November at Ingwelala has historically been quieter with member occupation and it follows that a quieter game viewing experience is had.
This reporting month certainly followed along the same trend. The sightings register in reception was sparse of sightings experienced but those that were recorded are certainly worth elaborating on below.
Weather throughout November followed on the hot overcast conditions from October, rainfall was experienced regularly throughout the month with the greatest contributor to the total falling between the 22nd and 24th where 63mm fell. The total rainfall recorded for the month was 84mm. An unexpected storm with extremely powerful winds came over Ingwelala on the afternoon of the 23rd, the expected damage was seen in the morning with trees blown over, solar panels damaged and the washing of roads and crossings. Three trees were found blown over the new fence, repairs were done immediately as a priority.
Prior to the downpours we experienced late in November the fire season was coming to its natural conclusion, however there was more in store for us prior to the rains and the green flush. On the morning of Sunday the 7th of November a call was received on the security channel for help with a bungalow fire at N’tsiri, upon arrival it was clear it was going to be a huge task stopping the spread, after 4 long hours approximately 40% of the home had been saved with the aid of some early morning showers, in the following days veld fires were reported on Jabula, Ntsiri and in the central Klaserie PNR, further afield fires were raging in the Orpen and Tshokwane areas of the KNP. A spectacular end to fire season indeed.
Elephant incursions into the camp area was zero, my cautious optimism post the commissioning of the new fence and gates is developing into a belief that the ‘holy grail’ of elephant deterrent solutions has been found.
The new boom gates at the Ingwelala gate entrance were completed early in November.
There is evidence on my daily rounds that the bulls are attempting to get through, but the evidence is clear on the ground that they are repelled on each occasion, there were 5 separate attempts in this November. All repair work done on the fence this month was as a direct result of the storm that passed over on the 23rd of November.
I unfortunately will again have to refer in this report to the new automated gates at the exit points from the camp area, I firmly believe enough information has been made available regarding this new addition to the camp infrastructure. It, however, remains a problem area, as again we have had impact from game viewers on these gates, I am especially hesitant to increase the signage at these points to protect and ensure safe passage to and from the camp area as I believe this is currently sufficient. This is a plea to the members to familiarize themselves with this to avoid future repairs and costs.
The Electric fence work has again continued during November as we have now completed the repairs and rewiring of the Vuka Ingwe fence.
There was no further progress on the Sibon fence this month. This project is 40% complete.
The propagation of the seeded lawn at Sibon has progressed well this November with the assistance of the 84mm of rain that fell, we will continue with additional seeding in the area of the pool surrounds and back of kitchen.
I will again stress that there is some confusion that has developed over the opening of the Owl crossing in the Camp area, to date no official decision has been taken regarding this and it remains closed until such time.
Conservation activities were 80% focused on the hides and Bomas this month, a collective effort with the maintenance department with a view to doing those repairs and maintenance that have been neglected during the last while. Initially we focused on the Goedehoop treehouse and moved onto Beacon Boma, Platform and Buffelsbed hide, painting and repairs to the concrete benches were also done at Timbavati crossing and Motswari corner. A brief summary of the work completed is below:
- Goedehoop treehouse – Replaced staircase, replaced seat cushions, resealed timber floor, repainted seat frames, resealed all other timber.
- Beacon Boma – fire pit redone, painting of storage cupboard, replaced balustrade to toilet, deck resealed, repairs made to the small latte fence, staircase extended, and handrails replaced, all latte painted.
- Platform – fire pit redone, railing replaced, staircase to deck replaced, deck sanded and sealed, balustrade on deck poles replaced where needed, all timber sealed, lights replaced.
- Argyle Boma – work in progress
- Outstanding – Elephant pan hide and Bird Hide.
My grateful thanks are extended to Walter Baard and his maintenance crew for his involvement and support.
An area that has been a particular eye sore for me has been the state of the Sekgobela camp causeway and the amount of foreign material (bricks, rubble and concrete slabs) that is present, in late November a small labor window of 3 days allowed us to focus on making a concerted effort to clear this. good progress was made in removing this material from the river system, this project is 50% complete and work will continue in the coming months as time allows.
Malaria spraying of the bungalows commenced in the last week of November, this is currently 80% complete, this should be finalized by the second week of December.
by Chris Mayes