Jan 30 2020
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The shy one was sighted – Thread-Fin Butterfly @ Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

Everybody who has ever snorkeled or dived and tried to take a video or pic of a butterfly fish knows how hard that can be. Its rare enough to actually find a butterfly fish, especially in rocky reef areas, where they usually live. We have only spotted the raccoon butterfly fish a hand full of times and even more rarely been able to capture it on camera. But this time instead of finding the more common raccoon butterfly fish, we spotted a new kind of Butterfly – The Thread-fin Butterfly fish. They might be a bit more of a common variety but this is the first one we have ever seen in Sodwana Bay’s Waters. They usually swim in pairs and like any other butterfly are very elusive and wary of everything. Research suggests that they usually swim in pairs and are monogamous (Stick to one partner), although they will choose a new partner in crime if one should die. Sounds like most humans… This one unfortunately did not have a partner, which would suggest it is either still to young or hasn’t chosen a life partner yet. Thread-fin’s can grow up to 23 cm(9in) long and lives in water depths of 1 – 35m (3-115ft) deep. Fun fact they also darken their colors and night. No-one knows why.

Jan 28 2020
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South Africa’s largest Province – Kwa-Zulu Natal @ Sibaya – Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

KwaZulu-Natal; also referred to as KZN and known as “the garden province;  is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu (“Place of the Zulu” in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast of the country, enjoying a long shoreline beside the Indian Ocean and sharing borders with three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg and its largest city is Durban. It is the second most populous province in South Africa, with slightly fewer residents than Gauteng. Two areas in KwaZulu-Natal have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

Mar 08 2016
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Hyena mauls camper

By Sodwana Bay

PJ Theron from Nelspruit was camping at Cape Vidal when he was bitten by a hyaena through an opening in his tent PHOTO: Supplied A HOLIDAYMAKER’S stay at Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park was cut short when he experienced a frightening encounter with a hyena. PJ Theron from Nelspruit was asleep on a stretcher in a small tent with the window flap open when a spotted hyena bit through the gauze and grabbed him in the face. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning and was immediately reported to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Cape Vidal Hospitality Manager. Theron was assisted by fellow campers before being taken to a hospital in Empangeni. En route to the Bhangazi (Cape Vidal) gate, he was met by the Eastern Shores Conservation Manager at about 3.30am. Once at hospital, Theron received treatment for cuts on his head and a broken nose. According to a statement from iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, a trap has been set for the hyena so it can be tested for rabies. ‘The public is reminded that iSimangaliso has dangerous game where negative animal encounters are possible, especially when animals are being fed by visitors or have access to garbage. ‘We ask visitors to be vigilant and report any incidents or observations to the park’s 24-hour emergency line (082 7977944),’ said iSimangaliso Media Officer, Siyabonga Mhlongo.