#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - New Safaris on the Way!

Fynbos’ Ears Have Perked Up!
Heard There’s a New K9 Adventure in the New Safari Offerings.
Coming Soon!

#TravelTuesday Pro Tip

Always check to see if your airline (especially the ME3!) requires you to show - at the Airport - the same Credit Card which purchased your Airline Ticket.
They made not let you Board without it!

Etihad Business Class Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday What is happening in Africa?!?!

There is good news.
And, there is bad news.

Starting with the bad news, first.

Thanks to OurAfrica.Travel 2021 Virtual Trade Show, I’ve spent the past few weeks catching up with friends, new & old. So, what is happening in Africa?

The rumors of horrendous Wildlife Poaching are all too real. Clint Robertson, of Umdingi Safaris, shared with me what his team is experiencing in Zimbabwe. Clint’s Umdingi Safaris Team are on the front lines of this unprecedented human and wildlife travesty. The African Tourism Industry is decimated.

As a result, Wildlife Poaching is on the rise!

Some hard facts: for each one (1!) person who worked in Wildlife Tourism, at least 6 people were dependent on their income. This is GONE. No tourists. No jobs. No income….no food. What would you do if your family was starving? The taking of African Wildlife for money and food is now irresistible.

Now for Good News!

I think the Good News will save both humans & wildlife.

African Tourism Is Coming Back!

OurAfrica.Travel generated immense excitement and energy. But, that is anecdotal, isn’t it? Then, yesterday I was contacted by a previous client - about an African Safari Family Vacation!

Traveling in Africa, for me and my clients, has always been about International Development, Wildlife Conservation, and Sustainable Tourism. Wildlife is being poached right now. Yet, as Tourist comes back, Safaris begin, and Travel returns, the beauty of the African Savannah will heal and journey back. And, we will be saying again, soon…

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Photo Credit: OurAfrica.Travel 2021

#TravelTuesday Legendary Dogs of Africa

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Man’s best friend. Dogs are used to detect anything from cancer to COVID or contraband or for tracking poachers. They are protectors, companions, and friends - especially in the African bush. Karen Blixen, of Out of Africa fame, had faithful Irish Wolf Hounds on her Kenyan Coffee Farm.

In his book The Story of the African Dog, Johan Gallant delves into the history of dogs in Africa. Gallant states that when the Portuguese explorers arrived in Africa, the San and Hottentot people already had dogs. The most famous dogs are the ones immortalised through books. They were the companions of some of the early colonial explorers. They accompanied their masters everywhere.

Jock of the Bushveldt, by Sir James Percy FitzPatrick

Jock of the Bushveldt

Perhaps the most famous African dog is Jock of Jock of the Bushveldt, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross. Jock’s exploits, and adventures in the 1880s in the Transvaal bush were recounted by his human, author Sir James Percy FitzPatrick. Jock has many exciting encounters during FitzPatrick's days as a Transport Rider in the Transvaal. Jock too took encountered snakes including Mambas!

Jock grew up to become an excellent hunting dog who helped Percy hunt game such as Kudus and Impalas. Jock also was fearless and took on dangerous opponents such as Porcupines with their sharp quills and was not averse to trying to take on Hyena, Lion, and Crocodiles too. He even attempted to intervene in a fight between Baboons and a Leopard (called a “Tiger” in the book), which is an incredibly dangerous escapade.

Sadly, Jock was killed in a case of mistaken identity, by a farmer who thought Wild Dogs were killing his chickens – meanwhile, Jock had already dealt with the marauding intruder. Jock's story became world-famous and is one of the best-known tales about dogs in Africa.

Today visitors can visit the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, which is where Jocks adventures took place. Pass through the towns of Barberton and Lydenberg mentioned in the book. They can visit his statue situated outside the town hall in Barberton. Tourists can stay in the historic gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest, which has been preserved as a national monument, just as it was when Jock slept under FitzPatrick's feet in the bar in the Royal Hotel.

Visitors can experience the bush that Jock loved by staying at Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, which was built using funds from the Fitzpatrick Trust in the heart of all the places which Jock loved.

Killer

K9 Ranger Killer

Continuing the legacy of Jock in the region are members of the K9 Anti-poaching unit in the Kruger National Park. The most famous of which is K9 Ranger Killer. Killer was awarded the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Gold Medal in 2016 for tracking down and helping apprehend 115 poachers in just four years.

Ranger Killer and his handler, Amos Mzimba, are flown by helicopter to track and apprehend armed poachers when sighted or when a dead Rhino was discovered. In a world-first, Killer was allowed into the courtroom, where Amos acted as his voice to give testimony against poachers, leading to many successful convictions. In his working life, he helped lead to the apprehension and conviction of over 200 Rhino poachers.

Sadly, Killer had to be put down at the age of 11 years in June 2020. He was suffering from a degenerative illness. He was mourned by many South Africans and Conservationists around the world, if not by poachers. However, his canine colleagues continue this important work in the Kruger National Park.

Just Nuisance AB Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial

Just Nuisance

Another of South Africa’s most famous dogs was Just Nuisance. He was a Great Dane who became famous around the British Naval Base at Simons Town. He was a very friendly dog who loved the Sailors as they treated him to pies, titbits, and even beer. He would follow them aboard the ships moored at the base, with a particular favourite being HMS Neptune, where he would often lie right at the top of the gangplank and refuse to move. The sailors always commented “You’re just a nuisance!” as they stepped over him, hence he got his name.

Just Nuisance would also follow the Sailors on shore leave onto the trains to the city of Cape Town. Just Nuisance began to ride the trains regularly until the rail authority wanted to have him put down for being a nuisance. This greatly upset his many Navy friends who appealed to the Commander-in-Chief to intervene. It was decided that Just Nuisance would be enlisted into the Royal Navy as Able Seaman Just Nuisance. This would enable him to travel the railways for free like other Sailors.

While he never served at sea, but some Airmen at Wingfield Airbase took him up for the occasional spin in their plane! He got into many scrapes, fights with other dogs, and was a beloved nuisance as his conduct sheet attests. Sadly, he was put down on the 1st of April 1944, as he was being paralysed from an injury sustained in a motor accident. He was treated as a human and taken to the ward at the Simons Town Naval Hospital. His legend lives on to this day. There is a much-visited statue in his honour in Simons Town and you can also visit his grave in the nearby cemetery.

Benji and one of his Foes Photo Credit: Michael English

Benji

Our dog, Benji lived on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, a still wild beautiful place. Ben was a fearless hunter, especially of anything that scuttled, slithered, or chattered - from meter long Water Monitor Lizards to venomous Mozambique Spitting Cobras. He would kill several cobras a month.

He had a daily game challenging the Vervet Monkeys stealing mangoes off the tree. He once found a Crocodile in the swimming pool. His dutiful alarm skills even alerted my Father to a Cobra in his bedroom in the middle of the night. 

This kamikaze bravery was dangerous. While Benji was a faithful shadow, if he spotted a likely quarry, nothing would deter him from the chase. Ben had proved adept at tackling Cobras, but we knew that a should he encounter a Mamba, it would be a different story as they are much faster snakes.

Sadly, one evening last month, it was a Black Mamba he found in the garden next to the garage. The snake was not far from where my Father stood in a pair of sandals. Ben, in a spurt of courageous zeal, took on the Mamba, before my Father could see what was happening. In the Mamba, Ben met his match. He died as he lived, in the thrill of the chase, defending his territory and family from intruders.

Just Nuisance AB Simons Town©Flyga Twiga LLC

Although not a Dog of Africa, Fynbos Asan, Dog of South Korea, loves assisting in all projects Africa! ©Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday Excited and honored being selected as finalist for The Rosie Network's 2020 National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards!

With a record number of applicants, I am honored and excited to be selected as a Finalist for The Rosie Network's 2020 National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards!

Please visit the Rosie Network and find out about their important mission.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

#WildlifeWednesday Dung Beetles - Natures Clean Up Crew

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

The Lords of Dung

Growing up in the Bush in Zimbabwe, I spent my holidays out in the bush in places like Mana Pools National Park. This is one of the few parks in the world where you can walk in Big Five Country - unguided. My father and uncle were both Game Rangers and we’d often take our morning walk out in the park among the wildlife. 

I thought nothing of following the faint lily pad impressions of Elephants. Partly the thrill was hoping to spot these gentle giants; but more importantly I was looking for great piles of Elephant Dung. Hey, get your mind out the gutter! I was looking for the Elephant Dung as that was where I’d find my quarry - Beetles. I was fascinated by the large black Dung Beetles. I loved them almost as much as my beloved Tok Tokkie Beetles, which are known for their knocking tap dancing.

Dung Beetles Makuleke Camp Ecotraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

What are Dung Beetles?

You may have seen a member of the Dung Beetle family without realising it. There are thousands of species of Dung Beetles belonging to the group Scarabaeidae. They make up 10% of all Beetle species on Earth, with over 30,000 species and 780 of these occur in South Africa alone.

The Beetles range in size from 0,08 inches to over 6 inches in length. Most are black but they also come in a range of fabulous colours. Many people associate the Dung Beetle with a large black beetle rolling balls of dung away to bury as food for their larvae. But, this is only one type of Dung Beetle.

Dung Beetles are reputed to be the strongest insects in the world, able to pull/push up to 1,141 times their body weight. This is the equivalent of an average person pulling six double-decker buses -full of people.

Hard at Work Dung Beetles EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Types of Dung Beetle

Dung Beetles can be broken down into four distinct groups based on their behaviour – the stayers, burrowers, the rollers and the thieves. The word Endocoprids describes Dung Beetles, who lay their eggs in a fresh pile of dung and stay there.

The next type is called Paracoprids. These Beetles dig down below a pile of dung and create a burrow with their food source (the dung) above.

Telecoprids are the most famous of the Dung Beetles, who roll balls of dung away and bury them elsewhere.

The final type of Dung Beetles is the and Kleptocoprids who, as the name suggests, have group case of Kleptomania. By strength and guile these Beetle steal the balls from the hardworking Telecoprids.

Dung Beetles Pushing and Rolling Elephant Sanctuary SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

The Role of Dung Beetles in Ecosystems

Dung Beetles occur on every continent on Earth except Antarctica (there is not enough dung found there). The Beetles play a vital role in the ecosystems of the World. Dung Beetles along with vultures, scavengers, termites, and other insects form a vital part of nature’s clean-up crew.

They bury the dung and lay their eggs in it. This in turn, becomes a food source for their larvae when they hatch. If you imagine the amount of dung produced by the great herds of the plains of East Africa, you will see how important they are.

By burying the dung these enterprising Scarabs remove the food source for flies, helping to keep the flies under control. And thus, curbing the spread of infectious diseases.

The Dung Beetles generally bury the dung along with the larvae. This takes the waste underground, In the Earth, nutrients are recycled in the soil, helping to fertilise the savannahs, rejuvenating the vital food source for all the grazers.

Dung Beetles Beginning Work EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Sacred Scarabs

Scarab Beetles were sacred to the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. It is reputed that this was inspired by the Telecorprids (Dung Deetles who form balls of dung and roll these away to bury with their larvae). This habit was linked in ancient Egypt to the deity Khepri – the god of the rising sun.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the beetles did not have females so the males had to form a ball of to create the egg into which they injected their semen and thereby reproduce. Due to this belief, the Scarab became a symbol for rebirth, resurrection and transformation - even the symbol for life itself. Rather a great honour for the Lords of Poo! They became linked with funeral rites and regeneration and their significance lasted through many Egyptian Dynasties.

Being linked with the Sun is not the only celestial link that Dung Beetles have. Scientists have long known that Dung Beetles use the symmetrical pattern of polarized light from around the Sun to help them navigate. The canny beetles always choose the straightest and most direct route to their burrow as they must fight off competition from other Dung Beetles.

Scientists have also discovered that the species scarabaeus satyrus in South Africa, can in fact navigate by the stars using light from the Milky Way. This is the first instance of this known in nature – Dung Beetles navigating by the stars!

Dung Beetles Beginning Work Closeup EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Dung Beetles in African Folklore

The southern African tribe of the Batonka have a traditional tale about the Dung Beetle. It is said that in the days of the First Man and First Woman the Dung Beetle and the Butterfly were best friends. When the first man and woman came walking in the evening, they always complimented how beautiful butterfly was. The Dung Beetle was jealous and sad. He said to Butterfly “why do they always look at you and never comment on me?”

“They only admire strength and beauty. You have little beauty but perhaps you should become the strongest of the insects” said the Butterfly.

So Dung Beetle went off and spent years doing many challenges to become strong. One day he came home and while visiting with Butterfly, the first man and woman came by. Dung Beetle rolled a huge ball of Elephant Dung many times his size and pushed it along the ground. The first man and woman were very impressed and exclaimed over him instead of the Butterfly.

That is why to this day Dung Beetles roll balls of dung and push them around.

(A summary from When Lion Could Fly: And Other Tales from Africa; by Nick Greaves and Rod Clement)

So next time you are on Safari in Africa, why not escape the confines of the Safari vehicle and go on a bush walk? You can set off in search of the Lords of Dung yourself. Its always interesting to see how skilfully they can sculpt a sphere of poop!

Dung Beetle Elephant Sanctuary SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday ArmaSkin Selected Me As a Brand Ambassador! Woohoo!

Deeply honored to be selected by ArmaSkin as an ArmaSkin Ambassador.

Their Program:
Each calendar year ArmaSkin refreshes its Ambassador Program. In simple terms the invited Ambassadors receive access to substantial reduced prices in return for the ability for us to share media about the Ambassadors’ exploits.

To find out more about ArmaSkin, you can click here. And, if you want to talk about my experiences and see if this is the right product for you, please feel free to contact me.

Use Code "Flyga20 " & you will receive a 20% discount.

I will be sharing more about ArmaSkin during an upcoming special adventure in South Africa. More on that soon….Until then, Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Ostrich Cape of Good Hope South Africa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC