Matt Cowell Safaris

04/03/2024

I hope I managed to reply to all who sent me birthday wishes, but just in case I didn't, to say thank you all very much for your kind wishes and wishing you all a splendid and blessed Year this 2024.

30/03/2022

27/11/2021

Out there in the Bush - I have quickly learned how intentional life is. All these items we label as beautiful, lovely etc, why would be label them as such - where does the ability to recognise the fact come from, if we are simply some kind of emerging evolving organism? What then is love? Many have over the centuries tried to define it - but words do not carry the emotion or action adequately when we are overwhelmed by it. Why is it that the evolutionists give a mind to a creature that 'has evolved' when it takes a specific form, shape, colour and lifestyle - what is that mind behind all of this? Mother nature - what is that? If you're hooked on science how do you come up with this indefinable stuff? Surely that's not science, since it requires an invisible quality/force to define all of this - something you're incapable of defining? A force that forges life with unending designs and creativity - and yet you refuse to delve into that, and you deny God who is invisible and has all the unending qualities, creativity and power to provide life... This is surely stupidity when you deny the empirical evidence that is staring you in the face?
Our safaris are about the truth - and if you want more - join us out here in Africa.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

11/11/2021

Speedy Gonzalez - busy, busy, busy - a 'telecoprid' Dung beetle transporting its perfectly rolled piece of dung to an undisclosed spot for burial and for laying their precious eggs. There are a wide spectrum of scarab beetles in our region, Dung beetles only forming a part of that group. A telecoprid is a beetle so described as it rolls its dung ball away from the original ding pile from which it was collected. Other dung beetles bury their dung either under the dung pile (paracoprids - tunnelers) , while others lay their eggs right in the dung pile (ensocoprids - stayers). Fascinating insects and always of amusement as they busy themselves at this early rain season in our bushveld. Join me as we get up close and personal with our natural world.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

08/11/2021

Out in our Landy - down roads that hint at the less explored in prime Sand Forested parkland on the Mozambican border. We built our Landy as our adventure car - giving us the liberty to see a less explored Africa. While many have their negative views on the Land River's reliability - ours in 23 years has never let us down - and let me tell you, it's been some places. Here's looking forward to take you there. Here's to many more African adventures!
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

22/10/2021

Spending time @ Tembe Elephant Park - surrounded by my favourite trees; Pod Mahoganies! Stunning time of year here with Dung beetles hatching and buzzing about and rolling their dung balls down the sand tracks, flowers of every colour and kind. A special place indeed.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

02/10/2021

For some time now - a 'herd' of Cape Robin Chats has taken to infiltrating my house on a regular basis. It started with one very cautious character, who fled at our very presence and was sometimes caught against a glass window desperate to escape. As time has gone on, it seems this crafty curious family have all gotten the bug, and we now have at least 3 regularly coming to have a serious peruse of our estate. The kitchen mirror provides lots of opportunity to sing angrily (if Robin's can do that) at its own reflection, and to poo in or on every conceivable perch, which we're not sure indicates a delight to say "we love this place" or to indicate their distaste, of "there's not enough around to satisfy our whims.." kind of pooing.. Today carrot cake was popular, but didn't win over the spider in the corner web.. The whole house has now become open season to their ever curious inspection, with all the openings known for their rapid escape should they be suddenly surprised mid jaunt. Suffice to say - there is a delight in having such little characters come into our space without fear of reprisal - despite the "Oh no the Robin's cr@pped here again"..
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

24/08/2021

Legless - legless is the name I've given to a Burchell's Starling living in my old camp; Pungwe Safari Camp in the Manyeleti G Reserve. I don't know if Legless is a boy or girl, but a character 'he' is.. During the Lockdown months of last year, while staying in a quiet guest free camp, outside the kitchen I heard a persistent irregular scuffling and 'bonk' sound. I couldn't place it initially, but traced it to an upside down cast iron pot on a table. I was hesitant as to lift the pot, since what manner of creature could it be under there..? Slowly lifting it, there was this panicked, hot and nearly worn out bird. It didn't take long to fly to a safe distance from me, but I could clearly see how stressed the bird was. The mystery is how had this bird gotten under this heavy pot in the first place? In piecing things together, I realised that the pot had initially been positioned partly over the edge of the table, and the bird eager for a titbit, had snuk underneath. Soon after the panic to get out had begun, and in the numerous attempts to get away, the pot had gradually been forced onto the table closing the access for escape. My only conclusion was in the panic, 'his' leg had got caught between the pot and table at one point, and the leg was amputated in the panic. Legless is these days one leg less, but an ever present, healthy bird member of the camp, that seems to have adapted well to 'his' amputation, hopping about and still looking for any titbits on offer. This little 8 bed Bush camp; Pungwe, has many stories to tell over the last 33 years. Hopefully - in the days to come I will be recounting more of them..
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

10/08/2021

"The endless mopane". The Mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane) is a one my favourite trees. Often known as the butterfly tree, due to its butterfly shaped leaf, it grows only in Southern Africa, is a very resilient tree to drought, poor soil, high temperatures and water logging, and is an indicator of poor shallow soils. They often grow over vast areas, and seem to dominate the landscapes of regions where it's really hot and sticky. To some, the tree represents an endless monotany of greens, ochre reds and chestnut browns. I have learned that the Mopane is where both animals and humans benefit, it provides food, medicine, building materials, food making tools, binding rope, some of the best cooking firewood.. In early spring elephant congregate in the mopane to savour the new neon coloured leaves, in the dry months the bark has various alcaloids and proteins essential for their good health. Eland feed on mopane throughout the year. I have observed some birds carefully picking the concentrated sugary scale insects, and psylids off the leaves. Humans utilize this sturdy termite resistant wood for building homes, kraals and other supports and the hard pestle for grinding grain lasting up to 15 years. The plant is used for medicine, be it toothaches, chafe, headaches, sores, stomach aches, kidney stones, bleeding gums, diarrhea and various others. The trees seasonally attract a moth (Mopane moth - Imbrazia belina) which lays its eggs on the trees, the resulting caterpillars are an enormous food protein source for people, and the excrement of the moths when collected is used as a fine cattle fodder. Mopane is resilient, taking enormous punishment from the browsing animals that rely on it. Mopane is also home to a stingless mopani bee, (Plebeina hildebrandti), that produces a wax tube entranced nest with the sweetest honey. They can, on one of those hot sweaty days, be a real pest as they invade your facial orifices looking for moisture. So the next time you pass through the endless Mopane, remember what a wonderful tree this often bent and disfigured tree is to our region.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

01/07/2021

As someone who is both passionate about our astonishing Created world and about the people whom God has so lavishiously chosen to be His sons and daughters - I find it hard to be the self promotionialist that marketing seems to require these days. I was raised where being self-effacing was the standard, and where drawing attention to oneself or ones 'achievements' was unattractive, even ridiculed. Being a naturalist guide has on more recent times taken on more the form where being more knowledgeable about the Wild is seen as being the more skilled you are. I debate, that to be a good guide, that while long experience and knowledge are valuable, it is more important to be knowledgeable and concerned about people. Such a guide offers guests on safari, the possibility of learning so much more about Africa, but also to have a guide where hedonism is not his/her actual persuit, but rather where the guides genuine desire is to see that their guests are more roundly hosted during their stay. I have spent 35 years involved with the wild places of Africa, some as a wildlife manager, a consultant sometimes, as a crazy entrepreneur, but mostly as a guide. I acquire great joy from sharing in the experiences of my guests, telling stories of my own experiences, often including self ridicule of things that didn't always go to 'plan', where laughter, friendship along with solid dependability, and long acquired experience; all making up the crucial trademarks that accompany all my safaris.
Join me.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

02/06/2021

I'm out along the western boundary, near the Kruger National Park - I have always had a 'thing' for trees, and among my very favourite, are a group of Pod Mahogany trees. I've been visiting them on and off for the past 36 years - they are huge, old, knarled but full of character and they make my heart sing. Over the years there have been very few ocassions when I've managed to find the trees bearing their fresh pods and releasing their remarkable seeds; black seeds with little red hats. These seeds are used as ornamentation by various tribes people throughout South and Central Africa, and famous timber from this tree is all but endangered, due to its popularity as a furniture timber. On my safaris we take the time to study closer our natural world.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

30/05/2021

So here I am - in the Bush, and another Pangolin to greet me! Such elusive animals and I've been privileged to see two in two trips, and yet there are those who work in the bush and in 20 years have yet to see one. These now critically endangered animals are timid and shy - possibly their downfall with them being so agressively poached for their scales. We continue out here, developing our new video series - watch this space!
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

09/05/2021

They say girls/Mums like flowers. Out in the Bushveld there is a plethora of wonderful flowers, if one takes the trouble to look. This is a special day as we celebrate Mum's or Momzi, as my sons would say. To all the Momz out there, here's wishing you a special spoiling from your children, and too that they would celebrate all your love and nurturing in their lives!
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

02/02/2021

This dramatic African skyline, like so many we in Africa are privileged to enjoy. We journey through 12 different countries in Africa, each with its own unique sky, often overloading the senses. Join me when you next look to journey out to our beautiful continent.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

16/12/2020

Walking safaris - I've been very fortunate to be able to be asked to lead various walking safaris during this tourist starved period. Pungwe Safari Camp - what was my original safari camp in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, has been seeing various groups of local visitors. I still believe that no safari to Africa is complete without some exposure to walking in the wild places of Africa. Where guests to Africa are looking for authentic experiences in this extraordinary continent, I am happy to develop and lead safaris to suit their tastes.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

21/11/2020

It wasn't long ago that I was out in the Bush, and there arose a most glorious morning. The sun burning, as it climbed its way above the distant horizon, dispelling the darkness of the night before. My heart just sang with the joy of the moment, how beautiful, how glorious and how privileged I was to be here. As I pondered, I realised how darkness has no ability to s***f out light, and how that light brings clarity to everything. I am reminded of that part verse in the Bible in 1 John 1:5 "God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all". I have learned that with God's reigning light and truth in my life, just how much clarity He brings to my every waking moment about our world, and how in embracing Him and His truth, we are privileged to have His light dispel what appears to be a darkening world. There is so much darkness and hopelessness in so many lives, and yet, God lives and reigns in every living organism we see and hear, and He holds His Creation together, every atom with its forces is electronically held together for its good and ultimately our good. It's only man that goes in pursuit of dividing the atom to achieve its destructive purposes... Take heart people, especially you who work every day in the wild places of Africa and beyond - deep down you know there is this God of Creation, no matter how hard you suppress that truth. Recognise Him, acknowledge Him and the redemptive work that His son Jesus Christ has done for you and me. The Bush is nothing and meaningless without acknowledging its author, creator and sustainer - that's the truth.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

12/11/2020

Slowly, slowly - things here are begining to 'lighten up' with regards to the stringency of Covid laws, and particularly those surrounding tourism and travel. Our borders have been opened to international travellers again. While various countries are still subject to strict lockdown regulations, we wish to let you all know that we are ready to welcome you back to Africa - when you're ready and able. Our safaris and their destinations with myself as your private guide are available, and we will continue to update you of our remarkable destinations and the available options as time goes on.
Welcome back!
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

05/11/2020

The Eezi Harness for binoculars - with binoculars being an essential part of a Walking Guides tools, I have worn many pairs of binoculars around my neck, often causing great discomfort due to their narrow straps. I have over the last 15 years purchased local and international variations of harnesses available, and I've even made a few, but it wasn't until I came up with this concept that I finally found one that worked and comfortable in all situations, light, strong and easy to pack. The Eezi harness is able to be used in 4 different ways to suit every binocular user. This fully adjustable harness is made from strong flexible Rip Cord, with adjusters and clips made of the best materials. I have given them to guides and enthusiasts all over Southern & Central Africa, and they have all enjoyed them, with no failures reported after 4 years of use. My own original harness is still strong and used all the time out in the toughest conditions in the Bush. The Eezi Harness would make a great practical and inexpensive gift for someone you know who uses their binoculars, whether it be for birding, hunting or just leisure out in the field. They are affordable @ R150ea for Small - XLarge.
Contact me by email - [email protected] if you're keen on one or more. They come in a variety of colours; black, grey, brown, dark green, orange and red (as stocks last).
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

27/10/2020

Marriage - just the other day, my wife and I have been married for 33 years. When mentioning this in some places, I am sometimes met with gasps of wow's and various other such expressions. It really doesn't feel like it, and while some might view the years as an achievement, we don't see it that way, but rather the grace that has been afforded us along this remarkable journey. Living and sharing the life of another person is full of challenges, especially when you're married to someone like me.. The institution of marriage was instituted by no other than God himself. It is his idea, and no one else's. When you marry someone, while so many take on their own notion of what marriage is about and how to live it, we cannot depart from the essence of what God instituted as the rules; to do so is at your own peril. Love is mostly indefinable in its physical terms, but it is defined better in spiritual and practical terms - the Bible (God's instruction manual for life) says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Believe me, with our human nature, to love someone for life, or anyone else does not come naturally, it requires work and self sacrifice, where our selfish tendicies are frequently denied such that we can love another unselfishly as God loves us. There's the major ingredient - putting another's interests before your own. This sadly seems to fly in the face of the all too encouraged selfish world we live in today.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

20/10/2020

Out here in the Manyeleti as the days begin to warm, it's wonderful to note the changes, new flowers everywhere, the enormous variety in the shades of green, new bird calls challenging the mind. Frogs croak, creeeeek, buzzzzz, and bark in the evenings as the puddles remain after the early rains, all desperately trying to ensure that there are new generations to come before they dry out again. I hope that this place retains the integrity to which it has been entrusted, it has reached deeply into my soul these past 35 years.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

06/10/2020

As the thunder season approaches - I am more and more challenged these days to look up. We seem to wander about our world with our eyes held at only those gravity levels of what holds out attention here on earth, where the heavens present so many challenges to the many probabilities of what we're told about where we come from. As the aroma of the season approaches, I am mindful of a brilliant describer of the storms of Africa - Emily Dibb in her book 'Ivory, Apes and Peacocks'
"in those days before the rains, the sky was filled with clouds shapes that would have put the Himalayas to shame. Why, Everest itself was a mere molehill in comparison with these soaring sierras that stretched from horizon to horizon, huge masses of cloud shouldering thirty five thousand feet up into the heavens, their summits crisp and white like Olympian cauliflowers, their lower flanks grape-blue and shadowed with mysterious kloofs and ravines. At night the huge clouds used to growl and mutter with thunder, illuminating portions of the sky with nervous lightning as if a distant war was being waged with heavily artillery. Then one evening the wind would carry with it the sweet scent of wet earth, and we would all stand outside sniffing it luxuriously ". As we move around in Africa this season; take time to look up, witness the magnificence of a great storm before rushing indoors for shelter, remember to breathe, to breathe some of God's finest perfumery of our wet earth. Join me..
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

03/10/2020

Relationships - as someone who values relationships, its often quite disappointing to see how with the many intrusions/distractions offered, people in our world today, in my view, seem to have devalued the eagerness, investment and responsibility there is in keeping up relationships. The emphasis on 'me' has lead to a selfishness that is robbing people of the idea that they might need others, and in turn that others would need them; their hearts, their time, their patience and understanding. Instead life is about keeping up, staying in stride, staying ahead and ensuring that our own health, wealth and happiness is ensured, believing in ourselves etc. And yet, when I sit about the various fires out in the bushveld, I witness the sudden effect that this simple medium has on people, where the focus of the crackle, hiss and changes in the colours and intensity of the fire, where there is the unpressured space to have dialogue, to be heard, to be noticed.. For many the sudden empty space is foreign, so foreign they are often deeply affected, moved often to re-assess their lives. Such are the possibilities of a safari where things are simple, no electricity, no distractions - just each other and God's enormity in His Creation.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

27/09/2020

The simplicity of beauty - as I spend more time in the bush, I am noting more and more the simple beauty evident in everything. This little grove of Tamboti trees in the early morning light, leaves discarded from the previous season, red brown oxidised tannin filled leaves lying on the ground, contrasting against the new sprouting green leaves of the new season coming upon us. As a guide who spends time walking a lot, I am often lead to spend time with my guests, pondering life, its abundance, its Creator and the fact that often as guides we are tempted with our guests to pretend to know so much, about so much - and yet if we are truthful we haven't even begun to scratch the surface when it comes to what gives, sustains and holds all life together. I have discovered that to guide, it is important to maintain a sense of wonder and an honest humility about the environment that we are so privileged to guide our guests into.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

23/09/2020

Special day out in Manyeleti yesterday. For most the Pangolin is one creature in Africa that has eluded many. This little fella was spotted, and how wonderful they are, but also whilst having that heavy scaled defence, they are so vulnerable to just being picked up and taken away. Aparently, these days, one of the world's most illegally trafficked species. While I have been blessed to enjoy other sightings over the years, this was a rare moment, which I so enjoyed.
www.mattcowellsafaris.com

20/09/2020

Been guiding a walking safari out in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, using my old walking camp, Pungwe Bush Camp as my base. To work alongside my son, who is now it's camp manager, has been marvelous to say the least. Guests seemed to enjoy the walks and for me to be able to dig a little more into things for such interested and well travelled folks was a real delight too!
www.mattcowellsafaris.com