Mark Griffiths

Bush greetings to one and all, hope things are going well your ends.

I’m loving the autumn stars, always so bold, clear & bright at this time of year, Scorpio, visible from so early, sure confirmation the cold has set in.  Winter sunsets are awesome, even before the veld-fire haze sets in, the lingering colours just what-the-doctor-ordered. The bugs have moved on, the swarms at least, very few flies again.  At 1 stage we had gazillions, swallowed quite a few on the quad, but I’m happy they’re off the menu for now. SEE LINK FOR FULL CIRCULAR

Annual Levy Increases

Kindly note that the levy increase in from March 2017 will be 8.5% increase on last year's levy amounting to R 5097.00 per month per unit, excluding the new CSOS levy. However, the shortfall needs to be recovered over 9 months, hence the R5230.00 per month, per unit ,since we have already billed levies for the months of March, April and May.

The CSOS Levy, will be R40.00 per month per unit. See below for more information.

The security levy, is R776.00 per month, per unit ,which includes the shortfall catch up for April and May 2017.

Operational updates and projects

The most exciting project currently underway at Ntsiri is the resurrection of our staff village, which was slowly falling into disrepair. Mark and his team have been hard at work painting, fixing and tiling. Everything from plumbing to electrical issues are being resolved. The board is committed to this project and envisages that it will continue over a 2 to 3 year period.

Building Activities

Members wishing to apply for permission for a new building or for any alteration projects, need to fill in the required application forms. These must be duly signed and submitted to the Building Directors: Peter Smelting and Dave Joscelyne. A copy must also be forwarded to Mark Griffiths.

No outside building contractors will be allowed onto Ntsiri without filling in the appropriate building documents. Peter Smelting will happily provide the correct forms to members. He can be contacted via email on:

peter@cellchem.co.za

📱 mobile  083 2514564 / Office   011 8670777 

Roads and Humps

The board continues to try and find a solution to the maintainace of our roads whilst taking into consideration the aesthetics of our farm and member's game viewing pleasure. Various experts have been consulted and we are in the process of implementing their suggestions

Timbavati Access Road Regulations

Management of the Enkhulu Control Gate has asked us to remind our members again that the ARGYLE ROAD from the Control Gate is to be used for the sole purpose of reaching HIS/HER destination as indicated on the permit. It says: REMAIN IN THE VEHICLES AND ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN TRANSIT TO DESTINATION. The fine for being outside you vehicle is R1000 per person. Members are not permitted to game drive on this road and especially not to stop for refreshment breaks or use spot lights. Please see the attached Conditions of Entry and Indemnity that we sign every time we enter this boom.

Gas Compliance Certifcates

Gas CoC’s, we’re making headway, but there’s plenty more to do. Please check with either Dave, Mark or Malcolm Prangley where you stand with the latest gas compliance regulations. They will be able to assist you in advising as to how to become compliant. It’s in your own interest for insurance reasons, not to mention personal and  belonging's safety. Please members, be proactive on this one.

Member's Facilities

Our new picnic facility, aptly called Marula, is fully functional and ready to be enjoyed. This site overlooks recently thinned areas of the game corridor and thus provides some excellent game viewing opportunities as well as unforgettable sunsets. We hope that members use, look after and enjoy this spot!

Elephant Visits

We’ve had abnormal elly interest shown towards white vehicles in particular, on Ntsiri over the last month or so.   Please take some extra effort to park your vehicles under cover at the main parking area.  It is worth mentioning, all the vehicles rubbed-the-wrong-way were free-standing in the open, none were under a car-port, so watch for parking vehicles out-there.

Malaria Outbreak

The recent dry spell followed by a short extremely wet period and warm temperatures appears to have given rise to a mosquito explosion. There has been one confirmed case of Malaria contracted on Ntsiri in April and Ingwelala has reported no less than 8 cases. Members have been notified via our SMS system to be vigilant and to seek medical advice before visiting the farm in the next few months. To see more information on Malaria please use the READ MORE button.

In Bloom - Mark Griffiths

As we head into the cooler months, the flowers of Kudu lilies (Pachypodium), Aloes, flax (Abutilon) & other beauties start showing themselves, just love them.  Look out for the big shows of Kudu lilies at the Milk Quartz picnic spot on Ntsheli, at the junction of Jackie’s Road & Olifants View, spectacular, also my first sighting of Wild Ginger (Tetradenia) in that locale.

Pest Control Services

There are various pest control services offered to N'tsiri Reserve owners. The companies offer fumigation, bat proofing, malaria vector control and termite control. Please ask Mark for advice or recommendations. There are a few companies that have provided good services in the past and their full list of services is available at the office.

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

We have been very blessed with excellent African Wild Dog sightings in the past few months. We have a large pack that frequents Ntsiri. These active creatures have kept members entertained during the early mornings and late afternoons.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The dry conditions of late have done wonders for our leopard sightings which have become "The Norm" in the past few months. Overseas guests of #37 were treated to a suppertime visit of mating leopards in full view of their deck. This courting couple then made their way up to #5 and continued their display of affection at 6am in the morning. We are reminded that these beautiful creatures are very much around our bungalows and we need to keep eyes open at all times.

Rhino Updates

Some grim news. The threat of rhino poaching in our area is likely to be on the increase. The intelligence officers predict a rise in insurgents once the Olifants & Blyde River flows drop as we enter the dry season. The war is not won, please don’t concede defeat either, it’s an on-going battle.

Please support rhino protection, which looks like it will become "Nature protection" soon, with the numbers of lion, pangolin, genets, blister beetles, aloes, elephant & rhino, I’m leaving out a long list! These all need our very serious conservation efforts.

Ground Hornbill Project

This picture of Southern Ground Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) was taken by Peter Anderson on the Ntsiri Plains in January 2017. The identity tag on the one bird is clearly visible. These birds are listed as uncommon and vulnerable. Due to conservation efforts in our area and breeding boxes stationed on the farm, they are becoming more frequently seen on Ntsiri.

Bush Thinning - Mark Griffiths

The main goal of bush thinning, is procuring biodiversity. This is necessary when certain species proliferate to the point that they cause an imbalance in the variety of grass species, which are essential to support secondary consumers. Bush encroachment, bush thickening or woody vegetation increase, call it what you like, is a phenomenon first noted & commented upon in the Lowveld, in the late 1890’s, by James Stephenson-Hamilton. After noticing the effects of the huge loss of herbivores after the Rinderpest epidemic, woodland savannah was changing into woodland.

Sharpe's Grysbok

These solitary and shy little antelope are mainly nocturnal. The females are larger than the males and have no horns. Amazingly, they are not dependant on water and thus thrive in the drier regions to the North of our farm. This picture was taken outside #R13.