A new kind of adrenalin rush

Rhino tracking - yes people do this for fun.

Rhino tracking on foot could be described as an adventure sport, although in my opinion it is the rhino that has a laugh.

As far as I know, one of the only place in SA to do this is Mvubu Lodge, on the banks of Lake Jozini in Zululand. Two intrepid rangers, Shane and Mike, along with their tracker Umtelephone – no, this is really his name, I have it on good authority – will take curious guests on a hike to spot rhino. Their only warning to you, to look out for trees to climb should a rhino become a bit to interested. The one thing they don't mention is that there is one tree to six people - figure the odds for yourself. My suggestion – don’t get the rhino between yourself and your back-up vehicle. White rhinos, being a bit short-sighted and a bit shy, tend to run away from large rumbling vehicles and inadvertently towards the small group of big-eyed adventurers who are trying desperately to look like a rock or act like a small uninterested tree.

Murphy's Law also tends to apply when rhino tracking, because just as you realise you need that tree, there isn’t one. Just little saplings that allow you to scramble up like a monkey, at which point it slowly starts bending over so that your rear end is a few inches from the ground with your legs madly kicking in the air looking for grip that is not there, while the poor dumb beast sniffs you with interest and then, not wanting to be cruel, moves off to seek some other excitement.
Mind you this is just in my imagination, but it could happen ... in a Monty Python movie I spose.

My imagination aside, this IS perfectly safe or they wouldn't take as many guests out as they do. I think it's a great idea.

Life at 400 knots!!

Blasting past the sports center at 400 knots, one of our regular windsurfing locals who is a Hawk instructor at Langebaan airforce base took this really cool pic of Langebaan and the Sports center about 3 days ago.

Volvo Ocean Race and Drum Africa

Yesterday we had one of the helmsman and trimmers from the Ericsson 4, Volvo racing team hire our Hobie 16 with his partner and sail to Kraal Bay in the Langebaan lagoon. As always, I asked if they can sail. He was very modust in his answer, "yes a little", at this stage I did not know he was with the Volvo Race. His girlfriend laughed. I asked why he was in Langebaan? He then told me he was here with the Volvo race. Joao Signorini also represented Brazil in the Olympics. From all of us at Drum Africa we wish them a good race ahead.

Ericsson 4 achieved 600nm in 24 hours, that is some serious boat speed, well done!

Belvidere Manor Knysna

The Belvidere Manor Hotel on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon recently introduced a new look to its restaurant, Caroline’s Bistro.

“Over recent years the public’s dining expectations have changed to a more relaxed contemporary experience and as Belvidere Manor tries to offer guests an opportunity to ‘chill out’ so should our restaurant. Guests must feel comfortable while still enjoying efficient, friendly service and the great food that our chef, Ian Booysen, prepares,” explains general manager, Sue Mills.

Caroline’s Bistro is open daily for dinner from 7pm

New resort for Zanzibar

Set to open on the 15th of December this year, Baraza, Zanzibar is situated on the southeastern coast of the island, along Bwejuu Beach about 50 minutes from Stone Town.

This resort is a fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design and offers 14 one-bedroom villas and 15 two-bedroom villas, as well as a presidential two-bedroom suite.

Complete with large bathrooms, private plunge pools and stunning spacious terraces.

The facilites at teh resort include a breakfast restaurant and pool side lunch restaurant as well as a pool bar. Further more it has a main dining room, a spa with Jacuzzi and lap pool as well as tennis courts and a large swimming pool. The fitness centre is well equipped as is the business centre and it even has it's own boutique.

The WaterClub in Zanzibar, is due to open soon as well and will include a dive centre and all watersports. The club is set to serve guests at Baraza as well as The Palms and the Breezes Beach Club and Spa.

What better get away than a tropical island.

Roaring 40's

The Hobie Cat 14 is 40 years old this year and still going strong!

Last week I had an exciting sail on a Hobie 14 that was built in 1973. The speed surprised some of the professional windsurfers around on the day. Wind was a perfect 25 knots and after 2 hours sail I was tired but not the boat and we are both 40 years old!! (Brent). Guess a 40 year old boat has more staying power than a 40 year old man!!! So those who might think that the boat cannot do it any more, think again!!

Langebaan the playground

Langebaan is most definitely the playground of water sports in South Africa. Good windsurfing conditions as well as good kiting and Hobie Catarmaran sailing conditions prevail almost everyday in Langebaan over the summer season. Things are hotting up for the season and bookings are flying in for rentals and lessons.

Riding Ostriches in the Karoo

On tour in the Little Karoo with a group of ladies from Sweden, good weather and good riding skills from some of the flickorna, Garden Route tour went well with all having a really good time with good suppers at some very special restaurants.