Sponsors of the 2010 Toyota Enviro Outreach

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Hallo, my name is Buddy and I am your blogger


This is a long story, but I like stories. You see, ever since I became the Toyota top dog things changed. I mean, I changed things a bit. For the better of all concerned, of course. Not only am I the chief spokesperson... em... spokesdog for all of Toyota’s products (check me out on all the great TV ads), but when I heard about the Toyota Enviro Outreach, I knew this was it. I am very, very big on nature conservation and the environment.

Believe me, I wasn’t barking up the wrong tree, because those guys at head office started yelping with pleasure when I said I was taking over the blogging duties on the trip. I know what you’re thinking now: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Hey c’mon, did you look at me? Look again. Old dog, gmf...

But enough about me as I am really quite modest. We are all packed and ready to roll. Tomorrow morning the convoy is leaving South African Wildlife College (thanks for that lekker buffalo t-bone, Theresa) for the long awaiting trip. There are 10 Toyota’s and four Jurgens CI off-road trailers in tow and me, being the top dog riding up front in vehicle number one. Of course...

Every day I will be reporting back to you guys on this blog, telling you about what we’ve seen, done, taught and learnt. And please don’t be scared of me, I am a friendly dog. Man is a dog’s best friend, after all. What I mean is, please write back to me, we’d like to read what you think about what we are doing.

Unfortunately, because we will be travelling long hours and set up camp after dark often, we will not be able to respond to all comments. But I would like to read them all to the crew around the fire. While we listen to hyenas, jackals, lions and some other bush sounds. And eating braaivleis. While I watch these poor humans swatting mozzies...

Hey wait, enough for now, must get some shut eye. A dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do. Call time is four tomorrow morning. I’m so excited, I think I’ll count cats to try and fall asleep...

This is Buddy the blogger barking off.


PS. For more stories on the Toyota Enviro Outreach go to www.litnet.co.za. Click on the Toyota Enviro Outreach badge on the homepage.

It has to come from the heart

To make a mammoth task like the Toyota Enviro Outreach work, all involved have to believe in what they are doing. That is exactly why it is working. And we have a history to prove that. It is all about networking. Look at it as many people and organisations with big hearts taking hands to build a safety net.

First and foremost there is Toyota South Africa. Without the ten reliable vehicles (seven Hiluxes and three Fortuners) made available, this expedition would have remained an idea on paper. Lead the way is what they say and definitely what they prove to do. Africa’s roads are not for sissies, but Toyota tames them. And brings you back home.

However, a Toyota without wheels made for Africa will go nowhere slowly. It can’t run on rubbish, it needs the right rubber. Goodyear Wrangler is that kind of rubber. Not only do they have the technology (and the belief in what we do to supply their product to us) but they also put in a great effort to help make 4x4 riding responsible and environmentally friendly by supporting the Goodyear 4x4 Academy at Klipbokkop Mountain Resort.

We all know that a Toyota runs at 100%, but 4x4 Megaworld got into the game and technically enhanced the vehicles to ensure that we run at 110%. For instance, to ensure we have enough power from the vehicles Varta supplied the extra batteries and 4x4 Megaworld installed the dual battery systems.

Furthermore, a Toyota without any kit in it won’t do the trick. The vehicles themselves are not the problem; it is the poor people inside that need the support systems. From tents to lights to plugs to inverters and more. That’s where Campworld offered an open hand to ensure we are all happy campers.

Even though there is ample packing space on the back of a Hilux and in a Fortuner, with all the comfort goodies and essentials we would have had a potential loading problem. Until Campworld reached out again by supplying four Jurgens CI XT140 off-road trailers that make packing a pleasure.

Okay, we are looking good to get going, but Africa is big. And sometimes a single road split off into a few different ones. Getting lost is not part of the plan and to keep us on track, Garmin came to the party. It’s amazing what a Garmin GPS can show you via satellite.

Talking about satellites brings us to this blog you are reading right now. Internet is not the most common commodity in Africa. Introducing the Inmarsat Sabre 1 Wideye from MBV Satcom, enabling us to talk to the outside world.

An expedition like this cannot run on an empty stomach. Pioneer Foods helped in this department and although this project is a lot of hard work it is not work, work, work and never enjoying the African bush. And what is better than to sit at sundown in your camp, after a hard day’s driving, with a glass of wine? That’s where Swartland Wines made a difference, but really, a glass of white is no good at African bush temperature. Introducing National Luna that supplied the refrigerators to ensure a well-chilled sauvignon blanc while the sun sets. Or something else met eish, ja.

Thanks to all these great people we are ensured of the best chance to make the Toyota Enviro Outreach a great success. Talking about ensuring makes one think of insuring as well. This brings us to Cross Country, the real insurers you need when venturing into Africa. Because should you need them, you only give them your GPS coordinates from your Garmin and they will come to you. Wherever you are in Africa.

This is a message from the heart to all our sponsors.

From all of us on the Toyota Enviro Outreach.

Hakuna Matata.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Launch Pad: South African Wildlife College

SAWC, where it all begins. Gerhard making finishing touches.

Gwenet doing the same. The pleasure of packing.

Everything almost in the bag. The secret of Toyota's foothold in Africa.

From all corners of the country the outreach crew members are making their way to the starting point at the South African Wildlife College. We’d like to thank them for the privilege of preparing for this task using all their facilities. Last year we packed up without electricity in the bush. This year we have a full workshop, chalets, and great meals prepared by SAWC.

Radio communications are being installed in each vehicle and systematically the equipment is being selected and organised to allow us to travel long hours and, after reaching an overnight spot, to put up a whole village in half an hour that will cater for our creature comforts.

But it is not all just working. Last night we were treated to a unique Italian bush dinner (Kudu bolognaise) by Richard Sowry (Section Ranger at Kingfisherspruit in the KNP) and Theresa Sowry (executive manager: training at SAWC) in the KNP. What made it even more special is that, while we were enjoying our dinner, we were watching vultures and hyenas enjoying their dinner of underdone buffalo at a waterhole 20 metres away. It’s a tough life in Africa...

Back to work. Today the vehicles will be ready and tomorrow the rest of the crew will arrive. Then, the last, but most important member of the squad will make an entrance. Our most esteemed guest, Buddy.

Who is Buddy?

Watch this space!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Setting up GPS Equipment

A vital part of getting ready for the Toyota Enviro Outreach is making sure all the Garmin Sponsored GPS equipment are up to date with the latest Maps and firmware.

“Old Faithful”, Gerhard Groenewald’s Garmin 276c, will lead the way as it have never failed him!

Tracks of each day will be uploaded to be viewed in either Garmin Mapsource or Google Earth, thanks to accurate tracking by Garmin.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Packing for Pafuri

It is amazing what can be done. If you look at all the stuff standing and lying around at Klipbokkop mountain Resort in what seems to the untrained eye to be a mess, you can't believe this is all going into an expedition convoy of ten Toyota's and four Jurgens off-road trailers. Plus a crew of 22 people.

But we are getting there, because we are ready. Ready to reach out via Pafuri border post way up north in the Kruger National Park to nature friends in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Delegates

Richard Sowry

Richard Sowry has been attached to SANParks since 1997 and is currently stationed as a Section Ranger stationed at Kingfisherspruit. Richard holds an Honours degree in Wildlife Management He worked for CC Africa from 1995 to 1997 and as part of present responsibility is the overseeing of 2 concessions within the borders KNP, bringing with it extensive knowledge of the implementation of sustainable luxury Eco-Tourism products.




Theresa Sowry

Theresa Sowry is the Executive Manager for Training at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC), one of her major responsibilities is identifying the training needs within Conservation Areas across the SADC Region. This includes Field Ranger and Management orientated Training. The Peace Parks Foundation has adopted the SAWC as their official Training.










Bryan Havemann

Bryan is the National Director of Conservation for WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa). WESSA is a membership-based environmental organization that promotes public participation in caring for the Earth. Bryan also is the Chairman of the National Committee of the IUCN in South Africa and Regional Chairman of the (GRAA) Game Rangers Association in Kwa-Zulu Natal. He is a trustee and founder member of CAP (Climate Action Partnership) formed by the top environmental NGO’s in South Africa. Bryan sits on various steering committees including the Mondi Wetlands Programme, Forestry Stewardship Council National Working Group, National Elephant Research Programme and TRAFFIC (the wildlife trade monitoring network) of East and Southern Africa. He worked on a carnivore project and was a Wilderness Trails Ranger and Section Ranger in the Kruger National Park for a period covering 14 years. For over two years he was the general manager and head ranger for Jock Safari Lodge the first concession within the Kruger National Park and also worked as a ranger at Londolozi.

Stephen Midzi

Stephen Midzi is a Section Ranger in the Kruger National Park, based at Vlakteplaas Ranger Post in the northern region of the park. He started his carea as a safari guide in Hwange National Park back in 1998, thereafter he moved to Senuko Safari Lodge in the Save Valley Conservancy and then to Chilo/Mahenye lodges in the Gonarezhou National Park all of which are in Zimbabwe. He completed his Certificate and Diploma in natural resources management at the Southern African Wildlife College in South Africa and completed my B-Tech degree in nature conservation with Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. Currently he is busy with his Masters degree in nature conservation focusing on human lion conflicts along the western boundary of Kruger National Park north of the Letaba River. He has also been a field co-coordinator at SAWC, a day walk guide at Orpen rest camp in KNP and a Wilderness Trails Ranger based at Nyalaland Wilderness Trail in the far northern region of KNP. His main interests are in exploring the wild and understanding behavior and movement patterns of individual lion prides.

Jennifer Newenham

I have a National & Higher Diploma in Nature Conservation, and a B. Sc. Honours in Zoology. After studying in the Cape and doing some work in the Sabie Sands I started my formal Conservation career with Kangwane Parks as a conservator on Songimvelo Nature Reserve. I subsequently moved to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, based at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, when the reserve was still part of TPA (Transvaal Provincial Conservation Administration) but went through transformation to become the Mpumalanga Parks Board. At Blyde I was involved in a variety of disciplines: Environmental Education, Research and monitoring, Protected Area Management; Community Development and management of tourism facilities. I then spent over 3 years as the Section Manager at the Swadini component of Blyde Nature Reserve. At this stage apart from the normal reserve management tasks on the section, I became very involved with the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Initiative and was the main compiler of the application to UNESCO. After leaving MPB, I became a researcher on a Rhodes Univ. / WRC (Water Research Commission) Project: “Determining Monitoring Protocol for IFR’s” using the Luvuvhu and Sabie Rivers (inside and outside KNP) as pilot Rivers. Next I was working in Mozambique (San Sebastian Peninsula – promontory of Bazaruto Archipelago) as an onsite co-ordinator and field assistant for a GEF project. After returning to South Africa in 2003 I started my own Conservation Consultancy called Biovista, which involves, amongst other things, a significant amount of freelance work with the SAWC, and continued involvement with the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region.

Michelle van der Bank


Prof Michelle van der Bank is an Associate Professor and head of the Molecular Systematics Laboratory at the University of Johannesburg, Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology. Michelle was nominated as the Tree-BOL representative in Africa and is also part of the CBOL Plant Working Group. She received several prestigious grants and in 2006 was listed as one of the top 20 Women in Research in South Africa. Michelle has authored or co-authored more than 35 peer-review research publications. She works with acknowledge international and national authorities and institutes in the field of Plant DNA barcoding and Molecular Systematics. Her work on DNA barcoding of the flora of the Kruger National Park for conservation has received tremendous media and public attention.
Her academic career started in 1996 when she was appointed lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. Michelle set up the Molecular facility at the University in 2003. This lab quickly became a high-tech molecular facility at the forefront of DNA biodiversity research, which hosted many dozens of students and members of staff from within several departments at UJ and elsewhere. She has brought Molecular Systematics into the mainstream of student training at this university. In 2006 she has also established a DNA bank at UJ for plant material, already housing more than 3,000 DNA samples with valuable collections from the Kruger National Park, and specific collections for Combretaceae, Thymelaeaceae and Acacia from southern Africa.

Olivier Maurin

Olivier Maurin is a French citizen born in Geneva, Switzerland. He received his training in horticulture at Lullier, Geneva. In 2001 he accepted a position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew where he was involved in a molecular phylogenetic study on Coffea/Rubiaceae and a large-scale phylogeny of monocots. While at Kew he was involved in fieldwork in Cameroon and Madagascar. In 2005 he enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Johannesburg on Combretaceae. Olivier is managing the DNA barcoding project in the Kruger National Park and the TreeBOL Africa project. He conducted several field excursions collecting plants in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa and is also involved in training activities in DNA barcoding in Africa.