South Africa Blog

Seen on the SA-Venues.com Travel News Blog: WIN a 3 night stay at the biggest game reserve in the Southern Cape – Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve – and discover an “Out of Africa” experience just a few minutes drive from the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay on the Cape’s magnificent Garden Route.

The prize includes:
3 consecutive nights accommodation for 2 people sharing at the exclusive Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge
breakfast and dinner daily
a game drive OR (for an “up close and personal” experience) a horse safari each day

Plettenberg Bay Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 4 (rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). The reserve is situated on over 2,000 hectares of indigenous beauty and is malaria free. There are over 150 different species of game and birdlife. Join us on a horseback safari to interact closely with the wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy a 2 hour game drive in an open landrover with our experienced and well-informed guides and see our large variety of wildlife up close. Then retreat to the 10-suite Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge – reminiscent of the romantic colonial era of an “age gone by” – where you can relax and unwind, enjoying true African hospitality.

While antelope and Zebra roam carefree around the lodge, guests are often distracted by the rolling views which capture their eyes, drawing them down across the rolling lawns towards the indigenous forests. Then up over the tree tops of Giant Yellowwoods, to the craggy foothills of the region, and up into the magestic Tsitsikamma mountains in the distance beyond. It’s no wonder guests are reluctant to leave!

See full details about this competition and to enter click here.

By: Janine Erasmus, Source: Mediaclubsouthafrica.com

South Africa added a sixth biosphere reserve to its tally when the Vhembe region of Limpopo province became one of 22 newly proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The 22 new biospheres, located in 17 countries, were added to Unesco’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves during the 21st session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere programme. The total now stands at 553 sites in 107 countries. Unesco’s Man and the Biosphere programme addresses the impact of man on the environment by studying the social, ecological and economic implications of biodiversity loss. It then takes steps to minimise this loss through sharing of knowledge, research and monitoring, education and training, and multilateral decision-making.

Biosphere reserves are nominated by their governments for inclusion to the Man and the Biosphere programme. Whether they are terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine in nature, all are experimental areas where different approaches to integrated environmental management are tested. This is important as it helps to deepen our knowledge of what works in conservation and sustainable development.

With South Africa celebrating National Environment Month in June and focusing on climate change and the attitude of citizens towards the environment, the biosphere project takes on an even greater significance. Various activities are planned throughout the country to mark the occasion, including campaigns to boost awareness of the need for sustainable living, much tree planting, and conferences, workshops and information sessions.

A number of important environmental commemorative days are held around the world during June. World Environment Day falls on 5 June, while World Oceans Day is celebrated on 8 June and World Day to Combat Desertification falls on 17 June. The other new world biosphere sites range from the sacred Mount Myohyang in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, to the tiger reserve of Similipal in eastern India and the island of Fuerteventura off the coast of Spain, and Australia’s Great Sandy marine area.

Vast biodiversity
South Africa’s six biosphere sites are Kogelberg (added in 1998), Cape Winelands (2007), Cape West Coast Reserve (2000, with an extension in 2003), the Waterberg (2001), the Kruger to Canyons Reserve (2001), and Vhembe. This is a tshiVenda name for the mighty Limpopo River symbolising life.

The new addition is situated in the northeast of Limpopo province. It is famous not only for its bird and animal life, but also for its rich cultural history, dating far back to the awe-inspiring rock paintings of the San people. Vhembe encompasses the ancient African kingdoms of Thulamela and Mapungubwe. The latter is one of South Africa’s eight world heritage sites and was inscribed on the Unesco list in 2003.

Vhembe includes the northern part of the Kruger Park, the Makuleke Wetlands, which are protected under the international Ramsar Convention, the Soutpansberg and Blouberg bio-diversity hot spots, and the Makgabeng Plateau, which boasts hundreds of rock art sites.

Economy in the region is driven mainly by agriculture. As it falls into the subtropical belt of the country, crops are usually fruits and vegetables. There is also a substantial cattle farming industry.

Natural treasures
Vhembe is preceded by five biosphere reserves that cover an amazing diversity of landscapes, plants and animals.

The 100 000ha Kogelberg reserve on the country’s southern coast sits in the middle of the world heritage Cape Floral Region. Home to an extravagant 1 880 different plant species, 77 of which are found only in this region, the Kogelberg is richer than the South American rainforest in terms of sheer biodiversity. Economy is boosted by apple farming, commercial pine forests, and tourism.

The Cape West Coast biosphere reserve starts in Cape Town in the southern suburb of Diep River and stretches up the west coast as far as the Berg River. Also encompassing parts of the Cape Floral Region, the reserve includes the Ramsar-protected Langebaan lagoon as well as Dassen Island, a penguin colony. The Koeberg nuclear power station falls within its boundaries. The main economic activities are fishing and agriculture.

The Cape Winelands biosphere reserve includes a part of the Cape Floral Region as well as the world-famous wine-growing region. Here, too, lie the historic settler-founded towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Agriculture and tourism are the main sources of income.

In the northern reaches of South Africa lies the Waterberg biosphere reserve, an area of some 400 000ha in Limpopo. It is an important catchment area for the Limpopo Basin, with four large rivers originating within its borders – the Lephalale, the Mokolo, the Matlabas and the Magalakwena Rivers. San rock art abounds, as does the flora and fauna of the area. The main economic driver is tourism.

The Kruger to Canyons biosphere reserve is so named because it stretches from the Kruger National Park to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. It is an important conservation area in South Africa because it also covers three biomes, or communities of plants and animals living together in a certain climate – the Savannah woodlands, montane grasslands, and forest. The economy revolves around mining activities, forestry, and fruit and vegetable farming.\

Source: http://mediaclubsouthafrica.com/

The Pilanesberg National Park is the fourth largest in South Africa. This malaria-free park is perched on the eroded vestiges of an alkaline volcanic crater – one of only three such craters in the world. Game viewing in the Pilanesberg is superb and there are excellent Game Lodges within the reserve. The lodges range from 4 to 5 star and cater for either small, intimate groups (couples) with the emphasis on personal service, luxury and a unique game viewing experience. (Tshukudu Game Lodge). Or for larger groups there is KwaMaritane or Bakubung Bush Lodge.

Video of Giraffe taken at Tshukudu in the Pilanesberg.

Tshukudu Lodge, “Place of the Rhino” in the Pilanesberg, offers 6 newly refurbished luxury cottages and 2 newly refurbished standard cabins nestled on an isolated rocky outcrop in the heart of a 55 000 hectare, malaria free, wildlife paradise. One of the highlights in the rooms at Tshukudu for any couple looking for a romantic beak is the in-room large volume bath with magnifcent views over the waterhole – watch the wildlife walk by as you sip champagne in the bath … (see photo below), very romantic and a really unique experience.

A game drive or walk is a must. The rangers at Tshukudu share their intimate knowledge of the animals with you and make every effort to ensure that you get to see as much of the wildlife as possible, including the Big 5. When you just want to take it easy, view the game as it visits the waterhole from the privacy of your own balcony or from the comfort of the Nest area. Or just relax in the sun around the sheltered rock pool ….

Related Pages:
Tshukudu Lodge
Pilanesberg Hotels & Lodges
South Africa Wildlife

Discover the beautiful terrains and the fantastic diversity of the wildlife South Africa has whilst on a walking safaris. Take a relaxing walk and discover the excitement and ancient secrets of the African wilderness. There are numerous options of walking safaris throughout South Africa offering varying terrains. South Africa has a superb array of National Parks, Game Reserves and Nature Reserves that all offer South African walking safaris.

The Kruger Parks walking safaris are guided by experienced rangers with an extensive knowledge of the area, the wildlife, birds and indigenous vegetation. Accommodation and lodging in the park are in two-bedded safari-tents, with communal toilet and shower facilities. The camp-staff cook and clean while your guide leads you into close encounters with the African wild. Feel your excitement build as you track the South African Big 5 on your walking safari. Also within the Kruger National Park, the 5 Star luxury Jock Safari Lodge offer walking safaris, birding safaris and guided historical tours will take you along the paths of legend and mystery …. continued at Walking Safaris in South Africa

Of the hundreds of awesome activities that South Africa has on offer, probably the most popular activity on offer is Game Viewing. Game viewing on any of the many game reserves in South Africa provides an opportunity to see South African wild life in all their beauty in their natural habitat. On a self-drive expedition, with a guide, on horseback, on elephant back – whatever your preference, you’re assured of a memorable game viewing experience.

Probably the most well known game viewing location in South Africa is the Kruger National Park. Home to South Africa’s Big 5, the Kruger National Park offers an incredible self-drive route through the open veld where you’ll see countless variations of buck, zebra, giraffe, leopard, lion, springbok, cheetah, eland and countless others. (There is a check list available at: http://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/). Self-driven game viewing trips offer the benefits of being able to determine the pace of you journey, however without a guide who knows the area well, you might miss out on seeing something special.

The Kruger National Parks game viewing isn’t limited only to self-drive expeditions. The park has been very well developed to cater for many different preferences. Guided groups will be taken out into the bushveld, where you’ll camp overnight and experience the bushveld at night with all its fascinating sounds and sights.

The Eastern Cape offers much in the way of game viewing. Whilst most game reserves offer Big 5 game viewing, the popular Addo Elephant Park just outside Port Elizabeth lays claim to being the only park in South Africa that offers Big 7 game viewing! The 372 000 ha park is home to all of the South African Big 5 and in addition, there’s a 120 000 ha marine zone where you can spot the majestic whale and the much feared great white shark.

10 Minutes outside of Port Elizabeth, is the Seaview Lion and Game Park. Although it doesn’t offer game viewing of all the South African Big 5, it does offer the incredible opportunity to interact and play with lion cubs. R40 will get you up to about 30 minutes playtime with either the very young cubs, or the slightly older and more boisterous cubs. It’s an unforgettable experience and definitely worth doing. As you drive through the park, you’ll pass by giraffe, zebra and all sorts of buck. The Seaview Lion park also offers the rare opportunity to view the unique White Lion as well as the beautiful tiger.

Kwa Zulu Natal also has many choices for exceptional game viewing. The St Lucia National Park offers not only beautiful game viewing, but is also known as a birder’s paradise because of a the enormous variety of birdlife. Swaziland’s game viewing is one of the top in the country because of its raw beauty and rugged terrain. The Swaziland game viewing parks are not overly commercial and thus offer game viewing in its most natural form.

One of the hardest animals to spot when you’re game viewing in South Africa, is the leopard. Because of its reclusive nature – spending most of the day in the trees out of sight – game viewing trips don’t often get to see this incredible animal. However the game viewing parks in Mpumalanga offer some of the highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometer in South Africa. A day or night spent in most of the game parks in Mpumalanga is bound to include a number of leopard sightings – definitely worth the trip

Game viewing in South Africa offers more diversity of wildlife and more excitement than any other country in the world – make sure you don’t miss the wonders of game viewing in South Africa.

Related Links:
South Africa Game Reserves
South Africa Wildlife
South Africa Travel

The newly built Nguni River Lodge is situated in the Greater Addo Elephant Park within the newly established 17 000 hectare Nyathi concession. An area well known for its high concentration of elephants together with its conservation efforts to re-introduce species lost in the past. Capturing the essence of five star luxury, the impeccably appointed Nguni River Lodge offers a true experience with the word “experience” being the fundamental goal of the team at Nguni River Lodge.

The lodges have been built high up on a ridge overlooking the plains with magnificent views, extending onto the Zuurberg mountain range. Our newly created waterhole on the plains below which attracts game from far and wide and the viewing can be enjoyed from the comfort of your deck …

The Lodges:
Suites : There are 8 luxurious suites with en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, private balcony, fireplace, stone bath and private plunge pool. The modern amenities which include coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, wine rack, full in-room bar facility and exclusive guest amenities provided by the Maria Garcia collection.

Main Lodge :
The lodge comprises of two separate facilities which include a library, bar and lounge area, viewing decks, dining area, curio shop and both an indoor and outdoor boma experience. Nguni River Lodge is about a blend of Africa with Manhatten interiors. Sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and private.

Cuisine & Dining:
The Eastern Cape is steeped in tradition and culture and the aim of Nguni River Lodge is to emphasize these concepts. The menu items are based on a fusion of cultures, rich with the heritage of the people and local ingredients. The open plan stainless steel kitchen lends itself to interactive cooking and services thus making one feel like home.

Activities at Nguni:
The activities programme has been developed to enhance the guest’s safari experience by enabling the guest to tailor-make their stay with us at Nguni River Lodge. The activities are also offered in a flexible and convenient environment. Game drives are conducted in specially customized open vehicles, providing one with a quiet and safe safari experience. The Nguni River Lodge safari’s take place over 17 000 hectares of unspoiled, untouched wilderness, and strict regulations are in place to minimize pressure on both the game and the habitat in the reserve.

Activities included in the daily tariff are: Open vehicle game drives, Day trips into the Addo Main Camp, Bush breakfasts, Bush walks, Wildlife lectures, Bush Dinner and Astronomy lectures.
Additional activities available but not included in tariff: Elephant back safaris, Township tours, Boat cruises to St Croix islands, Overnight tours to Darlington Lake Lodge to have a Karoo wildlife experience.

The Wildlife at Nguni:
Characteristic species included Elephant, Black Rhino, Buffalo and a variety of antelope including Eland, Zebra, Gemsbok and Hartebeest.

Related Pages:
Addo Elephant Park Accommodation
South Africa Lodges

Madikwe River Lodge is thrilled to announce that their head ranger, Ignatius Bogatsu, was recently awarded with the prestigious “Madikwe Guide of the Year” Trophy. More than 50 enthusiastic contestants from the Madikwe Game Reserve participated in this national competition. What made it different was the fact that it was the guides who voted amongst themselves to choose the winner. Unanimously, Ignatius came out tops!

In addition to this prestigious award, Madikwe River Lodge took it upon themselves to nominate Ignatius for the ‘Best Tourist Guide in the North West Province’ and here, he took first honours at an official ceremony recently held in Bloemfontein. He will now participate in the final for the ‘Best Guide in South Africa’, which will be held during this year’s Indaba. As one of the nine finalists, he stands a chance of winning R40 000 and a holiday in Europe.

Good luck Ignatius!
(Source: Three Cities Hotels)

Related Links:
Madikwe River Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve and Lodges
South Africa Game Reserves and Lodges

IMBALI SAFARI LODGE – Kruger National Park, South Africa: Imbali Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge set within the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Special Luxury Kruger Park Safari – Valid from 9 December 2005 to 29 January 2006 : This Special Offer includes luxury accommodation, three meals and two game activities per person per day.
» Double: R1 925.00 per person per day (standard rate is R3,850.00 pp)
» Single: R2 900.00 per person per day (standard rate is R5,780.00 pp)
Children are welcome!

Imbali Safari Lodge is the central point within the Imbali Safari concession, offering accommodation in spacious, private chalets each furnished in understated luxury and overlooking the Nwatsitswonto riverbed. The Lodge consists of 12 immaculate suites, each beautifully appointed with only the finest furniture and imported linen. King-size beds, flickering hurricane lamps, and romantic antique-styled en-suite baths ensure you never forget your first taste of the African Safari experience. For additional information and photos visit: Imbali Safari Lodge or Send an Enquiry.

Related Pages: The Kruger National Park
Kruger Park Accommodation
South Africa Safaris

Thanda Private Game Reserve has taken stock of additional wildlife, including 14 kudu. The new additions bring Thanda’s total kudu population to 100 and the herd of buffalo has increased to 39. A male cheetah has also joined the existing females and the wildlife team has spotted two two-month old cubs from this new union. To date, more than R7,5m has been spent on wildlife re-introduction and the property has grown from its initial size of 5 300 hectares to 6 000 hectares with further land expansion planned in the New Year.

THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – Zululand, South Africa: Situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a celebration of the Zulu people and their rich culture. Not only will guests have the opportunity to learn more about their history and traditions, the people from the adjacent tribal land will benefit in many ways from the creation of Thanda Private Game Reserve.

Why settle for the Big Five when you can have the Big Seven? Once you’ve had your fill of game viewing, you can opt to join one of the many outside activities that Thanda offers. Spot whales and dolphins on a deep-sea boat trip between June and November along the eastern shores of KwaZulu-Natal, or dive with sharks in Sodwana’s warm waters. The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands is South Africa’s first declared world heritage site, and a boat cruise on the estuary will enable you to encounter some of the 1500 species of fauna found here …

Related Links:
Hluhluwe Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
South Africa Hotels

Special offer available from Ingwe Game Lodge in the Big 5 Edeni Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa: This is a special offer not to be missed …

The standard rate per person sharing at Ingwe Game Lodge ranges from R1350.00 per person sharing to R2025.00 per person single, per night, which includes accommodation, all meals, two game drives daily and a bush walk daily. Valid until April 2006, Ingwe Game Lodge is offering a fabulous Special Offer – Only R795.00 per person sharing (R350.00 per child under 12) which includes all meals, 2 game drives and a bush walk daily, teas and coffees. You won’t find a Big 5 Game Lodge experience at a better rate than this!

Ingwe Game Lodge lies in the heart of the wildlife rich Lowveld of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Situated in the Big Five, Edeni Private Game Reserve, Ingwe Game Lodge is home to a wide spectrum of wildlife, over 350 bird species, the Big Five, cheetah and wild dog. Perfect tranquility, superb accommodation and exquisite cuisine are the hallmarks of Ingwe Game Lodge. Ingwe combines African charm and gracious living with the fun of a bush experience to make your South African Safari a dream come true.

Click to View: South African Wildlife
Limpopo Game Reserves & Lodges
Limpopo Hotels

South African National Parks and Game Reserves: South Africa boasts a huge collection of wildlife regions and game parks (both public and private) encompassing every possible landscape from deserts to forests, mountains to coast, teeming with wildlife species – including Africa’s Big 5: Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros.
View » South African Wildlife.

South Africa’s Game Lodges and Bush Camps: Game lodges are located within private game reserves, national parks and nature reserves. The accommodations offered at a Game Lodge ranges from rustic to 5-star super-luxury; from self catering bush camps to fully catered lodges, with packages including daily game activities, such as day and night game drives, bush walks, horse-back safaris and other eco-activities.
View » South Africa’s Game Lodges

Editor’s Note: Visit the Game Reserve and Game Lodge section on SA-Venues.com. You will find a detailed map depicting the locations of all the reserves > click through to each province to see the provincial map indicating the reserves in that region > then click on the reserve within the map to view detailed info about each game reserve or national park, the wildlife you can expect to encounter and suggested Game Lodges or accommodation available in the reserve (or in a nearby town). There are over 200 reserves to explore!
Click to visit » South Africa Game Reserves and Lodges

Links to some of South Africa’s most popular BIG 5 Game Reserves:
The Kruger National Park (South Africa’s most famous Reserve)
Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Kruger, Mpumalanga)
Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
Pilanesberg National Park (North West Province near Sun City)
Addo Elephant Park (in the Eastern Cape Province)
The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park (in KwaZulu Natal)

Dick Dace visited Sanbona recently & was so impressed with his experience that he had Fox News in the USA show the footage he took on the reserve. Mr Dace also wrote the following article for H Texas magazine on the White Lions at Sanbona.

At 6 a.m. on a brisk, fall day, the SUV bucked over the broken sandstone road in pursuit of game in the wild rosemary hills of Sanbona, South Africa. The Mediterranean blue skies greeted the dawn from last night’s rare rainstorm that prompted the March Lily to bloom in a spidery-profusion of white and pink, amid a backdrop of brown and green shrubs. Around the first corner from Tilney Manor, were an Oryx Gazella and her baby. Her large, black, V-shape rack of horns crowned her white face. She watched us with unblinking, black eyes as her calf moved behind her. The calf also sported a crown of horns, as the only animal to be born with horns.

Jabulani and his mate, Queen, were spotted near a ravine, lounging in the shade of a Kebad bush. Jabulani’s face, big and white, was a sharp contrast to his brown environment. Queen had recently given birth to three cubs: two males and a female, all white with blue eyes, like their parents. One could understand why Jabulani and Queen were raised as pets. They looked like store-bought plush toys. Having been raised by humans, Jabulani and Queen, the deadliest of all lions, had lost their natural fear of man. Since they grew up as family pets, sleeping on the family sofa, playing with the kids, they lost touch with their wild side. Now that they are parents and back in the wild, their natural instincts had to be rekindled.

Hunting actually is a skill that cubs learn from their parents. Because Jabulani and Queen did not learn how to hunt from their parents, the rangers at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve have to find a way to teach them. “Hunger is a great motivator,” states our guide, Jan Oosthuizen. “Queen killed an Oryx the other day, and that was a huge beginning. She was able to feed her cubs and her mate. When the cubs are about 2 1/2 years old and reach their adolescence, they will be kicked out of Jabulani’s pride, and we hope to introduce them to the other pride here at Sanbona. It is our hope, wish and dream that the cubs that were born wild, will grow up wild and stay wild.”

When Jabulani became curious about us, Jan pulled the truck away from the pride. “He wants to play with us,” he says. “And that is not a behaviour we want Jabo to imprint on the cubs.” At sunset, we witnessed the elephants heading home from a day of feeding. The bull lead the way, followed by his two cows and their two calves each, one of which was just 11 days old.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is part of the Mantis Hotel collection. Sanbona was created when 19 sheep farms failed after the water tables were realigned following an earthquake in 1969. The goal of Sanbona is to reintroduce indigenous animals to the area, including the “Big 5″ lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. These animals acquired this nickname because they are Africa’s most dangerous animals (and used to attract hunters from all over the world). They are extremely exciting to watch in the wild.

The lodges of Sanbona are some of the most romantic hotel rooms in the world. The spacious suites showcase a vast savannah that stretches to the horizon of rolling hills through the French doors in the bedrooms. Only animals (not humans) are allowed to roam the fields, which give the room and the outdoor, double shower the privacy it needs. One evening after watching the animals have their evening drink, the guides served us champagne in the bush. Since this was our last evening at Sanbona, the butler drew all the guests a bubble bath in their pedestal bathtubs, complete with rose petals, more chilled champagne and heated towels. The evening was the stuff of romance novels, and a great update to the “Out of Africa” dream.

The creative, world-class meals at Tilney Manor are served on an outdoor patio overlooking an indigenous garden and infinity pool. Ostrich, antelope and wild duck were daily features, paired with the award-winning wines from Steenberg Winery. All the movies, books and wildlife films had created a vision of Africa that did not prepare me for the reality of South Africa today. It is more beautiful than Hollywood depicts, and its people, along with the animals, will make you want to return again and again.

Dick Dace is the Epicurean Publicist. He does lunch for a living.
Source: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – Visit Sanbona at: http://www.sanbona.com

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to the Garden Route Coast. Only 3 ½ hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including the BIG 5. (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino).

Visitors to the Garden Route Game Lodge can enjoy game viewing in open Landrovers, luxury accommodation and a memorable dining experience in our Boma restaurant. Our friendly staff and management are there to take care of your every need to complete your unforgettable stay.

Wildlife News: Buffalo released at Garden Route Game Lodge: On the 15 May, in the early hours of the morning, 3 new buffalo arrived at the Garden Route Game Lodge. The buffalo, (2 cows and a bull) originally came from a game reserve in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. The buffalo were initially released into boma to allow for them to adjust to their new environment under the watchful eye of the resident wildlife veterinarian and excited field rangers. After 2 weeks the gate to the boma was opened and the buffs were released into their new home.