A2A Safaris - leopardhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/leopardenSpectacular Sightings: Why Conservation Countshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/spectacular-sightings-why-conservation-counts<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Singita Sabi Sand in South Africa is a pristine stretch of protected land in one of the most biologically rich areas on the continent. The high density of diverse flora and fauna makes the region a prime location for game viewing, as is evident in Singita field guide Ian Mey‘s recollection of a recent morning...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephant" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephant</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/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Thu, 24 Aug 2017 07:00:16 +0000Anonymous2623 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/spectacular-sightings-why-conservation-counts#commentsSeeing Spots in the Sabi Sandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/seeing-spots-the-sabi-sand<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The arrival of the monthly wildlife reports from Singita’s five reserves and concessions in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania is always a highlight for us city slickers. Reading about the seasonal changes in the landscape, an exciting game drive that ended in lion kill, the spotting of a rare and unusual species, and all manner...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/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/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:00:47 +0000Anonymous2497 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/seeing-spots-the-sabi-sand#commentsRuaha’s Spotted All-Starshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha%E2%80%99s-spotted-all-stars<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4 style="text-align:center;"><strong>*** Important ***</strong><br />
From 1 March 2015 this website will not be live anymore.<br />
With the launch of our new Asilia Blog all future blog articles about Rubondo Island can be found there.<strong><br /><a href="http://blog.asiliaafrica.com/category/areas/ruaha_national_park/" target="_blank">We invite you to our new Asilia Blog here ></a></strong></h4>
<h4>By Pietro Luraschi</h4>
<p>Quintessential beauty, unforgettable elegance, striking power, heavenly grace and a perfect balance of many qualities: these are the words that come to my mind every time I see a leopard.</p>
<p>Every leopard has its own way and its own character: some are shy, allowing you just a glimpse of them, some are confident in trees but disappear as soon as they climb down, some climb rocks, others prefer trees, and others again do not like much climbing and prefer the undergrowth. There are leopards absolutely relaxed with cars around, then there the one-car-leopards that vanish the moment a second car approaches. Lastly there are the leopards that we never see because they are way too wary of humans – all we find are sets of tracks here and there, but no other sign of them.</p>
<p>As guides of <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Kwihala Camp</span></a> we know of a good number of leopards around us, not less than fifteen individuals, but if I have to do the maths, there are probably five of them that count for the 80% of the sightings – our five ‘Spotted All-Stars’.</p>
<p><strong>Furaha</strong></p>
<p>Furaha, which means ‘joy’ in Swahili, is 4 years old, and at time of writing is probably busy with a litter of cubs that she has not yet revealed to the world.</p>
<p>We have known her since she was 4 months old. Festo and I were driving guests in the Sokwe Forest when we spotted a shy female up a rain tree no more then 8 metres from the road, and by her side, a small furry cub as shy as her mother.</p>
<p>Their impala kill tucked up on a branch kept them there for four days, and then one night the mother went down, killed another ewe and brought it up the same tree where for another four days the leopards enjoyed their meal. That gave little Furaha the time to slowly overcome her fear of vehicles and has made her a real joy for us since. She is a great fan of sausage trees, which are by far her favourite trees to rest in. She does not use trees much when there is good cover on the ground, but she climbs more and more as the dry season advances.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140902_074113.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-631" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140902_074113.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140902_074113" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_171422.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-632" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_171422.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_171422" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172749-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-633" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172749-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_172749-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172306-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-634" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140917_172306-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140917_172306-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Onca</strong></p>
<p>Onca gets his name from the scientific name for the jaguar, as his pattern and shape of rosettes very similar to that of the South American cat. He is three and an half, and we have known him since he was one year old, when he had just left his mother. We found him around Kimilamatonge Hill, which became the centre for most of his activity. He is a very relaxed cat of predictable habits, where he loves the roads, using them to move along the hill to access the best rocks where Hyraxes live. Recently he started killing bigger prey but still stays around the hill where he can count on hundreds of bush hyraxes for easy meals. He has a real love for the mid rainy season, where he likes to sit on granite boulders in the late afternoon when the temperature drops, his elegant body wrapped around the rocks.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140731_094850.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-635" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140731_094850.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140731_094850" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140804_124147-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-636" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140804_124147-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140804_124147-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140908_182445.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-637" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140908_182445.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140908_182445" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140924_182059-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-638" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140924_182059-3.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140924_182059-3" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Bandido</strong></p>
<p>Bandido is an old pirate, one ear just a stump, his gums covering the lower incisors, and has a massive body full of scars. He often walks through the camp at night, and he is not afraid of humans: he just keeps a safe distance and does not run away at full speed when we cross his path. Completely at ease when he is up a tree, he does not like to follow roads when he is on the ground, usually moving steadily into thicker areas of undergrowth.</p>
<p>An old boy, definitely in his prime, he is one of the princes of the Mwagusi Valley, roaming all the area from Mbagi almost to White Rocks, more or less ten kilometres as the crow flies. He is not the only huge male around, as strangely his range overlaps with that of a very shy, blue-eyed male we call Ghost. Last year we saw him with a female between Lorenzo’s and my tent, and keeping just out of view, he mated with her all night, keeping us and half the camp awake!</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20141005_191307-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-630" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20141005_191307-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20141005_191307- bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_125233-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-629" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_125233-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140926_125233-bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_115821-bandido.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-628" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140926_115821-bandido.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140926_115821- bandido" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><strong>BRM and BRF</strong></p>
<p>BRM and BRF are two siblings named Black Rocks Male and Black Rocks Female. I know the names lack imagination, but refer to the area where they live. Black Rocks is a basalt ridge surfacing along the Mwagusi River, a good place for hunting hyraxes, one of the favourite prey species of young leopards not confident enough to target bigger mammals. They are probably three years old. When we started seeing them they were around eighteen months old, together with their mother, who was extremely shy. She always moved away from us but the cubs would often stay, curious of cars and people.<br />
At one of the first sightings we had of them, the three leopards were cornered by a pride of lions, perched high up in two huge baobabs! Over time, BRF has become very, very confident, and she is completely unfazed by vehicles even when she is on the ground. BRM loves baobab trees and in recent times has started killing impalas and dragging them up there, but when he is on the ground he likes to keep his distance.</p>
<p>They have left their mother to get on with their solitary lives, but sometimes when they meet, BRM always approaches BRF with a friendly manner, and she always tells him off with snarls and growls. This year we found them in a baobab with a third leopard, a male of the same age (BRM2) that seems to have a strong bond with them. He may be a cub of the same litter that left the mother before the other two, and before we started seeing them.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_172702.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-639" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_172702.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_172702" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175020-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-643" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175020-2.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_175020-2" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175342-4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-644" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140720_175342-4.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140720_175342-4" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140726_083401.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-645" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140726_083401.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140726_083401" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140824_085712.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-646" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140824_085712.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140824_085712" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_081132.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-647" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_081132.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140911_081132" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_080846.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-648" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/20140911_080846.jpg?w=640&h=425" alt="20140911_080846" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>
<p>Sightings of these “Spotted All-Stars” are often the highlight of visitors’ experiences here in Ruaha, with their effortless combination of fierce grace and power, and they certainly are among my favourite animals to photograph.</p>
<p>Pietro</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Kwihala Camp website</span></a> to find out more about the camp and Ruaha National Park. To come and stay, contact your trusted tour operator or <a href="http://kwihala.asiliaafrica.com/Enquire/Kwihala.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">enquire here</span></a>.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 11:11:14 +0000Anonymous1242 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha%E2%80%99s-spotted-all-stars#commentsA leopard or an expat jaguar?https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-leopard-or-an-expat-jaguar<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4>By Pietro Luraschi</h4>
<h4>
<a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140914_182902-2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-617 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140914_182902-2.jpg?w=600&h=406" alt="20140914_182902-2" width="600" height="406" /></a></h4>
<h4></h4>
<p>Rosettes are rosettes, but jaguars have very different pattern and shape of rosettes compared to a leopard. On a jaguar, they are large and geometrical, especially on the back, compared to a leopards tighter and more compact formations.</p>
<p>There is a young male leopard that lives on the slopes of Kimilamatonge Hill, where hyraxes are his favoured prey. He is three years old and has a striking pattern of rosettes, a pattern that makes him look so similar to a jaguar that we decided to call him Onca, from the scientific name of the jaguar, Panthera onca.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140921_175702.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-618" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140921_175702.jpg?w=595&h=399" alt="20140921_175702" width="595" height="399" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p>When you look at him you may think you are in the wrong continent, or that he is an expat jaguar that left South America to reach Tanzania!</p>
<p>Hyraxes are relatively easy prey, which is why in Ruaha National Park young leopards are often spotted around kopjes and granite formations where the hyraxes thrive.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140802_120606-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-616" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140802_120606-2.jpg?w=573&h=384" alt="20140802_120606-2" width="573" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p>For the last two years, we always found Onca around the east side of the hill, always hunting bush hyraxes with different techniques: ambushing them in the grass, running them up Pepper Seed trees, and stalking them amongst the rocks.</p>
<p>The alarm calls of the hyraxes often helped us as guides to find him, his large rosettes moving through the peterodendron, his paws leaving an easy-to-follow trail on the road. He is a wonderful animal, relaxed and tolerant of our vehicles, but wild and fierce.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140727_094603.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-614 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140727_094603.jpg?w=555&h=375" alt="20140727_094603" width="555" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>For the first time this year Onca killed a bigger prey species – an impala ram. This is a milestone for him: something that in the future will probably change his behaviour, moving him farther away from the safety of the hyrax hunting grounds towards more challenging but more rewarding prey.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140731_092622.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-615" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140731_092622.jpg?w=546&h=367" alt="20140731_092622" width="546" height="367" /></a></p>
<p>We have been blessed to observe his unmatched beauty over the last two years, and hopefully the changes in his life will continue to allow us to enjoy his unbelievable jaguar-like pattern as he roams farther afield.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140727_093551-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-613" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/20140727_093551-3.jpg?w=394&h=587" alt="20140727_093551-3" width="394" height="587" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div>Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:30:51 +0000Anonymous1233 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-leopard-or-an-expat-jaguar#commentsRuaha – Land of Giantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha-%E2%80%93-land-giants<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6467.jpg"><img class="wp-image-538 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6467.jpg?w=650&h=256" alt="LF6F6467" width="650" height="256" /></a></h4>
<h4>By Ryan Green</h4>
<p>On my first ever visit to Kwihala Camp in Ruaha National Park I had an inkling of what to expect after reading the reports from people who live and work in Ruaha and watching Owen Prumm’s amazing film about the lion and buffalo conflicts that occur at the end of the dry season (watch the preview <a title="Owen Prumm" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nb4rMD8DSU" target="_blank">here</a>). I had three days to see as much of it as time allowed and was thrilled to come across so many incredible vistas and encounters with wildlife.</p>
<p>I wanted to photograph Ruaha’s vast and rugged landscape and its inhabitants the best way I could, but I understand the limits of being a visitor for a short time and expectations being set too high on what you hope to achieve.</p>
<p>So loaded with cameras and gear, I stepped off the plane into the searing heat of Msembe airstrip, where the dry air of late October made shimmering mirages over the landscape. This is the best time for game viewing. Animals congregate close to the dwindling sources of water in the Great Ruaha, Mwagusi and Madonya Rivers. The uncomfortable heat is a trade off with the excellent wildlife viewing you can expect in this iconic park.</p>
<p>With only a fraction of the park’s 20,000-odd square kilometres being utilised for game drives, I still only saw very few other vehicles while out on safari, comparable to being in a private concession elsewhere. I really enjoyed the company of the guides, Pietro, Festo, Lorenzo and Marius, and each of them has a passion for the wilderness and the magic of Ruaha that is obvious to all who encounter them. Sandy is an excellent and efficient manager, as well as a genial hostess.</p>
<p>The images below capture magical days of a truly unique and special place that will stay with me for a long time.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6445.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-537 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6445.jpg?w=412&h=541" alt="LF6F6445" width="412" height="541" /></a></p>
<p>The river may appear dry, but the elephants know that there is water just below the surface. They dig down to it, and then slurp away. After the elephants leave, other animals are then able to use these holes to access the water.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6495.jpg"><img class="wp-image-539 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6495.jpg?w=611&h=449" alt="LF6F6495" width="611" height="449" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7432.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-553" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7432.jpg?w=609&h=410" alt="LF6F7432" width="609" height="410" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Giraffe, zebra and baboons utilising the water holes dug by elephants on the</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Madonya Sand River.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6438.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-527" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6438.jpg?w=605&h=408" alt="IMG_6438" width="605" height="408" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Ruaha sunset, featuring a trio of the park’s iconic trees: Acacia Tortilis, Hyphenae Petersiana Palms,and the ubiquitous Baobab.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6447.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-528" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6447.jpg?w=622&h=419" alt="IMG_6447" width="622" height="419" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p>Ruaha is known for its Baobabs, but I had no idea there were so many. I think I saw more of these incredible trees in one day than I have ever seen before. They spend 8-9 months of the year completely bare and then at the end of the dry season put out large white flowers that bloom at night, and only last a day. At the same time, they begin to produce leaves that will eventually grow into a thick canopy.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6798.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-543" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6798.jpg?w=642&h=432" alt="LF6F6798" width="642" height="432" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Some trees just budding out with leaves, the others still bare.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6684.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-531" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6684.jpg?w=648&h=436" alt="IMG_6684" width="648" height="436" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A male lion rests in the shadow of the branches above.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6687.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-532" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6687.jpg?w=651&h=438" alt="IMG_6687" width="651" height="438" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6858.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-544" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6858.jpg?w=657&h=425" alt="LF6F6858" width="657" height="425" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6870.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-545" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6870.jpg?w=660&h=455" alt="LF6F6870" width="660" height="455" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">We came across a large herd of buffalo resting in the shade of a grove of Tortilis trees.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Close by, a pride of lions dozed below a Rain Tree, keeping a wary eye on the herd.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6888.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-546" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6888.jpg?w=661&h=445" alt="LF6F6888" width="661" height="445" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6929.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-547" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6929.jpg?w=664&h=422" alt="LF6F6929" width="664" height="422" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A little further on, we found these four females and a cub, resting off</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">what must have been a big meal.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6404.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-535" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6404.jpg?w=668&h=513" alt="LF6F6404" width="668" height="513" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Ruaha has one of Africa’s largest concentrations of lions. This male wears the scars of a recent</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">territorial battle with another male.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7613.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-555" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7613.jpg?w=689&h=407" alt="LF6F7613" width="689" height="407" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Another pride lies in wait for the unwary, scanning the white-hot glare of the dry riverbed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6432.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-536" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6432.jpg?w=690&h=457" alt="LF6F6432" width="690" height="457" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A large and colourful Agama Lizard</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6721.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-541" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6721.jpg?w=678&h=488" alt="LF6F6721" width="678" height="488" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A baboon feeding on the fruit of a Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana).</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6782.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-542" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6782.jpg?w=681&h=449" alt="LF6F6782" width="681" height="449" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Monochrome zebras.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7158.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-548" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7158.jpg?w=679&h=470" alt="LF6F7158" width="679" height="470" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Bat-Eared Foxes are normally very shy so it was a real treat to discover a den close to camp with very relaxed adults and puppies. The three puppies played outside of the den in the cooler temperatures of predawn or evening.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7223.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-550" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7223.jpg?w=674&h=435" alt="LF6F7223" width="674" height="435" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7216.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-549" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7216.jpg?w=673&h=453" alt="LF6F7216" width="673" height="453" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">The pups venturing out from their den.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7369.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-552" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7369.jpg?w=679&h=574" alt="LF6F7369" width="679" height="574" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A tiny Dik-Dik antelope.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7739.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-559" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7739.jpg?w=687&h=462" alt="LF6F7739" width="687" height="462" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A magnificent herd of Eland, the largest of the antelopes, with an</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">endless Ruaha vista behind them.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7584.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-554" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7584.jpg?w=689&h=407" alt="LF6F7584" width="689" height="407" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A male Black-Faced Sandgrouse guards his cryptically coloured chick.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7323.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-551" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7323.jpg?w=671&h=612" alt="LF6F7323" width="671" height="612" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">A baboon mother and baby basking in the early morning sun.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6969.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-534" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6969.jpg?w=676&h=455" alt="IMG_6969" width="676" height="455" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Giants of Ruaha : the park has Tanzania’s largest population of elephants,</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">estimated at 15 000 animals.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6501.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-529" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6501.jpg?w=577&h=389" alt="IMG_6501" width="577" height="389" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6811.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-533" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/img_6811.jpg?w=412&h=610" alt="IMG_6811" width="412" height="610" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Baobabs have the ability to heal and grow over the scars created by elephants.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7691.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-556" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7691.jpg?w=606&h=408" alt="LF6F7691" width="606" height="408" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">The landscape just seems to go on forever…</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7699.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-557" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7699.jpg?w=609&h=410" alt="LF6F7699" width="609" height="410" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7700.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-558" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7700.jpg?w=614&h=414" alt="LF6F7700" width="614" height="414" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">And changes dramatically from place to place.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7858.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-560" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f7858.jpg?w=611&h=411" alt="LF6F7858" width="611" height="411" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">On my last night, I saw Furaha (Joy in KiSwahili), a female leopard with her kill in a tree.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f8047.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-562" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f8047.jpg?w=613&h=413" alt="LF6F8047" width="613" height="413" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6575.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-540" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/lf6f6575.jpg?w=611&h=412" alt="LF6F6575" width="611" height="412" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">This is a land of giants, and of a scale so great that one visit will never do it justice.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div>Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:13:28 +0000Anonymous1143 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ruaha-%E2%80%93-land-giants#commentsImpressions of Ruaha National Parkhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-ruaha-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Judith Rosink, Asilia Sales Manager, East Africa.</h3>
<p>Judith recently had a whirlwind tour of the Asilia camps in Tanzania, and here she shares her impressions of a day at Kwihala Camp in Ruaha National Park with us.</p>
<p>This was going to be my first time to visit this National Park — I had read a lot about it and had been told that it would be very remote and completely different to the parks in the so-called Northern Circuit of Tanzania. We were only three passengers in the plane; a Dutch lady with her daughter were my travel companions and coincidentally, they too, were going to spend a few nights at Kwihala Camp. Upon our arrival at Msembe, we were warmly welcomed by our guide who offered us cold drinks while he arranged our park fees. The drive from the airstrip to the camp was 17 km, and since we had been delayed by an hour we had to go straight to camp. The landscape on the way was stunning- changing every five minutes from open plains to areas full of wild date palms, to beautiful woodlands.</p>
<p>When we arrived, Michelle the relief manager was awaiting us with a snack platter lunch, and while the two other ladies prepared themselves for their afternoon game drive I took some time to investigate the camp.</p>
<p>At around 19h30 we were all invited to have a drink at the “bush television” fireplace, where the most delicious snacks were offered. Pietro the guide insisted for the whole group to have dinner below the stars, so a large dining table was set up outside. Dinner was served by candlelight, and the meal was absolutely mouthwatering!</p>
<p>Afterwards I went to my tent for a good night’s sleep – I did not close the curtains because I really enjoy experiencing bush life and woke up to every single sound I heard to see what was surrounding me. Something small was scratching my canvas almost the whole night. I could not see what it was, but I suspected it would be a gecko. The next morning I had to wake up very early to go on a game drive with Pietro and the two other Dutch guests. After only ten minutes of driving, (it was still dark and we were using a flashlight), something large came out of the woodland – it was a very relaxed mature leopard who was obviously on his way to hunt. We tried to follow him but after 30 minutes we lost his tracks. It was too dark to take pictures but the memory will always remain with me.</p>
<p>We continued on our way, and witnessed the most amazing sunrise. Half an hour later we saw a group of young male lions courting a lioness. Unfortunately our game watch was brutally disturbed by some other tourists being noisy so we had to leave. It was our luck that after ten minutes we spotted another male lion, and he was not alone – in fact he was very much in love, courting a lioness! We followed them, as when they are mating, the act will usually occur every few minutes, and go on for days.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-457" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n.jpg?w=200&h=150" alt="10551019_10203742325013726_740246780287112485_n" width="200" height="150" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-456" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n.jpg?w=200&h=150" alt="10494683_10203750756424506_9030754912474884491_n" width="200" height="150" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-452" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n.jpg?w=200&h=150" alt="10403530_10203742322973675_2030062658015656454_n" width="200" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>Afterwards, both of them were drinking water at a waterhole when the lioness decided to walk away. Suddenly we heard the roaring of another male lion close by. The first male did not hesitate a second and started running towards the sound. We followed, and found the two males fighting. Being in the same territory, these two males would have known each other, most possibly being members of the same coalition. In such a case, the two lions would have established a hierarchy of dominance long before, and the fight was merely to reassert this claim, and wouldn’t result in serious injury on either side. Had the battle been for territory, the outcome would have been far more violent, possibly even fatal.</p>
<p>The first male won the battle, and then he continued his courtship of the lioness.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-450" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n.jpg?w=299&h=200" alt="10341606_10203742327933799_6476830250532660901_n" width="299" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-449" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n.jpg?w=267&h=200" alt="10306314_10203742317893548_8200149409569256078_n" width="267" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Since we had left camp without breakfast, Pietro found us a beautiful spot close to a riverbank, with elephants walking around us. We had a late breakfast laid out on the bonnet before we continued on our game drive. Lorenzo (one of the other guides) called to report that a leopard had been spotted on a rock, and we set off on our next mission. It took us an hour to reach it but sadly, by that time the battery in my camera had died!</p>
<p>At 4pm we left again for a game drive and came across a herd of elephants in what appeared to be a dry riverbed. By using a combination of extraordinary sensory perception and experience passed down over generations, these animals have learned to perceive where water lies beneath the surface of the sand. At a point where it is shallowest, they dig a perfect hole, scooping out sand with their trunks until they can access the cool water below.</p>
<p>From where we sat, we could even hear the sound of the water slurping into their trunks, which made for a spectacular sighting!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-451" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n.jpg?w=504&h=343" alt="10384141_10203718486617781_3746837588016300293_n" width="504" height="343" /></a></p>
<p>This phenomenon is not unique to Ruaha’s elephants, as it has been seen in many dry areas of the continent; but it is a testament to the incredible intelligence and adaptive abilities of these animals.</p>
<p>Continuing on our way, there was another surprise was waiting for us. Two male giraffes were measuring up who was the strongest, showing off by slapping their tall necks against each other. This is a dominance display where the combatants pound each other using the full force of their necks: with a combination of considerable weight and momentum, their heads and horns become sledgehammers, and it happens that giraffes knock each other out, and in rare instances are killed from these blows.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-459" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n.jpg?w=502&h=381" alt="10600674_10203750573299928_8506985584318355147_n" width="502" height="381" /></a></p>
<p>Moving on, we tracked a pride of 14 lions feasting on a giraffe. In Ruaha, the lions are known for their large pride numbers, and this forces them to take on bigger, more dangerous prey: a giraffe is a considerable prize, and would provide enough sustenance to last them at least a few days.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-458" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="10553579_10203750753504433_4034096510441289084_n" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-455" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="10450152_10203750753104423_2119618195560001041_n" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>We then returned to camp for another delicious candlelit dinner below the stars, and later as I lay in bed I thought how incredible it was for me to have experienced so many exciting encounters in just one day!</p>
<p>The following morning it was time for me to pack and get ready for my journey back to Arusha, completely blown away by this incredible place – I will definitely return, that’s for sure!</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n.jpg"><img class="wp-image-448 aligncenter" src="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n.jpg?w=538&h=409" alt="1654087_10203735441281637_4808390573063285617_n" width="538" 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/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div></div>Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:36:09 +0000Anonymous1110 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-ruaha-national-park#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>
<p><span id="more-9577"></span></p>
<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#commentsAugust news – Zarafa Camp, Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>August</p>
<p>Zarafa and its Dhow Suites would like to thank the many American citizens who made the long trip to Africa for their safari!</p>
<p>For our camp, August is traditionally an ‘American month’ with around 60% of our guests coming from overseas and this year was no exception. We wish you all safe travels back home and we hope to see you next winter. Oh! And for those of you who enjoy flexible work arrangements or are retired, please do not be a stranger and visit us even earlier. In November for example, it is a completely different ball game out here!</p>
<p>Weather-wise, August has ‘played’ us. Pretending to give us an exceptionally warm winter in the beginning of the month, but a few very cold and windy days right at the very end. We say; “do not worry about things you cannot control!” – as you understand, we (luckily) have very little problems in our little safari bubble.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9544" alt="Eskay&Cristofina" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/EskayCristofina1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>One of the greater thing about August though are the stunning sunsets. As some of you might know, we get to see these typical red and orange colors this time of year as our neighbor country Namibia has ‘controlled burns’ to fertilize their land. The smoke and dust particles that remain in the air create these beautiful colors we enjoy every day. In the morning you can witness what we call, ‘the shadow of the earth’, which is a blue edge upon the horizon after which the sky colors soft pink. In one word: gorgeous.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9540];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9542" alt="Sunset" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sunset-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>But, enough about the beauty of the Botswana horizon. You want to know what the game has been like! August was the month of the cats and the cubs. Ask yourself, is there anything cuter than 6 lion cubs tumbling over each other, chasing their moms tail? Well, maybe (just maybe), it could be the leopard cub our guides have been spotting near our home!</p>
<p>Other great news is that the guides have located a wild dog den with puppies (hurray!). More information on these little ones will hopefully follow soon, as the den is still closed for sightings until the pups are at least 6 till 8 weeks of age. These protocols are important to ensure a healthy and relaxed relationship between the dogs and the cars coming to visit them. Also, as any parent will understand, raising these little fur balls is not always easy. Especially not when you consider the possible dangers of their environment. Too many car tracks towards the den might attract predators like lions and in this way humans might influence the ‘circle of life’ before the pups and their guardians even have a chance out here.</p>
<p>On a different note, those who follow our Social Media channels might have noticed that our very own Dereck & Beverly Joubert, have visited us this month. This always goes hand-in-hand with some new furniture and Zarafa has gained new pictures out of Beverly’s collection on its walls. It becomes harder and harder to pick your personal favorite in the main area…</p>
<p>Now, attention to all wine lovers! Next to some fabulous(-ly comfortable) leather chairs in the library, our camp is also enjoying a brand new wine list (hurray #2!). We are so excited to present to you a selection of excellent wines ranging from different vineyards that share our passion for quality, as well as a sense of responsibility to our environment and the communities we serve. We cannot wait to start spoiling our coming guests with vineyard tasting evenings (or lunches, brunches? – it is always 5 ‘o clock somewhere in the world!).<br />
News from the kitchen includes our Chef Mhange who has joined Katherine and her team to delight us with his wonderful personality and cooking skills at Zarafa and the Dhow Suites.<br />
One of their new delights includes a cracker that is made from a variation of seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Tastes great, no gluten! The kitchen team has also cooked repeatedly in the bush this month, surprising our guests with lunches and dinners in the wild and even a dinner on the boat.</p>
<p>And on that happy note, we wish you all a fabulous start of September. We will keep you posted and we promise that we will not let you wait for next months’ newsletter to hear from Zarafa and its Dhow Suites.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">leopard</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lion" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lion</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wild-dog" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wild Dog</a></div></div>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:56:04 +0000Anonymous1080 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-zarafa-camp-botswana#commentsAugust news – Duba Plains – Botswanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-%E2%80%93-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Winter still lingers on. It seems like this year we’ve had a long winter as it’s unusual in the month of August to have freezing mornings, cool afternoons and chilly nights. Hot water bottles (bush babies) were handy in the night as one surprise everyone appreciated; ponchos also are put to work in the morning game drives making your safari comfortable as could be. Duba fire keeps blazing under the clear sky, making star gazing enjoyable at all times!!</p>
<p>Game viewing has been extra amazing with the controversial Tsaro pride still keeping us guessing. <span id="more-9547"></span>The Tsaro pride still continues to rule the Duba concession and the rivalry between the trio has left an interesting phenomenon as to why this family has become foes. The group of 3 (2 females and the dominant male) occupies a large portion of the territory while a group of 6(a sub-adult male and sub-adult female about 5 years old, 2 adult females about 12 years, male and female cubs about a year old) sticking to the western portion of the concession and a group of 5(1 adult female, 1 sub-adult male about 1.5 years old, 3 year old sub-female and 2 young males; 3.5 yrs old and 4yrs old) occupying the north of the concession.</p>
<p>Buffalos find themselves trapped between these aggressive hunters, having to lose one of their own whichever direction they take. This month alone we’ve witnessed more than 8 buffalo kills by the group of 6 which has the advantage of number and also having 2 of the experienced adult female hunters. This group has been seen on a couple of occasions taking down red lechwe in the absence of buffalos. The big question that still leaves many amazed is what will happen with these lions as they continue to practice in-breeding. The sub-adult male who is 5 years was seen mating with his sister who’s the same age and it still remains to be seen if the female will conceive.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image008.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9547];player=img;"><img class=" wp-image-9548 alignnone" alt="image008" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image008.jpg" width="614" height="409" /></a></p>
<p>The break of the pride has affected the group of 5 with only one experienced female hunter (MmaDitau) badly. The other lions in the group have no experience of hunting buffalos and were seen following them for 9 days trying but failing to catch. On one occasion they were seen at Old Mokoro station hunting. They badly injured a buffalo calf and were chased off by the herd. They had then given up on the hunt for that day as the buffalos moved away and the calf was found dead the next day by the guides but the lions missed that!</p>
<p>The Skimmer pride comprising of one adult female, one sub adult female about 4 years, a sub-adult male and female both 2 and half years is still seen overlapping into the Tsaro pride territory. For a few days the pride was found on the east of the concession feeding on a baby elephant carcass. This pride is very skittish when seen and always tries to avoid confrontation with the Tsaro pride.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-hunt.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9547];player=img;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-9550" alt="The hunt" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-hunt.jpg" width="614" height="410" /></a>The baboons that stay in camp on top of the tall jackal berry trees have attracted a male leopard who predates on them. Twice this month we’ve heard the baboons calling as we were sitting by the fire and when checking out what the alarm call could be about we found this male leopard just next to the main area causing the baboon commotion. A female leopard was spotted out in the concession on top of a tree with a red lechwe kill and at the time it was found it was seen feeding on a large grey mongoose. The leopards in Duba are finding abundant food as the concession hosts a great number of red lechwe and baboons.</p>
<p>Swarovski binoculars have become a great addition for bird watchers in the rich Islands of the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains. Some of the rare raptors like the Pel’s fishing owl brings a big tick for bird watchers who seem very thrilled when they see it in Duba. A Martial Eagle was spotted on one occasion feeding on a monitor lizard and was spotted again feeding a spur winged goose. Giant Eagle Owls and Fish Eagles are spotted on almost every game drive.</p>
<p>The other bird of interest that is found on the open grasslands of Duba would be the Rosy Throated Long Claw. The intra-African migrants like the Carmine bee-eater and the yellow-billed kite seem to have reached the Delta early this year. The Carmine bee-eaters are mostly seen flying alongside the vehicles as they catch insects disturbed by the movement of vehicles. The palaeactic migrants like ruffs have already shown up as well.</p>
<p>We are anticipating an amazing month of September as the grass is drying up and buffalos weakening in due course.</p>
<p>(Images courtesy of Mokopi Ipolokeng and Sylvan Albert)</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/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/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>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:52:54 +0000Anonymous1081 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/august-news-%E2%80%93-duba-plains-%E2%80%93-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#comments