Bush Junkies safaris

22/05/2025

A visit to Lesotho would not be complete without stopping over at Malealea Lodge (www.malelealealodge.com). Nestled deep within the mountains the lodge offers a true Basotho experience with friendly and professional staff.
There are a lot of activities available, from horse riding, hiking and village tours. A minimum of two nights would be recommended as this is a place where you would just wish to unwind.
As you arrive at the summit of the Gates of Paradise pass and gaze down into the valley, you will be in awe of the stunning scenery and know that you are truly in Paradise.

09/05/2025

My heartfelt gratitude to those people who rescued the surviving vultures from the dreadful poisoning attack which occurred recently. Without those dedicated vets, wildlife officials and other wildlife organizations this would have been an even more tragic experience.
Wildlife poaching is a scourge throughout the world and we must all be vigilant in trying to prevent anymore such like events from occurring.

Eighty-four vultures were rescued after a mass poisoning event in Kruger National Park, where 123 vultures, all endangered species, died.

07/05/2025

Thanks to the staff of Bon Hotel Bloemfontein and Hobbit Boutique hotel for allowing me to show you a few attractions of Bloemfontein. My gratitude also goes out to Pulane of the First Raadsaal musuem and Annelien and Abel of the Old Government building for being such wonderful guides. My next city educational is on the 28th May, hope to see you then.

30/04/2025

As we celebrate Worker’s day on the 1st May I would like to express my gratitude to every worker in the tourism and hospitality industry. These hard-working people, often behind the scenes, ensure that you are their number one guest and make sure that all your requirements are met.
Whether you are in the housekeeping department, food and beverage, guiding, marketing, sales, accounting, maintenance and countless other departments. Thank you so much!

31/03/2025

South Africa is so diverse in its natural beauty; it’s beautiful people and fantastic attractions’ that people from all over the world just keep returning. I am so grateful that my client, who has done countless tours with Bush Junkies Safaris, has once again allowed me to show her this country I call home.
The tour started in my hometown of Bloemfontein where we visited Onze Rus, the homestead of the last president of the Orange Free State republic, we stepped back in time and discovered the city’s oldest building built in 1849 namely the First Council Chamber as well as exploring the Woman’s war memorial and Anglo Boer war museum.
The tour then continued to the diamond city of Kimberley where we explored battlefields and the interesting Solomon Plaatjies museum. Heading south we traversed through the open plains of the Free State province and arrived at the beautiful town of Graaf Reinette, a place steeped in history and character. Exploring the amazing Camdeboo National Park was indeed a highlight, the views are simply breathtaking, and the Karoo stretches beyond your imagination.
We ended the trip at Wilderness, a small town situated in the picturesque Garden Route. With the breathtaking Outeniqua mountains as backdrop and the deep blue Indian ocean on our front step we explored forests and mountains, had close encounters with elephants and wolves and explored the towns of Mossel Bay, George and Plettenberg Bay.
When you travel to this country you will discover why it has a magnetic attraction for so many people.

08/03/2025

I'm so looking forward to be back on the road to host a very special client who has done countless tours with me. This time we are discovering the hidden gems of Bloemfontein, exploring the battlefields around Kimberley and then off to the wide open plains of the Karoo (for me one of the most spectacular areas of South Africa). We then end this tour in the stunning Garden Route where we will discover all its many attractions.

22/02/2025

This morning I was privileged to have a game drive at Tiger Canyon situated in the southern Free State Province. It was magical and the ranger Greg is absolutely brilliant with a great empathy for the animals. I can recommend this magnificent reserve for those seeking intimate tiger encounters.

10/02/2025

Mpumalanga province situated in east of South Africa never fails to excite and captivate the senses. Exploring this region, you will discover mountains and canyons, rivers and waterfalls and African wildlife roaming freely in the bushveld. Mpumalanga is synonymous with great expectations; and you will not leave disappointed.
On this recent tour we first stayed at the Graskop Hotel, (www.graskophotel.co.za). We explored the Blyde River Canyon visiting the well-known sights of the Three Rondawels, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Gods Window. I can recommend that you visit the Graskop Gorge Lift Co (www.graskopgorgeliftcompany.co.za) and descend into the gorge and experience the serenity of the indigenous forest. For the adventurous you can experience the Big Swing or the zipline or else just do some retail therapy at the many gift shops.
We had close encounters with African elephants at the Elephant Whispers sanctuary (www.elephantwhispers.co.za) where you learn the behaviour and physiology of the world’s largest land animal.
We then travelled into the Lowveld and spent the last days of the tour in the African bushveld. Staying at Nottens Bush Camp (www.nottens.com) situated within the Sabie Sands Game reserve we experienced close encounters with magnificent wildlife. Our ranger Thomas and his tracker Best were excellent and allowed us to see a variety of animals, birds and reptiles. Nottens Bush Camp is an intimate lodge managed by professional staff and the food was delectable!
So, if your keen to experience the beauty of Mpumalanga and all what it has to offer, please give me a call.

23/01/2025

Situated a mere 25 km south of Bloemfontein stands the historical residence of President Marthinus Steyn, the last president of the Orange Free State. Onze Rust was purchased in 1897 as a country retreat for the president and his family.
Upon entering this grand building, you are immediately surrounded by historical memorabilia. Each room is covered with old photographs, bookshelves crammed with fascinating books and furniture reminiscent of bygone days.
It was during the Anglo Boer war (1899-1902) that this house played a role in the dramatic events that followed. Lord Roberts and General French had breakfast here before occupying Bloemfontein on the 13th March 1900. During the war Onze Rust was used as a remount depot for the Dublin Fusiliers.
The house is still owned by the Steyn family, Colin and his wife Jackie continue the legacy and offer guided tours of the residence. Other activities offered here are:
1) Star gazing.
2) Vintage rifle shooting
3) Braai (barbeque) and swimming in the old reservoir
Contact details
www.onzerust.co.za
Phone-+27 (0) 82 577 7323

11/12/2024

Today (11th December) commemorates the 125th anniversary of the battle of Magersfontein. The British forces led by Lord Methuen were attempting to relieve the besieged in Kimberley which had been under siege since the 14th October 1899. The battle was a victory for the Boer forces entrenched at the base of the Magersfontein hills, but heavy losses occurred on both sides. This defeat coupled with the defeat at Stormberg (10th December 1899) persuaded General Redvers Buller to launch an attack on Colenso on the 15th December in which his attempt to relieve the town of Ladysmith was thwarted. These three defeats were known in the British press as Black Week.
Away from the battlefield you can then enjoy the peace of the nearby Mokala National Park, a 32 445-ha paradise and home to many of South Africa’s endangered species. From the stunning dolerite hills to the Acacia dotted plains you will get the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife and a variety of bird species. The name Mokala is the Setswana name for the magnificent Camel Thorn tree, some of which are over 300 years old.
So next time you are in the Northern Cape do yourself a favour and experience these great attractions, you will not be disappointed.

10/12/2024

21/11/2024

Our garden has a stunning display of Agapanthus which brings beautiful summer colours as well as attracting a variety of insects. The light blue flowers form a perfect ball protruding at the end of long green stems. I have done some research on the internet and the botanical name (Agapanthus inapertus) alludes from the Greek word “agape”-love and “anthos” -flower, “inapertus” means closed, alluding to the tubular flowers.
Now this is a plant with a twist regarding its medicinal properties, though it is known to have many properties ranging from: treating ailments, promoting healthy pregnancies, bandaging, reducing fever, soothing feet, antimicrobial as well as anticancer. It yields a chalcone, isoliquiritigenin, which has been used in the treatment of cancer.
The twist though comes that agapanthus is poisonous and should not be consumed by humans and pets. All parts of the plant contain a toxin called saponin, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation. I would recommend that this plant is used purely as a decorative addition to your garden and leave the medicinal properties to those who have the knowledge!