Sun Destinations Blog - Page 108 of 119

Mapula: One of Botswana’s Hidden Secrets

What stands out most about Mapula Lodge is its prime location in the Delta. The lodge determinedly makes the most of this with a structure that is open and airy, inviting the natural surroundings in through the large, mesh windows and onto the wooden decks. From the bedrooms, the private bathrooms, the lounge, the dining table, the bar, and the pool, views of the lagoon and its reed beds are all-encompassing. It really is a special destination, and what we like to call, one of Botswana’s Hidden Secrets.

Read about Mapula Lodge as described by 2 bloggers in Getaway Magazine and Africa Geographic:

Deep in the Okavango Delta in a pristine, unexplored area lies the intimate Mapula Lodge. Situated on a private concession of 12 000 hectares and bordering the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve, Mapula is perfectly situated for a variety of sightings on a Botswana safari. Professional guides will take you out on a traditional mekoro (a wooden dugout canoe) to enjoy a water safari where you will see hippo and crocodile. Coupled with this, guests can enjoy both morning and evening game drives. Lion, leopard and wild dog have been very active in the area and there is prolific birdlife for keen ornithologists.

In terms of accommodation, this uncomplicated, luxury lodge has seven twin rooms, one double room and one family unit. Mapula has been built as an extension of the environment and exquisite hardwood trees and fig trees provide a natural canopy over the lodge. Rooms have been built on wooden stilts which provide a bird’s eye view of the Okavango Delta. Open-air showers and classic zinc bath tubs complete its rustic atmosphere.

Mapula is your answer for simple luxuries. And yes, high tea is served.

By Carolynne Higgins (read the full article here: Top 5 Places for an Authentic Botswana Safari)

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpufBy Carolynne Higgins (read the full article here: Top 5 Places for an Authentic Botswana Safari)

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos.

This is remote, this is hidden, and this is where you and your family will enjoy a private safari, absorbing nature and being exposed to the kindness of the local people. Mapula is owner-run and staffed by local men and women, affectionately referred to as the River Bushmen. Their knowledge and experience of this secret location is learned from childhood. Rustic, earthy, and secluded are three words one could use to describe Mapula, while the experience it offers is unrivalled.

By Chloe Cooper (read the full article here: Discover Botswana’s Hidden Secrets)

(Get a sneak peek of Mapula Lodge here)

This is remote, this is hidden, and this is where you and your family will enjoy a private safari, absorbing nature and being exposed to the kindness of the local people. Mapula is owner-run and staffed by local men and women, affectionately referred to as the river Bushmen. Their knowledge and experience of this secret location is learned from childhood. Rustic, earthy, and secluded are three words one could use to describe Mapula, while the experience it offers is unrivalled. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

A location as celebrated as the Okavango Delta is sure to have a busy season you might want to avoid, but without missing the height of animal activity. On a private concession, on a tree-filled island all of its own, Mapula Lodge is nestled in a very special part of Botswana. A diversity of game find their homes here, from elephants and lions, to the endangered sable antelope and African wild dog, while Mapula itself overlooks a lagoon full of resident hippos. – See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/discover-botswanas-hidden-secrets/#sthash.YzQTiW0Z.dpuf

The Magic of Mapula Lodge

Whether you are spotting an infinitely diverse number of bird species from the depths of a dugout canoe, or trundling along in an open 4×4 Land Rover while admiring leopard, lion, elephant and wild dog with staggering frequency, one’s love of Botswana can only be renewed after a visit to Mapula Lodge. This exquisite setting in the north western region of the Okavango Delta shares a border with the breath-taking Moremi Game Reserve and cradles on its riverbank, Mapula’s wooden construction. Wrapped around the water fig trees and perched atop tall stilts, Mapula Lodge sets the scene for an unforgettable Botswana safari.

Ten chalets produce vast views of the watery maze before it. The Hippo Lagoon slithers through the expanse of grass and stretches towards the woodwork of the leafy trees on the riverbanks. It is a stylishly comfortable lodge that clearly makes the most of its position. Rustic thatch covers the stone units, while wooden pillars frame the doors and act as bed posts, keeping nature at close hand. The ensuite bathrooms are beautifully ‘country’ with great, zinc bath tubs, taps and sinks, and again, promote the exceptional views through lightly meshed windows and walls.

Mapula has a generous array of activities on offer, all conducted by guides and trackers who live in the villages surrounding the Delta and the Moremi, making their knowledge of the area unbeatable. A true passion and understanding of the waterways of the Okavango, these Tswana men and women provide a link to one of Africa’s most primeval wildlife destinations. Land-based game drives often take guests on an interesting adventure through flooded paths and overflowing walkways after the rainy months. A silent and serene canoe safari drops one’s vantage point to eye-level with the hippos that peer out from shallow surfaces. River-crossing elephants send wading ripples across the surface of the water creating an incredible mokoro experience. Lions, leopards and wild dogs are regularly sighted in the conservancy, as are buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and crocodile. A wildlife extravaganza awaits visitors at Mapula Lodge and with mokoro, driving and walking activities, there is little that can be missed.

A scrumptious array of dishes is produced by the chef, making mealtime a heavenly occasion that can be enjoyed on the open, wooden deck providing a fantastic ambience of the Delta by night. Specific dietary requirements are smoothly accommodated into the diverse menu, ensuring every guest is catered for with equal enthusiasm. Children over the age of 6 will delight in the discoveries they make at Mapula Lodge, bringing an imaginative animal world to life, but if Moms and Dads prefer a less worrisome afternoon in this peaceful paradise, Mapula’s staff members will happily entertain little ones, given prior notice.

Accommodating only 20 people at full capacity, one’s time spent at this gloriously positioned safari destination will undoubtedly remain private and undisturbed. It is truly a wonder to behold such an uninterrupted view of one of Africa’s most precious wildlife abodes. The Okavango Delta has been named a World Heritage Site, giving it its deserved status as the protected pulse of the continent. The vitality of the Earth is envisaged in the greens and blues of the Delta and the activity of the animals flourishing within its intertwining waterways is a gift to be enjoyed.

Cruising down the Olifants River with Nokana Safari Camp

This is something special, especially for people who have not had the experience of a safari from a boat, or a water-based safari. It is something quite unexpected to be in the wild region of the Kruger Park and add a river cruise to your safari experience, but at Nokana Safari Camp, it is a part of the weekly itinerary.

Every Sunday, guests at Nokana wake up in their own time before ambling down to the lodge for breakfast at about 9am. By 10h45, owner and host Michel Laforet has made home-made pizza, packed the cooler box with a variety of beers and cold drinks, and is ready to set off for lunch on the water. Please be reminded to bring your cameras – you’re going to want to remember this!

The drive to this section of the Olifants River takes about an hour. We knew we had entered the wild area outside of Phalaborwa town when we saw road signs warning cars about elephants crossing. We also saw waterbuck and impala grazing beside the road, and before we knew it we were parked between some elephants in the reeds. It was already an exciting ride and we hadn’t even boarded the boat!

Once we parked the car and climbed on board the boat, we took out our binoculars and cameras and didn’t put them away until we had returned a few hours later. Covering only a short stretch of the river, this cruise moves slowly and allows time to veer off course and approach the riverbank for, say, a basking crocodile, or a herd of buffalo.

(Watch the video of this crocodile moving towards the boat)

The birdlife along the Olifants River banks is prolific and pretty. We could hear the calls of African fish eagles, and spot the pied kingfishers, little bee-eaters and wire-tailed swallows that flitted alongside the reed beds. There wasn’t a section of water or land that wasn’t occupied by wildlife. From elephants, to hippos, to crocodiles; giraffe, impala, waterbuck, buffalo; the list goes on… The Nokana guests had come to the end of their week on safari and there couldn’t have been a better way to spend the day.

After a drink or 2, lunch was served at a table on the lower deck. The pizzas – handmade by Michel that morning – were warmed up on a ‘skottle’ (gas-powered pan) and served alongside some salad and wine. The river and all its wildlife drifted slowly passed us as we sat and enjoyed to our hearts’ content.

Welcome to the Nokana Experience!

There’s no other way to describe Nokana Safari Camp other than as ‘an experience’. It is quite unique in the sense that guests go on game drives, bush walks and river cruises in a number of different areas; in 27 000 hectares of private game reserve, and in the endless extent of the Kruger National Park. This unusual itinerary opens guests up to a world of new experiences that would just not be possible on the regular safari routine.

(Watch the video of the Nokana experience here)

2 Days a week are spent gallivanting in the Kruger National Park; 1 day takes guests on a cruise down the Olifants River within the Kruger; and 3 days offer game drives in either Karongwe, Thornybush, or Tshukudu Private Game Reserves. (Read about these Kruger Park day trips, the Olifants boat cruise, and the private reserve game drives)

All these activities are under an hour’s drive away from Nokana Safari Camp itself. The transfers to the reserves are smooth and enjoyable, and the game viewing value is well worth the drive. Michel Laforet (owner and host at Nokana) has an endless supply of facts and stories, and unfailing energy that carries guests through the early mornings.

Michel has something special going on in his home Blyde-Olifants Conservancy, which is dotted with waterholes and sprawled with trees. Zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, warthog, vervet monkey, as well as a resident genet make themselves comfortable around Nokana Safari Camp, and it is not unusual to pass any number of them on the short walk to the tents.

A game viewing festival to be had at the Nokana Waterhole.

Accommodation at this inviting home of bush luxury is in raised tented units, constructed beautifully of canvas and wood. There are 6 units in total, 4 of which have double or twin beds fit for 2 people, while the remaining 2 have adjoining ensuite bedrooms suitable for families of 4. Additionally, there are 2 Africa-inspired thatched chalets, each sleeping 2 people, bringing the total capacity of Nokana up to 20.

The point of being on safari (well, one of the points) is to have constant access to the sights and sounds of the bush that surrounds you. Private verandas and wooden decks extend from each accommodation unit offering a quiet place for its occupants to relax, look and listen to the activity that surrounds them.

Tented units complete with ensuite bathrooms and wooden decks.

All the feasting at Nokana happens in the traditional fireside fashion, either in the wilderness at a bush dinner site or at the lodge beside a roaring boma fire. There is a fine selection of wines, as well as an option for a ‘light’ meal instead of the regular decadent dishes. Sundowners are enjoyed from the tall ‘sunset tower’, which is a thatched-roof platform standing on high stilts and overlooking everything up the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance.

Dinner around the boma at Nokana Safari Camp.

The game-viewing tower is visited for sunset once a week, equipped with eats and drinks and of course, cameras.

The view from the game-viewing tower in the evening: the sun setting behind the Drakensberg Mountains.

There are a few days out of the week that provide afternoons and mornings for relaxation by the pool, or in the privacy of your own rooms. (Bear in mind there is room service and each room as a mini-bar, so there is little to want for). Michel also takes his guests out on game drive in Nokana’s reserve, which introduces guests to a number of the species that reside here. Evenings at the waterhole are particularly exciting with a diversity of animals coming together.

Wildebeest and giraffe stopping by the waterhole at Nokana Safari Camp.

Falling asleep to the sound of jackals and in complete bedroom comfort, it is hardly a challenge to answer to the 530am wake-up call that introduces the next day of exciting safari activities.

The setting sun over Nokana.

Exclusive Big 5 game drives with Nokana

At which other safari camp are you transported to not only the Kruger National Park, but 3 different private reserves in the Kruger region? A week spent at Nokana Safari Camp introduces guests to 3 different game viewing experiences in reserves all within an hour of Nokana’s peaceful home-base.

Never have I been so close to an elephant – in fact, this friendly cow did some investigating of her own gliding her trunk along the frame of the vehicle – and never have I been invited to approach cheetah on foot. Another first was driving through a herd of about 200 buffalo at an almost touchable range. These experiences are only a few of the many exceptional and very special moments had on 3 different game drives with Nokana.

Out of a 7-day itinerary, Nokana guests will visit the Kruger Park (twice) plus 3 of Kruger’s prime surrounding game reserves: Karongwe, Thornybush, and Tshukudu. Covering as much wildlife territory as that means that you can almost guarantee seeing a bigger variety of species and diversification of animal behaviour than at one reserve over 3 days. Here are a few highlights from each of these private reserves – all experienced within 3 days:

A hippo-occupied dam in Karongwe Game Reserve

Karongwe

We were woken up with a warning from Michel (owner-host-guide at Nokana Safari Camp) that Karongwe is a few degrees colder than the other reserves, so we had best pack scarfs and jerseys. Only a 20-min drive from Nokana, it is astonishing how the morning chill is felt at Karongwe, however, by 10am you will find yourself in short-sleeves again.

Karongwe is beautiful with its rocky landscape and presence of large dams and rivers. We travel off-road and experience a true 4×4 drive as our guide navigates the rocks and trees in search of animals. This time we were following a lead to a pride of lions, and we were well rewarded. A beautiful, big, unscarred male lion lay very relaxed in the shade of a rocky outcrop. His lady-friend and 4 young cubs were actively moving in the direction of water. One by one, each of the 4 cubs trotted in front of our stationary vehicle, following their mother who had already slinked passed the tracker’s seat keeping a careful eye on our movements.

One of the 4 playful lion cubs seen on game drive in Karongwe Game Reserve with Nokana.

Our tracker at Karongwe stays cool as the lioness prowls passed him.

The beautiful male lay in the shade as we edged in closer to get some pictures of him.

After this fantastic lion sighting, we trundled along in the warming morning sun to a spot in the bush where we parked. Our guide asked us to get off the vehicle, for now we were going into the long-grass on foot! We walked in single file and without talking until we came to a halt only a few metres from 2 resting cheetahs. These cats are the most endangered big cats on the planet, and they have some of the most specialised hunting behaviour. It was incredible to watch these 2 brothers panting in the sun, while we stood in the very same grass and snapped away a thousand pictures.

2 Male cheetahs lay in the grass as we stood back and watched.

Thornybush

When we visited Thornybush Private Game Reserve (bordering the Kruger Park), we enjoyed some beautiful rhino interaction and we got to watch the guides’ tracking process from beginning to end. As we set off on game drive, it was obvious that our guide and tracker were going to give us the authentic experience. These animals are wild, and it takes a fair amount of work to track them down – something that guests are not always aware of.

Within a couple of minutes, we were directed to look at the perfect outline of a rhino in the sandy road. Evidence that a white rhino had slept there the night before and had only recently moved. The shape of the head, ear, eye and horn were carefully carved in the sand, while its bulk had hollowed out a body-shaped dent alongside it. The tracker quickly pointed right and the driver followed his direction, and sure enough, on a sunny mound of grass was not only 1, but 4 rhinos happily grazing away. What a pleasure and a delight to watch these 4 interacting. A calf and its mother had met up with a big bull and another male. We watched them for a while before moving on in search of more.

This little rhino calf was grazing away next to its companions in the morning sun.

‘More’ certainly was the operative word. We followed an exceptional amount of dung and hoof-prints until we found ourselves smack-bang in the middle of an enormous herd of buffalo. Many, many babies, big-bossed bulls, and one very old looking cow surrounded us on all sides. They were unfazed by our presence and continued to graze and amble around us. It took a while before we cleared the herd and found ourselves alone again.

Very old buffalo cow has lived a long life in the brutal African bush.

Up close with a buffalo in Thornybush.

Tshukudu

I had one of the best cheetah sightings I think I will ever have at Tshukudu. There are 3 resident cheetahs (a female and 2 males) that are familiar faces in the reserve and they go about their business paying no mind to visitors like us. We caught the female beginning her night hunt and watched as she perched on top of a hill and surveyed the area. Then she trotted through the grass and lay in wait near the waterhole.

Tshukudu’s female cheetah takes a high perch as she eyes around for potention prey.

And she’s off…

This fantastic cat was only 1 of the cat species we were to see that evening at Tshukudu. We approached a pride of lions with large cubs and sat and watched them being the lazy cats they are. A male and female pair, however, treated us to some dramatic vocalisations, sending their vibrato into the darkening surroundings and stunning us all into silence.

Watch the video of the lions roaring here: http://youtu.be/2E64ZUgb0ig?list=PLzb0VX34oCV1jjNV_XrirNfGB9PBIy1cY

Tshukudu is home to only a few elephants and the matriarch seems to like it that way. She is an enormous, old girl, currently raising her daughter’s daughter. We saw this big female and the baby, as well as a teenaged-sized one browsing in a quiet area of the reserve. When the matriarch emerged from the bushes, she greeted her younger companion with a flap of the ears before turning her attention to us and coming right up to the vehicle. She was gentle, curious, and very relaxed with our presence. A heart-stopping moment that I now cherish as a personal encounter with these wonderful, great creatures.

Tshukudu’s big matriarch approaches her companion in greeting.

Exploring the Kruger National Park with Nokana Safari Camp

As a part of Nokana Safari Camp’s exceptional line-up of activities, guests are taken on full day trips to the Kruger National Park twice a week. Not only is the Kruger South Africa’s most famous wildlife kingdom, it is also brimming with game activity and its surface area is compared to the size of Wales!

Rising with the birds at the crack of dawn, we gathered at the bar/lounge area and were offered coffee, toast and rusks before heading off to get to the Kruger gates as they open for the day. Orpen Gate has a reputation with owner-host-guide Michel, who claims that this short stretch of tar road has churned out some of his best sightings. We were alert with anticipation after our 45 minute drive from camp and our eyes were peeled.

Sure enough, in those first couple of kilometres we had elephant browsing the trees right next to the road and a trio of rhino further back, while a pair of endangered Southern ground-hornbills crossed the road, unfazed by our presence. (Side note: birders keep your eyes peeled. Kruger has over 500 species that you can spot in the sky, in the trees, on the road, in the grass, and at the water’s edge).

Southern ground-hornbill spotted near Orpen Gate in the Kruger National Park.

Getting up close with the elephants of the Kruger National Park.

That day we were headed for a private off-road trail near Satara (one of the rest camps in the park). So not only are we seeing what the ‘regular Kruger’ has to offer, but we are getting a closer look at the private, seldom visited 4×4 trails that only certain people have access to. On the way to the Mananga Trail we had added to our immense list of animal sightings with incredible elephant sightings, lazy lions, wallowing hippos, a fish eagle, kudus, baboons, and a snoozing scops owl.

This large dam in the Kruger National Park was filled with hippo and a whole host of other species (can you see the fish eagle?)

This baby giraffe was still very young. It crossed the road in front of our vehicle to join its mother.

The Satara area of Kruger is open and flat, somewhat resembles the Masai Mara in Kenya. It is very beautiful, and we were heading into our own private sector where we would be able to get out and picnic privately (sandwiches, fruit and cold drink was the order of the day), and enjoy exclusive sightings of a great array of animals without having to share. We were welcomed to the Mananga Trail by circling bateleur eagles and 2 secretary birds, which was very special. Along the riverbank we were torn between watching a pod of hippos exhale their great, spraying breaths, and admiring a herd of elephants drinking from and swimming in the river.

We watched these elephants crossing the river, frolicking and drinking before bathing themselves in dust and moving off.

One large tusker seen near Satara. He was trying to keep cool by flapping his hears and throwing dust over his back.

Every bend in the road was occupied by either, kudu, impala, waterbuck, zebra, or a combination of the species. The ungulates are followed by a noisy collaboration of oxpeckers, fork-tailed drongos and lilac-breasted rollers eagerly awaiting a rogue grasshopper, or the likes. After passing a particularly large family of waterbuck, we managed to photograph a white rhino cow and her grown calf, grazing quietly behind a group of giraffes. We saw more hippos and buffalo before heading back into the public section of the park.

This big family of waterbuck all stood up to watch us drive passed.

Lilac-breasted roller on the lookout for leaping grasshoppers and other grubs.

Beautiful sight of this mamma rhino and her big calf. Oh, and the giraffes!

With only an hour or so left of our full Kruger day trip, we had to make our way to the park gates. Of course, we took the scenic route and passed a pride of lionesses lying in the grass, a crocodile sunning itself on a riverbank, some saddle-billed storks perched in a tree, a martial eagle, more elephants, and finally 2 male cheetahs beginning to hunt. What a lucky spot! (Excuse the pun). We departed the Kruger as the sky burnt red with the last bit of the sun’s energy, and by the time we got back to Nokana Safari Camp it, it was dark and starry.

The biggest eagle in Africa – the martial, perched on a lookout spot.

One of 2 brother cheetahs we saw prowling through the grass on our way to the Orpen Gate, Kruger.

The setting sun on Kruger.

As is routine at Nokana, we were given an hour to refresh, relax and unwind before settling down to dinner. I retreated to my luxury room where I put together a gin and tonic from the mini bar and pulled up a chair on my private veranda. I sped through my photos and smiled at the memory of the wonderful creatures I had seen that day. After that sentiment, I set about deleting all the unfocused and duplicated images because tomorrow was to be yet another day at Nokana, in yet another reserve, and I knew I would need to camera space!

Elephants and lions visit nDzuti Safari Camp in time for dinner

The dinner table at nDzuti Safari Camp. Under the stars and next to a crackling fire. Photo by Kevin MacLaughlin.

nDzuti Safari Camp has a strategically placed waterhole right in front of the expansive deck, adorned with sun loungers and, of course, the bar. In between game drives (which also take place mercifully later than at the crack of dawn) guests have nDzuti’s wonderful, green garden to relax in; either in the shade of the fever trees, or in the warmth of the sunny deck.

On this particular occasion, the guests at nDzuti were settling in for evening sundowners when a herd of elephants arrived for their sunset drink at the waterhole. Just when they thought the show was over and settled down for dinner under the stars, the arrival of 2 sub-adult male lions stole the limelight. All in an evening here at nDzuti!

nDzuti by night. The deck, pool area and bar all overlook the waterhole. Photo by Kevin MacLaughlin.

The biggest land mammals and certainly one of the Big 5, elephants can be some of the most entertaining creatures to watch. From breeding herds with babies, to lone bulls, elephants are everything from comical, to mesmerising, to nerve-racking. What a pleasure to have them come right up to the waterhole and bestow their gentle beauty.

The 2 male lions that visited next had caused quite a stir only a day or 2 earlier when they and 2 brothers were chased off a buffalo kill by one big dominant lion. It seems they survived the aggressive confrontation, and 2 of the lions had found their way to nDzuti’s waterhole where they lay, quite relaxed, providing a superb sighting right in front of camp.

On warm Klaserie evenings, dinner (scrumptiously home-cooked) is served on the deck too and, more often than not, there are nocturnal creatures that arrive to drink. Hyenas, honey badgers, civets, and jackals make regular appearances, while a giant eagle owl sends deep ‘whoooo’ sounds into the night.

On one occasion, a ‘clan battle’ between 2 groups of hyenas broke out and the silence was struck with excitable cackling and eerie shrieks from both sides of the camp. Close by, the hyenas called to each other, sending warnings and threats into the still night. We saw one or 2 of these predators running under the light at the waterhole, but we eventually just turned it off and listened to it play out. Another incredible experience from the deck at nDzuti, where guests can sit in comfort and have the Klaserie come to them!

Kevin MacLaughlin took this shot of a hyena at the waterhole the night of the clan battle.

Family Fun at nDzuti Safari Camp – by Kathryn Rossiter

nDzuti Safari Camp is something quite different. It is a personalised experience, it is private, and it is perfect for families. Recently, Kathryn Rossiter, owner of Becoming You, spent some quality time there with her young children. It can be tricky finding a safari spot that suits your kids’ needs and offers parents the equal right to relax and enjoy as those on a child-free holiday!

Kathryn wrote about how much her children thrived out in the bush (their first time on safari), and how happy she was to be able to experience big game viewing with them. Monster herds of buffalo, superb sunsets, and being taught facts about the bush from the warm and welcoming hosts.

See her blogs that tell the stories using great photos and offering excellent tips to other parents heading out into Africa with their young ones.

Kruger for Kids – Day 3 at nDzuti Safari Camp

Kruger for Kids – Day 4 at nDzuti Safari Camp

nDzuti Safari Camp and gardens.

The firepit (always flaming at night) overlooking the waterhole.

The bar and pool at nDzuti.

Looking over the Klaserie River on game drive at nDzuti.

Game drive has begun!

Trilogy Males feast on giraffe

Guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp were treated to a fantastic sighting of the Trilogy Males feasting on a male giraffe. The rangers had noticed the giraffe looking worse for wear and feared that it would not last long. The Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp rangers suspect that the Trilogy males started to feed once the giraffe had died from natural causes. Often, however predators will not feed on animals that have died from tumours or disease, so there is a possibility that the lions killed the giraffe in its weak state or even started to feed on it while it lay down to rest and did not have the strength to get up.

Based on where the carcass is, the Trilogy males are deep within Ross Pride territory, so it is assumed that the remainder of the Ross pride have retreated deeper into the Klaserie to avoid them in their quest to save their cubs.

Guest David Williamson was kind enough to share this video clip

Africa on Foot ranger Fafa Pienaar captured the below images.

One of the Trilogy males see at the carcass.

One of the Trilogy males aiming to rule the Ross Pride

Cute Videos of Baby Hippo, Elephant and Giraffe

Who doesn’t love the “cuteness” factor when it comes to wildlife? Dave Jackson has captured a few precious moments on camera of an elephant, giraffe and hippo calf eagerly discovering the world around them.

These videos were filmed at nDzuti Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The dam, which is close to nDzuti, is frequented by a diverse array of wildlife. Dave was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time !

If you subscribe to our nDzuti wildlife moments playlist, you’ll be rewarded with videos of sightings at nDzuti Safari Camp.

Baby Hippo Clings to its Mother

A hippo calf will always cling to its mother for protection. Hippos walk on the bottom of rivers and dams, creating pathways. A calf does not have the strength and balance to wade through water until it has reached the age of two.

Baby Elephant Tries to Use its Trunk

An elephant calf cannot control its trunk and learns “trunk control” by exploring its immediate environment and touching the rest of the herd. The matriarchs and herds are protective over their young. When they feel threatened the elders will surround the calf in an attempt to hide it. Dave was lucky to be able to capture this moment.

Have you Ever Seen a Baby Giraffe?

A giraffe calf has a short neck when it is born and does not move around a lot. The short neck provides additional camouflage. Yet another great video moment from Dave !