“They hear on the wind, as it passes, the call of the
veldt”
–
Lord Byron
Visiting Africa? Want to be more than just another
been-there-seen-it? Want to really know what it is all about? Want to know when
wildlife videos, popular books, or game drive guides are less than correct? If
the real, authentic story is the only story you are interested in, if you want
to get the whole truth and nothing but the truth…
Then this is the package you’ve been looking for.
"I
KNOW AFRICA BUSH COURSE"
This course was designed specifically for the person who wants to
visit the African bush and get more than the big five. It is an educational
experience in as much as it is a holiday. Whilst you get to see the wildlife
others do, you get more. You gain a deeper understanding of how it really works.
You learn why the lion depends on the soil and the grass, why the antelope needs
the tick, why the hyena is not a dog… You also get to know the African night
sky, and use it to navigate; you learn how to track the animals, to use the bush
for food and amenities; you learn about insects and spiders, frogs and lizards,
crocodiles and snakes. You get to know the venomous and poisonous, the hunter
and the hunted, the good, the bad and the ugly… And, of course, you also get to
know the birds and the mammals.
The course is a mixture of lectures and practical work, all done
in the natural environment. The lectures are designed to give you a sound
scientific base knowledge of the natural world. Armed with this background, you
go out and learn to interpret the African veldt and its denizens.
HOW IT WORKS:
The
course is run over a period of two weeks (Fourteen days plus two travel days).
The first eight days are spent on a game farm, where you get all the theoretical
background lectures, as well as the basic bush skills (Tracking, navigation,
survival skills etc.) in a game rich area where you are unhindered by the ‘Big
and Hairies’. These subjects are covered:
1.
GEOLOGY
To understand the rocks, the soil, and the landscape is the first
step to understanding any natural environment.
2.
ECOLOGY
How life influences life, non-life affects life, and life changes
non-life. The pivot of comprehending Mother Nature.
3.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
We won’t make you the weatherman, but you will know how southern
African weather works in short.
4.
ASTRONOMY
How do we use the stars to navigate? Can you see the moons of
Jupiter? Why does the moon show phases? Do you know the zodiac? You’ll learn the
answer to all these questions under the African sky, more starry than Vincent
van Gogh could ever imagine…
5.
ARTHROPODS
Do you know why a spider is not an insect? Or why a beetle is not
a bug? Or what to do when a scorpion stings you? The fascinating lives of creepy crawlies revealed. Plus, we’ll prove to you that
insects are actually not attracted to light!
6.
AMPHIBIANS
Why is a toad a frog, but a frog is not a toad? (except
sometimes). Marvel at the calls and colours, habits and uses of our wet-skinned
amphibian friends.
7.
REPTILES
There is a certain indisputable beauty in the ugliest lizard and
the most venomous snake, even in the most monstrous crocodile. If you do not
love reptiles yet, you will learn to. And to handle them, of course…
8.
BIRDS
While we might not be able to teach you to fly, we can teach you
about the creatures that can. Learn about the residents and visitors, the
polyandrous and polygynous, the parasitic breeders, the filter feeders and the
assassins.
9.
MAMMALS
Who lives in a holt and marks its territory with spraint? Who
lives in a drey? Why does a female spotted hyena have genitals like those of a
male? What is a ruminant? And an ungulate? Why is a mongoose not related to a
weasel? Which mammals lay eggs? So you thought you knew mammals. After this
course, you certainly will.
10. ANIMAL
BEHAVIOUR
This is where it really gets good! You learn to interpret why an
animal does what it is doing. Learn the language of the animals by watching
seemingly insignificant behavior. Way to go, Dr. Doolittle!
11. PLANTS
The trees talk. So do the grasses and weeds, and the wild
flowers. Learn to use them, identify them, to read them, but especially to love
them.
12. BUSHCRAFT
Learn the modern and ancient skills of making camp, 4x4 driving, tracking, finding water and food,
navigation, fire, survival, shooting, etc… Basically live and shop in the supermarket of the
veldt.
The student gets the opportunity to hone her/his new skills,
under the expert guidance of a well-qualified instructor during their stay at
Kwa Motlhose, culminating in a three-night
stay in either the Madikwe Game Reserve or Pilanesberg National Park. This will
include two nights spent under the stars
in the wilderness area of these world-renowned Big Five reserves, activities on
foot, a full-day game drive, and a snake demonstration. On the last
night, you meet your spirit animal during a Bushman trance dance (Kia). All
holidays may be subject to location change or alteration but the concept will
not.
The Eco-Holiday includes all meals,
soft drinks, comfortable but rustic accommodation, educational manuals and
four quality wildlife books.
Warning....
We would recommend that this is not for the faint
hearted, attendees should be reasonable fit and able as it does require some
physical activity...
If this sounds like you, book now or contact us for more details
at enquiries@kwamotlhose.co.za
(Transport to and from Johannesburg International Airport can be
arranged if required for an additional fee)
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photos, graphics and images on this site remain the copyright of Kwa Motlhose and should not be downloaded without prior agreement.
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