Knights of the Round Desert Moon

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

A very warm thank you to Marion Siebrits, Rochez O'Gardy and Dean Harrison for their kindness!

Mountain-biking in the desert sounds like a crazy idea. But when done at night, in the luminosity of the full moon, it becomes a surrealistically pleasurable experience. The five-day Desert Knights Mountain-biking Tour takes place in the spectacular ruggedness of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Listen... What do you hear?

The elements have been trying to tell me something this past week. Actually it’s more like they’ve been shouting at the top of their voices from the highest peak for all to hear! I have been listening. And this is what I have heard…

Campsites along the water's edge

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

The Cederberg has several rock pools with silky water where you can cool off on a summer's day. Picture by Fran Siebrits.

Being mesmerised by the flames of the campfire under a star-filled sky is indeed special. But the night becomes magical when you add the trickling sound of a river or the reflection of the moon on a still dam.

Zebras and canines

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Picture by Romi Boom

Because of their vegetarian diet, zebras have no use for the killing-sharp canine teeth so essential to carnivores. These canines, however, are quite developed in male zebra … and quite useful too.

Campsites with the most privacy

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Cederberg Wilderness Area. Picture by Fran Siebrits

Camping alone in nature is a transcendental experience. It is so quiet without the crowds that one can hear the flap of a bird’s wing, the whispering of shy leaves and the silence-hugging landscape as it stretches awake in the early morning.

Everlasting Spring Celebrations in Cape Point

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]
 
This year’s spectacular displays of spring wild flowers have come and gone in many parts of the Cape and along the West Coast. But delicate petals of delightful colours are still showing off in Cape Point. 
 

Bokbaai vygies (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) Photograph by Fran Siebrits

Red-billed Oxpeckers Released in Mokala

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

After disappearing form the area for over half a century, the red-billed oxpecker has been introduced into Mokala National Park

Deceiving Daisies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

There is more to the dazzling beauty of spring daisies than one would have thought. Their main aim is to attract pollinators, and they have more than one way of going about this challenge … even if it boils down to being a little deceptive.

Trail Runner's Guide

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Southern Africa has an incredible diversity of natural landscapes, providing an abundance of beautiful terrain to explore and enjoy on foot. Trail runner and adventure photographer Jacques Marais has compiled the best trail running routes in and around South Africa in Trail Runner’s Guide.

Campsites with the best views

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012] 

Few things in life come close to watching a breathtaking sunset over endless hills while your potjie bubbles away happily at your side. Or enjoying a panorama of silence and eye-candy from the comfort of your fold-out chair. It’s not impossible to find camping destinations with such magnificent views, you just have to know where to find them.

Camping Traditions

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

The little camping customs adopted by each family or group of friends are what make camping trips so special.

Surviving the Cold

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]


During the winter months, temperatures drop to below freezing in some parts of South Africa. Us humans put on layers of clothing, hide indoors and keep warm next to the fireplace, but what do the animals do?

Who-oo-oo's out there? A closer look at owls

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Their large eyes, silencing presence and contented nature make them a symbol of wisdom for many people. But underneath this honourable facade lies the instinct of a merciless hunter. 

Get the most out of your winter game viewing

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]
 
School holidays are here! Many families are heading to the bush, especially to Kruger, for some game viewing excitement. There are no hard and fast rules on how to do it, but it never hurts reading a few guidelines on how to maximise your sightings this winter.

African Fish Eagle: Bird of the Year 2012

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by CapeNature, 2012]

Bird of the Year is one of several initiatives by BirdLife South Africa aiming to create awareness about birds, their habitat and conservation. A much loved king of the sky, it comes as no surprise that the mighty African fish eagle is Bird of the Year for 2012.

Fickle Feeders

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

The cluster disa, a Western Cape endemic, changes its flower colour according to the area in which it grows. This chameleon-like adaptation is all in an effort to fool the iconic mountain pride butterfly into visiting it.

African wild cats in Kruger National Park

An African wild cat (picture supplied by SANParks).

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wildlife Extra www.wildlifeextra.com and Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Kruger's wild cats are nocturnal and secretive, plus so perfectly camouflaged for the bush that you should count yourself lucky if you see one. A new research project is trying to determine what impact domesticated cats are having on their wild cousins.

5 Wild Tips: Beginner's guide to beach hiking

 [This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

The therapeutic sound of the waves, the gentle breeze on your skin and the salty smell tickling your nostrils … short strolls on the beach can easily turn into lengthy meditative walks. Follow our tips to get the most from a seaside saunter.

Charming Chappies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Chapman’s Peak, or Chappies as it is locally known, towers 593 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and is one of Cape Town’s best kept hiking secrets.

Find love at one of these romantic spots

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and Kate Collins, and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

We’ve got the right ideas when it comes to romantic inspiration; just have a look at our choice of dreamy destinations. Here are our suggestions for making the month of love one to share in the wild…

Copying Nature's Design

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Not only is nature fashionable in the variety of beauty it displays, but it is the leader in engineering and design too.

World Wetlands Day: 2 February

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012] 

Every year on the second of February ecologists, conservationists and nature lovers pay homage to the giant natural sponges that are so beneficial to our planet’s functioning. Find out why wetlands are such important places.

African Wild Cats in Kruger National Park

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Kruger’s wild cats are nocturnal and secretive, plus so perfectly camouflaged for the bush that you should count yourself lucky if you see one. A new research project is trying to determine what impact domesticated cats are having on their wild cousins.

Scandalously Sexy Bishops and Widows

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]
 
African widowbirds and bishops share an array of colourful feathers and lengthy tails – signals used to attract a mate.

Smelling Arousal

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Sight is normally responsible for stimulating sexual excitement in humans. But with certain fruit flies, it seems to be scent that acts as an aphrodisiac.