SANParks.org Forums

The webcams made me do it

Well, that’s not entirely true, but they certainly played a huge part in shaping my journey to visit 3 of them. So I thought this was an apt title for my very first SANParks Trip Report

Before I talk more about the cams though, I just want to take you back a few years to where my story began…

This trip of a lifetime to Africa started in April 2009 after I saw 10 minutes of a documentary about an orphaned baby honey badger. Badger was adopted by Richard and Bookey Peek and raised on their wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe. I was so mesmerised by little Badger, that I had to learn more about him. After searching the internet I discovered that Bookey had written several autobiographies about Badger and all the other animals she and Richard share their lives with. I ordered the books. Read them and loved them. They were so inspiring to me, and the descriptions of African wildlife left me yearning to see the animals myself.

I’d never written to an author before, but I just had to let Bookey know how wonderful I thought her stories were. I couldn’t believe it when I got a reply from Bookey PLUS an invitation to visit their sanctuary!! I was over the moon

So I made up my mind, then and there, that I was going to Africa

The books sound interessting!! going to see if I can find them!!!
Can't wait for your report!!

Melph what a tantilising taste.

Can't wait for the next episode. Pllease don't do a MM on us

Mel!

If the books already got you, wait for the real thing...
You'll go broke over the years with trying to satisfy
the need to go back again and again and again.

Now more about your trip, please!

Well, well, well.... what have we here?? A webcammer about to go from virtul to literal WHOO HOO I am thrilled for you Mel that this journey is finally here and wishing you a spectacular trip filled with memorable moments, awesome sightings and all things wild and wonderful


Looking forward to hearing all about it

I'm so excited for you, Mel, I hope the real Africa lives up to your expectations and that you see all kinds of wonderful things that you wouldn't have dreamed of.

You know, they say that when Africa gets into your blood you can never get it out again.

Can't wait for the sightings to begin.

Travel safely and welcome.

Wishing you the bestest Africa experience, Mel and so looking forward to hear about it all
WHOO HOO !

I'm really looking forward to this TR and hope you will have the most wonderful time in Africa
Can't wait to get the whole story

Mel so happy that you can make this trip and wish you a safe journey and many great sightings.

A warm welcome to good ol' SA.

Have a safe journey and I have to warn you, once you set foot in SA you will want to keep coming back.

Hi Mel,

have a trip of a lifetime. You will love it.

Good luck!

Thank you so much ils, MM, Lionspoon, Shi, chirinda, MATTHYS, FC, Duke, Sharifa, Spots and Paekoek for your kind wishes

The support and encouragement I have received on this forum is another big contributing factor that has helped shape this trip to Africa

Now on with the story....

The wonderful world of SANParks webcams

Following Bookey's invitation I filled my life with all things Africa. Books, movies, documentaries.

Then one day I found a website with webcams set-up over waterholes in SA National Parks
It didn’t take long before I was completely hooked
I was in awe of the animals I saw coming to drink and watched the cams every spare moment I had

One night I saw what I thought might be wild hunting dogs
I got the courage up to register on the forum and made my very first post on 5th August 2009.



I received the most wonderful welcome from forumites and instantly felt part of big supportive and like-minded family of nature lovers And with a little encouragement I became a dedicated cammer Those little windows into a whole new world became constant companions on my computer desktop. Not surprisingly then, my Africa travel plans evolved to include a visit to as many of the cams as possible. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, we won’t make it to the Nossob cam

So on the 1st March this year me and my dad David board a plane bound for Africa
We are spending the first week in Zimbabwe, seeing Victoria Falls and then spending 5 days at Richard and Bookey’s wildlife sanctuary southwest of Bulawayo

From there we fly back to Joburg and my “3 cams in 3 weeks” pilgrimage begins

As well as the excitement of seeing my first wild lion, giraffe, ellie etc, etc, I am also privileged to be meeting up with some forum legends and luminaries such as Meandering Mouse, chirinda, Shi, Magic Guarri, Lionspoon and Spots, and RonnieL.

I will post my camp dates below in the hope that I might meet up with many more mites along the way
I’ll be flying my yellow ribbon loud and proud!

Camp dates

10th, 11th March - Punda Maria
12th, 13th March - Olifants
14th, 15th March - Satara and Cam #1
16th, 17th, 18th March - Lower Sabie
19th, 20th March - Berg-en-Dal
21st, 22nd March - Orpen and Cam #2
25th, 26th March - Karoo National Park
27th, 28th, 29th March - Addo Elephant Park and Cam #3

We arrive back in Australia on the 1st of April, and I imagine it will take me quite some time to settle back into Sydney life

Once I do though, I’m sure I will have some exciting stories and photos to share

Until then, I wish you all well

Africa here we come!!