IT’S ALL IN THE GENES
A61ha section of land has been earmarked at The Kingdom to accommodate its special collection of some of the most uncommon species of African game, including the red gemsbok, the black impala, the yellow saddleback and one of only 70 known royal wildebeest.
According to the resort, all exist together in a secure and ethically maintained natural habitat and there is nowhere else in the world where these rare species can all be found in one place.
While guests of The Kingdom qualify for reduced rates, day visitors can also book a game drive to see them, priced at R395 for adults and R345 for children aged 212. Kids under 2 ride for free, provided they sit on the lap of an accompanying adult. The drive runs for about 90 minutes to two hours, and you can also choose between doing it on a game vehicle or quad bikes. The maximum capacity is nine people on each drive. Find out more and book at raregame.co.za.
SOME ANIMALS YOU MIGHT SEE ON THE DRIVE:
White springbok: White springbok are a colour phase of the common springbok with identical habits. The colouring is the result of a genetic mutation called leucism, similar to what you find in white tigers or white lions, which causes white patches, spots or splotches on the skin or fur.
Leucism is distinct from albinism in that the latter is a mutated gene that interferes with the body’s ability to produce melanin. The most obvious trait among those with albinism is pale white skin, hair, plumage, fur or scales. This mutation also affects the blood-vessel pigments in the eyes, making them appear red or pinkish in colour. An important distinction is that leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes. White-flanked impala: This one is also leucistic, so its eyes are a normal colour, and in this case it has retained some of the impala’s traditional colouring. As animals with leucism are lacking in natural camouflage, it is harder for them to survive in the wild.
Black impala: This is a variation/mutation in colour from the common impala caused by a recessive gene and a condition called melanism. This prohibits the regulation of melanin, causing an overproduction of the pigment, turning the animal’s coat black. Royal wildebeest: Also known as the ghost wildebeest or royal king wildebeest, this is the rarest colour variant of all the blue wildebeest variants, also caused by a recessive gene.