Xigiya - The Dancing Stick.: 2010

Friday, 14 May 2010

Lion encouter in a Toyota Tazz.

Not long ago, on a hot afternoon in the Kruger National Park, we got what we asked for - a close up encounter with a pride of Lions from eye-level in our Toyota Tazz. Check out the story on the Lawson's Birding and Wildlife Tours' Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lawsons-Birding-and-Wildlife-Tours/123200117691330?ref=ts

Xigiya - The Dancing Stick.

Avuxeni! (Hello!). So what's with this 'Xigiya' thing? Firstly, it's pronounced 'Shigiya', and is a stick, much like a walking stick, that is used in traditional Shangaan / Tsonga dancing rituals in the north-east of South Africa. It's something I learned while working with Shangaan trackers at various safari lodges, and it always put me in good standing with these proud people to learn something of their language and culture. So grab a stick, hold it vertically out in front of you, get someone to beat a drum, and dance!

The world-famous African pig story.

One of the best things about being a guide and spending a lot of time out in the African bush is that you are privy to the most amazing sights and scenes, things that most people will never even come close to experiencing. Over the years these build up to shape you and define you as a person. From the absolute magic of spending some time watching 10 playful lion cubs tackle, maul and pounce on each other to being witness to a life-or-death struggle, these are the foundation of a guide's life. For me the story of Samson the African Pig is the highlight of my time in the bush - so far. He's inspired me to not only tell his story as witnessed by us, but also to use my imagination to create the story of his entire life, from birth to death. Follow the lengthy link below the series of three pictures to learn about Samson, the world-famous African pig.