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Saving amphibians from croaking
Frogging Safaris
Painted reed frog, Jock Safari Lodge
© Mantis Collection
Did you know?
One reason why frogs are great bio-indicators is their permeable skin, which is sensitive to pollution.
Fancy gumboot dancing with a difference? A choir of frogs will serenade you (well, potential mates actually), while you muck about in the mud, trying to catch, identify and release them on a frogging safari.
Strictly an after-dark affair, you'll be armed with a net, bag and headlamp, ready to do your bit for conservation, while setting off on an adventure and finding out why frogs are important for our own existence, their biodiversity and their precarious existence in our increasingly developed world.
Frogging safaris put amphibians, which are often overlooked, and their plight in the spotlight. In South Africa there are 84 described amphibian species of which 56% are endemic to South Africa, of these an estimated 10% are threatened by human interference.
This is where tourism establishments such as The Dunes Country House in St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape come in. As part of an alien eradication and wetland protection project on their reserve, owners Brent and Chantelle Cook have also become involved in the protection of an endangered frog species, the Sand Toad, endemic to their area, and providing a safe habitat for other amphibians - 13 species have been identified so far.
Jock Safari Lodge, situated on the first private concession in the famous Kruger National Park, is another ideal place to go on a frogging safari. With an estimated 34 different species of amphibians in the Kruger, recent 'catches' have included Banded Rubber Frogs, Bubbling Kassinas, Sand Frogs and Painted Reed Frogs.
Florence Guest House is a frogging favourite. Situated in Chrissiesmeer (or Matotoland, 'frog land' in Siswati) in Mpumalanga, it hosts the annual frogging festival, simply called Frog Night, which draws frog fanatics from all over to a 'ribbiting' evening of fun and facts around frogs.
Travel tips & Planning info
Get around
Splish-splosh through the mud sporting gumboots
What will it cost
Frogging Safaris: The Dunes approx R175 p/p (kids R100 p/p) incl. a 2-hour safari, hot chocolate & marshmallows around the campfire telling stories, stargazing and froggy gifts on your pillow; Frog Night at Chrissiesmeer: approx R140 p/p incl. dinner, slide show & talk.
Length of stay
A frogging safari is a one-night affair, usually offered by a game lodge or guesthouse as part of on-site activities
What to pack
For Frog Night: Wellingtons/Crocs/old sneakers, warm clothes, raincoat/umbrella, good torch/head lamp, clear plastic bag to put frogs in before releasing them, wine/beer for dinner.
Where to stay
The most well-known frogging establishments include: Jock Safari Lodge (in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga), The Dunes Country House (St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape), Florence Guest Farm (Chrissiesmeer aka Matotoland ‘frog land’ in Siswati and hosts of the annual Chrissiesmeer Frog Festival in Dec)
What's happening
For frogging fanatics, don't miss the annual Chrissiesmeer Frog Night in early December every year.
Best buys
The small beaded frogs at The Dunes Country House are sold to raise funds for wetland restoration efforts and the local community.