On a late-summer morning in the lowveld, you might spot a patch of delicate white flowers curling along sandy paths, almost like a string of tiny stars. Stop and look closely – this is the common string-of-stars, Heliotropium steudneri, a modest but fascinating plant that often goes unnoticed! The common string-of-stars is a perennial herb or subshrub, usually 60–100 cm tall. It’s woody at the base, with softly hairy stems and narrow, alternate leaves. Its signature feature i

This blog was written by Benjamin Loon, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student . Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience. All images accompanying this blog were captured by Benjamin. Cuckoo wasps are small, mostly solitary wasps best known for their bright metallic, iridescent body colours, which have earned many species the common name “jewel wasps”. However, the more widespread name “cuckoo wasp” comes from their unique

Red-billed oxpeckers are small, striking birds that are easy to spot on the backs of large herbivores across southern and eastern Africa. Their bright red bills and sharp yellow eyes make them stand out, but their importance goes far beyond their colourful appearance. These birds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of both wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit. Red-billed oxpeckers are famously associated with large mammals such as buffalo, giraffe, antelope, and

Birdwatching is one of those skills that becomes more rewarding the longer you do it. At first, all the fluttering wings and quick movements can feel overwhelming, but once you know what to look for, patterns start to appear. The GISS method is one of the best tools to help you get there. GISS stands for General Impression of Size and Shape. It’s a method used by guides, rangers, and birders around the world to identify birds quickly and confidently, even with only a short g