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    A2A Safaris - Lion https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/lion en The Last Refuge for Lions https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-last-refuge-lions <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><em>By Claudia Smargiasso </em></p> <p>Ask any safari traveller which animal they’re most hoping to glimpse while on safari, and you’re likely to hear lion more often than not. These lithe and majestic cats make for really jaw-dropping sightings in the wild, and while they’re known as mighty hunters, their existence and population numbers are in a delicate state.</p> <p><span id="more-7598"></span>Not as widespread as one would have expected from such beasts as fearsome as lions who have vanished from more than 80% of their historic range. These shocking statistics have been succinctly summarised and displayed on the below map.</p> <div id="attachment_7599" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NationalGeographic_map_1578927.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-7599"><img class="size-large wp-image-7599" src="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NationalGeographic_map_1578927-1024x740.jpg" alt="The range and habitat of African lions." width="960" height="694" srcset="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NationalGeographic_map_1578927-300x217.jpg 300w, http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NationalGeographic_map_1578927-768x555.jpg 768w, http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NationalGeographic_map_1578927-1024x740.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">The range and habitat of African lions.</p> </div> <p>Luckily, East Africa still remains a foothold for lion populations, in large part due to the rigorous conservation efforts occurring here. Areas such as <a href="http://www.asiliaafrica.com/destinations/tanzania/ruaha/">Ruaha</a> which is home to our <a href="http://www.asiliaafrica.com/destinations/tanzania/ruaha/kwihala-camp/">Kwihala Camp</a>, are remote and far off the well-worn safari track, meaning the lions here can thrive, free from human pressures, while well-known safari parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara offer a protected sanctuary for lions to roam free.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Lion-cub-Masai-Mara.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-7600"><img class="aligncenter size-post-thumbnail-size wp-image-7600" src="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Lion-cub-Masai-Mara-750x330.jpg" alt="Lion-cub-Masai-Mara" width="750" height="330" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.asiliaafrica.com/destinations/tanzania/ruaha/">Read more about Ruaha here</a> and find out what makes this area so special.</p> <p><a href="http://www.asiliaafrica.com/make-an-enquiry/" rel="attachment wp-att-7527"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7527" src="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/VISIT.jpg" alt="VISIT" width="207" height="53" /></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/last-refuge-lions/">The Last Refuge for Lions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com">Asilia Blog</a>.</p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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 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/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div></div> Mon, 08 Aug 2016 10:36:07 +0000 Anonymous 2129 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-last-refuge-lions#comments Life in the Field- update from the Ruaha Carnivore Project. https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/life-the-field-update-the-ruaha-carnivore-project <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>By Amy Dickman, Director, Ruaha Carnivore Project</strong></p> <p>Amy Dickman and the Ruaha Carnivore Project were recently voted into the top 3 finalists at the Tusk Conservation Awards for their innovative approach to big cat conservation, an achievement they have every right to be extremely proud of after all the hard work that has gone into the project. To see the highlights of this year’s awards, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=908886245796565&amp;set=vb.140384132646784&amp;type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled1.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-585" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled1.png?w=521&amp;h=332" alt="Untitled1" width="521" height="332" /></a></p> <p><strong>Dangers of life in the bush – carnivore mortalities </strong></p> <p>Part of RCP’s research is to investigate carnivore mortalities, whether they are caused naturally or by humans. Recently, lodge drivers and guests in Ruaha National Park were lucky enough to witness a pride of lions hunting buffaloes, which are an important prey species in this area. However, they are extremely large and dangerous, and during the hunt, the buffaloes charged and gored two young lions, with fatal results. This is one of the risks of hunting such large prey – but if successful, buffalo hunts provide rich rewards for the entire pride, as a single animal can weigh up to 900kg and would feed the pride for several days.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled2.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-586" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled2.png?w=538&amp;h=256" alt="Untitled2" width="538" height="256" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>One of the sub-adult lions killed during the buffalo hunt</em></p> <p>Later on in the month, a dead lioness was found on village land near a pond that is frequented by people and livestock. From signs on the carcass, it seems like the lioness was snared, and the head was found apart from the body. The team thought that poachers had cut off the head to get back their snare, as metal snare wire can be hard to get out in the bush so is ‘recycled’ from kills like this one. Most snares are put out to catch antelope like kudu or impala for bushmeat hunting, but predators and other species are often killed in them too. Poaching for bushmeat is a major problem across Africa, especially in very poor communities where meat is a rare and valuable commodity, so improving local livelihoods is a fundamentally important element of long-term conservation.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled3.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-587" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled3.png?w=547&amp;h=234" alt="Untitled3" width="547" height="234" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>RCP assistants Mgogo and Justin examining the carcass and taking measurements</em></p> <p><strong>Conflict mitigation – reducing attacks</strong></p> <p>In addition to accidental snaring for bushmeat, local people often intentionally kill large carnivores, mainly because of attacks on their stock. Such attacks can have devastating effects on local households, as livestock is a vital source of both economic wealth and social status. RCP staff members respond as quickly as possible to any reported attacks in the local area so that we can better understand how they occur, and therefore how they can be best prevented in the future. This month, staff investigated several attacks, including one where spotted hyaenas killed one goat and injured another. The goats had become lost in the bush, where they are easy prey for opportunistic carnivores, so improving herder vigilance and livestock husbandry in the bush is a top priority for reducing attacks, and therefore retaliatory carnivore killings.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled4.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-588" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled4.png?w=548&amp;h=216" alt="Untitled4" width="548" height="216" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Spotted hyaenas killed one goat and injured another after they were lost in the bush</em><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Livestock guarding dogs</strong></p> <p>One method that has proven effective at reducing bush attacks from carnivores is by employing specialised livestock guarding dogs, such as Anatolian Shepherds. RCP is conducting the first trial of these dogs in East Africa, and so far they are doing well. The largest of our dogs, Shujaa, has moved with his herd of goats and cattle to a temporary camp a few kilometers away from his home in Tungamalenga village. Food for livestock becomes more and more scarce towards the end of the dry season and new grazing areas have to be found. As usual we visit him three times per week to ensure he is being taken good care of in this new environment, since this is a physically demanding time for the dogs due to the extended walks with the goats through the bush.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled5.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-589" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled5.png?w=497&amp;h=278" alt="Untitled5" width="497" height="278" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Shujaa eating his evening meal at his temporary camp</em></p> <p>One important part of the regular dog checks is weighing them, but this is becoming harder every week for the team! Thankfully the dogs are very used to it and are cooperative, which is useful as they are now getting very large!</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled6.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-590" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled6.png?w=341&amp;h=341" alt="Untitled6" width="341" height="341" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>RCP staff members Msago and Mgogo weighing a cooperative Hodari, who tipped the scales at an impressive 41kg!</em></p> <p>Another important part of the health programme for these dogs is their vaccinations, with disease like rabies a particular concern as it is a serious threat to both animals and humans. This month, we vaccinated all the livestock guarding dogs as well as village dogs, in order to reduce the risk for the dogs, large carnivores (who can be infected by village dogs), and local communities.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled7.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-591" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled7.png?w=524&amp;h=396" alt="Untitled7" width="524" height="396" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>One of the Anatolians receiving a rabies vaccination from the local vet </em></p> <p><strong>Kitisi clinic provided with medicine due to help from RCP</strong></p> <p>In order for people to really want carnivores around, it is not enough just to reduce attacks – they have to see important benefits from their presence, which outweigh any remaining costs. Villagers voted that healthcare was one of their most-desired benefits from carnivore presence, so RCP has been working with officials and the local community to equip a healthcare clinic in Kitisi. Thanks to this partnership, the clinic now has its own full-time doctor and nurse, which is very important in this remote area. Recently, the Kitisi clinic was officially registered as a government institution, meaning that it should be able to receive medicines from the government in the future. So far, RCP has been providing medicines and equipment, and this month we provided another three months worth of medicine. To date 1315 patients have been treated at the Kitisi clinic, providing an invaluable benefit for local people.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><strong> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled8.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-592" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled8.png?w=220&amp;h=238" alt="Untitled8" width="220" height="238" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled9.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-593" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled9.png?w=317&amp;h=240" alt="Untitled9" width="317" height="240" /></a></strong></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Dr Samuel Dally and the new Kitisi clinic nurse working with some of the medicines purchased with the help of RCP</em></p> <p><strong>Lion Guardian literacy days – lessons under the tree</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Another important benefit from RCP’s presence in the local area is the Ruaha Lion Guardians programme, which was developed in partnership with the Kenya Lion Guardians programme and Panthera. This initiative employs and trains young men in conservation-related activities, and enables them to fulfil important roles in the community. Several months ago the Ruaha Lion Guardians established the very popular ‘’Literacy Days’’ as a free education opportunity both for the Guardians and for other pastoralists. Besides the educational aspect, the literacy days help to increase the status of the Guardians and demonstrate additional value of working in conservation.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled10.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-594" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled10.png?w=526&amp;h=396" alt="Untitled10" width="526" height="396" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>The Barabaig Guardians studying hard under a tree by camp</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled11.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-595" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled11.png?w=526&amp;h=203" alt="Untitled11" width="526" height="203" /></a></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>George (second from left) teaching English spelling and pronounciation, and teaching animal names in English</em></p> <h2>Lion Guardian park trips</h2> <p>We had good trips to the park this month with all the Lion Guardians. Our two newest recruits had never been to the park before, so this was the first time that they were able to see lions, elephants and other game so relaxed and at such close proximity. Previously, these new Guardians had only seen lions and elephants briefly on village land, where the scared animals ran away from them, so this was a great opportunity to really watch wildlife and learn about them in close quarters. Very excitingly, we also finally caught up with the resident pack of endangered African wild dogs that some of the Guardians regularly see while out patrolling their zones.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled12.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-596" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled12.png?w=501&amp;h=330" alt="Untitled12" width="501" height="330" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>The local pack of African wild dogs that are thriving in our area © Sean McEnery</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled13.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-597" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled13.png?w=510&amp;h=295" alt="Untitled13" width="510" height="295" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lions reproducing! Good news for the lion population in Ruaha © Sean McEnery</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled14.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-598" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled14.png?w=511&amp;h=347" alt="Untitled14" width="511" height="347" /></a> </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lions displaying their more tender and affectionate side © Sean McEnery</em></p> <p>The Guardians in Zones A and B have seen tracks of two mature lions and three sub-adults on many occasions recently. We are hopeful that we may have resident lions in the wilder areas to the north of the villages. Our hope is that these lions will stay around peacefully and continue to avoid killing livestock.</p> <p>Three of the Guardians have had big community gatherings at their homes this month, where all the young people in the area and the many of the elders assembled for story-telling and cultural “games” that include the famous jumping dances. The reason behind these is in an effort to build even closer relations among the Guardians and the communities in which they work. The hope is that, as a result of the close bonds that develop at these gatherings, the Guardians will start to hear about any lion hunts and lion activity in their areas much earlier and with greater reliability. The idea has seemed to have been successful at this early stage, both the community members and Guardians have responded positively, enjoyed themselves and made new allies.</p> <p><strong>Visitors to RCP</strong></p> <p>RCP is lucky enough to receive support from various organisations, such as National Geographic and the safari company Asilia Africa. This month, Erik from Asilia’s marketing department visited RCP to learn more about the project, and generously offered to help us develop marketing materials. In addition, Allison Parrish from Global Adrenaline (a company which works with National Geographic) visited RCP and learned all about our work, so they can better explain to visitors the kind of conservation activities being undertaken in the Ruaha landscape.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled15.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-599" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/untitled15.png?w=636&amp;h=245" alt="Untitled15" width="636" height="245" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Erik and Amanda learning about the guarding dog programme and other RCP activities</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/584/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=ruahablog.com&amp;blog=65589608&amp;post=584&amp;subd=ruahaproject&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/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/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item odd " 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 even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div> Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:51:34 +0000 Anonymous 1186 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/life-the-field-update-the-ruaha-carnivore-project#comments Small beginnings https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/small-beginnings <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o0327.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-576 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o0327.jpg?w=637&amp;h=433" alt="2R4O0327" width="637" height="433" /></a></p> <p>By Marius Swart, Kwihala Guide</p> <p>It’s the end of the dry season and conditions demand every last bit of everyone’s evolutionary armour to survive. The elephants are focussing their efforts on stripping the cambium layer from trees which are desperate for the rains, impala are now switching to mostly browse as grasses are desiccated and nutrition-less, clouds are building everyday making promises they do not keep and the heat is oppressive…it is a fairly inhospitable environ right now. Despite the prevailing conditions and completely illogically there are however signs of hope! In so many ways the magic of Nature reveals itself when it seems at its most futile. The first newborn impala lambs are greeting the world at its harshest. This one was hiding in mom’s shadow as the sun was beating down particularly fiercely.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o1066.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-578" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o1066.jpg?w=617&amp;h=448" alt="2R4O1066" width="617" height="448" /></a></p> <p>The Mdonya Juu pride also sport four new cubs, two are about 5 and the latest additions only 2 months old! We managed to catch up to them due to the fact that they brought down a giraffe cow and her young calf!</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o1171.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-579" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o1171.jpg?w=613&amp;h=377" alt="2R4O1171" width="613" height="377" /></a></p> <p>The rocky area in the Mdonya River provides a great hiding place for the cubs not to mention playground! Late afternoon when the heat had broken a bit we were treated to a few intimate moments. These glimpses of dearness resonates with our own psyches and one cannot resist but feel a sense of deep connectedness…</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o0369.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-577" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o0369.jpg?w=617&amp;h=411" alt="2R4O0369" width="617" height="411" /></a></p> <p>Of course elephants have their young throughout the year but it was specifically poignant to encounter this calf. I only managed to capture this image when he was already a week old. Festo got to see him on day one!</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o9178.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-581" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2r4o9178.jpg?w=611&amp;h=334" alt="2R4O9178" width="611" height="334" /></a></p> <p>As is usual for this time of the season, the wells are being dug to access subterranean flows. The changing topography of the river courses with every flood, translates into a seasonal variability in the spots where water is available. This season is no exception and places frequented last year are now vacant and new ones discovered. At this well the water was more than 1m below the surface and the little calf emulating mom had to kneel down and eventually lay down flat to stick his trunk in as deep as possible…not quite knowing why. Instead he reluctantly gave up and started suckling. It is not only in the mammalian world where new life is flourishing in these times. Trees have the ability to store reserves in the rootstock and cambium, which grasses can’t. Pre-empting the start of the rains the woody plants burst into leaf and draw on their stored resources in order to get their blossoms and leaves out to capitalise on the increasing daylight hours and be “ahead of the pack” when pollinator insects abound. The baby Tamarind foliage starts off bright red and gradually transform to a light green and eventually a darker hue as they mature. Often magic surrounds us in so many guises but it requires an open eye and mind to recognise and appreciate it.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/mg_2590.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-575" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/mg_2590.jpg?w=413&amp;h=557" alt="_MG_2590" width="413" height="557" /></a></p> <p>Yours in awareness</p> <p>Marius</p> <p>By</p> <p> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/574/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=ruahablog.com&amp;blog=65589608&amp;post=574&amp;subd=ruahaproject&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/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/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div> Tue, 02 Dec 2014 13:42:48 +0000 Anonymous 1164 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/small-beginnings#comments Ruaha – Land of Giants https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha-%E2%80%93-land-giants <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6467.jpg"><img class="wp-image-538 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6467.jpg?w=650&amp;h=256" alt="LF6F6467" width="650" height="256" /></a></h4> <h4>By Ryan Green</h4> <p>On my first ever visit to Kwihala Camp in Ruaha National Park I had an inkling of what to expect after reading the reports from people who live and work in Ruaha and watching Owen Prumm’s amazing film about the lion and buffalo conflicts that occur at the end of the dry season (watch the preview <a title="Owen Prumm" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nb4rMD8DSU" target="_blank">here</a>). I had three days to see as much of it as time allowed and was thrilled to come across so many incredible vistas and encounters with wildlife.</p> <p>I wanted to photograph Ruaha’s vast and rugged landscape and its inhabitants the best way I could, but I understand the limits of being a visitor for a short time and expectations being set too high on what you hope to achieve.</p> <p>So loaded with cameras and gear, I stepped off the plane into the searing heat of Msembe airstrip, where the dry air of late October made shimmering mirages over the landscape. This is the best time for game viewing. Animals congregate close to the dwindling sources of water in the Great Ruaha, Mwagusi and Madonya Rivers. The uncomfortable heat is a trade off with the excellent wildlife viewing you can expect in this iconic park.</p> <p>With only a fraction of the park’s 20,000-odd square kilometres being utilised for game drives, I still only saw very few other vehicles while out on safari, comparable to being in a private concession elsewhere. I really enjoyed the company of the guides, Pietro, Festo, Lorenzo and Marius, and each of them has a passion for the wilderness and the magic of Ruaha that is obvious to all who encounter them. Sandy is an excellent and efficient manager, as well as a genial hostess.</p> <p>The images below capture magical days of a truly unique and special place that will stay with me for a long time.</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6445.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-537 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6445.jpg?w=412&amp;h=541" alt="LF6F6445" width="412" height="541" /></a></p> <p>The river may appear dry, but the elephants know that there is water just below the surface. They dig down to it, and then slurp away. After the elephants leave, other animals are then able to use these holes to access the water.</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6495.jpg"><img class="wp-image-539 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6495.jpg?w=611&amp;h=449" alt="LF6F6495" width="611" height="449" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7432.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-553" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7432.jpg?w=609&amp;h=410" alt="LF6F7432" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Giraffe, zebra and baboons utilising the water holes dug by elephants on the</p> <p style="text-align:center;">Madonya Sand River.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6438.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-527" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6438.jpg?w=605&amp;h=408" alt="IMG_6438" width="605" height="408" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Ruaha sunset, featuring a trio of the park’s iconic trees: Acacia Tortilis, Hyphenae Petersiana Palms,and the ubiquitous Baobab.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6447.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-528" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6447.jpg?w=622&amp;h=419" alt="IMG_6447" width="622" height="419" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p>Ruaha is known for its Baobabs, but I had no idea there were so many. I think I saw more of these incredible trees in one day than I have ever seen before. They spend 8-9 months of the year completely bare and then at the end of the dry season put out large white flowers that bloom at night, and only last a day. At the same time, they begin to produce leaves that will eventually grow into a thick canopy.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6798.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-543" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6798.jpg?w=642&amp;h=432" alt="LF6F6798" width="642" height="432" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Some trees just budding out with leaves, the others still bare.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6684.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-531" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6684.jpg?w=648&amp;h=436" alt="IMG_6684" width="648" height="436" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A male lion rests in the shadow of the branches above.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6687.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-532" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6687.jpg?w=651&amp;h=438" alt="IMG_6687" width="651" height="438" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6858.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-544" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6858.jpg?w=657&amp;h=425" alt="LF6F6858" width="657" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6870.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-545" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6870.jpg?w=660&amp;h=455" alt="LF6F6870" width="660" height="455" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">We came across a large herd of buffalo resting in the shade of a grove of Tortilis trees.</p> <p style="text-align:center;">Close by, a pride of lions dozed below a Rain Tree, keeping a wary eye on the herd.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6888.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-546" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6888.jpg?w=661&amp;h=445" alt="LF6F6888" width="661" height="445" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6929.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-547" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6929.jpg?w=664&amp;h=422" alt="LF6F6929" width="664" height="422" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A little further on, we found these four females and a cub, resting off</p> <p style="text-align:center;">what must have been a big meal.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6404.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-535" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6404.jpg?w=668&amp;h=513" alt="LF6F6404" width="668" height="513" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Ruaha has one of Africa’s largest concentrations of lions. This male wears the scars of a recent</p> <p style="text-align:center;">territorial battle with another male.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7613.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-555" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7613.jpg?w=689&amp;h=407" alt="LF6F7613" width="689" height="407" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Another pride lies in wait for the unwary, scanning the white-hot glare of the dry riverbed.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6432.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-536" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6432.jpg?w=690&amp;h=457" alt="LF6F6432" width="690" height="457" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A large and colourful Agama Lizard</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6721.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-541" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6721.jpg?w=678&amp;h=488" alt="LF6F6721" width="678" height="488" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A baboon feeding on the fruit of a Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana).</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6782.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-542" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6782.jpg?w=681&amp;h=449" alt="LF6F6782" width="681" height="449" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Monochrome zebras.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7158.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-548" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7158.jpg?w=679&amp;h=470" alt="LF6F7158" width="679" height="470" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Bat-Eared Foxes are normally very shy so it was a real treat to discover a den close to camp with very relaxed adults and puppies. The three puppies played outside of the den in the cooler temperatures of predawn or evening.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7223.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-550" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7223.jpg?w=674&amp;h=435" alt="LF6F7223" width="674" height="435" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7216.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-549" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7216.jpg?w=673&amp;h=453" alt="LF6F7216" width="673" height="453" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">The pups venturing out from their den.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7369.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-552" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7369.jpg?w=679&amp;h=574" alt="LF6F7369" width="679" height="574" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A tiny Dik-Dik antelope.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7739.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-559" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7739.jpg?w=687&amp;h=462" alt="LF6F7739" width="687" height="462" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A magnificent herd of Eland, the largest of the antelopes, with an</p> <p style="text-align:center;">endless Ruaha vista behind them.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7584.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-554" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7584.jpg?w=689&amp;h=407" alt="LF6F7584" width="689" height="407" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A male Black-Faced Sandgrouse guards his cryptically coloured chick.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7323.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-551" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7323.jpg?w=671&amp;h=612" alt="LF6F7323" width="671" height="612" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">A baboon mother and baby basking in the early morning sun.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6969.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-534" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6969.jpg?w=676&amp;h=455" alt="IMG_6969" width="676" height="455" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Giants of Ruaha : the park has Tanzania’s largest population of elephants,</p> <p style="text-align:center;">estimated at 15 000 animals.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6501.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-529" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6501.jpg?w=577&amp;h=389" alt="IMG_6501" width="577" height="389" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6811.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-533" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6811.jpg?w=412&amp;h=610" alt="IMG_6811" width="412" height="610" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">Baobabs have the ability to heal and grow over the scars created by elephants.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7691.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-556" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7691.jpg?w=606&amp;h=408" alt="LF6F7691" width="606" height="408" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">The landscape just seems to go on forever…</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7699.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-557" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7699.jpg?w=609&amp;h=410" alt="LF6F7699" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7700.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-558" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7700.jpg?w=614&amp;h=414" alt="LF6F7700" width="614" height="414" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">And changes dramatically from place to place.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7858.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-560" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7858.jpg?w=611&amp;h=411" alt="LF6F7858" width="611" height="411" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;">On my last night, I saw Furaha (Joy in KiSwahili), a female leopard with her kill in a tree.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f8047.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-562" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f8047.jpg?w=613&amp;h=413" alt="LF6F8047" width="613" height="413" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6575.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-540" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6575.jpg?w=611&amp;h=412" alt="LF6F6575" width="611" height="412" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">This is a land of giants, and of a scale so great that one visit will never do it justice.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/526/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=ruahablog.com&amp;blog=65589608&amp;post=526&amp;subd=ruahaproject&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</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> Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:13:28 +0000 Anonymous 1143 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha-%E2%80%93-land-giants#comments Impressions of Ruaha National Park https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-ruaha-national-park <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Judith Rosink, Asilia Sales Manager, East Africa.</h3> <p>Judith recently had a whirlwind tour of the Asilia camps in Tanzania, and here she shares her impressions of a day at Kwihala Camp in Ruaha National Park with us.</p> <p>This was going to be my first time to visit this National Park — I had read a lot about it and had been told that it would be very remote and completely different to the parks in the so-called Northern Circuit of Tanzania. We were only three passengers in the plane; a Dutch lady with her daughter were my travel companions and coincidentally, they too, were going to spend a few nights at Kwihala Camp. Upon our arrival at Msembe, we were warmly welcomed by our guide who offered us cold drinks while he arranged our park fees. The drive from the airstrip to the camp was 17 km, and since we had been delayed by an hour we had to go straight to camp. The landscape on the way was stunning- changing every five minutes from open plains to areas full of wild date palms, to beautiful woodlands.</p> <p>When we arrived, Michelle the relief manager was awaiting us with a snack platter lunch, and while the two other ladies prepared themselves for their afternoon game drive I took some time to investigate the camp.</p> <p>At around 19h30 we were all invited to have a drink at the “bush television” fireplace, where the most delicious snacks were offered. Pietro the guide insisted for the whole group to have dinner below the stars, so a large dining table was set up outside. Dinner was served by candlelight, and the meal was absolutely mouthwatering!</p> <p>Afterwards I went to my tent for a good night’s sleep – I did not close the curtains because I really enjoy experiencing bush life and woke up to every single sound I heard to see what was surrounding me. Something small was scratching my canvas almost the whole night. I could not see what it was, but I suspected it would be a gecko. The next morning I had to wake up very early to go on a game drive with Pietro and the two other Dutch guests. After only ten minutes of driving, (it was still dark and we were using a flashlight), something large came out of the woodland – it was a very relaxed mature leopard who was obviously on his way to hunt. We tried to follow him but after 30 minutes we lost his tracks. It was too dark to take pictures but the memory will always remain with me.</p> <p>We continued on our way, and witnessed the most amazing sunrise. Half an hour later we saw a group of young male lions courting a lioness. Unfortunately our game watch was brutally disturbed by some other tourists being noisy so we had to leave. It was our luck that after ten minutes we spotted another male lion, and he was not alone – in fact he was very much in love, courting a lioness! We followed them, as when they are mating, the act will usually occur every few minutes, and go on for days.</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-457" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n.jpg?w=200&amp;h=150" alt="10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n" width="200" height="150" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-456" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n.jpg?w=200&amp;h=150" alt="10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n" width="200" height="150" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-452" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n.jpg?w=200&amp;h=150" alt="10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n" width="200" height="150" /></a></p> <p>Afterwards, both of them were drinking water at a waterhole when the lioness decided to walk away. Suddenly we heard the roaring of another male lion close by. The first male did not hesitate a second and started running towards the sound. We followed, and found the two males fighting. Being in the same territory, these two males would have known each other, most possibly being members of the same coalition. In such a case, the two lions would have established a hierarchy of dominance long before, and the fight was merely to reassert this claim, and wouldn’t result in serious injury on either side. Had the battle been for territory, the outcome would have been far more violent, possibly even fatal.</p> <p>The first male won the battle, and then he continued his courtship of the lioness.</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-450" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n.jpg?w=299&amp;h=200" alt="10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n" width="299" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-449" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n.jpg?w=267&amp;h=200" alt="10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n" width="267" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Since we had left camp without breakfast, Pietro found us a beautiful spot close to a riverbank, with elephants walking around us. We had a late breakfast laid out on the bonnet before we continued on our game drive. Lorenzo (one of the other guides) called to report that a leopard had been spotted on a rock, and we set off on our next mission. It took us an hour to reach it but sadly, by that time the battery in my camera had died!</p> <p>At 4pm we left again for a game drive and came across a herd of elephants in what appeared to be a dry riverbed. By using a combination of extraordinary sensory perception and experience passed down over generations, these animals have learned to perceive where water lies beneath the surface of the sand. At a point where it is shallowest, they dig a perfect hole, scooping out sand with their trunks until they can access the cool water below.</p> <p>From where we sat, we could even hear the sound of the water slurping into their trunks, which made for a spectacular sighting!</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-451" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n.jpg?w=504&amp;h=343" alt="10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n" width="504" height="343" /></a></p> <p>This phenomenon is not unique to Ruaha’s elephants, as it has been seen in many dry areas of the continent; but it is a testament to the incredible intelligence and adaptive abilities of these animals.</p> <p>Continuing on our way, there was another surprise was waiting for us. Two male giraffes were measuring up who was the strongest, showing off by slapping their tall necks against each other. This is a dominance display where the combatants pound each other using the full force of their necks: with a combination of considerable weight and momentum, their heads and horns become sledgehammers, and it happens that giraffes knock each other out, and in rare instances are killed from these blows.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-459" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n.jpg?w=502&amp;h=381" alt="10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n" width="502" height="381" /></a></p> <p>Moving on, we tracked a pride of 14 lions feasting on a giraffe. In Ruaha, the lions are known for their large pride numbers, and this forces them to take on bigger, more dangerous prey: a giraffe is a considerable prize, and would provide enough sustenance to last them at least a few days.</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-458" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n.jpg?w=300&amp;h=200" alt="10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-455" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n.jpg?w=300&amp;h=200" alt="10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p>We then returned to camp for another delicious candlelit dinner below the stars, and later as I lay in bed I thought how incredible it was for me to have experienced so many exciting encounters in just one day!</p> <p>The following morning it was time for me to pack and get ready for my journey back to Arusha, completely blown away by this incredible place – I will definitely return, that’s for sure!</p> <p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n.jpg"><img class="wp-image-448 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n.jpg?w=538&amp;h=409" alt="1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n" width="538" height="409" /></a></p> <p> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/465/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=ruahablog.com&amp;blog=65589608&amp;post=465&amp;subd=ruahaproject&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/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/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/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</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> Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:36:09 +0000 Anonymous 1110 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-ruaha-national-park#comments August news – Zarafa Camp, Botswana https://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&amp;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 &amp; 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> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9540&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=true&amp;width=500&amp;action=like&amp;font=segoe+ui&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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 +0000 Anonymous 1080 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments The Cutest Cubs https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-cutest-cubs <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_9.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_8.jpg"><img alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_8.jpg" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> is especially well-known for its exceptional big cat population, as well as a remarkable concentration of the rest of the ‘Big 5’. They have free reign over Singita’s 33 000-acre concession in the southeastern reaches of the Kruger National Park, and beyond.</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9525" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_1.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_7.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a></p> <p>There are a number of large “mega prides” in the area, the sheer size of which is forcing groups to split off and create their own prides and start new bloodlines in the process. In April this year, <a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Singita-Kruger-National-Park-Wildlife-Report-April-20141.pdf" target="_blank">it was reported</a> that the five Shishangaan males had fought their way in and taken over the territory from two previous males. This led to copious mating activity, the results of which we are starting to see in the N’wanetsi section of the Park.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_2.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_3.jpg"><img alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_3.jpg" /></a></p> <p>In the <a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Singita-Kruger-National-Park-Wildlife-Report-June-2014.pdf" target="_blank">June Wildlife Report</a> from the region, field guide Nick du Plessis says: “The Mountain pride of lions is, and has been for a while, growing at a rapid rate. To date we’ve seen a total of fifteen cubs in the northern half of the Xhikelengane drainage, with a couple of adult females still looking very heavily pregnant – and cubs from them are imminent. The pride at this point is still fairly fragmented, which is by no means unusual, with most of the cubs still being too young to leave den-sites and follow the pride. This should all change once the cubs reach the age where they are introduced to the rest of the pride, at which point they only have a couple of months before they are weaned and the pride needs its strength in numbers. With the small pans and waterholes slowly drying up, water is becoming less readily available with the defining change of the season. With all the general game concentrating where there is still a place to drink it won’t be long before all the pride members will converge at this point.”</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_5.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" alt="lion_cubs_6" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_6.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a></p> <p>The photos you see here are by field guide and wildlife photographer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Barry.Peiser.Wildlife.Photography/timeline" target="_blank">Barry Peiser</a>, who tracked the lions while working at Singita Kruger National Park. He observed the Mountain pride moving with their cubs between the northern and eastern parts of the concession, hiding the youngsters in the drainage line where long grass and fallen tress offer good coverage for them.</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9528" alt="Lions cubs at Singita Kruger National Park" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion_cubs_4.jpg" /></p> <p><em>You can follow the antics of these gorgeous little cubs on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singita.gamereserves" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and in our monthly <a href="http://singita.com/blog/wildlife-report/" target="_blank">Wildlife Reports</a>. You can also <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/feedburner/Singita" target="_blank">subscribe to the blog</a> to see more of Barry’s photos of the cubs in the coming weeks.</em></p> <p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/the-cutest-cubs/">The Cutest Cubs</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/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/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/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion-cubs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion Cubs</a></div></div> Mon, 04 Aug 2014 08:25:51 +0000 Anonymous 1045 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-cutest-cubs#comments Cameras for conservation – the Ruaha Carnivore Project’s camera trap program. https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/cameras-conservation-%E2%80%93-the-ruaha-carnivore-project%E2%80%99s-camera-trap-program <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Ryan Green, Travel Writer.</h3> <p>The Ruaha Carnivore Project has initiated a study using camera traps to gather crucial data on the movements of predators within Ruaha. These cameras provide an excellent, non-intrusive way of monitoring wildlife, and sometimes they can be used for entirely different reasons.</p> <p>Amy Dickman, director of the Ruaha Carnivore Project, (RCP) has been co-supervising PhD student Jeremy Cusack, who has set up the initiative with Trevor Jones from the Udzungwa Elephant project with assistance from the RCP team.</p> <p>The camera-traps have been set out across the Ruaha ecosystem, and the aim of the project is to learn more about the diversity and relative distribution of carnivores and other wildlife in this critically important landscape. There is one permanent camera-trap grid stationed close to Msembe, the Ruaha National Park headquarters, and that has been revealing some wonderful images of carnivores. These include the elusive caracal, as well as some great photos of cheetahs, which are typically very hard to capture on camera-traps due to their wide-ranging nature. In addition, images of lion, leopard, serval, and three termite-eating mammals (aardvark, aardwolf and bat-eared fox) have been captured.</p> <p>“These images provide invaluable scientific data for us on species’ occurrence and habitat selection, but are also fascinating to see.” Says Amy. The camera traps have been very productive so far – “ We have conducted initial camera-trapping across the landscape, and one of our Tanzanian research assistants will be using these data for his MSc, while we have had over 1500 carnivore sightings reported to us thus far. We will share these data with the Tanzanian authorities and other stakeholders, so we can help them develop the most appropriate conservation and management strategies for these globally important large carnivore populations.”</p> <p>It is estimated that Ruaha holds approximately 10% of Africa’s lion population, meaning that this, and other studies associated with it, might well hold the key to the survival of the species in an increasingly crowded continent that we share with them.</p> <p>Thus far, the RCP has gathered some fantastic images of not only the large predators such as lions that are their main branch of study so as to reduce the causes of human/wildlife conflict in the region, but also some of the lesser seen, but equally fascinating creatures that inhabit the park. In addition, the RCP and Lion Guardian Daudi were able to play a vital part in helping a local community track down a young disabled boy who had gone missing in the bush.</p> <p>Lion Guardians are an innovative program initiated by the global big-cat conservation NGO Pantera in Kenya, and are being trialled in Ruaha by the RCP. This approach centres on training and employing the local lion-hunters as conservationists, therefore giving them a tangible benefit from carnivore presence. Now in its second year, the Lion Guardians program has proved to be extremely beneficial in harmonising human/lion coexistence in the area around Ruaha, and sometimes in unexpected ways:</p> <h3><strong>Lion Guardians help find a disabled boy in the bush</strong></h3> <p>Livestock become lost in the bush relatively often in the study area, and it is part of the role of Lion Guardians to help the community by trying to find them and avoid depredation. In April, the Lion Guardians played an extra-important role when a disabled boy became lost in the bush, and they teamed up with other young men to help find him. The boy was eventually found after spending a night alone in the bush – and interestingly, RCP’s camera traps captured some photos of the search, including photos of the lost boy, the search party, and also a lost cow, which was found and returned by Daudi, one of the longest-standing Ruaha Lion Guardians. These kinds of community actions are very important, as they demonstrate a clear benefit to local people from the presence of the Lion Guardians and the wider RCP project.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/boy.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-293" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/boy.png?w=513&amp;h=385" alt="boy" width="513" height="385" /></a><br /><em>Camera-trap photo of the lost boy</em><em> </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/search.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-303" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/search.png?w=534&amp;h=401" alt="search" width="534" height="401" /></a><br /><em>Camera-trap image of one of the search parties looking for the boy</em><em> </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cow.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-296" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cow.png?w=549&amp;h=412" alt="cow" width="549" height="412" /></a></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Image of a lost cow, which was found by Ruaha Lion Guardian Daudi, and was returned safely to its owner before it could be attacked by a carnivore</em><em> </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/caracal.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-294" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/caracal.png?w=551&amp;h=413" alt="caracal" width="551" height="413" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A caracal, which is a rarely seen, medium-sized cat. The presence of smaller predators is an indicator of a healthily functioning ecosystem that contains an abundance of small prey species, from rodents to spurfowl and lagomorphs, which are a principal part of the caracal’s diet.</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/leopard.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-301" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/leopard.png?w=558&amp;h=418" alt="leopard" width="558" height="418" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A large, mature male leopard captured on camera. Male leopards typically have territories that overlap with that of several females. The presence of this male would then be a good reason to expand the trapping grid in search of females, which could be indentified by their unique spot-patterns.</em><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cheetah.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-295" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cheetah.png?w=565&amp;h=424" alt="cheetah" width="565" height="424" /></a><br /></strong></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>Two cheetahs, which are rarely captured on the camera-traps, as they have large ranges, as opposed to territories. Prey species such as impala and Grant’s gazelles captured in other images would explain their presence. Typically cheetahs, when seen in a pair like this, would be a mother and sub-adult cub, or a coalition of two males. Judging by the images, they appear healthy and have fed recently.</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/lion.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-302" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/lion.png?w=573&amp;h=429" alt="lion" width="573" height="429" /></a><br /></strong></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A lioness walking through the Park at night- although not an entirely useful image to identify an individual, this image, along with the imbedded GPS data in the camera, gives the researchers data on lion prides’ territories. </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/serval.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-304" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/serval.png?w=570&amp;h=428" alt="serval" width="570" height="428" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A serval, another of the elusive smaller cats in the Ruaha ecosystem as they are hard to spot due to their retiring nature and diminutive size. The presence of smaller carnivores such as these are indicators of a healthily functioning ecosystem.</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/aardwolf.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-292" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/aardwolf.png?w=579&amp;h=434" alt="aardwolf" width="579" height="434" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>An aardwolf – a small member of the dog family that relies heavily upon termites for its diet. Extremely shy and nocturnal by nature, aardwolves live in burrows and are difficult to monitor and study- the cameras thus provide valuable information pertaining to their presence. </em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/fox.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-298" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/fox.png?w=579&amp;h=434" alt="fox" width="579" height="434" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A bat-eared fox – a very pretty member of the dog family, which uses its large ears to locate underground prey.</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/aardvark.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-291" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/aardvark.png?w=587&amp;h=440" alt="aardvark" width="587" height="440" /></a><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>An aardvark – a fascinating animal that is hard to spot in the Ruaha area, as it is largely nocturnal, active usually in the darkest hours of the night.</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/elephant.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-297" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/elephant.png?w=603&amp;h=453" alt="elephant" width="603" height="453" /></a><br /></strong><em>An elephant, sniffing the air as it walks along</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/gazelles.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-299" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/gazelles.png?w=608&amp;h=457" alt="gazelles" width="608" height="457" /></a></em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><em>A group of Grant’s gazelle – one of the favoured prey items of the cheetahs captured above!</em></p> <p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/impala.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-300" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/impala.png?w=611&amp;h=458" alt="impala" width="611" height="458" /></a><br /><em style="text-align:center;">A curious impala getting a closer look at one of the camera-traps!</em></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godelicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/delicious/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gofacebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/facebook/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gotwitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/twitter/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gostumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/stumble/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/godigg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/digg/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/goreddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/reddit/ruahaproject.wordpress.com/289/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=ruahablog.com&amp;blog=65589608&amp;post=289&amp;subd=ruahaproject&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</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> Thu, 12 Jun 2014 11:47:51 +0000 Anonymous 986 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/cameras-conservation-%E2%80%93-the-ruaha-carnivore-project%E2%80%99s-camera-trap-program#comments May news – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya https://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> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9391&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=true&amp;width=500&amp;action=like&amp;font=segoe+ui&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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 +0000 Anonymous 983 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#comments April News – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya <div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b><i>Guide James and Lion Tracker Lenka discussing the route through the Chyulu Hills to the collared lion Nemasi</i></b></p> <p>April’s word has to be lions! The sightings have been amazing with so much Lion activity……… Nemesi has been consistently seen with her 3 cubs who are growing rapidly and seem to be doing extremely well and absolutely loving their home in the Chyulus. We are able to track the prides movements using our Maasai tracker Lenka and a special tracking antenna which responds to Nemasi’s collar when she is near. The guests get to experience tracking in the vehicle but also on foot and see first-hand what is involved with protecting and observing these magnificent creatures.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9382" alt="Image 2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-2-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p> <p><b><i>A unique look at Nemasi’s collar.  This is how we are able to track this pride and are able to share this incredibly raw and unique experience with our guests.  </i></b><a href="http://alyraywyatt.smugmug.com/2014olDonyoLodgeKenya/April-Newsletter-Photos/i-XwJ3Vtt/0/XL/IMG_2169-XL.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><br /></a></p> <p>Easter was fantastic, and what could be a better way to spend the morning then to spoil our guests with a Bush Breaksfast.  Now a bush breakfast is already an amazing experience under the umbrella of an acacia tree with Kilimanjaro as a back drop but just as one of our guests was riding in after a morning horse ride, Annie, the stables manager spotted 2 cheetahs just lazily lounging under a tree within viewing distance of the breakfast table! They were so relaxed and were seemingly just as interested in the horse riders as the horse riders were in them. It was a great start to Bush Breakfast.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9381" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-3-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p><b><i>Our waiters Douglas and Isaac waiting patiently to surprise the guests with Mimosa’s ….. little did they know as the picture was being taken there were 2 cheetah just a stone’s throw away wanting to be a part of the celebration, too.</i></b></p> <p>Finally towards the end of April we had some heavy and well needed rains across the plains which is not only a spectacular sight from the lodge but also a huge help to the animals that roam the plains. The rains allow the animals to traverse the area without worry of going thirsty, many of our animals can be seen in large groupings slowly making their way to Tsavo or Amboseli national parks in order to breed or graze in green pastures.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9380" alt="Image 4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Image-4-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i>An elephant enjoys one of lush lakes and green pastures of Amboseli over the rainy season.</i></b></p> <p>This for us is an excellent time for our guests to explore a little further afield as well and we can treat our guests to longer game drives into the areas where the animals are enjoying themselves. One of the most beautiful areas this time of year is Amboseli and it is under a 2 hour game drive from the lodge to the main gate.</p> <p>Although the park covers only 392 sq km, despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem the park supports a wide range of mammals, well over 50 of the larger species and over 400 species of birds.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-6.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9379" alt="image 6" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-6-300x238.jpg" width="300" height="238" /></a></p> <p><b><i> A beautiful Grey Crown Crain can be one of the many species of birds found in this area.</i></b></p> <p>Amboseli National Park is one of the best areas near the lodge for photography thanks to the abundant wildlife all under the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro and at this time of year it has a decent dusting of snow, and the mountain is consistently clear making any photo with an animal in the foreground that much more dramatic. Amboseli has a large number of elephants and some of the biggest breeding herds around, it is breath-taking to watch the elephants, water buffalo and hippos just go about their day as if you didn’t exist, wallowing in the mug or lazily wandering through one of the many swamps. These swamps and springs are fed by underground rivers which are fed by the melting snows of Kilimanjaro and they form permanent watering places for the wildlife through times of drought. The park’s best game drives are around these swamps and there is a fantastic lookout on Observation Hill which offers views over the whole of the park and beyond, one of our favourite spots to serve up a delicious picnic lunch consisting of ever changing items, this month we had items such as individual fennel and butternut squash quiche, grilled brie and eggplant chutney sandwiches, Tikka chicken skewers with Harissa yogurt dip and for dessert spiced Jamaican Banana bread with dark rum buttercream!</p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-7.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9378" alt="image 7" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-7-300x172.jpg" width="300" height="172" /></a></p> <p><b><i>Imagine, picnicking whilst watching the hippos on the plains!  </i></b></p> <p><a href="http://alyraywyatt.smugmug.com/2014olDonyoLodgeKenya/April-Newsletter-Photos/i-r2SLrjQ/0/XL/IMG_3181-XL.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><span style="color: #333333;">Amboseli and the Imbirikani group ranch on which the lodge is situated conjur up images from the words written by Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark Manyatta, rolling hills which at this time of year are a lush emerald green, easing out onto golden savannahs of waving grass and wildlife.</span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-8.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9377" alt="image 8" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-8-300x283.jpg" width="300" height="283" /></a></p> <p><b><i>Bride Veronica with our ol Donyo staff members (left) Mwangi and (right) Jackson to help celebrate their special day.</i></b></p> <p>Once again we were privileged enough to be invited to a traditional Maasai wedding this past month by one of our staff members, Veronica.  All of us at ol Donyo would like to end our April newsletter by congratulating her and her new husband Dan- who just happens to be a guide at our sister camp, Mara Plains in the Masai Mara.  <i>…..What a perfect match, indeed!</i></p> <p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-9.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9383];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9376" alt="image 9" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image-9-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Congratulations Veronica and Dan!</p> <div id="facebook_like"> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatplainsconservation.com%2Fbushbuzz%2F%3Fp%3D9383&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=true&amp;width=500&amp;action=like&amp;font=segoe+ui&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:500px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> </div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</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/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 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/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/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</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/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/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div> Thu, 22 May 2014 23:58:41 +0000 Anonymous 954 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#comments
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