A2A Safaris - hipposhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/hipposenMay News -Selinda Explorers Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-selinda-explorers-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: left;">So much has been happening in May at our little Explorers Camp on the Selinda Spillway – Northern Botswana, and where to even begin seems somewhat of a challenge. We’ve had an absolutely fantastic month, not only for the spectacular sightings but for the incredible fun we’ve been having with our guests and staff. They say a picture tells a thousand words, so, here’s one thousand to start off with the rarest mammal in southern Africa right in the centre of camp – A Wild Dog.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9426 aligncenter" alt="1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>VIP Guest – Africa Wild Dog</em></p>
<p>Oh yes, a VIP guest arrived at Explorers just a few days ago and, needless to say, the staff weren’t entirely enthused at the idea of welcoming this particular visitor with the usual warm smile and face towel! And, of course, he didn’t come alone… he brought with him the rest of the pack of thirteen who chased, brought down and devoured an exhausted impala as she dashed past the office, scrambled through the kitchen and all around camp until eventually the calamity ended in the car park…THIS happened just a few meters away from us. We could hardly believe it, our hearts were racing!</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9427" alt="2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2-300x184.jpg" width="300" height="184" /></a><i><br /></i></p>
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<p>Wild dog sightings have been aplenty and we’re seeing them in and around camp on almost a daily basis. Kane, our regular wild animal whisperer, entertainer and guide extraordinaire, witnessed an equally exciting and perhaps more dramatic hunt at our nearby hippo pool with his guests on foot as the dogs dashed past them, ran through the water, drowned, and, as only they can do, devoured a young female kudu with lightning speed as the sun was starting to set and the sundowners had just been poured. An absolutely once in a life time sighting as the kudu’s alarms brought in some daring hyenas to the scene, causing a battle between the two rivals as they repeatedly tried in vain to push the dogs away from their kill. The atmosphere was electric and there was an absolute cacophony of squeals, yelps and bellows with even the hippos getting out the water, sniffing around and joining in on the action. All very exciting and indeed promising signs that these beautiful painted dogs are denning nearby and we hope to discover just exactly where very soon.</p>
<p><a style="text-align: -webkit-center;" href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9428 aligncenter" alt="3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3-300x197.jpg" width="300" height="197" /></a></p>
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<p>In other news… it is getting a whole lot drier (and cooler) now as we are approaching the winter months and the animal sightings are vastly improving. The zebras are starting to come back from their seasonal migration route in the Savuti Marsh/Mababe Depression and we’ve had a few visits from the dagga boys (old male buffalos) as the buffalos start their search for clearer waters and better grazing along the Spillway. General game is also good at the moment and we’re seeing plenty of giraffe, impala and kudu. We’re also starting to see large herds of elephants along the Spillway and around Explorers Camp.</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9425];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9429" alt="4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4-218x300.jpg" width="218" height="300" /></a><i><br /></i></p>
<p align="center"><em> That’s me at the back, paddling gently down the spillway and past a herd of elephant on our way to a beautifully set up bush breakfast at Hippo Pools. (image – Alex Walters).</em></p>
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<p>Predator sightings are top of the tops here at Explorers and guests have been treated to some incredible sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and lions; the hunts, the kills and the many disputes between the different groups with leopard tracks right through camp, nightly visits from hyenas and a kill so close by the Wapuka Lion Pride of eight that we could hear them fighting over their waterbuck from camp. Our guests were lucky enough to witness the entire thing from start to finish but hearing it all from camp was just as exciting.</p>
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<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9430 aligncenter" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" alt="5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5-300x178.jpg" width="300" height="178" /></p>
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<p>Walks have been very popular here at Explorers with plenty of spectacular sightings; leopards, lions on kills, wild dogs and elephant … all on foot and expertly guided by Kane who, when he isn’t out tracking animals and sharing his bushman skills with our guests, is planning highly competitive canoe races down the Spillway with the help of myself, the new camp manager at Explorers, and our fantastic team. Have a look…</p>
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<p align="center"><i></i><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9431" alt="6" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/6-300x189.jpg" width="300" height="189" /><i><br /></i></p>
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<p>We saw in these particular guests a few seriously competitive streaks and decided to put their paddling skills to the test. Teams were chosen, canoes were marked with brightly coloured names, staff were out to support with posters and cheers, celebratory champagne was on ice and prizes were laid out along with some serious rules and regulations from Kane (aka “The Ref”) and the support team; camera crew, medical rescue and of course our friendly barman who was on standby with emergency G&Ts at the finish line.</p>
<p align="center"><i></i><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9432" alt="7" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p>
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<p align="center">The afternoon was filled with fun, sun and smiles all round and is one we will certainly never forget.</p>
<p align="center"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9433" alt="8" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/8-300x206.jpg" width="300" height="206" /></p>
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<p align="center">Our guests at Explorers seem always to be a little quirky, adventurous and full of fun and that’s just the way we like them.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9434 aligncenter" alt="9" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/9-300x196.jpg" width="300" height="196" /></p>
<p>See what I mean?! Yes, that is indeed a guest donning Selinda Reserve staff uniform! On their request, our guests swopped roles and attire with the staff for the night and everyone enjoyed a meal cooked by them that evening, what a treat! The guests lit the lanterns, served the drinks, set out the chairs and shared stories around the camp fire. There was signing, dancing and lots and lots of laughter that night.<img class="size-medium wp-image-9435 aligncenter" alt="10" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/10-300x198.jpg" width="300" height="198" /></p>
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<p>The last few weeks seem to have been filled with birthdays, anniversaries, newly weds on honeymoon and all sorts of reasons to celebrate and completely spoil our guests. We have been in our absolute hosting, styling, magic-dust sprinkling element – setting up romantic dinners under the glowing light of our candle chandelier hanging from the old mopane tree, arranging copper baths brimming with bubbles under the stars.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9436 aligncenter" alt="11" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/11-300x194.jpg" width="300" height="194" /></p>
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<p>We have also been setting up cosy spots using our Swahili style rugs with floor cushions, blankets and Amarula around crackling fires and Kane has been in charge of the fishing, giraffe dung spitting competitions, practical jokes and all things fun, along with providing guests with the incredible game viewing experiences that he’s become so well known for.</p>
<p>We’re a great team and proving that anything and everything is possible and happening at Selinda Explorers Camp. It’s been a fantastic month and we are certainly looking forward to what June has in store for us…</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/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/hippos" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippos</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/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div>Wed, 11 Jun 2014 06:21:23 +0000Anonymous985 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-selinda-explorers-camp-botswana#commentsMarch News – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/march-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: left;" align="center">Thunderstorms and stormy weather dominated the first few days of this month in our gorgeous concession, adding to the lush beauty that summer has created. The occasional showers did, however, provide an all too welcome reprieve from the heat and as the month has worn on, these have become few and far between. As we head toward April, one can definitely feel the morning coolness of spring approaching and the days becoming milder, a very pleasant time of year for comfortable evenings.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Zibadianja lagoon is full from all the rain and is home to our resident pod of hippos, who deem it necessary to traverse through our camp every evening to graze. There are two in particular who have become fond of the area behind our Executive Chef, Katherine’s house and have kept her company outside her room quite a few times of late! They are, however, very relaxed now as they are so used to the comings and goings within the camp. We still do not advise any nocturnal wanderings of our guests.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This month, we hosted a family of five who could not get enough of spending time out in the bush – so much so, that our Manager, Frank and our dedicated chef, Katherine , on two occasions packed up their dinner and drove out into the night to find them and feed them their dinner in the wilds – long after midnight! Mr Satchu was delighted with this service and was blown away about eating his ‘five star’ meal while observing a pride of lions nearby! Flexibility and the anytime anywhere philosophy is very much Zarafa.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We are forging ahead at getting our new family unit, ‘The Dhow Suite’, up and running – progress has been amazing – especially now that the rain has held off for a while; and things are looking fantastic. Many of our guests have requested a peek at the building site and are excited about telling friends and family about this new option being offered at Zarafa Camp. The bookings are already flowing in and it is not even finished.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In keeping with our wholesome and healthy philosophy when we prepare our food , our kitchen has come up with a fabulous new vegetarian option for our guests – a butternut and mozzarella gnocci. This has become a very popular main course and Katherine has generously been handing out this recipe to our visitors. On a very naughty but nice note, our ginger cookies have become so popular with our guests that we have had to bake countless batches just to keep them satisfied on their morning game drives.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">One of our most exciting morning game drives produced a pride of 8 lions resting in the shade. Guests were busily taking great photos of them when a pack of 15 wild dog raced right by our vehicles and proceeded to kill a red lechwe right in front of our guests. After all this excitement and on their way back into camp, they then came across a leopard walking casually down the road in front of the vehicles – an amazing morning to say the least!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our sunset cruises are beautiful and have been made even more special recently with the African Skimmers sweeping past the boat. Guests, especially those interested in birding, have been blown away by them.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/skimmerprint-1-of-1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9254];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9255 aligncenter" alt="skimmerprint (1 of 1)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/skimmerprint-1-of-1-300x165.jpg" width="300" height="165" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our area has been busy this month, with a myriad of general game sightings – from baby giraffe and adult giraffe seen lying down; to breeding herds of elephant, wildebeest, hippo, kudu, impala, red lechwe, steenbok, zebra and many many more. As lush and green as our area is, it never fails to produce amazing bird life and animal sightings.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/hippo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippo</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/hippos" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippos</a></div><div class="field-item odd " 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 even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div></div>Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:42:29 +0000Anonymous892 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/march-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#comments