Maxine SmithAug 25, 20203 minScorpius - The Great ScorpionScorpius’s mythology is directly associated with Orion. Orion was a mighty hunter but lacked respect for nature. Gaia, goddess of nature,...
maxinesmith09Jul 6, 20202 minVirgo - The Goddess of AgricultureHistory & Mythology In terms of area, Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky after Hydra. Virgo is often seen as...
maxinesmith09May 26, 20202 minConstellation of the Month - Crux, The Southern CrossHistory Crux, also known as the Southern Cross is probably the most recognisable constellation in the southern skies. Due to its...
Maxine SmithMay 19, 20202 minThe Nile CrocodileIf you're lucky you may see some eyes or head poking out the water of a waterhole or even luckier if you catch one sunning itself on the...
Maxine SmithMay 12, 20201 minKnobthorns - Surprisingly Interesting TreesOften on a safari, we head out prepared to see animals like lions, elephants and giraffe. Seldom do we think about the lush bush that is...
Maxine SmithMay 5, 20202 minHornbills!The Southern Yellow-billed and the Southern Red-billed Hornbills are bird commonly seen in the Lowveld and often overlooked on a Safari....
Maxine SmithApr 28, 20202 minCancer - Constellation of the MonthWith South Africa's national lockdown still in effect, why not use the time to learn more about the dazzling constellations overhead!...
Maxine SmithApr 21, 20201 minGenetsGenets are small carnivorous mammals closest related to Civets. They resemble small cats but have much shorter legs. Genets are mainly...
Maxine SmithApr 14, 20202 minAfrican BullfrogAfrican Bullfrogs are the second largest frog in the world with males reaching lengths of over 20cm and weighing upwards of 1kg! They are...
Maxine SmithApr 7, 20202 minThe Leadwood TreeThe leadwood tree belongs to the Combretum family, one of the hardest woods in the Lowveld. It is named after lead due to it being...
Maxine SmithMar 31, 20201 minThe African Striped SkinkA common visitor to Nyumbani Estate is the African Striped Skink. We often see them scuttling around the deck, sunning themselves or if we'r
maxinesmith09Mar 24, 20202 minThe African Monarch ButterflyIf you have been on a safari in Africa in summer, you have most likely seen the bright, orange, black and white butterflies flying...
maxinesmith09Mar 19, 20203 minBeauty or the Beast? – You decideFriend or foe? Cute or ugly? Hunter or scavenger? So many safari visitors view the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) with a negative mind...
Maxine SmithFeb 21, 20203 min“A Blue Jewel in South Africa’s Conservation Crown”When creating and launching the Nyumbani Estate concept, it was paramount to all of us involved that we find somewhere really special to...
maxinesmith09Feb 14, 20203 min“The Birth of A King”Ask anyone coming on safari for the first time what they are waiting with baited breath to see … and almost without exception they will...
maxinesmith09Feb 6, 20204 min“The Night of the Pangolin”Undoubtedly, the highlight of most guests’ safari in Africa, is the sight of a wild African lion on the hunt, or a herd of elephants...
maxinesmith09Jan 31, 20202 min“Weaving Your Way into your Lady’s Heart”One of the great joys of my early morning summer forays around Nyumbani is stopping for coffee at one of my favourite dams. Generally,...
Maxine SmithJun 9, 20194 minAdventure, service, memories, that’s us!Our ethos is quite simple really, for us we always wanted to create somewhere our guests felt secure, positioned in a wonderful place...
maxinesmith09Feb 19, 20172 minGame Viewers – what actually goes on that vehicle for a game drive?It is surprising to know the level of thought and organisation that goes into making a game drive a comfortable, exciting and an...
Maxine SmithDec 17, 20162 minDon’t under estimate the pull of the Bush!If you would have asked me two years ago if I would like to go on a safari holiday, I would definitely have said no. I loved my sun...