Just before first light – the time of unanswered hyena whoops – just before the francolins wake and as the first lion greets dawn with shattering voice my day begins. A waking realisation that my actions today will increase my opportunity tomorrow, and a simple understanding that I, like all the other inhabitants of the African bush, will go about my business with an innate evolutionary cause – survival!

My actions in daily routine are written in the air and in the sand – my smells, footprints and noises tell stories of my behaviour, my development and my function within this place of greatness, of great sadness and joy, of fear and compassion. This place is called home, and within it – my life
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Observation is unequivocally the first rule of interpretation, and then like the first light of dawn, a clear picture begins to brighten around us, and with it, an opportunity to interact and communicate, to re-establish the instinctive mechanics of our behaviour – our physical and emotional security, our physical and emotional status, our position within our environment, our wants, our needs and more importantly our past lessons – just like all the other animals in the bush.

The first things we do when we get up are self-assessments. We yawn, fart, rub our eyes, etc. Some of us shout “Good Morning” like the francolin, and some of us remain silent like the Leopard. After that, individually, we have routines – and after those, some sort of social bonding or territorial display occurs – just like all the other animals in the bush.

On safari – coffee and tea in the morning can be a fascinating observation. The amount of re-establishment that goes on by way of question like;

“Good Morning, how are you?”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Did you hear that noise during the night?”

The subsequent answers to those questions, and then the induced conversation – the discussions we have about the new day, our itinerary, etc. All make up a behaviour amongst us that will provide a basis for how we communicate and interact with each other during the day. How we will see and hear and interpret our encounters with the other animals around us, and will tell a lot about our individual boundaries and personal needs within this interaction - Just like all the other animals in the bush.

NEIL HERON – SEPTEMBER 2003

I continue to meet extraordinary people on my journeys into the Kruger. I realise that this month's newsletter is a little self-indulgent, but must once again, thank all of you for making what I do such an enormous pleasure, and such a great learning experience.

My previous three safaris are highlighted in my mind for three very different reasons – and hopefully this will give you an indication of just how different each safari can become.

Michael, Tim, Scott and Andy shared great excitement with us at Roodewal. Our stay out in this beautiful lodge was that on this particular trip – we had to deal with an elephant that continued to ‘break into' camp and sample the water no matter how often we chased him out.

Every night, and every morning we were visited by Proximus – the elephant named by us because of his nearness, and the fact that Tim (unknown to him at the time) almost bumped into the elephant one night while his was looking at the stars. A situation that happily provided us with valuable lessons rather than scary headlines which it so easily could have done.

This safari was about conservation, and eco-tourism and our fireside conversations explored the questions and answers to the Kruger's future – which we all firmly believe lies in the hands of children.

Doug's meals were inventive and glorious – three carnivores and three herbivores meant two dishes each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our menus were a culinary success, and accompanied by great company.

Our safari with Michele John from Perth, Australia became a beautiful account of the Kruger's ability to include all her visitors into her world. Thanks for the letter Michele – Your account of your experience has given me a great sense of worthiness. It makes it all worthwhile.

My safari with Eva and Reinhard from Austria explored the little things – Eva is a biologist and provided explanation for some of the traditional healing properties of the trees and plants of the Kruger. An opportunity to uncover some of the Kruger's more delicate secrets. Eva and Reinhard walked a lot on our safari – 15 hours on foot, and each time some little nuance to discuss at night. The encounter with a bull elephant, a hippo out in the bush and a myriad of life with each bird call representing a world of information and confirmation that all is well in the Kruger.

Thank you all for the wonderful memories and the great conversation – I look forward to meeting you in the future and certainly hope that our conversations will continue albeit over the Internet.

Letter from Michele John

LEOPARD VS TOUR GUIDE

I have included an article on a recent Leopard attack on a tour guide in the Kruger, and my response to these problems. Please could you let me have your feelings about this incident - your comments will be appreciated (and kept confidential)

(These articles will open in a new window and require a Flash player)

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Trees and their medicinal uses

The Full Cycle In the African bush

Kind regards

Neil Heron
The Bearded Heron

Send your comments to neil@beardedheron.com

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