Scorpius - The Great Scorpion
Scorpius’s mythology is directly associated with Orion. Orion was a mighty hunter but lacked respect for nature. Gaia, goddess of nature,...
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maxinesmith09
- Jul 6, 2020
- 2 min
Virgo - The Goddess of Agriculture
History & Mythology In terms of area, Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky after Hydra. Virgo is often seen as...
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maxinesmith09
- May 26, 2020
- 2 min
Constellation of the Month - Crux, The Southern Cross
History Crux, also known as the Southern Cross is probably the most recognisable constellation in the southern skies. Due to its...
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Maxine Smith
- May 19, 2020
- 2 min
The Nile Crocodile
If 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...
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Maxine Smith
- May 12, 2020
- 1 min
Knobthorns - Surprisingly Interesting Trees
Often 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...
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Maxine Smith
- May 5, 2020
- 2 min
Hornbills!
The Southern Yellow-billed and the Southern Red-billed Hornbills are bird commonly seen in the Lowveld and often overlooked on a Safari....
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Maxine Smith
- Apr 28, 2020
- 2 min
Cancer - Constellation of the Month
With South Africa's national lockdown still in effect, why not use the time to learn more about the dazzling constellations overhead!...
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Maxine Smith
- Apr 21, 2020
- 1 min
Genets
Genets are small carnivorous mammals closest related to Civets. They resemble small cats but have much shorter legs. Genets are mainly...
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Maxine Smith
- Apr 14, 2020
- 2 min
African Bullfrog
African Bullfrogs are the second largest frog in the world with males reaching lengths of over 20cm and weighing upwards of 1kg! They are...
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Maxine Smith
- Apr 7, 2020
- 2 min
The Leadwood Tree
The leadwood tree belongs to the Combretum family, one of the hardest woods in the Lowveld. It is named after lead due to it being...
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Maxine Smith
- Mar 31, 2020
- 1 min
The African Striped Skink
A common visitor to Nyumbani Estate is the African Striped Skink. We often see them scuttling around the deck, sunning themselves or if we'r
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maxinesmith09
- Mar 24, 2020
- 2 min
The African Monarch Butterfly
If you have been on a safari in Africa in summer, you have most likely seen the bright, orange, black and white butterflies flying...
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maxinesmith09
- Mar 19, 2020
- 3 min
Beauty or the Beast? – You decide
Friend or foe? Cute or ugly? Hunter or scavenger? So many safari visitors view the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) with a negative mind...
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Maxine Smith
- Feb 21, 2020
- 3 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...
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maxinesmith09
- Feb 14, 2020
- 3 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...
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maxinesmith09
- Feb 6, 2020
- 4 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...
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maxinesmith09
- Jan 31, 2020
- 2 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,...
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Maxine Smith
- Jun 9, 2019
- 4 min
Adventure, 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...
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maxinesmith09
- Feb 19, 2017
- 2 min
Game 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...
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Maxine Smith
- Dec 17, 2016
- 2 min
Don’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...
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