Our Nuwejaars hippos really know how to impress. And they did just that when the Suidpunt Conservation Society (Suidpunt Bewarings Vereniging) visited the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area.
The group arrived on Monday 5 June at the Nuwejaars office, where the conservation managers introduced them to the innovative SMA model and work taking place here.
Greeted by our pod of hippos
After all the formalities were done it was time for the guided game tour. We hopped into our quantum and set off to Waskraalvlei. Our first stop was at the eastern edge of the vlei, nicknamed the viewing point, and after about 5 minutes the pod of hippos came out to greet our guests. We had great views of the entire family, a very special sighting indeed.
After that we all clambered back into the quantum to continue the guided tour through the vlei, hoping to catch some game sightings. We had views of Ostrich and our famous Rau Quagga, as well as Fallow Deer and Bontebok.
Our Buffalo Boma
We headed up to the Buffalo Boma, where we were met by the Manager of the Buffalo Camp, Chris van Schalkwyk, who gave the guests a run down on how the Buffalo Boma operates and the history of our Buffalo.
After watching the Cape Buffalo from the viewing platform, we lit a big fire for our guests for a braai at our Boma area. The guests thoroughly enjoyed their day and sent us the following feedback: ‘Thank you for the passionate presentation, and the lovely guided tour. The birdlife and game was really something special to see. Thank you for organising the braai after the tour, all our members really enjoyed themselves’.
The Suidpunt Bewarding society is a community group based in Struisbaai/Agulhas with a total of 100 members. The aim of the Society is to contribute to the efficient conservation of the environment, ecosystems and historical memorabilia. They achieve this by assisting with the protection of Fauna and Flora, through gaining experience and acquiring knowledge by having presentations and outings.
Photo credit: C. Williams