Dear Friend,
Editors Note: This is the first of many irregular newsletters, published when I remember and when i have time. I hope that it will prove interesting, humurous, informative, sad, educational and thought provoking. It is sent to you because nobody else would accept it. If you don't like it, tough! If you love it, let me know and I'll send you my bank account details!
IN THE BEGINNING: Dean created African Bundu Safaris and slowly everyone got to hear about it - Well after a lot of red tape and many application forms and waiting in queues, posting letters, sending and receiving faxes, making long distance and short distance phonecalls, African Bundu Safaris cc was officially formed and shortly thereafter it appeared on the World Wide Web - cyberspace! Brochures were printed and distributed, letters to pen-friends and relatives living throughout Southern Africa, England, Cananda, Germany and Australia were distributed plus my local friends started talking about this great new safari company that was offering the holiday maker something different, and on top of that, at a lot cheaper than the average tour operator would.
Every opportunity of free advertising was grabbed such as driving along the beach front, or parking in front of a shopping entrance, in prominant places at public gatherings and even on a Christian radio station. Then to make matters even more official and professional - African Bundu Safaris became a member of Tourism Durban association and also the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA). An office was opened in Windhoek and a secretary was appointed in Durban. African Bundu Safaris was growing, but the bank account wasn't. Slowly the clients arrived and booked, and went on safaris. These started off as day visits, then weekend and 3-day safaris took place and it wasn't long before safaris over 10, 17 and 21 days were taking place. Everyone more successful than the previous. And slowly the debts were being paid off and we all realised that African Bundu Safaris IS going to grow from strength to strength.
THE BACKGROUND STORY: In 1978 Dean went on his first ever Safari - a Boy Scout safari to Namibia - with a 70km hike down the Fish River Canyon and a 3-day stay in Etosha Pan being the highlights. This was the beginning of Deans real travels (having had lots of family farm and caravanning holidays prior to 1978) and he was now to start his 'nomadic' lifestyle. He matriculated from school at the end of 1978 and immediately joined the Merchant Navy, where he spent the next 8 years, travelling around the world on the ships as a Navigating Officer and visiting places such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Congo, Zaire, Canada, Mauritius, Reunion, Namibia, Mozambique and all of the South African ports.
It was also during this period that he was a Scoutleader for a number of Troops, based in Cape Town, Durban and Umhlanga Rocks. The main Troop being the First Glenashley Troop where he assisted whenever in port, but during his regular leave which he coincided with the school holidays, he would take his Scouts on camping safaris to Cape Town, Namibia, the Wild Coast and many other places in South Africa. In 1986 he left the ships and worked as an Entertainment Manager at The Nest hotel for a few months whilst waiting for his acceptance to Teachers College. During his four years of study at Edgewood he ran the Glenashley Troop and made it a very large and active troop touring to many destinations.
He then started his teaching at George Campbell School where he started the Outdoor Club and within a year had 120 members. His Club became very popular as he would take the pupils (and teachers, parents and families) on waterskiing, rockclimbing, caravanning, off-shore sailing, horse-riding, hiking, 4x4, and overland outings/safaris. Some of the far away destinations include Namibia (including the beautiful Kaokoland), Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania (including the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro), Lesotho and the Cedarberg Adventure near Cape Town. During this period many friends, family members and parents had suggested that Dean started his own safari company due to vast knowledge of the many destinations, his organisational abilities, his camping skills and his likeable character.
In 1986 when Dean was going through an unsettled stage at his school, one of the fathers - Dave, suggested that he and Dean start their own Safari company. Unfortunately Dave had financial committments far exceeding Deans and it would take too long to form a company and start making any money for Dave to support his family on. Dean went ahead on his own and with Daves tremendous support he converted his 4-wheel drive Hilux into a very nice and versatile mini-bus. Dean did the finishing touches and it can seat 5 adults comfortably in the rear and the 6th person in the front. (There is a photo of it on my web-page). Dean has received financial support from his bank, his savings, his mother - thanks mom, his brother - thanks Sean and the sale of certain equipment / belongings that he did not see a need for. Everybody has to start somewhere - now you know where Dean started.
Where have I gone so far ? Being new to the Safari game means that I have got a lot of opposition and I am going to have to work hard to compete. It also means that I have to get my name known and to prove myself. So I have not been to too many places so far, but those that I have taken tourists to have been great and some of them have been new for me as well, as a Tour Guide. To date I have been to (in no specific order), Crocworld, Oribi Gorge, Kokstad, Sani Pass, Escourt, Patricks Farm, Ladysmith, Dundee, Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana and Spioenkop battlefields, Ulundi, Babanango, Vryheid, Mkuze Reserve, Phinda Reserve, Hluhluwe-Umfolosi Reserve, Lake St Lucia, Ultimatum Tree, Stanger, Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Hilton, Tala Reserve, Shakaland, Dumazulu village, Greytown Museum, Kranskop, Ndumu and Tembe Reserves, Kosi Bay and Lake Sibayi. Those are all in Kwazulu Natal.
In the Northern Province I have been to Aventura Warmbad, Nylstroom, Entabeni > Reserve, Ellisras, Pietersburg, Potgieterus, Louis Trichardt, Soutpansberg, Tzaneen, Magoebasklof, Modjadi Palms, Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit, Kapama Reserve, Cheetah Breeding centre, Phalaborwa, Hans Merensky Club and Haenertsburg. The Transkei Wild Coast or more correctly - the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast which included visits or stays at Coffee Bay, Hole-in-the-Wall, Port St Johns, Waterfall Bluff, Magwa and Fraser Falls, Mbotyi beach, Cathedral Rock, Lusikisiki, Mkambati Reserve and Umtata. En route to Mozambique in July I stayed overnight at the Royal Hlane game reserve in Swaziland and then in Mozambique I either visited or stayed at Pandane Beach, Barra Lodge, Maputo, Inhambane, Maxixe, Ponta do Ouro and Malagane, Bilene, Praia de Zavora and Morrungulo.
And that is all I have had time for, or bookings for. During the month of September I shall be away in Namibia for 3 weeks on Safari, so please be patient whilst waiting for any replies. Christine, my brokers wife and Secretary also doubles up as my secretary and so shall try to answer your queries to the best of her ability. I shall be in contact with her twice a week, when I get near a phone. Jason, my loyal friend and right-hand man, shall be staying at my home whilst I'm away, so he shall be operating my computer during my absence and hopefully answer the urgent e-mails. WHO HAS BEEN ON SAFARI WITH ME? I have had a number of Nationalities so far - British, American, Australian, New Zelanders, French, Bulgarian, South African and even Swiss. It is very difficult to remember all the names of everyone, especially the day-trippers, so I have now started a guest book and I look forward to the remarks, comments, suggestions, poetry or sketches that will appear in it over the next few years.
People who have been on longer safaris with me and who I shall remember are The Williams family - Peter with his knowledge and experience at Marketing and the fun he has with his family - Monica who I'm told is the Boss and who is always looking after her family like a good mother - Charles who loves reading and teasing his younger brothers and sister - Daniel who offers to help after the task is complete and has a love for his bed - Emma who is great to tease and easy to confuse but loves horses and swimming - Simon who gets sea-sick and loves sneaking up on me. Penny - the German Johannesburger schoolgirl who spent 17-days of her holiday with me in Mozambique. She has interesting opinions on life in South Africa and is particular how cabbage is sliced. Stan - or Grandpa Stan, who also spent 17 days, making us laugh and was disappointed with the fishing. The Van Rooyen Family - Anton who kept a close eye on all around him, especially the wind, waves and his skiboat, Cynthia - who enjoyed her sun-spot on top of the dunes, Tonie ably assisted his folks and was chief fire-man, Quintus was always found behind the wheel of dad's 4x4.
The Odendaal Family - Piet with his great campfire stories and nothing-was-a-problem atmosphere, Honey - an absolute darling with hospitality and an angel when I thought I was dying (in fact so did others!), W.P. - the pillar of strength and very helpful, but loves driving nowhere anytime, Anel - so sweet and polite. The Odendaals and Van Rooyens invited me to join them on the Mozambique Safari. To my three 'girlfriends' - Karin, Dorkis and Francois who I shared 2 three-day safaris exploring Kwazulu-Natal and showing them the main sights and attractions in preparation for their tour-guide exams. Gary (Karins hubby) joined us for the one safari and Arijn (from Bulgaria) joined us for both whilst he is visiting this part of the world. You can thank these three lovely ladies for the 'sponsorship' of the new window in the front of the passenger compartment, that now gives you a frontal view as well. Karin is so sweet and an absolute darling. Dorkis is a wealth of information and absolutely great whilst Francois was the inspiration to our fits of laughter and a great hostess during our Durban get-togethers. Gary really enjoyed the game-viewing whilst Arijn enjoyed everything as well as his music.
Well I am back from the highly successful Namibian Safari and realised that I had not sent this newsletter to you yet, so here it is, sorry about the delay.
Briefly,our first stop was the Big Hole in Kimberley. Amazing to imagine that it was all dug by hand and so many diamonds recovered. En route to Kimberley I was ordered to stop at my sisters house in Kestel, to meet her - so we had breakfast there as well - thanks Gail. Our visit to Kuruman was highlighted by popping in to The Eye and Moffats Mission before we continued to the Kalahari Gemsbok Park. Highlights in this desert park were the spotting of a cheetah, a pygmy falcon, a lion and rain (in the desert!). We spent one night at Augrabies Falls, in nice comfortable huts prior to two nights at the famous Fish River Canyon, in Namibia. The 2nd largest canyon in the world gave us breathtaking sunsets and a nice chance to relax in the mineral springs and lovely campsite.
After driving 300kms through the Namib Desert we arrived in the coastal desert town of Luderitz and stayed in the Lighthouse on Shark Island. Wow, what fantastic views, especially when the fog rolled in. That night we had a delicious dinner at the one restaurant and sampled the tasty Namibian fish. We visited the nearby Ghost town, the bird sanctuary and explored this very German town prior to our return drive through the desert, stopping to photograph the now famous desert horses. After lunch at Duwisib Castle we arrived at the Sesreim Canyon and visited the breathtaking Namib Desert Dunes at Sossusvlei. I have been there five times before and this was the first time that I had seen water in the vlei, so I was really excited about that.
Whilst at Dune 45, Graeme scrambled up to the top in a howling sand storm, whilst Mumsy, Heather, Fay and Una managed a partial ascent! After a quick stop in Windhoek, where my guests met my Windhoek staff - Janet Curtis and family, who spoilt us with some delicious Windhoek biltong and scrumptous chocolate liqueurs, we arrived in Swakopmund. During the next day we visited Dune 7, where Naughton climbed to the top and then we spent a couple of hours at the bird sanctuary prior to a fascinating detour to the salt pans. The afternoon was free to explore Swakopmund on foot and that evening Graeme and Heather treated us to dinner at a sea-facing restaurant. Thanks folks. We then left up the coast to Hentiesbaai, in the fog and then explored the rockpaintings at Brandberg, especially The White Lady, prior to arriving at a cosy campsite near the Rock engravings. The next 3 days were spent in Etosha Game Park where many differnt birds were spotted and likewise, animals including a hyhena, 10 lions, rhino, elephants.......
Our next stop at Popa Falls was relaxed with the night noises of hippos, owls, nightjars and the bubbling water being our lullaby. The friendliest border post in Africa was then encountered as entered Botswana at Mohembo. After a colection of oven fresh bread at Etsa 6 from the mission station, we arrived at our camp in Maun where we had a lovely pub dinner, courtesy of Una and Naughton. Thanks.
Our next exciting moment was at Nata, first the Lodge, where Una and Heather met one their old schoolpals and secondly when we explored the Bird Sanctuary and Nata Pan - there was water on the pan - first time in 7 visits for me to have seen water on the pan! Very exciting with an absolutely breathtaking sunset - should see the photos! Flocks of flamingoes and pelicans wading and flying - wow!
At Warmbaths we met Heather and Graemes daughter/son-in-law and also Una and Naughtons son spent the night with us. Lovely Pizza's for dinner but what a noisy campsite, with the neighbouring tent having a sawmill inside!! I thought Naughton could snore, this guy took the cake! Well all good things come to and end and we arrived back in Durban, 8 910kms and 22 days later. A great trip, even though it was a bit rushed.
Well for the future, I have had enquiries for honeymoons, fishing safaris, a couple wanting hunting, an agricultural study tour, plus my specialities of 4x4 terrains, game viewing and remote areas with tailor-made itineraries. I am also offering a few other services that are not advertised on the Net : these are
1. Free information and basic general advice on where to go and what to expect.
2. Planning itineraries with mention of sights en route and contact names and numbers for accommodation, all for a small service fee.
3. Planning itineraries and making the bookings, to guarantee that your bed is waiting for you. Apart from the small service fee, the accommodation must be paid in full with your booking.
4. Some couples want to hire a car but are hesitant to drive the long distances themselves or are concerned about the hijackings or city driving. Well, I hire myself out as a chauffueur AND guide.
There is a daily rate plus obviously I have to be fed and housed as well! For South Africans, especially the elderly who own their own car, this reduces their cost of a safari radically.
5. Then I can also book you on safaris with a number of other companies that offer fixed dates and itineraries, especially aimed at the younger tourists who enjoy the Overland Experience, with 15 to 25 other foreigners (tourists). This are budget, low cost safaris where you cannot deviate from your route and generally are a bit rushed, but you do cover a lot of territory. Certain other companies work in conjunction with me and we Network so that if I am busy, then they carry out the tailor-made safari for me.
6. This is obviously the BEST option, but it is only for those people that want adventure, excitement, happiness and an experience of a lifetime. You tell me what you want and you get it, plus a bit more, all with my personal touch. As I have mentioned to everyone, having a tailormade safari for just 2 people is more expensive than 4 or 6 people, but then you can decide when to go and when to stop and you don't have to put up with other people who might have disturbing habits etc. If your dates are flexible, then possibly I could link you up with other people who might want a similar safari, thus reducing the cost. Remember, the further you travel, the more petrol is used, the cost goes up and Southern Africa IS a big area.
Good News - I have not marked up any of the quotes or prices for 1997 or 1998 - I am offering all safaris at cost price and there is no 45% markup as some larger companies include.
So if you have not travelled with me yet, and you have merely made an enquiry, maybe now is the time to go on safari, or to contact me again and let me put you on my regular mailing list (or to remove you from my present one.)
That's all my news, for the moment.
Trust that your coffee hasn't gone cold!
All the best
Kind regards
Dean
Manager - African Bundu Safaris cc.
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