ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PROGRAM
ALBIZIA CAMP – HLUHLUWE
Kwazulu Natal set on the East Coast of South Africa boasts one of the greatest diversities of culture, wildlife, ecology, geology and scenery anywhere in Africa. Albizia Camp is situated on the Greater Msinene Conservancy just North of Hluhluwe. A group of neighboring properties agreed to drop fences to create a greater conservancy of 500 Acres. Just like the neighboring Phinda Private Reserve it has the potential to support an incredible amount of plant and animal species large and small including leopard, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and crocodile.
WEEKEND IN THE WILD
FRIDAY
We head to the wildlife-rich area of Zululand where we will stay at Albizia Environmental Camp near Hluhluwe. After a 2km hike from the gate we settle in and relax with an orientation and safety talk, find your tents and explore the camp. The first evening we learn about the night skies where the constellations and planets are pointed out followed by a discussion on the complicated issue of poaching and anti-poaching while we sit around the campfire. Then some time spent in solitude under the stars.
SATURDAY
A full day Environmental Awareness Program.
Guided walk – a fun hands-on learning experience.
Our experienced guides lead a walk on the 240 hectare conservancy where we have various game species including hippo, leopard, hyena, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, waterbuck, impala, nyala and warthogs. It is the perfect time to take you out of the classroom environment and experience basic bush skills. You’ll learn about the tracks and signs that help us read what is happening in the bush. We learn all about the workings of the ecosystems and how everything works together in perfect harmony. While we’re out there… To help us record what species we have on the conservancy we set up a team challenge where each team sets up camera traps in locations of their choosing. We then collect the data and score each teams’ findings based on the species they have captured on camera.
Snake talk, Animal dissection, Potjie competition After lunch we have some hands on time with some reptiles and creepy crawlies! We hear an interesting and exciting talk covering the various species of Scorpions, Spiders and Snakes that are found in South Africa. We include basic species identification, venom types and first aid procedures. We explore the intricate working of an animal by doing a professionally presented dissection. From skinning the animal to seeing how the lungs and other organs function, this is a hands-on learning experience never to be forgotten. In the evening we have some fun with a POTJIE making competition! Learn to cook your own meal in a 3-legged pot over coals, followed by the essential toasted marshmallows for dessert.
SUNDAY
After a leisurely bush breakfast we head back home. This action-packed program is aimed at all ages with a strong educational focus highlighting the importance of conservation and the protection of wildlife and wildlife areas. We can alter this program in many ways to best suit your needs so please feel free to share your input. Cost: Based on a minimum of 10 participants – R
ADD-ON OPTIONS
So many to choose from…all within easy driving distance from Albizia Camp
1. SAFARI
Open vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe – Imfolozi Game Reserve Established in 1895, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws. Today the “big five” of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography, and this Northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation.
2. ST LUCIA BOAT CRUISE
St Lucia is situated close to the Southern most point of the UNESO World Heritage site; iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Park comprises a number of conservation areas, the oldest of which is the St Lucia Game Reserve. St Lucia Estuary is the gateway to the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia. The region contains the highest vegetated dunes in the world, extensive and diverse wetland systems, as well as coastal grasslands with an associated fauna which includes the Africa’s highest density of common reedbuck. Numerous waterfowl, grassland, forest and sea birds provide an attraction to birdwatchers from around the world. A two-hour boat cruise on the Estuary gives us the opportunity to see Hippos, crocs and the many bird mammal and plant species that make this a World Heritage Site.
3. ZULU CROC REPTILE PARK
Set in safe and tranquil surroundings, the park meanders through cycad lined pathways, leading to a variety of secure, spacious and well maintained crocodile enclosures where the guides are always on hand to answer any questions and offer assistance if needed. Here the Nile crocodile is king and specimens of varying sizes, from hatchlings to behemoths of close to a ton, can be seen. A café, bar, curio shop and restroom facilities are also available.
4. ELEPHANT INTERACTION
Meet the majestic Rambo & Rachel – habituated elephants who were rescued after their herd was culled. Experience the thrill and privilege of getting up close to these elephants and be educated about the plight of the mighty African Elephant. This is an unforgettable experience for all ages.
5. SODWANA BAY
Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000. Activities to choose from: a. Try Dive – This involves poolside tuition on diving techniques and equipment, followed by a scuba dive in a swimming pool with a BSAC-qualified instructor to make sure you get maximum enjoyment from your first scuba dive. b. Snorkelling in the rock pools or off a boat c. Beach clean up d. Shark conservation educational sessions e. Rocky shores and tidal zone educational sessions f. Ocean Adventure out to sea ** Coastal Hikes and PADI accredited courses also available on request.
6. CONSERVATION PROJECTS
We work with many of the larger public and private game reserves in the area where we help out with various projects like Game Capture, Rhino dehorning, telemetry tracking, various surveys and much more. Unfortunately, this often comes at a fairly high cost but with enough lead time we have had huge success with fundraising for the groups to be able to participate in one of these big projects.