July 27, 2009

While at KNP we once again had the opportunity to see nature as it was intended. Crocs mingling with hippo; grazing impala; kudu, nyala, buck; herds of giraffe, zebra and elephant within feet of our vehicle. We even saw a black mamba, one of the most venomous and dangerous of snakes. Our final thrill was seeing a male lion lying sitting next to his fresh buffalo kill. Fi and Fliss, our hosts, have been a wealth of knowledge re: animals, bird, trees, KNP and SA history in general. From 6 am until the park gates close at 5:30 pm they took us down deserted dirt roads on game rides as the rest of us game spotted. Obviously no one left the vehicle since the danger was real and the horror stories of tourists leaving their vehicles were abundant. Monday is finally school day at Vhustshilo Mountain School...Yeah! More about that tomorrow. Pictures were too difficult to upload today...will try again tomorrow.

July 23, 2009

Just a few minutes before we leave for Kruger National Park, a 9 hour drive to our overnight accommodations. Wanted to thank all for your comments and encouragement. Your support is appreciated.

Leshiba - July 22, 2009

So sorry that we have been out of touch but we've spent our first few days at Leshiba Wilderness which lies in a hidden valley atop the Soutpansberg Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular bio-diverse environments. This wildlife sanctuary is special, offering a uniquely African experience with spectacular unspoiled views and dramatic wildlife. On day one a white rhino and her baby walked alongside our vehicle, a bit later we walked behind a family of 6 giraffe, and by the end of our brief stay sitings of impala, kudo, wildebeasts, wild boar and the hind quarter of a fleeing zebra continued to enthrall us.

Our walking guide wove us through natural paths and up rugged terrain pointing out ancient botanical medicinal plants as we made our way towards splendid rock art depicting shamans with antelope features. It's hard to spend time in the African bush and not be affected by it. We were grateful that we had no electricity to spoil the splendor of our surroundings. It is truly a unique experience to wake to a family of baboons peering in one's window then dashing off looking most annoyed at the intrusion.

Athough we've been here for a short time, we continue to be struck by the general kindness of the South African people, their ready smiles and their willingness to help. Even in this vast unspoiled wilderness we were able to experience the generosity of people who have little to give but are still willing to share. While at Leshiba we discovered and were offered an unused kiln and a 16 year old South African boy who is willing to teach a group of Venda women how to make glass beads from recycled bottles. The cooled beads will then be fashioned into necklaces. Hope for Limpopo is thrilled to be able to provide seed money to launch this initiative which will enable HIV positive women to maintain their ARV maintenance regimen.

Pleae check back in a few days when we'll once again be able to access internet.

Day 1

Arrived Johannesburg after 16 hour flight from Atlanta, GA. Struck by the brown terrain of winter. Early morning flight to Polokwane on a small 30 passenger plane was surprisingly efficient and smooth. Met in Polokwane by Fiona, friend and director of TVEP. As we traveled the 2 hours to Thathe Vando, Fiona & Felicity, another representative and host, briefed us on the local situation. Although TVEP and Vhutshilo Mountain School have made amazing progress, it is obvious that there is much more to be done. Women and children from areas north of the Limpopo River continue to pour into the region seeking refuge and aid. Information we are receiving is overwhelming. Today we will receive more specific information from the TVEP office re: the need for housing for homeless extended family.