DJUMA RESERVE: THE ECOSYSTEM:
Djuma is situated in the Lowveld Savanna in the northeastern part of South Africa. The Lowveld Savanna stretches from the Drakensberg Mountains towards the Mozambican flood plains and coast. The soils are ancient eroded granite derived from the Granite / Gneiss bedrock. The undulating bedrock is reflected in the landscape and the vegetation in turn has distinct zones as a result. The plant communities follow the contour lines and are divided into three distinct plant communities: the footslope and drainage line zone, the midslope seepline and the crest or uplands zone.
The reason for these distinct plant communities is due to the distribution of coarser and finer soils along the slopes. Movement of soil particles and nutrients over time has separated the soils into sandy, relatively nutrient poor soils in the uplands or crest and finer soil particles and nutrients have accumulated at the footslope and drainage line. Since the granite bedrock is impervious to water, any rain water seeping through the sandy crest eventually seeps to the surface of the land where the sandy and clay horizons meet, this is the midslope.
In summer this seepline becomes waterlogged and since most trees are unable to grow in waterlogged conditions, grasses are dominant in this midslope seepline. Just above the seepline, the Silver cluster-leaf (Terminalia sericea) grows, almost in a straight line along the sandy / clay horizon. The crest plant community is the largest in the sense that it occupies the greatest percentage of the land surface. "Mixed grass" and trees such as the Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and the various bushwillow (Combretum sp.) species characterize it. Mixed grass refers to a swath that includes both sweet grass as well as sour grass species, sweet grass refers to grass that retains its nutritional value even when it is dry in the winter months whereas sour grass loses its nutritional value when it dries.
These upland or crest trees are characterized by large unprotected leaves, i.e. as a rule no thorns on these species. The reason for this is that since these plants grow on relatively poor soils their leaves are not nutritious and are thus not sought after by browsers. That is, the trees do not have any need to protect their leaves.
The footslope and the drainage line have relatively rich soils and here the trees are protected from browsers, some are poisonous such as the Tamboti (Spirostachys africana) and others have small leaves and large thorns such as the acacias (Acacia sp.) and buffalo thorns (Ziziphus mucronata). This plant community is continuously under attack from browsers because the leaves are nutritious.
THE CLIMATE:
Summer:
The height of summer is during the months December, January and February. A clear indication that summer is here is the shrill trill of the Woodland Kingfisher, which incessantly proclaims to all that he is now resident on his territory. The hot days – temperatures range from upper 20’s to mid 30’s Celsius – are interrupted by spectacular thunderstorms that are as brief as they are intense. This is the time of the year when the insect populations reach their peak and all that feeds on them arrives, such as the migratory birds.
But, most spectacular of all is the start of new life, during December the lambs of most of the antelope species are born and this is the time of sprightly young creatures finding their running legs and partaking in the bounty of succulent summer grasses. Also, this the time of plenty for the predators and so the circle of life continues. The vegetation is lush during January and this is when most of the browsers lamb, hiding their babies in the dense undergrowth.
Whilst it can rain anytime during summer, each rainstorm is of relatively short duration and the total amount of rain during the entire season is a paltry 500 mm (about 20 inches) on average. Rain seldom disrupts a safari. February is the hottest month of the year and most animals conserve energy in the shade, also the time of the year when the joys of cool pools and air-conditioned rooms are especially pertinent! The maroelas – an indigenous fruit tree – ripen during February and March and the elephants seem to enjoy this time of the year the most! Towards the end of March there is change in the air and there are signs of the end of summer. The migratory birds start to leave.
Autumn:
During April the deciduous tree leaves change colour and the grass becomes more khaki in colour. In May the temperature is markedly cooler – ranging from the mid 10’s to mid 20’s Celsius; cool enough for warm clothing in the early morning and late afternoon game drives, but delightful during the sunny days. This is ideal walking weather. Surface water starts to disappear during this time and soon most pans are shallow muddy depressions; perfect for a mud bath, elephants, rhino and buffalo enjoy this activity.
Winter:
June and July are the mid-winter months and not only is this the coldest time of the year (although we never freeze – this is sub-tropical Africa after all!), but by now most surface water has dried up and day-by-day it becomes drier. August and September are the driest months of the year and it is during these months that the vegetation really opens up and allows for greater visibility into the bush. All animals are under greater water stress this time of the year and many congregate around the few remaining water filled pans and dams; making for spectacular game viewing.
During the month of September daytime temperatures start to increase, placing most animals under increasing water stress. And this time of the year, more than any other, is when the weak and old fall prey to the predators, the circle of life continues. It is also towards the end of this month that some of the trees start to blossom in anticipation of coming rains. These months are surely the best time for safari.
Spring:
The month of October is the month of anticipation, with great cumulus cloud formations, rumbling their promise, but not delivering on it, not yet. The entire bush is stirring in expectation of the coming rains – many trees are in full bloom with tentative green leaf buds at the end of each branch. And then the first rains fall, not much at first, but enough to usher in spring. By November the grasses and trees are green with fresh new leaves. Enough rain water starts to accumulate to fill the pans and dams and Summer is truly here.
DJUMA GAME RESERVE PHILOSOPHY:
Our philosophy has always been to conserve the land so that future generations can enjoy the pristine glory of the African Savanna. To this end we see responsible commercialization as the key to preserving this natural wonder. Such responsible commercialization is not only essential for the maintenance of Djuma Game Reserve, but the job creation associated with the commercial process allow neighbouring communities to have a stake in these lands, and as such an incentive to help conserve the environment.
We acknowledge the past history of South Africa and believe that it is essential to the creation of our new country that formerly advantaged and disadvantaged sections of society reach across to each other and work together as a single community. Djuma has been active in creating and maintaining such links. We are proud of our country and our history and believe that if we all work together we will have a bright future.
THE SABI SAND GAME RESERVE:
This 65 000 hectare (153 000 acre) wildlife sanctuary forms part of the greater 2,3 million hectare (5,7 million acre) Kruger National Park game preservation area. No fences exist within this area and animals are free to roam unhindered through this enormous conservancy.
Whichever camp you choose to visit, your safari will be experienced in Africa's most successful "big 5" private game reserve.
The history of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve dates back 50 years to 1949 when the landowners formed this private nature reserve. Credit for this association, however, should go to the original pioneers of this private game reserve in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Of these pioneers, no less than six of their families are now third and fourth generation owners of the land - a credit to the foresight of their forefathers who loved and respected Africa's flora and fauna. The origins of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve started in the early half of this century as hunting concessions in the dry winter months during the dormant period of the mosquito and the malarial parasite. Since 1962, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve has transformed its role into one of a commercial photographic safari conservancy.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage commercially active photographic safari operations on this property. Unfenced between landowners and sharing a common environmental management program, this association is administered by a warden reporting to an elected executive committee. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve employs a team of staff managed up by a warden and assistant warden. Employees’ responsibilities range from security guards for the entrance gates, field rangers responsible for internal security and field workers whose tasks include road maintenance, fence repair, fire control and environmental management.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares a common 50km (31 mile) unfenced boundary with the world famous Kruger National Park in the east. Two perennial rivers service the Game Reserve with a valuable water supply. The Sand River flows through the Sabi Sand Game Reserve for 50km (31 miles) from north west to south east and the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary which ensures that this area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Such is the environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round.
The 82 km (51 mile) western boundary of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is protected by an 2,4 meter electric fence. The construction of this fence ensures both predators and large game including elephant, rhinoceros and hippo are prevented from breaking out and destroying crops or hunting livestock in the adjacent agricultural areas.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve enjoys one of the highest bio-diversities of any area in Africa. In addition to the “big 5” (lion, leopard, white rhinoceros, cape buffalo and African elephant) you may see wild dog, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, baboon, other antelope and a multitude of lesser species.
For the bird watchers over 400 recorded species abound the area. This number may differ from season to season as migratory birds significantly increase the species count in the summer months.
There is no 'best time' to visit the Sabi Sands Reserve. It's just great to visit anytime. There are however two distinct seasons that could determine when you would prefer to visit:
Summer season (September - March) is the season during which all the animals flourish because of the rain - it's the time of plenty. Thunderstorms occur mostly late afternoon or at night. As a result the reserve is transformed into a green paradise. It's the time to enjoy beautiful trees and flowers. Hundreds of Impala lambs are born; staple diet of all the predators.
During the summer season be prepared for average temperatures of 32 C with maximum temperatures reaching 47 C. There is more consistent rain during the day, towards the end of the summer season - February to March.
Winter season (April - August) is the dry season. Because it virtually doesn't rain in winter, the reserve is transformed into a brown and almost barren landscape. The animals have to concentrate at the perennial waterhole's. The grass is low, the bushes and trees have lost their leaves. As a result one can have an unobstructed view through the bush making the game viewing much easier.
During the winter season be prepared for temperatures dropping to 4 C at night and in the mornings, with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 24 C.
The logo of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the Waterbuck (kobus ellipsiprymnus). These large and gentle creatures are so named for their preference for riverine habitat where they are commonly located. They are characterised by their long hair and a white ring on the rump. A gregarious antelope, they will be found in small herds comprising a bull, adult females, sub-adults and calves. |
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