Africa Eco Ventures

17/09/2024

Our next leg in our adventure was to visit Kosi Bay and the Northern gateway to Ismangaliso Park, skirting the Kosi Lakes and making our way to the gorgeous barefoot luxury of Kosi Forest Lodge an Isibindi Africa Lodges . Always brilliant hospitality and passionate staff. Highly recommended 👌

The Kosi Bay system is one of the most beautiful and pristine lake systems on the African coast which form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

09/09/2024

Lets get this planned for you !! 🌟
🐘 🦁 🦒 🐃

As South Africa's largest wildlife reserve, Kruger National Park spans nearly 2 million hectares of untouched wilderness and wildlife land, offering a unique haven for the Big Five and an impressive diversity of large mammals, unmatched by other African game reserves.

For professional assistance with travel ideas, logistics, and planning an extraordinary safari experience in Southern Africa, contact Haley Dahl, owner of Africa Eco Ventures.
📸 of my recent trip
www.africaecoventures.com
[email protected]

04/09/2024

When planning an African trip be aware of who you are planning and working with.
Accreditations reviews and experience are super-important for a safe and ethical experience.

We are proudly supportive of Africa Wild Trails - Ventures, Field Studies, Expeditions a UK based school and college African outreach, wildlife and humanitarian, personal growth group travels.... Making a real difference, for decades and more...

AWT has complies with the highest British standards for international group ventures, expeditions, and research: LOtC, BS8848, DofE, EPA

31/08/2024

The last month has been busy as it's Safari Season!.. 🐆 🦁. What an amazing time it's been linking up guests to conservation initiatives and off-the-beaten tracks destinations.

Before I head off to Kruger Park this next week, I am spending time reflecting and in gratitude. We have met some amazing and passionate people, guides and conservationists along the way while enjoying some self-guiding, self-exploration and adventures.

We have enjoyed some incredible wild spaces campsites and lodges offering safe and affordable options for all to enjoy.

It's always about the people... and here is to Calvin In The Wild from Sungulwane Private Game Lodge ... a more passionate knowledgeable guide is hard to find. The lodge is personable and small, and feels like family. Definitely recommended!
Zuka Game Reserve on which you find Sungulwane Lodge is part of the very successful Phinda greater reserves having dropped fences for wildlife to have more space..( forgot to mention their brilliant underground hide with its well stocked bar) 😜
Pics( all amateur).. taken at Sungulwane Zuka Game Reserve...

31/08/2024

My lovely guests John Marion Fisher have just had the sighting of a lifetime.. and my bucket list tick for sure ... Pangolin in Kruger Park !
The world's most trafficked animal it's just hard to fathom the greed and superstitions of mankind.

Their meat is considered a delicacy and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine and folk remedies. All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws. But there is still growing international illegal trade in pangolins.

27/08/2024

Travel is not just about leisure, it is an invaluable education that fosters appreciation for the world’s natural wonders, various cultures, and the diversity of people.
It enriches our understanding and encourages an open-minded and compassionate ongoing education that is important for our children.
When we plant the seeds early they get the opportunity to be watered many times over... 🍂

26/08/2024

We have been privileged hosting Sue Tidwell Coyle from the USA an award winning author on her first visit to South Africa !

Sue is author to the book 'Cries of thr Savannah'... a insightful read into a personal journey of discovering Africa, its people amazing wildlife and the challenges of conservation to conserve and sustainably use our resources.

It was my pleasure to take Sue around our glorious province of KZN/Zululand for two weeks, and staying at properties/destinations of mixed interest for bush and beach safari-goers that come to Africa. We supported those that support habitat, wildlife and community endeavours.
We had fun and adventure, drove 4x4 deep sand tracks in very remote areas, did some wild camping in Tembe Elephant Park as well as some gorgeous well-appointed properties within Big 5 Game Reserves.

I know Sue loved the mix and variety on offer here, and I know we have left as friends having had the most amazing two weeks together around campfires beholden gorgeous sunsets under magnificent African skies. 💚

25/08/2024

As we all say.... Its about the people you meet along the way... and I feel privileged to have met The Safari Family at the Imfolozi Outrun this weekend, a Dad and his kids, dedicated to touching the lives of people as they travel through life's journeys bringing conservation, family bonds and traditions together in such a real and inspirational way.. 💚

21/08/2024

John Marion Fisher .We welcome you both you to South Africa 🇿🇦 Botswana 🇧🇼 and Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 ...

I am hopeful and sure your 3 weeks in Southern Africa will be all and more than what you dreamed it could be.
I am with you every step of the way... 🌟
Good bye Australia and welcome to Africa 💚

20/08/2024

Special ... enjoying nature with this pride for over an hour already...

The Mun-ya-Wana concessions consists of Phinda and other private and community owned concessions having dropped fences forming a 40 000 h piece of glorious habitat

17/08/2024

I am feeling blessed by the reception we were met with and the kind words of song and gratitude for a few soccer balls Sue has given to the children to play with. The little girls sometimes sidle in for hugs from us ladies it's so heart-warming ❤️
It's really great to share good vibes and foster good relationships, it goes further than a few balls it shows our hearts for one another. One Tribe one people, all there for each other.
This particular community school is in our farming area where we live in Eshowe Zululand.

15/08/2024

He walked over to us from being a distance away dusting himself off, got all sleepy near the vehicle as we held our breath 😅. Then he decided to walk in the front of the car. In no time did I feel it was safe to start the engine up and startle him. It was scary for sure. 🙏.

15/08/2024

Tembe Elephant Park is always a winner seeing so many large sized Elephant, a Tusker or two and just a bonus the lion strolls by.
This reserve, Honorary Officer group is in the process of opening up wild camping in a small camp for the many adventurers there are of us out there....

Please reach out to me with any questions regarding how to camp tent or be in these spaces as there is something for everyone to enjoy in our wild that's affordable.

15/08/2024

My lovely guest/friend/colleagues first cheetah sighting. It was special being with her as she saw these endangered specie for the first time.

14/08/2024

Due to some adventures I have been off-grid for a while exploring our gorgeous Elephant Coast, it's beaches and bush.

From wild camping with no running water or flushing loos in Tembe Elephant Park to the sand forests of Isimangaliso Wetland, National and Private Parks, stunning lodges. Some paddling on the Kosi Lakes swimming in the ocean to the most amazing wildlife sightings and destinations our gorgeous KZN/Zululand has to offer.
All mixed up with fun and banter, the sharing of passions and interests in wildlife and community conservation travel and adventure around campfires under African skies.

07/08/2024

An incredible sighting of a trap-door spider while on foot in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve with Nunu Jobe Ash Swords Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

05/08/2024

How do we choose our bush holiday destinations ?

One of my main objectives and passions is to source destinations for my guests that have a proven track history of conservation efforts and community endeavours.
We cannot separate people/communities from wildlife conservation, they are, we are all part of the eco-system and everything should be mutually beneficial to all.

Safari destinations that prioritise conservation and community and put time and energy into this are sometimes difficult to find, and for me part of the perfect combo is the right place and the right people running it, and at the right price are certainly one of my goal for Africa Eco Ventures .
To see as many people as possible be able to afford to see and experience these gems of rich wildlife flora and fauna spaces is a priority, so price matters.
We don't need to pay 5 star prices to see 5 star animals.

22/07/2024

Amazing and so inspirational to see young people introduced into nature conservation from an early age which plants seeds that get watered along the way.... and now we see the next generation of conservationists coming through...
Africa Wild Trails - Ventures, Field Studies, Expeditions have been doing this for decades and it's awesome seeing their footprint in Africa making such a difference...

In the heart of Derbyshire, England, a young 14 year old girl's fascination with nature sparked a journey that would lead her across continents to the wilds of Africa. At just 14 years old Becky applied for an expedition with her school, and found herself captivated by the allure of African wildlife...

16/07/2024

With only a 5hr drive from Johannesburg or 2hr from Polokwane, and an easy hop over the Border into Botswana, its the ideal safari location and well priced.

•From R2 300pp all-inclusive-meals and game drives/bush walks in exclusive-use bushcamp with 5 luxury chalets.
•Self catering options from R1 500pp per day inclusive of 2 game drives/ bushwalks.

🌟 Their conservation ethos and conservation-education focus makes them a firm favorite 💚

I am looking forward to going back to my favorite safari spot in Tuli Block, with its wildlife-rich encounters and healthy Ellie🐘 and cat 🦁 🐆 numbers.... to your own private waterhole, it ticks the box in so many ways, and is perfect for families and groups as well as solo travellers.

With its passionate owners and experienced Rangers, this makes for a great experience in unfenced wilderness with abundant wildlife.
Barefoot luxury for sure ✨️ 👌

There is something for everyone from walking in the bush with trained guides, tracking wildlife spoor like lion on foot, to hiking eagles cliff, superior game drives, bush lunches and sundowners.... or maybe try a night time sleep out under the African skies in a sky-bed....

Those seeking adventure and wildlife sightings at affordable rates, this is a treat!💚
email me for more details: [email protected]
Pvt message: Africa Eco Ventures
Haley Dahl

13/07/2024

💚 this

"The Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert talk about the two "hungers". There is the Great Hunger and there is the Little Hunger. The Little Hunger wants food for the belly; but the Great Hunger, the greatest hunger of all, is the hunger for meaning...
There is ultimately only one thing that makes human beings deeply and profoundly bitter, and that is to have thrust upon them a life without meaning.
There is nothing wrong in searching for happiness. But of far more comfort to the soul is something greater than happiness or unhappiness, and that is meaning. Because meaning transfigures all. Once what you are doing has for you meaning, it is irrelevant whether you're happy or unhappy. You are content - you are not alone in your Spirit - you belong."
Laurens van der Post
📸 kelly Mc Cartan Temple

08/07/2024

Myself and therefore my conservation-inspired travel company, Africa Eco Ventures is passionate about conservation and the sustainbility of wildlife conservation-tourism in the future. We know the key lies in our youth, the future conservationists, with their fresh ideas and open minds.

At a young age the importance of the outdoors and learning about nature and our natural world plants seeds that grow into the passionate youngsters we see coming through and making a real difference in the world we live.

Below is a brilliant read and the opportunity for young people and groups to have this bush and outdoor experience themselves in a secure and professional environment.
Email enquiries for local or international groups: [email protected]
Haley Dahl
Or contact: [email protected] directly.

16/06/2024

As a passionate conservationist wanting to promote educational experiences while travelling Africa, I find the balance between idealistic and pragmatic a complex one...but what should always be uppermost is the welfare of animals.

Having had an interesting journey in the last few weeks in Europe we were just about to cross the border into Germany from Denmark and I see a 'Safari Park' advertised, and with African Wildlife in it. A quick Google and it was not a zoo ( that would have been a quick no), but large fenced areas in a grassy/forrested environment with a story to tell, so I thought to take a look and try appease my head and heart.

What I saw were Elephant and White Rhino from Africa, Arctic Fox Bison and other exotic animals, and all in all, a hollow feeling how humans have been the hand in these amusement centres or needed sanctuaries. The animals were all well fed and relaxed, the lion rescued from the Ukraine and the elephant from European circuses, so animal welfare issues here were good.

Being pragmatic let's believe from these ambassador species being the draw-card for mankinds amusement/Safari Parks spring forth an awareness in people to do better, protect their herds and prides and ring a bell in many hearts to be the change going forwards..

Our youth are our future and we desperately need them to make better decisions than we did for our wildlife and all of our natural world. Without these 'examples' or real immersive wildlife experiences, the good and the bad we can battle to grasp it.

Its all about awareness and realising we can all make a difference....

14/06/2024

With only a 5hr drive from Johannesburg or 2hr from Polokwane, and an easy hop over the Border into Botswana, its the ideal safari location and well priced.

•R2 300pp all-inclusive-meals and game drives/bush walks in exclusive-use bushcamp with 5 luxury chalets.
•Self catering options from R1 500pp per day inclusive of 2 game drives/ bushwalks.

I am looking forward to going back to my favorite safari spot in Tuli Block, with its wildlife-rich encounters and healthy Ellie🐘 and cat 🦁 🐆 numbers.... to your own private waterhole, it ticks the box in so many ways, and is perfect for families and groups as well as solo travellers.

With its passionate owners and experienced Rangers, this makes for a great experience in unfenced wilderness with abundant wildlife.
Barefoot luxury for sure ✨️ 👌

There is something for everyone from walking in the bush with trained guides, tracking wildlife spoor like lion on foot, to hiking eagles cliff, superior game drives, bush lunches and sundowners.... or maybe try a night time sleep out under the African skies in a sky-bed....

Those seeking adventure and wildlife sightings at affordable rates, this is a treat!💚
email me for more details: [email protected]
Pvt message: Africa Eco Ventures
Haley Dahl
.

09/06/2024

I am on a 'game-drive', and not on a bush wildlife safari but a Arctic Wildlife safari today !
It's all the same, from expectations and wishes, one cannot dictate, nature is not a zoo and the main prize is being in it, immersing oneself, taking and giving what you can.

I have found myself 'lucky' to be on my 2nd boat trip around the glaciers and mountains today, as a 'consolation prize' for logistical issue yesterday from the boat company...

Yesterday's small boat trip took us through the nooks and crannies closer to the glaciers and today's boat is a lot bigger so I have joined the 'mass commercial stuff'.. ( the stuff i dislike..😳 .... and I am still grateful for the opportunity to be here and on my own appreciating nature and it's beauty ✨️ ( and obviously hopeful to see wildlife, but it's on their terms...)
Pre-departure pics... and more to follow as we go along... 🐻 🐺

Nature and what it offers to us, is in our back garden, in the valley and mountain around you. One needs to connect into it without feeling you need to be on a safari experience only, to be in a authentic space. ✨️ 💚

06/06/2024

I have not been posting much lately because I am on the road in Europe on a month's odyssey from Norway to France. This is different to Africa, wildlife conservation and Safaris but special and unique in its own way.

Currently we are in Norway and days in a series 1 1958 landrover are noisy and bumpy 😄, some days it rains inside the car onto my lap and is freezing cold, the next day its a warm day and the floorboards are so hot I cannot keep my feet there so I prop them onto the dashboard ....( I do get some side-ways looks from my husband) 😉...so needless to say my laptop and phone have not been my companion... But I am keeping in touch with all who are enquiring about adventure, travel, conservation or queries.... and of course my current guests.

I have had much time to think and reflect as we trundle along eating up 400km a day of gorgeous scenery, being in new lands and absorbing different cultures and trends..and one thing that struck me the most is that there is no 'one place' as my biaised opinion has always been that you cannot beat Africa.. 😃
Each space and corner has its own beauty and charm, and it's understandable the 'addicted to travel' is a real thing! 😄

Although all travel is expensive, there are ways to enjoy the experience without having to go high-end if its not within your budget. The road less travelled is applicable to all countries and we are finding really comfortable accommodation and last-minute reservations ( we can't pre-book, and we make it up as we go along as we have to nurse an old landy ).. but so far have paid not more than ZAR 700 pp per night and this is in Scandinavia ... we still to get to the rooftop camping part and that will be part of the European leg... Germany to France...

Being a big bread-loving fan, the cheeses and cold meats, boiled eggs, cheese and tomato sandwiches do it for me... while the Norwegian Salmon is well priced/healthiest proteins, so of course I try cook it most nights.. 😉...(with peas and mashed potato it is the nicest) 😃..

So this is a little slice into my whereabouts lately, and a little encouragement to take the trip, plan the holiday/Safari, or any adventure and go get out there and enjoy nature in its many forms!

I will post a few pics from my last few days where we ventured to the top of the world, Nordkapp or Northern Cape, a bucket-list destination as we have the Southern tip in South Africa....

We are heading to Svalbaard ( last inhabited towns before the North Pole), tomorrow for 3 nights, hoping to see Arctic Wildlife, Polar Bears Puffins and Walrus? Nature is not a zoo, and to see anything in its natural environment is just a blessing and not a given. 💚...

Stay in touch friends and let's allow our natural world to feed and nourish us ❤️.

31/05/2024

In our fast-paced modern world we can lose perspective on life, as urbanisation has over-taken our natural instincts in the wild, human-kind survival skills are lost... and through all of this many still have a natural and deep yearning to be 're-wilded' and taken back to the basics, the roots from where we all come...
There are still ways and means to reconnect, and this is a great read!

In the heart of Africa's untamed landscapes lies a transformative journey waiting to be embarked on by those who choose to journey with us and raise the dust in these far away places. Beyond the surface thrill of encountering magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, this immersive experience....

25/05/2024

🌍 Africa is our heart and core of what we do, but it's also important if we are able and presented with an opportunity, visiting other lands, people's groups and cultures which leads to better understanding, appreciation and more tolerance of all our differences and values.

I will be away for month, in Europe 🇪🇺 enjoying its space, but still in the office daily( so no panicking those on trips or about to embark 💙 💜). I am with you.

Let's keep planning those trips and experiences that empower conservation, people, places, all our natural world, and the wilderness which supports wildlife 🌟 🐘 👣

I will be doing a few posts logging our travels, so please stay in touch.......