Hoedspruit Explorer Issue 21 June

Hoedspruit Explorer Issue 21 June

Issue #21

Photo by: Kayla Thompson

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Recipient of the 2019 Lilizela Award for the Best 4 Star Game Lodge in SouthAfrica, Phelwana is perfectly situated in theHoedspruit area, Limpopo Province of South Africa. We are located a mere 40 Km from the world renowned Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate. Phelwana is the perfect destination for guests wanting to relax in the SouthAfrican Bushveld. Opening to the public in 2014, Phelwana Game Lodge has been offering local and international guests an authentically South African Safari experience. Accommodating up to 46 guests, we offer a variety of accommodation options. Enjoy a ''glamping experience'' in one of our 6 perfectly appointed luxury tents, located on the Phelwana Dam - each with unique views and features. For families or couples, our bush villas offer privacy and space. All of our units have private swimming pools for guest's leisurely enjoyment. For the more adventurous traveler, our newly operational Sky deck has provided wonderful evenings of enjoyment for our guests. Sleeping beneath the stars under the African sky is an exhilarating, once in a lifetime experience. Just imagine listening to the hippos frolicking & a symphony of bushveld noises with the stars as your evening's entertainment. Phelwana offers a fine dining experience choreographed by our executive Chef and her competent team. Sourcing only the best local produce enabling our guests to unwind and relax over a beautifully prepared three course dinner as they relive the day's wonderful experiences and sightings. Dining experiences alternate between our beautifully furnished Phelwana Room to our lush lodge garden or around the fire in our boma, all unique and special experiences. We also offer our guests custom tours of the Kruger National Park with our accredited and highly qualified and experienced guides. This enables guests to have a ''one stop shop'' experience of a lifetime without the hassle of self-driving or the booking of independent tours. The feedback and animal sightings have been noteworthy. We are proud to have our tours division under the Phelwana Banner. We also offer guided game drives and bush walks on the Phelwana property and guests are able to view the abundant plains animals residing on Phelwana. During this time of Global uncertainty, Phelwana Game Lodge is suitably equipped to host and entertain our guests. Our tents and Villas are spaciously situated apart from each other. Each offer their own private swimming pools and gardens to enable social distancing. Be secluded and ensconced in the bush and allow us to be of service to your wishes.

Reservations: [email protected] 015 793 2475 / 071 659 9555 www.phelwana.co.za

View our location on the map:

http://www.natureguidetraining.com [email protected] +27 73 468 9267

Part one... by Lee Gutteridge Looking at the tracks & signs of lizards around our homes

The little lizards we often see running around in our gardens and homes in the Hoedspruit area regularly leave signs behind themselves. We just don't always notice it. Common varieties, such as the five-lined or rainbow kopje skink, with its bright blue or orange tails are quite specific about where they will live, and might not even leave spoor for us to see due to the rocky nature of their preferred habitats. Yet other species spend all of their time where we can see them, andmight leave perfect trails for us to study. As with all tracking related subjects, it is all down to lookingAND seeing! Skinks The most regularly encountered lizards are probably the skinks. Many of them are active during the day, and will become quite relaxed with humans around. The five-lined skinks are very common indeed aroundHoedspruit, andwill be found around almost any rock pile or even sometimes living in your home. The juveniles of both sexes have blue tails, as do adult females. It is only once amalematures that he will take on the orange tail of an adult. These adult males are very territorial, and will actively chase one another away from their territories. With this lizard species I rarely see the spoor, as the rocks they live on are hardly suitable habitat for capturing tracks. Their droppings however, with the separate uric acid 'packet' are common to see.

Five-lined skink, male, Kruger National Park

Another skink we often see is themontane speckled skink. This animal is more commonly known to most of us as the striped skink, but this complex of lizards was separated many years back, into several distinct species. These striped fellows like to live on tree trunks or fallen logs, as well as on large rock outcrops and around houses. I also rarely see their tracks, due in part to their preference for arboreal (tree climbing) habitats.

Five-lined skink, male, Kruger National Park

Montane speckled skink, Letaba Camp

Sundevall's writhing skinks are also a very common species in our area. These creatures are, however, rarely seen, due to their fossorial (burrowing) habits. They burrow in loose sand, and 'writhe' along below the surface. We usually encounter them when we are gardening, and move a rock or a pile of leaf material. This highly specialized reptile has much reduced legs, which shows in its tracks as a small dot in each bend of the track.

Five-lined skink, juvenile

Variable skinks are also interesting little creatures. They can become incredibly relaxed with people, and we currently have one who spends a lot of his time on our tent flap, and we often inadvertently touch him as we walk by, and he doesn't seem to care at all! These little fellows move between rock and tree habitats, sometimes leaving trails in the softer sand between. Their white and brownmarkings are extremely recognizable.

A Sundevall’s writhing skink and its spoor sequence

A dropping of a Sundevall’s writhing skink

The trail of a variable skink

A Sundevall’s writhing skink burrowing in loose sand

A variable skink in a rock pile

Shop 20 & 21 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Main Road (R527), Hoedspruit

Wildlife

Mike Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 1333368

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1319831

R 1 500 000

21 hectares in Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve

Mahlathini Private Game Reserve R 8 400 000 If you are looking for the best wildlife game viewing from your own private patio, this 21 ha property is for you. This unique location offers a 5- 2 bedroom home which has a total living space of 494 m (incl. roofed 2 verandas, excl. carport) which overlooks a garden of over 3000 m and onto a magnificent dam. The dam on the property attracts amazing wildlife. In the wet season, the dam can grow up to 1 ha in size. In the dry season the small boreholewith pump can providewater for the game.

This property’s residential footprint is on a superb 21ha stand with indigenous trees and wonderful bush views from the entertainment & swimming pool area. The home has lots of charm and potential; just requires some tender loving care. The home has an open plan living room and kitchen, one main en-suite bedroom and two additional bedrooms which share a bathroom. Additional infrastructure includes a small loft room, covered lapa area, storerooms, borehole and boundary fence.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 1120954

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1332508

Escarpia Village, Kampersrus R 1 740 000 Bird lovers dream. This property comprises of a 3-bedroom and 2- bathroom family home. It has a spacious lounge, mediumsized kitchen with a separate scullery all leading out to themassive stoep that is built to entertain with its jacuzzi pool and lovely view over the estate. It has a double garage with one door large enough to fit a caravan. Escarpia Village is an extension of Kampersrus, which is situated at the foot of theNorthernDrakensbergMountain range.

Raptors View Wildlife Estate R 3 800 000 This incredibly spacious family home is set in the second phase of the estate with great game viewing opportunities. The home looks out to impressive mountain and bushveld views. The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a guest bathroom. There is also an outside roomcomprising bedroomand bathroomwhich can be used as domestic quarters or as an office or 5th bedroom. Perfectly suited to a large family looking for space and a great location.

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1307560

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1331220

Olifants River Property, Hoedspruit With stunning views over the Olifants River, this bush 4-bedroom property oozes character with natural building materials such as thatch, stone cladding, stone floors, Leadwood feature supports and Rhodesian Teak wood finishes. It’s elevated and overlooks a broad and rocky portion of the river, where the streamsplits and turns. With the elevation, there is no concern for flooding. Situated in a share block, this property requires a cash buyer. Located 45minutes fromHoedspruit. R 1 995 000

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated R 2 950 000 This stunning new 3-bedroom home is set in a beautiful garden with huge Lowveld trees and lush green grass. This is the ideal family and pet friendly home. The lounge and dining areas are open to the kitchen, making for easy entertaining. From the lounge sliding doors you walk out to the undercover patio with built-in braai, swimming pool and fenced garden. This house has many extras: aircons throughout, separate scullery, walk-in pantry, enclosed courtyard and outside staff bathroom. Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

Here at Moholoholo we have various breeding programmes that include serval,White Faced owls andYellowBilled kites. Over the past 15 years we have bred and released over 120 servals into the wild. Many of the servals from our breeding project have helped to repopulate areas where servals no longer roam. We have worked with numerous private nature

in July/August for the cycle to repeat itself. Here at Moholoholo we release between 1 and 3 chicks very successfully every year! We make sure to have them leg ringed before hand and release them into the population that frequent the rehab. YellowBilled kite facts: · They are named after their

reserves all over the country to release these beautiful cats. Our most recent litter of kittens are now 9 months old and have recent ly been separa ted f rom Mum to further their preparation for release. They would begin to stray from her in the wild at about 10 months and become more independent at this age. They are continuing their 'life in the wild' education by developing their hunting skills and we are ensuring that they are wary of human beings. Once these kittens show that

yellowbeak, which only develops from2 years of age onwards as theymature · These kites are big scavengers as well as good hunters · YellowBilled kites can become especially cheeky and bold…They have been known to swoopdown and snatchmeat from people's braais.

they are ready for release (and depending on the situation in South Africa due to lockdown and covid-19) they will be released. Facts about servals: · They are SouthAfrica's 3rd largest spotted cat · They are commonly found in tall grass, marshes andwetlands · Theirmain diet consists of rodents, birds and reptiles. Servals can catch birds out of the air duringflight using a 'clapping’ motion as they trap the bird between their paws. · They have large ears to detect their prey in the long grass · Main predators include leopards, pythons and humans. Their coat is often sold at blackmarkets due to its attractiveness and is also sometimes used as baby leopard/cheetah coats that are rarer. Our White-Faced owl and Yellow Billed kite programmes are incredibly successful, with releases each year! · They can jump up to 1.5m into the air · Theyweigh between 8kg and 18kg The Yellow Billed kite parents lay their eggs, usually between 1 and 3, in August/September and are incubated by both parents. The chicks hatch in November and are raised by the parents before being separated at the end of January where they aremoved to their own enclosure. Here they learn to be completely independent and have the chance to exercise more intensely to build muscle and stamina. The youngsters must be released in February so that they can migrate northwards for the winter months, returning

Our White-Faced owls do not have a set breeding system, and in recent years they have been breeding more than ever. In 2018 and 2019 we had a total of 10 babies parent-raised and released! Once Mum has laid the eggs, usually between 2 and 4, she incubates them for 30 days, after which the chicks hatch. Once they have left the nest and before they lose their baby plumage, we get them ringed with unique identification numbers before they are placed into our release cage for a soft release. This cage is on our grounds and overlooks our 'owl tray'. This is a platform on which we place food every evening for the wild owls. The owls in the release cage see the wild birds come to eat here and learn that there is a source of food. After 2 weeks in this cagewe go at night to open the door and allow the owl to leave at its leisure. We find that they tend to stay around the

area for a few days as they now know there is food ava i lable and unt i l they establish themselves in their own territory. The owl tray is also very important in Winter months when food is scarce. White Faced owl facts: · Owls do notmake nests. White Faced owls normally utilise dove/grey lourie and small birds of prey nests to lay their eggs in

Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate is a unique Wildlife Estate located just outside Hoedspruit. It combines modern bush living and wildlife, with an aero estate for those who have a passion for flying. A unique feature, is that you are able to land and hangar your plane next to your home or at central hangarage on the estate. But the estate is also suited to people who don't fly and a pet policy is attractive to many of the permanent residents. Zandspruit is 1,000hectares in size, of which 650hectares will remain untouched wilderness, and can be used by home owners for game drives, walks and cycling. There are free roaming plains game, such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, warthog, impala, duiker, bushbuck and various other small animals. Special sightings of wild dog, leopard and hyena that move through the area from time to time makes living on this estate exciting. The Wilderness Area is only accessible to Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate owners, ensuring exclusivity. Zandspruit Bush&Aero Estate provides 161 bush stands with a 2 2 size of 6,000 m to 15,000 m , as well as 38 aero stands 2 2 ranging between 4,000 m – 7,000 m in size, along the 1000 meters hard surfaced private runway. Architectural guidelines will apply to all houses, guaranteeing a home to suit every need and taste, whilst ensuring continuity and coherence. The allowed styles are thatch, farmhouse and modern pavilion, which caters for individual preferences, as well as optimizing each stand's unique qualities and features. There are 15 standard designs to choose from. The size and layout of the Zandspruit Estate guarantee ultimate privacy and enjoyment of theAfrican bush.

Special Features: · Sandspruit river bedmeanders through the estate. · 1,000-meter hard surface landing strip. · 25minutes fromHoedspruit East GateAirport · 50minutes fromOrpen gate Kruger National Park. · Close to shops, petrol station, boutiques, tourism centre, restaurants etc. inHoedspruit. · Adjacent to the Southern Cross School, a private school with the i r educat ion based on nature awareness and conservation. · Well stocked estate with free roaming plains game, game drive routes and trails · Hard surfaced roads in the residential area. · Various Bush stands with Open mountain views, river stands and Bush stands · Access control and excellent security · Rental of properties is allowed under home owners rules according to certain conditions · Pet policy in placewhere owners are allowed two dogs The Estate is well run by the EstateManager under guidance of the board of Directors of theHome owners association. Which in turn is governed by the Memorandum of Incorporation and theHomeOwners Rules. Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate is an upmarket development and secure investment for people looking for a holiday house or permanent living.

For more information about the area in the article or properties there, please contact Yvette Thompson

Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate Properties

Wildlife

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1314663

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1328092

R 4 950 000

Modern house with traditional bush feel

Immaculate modern home R 5 775 000 This immaculate home sits on the seasonal Sandspruit river and offers 3- bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. There are outdoor showers as part of the bathrooms, with open views of the surrounding bush. The large open- plan lounge and dining room opens onto a spacious wrap-around undercover patio and deck with sparkling swimming pool. The house has air-conditioning and ceiling fans throughout. The spacious, open-plan kitchen and separate scullery also has a delightful breakfast nook.

Set on the banks of the seasonal Sandspruit river, this beautiful home offers 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. The well-appointed, open plan kitchen has superior finishes with granite surfaces and classic white solid wood cupboards. The house has air-conditioning and ceiling fans throughout. Add to this a double garage and you have the perfect home in the perfect location. This home is situated on a river stand with a sundowner deckwith beautiful views of the riverbedbelow.

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1241417

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1275942

Modern 4-bedroom house R 6 500 000 This modern home has been built with features like large windows, sliding doors in all rooms, wrap around wooden decks, large covered patio and a river-deck to make the most of the beautiful setting and views. The entertainment area consists of a formal lounge with a fire place and a living room that opens onto the covered patio via glass and aluminium stack doors. The open plan kitchen with centre island and breakfast nookmakes for easy entertaining.

Stunning family home on Sandspruit river R 6 995 000 This amazing family home comprises 5 bedrooms with 3.5 bathrooms. The main en-suite bedroom is set on the one side of the home and has lovely views over the pool. There is private jacuzzi just outside the main bedroom. On the other side of the house separated by themain living and dining area, you find the other 4 bedrooms which share two bathrooms and a TV lounge. The open plan kitchen features top of the range finishes. The garden is enclosedwith a lowelectric fencemaking it pet friendly.

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1330163

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1288154

Quiet stand with large trees This stand has some of the best large trees of a bush stand with large Knobthorn trees. With a gentle slope towards the river it will be a good slope to build on looking south and away for late afternoon heat. The driveway can easily be made to enter formbehind the house, keeping the views untouched. This is one of the quietest stands available right now and some distance fromthe tarredR527. No transfer duty is applicable. R 1 500 000

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated R 1 200 000 This one-hectare stand is located in a good location in the estate. Located at the end of a road, it is nestled close to the river bed and has lovely river bed views. The stand is elevatedwith a lovely rocky outcrop feature. The neighbours have both built, so it is easy to plan how and where to build your bushveldhome. The stand sale includes a hangar site. Stand with hangar site

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

Drakensig

Wildlife

Shop 20 & 21 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Main Road (R527), Hoedspruit

Wildlife

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1276566 Mik Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 13301 0

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1333975

Townhouse in Hoedspruit R 850 000 This is an excellent opportunity for first time home owners or as an investment property. This comfortable upstairs unit comprises open plan lounge, kitchen; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and loft which can possibly be used as a third bedroom, study or office. There is also a carport for the owner’s use. Located in Khayagelo Village; safe, secure and in close proximity to town and all amenities. The sectional title complex has a communal pool and lapa area in a pretty areawith trees for shade.

Share - Game lodge in Tuli Block, Botswana R 3 300 000 This farm is a 2570-hectare private game farm situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. TheNorthern Tuli Game reservehas an area of 70000 hectares with no fences between the various farms. The farm has the Tuli Circle as its northern boundary and Shashe River as its eastern boundary. There are also other rivers and springs on the farm that hold water year- round. The lodge is nestled into a dry riverbed and is surrounded by large trees, creating a cool environment for the camp during the hot summer.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 1242047

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1267034

COMMERCIAL - Tented Safari Camp R 3 295 000 Two luxury tents, fully furnished with en-suite bathrooms, on stilted wooden decking overlook the magnificent Olifants River. Both tents have a built-in boma braai, cooking area and fire pit. There is an amazing entertainment area with a large raised rim-flow pool, kitchenette, built-in braai, center island, shower and guest toilet. The best of all - the property’s entire residential footprint overlooks the river! The property also has an inviting 4 bedroomfarm-style homewith 2 bathrooms.

Residential stand in Hoedspruit Central R 1 590 000 Looking for property to do a small residential development close to town? This stand is situated alongside the Hoedspruit Civil airstrip and is 2 2000m in size. The stand will have access from Springbok St and will be serviced. It is zoned residential three where you are allowed to build the following: dwelling units, flats, group housing, retirement village, over night accommodation.

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1080914 Yvette Th mpson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1316750

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1328880

River front house, Greater Kruger R 7 700 000 This spectacular 3-bedroom home is situated overlooking the seasonal N’tsiri riverbed, in the prestigious N’tsiri Private Nature Reserve. This, one of a kind home, seldomcomes on themarket andwill sell quickly. Secure your dream position in the heart of Big 5 territory with 2,500ha of pristine traverse. Membership at N’tsiri is limited to 65 homes, to ensure that N’tsiri remains a truly exclusive and tranquil bushveld escape. This is a trueAfrican paradise!

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated R 350 000 This well priced stand is located deep in, away from the main road. It’s within a carousel and only has two neighbouring stands, one on either side. The bush is dense and there are a few Leadwood trees that would make good feature trees. Some bush clearing would result in a plains effect which has proven very favourable within this carousel. Prices like this for such a good reserve will not last long. Moditlo is a 3200ha private game reservewithin the BlueCanyonGameConservancy. Well priced stand in Moditlo

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

Aloes offer striking flowers, architectural form, inspiring stature and have the ability to withstand tough conditions. The diversity of species and the hybrids released each year, ensure there's something for everyone. Landscaping with aloes

source: Andy de Wet The Aloe Farm in Hartebeespoort

TIGER EYE, etc., are also fast becoming popular, with many more, very exciting newplants in the pipeline. New Aloes produced by De Wet Plant Breeders are selected frommany calculated combinations for appealing appearance and suitability to general gardening conditions. They are drought resistant but are also well suited to irrigated landscape situations. The flowers of all aloes remain tender, but De Wet's plants have been chosen for their cold tolerance and many of De Wet's new varieties flower outside of the cold seasons. The DeWet aloe hybrids all have the wildlife benefits of conventional aloes, sustaining bees, butterflies and attracting nectar-feeding birds to your garden. All the Aloe hybrids and selections have been through strict trial and selection procedures for several years before their release or imminent release to prove their superior qualities. Having seen these varieties you can be safely assured that these are premium products. These Aloe hybrids and selections are more spectacular and flower much more profusely than species, and they have more vigour and are generally much easier to grow. ALOECULTIVARNAMES. One often sees Aloes with names like Aloe arborescence ANDY'S YELLOWor Aloe arborescence ANDY'S RED, both are species and two different clones of Aloe arborescence, not bred, so they cannot be protected with plant breeders' rights (PBR). What we did was protect the name with a trademark; that means no one can use the name only. These were the best clones of each colour I found over all the years of evaluating Aloe arborescence, and ensures that if you plant either, they will truly perform very well in terms of easy growth and most importantly, the amount of flowers they can possibly produce. Thanks to Andy De Wet from CND Nursery and The Aloe Farm.

Many are at home in pots on a sunny balcony or planted en- masse in stark sunny areas. Most can be used as accents to draw the eye through the landscape. For nature lovers, they have the added benefit of attracting a diverse range of birds and other wildlife to the garden. Aloes have largely been overlooked, yet they have enormous potential as garden plants. Their ability to withstand dry conditions, appealing foliage and amazing diverse floral displays makes them exceptionally suitable in the modern horticultural scene that is always looking for something new. The original species are adapted to specific field conditions and are often not suitable as garden plants. The work De Wet has put into the improvement of the genus has resulted in the emergence of complex but amazing hybrids. Aloe Hedgehog was the pioneer of releases in South Africa and the most successful aloe so far. It has become a household name among local nurserymen and keen gardeners. The follow-ups, such as Aloe, SAFARI SUNRISE, PERI-PERI, CHARLES, LEMONADE,

Some aloe species can be quite tricky to grow in a garden, but here are some that can adapt: Vanbalenii needs very little attention, and forms dense clumps. If planted in full sun and watered sparingly, the foliage turns a deep orange-red colour combining well with yellows and other warmcolours.

Cooperi is one of the grass aloes, ideal in informal beds and it performs well in cultivation. It forms dense clumps over the years, and unlike most other aloes, flowers from December to February. It goes dormant in winter so it doesn't mind frosty conditions. Barberae is a striking tree aloe growing up to 15m in nature, usually 6–8m in gardens. It grows fairly fast when planted in rich soil and watered well, but it is not frost tolerant, particularlywhen young.

Aloe arborescence is probably the most commonly grown aloe in the world. If you have room for it, you can't go wrong. It solves a multitude of landscape problems, and thrives everywhere. This multiheaded aloe makes a good background plant and tolerates filtered shade beneath tall trees. For a dense barrier, plant 6 to 8 feet apart in a line or triangles. Height: 4 to 8 feet and spreading.

Indigenous aloes and thei r many wonder fu l hybr i ds offer such a wonderful source of colour, shape and texture that it's hardly surprising they've gained popularity over the last few years. These are bred for longer flowering periods, striking flowers, rapid growth and disease resistance and are more at home in a garden setting than species aloes. Here are six of the best:

Aloe cooperi

Arborescence and the closely related mutabilis grow into dense, multiheaded shrubs that are covered in blooms from May to July. They are particularly effective when planted en-masse along a bounda ry , qu i ck ly formi ng an impenetrable barrier. There are several different colour forms available. Mar lothi i i s used extens i ve ly in landscaping as it's easy to grow, requires very little maintenance and has a majestic stature.

Autumn haze

Autumn Haze grows fast and is a lovely clump-forming aloe that flowers early, producing masses of orange-pink flowers fromFebruary toMay. Peri-Peri has a compact form and a floriferous nature making it ideal for mass plantings, small gardens and conta iners . I t ' s par t i cular ly long flowering. Under the right conditions, it'll flower fromApril through to June.

Aloe barberae

Growing tips · Aloes like rich well-draining soil, but have little tolerance for heavy clay. To improve poor drainage, try raising the beds by adding about 30cm of river sand& a generous helping of compost. · If you're planting aloes in pots, use a succulent potting mixture with some added compost. You'll know you have the right mix when the water doesn't collect on the top of the soil.

Sunrise

Sunrise is a medium-sized aloe with bicoloured blooms in early winter, generally before the frosts arrive. It can be grown in full sun or semi-shade and seems to be immune to aloe cancer. Tiger Eye is popular as it produces distinctive orange blooms throughout the year. For best effect, plant at least three together. It has a high resistance to all aloe diseases.

Aloe arborescence

· Most aloes need full sun but there are exceptions so do a bit of research. Generally those grown in full sun have better colouring, flower strongly and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. · Aloes in the garden respond well to organic fertilising, especially at the beginning of spring (for better summer growth) and in February to March (to enhance flowering).

Tiger Eye

Aloe vanbalenii

· Due to leaching, aloes in pots need more feeding. Use an organic, slow- release fertiliser like Talborne 3:1:5 every threemonths. · Aloes love well-rotted kraal manure. It can be mixed into the planting hole or potting mixture or use it as top dressing around the base of established plants. Most of the aloes mentioned, can be found at Appelblaar Kamogelo Nursery.

Orange Express is small in stature, but its flowers are anything but. Flowering from March toMay, it's ideal for mass planting and in containers.

Orange Express

Aloe marlothii

Koeleman's Orange is the perfect specimen plant growing up to 1,5m high. From early July to August it offers a spectacularmass of orange blooms.

www.gardenandhome.co.za/gardening/how-tos/easy-grow- aloes/ www.google.com/search?q=gardening+with+aloes www.gardenia.net/plant-combinations/plant-family/aloes www.facebook.com/thealoefarm/

Koeleman’s Orange

FGASA Assessor and Special ty Training Provider

Apprent ice F ield Guide (NQF2) Mentor ing and Assessments

FGASA Trai l s Guide Training and Mentor ing

Walking Guide Workshops

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[email protected] for more information

Rental Properties

Wildlife

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1276566 Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1080914

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1167548

The Village, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate R 9 800/month This newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse faces onto a park area that is further enhanced by trees that create some privacy. The kitchen is beautifully designedwith granite counter tops, gas hob, electric oven and ample cupboard space. An added bonus is the separate scullery with space for a dishwasher and washingmachine; there is also a half wall with latte fenced in courtyard. Additional features, double carport and the three bedrooms and living roomall have ceiling fans.

Commercial and office space 2 R 100/m If you are looking for office or retail space, we have just the thing for you! Sunset View Office Park is extremely well positioned in central Hoedspruit with a variety of businesses. Contact us today for any additional information you may need or questions youmay have.

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1092428

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1332032

The Village, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate R 9 900/month This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit has a spacious open plan kitchen and living area with separate scullery. Master bedroom is en-suite with separate shower, toilet and basin and the two additional bedrooms share a bathroom. Additional features include AC in living and master bedroom, double carport and large covered patio leading off the living room. The Village is a secure development within the popular Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. It has a clubhouse, communal pool and braai facilities.

Raptors View Wildlife Estate R 14 500/month 3-Bedroom, 2,5 bathroom furnished rental with a view! Not only is this inviting furnished rental home located on a wilderness area, it has captivating views of the majestic DrakensburgMountains as its backdrop. From the spacious pool deck and thatched patio, one can easily get lost in their thoughts while reclining on a comfortable pool lounger. All the bedrooms in this home offer air-conditioning for those hot summer days and nights, a single garage, coveredcarport & laundry room.

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1080914 : 169282

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1175463

Pet friendly - Guernsey, Hoedspruit R 6 500/month This furnished 1-bedroom cottage is very private and consists of open plan living room, kitchen with pantry and an en-suite bedroom. The cottage also has a large closed-in porch with wonderful views over the DrakensbergMountains. The property is fully fenced and pet-friendly, only one medium-sized canine allowed. Rental fee includes water supply only. Additional cost for electricitywould be R400.

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated R 7 500/month Secluded 1-bedroomcottagewithmagnificent mountain and bush views. This cottage is rented unfurnished. The unit offers a kitchenette, spacious bedroom with air-conditioning, living room and two separate showers with toilets. Leading off the living room is a stilted deck that overlooks the exclusive use boma braai area. The cottage is separate from the main residence and would be ideal for an individual or a couple. Not pet friendly. Themain residence has a swimming pool whichmay be used. Raptors View Wildlife Estate

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

Jason 083 267 4794

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1316747

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1074112

Currently being run as a self-catering getaway, this commercial property for sale is located on the banks of the Olifants River. Easy access to this iconic river enables guests to view and get close to unique rock formations and some incredible waterfalls and cascades. There are a total of five separate cottages. All have their own unique vantage points and are ideally situated to make the most of the views. There is also a well- equipped kitchen and elevated viewing deckwith an inviting pool. COMMERCIAL - Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve R 3 840 000

50% share in Ntsiri Nature Reserve R 3 850 000 Ntsiri is a share blockwhich is limited to a total of 65 homes and is situated in the heart of “Big 5” territory with 3,651 Ha of pristine traverse, including access to the Ntsheli farm. This spacious house offers 4 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (with outdoor showers), an open plan lounge and dining room, and a kitchen with built-in cupboards. The lounge leads out to a sweeping undercover patio. The property comes fully furnished and has a sharedgame viewing vehicle.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 816258

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1328859

Municipal stands in Kampersrus R 179 000 Great investment! These stands are for sale in a small village called Kampersrus, nestled at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains and offering breathtaking views of the Lowveld and 2 surrounds. These full title stands are 800m in size and fully serviced. Kampersrus is situated 25 kilometers from Hoedspruit and has a wonderful dual medium school. Come build your dream home and raise a family in this peaceful town.

Stand in Khaya Ndlovu with mountain view R 1 200 000 This beautiful one-hectare stand has magnificent mountain views and lovely large Lowveld trees. The stand is flat with delightful views over the bushveld plains and to the impressive mountain range. Khaya Ndlovu is a 1200-hectare share block with only 35 stands. Purchasing a site means you have the right to build a private house anytime in the future and are a 35th shareholder of the overall farm portion of 1200 hectares. There is a good network of roads and various scenic spots in the reserve

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1333274

Mike Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 1331710

2-bed home in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate This well-maintained home with its new roof is located on a stand with attractive trees such as Maroela and Knobthorn. It has a covered patio off the lounge offering good shade. The design is a standard 4-sleeper, except a modification to make the main bedroom to have an open plan en-suite bathroomwhich is an attractive large size. There is a bath and an outside shower in the main bedroom’s en-suite. Upstairs is a study area and an upstairs roomwith a spacious bathroomwith shower. R 1 950 000

65ha in Mahlathini Private Game Reserve R 21 000 000 This beautiful executive bush home has all the bells and whistles with a contemporary feel that one would couple with that 5-star feeling, no expense spared. All the finishes are state-of-the-art with decor inspired by the tones and textures of nature. All one needs to add is their personal touch. A highlight of this property is the enormous private dam and a 2 private lapa of 300m to watch the wildlife enjoy their surroundings while you entertain your family and friends.

Editor: Lizette Pienaar ǀ Cell: 082 082 2081 ǀ Tel: 015 793 153 8 ǀ [email protected]