Tales from Tena Tena
posted in South Africa Safaris on Tuesday, June 22, 2010
After 3 weeks in Europe I’m finally back to the Valley... the landscape has dried up, varying shades of brown and dry green are now predominant. On Saturday, on our way from the airport, the guests commented “this is a great start!” We had to stop the vehicle and wait for a big herd of elephants (around 15) of every age to cross the road. I couldn’t stop smiling and thinking “it’s good to be back”.
This morning I woke up to a loud sound like there was works on my roof. I opened the curtain and I saw a huge elephant half a meter from my face eating the tree by my window!!
It has been a month since Tena Tena opened for the season... read more
Livingstone Island is open again
posted in Zambia Safaris on Friday, June 18, 2010
After nearly a 2 month break, Zambia's Livingstone Island is once again open to the public. The Island was force to close due to the high water levels in the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls. The area is one of the most unique places in the world and holds the accolade of being one of the 'seven wonders of the world'. A popular tourist destination the Livingstone Island reopened on the 09th June 2010.
Various sightings and carcass theft in the Kwara concession
posted in Botswana Safaris on Thursday, June 17, 2010
One of the reigons oldest lions 'old Tom' lost out on his prize after hunting an Impala near the Kwara camp. Another eager male lion helped himself to some easy pickings as he made off with the carcass. Elsewhere Lions were clearly seen roaming within the Kwara area, there were several sightings of various individuals from no less than three different prides including some hunting - but most sleeping! Guides in the area were also fortunate to spot a black mamba, snouted cobra and African rock python all unusual sightings this time of year. Other interesting sightings included serval, honey badgers, genets and African Wild Cat.
The three tusked Elehphant of Nxai Pan
posted in Botswana Safaris on Thursday, June 17, 2010
Professional Photographer, Stuart Arnold, was amazed to discover an elephant with three tusks!! While staying at the Kwando Nxai Pan camp he discovered the unusal elephant drinking at a near by water hole.
The tusks of an African Elephant grow continuously and those of the Bull Elephant can even grow up to 18 cm in a year. Tusks are an elephant's primary tool and are used for a variety of tasks such as digging or to strip bark from trees.
Just like Humans, elephant's tend to favour their right or left tusk. The most often used tusk, is generally shorter due to wear and tear. The majority of elephants have two tusks, but occasionally individual elephants exhibit abnormal growth which can include additional tusks. Such examples however are extremely rare!
Impressive Predator sightings due to late rainfall
posted in Botswana Safaris on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Unusually late rains in Tau Pan this year have meant an extended period of heavy rainfall, which in turn has led to impressive sightings in the Central Kalahari this month. Abundant general game included eland, red hartebeest, gemsbok, honey badger, jackals, wildebeest and springbok, as well as less common sightings of aardwolf and Cape fox. Black mamba, Snouted and Cape cobras were also seen sunning themselves on the edges of the pans as the early morning temperatures continue to drop. Predator sightings have been extremely impressive throughout the region. Guides report sighting several individual lions from no less than four different prides, hunting species as diverse as bat eared fox and gemsbok. Leopard have also been spotted regularly in the vicinity of camp as well as on distant pans, including an aggressive coming together between two females at Deception Valley. Cheetah’s were also seen on Tau Pan feeding on a steenbok.
Eastern Black Rhino introduced back into East Africa
posted in Tanzania Safaris on Monday, June 14, 2010
History was made last month when five endangered Eastern Black Rhino were moved from South Africa into their rightful home in East Africa. The animals arrived at Singita Grumeti Reserve in the Serengeti National Park in what has been named the most ambitious wildlife relocation in East Africa in over 50 years.
Unusual sighting at Chiefs Camp
posted in Botswana Safaris on Friday, June 11, 2010
Chief’s Camp in the Okavango Delta has had a very peculiar sighting recently – a crocodile with no upper jaw! The camp managers are unclear as to what happened to the croc, but he appears to be doing fine. He resides in the water close to Chief’s airstrip.
Water activities at Baines Camp
posted in Botswana Safaris on Thursday, June 10, 2010
Due to high water levels, Baine’s Camp in Botswana, located on the edge of the Boro River, have acquired an additional boat that presents guests with the opportunity to experience the vast waters of the Okavango Delta up close. Water levels have reduced the number of game drive areas, but with boats, and the hugely popular mokoro trips, guests are still being offered a great way to explore these diverse waters. Guests can also experience island hoping, island picnics and excellent walking safaris. With experienced and knowledgeable guides, guests get an unparalleled insight into this astonishing wildlife phenomenon.
Resident Leopard at Puku Ridge Camp
posted in Zambia Safaris on Thursday, June 10, 2010
Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia has seen some great game viewing recently. Guests who recently stayed at the lodge had amazing leopard sightings. The female leopard made a kill in the flood plain right in front of the camp as the new guests enjoyed their welcoming drinks. You will not have a better start to a safari than this. The leopard has been seen a number of times and it’s quite apparent that she has established her territory with Puku Ridge Camp as the core.
Swala Camp opening for another fantastic season
posted in Tanzania Safaris on Friday, June 4, 2010
The rain clouds over Tarangire National Park have disappeared, the ground is drying out and the impala are grazing on the fresh grass that covers the area. As of the 1st of June, staff and guests have returned to Swala Camp for the opening of a new exciting season.
Swala Camp rests in an exclusive pocket in the Tarangire National Park which is an ideal place to get away from the crowds and enjoy fantastic game dirves, walking safaris, cultural excursions and delicious food.