Although you can see plenty of elephants when out on drive, the best place this month to have prime viewing is in camp. Sitting in the dining room or on the deck gives a fantastic view of the big herds coming down to drink during the day. Often, several herds would visit together, and then part ways – some moving across the channel, some moving into the woodlands. Tiny youngsters tried to keep up with their older siblings, but were given a helpful push from aunty or mum when crossing the channel. Mud baths were also in high demand, as a refreshing break from the high tempartures. Sometimes, there’s no need – and actually no way – to move from your room, as two couples found out when a large bull spent two hours feeding between their rooms and having a drink during siesta time. As one guest commented: “ It makes a change from elephant butt photos!”
As the grass gets longer, we struggle to find leopards, although the signs of them are still around. Like humans, given an option, animals will prefer to walk down a path that is clear of grass rather than push through. This means the roads are the perfect place for a stroll – but its very easy for the leopards to dash off quickly into the grass if they don’t fancy being seen!
As the camp was closed for maintenance for two weeks, our sightings may not seem as great as they normally are. However, perhaps missing the attention they receive when we have guests, the wild dogs decided to pay the camp a visit during the closure, and sped through the camp grounds, as decks were busy being polished! They also showed up for when the camp re-opened, but this time we had to go see them rather than them coming to us.
The low waters has provided a nice treat also for in camp – the hippos now congregate just in front of the deck – allowing an up close and personal view that you don’t get very often. And if you are right on time for early morning breakfast, you get to see the hippos ambling back in to the water after their nightly foraging out on land.
Two male lions – one which has been collared for research purposes – have taken over the pride that frequents the area around Lagoon. The males were seen with the females several times this month, including when they were feeding on a wildebeest. Towards the end of the month, we were seeing this or another pride –the Half Way Pan pride – every day.
Interesting bird sightings this month have included a giant kingfisher beating a fresh water crab into a more suitable shape to swallow, and a Verraux Eagle owl fighting with a short tailed eagle in the afternoon!
