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The Wildlife of the Haina Kalahari Lodge

The Kalahari has been a buzzing with wildlife activity in recent weeks. The rangers at Haina Kalahari Lodge have managed to collate a series of images of the local wildlife inhabitants in and around camp. Below are a few of the more common species found in abundance throughout the expansive and mysterious Kalahari.

Cheetahs of the Kalahari

Cheetahs normally roam the Kalahari in family groups of 2 – 6 but have also been known to favour the solitary lifestyle. They prey on small antelope species and rarely ever take down large mammals unless they’re hunting in a coalition. They lack the strength to take down a large mammal while on a solitary hunt, thus settling for smaller species. Cheetahs use their speed and agility to ambush prey but, unlike other cats, they cannot rely on their strength for surivial.

Below are a few images of a family of 3 cheetahs exploring a termite mound at Haina Kalahari Lodge.

Cheetahs of the Kalahari – How Majestic

Kalahari Cheetah Climbing a Termite Mound

Quite a Spectacle – the Cheetahs of the Kalahari Exploring a Termite Mound

A Spectacular Pose from One of the Kalahari Cheetahs

Genet Cats in the Kalahari

Genet cats are adorable, inquisitve creatures who have adapted their behaviour to survive in a human environment. With the ever increasing human population encroaching on their natural habitats; they have had to source alternate food sources and have even been known to steal poultry. The Genet cats at Haina spend their time darting between the trees in and around camp. This year we’re hoping for an additional litter to the current Genet cat population.

The Resident Genet Cat at Haina Kalahari Lodge

Kalahari Gemsbok (Oryx)

The Kalahari Gemsbok (Oryx) is a well-known sight in the Central Kalahari. With their spectacular horns averaging 85 cm in length and distinct colouring they are a remarkable breed of antelope. You will often find images of the Kalahari depicting barren lands littered with Umbrealla Trees and Oryx; which is a typical Kalahari scene.

Female Gemsbok have long, slender horns and males have narrow, straight horns. Males use their horns for fighting and females use their horns to defend themselves and their offspring from large predators. If the horns break off they cannot grow back – as depicted in the below picture.

The Kalahari Gemsbok – Otherwise Known as the Oryx

Lions of the Kalahari

The black-maned lions of the Kalahari have quite a rogue atmosphere about them. Their thick, dark manes are thought to trap in the heat which keeps them warm on the bitterly cold Kalahari nights. It also gives them a slightly more foreboding look about them. They are not used to game vehicles and are therefore suspicious of humans. Consider yourself lucky if you get to see these indigenous Kalahari lions.

Strong and Beautiful. One of the Female Lions of the Kalahari.

Impala at the Waterhole

There are always guaranteed sightings of impala. Although one of the most common species of antelope to view while on safari, seeing a herd drinking at the waterhole is still a moving experience. You will often notice a herd of females sheparded by a dominant male. The below image was taken at the Haina waterhole in front of camp.

Impala Drinking at the Haina Waterhole

Black-backed Jackals

There is no better reminder that you’re in Africa than listening to the cry of the Black-backed jackal at night in the Kalahari. Often seen playing on the airstrip at Haina at dusk, these intelligent creatures spend most of their time hidding in the shrubbery. They’re intelligent, remarkable creatures who live together in pairs but hunt in family groups. Below is one of the resident jackals relaxing next to the airstrip at Haina.

The Black-backed Jackal – the Cry of the Kalahari

Visualise Your Safari with Our Kruger Camps Promo Videos

Below are a handpicked selection of videos promoting our Kruger Lodges. This is ideal for guests wanting a virtual safari. Please feel free to embed the code into your website or blog.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin and is one of the most affordable lodges within the region. The Sabi Sand is a premier private reserve with an abundance of leopard, big cats and other wildlife. The lodge is located on the Sand River and is ideal for guests travelling on a budget.

Rack Rate: From R2050 per person sharing per night

nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is an eco-friendly camp located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Stay in one of the five wooden treehouse chalets on stilts and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. nThambo is a simple, luxurious camp with a splash pool overlooking a bustling waterhole.

Rack Rate: R2 350.00 per person per night (full board + activities)

Africa on Foot

Africa on Foot offers Big Five walking safaris in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and is a comfortable camp with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. There is the option to sleep in a treehouse for the more adventurous guest. Mornings are spent tracking wildlife on foot for 3 hours with a trained field guide.

Rack Rate: R1, 895.00 per person per night

Do you want to embed the videos into your website? Then please use the below codes.

Africa on Foot:

nThambo Tree Camp:

Umkumbe Safari Lodge:

Video of a Baby Elephant Trying to Walk and Play

This video footage of a baby elephant trying to walk and play with the rest of the herd is adorable. Notice how the matriarch tries help him get his back legs over the tree stump. You’ll notice many different types of behaviours in the below video. Below are a few facts about juvenile elephants – see if you can recognize any of the dependent behaviours as mentioned below.

Here are a few facts about juvenile elephants:

For the first 3 – 5 years the young calf is dependent on its mother for nutrition, hygiene, migration and health.
It takes a calf up to a year just to learn how to use their trunk effectively.
The first calves of the season are born two months before the rains. The vegetation and habitat is lush and makes it easy for the calves to feed.
A newborn is helped and guided to its feet by the mother and other females. They have the ability to stand within minutes of their birth.
Within two days the calf will join the herd and the females will protect the younger elephants. If you come across a breeding herd, the matriarchs are more unpredictable and dangerous than the males.
Between 4 – 6 months the young calves will begin to experiment with their trunks.

LIVE Guest Blog: The Ross Pride Lion Cubs Are Out and About

And on the last day, Mike and Fiona saw the lion cubs from the Ross Pride. They had a fantastic time with all the wildlife spotting in the Klaserie.

“After watching 5 ground hornbills walking in front of the camp, we set off on evening game drive. Firstly we came across a nice bull kudu, followed by a great breeding herd of elephants with lots of calves. One was really young, about 4 months old and clung close to her mum. Around the corner, was another herd of elephants, again with many young ones – always a good sign that things are going well. We stopped for sundowners, when over the radio we heard ‘I’ve found the female lion with her 3 cubs’.

Well we packed up as quickly as possible, still hanging onto our drinks ( it’s amazing how dexterous you can be with a glass of wine on the back of a Land Rover – I didn’t spill a drop). We got there and she was hiding in a drainage line, but we were patient, and wow did it pay off. She walked out with all 3 cubs looking straight at us, one so inquisitive it came right up to the vehicle almost onto Faffa’s lap as he sat in the drivers seat.

She then moved off down the road with all 3 following closely behind, so we left her to carry on her way, not wanting to stress her out. We headed back to camp and luckily came across her agin, crossing the road into the darkness with the 3 bundles if fluff again running behind her. We carried on our way and came across an African wildcat hunting a spotted genet that climbed high in a tree. Then a bush baby in a tree and to finish off a civet just inside camp. The animals seem to be back.

Our last game drive stated well, again, with yet another herd of elephants. One had a small calf that was hiding underneath her, whilst the remainder of the young herd played around her. We also found a white backed vulture on her nest, with a chick in there with her. On our way back to camp for the final time, we came across 2 old buffalo bulls – dugger boys. They had just been wallowing in the water and were covered in mud. They posed nicely for photos, what a nice goodbye for us.

So once again its time to say good bye to Africa on Foot, nThambo and South Africa. Farewell and a huge thank to Gawie and Yolandi, and all the best for the future. Everyone else – see you all in January, we are already counting the days.”

The Lion Cubs of the Ross Pride in the Klaserie

Ross Pride Lion Cubs Make Another Appearance

The Ross Pride and Cubs Roaming through the Klaserie

Elephant Calf Spotted on a Game Drive

Buffalo Spotted in the Klaserie

One of the Ross Pride videos created by Dave Jackson while staying at camps:

LIVE Guest Blog: Rhinos Wallowing in the Mud

On their second last day in the Klaserie, Mike and Fiona were lucky enough to see rhino wallowing in the mud and the very agile nocturnal bushbaby!

Here is their account of their fifth day at camp.

“We drove out of camp just after lunch to be greeted by the zebras – or as known here ‘Mangwe’! Next we came across a crash of 3 rhino at a dam which still had some water in it. They were merrily rolling around in the mud trying to escape the heat of the day. We stayed with them for some time while they entertained us. At one point, one of the rhinos stood over a log it scratch his front leg, and then proceeded to get stuck for a while before finally lifting his heavy weight ( and 3 remaining legs) over the log. It is always a pleasure to see these animals up close.

In the beautiful evening light we came across a massive elephant bull, crashing his way through the bush – an opportunity to get some nice photos. We were then treated to a beautiful classic African sunset, which lit up the dark night sky bright orange. In the dark, using a spotlight, Faffa spotted some nocturnal creatures, including a small spotted genet and a cute bushbaby jumping through the trees. Back at camp we all looked at the clear night sky while Gawie and Faffa pointed out a few stars, planets and constellations – Venus, the Southern Cross and Scorpio to name a few. It’s amazing how beautiful and clear the night sky is here – there are hundreds of stars and also the Milky Way.

This morning again was extremely quiet – I think all of the animals are on a different time zone!! However, we saw the usual suspects – kudu, impala, tree squirrels and warthogs. For the first time, we did not see any of the big five! We did however see fresh tracks from a female lion, which we tried to follow, but she had gone into thick bush and we couldn’t follow.

Never mind – there is always tonight to follow up and see what we can see – wish us luck!”

Rhinos Wallowing in the Mud

Bushbaby Spotted on an nThambo Game Drive

Elephants at Sunset in nThambo

LIVE Guest Blog: Finally. The Leopard Makes a Cameo Appearance!

After much anticipation, Mike and Fiona finally get to see their leopard while on safari in the Klaserie. If you’ve read their other blog entries you’ll know just how eager they have been to spot this elusive predator. Here is their account of what happened on their fourth day of their Kruger Safari:

“30 degrees in the shade, blue skies and not a cloud in the sky – the African weather is back. After lunch we set off again on our evening game drive and within minutes we came across a large white rhino bull. He had been wallowing in the heat of the day and was caked in mud. He was very relaxed, so we stayed with him for some time.

The bush once again was quiet but as usual the impala were always there to impress. After sundowners the ranger’s radio sprung into action – a male leopard had been spotted drinking at one of the dams. It was quite a way from where we were, so Faffa went into formula one mode and we careered across to see if we could catch a glimpse. Unfortunately while we were on our way 2 lionesses came to the dam and chased him up a tree, before quickly vanishing into the blackness. When we finally arrived the leopard decided he too was going to vanish, and we caught a quick glimpse of him, elegantly descending the tree, and then, he too vanished! However a quick glimpse of a leopard is always better than no glimpse at all!!!

This morning we set off again at 5.30am, just as the sun was rising. Again there was lots of bird life and the sound of the dawn chorus. Then Natasha, one of he guests spotted a female rhino and her calf deep in the bushes. We drove around the corner and were lucky enough to see them both run across the road just in front of us.

Next we came across a lonely giraffe, merrily eating his breakfast. Suddenly Gawie spotted vultures in the sky, all heading off in the same direction. Was there a kill somewhere? So off we drove, following them until we found a dead impala ram. There was no sign of the predator that had killed him, but Gawie thought it may have been a cheetah that had been scared off by the vultures (we had a quick look around the area, but couldn’t see anything). There were lots of white backed vultures, both on the floor eating the kill, and also in the trees, so we sat and watched. More vultures arrived, flying in over our heads and landing just in front of us (it was like being on the runway at Joburg airport!). One came in so close it almost knocked Faffa off the trackers seat at the front of the land rover. A large lappet faced vulture joined in the party, plus a rare white headed vulture flew overhead. Other raptors arrived, including bateleur eagle and yellow billed kite, all circling above us. After only a few minutes the impala was no more – all meat picked clean off the bone, and the vultures started to move off, looking for the thermals to help them on their way.

Our stomachs were now calling us for breakfast back at camp, so off we drove. On the way back we saw more rhinos. Then we came across 2 elephant bulls, chilling out in the morning sun. The temperature was rising nicely, so they were dust bathing – throwing dirt over them to cool themselves down and act as a natural sunscreen.

Back at camp, after another delicious breakfast I’m now sitting in the morning sun, watching a family of warthogs (mum and 4 piglets) eating just in front of the lodge. Life doesn’t get better than this ! ”

Elephant Taking a Mud Bath

A Rhino Covered in Mud

A Vulture Coming in to Land

Vultures Feasting on a Kill in the Klaserie

LIVE Guest Blog: Game Viewing in the Klaserie

Mike and Fiona Clark had yet another successful day game viewing in the Klaserie. This post was written on their third day in the Klaserie and it seems the rangers from both Africa on Foot and nThambo have delivered in terms of sightings.

“Over lunch we all discussed which animals we still wanted to see, and a resounding “leopard” was the answer from everyone – the only one of the big 5 we have not yet seen! ” I have a foolproof plan” replied Faffa. So off we started on our game drive, all awaiting Faffa’s plan to see a leopard. We stopped at a bush (I can’t divulge the name of the bush as it’s top secret – well more like I have forgotten its name!) and Faffa jumped off to collect leaves. We all had to chew on the bitter leaf – this apparantly would ensure we see a leopard before we leave. And, like fools we did as we were asked. It was like chewing on a lemon!!! Then we continued on our way with high expectations……

Firstly we came across a ‘Dazzle’ of zebra. Theses are quite rarely seen in this area, so it was lovely to see this mother and foal, standing together looking at us for that perfect photo. Next we saw a herd of Kudu, including a young male with tiny horns, looking just like a devil. We hunted high and low for the elusive leopard, not stopping for anything else – but no luck. We stopped for sundowners, right beside 2 rhino, who watched us intently as we drank and ate. How lucky and privileged to see these animals so relaxed in our presence !

We continued in our search for the leopard as the skies got darker. Gawie stopped as Faffa spotted a bush baby in the light from the spotlight in a tree. John, one of the other guests, jokingly commented – “is it a leopard?” Faffa replied ” yes it’s a bonsai leopard” to which we all fell about laughing. It just goes to show, it’s not always about the animals we see, it’s about the good company and the rapport between the guests and the rangers.

Here at nThambo this is always the best part of any time spent here. Back at camp we were treated to a traditional South African Braai, of lamb chops and boerewors. This was cooked by Gawie as we all sat around the Braai reminiscing about the fun nights we’ve all just experienced.

This morning we were up early, still insistent that we would see a leopard today, but the bush had other ideas. There were plenty of birds sitting perfectly for photos, including black headed oriole, brown snake eagle, grey goaway bird and lesser striped swallows to name a few. We also saw a herd of blue wildebeest (aptly named ‘the Addams family’). We also saw another 2 rhinos in the thick bush, but despite all their efforts, no leopard came out to see us – never mind there still 3 more days for the magic leaves to work!!!!”

The Decision to Find the Leopard was Talked About Around the Camp Fire

Faffa Encouraging Us to Eat Leaves !

Young Kudu Bull with Horns Like a Devil

While Having Sundowners We Spotted Rhino !

Fantastic Wildebeest Spotted on Safari

The Double Banded Plover Chick

Zebra Spotted While Game Viewing in the Klaserie

Game Viewing in the Klaserie – Observing Zebra

This Brown Snake Eagle Posed Nicely for Us

LIVE Guest Blog: Rhinos and Cuddling Tree Squirrels

Mike and Fiona sent through this breakdown of their second day on safari in the Klaserie. Being regular guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo, it’s always great to hear their feedback about the camps. Here is an account of their second day on safari. Stay tuned for what happens next !

“Well, today the sun came out – and so did the animals!!Firstly we came across a nice relaxed male rhino. We got close to him whilst he merrily ate his afternoon meal of grass. He did not moving too far away from the vehicle. A bit later, Gawie and Faffa found tracks for a female lion, so they tracked her on foot. We then approached in the land-rover and instead of 1 lioness we found 2. We sat with them for a while and they they got up and walked in front of the vehicle before lying down in the shade. One of the females was lactating, and Gawie said she had 3 small cubs hidden away snuggly in a den site where she returns and monitors every few days.

We stayed with them whilst they yawned and posed nicely for photos, then we made our way to a herd of buffalo that were nearby. They were a little uneasy with the vehicle and chose to keep some distance between them and us, probably wise as the female lions were not too far away. Suddenly through the silence we heard the 2 male lions roaring in the distance. The sun was setting so we stopped for sundowners while listening to the lions roaring. It was great to watch the beautiful sunset whilst drinking a glass of Chenin Blanc – bliss. Back at camp Yolandi was waiting with a glass of sherry to warm us from within. The fire was lit in the boma and very welcoming to us all, to warm us from the outside too! We sat chatting about the excellent sightings from the evening drive, whilst the lions again roared not too far away- maybe tomorrow we would see them for ourselves?

After a hearty meal, excellent company and good nights sleep, we set off again on game drive. I think the animals were all oversleeping this morning though. We did come across a nice breeding herd of elephants in the thick bush, crunching their way through some knobthorn trees for breakfast. It’s always nice to see these giant animals up close and interacting. The rest of the drive was peaceful. It gave us a chance to appreciate the smaller animals, birds and vegetation around us – like warthogs running around in small family groups, and tree squirrels huddled together to keep warm in the morning sun.

No sign of the lions this morning, so fingers crossed again for this afternoon.”

Warthog in the Klaserie

Incredible Photo of Tree Squirrels Playing

Welcome Drinks from nThambo

Sunset Over the Klaserie

Ross Pride of Lions in the Klaserie

One of the Beautiful Rhino that Roam the Klaserie

Ross Pride: The Bad’s Antics Caught on Camera

The Ross Pride are the dominant pride of lions that traverse the surrounding area of Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. There are two males that have become famous and have quite a few fans. They’re affectionately known as the “Good” and the “Bad”. Much like the Twilight movies, you choose a team. Personally, my favourite is the “Good” but for the die hard “Bad” fans, here is a video of his finest moments.

After you’ve watched the video of one of the most famous lions in the Klaserie, please feel free to comment.

Video of a Cheetah Kill in the Kruger

Our resident videographer, Dave, has been hard at work capturing essential wildlife moments on camera. This video of a cheetah kill in the Kruger was taken while out on a game drive with the nThambo and Africa on Foot rangers.

Here are my two reasons for labelling this cheetah kill in the Kruger a remarkable and unusual event:

1. The cheetah is an elusive cat that traverses a massive territory. Catching a glimpse of them in the wild is considered a rare sighting. While on safari at Africa on Foot and nThambo we witnessed the stalking, take down and devouring of a steenbok calf by two cheetah brothers.

2. Cheetahs stalk their prey in pairs but they are actually solitary hunters. Often they prey on young antelope. They use a diversion method tactic when it comes to hunting – one does the distracting of the adult antelope and the other does the ambushing. The only time the two will ambush together is when they want to take down large prey. The reason being that cheetahs have small incisors and thus attacking smaller prey with narrow necks makes the strangulation process easier. In this video, we have the smallest antelope species being attacked and hunted by both brothers ! Remarkable – did two of them really need to carry the steenbok together?

A few facts:

Cheetahs have adapted their hunting skills to fit their habitat. Although used to hunting in open plains using their speed to their advantage, in the Kruger they have adapted their “style” and use the tall grasses to stalk their prey. With stealth they observe, monitor and silently creep closer to their target. Despite being the fastest land animal, they cannot sustain their speed for leangthy periods of time. This is why they need to creep as close to their prey as possible.
There is only ever a 1 in 10 chance of a cheetah actually successfully making the kill.
Being delicate creatures, their temperaure rises during the chase of the kill and need to rest after periods of exertion.
They do not have the energy to fight off scavenegers and predators who want to steal their prey. This is why the often begin feasting even before the animal is completely dead. One of the cheetahs will generally “keep watch” while the other devours the meal. In the below video and images you will notice one of the cheetahs keeping guard while the other eats.

Hope you enjoy the video and have a better understanding of how the cheetah

Enjoy the cheetah images and video!