A2A Safaris - Leopardshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/leopardsenProject Pardus: Working with Panthera to Save Leopardshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/project-pardus-working-panthera-to-save-leopards<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Recognised as the world’s main authority on the conservation status of biological species, the IUCN Red List classifies leopards as “vulnerable”, meaning that they are at high risk of endangerment in the wild. While they are not yet technically endangered, there are likely fewer than 5,000 leopards remaining in South Africa and if their numbers...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div></div>Thu, 22 Feb 2018 07:00:10 +0000Anonymous2751 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/project-pardus-working-panthera-to-save-leopards#commentsClaws Out in Big Cat Countryhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/claws-out-big-cat-country<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Singita’s property in the Sabi Sand is one of the most well-protected wildlife areas in South Africa. According to a recent study by Panthera, it is also home to the highest density of leopards of any area surveyed in the country. The region has always been well-known for its big cats and we are privileged...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Tue, 21 Nov 2017 07:00:57 +0000Anonymous2680 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/claws-out-big-cat-country#commentsGetting a Better Picture of Leopard Conservation at Singita Sabi Sandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/getting-a-better-picture-leopard-conservation-singita-sabi-sand<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Singita Sabi Sand, a concession within the larger Sabi Sand Wildtuin in South Africa, is home to one of the world’s best-protected leopard populations. An astonishing 9,000 sightings of 142 individual leopards were recorded in the Sabi Sand region last year, making the area an obvious choice for important big cat research that allows conservation...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Tue, 27 Jun 2017 07:30:08 +0000Anonymous2561 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/getting-a-better-picture-leopard-conservation-singita-sabi-sand#commentsCool & Crisp: The Beginning of Winter at Singita Sabi Sandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/cool-crisp-the-beginning-winter-singita-sabi-sand<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Honey-coloured mornings and dark orange sunsets, cool evenings, and clear skies filled with stars – this is the start of winter at Singita Sabi Sand. Purchased by the Bailes family 90 years ago, this stretch of pristine wilderness adjacent to the Kruger National Park was transformed into a wildlife reserve in 1948 and became home...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Tue, 23 May 2017 07:00:11 +0000Anonymous2530 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/cool-crisp-the-beginning-winter-singita-sabi-sand#commentsBig Cat Conservation: Coming Back from the Brink of Extinctionhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/big-cat-conservation-coming-back-the-brink-extinction<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Situated in a remote corner of South Africa’s Lowveld, the 45,000-acre Singita Sabi Sand reserve has evolved from its early days as a hunting concession to become an exclusive conservation reserve where all species are protected under the watchful eye of Singita’s environmental management unit. One such species that was brought back from near-extinction in...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:44:17 +0000Anonymous2448 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/big-cat-conservation-coming-back-the-brink-extinction#commentsSpotting Singita Kruger National Park’s Lovely Leopardshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/spotting-singita-kruger-national-park%E2%80%99s-lovely-leopards<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Leopard sightings aren’t exactly rare in Singita’s 33,000-acre corner of the Kruger National Park; just last month, field guide Brian Rode recorded 35 separate sightings in his Wildlife Report! Although usually an elusive species, the leopards and other wildlife in this area are habituated to the game vehicles and don’t perceive a threat, so their natural...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div></div>Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:00:33 +0000Anonymous2388 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/spotting-singita-kruger-national-park%E2%80%99s-lovely-leopards#commentsHighlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lionshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/highlights-our-wildlife-reports-lots-lions<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita - Safari Lodges & Luxury Accommodation in Africa</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/highlights-from-our-wildlife-reports-lots-of-lions/">Highlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lions</a></p>
<p>What do the lion, elephant and hippopotamus have in common? Besides the fact that these are all animals you are likely to find on safari, they are also all listed as “Vulnerable” on the <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/15951/0" target="_blank">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>. Lion populations, in particular, have declined by approximately 42% over the past 21 years, and their conservation status means that they are likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening their survival and reproduction improve. Protecting this majestic species and their natural habitat is an important part of <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/" target="_blank">Singita’s conservation work</a>, and it is thrilling to see them in such healthy numbers across <a href="http://singita.com/regions/">our reserves in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania</a>. Here are some highlights of recent sightings from <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/">last month’s Wildlife Reports</a>:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16683" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="830" height="467" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4.png 830w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-300x169.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-768x432.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-548x308.png 548w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px" /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16682" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="879" height="494" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3.png 879w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-300x169.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-768x432.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-548x308.png 548w" sizes="(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa</h3>
<p>Lions continue to dominate the area, mainly moving along the Sand River. Within a short period of six days, the Mhangene Pride managed to kill seven buffaloes, six of which were taken down in two separate sightings. They have managed to maintain their dominant behaviour within the area and their den-site has been kept along the river, just east of <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-boulders-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Boulders Lodge</a>. The coalitions of Majingalane male lions have been enjoying the feast of buffaloes, somewhat to the disapproval of the lionesses from the Mhangene Pride. In the photo above, one of them licks his cheeks clean after gorging himself on a buffalo carcass that he claimed as his own after the lionesses had killed it the night before.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-sabi-sand-38/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16687" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="734" height="425" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7.png 734w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7-300x174.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px" /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16686" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="737" height="384" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6.png 737w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6-300x156.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa</h3>
<p>We have had another amazing month of lion viewing, with over 130 sightings of these cats recorded this last month. The Shishangaan Pride includes the famous “White Lion of Satara”, and fortunately for us, much of this pride’s territory lies within the Singita concession. This particular pride was once one of the mega-prides of African and it numbered over 30 individuals. It became so large that they were having difficulties feeding all the members and so the pride split into two distinct groups. The Xhirombe Pride also seems to have split up now, and are often seen in the hilly areas near the Mozambique fence-line to the southeast of camp. The young male is looking stunning and his mane is growing well. Sadly for him, the two females of the Xhirombe Pride have been seen flirting with the larger, adult males from the Southern Pride (who have been making forays into the area near the lodge). The sub-adult lioness was seen mating with one of these Southern males near the spring in the gorge east of camp. The Xhirombe male has therefore left the two females and is roaming alone for now.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-kruger-national-park-38/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16705" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_9.gif" alt="Lions at Singita Grumeti" width="770" height="770" /></p>
<h3>Singita Grumeti, Tanzania</h3>
<p>Lion sightings have truly been incredible over the last few months and September did not disappoint, with a total of 123 different sightings recorded. The majority of these sightings took place around Sasakwa Dam and the many drainage lines that are found within our area. Raho drainage was particularly productive as we have a pride of 21 lions which move along it – they consist of five males, five females, five cubs of 10 months, three of 4 months and three of 2 months. They provided many guests with some unforgettable sightings, like spectacular sequence captured by field guide Mark Nicholson.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-grumeti-40/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16704" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lions at Singita Lamai" width="1024" height="681" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Lamai, Tanzania</h3>
<p>Yet another great month for the lions in the Lamai Triangle. With the migration in full swing, they did not have to work too hard to find a meal. There seem to be three different prides that make up the majority of the sightings, and the pride which frequents the koppies near the camp is seen on a regular basis. This pride has two magnificent big, black-maned males, which protect the pride and make sure that no other males are able to move into their territory and attempt a pride takeover. Dominant males will normally hold sway over a pride for two to five years whilst they are in the prime of their lives. When old age starts catching up with them younger, stronger males will move in and force them out, taking control of the pride.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-lamai-26/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16680" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1.jpg" alt="Lions at Singita" width="809" height="1022" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1.jpg 809w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1-237x300.jpg 237w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1-768x970.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe</h3>
<p>The tracking team had devoted hours to tracking a coalition of male lions in thick mopane woodland, and once they had spotted them on foot they called us, hopped on our vehicle and guided us to the position. Unfortunately by that time the lions had moved off a little from where the trackers had left them, so we scouted around to find them. The photo above shows the moment when we did – you can see how this male is looking slightly alarmed and has locked his stare on to me but he soon settled down and relaxed again. Can you spot his brother in the background?</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-pamushana-66/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Singita’s Vimeo channel is a great place to see the lions in action. Some of our favourite snippets include <a href="https://vimeo.com/160447039" target="_blank">Lion Fight at Singita Grumeti</a>, <a href="https://vimeo.com/155728155" target="_blank">Othawa Pride in the rain at Singita Sabi Sand</a>, and <a href="https://vimeo.com/155733041" target="_blank">the Shishangaan Pride on a kill at Singita Kruger National Park</a>.</em></p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/highlights-from-our-wildlife-reports-lots-of-lions/">Highlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lions</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Tue, 18 Oct 2016 12:57:56 +0000Anonymous2312 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/highlights-our-wildlife-reports-lots-lions#commentsLanding Strip Surprise at Singita Sabi Sandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/landing-strip-surprise-singita-sabi-sand<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>One of the first things that visitors see when they come in to land at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a> is the thatched boma that serves as a rustic, safari-style airport terminal. Alongside this small building, guests will usually find the welcoming committee of their field guide and tracker, a table of refreshments and the waiting game viewing vehicle. Visitors arriving at the concession last week were in for an extra treat however; one of the resident leopards was snoozing in the boma!</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13527" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_1.jpg" alt="Leopard at the Singita Sabi Sand landing strip" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_1-300x199.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_1-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_1.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" /></a><br /><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13528" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_2.jpg" alt="Leopard at the Singita Sabi Sand landing strip" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_2-300x199.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_2-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/airstrip_leopard_2.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" /></a></p>
<p>The leopards of the Sabi Sand are a wildlife highlight for guests and staff alike, and the more adventurous characters can regularly be spotted near the lodges. We aren’t sure if this beautiful specimen was attracted to the chic decor of the “terminal” or simply sought some shade in which to spend a quiet afternoon, but their comfortable presence was an absolute delight to see.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13532" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/leopard_collage.jpg" alt="Leopard at the Singita Sabi Sand landing strip" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/leopard_collage-300x150.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/leopard_collage.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></p>
<p><em>Leopards are elusive creatures, but the Sabi Sand Reserve, in which Singita has a 45,000-acre concession, is very well known for its leopard activity. You can read all about them in <a href="http://singita.com/blog/big-cat-country-the-leopards-of-singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">this recent blog post</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/landing-strip-surprise-at-singita-sabi-sand-2/">Landing Strip Surprise at Singita Sabi Sand</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:30:28 +0000Anonymous1612 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/landing-strip-surprise-singita-sabi-sand#commentsRuaha’s Spotted All-Starshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha%E2%80%99s-spotted-all-stars<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4 style="text-align:center;"><strong>*** Important ***</strong><br />
From 1 March 2015 this website will not be live anymore.<br />
With the launch of our new Asilia Blog all future blog articles about Rubondo Island can be found there.<strong><br /><a href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/category/areas/ruaha_national_park/" target="_blank">We invite you to our new Asilia Blog here ></a></strong></h4>
<h4>By Pietro Luraschi</h4>
<p>Quintessential beauty, unforgettable elegance, striking power, heavenly grace and a perfect balance of many qualities: these are the words that come to my mind every time I see a leopard.</p>
<p>Every leopard has its own way and its own character: some are shy, allowing you just a glimpse of them, some are confident in trees but disappear as soon as they climb down, some climb rocks, others prefer trees, and others again do not like much climbing and prefer the undergrowth. There are leopards absolutely relaxed with cars around, then there the one-car-leopards that vanish the moment a second car approaches. Lastly there are the leopards that we never see because they are way too wary of humans – all we find are sets of tracks here and there, but no other sign of them.</p>
<p>As guides of <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Kwihala Camp</span></a> we know of a good number of leopards around us, not less than fifteen individuals, but if I have to do the maths, there are probably five of them that count for the 80% of the sightings – our five ‘Spotted All-Stars’.</p>
<p><strong>Furaha</strong></p>
<p>Furaha, which means ‘joy’ in Swahili, is 4 years old, and at time of writing is probably busy with a litter of cubs that she has not yet revealed to the world.</p>
<p>We have known her since she was 4 months old. Festo and I were driving guests in the Sokwe Forest when we spotted a shy female up a rain tree no more then 8 metres from the road, and by her side, a small furry cub as shy as her mother.</p>
<p>Their impala kill tucked up on a branch kept them there for four days, and then one night the mother went down, killed another ewe and brought it up the same tree where for another four days the leopards enjoyed their meal. That gave little Furaha the time to slowly overcome her fear of vehicles and has made her a real joy for us since. She is a great fan of sausage trees, which are by far her favourite trees to rest in. She does not use trees much when there is good cover on the ground, but she climbs more and more as the dry season advances.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140902_074113.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-631" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140902_074113.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140902_074113" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_171422.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-632" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_171422.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_171422" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172749-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-633" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172749-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_172749-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172306-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-634" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172306-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_172306-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Onca</strong></p>
<p>Onca gets his name from the scientific name for the jaguar, as his pattern and shape of rosettes very similar to that of the South American cat. He is three and an half, and we have known him since he was one year old, when he had just left his mother. We found him around Kimilamatonge Hill, which became the centre for most of his activity. He is a very relaxed cat of predictable habits, where he loves the roads, using them to move along the hill to access the best rocks where Hyraxes live. Recently he started killing bigger prey but still stays around the hill where he can count on hundreds of bush hyraxes for easy meals. He has a real love for the mid rainy season, where he likes to sit on granite boulders in the late afternoon when the temperature drops, his elegant body wrapped around the rocks.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140731_094850.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-635" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140731_094850.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140731_094850" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140804_124147-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-636" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140804_124147-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140804_124147-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140908_182445.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-637" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140908_182445.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140908_182445" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140924_182059-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-638" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140924_182059-3.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140924_182059-3" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Bandido</strong></p>
<p>Bandido is an old pirate, one ear just a stump, his gums covering the lower incisors, and has a massive body full of scars. He often walks through the camp at night, and he is not afraid of humans: he just keeps a safe distance and does not run away at full speed when we cross his path. Completely at ease when he is up a tree, he does not like to follow roads when he is on the ground, usually moving steadily into thicker areas of undergrowth.</p>
<p>An old boy, definitely in his prime, he is one of the princes of the Mwagusi Valley, roaming all the area from Mbagi almost to White Rocks, more or less ten kilometres as the crow flies. He is not the only huge male around, as strangely his range overlaps with that of a very shy, blue-eyed male we call Ghost. Last year we saw him with a female between Lorenzo’s and my tent, and keeping just out of view, he mated with her all night, keeping us and half the camp awake!</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20141005_191307-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-630" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20141005_191307-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20141005_191307- bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_125233-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-629" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_125233-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140926_125233-bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_115821-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-628" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_115821-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140926_115821- bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>BRM and BRF</strong></p>
<p>BRM and BRF are two siblings named Black Rocks Male and Black Rocks Female. I know the names lack imagination, but refer to the area where they live. Black Rocks is a basalt ridge surfacing along the Mwagusi River, a good place for hunting hyraxes, one of the favourite prey species of young leopards not confident enough to target bigger mammals. They are probably three years old. When we started seeing them they were around eighteen months old, together with their mother, who was extremely shy. She always moved away from us but the cubs would often stay, curious of cars and people.<br />
At one of the first sightings we had of them, the three leopards were cornered by a pride of lions, perched high up in two huge baobabs! Over time, BRF has become very, very confident, and she is completely unfazed by vehicles even when she is on the ground. BRM loves baobab trees and in recent times has started killing impalas and dragging them up there, but when he is on the ground he likes to keep his distance.</p>
<p>They have left their mother to get on with their solitary lives, but sometimes when they meet, BRM always approaches BRF with a friendly manner, and she always tells him off with snarls and growls. This year we found them in a baobab with a third leopard, a male of the same age (BRM2) that seems to have a strong bond with them. He may be a cub of the same litter that left the mother before the other two, and before we started seeing them.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_172702.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-639" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_172702.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_172702" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175020-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-643" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175020-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_175020-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175342-4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-644" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175342-4.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_175342-4" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140726_083401.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-645" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140726_083401.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140726_083401" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140824_085712.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-646" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140824_085712.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140824_085712" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_081132.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-647" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_081132.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140911_081132" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_080846.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-648" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_080846.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140911_080846" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p>Sightings of these “Spotted All-Stars” are often the highlight of visitors’ experiences here in Ruaha, with their effortless combination of fierce grace and power, and they certainly are among my favourite animals to photograph.</p>
<p>Pietro</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Kwihala Camp website</span></a> to find out more about the camp and Ruaha National Park. To come and stay, contact your trusted tour operator or <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Enquire/Kwihala.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">enquire here</span></a>.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 11:11:14 +0000Anonymous1242 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha%E2%80%99s-spotted-all-stars#commentsAugust news – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>August</p>
<p>Zarafa and its Dhow Suites would like to thank the many American citizens who made the long trip to Africa for their safari!</p>
<p>For our camp, August is traditionally an ‘American month’ with around 60% of our guests coming from overseas and this year was no exception. We wish you all safe travels back home and we hope to see you next winter. Oh! And for those of you who enjoy flexible work arrangements or are retired, please do not be a stranger and visit us even earlier. In November for example, it is a completely different ball game out here!</p>
<p>Weather-wise, August has ‘played’ us. Pretending to give us an exceptionally warm winter in the beginning of the month, but a few very cold and windy days right at the very end. We say; “do not worry about things you cannot control!” – as you understand, we (luckily) have very little problems in our little safari bubble.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9544" alt="Eskay&Cristofina" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>One of the greater thing about August though are the stunning sunsets. As some of you might know, we get to see these typical red and orange colors this time of year as our neighbor country Namibia has ‘controlled burns’ to fertilize their land. The smoke and dust particles that remain in the air create these beautiful colors we enjoy every day. In the morning you can witness what we call, ‘the shadow of the earth’, which is a blue edge upon the horizon after which the sky colors soft pink. In one word: gorgeous.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9542" alt="Sunset" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>But, enough about the beauty of the Botswana horizon. You want to know what the game has been like! August was the month of the cats and the cubs. Ask yourself, is there anything cuter than 6 lion cubs tumbling over each other, chasing their moms tail? Well, maybe (just maybe), it could be the leopard cub our guides have been spotting near our home!</p>
<p>Other great news is that the guides have located a wild dog den with puppies (hurray!). More information on these little ones will hopefully follow soon, as the den is still closed for sightings until the pups are at least 6 till 8 weeks of age. These protocols are important to ensure a healthy and relaxed relationship between the dogs and the cars coming to visit them. Also, as any parent will understand, raising these little fur balls is not always easy. Especially not when you consider the possible dangers of their environment. Too many car tracks towards the den might attract predators like lions and in this way humans might influence the ‘circle of life’ before the pups and their guardians even have a chance out here.</p>
<p>On a different note, those who follow our Social Media channels might have noticed that our very own Dereck & Beverly Joubert, have visited us this month. This always goes hand-in-hand with some new furniture and Zarafa has gained new pictures out of Beverly’s collection on its walls. It becomes harder and harder to pick your personal favorite in the main area…</p>
<p>Now, attention to all wine lovers! Next to some fabulous(-ly comfortable) leather chairs in the library, our camp is also enjoying a brand new wine list (hurray #2!). We are so excited to present to you a selection of excellent wines ranging from different vineyards that share our passion for quality, as well as a sense of responsibility to our environment and the communities we serve. We cannot wait to start spoiling our coming guests with vineyard tasting evenings (or lunches, brunches? – it is always 5 ‘o clock somewhere in the world!).<br />
News from the kitchen includes our Chef Mhange who has joined Katherine and her team to delight us with his wonderful personality and cooking skills at Zarafa and the Dhow Suites.<br />
One of their new delights includes a cracker that is made from a variation of seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Tastes great, no gluten! The kitchen team has also cooked repeatedly in the bush this month, surprising our guests with lunches and dinners in the wild and even a dinner on the boat.</p>
<p>And on that happy note, we wish you all a fabulous start of September. We will keep you posted and we promise that we will not let you wait for next months’ newsletter to hear from Zarafa and its Dhow Suites.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:56:04 +0000Anonymous1080 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments