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The Week in Pictures : Avian Delights, Big Cat Carnivals, and Lush Landscapes

The safari industry refers to the summer season in Kruger as “emerald season”, and for good reason. When the rains pelt down and smother the dry landscape with water, the bushveld awakens from its drab slumber. Those bland branches give birth to plush greenery, and migrant birds flock to the region for its ample supply of herbivorous delights.. So many shades of teal and green cloak the terrain during the summer, making it one of the most scenic times of year to visit the Kruger. Every aspect of the bush is buzzing and alive; and the energy is rather contagious! Although not considered “peak” game viewing season, we’ve certainly haven’t experienced a lull in predator sightings. The past few weeks have produced generous sightings of big game, carnivores, birds and other small creatures.

I know it seems like a “copy and paste” of last week, but Ezulwini Game Lodges seem to enjoy consistent lion sightings. If it’s not the lion cubs, then it’s the abundant sightings of the Kudyela lionesses or the Machaton males that constantly wow our guests. Umkumbe Safari Lodge has branched out somewhat and delivered a wealth of lion sightings ! That’s right – our Sabi Sand lodge has balanced the leopard sightings with other big cat sightings.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have climbed aboard the leopard sightings train, and now enjoy sightings of local lass, Nyeleti. The lion sightings are also on the increase; but a highlight this week has been the endless sightings of the elephant herds splashing about in bodies of water that are the result of the recent rains.

Walkers Bush Villa have really put themselves on the map this week with their big five sightings. Two of the Ross Pride lionesses were attempting to flush out a warthog from its burrow. Quite a remarkable sighting, but one that is not uncommon in the game-rich Timbavati Private Nature Reserve! Expert guide, Brett Horley, managed to track and find breeding herds of elephant, bulky herds of buffalo and other wildlife.

The team at Chacma Bush Camp have provided us with plenty of entertaining lion cub moments together with sightings of the coalition that sired the cubs, and the cubs’ natal pride.

Our Top 14 Most Instagrammable Lion Cub Images from Chacma

Em Gatland has flooded our folders with images of the recent lion cub sightings at Chacma Bush Camp. Of the hundreds of images of cubs, there are a handful that we’ve deemed Instagram-worthy. Let’s face it thought, most of em’s images are “Instagrammable“, but these cub images are bound to take social media by storm.

Lion cubs face many challenges in the wild, which means the mortality rate of cubs is staggeringly high – 80% of cubs die before the age of two. Cubs are often at the mercy of revengeful scavengers, and don’t have the strength to ward off experienced, bone-crushing carnivores. Cubs often find themselves in precarious situations which can include anything from being in the way of stampeding buffalo herds, to not getting enough food. Another challenge that cubs face in the wild is that of infanticide from testosterone filled male lions seeking to kill-off another’s bloodline.

Fact is, cubs are born utterly helpless. A giraffe calf can stand within 20 minutes of being born, zebra foals can walk within an hour of entering the world, but our precious lion cubs require ample nurturing before being able to handles themselves in the wild. We know how rare these sightings are, so when Em delivers an ample supply of lion cub images from her time at Chacma, we celebrate!

There are 12 cubs found in the area around camp, often found in tow with 3 sub-adults and 3 adult females. The cubs are from the older females, which we speculate are the Lamai lionesses.

We trust you’ll enjoy Em’s portfolio of adorable cub images. We certainly did !

18 Lions and Cubs on a Waterbuck Kill at Chacma

Before we plunge head first into the tremendous story of how 18 lions killed a waterbuck right outside Chacma Bush Camp – and how it subsequently led to abundant lion cub sightings in camp – we’re going to give you a brief synopsis about this local pride. In total there are 18 lions spotted on the traverse, as well as the Maseke males that cruise onto the scene to patrol turf and mate with females. Of the 18 lions, there are 3 sub-adult lionesses, 3 adult lionesses and 12 cubs. At this stage their ID is more speculation than confirmation. We believe that the lionesses are the Lamai sisters or related females. The 12 cubs are the “products” of the Lamai sisters, more than likely sired by the Maseke males. It appears that the prides all joined forces for a huge family dinner of waterbuck on Sunday night which ultimately led to an incredible series of lion pride and lion cub sightings at Chacma.

We’ve noticed that various individuals and mini-prides have begun to move closer and closer towards the confines of camp, seemingly huddling around the outskirts and cocooning us with their presence. The waterhole in front of camp is a major drawcard for a variety of plains game, which means there’s an ample supply of carnivorous delights for predators and a reliable water source. Clearly the prides have caught wind of this, and have realised that our waterhole and immediate surrounds is the best take-out joint in town!

What is quite curious is the choice of meal that the pride took down (large waterbuck) on Sunday night. We’re not analysing their diet by any means, but the meat on a waterbuck is as tasty as a poorly made KFC burger. Let me explain. A long-held theory suggests that waterbuck secrete an oily substance (waterproofing) that makes their meat unpalatable to predators. Why have this when you are surrounded by gourmet meat?

The answer is probably threefold. Waterbuck bulls are territorial, which means this local antelope was probably guaranteed to be hovering around the same area, a presence that could easily be predicted. Secondly, the Chacma waterbuck was a massive, handsome dominant bull fit to provide an ample supply of meat for a large pride of lions. And lastly, lions can be opportunistic! With so many lions, the take down of large prey would prove to be relatively easy.

The lions formulated an attack in the dead of night, and our team heard the savage sounds that accompany a kill while they were at camp. Em managed to get a few photos of the lions, but the carcass was shrouded in vegetation, so visual of the kill site wasn’t great. Lions tend to hang around the area of their kill for a few days. They spend plenty of time gorging themselves on their meal until they can’t move, which means it’s relatively easy for guides to locate the lazy lions flopping around.

The morning after the kill one of the lions was spotted at the waterhole in front of camp. That night the lions were seen again, together with the cubs and an unidentified male lion. Tuesday delivered an absolute highlight of sightings! The cubs meandered down to the waterhole to drink, and guests were able to watch them from the comfort of camp, chilling on the pool deck with a coffee and snack. The cubs were somewhat skittish and neurotic as they gingerly approached the waterhole.

This has definitely been a bucket list highlight for us. Lion cubs face a high mortality rate in the wild, so to see them healthy is one thing, but right at camp? Come on – that’s the stuff for campfire stories ! We’re sharing the images that were taken the morning after the kill. Visual just wasn’t 100% to photograph the waterbuck carcass.

The Week in Pictures : Cool Cats and Amber Sunsets

A clear theme for “Week in Pics” has emerged. One sideways glance at the slew of images from our guides and photographers is all you need to figure out the common denominator : CATS. Included in the portfolio of leopard and lion images, there are pictures of charismatic sunsets and general game, which always provides a fantastic overview of the many aspects of a safari.

It has certainly been a big cat week across the Greater Kruger. Weekly we are treated to sightings of lion cubs in both the Maseke Game Reserve and Balule Private Nature Reserve, and Umkumbe tend to steal the limelight with leopard sightings. Our other camps consistently provide intricate reports of their sightings. The Lowveld is heaving with sightings at the moment, but in our books 2019 seems to be the year of the cat!

Ezulwini Game Lodge loves being in the limelight with their big cat sightings. The Machatons are still the reining kings of the area, and the Kudyela lionesses continue to nurture and protect their young cubs. The guides at Ezulwini literally come across piles of lions flopped across savannah landscapes. Always a delightful sight.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge also enjoys their spate of lion sightings, but their big cat favourites are leopards. We’re never short of a leopard update from our Sabi Sand crew. Tatowa’s male cub – their blue-eyed boy – was spotted scent marking his land, patrolling the shrubbery and relaxing in a tree. Basically spotted engaging in typical leopard behaviour! Among the feline antics there was an incredible sighting of two zebra stallions getting involved in an aggressive showdown while a few curious giraffe stood by and observed the scene.

Ezulwini wasn’t the only lodge to spot lion cubs during the course of the week. Guests and guides from Chacma Bush Camp spent a fair portion of their time observing the bumbling antics of the Maseke cubs during playtime at the waterhole. The waterhole seems to be their favourite playground!

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot in the Klaserie experienced a bit of a motley crew of sightings, enjoying observations of the ever famous Nyeleti tucking into a recent kill in a tree, 4 male lions relaxing during the heat of the day and a huge herd of elephants enjoying a mammoth swimming session at the waterhole.

Without further ado, here are our recent images fresh from the Greater Kruger.

The History of Uganda’s Batwa Pygmy Tribe in Bwindi Region

Visitors flock to Uganda to trek with gorillas deep within the verdant untouched forests of the region, and combine their arduous gorilla trekking experience with chimp tracking safaris in the heart of Kibale Forest. The wildlife and landscape of Uganda is a major drawcard for many tourists, but it’s not the only thing that Uganda has to offer its visitors. Learning about the cultural diversity and the dramatic history of Uganda is key to understanding so much of how this developing country made its mark on the map. One of the tribes we are going to explore today – the Batwa Pygmy tribe – has a story that’s actually tightly woven into gorilla trekking safaris.

The story of the Batwa people is one of woe and sacrifice, and their historical presence is one of great significance. They were the original inhabitants of East Africa’s Great Lakes, and the guardians of the equatorial forests before they were pushed to the outskirts of Bwindi forest when it was was gazetted in 1991. The story of the ousting of the Batwas is a multi-layered discussion with many aspects coming into play. Many believe that the Batwa were evicted to make way for colonial tourism, and others believe it was to ensure the success of the dwindling numbers of wild gorillas in the area. Needless to say, the eviction of the Batwas and marginalising this ancient group, without any support, is one of great sadness.

History of the Batwa

For over 60,000 years (a stat according to anthropologists) the indigenous forest people lived in harmony with the gorillas. The Batwa are believed to be some of the first inhabitants of the earth, and the original inhabitants of East Africa’s Great Lakes. Survival was based on hunting bush meat and gathering edible fruits from their surrounds. Hunts were done by using poison tipped arrows and homes were made from durable plants, sticks, vines and leaves. Until recently, Bwindi’s mountain gorillas shared their forest with the Batwa pygmies, a tribe of hunter-gatherers who lived in its caves and trees for thousands of years. They were the protectors of the forest and lived side-by-side with the wild mountain gorillas.

Why were the Batwa Pygmies removed from their forest home?

There are many aspects affecting the ousting of the Batwas. They were the initial hunter gatherers that have now been forced to live on the periphery of their natural home. The Bwindi was declared a national park to protect the gorillas, and thus the human element was forcibly removed.

The Batwa never hunted gorillas but gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, which means the presence of the Batwa greatly increased the chance of infection and disease from human to primate. In 1991 the Batwa were given conservation refugee status, never really establishing themselves in the surrounding communities or in the jungle; and constantly living in limbo.

How do the Batwa Pygmy people survive?

When the Batwa were removed from the forest they weren’t given any compensation for land or crops. It was agreed that they could live on the periphery of the forest but could not hunt bush meat. They were left to fend for themselves and struggled to mix with the local communities. There was simply was no place for them in the market place either, meaning they couldn’t trade or even buy provisions.

The Batwa were unprepared for this, having only known the jungle lifestyle and how to thrive in that environment. Generations born into the more contemporary Batwa life have managed to establish and survive better. Currently, the Batwa keep their culture alive and bring in a minimal income through displays of hunting, gathering honey, weaving baskets and doing traditional dances for tourists.

In conjunction with your gorilla and chimp trekking safari to Uganda,we highly recommend you get to know the story of the Batwa and contribute where you can. The Batwa Experience has greatly benefited the communities.

The Week in Pictures : Lion Cubs and Pouncing Predators

Lion cubs face a high mortality rate in the wild and are completely helpless when born, relying on their mother for nutrition and protection. Lionesses stash their cubs in den sites for the first few months of their life, ensuring they are protected from plundering scavengers and revengeful testosterone fuelled male lions seeking to take over prides. Needless to say, there are numerous factors contributing towards the low survival rate of lion cubs in the wild. Seeing them is a rare privilege and we only really spot them when their mother deems it safe enough to release them from her designated den area. We’ve noticed a similar themed thread that has woven through from last week through this week, which is the heavy presence of lions and cubs in the wild.

There has been a notable increase in lion cub sightings while on drive with Ezulwini Game Lodges. Our videographer Rogan spent a few days lapping up the spoils of River Lodge, and was taken aback at the abundant sightings of the healthy Kudyela lion cubs (sired by the Machatons). Upon arrival at the lodge they stumbled across a pride of 22 lions! There goes Ezulwini Game Lodges, overachieving again.

Chacma Bush Camp is also enjoying a wealth of little lion sightings, with the growing Maseke cubs spotted bumbling around the edge of a waterhole. Coupled with the lion cub sightings, the team encountered a pack of wild dogs on the trot. They enjoyed the antics that ensued after a kill was made, and a few snatch and grab sessions between pack members that provided entertainment for our guests. Rewind back to lion sightings and we’re happy to report that both the Lamai females and Maseke males were also spotted.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge guides have had plenty of fun with their recent guests, teaching them about how to handle harmless snakes and plenty of other useful wildlife facts. The highlight of the week has to be the sighting of leopards Ndzanzeni mating with Nweti, and then also the close encounter with Nweti casually sniffing the wheel of the game viewer.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have enjoyed a few lion sightings recently, with the most epic sighting being that of two lion prides entering into a dramatic scuffle. The days following the fight, the defeated lions were spotted in an open area, licking their wounds and tending to their bruised egos. There were plenty of sub-adult lions in the pride of 11 that took on the pride of 9 – young and brave!

Those are our highlights from our Kruger camps. Below we have a selection of images from last week. We trust you’ll enjoy our selection!

Whisk the family to Walkers Bush Villa

Walkers Bush Villa in the teeming Timbavati Game Reserve is the perfect family break. The villa is lavish, secluded and can be perfectly tailored to your family’s unique tastes and whims.

The kids might be up and at ’em at the break of dawn, but mom and dad had hoped for a lie-in. No problem. There are a number of activities that can be arranged to keep the kids occupied and entertained while the parents enjoy their snooze. Or maybe the family’s teenager needs their beauty sleep while mom and dad enjoy their early morning game drive? Why not! The Timbavati’s borders are open to the Kruger National Park, which means there are all manner of critters and creatures to look out for on drive (keep an eye out for the now famous and regularly-spotted Sunset Dam leopard).

Perhaps the family feels like having a large late afternoon lunch out on the patio, instead of dinner inside? Done! The private chef at Walkers will cook up whatever your heart desires at whatever time suits the family best – plus, his delectable dishes will have you overindulging and still coming back for more.

Or maybe the parents feel like an afternoon bush walk with a knowledgeable ranger to spot some
birds, while the kids have the sparkling pool at the villa all to themselves? No worries. In fact, birders are guaranteed to see a veritable kaleidoscope of feathered friends in and around Walkers, from flamboyant orioles, warblers and weavers to varicoloured robins, coucals and rollers. And, of course, the kids are perfectly safe alone at the villa, and a vigilant eye can be arranged to keep watch while they’re in the pool.

Point is, a family getaway to Walkers Bush Villa can be customised to whatever the family feels like. There needn’t be any rigid schedules or programmes. The chef, staff and guides are at your every beck and call, and with enough warning, almost anything can be arranged when it comes to drives, walks, bush breakfasts, sundowners, and the like.

It’s also completely private, which means you can treat the villa like your home away from home and there won’t be anyone else to judge the idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of your unique little family. And no one will be there to witness any of the inevitable screaming matches that are so synonymous with family getaways.

The four spacious rooms mean every member of the family will have ample space to retreat to
(mom and dad get the big master suite with ensuite bathroom, of course), while the rest of the
house is perfectly appointed with airy spaces flowing into one another.

The vast verandah is perfect for those sundowner sessions, while the sun loungers on the newly-built pool deck are great for catching a few rays between dips.

Why not spoil the family with an escape to this secluded slice of heaven in the heart of the Timbavati?

The Loved-up Luxury Honeymoon Suite at Ezulwini River Lodge

The Balule Nature Reserve is the Greater Kruger’s best kept secret and its unsurpassed natural beauty makes it a worthy safari destination for honeymooners. Ezulwini Game Lodges sits in the epicentre of wildlife activity in the Balule, and each lodge has been designed in such a way to take advantage of the magnificent surrounds. Billy’s has the famous meandering wooden skywalk that winds its way over wild bushveld, and provides the ideal vantage point for game viewing. The new waterhole is an absolute magnet for game, and so is the Olifants River that flows in front of River Lodge.

The team at Ezulwini have implemented a few decor changes at River Lodge and injected a fresher lighter palette into the interior. One of the well-appointed rooms to receive special attention was the honeymoon suite; a luxurious hideaway ideal for loved-up honeymooners. With the freestanding modern bath, outdoor shower, private plunge pool and extensive balcony; who would ever want to leave this palatial abode?

We do encourage you to leave your suite, despite its obvious lavish offerings. The Ezulwini traverse is pumping with predator sightings at the moment, and lodge manager Angele floods us with reports of leopard, lion cub and elephant sightings. From insects to predators, herbivores and reptiles; the Balule is an endless playground of sightings!

Photographer Em Gatland spent time at River Lodge and decided to showcase the loved-up honeymoon suite. The Ezulwini team go out of their way to add welcoming touches to the room prior to arrival, but not much is needed given the splendour of the natural surrounds.

Surrounded by wild, governed by wildlife and cocooned in luxury. Ezulwini has certainly lived-up to its namesake, “Place of Paradise”.

The Week in Pictures : Barging into 2019 with Gusto

We’re barging into 2019 with the gusto of a revenge filled dagga boy stampeding towards its intended target. It’s going to be a year of endearing moments, bloodcurdling take downs and unique sightings. And we’re going to be right there – in the heart of the action – delivering new stories, videos and images of each performance. We trust that the year ahead will be filled with veritable delights from the wild. We’re looking forward to observing the shift in dynamics with big cats, and whatever else comes our way.

In 2018 our Kruger camps enjoyed a number of noteworthy sightings and – in retrospect – the year was a successful one. We can’t complain about the smorgasbord of wildlife delights that came our way during the course of the year. Let’s hope 2019 delivers the same level of sightings. 2018 certainly set the bar in terms of game viewing.

What stood out for us in 2018? There seemed to be a marked increase in leopard sightings at our Kruger camps with the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and Sabi Sand bringing in the majority of leopard reports. Coupled with the increase in leopard sightings, we welcomed a number of lion cubs into the wild. Ezulwini Game Lodges stole the limelight with consistent sightings of 11 cubs belonging to the reigning Machaton kings. Chacma Bush Camp have also enjoyed sightings of tough and tawny cubs on the Chacma traverse. The Timbavati’s Walkers Bush Villa tend to enjoy a good balance of predator sightings, with reports of both leopard and lions being observed.

In years past, the Klaserie was famed for its abundant lion sightings, but it was the leopards that drove 2018. Will 2019 be the year of the lion for the Klaserie? Or will we enjoy 50/50 sightings of both? The dynamics of the lion prides in the Klaserie have provided us much confusion over the past year, and hopefully 2019 will be the year that sees a few dominant leos on the traverse. We can only hope that all of our camps look forward to further sightings, and that certain species reveal themselves more often!

Let’s transport ourselves back to present time and do a quick recap of the sightings from the past couple of weeks. The Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp teams observed a violent scuffle between two prides of lions (unidentified). In total there were 20 lions involved in the showdown, with two teams comprising 11 and 9 individuals. One of the prides wandered over into another’s territory and suffered the consequences!

With Umkumbe Safari Lodge we continue the romantic saga between Nweti and Natumi, who were spotted enjoying yet another mating session. As December was drawing to a close a newborn albino elephant calf was spotted in the wild. A perfect gift in time for the festive season. Yesterday the southern pride of lionesses were seen lazing about in the heat of the day – always great to see this famous pride of lions. A highlight was a unique moment with a hyena cornered by a huge pack of wild dogs. Both species approached the game viewers, allowing visitors to relish the opportunity of getting up close and personal with predators!

Ezulwini Game Lodges continue with their vast array of sightings. There’s always a wildlife spectacle in the Balule, and guides ensure they’re constantly at the helm of the sightings. The Machaton male lions were – once again – spotted resting in the plush undergrowth. The Kudyela cubs often decide to put on an appearance for guests, which always makes for an enthralling experience. In other lion news, the 4 unknown male lions from the east made another guest appearance, adding to the lion sighting numbers.

Local leopard Chavaluthu has been mating with an unknown leopard, then 2 unknown leopards have also been mating. The highlight of the week was the sighting of an unknown leopard together with her two cubs! The Olifants River is in full flow and is attracting a colourful array of summer migrant birds. Is that all? No, most certainly not. A huge pack of wild dogs were seen frolicking about, and a hyena clan was hovering outside an obvious den site.

Guide AD from Chacma Bush Camp said that the Maseke lion cubs were spotted over the weekend. These cubs are happy and healthy, and have certainly not shied away from the centre stage.

Walkers Bush Villa spotted the Giraffe Pride devouring a recent giraffe kill. The youngsters eventually moved off in search of water, while the larger male stayed to gorge itself on the rest of the kill. The team in the Timbavati have enjoyed ample sightings of elephants, leopards, lions and a curious hyena approaching the vehicle.

Our message to you? Barge into 2019 and make it count!

Original Spicy Cocktails and Yuletide Cheer in a Bushveld Setting

The festive season arrived without warning, and we’re now in the thick of the madness. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you can’t ignore the busyness of the holiday season and the jovial mindset of holidaymakers. And our attitude is – if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em ! The team based at Chacma Bush Camp, Africa on Foot, and nThambo Tree Camp decided to surprise guests with a few original recipe cocktails, handmade Christmas cookies and snacks. The bushveld is brimming with activity, and the drab colours of the winter season have gradually made way for gleaming emerald colours synonymous with a Kruger summer. The natural setting was perfect and pristine; so it was up to our teams to get creative and frivolous.

Gemma designed a few safari cocktails using bush plums found just outside camp, and used a twist skills to cleverly craft a few holiday drinks. The bush plums were devoured by the elephants, but the lumbering herds managed to leave a handful for our team. Delectable Christmas cookies were baked with love, and decorated using the mainstream colours of Christmas. Flavours of the bushveld were elegantly merged flavours associated with holidays in colder climes – we’re talking spicy cinnamon aromas, aniseed and orange. Africa on Foot’s festive set-up was under the shade of a tree and the nThambo set-up was on the deck overlooking the local waterhole.

Chacma Bush Camp arranged a similar set-up at camp, and used an array of Christmas themed ideas for decor. The theme was carried through into the kitchen where staff prepared a delicious batch of cookies and prepared mouth-watering drinks.

So, will Gemma and the team share their recipes? Yes ! The cocktail recipes and ingredients are listed below. There’s still time for you to whip a safari style cocktail.

Christmas Cake Truffles and Spiced Rooibos Vodka Martini