Hello Friday! As promised, here is our collection of photos and highlights from the week. This has been largely dominated by big cats, small cubs and a flurry of odd activity.
Enjoy the pictures!
Leopards are a common sight when out on a game drive with Umkumbe, but this week we’d like to share our lion sightings with you. We’ve spent the past week updating with you leopard sightings so it’s time to focus on our fearless Panthera leo species. However, there’s still time for a quick leopard recap. A remarkably beautiful leopardess called Tatowa came over from the north. Her visit was fleeting and we hope she’ll be back soon. White Dam was spotted relaxing outside one of the game ranger’s rooms, which was incredible to see.
Over the past week we’ve also had a glimpse of Mahlatini, a young male leopard. The male most commonly seen is Mxabene who seems to dominate our leopard sightings. Is there room for Mahlatini?
Three unknown lionesses who appear to be hanging out with the Matshapiri males have been seen fairly regularly. The Matshapiri males have free-flowing, dark manes and certainly live up to their king of the jungle title!
These unknown trio of lionesses have been marking their territory and masking their scent in buffalo dung. The Kruger Park male and Solo male were seen together. They were doing what lions do best – nothing! The males have now moved further north.
We’ve also enjoyed other big five sightings and Mauritz managed to capture an incredible photo of buffalo in the morning light.
The old lioness from the Ross Pride has died – famous for her attack on a honey badger a few weeks back, this fighter has finally given up. Sad, but such is the circle of life!
We follow a story of death with a story of new life. One of the Ross pride cubs has been seen in the open, exploring his surrounds. We saw one of the Ross females swatting the cub as it tried to follow her. She even growled at him to back away and find his own place of refuge. The mother of the cub (the other Ross breakaway) hasn’t been seen in two days. We assume she is tending to the second cub. This same female was seen contact calling for the mother of the cub.
Let’s not underestimate the beauty of our antelope species – they’re not just food for predators! Kudu are the Kruger’s horned beauties and are rather skittish creatures.
Our predators are out in full force and there’s no shortage of plains game to feed our big cats! Even our rather solitary, shaggy looking raptors like the tawny eagle have had their fair share of stolen morsels on which to feast. They’re quite ruthless in their quest for survival. On the topic of survival, a highlight this week has been the sighting of one of lion cubs avoiding being trampled on by a buffalo! Cubs are curious by nature and the phrase “lion hearted” certainly brings to life the origins of the word.
The Ross pride breakaway mother was seen approaching a buffalo in an attempt to ward off the old bull. The bundle of fluff run forward to inspect the bull and was subsequently chased away. They all came away unscathed! The two Ross pride breakaway females separated and they were heard contact calling. Hopefully the sisters will re-unite shortly and ensure the safety and well-being of the cubs.
We’ve also had our fair share of leopard sightings, which is good news for the Klaserie. Firm favourite, Rhulani, was spotted enjoying her impala feast and left the carcass tucked away neatly in the fork of a tree.
Yesterday was quite a sad day. we can confirm that the brave, tough and fearless old Ross pride lioness who annihilated a honey badger, is dead. She was past her prime and struggling with a few natural injuries.
One of the best aspects of camping with Afrika Ecco Mobile Safaris is that you change locations within this pristine area of the Okavango Delta. Travelling through the impeccable wildlife area and arriving at a mobile campsite with all the tent setup, cooking and cleaning done for you makes for a relaxing and unbeatable experience in the bush.
Here are a few highlights from our safari with Afrika Ecco. Being in such a remote location means access to prime game viewing positions. Enjoy these highlights from Botswana.
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