A2A Safaris - Recently Spottedhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/recently-spottedenSeptember News – Duba Plains, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/september-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>September is a great month to spend time with the giants of Africa, elephants, as the water is drying up from most water holes making them follow the main streams. It is a warm month and to enjoy the cool breeze of the night that is complemented by the soothing smell of the wild sage one has to keep the tent flaps up. There is nothing that brings you closer to nature like getting a night surprise visit of an elephant coming to eat next to your tent in the full glow of the moon outside. Duba tents are built under the roofs of tall African Mangosteen trees, attracting elephants that hoover the small flowers that fall from it. It is always the first conversation of the morning breakfast as guests explain the elephant proximity to their bed; ”It was so close I could touch it.”<span id="more-9605"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9553.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class=" wp-image-9606 aligncenter" alt="untitled-9553" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9553.jpg" width="553" height="369" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is evident that hippos are territorial as we see hippos still holding on to drying ponds of Duba. This is the time of the year where you can drive to a water pool to enjoy a sighting of hippos as they display their amusing character or their swimming skill. It is at this point when you will be able to see the monstrous teeth of this water mammal as they yawn and call, celebrating their existence.</p>
<p>The afternoon game drive never stops amazing all the way back to camp. With the use of the spotlight, some amazing sightings can be spotted. We’ve found the leopard feeding on a buffalo calf and a few times it has been spotted slinking through the concession in fear of meeting lions that rule the Duba concession. It has always been a dream for many to see an Aardvark and the dreams have been realized in the Duba paradise. The guides have been doing a great job of spotting these beautiful creatures that are mostly seen in the night. The aardwolf and pangolin have also been spotted on several game drives.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9162.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="untitled-9162" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-9162.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></a></p>
<p>The Tsaro pride still continues its controversy. Over the last week we’ve seen for the first time the new male being challenged by the young male from the sub pride of 6 which occupies the western part of the concession. The new male who moves with 2 females has contributed highly to the separation of the pride and it has been a moment we’ve been waiting for to see him being challenged by one of the upcoming males in the sub-prides. He is about 6 years of age and the young male who is challenging him is believed to be of the same age if not younger. Guests had a great morning as they watched these 2 males roaring at each other and every now and then giving each other a snarl. It did not go into a battle but the young male kept pushing the dominant male back, marking around the invaded territory. This is what we are waiting to see; if the young male will win the territory or if there is a possibility of a coalition.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8997.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="untitled-8997" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8997.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></a></p>
<p>Lion and buffalo hunts still continue, with spectacular hunts happening regularly between the prides. As buffalos move from one area to another, they run into the territory of another sub-pride. We’ve seen the chase start next to camp, buffalos crossing the deep water before lions could make their catch. The lions then needed re-strategizing, as they fear deep water and rather choose to cross over the wooden bridge to get to their prey. The hunt will go for hours as the bull buffalos keep coming back to the rescue of the estranged beast. It therefore takes high anticipation and patience to experience this all to the end. The male lion has earned himself a descriptive tag of ‘lazy’ as he is seen lagging behind, sitting in the shade at every tree as the females keep the chase going, risking the sharp horn of the buffalos. What surprises many is that when the kill happens he is the first one to feed. It is always interesting to explain the role of the male lions around the fire as they are hardly seen doing anything except sitting in the shade and being pampered by females. Male lions act as protectors of the whole pride, therefore they need to eat and keep in good shape so that they can go around marking the territory and keep enemies away. They sometimes go into brutal fights if a new male comes in trying to take over. To prevent another male from taking over and killing all the young and breaking prides apart; the males need to fight with all their might to defend territories.</p>
<p>The Skimmer pride is seen often crossing in the Tsaro territory. We’ve realized that the pride is shy and prefers to walk in covers of the bushes fearing confrontation with the tsaro pride. The last time it was seen there were 2 young males and 2 sub-adult females, missing the adult female. They are mostly spotted eating on the carcasses that have been left behind by the Tsaro pride.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8827-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9605];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-9607 aligncenter" alt="untitled-8827-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled-8827-2.jpg" width="541" height="361" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/hippo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hippo</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:56:41 +0000Anonymous1121 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/september-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana#commentsAugust News – Explorers Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-explorers-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>On the newsletter front, Explorers has been somewhat quiet, we’ve been the sleepy sloths of newsletter writers, but really, it’s been quite the contrary here at our beautiful little camp on the Selinda Spillway. So, in essence, this is not so much of an “August Newsletter”, but rather a “Peak Season Newsletter” where I will try, despite my unrelenting urge to ramble on for hours with camp stories, to give a (somewhat) brief account of the wonderful highlights we’ve had so far.</p>
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<p>We’ve been busy, in the best kind of way, and that’s an understatement. I suppose the hi-light of our last newsletter was a recount of 13 beautiful painted dogs chasing and killing an impala in camp just meters from where we stood, and, without sounding too flippant or blasé about what I know some people will wait their whole lives to see, it’s become such a regular occurrence in camp I hardly bat an eyelid anymore. No, not really, that’s a lie… of epic proportions. There is SO much batting of eyelids and excitement each time it happens I can sometimes hardly contain myself, nor fumble fast or furiously enough to get my camera on the right settings as I dash out my little tented office to capture the action. Had I been just a few seconds faster, in this very picture would be a beautiful, enormous male kudu that had just run through the spillway from a pack of five wild dogs at sunset. After almost a half hour of running through camp, crashing into guests tents, being cornered in the kitchen and chased over the canoes, the kudu was lucky enough to escape, but not so lucky, I fear, was the impala that went dashing past the dinner table past some flabbergasted guests later that night from the same pack. Safe to say, we have certainly not been short of any wild dog action at Explorers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9580" alt="PIC-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-1.jpg" width="599" height="383" /></a></p>
<p>I seem to be slightly predisposed to a slight sunset obsession, I just love the light and the colours and the beauty of them, and really try always to make the most of every single one. Come to Explorers and there WILL, without doubt, be a sunset celebration of sorts.</p>
<p>A sunset bath on the Spillway…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9581" alt="PIC-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-2.jpg" width="600" height="330" /></a></p>
<p>A sunset dinner…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9582" alt="PIC-3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-3.jpg" width="600" height="372" /></a></p>
<p>A sunset lion sighting on the spillway as you canoe past… not such a regular occurrence, but amazing luck for those guests who saw these two beautiful males come right to the waters edge for a drink as they made their way to our “sunset spot” for sundowners.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-4-.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9578" alt="PIC 4-" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-4-.jpg" width="600" height="376" /></a></p>
<p>Lionesses love a good sunset too…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9583" alt="PIC-5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-5.jpg" width="267" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>The good thing about these sunsets, is there’s one EVERY single day. How lucky is that?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-6.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9584" alt="PIC-6" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-6.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>The months of June and July were filled with fort-building, tree-climbing, chocolate-cake-devouring, bow-and-arrow-making two legged little delights who learnt all about our beautiful animals, conservation and how to make an abominable mess, I mean “fort” out of every single piece of furniture and cushion in sight. Beautiful work, boys.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-7.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9585" alt="PIC-7" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-7.jpg" width="600" height="384" /></a></p>
<p>They were really quite sweet and passed their little quiz on their last night in camp with flying colours and a “Conservation Ambassador” certificate to show for it.They learnt very fast that keeping quiet on game drives and listening to instructions had all sorts of fun rewards: fishing, canoeing, playing soccer with the staff and helping in the kitchen. As a caveat to this invitation for all children to come and have fun at Explorers, be warned that they WILL fall in love with our guide Kane and leaving for the next camp might cause a bit of a scene.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-8.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9586" alt="PIC-8" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-8.jpg" width="600" height="371" /></a></p>
<p>Paddling down the spillway past a herd of elephant with your new bushman friend in Botswana, as you do when you’re a little boy…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The sightings at Explorers have been mind-blowing and recently, not a day goes by when guests aren’t coming back with stories of playful lion cubs, beautiful wild dog puppies, leopards up trees, lions on the move, cheetahs resting in the shade, kills, chases, you name it.. it’s been incredible. We’ve had leopard in camp, lions roaring through the night, hippos grunting, regular visits and loud whoops from hyenas, honey badgers causing havoc, buffalo grazing outside our tents, wild dog puppies chirping and playing with the hammock, a cacophony of beautiful sounds… we really are deep in the bush here at Explorers and I may be slightly biased but SERIOUSLY, are we not the coolest camp in the whole of Botswana?</p>
<p>Going into the dry period now, the natural pans are drying up, bringing the elephants, as well as the herds of buffalo, closer to camp and along the spillway for better grazing, creating wonderful opportunities for guests to see them from their tents, around the lunch table, peeping over showers, whilst on the canoes and out on walks. Sightings on foot have been excellent too and long, hard walks have been rewarded with surprise picnics in the bush…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-9.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9587" alt="PIC-9" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-9.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a> <a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-10.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9588" alt="PIC-10" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-10.jpg" width="600" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>For those of you who haven’t yet met our beautiful Explorers chef… this is Tshidi, lamb-shank-cooking, carrot-cake-baking guru.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-11.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9577];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9589" alt="PIC-11" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PIC-11.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>Tshidi and I have big plans to play our small part in the “Rhinos Without Borders” Project (moving 100 rhinos to safety from South Africa to Botswana) and are working on a secret project called “Recipes for Rhinos”, so stay tuned for updates on that one. Kane, our Explorers guide, has been known to be fairly competitive and equally as dedicated to the project, agreeing to donate $5 of every tip he makes towards the Rhino Project. Team Explorers is on it.</p>
<p>So, when i’m next not busy planning picnics, setting sundowners, filling bubble baths, lighting candles, dancing with my housekeepers to old Dolly Parton tracks, chasing hornbills from the muesli bowl and fluffing cushions, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the weird and wonderful happenings at Explorers. Until next month…</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/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</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/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers 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/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/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/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/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>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 07:33:28 +0000Anonymous1096 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-explorers-camp-botswana#commentsJune news – Duba Plains, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/june-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: left;">The month of June means our beanies are out and the elephants are in! As winter settles on Duba Plains the bush dries up and the water levels rise to the maximum, both these changes making for fantastic game viewing. Game drives have been extra exciting as our “Puddle Jumper” Toyota Land Cruisers become amphibious to get around the concession.</p>
<p><span id="more-9504"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/trucks-in-water-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9504];player=img;"><img class="wp-image-9515 alignright" alt="trucks in water-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/trucks-in-water-2-1024x682.jpg" width="430" height="286" /></a></p>
<p>Life in and around camp is always entertaining as there is no way of telling which animals will decide to stroll through camp. At this time of year elephants are a part of daily life and are particularly active at night. You hear fantastic nocturnal sounds from hippos grazing, elephants feeding and lions roaring. On occasion, the baboons wake up to alert everyone that there is a leopard strolling along the very pathway that you’ve walked, escorted by your guide, back to your tent after dinner. This month in particular we have seen leopard tracks through camp on several occasions and some guests were even lucky enough to spot a young female from the dinner table one night!</p>
<p>Around mid-month the lions were after the buffalo only a few minutes’ drive from camp. There was a lot of splashing through the water and the face off lasted for days before the lions finally won, this time anyway. At this time of year the buffalo start becoming weaker due to scarcity of food so the lions tend to have the upper hand but they do still need to deal with all the water. This also means that the buffalos have had to migrate in order to look for food but they always come back in the end.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Lion-for-OT-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9504];player=img;"><img class=" wp-image-9511 aligncenter" alt="Lion for OT-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Lion-for-OT-2-1024x686.jpg" width="614" height="412" /></a></p>
<p>We had some very lucky sightings of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl. Guests spotted one in a tree just as they drove out of camp on their very first game drive. Just three days later one of our guides, Kops, spotted another one from the front of house area and we could all have a good look at it before enjoying our dinner.</p>
<p>Leopard sightings have remained prolific throughout the month, in some cases guests staying for three nights saw two different leopards and on every game drive at that! We are all very excited about seeing leopard so often since in this area they are more rare than usual. Photographers got some fantastic shots of leopards in trees and even with a baboon kill.</p>
<p>The month ended on a sadder note, when the dominant male lion and his two lionesses attacked a lioness of the Tsaro pride. The fight happened near the bridge shortly after everyone had gone back to camp for a snooze after lunch. We heard a huge commotion and decided to check it out. The lioness was badly outnumbered and suffered some serious injuries. She sadly died the following morning. This lioness was well known for her incredible hunting skills and was indeed an expert in buffalo hunting. She was close to 10 years old and although she bore many scars from the endless collisions with buffalo and other lions she was still strong and in good condition.</p>
<p>This sort of event always affects us but we need to remember not to place our human feelings on these wild animals. Lions are a vulnerable species but are not at risk from hunters or poachers but from themselves as well. Witnessing this fight and the death of a lioness is never easy on the emotions but we are fortunate to see nature in its truest and rawest form.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion-fighting-21.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9504];player=img;"><img class=" wp-image-9513 aligncenter" alt="lion fighting-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lion-fighting-21-1024x682.jpg" width="614" height="409" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/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/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</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/botswana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</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/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 07:03:23 +0000Anonymous1022 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/june-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana#commentsMay 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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p align="center"><i> </i></p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </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#commentsOlare Motorogi May Wildilfe Report – Mara Plains & Mara Toto, Kenyahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/olare-motorogi-may-wildilfe-report-%E2%80%93-mara-plains-mara-toto-kenya<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>As many of you know, Richard and Lorna are no longer managing Mara Plains (although they always have a seat at the table) and are onto other projects. Richard is the warden of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy while Lorna is assisting with community outreach.</p>
<p>In this capacity, we have Richard’s latest Olare Motorogi <a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Wildlife-report-May-2014-email.docx">Wildlife report- May 2014.</a></p>
<p>It’s a must-read for all you wildlife junkies. #whyILoveKenya</p>
<p> </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/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/mara-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mara Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/mara-toto" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mara Toto</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>Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:43:26 +0000Anonymous982 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/olare-motorogi-may-wildilfe-report-%E2%80%93-mara-plains-mara-toto-kenya#commentsMay News – Duba Plains Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Two things come to mind at Duba at the start of the floods. The thrill of seeing water in huge amounts as well as the logistical challenges that comes with the floods. At the end of the day the answer is just simple; these are not the first floods we’ve been through and not the highest we’ve seen, therefore pre-planning plays a big part. May is a month of many activities, Elephants migrating to areas where there’s water, floods rising and delta islands get smaller, roads coming underwater.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_6350.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9068 aligncenter" alt="IMG_6350" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_6350-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Boating and fishing has become a special activity of the day. A few guests have gone fishing and the aim was to catch the Tiger fish. We were about to declare that there were no tiger fishes in the waters of Duba until recently when John Pierre (guest) caught a tiger fish just close to camp.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9411 aligncenter" alt="tiger" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/tiger-300x182.jpg" width="300" height="182" /></p>
<p>Winter days are short and cool. The best way to maximize on the day is by using siesta time for a short boat cruise or a fishing excursion which is the best way to enjoy the sun as it starts warming up the day slowly. The water is just enjoyable watching it meandering through the channels of the Okavango giving that feel of; “Water is life’.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/duba-headlines.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8097 aligncenter" alt="duba-headlines" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/duba-headlines-300x167.jpg" width="300" height="167" /></a></p>
<p>The start of winter is normally felt in the month of May. The camp has to pull in some additional touches like hot water bottles in the bed and on the morning game drives, This is the best time to visit Botswana for those that don’t like hot days of the summer. Ponchos become very handy and the morning coffee is highly appreciated. Nothing beats breakfast around the fire and watching baboons wake up on the near-by trees. There are also far fewer mosquitoes which is always welcome.</p>
<p>Sightings have been great. A lot of people have either read or heard about the pangolin. This is a true fact; <b>“Pangolins have poor vision and hearing, but their sense of smell is quite strong. They do not have teeth and are unable to chew. Instead, they have long sticky tongues that they use to catch the insects they feed on.” </b>A lot have left Duba with their dreams fulfilled after seeing this illusive scaly anteater in the wild.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3687-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9352 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3687-2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3687-2-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>The beginning of the Month was dominated by leopard sightings. There has been days when the female leopard was seen with a kudu kill up the tree. Its announcement is usually by the baboons that sleep on the Duba Island on the jackal berry trees. The guides have great tracking skills as the leopard is hard to spot, and normally it is a combination of skill and bush experience that make it possible for these magnificent cats to be seen.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3955-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9354 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3955-3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3955-3-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>The dominant male lion is still sticking around with the 2 females and keeping the rest of the Tsaro pride on the outskirts of the concession. It is once again a great transition to watch in the animal behavior. Taking steps back into history, back to the time of the Duba Boys who used to rule the Duba territory; leading a big pride that needed to eat and always hunting for bigger meals to feed the whole pride. Buffalos were the main target and the lions cooperated to make a kill.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/P1010829-800x600.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8809 aligncenter" alt="P1010829 (800x600)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/P1010829-800x600-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Male lions are known to lag behind when it comes to hunting. Duba males have played a significant role in the change of the structure of the Tsaro pride as well as playing a big part in the controversy of the changing relationship in the pride.</p>
<p>Male lions have been known through ages to kill cubs when taking over a pride just for them to introduce their genes. This has been visible in Duba with the change of males in the pride. When the Duba boys died of old age, the Skimmer male who’s been sticking around waiting for his chance to become the dominant male jumped in. When he came in most of the cubs were already aged and he groomed them as part of the pride. Starting at a tender age the lions in the Tsaro pride learn to hunt a buffalo, learning all the tactics of taking them down without being injured. It is through cooperation from all females and sometimes the help of the male that makes the hunts a success.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Sel-Mar-headlines.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7864 aligncenter" alt="Sel-Mar-headlines" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Sel-Mar-headlines-300x167.jpg" width="300" height="167" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Skimmer male together with the Tsaro pride have been very successful in their hunts, making buffalo meat their daily diet. With the disappearance of the Skimmer male late last year, the young male who is believed to be the son to the Skimmer male appeared. In the quest to lead the whole pride and occupy the whole territory he had to do what every male lion will do; kill the cubs and chase away the young males in the pride. Paradoxically there was no submission from the pride and that caused antagonism among the pride. The pride with cubs lost one of the fully grown females to the young male who’s always in the company of 2 females in a stand-off to protect the cubs. The cubs managed to get away safely in this instance but their safety cannot be guaranteed as long as this young male takes over the territory.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC02267-800x536.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8800 aligncenter" alt="DSC02267 (800x536)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC02267-800x536-300x201.jpg" width="300" height="201" /></a></p>
<p>The other group would not let their young brother to be kicked out of the pride but they rather stood with him and ran away from the new male. He is now occupying most of the territory together with the females. We are therefore anticipating another twist to this whole story when the 2 boys (both around 3 years grow up to face the young male. He will not stand a chance against this coalition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The buffalos are still roaming the islands of Duba, sometimes seen followed by the lions and most of the time becoming a failed hunt as some of the lions lack experience and leadership. Silver eye has also left a large gap in the hunting arena as she was known for her ambitious hunting techniques and leadership. There will always be unexpected changes in the social structure of the Duba lions and it is always a great pleasure to watch all this transition unfolding.</p>
<p>And finally a quick “Great Manes” cartoon, is this how the animals really talk to each other?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/geoff.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9409];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8569 aligncenter" alt="geoff" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/geoff-280x300.jpg" width="280" height="300" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/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/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</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/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/buffalo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">buffalo</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/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/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div></div>Tue, 03 Jun 2014 10:44:30 +0000Anonymous968 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-camp-botswana#commentsMay News – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b>A O.K. May </b><br /><b><br /></b>We are going to keep this month’s weather update short and sweet by saying that there are no temperatures that cannot be overcome by a hot cup of tea or coffee at your doorstep, one of our guides’ ponchos (which have a surprising cuddly inner ☺) and a ‘bush baby’, (bush baby is ‘safari language’ for hot water bottle) which are even more cuddly.<br />
So, nothing to worry about! And if this does not sound like vacation in your ears, just remember that after every hour of game drive you will be peeling off one layer of clothes, guaranteed.<br />
Talking about bush babies, it turns out that it does not matter if you have lived at Zarafa for a year, two years or longer, one can always be delighted by a new ‘in-camp safari moment’!<br />
Recently, we have discovered that one of the large trees near the main deck houses countless bush babies who appear when the sun sets.<br />
How is that for having sun downers in camp? (Of course, pictures will follow!).</p>
<p>A little information for those who are not completely familiar with what kind of animal a bush babie is (next to the fact that they must look somewhat like a hot water bottle….)<br />
Bush babies or ‘Galagos’ are normally exclusively seen at night and are therefore in Afrikaans called ‘Nagapies’ (little monkeys of the night). We would describe them as a cute mix between a tiny monkey and a squirrel, with a large tail for balance, huge eyes and bat-like ears. The jump from branch to branch, easily reaching over 2 meters per jump!</p>
<p>Other ‘in-camp safari moments’ we had in May included;</p>
<p>1). The return of the herds of elephants! (Opposed to the lonely bachelors who visited us in April already). With the arrival of the herds, we are also offered the one and only excuse to come late to work, namely the old fashioned; “I am sorry, I had elephants on my way – excuse”. It is unfortunate when it is true though. For Bronia for example, our masseuse, who was held up with massage table, towels and lotions on the way to tent one for an aromatherapy treatment. Oh well, all good things come to those who wait….<br /><img class="size-medium wp-image-9402 aligncenter" style="text-align: center;" alt="20140427_164833-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140427_164833-1-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" /><br />
2). And secondly, one of the Francolins living around camp has three chicks (**cute**) and we saw her giving her juniors a brief flying lesson from the main deck. It is going to be treat to see these little birds grow up!</p>
<p>On a different note, we are happy to announce that after the grand opening of the Dhow Suite last month, our new ‘House’ (as chef Katherine calls it) is running as a well oiled machine.<br />
As one can see on the picture, the Dhow Suite is steered by our own little Francolin (a.k.a. Frank), who with his famous ‘dreads’ completes the perfect Dhow Suite picture.<br />
We are enjoying to see that families are making use of this ‘family unit’ and we have been welcoming extended family members in our Zarafa Camp as well.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9404 aligncenter" style="text-align: center;" alt="20140519_211745-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140519_211745-1-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" /></p>
<p>News from the kitchen this month is that Katherine and her team are able to combine the best of both worlds, namely (and here it goes) a gluten free (yes!), lactose free (yes!), avocado chocolate mousse (ooh yes!). So we have been treating our bodies like a temple, while receiving a little extra Tender, Love and Care (TLC) … it does not get any better than that.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And finally, on the happy note of Tender, Love and Care, we would like to end this news post by thanking Mr. Harold & Mrs. Kate Kerr from Australia for “Packing with a Purpose”! Look at those beautiful pencils and at Harold’s awesome glasses.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9403" alt="20140516_162312-1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140516_162312-1-168x300.jpg" width="168" height="300" /></p>
<p>Cheers everyone!</p>
<p>As always, we will keep you posted.</p>
<p>The Zarafa Team</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div></div>Tue, 03 Jun 2014 09:36:07 +0000Anonymous969 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/may-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#commentsWild Dogs are Denning – Selinda Reserve, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wild-dogs-are-denning-%E2%80%93-selinda-reserve-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Excitement is all over Botswana with the official announcement that one of our three Wild Dog packs are denning.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9372" alt="AG7K5602" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/AG7K5602-300x215.jpg" width="300" height="215" /></p>
<p>The Selinda Camp guides have found the den, a stones throw from the camp with a now thin and lactating Alpha Female. They have instantly put in place a strict protocol of no visits for the next few weeks to ensure no disturbance, and then limited visits after that.</p>
<p>These highly endangered mammals, the rarest in southern Africa have successfully denned on the reserve for the past several years. We had a record three dens in 2013 and with the Alpha female from the Mophane pack, having not been see for a few days, it would appear that she may also be denning also.</p>
<p>We will keep you updated with the news as it happens and hopefully we will have the first puppy photos of 2014 soon.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/AG7K5311.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9370];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9371 aligncenter" alt="AG7K5311" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/AG7K5311-300x179.jpg" width="300" height="179" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</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/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-canoe-trails" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Canoe Trails</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 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/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/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/selinda-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</a></div></div>Thu, 22 May 2014 06:47:53 +0000Anonymous952 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wild-dogs-are-denning-%E2%80%93-selinda-reserve-botswana#commentsApril News – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Winter is coming!</b></p>
<p>Many of our followers in civilization might recognize the phrase “Winter is coming…” from the television series ‘Game of Thrones’. (For those who are a little behind – it is apparently a very popular show so catch-up, you do not live in the bush!)</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9361 aligncenter" alt="Katherine 2" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Katherine-2-300x168.jpg" width="300" height="168" /></p>
<p>Well, in the Selinda Reserve winter is definitely coming! But unlike the scary and dark thoughts that might come to mind with the turn of phrase, we find that winter brings a rather pleasant change of weather conditions and scenery.</p>
<p>You know winter is coming when;<br />
- The elephants are back in camp (read: <b>IN</b> camp)</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9363 aligncenter" alt="RSA March 2014 and a little Zarafa 064" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/RSA-March-2014-and-a-little-Zarafa-064-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p>(picture by: Marijn Letschert)</p>
<p>- The green grass around the lodge is getting more scarce …<br />
- The idyllic gas heaters in the rooms are getting used again as especially the mornings are getting colder.<br />
- And, the water levels in the lagoon are rising.<br />
This always to the great surprise of many of our guests, as the common belief is that our rainy season equals a full lagoon. (Right?) Well not exactly, one must remember that our Zibadianja lagoon is well connected and we enjoy a flood of rain water from Angola which only finds its way to us much later in the season.</p>
<p>Now, summer, winter, rain or shine, the guiding team at Zarafa has recorded an abundance of sightings this month! And because sharing is caring, we have taken the liberty to provide <b>you</b> with our top 5;</p>
<p>No. 5 – African Wild Dogs<br />
No. 4 – 2 meter long Black Mamba (No, not in camp)<br />
No. 3 – Lion cubs<br />
No. 2 – Cheetah<br />
No. 1 – Pangolin (!!)</p>
<p>A pangolin is a very rare sighting in our beautiful concession. Issac are head guide has not seen one since 2002. Issac also managed to spot this nocturnal mammal, famous for its plate-like scales, this month again.</p>
<p>Other news from Zarafa is strongly Dhow Suites related, which by now have officially opened its Zanzibar doors to their guests. Everyone has been working very hard last month to open Zarafa’s (huge!) baby sister on time and a special ‘thank you’ will have to go to our concession managers Sharon and Pete. They were so engaged with the project that they even tricked Sharon’s mother into visiting us, so she could help us with unwrapping the many, many boxes that found its way to us by truck or plane. Baie dankie Hannekie!</p>
<p>It goes without saying, that we could not be more proud of our Dhow Suites and of the work that Lodge Builders Botswana have delivered. Words can (unfortunately for this blog), not describe the place. You will have to come see it for yourself. It is a 4 bed, 2 room exclusive use villa with your own private chef and safari guide.</p>
<p>With all the preparations for the Dhow Suites, one would almost think we did not have time to cook, but on the contrary! Katherine has introduced a beautiful vanilla, coconut Panna Cotta to our menu.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9360 aligncenter" alt="Katherine 1" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Katherine-1-168x300.jpg" width="168" height="300" /></p>
<p>(picture by: Katherine Milton)</p>
<p>With our Dhow Suites open, we have welcomed a few new members to our Zarafa team, among which our new sculler/staff chef – Bafedile, who is actually too pretty to stand in the kitchen.<br />
Neo, who we call “tall Neo”, as we already have a Neo in our housekeeping team.<br />
Pony, (or PPP-Pony) who is Katherine’s new side kick in the kitchen.<br />
Mr. OB, an absolute asset to our guiding team and a ‘golden oldie’ – Frank (a.k.a. Francolin) who has carried Zarafa in his heart for a long time, but now finally has made it is permanent home.</p>
<p>Winter is coming and we are ready!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/RSA-March-2014-and-a-little-Zarafa-003.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9345];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9362 aligncenter" alt="RSA March 2014 and a little Zarafa 003" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/RSA-March-2014-and-a-little-Zarafa-003-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>(Picture by: Katherine Milton)</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>We will keep you posted.</p>
<p>The Zarafa Team</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/read-guest-feedback" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Read Guest Feedback</a></div><div class="field-item even " 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 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/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div></div>Wed, 07 May 2014 12:38:01 +0000Anonymous941 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#commentsApril News – Duba Plains, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>It has been a great leopard month. The camp main area is built around tall jackal-berry trees which are home to a troop of baboons. One evening while were sitting by the fire place we started hearing an alarm call from the baboons and we wondered what could be scaring them in the dark. The guide explained that there could be a lion, leopard or hyena walking through camp. The next minute this young leopard walked past the guest loo and tried to climb up one of the trees in the main area and that’s when it realised that there were people around, it then turned around and went for the close-by bushes.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9350 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3228" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3228-300x220.jpg" width="300" height="220" /></p>
<p>The next day as guests were returning for their morning game-drive the guides saw vultures perching on trees next to camp and they went to investigate. A kudu was found half eaten and was suspected to have been taken down by the same leopard.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9354 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3955-3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3955-3-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>The giraffes occupying the north part of the Duba concession are still seen on regular basis and recently a few months old calf was spotted with the group. This has brought hope for growth in numbers of the gentle giants that like to hang around the Airstrip.</p>
<p>The hyenas are spotted in late hours of the night and every now and then they are heard calling very close to camp. Our guests are enchanted by these amazing noises of the night as you will be hearing different calls through the night. The first sounds that you will hear while at the dinner table would be the painted reed frogs. Then as all the camp lights go off the hippos start roaming the camp, hyenas calling and baboons shouting at the leopard. From a distance you can hear the lions also making their territorial announcement.</p>
<p>The new lion male is still occupying most of the territory, keeping all the other lions of the Tsaro pride on the peripherals of the concession. The young male is regularly seen with 2 females he is mating with.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3364-4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9349];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9351 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3364-4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3364-4-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>The other groups from the pride are still keeping away from them to avoid confrontation and the risk of losing their young. The other group with 2 young males is hardly seen around as they are also running away from the young male who wants to kick them out of the pride. The females, who are sisters to the young males have rather chosen to run away with them.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9353 aligncenter" alt="untitled-3736-3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/untitled-3736-3-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>The evening game drives have been great with Pangolins seen on regular basis. Bird life in Duba never stops amazing, with a glimpse of the Giant Eagle owl and the Pel’s fishing owl.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/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/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item odd " 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 even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/buffalo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">buffalo</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/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/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div></div>Tue, 06 May 2014 15:37:15 +0000Anonymous942 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/april-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-botswana#comments