Kristan, Author at Jenman African Safaris

There’s been a coup. Is it safe?

May 11, 2017Apr 7, 2009 by Kristan

Tourists have been scared off as foreign officials panic.

Source: Sunday Times, April 5th 2009 – Paul Ash

Following the recent coup in Madagascar, a number of countries have issued official notices warning their citizens not to travel to the island. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office notes, “There has been political unrest in Madagascar since January 2009. There have been violent incidents and looting in Antananarivo and regional centres across the country, resulting in a number of deaths.”

Saw a Male Lion – a first in the Tuli Block Reserve!

May 11, 2017Apr 2, 2009 by Kristan

After a busy day’s counting general Game, we got a fleeting view of another leopard after Stuart spotted fresh tracks at a koppie: he got out to follow the tracks whilst I drove the Landcruiser with students around the other side to see what we could see…as I drove, the leopard crossed the track and disappeared into the bush….shame was, I was the only person not to see it as I was concentrating on driving!

Indian Ocean Big Five Educational – Candice’s story part 3 of 3 – the end!

Mar 27, 2018Mar 31, 2009 by Kristan

Following on…. Day 7 saw us heading for Maputo, Mozambique. This was to be a long and tedious day. This … Read more

Shark Cage diving in Cape Town….

May 11, 2017Mar 26, 2009 by Kristan

If you ever saw the movie JAWS you will remember this huge killer shark attacking people left, right and centre and no one could catch it. It was gruesome! Known as a killing machine! Now think of yourself getting into a cage with these spectacular animals and NO not hunting the Great Whites but actually learning more about them and also how we can protect them. The Great White is a protected species as their numbers have dwindled incredibly over the last few decades. People kill them for their JAWS and they also get wiped out due to Shark Finning, a cruel and horrible sight to see. The only problem is that they get killed before they even get a chance to reproduce, resulting in fewer and fewer sharks in our waters.

Indian Ocean Big Five Educational – Candice’s story part 2 of 3!

May 11, 2017Mar 24, 2009 by Kristan

Indian Ocean Big Five Educational – Candice’s story part 2 of 3! – Jenman Africa Upon arriving in St Lucia we went straight to our hotel where everyone had a swim in the pool and enjoyed a light lunch of toasted sandwiches. The weather was gorgeous and we had the day to ourselves to do numerous things. Some of the clients opted for an afternoon boat cruise on the lake of St Lucia and others chose to wander around the town and do a bit of shopping.

Rescue Madagascar

May 11, 2017Mar 19, 2009 by Kristan

Source: Cape Times 19th March 2009 issue, Author: H. Joao

I have visited this unique country many times and find that the people of Madagascar, the Malagasy, are generally a non violent, warm people. True they suffer from terrible poverty yet they still have smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. As soon as the politics are on track it will become our responsibility, as fellow Africans, to support Madagascar in every way we can. It is, even today as the president hands over power to the military, a safe holiday destination and the $400 million tourist industry has suffered a terrible blow as a result of the disagreements. The Malagasy folk are guardians to some of the world’s most unusual and endangered species. About 95% of the fauna and flora found in Madagascar is endemic to the country. Meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. These plants and animals are directly threatened by poverty. The hungrier the man, the more destructive he becomes. And rice cannot grow in a rain forest. So every year more and more trees are felled, the land is burnt and it the rice is planted. Extinction creeps closer and closer.

Indian Ocean Big Five Educational – Candice’s story part 1 of 3

May 11, 2017Mar 17, 2009 by Kristan

“Encompassing game viewing and sun, sea and sand – this tour takes us through the historic KwaZulu Natal Battlefields, the amazing beaches of Mozambique , Big Five game viewing at Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the Kruger National park – the flagship of the South African National Parks….”

With an introduction such as this, who would not be ecstatic to be told that they could join this tour as an educational?!

Jenman African Safaris Feedback on a Botswana Safari!!!

May 11, 2017Mar 12, 2009 by Kristan

Hi Amina,

We had a wonderful holiday. The safari was a fantastic adventure and the fact that most of the group were camping made it even more of a shared experience with everyone working together to set up camp and gathering round the camp fire in the evening. The game drives we went on were an amazing experience and I will never forget the excitement I felt getting so close to the animals on the Chobe river cruise and the Moremi game drive in particular.

Exploring Africa with Steve and Keith…

May 11, 2017Mar 10, 2009 by Kristan

From Victoria Falls to Cape Town on Safari! Many times clients travel with us on an African Safari and make their own personal blog/website containing images and memories… Keith and Steve went on our Northern Experience Safari which took them from Victoria Falls all the way to Cape Town on a 20 day adventure. Our Northern Experience Safari is now a 22 day safari and includes a few different highlights. They went on our safari in 2004 and still speak very highly of it… even to the point that he would use Jenman on his next Africa Safari!

Please read on to read his overview of his African Safari. Or click on his ‘blog’ to see all of their fantastic safari pictures!

Nadia and her part of the South African Educational…

May 11, 2017Mar 5, 2009 by Kristan

I am 1 of the 3 “travellers” that embarked on our “road trip safari” of South Africa at the end of 2008. My part of the journey picks up on the Wednesday (after Laurina’s blog) where we pack the car once again and depart from Forresters Arms to explore more of what Swaziland had to offer! We were scheduled to do some site inspections of the Sun International Properties – so we headed toward Mbane and towards Manzini where we would find all 3 Hotels situated next to each other on the Main Road! We were able to do these inspections quite quickly and we were off once again, the heat became too much – not even the air-conditioning helped under these conditions. We made a quick “water run” at a nearby mall where were we happy to find a Pick n Pay.

Swaziland is not only known for its King Mswate but also for its great game viewing! We made our way to Milwane Game Reserve where we did a self drive through the park and went on to do a site inspection at Reilly’s Rock and the Bee Hive Huts.

Laurina and her part of the South African Educational…

May 11, 2017Mar 3, 2009 by Kristan

At the end 2008 I had the opportunity to join two of my colleagues (Nadia in Sales and Katja in Marketing) on an Educational to the Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Kwazulu Natal. I used to be a guide and every now and then I still miss the road, animals, bush and just being outdoors – so this was very exciting and I couldn’t wait to be back in the bush again!

We left early on Saturday morning for our flight to Johannesburg where we had to collect our vehicle and make our way to Pilgrim’s Rest. We arrived in JHB around 9 am and soon made our way out of the buzzing city towards Witbank. We had to do a few site inspections before heading to Crystal Springs where we were to spend our first night.

South Africa Safaris told in a German Blog!!!….?

May 11, 2017Feb 26, 2009 by Kristan

This blog is a bit different namely as it is in German! One of our tour guides, Andree, went on our “World in One Country Safari” recently. He wrote a story about this safari in German, apparently it is too good to translate as it will loose its sentiment – so if you can read German then read on… For the English readers out there – the “World in One Country Safari” includes the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Swaziland, Zululand, Drakensberg mountains, Garden Route & Karoo, Cape Town. To find out more about this safari – click here!

Cape Town and Cape Town Activities…

May 11, 2017Feb 24, 2009 by Kristan

Are you coming to Cape Town on Holiday? Or do you live here and have forgotten about ALL the wonderful things to do in this ‘Mother City’? Either way… Have a look at some of the fantastic things you can do in Cape Town, and if you have any other ideas for those reading this blog – then please post a comment.

Cape Town is a fantastic holiday destination filled with hidden adventures and mysterious secrets… not to mention hiking, SHOPPING and other attractions that make Cape Town a firm favourite with tourists and with Jenman African Safaris!

Flying over Africa… Africa from above!

Mar 26, 2018Feb 19, 2009 by Kristan

Flying above Africa – You can see the African Continent from as high as a plane… Flights take off daily … Read more

Hoerikwaggo Trails – the SUMMARY!

Aug 30, 2019Feb 17, 2009 by Kristan

By far the most famous land-mark in South Africa, the imposing profile of Table Mountain rises out majestically high above Cape Town. The Hoerikwaggo is a trail from Table Mountain all the way to Cape Point and is for the adventurous and energetic travelers out there… Table Mountain has many beautiful footpaths surrounded by awesome views and fantastic flora. And if you are lucky and quiet you may see some indigenous animals along your way.

Hola, speaka da Spanish?

May 11, 2017Feb 12, 2009 by Kristan

We’d better start learning the lingo if we want to host the soccer-loving Latins next year!
Source: Sunday Times – 1st February. Article by Anton Ferreira.

South Africa is about to be invaded by hordes of people who like nothing more then stabbing enraged bulls to death at close quarters – and we have no idea how to speak to them nicely. Fortunately, the Spanish government is trying to help: it is funding a programme to teach scores of local tour guides how to speak the language of Cervantes and Che Guevara in time for the World Cup next year.

South Africa has never been a major destination for visitors from Spain and Latin America, and the closest most of us has come to hearing Spanish spoken is during an emergency visit to an imported Cuban doctor.

The Namibian Tourism Workshop in Stellenbosch, Cape Town!

May 11, 2017Feb 10, 2009 by Kristan

The Namibia workshop was held on Friday, 23 January from 14h00 – 20h00 at the Stellenrust Wine Estate which is located on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.

Both Wiebke and I had never been to Stellenrust before. So, just when you think that you have run out of wine farms to visit on a weekend, voila, up pops another one. It is one of the largest family owned wine estates in South Africa and has several award winning wines just waiting to be tasted…

On arrival, we were welcomed by colleagues from NTB with a glass of nice cold Stellenrust sparkling wine. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before both Wiebke and I caught up with some fellow Namibians and the “kuiering” began :~).

Madagascar, Tana – all is quiet.

May 11, 2017Feb 5, 2009 by Kristan

We are sure that you have heard the bad news about the riots in Madagascar lately, and a few countries have already advised people to avoid travelling to Madagascar. However, this is the current report on the Madagascar riots, and we are pleased to report that there has been no violence there recently and everything is calm – the Malagsy people and the military are working hard at maintaining the peace.

Currently the situation in Antananarivo is calm, there have been no reported incidents since last Thursday. Since the 2 days of rioting there has been a curfew in place which has been respected by all inhabitants in Tana. There have been a few political demonstrations which have attracted many in support – all of them have been peaceful.

Gone Fishing: Viva La Madagascar

May 1, 2017Feb 3, 2009 by Kristan

Sunday December 28,2008
By John Wilson, Source: Daily Express

SITUATED off the eastern coast of Southern Africa in the rich, incredibly warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and actually slightly larger in land mass than France.

In addition to chameleons, fruit bats, lizards, tree frogs and snakes found nowhere else on this planet [there are 80 species of snakes alone and strangely not one of them is poisonous] the salt water sports fishing both off shore and around the countless jungle-clad islands that comprise this huge archipelago are quite phenomenal.

Gone Fishing: Landing the Monsters of Madagascar

May 1, 2017Jan 29, 2009 by Kristan

Sunday January 4, 2009
By John Wilson, Source: Daily Express

The exotic island of Madagascar off the eastern South African coastline was where our party of nine were on a research trip to the remote island of Kalakajour which lies over 40 miles south of Nosy Be just off the north western tip of Madagascar.

A most humid, jungle-clad island full of colourful birds and lizards, where a myriad of weird and wonderfully coloured salt water species from the fast moving and acrobatic sail fish, to heavyweight, deep water reef dwellers, provide continuous arm-wrenching battles in crystal clear blue waters.

The Madagascar Cyclones!

May 1, 2017Jan 27, 2009 by Kristan

I am sure most of you have heard about the Madagascar Cyclones and the destruction on the news…. Madagascar is a tropical island in the Indian ocean and therefore tropical cyclones are expected around the beginning months of the year – even though are expected they are still shocking when they do ‘hit’ this wonderful red-island. Madagascar, unfortunately, experienced a double hit last week when Cyclone Eric hit the island and shortly after Cyclone Fanele hit the island…. These cyclones brought forth rains, injuries, fatalities and destruction.

Madagascar Educational – Amina explores Madagascar!!!

May 1, 2017Jan 23, 2009 by Kristan

I departed Cape Town at 10am on the 13 November. Upon arrival at OR Tambo, I made my way to the International terminal where I headed straight to the Air Madagascar check-in counters. I was informed that our flight was delayed by a bit …. Air Madagascar made this few hours a bit more bearable as myself and the rest of the group were invited to the Premier Lounge! The rest of the group consisted of agents from Explore Plus, Jambo Safari, Self Tours, African Encounters, The Journey, Animal Tracks, Unusual Destinations and last but not least Air Madagascar (the educational was arranged by the airline).

The beginning of the end … Hoerikwaggo Hike – The final leg!

Mar 26, 2018Jan 20, 2009 by Kristan

On Wednesday, 14 January at 08h45 sharp, Hilka, Amina, Babes, Sydney and myself braced ourselves for the last stretch of … Read more

Our Jenman Clients tell us all about their holiday’s in Madagascar!!

Mar 26, 2018Jan 13, 2009 by Kristan

Over the years we have sent many families, clients and even Jenman staff members to the warm and tropical areas … Read more

The 3rd leg of the Hoerikwaggo Trail – Table Mountain Hike

May 1, 2017Jan 9, 2009 by Kristan

After “bunking” one week of hiking (due to our year-end function last Wednesday), a few members of the Jenman Team set out to do the 3rd leg of the Hoerikwaggo Trail this past Wednesday. This time the team consisted of Garth, Patti, Hilka, Nadia and myself (Wiebke). We met up with “Babes” (the guide from the previous hike) and Sydney from SA National Parks at Silvermine Dam early in the morning and started our journey of the day – we had 18km ahead of us and boy, can I tell you, they were filled with fun, falls and, as per usual, lots of laughter.

Responsible Tourism in Madagascar. How to travel with respect in Madagascar.

May 1, 2017Dec 24, 2008 by Kristan

Catching her smile just before embarrassment kicked in, I snapped the shutter. I anticipated the phrase so common to a tourist – “Bonbon, Stylo, cadeaux, CADEAUX….” yet it didn’t come.
Tourism innocence still prevails in the south of Madagascar, be it from lack of exposure or from a higher awareness of responsible tourism. Parts of Madagascar may have been spared the fate of other well travelled countries due to lack of exposure, but with more and more people coming to Madagascar to enjoy the countries extensive offerings, we must act responsibly to ensure the destination is not spoilt.

JENMAN CHRISTMAS PARTY… At Orange Kloof – Part of the Hoerikwaggo Trail… Jenman African Safaris celebrates a successful year!

Mar 10, 2017Dec 24, 2008 by Kristan

Jenman African Safaris staff members, agents, guides and clients were all lucky to get the official Jenman End of year party invite! As one can imagine this caused a lot of excitement around the office – well especially in the Marketing department! This was to be my first Jenman Christmas party and I couldn’t wait! I was lucky enough to get to design the email-invite so; I had a sneak preview of all the important details: food, venue and drinks… The venue was to be the Orange Kloof Tented Camps in Hout Bay.

Are there any Elephants up there? A Table Mountain tour guide shares the joy he experiences taking visitors around.

May 1, 2017Dec 24, 2008 by Kristan

Source: Cape Times – 21 November: Sydney Alexander

Sydney Alexander received mountaineering training, which entails skills like night navigation, how to work with the ropes in case of emergency and emergency management training in case someone gets lost on the mountain. That entails knowing what you need to do, what equipment you need you need to have and general mountain safety.

A whirlwind tour of the best shopping market in Antananarivo – Madagascar!

Mar 26, 2018Dec 24, 2008 by Kristan

If I were a rich man….. goes the song as I lazily stroll down the alleys of the Marché l’Artisan … Read more

Firing away on the Caprivi on Educational, Botswana and Zambia

Apr 30, 2017Dec 23, 2008 by Kristan

We (Elana from the Sales Department and Wiebke from the Product Department) were very privileged to recently embark on an educational journey highlighting the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, the Western Okavango Delta in Botswana, as well as Livingstone in Zambia. Together with our trusted tour guide, Thomas Dhilwayo, this proved to be an awesome and eventful experience…

Bright and early on Friday morning (21 Nov) we met up at Cape Town Airport (well, one of us was a little late due to oversleeping) for our flight to Johannesburg. We then boarded the aircraft to Livingstone, where we arrived just after lunchtime. Thomas and our trusted vehicle, Endesha (and we will get back to this later), met us at the airport and off we went for our first three site inspection of this trip.

Jenman African Safaris Collection