Latest news with #MdluliSafariLodge
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Georgian team treated to Kruger in true Lowveld hospitality style
The Georgian national rugby team swapped scrums for game drives as they were treated to an unforgettable experience in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday. The unforgettable experience was orchestrated by Mdluli Safari Lodge, whose swift planning and deep regional ties turned a simple idea into a world-class moment of Lowveld hospitality. The team, in the Lowveld ahead of their clash with the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, July 19, was given a break from the field to witness the beauty of the region. With careful planning and contributions from trusted local members of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber for Business and Tourism (KLCBT) and other stakeholders, the Georgian players were immersed in a true South African experience, highlighting not only the region's natural wonders but also its unmatched hospitality. 'It was a busy time in the Park, with G20 preparations and school holidays, we made it happen,' said Chris Schalkwyk, Executive Manager at Mdluli Safari Lodge. 'But this idea came from the Lowvelder – it was truly a community-driven moment. When we were asked to assist with a wildlife outing for the team, we didn't hesitate.' From the moment the wheels started turning, the Lowveld stepped up. The following individuals and organisations ensured the experience ran smoothly, with all services sponsored to celebrate local pride and unity: – South African Rugby Union (SARU) – for initiating the opportunity and trusting local partners – SANParks (Kruger National Park) – for issuing essential access permits into the Park – Michelle Booyens-Retief of E-Coaches – for orchestrating swift, professional transport to and from the team hotel – Captain Piet Smith of the SAPS Flying Squad – for providing security escorts and logistical support during transit – Matt Louw of On Safari – for delivering an expertly guided game drive – Other tourism operators – many of whom were keen to assist, but were fully booked due to peak season – Mdluli Safari Lodge – for hosting a relaxed bush lunch inside the Park and handling all operational arrangements The team enjoyed majestic views, wildlife sightings and a taste of South Africa's celebrated hospitality – all in a single afternoon. Elephants, zebras, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles and various birds made appearances as the Georgian squad swapped training boots for binoculars. 'This is what makes the Lowveld special,' said Schalkwyk. 'Our community understands tourism, works together and does Mpumalanga and South Africa proud.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
Daily fight to keep animals out of snares and safe from poachers and thieves
A dedicated Kruger team patrols daily with K9 units to stop poachers targeting animals for meat and medicine. It is not rhino horn or ivory poaching that takes up ranger Edmund Thorne and his team's time. While they are part of the antipoaching operations at Kruger National Park, his team has snares, bushmeat poaching and the illegal trade of animal parts for medicines to combat. Thorne heads a private antipoaching unit established and funded by the Mdluli Safari Lodge and corporate sponsors. 'This is a daily fight,' Thorne said. 'Every day we patrol on foot, in vehicles and through planned operations. Daily fight 'We cover a different section of the reserve each day. Everything we see gets reported. If there are animal tracks, snare marks, or signs of fence tampering, we act.' It is a carefully coordinated effort between role players. On the other side of the park fence, environmental monitors patrol the boundaries, checking for breaches and damage. 'Everyone plays their part,' Thorne said. ALSO READ: Vultures lead rangers to one of SANParks' largest poisoning events He helped establish the antipoaching unit two years ago. 'I run the field side of things and make sure the patrols happen.' Visibility is central to their strategy. 'We are right next to the community, so it is important people see us out here. We also work with K9 units. Our dogs are trained to track suspects if needed.' Different types of poaching From left, Ruan Lombard, Zander van der Westhuizen and Dylan van Tonder. Picture: Hein Kaiser While rhino poaching makes headlines, the real problem on their stretch of land are different types of poaching, Thorne said. 'Some people are snaring animals for food. Others are part of the bushmeat trade, supplying meat to buyers in places like Joburg. Then you get poachers who target animals like hyenas and leopards for traditional medicine. Different animals, varied reasons. Same threat.' ALSO READ: Mozambican man killed, another injured in Kruger National Park shootout Incidents of animals caught in snares, for example, have dramatically dropped since the unit came into being a couple of years ago. 'In the past two years, we lost one buffalo to a snare,' he said. 'Another was found in time, treated, and released.' Animals caught in snares 'Outside our area of responsibility, others face bigger problems, but I believe our approach with patrols and dogs is working.' Thorne said the biggest risk changes depending on the season. ALSO READ: PICTURES: Funniest photos so far in 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 'In December, we see more bushmeat poaching because people are at home and need to feed their families,' he said. The team covers a different section of the reserve each day. Picture: Hein Kaiser Thorne has had a few run-ins with poachers. 'Twice we caught people who came in with dogs. Both times we arrested them before they could catch or kill anything.' Rhino poachers are organised crime groups Rhino poaching is a completely different kettle of fish. 'Those are organised crime groups. They work on information. When they know about a rhino in an area, they go for it. ALSO READ: Armed robbers steal meat from delivery truck near Kruger Park 'It has nothing to do with the season. That is about demand. 'When there is a rhino nearby, we monitor it for as long as it is inside our patrol area. As soon as it leaves, we hand it over to the wider security network wherefrom the trail is picked up and monitored.' Thorne is no stranger to dangerous work. He worked in mining security, focusing on illegal operations. Before that, he served in the police and as a bodyguard to politicians and ministers. No stranger to dangerous work 'I came to the Kruger Park thinking I would stay for six months,' he said. 'That was 11 years ago. I thought I would move on. But this place got under my skin. I stayed. And I am not planning to leave anytime soon.' NOW READ: WATCH: Elephant chases away police at Kruger Park
