after the Rangers
Corps lost a colleague during
contact with a poaching group.
The Managing Executive of the
KNP, Glenn Phillips commended
the work of the Rangers saying they
are resilient in the aftermath of the
tragic loss of a colleague. He said,
‘The arrests are a sign that the Spirit
of Respect is being honoured by
the Rangers Corps.’
‘Further to this, the fact that
no poachers were wounded
or killed in these contacts is
a clear demonstration of the
professionalism and discipline that
embodies our Ranger Corps.
We are still making a plea to our
neighbouring communities to
help us in this fight by exposing
those who are exploiting their
children, husbands and relatives to
illegally hunt rhino. These people
do not have the welfare of the
communities at heart but are
criminals without a conscience and
they need to be put behind bars for
a long time for their criminal acts’
said Phillips.
The 23 arrested suspects were also
in possession of 10 high calibre
rifles and poaching equipment.
They will be facing charges related
to poaching and possession
of unlicensed firearms and
10 // Spring 2018
THE PRIDE STRIKES BACK!
Late on July 3rd, the weapons and body
parts of three alleged rhino poachers were
found in Sibuya Game Reserve. It appears
that they were eaten by a pride of lions.
Dogs in an anti-poaching unit reacted to
something unusual on an early-morning
patrol, but it wasn’t until the next day
that a skull was seen in the lions’ camp.
That’s when reserve owner Nick Fox
went out with an anti-poaching unit to
investigate. They discovered supplies - bags,
guns, and bread - scattered everywhere.
‘Human remains were also clearly visible,’
Fox reported. Fox and others found that
only a skull and a few pieces of pelvic
bone remained of the people who were
apparently mauled. They believe that
there were three men because they found
three pairs of shoes and gloves. The gear
gathered from around the lions’ camp
provides evidence of illegal intent, Fox’s
team said.
‘They were armed with, amongst other
things, a high-powered rifle with a silencer,
an axe, wire cutters, and had food supplies
for a number of days – all the hallmarks of a
gang intent on killing rhino and removing
their horns,’ Fox stated.
The victims of the lion attack have not yet
been identified, but police spokesperson
Captain Mali Govender says that the rifle
recovered from the park ‘will be sent to
the ballistics laboratory to establish if it
has been used in any other poaching or
crimes.’
BEE-SAVING PAPER
Saatchi & Saatchi IS Warsaw have
teamed up with City Bees to
launch Bee Saving Paper – a unique
project that aims to promote
an innovative, biodegradable
material that can be used for many
purposes and works like an energy
drink for bees. Saatchi & Saatchi IS
Warsaw claims that 222 out of 469
bee species in Poland are on the
verge of extinction.
The paper is impregnated with
glucose and honey plant seeds,
giving bees a boost of energy
that allows them to fly longer
distances in search of flowers. In
urban environments where sources
of pollen and nectar for bees are
scarce, bees can end up dying from
exhaustion as they search for food.
Bees are attracted to the paper
because it is patterned with dots of
water-based UV paint. The insects,
which can see in the ultraviolet
spectrum, read these as flowers.
Despite containing glucose, the
paper is not sticky to the touch.
The biodegradable paper could
be used to make coffee cup
sleeves, tote bags, car-park tickets
and picnic plates, giving these
disposable items a second life and
even making it useful to litter.
‘We’ve managed to develop and
produce what is probably the
first paper nature would not only
like you to use, but maybe even
to drop,’ said Saatchi & Saatchi IS
Warsaw’s Tomasz Bujok and Anna
Gadecka, senior creatives on the
project.
The creatives said their invention
passed a field test with beekeeper
Łukasz Kaczorowski, who had lost
more than 95 per cent of his hives.
In addition to giving passing
bees a bit of a boost, the paper
contains seeds of purple tansy, or
lacy phacelia – an apian favourite
– which they will collect and
redistribute on their journeys.
STROOP
Two South African filmmakers –
Bonne de Bod and Susan Scott
– sacrificed everything, including
selling their homes, to stop their
lives and make a film about the
rhino poaching crisis in SA.
The two passionate wildlife
enthusiasts carved out six months
for the project and soon found
themselves immersed in a world
far larger and darker than anything
they had imagined. They’ve now
emerged four years later with a film
that is due to capture the world’s
attention.
‘Stroop - Journey into the
Rhino Horn War’ has already been
awarded the 2018 Green Tenacity
Award by the judges of the eighth
annual San Francisco Green Film
Festival. This comes ahead of
the film’s world premiere at the
festival which runs from Thursday,
6 September through to Friday, 14
September.
‘We are over the moon at
receiving this prestigious award
and it makes all our hard work and
dedication to this film that much
more worthwhile,’ says producer
and presenter de Bod.
In an exclusive first, de Bod and
Scott filmed special ranger units
inside the world-famous Kruger
National Park and at the home
of the white rhino, the Hluhluwe
iMfolozi Park and travelled
undercover to the dangerous back
rooms of wildlife traffickers and
dealers in China and Vietnam. The
result is a hard-hitting, moving
documentary that challenges and
shocks viewers.
The documentary will premiere
in South Africa in February 2019
after its international film festival
run.
FINGERPRINTING TECHNOLOGY
GIVING CONSERVATION THE
EDGE
Researchers in the U.K. have modified
the gelatin lifters used in criminal forensic
investigations, so they can pick up clues
from pangolin scales and other illegally
traded wildlife body parts.
Wildlife guards in Kenya and Cameroon
are using packs of the gelatin lifters in the
field to gather evidence. The researchers
say this new technology allows wildlife
conservation officials to collect this
evidence more quickly in remote areas,
which in turn helps to ensure their safety.
Wildlife crime investigators now have a
new method that builds on the forensic
techniques used to collect fingerprints and
other identifying marks in helping them
track down traffickers of pangolins and
other wildlife.
‘What we have done is to create a quick,
easy and usable method for wildlife crime
investigation in the field to help protect
these critically endangered mammals,’
Nicholas Pamment, head of the Wildlife
Crime Unit at the University of Portsmouth,
U.K., said in a statement. ‘It is another tool
that we can use to combat the poaching
and trafficking of wild animals.’
The team adapted a forensic tool called a
gelatin lifter to allow field investigators to
gather clues from caches of pangolin scales
quickly. Gelatin lifters are small sheets that
have a bit of adhesive to pick up nearly
invisible pieces of evidence left behind,
such as a shoeprint or a fingerprint.
They also designed field packs with 10
lifters and other tools that wildlife guards
need to gather evidence in remote areas
— when, for example, they might come
across a stockpile of pangolin scales.
They’ve outfitted guards in Cameroon and
Kenya with the packs, and Kenyan law
enforcement are using similar technology
to gather evidence when they come across
a poached elephant or an illegal stash of
ivory.
ANOTHER CECIL?
SECRECY SURROUNDS
JUNE TROPHY LION HUNT
In June a U.S. trophy hunter baited
and killed a male lion in Umbabat
Private Nature Reserve, part of
the Greater Kruger National Park.
Suspicions are that the animal
shot was Skye, a beloved lion in the
region.
U.S. citizen Jared Whitworth
allegedly paid nearly $80,000 for
the hunt. Authorities say the animal
killed wasn’t Skye but have offered
no proof. Skye hasn’t been seen
since the day Whitworth made his
kill, and one of the lion’s cubs was
found dead, which often happens
when other males take over a pride.
If the killed lion was Skye, this
would be a breach of South African
regulations, because the lion was
too young to be legally hunted.
Authorities also say that if it is
confirmed that the lion was baited,
that could violate South African
laws.
Meanwhile, the South Africa
Department of Environmental
Affairs (DEA) says that it is
‘considering the allegations and will
review all the relevant information
and then make a decision on
whether or not action will be taken’
regarding the hunt.
The CIC believes that hunting,
including trophy hunting, plays
a direct role in conservation by
bringing funds into fiscally strapped
African nations to pay for land
protection, ranger salaries and
other conservation needs.
Lions are currently categorized
as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red
List, but that rating doesn’t fully
reflect the severity of the great
cat’s decline, say experts. The lion
population in Africa has plunged
by 42 percent in just over 20 years.
Critics of lion trophy hunting argue
that the killing of a single male
lion can lead to a cascade effect in
which more deaths follow, as new
males take over the pride, kill cubs
and harass, and sometimes even
kill, the females.
Spring 2018 // 11
Invest in Hoedspruit

Spring 2018 // 13
‘Put your money in bricks
and mortar, you can’t go
wrong son,’ were the words
I would often hear from my
grandad when I was a young
lad. It’s about as far as his
investment advice would
go because, back then and
for so many years, putting
money into property was
always a safe bet. That was
until the dark clouds of the
2008 financial crisis that left
many with a bloodied nose
having put their futures in the
hands of the global property
market. The market rocked,
banks stopped lending and
the biggest casualty was
the hardworking, honest
consumer. The last 10 years
has seen a gradual, if a tad
cautious, trust in property
start to once again grow.
Finding the right prices in the
right locations is paramount,
leading investors to search for
towns and cities that can offer
the security, and long-term
returns, that they require.
Hoedspruit is one such gem.
Into the Wild spoke with
three property guru’s who
ply their trade in Hoedspruit
and wider Kruger region,
helping families, investors and
prospective business owners
get exactly what they are
looking for. Here’s their take
on why Hoedspruit is a place
for you to seriously consider
placing your hard-earned
investments.
“Life in Da’ Hoed” by Trevor
Jordan, Jordan Properties
There are few places in the world that
have the look and feel of the little town
of Hoedspruit, South Africa. Situated
between the great Kruger National Park
and the Blyde River Canyon, this sleepy
little village has come alive during the
last decade! Unique in the sense that
one may have to wait for a family of
warthogs to vacate a car park before a
14 // Spring 2018
trip to the local grocery store is possible
or give way to a coalition of cheetah
crossing the R40!
The local airport, Eastgate, is a
15-minute drive from the centre of town.
It is serviced by four scheduled flights a
day from Johannesburg and two from
Cape Town, ensuring easy access from
most places in SA, as well as allowing
residents to travel with absolute ease
and comfort. Combine that with the
Ashtons shuttle service bringing people
to and from Gauteng, you get an idea of
just how popular the town is becoming.
Modern technology has allowed
individuals and families to work
remotely, allowing for a lifestyle that
is less about smog, stress and traffic
jams and more about clean air, green-
living and nature! The myriad of
activities offered within the surrounds
of Hoedspruit, allows for active and
educational family time together, as well
as the opportunity to count the big five
and tick off the bucket-list trip to the
famed Kruger National Park.
Hoedspruit enjoys hot summer
days and summer rainfall, with a warm,
dry winter, typical of the South African
bushveld. Days are cooled by a gentle
breeze originating from the Klein
Drakensburg. As the gateway to Safari
Africa, Hoedspruit survives on a constant
and vibrant international tourist market,
that generates much-needed foreign
currency. In addition, the warm climate
has encouraged a heathy number of fruit
farmers to settle in the area, a further
foreign currency injection, as most of the
citrus produced is exported.
The property market in Hoedspruit
has remained buoyant despite the
various shifts in the national and global
markets and remains an interesting
option for those wishing to purchase
their own piece of Africa, be it a holiday
home or an investment.
Contact Jordan Properties on
+27 (0) 15 793 0471
“We love where we live!
What’s not to love?” by Louise
Militz, Pam Golding Properties
(Hoedspruit)
Hoedspruit is a very special little place.
But don’t let its relatively small stature
mislead - Hoedspruit offers a gloriously
wide range of activities, adventures and
excitement. Being the safari capital of
South Africa, it goes without saying that
wildlife is the core of our being with the
Kruger National Park and other world-
famous reserves on our doorstep. The
town itself offers fabulous restaurants
and heaps of exciting adventures and
activities such as hot air ballooning,
abseiling, the cheetah sanctuary, Blyde
Canyon adventures to mention but a
few. Schools (primary and high schools)
doctors, dentists, speech therapists and
other specialists, paramedic services,
not one but two shopping centres,
art galleries and much more. Sports
activities include golf, tennis, hiking
running and cycling trails.
The property market in Hoedspruit is
currently good with a lot of international
visitors investing in property as well as
South African clients seeking a quality
lifestyle. A variety of requirements, such
as commercial lodges, holiday homes,
secure estate living, and game farms
are in demand. Many clients wanting to
escape city life come to us in search of
paradise and we are fortunate that we
can meet their needs.
There are many benefits of investing
in a property in Hoedspruit. Naturally
the peaceful lifestyle that is on offer is
a huge drawing card. The small-town
lifestyle, that offers residents safety and
security in a beautiful part of our country
speaks for itself. Furthermore, and
arguably more importantly and valuable
is the tremendous return on investment.
The reality of a constant demand for
these properties makes for an obvious
and sound investment opportunity. The
diversity in properties is what makes our
market special, from wild to mild. There
is simply something for everyone’s taste,
budget and needs.
Pam Golding have many stunning
homes on offer, but also open stands on
wildlife estates such the Big 4 Moditlo
Wildlife estate as well as other plains,
game estates where leopard naturally
occur and wild dog traverse. So, if
designing and building your dream
home is something you aspire to, the
opportunity is well within your reach.
The beauty of building your own place
is the fact that all you need is a foot in
the door, starting as low as R135,000
for a stand and then waiting to build
when it suits you, and with the help of
Land Bank this option becomes so much
easier.
One of our most distinctive and
invaluable assets we are fortunate to
offer is the opportunity to own property
within the boundaries of the Kruger
National Park. Big 5 pristine, natural
bush on 21-hectare properties or bigger
farms for either your private use or the
opportunity to run a Big 5 game lodge
or purely as a solid investment. This
might sound incredulous, but totally a
reality.
It is truly a blessing to live in this
special place called Hoedspruit and
a privilege to help others realise their
dreams. We might sell properties but its
people we love to work with. We are just
a phone call away, give us a call so that we
can help.
Contact Pam Golding (Hoedspruit) on
+27 (0) 15 793 2712
“For a secure, safe and tranquil
lifestyle” by Rose White, Chas
Everitt Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit is a booming little tourism
and agricultural town. There is currently a
huge demand for more affordable houses
in the area. Along with the big movement
that is taking place, people moving in
and out of town, more in than out, there
has developed a big gap in the market
for a developer to put up more affordable
houses, for sale or to rent, we need it in
the area.
Along with our neighbouring town,
Phalaborwa, having so many issues
and uncertainty at the mine, more
and more people are wanting to move
to Hoedspruit, seeking a stable and
guaranteed income.
Given the tough economic climate,
households are under financial pressure,
saving up for a deposit and transfer fees
can be a problem for some households,
making it difficult to afford a good family
or starter home.
We are finding that folks are wanting
to move out of the cities and away from
the traffic problems and crime in the city
to the quiet, safe lifestyle of the Lowveld,
particularly Hoedspruit.
The various estates in our area offer
prospective buyers with a wide variety
of options. Each estate offers something
unique. From amazing mountain views
to river frontage. All the estates offer a
safe and tranquil lifestyle. Most of the
estates are perfect for retirees, our climate
is great and our town offers a friendly,
caring environment with lots to do from
bowls, bridge, art classes and even garden
clubs. There are several safe cycling routes
available in the area too. The estates offer
a safe place to live that is also perfect for
travel so you can lock up your home and
know that it will be safe while you are
away.
Hoedspruit now has a number of good
schools including 3 high schools. A lack
of high schools in the area was always a
problem as some children did not want to
attend boarding schools away from home.
This has opened the market even further.
We are fortunate to have excellent schools
Spring 2018 // 15
The property from pre-school right up to high schools
now. We have over the years seen
market in
families relocating to Hoedspruit for the
children to attend school here and enjoy
the outdoor lifestyle that our area offers.
investing in property in our area.
Hoedspruit is a prime agricultural
HOEDSPRUIT RESTAURANT’S AND BARS
hub, with our farmers being major citrus
and mango suppliers to the overseas
market. Plus they produce a large

Hoedspruit is Hoedspruit offers families relocating

here a safe and free lifestyle where the
variety of vegetables that go to the
Johannesburg market. Another major

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,

with a lot of For overseas investors, Hoedspruit

offers investors a sound investment, plus
especially for the outdoor lover. Kruger
National Park is on our doorstep and is

international a wonderful climate.

We are launching an exciting new
development called Elephant Rock Eco
also a major attraction to our area. Being
this close to the park has a huge impact
on the amount of people who are
visitors investing Estate which is situated on the banks of
the Olifants River, in the hopes to help
relocating to our area. Many people want
to enjoy the wildlife we have and more

in property as reduce the extremely high demand for

housing in the area. There are affordable
stands selling from R300,000 upwards
people want to make it permanent.
Overall Hoedspruit is a town that is
growing at speed and we don’t see it
well as South and offer purchasers the opportunity
to design a dream bush home with a
slowing down anytime soon.
Contact Chas Everitt on

African clients ‘farmhouse style’ theme which works

well in our climate. It is situated in the
perfect position for folks to be able
+27 (0) 15 793 1686

seeking a quality to work in Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa or

Tzaneen. The estate offers prospective

lifestyle. buyers amazing stands to choose from

with huge trees, mountain or river views,
and to top it all, it is pet friendly.
Given the political uncertainty in our
country, Hoedspruit is doing well and we
expect 2019 to be a very good year for
PROFILE / BY LYNETTE DICEY
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
Private Game Reserve would be removing its eastern
boundary fence with Timbavati, in the process
opening the reserve up to the Greater Kruger Park,
means that guests to the reserve, home to eleven of
the Thornybush Collection’s exclusive four and five-
star luxury game lodges, are set for an even richer
game experience.
The 14 000 hectare Thornybush Private Nature
Reserve has long had a sterling reputation for
offering a unique wildlife experience, sharing the
Kruger National Park’s huge diversity of animal
and bird species. Opening the reserve up to the
Greater Kruger, however, promises to ensure more
significant numbers given that animals are now able
to traverse over a greater footprint. It also allows for
new bloodlines to be created which means healthier
wildlife and increased availability of food and water
resources.
Poaching continues to be a significant threat faced
by all game reserves with the result that security
costs for private game reserves in particular have
escalated significantly as every effort is made to
better protect wildlife.
Thornybush Private Nature Reserve has been no
exception to these escalating costs and even prior
to dropping the fence with Timbavati, the reserve
had implemented a number of additional security
measures including screening all employees in the
reserve. Any employee who fails the screening test
twice is barred from entering the reserve. Guests to
the reserve are requested not to use their mobile
phones while on game drives in order to reduce
the risk of their location details being transmitted.
Rangers and trackers are similarly not allowed to
use their mobile phones while on game drives.
Not surprisingly, the increased costs around
security have meant that game lodges and private
18 // Spring 2018
game reserves – already a costly business to run –
have become even more capital intensive. However,
despite pushing its prices up in the past few years,
Thornybush Collection has seen no drop off in
demand for accommodation from visitors eager
to experience the African bushveld in style. In fact,
occupancy for 2017 is around 70%, significantly
above the average hotel occupancy.
Thornybush Collection CEO, Nic Griffin, attributes
this to the changes made within the Collection in
the past few years to placing a greater premium
on people. As he explains it, in this industry, luxury
accommodation, a quality dining experience and a
memorable game experience are ‘hygiene factors’.
Game lodges that wish to differentiate themselves
need to go further.
“In line with industry trends we used to experience
relatively high turnover in lodge management
personnel,” he reveals. This negatively impacted
guest satisfaction levels. In an effort to address this
Thornybush Collection revised its staff remuneration,
performance and incentive reward programme. The Photos by Desmond Scholtz
result was the Collection began to attract slightly
older and more experienced lodge managers. At
the same time as overhauling its human resources TOP: The deck
practices it relooked at certain company policies
such as for the first time allowing lodge managers to view at Thornybush
have pets and children on site. Game Lodge.
Bottom from left:
Over the past few years this has resulted in reduced elephants in the
lodge management turnover and more committed reserve; a suite at
teams managing each lodge which has had a Thornybush Game
significant impact on improved guest satisfaction
levels.
Lodge; bath time at
Chapungu Luxury
Within the hospitality industry unsolicited guest Tent Camp.
feedback reviews are one of the most valuable
marketing tools. Guest reviews on lodges in the
Thornybush Collection on sites such as TripAdvisor,
currently the most visited travel website globally, tell
Spring 2018 // 19
Review after review on TripAdvisor
mention the outstanding game
experience, the warmly welcoming
lodge staff who go out of their
way to ensure each guest has an
outstandingly good experience,
the elegant and luxurious DAKTARI is a registered NPO near Hoedspruit. It is a bush school
where the mission is to educate and inspire local children to value
accommodation and delicious food their environment and stimulate community development.
on offer.
Every week, we welcome a new group of 8 children and give them
the opportunity to discover, learn and become passionate about
wildlife and conservation. We also supplement their school curricu-
lum in English, maths, environmental job opportunities, life skills and
their own story of just how successful this new strategy has been. social issues.
Review after review on TripAdvisor mention the outstanding game
experience, the warmly welcoming lodge staff who go out of their
way to ensure each guest has an outstandingly good experience,
the elegant and luxurious accommodation and delicious food
on offer. In fact, so positive is the feedback on TripAdvisor that DAKTARI is also a
the site has awarded Thornybush Collection with a Certificate of wildlife orphanage for
Excellence each year for the past three years, an award that the
Collection intends will be an annual occurrence. animals that can’t be
Griffin attributes much of this positive feedback to the fact that
rehabilitated.
guest satisfaction is taken extremely seriously at every level
of the organisation. “The lodge manager at Thornybush Game
Lodge, one of our five star lodges situated on the banks of the
These animals serve as
Mowana River, for example, has been with us for the past six ambassadors and live
years,” he reveals. “That’s significantly longer than the industry
average where tenure tends to be in the region of just over three
at DAKTARI to help
years. What this has meant is that she’s been able to put her educate the children.
personal stamp on the lodge.”

The trick, reveals Griffin, is to match lodge managers to suit the

particular lodge they are managing. “A lodge such as Thornybush
Game Lodge, which is one of our larger lodges with twenty luxury DAKTARI has extended its work though the outreach program. It
suites as well as a spa, requires a different personality to another includes eco-clubs, community development, waste management
of our five star lodges, Thornybush The River Lodge, for instance.”
The latter lodge, also situated on the seasonal Mowana River, and job-hunting programs.
accommodates just eight guests, a fact which means it is
frequently reserved for just one group.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and volunteers, these
“Each of our lodges has a slightly different personality although
each offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation
achievements are possible.
accompanied by an uncompromising focus on excellent service,”
reveals Griffin. “Many of the guests are experiencing the African
bushveld for the very first time and our intention is to ensure Volunteer
they have a truly memorable experience and that we exceed their
expectations in every way possible.” Top: Wildlife at Thornybush Private Game Reserve
or
Based on the philosophy that no lodge can operate in isolation of
now roams free within the neighbouring Timbavati Donate
the community in which it operates, Thornybush Collection has
reserve. Bottom: Dinner by the pool at The River
established a number of initiatives to benefit local communities. Lodge.
It is actively involved in supporting three food gardens which
support local creches, schools and clinics as well as supplying
lodges in the area with fresh vegetables and herbs. These
initiatives form part of the Thornybush Community Project, a
registered non-profit organisation.

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

In the ongoing battle to preserve our landscapes and

the endangered animals that reside within them, the
protectors - conservationists, park owners, activists, local
law enforcers, ranger units etc - need as much help as
they can get to stay one step ahead of these increasingly
well drilled organized poaching syndicates that infiltrate
with bloodlust on their minds. It’s a seesaw war with
‘wins’ and ‘defeats’ on both sides of the fence. It’s been
raging for years, countless creatures have died
(including humans) and are still being killed and, yet,
there seems to be no end in sight.

The ‘protectors’ often rely on donations,
financial and material, from the wider
public to help them maintain their
defences so they can fend off the
invading dark forces; support is always
forthcoming, welcomed and very much
appreciated. But it never seems to be
enough. It got me thinking about the
areas of our society that could (and
technology, Dimension Data and Cisco
pooled their extensive resource and
launched Connected Conservation.
The goal was to help protect and stop
the poaching of rhinos using a unique
solution, starting with a pilot scheme in
a private game reserve adjacent to the
Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The project has been

perhaps should), be doing more to Phase one of the project started in
tip the balance back into the favour November of the same year, with
of conservation and our endangered Dimension Data working closely with

a resounding success: species. The corporate world

immediately sprung to mind.
Whilst researching this feature I was
Cisco to gather information from game
rangers, security personnel, technology,
and control centre teams. The first step

in just three years of surprised at the lack of companies

that had any notable CSR involvement
dedicated to wildlife conservation. Don’t
was to create a secure Reserve Area
Network and install Wi-fi hotspots in key
points. Then the goal was to proactively

deployment, the Connected get me wrong, there are a few, but I

expected, and indeed hoped for, more.
But one incredible scheme leapt
intervene and stop people entering a
reserve illegally — whether it’s cutting
fences, being dropped on the ground by

Conservation project has out from the very first page of my

search. Connected Conservation from
Dimension Data and Cisco.
helicopters, or simply driving in through
the entrance gates.

reduced poaching in the Connecting Passion

The system uses solar energy as an
energy source and the technology
In 2015, with a shared passion for used (sensors, cameras, and scanners)
reserve by 96%. protecting wildlife heritage through has no environmental impact,

22 // Spring 2018 Spring 2018 // 23

making Connected Conservation an
environmentally sustainable solution.
Phase two is now underway and
includes CCTV; drones with infrared
cameras; thermal imaging; vehicle
tracking sensors and seismic sensors on
an extremely secure, intelligent network.
The project has been a resounding
success: in just three years of
deployment, the Connected
Conservation project has reduced
poaching in the reserve by 96%.
Connecting Technology
Connected Conservation is a success
not only in the sharp decrease in the
number of rhinos poached, but also in
its innovative approach. Unlike any other
solution ever used, the endangered
animals remain undisturbed and
free to roam in their natural habitat –
while technology is used to track the
movement of people (and potential
poachers) coming in and out of the
reserve.
Many organisations have committed
24 // Spring 2018
to protecting animals through various
reactive initiatives, such as dehorning,
or inserting sensors in the horn and
subcutaneously. However, the problem
with reactive initiatives is that by the
time the reserve rangers reach the
animal, it has been killed and the rhino
horn or elephant tusks have been
hacked off.
‘Every day, hundreds of staff, suppliers,
contractors, security personnel and
tourists enter and exit game reserves,’
said Bruce Watson, group executive,
Cisco Alliance: Dimension Data, ‘The
human activity in these environments
is not monitored because, typically, the
reserve is in a remote location with basic
IT infrastructure and access control,
manual security processes, and very
limited communication.
‘This solution proactively tracks and
monitors the movement of people from
when they enter the reserve gates to
when they exit, to protect, and create
a safe haven for the rhino. Since the
technology was deployed two years ago,
there has been a 96% reduction in the
number of rhinos poached in the private
reserve, as well as a 68% decrease of
incursions into the reserve.
‘With our Connected Conservation
technology, we don’t touch the animals
by darting them with tranquilisers
to insert sensors into their horns or
inserting a chip under their skin. This
can be extremely stressful and risky for
the animal and we’ve seen a number of
rhinos dying or going blind and having
to be euthanised.’
This kind of security has been
previously impossible due to poor
Wi-fi connections. Watson leveraged
his relationship with Cisco, forming
a partnership under the Connected
Conservation banner, which allows them
to deploy some of the world’s most
sophisticated technology.
Cisco Senior Vice President and Chief
Marketing Officer, Karen Walker, tells
us, ‘More than ever before, technology
has given us the ability to change the
world – not tomorrow, not someday,
but now. At Cisco, we’re dedicated to
making a difference by connecting the
world and protecting the oldest and
most vulnerable animals with some of
the newest connectivity technology. We
are extremely proud to be part of the
expansion of Connected Conservation
into Africa, to save more endangered
species.’
elusive so far in this unnecessary, awful
war – hope. The intention is to roll out
across all the plains of Africa over the
coming years which will in turn have a
massive impact on the abilities of the
callous poachers and their unscrupulous
bosses.
We will continue to
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
ambitions, ‘If I have one passionate as many reserves as to educate and inspire local children to
value their environment and stimulate
dream, it is to eradicate all forms of community development. We are also a

‘We will continue to roll out the project

poaching. That to me would be one
of the most successful things I could
possible and hope to wildlife orphanage for animals that cannot
be rehabilitated. These animals serve as
in as many reserves as possible and hope
to make the same positive differences
achieve in my life.’ make the same positive ambassadors and live at Daktari to help
educate the children. Call us to volunteer or

differences we have seen

donate.
we have seen with the success of the Connected Conservation from
pilot project.’ Dimension Data and Cisco is already

Connecting the Dream

The resounding success of the pilot
scheme has given the Connected
Conservation team the opportunity to
expand the project into more regions
in Africa to protect more species of
animals. The program will be rolled out
in Zambia and Mozambique, to protect
the elephant, and Kenya, to protect both
the elephant and rhino.
proving to us all how much of an impact
the corporate world can have in ensuring with the success of the
the welfare of our precious, endangered
wildlife species. Maybe the success of pilot project.
their efforts and their plans moving
forward might just jolt a few other
corporate big hitters into joining the
battle. If they did, then poaching could
very soon become a problem of the past.

It’s important to highlight that

Connected Conservation isn’t just
about preserving the lives of rhinos
and elephants but also to preserve 082 656 2969 | Bona Ingwe Farm, Hoedspruit
and protect other endangered species info@daktaribushschool.org
globally such as lions, pangolin, tigers in www.daktaribushschool.org
India and Asia, and even sea rays, sharks
and whales in the ocean.

In expanding the project, the alliance

is getting closer to the dream of
eradicating all forms of poaching and
eliminating the international trade of
rhino horn and elephant tusks.

Every year over 1,000 rhinos are poached

in South Africa – which equates to
three rhinos poached every day. If this
number continues, rhinos face extinction
by the year 2025. Beyond rhinos, every
year an estimated 27,000 elephants are
slaughtered (8% of the African savanna
population), equating to an elephant
being poached every 15 minutes.

Based on these figures some might

argue the battle is being lost. But with
advent of Connected Conservation, the
fiscal and technological wealth being
provided by two giants of the tech
industry and a passion to conserve
our wildlife populations from each
individual working with and alongside
the Connected Conservation scheme,
the odds feel like they have changed
dramatically. Having already cut
poaching by a massive 96% through the
pilot scheme at the reserve in the Kruger
(we can’t give the name for security
reasons) Connected Conservation offers
something positive which has been

26 // Spring 2018 Spring 2018 // 27

 Help ensure their tomorrow
EVENTS
8 September
2nd Annual Mbombela Jazz
Festival
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
The Mbombela annual Jazz
Festival brings to its stage some
of the biggest names in Jazz and
Afro-soul. It is a celebration of
Culture through music featuring
some of the Country’s favourite
artists under one roof.
www.mbombelajazzfestival.co.za
21-23 September
Spirit of Ubuntu
Nourish Eco Village, Hoedspruit
Bringing together the best of
Yoga, Live Music, Market Stalls,
Permaculture & Green Building
Demos, with Star Gazing,
Drumming, and everything
African. Whether you fancy
crystals, Reiki, or Sunrise
Meditation, or learning to weave
STANDARD TOUR: baskets, buy homemade crafts,
Educational and exciting 2-hour guided tours through the Centre. 7 days a week. and have Craft Gin, the Ubuntu
CHEETAH FOCUS TOUR: Festival brings it all together in
Standard tour, Cheetah run, Wild Dog feeding and Vulture feeding. one place.
DELI & ACCOMMODATION: www.quicket.co.za
On-site Deli and self-catering accommodation available: BOOKINGS
Khula’s Cottage (sleeps 6 - 8) & Sebeka Guesthouse (sleeps 6) ESSENTIAL
22-30 September
Magoebaskloof Spring Festival
Tel: +27 15 793 1633 | Mobile: +27 83 654 2279 Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg
Email: frontoffice@cheetahcentre.co.za WWW.HESC.CO.ZA
Celebrate the joys of Spring! The
Japanese flowering cherries are
Things to do in the Lowveld this spring...
just coming into bloom and the 19 October
crab apple trees are covered in KLCBT Annual Awards Dinner
delicate pink and white blossoms Dance
while the azaleas provide a Arena, Emnotweni
backdrop of glorious pink, red,
purple, white, mauve and yellow. This will be KLCBT’s 20th Birthday
Welcoming visitors with a wide Celebration & Awards Dinner
selection of craft stalls, food stalls, Dance. Only 10 Awards will be
music events and family fun. given this year and the main
www.springfestival.co.za entertainment is the popular
dance band, Gibraltar. This is a
unique opportunity to showcase
28-30 September your entrepreneur’s talent and
Dullstroom Wine Event 2018 most of all to promote your
The Coachman Restaurant business at this most prestigious
Kruger Lowveld event. The event
The Highlands Wine Route will will showcase not only the best
offer a variety of activities over the of the best in business, but also
three days - Treasure Hunt Safari all the great produce at art of the
Dinner, Wine Tasting Showcase, beautiful Kruger Lowveld region.
Comedy Safari Dinner and www.klcbt.co.za
Echo Events offer the Mad Hat
Breakfast. Come out and play in
this unique African jewel. 24-28 October
www.quicket.co.za Wildeburn 2018
Just-Be-Farm, Mpumalanga
Burning News straight from SA’s
28-29 September newest regional burns, Sentella
Barberton Beer Fest and Wildeburn! We have decided
Forever Resorts Badplaas to pool our resources to bring you
a most awesome co-created event
You can look forward to craft beer, in 2018. One place, same time,
beer tent, a variety of food stalls, two playas, more burns, more art
flea market, live entertainment, and double the fun! Wildeburn is
oompah band and a kiddies a sandpit for adults and kids of all
corner. Entry packages and ages where you can come play,
accommodation specials not to create, build and express yourself
be missed. and do whatever you love.
www.foreverbadplaas.co.za www.wildeburn.co.za
27 October
Mopani MTB Series #4
Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate,
White River
This will be the third year of the
Mopani MTB Series. The series
consists of 5 mountain bike
races, which take place around
Nelspruit & White River in the
Lowveld. Distances: 48km, 25km,
15km, Kids fun ride
29 Nov - 1 Dec
TOPS at SPAR Wine Show
Emnotweni, Nelspruit
Currently in its 13th year of
operation, it is set to once again
provide one of the biggest
platforms to beautifully represent
the South African wine industry.
www.wineshow.co.za
10 November
Langarm Vastrap
Boeremusiekfees
Swadini, A Forever Resort
Come and enjoy the day with
the family filled with fun and
entertainment. There will be
a flea market, food stalls, and
traditional ‘boere sport’.
www.foreverswadini.co.za

ADVERTISE IN ASHTONS
To advertise in Ashtons Into The Wild
contact Lorna on 0784254382 lorna@macpublishing.co.za or kirsten@macpublishing.co.za

s
ul thing
Beautifask
d on ’t
ntion
for atte

// 1
ber. 2017
Novem
ober.
ber. Oct
Septem

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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with a circle contain an odd digit.
Rules: Apply Classic Sudoku Rules. Also, cells with a square contain an
digit; cells with a circle contain an odd digit.

A 9 4
1 7
7 5
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 .

Kruger Shuttle: Hazyview to

Johannesburg review by Clare
McIntyre
Fantastic as usual. From the friendly
driver to the timing of the shuttle,
excellent. A very professional outfit,
well run and always good. Well done
to all staff. PS- Booking on the net
also seamless. Thank you.

Kruger Shuttle: Hazyview to

Johannesburg review by Nicola
Allen
This was my first time making use
of the shuttle service and I will most
definitely be using the service again;
in the near future!

32 // Spring 2018
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