AFRICAN
SAFARI NEWS
June
2006
Page 1 of 2
Page 1 Updates
• Wilderness Safaris
News - Info and updates from Wilderness Safaris
• North Island Dive Report from
the Seychelles.
• Kwando Safaris game reports.
• Update on the 2006 Okavango
Delta flood
• Monthly update from Mombo Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Savuti Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Kings Pool Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from DumaTau Camp in
Botswana.
Page 2 Updates
• Monthly update from Tubu Tree Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Jao Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Kwetsani Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Duba Plains Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Jack's Camp in
Botswana.
• Monthly update from Palmwag Rhino Camp in
Namibia.
• Monthly update from Serra Cafema Camp in
Namibia.
• Monthly update from Little Ongava in
Namibia.
• Monthly update from Doro Nawas Camp in
Namibia.
• Monthly Dive
report from Rocktail Bay in
South Africa.
• Monthly update from Pafuri Camp in
South Africa.
Wilderness
Safaris Updates - June 2006
Mashatu
- Pafuri - MalaMala Packages  Jump
to Pafuri
Camp Jump
to Mashatu
Camps
Wilderness Safaris is pleased
to release a variety of exciting packages combining
its dramatic Pafuri Camp in the extreme northern
Kruger National Park, with Mashatu
Game Reserve in the Tuli
Block in south-east Botswana and
the renowned MalaMala
Game Reserve in the Sabi
Sand. Wilderness Safaris has enjoyed a long
association of mutual support with Rattray
Reserves and believes that these two properties
represent an ideal combination with Pafuri.
Each of the three camps
offers its own unique elements, but
combined they create an exceptional
and varied itinerary for both first-time
visitors and returning safari connoisseurs.
Mashatu has the largest elephant herds
on privately owned land, open plains
and interesting species, Pafuri Camp's
exceptional scenery, remote wilderness
and good all-round game and bird viewing
and MalaMala’s high
predator and white rhino densities of
the Sabi Sand are together an exciting
and innovative combination.
The packages have been
designed to suit travellers with different
budgets, time constraints and preferences.
From the point of view of price, species
diversity and the chance to experience
the highlights of wild South Africa
along with an introduction to Botswana – all
these factors create an outstanding
and memorable Southern African itinerary
that is sure to appeal.
Packages include: All applicable park fees,
transfers between camps, two special
activities at Mashatu, insurance at Wilderness
Safaris properties and standard camp inclusions.
Packages
exclude: Transfers to Mashatu; transfers
from MalaMala or Pafuri where applicable.
Package |
Description |
MPM-1 |
3 nights Mashatu Main Camp
3 nights Pafuri
2 nights MalaMala Main Camp |
MPM-2 |
3 nights Mashatu Tented
Camp
3 nights Pafuri
2 nights MalaMala Main Camp |
MPM-3 |
3 nights Mashatu Main
Camp
3 nights Pafuri |
MPM-4 |
3 nights Mashatu Tented
Camp
3 nights Pafuri |
MPM-5 |
2 nights Mashatu Main
Camp
2 nights Pafuri |
MPM-6 |
2 nights Mashatu Tented
Camp
2 nights Pafuri |
New
baby elephant at Abu Jump
to Abu
Camp
The arrival at Elephant Back Safaris’ Abu
Camp of a healthy baby bull was greeted with
much joy. Baby Abu, named after the famous
leader of the herd who died four years ago,
was born to Sirheni just after 6h00 on Wednesday
24 May. Little Abu’s father is believed
to be Mafunyane, one of the elephants released
into the wild; this event provides fascinating
insight into the interaction between the riding
herd at Abu and those elephants released.
Baby Abu will also provide valuable information
on elephant relations to be monitored by
the research team based at the nearby Seba
Camp. The team is conducting a study on the
how the elephants released back into the wild
interact with their surroundings and with the
wild herds they encounter.
Flight news
Sefofane Namibia are happy to announce that
as is the case in Botswana guests may now
take 20kg (44 pounds) instead of the 12kg formerly
allowed as a maximum per guest. All bags
need to be soft, no wheels and of a reasonable
size. This new allowance applies ONLY to:
• Skeleton
Coast Safari
•
Seat rates on our flying in Namibia
•
Private charters with a maximum of 4 people
Important: Best of Namibia Wing Safari and
Explorations are still limited to 12kg per
person.
Pilots reserve the right to reject baggage
that is over the limit and which may jeopardize
the safety requirements of the flight. Please also note that there
is a luggage limit of 20kg for all our aircraft
in Botswana for all flying; however, this
does not mean that all aircraft are necessarily
Caravans. Cessna 206 aircraft are still used
extensively. Both luggage limits, the 12kg
and 20kg, include hand luggage.
Hwange/Kafue special
From July 1 to October 31, 2006, we’re celebrating
the opening of our new camps in Zambia with a
special that includes 2 nights at Makalolo Plains
in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and 3 nights
at Shumba or Kapinga Bush Camps in Kafue National
Park in Zambia.
Wildlife News
 Recently at Mombo
Camp, there was the extraordinary
sight of a pride of lion wondering what
to do with a black rhino. There are only
a handful of black rhino in the wild
in Botswana (see Botswana
Rhino Reintroduction for more details),
so even catching a glimpse of this well-protected
beast is a privilege.
Imagine the excitement
on the game drive vehicle when Mombo
guide and guests saw a mature female
black rhino a few kilometers from camp,
surrounded by the six sub-adult lions
from Mathata's Pride. The lions had
circled her, trying their best to strategize
a take-down. Since an adult black rhino
can weigh up to 1 ton, this makes for
a difficult target for a predator; it
was more of a cat-and-mouse game for
both. |
There was great excitement at Ongava
Lodge recently
with a sighting of a black rhino cow with a calf
less than a month old. The pair was seen at the
Lodge waterhole. Ongava has also had a regular
elephant bull visitor to the property which is
fenced out of the neighboring Etosha National
Park.
Sometimes, one doesn’t
have to step far off the airstrip to find excitement.
One of the Kubu male lions took down a huge
buffalo cow as the herd crossed the airstrip,
much to the amazement of a large group of guests
from Vumbura
Plains Camp waiting to fly out. The two Kubu
Males enjoyed the feast for a few days and shared
the catch with the Big Red females.
 North
Island is not just a spectacular
vacation place; it is also built on strong
environmental principles. At present,
the Green Turtles continue to arrive
to lay their eggs on our beaches, and
guests have been thrilled to watch the
hatchlings emerge. Guests and film crews
have been able to watch the babies hatching
and heading for the sea; in this way
getting a glimpse of the entire life
cycle and being made aware of Seychelles’ turtle
conservation efforts and the success
of this process on North Island. |
The recent highlight for Chitabe was
locating the resident pack of wild dogs. With
the assistance of Dr. McNutt, who used radio
telemetry to obtain a rough fix of their relative
position from the air (two of the dogs have
radio collars), the guides managed to locate
them. Of the seven dogs that denned on the
concession last year to produce seven puppies,
four adults remain with five puppies, now almost
a year old. One adult male has a wound on his
left foreleg, but it doesn’t seem
to be bothering him much. Guides and guests spent
a magical half hour with the pack, watching them
as one adventurous adult splashed around in the
water of a small pan, before they took off deep
into the Mopane woodland on their late-afternoon
hunt. With a bit of luck, they will hopefully
den upon the concession again this year. |
 Top
Seychelles / North Island
North Island Dive Report - June 06 Jump
to North Island
The south-east monsoon season
has kicked in with all its might, producing some interesting
ocean-going days. The water temperature has dropped from a dreamy
28°C to a slightly chillier 25°C.
To most, that sounds like a hysterical comment to make, but when
you are acclimatised to a water temperature in the high twenties,
any drop of more than 1°C gets us running for the full wetsuits
and hoodies. What a bunch of sillies we are!
Visibility has varied between 5m and 8m. It must be said however
that good visibility prevents certain divers from noticing the
smaller life right in front of them, whereas when you cannot see
3km away, it alerts you to the wonderful fishlife at short range.
This is true diving for the fans of small life, hidden treasures
and all those gorgeous camouflaged little critters that exist under
the water, and there are plenty of them: White-capped prawn gobies,
prawn gobies, raggy scorpionfish, stonefish, ghost pipefish to
name but a few. What a delight to spot all those that are never
usually noticed. I can't say that they enjoy the attention, as
a lot of them hide away but if you are very careful and respectful
and keep your distance and just watch, you will see them happily
and confidently going about their every day business, keeping you
entranced for ages if you have the patience to sit and watch -
as most of our visitors do.
Due to the seasonal change, 'Sprat City' is now the place to dive.
From June to mid-August this dive site absolutely bursts with life.
The small sprats (hence the name 'Sprat City', as we discovered
this site in June 2003 with all the action of the sprats - small
fish) have come out onto the three coral bommies that they usually
frequent on this site, and as they grow larger from being tiny
pinpricks to looking like a fish species, the excited blue spot
kingfish (jacks) dart this way and that, trying desperately to
get an easy meal. This in turn brings the ever-curious and ready-for-action
white tip reef sharks out onto the reef, appearing like ghosts
out of the tight ball of sprats. The seasonal pick handle barracuda
have arrived, hovering in their tight shoals just off the reef
and in mid-water. This shoal is fascinating to observe. They arrive
just off the reef, swaying this way and that, some more curious
than others, some drawing closer to the divers and circling and
checking the scene out, others not that adventurous, re-forming
themselves and hugging each other close, no words needed.
With all of this action it comes as no surprise that the giant
sleepy sharks have arrived again, lying lazily under the ledges
or from time to time gracing the divers with a show of themselves,
an irritated flick of the tail and a hasty retreat under another
ledge. To those divers that only get a glimpse of the fast retreat,
this species looks huge with fins everywhere. When you actually
get a good look at a slower moving animal, you realise how harmless
they look. These sharks are part of the nurse shark family.
The first whale shark of the season was spotted
close to Mahé.
Excitement is growing at the start of the season now, sightings
and research is foremost on the minds of the dive team, all keen
to get to snorkel or dive with one. The helicopter pilots are keeping
us up to date with sightings so that if a whale shark is sighted
near North Island, we can gather the guests together, launch the
boat and spend time with the ocean's largest, most docile shark.
Spotted eagle rays have also been a huge attraction in front of
the dive centre, playing in the shallows, floating and then leaping
clear out of the water and splashing back down again. Sting rays
have also been more frequently sighted, as have porcupine rays
in the shallows off main beach.
Regards
Debbie Smith |
Top
Botswana
Camps
Kwando Safari
Camps Update - June 06
Lagoon camp Jump
to Lagoon
Camp
• A shy pair of lionesses
(one with a radio collar) seen several times - mostly
resting – they later hunted and killed a young
buffalo.
• The two dominant male lions (one blind in one eye)
have been displaced by a pair of large black-maned
lions which were followed hunting buffalo. They were
later found feeding on a giraffe.
• A pride of four lionesses was followed hunting
buffalo in the Water-cut area without success.
• Last week the Lagoon pride moved back into their old
hunting grounds – they hunted and killed a buffalo.
They later killed another buffalo further south. A
few days ago they killed yet another buffalo but were
chased off by the pair of dominant males, they later
went on to kill a buffalo cow which they successfully
defended against a clan of hyena.
• A relaxed female leopard was seen around the camp a
few times hunting and marking her territory.
• A young male leopard was found resting on a
termite mound, initially a little shy but eventually
became very relaxed as he was followed into the night.
• A pair of male cheetah were tracked for some time before
they were found feeding on a tsessebe. They were seen
regularly around Lagoon.
• A adult female cheetah was found resting in the shade – the
had blood around her face but looked hungry – guides
suspect she lost her kill to another predator.
• The Lagoon pack of wild dogs (6) were seen almost every
day – they were followed hunting on several occasions
and were seen catching and eating an impala. The alpha
female in the pack seems pregnant.
• Good numbers of elephants both in breeding herds and
large bachelor herds are seen throughout the Lagoon
area daily, with good numbers coming down to the river
close to the camp throughout the day.
• Several herds of buffalo seen throughout the
Lagoon area – the largest about 1500 strong.
Plenty of lion buffalo interaction as well at bulls
fighting.
• General game seen include giraffe, zebra, lechwe,
waterbuck, impala, reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest,
kudu, warthogs and hippo.
• Night sightings include both species of jackals,
hyenas, porcupines, civets, African wild cats, honey
badgers (one feeding on a bird), a couple of caracals
and servals, genets. Also seen at night were several
different owl species and chameleons.
• Bird-viewing still good – several raptors species
seen, and the viewing of water-birds along the floodplains,
and on the river-cruises good.
Kwara camp Jump
to Kwara
Camp
• A pride of four lionesses,
and one male were followed hunting at night – they
were found the following afternoon feeding on an adult
male kudu.
• 3 adult male lions with 2 lionesses and three 12 week
old cubs were found. One of the lionesses was in heat
and one of the males was mating with her.
• 2 lionesses were found, one was feeding on a guinea-fowl,
they were later seen swimming across one of the delta
channels.
• 2 lionesses and a male were seen from the boat feeding
on a buffalo, while a pride of 5 lionesses was followed
at night hunting impala.
• A young male leopard was found feeding on a
sub-adult baboon, another leopard an adult female was
seen at night but lost going into the long grass.
• 3 male cheetah were found resting just after sunset – they
appeared to have fed.
• A single male cheetah was followed hunting and scent-marking – as
the day heated up he lay down in the shade of a tree.
• A single wild dog was found running and calling to
locate other pack members.
• A pack of 3 wild dogs with 8 puppies (est. 10 weeks
old) were found feeding on a kudu calf. This pack was
viewed for some time at the den often seen feeding
the youngsters at night as well as hunting. Last week
the adults moved their den and have not yet been relocated.
• Several groups of elephant bulls seen – the largest
10 together with a couple of the bulls sparring with
each other for dominance.
• One herd of 500 buffalo was seen as well as a smaller
herd and a couple of bachelor herds – the small
groups of bulls being a bit skittish due to general
predator activity.
• General game includes impala, kudu, lechwe,
giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, warthogs, tsessebe and sable,
with good hippo viewing from the camp.
• Night sightings include an African wild cat
with a mouse in it mouth, (there are large numbers
of mice around – lots seen on the road at night),
serval, both jackal species, hyenas, aardvark, pangolin,
honey badger, and a caracal with its kill (another
mouse).
• Other small interesting sightings include a
black mamba, puffadder, olive grass snake, Pels fishing
owl, giant eagle owl, Long-crested eagle; Osprey, Gymnogene
(African harrier hawk); a dwarf mongoose family basking
in the sun, several chameleons, and several groups
of ground hornbills.
Lebala camp Jump
to Lebala
Camp
• A pride of 4 lionesses
was seen for some time around week with 2 cubs
of about 2 months, The lionesses were seen
making a couple of kills, first a buffalo calf
and then an adult cow – they lost the
second kill to a pair of adult male lions the
process of which left the cubs stranded up
in a tree.
• Another 3 lionesses killed two zebra foals
but lost their kills to hyena. They moved off
and were joined by a couple of male lions in
hunting a herd of buffalo but despite several
attempts over a 2 day period were not successful.
The 3 females were later on found on a warthog
kill.
• 2 different pairs of male lions were followed
hunting buffalo, while another pride of 3 lionesses
with a young male were found feeding on another
buffalo.
• A relaxed male leopard was found during
the day and followed until he laid up for the
day.
• An adult female and her sub-adult cub were
found both feeding on an impala.
• A couple of other relaxed male leopards
were found including one very large and well-fed
individual.
• A pair of male cheetah were followed for about
5 hours – they finally chased and killed
a young warthog.
• A well fed female cheetah was found resting
at Twin pools, and later the 2 adult males
were relocated – they were seen scent-marking
and climbing trees. These 2 males later killed
another warthog just south of the camp.
• A pack of 20 wild dogs was found late one morning – in
the afternoon they were followed and chased
impala without success. The next morning they
were followed again and managed to kill an
adult female impala. This pack was found again
several times last seen late last week resting
after a morning hunt.
• Large herds of elephants were seen both north
and south of the camp, groups of 400-500 seen
regularly crossing the wide floodplains.
• Large buffalo herds seen most game drives
numbering around 500 – one herd of 1000
individuals was seen on Waterbuck island.
• Night sightings include servals (also
a youngster seen), both jackal species, hyena
all over the concession harassing both the
lions and the wild dogs, African wild cats,
bush babies, genets and chameleons.
• General game good: zebra, giraffe, impala,
kudu, tsessebe, steenbuck, reedbuck, wildebeest,
lechwe, baboons, Vervet monkeys, hippos in
and out of the water and several mongoose species
including a Selous mongoose.
• Other interesting sightings include
puff-adder, olive grass snake, black mamba,
Snouted cobra, African rock python, Kori bustard,
wattled cranes, ground hornbills, Bateleur
eagles, secretary birds, long-crested eagle,
marabous, African hawk eagles and Gymnogene. |
Top
Okavango
Flood update - July 10, 2006
After
the heavy rains, which occured throughout northern Botswana
in 2006, the water levels in the Delta are presently far
above average. This
is because the flood water arriving from Angola has supplemented
the above average rains over the Delta. The result
is that pans and channels which would typically have
dried by now, still have water.
As
always, the Okavango Delta is truly a dynamic ecosystem
and this year's rains have made it a very interesting
place indeed. The
Savuti Channel actually "flowed" for the first
time in over 20 years (over 6 kilometers down the channel). For
photos - see the DumaTau update below.
Top
Mombo
Camp update - June 06 Jump
to Mombo Camp
 Another
month of Mombo magic: from spectacular sightings and interactions
to great food and bush picnics. The minimum average temperature
has been 9°C with an average maximum of 26°C. We received
one minor rainfall this month of only 0.5mm - just a slight reminder
of the last season's annual rainfall. The cooler sunrays create
a softer light for photography thus allowing guests to snap away
until the late hours of the morning, without having to use Photoshop.
The floodwaters have started
to slow on their approach to the Island's periphery, but the
waters are still creeping into old floodplains, currently getting
close to Susie's Duck Pond and bringing with them hundreds
of waterfowl and red lechwe.
James Weis' note: Our
Eyes on Africa Digital Photography Group visited Mombo for
six days in June. The
photo at left shows Craig Higgins, Mombo's chef par exellence
cooking a bush lunch for the group. Image © 2006
James Weis.
|
Some of the highlights this past month include
sightings of honey badgers, who visit the camp on a nightly basis.
Susie's Duck Pond hosted a "honeymoon" pair
of aardwolves, who were soon interrupted by the territorial black-backed
jackals. The Tortillis Female leopard killed a baboon in camp, hoisted
it in a tree across from room eight and then decided to bring her cubs
into camp. The hyaena, who is forever breaking into the kitchen, stole
her kill, thus she was only booked into Mombo for one night, leaving
early the next morning.
June comprised a total of 39 leopard sightings, 56 lion sightings and
three rhino sightings, two of which were of black rhino. The majority
of the introduced rhino have dispersed over a large area now, establishing
territories and home ranges throughout the country.
WILD DOGS
Our resident pack of five wild dogs was seen on a regular basis this
month and is in good condition except for a few minor injuries. Mombo
is in the process in researching the larger carnivore impact on the
wild dogs in the area, with focus on the time it takes for the dogs
to kill, versus the time it takes for their kill to be stolen. Spotted
hyaena seem to have a considerable impact on to wild dog feeding success
here at Mombo, we have photographs showing evidence to the skirmishes
that occur between the two species.
Good news is that the alpha pair seen here mating on the 7th of June.
Wild dogs have a very short gestation, 2.5 months, with the alpha female
giving birth to up to 16 pups in a single litter. Throughout Botswana
the majority of the wild dogs should be denning now because of their
seasonal breeding. The mating ritual seems to be a little late in the
year for the dogs, although there are no rules in the bush. In this instance
the alpha female was missing for months and only rejoined the pack much
later in the year, hence coming into season a little later. Towards the
end of June it was observed that the alpha's teats were looking a little
swollen - we will keep you posted.
BIRDING
 Exciting
news from Mombo is that we have confirmed the nests of no less
than three White-headed Vulture pairs in the vicinity of the
camp. The pans within the floodplains and acacia woodland are
becoming shallower by the day, now giving waterbirds access to
the fish that have been hiding in the deep waters. These small
fish traps attract a range of species from, storks, pelicans,
spoonbills, kingfishers and many small waders.
Image © 2006 James Weis. |
LIONS
 Due to the ever increasing floodwaters
a few "new" lions have entered our game drive area
this month. The water has become deeper out to the west of
Chiefs Island thus pushing the plains game back onto the main
land, bringing those who prey on them. Three lions were seen
in camp this month, noticeably a little shy of the vehicles.
They killed a young giraffe the following morning very close
to camp.
The 28-strong Mathata Pride has
been frequenting areas close to camp, moving between the airstrip
and the camp. This hugely successful pride requires a surplus
amount of prey, and is now benefiting from the zebra herds
moving into the area from the east. Competition is vicious
during feeding; two of the cubs have broken tails, while a
few have had their ears warmed from flying paws.
The Moporota Pride are still
doing very well, spending most of their time up on the northern
edge of the island. The pride still has not lost any of their
twelve cubs.
James Weis' note: Our
group spent an entire morning alone with the Moporota pride
and these lovely cubs as they played and interacted with
the adults. All the cubs looked very healthy. Image © 2006
James Weis
|
LEOPARDS
We have had a few excellent sighting of the Far-Eastern Pan Female and
her cub this month. There is one little guy who is definitely an entertainer.
Also of interest was a sighting of the Tortilis Female
carrying the carcass of an African wildcat kitten back to her den. We
had not seen her cubs for some days but on this occasion she led us straight
to the new den site which unbeknown to us was across the water from Tent
No 1.
GUEST FEEDBACK
"Outstanding food at every meal."
Highlights: "the drives,
accommodation, friendly Mombo staff, the food"
Highlights: "Virtually everything - abundant game, accommodation,
food and service!"
"Don't change a thing."
"Best highlight at Mombo would
be seeing the pride of 28 lions which was amazing, also seeing and hearing
the buffalo outside the tent."
"Seeing
baby giraffe born just minutes ago and seeing afterbirth coming from
mother."
"Certainly, excellent food, great guide,
super management. Absolutely fantastic accommodation."
Top
Savuti Camp
update - June 06 Jump
to Savuti Camp
A report on how two lionesses
from the Savuti Pride lost their lives by Kane Motswana...
The 25th of June was not a good day at Savuti. Two of the lionesses
from the resident pride lost their lives. They were killed by two intruding
males, believed to have come from the adjacent Selinda concession. The
two males were first seen in 2005, estimated age 4 years old. The two
were massive and full of confidence, they marched into the Savuti Pride's
territory and killed a buffalo behind tent seven in Savuti Camp. They
were then seen on numerous occasions on the eastern side of camp where
they spent most of the year until now.
The Savuti Pride consists of two males, four females and four cubs approximately
a year old. One of the lionesses is believed to have two young cubs that
she has not yet introduced to the pride. On the 24th, the two intruding
males were seen about a kilometer from the pride. The two Savuti males
had gone off patrolling their territory leaving the females behind in
the channel.
The following night the two intruders attacked the females. One female
ran off with three of the cubs and went as far as the Zibadianja Lagoon,
the fourth cub got caught up in the attack and ran off on its own. The
female with the young cubs ran to where she was hiding them and has not
been seen since. Luckily a few days latter the fourth cub met up with
the female and the three cubs.
During the course of that very evening, we came across a big herd of
buffalo that were very nervous, and we were not sure as to why they were
in such a state. We did not make anything of it and moved on. Not far
from the buffalo we had a great sighting of a caracal hunting mice and
being successful at it. While watching the caracal we heard noises coming
from deep within the bush. We all thought that it was lions mating, but
little did we know that it was in fact the two intruders attacking the
females.
The following morning we came across a seriously wounded female at Dish
Pan. She had been bitten on her back and her throat. She was struggling
to breath and could hardly stand up. We left her at Dish Pan and not
far from her on Phuduhudu road we found vultures feeding on another lioness.
That evening the lioness that we left at Dish Pan died.
After all this we went to the place where we heard all the noise the
previous evening and found the tracks of the two intruders, the area
had been cleared like a football field as a result of the fight.
James Weis' note: Our
Eyes on Africa Digital Photography Group photographed the nomadic
males on 23 June (see photo below). Then on the morning
of 25 June, we watched one of the badly injured females drinking
water at Dish Pan; she died some hours later. See photo below. Both
images © 2006 James Weis.
The female with the four cubs and the female with the two young cubs
have still not met up. It's a question in everyone's mind as to whether
the pride will build up again or will the intruders take over the area?
Two other sightings of interest
recently have been the DumaTau wild dog pack and a python seen in the
Savuti Channel near the Zibadianja Lagoon. The photo below is one of
the wild dog males that we know as Elrond. He is one of the oldest
in the pack and has been around since at least 2001.
 
The python (photographed by Brian
Rode) entered the water after being harassed by a flock of starlings
and then hid in the muddy vegetation at the bottom. There is no doubt
that the snakes have profited from the summer's rodent population
explosion as a result of good rains and grass and forb production.
Top
Kings Pool Camp
update - June 06 Jump
to Kings
Pool
Camp
The numerous pans dotted through the mopane woodland that dominates
the interior of the Linyanti concession are finally beginning to
dry, and, although it will be some time before the river claims its
position as the only remaining water source, the elephants have already
started to return. Guests and staff alike have welcomed the pachyderm
presence, with herds of several hundred (elephants, not guests!)
providing spectacular viewing as they cross the river border with
Namibia.
It has been a far from quiet month in other respects too. Both the Linyanti
Pack of five wild dogs and the DumaTau Pack of sixteen have been visibly
active. The dominant female of the latter group when last seen was heavily
pregnant, and is now thought to have given birth. In an incredible sighting
at the beginning of the month, one of our guides recorded how he watched
with guests as the dogs killed an impala, only to have it snatched from
them by an opportunistic spotted hyaena. Not to be deprived of their
hard-earned prey for long, the dogs promptly hassled the scavenger until
it surrendered the impala back to them!
The Chobe male cheetah has been seen many times this month - feeding
on a juvenile kudu on one occasion. Together with fourteen lion sightings,
a handful of ever-elusive leopards, and some great sightings of the smaller
cats - genets, civets and caracal - the carnivore tally for June looks
very healthy.
Additional regular fascinating wildlife encounters range from the pair
of Secretarybirds nesting right next to the airstrip (evidently tolerant
of Sefofane's comings and goings!), to the now-familiar sight of the
resident Kings Pool hippo - most frequently seen curled up in the shade
of the boardwalk.
All told, June has been yet another wonderful month in a very special
camp. We look forward to sharing our corner of Botswana's wilderness
with all of our guests throughout July.
The Kings Pool Team
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DumaTau
Camp update - June 06 Jump
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Some game viewing highlights this month:
The DumaTau pack of 15 wild dogs were seen on a regular basis and we
hold thumbs for their denning on the concession in the coming months.
A sighting of a relaxed caracal that left the road and moved slowly
into the mopane scrub.
A serval seen foraging on the open floodplains.
The discovery of a female African wild cat with 2 kittens hidden in
a hollow log.
Regular sightings of the Savuti Pride
including one sighting where they brought down an adult impala in front
of the game drive vehicle.
The two dominant males in the area of Zibadianja Lagoon, the Savuti Boys,
also provided some good sightings.
Witnessing a minor territorial dispute between two female leopards that
dissipated when one climbed a tree in search of some roosting guineafowl
and then the two moved off in opposite directions.
There has been a continued flow of water out of the Zibadianja Lagoon
into the Savuti Channel to a distance of more than 6km! The water at
the Lagoon is attracting a myriad of waterbirds and 10 pink-backed pelicans
were seen there recently along with hundreds and even thousands of more
common species.
Photos of the Savuti Channel (taken
22-June to 26-June 2006)
All images © 2006 James Weis.
Zibadianja Lagoon (far left) and water flowing
down the Savuti Channel |
Zibadianja Lagoon (upper left corner) and
water flowing down the Savuti Channel |
Water in the Savuti Channel |
Zebras and Wildebeests - this is over 4
kilometers down the channel |
White-faced Ducks enjoying the water in
the Channel |
The normally dry channel is now a picturesque
waterland |
Water in the channel just north of the old
mopane bridge |
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