Sun Destinations Blog - Page 31 of 116 - Sun Destinations Safari

Jul 26, 2018
Africa on Foot, Blog, Chacma Bush Camp, Ezulwini, nThambo Tree Camp, Roam Private Game Reserve, The Week in Pictures, Tuskers Bush Camp, Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside, Uncategorized, Walkers Bush Villa, Xobega Island Camp

The Week in Pictures : The Art of White Space in Wildlife Photography

This week for Week in Pictures, we’re going to focus on something a bit different. It’s time we scrolled through our archives and showcased our photographer’s skills when it comes to the theme of negative/white space in photography. For the next 3 editions of “The Week in Pictures” we’ve decided to give the weekly portfolio of images a theme. When our theme-based week in pictures has come to an end, we’ll ensure we deliver an epic bumper-edition catch-up!

White space is also referred to as negative space, and it can create quite a stark illusion when it comes to photography. It’s the notion of abandoning an area around the subject, making sure that the subject appears to “pop” out from the image and the eye is drawn to the positive space within the image. It’s a concept used in digital and print design; and has made its way into photography, which has led many photographers providing us with conceptually unique images.

Our wildlife photographers have adopted the negative space concept, and have produced a number of remarkable wildlife images where your eye is drawn to a particular area without getting distracted by the busyness of the background. It seems that birds are the most common subject when it comes to negative space

Below are a few of our favourite engaging images of wildlife surrounded by negative space, and a few that can be slotted into that category. We have hippos dwelling deep in the open waters of the Okavango Delta, birds soaring above, giraffe galloping across open plains in the Kwatale Conservancy and lions in the dark night.

Botswana : The Selinda Spillway, Okavango Delta and Kwatale Conservancy

Ezulwini Game Lodges in the Balule Nature Reserve

Umkumbe Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Chacma Bush Camp

Roam Private Game Reserve

The Week in Pictures : Expect the Unexpected While on Safari

We can never anticipate what we’ll see scurrying and loping through the bushveld while we’re on safari. Eager safari goers arrive at their destinations with a certain level of expectation, and a tick-list of the “must sees”. The wild natural world around us doesn’t care about your safari bucket list, and constantly seeks to disappoint and surprise us on a daily basis. We are merely observers to the tumultuous, yet strangely ordered world of wildlife. We experience swings-and-roundabouts in terms of sightings, and today’s Week in Pictures is an yet another example of the unpredictable moments in the wild!

You are to expect the unexpected when visiting reserves. You will see things you’ve never expected, and soon forget about your list. Our highly-qualified guides will attempt to monitor wildlife behaviour and make assumptions based on history, and their experience in the wild. But even they don’t know what will cross their paths at any given moment.

Herds of elephant might visit the lodge swimming pool everyday for 2 weeks, but then the day you arrive, they stop. We might not have seen a leopard kill in weeks, and you arrive and a kill is made. This is the beauty of the wild – we’ve come to expect surprises.

Our first eye-opener of sighting this week happened on the traverse hugging Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie. Rogan was out on drive and came across a pack of wild dogs frolicking at a waterhole, while a herd of elephants were hovering in the background soaking up the fresh water. Neither party seemed to give much notice to the other, and shared their space quite happily.

On the Klaserie side, we’ve shared a few photos of the resident hyenas and vultures that seem to have crawled out of the woodwork to perform their janitor duties. Those lions that feasted on the giraffe kill from the previous week sure made a mess! Commonly spotted carrion lovers will retreat into the bushveld abyss when a kill site is cleaned to perfection, proving yet again that sightings are never guaranteed.

Another thunderbolt of a sighting occurred at Chacma Bush Camp. The Maseke male lions were spotted ! The team at Chacma haven’t seen the Maseke boys in a while, so it made for yet another unpredictable sighting. Ezulwini Game Lodges have continued to enjoy lion sightings on their traverse in the Balule, with the previous week’s sighting of the cubs ranking as one of the top sightings of the month. Umkumbe constantly enjoys leopard sightings, but once again, we can’t predict when and how these sightings happen!

Nsala Safari Camp came across a coalition of young and confident male lions, just casually enjoying their pocket of paradise in the wild. They are the youngsters from the Western Pride of lions. In term’s of our Timbavati sightings, Walkers Bush Villa delivered an unexpected sighting of hyena cubs in the wild.

That’s our round-up for this week, we trust you’ll enjoy the images. Next week we’ll start the week off with a themed “Week in Pictures”, which will run for 3 weeks. After which, we’ll take a week’s break and then furnish our fans with a bumper catch-up.

We Found Cute Hyena Cubs While on Drive with Walkers Bush Villa

We’re here to dispel the myth that hyena are nothing but scavenging evil cretins. The team at Walkers Bush Villa recently enjoyed a sighting of adorable coarsely furred hyena cubs while on drive with leading guide, Brett. Em’s images prove that hyena can be pretty cute.

It goes without saying that hyena have a bad reputation in the wild. This is largely due to their unfortunate looks and sheepish gait, the misunderstanding of the hyena’s role in the bushveld, and their less than ethical means of gaining prey.

Did you know that hyenas have a crucial role to play in the wild? They clean up debris, decaying flesh and prevent the spread of possible disease. When the unmistakeable cries of a flaying animal echo through the savannah, the hyenas begin to vocalise, and the clans eagerly approach the scene of a kill. These animals are opportunistic and will do what is necessary to find food, but they’re also accomplished hunters, which means they’re highly successful carnivores! We see hyena hovering around the base of trees while leopards dwell high above with their kill. They wait in the wings while beastly lions gorge on kills. These odd looking animals are experts at sourcing food.

So now we know about the vital role that hyena play in the cleanliness of a reserve, but it should be noted that hyena are more than just successful hunters and part of the ‘veld clean-up crew. Hyena have a softer side. The entire clan – together with the dominant female – helps to rear the cubs. There is always full cooperation from clan members, including bringing food back to the den for consumption, and even protecting territories from intruders. Hyena might have a tight-knit community, but interestingly enough, groups aren’t always made-up of related individuals. The structure within clans is quite complex, making them one of the most fascinating species in the wild.

Walkers Bush Villa is certainly no stranger to hyena sightings. With a prevalence of big cats in the area, it goes without saying that the spotted hyena is an ever present force within the reserve. Walkers enjoys plenty of hyena sightings, mostly of groups feasting on the remnants of a kill, making this cub sighting a welcome break from the “standard” hyena sightings. While Em and Rogan were on a game drive in the Timbavati with guide Brett, they came across hyena cubs. This made a nice break from seeing hyena fulfilling the stereotype of cackling, stealing and skulking in the shadows.

Em, Rogan and Brett watched the young cubs stumbling around and play fighting. The bitch births 1 – 3 cubs on average and her gestation period is a meagre 4 months. Cubs are born into a carefully selected birthing den, which can be anything from a disused termite mound to a well-hidden hole they’ve dug in the ground.

Brett, a highly-qualified and eager guide, knew just where to find the hyena. These growing cubs are born black and develop their spots at roughly 3 months of age, which would indicate that they are in the vicinity of that age, if not slightly older. This was yet another adorable sighting at Walkers Bush Villa.

The only negative side of hyena cubs? Unfortunately, cubs of the same sex often begin fighting – quite violently, and this can result in the death. We’re pretty sure you’ll love hyena after seeing these pictures!

The Week in Pictures : Abstract Scenes in the Bushveld

The bushveld provides ample opportunity to get creative with your lens, and there’s never a moment not worth photographing. There are times when you’re confronted with endless open landscapes begging to be captured, and other times you’ll get up close and personal with lions on a kill. This week, we’ve decided to select our more abstract images showcasing life in the bushveld, while simultaneously updating you about the general goings-on from the week.

The cheetah that were relocated to Roam Private Game Reserve in the Great Karoo continue to make progress in their new environment. This is fantastic news, and certainly carves the path for further cheetah to be introduced into this area of the Karoo. The team at Roam is looking at creating a variety of conservation safari itineraries, where guests have the opportunity to contribute to conservation while still enjoying a luxury safari. In terms of images, this week we’ve delivered a couple of bold and mysterious sunset images fresh from the Karoo. We can’t help but love a Karoo sunset!

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp emerged the victors in terms of lion kill sightings. The team came across a seldom seen pride feasting on a fresh giraffe kill. The skittish lions were at the kill site, guarding their precious prey for 3 days. Not once did the pride let up and give the scavengers license to chow down. Lions normally saunter off from the kill once they’ve gorged themselves. Not this pride! For 3 days guests and guides enjoyed sightings of lions, vultures, and hyenas in close proximity to the kill.

Another highlight was the arrival of a lone elephant to the grounds of nThambo Tree Camp!

Umkumbe Safari Lodge’s slew of leopard sightings was interrupted by a sighting of a pack of denning wild dogs on the hunt. The wild dog predator sighting was a welcome break from the influx of leopard sightings! The recent leopard sighting of Ndzanzeni the young male with his mother, and the ever graceful Natumi, provided the bulk of the leopard sightings at Umkumbe this week.

Game drives at Walkers Bush Villa are always exciting. Em and Rogan headed to the Timbavati to join Walkers on their daily drives and walked away with a fantastic portfolio of images and videos. They came across a hyena den and witnessed a number of cubs bumbling and falling about outside of their safe-zone. A few incredible images of hyenas in the sunset emerged, and the setting alone provide further opportunity to get creative with images.

Ezulwini Game Lodges should win an award for their recent lion cub sightings. The Kudyela lionesses were spotted with their litter of cubs, and the Ezulwini team managed to get a perfect visual of the cubs. There are 11 youngsters in total, sired by the Machaton males. Across the board, this was possibly the sighting of the week!

Chacma Bush Camp also enjoyed a lion sighting of an unknown pride of lions. The youngsters within the pride appeared to be quite scraggly and battling somewhat. After a lengthy discussion with lion experts, it was established that female in the pride is the oldest female from the River Pride. Chacma continues to enjoy abundant elephant and buffalo sightings.

Roam Private Game Reserve

Ezulwini Game Lodges

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Chacma Bush Camp in the Maseke Game Reserve

Umkumbe Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand

Walkers Bush Villa in the Timbavati Game Reserve

Skittish Lions Feast on Giraffe Kill for Days

There are a number of resident lion coalitions and prides on Africa on Foot and nThambo’s traverse. These are the local battle-scarred kings and queens that have staked their claim on the land around camps, and frequently put on award-winning shows for guests. The ever-shifting pride dynamics ensure things are never static with our lions, and we’re often gifted with sightings of newcomers exploring the possibility of new kingdoms and prides to take over.

The ever-present Ross Pride, the confident Mbiri males and the robust Hercules females are the usual suspects that make up the bulk of the Klaserie lion sightings. On occasion, the River Pride have made a grand entrance and delighted guides with a few memorable moments. Sightings of this much-talked pride about appear to be on the increase, which would explain the dwindling sightings of the Mbiris and Ross Pride over the past 6 weeks. If the presence of one pride increases, a previously established pride might choose to retreat somewhat. We’re pretty sure things will shift again in the next few weeks – it always does!

It is remarkably easy for guides and trackers to identify commonly spotted lions, but when lions cross over from neighbouring properties or wander in from the Kruger National Park, it requires research to establish their origin. Sometimes a bit of back-and-forth with guides from other camps and chats with known lion experts in the area helps to establish who’s who.

A pride unknown to the Klaserie guides was recently spotted feasting and gorging on a giraffe kill. There’s speculation that this pride could be the Bateleur Pride, numbering at 9 members, but that’s yet to be confirmed. The Klaserie team spotted about 4/5 lions sharing the kill. There were thoughts that they might be a split-off from the River Pride, but they were actually located in another area at the same time that this “unknown” pride was snacking on their giraffe kill.

Guide Mauritz says, “We haven’t seen this pride often, and this is about the second time I’ve personally seen them. They are quite skittish”.

The pride provided the perfect lion kill sighting, with powerful paws eagerly pushing the carcass into the perfect position to access the meaty bits. Bone-crushing jaws could be seen grappling with sinew and muscle, ensuring the carcass was completely devoured. At a kill site it’s always a show and there’s normally drama, tragedy and brutal behaviour that accompanies meal time.

While the lions were moving back and forth over a period of 3 days, the hyenas began their standard behaviour of circling the outskirts of the carcass. The vultures descended upon the location, entertaining onlookers with their comical dancing. A journey of giraffe appeared in the background, seemingly to confirm that one of their own had left the earthly realm.

Videographer Rogan says, “The pride hit the jackpot when they pulled a large female giraffe to the ground. A meal like this can last them days if they can keep the scavengers away. This was certainly going to be a challenge. We knew there was a kill from a mile away when we spotted scores of Hooded and White-Backed vultures looming in the trees above. Below them the hyenas were skulking around the bushes hoping they might get a piece of the action.

While we watched the cats tuck into their prize, a pair of giraffe stepped out into the clearing, peering thoughtfully at their fallen comrade. The lions were too busy filling their bellies to bother about them, which allowed the giraffe to pay their respects, and move quietly on their way”

A few days later, Rogan filmed the lions and the scavengers finishing up the remnants of the kill.

He says, “Day three on the giraffe kill and the lions were still chewing on the bones. Despite there not being much meat left, they kept close guard of the carcass refusing to share it with any of the hopeful scavengers. Bellies full, they moved into the shade for a rest, opening a window of opportunity for the hyenas waiting eagerly in the sidelines.

Unfortunately for the hyenas, the lions weren’t ready to lose what was left of their meal and relentlessly defended it against the hyenas advances. They stayed in the kill well past sunset. When we returned in the morning they had moved on and the tenacious scavengers had stripped what was left to the bare bones”

We’ll update our readers when we establish the accurate ID of these incredible big cats.

From Sunrise to Sunset : The Safari Life at Ezulwini Game Lodges

First light seeps in slowly, gently breaking the dark mystery of the night with subtle hints of natural light. The promise of a new day in the bushveld silently creeps past the charcoal black skies, as the sounds of nocturnal activity begins to dwindle. The contact calls of the lion kings begins to dissipate as dawn finally fights and forges its way through the last stretch of the eerie night. The stillness of the air carries the calls of the predators far and wide, and the whooping vocalisations of the hyena form part of the night-loving choir that comes alive after sunset. You might hear a shrill squeal from a warthog meeting its untimely fate, or the alarm calls from the bounty of birds on the Ezulwini traverse.

When night falls, it’s prime food-finding time for many of the carnivorous beasts of the safari kingdom. This is when the air is cool, and the diurnal species are at their most vulnerable. The stillness of the night and absolute pristine atmosphere with zero intrusions from city lights and noise, ensures that sound carries and echoes throughout the landscape. Predators listen, patrol and act with an intensive mission to find food. If you stay awake the whole night, you’ll be surprised at the discordant of sounds in the ‘veld.

When dawn wins, and eventually pushes through with fractions of light, it’s time to head out on game drive. Morning has broken in the bushveld, and it’s time to move. Timing is everything. The air at first-light is still cool, and pockets of the savanna are still murky and dark. Predators will either be dining out on the meal from midnight or conducting a quick early morning take-down. This is why it’s vital to head out on game drive at 5:00 – 6:30 (season dependent).

Before guests are woken, experienced guides would have checked and prepped the game viewer ensuring it’s good to go for game drive. Coffee stop snacks and flasks are loaded into the typical olive green cooler boxes, synonymous with safari game drive stops. Guides and trackers rise early (very early) to make sure everything is in order.

While you’re cocooned in your puffed up duvet and shrouded in that fine linen, you’ll hear the crunch of a leather boot on gravel getting closer to your door. This is your mobile wake-up call, in the form of a khaki-clad efficient ranger. A rap on the door and gentle “morning” reminds you that it’s game drive time. You have a split-second to make a decision whether to join the game drive, or remain comfortable in your chrysalis. If you miss the morning drive you might miss the opportunity find the source of the nocturnal roars from the night before.

If you make the right decision to join the drive, you won’t be disappointed. You normally have about 20 minutes or so to get ready. There’s no time to brush you locks and paint your face – the woodlands and wildlife don’t care. After making your way to the main area for a quick cup of coffee, you’ll clamber into the open-topped game viewer for an intrepid game drive spanning roughly 3 hours. The traverse in the Balule cuts across the banks of the Olifants River and plenty of riverine vegetation coupled with savanna and mixed woodlands.

The guides and trackers at Ezulwini are highly-skilled and knowledgeable; and their job isn’t linear. Tracking big cats, establishing timelines, “reading” the bushveld, and documenting behaviour is all part of their job. If, for example, a lion has made a kill shortly before your arrival at the lodge, it’s likely that the lions will be in the area of where the kill was conducted. Lions take down their quarry and gorge themselves until they cannot move. They will sleep off the feast in close proximity to the kill, and normally wander down to a waterhole afterwards. The site of the kill will draw in vultures, hyenas and absolute chaotic scavenger behaviour.

Given that knowledge of lion behaviour and what ensues after a kill, guides will know to head to the scene. Ezulwini guides will also teach you about the vegetation, and impart interesting info about birds, herds and prides during your obligatory coffee stop in the bushveld. This type of innate knowledge that your guides possess, and the ability to get up-close to wildlife and go off-road, is one of the many privileges of going a safari in a private reserve.

Camp manager Angele (she’s also a photographer and guide) keeps track of the plentiful sightings happening on Ezulwini’s big 5 traverse in the game-rich Balule Nature reserve. Below are just a few of the highlights from the past month :

Sightings of the Kudyela lionesses and the burly Machaton males. The Machatons have been mating with the Kudyela females. The coalition and the pride
A sighting of a nameless pride of lions, with a rather distinct and beautiful looking sub-adult male.
Leopard and lion kills about 2 weeks ago.
Frequent sightings of the ever graceful Thuli leopardess.
Sightings of the blue-eyed beauty and scarred warrior, Chavaluthu the leopard.
Elephants are fairly common place on the Ezulwini traverse, and tend to visit the grounds of both Billy’s and River Lodge.
Huge herds of buffalo have descended upon the traverse, bulk grazing their way through the bushveld.

After you return from morning drive you will be treated to a sumptuous breakfast. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Billy’s Lodge has a wooden skywalk meandering over the ‘veld below, and guests sometimes spot wildlife below the wooden walkway. River Lodge has exceptional views of the Olifants River and also has a wooden walkway that leads to a seating area under a canopy of trees. River Lodge has typical riverine vegetation and a forest of fig and mahogany trees home to primates and birdlife. If the weather allows, soak up the sun at the poolside or, if you’re staying in a suite, take a dip in your own private plunge pool.

Late afternoon rolls around and then it’s time for evening game drive, which departs at roughly 15:30 – 16:30, dependent on the season. Yet again you will be rewarded with a 3 hour game drive in the Balule Nature Reserve, and this time you’ll observe the crepuscular creatures at play, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the nocturnal creatures starting to stir. Oh, and you will stop for sundowners – golden hour is a much celebrated event!

Upon returning to camp you will be treated to an al fresco dining experience, a roaring campfire in the boma area and if you’re lucky enough, a traditional African singing and dancing session will take place. When you’re done dining and chatting we encourage you to soak up the African atmosphere and relax in the bar area, or boma. Just remember – it’s an early start the next morning…

No two days are the same on safari. Even if the routine, structure and schedules remain consistent, wildlife sightings are never the same. And that’s the beauty of going on safari – it’s wild and unpredictable, and just mind-blowingly life changing.

The Week in Pictures : Big Cats Enjoy a Banquet of Delights

Hello Monday, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again.

It’s that time of the week, when “Week in Pictures” makes a grand and startling entrance. This week we’ve witnessed bone-crunching, foot stomping, and flesh-ripping madness from our predators and thieving scavengers. The noise and absolute racket from the excitement of meal time in the bushveld is a far cry from the “Sound of Silence”. Once again, there’s a similar thread weaving its way through the camps’ sightings. This week, the showdowns and comical kills were the star of the show.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Photographer Em Gatland missioned through to the Sabi Sand to capture a bit of wildlife action on camera. Umkumbe have enjoyed prolific leopard sightings on their traverse, and the African wild dogs decided to intrude on the leopard sightings to offer up a few sightings of their own species. The giant herbivores were an ever present force while our team were trundling through the bushveld. We’re talking elephants in musth, and high concentrations of breeding herds about. The small creatures provided ample adorable photographic moments, ensuring the trip to Umkumbe was a successful one in terms of mixed sightings.

We’ll release more photos and stories from the Umkumbe guides during the course of the week.

Roam Private Game Reserve

Located in the heartland of the Great Karoo is the undulating rocky terrain of the 5000 hectare Roam Private Game Reserve. This cradle of civilisation provides sweeping scenes of mind-blowing sunsets, and a unique topography dotted with plains game. We thought we’d mesmerise your senses with a few more nature photographs from the Great Karoo for this week’s Week in Pictures. The cheetah coalition have settled in without issue, the buffalo herd are enjoying the bounty of digestible greens, and the resident large land tortoises continue to provide reliable wildlife sightings.

Chacma Bush Camp

We’ve waxed lyrical about the heavy presence of lions within the Maseke Game Reserve, but there’s a new kid in town that tops the lion sightings. Over the weekend guide Calvin Shelly spotted a shy pangolin! In some cultures it is believed to be good luck to spot a pangolin. These endangered creatures fall victim to illegal wildlife crime, and spotting one thriving in the wild is always cause for celebration. We have now have confirmation that pangolin are found on the Chacma traverse!

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

There are a few new developments in terms of lion sightings at the Klaserie camps. 9 lions were spotted in the vicinity of a giraffe kill, and 4/5 lions were seen feasting on the kill. There’s plenty of speculation about who the pride are, but this still needs to be determined. All guides and photographers headed to the scene at various intervals to observe the feast. As predicted, the scavenging hyenas and wakes of vultures descended upon the area with clear intentions of grabbing a small meal for themselves. Coupled with the exceptional lion sightings, there have been numerous sightings of the African wild dog conducting hunts and guarding their den area. It has certainly been an eventful week in the Klaserie!

Ezulwini Game Lodges

The team at Ezulwini are enjoying a bounty of leopard sightings at the moment, with the highlight being the sighting of the Thuli leopardess. Both the leopards and lions were spotted on kills, which was another incredible sighting for guests to the big 5 Balule Nature Reserve.

Week in Pictures : Leopards in the Spotlight

Monday always seems to be an unforgiving start to the week. The onslaught of the working week is upon us, and the realisation that the weekend has disappeared as quickly as a fresh kill next to a hyena, becomes a reality. Our safari images are here to ease the pain caused by Monday’s cruel heart. When the start of the week is a tough one, we urge you to take a quick break and armchair travel to the bushveld.

Our first update is from Walkers Bush Villa in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. It appears the highlight of the week was the sighting of the Sunset Dam leopardess, who certainly isn’t a stranger to the Walkers traverse. While the owner’s son, James Walker, was exploring the area with guide Brett, they came across the slender leopard. Guide Brett said, “We had a birthday coffee Amarula stop interrupted by Sunset Dam female, who decided to walk past. The coffee stop was actually at Sunset Dam! We had an incredible 20 minutes with her. Just a magic sighting. A first leopard sighting for many of our guests who have been to the bush all their life, and a very special moment!”

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp also enjoyed a recent leopard sighting of a large male just resting in the undergrowth. A large, unknown male leopard was seen resting beneath the thick shrubbery carpeting the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The soft undergrowth looks like a perfectly comfortable spot to rest during the heat of the day. Having just conducted a kill, this sturdy male decided to lodge its prey in the fork of a tree for safekeeping. The leopard sightings in the Klaserie are on the increase, and it’s all systems go with predator action at the moment!

We move across from the Klaserie towards the Maseke Game Reserve, where things are equally as exciting. The team at Chacma are experiencing prolific lion sightings, with a clear shift in pride dynamics underway. It appears the Maseke male lions are in hot pursuit of the Lamai lioness and her sub-adults. She’s doing everything she can to avoid her boys coming into contact with the powerful Maseke males! The team at Chacma often sees these two groups moving through the Maseke, and at night the contact calls from the Maseke males can be heard echoing across the landscape.

From the Maseke we journey to the Balule Nature Reserve, home of Ezulwini Game Lodges. Angele says that guests have enjoyed exceptional sightings, with a few highlights including lion cubs, cheetah, massive herds of elephant and buffalo. It’s hard to pinpoint a highlight when the reserve continues to pump out sightings left, right and centre. Thuli the leopard was also spotted during the course of the week, adding to bulk big cat sightings enjoyed by guests.

Jumping across the border to Botswana, we continue to enjoy sightings of the subjects seen often while enjoying a water safari. Bloats of hippo, high concentration of red lechwe and water-loving elephants are the usual suspects that provide a constant stream of sightings for guests.

Walkers Bush Villa

Chacma Bush Camp

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Xobega Island Camp and Tuskers Bush Camp

Ezulwini Game Lodges

Cheetah Project (ASHIA and EWT) : Observing Cheetah

Roam Private Game Reserve is home to a coalition of 2 cheetah brothers that were relocated from Tiger Canyons in the Free State. Recently, the experienced team from ASHIA conducted a site inspection of the area and spent many hours closely observing the current coalition and their ability to be successful in the wild. ASHIA was there with the intention of surveying the surrounds and analysing the habitat for possible release of other captive bred cheetah into the wild at Roam. The ultimate aim of Roam is to allow guests to observe cheetah in a safe environment, where there is zero interaction with the cats.

The population of cheetah in the wild has dwindled at a rapid since 2016, which means cheetah conservation projects need to put on a united front and make a concerted effort to thwart the drop in numbers. Re-introducing cheetah into the wild, and into areas where they previously thrived, is one way of increasing the alarming decline in numbers.

If you recall, we recently wrote about Roam’s decision to rehome cheetah into the Great Karoo as part of ongoing conservation projects that focus on re-introducing species that once thrived on the rugged and unforgiving terrain of the Karoo’s heartland. The decision to bring cheetah into the reserve was not taken lightly, and a team of leading conservationists from EWT played a vital role in getting the cheetah established at Roam.

Vincent Van Der Merwe, who heads up the Cheetah Range Expansion Project, aims to manage the genetics of Southern Africa’s wild cheetah population. Through this project they are able to supply small reserves, such as Roam, with cheetah while ensuring the population as a whole remains genetically viable. Any cheetah cubs from Roam would be part of this project and be introduced to reserves deemed suitable by EWT. Obviously the process of introducing cheetah was an arduous one, but one that has proven to be successful in just short space of time at Roam.

In a previous blog post we interviewed Abigail who furnished us information regarding the origins of their cheetah coalition. If you recall, she said, “The cheetah come from Tiger Canyons in the Free State. The are from a litter of 5 cubs and are the only males in this litter. The property is owned by well know photographer and conservationist John Varty. We were particularly fussy about the source of the cheetah as we needed cheetah that came from the Karoo. Cheetah that are brought into the Karoo from more lush parts of their range tend to suffer in the Karoo with only a 20% survival rate while cheetah relocated within the Karoo have a 70% chance of survival.”

Just recently, Roam had the pleasure of hosting the team from ASHIA Cheetah Experience. Their aim is to fight for the survival of cheetah in the wild. ASHIA conducted their assessment and seem to be impressed with the set-up at Roam, which means there’s a possibility of seeing a few females in the near future. The long term aim is to release captive bred cheetah into the wild at Roam, and encourage guests to enjoy observing cheetah in the Great Karoo. Shortly after the cheetah were released into an open area, the cats conducted their first kill in the wild, which proved to be a jaw-dropping moment given the size of their prey. Both the Roam and ASHIA team were astounded at the cheetah’s progress!

Cheetah are facing a race against survival in the wild, and we’re ecstatic about the cheetah conservation projects underway at Roam Private Game Reserve. From a guest point of view, you are able to observe and get close to the cheetah while learning about the project. Roam does not endorse touching and petting of cheetah – they are wild, and the team aims to keep it as such.

Here are the previous blog posts relating to the cheetah at Roam :

Roam Private Game Release Cheetah Coalition in the Great Karoo

Roam’s Cheetah Conduct Their First Kill in the Great Karoo

Guest Blogger visits Roam and Spends Time with Cheetah

Week in Pictures : People, Landscapes and Wildlife

On a weekly basis we interrupt your daily grind to deliver the latest slew of images fresh from the bushveld. The idea is to charm you with ranger’s and photographer’s awe-inspiring images of wild landscapes and its inhabitants. Let’s face it, most people need a pick-me-up on a Monday, and there’s nothing better than being reminded of our natural and earthy roots. This week we deliver the standard portfolio of wildlife images and a quick catch-up from each camp. We also have a few images of our guests doing what they do best – observing wildlife. What happens from a people and behind-the-scenes perspective is equally as important as observing wildlife. We trust you’ll enjoy today’s mix bag of images, fresh from the sparse open areas of our prime safari destinations.

Botswana is quite consistent when it comes to sightings and it’s pretty much a given that you’ll spot hippos, crocs, waders and birds of prey when you’re cruising across the pristine waters of the Delta. While on safari at Xobega, the focus is on experiencing all that a water safari has to offer. This week it was all about taking photos of sunsets and relaxing on the motorboat.

Tuskers Bush Camp greatly contrasts the watery domain of the Okavango Delta, and offers up sweeping scenes of unchartered mixed woodlands and savannah. One of the most consistent sightings at Tuskers Bush Camp is that of the elephant herds that filter their way down to the waterhole in front of camp on a regular basis. We’re not surprised given that elephants are creatures of habit and enjoy nothing more than a bit of routine.

Darting across the border from Botswana and back into South African territory, we amble our way through the Greater Kruger. The Klaserie camps, Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp, are enjoying plentiful sightings of the African wild dogs. Guides came across a pack devouring a fresh impala kill, which made for a brutal but exciting sighting. We’re in the midst of the wild dog denning period, which means sightings are more regular. Always great to enjoy their presence before they resume a nomadic lifestyle.

An exciting project is underway with Africa on Foot. The team have made the decision to create virtual tours. The talented group from ReWild visited the camp and are hard at work creating these unique tours – watch this space.

Meandering from the Klaserie we make our way towards the Balule Nature Reserve, where we come across Ezulwini Game Lodges – place of paradise! Guide and River Lodge manager, Angele, has noticed the changes in weather conditions in the Lowveld, remarking that a recent cold front brought with it distinct changes in wildlife behaviour. In one of her recent Facebook posts she said, ” Huddling for warmth and keeping low to the ground are some of the wildlife strategies we are currently seeing on game drives.”

Another Balule highlight was the presence of the burly boys of the Balule (Machaton males). They were caught red-handed sewing their wild oats with one of the Kudyela lionesses!

Close to the Balule Nature Reserve is the Maseke Game Reserve, home to Chacma Bush Camp. Chacma is rife with lion activity at the moment, and guides have certainly worked hard at establishing the history of the local lions. Plenty of speculation in terms of behaviour, but that’s how it is with lions.

The Maseke males are still a dominant force and continue to pursue the lone Lamai female, who has a few sub-adults of her own. She has been seen mating with one of the Maseke males, but her priority is safeguarding her growing cubs against the fearless kings of the area.

The famous reserve of Sabi Sand is the home of Umkumbe Safari Lodge. The Umkumbe team also spotted lions and leopard during the course of the week, with the most exciting sighting being that of the White Dam male cub. If you recall, White Dam the local leopardess passed away, so it’s nice to her see her sub-adult thriving in the wild. The Mhangeni sub-adult lions were also spotted and so were the Kumbula females. The Kumbulas were relaxing meters away from a buffalo herd with young, so you can only imagine what went down in the dead of night!

That’s a wrap from us. We hope you’ll enjoy each and every image courtesy of our outdoor loving guides and photographers!