Bayete Bush News
April 2009

1. Greetings from Bayete Zulu
2. Win a luxury holiday for two
3. A wise man once said
4. Ranger’s report
5. What’s hot in the master chef’s pot?
6. Finally…

Dear Bayetezulu Guest,

Unbelievable! Half-term has come and gone and there’s hardly time to draw breath before Easter is upon us! Easter fills us with hope, joy and warmth and is an ideal opportunity to get together with, family, friends and loved ones.

The month of April is time for those long weekends and quarterly holidays that we all live for, to keep the energy levels fuelled and the spirits high! This time of year allows us to enjoy a rejuvenating break away from the hustle and bustle. Its an idyllic time for a weekend retreat or a tranquil holiday to rejuvenate and enjoy the sounds of nature that soothes the soul.

Congratulations to Michelle Algeria for winning the March competition!

Win a two night stay at Bayete Zulu for two people including breakfast, dinner and a game drive by entering online at www.bayetezulu.co.za and following the competition link. Terms and conditions apply. The winner will be contacted telephonically and published in next month’s issue of A Bit of Bayete.

“A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.”
Unknown

By Ivor van Rooyen

KZN Wildlife's Honoury Officers Leopard Project

Easter this year has brought an end to an exciting project on the Bayete Zulu Reserve. We have been part of a Leopard Project in the area.

Leopards are rarely seen in the area of Northern KZN due to past persecution from farmers, hunters and poachers. With the increase in conservation areas like Bayete Zulu we have had an increase in the number of leopard sightings but we are still unsure as to how many leopards occur in the area.

The 1st census comprised of 10'000 ha in Zululand Rhino Reserve of which Bayete Zulu made up 2'300 ha in the South. During the test phases 7 leopards were individually identified, but as we continue to check photos taken during the actual census more individuals could still be identified.

On the 13th of January the Main census was started, which ran for 40 days in the South of Zululand Rhino Reserve and a following 40 days in the North.

The census is done over a short period of time in order for the statistics to work properly. The stats are essentially a computer programme that models approximate population density. Using the information that the census provides we are hoping to obtain an estimate of just over 1 leopard / 1'000 ha, which is that same number obtained as our neighboring reserve, Phinda.

The census, which uses cameras to take picture of animals as they walk past, has also taken pictures of Honey Badgers, Jackal, Spotted and Brown Hyena as well as a variety of other wildlife found in the reserve. It also gives us a very good idea of where our leopards can be found.

Hopefully with all the information we are gathering it will enable us to make leopard sightings not such a rare occasion in Northern KZN.

Easy Kiddies Biscuits for the Easter holidays

Ingredients: 1 cup sugar
¼ cup milk
3 cups of flour
170g margarine
1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

Method:
1) Dissolve sugar in milk over a low heat, just bringing to the boil
2) Rub margarine into sifted flour & bicarbonate soda
3) Mix milk mixture into flour mixture and kneed until mixed properly
4) Add food colouring (optional)
5) Roll dough out and cut into shapes
6) Bake at 180 degrees until golden brown

A pampering massage could be just what you need, our qualified masseur’s Holly hands will ease away every tense muscle, while aromatherapy treatments will add the scent of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation whilst enjoying 180 degree views of the game reserve.

In the modern life, it is probably our bodies, souls and minds that suffer most!

Don’t miss the next issue on “Health & Wellbeing” and the opening of the new spa at Bayete Zulu Game Lodge.

Until next time,
Bayete Zulu