Archive for July 4, 2011

Clouddog day 3

After a lovely lazy morning to let their brains recharge after yesterdays information overload the Clouddog students were all happy and willing to learn more – until they found out what we had to teach them.

Snakes and reptiles and spiders and frogs and scorpions and newts and dung-beetles and any other creature we happened to find in the garage were the lesson of the day.

Some were really excited to see the different species, others were less impressed…

"...these are your pets...are you crazy?!"

 

The first pet to come out to play was the Puff Adder. Using our top secret, highly scientific equipment – also known as a clear plastic tube – the students were all able to feel how the scales differed from some of the other snakes we keep.

 

...don't get in my sun...

 

Next out was one of the Gaboon adders, although if I am honest he was far from interested in eating the students. Sunbathing was his main preoccupation, until he smelt Copper (the pet dog).

 

Pretty colours means not to eat!

 

We do have some less deadly pets too, this rubber frog for example is only deadly if you lick it! We keep this rubber frog to helps us explain to students the difference between venomous and poisonous.

 

Don't let it jump on me!

 

Even the students who had tried to act all brave soon found their weakness when the Curly-haired Tarantula came out to play. They moved so quickly I don’t think their feet touched the ground as they ran away, leaving in their wake the smiling and laughing faces of their colleagues.

 

Whoooosh! Gone at the sight of the Tarantula!

 

We won’t say who it was, so don’t worry boys…

…Ooops!

Clouddog day 2

Obviously a good day!

 

*Groan!*

Was all we heard from the kids at their early morning wake up call for their drive to St Lucia. This subsided when they met Mark at the Croc Centre in St Lucia however.

 

After all, how can you complain about an early morning start when you get to hold a real crocodile in your hand?… okay, it was a baby crocodile – but those little snappers still have a mean bite!

 

 

Everyone got the chance to hold one – well, those who wanted to at least!

 

 

Then it was time for the estuary cruise, COLD!! It is surprisingly windy on that boat, over the years many people have lost hats and scarves – but not the Clouddog students, well done guys and girls!

 

 

All you could hear on the boat were sounds of ooh! and ahh! as the boat came to within metres of humongous hippos…

 

 

…and giant crocodiles… especially when one decided to follow the boat!

 

 

Clouddog day 1

Day 1 for the Clouddog students at Albizia camp – Umkhumbi Lodge.

 

First lesson to learn in the bush

 

It was a day of learning for the students today as Tommy taught them about bush walks.

Getting to the end of the tourist trails and into the bush

 

They learnt which trees are poisonous, which trees can become medicine and also how to follow animal spoor (tracks).

 

...don't eat this one...

 

From big and small Tommy showed them animals and insects and explained all their little quirks.

 

Watching the hairy Caterpillars leaving a silk trail

 

 

Tommy explains termite mound air-conditioning

 

Everyone was really enthusiastic about seeing the giraffe, but strangely less enthused about holding his poo…

 

Giraffe poo anyone?

 

A long day, but better than being in the classroom hey?!

Find out what they thought below.

 

 

Albizia Camp – student season is here!

There is another side to Umkhumbi Lodge – we are not just for the most relaxing, tranquil and peaceful holidays in South Africa – we are educational too.

Every year we have school groups staying at our sister camp. This year we have in excess of 200 students so it is a busy year. The groups of students that come through are mostly UK students on their first trips to South Africa – and for many their first trip at all.

Whilst they are with us they follow an Environmental Awareness Course so that they can get the most out of the bush trails and game drives that are a must for every visitor to South Africa.

The students we currently teach are from a variety of regions and a variety of ages. This year we have those completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, Army Cadets, Scouts and also cultural trips planned by charities such as Cloud dog in London (UK).

The students that arrived late last night are those who have come here with the Cloud dog charity. We have 11 students – 6 from the UK and 5 from here in South Africa.

 

 

Don’t worry mums and dads, they are all on their best behaviour!

Already they are exchanging stories from their various walks of life and educating each other about their differing cultures. This morning they had a brief introduction to the Environmental Awareness course by Tommy who will be with them throughout the duration of their trip.

 

 

As with all kids though, dinner on the fairylight lit lappa was the best bit of the evening!

 

Our Hluhluwe accommodation