Wildlife Center of Virginia's
Southern African Wildlife Photo & Viewing Safaris
And The Story Behind Them

The Beginnings

In September, 2002, Ed Clark, the President of the WCV, was a speaker at a wildlife conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. While there, a Virginia Game Warden introduced Ed to Mr. Joe Viljoen, a South African who has created a large nature reserve there. Ed spent 3 incredible days at 'Chazen', Joe's nature reserve and lodge. As a result of that visit, Joe donated a 10-day photo safari to the WCV's Fall 2002 Benefit Auction, where I was the lucky person who 'won' it. My wife and I went in March, 2003. It was an extraordinary experience, and was obvious such a unique opportunity should be made available to as many others as possible. So, the WCV created these safaris and is sponsoring them, in cooperation with Joe, in order to make them available to those of us interested in viewing African wildlife in its natural surroundings, while we enjoy viewing in comfort and safety. Result :-) 14-day safaris — 12 days with Joe in SA, plus 1 over, 1 back.  As of today, we at WCV have now produced thirty+ very successful safaris, and have plans for more.

Joe Viljoen, his wife Antoinette and two sons, Micha and Zen, are native South Africans and absolutely delightful. His  Nature Reserve, "Chazen", is named after his two sons. Joe was eight-times world champion Kick Boxer, never defeated, and is now retired from that profession. Joe is also one of the top trackers in South Africa, having an incredible knowledge of wildlife and their behavior, and he can interact with them in such a way that we are allowed exceptionally close viewing, even though they are all living naturally and in the wild.

	A small part of Chazen

Land Management
More than 20 years ago Joe invested his winnings in ~20,000 acres (32 sq. miles!) of land that is now Chazen. It was a sheep and cattle farm that had been stripped completely of grass, with attendant erosion. Joe began a major renewal program to get the grasses back, and has admirably used environmentally-sensitive techniques to recover the land. Examples: He added grass seed to the feed for his various antelope species so they spread the seeds along with the fertilizer. He controls any wildlife tick infestations by moving his small herd of cattle around various sections of the reserve — cattle attract ticks like magnets — then the cattle are dipped in environmentally-safe tick dip. As a result of these and other clever techniques, the land is now supporting magnificent herds of wildlife. (See our Photo Gallery Button at the top of this page.)

Two New News!!

First, we are producing safaris into Botswana, and in particular to the Okavango River Delta, located in northern Botswana.  This area is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  Picture this - thousands of square miles of brilliant green swamp, reeds, papyrus, water lilies and wetlands, and situated - would you believe - right in the Kalahari Desert!!   And it's teeming with wildlife!   Further, we are including a visit to Victoria Falls - a true natural wonder!  (See our forthcoming Botswana Page for details and photos.)

Secondly, the Wildlife Center of Virginia proudly announces its African Safari program provides Wheelchair Accessibility to those requiring such facilities and assistance.   Earlier in 2009 we successfully completed our first such safari effort - Mr. Charlie Downs, of Waynesboro, VA, participated in every activity as everyone else, not missing anything .  This new capability is a very exciting addition to our already incredible safari program.   I know of no other safari organization who is providing such a well-needed and deserving opportunity.   (Look for our forthcoming new page on Wheelchair Accessibility for details.)

Last updated: 2011-12-16 07:22:05