African Safari Travel Blog

Excellent game viewing in Tau Pan

Michelle Wright — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:20:00 +0000

Game viewing on safari holidays in Botswana is known for being simply superb and this month at Tau Pan has been no exception! In fact, the month has been quite dramatic! On one nature walk guests and their guide came across a bizarre cloud of dust. After noticing that the cloud did not move or change shape, even with the breeze, the group became curious and moved in closer to investigate. On closer inspection a honey badger was found digging deep into the ground. The group watched inquisitively as the honey badger continued to dig, along with a group of jackals who were also eager to see what the honey badger might discover. After about 15 minutes he eventually emerged, dragging a dead young warthog out of the burrow. The opportunistic jackals tried to claim the prize but were eventually put off by the hissing and growling of the honey badger who had worked hard for his meal! In the end he trotted away to eat his meal in peace. On the larger side of things, the Tau Pan pride were seen most days this month, often by the waterhole near camp. There was a little concern in the first week of the month when it appeared two of the cubs were missing and the females were slightly bloodied. Perhaps an intruding lion had been involved in a fight with the pride? Luckily after five days the whole pride was seen, including all six cubs. Towards the end of the month they were spotted feeding on a giraffe, which they managed to finish off in one day. Two days later they pulled down an oryx and finished it by noon – it takes a lot to fill up these hungry adults and growing cubs!

Unusual wildlife sightings at Damaraland Camp

Michelle Wright — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:47:30 +0000

The weather at Damaraland Camp in Namibia has started to become slightly colder as the area moves towards its winter months. It’s now a little chillier in the evenings and mornings, meaning everyone needs that extra layer during their early game drives. One of the favourite activities amongst guests this month is driving out to the Klip River area to look for the magnificent desert-adapted elephants. Although it is quite a drive away, this is one of the elephants’ wet season home ranges and is one of the best places to see them. Guests enjoy the drive very, along the way they can admire some of Namibia’s most breath taking scenery as well as spotting lots of animals on route. This month there have been several sightings of the rare and near-endemic black-faced impala on the way to find the elephants. In fact, over the past month, several unusual and rare critters have been seen by guests. The favourite was probably a dwarf-plated lizard that was basking on the rocks just behind camp. This secretive active hunter of the arid west has a bright blue tail that distracts would be predators from its head and body. If the lizard is attack it can easily shed its tail and the autonomic nerves inside keep the tail twitching to keep the attacker busy, in the meantime, the lizard can escape. A very clever little creature! If you are currently planning a second or third African safari then Namibia could be for you. If you choose to visit this fantastic country you’ll be in for a desert adventure of a lifetime!

Safari news from Andersson’s Camp

Michelle Wright — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:15:02 +0000

Although sometimes overlooked, Namibia is an excellent choice for an African safari, particularly if this is not your first trip to Africa. Namibian safari camp, Andersson’s Camp, was filled with wonderful sightings and safari experiences throughout April. There was a little rain at the beginning of the month, but generally it was quite dry, indicating that the rains are coming for an end for this year. After the early bouts of rain there was an abundance of frogs in the area. Guests watched as they emerged from the fresh rain puddles, possibly in a last bid to find a mate before the dry winter months set in. Frogs are quite vocal creatures and after dark each night they put on quite a show for guests with their frequent calls. Most of the summer migrant birds have left Andersson’s in search of warmer conditions and so birding has quietened down. The resident birds, however, have continued to provide some excellent sightings. In particular, the Crimson-breasted Shrike which steals the show with is dazzling contrasting colouring. A flock of Familiar Chats have taken a liking to the main area at camp and are constantly seen rustling amongst the furniture. On the larger side of things Odin, the black rhino, is starting to come to the camp waterhole a lot. Guests love watching him drink whilst they enjoy a great meal or a beverage of their own. Large herds of zebra have been congregating around the nearby waterholes a lot too, making for a simply dazzling sighting (and photo!) Although not seen over the past month, the characteristic lion’s roar was heard frequently during the nights – a sign that they must be nearby. Everyone at camp is looking forward to hopefully seeing these fantastic predators in the near future!

Once in a lifetime lion sighting at Savuti Camp

Michelle Wright — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:46:21 +0000

Guests at Savuti camp were treated to the sighting of a lifetime last weekend and, even better, the drama unfolded right outside camp – some guests were even sitting on their room decks to watch. One afternoon, when all was calm at camp, a lioness suddenly jumped out of the thick vegetation and unexpectedly killed a kudu on the banks of the Savute Channel. Once the kudu had deceased she dragged it away into the vegetation, presumably so she could feed in peace. After tea the guides at the camp decided to take the guests out and cross the channel for a closer look. The lioness was found with her three little cubs – much to the guests’ delight! All four of them appeared very relaxed around humans and the vehicles, making for some great photo opportunities. They came out in the afternoon sun to play before disappearing back into the bushes. Since then the lioness and her cubs have been seen daily from the camp’s deck. She seems to enjoy the attention as she brings her cubs out at the perfect time every day! The lioness makes her appearance just around teatime for everyone to enjoy before their afternoon game drive. Everyone at the Botswana safari camp is looking forward to keeping an eye on her and her little cubs. Hopefully she will become a regular addition to safari holidays at Savuti!

BBC Planet Earth Live

Michelle Wright — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:18:52 +0000

The long awaited Planet Earth Live series from the BBC began on Sunday night. The series, which is presented by Richard Hammond and Julia Bradbury, shows real-life animal dramas from around the globe in real-time. The BBC chose to film some of the Kenya sections of the programme from one of our favourite Kenya safari camps, Governor’s Camp. Sunday night’s episode featured a mother bear and her two cubs in the US and a herd of elephants in Kenya. During the programme Richard Hammond narrated and presented as we saw Emily, a female elephant, and her tiny baby trying to survive in a very small herd. Elephants usually live in large breeding herds and, with other older mothers to guide them, new mums learn and flourish. With no one to steer Emily in the right direction, she struggled to look after her first calf which eventually was eaten by a hungry lioness that saw the baby as easy prey. The programme also showed the efforts of wildlife protection programmes, as staff work hard in a bid to combat elephant poaching. During his stay in Kenya, Hammond was able to go out with an anti-poaching team and help them to fit a radio collar to a female elephant. After tranquilising her, the team worked quickly to fit the collar (all whilst pouring buckets of water over her body, making sure this huge creature stayed cool) which will enable to them to track her movements from now on.

Catch the second episode of the series tonight on BBC1 for more real-time wildlife action.

Bellini the cheetah released back into the wild

Michelle Wright — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:42:59 +0000

Seeing an animal being released into the wild on a luxury safari is a remarkable and unforgettable experience – one of the most exciting parts of safari holidays, if you are lucky enough to witness it! Guests at Samara Private Game Reserve in the Great Karoo, South Africa, were treated to such an event last month when Bellini the cheetah was released into the wild. The six-year-old female cheetah was brought to Samara from the Endangered Wildlife Trust as part of their cheetah metapopulation programme. This particular programme aims to ensure optimal cheetah genetic diversity by moving cheetah between reserves. Bellini was adopted from a reserve in the Waterberg where she was related to the other cheetah on the property. At Samara she brings new genes which will hopefully mean new life should she decide to mate with any of the male cheetah. Bellini had been placed in a large enclosure (a boma) to enable her to adapt to her surroundings in a protected environment before being released. After just a day of being in the wild guides and their guests went to see how Bellini was getting on. She was found not far from the boma, enjoying the sunshine beside a river. Eventually she got up and moved towards a large plain where animals frequently graze. The only animal nearby was a large adult gemsbok and, thinking this was far too big a challenge for little Bellini, they let her be. But later that day she was seen stalking the gemsbok! She appears to have no fear and a hearty appetite – excellent qualities for a long and prosperous life in Samara.

Potato Bush Camp reopens in August

Michelle Wright — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:08:16 +0000

Sausage Tree Camp has recently announced the ‘re-creation’ of Potato Bush, a luxury safari camp first established back in 1998. Potato Bush will be built adjacent to Sausage Tree Camp in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The site is nestled under Mahogany, Sausage, Winter Thorn and Acacia Tortillas Trees that provide ample shade from the beaming African sun and has stunning panoramic views over the Zambezi River and escarpment. There will be four tents in total: three of which are doubles while the fourth will be a family tent. Each tent will be made of canvas and rosewood and has a large deck, private plunge pool and both indoor and outdoor showers to allow you to really make the most of the superb surroundings. In the family tent there will be two double rooms, making Potato Bush perfect for family safari holidays. Both bedrooms with have their own en-suite bathrooms and the tent itself will have its own private deck and plunge pool where you and your family can relax and enjoy each other’s company in between safari activities. As well as the bedrooms, an open plan dining and lounge area will be built. Each tent can access the communal areas by raised timber boardwalks. With game drives, boating and fishing on offer, if you’re looking for an active, adventurous holiday Potato Bush will be ideal.

New Rhino Tracking Experience from Wilderness Safaris

Michelle Wright — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:34:01 +0000

Wilderness Safaris have recently announced their latest activity, the Rhino Tracking Experience. Guests at Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Lodge in Malawai’s Liwonde National Park will have the opportunity to track black rhino and see them in their natural habitat as well as getting involved in the practicalities of the rhino monitoring. You won’t just be learning during this activity, with 90 per cent of the fee going towards a rhino conservation programme, you’ll be directly contributing to this ancient species’ survival. The experience begins with an introduction to the plight of the black rhino followed by a three hour long walk with armed Rhino Protection Team scouts and guides. After your walk you will be treated to a delicious bush breakfast or dinner to refuel. To maximise the educational benefits of the experience the programme is limited to just two guests at a time, both of which must be over eighteen-years-old. Aside from the new rhino experience, guests at Mvuu Lodge and Camp can enjoy several other exciting Africa safari activities. Birding in the area is excellent, so if you are a bird enthusiast you will be treated almost non-stop birding during your stay. You’ll also be able to enjoy game drives, safari walks plus lots of boating trips. Another favourite activity at the lodge is village visits. Staff at the camp feel that Liwonde National Park is about people as well as wildlife so guests are encouraged to spend some time experience the local culture in the nearby villages.

New Odzala Camp Opens in May

Michelle Wright — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:30:55 +0000

The latest addition to the Wilderness Safaris collection of camps is Odzala Camp, their first in the Republic of Congo. Odzala, which will open in May 2012, aims to use responsible lowland gorilla-orientated tourism as a catalyst to spread the rainforest conservation message both locally and across the globe. The two carefully constructed camps leave as light a footprint as possible and blend perfectly into the forest environment. The first, Lango Camp, is on the edge of the savannah and the second, Ngaga Camp, is in the heart of a marantaceae forest. Both have six guestrooms; each is inspired by the designs of the local B’Aka Pygmy groups. Natural materials are used extensively throughout including sustainably harvested hardwoods, bamboo and raffia palm matting. At Ngaga Camp each guest room is raised four metres above the ground with its own wraparound walkway allowing you to really appreciate the forest canopy. Both camps are in the Odzala- Kokoua National Park in the heart of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest. Here you will find a host of forest biodiversity as well as Africa’s densest population of Western Lownland Gorilla, making it the perfect place to see these truly fascinating primates. Activities here range from gorilla tracking (habituated groups), pirogue rides along lush river systems, game drives in the savannah, night drives, walks along the forest streams as well as spending time in the forest.

Luxury break at Chapwani Private Island, Zanzibar

Michelle Wright — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:28:13 +0000

Chapwani is a small island surrounded by crystal blue waters filled with vibrant corals and colourful starfish. This is the perfect place for a relaxing break after safari holidays or simply for a romantic getaway. You’ll be able to completely relax, away from timetables, deadlines and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With no telephones or televisions in the bedrooms you can simply enjoy the beautiful natural sounds of this tropical area in peace. During your stay you can explore the island and discover its fauna and flora on the nature trail. The trail passes through a variety of areas; some are large open spaces and some packed with lush vegetation. Along the way you’ll spot tonnes of wildlife. White herons live along the banks of the inland lake and hidden in the bush there is a community of dik dik. The incredibly rare coconut crabs also reside on the island; these huge crabs are a protected species close to extinction. At low tide there is a spectacular show of starfish immersed in the coral reef and several natural pools packed with with fascinating marine life. If you want to venture out further, Chapwani is just a short boat ride away from Zanzibar’s popular Stone Town. With plenty to see and do in stunning natural surroundings, Chapwani makes the perfect addition to a Kenya or Tanzania safari.