“Bush Beat” - Story From the Heart of Africa

by: Andre Botha of Trans Africa Safaris, a Favorite South African Tour Company

Rhino Fight.

Every time one ventures into the bush, whether on foot, or in a vehicle, nature always has the knack of surprising even the most bush-wise of people.

One such example totally astounded myself and the guests on my land rover. After starting the afternoon safari slowly, all sitting back and enjoying the sights melt past us, we prepared to enjoy some well-earned sun down drinks in the bush. We watched how the afternoon turned from bright dazzling colours to golden yellows and coppery reds as the sun started to settle for the evening. We received an urgent call on the radio. It was Donovan, who said the we should make our way to where he was, some where on One Mpondo road (a road named after our dominant male rhino), as soon as possible. We did this in anticipation.

Fighting rinos Slowly, as we came around the bend in the road, we saw an extraordinary sight unveiled. Two dominant male rhinos, One Mpondo and a new male in his prime, stood head to head. This could only mean one thing, FIGHT, and fight they did. Each rhino stared intently at the other through their small beady eyes. Sizing the opponent up.

Not one of them wanted to give an inch. While trying to determine the strength of the other rhino, a mesmerizing ballet took place. Each rhino would approach the other and dance, kicking up puffs of dust, edging closer in ever-smaller circles. To see two huge prehistoric titans' dancing “Swan Lake”, was a rather funny sight and helped to lighten the mood somewhat before the inevitable clash to come.

The two giants, after sizing each other up, for what seemed like aeons, took a few uncertain steps apart and then clashed, like two steam trains careering into each other at full tilt. Dust and sand scattered all over, the two bulls clashed again and again. Bellowing and stabbing, each fighting for what he believed was rightfully his. In a flurry of movement, the younger bull managed to parry and stab. Imbedding his scimitar shaped horn in the old man's chest. Was this the end? For those of us privileged to see such an awesome display of power, it seemed like the Apocalypse, the end of the world, such was the immense force of the two-ton beasts clashing. Each male in turn pushed the other back winning some ground and then loosing it again. Up and down, round and round they spun. Not one was going to give up. These were his females and his territory. Eventually though, there is always only one victor, and nature - although cruel, always strives for the best. Survival of the fittest, a theme that has repeated it self for thousands of years did so again.

Slowly, but steadily the younger and the more mobile of the two males started asserting his dominance. The older One Mpondo, tired and wounded, started to stumble and back off. Step by painful step, as each retreat was made, the younger male gained in confidence and started to strut his new found stature.

As suddenly as it had begun, so it ended. With one final thrust the battle was over. The dust started to settle as the last of the sun's rays disappeared over the western horizon, One Mpondo turned and ran into the darkness.

We have since seen One Mpondo make an astounding comeback. After the battle the younger male marked territory on all of One Mpondo's turf. Two weeks later we saw One Mpondo limping slightly, but otherwise in good health, and low and behold he had a female with him, and he remarked all his territory!! So we have not seen the last of our resilient Rhino.

Taha'a Pearl Beach Resort

“It's a very special place. The Taha'a Pearl Beach Resort is a real gem. It's the closest to a five-star facility we visited and head and shoulders above the other Pearl Beach resorts we visited and heard about. It's very secluded, so there's not a lot to do outside of the resort, but Bora Bora is only 20 miles away. Taha'a would be a great first stop for honeymooners before moving on to Bora Bora, which was my favorite island.”

M.W., Jacksonville, FL