www.nzira.co.zw 51 isuzu
52 March/April 2019 A Guiding Hand Article and Images Debbie Swales our gunshots, in quick succession, ring out across the dry, sandy riverbed. A puff of dust rises as a bullet passes through the bull’s-eye of the target and hits the bank on the other side. The African sun is unrelenting; temperatures soar to 34º C and it is only 10am. Chris Pakenham, range master, tutor and examiner on the Learner Professional Hunters and Guides course, held at Mokore Camp in the Savé Valley Conservancy, quickly reaches across to one of the less experienced candidates who is holding a high calibre .458 ri昀氀e. Chris forcefully pushes the barrel away whilst threatening disquali昀椀cation. It is pointing slightly in the wrong direction and could be a threat to the bystanders should there be a negligent discharge. This is just the start of an intense 昀椀ve days of training beginning at 5.30am and ending around 9pm. The candidates are grouped into three categories; A, B and C, according to experience. They have come here to be given an insight into what will be required for the pro昀椀ciency test; the 昀椀nal step in an arduous task of becoming a fully quali昀椀ed professional guide. There is no other country that demands such a high standard. The course is organized by ZPHGA (Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association) who, through the dedication of its members, has managed to maintain this high standard. Quali昀椀ed individuals from the private sector also provide invaluable assistance, offering their time and expertise for free. In this case, Mokore Safaris has provided the required venue. It doesn’t take long for Chris and fellow tutors, Dean Kendall, David Langerman, Penny Raynor, Andy Smith, Graeme Jones and Dave Carson to weed out the weaker candidates. LPHG Course F Image: Above A lesson on trees and creepers Image: Left Learners identify skulls
www.nzira.co.zw 53 Correct weapon handling, quick reactions and precision shooting are essential in a dangerous wildlife area. Lives depend upon it and inexperience can result in disaster if unable to handle a charging buffalo, lion or elephant. The threat is very real here and candidates are pushed to their limits. It is almost impossible to capture the full substance of this course in a few words. Candidates are expected, by the time they do their pro昀椀ciency, to have undergone at least four years of practical work under the watchful eye of a quali昀椀ed guide. It is then up to the individual to study hard in order to do the theory. Beginner study packs are available from ZPHGA which has the basic information; a CD study guide, log book, an array of National Parks and 昀椀rearms laws, ballistics etc. There are four LPHG written exams, set by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, which cover law and regulations, habits and habitats, ballistics and general knowledge. Once this is achieved, the learner can then continue to glean the massive amount of information required for guiding and more importantly, gain practical experience. A considerable amount of wisdom is required where dangerous animals are involved and it is absolutely necessary to be able to provide evidence to the examiners that numerous approaches This interview is daunting and the anxiety shows through if unprepared but again, it gives an insight as to what can be expected for their 昀椀nal exam. On completion, the candidate will be advised whether or not to attempt the pro昀椀ciency. Image: Above Dust cloud at the range Image: Above Chris Pakenham discusses ballistics Image: Right Andy Smith taking a closer look at a colony of ants whilst the Peterhouse School Conservationist, Penny Raynor looks over his shoulder and close encounters have been accomplished, including actual hunting. This is paramount to the safety of guests and guides alike. If a candidate cannot prove he or she is capable of controlling both guests and animals in a dangerous situation, that person will fail. During the course, candidates, under the watchful eye of tutors, conduct walks and inexperience is very obvious especially when under pressure. In preparation for the pro昀椀ciency, mock oral interviews are given to the ‘A’ group which can last twenty minutes. Skulls, plants, leaves, skin, teeth, dung and bones are laid out for identi昀椀cation. A signed log book has to be completed in detail, listing valuable wildlife experiences. Valid First Aid certi昀椀cates and LPHG licences are essential.
54 March/April 2019 Course content is vast and despite being intense, it is almost impossible to cover everything in a few days. To be pro昀椀cient in this industry takes years of hard work. Walks allow for skill sets, including tracking, identi昀椀cation of fauna, 昀氀ora, skulls, birds and even dung to be tested and honed and every track or sign on the ground tells a story which can be deciphered. Back at camp, old exam papers are discussed. Presentations and workshops on an assortment of topics are held throughout the day covering law and regulations pertaining to parks and wildlife, cleaning, handling and safety of weapons, ballistics, 昀椀rst aid, backpack contents, tree identi昀椀cation, geology, palaeontology, astronomy, photography, vehicle maintenance, radio procedures, GPS use, animal taxonomy, hospitality and ethics. The ‘A’ group, arrive a day earlier and are required to set up a camp consisting of everything from guest toilets to threecourse dining facilities which will be presented to several examiners on the actual pro昀椀ciency. This mock camp set-up is of great bene昀椀t as lecturers discuss the campsite and offer suggestions and advice on what to improve. Image: Above A land cruiser 昀椀lled with candidates crosses a dry river bed Image: Right Learners cleaning weapons Image: Left Dave Langerman teaching identi昀椀cation of a male leopard tortoise.
www.nzira.co.zw 55 This type of course experience is crucial for those who choose to make guiding a career. "Chooks" Langerman, one of the coordinators of the course, tells the story of a South African guide who, on hearing about the high quality of the Zimbabwean guides, decided to attend the course. At one point he was seen sitting with his head in his hands. His response to a question of concern was that his head was about to explode with all the information that had been presented to him! Prior to the pro昀椀ciency, which is administered by National Parks with the assistance of members from the private sector, guides are required to pass both the interview and ri昀氀e range test. If they fail either one of these, they go home. If they pass, they are then allowed to continue to the pro昀椀ciency which is held at a later date. Guides in Zimbabwe have the unsurpassed reputation for being among the best in the world and this would not be possible without the indispensable input from our National Parks examiners and the dedication of the people who sacri昀椀ce their time to share their skills and impart their knowledge to upcoming protégés. On behalf of our proud tourism industry, deep gratitude must be passed on to all concerned. Image: Above An array of horns, skulls, trees and skins to identify Image: Right Guest tent and dining area Course information: Contact ZPHGA TELEPHONE: +263 24 2779792 MOBILE: + 263 (0) 733 316 739 or +263 (0) 772 766 741 WEBSITE: www.soaz.net EMAIL : [email protected] [email protected] Chooks Langerman Email: [email protected] Mobile: +27 (0) 76 886 5091 For details on Mokore Camp, view their website: mokoreecosafaris.com
56 March/April 2019
www.nzira.co.zw 57 Non Destructive Testing Precision Machining Electroplating Welding Metrology Heat Treatment For more information please contact Air Zimbabwe Technical Marketing Department on 575111 Ext 2121 or Process Shop on 575111 Ext 2135/2622 or Machine Shop on 575111 Ext 2479 or Metrology on 575111 Ext 2637 Andries Mpofu • Ultrasonic Inpection • Eddy current inspection • Magnetic particle inspection • Dye penetrant inspection • Bore scope inspection • Weld inspection • Static and dynamic balancing • Portable localised heat treatment up to 1150°C • External, internal and surface grinding • General engineering • Vertical boring • Hard chrome plating • Cadium plating • Nickel plating • Anodizing • Aluminium • Magnesium • Titanium • Nimonic • Cast Iron • Calibration and repair of a variety of gauges and measuring equipment using the very latest state of the art equipment, traceable to international standards. Technical Operations Division The Technical Operations Division was established to provide engineering, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services of aircraft engines and components for Air Zimbabwe as well as third party customers who include other airlines and non-aviation customers. The maintenance workshop oers diverse career opportunities for both male and female engineers. It boasts of local, seasoned and fully qualified technical sta, who have received commendations of excellence from the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, for their sterling work in aircraft modifications and mandatory checks and services. As a result, Air Zimbabwe became the first Airline to successfully execute a Strut Improvement program on the B767 and has continued to excel thereafter to maintain an enviable safety record. The Air Zimbabwe engineering facility o ers a variety of services to the following industries: Motor Trade, Transport, Mining, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Earthmoving Equipment, Plastics, Printing Industries tertiary and other higher learning institutions.
58 March/April 2019 INGREDIENTS for 4 •Argentinian Prawns •800 g •White Fish fumet/ •stock 250g •Courgettes skin 50 g •Brocoli Fleurets 50 g •Fresh Basil 20 g •Pine nuts 20 g •Olive oil 50 ml •Salt – White Pepper FOR THE PESTO Blanche the courgette skin, then the broccoli and lastly the basil in boiling water and cool them in ice water. Strain the vegetables keeping them moist and blend with the olive oil and pine nuts so as to obtain a smooth pesto. FOR THE PRAWNS Shell the prawns delicately without damaging the 昀氀esh. Make a little cut on the tail part of the prawns and pull out the vein. Arrange the prawns, four to a portion and hold them together with a couple of toothpicks. Keep in the fridge. FOR THE FISH WHITE FUMET Use the shells of the prawns to make the stock. Pour water over the shells to cover, bring to a gentle boil with an aromatic garnish (onion, celery, bay leaf, coriander seeds, star anise). Allow the fumet to infuse slowly for about 30 minutes and then sieve it. FOR COOKING Put some of the fumet in a shallow cooking pan and bring it to a temperature of about 75 degrees celsius. Season and place the prawns in the hot fumet, cover the pan and leave to cook for +/- 5 minutes on the side of the stove. In the meantime, pour the rest of the fumet in a sauce pan, bring it to a boil and add the pesto to your liking so as to obtain a green shiny pesto sauce. Season with salt and white pepper. PLATING Pour the pesto sauce evenly on the bottom of the plate. Remove the toothpicks and plate the prawns in the middle. Drizzle over some olive oil and decorate with fresh herbs to 昀椀nish your Argentinian prawns. Argentinian Prawns in a garden green pesto Recipe Chef Lawrence, Executive Group Training Chef for Legacy Hotels Zimbabwe Recipe
www.nzira.co.zw 59 INGREDIENTS 400g beef 昀椀llet 1 tbsp. coriander seeds 1 pack thyme 800g cauli昀氀ower 2 packs rocket 100g raspberries 1 lemon 2 tbsp. mustard FROM THE STORE CUPBOARD 2 tbsp. + 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tbsp. butter 1 tbsp. black peppercorns 1 tsp. sea salt Salt and black pepper to season. Romantic BEEF FILLET With Roasted Cauli昀氀ower, Rocket, Raspberries and Mustard Lemon Drizzle. STEP 1: Pre-heat the oven to 220 degrees. Cut the cauli昀氀ower 昀氀orets from the stalk and discard the stalk. Toss the 昀氀orets in 2 tbsp. olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Place the cauli昀氀ower on a baking tray in the oven to roast for 20 minutes. STEP 2: To make the mustard lemon drizzle, squeeze the lemon. Pour 1/2 cup olive oil into your blender, add the mustard, lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. of ground black pepper. Blend until you have a thick sauce, season with salt and set aside. STEP 3: Next, strip the thyme leaves from the stalks. Grid up the coriander seeds, peppercorns, thyme leaves and 1 tsp. sea salt with a pestle and mortar or a Bullet if you have one. Remove from the blender and coat the beef 昀椀llet in the mixture. STEP 4: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. butter and once piping hot, add the 昀椀llet. Cook the 昀椀llet for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning at intervals once each side is browned and slightly charred. Remove from the pan and place on a board to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the 昀椀llet as pictured. STEP 5: Remove the cauli昀氀ower from the oven. Shred the rocket and divide it between dinner plates. Divide the cauli昀氀ower between plates and add the raspberries and 昀椀llet slices on top. Drizzle over the mustard lemon drizzle and serve immediately. Serves Prep Time Cooking Time Dif昀椀culty 2 30m 25m Medium Order. Cook. Eat. YOU ORDER 1 2 3 WE DELIVER COOK & ENJOY FIND OUT MORE CONTACT ...delicious and easy to make recipes, invented by local chefs ...all the ingredients needed to cook the recipes on a Tuesday afternoon. Plus quality add-ons! ...prepare your delicious and healthy meals and tuck in! www.realfoodzim.com [email protected] +263 (0) 77 731 0018 Deliveries in Harare only Get 10% off your first box using the code RFZ10 when you order online. Recipe
60 March/April 2019 In the best-selling book in the United States for the year 2018, Becoming is Michelle Obama’s intimate retelling of her own story, on her own terms. She takes us through her roots, her experiences in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother. Warm, wise, and revelatory, it is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily de昀椀ed expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same. Pete Banning: a decorated World War II hero; the patriarch of a prominent family; a farmer; a father; a neighbour and a faithful member of the Methodist church. One cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed his pastor and friend, the Reverend Dexter Bell. Pete’s only statement about it to the sheriff, to his lawyers, to the judge, to the jury, and to his family was: “I have nothing to say.” A man not afraid to die and willing to take his motive to the grave Helen Franklin’s life alters when her friend Karel discovers a mysterious letter in the library, a strange confession and a curious warning that speaks of Melmoth the Witness, a dark legend found in obscure fairy tales and antique village lore. For centuries, the mysterious dark-robed 昀椀gure has roamed the globe, searching for those whose complicity and cowardice have fed into the rapids of history’s darkest waters and now unaware, Helen is being watched. Washington “Wash” Black, an eleven-yearold 昀椀eld slave, knows no other life than the Barbados sugar plantation where he was born. Becoming his master’s eccentric brother’s manservant, Wash is initiated into a world where a 昀氀ying machine can carry a man across the sky; where two people, separated by an impossible divide, might begin to see each other as human; and where a boy born in chains can embrace a life of dignity and meaning. These are the gripping tales from those who walk alongside the painted wolves, Tait, Blacktip and Tammy, every day. Following on from the in-depth BBC series, Dynasties: Painted Wolf, Blinston gives us a deep insight into conserving the painted wolves near Hwange where they must battle both each other and man whilst Dyer entrances us with each brilliant photograph. From New York Times bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, comes the story of Hope Anderson, a thirty-six-year-old at a crossroads and Tru Walls, a safari guide born and raised in Zimbabwe seeking his truth. As they cross paths, their connection is as electric as it is unfathomable but ultimately gives way to the question, “how long can a dream survive?” Becoming The Reckoning Washington Black by Rufaro Kaviya Melmoth Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life Every Breath Michelle Obama John Grisham Esi Edugyan Sarah Perry Nicholas Dyer and Peter Blinston Nicholas Sparks BOOKS FOR ANY AND ALL TRAVELLERS Books
www.nzira.co.zw 61 LOCATION Busters sports club, Bulawayo For bookings: 078 587 1510 Email [email protected] LOCATION Corner Livingstone & Adam Stander Drive Adjacent to the Railway crossing. For bookings: +263 213 2847326 I Cell: +263 774341911 Email [email protected] Website www.3monkeys.co.zw BULAWAYO
win! NZiRA Travel Magazine has teamed up with Hooked Fishing Shop and Man Cave to bring you the exclusive chance to win a Contigo Travel Mug worth US$20. To Enter Get online, like our Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/nziramagazine/ and www.facebook.com/fishermanscornerharare/) and send Nzira a message with your name and email address on Facebook NZ RA Travel Zimbabwe CREATING A GREATER CONNEC TION BET WEEN TOURISM , CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITIES [email protected] www.africaconservation.com +263 774 641622 What to expect A modern clean and well appointed house with large windows and sliding/stacking beach front doors. All 5 bedrooms have air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms,hair dryers and fitted wardrobes. The 6th is a bunk room with 3 bunks,also air conditioned & attached is a crib with changing table,Mosquito net attachment for the crib,high chair feeding table & moveable stairs barrier. The main bedroom's bathroom has a bath & large shower. The kitchen is well equipped with two Minus 40 fridges, 2 additional stand by fridges (1 has icemaker),stand alone ice maker,chest freezers,dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. There is a gas stove / oven. The property comes with a large braai & Weber BBQ. From the veranda you can see the start of the bazaruto archipelago with Paradise Island and Bazaruto Island in view. During the right season you are also likely to see whales, dolphins and turtles when out at sea. The property overlooks the Indian Ocean with amazing sun rise views. No internet/wifi provided; however there is a vodacom aerial near the house which provides good cellular and data signal. Guest access The property can be accessed by dirt road behind the dunes and it is a short 8 minute drive from the centre of Inhassoro. The road from Inhassoro is unpaved 4x4 vehicle recommended GPS co-ordinates Latitude -21,5813 Longditude 35,2460 Guest services There is a management team available that service the house. They can be called when needed. Management can ,sometimes, arrange extra services, such as home help, cleaners, maids etc at an additional cost.Its recommended you inform them if required early as it's not always available. Please ensure you get a quote for these services. Sue Dunlap - [email protected] +25 88 4300 5592 Debbie - [email protected] +25 88 4417 8388 Other things to note You can hire boats from local companies in Inhassoro which are ideal for day trips to Paradise Island and the Archipelago. This is perfect for deep sea fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving if you have the equipment. We recommend MARLIN FISHING CHARTERS (Charles Lee - +25 88 4706 6784) who have competitive rates. Weblink: https://abnb.me/FpCBgse3NP What to expect Guest access Guest services Sue Dunlap Debbie Other things to note Charles Lee https://abnb.me/FpCBgse3NP Mango de Tzondzo Email :- [email protected] Tel :- +27 790 390 824 MOZAMBIQUE
www.nzira.co.zw 63 Two Countries, One Cause On November 17 2018, in two different time zones, an estimated 1 200 people began their day with an early morning, tying the laces of their running shoes and ready to show their support for the Zambezi Elephant Fund and their ongoing anti-poaching efforts. Article Shelley Cox Images Zambezi Elephant Fund, LPG Films and Photo & Steven Chikosi The Mukuvisi Woodlands in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, could not have been a more apt location to hold the inaugural Zambezi Elephant Fund Mukuvisi March for Elephants in unity with the main event held in Central Park, New York. Over 500 Zimbabweans led the stampede as they set out on their run/ walk just after 8am around the natural and stunningly beautiful protected miombo woodlands. The crowd formed a snake-like appearance from the air as individuals and families, with their prams, kids and dogs, moved through the indigenous woodlands counting down each of the 10km. Eight hours later and 12 558km or so away, a crowd began gathering in snowladen Central Park, to begin the main event. The start line quickly resembled a long train of Zimbabwean 昀氀ags with a mixture of Zimbabweans travelling or living abroad; guests who had previously visited or become frequent visitors of Zimbabwe; elephant lovers; conservationists; and running fans keen to support a good cause. This heart-warming gathering only highlights the great importance that these magni昀椀cent elephants have to the people of Zimbabwe and supporters from across the world. To support the Zambezi Elephant Fund kindly visit their website www.zambezielephantfund.org or A 10km run in support of Saving the email their team on [email protected]. Elephants of the Zambezi Valley Events In case you missed it
64 March/April 2019 Events AfrikaBurn (Northen Cape, South Africa) 29 April – 05 May Zimbabwe & Zambia - Rallid Quest 2019 23 February – 02 March As part of a series of tours never done before in birding history Rallied Quest will take you across borders for rare sightings. This unique tour is dedicated to 昀椀nding mythical and ultra-dif昀椀cult rallids and 昀氀ufftails as well as a number of other regional endemics along the way Matobo Heritage Mountain bike Challenge 20 – 24 March The challenge incorporates three days of biking through the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site from the lowest to highest points. Including exclusive permission to ride in the Matobo Game Park, home to Zimbabwe’s most signi昀椀cant rhino herd, as well as riding through numerous rural areas and private farms, all within the Matobo Hills. A’sambeni – Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 23-27 Apr 2019 This annual gathering of the local and international tourism and travel industry is the opportunity for leading hotels, venues and event suppliers to meet and network with a focus on business tourism, the focal point of the expo, and develop travel and tourism interest in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole Events Getting you ofi your screen and out of your house Upcoming Events Bush昀椀re Festival (Malkerns Valley, Swaziland) 24 – 26 May Ultra South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town) 01 – 02 March Cape Town International Jazz Festival (Cape Town, South Africa) 29 – 30 March Jazzablanca Festival 2019 (Cassablanca, Morocco) 14 –22 April 22
www.nzira.co.zw 65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ACROSS 2. F Fisher wore a badge in the Wild West (7) 7. No cog in this African country (5) 8. The clue is normal (5) 10. A palm soon becomes home to wild dogs in Zimbabwe (4,5) 12. Tutor prefers 昀椀sh (5) 13. A lord’s term of respect (3) 15. Pry into the answer (5) 16. Which way will you go? (5) 17. Without a bridge, this river 昀氀ows through a university town (3) 18. Estimate the size of the railway (5) 19. British MP in the Netherlands (5) 20. Cry for help from Abba (3) 22. Flower runs into the Bay of Biscay (5) 23. Yeats says the tavern doesn’t charge in Ireland. (9) 28. The South is the latest country (5) 29. The one in the boat with the oars (5) 30. Does ern approve? (7) Across 2. Sheriff 7. Congo 8. Usual 10. Mana Pools 12. Trout 13. Sir 15. Snoop 16. Route 17. Cam 18. Gauge 19. Hague 20. SOS 22. Loire 23. Innisfree 28. Sudan 29. Rower 30. Endorse 10. Mount Fuji 11. Singapore 14. Idaho 20. Sliced 21. Suffer 24. None 25. Eire 26. Odd 27. Two Down 1. Uno 2. Soda 3. Equals 4. Indoor 5. Fuel 6. Cub 7. Chiltern Hills 9. Life preserver DOWN 1. First in Italy (3) 2. A sod mixes with whisky (4) 3. Matches peers (6) 4. Not living or playing outside (6) 5. You need it to get started (4) 6. One of a group in a den (3) 7. They range over central England (8,5) 9. Vital for safety in a boat (4,9) 10. The highest point of view in Japan (5,4) 11. Grip a nose in an Asian city state (9) 14. O had I been back to this US state (5) 20. Bread is best like this (6) 21. Tolerate bear (6) 24. Nary a one (4) 25. Irish Republic (4) 26. De昀椀nitely not even (3) 27. More than one (3) 7 7 1 5 9 8 3 2 1 6 6 5 4 9 3 4 7 6 9 1 6 2 7 9 4 4 5 1 Sudoku Medium Crossword by Mary-Anne ANSWERS TURN YOUR PHONE INTO A PANIC BUTTON The SAFEGUARD-SOS application is subject to terms and conditions of use. These terms exist to protect the application from being abused, and to ensure that you, the user are also protected. Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully when registering and downloading the Application. You will be requested to confirm that you have read and understood them . Please also be aware that SAFEGUARD-SOS cover is only applicable if you make your monthly payment. Defaulting on payment will lead to suspension on our system. Available for download at our Appstore or visit www.safeguard.co.zw LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON: SAFEGUARD-SOS is compatible Our network is on all Smart, ios and Android phones. countrywide, ensuring your safety anywhere in Zimbabwe! 0242 443 939 or 08677004562 SAFEGUARD-SOS turns your phone into an emergency response device that guarantees the fastest possible response, when away from home. Medical, security and roadside assistance countrywide. The App tracks your location, and alerts the nearest Safeguard Response team. Itís like having a bodyguard on standby! $5 FREE Terms and Conditions Apply for existing customers per additional user per month Puzzles & Games
66 March/April 2019 The Bark of the Urban Baboon Article and Images MAFUNGI The New Normal ith all the uncertainty we are going through in Zimbabwe at the moment, it pays to have a 昀椀rm grip on some tangibles that affect our everyday lives. Here at Rockyvale, in the leafy northern suburbs of Harare, we like to host Chameleon Safaris at this time of year. The whole experience is brought about by decades of range management that ensures we have an environment suitable for the adult reptiles to live, grow, mate and reproduce. Year after year they do not let us down. A little bit like an honest politician, chameleons are very dif昀椀cult to spot in the full glare of the day. However, at night they are easy to see under the light of a 昀氀ashlight or even with the naked eye during full moon periods. The female will lay her eggs in a hole she carefully scrapes out in the soft earth in February or March. After laying eggs 20 – 30 cm deep in the ground, she will cover the nest, camou昀氀age the surface so there is no evidence of digging and leave them to develop. About six weeks after onset of the 昀椀rst rains, the young will start to emerge from their underground incubators. Somehow they break out of their leathery eggs, scramble and clamber through the rain-softened soil and then up the nearest plant in the vicinity. Each day they will move further and further away from the nest site. Most years we get from 40 to 100 young born overseen by us and other avid Chameleon Safari enthusiasts. We were extremely worried this year that we were going to see a glitch in this fascinating cycle of life. During the past rainy season, we found three or four clutches of eggs on the ground, lying in their umbilical sacs. No sign of the mothers. It turns out they had been devoured by a predator, probably a domestic cat, with a taste for skinny reptiles, but not for their fresh eggs. I buried these in a suitable spot with soft soil and waited the 9 months for signs of emergence. Bonanza, just before Christmas we found the 昀椀rst few babies clinging to the grass stalks at night and soon after the New Year we commenced our Safaris. Dozens of satis昀椀ed customers have been to see this amazing annual phenomenon. Some from as far a昀椀eld as Canada, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and even Bulawayo and the southern and western suburbs of Harare! The young cling to grass stalks and herbaceous plants at night, getting away from the predators that are earthbound like toads, snakes and spiders. By day they drop down into the undergrowth and are almost impossible to see because of their camou昀氀age. No bush昀椀res, no chemicals in the garden, keeping the potential predators at bay and a suitable natural environment, all lead to a chameleon-friendly home, but you will have to attend a Chameleon Safari to get the tricks of the trade! W Chameleon Safaris. These are held each year during the months of January, February and March. Usually on a Friday evening but sometimes other arrangements can be accommodated. There is no charge, but a donation to SPCA or similar animal welfare organisations is encouraged. Bring your own snacks, drinks, torches, raincoats and stout footwear. Safaris commence at 6pm and are usually over by 8.30pm. Enquiries in the 昀椀rst instance to Rob at e-mail [email protected] or phone +263 (0) 783 383 214. Groups of 10 to 15 are encouraged, kids especially welcome.
68 March/April 2019 From the mighty Victoria Falls, to crisp mountain air in Nyanga, to watching wildlife up close in Hwange - we have the perfect blend of facilities to keep young and old entertained, engaged and in love with the Zimbabwe landscape Book your Easter stay and save up to 20% www.LegacyHotels.com www.LegacyLifestyle.co.za An Experience to Remember T's and C's apply Tel: +263 (0) 772 128 131, +263 242 704 501, or +263 (0) 86 77004651. Email - [email protected]