Sun Destinations Blog - Page 108 of 117

Video of Trilogy Lion Mating with Ross Lioness

Dave Jackson was lucky enough to capture one of the Trilogy males mating with one of the Ross Pride females. In the background we have one of our rangers chatting to us about the mating process with lions.

More importantly, it is now confirmed that the Trilogy of lions are now firmly in control of both the Ross and Giraffe Pride. The Trilogy were found on a buffalo kill yesterday and this morning. Unfortunately, Dave and Kevin could not get footage as the lions were deep in cover on a drainage line.

Last night the Trilogy were spotted with 2 of the Giraffe pride females – one had a collar around its neck. The spotlight fused so, once again, Kev and Dave could not get any footage.

Goodbye to the Good and the Bad – the Trilogy now run your kingdom.

Busted ! Photos of the Lion Trilogy Mating with Ross Females

What has been happening the past few days in the land of the Klaserie lions? Well, for starters, one of the Trilogy males was caught mating with a Ross Pride female. We caught the act on camera. It is now clear that the Trilogy want the Ross Pride for themselves. Kevin MacLaughlin took these images – he is always in the right place at the right time !

The Trilogy have been spotted hanging around a few buffalo herds in the past few days. This morning, Courteney Blunden, let us know that the Trilogy took down a buffalo. We’ll get those photos up as soon as we can.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos of the Lion Trilogy mating with the Ross females.

Keep reading our blog posts – the blogging team will be heading up to Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp in the next few days to capture the action live from camp !

Trilogy Mating - image taken by Kevin MacLaughlin

One fo the Trilogy males mating. Image taken by Kevin MacLaughlin.

Trilogy and Ross female after mating. Image taken by Kevin MacLaughlin

5 Fun Facts About the Flap-Neck Chameleon

A few days ago we shared a video of the flap-neck chameleon on our social media channels. Spotting a chameleon always proves to be a highlight of any night game drive. They are tricky to spot because of their mottled green camouflage which ensures they’re well-hidden. Rangers always seem to have fun trying to see how many of these elusive creatures they can spot on a night game drive. Spotting a chameleon in the pitch dark means you have great tracking skills. Try and count how many you can spot the next time you’re out on a drive.

Here are 5 fun facts about the flap-neck chameleon:

Chameleons rarely ever rest on strong branches. They will deliberately choose weak, hanging branches. The majority of heavy predators cannot balance on narrow, flimsy branches.
Its name comes from the flap at the back of its neck, which helps with it camouflage.
The flap-necked chameleon has a body with mottled greens – similar colours to their habitat in trees.
The chameleon moves with staggered motions to emulate that of the wind blowing through the leaves in the trees.
Chameleon literally means “dwarf lion”. The name is appropriate due to its aggressive, defensive behaviour.

The Flap-neck chameleon found in abundance in the Klaserie. Photo taken by Kevin MacLaughlin

Video of the Lion Trilogy After Charging Vehicle

Trilogy male in the darkness. © Kevin MacLaughlin

Mike Lentz, together with Dave Jackson, took this video of the Trilogy of lions. The video was taken shortly after one of the lions charged the nThambo game vehicle. In the video we can hear Mike and Isaac discussing the Trilogy and the pride dynamics.

Fantastic to hear their opinions captured on video with the sounds of the African bush in the background. Takes me right back to being in the Klaserie.

Trilogy and Ross Pride Update: Lion Charges Vehicle in Klaserie

As we suspected, the Trilogy of lions trying to take over the Ross Pride kingdom are a fierce coalition of lions. We have just heard from the team at nThambo Tree Camp that one of the Trilogy charged the game vehicle. One of the males came towards the vehicle and Isaac, our quick-witted tracker with lightning fast reflexes, climbed onto the bonnet for safety.

It is clear the Trilogy will “take no prisoners” in their quest to dominate the Ross Pride’s kingdom. They are trying to establish their place in the Klaserie and appear to be on the offensive. This is possibly because they are also mating with Mila; which makes them more aggressive and protective than ever before. Mila and Lisa are the 2 Ross Pride females who were hanging around the 3 Giraffe males. Lisa is lactacting which indicates the presence of cubs. We believe her cubs are in the Timbavati.

Does this mean that the Trilogy will kill off the Lisa’s cubs (infanticide) to force her back into estrus? Either way, the Trilogy are now showing us just how fierce and determined they are.

We will upload a video of the Trilogy of lions later on today.

The moment of truth. This is when one of the Trilogy charged the vehicle. Photo taken by Erik Kristin

Battle wounds. This is a tough trio. Photo taken by Dave Jackson

The stare down. Why are you on my turf? Photo taken by Dave Jackson

If looks could kill. This male from the Trilogy looks on with interest.

The Trilogy of Lions are Causing Drama for the Ross Pride

A lioness in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

A lioness walks right past our safari vehicle.

There’s a buzz in the air in the vicinity of nThambo Tree Camp. Daily we are receiving updates about how the “Trilogy” of male lions are slowly creeping their way into the Ross Pride territory. It was subtle at first and now they are being quite bolshy about their intentions. Initially they appeared skittish with the rangers and game vehicles. It seems the Trilogy of lions are now relaxed and comfortable with the presence of outsiders. Do they feel at home in their new environment? Is that why they feel so comfortable?

The legendary leaders, The Good and the Bad, have not been seen in a while. However, the sub-adult males and females from the Ross Pride have been spotted. You can see them strolling around their territory in the videos we uploaded yesterday. Today, we feel the presence and strength of the Trilogy moving into Ross Pride territory. The dynamics of the Ross Pride of lions are literally changing on a day-to-day basis.

Check out our latest two video blogs depicting these interesting scenarios:

Compare the videos we have uploaded and observe the ever increasing confident behaviour from these new boys on the block. The Triology really are causing drama for the Ross Pride.

The Trilogy of lions are causing drama for the Ross Pride. But hey, this is Africa. Kings cannot always remain kings. New bloodlines must be created, warfare happens and only the strong survive. Welcome to the world of lions.

Videos: Trilogy of Lions and the Ross Pride

And here we have it. Finally – the “Trilogy” of male lions that have been threatening the Ross Pride have been caught on video. Look at the size and stature of them ! Dave Jackson and ranger Kevin Maclaughlin managed to get up close and personal with them.

You will notice Chuck and Larry (sub-adult males from the Ross Pride) soft calling to the rest of the pride. This is to ensure the Trilogy do not respond to their call. The Ross Pride are clearly taking safety measures against the threat of the Trilogy.

Below you will also notice a video of the Ross Pride yawning. It’s a great video in that it depicts their relaxed, content nature. Clearly the Trilogy were not in the vicinity at the time.

Enjoy the videos of the trilogy of lions and the Ross Pride.

Rare Photos of the Lion Trilogy Posing a Threat to the Ross Males

We promised you a lion update of what was happening in and around the nThambo and Africa on Foot territory. It appears that this trilogy of lions we spoke about in a previous blog post are here to stay. Mike and Fiona, our repeat guests at nThambo, captured unbelievable photos of these three big beasts. You can see from the photos just how tough, rugged and magnificent these lions are. Are these boys still posing a threat to the Ross Males? Let’s find out what has happened in the past few days at camp with regards to lion activity.

“Well the last few days here at nThambo have continued to give us excellent sightings on game drive. We are continuing to see several breeding herds of elephants, many with very young calves. It’s so great to see the young ones trying to use their trunks, and running around on wobbly legs – one little elephant tripped over and landed on his face right in front of our vehicle. We have also seen large herds of buffalo, the last one we saw was being followed closely by a large lioness. We also saw several rhino and a relaxed female leopard in a Marula tree.

But our main aim was to see some male lions. Luckily we heard some roaring on evening game drive, but they were deep in the Timbavati (the neighbouring reserve), we listed and they were heading our way. During the night we heard lions roaring, what seemed to be very close – we’d say they were walking straight through nThambo!

Just before wake-up we also heard the ‘coughing’ of a leopard, also very close by, in the open area just in front of camp. Therefore we set off with high expectations. Unfortunately, after following the leopard tracks, it seemed he was being elusive once again. We also tried to follow the male lion tracks, which indeed had been through camp during the night. Matt thought they were still not far from camp, probably within 300 metres or so, but they too didn’t want to be found at first.

So we sent Isaac, our tracker, on the search for them, and sure enough he found them about 200 metres from nThambo. It was two large males – but who would it be – The Ross pride males or someone new? When we found them we saw it was two of the new boys on the block, from ‘the Trilogy’ – 3 males who had been seen a couple of times on game drives over the previous few weeks. They were magnificent looking lions, even with their battle scars – showing they had been through a lot to make it here. Are these the new rulers of the territory? ”

Bored? This tough male from the trilogy of lions shows us his teeth !

Is this lion looking to dominate the Ross Pride?

Two of the males from the trilogy of lions

Look at how tough this lion looks – massive. Big enough to take on the Good and the Bad?

One of the males from the trilogy. Full of scars, battle wounds and looks like a fighter. Will they be the new kings?

Kings of the Klaserie – will they take over?

This female leopard made a guest appearance. A Marula tree – perfect place to relax !

Mike and Fiona: A Run Down of What to Expect on Safari

Mike and Fiona are repeat guests at nThambo Tree Camp. They decided to give us a run down of what to expect on safari. Going on safari is not only about tracking wildlife, it’s about the entire experience from making friends to sitting around the campfire and learning about Africa from khaki-clad rangers.

“Well I’ve told you all about the wonderful sightings we’ve seen here at nThambo Tree Camp. So today I’m going to do something a little different – explain a daily routine here in camp:

After a comfortable night under the luxurious covers, the day starts early. 5.30am there is a knock on the tent and a ‘good morning’ from the ranger. We quickly get showered and dressed and walk tentatively from the tree house to the lounge, looking in the early morning light to see what is around (the lodge is unfenced so any animals could have walked into camp overnight).

We get to the lounge and treat ourselves to warm drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) and South African rusks (remember to dunk them in your drink otherwise you’ll need a visit to the dentist when you get home). 6.00am and it’s time for the game drive. We all eagerly jump onto the open Land Rover, waiting for the ‘game drive to begin’. The seasons are changing at the moment, it’s now going into Winter where the early mornings and late afternoons can get very chilly when the hot sun is not around. Therefore a good warm coat is essential.

Matt the ranger explains the does and don’t of driving through the bush, whilst Enoch, our tracker, sits on the ‘tracker seat’ on the front of the vehicle preparing to look for animal tracks. After all the formalities, we set off on our way, hopeful of what we are going to see. The drive lasts approximately 3 hours, with a stop along the way at some nice spot for morning drinks break (hot drinks and freshly cooked muffins – yum). Whenever animals are spotted, or tracked, we stay for as long as possible – sometimes just a brief glimpse or maybe even up to an hour!

Back at camp its time for breakfast, cooked by the ‘girls’ – Happiness, Anna and Katrina . Firstly cold breakfast of cereal, fruit and yoghurt. Many people feast themselves on this, unaware that there is more to come. Next is cooked breakfast – different every day, but typically, eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast etc.

Sitting together guests, ranger and tracker talk about what has been seen on the morning drive. Then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can relax by the pool, even taking a dip to cool off on a hot day. Or you can read a book, either one of your own or a selection of ‘exchange books’ left by previous guests. If you are tired you can just chill and sleep in your room. For those ‘eager guests’ you can also coerce your ranger into a short bush walk before lunch. Poor Matt has been on a few so far on our visit. It’s nice to see the small things like animal droppings, tracks, flowers, plants and birds – with the ranger explaining lots of interesting facts along the way.

‘Light’ lunch is served at 3.00pm ready to fuel ourselves for the game drive ahead. Then a quick change ready for the evening drive at 4.00pm. Not forgetting to take the warm coat with us for when the sun goes down. We all get on the vehicle again and head off into the bush to see what we can see. Packed nicely in the hamper are our ‘sundowners’ – alcoholic beverages of our choice (gin and tonic, brandy and coke, beer, or a nice vintage wine to name a few), and snacks to be taken when we stop again at some scenic viewpoint to watch the sun set.

Back again at camp we are greeted by Lilly, our hostess, with warm towels and a shot of liqueur to warm us up – it’s normally sherry, kahlua, frangelico or amarula. In camp there is the roaring fire (bush tv’ ) in the boma where we all congregate. Drinks are served and we all reminisce the wonderful day we have had. If the sky is clear we can also look up to the stars, which are unbelievable compared to back home in the UK. ‘African wonder’ that cannot be described, but is a must see on any ‘bucket list’.

Dinner is then served – a 3 course culinary delight, ranging from local delicacies of impala fillet, bobotie, Potjie pots, or a classic South African Braai. Followed by more drinks and good banter between guests, ranger, tracker and hostess. The evening ends when you want to return to your tent – remembering to let your ranger walk you back to your tent with the spotlight so that you can look out for shining eyes from animals that may be lurking en route.

Then it all begins again, remembering no 2 days in the bush are ever the same!! Some don’t put it off, book the leave, flights and come to South Africa yourselves to experience a safari – you won’t be disappointed.”

Your daily game drive vehicle. An open-topped Land Rover.

The view from the nThambo swimming pool of the Drakensberg Mountains.

The lounge area where guests can connect to WiFi.

Your luxury bedroom inside the wooden treehouse.

Enoch leading the walk. Enoch is a qualified tracker.

After the Evening Game Drive, Guests Sit Around the Campfire Talking About the Day's Activities.

After the evening game drive, guests sit sround the campfire talking about the day’s activities.

Sunset in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Sunset in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Guest Blog: Mike and Fiona Enjoy Lion Sightings at nThambo Tree Camp

Mike and Fiona left Umkumbe Safari Lodge and headed for nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Here is their account of life at the nThambo Tree Camp.

“Well here we are back at nThambo Tree Camp, it seems like only yesterday we were last here! We have been here 2 days already, and have had magnificent game viewing so far – the “Big 5” plus my favourite, the African Wild Dog.

We arrived on a cold cloudy afternoon, but our spirits were still high as we went out on our first game drive. Firstly we came across a large bull elephant rubbing himself against a tree to get rid of an awful itch (or maybe just parasites). Then we came across a large herd of buffalo, minding their own business eating their way through the bush. The icing on the cake, however, was an exceptional leopard sighting, well 2 leopards to be exact.

We saw Cleo, the resident female leopard, in the dark via the spotlight, relaxing in the distance with a full belly. Suddenly another leopard appeared by her side, her son, no longer a cub as almost as big as her. He walked straight towards us, very relaxed around he vehicle. We stayed with him for some time whilst we took photos of him, before he vanished back into the bush to join his mother.

The following morning was just as good. A we left camp we came across a pack of 9 wild dogs, sleeping in the shade, their ears twitching, listening to the sounds of the bush. Suddenly something spooked them and they all scattered into the bush, except the alpha male we stood on sentry duty, listening out for danger. He stood in front of the vehicle for a short time, before he too disappeared. Over the radio came a call that some of the Ross pride of lions had been seen on the other side of he reserve. We sped as fast as we could, but the female and 2 sub-adult males had vanished just before we arrived. A little disheartened we continued on our way, to be greeted by a large breeding herd of elephants, then a ‘dazzle’ of zebra, before we got back to camp.

Our prize came later in the day, as we came across 2 Ross pride females lionesses, relaxing in the sun – making up for our disappointment the evening before. We stayed with them while they licked each other, yawned and then doing what all contented cats do best – fell asleep. Leaving them to their afternoon nap in peace we carried on our way, passing another large elephant bull.

This morning we were eager to spot rhino, the last of the big 5 not seen so far. And how lucky we were to come across 3 together, a bull, a female and her calf moving slowly through the greenery. They too were OK with us being there and posed nicely for a photo shoot. Afterwards we came across another herd of buffalo, still sleeping by the side of the road, as well as some kudu and another lone elephant. Back at the lodge we discussed how lucky we had been to see not just the Big 5, but 6 of the Magnificent 7 – “only the cheetah to go” we told Matt and Enoch, so no pressure for future drives!

We also saw lots of the nocturnal animals during the 2 night drives so far – porcupine, bushbaby, genet, chameleon and scrub hare, to name a few. It’s so nice to see the small things that most travellers overlook whilst on safari. Matt, our ranger, has also been persuaded by us as a group of keen guests to take us on a few ‘bush walks’ after breakfast. Here we have seen lots of small day-time things like, birds, trees, plants, animal dung and tracks. It was nice to see that a female leopard had walked through camp last night, while we were all asleep, leaving her paw-prints behind as evidence. Although not expecting to see anything larger we have been fortunate to see impala, zebra, warthogs, kudu and today we saw a hippo relaxing in a nearby dam – quite different to see on foot rather than on a vehicle.

So what will the next few days hold for us – well you’ll just have keep reading and wait and see?”