Symbiosis is the act of any 2 (or more) different species living and interacting together, and the African bush has many, many examples of how this works.

For example, a red oxpecker and a kudu have a mutually symbiotic relationship – meaning that both parties get a mutual benefit / positive reaction the relationship. So how can a bird and a mammal have this ? Quite simply, the red oxpecker will land on the kudu, and eat the annoying ticks. The oxpecker has a highly tuned ‘danger alert’ system, and will fly away immediately as soon as it senses danger – thus alerting the kudu to also flee.

An elephant and a dung beetle have a commensalism symbiotic relationship. This means that one party benefits but the other part is totally unaffected by the relationship. In this case, the dung beetle feeds off the nourishment in the elephant’s dung … whereas the elephant doesn’t really care at all about what happens after he has passed the dung !

Finally, humans and mosquitos have a paracitic symbiotic relationship – which is when one party benefits and the other party suffers … I think you fully understand what I mean here !!

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal offer an incredible insight into the history of South Africa, and the best way to really appreciate this bloody and fiercely-fought history is to go on one of the mesmerising and theatrical tours of the key areas, which bring to life the incredible stories of events that happened only 100 years ago. No matter how uninterested you think you are in history, these tours will captivate and move you.

The Battle of Isandlwana saw a 20,000 strong Zulu army, armed only with spears and shields, wipe out a heavily armoured British Army contingent of 1,774 men on the morning of 22 January 1879.

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift started immediately after the British Army had been defeated at the Battle of Isandlwana, and continued into Thursday 23rd January. It is the story of when some 150 soldiers defended a supply station against approximately 4,000 Zulu warriors. Over 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders, along with a number of other decorations and honours.

Fugitives Drift Lodge in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields is one of the outstanding destinations in South Africa, and their highly recommended Battlefield tours include visits to both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. The tours will truly move you to tears and stay in your memory forever

For any singleton wanting to visit the Battlefields between now and 10th December, to experience one of these superb tours firsthand, there are no single supplements being charged for a stay here or the neighbouring Fugitives Drift Guest House.

Valid ONLY for a limited time from now until the end of September : Stay for 4 nights for the price of 3 at Four Rosmead Boutique Guest House in Cape Town. Breakfast is included.

Four Rosmead enjoys 360º views of the mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Table Bay and the city. It is within walking distance of the city as well as vibrant Kloof Street, which is well known for its restaurant and café culture.

Built in 1903, Four Rosmead is a classified provincial monument that has been sensitively and stylishly re-modeled. The result is a Cape contemporary classic with a rich history. Interiors are chic with a subtle yet distinctive African spirit.

Stay for 3 nights for the price of 2 at Constantia Uitsig in Cape Town. Breakfast and complimentary Estate wine on arrival is included.

Valid for travel between 1 September 2010 and 30 November 2010.

Beautiful vineyard walks and mountain hikes, horse-riding, mountain biking, splendid golf courses, spas and charming shopping venues are just some of the activities that guests can enjoy during their stay here.

Thinking of going to South Africa with the family over October half-term ?

For any family staying at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge, in the superb Big 5 Sabi Sand Game Reserve between now and the end of December 2010, one child will stay free of charge, providing they are sharing a room with their 2 parents or 2 adults.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which adjoins the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, offers possibly the best Big 5 game viewing opportunities to be found on the continent, and provide an unforgettable experience.

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo are all regular sightings, and there are no fences between the 70,000 hectare reserve and the neighbouring Kruger Park (which is approximately the same size as Wales), so the animals are free to roam unhindered wherever they please.

The land is privately owned, so the game viewing vehicles are not restricted to the road network and it is therefore possible for the experienced guides to follow the wildlife through the bush and to get extremely close to the animals.

Click here to enquire about this offer now.

More folklore for you to enjoy !

How the Elephant got his Tusks

The Warthog used to have beautiful long ivory tusks, but his friend, the Elephant, only had small, curling tusks. Elephant was extremely jealous of his friend’s tusks, and wanted the tusks for himself.

One day, Elephant saw Warthog out walking, and had an idea.

“Oh, Warthog,” said Elephant, “I have such a problem. I have been invited to a ball this evening, and I am worried that my little tusks will not be grand enough. Can I borrow your wonderful tusks just for tonight, and I will return them to you tomorrow morning?”

Of course, the trusting Warthog agreed to this, and the 2 swapped tusks.

However, when the next morning came, there was no sight of Elephant, and Warthog realised that he had been tricked.

Warthog rushed to find his other friend, the Pangolin. “Don’t worry,” said the Pangolin. “Now you have smaller tusks, you can live with me in my burrow and always feel safe.

And Elephant will be hunted for those tusks, and will never find a safe home to hide in again.”

And to this day, Warthogs still live safely in burrows away from predators, and the Elephant is still being hunted for his magnificent ivory tusks.

Originally called Baia Formosa, or Beautiful Bay, by the early Portuguese, Plettenberg Bay is home to some of the best beaches along the Garden Route. Set around a curving horseshoe bay, schools of playful dolphins and resident Orca and Bryde’s whales are often seen, and between July and December, the migratory Southern Right whales come to the bay to calf.

The small town is filled with restaurants, galleries, studios and interesting craft shops. With its exceptional climate, and beautiful view sites over the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for tourists interested in exploring, whale and dolphin watching or just relaxing.

Between now and the end of November, you can enjoy 7 nights for the price of 5 at Fairview House, a mere 10 minute drive from whale watching (in season) at Keurbooms beach, 10 minutes from Plettenberg Bay with its gorgeous Robberg Peninsular and spectacular golf courses, and 15 minutes from Natures Valley with its beautiful beach and forest walks.

The traditionally furnished Cape Dutch style house has 3 bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen forms part of an open plan sitting room. The deep covered veranda offers spectacular views. The upstairs bedrooms share a bathroom, making these ideal for a family.

The cottage also has 3 bedrooms, and an open plan kitchen and dining room, sitting room and TV room, and a small covered veranda.

Click here to enquire about staying here on this fantastic offer now.

Kensington Place, located at the foot of Table Mountain, in partnership with Samara Private Game Reserve, brings you a magical 7 night joint package for just R12,300 per person. Explore the chic city of Cape Town before travelling inland to the untouched elegance of The Great Karoo landscapes.

Rate quoted is for accommodation only, and excludes any flights, transfers or hire car.

Valid for travel from now until 15 December 2010.

Sun City is again hosting the Nedbank Golf Challenge this December, and it is also the 30th Anniversary of the prestigious golf tournament.

The 2 golf courses at Sun City will therefore be closed to guests during the event, which is taking place from 2-5 December 2010.

The Red Headed Weaver will deliberately make its nest look scruffy and as if the nest has been abandoned … purely to deter predators.