Search Results

At first glance, what you’ll notice about this animal is its majestic spiral horns atop its regal head. These horns are the greater kudu’s crowning glory making it stand out from other antelopes in Africa. But do you know that not all greater kudus have these corkscrew horns? Let’s get to know this animal further by checking out these facts. Quick Bio: The greater kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros) comes from the Bovidae family. It is considered the second tallest antelope in Africa with a shoulder height of 100 to 160 cm and a body length of 185 to 245 cm. The greater kudu can weigh an average of 120 kilograms to 315 kgs, with males typically weighing more than females. Appearance and Behaviour Greater kudus have a narrow body and long legs. Even if they are quite large, they can jump very high, up to 2.5 meters! They also have large, cupped ears making them very sensitive to sound and noise. The greater kudu also has a beard along its throat. They have a short, smooth coat that can range from reddish brown, taupe to blue-grey in colour. There are white stripes that run vertically on its flanks. Greater kudus are typically shy and will sneak away from potential enemies. On occasion, males may spar and wrestle during courtship season using their horns. While the greater kudu might be identified by its horns, only the male species actually have them. Female greater kudus do not have horns. Habitat and Diet Greater kudus can live up to 15 years in the wild. They usually prefer to stay in woodlands, scrubs, grasslands, savanna and forests with scattered dense brush. They find shelter in areas where they can blend in to hide themselves from predators like lions, leopards, hunting dogs, and hyenas. When they stand motionless, they are usually difficult to spot in the bushes. Greater kudus are considered browsers and feed on leaves of trees, grasses, herbs, fallen fruits, flowers, and plants. They normally get water from water holes and from the moisture in the food that they eat. They can be found in Eastern and Southern Africa including Angola, Botswana, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Population and IUCN Status As of 2016, there are approximately 300,000 to 350,000 mature individuals. The current status is “Least Concern” meaning the population trend at the moment is stable. Aside from natural predators in the wild, other threats to its survival include loss of habitat due to development. Greater kudus are also hunted by people for their horns, hides and their meat. They constitute the highest proportion of hunting income in South Africa. How is it Different from the Lesser Kudu? Of course, it will not be called “greater” if a “lesser” specie does not exist. What makes the greater kudu “greater” is its size. The lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) is smaller than the greater kudu, only reaching 105 centimeters tall and 175 cm long. The lesser kudu also has more white stripes running across its flanks and does not have a beard or fringe on its throat. In terms of habitat, lesser kudus typically prefer flatter, dryer, hotter places, while greater kudus prefer more rugged hillside habitats. Greater Kudu Trivia: Do you know that the greater kudu’s gruff bark is one of the loudest sounds made by an antelope? They emit this barking alarm call to the rest of the herd usually when they are threatened. If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

Africa Painted Dogs have been recently proclaimed as endangered. That’s why it was such an honour to have an opportunity to secure an exclusive interview with one of them. Kindly Introduce Yourself Hi! I am called an African Painted Dog, because obviously, you can find me and my species in Africa. Others call me African Wild Dog, Painted Hunting Dog, Painted Wolf, African Hunting Dog, and sometimes I’m also being called as Cape Hunting Dog. How Were You Discovered? My species are kind of old. The oldest fossil of my ancestor dates back to 200,000 years ago which was found in HaYonim Cave, Israel. Early writings about me thought that I was a hybrid of a Wolf and a Leopard because I look like a multi-coloured Wolf. Eventually, after years of studying my ancestors, these experts finally concluded that I’m from the family of Canidae like domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, and dingoes. Could You Describe How You Look? I am proud to be an African Painted Dog because we are the bulkiest and most solidly built of all African Canids. We stand 60 to 75 cm in shoulder height, 71 to 112 cm in head-and-body length, and we have a tail length of 29 to 41 cm. A male, such as me, can weigh up to 32.7 kg and our females are a little lighter weighing up to 24.5 kg. We have a unique fur with extreme colour variations and because of this, we can identify our friends and family from 50 – 100m away. Our fur is mostly in yellow, grey, white, and black patches. No two of us are the same in terms of markings and colourations. Tell Us About Where to Find You As I mentioned earlier, I can be found in Africa. We usually hang-out mostly in the Savanna, and Arid Zones. We tend to avoid forested areas due to our hunting habits which require open areas so that there is not much obstruction when we pursue our dinner. Could You Share with Us Your Diet? Africa Painted Dogs like me have a hyper carnivorous diet which means a big percentage of our diet is meat. We prefer hunting Greater Kudu, Thomson’s gazelle, Impala, Bushbuck and Blue Wildebeest for our meals. But any other animal is also on our menu whenever they are available. By the way, we only eat what we hunted, no matter how fresh the food is, we do not eat what we did not hunt. How About Your Behaviour? I cannot be compared to your domesticated pet dog because I like to live wild and free. I usually hangout with family and friends in Packs. We stick together especially during hunting and we even have a democratic system of voting whenever we want to decide on things by sneezing. We are among the most effective predators in the world because we have extraordinary cooperation and teamwork as a pack to hunt our dinner. How Do You Reproduce? In a pack, there is usually a dominant breeding pair. They can be identified by their increased tendency to urine mark. We are monogamous for life which means we stick to one partner at a time. We prefer mating from January till May and we have 12 to 14 months of breeding interval. Considering that we are expected to live in this world up to only 10 years, we don’t have much opportunity to reproduce. Do You Have Enemies or Competitors? Yes, we do, in fact, we hate those Lions. They are the major reason for the loss of both our adults and pups. We also get frustrated with Spotted Hyenas since they always follow our packs just to try to take our food. Is There Anything Else You Want to Share in this Interview? Due to habitat fragmentation, human persecution, and disease outbreaks, we are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources since 2016. Our numbers are still on the decline and I don’t want our species to be extinct in this world. I am calling out to your kind hearts to stop persecuting us and let us live our lives in the wild the way it should be and have been for many thousands of years… If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

While it’s important to choose the right things to take with you on your trip, having the right kit to carry these items with you is equally as critical. So having the right rucksack is essential especially when they’re going on an African adventure. Because of so many designs and types to choose from nowadays, buying a pack that’s suitable can be a hit or a miss, especially if you don’t know what you should look out for. In today’s post, we’ll give you some easy to understand tips to help you select the ideal rucksack. Don’t worry, unlike other “beginner’s guides”, we will not confuse you with hiker jargon. So, whether it’s your first or a hundredth time buying a rucksack, we want this post to be somehow useful for you. Material One of the most important features of a rucksack is it should be water-resistant. When you’re outdoors, it’s hard to predict the weather so in cases of unexpected rain, you don’t want everything you have to get wet. There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof rucksacks. Water-resistant means that during a rainstorm or unexpected water spills, the contents will be protected. Waterproof, on the other hand, means you can completely submerge your pack underwater without a drop going inside. Not because the material is waterproof, but because the entire bag is, so you should carefully check the label and ask questions in the store. For most ventures, a water-resistant rucksack will be enough to keep your kit safe and dry. You don’t really need a waterproof rucksack unless you’re planning to go under a waterfall, brave a flood, or throw your bag in a river or make a floatation device out of it. Aside from being water-resistant, you would also want the material of your bag to be lightweight but still sturdy and durable to stand the wear and tear of outdoor travel. A slash-proof material with lockable zips is also recommended for added security, especially if you are traveling out of the country. Most rucksacks now come with a waterproof cover with elasticated edges. This is conveniently stored away in the top of the pack and can be rolled out to cover the pack in seconds. These covers are often bright colours so you can see each other and be seen in bad weather. Size A good rule of thumb: If you are mountain biking, running or hiking for up to one day then a 10-40 litre day pack will do. If you are hiking for more than a day then you need to consider 40-60+ litre rucksacks. The size of your rucksack will really depend on your own individual travel packing habits and your physical build. While it is true that you can select the size by volume depending on the length of your trip, the reality is, not everyone has the budget to buy a separate bag for each individual trip. Most people are looking for one bag that they can take everywhere. This is the reason why you should actually review your own traveling habits. Are you likely to be carrying a lot of kit or do you always travel light? Some people take more stuff for 3 days than people traveling for two weeks! It would be useful to list down what you’re personal essentials are and choose a bag that would comfortably fit your stuff, with extra space just in case. More importantly, the size should be relative to your height and strength as well. You don’t want to buy a massive bag you can’t even carry. It would be best to buy it from a physical store to test how it feels on you. The perfect size of a rucksack is really dependent on your personal preferences! Storage Many rucksack brands now design bags with a lot of compartments so you should take advantage of this. You typically want a bag that would have separate pockets or areas for your different things like your shoes, sleeping bag, water bottle, electronics, hydration pack, etc. You should also choose a bag with a front opening to the main compartment instead of one that opens at the top. This will make it easier for you to access your stuff so you won’t have to dig for your items. Your rucksack should have adequate support so it will rest well on your shoulders. Choose a bag with an internal frame instead of external rods. They are easier to carry and less bulky. It would also be good for your rucksack to have padded and contoured shoulder and chest straps, back panel, and hip belt so it will be more comfortable on you. If you want to learn more about wildlife and traveling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

Thinking about taking the venture of a lifetime for you or your group, and traveling to southern Africa to go on a venture, field study or safari? Having trouble choosing a company to travel with? From catchy slogans to the use of photographs taken on previous trips - how do you tell which company to use? A good place to start is their testimonials and standards! At Africa Wild Trails, we let peoples' reviews and professional assessment speak for the experience you can expect to receive when you travel with us to southern Africa for a venture. Thinking about taking the venture of a lifetime for you or your group, and traveling to southern Africa to go on a tour, field study, course or safari? Having trouble choosing a company to travel with? From catchy slogans to the use of photographs taken on previous trips – how do you tell which company to use? A good place to start is their testimonials! At Africa Wild Trails, we let peoples’ reviews speak for the experience you can expect to receive when you travel with us to southern Africa for a tour, course, experience or field study. Here’s a selection of recent testimonials by Africa Wild Trails venture members: Extremely Well Organised ~ A.L. "My trip to South Africa with Africa Wild Trails will stay in my heart and soul forever. I had the pleasure of working with Angus on a trip with the amazing young people that I work with. This was an educational and experiential tri on so many levels not only for the young people but also myself, and I feel so privileged to have been a part of it. I had absolute confidence in Angus' leadership, especially with guiding of young people through the settings that saw them so far out of their comfort zones, both physically and mentally. The stand out part of the tour for me has to be watching our young people meeting the children at the Zulu School, where cultural and language barriers seemed to disappear in the pure enjoyment of the here and now and of meeting each other. The entire tour was extremely well facilitated and organised, and I hope I have the chance to work with Africa Wild Trails again in the future." Overwhelming Experience ~ S.K. "Going to South Africa was a life changing experience, and I'm not just saying that to fill up space; I went there unaware of what I was getting myself into and Left wanting more. Being out there welcomed me to a new world that I didn't know existed, one that I felt I belonged in. Being around the wildlife drew me closer to nature, somewhere I've always believed I should be, but never knew how to get there. Everything I did out there: tracking, hiking, paddling, all of it was phenomenal and only made me want to stay longer. I can't thank Angus and his team enough, and everyone out at the camps who made the experience unforgettable and who taught me things I can't get to learn in the big city." Left Wanting More ~ Y.R.M. "The summer of 2017, I got to experience the amazing culture of South Africa, on this trip I was able to learn about the way people are brought up and the way they live their lives. My favourite part of the trip was when we went to Ntokoza school. On Tuesday, the 8th of August, myself alongside 20+ cadets and adult volunteers set off on a hike up what seemed to me like a mountain! Our goal was to get to the plateau at the top where a school called Ntokoza awaited our arrival. After 3 hours of hard trekking, we arrived where the kids greeted us is the most fantastic way you could ever imagine. They sang a bunch of songs for us and it was an overwhelming experience to be a part of. Then came the serious part, two sports match happened a 5-5 football draw which was a fun thrilling game and also a netball game where the Cadets beat the African girls! Overall it was full of amazing experiences that will stick with me for the rest of my life." Inspirational Experiences ~ WS "Africa Wild Trails' offers a range of truly unique and inspirational experiences. My Daughter was lucky enough to go on one of them and found it to be a truly life-changing experience. Even now we like to look at the exiting trips on offer and hope to go on one together soon. I would highly recommend 'Africa Wild Trails' to anyone thinking of visiting Africa especially for the first time. The experienced and professional staff will soon have even the most nervous travellers soon feeling at ease." Attention to Details ~ K.L "I first met Angus in 2013. Since then we have worked together on my companies Invictus Programme for disadvantaged young adults in the UK and undertaken an 8000km rally in Southern Africa in aid of rural school children. Angus’ understanding of Southern Africa and South Africa in particular, is second to none. His attention to detail and logistics, health and safety, risk management and connections with the right people on the ground, ensure that travelling with Africa Wild Trails is an experience you will never forget and, one that will live with, and inside you, for many years. Angus’ patience, integrity, insight, and understanding of what they are going, and have been through, results in them connecting not only with the physical experience of spending time in Africa. Angus’ passion for conservation, people and education is an incredibly powerful combination, and one that can, and does, transform lives." Educational & Enlightening ~ G.D. "Since I left college, I've always had a dream of working with animals. Last summer I contacted Africa Wild Trails and met Angus the director of the organisation. The meeting was very professional and delivered the best experience up to date and the programme that was arranged for me exceeded my expectations. The people that I met, the places I have been and the things I have done have been amazing. The two months I spent in South Africa was hard work, amazing fun, educational and enlightening. I have done so many things I could never have dreamt of doing, seeing the Big 5 face to face on a Wilderness Trail, seeing so many birds I have never seen before such as a Hornbill, Tiger Fish fly fishing, kayaking on Tugela and Pongola rivers, mountain biking in the bush, hiking, snorkelling in the rivers and sleeping out in the wild under the stars, surrounded by Baboons, Lions, Rhinos, Buffalo, Elephants and more. Thank you to Angus Wingfield and the Wild Trails team."

After a long day of hiking or nature tripping, there’s nothing better than a hot meal to satisfy your hunger but when you’re outdoors, but you don’t have access to a state-of-the-art kitchen! Knowing how to cook well over an open fire will prove to be very useful. Humankind has been cooking over open fires for thousands of years, but because of the convenience of modern cooking methods, many people find this ancient method quite complicated. Cooking over an open fire can be simple and straightforward. Here are some tips that can help you make those delicious outdoor meals. Find the Perfect Spot The place where you build your fire is very important because you don’t want your dinner prep to cause a forest wildfire. Make sure that the area is clear of grass, loose dirt, tree roots, shrubs, and low-hanging branches. The 10-foot area surrounding your fire should be clear and unobstructed. Build a Smaller Fire Many people think that building a giant fire for cooking is the right way to go but you don’t really require a big fire. A smaller fire is easier to control and is much safer when prepping your meals and uses your fire wood sparingly. Know the Different Cooking Methods Skewering food right over an open flame is not the only way you can cook food. You can also barbecue, steam, or boil food depending on what cookware you are bringing with you. If you are using a pot, you can use rocks to prop your pot over the fire so it is not directly touching the flames. Another method is to dig a small pit on the ground, build the fire inside the pit then use two thick branches to form a trench. You can use this trench to prop the pot over the coals your fire has created. Use the Right Cookware While it may seem obvious, it is still worthwhile to say that you should only use metal cookware. Keep plastic containers away from the fire and avoid pots and utensils with rubber handles. Bring Aluminium Foil If you don’t have any space to bring cookware, consider bringing aluminium foil with you. This is a convenient, easy to carry kitchen staple that can prove really useful. You can wrap food in aluminium foil then seal it closed and put over the grill or a trench. This will steam the food and will lessen the chances of food being burned. As long as you don’t tear the foil, you can even wash and reuse it again. Remember to dispose of the foil appropriately when you get home. Cut Food in Smaller Pieces When grilling, smaller pieces of meat will cook more evenly as opposed to big chunks which have the tendency to burn in the outside and stay raw on the inside. Even you’re making soup or stew using meat, smaller pieces will also cook much faster and will be tender. Protect Yourself Many people do not realize that you can get hurt while cooking on an open fire. Protect yourself by using long skewers when grilling, utensils with long handles and thick towels to handle hot pans. If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

Travel is becoming more of a necessity than a luxury, especially as we 'finally' begin to understand how important travel is for personal development and good mental health, and physical health. This is why it’s very easy to find hundreds, if not thousands, of blog posts and recommendations on what to pack when travelling to certain countries or cities. For this blog post, we thought of changing it up a bit by talking about five things that you may not already know you needed if you are travelling to Africa. Basic First Aid Kit If you’re an adventure junkie, this may be something you already have in your pack. But if you’re more of an urban traveller, you might not realise the convenience of having your own first aid kit with you, especially in the outdoors. Of course, tour operators such as Africa Wild Trails have a first aid kit and qualified first aiders with you every step of the way but we strongly recommend that if you’re planning on hiking, trekking and paddling during your venture, having your own trusty first aid stash will prove to be useful. You don’t have to go overboard and pack a huge kit that could rival emergency responders. Just having a small, clearly marked bag or box with items such as plasters, gauze, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, hand sanitizer etc. Look out for our first aid blog coming up soon… Leaders: Preloaded Tablet While it’s true that you’re travelling to Africa to go on an ultimate venture in nature, there may well be periods of downtime with your group on the minibus or in camp, or when travelling from camp to camp or in camp in-between activities, and these are period you may wish to write notes, relax, or delve into a good book. Internet coverage will not always be readily available so it’s not possible to go on YouTube or scroll through your Instagram feed. A tablet is also an excellent piece of kit to have for research during your African venture. There are many Apps to download at home and use abroad on African fauna and flora as well as the varying cultures, translation Apps and the history of the region you are travelling to, which can only serve to enhance your overall experience! Extra Batteries and Power Banks Most people usually pack one extra battery for their digital devices and one power bank during their travels. When travelling to Africa, it’s recommended that you pack more. There may be instances where there’s no electricity or there’s only one electrical source so you may not be able to charge your devices and other tech. Having backup power will really be useful especially if you’re into photography. Look out for our power bank and related tech blog coming up soon… Wet Wipes This is a multi-tasking essential that you can use to clean up in-between showers, sanitise your hands before meals, or as an alternative to toilet paper when out hiking. As with every item you buy, ensure you gain knowledge on the product such as purchasing 100% biodegradable wet wipes. Head Torch You’ve probably seen one being worn by a variety of people but may not have owned one yourself. As the name implies, head torches are small light bulbs attached on a strap and worn on the head. This device is extra useful because being in nature means limited light source and at night. Wearing a head torch frees up your hands and will always point in the direction you need it most; where you are looking! You’ll be surprised that head touches are actually pretty affordable. If you only take one torch on your venture, make sure it’s a head torch! Look out for our torch blog coming up soon… If you want to learn more about travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure…

Nobody wants to end up having sore, blistered feet after a long, supposedly enjoyable hike. This is why having the right type of walking boots is very important. But with the vast selection of footwear available now in the market, choosing the right pair can be confusing and even overwhelming. So what do you need to look out for when boot shopping? Here are some practical tips to keep in mind. 1. Fit This is the most important factor when choosing a pair of hiking boots. Everything else is secondary. If your boots are ill-fitting, you are more likely to develop foot injuries. You have to make sure that they are comfortable and in the right size. To ensure that your boots will fit well, check out these reminders. Try them personally Who doesn’t love the convenience of online shopping? While ordering your boots online is probably much faster and easier, going to a dedicated shoe shop will allow you to try on different pairs and compare how you feel in them. If your only option is to order online, carefully check boot sizing guides to confirm you are ordering the right size. Once the boots arrive, try them on and walk with them around the house. Make sure there is a return policy in case the pair is too big or too small. Bring along your socks Part of having the perfect fit is bringing along the socks you usually wear when shopping. If you’re planning to buy new socks too, buy them before buying the boots. This way, you are sure that your socks are not too thin or too thick which will mess up the fit of the boots. How the boots should feel Your feet should be comfortable while walking. While the boots must fit snuggly, your toes should not feel scrunched up. There should be room for your toes to wiggle and they should not be touching the front end of the boots. To test this, you can try pushing your toes to the front end, if there is enough space to put your index finger at the back of the boot then that means that there’s enough wiggling room for your toes. To ensure that they are not too big, your heel should not be rising up when walking. The boots should also be able to support your ankle and the boot tongue (the flap-like material under the laces) should not be loose. The weight of the boot should also be not too heavy for you to walk in, but sturdy enough to offer you adequate support. The best time to shop Always shop in the afternoon or evening time because your feet tend to swell later in the day. This will guarantee that the boots will not be too tight for you. Break in your boots You MUST avoid wearing brand-new, never-worn boots during a hiking trip. Break them in by wearing them for a few days. Wear them first inside the house to test them and when you are happy that you’re not going to be returning or exchanging them, using the boots during short outdoor walks is also a good idea. 2. Function Along with the right fit, function is also a very important factor when buying boots. This may be confusing especially for hiking newbies so here are some things to consider. Where are you going to use them? When you want to buy a pair of trainers, you can now choose depending on the sports you’re going to use them for running shoes, tennis shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, etc. When buying hiking boots, you should also think the same way. You can buy a different type of boot depending on the terrain you will be walking on. For well-marked paths, flat ground and long-distance walks, you can go for lightweight boots that are more flexible. However, for more challenging, rocky terrain – you might have to go for a pair that has stiffer soles. Depending on the brand and the model, you can choose the right style suited for a particular terrain. When are you going to use them? Your feet tend to swell and become bigger in warmer weather. What this means is that you should take this into consideration when buying your boots. You do not want to discover that your boots are too tight due to the change in climate. It is better to buy boots that are a bit bigger to fit you in warmer weather because you can always wear thicker socks or insoles in colder weather. It’s not possible to make a smaller boot bigger! While you can choose to buy a different pair depending on the season, there are also boots that are designed for multiple seasons and terrain. What type of material do you need? In terms of material, the most common types are leather and synthetic. Boots made of synthetic fabric like Gore-Tex are typically more comfortable and flexible while leather boots tend to last much longer, even a lifetime. Once a pair of leather boots are well worn in, they are just as comfortable as any other type of Gore-Tex boot. Whether going for leather or synthetic-made boots, make sure you choose a waterproof pair. Even leather boots are now lined with Gore-Tex fabric to make them waterproof and increase comfort and breathability. 3. Style and Price Point While the style of the boot is not the priority, it will not hurt if you choose a pair that you personally like the look of. Everyone has individual preferences so as long as you’ve ticked all the boxes when it comes to fit & function, then you’re free to choose the design of your choice. The last factor is price point. Should you go for the most expensive brand or a medium priced boot will suffice? While price is often a reflection of quality, this is not always the case. You can find reasonably priced boots that will last you a long time, too. The most expensive model is not always the right pair for you. However, don’t scrimp on ‘fit and function’ the blisters will not be worth it…!!!

In many travel guides and blogs about Africa, one recommendation that is very common is to bring a multi tool. For people who are not familiar with what a multi tool is, it is a compact device that has multiple functions. Depending on the brand, the design and the functionalities also differ. However, most multi tool brands all have the basics like scissors, screwdrivers and knives. Other multi tools include corkscrew, nail file, blades, can opener, tweezers, wire cutters, and more. There are multi tools that even have more than 20 functions. A lot of people are not really sure whether getting one is really necessary when going on an African venture. Is this actually something essential? While there are affordable multi tools in the market, the more popular brands with many functions do not really come cheap. When going in an African adventure, or any outdoor activity for that matter, we at Africa Wild Trails do recommend taking a multi tool. There are many advantages in taking a multi-tool with you especially when hiking or going on a walking tour. Very compact Multi tools don’t take a lot of space. They are often pocket sized so you can take advantage of many functions without the added weight of various tools. You can use it in first-aid and emergency situations If you have a multi-tool with you, you can use it to remove splinters and thorns, cut laces or up bandages in case of any medical emergency. It is often dubbed as a life saver because in case you get lost in the wild, you can use it to help you make shelter and prepare food. You can use it in food prep Multi-tools can be used to slice and peel fruit, open cans and portion food when outdoors. You can also make a fish hook, as well as skin, gut, butcher and clean fish or meat you want to cook. You can use it in shelter building When you’re setting up a tent or a hammock, you can use a multi-tool to cut up rope. You can also use these to cut up shrubs if you want to surround your campsite with branches as well as twigs when looking for wood to build a campfire. You can use it for repairs Your multi tool could help you complete small repairs when you are overseas like maybe fixing your shoes, backpacks, zips or sunglasses. How to Choose the Right Multi-Tool When choosing a multi-tool, it does not really need to be the most expensive or the most high end. However, choosing a trusted brand will typically guarantee durability and reliability. Read reviews online to help you choose which one suits your budget. Africa Wild Trails recommends you choose a multi-tool with blades and tools that can be locked, so that they don’t accidentally close and cause injury. We recommend you avoid pen knives that are not lockable as these have a tendency to close on your fingers if used incorrectly, this has resulted in injuries in during past expeditions. One brand that we recommend is the Leatherman multi-tool because each application on the knife is lockable and there is a very good variety for many applications and budgets. If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

One of the most fascinating stories to hear when travelling to a foreign land is the rich history and heritage the country possesses. For people travelling to South Africa, one interesting topic is when and how European settlers first set foot in the land and their interactions with the locals. For South Africa and its people, the past is not a smooth sailing one as it was filled with wars and conflicts. One of the most historic conflicts that occurred was the Anglo-Zulu War between the British military and the Zulus, a nation of people in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. To learn more about what happened during this period, here are some of the notable highlights of the Anglo-Zulu war in a timeline format. 1652 The Dutch, led Jan van Riebeeck, founded a colony in South Africa. At first, the Dutch people who were referred to as Boers, traded with the native people but they eventually faced conflict. The first war was fought in 1658, which was only the first of many wars. 1795 The British captured Cape Colony but returned it back to the Dutch in 1803. They took it again in 1806. 1820 Approximately 4,000 British settlers arrived in South Africa from April to June 1820. They were granted farmlands but not everyone remained to farm. While there were settlers who remained at the farmlands, many of the settlers were not adept at agriculture. This prompted them to seek better opportunities in surrounding towns. Some of these settlers settled at KwaZulu Natal or Zululand, a land inhabited by the Zulu people and ruled by King Shaka. The settlers were allowed permission by King Shaka to stay at Natal because of the technological advances they were bringing with them. 1872 Cetshwayo ka Mpande became the King of the Zulus, with a well-disciplined army of 40,000 to 60,000 men. When the British became more interested in Zululand, he refused to submit to their demands. The British settlers wanted the Zulu kingdom to provide labour in the diamond fields, abolish autonomous African states, and claim more land territory. 1878 British high commissioner for South Africa Sir Bartle Frere issued an impossible ultimatum to King Cetshwayo. Frere realized that the king is a major stumbling block in the attempt to bring all of Southern Africa under British control and wanted to break his resistance. The ultimatum demanded King Cetshwayo to dismantle their military system within 30 days, handover offenders and pay reparations for alleged insults. This ultimatum was not met as expected, which paved the way for the Anglo-Zulu War. 1879 22 January: Invasion and the Battle of Isandlwana In January 1979, the British troops invaded under the leadership of Lord Chelmsford. On January 22nd, the Zulu army attacked the British troops in Isandlwana which was not usually King Cetshwayo’s style. The king normally preferred a defensive approach by holding back his troops with the hope of negotiating a settlement. The unexpected Zulu attack killed 800 British soldiers and 500 more auxiliary African troops. This was considered one of the worst defeats of the British army especially with the Zulus having inferior weapons. 22 – 23 January: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift Forewarned by the few survivors from the Battle of Isandlwana, some 120-150 British troops successfully defended Rorke’s Drift against attacks by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu fighters who attempted to overrun the British depot there. The victory produced distinctive honors for the British troops and eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded. 11 February Although the British Army were victorious at Rorke’s Drift, the embarrassing defeat at Isandlwana prompted the British government to go into a full-scale campaign to save face. July – August King Cetshwayo’s forces were defeated and the king was captured and stripped of his position. 1882 King Cetshwayo arrived in London for a month long visit to seek an audience with Queen Victoria. His goal was to plead for the restoration of his kingdom. He was received by Queen Victoria in Osborne House in the Isle of Wight. The meeting lasted for 15 minutes and he was promised that his old powers as king will be restored upon his return to South Africa. After the meeting with the Queen, he was given a tour of the grounds and gardens of Osborne House. What was interesting about his visit was how the British press did a complete 360 turn in depicting King Cetshwayo. While he was considered as a barbarian before, news of his impending visit depicted him as an impressive, dignified figure which fascinated the British public. He was dressed in European clothes which was contrary to what the public expected as they were all expecting him to be a savage dressed in loin cloth. 1883 King Cetshwayo was reinstated as king but only granted a third of his lands. He died in the same year after an attack by his rival Zibhebhu. 2006 King Cetshwayo was commemorated by the English Heritage with a blue plaque at the Kensington House in 18 Melbury Road, Holland Park, where he stayed in 1882.

African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) are the largest land animals on Earth. These magnificent giants are slightly larger than Asian elephants and can be found roaming countries in sub-Saharan Africa. There are many interesting anecdotes about elephants. In some cultures, people consider elephants as a lucky symbol for prosperity and business. This is why many elephant sculptures and paintings are often seen displayed in many homes and commercial establishments. Elephants are also recognized as being among the most intelligent creatures. In fact, researchers in the UK have discovered that African elephants can distinguish differences in human gender, age and ethnicity purely by the sound of a person’s voice. African elephants are also shown to understand human body language, recognize themselves and have long term memory. To learn more about these amazing animals, here are 13 interesting facts about African elephants. The size of African elephants ranges from 8 to 13 feet (shoulder height) and their length can reach up to 23 feet. Asian elephants reach up to 9.8 feet in shoulder height. An African elephant can weigh from 2.5 to 7 tons. African elephants can be identified by their larger ears that resemble the African continent. These ears are used by the elephants to regulate the body temperature by flapping the ears. This cooler blood passes around the body which keeps them cooler in the African heat. The trunks of African elephants have two finger-like (prehensile) features that they use to grab things. This is different from Asian elephants’ trunks which only have one finger. African elephants are herbivores and they consume up to 300 pounds of food in a single day. They feed mostly on roots, grass, fruit and bark. African elephants are not easily domesticated unlike the Asian elephants. The skin of African elephants is more wrinkled than those of Asian elephants. The average lifespan of an African elephant in the wild is up to 70 years. Female African elephants live in a family herd with young elephants, while male African elephants tend to roam on their own only returning to the breeding herd to mate. Currently, African elephants occur in 37 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; but they are already considered extinct in Burundi, Gambia and Mauritania. African elephants can usually be found in dense forests, open and closed savannah grasslands and arid deserts. In 2016, the estimated population of African elephants was at around 415,000. This represents a loss of 100,000 elephants in less than a decade. African elephants are considered VULNERABLE (at high risk of extinction in the wild), which is one step away from being endangered. The primary threats to African elephants are poaching for their ivory tusks, loss of habitat and human conflict. African elephant trivia: Do you know that African elephants are terrified of honeybees? If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

Trekking through the African bush may seem like an exhilarating, once-in-a lifetime adventure for many people. While it is definitely that, being in the wild is certainly not your usual “walk in the park”. What this means is that it is highly important to arm yourself with the adequate knowledge and preparation to support you when undertaking such journey. Even if you are taking the trip with experienced guides, knowing how to look after yourself will always come in handy and make your experience even more enjoyable. Having this information will also give you a better peace of mind and you can avoid panicking in unexpected situations. Here are some of the things you may encounter while hiking the bush and the best way to address these situations. 1. Dehydration Travellers to Africa can often overlook the importance of drinking adequate amounts of fluids. The different climate in the region makes it much more necessary to ensure that you are hydrating and replacing the water your body is losing. While people can survive without food for a maximum of 3 weeks, you can only survive without water for 3 days. How to avoid dehydration: Make sure you drink a litre of water before starting your day, especially if you are hiking. Pack enough water with you and check whether there will be a water source along the way where you can refill. A stainless steel or aluminium bottle is a good idea for remote areas so you can boil and purify natural water. Don’t make the mistake of miscalculating how much water you need to drink because there may not be a safe water source during your journey. 2. Animals Wild animals may seem cute or enchanting from afar but don’t make the mistake of trying to see them up close unless you have an experienced guide who tells you that moving closer is not going to be a problem. The animals you will encounter in the bush are so much different from those you see in the zoos, so be aware that you must protect yourself. Here are some animal examples and how to take care of yourself in case of an encounter. It is generally the case that people cause the problems in the first place, so listen to your guide who will explain the comfort-zones and pressure-zones of all the animals. Lion – Never run or they might think you are prey. Instead, you can stand still until it goes away. If it still tries to charge you, your only chance is to put your hands above you to make you look bigger and make lots of noise to scare it away. Elephant – If their ears are fanned out, that’s a sign the elephant is uncomfortable and it’s time for you to back off. This could also be a sign of a mock charge. If the ears held back when the elephant is stressed then this could mean they are going to charge for real. Do not run but stay close to guide and listen to him/her. Sometimes making yourself bigger and making loud noises can result in the animal moving away. Leopard – Never approach a leopard especially with its cubs, and for that matter, never approach any animal, particularly if it has young. Don’t run because even if you’re a fast runner, you can never outrun a leopard. Making noise and making yourself bigger is also a potential way to ward it off. You can slowly back away while still facing it but stop if it takes a step towards you. Buffalo– Can get very aggressive very quickly but your guide will avoid buffalo encounters when you are on foot, but watching them from a safe distance is an amazing experience. The only way to survive a buffalo attack is if you can climb a tree. It is best to avoid these unpredictable animals altogether when you are on foot. Rhino– Only admire rhinos at a safe distance to avoid confrontation with them. In case you are confronted with a rhino charging, try to put as many obstacles between you and the animal as their eyesight is relatively poor. Black rhino are said to be much more aggressive than the White Rhino. This may be due to the fact that Black rhino are browsers and feed on leaves in the thicker bush. As a result, they are more likely to be startled than a White rhino which is a grazer and feeds on grass in the open. Both are incredible animals to observe, and you can do this relatively closely (50 meters or more) if you are with a guide, very quiet and very still. Crocodiles – Be watchful of crocodiles especially if you are near a water source. Air bubbles in the water usually mean they are nearby. A safe distance from a Nile crocodile is 5 meters away and 2 meters higher than it! Hippopotamus – The deadliest large land mammal in the world. Avoid going between a hippo and their water source and always observe from a distance with your guide. If charged by a hippo, don’t try to outrun it as they can run up to 30 km/hour, instead, find an obstacle where you can go for cover and hide. The best way is to avoid it altogether and retreat at first signs of any hippo around. 3. Bushfires Bushfires can be ignited when the weather is very hot and/or the land is very dry. It can also be caused by human activity. How to protect yourself If you encounter a bushfire, don’t think that you are at a safe distance already. You have to run away as fast as you can and put as much distance as possible between you and the fire. When flames engulf the landscape, wind can make the fire travel very fast. Most well managed game reserves and rural area will create ‘fire breaks’ by deliberately lighting fires in certain locations. These burnt strips of land are excellent at preventing a bushfire spreading. 4. Lost & Stranded If you find yourself away from your group and you are lost in the bush, a lot of things can pose as threats including the threats outlined above: dehydration, animal threats and fires. Sit tight: If you sit tight is very likely that you will be found quickly by the rest of the group or a professional search party, so don’t panic, calm yourself down, check your water and listen for the search party calling you or using their whistle. If you have a whistle, blow three short bursts every minute. The search party will hear the sound of the whistle as they get closer to you. How to source food: If you are not found, you are now in a survival situation and you will have to deal with how to source your food while trying to find your way back. If you’re lucky, you can eat fruits you encounter. A good tip is watch what monkeys are eating to know if they are poisonous or not. If the fruits are unfamiliar, better skip those as food sources as they may be poisonous. Eat ants, insects, worms, frogs and birds as a source of protein, if you can catch them! How to source water: Dry sandy river beds often still flow under the surface, so digging there is a very good idea. This does not use up huge amounts of energy and the sand is a very good filter too. You may need to dig down one, two or three feet to find water. If you find a river or pool, best not to drink directly from it. Dig a small hole about 2 feet from the edge of the water source and let that hole fill. Again, the sand will filter a lot of the impurities. If you have charcoal from your fire, keep it, as that is a very good way of filtering out impurities from the water. The more you filter, the cleaner the water. How to survive the night and find shelter: There is also the threat of having to survive extreme weather conditions especially if it rains heavily or the weather becomes too cold. Dressing in layers is a great idea so you can always remove layers of clothing or add layers clothing when needed. The very best shelter is what nature gives us. As you are walking look for overhanging rocks, small caves or trees with large and thick canopies. These will keep the worst of the weather and wind off you and your trusty campfire. If you can, surround your area with thorny branches by creating a fence-like structure. This thorny obstacle will deter predators. Don’t sleep near a water source as there may be crocodiles lurking especially at night. If you are walking during the daytime, then rest in shade during the hottest part of the day. Additional Tips to Have a Safe African Adventure It is completely possible to have a safe and worry-free trip to Africa. Don’t be dismayed by these things because as long as you prep well, you’ll definitely have nothing to worry about! Don’t forget to pack your personal first aid kit. You don’t need to bring an entire hospital with you. Just bringing a small bag with plasters, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and insect repellent/cream can help a lot. Another helpful tip is having a multi-tools device. AWT recommends the Leatherman multi-tool which is a heavy-duty device you can use to open cans, slice fruits, cut string, remove thorns etc. The most important advice is to only go with experienced guides. Your guide will make or break your African adventure. AWT will ensure these guides are professionals and they know the lay of the land, how to avoid threats and how to act in emergency situations. At Africa Wild Trails, we only employ qualified experts and ensure that guides are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and on how to deliver first aid if there is an incident. If you want to learn more about travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!

Water is very important for survival. It has been said that while you can survive without food for 7 days, you can only survive without water for 3 days. When you’re going on an adventure in Africa, being highly hydrated becomes much more important. Because of the many visual feasts offered by these ventures, it can be easy to forget to rehydrate. This is the reason why dehydration becomes one of the most common ailments while on tour. So how much water should you be drinking to ensure that you are well-hydrated while hiking in the bush? How to Calculate the Amount of Water to Drink As a guide, the general rule is usually drinking 2 cups or half a litre of water for every hour of hiking. This means that if you are going to hike for 3 hours, you should at least drink 1.5 litres of water. However, the amount of water that you should drink will still depend on many factors such as the weather and the difficulty of the hike. You should also consider your personal level of thirst. Young people are more active and usually, need to drink more water when going on a hike. If the weather is very hot or if you need to do a lot of uphill climbs, then you are more likely to sweat and you would need to rehydrate more often. In cooler weather, you might not need to drink as much but even if you are not particularly thirsty, drinking the minimum amount of fluids is still recommended to avoid risk of dehydration. How to Avoid Dehydration Drink more during temperature and humidity spikes. To avoid dehydration, you should make sure that you are bringing enough water with you during the hike. Check with your guide and find out whether you are stopping at a location with a water source so you are aware whether you can do a refill. You can use the following to pack water with you. Water Bottles Having a lightweight reusable water bottle will be a good choice. You should go for a durable one made of either steel or aluminium as these do not break even when dropped. The great thing with these bottles is that you can use them to boil water to make it safe to drink. The only downside is that most standard water bottles only hold 16 oz. or 24 oz. of water (around .4 -.7 litre) so if you are only bringing one bottle, make sure there is a water source where you can refill. Bladder Packs Hydration bladder packs are usually made of rubber or plastic-like materials with a long rubber hose that you can use to drink from it. The pack is usually flat so you can carry it easily in your backpack, with its weight distributed evenly. A bladder pack usually holds more water (around 2-3 litres) than water bottles so it can be an ideal choice when going on long hikes and you are not sure whether there will be an available water source during your tour. Bladder packs and their hoses are hard to clean so make sure you have a good cleaning kit and regime. Also, bladder pack hoses can freeze during cold mountain phases as the hose is exposed, so not ideal for hiking in temps close to or below zero. Making Sure You’re Drinking Safe Water Before going on a hike, you should drink water as this is a key time to hydrate as water is plentiful in camp. 1 litre prior to leaving camp is recommended, 2 litres is perfect. Adding some orange squash can make a lot of water more palatable and also add some sugars to the drink. You should resupply your hydration system when you stop at a place where there is a water source. However, make sure that the water that you are drinking is safe to consume. For many people, drinking untreated water in a foreign land is a rookie mistake. Locals may have built up immunity from drinking their own local water, but travellers usually do not have the same immunity which can cause illnesses like stomach problems. Even if the water looks clean and fresh, it is better to take preventive measures by treating or filtering the water to purify it. You can use purification tablets which are very portable. These tablets can chemically treat the water and kill bacteria and viruses. Remember for most tablets, you need to wait at least half an hour before the water is ready for consumption. Another option is by bringing portable purification straws. These are pocket-sized water purifiers that filter out impurities rather than chemically treating the water. Because it is a filtering device, you don’t really need to wait before drinking the water – it’s an instant solution. This is good when you want to purify water from a tap water source or from a freshwater source like a spring or a stream. At Africa Wild Trails, we make certain that you are equipped with the adequate amount of water before going on a hike. We also provide proper hydration advice and map out potential water sources available along the route. If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!