Big Tusker 'Duke' has died.

One of the oldest tuskers in the Kruger National Park (KNP), Duke, passed away on October 1, 2011 seemingly of old age.

The elephant was discovered lying on its side along Makambeni spruit near west of the S28 road, five kilometres from Crocodile Bridge Camp. Crocodile Bridge Section Ranger, Neels van Wyk became worried when he noticed that there was no movement from Duke's collar signal for a few days, went to investigate; only to find Duke's five day old carcass along the Makambeni stream.

"Although Duke was old, we are very saddened by this magnificent bull's passing as he was very popular and had avid followers who always asked about him. In the past few years, there had been enquiries as to whether Duke was still with us; so when news of his passing came through we assumed it was rumours doing the rounds again" said William Mabasa, HOD: Public Relations.

Duke had already lost both his tusks and in 2010 was fitted with a tracking collar in an effort to check up on him and track his whereabouts. He was estimated to have lived in the KNP bush for over 55 years. As is normal practice, the head, tusk remains and possibly skeletons would be recovered and then stored for possible display purposes.
Emerging tuskers are named after previous rangers and field rangers who have made notable contributions to conservation and the KNP.

Duke was named after the ranger, Thomas Duke who was based at Lower Sabie between 1903 and 1923. His home range was between Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camps but could also be seen roaming around Tshokwane and Metsi Metsi Trails Camp.
Though the Emerging Tuskers competition has been temporarily suspended, the KNP continues to add new tuskers to its ranks through photographic submissions of guests. Photographs and video material sent in by visitors are used to understand the habits and movements of tuskers in an attempt to learn more about them.

For more information on the tuskers, how and where to submit photos etc, please visit http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/elephants/ or enquire at the Elephant Museum in Letaba Rest Camp (013 735 6664).


Here in Balule we also have a Big Tusker, maybe a descendant of one of the magnificent 7? We name him Kambaku (Old big elephant). Have seen him often, a relaxed Big giant.

All the best from the clouded bush,

Corné van Dongen.

For sale: 7500 hectares in Big-5 Greater Kruger Park.

The property market is an ongoing business. Despite the global financial crisis this market is still on the go.

Recently the following came on the market:

All properties can be incorporated into Balule Big-5, Kruger Park, and made into a private Big-5 reserve, an exclusive property development with 130 stands, commercial lodges, or the ultimate Big-5 hunting farm.

Lodge 1: 16 normal beds existing, full title 1800 ha with rights for a 130 stand development and one lodge, R29 Million.

Lodge 2: 24 good beds  existing , full title  4900 ha with game. R49 million.

Lodge 3: 60 luxury beds existing , ''remaining lease'' for 28 years, 856 ha with full ownership of game, vehicles, tourism business, furniture.  price R27.190.000,  this property is on the Olifants river.

Total price R106.190.000.

With the Rand weakening this is a rare and interesting opportunity. To conserve nature one needs money, so please let me know if you want more information?

Best regards from the sunny Lowveld,

Corné van Dongen.

Hail storm in the bush!

A week ago we had an interesting phenonemon in the bush: hail! I remember last year we also had an hail storm and it is quit uncommon.

It started as a normal day, a bit humid and around 32 degrees (Celcius). The sky changed into a dark blue curtain and you could just feel something was about to happen.
Before I knew hail the size of tabletennis balls came flying down: bombarding the pool, lawns and veld. With danger of getting myself injured -and for your pleasure- I took some great pictures:

After a minute or 15 the hail switched to rain, and we got a total of 20 mm! Now, a week later the veld is already turning green.

When the rain passed away I went out and saw a beautiful rainbow over my boma:

From the rainbow nation,

Corné van Dongen.