Have you ever wondered if hippos talk underwater; if ants talk at all, why elephant shrews tap dance, or why birds sing at dawn ? Join Derek Solomon on an exciting sound safari to find the answers.
Have you ever really listened to the bush? Using specialized sound equipment to eavesdrop on the wild you’ll be amazed at how much is going on out there! From the very audible lion roar, hyena whoop and hippo honk to the quieter elephant rumbles, bird calls, insect buzz, and even zebra pulling grass – it’s a veritable nature’s orchestra.
We are such visual beings that hearing is often an underused sense and listening has become a forgotten art, so exploring the world of sound really does add another dimension to enjoying nature and heightens our appreciation of the music of the wild.
Imagine sitting quietly, closing your eyes, and just listening to what mammals, birds, insects, and other animals have to say – that’s exactly what happens on a sound safari at Sausage Tree Safari Camp in the Balule Conservancy, a short distance from Hoedspruit.
Wildlife recordist and sound expert Derek Solomon is passionate about natural sound and has been recording for the past 25 years and his collection includes ants to elephants and everything in between.
“Specialized sound equipment is set up on the game drive vehicle with individual earphones to listen in to and interpret the sounds of the bush”.
He is hosting a series of sound safaris in the coming months. Join him at Sausage Tree Safari Camp in July for either a one or two-night stay to discover the world of sound for yourself.
Dates are the weekend of 3rd and 4th, Monday 12th and Wednesday 28th; or choose your own dates (minimum 4 and maximum 6 guests). At R3650 per person per night sharing, the cost includes accommodation, meals, and game drives.
The experience begins with a fascinating talk on how and why the big cats roar, birds sing, and insects chatter. Then moves onto infrasonic elephant rumbles and underwater conversations by hippo, fish, and others; as well as non-vocal sounds by mammals and birds.
Contact:
sounds@dereksolomon.com for more information and to book your spot.
