Wildlife Estate Diaries

Introduction

• Living in a wildlife estate is an extraordinary experience.
• The series aims to showcase the daily life and experiences in the wildlife estate.

Location

• Estate: Hood Sprayed Wildlife Estate.
• Borders: Greater Krueger National Park.
• Size: Approximately 600 hectares.

Wildlife in the Estate

• Common sightings of wildlife around the estate.
• Smaller and larger species reside permanently within the estate.

Natural Features

• Water Holes: Heron Dam, Hop Dam, and Fish Eagle Dam.
• Green Belt: Over half of the estate, natural bushveld, sustenance, and shelter for animals.
• Facilities: Network of gravel roads, hides for photography, single tracks for running, cycling, and bushwalking.

Human-Wildlife Interaction

• Suburb feel with tarmac roads connecting houses.
• Animals move freely between green belts and housing areas.
• Occasional conflict such as snakes capturing squirrels or leopards preying on dogs.

Monitoring Wildlife

• Use of trail cameras to capture animal activity in different locations:
  • Heron Dam inlet.
  • Tree near Western tip.
  • Termite mound in the center.
  • Game trail near Fish Eagle Dam.
  • Termite mound along a busy game trail.
• Goal: Monitor the whole green belt and fence line.

Community Involvement

• Sponsorship: Opportunity to sponsor a trail camera and choose its location.
• Featured Property: Africa House (6-sleeper lodge) located near Hop Dam.
  • Features: Fully equipped modern amenities, off-grid, close to town, available for booking.

Future Plans

• Upcoming episodes: Sharing trail camera highlights, specific activities (e.g., finding rare animals, bird identification).
• Audience engagement: Comments and suggestions for the series.
• Support via Patreon: Small monthly donations for rewards and video mentions.

Conclusion

• Episode 1 recap and anticipation for future episodes.