Nottigama near Mafikeng

[K&S]

Just returned from a small private game farm that we've been to a number of times near Mafikeng. Wonderful week over New Year with family. Great time walking in the bush and tracking the animals; no big 5 so it's quite safe. What was really special was going out for a game drive to have a sundowner out in the bush when we spotted a herd of blue wildebeest. Shirley said she could see two legs protruding from behind the one wildebeest and while we watched we were able to see the whole birth process. It was an amazing moment. Haven't pics to post as my "mik en druk" digital can't zoom that far. My son who got married nine months ago was spell bound and was cringeing and squirming for the wildebeest because of the size of the baby wildebeest. Don't know if he'll ever get involved in childbirth again; in fact for his wife's sake he had better stay in the pub when the time comes!!

The birth started at about 5.15pm and by 6pm the baby wldebeest was up and was able to trot off with the herd. It must have taken the babay wildebeest all of ten minutes to get up, fall down a couple of times and then totter around before being able to trot. Quite incredible.

Have posted some pics of the area.

The owner has put benches out in the middle of the bush for picnics / sundowners. I was intrigued because of the contrast of the quaint picnic bench in the harsh African bush. Needless to say we were at that spot quite frequently for sundowners.

Just in case anyone wondered why we love landies; two nuts and one split pin per door and the front doors were off. That made it much cooler to drive around with.

[mmgemini]

Hi Kevin, Super pics and it looks like our kind of place:)
Would you be so kind as to give me more details as we could probably pay a visit during our forthcoming trip in August - have they got facilities for camping etc.

[jeff]

im saving up for my next visit
jeff

[Marc Lurie]

while we watched we were able to see the whole birth process.

Hi Kevin,

You are incredibly privileged to have seen that. I've NEVER watched a birth in the bush before, and I've spent many thousands of hours in the bush. :) What an amazing thing to witness. GOOD ONE!!!!!

Cheers,
Marc

[K&S]

They don't have camping but their rates for the chalets (superbly furnished with every comfort from home) are ridiculously cheap and the facilities are fantastic. They are about to get a website and as soon as it is running (during this month I believe) I'll send it on to you. R150 per person per night. There's a great lounge & kitchen area with a huge boma (camp fire area) and a private pub area (but you bring your own booze). I'll also pm you from time to time some places we have enjoyed. It'll be great to see you here; please look us up. In February we are taking some friends from Australia around so we'll let you know how foreigners enjoy it :D .

[K&S]

Hi Kevin, Super pics and it looks like our kind of place:)
Would you be so kind as to give me more details as we could probably pay a visit during our forthcoming trip in August - have they got facilities for camping etc.

In my previous post the pics I wanted to include for you didn't upload so I'll try again.....here's hoping.

[mmgemini]

Thanks for that Kevin and please keep the info coming. Although we have been over twice now our travelling has mainly been in Namibia and Botswana and although we will return there this time we want to see some of the places you folk go to for your hols;) ;) After all we intend spending 6 months this time travelling around.

Margaret