A2A Safaris - elephantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/elephantsenThe Alarming Results of the Great Elephant Censushttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-alarming-results-the-great-elephant-census<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Habitat loss. Climate change. Human conflict. There are many reasons why elephants, arguably the continent’s most iconic animals, are disappearing from African landscapes, but the biggest threat to this vulnerable species is humans; specifically those that hunt them illegally to trade in their ivory. The rapid decline in their numbers prompted philanthropist Paul G. Allen’s...</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/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</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/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/wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife Conservation</a></div></div>Mon, 21 Nov 2016 07:00:07 +0000Anonymous2397 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-alarming-results-the-great-elephant-census#commentsFun & Games at Sosigi Damhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/fun-games-sosigi-dam<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/fun_and_games_at_sosigi_dam/">Fun & Games at Sosigi Dam</a></p>
<p>We usually try to ascribe animal behaviour to survival mechanisms, like learning to hunt, establishing dominance or strengthening muscles. Sometimes though, they really are just having fun! This was certainly the case at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-pamushana/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana</a> in Zimbabwe recently, when field guide Jenny Hishin, observed a herd of elephants enjoying themselves in the cool waters of the Sosigi Dam. Here, she describes the amusing scene:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16196" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_1-1024x789.png" alt="Elephants at Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="789" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_1-1024x789.png 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_1-300x231.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_1-768x592.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_1.png 1550w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>It was an absolute delight to watch! We were parked on the bridge as the sun was slipping below the tree-line, and the rest of the elephant bulls were grazing in the riverbed. Knowing we were the only safari vehicle out, we settled in for a good hour to enjoy the view. They splashed, sploshed, sprayed and snorkelled. The game was clear – the aim was to wrestle, then get behind your opponent and jump on his hindquarters, effectively dunking him. Meanwhile, a lone hippo in the background looked on, appearing rather nonplussed!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16198" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_3-1024x593.png" alt="Elephants at Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="593" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_3-1024x593.png 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_3-300x174.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_3-768x445.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_3.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>Elephants are excellent swimmers as their massive bodies give them enough buoyancy to float easily. They use all four legs to paddle and use their trunk like a snorkel. Research suggests that elephants are great at swimming because they could have evolved from mammals like the sea cows – dugongs and manatees. Elephants in Africa have been recorded to travel a distance of 48 kilometres across water, and also swimming for six hours continuously. Experts believe that the elephants that live in Sri Lanka are the progeny of elephants that swam from Southern India across the sea.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16200" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_5-1024x593.png" alt="Elephants at Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="593" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_5-1024x593.png 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_5-300x174.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_5-768x445.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellie_games_5.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p><em>You can read the rest of the most recent <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/" target="_blank">Wildlife Report</a> from Singita Pamushana <a href="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SP-Wildlife-Journal-May-2016.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also <a href="https://www.instagram.com/singita_/" target="_blank">follow us on Instagram</a> to see more amazing wildilfe photos and stories straight from the bush.</em></p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/fun_and_games_at_sosigi_dam/">Fun & Games at Sosigi Dam</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/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div></div>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:00:42 +0000Anonymous2069 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/fun-games-sosigi-dam#commentsWildlife Updates from Singita Kruger National Parkhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wildlife-updates-singita-kruger-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Guests at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> have 33,000 acres over which to roam on twice-daily game drives with their dedicated field guide and tracker. The area is well known for a particularly high concentration of the “Big 5” – including a number of large prides of lion – all of whom benefit from Singita’s steadfast commitment to conservation as well as its minimal environmental footprint. Field guides Barry Peiser and Brian Rode put together the latest wildlife report from the area, which highlights some of the recent changes in the landscape and lots of exciting animal activity:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16093" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6.png" alt="sknp_6" width="811" height="540" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6.png 811w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-300x200.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></p>
<h3>Landscape</h3>
<p>We had almost no rain during April (a few drops of drizzle) and the water that filled up the N’wanetsi<br />
River last month is slowly drying up. There is still quite a bit of standing water at the weir, at Dumbana<br />
Pools and in front of both <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/sweni-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sweni</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo Lodges</a>. Hyena Pan, in the Lebombo Hills is still holding water and is attracting a fair amount of game. The depression is bare of grass and visibility is amazing. This has been a great month for game-viewing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16089" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2.png" alt="sknp_2" width="919" height="611" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2.png 919w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px" /></p>
<h3>Cheetah</h3>
<p>The stars this month were a female cheetah and her four young cubs who arrived on the concession. We<br />
estimate the cubs to be in the region of two months old and have ruffs of golden hair on their backs and<br />
very dark bellies and sides, making them look a lot like honey badgers from a distance. It is said that the<br />
young cheetah cubs are coloured like this so that potential enemies such as lions and hyenas mistake them<br />
for badgers, which are notoriously aggressive. We have had amazing views of the mother and her cubs,<br />
particularly in the open areas of the Central Depression. When we first started seeing them the cubs were<br />
very shy of the vehicles, although they have now become fairly relaxed and we have had some great views<br />
of them.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16090" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3.png" alt="sknp_3" width="919" height="611" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3.png 919w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px" /></p>
<h3>Elephant</h3>
<p>We have seen elephants almost on a daily basis. They have been coming down to drink at the water in the<br />
N’wanetsi River. Johnathan reported seeing a herd of over 70 elephants drinking at Dumbana Pools one<br />
day. On another occasion we saw a breeding herd of elephants bathing in the pool at Hyena Pan. While<br />
they were playing in the water they were surprised by a hippo bull that surfaced right in front of them. It<br />
was amusing to watch them as they got startled by the hippo and then tried to chase it around the pool.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16092" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5.png" alt="sknp_5" width="811" height="538" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5.png 811w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-768x509.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></p>
<h3>Lion</h3>
<p>Singita Kruger National Park is certainly the place to see lions; at least 70 sightings of these large cats were reported this month. The white lion from the larger portion of the Shish Pride has been seen this month and is looking healthy. He was seen feeding on a buffalo carcass with the rest of the larger portion of the Shish Pride right opposite the river from the camp! Barry had had an amazing sighting of two Shish lionesses, just the day before, stalking and catching a waterbuck close to Euphorbia Crossing, a short way upriver from Lebombo Camp. Two of the females of the Shish Pride also caught another Waterbuck right where the water ends north of<br />
Euphorbia Crossing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16091" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4.png" alt="sknp_4" width="918" height="610" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4.png 918w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-768x510.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></p>
<h3>Hyena</h3>
<p>Spotted hyenas were seen regularly during the month of April. The hyena cubs at the den along the H6<br />
public road have become very used to the cars and have been quite inquisitive. We have had to chase them<br />
away from the vehicles on occasion as they try to chew the plastic mudguards of the game viewer! One of<br />
the sub-adults was seen with porcupine quills stuck all over in his throat and neck. He had obviously been<br />
too inquisitive or had gone into the wrong burrow, one that was already occupied by a large, spiny rodent.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16088" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1.png" alt="sknp_1" width="918" height="612" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1.png 918w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-300x200.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-768x512.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></p>
<p><em>Did you catch our recent post about the adorable <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife/meet-the-mountain-pride-lion-cubs/" target="_blank">new lion cubs in the Mountain Pride</a>? Field guide Barry Peiser gave us the story along with some gorgeous photos of them with their mother. You can also stay up to date with news from our twelve lodges and camps by following <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singita.gamereserves/" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/wildlife-updates-from-singita-kruger-national-park/">Wildlife Updates from Singita Kruger National Park</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/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/cheetah" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cheetah</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/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:00:22 +0000Anonymous1995 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wildlife-updates-singita-kruger-national-park#commentsGiants Club Summit: Protecting Africa’s Elephantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/giants-club-summit-protecting-africa%E2%80%99s-elephants<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>On 29 and 30 April 2016, some of the world’s biggest voices will come together for the first time to speak up for one of its biggest inhabitants. The inaugural <a href="http://spaceforgiants.org/giantsclub/" target="_blank">Giants Club Summit</a> is set to take place in Kenya and will bring together African heads of state, global celebrities, corporate leaders, philanthropists and conservationists to address elephant poaching on the continent and discuss long-term solutions to this problem. The summit will also address how to protect rapidly diminishing elephant habitats and ensure that Africa’s giants will have a home in the future.</p>
<div id="attachment_15858" style="width: 778px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-15858 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5827-768x400.jpg" alt="Elephants at Singita" width="768" height="400" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5827-768x400.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5827-768x400-300x156.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Elephants</p>
</div>
<p>As “ecosystem engineers”, elephants play a key role in their environments, making contributions as diverse as maintaining open wooded savanna, increasing water flow to streams and creating habitat for a multitude of smaller creatures. They are also one of the most charismatic of Africa’s wildlife, highly sought after by tourists, and therefore a major contributor to the revenue generated by conservation tourism. However, as a result of poaching and habitat loss, elephant numbers have plummeted from over a million in 1980 to less than 450,000 today. Since 2009, poaching rates have skyrocketed, and experts estimate 30-40,000 elephants are currently being killed every year for their ivory. At these rates, the possibility of the extinction of the African elephant in our lifetime is real.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15860" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SSS10.-Resized-768x400.jpg" alt="Elephants at Singita" width="768" height="400" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SSS10.-Resized-768x400.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SSS10.-Resized-768x400-300x156.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>With a million acres of African wilderness and thriving elephant populations under our protection, Singita is acutely aware of this ever-growing problem and the need to keep these vulnerable landscapes and their fauna and flora safe. This why we’re so excited about the Giants Club Summit and can’t wait to see the workable solutions that will result from it.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15861" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ellie.jpg" alt="Elephants at Singita" width="768" height="326" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ellie.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ellie-300x127.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p><em>To make sure you too stay up to date with all the latest summit developments, head to Twitter and keep an eye on #giantsclub. You can also read about the latest elephant sightings at Singita in our monthly <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/" target="_blank">Wildlife Reports</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/giants-club-summit-protecting-africas-elephants/">Giants Club Summit: Protecting Africa’s Elephants</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/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/anti-poaching" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Anti-Poaching</a></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/elephant-poaching" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephant poaching</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/wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife Conservation</a></div></div>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 08:00:40 +0000Anonymous1947 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/giants-club-summit-protecting-africa%E2%80%99s-elephants#commentsThe Irrepressible Charm of Baby Elephantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-irrepressible-charm-baby-elephants<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>There is something universally amusing about the antics of young elephant calves; their short, stocky bodies, unwieldy trunks and ears, stubby tusks and the shock of hair that sprouts on their heads combine to produce a very comical creature.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15329" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baby_ellie.jpg" alt="Elephant calf by Ross Couper (C)" width="1000" height="666" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baby_ellie-300x200.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baby_ellie-768x511.jpg 768w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baby_ellie-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baby_ellie.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>As a member of the Big 5, elephants are of course very popular with visitors to <strong><a href="http://singita.com/" target="_blank">Singita</a></strong>, and spotting a small calf bumbling through the grass is always a huge highlight of any game drive. Our field guides love to share these moments with guests and often capture them on film, and usually to very funny affect. Here is a selection of these delightful clips from <strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/singita" target="_blank">our Vimeo channel</a></strong> that shows these little buffoons of the bush in action:</p>
<h2>Curious calf</h2>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/142503599" width="770" height="433" frameborder="0" title="Curious elephant calf" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>Little ellies are well known for their curious nature, and will often approach a game vehicle under the watchful eyes of their elders. This little chap had a brief sniff of the 4×4’s front grille and then scampered off after his mother into the roadside scrub.</p>
<h2>How does this work?</h2>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/146031426" width="770" height="433" frameborder="0" title="An elephant calf unable to use its trunk" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>It’s always rather funny watching a young elephant testing out its unique nose. Drinking from the waterhole is often particularly tricky as it starts to figure out how to use the thousands of muscles in its trunk to get the water from the pool to their mouths (apparently the trick is to just dive in face first!).</p>
<h2>King of the jungle</h2>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/145776632" width="770" height="433" frameborder="0" title="Elephant calf shows a bush who is boss" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>Calves are the centre of attention in their family groups and rely on their mothers for as long as three years. This can make them a little too self-assured, as you’ll see in this clip which shows a young elephant showing a bush who’s boss!</p>
<p><em>You can subscribe to <a href="https://vimeo.com/singita" target="_blank">our Vimeo channel</a> to see more wildlife clips and short films from Singita, or catch up on the monthly <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/" target="_blank">Field Reports</a> from our <a href="http://singita.com/lodges/" target="_blank">12 lodges and camps</a> to see more of this continent’s incredible flora and fauna.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/the-irrepressible-charm-of-baby-elephants/">The Irrepressible Charm of Baby Elephants</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/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div></div>Thu, 28 Jan 2016 05:53:28 +0000Anonymous1653 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-irrepressible-charm-baby-elephants#commentsGrassland Giantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/grassland-giants<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><em><a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a>, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Singita manages the concession on behalf of the non-profit Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund, and is responsible for the long-term sustainability of the reserve. Elephants, the gentle giants of the grasslands, form an essential part of this ecosystem. Here field guide Ross Couper tells us more:</em></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13581" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Topographically, the Grumeti region comprises flat undulating grassy plains interrupted by scattered rocky areas, known as <em>kopjies</em>. Apart from the millions of blue wildebeest and several thousand zebra that move across the Serengeti grasslands every year, there are also several species that do not migrate.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13579" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Elephants dwarf the other species in the region and, given the rich biodiversity in the Grumeti area, do not compete for food with the grazing herds. These lumbering giants are often described as highly emotional and demonstrate a significant level of intelligence. One such example is the way in which they have been known to treat elephant carcasses, showing an interest in retrieving the tusks and bones. This behaviour has been noted as a way of grieving a companion when they have passed on. This emotional connection is also apparent in the way in which elephants show concern for their family members, in particular the young calves within the herds.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13578" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13580" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>As a keystone species in the Serengeti – animals whose behaviour allows for other species to thrive and contributes to the biodiversity of an area – elephants help to naturally conserve their own habitat. They stop the progression of grassland into forest or woodland, thereby providing plenty of feed for the migrating mammals. By uprooting woody plants that spout among the grasses (which form the beginnings of a forest), elephants help to manage the life-giving plains, including the throngs of antelope, wildebeest and zebra, and the predators who feed on them. Without the work of these animals, the habitat would change or disappear, completely disrupting the migration and the ecosystem at large. It’s just one of the reasons why looking after Singita Grumeti’s elephant population, and those of all the other species that live there, is a critical part of the conservation process.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13582" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_13583" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-13583" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_6.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">A close-up look at elephant hide</p>
</div>
<p><em>Spanning over 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness, Singita Grumeti is home to <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">five of Singita’s 12 lodges and camps</a>, including <a href="http://singita.com/explore-mobile-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Explore</a>, a private-use mobile camp that offers guest an intimate and authentic connection with the landscape and its wildlife.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/grassland-giants/">Grassland Giants</a> appeared first on <a 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/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</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/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/ross-couper" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ross Couper</a></div></div>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 13:52:34 +0000Anonymous1577 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/grassland-giants#commentsSeptember News – Duba Plains, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/september-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>September is a great month to spend time with the giants of Africa, elephants, as the water is drying up from most water holes making them follow the main streams. It is a warm month and to enjoy the cool breeze of the night that is complemented by the soothing smell of the wild sage one has to keep the tent flaps up. There is nothing that brings you closer to nature like getting a night surprise visit of an elephant coming to eat next to your tent in the full glow of the moon outside. Duba tents are built under the roofs of tall African Mangosteen trees, attracting elephants that hoover the small flowers that fall from it. It is always the first conversation of the morning breakfast as guests explain the elephant proximity to their bed; ”It was so close I could touch it.”<span id="more-9605"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9553.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class=" wp-image-9606 aligncenter" alt="untitled-9553" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9553.jpg" width="553" height="369" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is evident that hippos are territorial as we see hippos still holding on to drying ponds of Duba. This is the time of the year where you can drive to a water pool to enjoy a sighting of hippos as they display their amusing character or their swimming skill. It is at this point when you will be able to see the monstrous teeth of this water mammal as they yawn and call, celebrating their existence.</p>
<p>The afternoon game drive never stops amazing all the way back to camp. With the use of the spotlight, some amazing sightings can be spotted. We’ve found the leopard feeding on a buffalo calf and a few times it has been spotted slinking through the concession in fear of meeting lions that rule the Duba concession. It has always been a dream for many to see an Aardvark and the dreams have been realized in the Duba paradise. The guides have been doing a great job of spotting these beautiful creatures that are mostly seen in the night. The aardwolf and pangolin have also been spotted on several game drives.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9162.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="untitled-9162" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9162.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></a></p>
<p>The Tsaro pride still continues its controversy. Over the last week we’ve seen for the first time the new male being challenged by the young male from the sub pride of 6 which occupies the western part of the concession. The new male who moves with 2 females has contributed highly to the separation of the pride and it has been a moment we’ve been waiting for to see him being challenged by one of the upcoming males in the sub-prides. He is about 6 years of age and the young male who is challenging him is believed to be of the same age if not younger. Guests had a great morning as they watched these 2 males roaring at each other and every now and then giving each other a snarl. It did not go into a battle but the young male kept pushing the dominant male back, marking around the invaded territory. This is what we are waiting to see; if the young male will win the territory or if there is a possibility of a coalition.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8997.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="untitled-8997" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8997.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></a></p>
<p>Lion and buffalo hunts still continue, with spectacular hunts happening regularly between the prides. As buffalos move from one area to another, they run into the territory of another sub-pride. We’ve seen the chase start next to camp, buffalos crossing the deep water before lions could make their catch. The lions then needed re-strategizing, as they fear deep water and rather choose to cross over the wooden bridge to get to their prey. The hunt will go for hours as the bull buffalos keep coming back to the rescue of the estranged beast. It therefore takes high anticipation and patience to experience this all to the end. The male lion has earned himself a descriptive tag of ‘lazy’ as he is seen lagging behind, sitting in the shade at every tree as the females keep the chase going, risking the sharp horn of the buffalos. What surprises many is that when the kill happens he is the first one to feed. It is always interesting to explain the role of the male lions around the fire as they are hardly seen doing anything except sitting in the shade and being pampered by females. Male lions act as protectors of the whole pride, therefore they need to eat and keep in good shape so that they can go around marking the territory and keep enemies away. They sometimes go into brutal fights if a new male comes in trying to take over. To prevent another male from taking over and killing all the young and breaking prides apart; the males need to fight with all their might to defend territories.</p>
<p>The Skimmer pride is seen often crossing in the Tsaro territory. We’ve realized that the pride is shy and prefers to walk in covers of the bushes fearing confrontation with the tsaro pride. The last time it was seen there were 2 young males and 2 sub-adult females, missing the adult female. They are mostly spotted eating on the carcasses that have been left behind by the Tsaro pride.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8827-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-9607 aligncenter" alt="untitled-8827-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8827-2.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></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/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/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 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/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/hippo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippo</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 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>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:56:41 +0000Anonymous1121 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/september-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana#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#commentsMay news – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenyahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><em>A lone bull crosses the plains, heading for the ol Donyo waterhole. (Photo: Walter Kolon)</em></p>
<p>May should have been a month of dramatic storms and heavy downpours, but sadly we have not had much of a rainy season so far – more of a “gentle drizzle”! So we are keeping our fingers crossed that we may get some late rain in June to fill the waterholes out on the plains and top up our tanks.</p>
<p>The quieter start to the month was put to good use, and many projects were completed around the camp, stables and surrounding roads. The lodge has never looked better and we are now geared up to be firing on all cylinders for the coming peak season.</p>
<p>With this current lack of rain, the area is becoming increasingly dry and consequently the lodge waterhole is becoming a bustling hive of activity. Sitting in the hide less than ten metres from these daily visitors is an enthralling experience. There is a definite hierarchy in place, mainly dictated by size! Our resident bull elephants are definitely top of the pile and everyone else has to patiently wait their turn… apart from one bold species – the Warthog! There are two families that we see regularly who come swooping in like kamikaze fighter pilots, taking a swift couple of gulps before hurtling away to find a new angle for the next approach! We have also had the rare Southern Ground Hornbill at the waterhole in the past weeks. These large birds are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List so it is thrilling to see them here at ol Donyo.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3736.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9447" alt="DSC_3736" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3736-1024x682.jpg" width="1024" height="682" /></a><br /><em>One Warthog family just waiting for an opportunity! (Photo: Walter Kol</em>on)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3777.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9446" alt="DSC_3777" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3777-926x1024.jpg" width="926" height="1024" /></a><br /><em>Southern Ground Hornbill at the Waterhole (Photo: Walter Kolon)</em></p>
<p>The end of the month was extremely busy for the stables with riders in continuously for the last two weeks. Fabulous cool morning rides out to a bush breakfast are a true highlight, and these are not just for the experienced rider – novice riders can also enjoy a gentle saunter through the zebra and gazelle herds to a fantastic breakfast under an enormous acacia tree. We also did a night’s fly camping out in the bush with two full days riding either side. To be out in the bush, sleeping under the beautiful starry Kenyan night sky is something so truly special.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMG_0370.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9443" alt="IMG_0370" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMG_0370-1024x682.jpg" width="1024" height="682" /></a><br /><em>The horses and elephants mingling at the water hole (Photo: Annie Waterer)</em></p>
<p>The lions have been very loud around the lodge at night this month and we have had some great relaxed sightings of the sisters Nosinoni and Nelowua and their four cubs. We also have a new lioness in the area that has been identified as Mbalueni. She has two female cubs that are approximately a year old – hopefully the future leading ladies of Mbirikani’s lion population. The stunning male Kasiyo, thought to be the father of her cubs as well as Nosinoni and Nelowua’s four male cubs, also accompanied them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3232.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9448" alt="DSC_3232" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_3232-1024x682.jpg" width="1024" height="682" /></a><br /><em> Nosi Noni and two of her cubs (Photo: Walter Kolon)</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_4910.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9444" alt="DSC_4910" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_4910-930x1024.jpg" width="930" height="1024" /></a><br />
The mighty Kasiyo (Photo: Walter Kolon)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_4907.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9445" alt="DSC_4907" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_4907-1024x498.jpg" width="1024" height="498" /></a><em></em><i>Mbalueni and her cubs striding off through the long grass near the Kopjes </i><em>(Photo: Walter Kolon)</em></p>
<p>A momentous occasion in May was the first egg from the Chyulu Chicks! They are now producing regularly and we are very much enjoying the satisfaction and taste of home laid eggs. The gardens are growing fantastically and before long we will have lettuce straight from the garden to plate (via a little wash!) in minutes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMG_0427.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9391];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9442" alt="IMG_0427" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMG_0427-1024x682.jpg" width="1024" height="682" /></a><br /><em>In the Green Gate Garden! (Photo: Annie Waterer)</em></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/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item odd " 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 even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/chyulu-hills" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chyulu Hills</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 odd " 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 even " 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 odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenyan-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenyan Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenyan-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenyan Safari</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/ride-kenya-horse-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya Horse Safaris</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya-mobile-horse-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris</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>Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:02:24 +0000Anonymous983 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#commentsMay News – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b>A O.K. May </b><br /><b><br /></b>We are going to keep this month’s weather update short and sweet by saying that there are no temperatures that cannot be overcome by a hot cup of tea or coffee at your doorstep, one of our guides’ ponchos (which have a surprising cuddly inner ☺) and a ‘bush baby’, (bush baby is ‘safari language’ for hot water bottle) which are even more cuddly.<br />
So, nothing to worry about! And if this does not sound like vacation in your ears, just remember that after every hour of game drive you will be peeling off one layer of clothes, guaranteed.<br />
Talking about bush babies, it turns out that it does not matter if you have lived at Zarafa for a year, two years or longer, one can always be delighted by a new ‘in-camp safari moment’!<br />
Recently, we have discovered that one of the large trees near the main deck houses countless bush babies who appear when the sun sets.<br />
How is that for having sun downers in camp? (Of course, pictures will follow!).</p>
<p>A little information for those who are not completely familiar with what kind of animal a bush babie is (next to the fact that they must look somewhat like a hot water bottle….)<br />
Bush babies or ‘Galagos’ are normally exclusively seen at night and are therefore in Afrikaans called ‘Nagapies’ (little monkeys of the night). We would describe them as a cute mix between a tiny monkey and a squirrel, with a large tail for balance, huge eyes and bat-like ears. The jump from branch to branch, easily reaching over 2 meters per jump!</p>
<p>Other ‘in-camp safari moments’ we had in May included;</p>
<p>1). The return of the herds of elephants! (Opposed to the lonely bachelors who visited us in April already). With the arrival of the herds, we are also offered the one and only excuse to come late to work, namely the old fashioned; “I am sorry, I had elephants on my way – excuse”. It is unfortunate when it is true though. For Bronia for example, our masseuse, who was held up with massage table, towels and lotions on the way to tent one for an aromatherapy treatment. Oh well, all good things come to those who wait….<br /><img class="size-medium wp-image-9402 aligncenter" style="text-align: center;" alt="20140427_164833-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140427_164833-1-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" /><br />
2). And secondly, one of the Francolins living around camp has three chicks (**cute**) and we saw her giving her juniors a brief flying lesson from the main deck. It is going to be treat to see these little birds grow up!</p>
<p>On a different note, we are happy to announce that after the grand opening of the Dhow Suite last month, our new ‘House’ (as chef Katherine calls it) is running as a well oiled machine.<br />
As one can see on the picture, the Dhow Suite is steered by our own little Francolin (a.k.a. Frank), who with his famous ‘dreads’ completes the perfect Dhow Suite picture.<br />
We are enjoying to see that families are making use of this ‘family unit’ and we have been welcoming extended family members in our Zarafa Camp as well.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9404 aligncenter" style="text-align: center;" alt="20140519_211745-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140519_211745-1-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" /></p>
<p>News from the kitchen this month is that Katherine and her team are able to combine the best of both worlds, namely (and here it goes) a gluten free (yes!), lactose free (yes!), avocado chocolate mousse (ooh yes!). So we have been treating our bodies like a temple, while receiving a little extra Tender, Love and Care (TLC) … it does not get any better than that.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And finally, on the happy note of Tender, Love and Care, we would like to end this news post by thanking Mr. Harold & Mrs. Kate Kerr from Australia for “Packing with a Purpose”! Look at those beautiful pencils and at Harold’s awesome glasses.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9403" alt="20140516_162312-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140516_162312-1-168x300.jpg" width="168" height="300" /></p>
<p>Cheers everyone!</p>
<p>As always, we will keep you posted.</p>
<p>The Zarafa Team</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/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 odd " 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 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>Tue, 03 Jun 2014 09:36:07 +0000Anonymous969 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments