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| Sunday, 25 April 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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South African Safari by PREMASARA EPASINGHE South Africa is not only a land of riches. It is also a leading tourist destination. While I did the cricketing circuit in South Africa, in the company of veteran sports journalist, Elmo Rodrigopulle, cheer-leader N. Lionel and my son Bhagya, who was at that time an accountant in Botswana, I visited some of the important tourist sites, with some fellow Sri Lankan.
This included Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope. We had four days sans cricket. We travelled from Pretoria about 150 km. in Bhagya's car, to see another marvellous wildlife park. It is undoubtedly a fantastic and an unforgettable experience. Pilanesburg National Park is situated in North West Province, 50 km. North of Rustenburg, in an inactive volcano that is more than 1000 million year old. It is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Why is PNP so unique? Because, it is the result of one of the biggest ever game translocations since Noah's Ark. Over 6000 animals have been re-located to Pilanesberg since 1970. You name any animal, you can see them at Pilanesberg Park, sanctuary. There is a varying and fascinating combination of geology, landscape and rainfall which gives rise to different patterns of vegetation, wide open grass-land, steep hillslopes, rocky outcrops and thickly wooded gorges in Pilanesberg. There is a wide diversity of animal species of large mammals, 350 bird species, 65 reptile species and thousands of other interesting small animals in this sanctuary. My son Bhagya, booked out tickets for us to visit PNP. We stayed at Sun City Chalet, which is close to the Game Park. We arrived at the entrance at 5.30 a.m. and after inquiries made, the authorities informed us, they are unable to provide a Guide and a Tracker, as they are on strike. Believe it or not, Bhagya drove his vehicle, using the guide map given by the office of PNP. We travelled over 160 km. inside the Pilanesberg Park. It is very dangerous to get out of the car, except at fenced sites, picnic spots, hides, camps and lodges. We followed the rules to the letter. The climate was sunny but cool. The landscape and environment are soothing to the eye. We were very fortunate as we were able to see some of the animals lolling freely in their splendour and majesty on that day. We first spotted lions, playing around off the main road inside the jungle in a spot called Kukuma early morning. Proceeding about five to six kilometers at Bakgatta, we came across three large and majestic African flesh-eating animals of the cat family, with a yellowish coat and dare spots - Leopards, in a hillock, basking in the morning sun. After driving for about two hours, we alighted from the vehicle near K'gama. It is fenced sight, facing a natural stream. On the opposite side grassland, a dozen of Cheetahs were having a conference. Some were very busy, moving here and there. Most of the Africans believe, whoever who get an opportunity of seeing the 'Big-five,' Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Hippopotamus, Wild Board, are lucky ones. Fortunately, we saw them. Some of the other animals we came across are black and white Rhino, Zebra, Springbok, Buffalo in the grassland. Gemsbok in the hillslopes, Kudu and Giraffe in the woodland, Monkey, Antelope and Waterbuck I saw the biggest Crocodile, I have ever seen in my life, near the Mankwe river. A huge one, about 15 to 20 feet enjoying the sun on the river's bank. He is out of the ordinary. At Pilanesberg, all animals are protected. Here in PNP, we are their guests, in their home. They roam freely. Our duty is not to disturb them. The flora and fauna found here have a special significance. The shrubs and trees add colour to this majestic game park. Myth, magic and healing are all part of their local culture. A very common tree found here is the morula and marula tree. The old people with great wisdom believe, that to cut morula the marula tree in winter, will bring on storms. They use the tree to help cure colds, diarrhoea, dysentery and to make delicious jelly and beer. In short, Marula is like a natural restaurant for man and animals in Africa. Another tree, they say that has a magical power in PNP, is Mosetlha the Weeping Wattle. It is said that if one of a couple dies, the survivor must drink Wattle bark to cleanse the blood of the dead person. If both people die, they say "Baile-they are gone." Zulu people say that the tree - Makgalo the Buffalo thorn, a tree found in many places in the Pilanesberg Park, will wipe out a dead person's spirit and bury it. The tree is supposed to be used by the African tribes as a pain killer and also to treat infections, dysentery, lumbago and chest complaints and as a protection against lightening. There are hundreds of birds in this location. They add colour and variety to this picturesque game park. The birds seen mostly are Legodi the glossy starling and Letlekere the lilac breasted roller. Out of the big five, we saw the Elephants at about 4.30 p.m. when we were returning to our jungle chalet. They are huge, but, not so majestic as the elephants that we see in Sri Lanka. Pilanesberg is a unique area, where, after massive volcanic upheaval, a natural sanctuary was created within rings of mountains. For thousands of years animals, man and plants lived here relying on one another or fighting each other, for food, shelter and homes for their young. When we were in Johannesburg, we stayed with my cousin - Raja Ranasinghe. He took us to see the wild life in Laezonia Park. The Ranasinghe family helpful to all Sri Lankans visiting South Africa. They live in Pretoria - the capital of South Africa. The South African Safari, in addition to cricket was an unforgettable experience which memories will be remembered and treasured forever. If you go to South Africa, do not miss Sun City and Pilanesberg. If you miss them, you missed a lot. |
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