Latest News - June 2020
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Greetings from South Africa! It’s summer time in the USA, but icy weather has again gripped us here on this side of the world, and recent snowfalls have once more blanketed large parts of the country. We’re not complaining, mind you, but it does take a bit of extra effort to get out of bed in the morning!
The Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the globe, and new hotspots like Brazil and Russia are currently being devastated. South Africa, just coming out of a long and very arduous lockdown, has alarmingly started to show a spike in new cases, although the infection rate is still amongst the lowest in the world. The USA has made great progress and has done a great job of “flattening the curve”, but it is still early days, and too soon to predict what might yet happen in the next few months. |
But there has been a definite shift in the attitude of most world governments, and economic factors are starting to override scientific and medical reasoning. Many countries have removed, or are in the process of removing, most of the restrictive conditions based around travel and business, and it won’t be long before things are back to “normal” again. But we need use that word carefully – it is doubtful that anything will ever get back to “normal” (i.e. the same as it was before the pandemic) in the foreseeable future.
As you can see from the special notices that we have posted on our Facebook page and on our website, Close Encounters has been forced to postpone all of the tours that we had scheduled for this year. As disappointing as this is, we know that everyone has had to adapt in one way or another, and we refuse to let this dampen our spirits – we truly believe that we are going to have a bumper season in 2021! We are in the process of scheduling new tours for next year, so keep an eye on our website and find a trip that is just right for you.
We’ve been doing a lot of work on our Facebook page, and there are a number of exciting new series posts that are coming soon. Please keep supporting us, share our posts, and tell your friends!
Mike Leicester
Editor
As you can see from the special notices that we have posted on our Facebook page and on our website, Close Encounters has been forced to postpone all of the tours that we had scheduled for this year. As disappointing as this is, we know that everyone has had to adapt in one way or another, and we refuse to let this dampen our spirits – we truly believe that we are going to have a bumper season in 2021! We are in the process of scheduling new tours for next year, so keep an eye on our website and find a trip that is just right for you.
We’ve been doing a lot of work on our Facebook page, and there are a number of exciting new series posts that are coming soon. Please keep supporting us, share our posts, and tell your friends!
Mike Leicester
Editor
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant travel restrictions that have been implemented both in the USA and in South Africa, we have decided, with great reluctance and in consultation with our guests, to postpone all of the tours that were scheduled to take place in 2020. The new dates and itineraries for 2021 have been detailed on our website, and additional tours will be added in the near future. Thanks to the cooperation of our partners and vendors, it has been possible to offer these trips without a tariff increase. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we assure you that we cannot wait to get back to the African bush with you as soon as is possible!
Upcoming tours
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South African Soul
July 18 - August 1 2021 Only 6 spots open! The trip starts off with a tour to Soweto, then moves on to the incredible Walkers River Camp in the Timbavati, where the group will spend 5 nights at this game viewing paradise. This is followed by 3 days of fun and adventure on the Panorama Route, a stopover in Dullstroom, and then 3 more days among the spectacular sandstone cliffs, caves and buttresses of Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Grab this opportunity to get one of the spots before they are all taken. You will not be disappointed! Click here to get more information. |
Focus on conservation
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Tigers on the rise
Tiger-related news is rarely positive, but in July 2019, a census revealed that India is now home to nearly 3,000 wild tigers, an increase of more than 30% since the last count was conducted four years ago. The latest figures were released on International Tiger Day (July 29) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called the rise in numbers a "historic achievement" for India's big cat population. According to the recent count, at least 2,967 wild tigers roam the country's dense jungles, up from 2,226 in the last survey. "We reaffirm our commitment towards protecting the tiger," Narendra Modi said as he released the report. "Some 15 years ago, there was serious concern about the decline in the population of tigers. It was a big challenge for us but with determination, we have achieved our goals." |
Of course, there is still much to be done to ensure that the big cats receive the protection they require. While secure and established tiger populations in some parts of India have increased, smaller populations that live in isolation or on the fringes of prime tiger habitat have suffered losses. "This highlights the need for conservation efforts to focus on improving connectivity between isolated populations, while incentivizing the relocation of people out of core tiger areas, reducing poaching and improving habitat to increase prey resources" wrote Matt Hayward, University of Newcastle Associate Professor and Joseph K. Bump, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota.
Significant historical events
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Gold mining in South Africa
The first recorded discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand was made by Jan Gerrit Bantjes in June 1884, on the farm Vogelstruisfontein, and this was followed soon afterwards by the Struben brothers who uncovered the Confidence Reef on the farm Wilgespruit. However, these were minor reefs, and today it is the general consensus that credit for the discovery of the main gold reefs in the area must be attributed to George Harrison, whose findings on the farm Langlaagte were made in July 1886. His discovery precipitated the biggest gold rush in recorded history. |
It did not take long for fortune-seekers from all over the world to flock to the area, and soon what was a once just a dusty mining village known as Ferreira's Camp became formalized into a settlement. The name chosen for the new town is thought to have been derived from the names of two state surveyors that were sent to map out the plots, Johann Rissik and Christiaan Johannes Joubert. Within 10 years, Johannesburg had become the largest city in South Africa, and it remains so up until the present day.
From humble beginnings, gold production in South Africa increased steadily to reach an incredible maximum output of approximately 1000 tons in 1970, making South Africa one of the richest nations on earth. But it became necessary to dig deeper and deeper to find payable gold, and many of the mines are no longer economically viable. In modern times, production is well down from its peak, although South Africa still ranks as the 8th largest gold producer in the world.
From humble beginnings, gold production in South Africa increased steadily to reach an incredible maximum output of approximately 1000 tons in 1970, making South Africa one of the richest nations on earth. But it became necessary to dig deeper and deeper to find payable gold, and many of the mines are no longer economically viable. In modern times, production is well down from its peak, although South Africa still ranks as the 8th largest gold producer in the world.
Folklore & legends
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Lake Fundudzi
Big rivers and large bodies of water have always played a special role in Africa, and there are many myths and legends associated with them. This applies in particular to Lake Fundudzi, a natural lake located in the mountainous regions of the Limpopo province in South Africa. Scientists believe that the lake was formed many years ago by a landslide, and the local Venda people subscribe to this theory as well. But they also believe that this event was caused by a curse cast on a village that refused to offer food and shelter to a passing traveler. The lake's waters covered the village, and it is said that the cries of the drowned people and the bellowing of their cattle can still sometimes be heard. |
Locals hold that the lake is protected by a Python God that lives in the hills around its shores. After bathing in the lake he beats his drums, and residents say they can hear the sound. This deity is pacified annually by the “Domba” (Python Dance), which is performed by young adolescent girls from the villages close by. The level and color of the lake's water are believed to reflect his mood, and these factors are also said to predict the intensity of the next rainy season.
Irrespective of what the Venda people believe, there are actually some very strange anomalies associated with this body of water. Although three different rivers flow into the lake, it never overflows. The water level does rise and fall, but it does this completely independently of the seasonal rainfall or the water inflow. It is infested with crocodiles, but the locals swim and fish in the lake without fear of being attacked.
The lake and the surrounding Thathe Vondo Forest are considered to be extremely sacred, and it is forbidden for outsiders to visit the area without a local guide. All visitors are obliged to greet the lake in a traditional way, which is called the “ukodola”. This involves standing with ones back to the lake, then bending over and looking at it upside down through spread legs whilst a prayer is being recited. After this, it is required to spit on the ground and throw a pebble towards the lake. If this procedure is not followed, bad luck or even great harm could follow.
There is no denying that this lake holds a vital place in the spiritual life of the Venda people. For the visitor, it is a fascinating insight into Venda culture, and a chance to explore the cultural diversity of one of South Africa's most important tribal groups.
Irrespective of what the Venda people believe, there are actually some very strange anomalies associated with this body of water. Although three different rivers flow into the lake, it never overflows. The water level does rise and fall, but it does this completely independently of the seasonal rainfall or the water inflow. It is infested with crocodiles, but the locals swim and fish in the lake without fear of being attacked.
The lake and the surrounding Thathe Vondo Forest are considered to be extremely sacred, and it is forbidden for outsiders to visit the area without a local guide. All visitors are obliged to greet the lake in a traditional way, which is called the “ukodola”. This involves standing with ones back to the lake, then bending over and looking at it upside down through spread legs whilst a prayer is being recited. After this, it is required to spit on the ground and throw a pebble towards the lake. If this procedure is not followed, bad luck or even great harm could follow.
There is no denying that this lake holds a vital place in the spiritual life of the Venda people. For the visitor, it is a fascinating insight into Venda culture, and a chance to explore the cultural diversity of one of South Africa's most important tribal groups.
Creature corner
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Despite its name, the Honey Badger does not closely resemble any other badger species; instead, it bears more anatomical similarities to weasels. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin, strength and ferocious defensive abilities. It is listed as “the world's most fearless animal" in the Guinness Book of World Records. In South Africa, it is also known as a Ratel.
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Feather feature
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Common Name: African Sacred Ibis
Binomial Name: Threskiornis aethiopicus Status: Common resident Red List Status: Least Concern The African Sacred Ibis is a wading bird native to Africa and the Middle East. They got their name because, for many centuries, these birds were commonly mummified by the ancient Egyptians as a votive offering to the god Thoth. Thousands of the birds were buried in gigantic catacombs every year, eventually adding up to an estimated total of about 8 million. Fortunately the species has recovered since then, and today they have a “Least Concern” classification from the IUCN. |
Did you know?
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Three of the world’s biggest (i.e. most competitors) single sporting events take place in South Africa every year. They are the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the world’s largest timed cycle race (more than 35,000 cyclists), the Comrades Marathon, the world’s largest ultramarathon (more than 20,000 runners) and the Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open water swimming event (more than 15,000 swimmers).
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Words of wisdom
"Africa is not so much a place as a feeling - it enters your bloodstream, taking its time to unfold until you leave. Then you realize that it has taken hold of your soul."
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