Well, it’s official; summer is over down here. Crisp clear evenings are now upon us, and wrap up warm for those early morning game drives!

Today, as I am writing, it is “Freedom Day” here in South Africa. Very apt as well, because the recount of votes that Mugabe wanted in Zim has been done, and he has still lost, so maybe freedom there for the Zimbabweans. Don’t hold your breath though.

On the game front it is with very sad news to report the death of one of the two Kalahari Lions. He was killed by one of the coalition of three male Lions. The guides saw them chasing them off the riverbed one day, and then obviously the three decided that this was their territory and nobody was going to mess with them. A week later the Lion was found dead! They are still patrolling around there as we haven’t seen them up this side now for about 3 weeks. It is amazing how they sense that somebody else is around, and then they go on a “Mission” to hunt and destroy. All quite natural I know, but still. So what the plans are now is to catch one of the three and “Boma” him, so as to make the other two feel more vulnerable and hopefully leave the other one alone. Once all settled, then release – maybe. The chaps have had some great sightings of the ellies , cheetah, the rhinos, and the odd leopard. The game viewing has been great really. Now that is getting dark by 1800 hrs, we don’t normally see much activity for the last remaining hour. We may experiment a few times with leaving at about 1600 hrs, and then returning by 1845 hrs, by which time it is cold and dark. We’ll see; it is really you, the guests, who determine what you like best.

Koren and her team in the kitchen are eagerly awaiting the winter recipes and of course those splendid high teas. Attached, as normal, another hopefully interesting recipe. Does anybody try making them?
 

Gourmet Burger and Spicy Wedges

Freshly baked sesame buns
Patties:
500g lean mince
25ml pear chutney
Salt and pepper to taste
½ finely chopped pepper
2 large free range eggs
¼ tsp freshly chopped chillis
1 cup bread crumbs
Wedges:
2-3 large potatoes (cut into wedges)
Olive oil
Cajun spice
Garnish for burger:
Freshly sliced tomato & cucumber
Fresh rocket & coriander

For the patties mix all the ingredients together and mould into round patties about 1.5cm thick. For the best results allow the patties to chill in the fridge for about 1 hour before cooking. Par boil the wedges for 5 minutes exactly. Strain and place back into the pot. Holding the lid on the pot shake up and down a few times until the potatoes look fluffy. Then place them onto a roasting tray, sprinkle the spice over, drizzle with olive oil and place into the oven until crispy or golden brown. Fry the patties until cooked and arrange on buttered bread rolls with garnish. Serve while hot with wedges.

“It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” Lewis Grizzard


 

Margie and her massages are still extremely popular. With winter coming she will be doing more of those hot stone ones. She’s very chuffed; just passed her driving test and got a new car! Watch out!!

I’m off for 2 weeks - marketing trip starting in Kenya

with the Classic Safari Camps of Africa AGM and then on down to Indaba in Durban. I would certainly like to take this opportunity to thank Christine who has been running the Classics office now for 3 years with such superb professionalism and keeping us all “On the Ball”! Sadly Christine is moving on to spend more time with the family (quite right as well!), and so I know all the members really do wish her well and thanks from the bottom of our hearts for all she has done for the Association! What will be exciting at the Indaba is that for the first time Classics will be unveiling their Coffee Table Book. It will be on sale in the camp shops I’m sure (check www.classicsafaricamps.com).

Last but by no means least, many many congratulations to Ross and Audrey for tying the knot! Ross, Warden for the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve (which Garonga is part of), and Audrey, head of research for the Reserve, had a splendid wedding in very beautiful surroundings. Many hooligans attended and a great time was had by all including Mike Tyson! Here’s to you Ross and Auds, even if you don’t read my news letters!!!