Predators of the Skies: Birds of Prey in Action

    Predators of the Skies: Birds of Prey in Action

    Dry season has been full of non-stop predator-prey action. Predators take their natural advantage of the thinning bush and transformed landscapes that the golden season brings. Not limited to land or the skies, birds of prey are some of the most fascinating and skilled hunters. With exceptional vision, lightning-fast speed, lethal precision, and razor-sharp talons, birds of prey are more than just awe-inspiring predators. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By controlling prey populations and cleaning up carrion, they help sustain the delicate balance of life in the bush.

    Masters of the skies

    With over 500 bird species in Southern Africa along, birds add another level of depth and interest on safari. While the summer season brings colourful flocks of migratory birds returning to escape the northern winters, it’s the unfolding drama of birds of prey in action during the dry season that truly sparks flutterings of excitement among birders at this time of year.

    From the iconic and haunting call of the African fish eagle to the striking appearance of Secretary bird as elegantly strides across the savannah in search of snakes to hunt. These creatures add a captivating layer of awareness to the bush. Not only do the add flashes of bright colour to the bush, birds are good bioindicators of healthy ecosystems. Where they thrive, life thrives.

    Because of their ability to easily move and sensitivity to environmental shifts, birds often show the first signs of ecological imbalance.

    Vulture perched

    Vulture perched atop a tree waiting for the next kill

    Eagle-eyed

    One the distinct advantages that birds have as predators is their extraordinary vision. The saying the eyes of an eagle or hawk exist for a reason! Eagles have the sharpest eyesight in the animal kingdom and are capable of spotting and focusing on prey up to 3km away! 

    This incredible vision is what sets them apart, the ability to detect the slightest movements and tiny details while soaring high above or perched from atop a tree.

    African fish eagle

    African Fish Eagle

    The iconic African Fish eagle with it’s hauntingly beautiful call will patiently wait perched high above a body of water in a tree top. It surveys the surface the water until powerfully swooping down with total precision to grab fish with its sharp talons. While fish make up the majority of its diet, the African Fish Eagle has also been known to prey on other birds such as flamingos, and even  small mammals, including monkeys and hares.

     

    Bateleur eagle

    Bateleur Eagle

    The Bold Bateleur

    Known for its distinct aerial acrobatics, the Bateleur Eagle is easily spotted by the side-to-side rocking motion it displays during flight.
    Bateleur eagles will spend 8-9 hours in the air searching for food. Rapid, direct flight is their preferred hunting method. They will cover extensive areas, sometimes 100’s of km’s in search of their next meal.  Their menu is a varied one and includes antelope, mice, birds, snakes, carrion, lizards and carrion from road kills.

    Bateleurs are often first to arrive at carrion before vultures as they rely on thermals for flight.are occasional kleptoparasites which means they deliberately steal food from other animals. They’re known topirate prey from other raptors, engaging in dramatic mid-air confrontations to snatch a meal. Alternatively, they try intercept a raptor’s kill while the predator is still feeding, whether the kill is on the ground, perched in a tree, resting on a rock, or even moments after it’s made. Bateleurs may force their rivals to the ground, locking talons or trading blows with their feet in mid-air skirmishes.

    Their direct competitor is the Tawny Eagle who is slightly larger. The Tawny eagle also changes between hunting live prey, scavenging, and aerial pirate attacks.

    bateleurs and tawny eagle

    Who’ll win? 2 Bateleur Eagles battle 1 Tawny Eagle for scavengers rights

    Hoo’s that?

    Imagine sitting around the campfire in the boma beneath a blanket of stars as a deep ‘hoooo,hoooo’ rings through the crisp night air. These nocturnal hunters are the prevalent avian predators come darkness. An owl will call to defend territory and let other owls know it is there.

    These creatures of the night are designed for nocturnal hunting.

    Owls have enormous eyes which help them take in more light so aid them during low-light as well as the most forward facing eyes, adapted for tracking prey.

    While their large eyes help them to collect more light it also restricts their mobility in the skull. Owls have a visual field of around 110 degrees while birds with peripheral vision from side-placed eyes have around 240 degrees field of vision. Nature, clever by design, overcame this for owls adapting them to have flexible necks that allow them to swivel their heads 270 degrees, enabling them to see in every direction even behind them.

    Owl

    King of the night sky

    The Verreaux’s eagle-owl is the largest owl found in South Africa and has one of the most voracious diets of all owls. They are capable of taking down prey as large as scrub hares and vervet monkeys.
    When hunting larger animals, these powerful owls will tear the prey apart, though they don’t always pluck the fur or feathers beforehand. This is regurgitated in a mucous covered ball known as a pellet. Lovely.

    owl

    Spotted Eagle-Owl

    Owls are masters of silent flight

    Hearing is an owl’s super-sense. Their excellent hearing comes from having asymmetrical ears which helps pinpoint and capture sound waves accurately locating prey. While their large wing size in relation to their bodies means they don’t need to flap excessively and move swiftly and silently. Coupled with their ability to move with a quiet stealth through the air, they are successful hunters at ambushing prey.

     

    Pale chanting goshawk

    Pale Chanting Goshawk

    An unlikely duo

    The hunting methods of predators of the skies are as varied as their land mammal counterparts. Equally as diverse and fascinating.

    One of the few African species known to co-operatively hunt with the honey badger is the Pale (and dark) chanting Goshawk.

    The tough-as-nails honey badger bulldozes its way through shrub as it forages, disturbing insects, rodents, and reptiles along the way. Goshawks follow in its wake, opportunistically gobbling up organisms the honey badger doesn’t eat itself. Not only have they been spotted following honey badgers and slender mongoose in hopes of capturing secondary prey but even a cape cobra.

    (See here for images of the goshawk and honey badger in action)

    This kind of interspecies relationship is called commensalism whereby one species benefits and the other is neither affected nor harmed.

    Ground hornbill in flight

    Ground hornbill in flight

    As dry season continues to unfold across the Southern African bush veld, every day is an action-packed adventure. Witness thrilling encounters of predator-prey action taking place both on land and in the skies.
    This is just a taster of the remarkable birding action on display across the African wilderness.
    Birds of prey play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. As skilled hunters, they help to regulate rodent and small animal populations. As scavengers, they act as nature’s clean up crew by removing carrion that would otherwise spread disease.

    Their presence is a clear sign of a thriving, healthy wilderness.

    Ready for your next adventure into the wild?
    Contact our reservations team here to explore more

    francolin fighting

    A Swainsons francolin territorial brawl

    Bateleur

    Bateleur Eagle with prey dangling from its mouth

    Hornbill

    The yellow-billed hornbill has its own unique and unusual methods for hunting. Like the  symbiotic relationship it has with mongoose.

     

    Expert Guides to the Wild: Chacma Bush Camp

    Expert Guides to the Wild: Chacma Bush Camp

    Guiding is an art form. A dance between awareness, knowledge, and intuition. It is about noticing the subtlest of movements through the dense bush: the black tip of a tail swooshing past, a glimmer of colour, a shape out of place. It is about reading the landscapes, from the spoor in the sand to listening out for the alarm calls of birds or squirrels.

    It is a wisdom learnt and earned through spending countless hours in the wild. With nature as our greatest teacher, guided game drives and walking safaris offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wisdom of the wild. Guides interpret the language of the wilderness, helping guests’ to deepen their connection to and understanding of the natural world.

    Guides are the storytellers that help make a safari an unforgettable experience. One where we learn not only about the bush, but also about ourselves and our place within the interconnected web of life.

    walking safari

    Learning in the wild

    Our passionate guides from the boutique Chacma Bush Camp share their favourite moments in the wild, what they love about the African bushveld, and why they love what they do.

    guides on a game drive

    Edward is an extraordinary storyteller. His bush knowledge has been honed from hours and hours (well, years really!) walking through the wilderness on foot.
    After years working at some of the most iconic African reserves in the Lowveld, he found his wild home at Chacma Bush Camp. He takes guests on game drives at Chacma Bush Camp but his true passion and love of the wilderness comes from leading walking safaris.

    What do you love about being a guide and working in the wilderness?

    “My favourite thing about working in the wild is that no day is ever the same whether it’s a new face of a guest, an incredible sighting, the calls of nature and waking up to nature every morning is one of the biggest pleasures.”

    What do you love about working at Chacma?

    “My favourite part of working at Chacma and the area would most definitely be the landscapes and the elevations where together with good sightings is a view that our guests wont forget either with a morning coffee or afternoon sundowner. Im also very passionate about walking and thats just one of the perks of the job.”

    What moment or experience is one that you’ll never forget?

    “There is quite a bit that stands out working in the bush, and alot of sightings or moments il never forget but by far the best was on one morning where me and my tracker tracked lions on foot, where all of a sudden we heard and saw a warthog running full force towards us, we had to make ourselfes one with the big tree next to us as lions took it down right in front if us, just a few metres away.”

    What about your most unusual sighting?

    “My most unusual sighting was seeing 6 adult leopards feeding on a big male kudu carcass. Leopards are known for their solitude and for being highly territorial.”

    What is your favourite sound or call in the bush?

    “My favourite sound in the bush is the contact call of a scrub hare, it’s quite a deep sound, that you wouldn’t expect from an animal that size.”

    spring hare

    Spring hare caught on camera by Paul Zimmer

    What is important to you as a guide? What about the safari experience do you try and share with guests?

    “One thing I often tell my guests is to take in everything from sound, smell, sight, and taste. A big part is also to enjoy the smaller things in nature just as much as the bigger things cause all and all everything together makes up a great safari experience.

    I want for guests to find a true appreciation for nature and for what it is, its ever changing and unpredictable, as guides we have the passion and knowledge but at the end of the day nature should take all the credit and should always be respected equally.

    Always expecting the unexpected and every drive/walk in nature is a fun exciting experience, never having to high expectations but to allow every moment on safari to rather surprise you. “

    Guides at Chacma Bush Camp

    Trent and Edward

    Trent Tamsen is the eagle-eyed, youngest guide and astute spotter at Chacma Bush Camp. He grew up visiting the Timbavati with his family. He recalls being when he was young and being so small that when he witnessed an elephant being darted, its toe nail was as big as his hand.

    What do you love most about the bush?

    “I love living in the bush because it brings us back to our roots when we used to live amongst all these animals. I love working in the bush because everyday is different and you don’t know what you are going to encounter and work with these animals humbles you.

    Also just getting to see these animals every day and being very fortunate to do so as not many people get to see these animals.“

    lion calling

    Nothing beats the deep guttural whuffing sound of a lion call.

    “My favourite sound in the bush is a male lion calling.”

    What’s the most valuable thing you have ever learnt from the bush?

    That we are not the apex predator out here and that these animals deserve to be respected.

    guided safari

    What do you hope that guests take home from a safari?

    I hope the that I can send them home with a piece of my knowledge that I have shared with them and I hope that I can give them an unforgettable experience that they will remember forever. 

    Ruan is the latest member of the Chacma family. He spent his childhood escaping the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and finding respite in the wilderness of the Kruger National Park on family holidays. His favourite place is out in the wild where no human noises or distractions can be seen or heard.

    guide

    Ruan in his happy place

    What is your favourite thing about being a guide?

    “My favourite thing about working in the wild is that every day is unique and different in it’s own way. No 2 days or drives are ever the same.”

    Can you share one unforgettably wild moment, one that’ll stay with you?

    “I think I will always remember the feeling you get when a leopard looks you in the eyes and stares straight into your soul. Especially the cubs that have such an innocent look and don’t realise yet the beauty and power they hold.”

    leopard

    Epic encounter with Kadimba at Chacma Bush Camp by Matt

    What is the most unusual animal behaviour you have ever witnessed?

    “The weirdest animal behaviour I have seen was 4 male lions feeding on an elephant carcass and 2 rhino bulls walk up to smell and investigate what was going on, not showing any fear towards the lions but almost looking sad for the death of the elephant.”

    What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from the bush?

    “The most valuable thing I learned from the bush is that small inconveniences don’t affect your life as much as you think they do. There is so much going on and working together that if one thing goes wrong, it will correct it self in the end.”

    walking safari

    Immersed in the wild

    What sound or call instantly reminds you that you’re in the wild?

    “A leopard rasping will always be my favourite call. These animals live in isolation except when mating but when they decide to call, every person and animal knows can hear that call. If close enough even feel the vibrations as the call reverberates through your body.”

    What do you hope that guests take home with them after going on a safari?

    “I hope every guest can take a little bit of my passion away with them once they have been on safari with me and understand why it is so important that we protect and learn from nature.”

    hyena pup

    Hyena pup by Matt Smith

    Next up, Matt Smith. Our British-born guide who first got a taste for the African bush working on a conservation project in the Greater Kruger. He is also the man behind the lens of the unbelievable wildlife photography that we share!

    Guide Matt

    Meet Matt Smith

    What is your favourite thing about working in the wild?

    “It’s exactly that, the things you can be exposed to are completely wild. Some things can be explained, some things simply cannot. The wild does things on it’s own terms, we can only try and make educated guesses and assumptions but working in the wild always has a way of catching you off guard and surprising you. Is it going to be a leopard around the next corner, or is it going to be a fascinating interaction shared between elephants and lions? The suspense, is what drives us to continue working in the wild.”

    elephant sunset

    Another incredible capture by Matt

    What do you love about working at Chacma Bush Camp?

    ” It would definitely have to be the ability to jump off the vehicles and actually walk in the bush as nature intended. Sharing the small intricacies and finite details of the smaller things that you come across, whether that be animal Track & Sign, Insects, Botany/ Vegetation etc. This is not something that all lodges offer, so I consider myself lucky to be able to partake and share this wonderful experience with my guests on trail.”

    Guiding at Chacma Bush Camp

    Tracks in the sand

    What moment stands out for you in the bush?

    “Hard to choose but I’ll go with the first time I was leading a bush walk and managed to track the location of an elephant. But not just any elephant. The footprints & dung were massive. It was Ezulwini, one of the emerging tuskers of Balule.

    In the distance I had spotted the group and they were making their way across a bushy plains towards a large game trail. I positioned our group to take a seat on a fairly large granite rock outcrop and we just had hoped they would make their way over to us. Luckily, they did. With Ezulwini the large tusker elephant bull in front they came directly past us, of course raising their trunks to smell us, or say hello, whichever way you want to interpret it in the moment!”

    wild dog

    It’s a wild world. Photo by Matt

    Anything you hope for guests to take home with them after experiencing the magic of the bush for themselves?

    “I’d have to say a wider understanding of how the ecosystem operates, right down from the soil through vegetation to alas the animals at the end. I’d want them to experience the wonder and excitement of finding their first predators of the wild, and being humbled by the sheer size of some of the animals we share the land with”

    Chacma Bush Camp

    Surrounded by the wild at Chacma Bush Camp

    Join our remarkable guides at Chacma on twice-daily game drives exploring the undulating terrain of the Maseke Balule both morning and evening.

    For intimate and boutique bush experiences like no other, visit Chacma Bush Camp.
    Contact our reservations team here to book your dream stay.

    Through the lens of a guest: Paul Zimmer experiences Umkumbe Safari Lodge

    Through the lens of a guest: Paul Zimmer experiences Umkumbe Safari Lodge

    Guest Paul Zimmer shares his wonderful and insightful journey experiencing the wonders of Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside. Nothing brings us greater joy than experiencing a safari through the eyes (or lens, really) of a guest- except for maybe going on safari ourselves!
    Please note that all the images in this post have been taken by Paul*
    game vehicle and hyena

    Spotting a couple of spotted hyena

    Situated in the heart of the wildlife-rich Sabie Game Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience. Sabie is the gateway between the Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger region. It acts as a wild buffer where animals roam freely between the national park and private unfenced reserves. Umkumbe overlooks the seasonal Sand river where incredible wildlife sightings are spotted right from the comfort of camp.

    leopard

    A leopard casually lounging right in front of the lodge

    First off, thanks so much for sharing your amazing images with us! Please share a bit about yourself — where are you from and how did your passion for photography begin?

    Hi there 🙂  My name is Paul Zimmer, I hail from the United States, born and raised in Southern California, but have been calling Redmond, Washington home for almost 2 decades now. My passion for photography started as a quick way to document memories, events, locations, and friends as early as my first year of college. I had friends at the time who were majoring in photography and tried their best to teach me their ways, but I was too dense to absorb their wisdom back then. It wasn’t until around 2018, I was dating an ex-photojournalist at the time and that sparked my interest in combining my life long love of wildlife with a deep dive into the physics, gear, and artistry of photography. My passion and my shot counts grew rapidly, to the point where I average over 20,000 photos per adventure, but more importantly, I keep impressing my friends with each new travel album. 🙂

    Your wildlife shots were absolutely stunning — do you remember the first animal you photographed during your stay? How did that moment feel?

    Thank you 🙂 It took me 3 days of travel to finally reach The Umkumbe Riverside Lodge, but once I’d finally arrived, Yuri escorted me around, explaining all the rules and locations. Right behind him were about 2 dozen elephants roaming the riverbed just beyond the camp. I had never seen so many elephants in my life and was having a hard time listening to Yuri while these beautiful beasts were snacking, walking, and playing right behind him.
    elephant

    Mother and calf

    Are you a professional photographer? A wildlife photographer? How does wildlife compare other subjects that you might shoot?

    I am (sadly) not a professional photographer. I’ve won awards and had prints accepted and sold in various local exhibitions, but I shoot for the fun of it. I’ve tried my hand at every genre of photography, from astro and landscape, to macro and micro, and I’ve learned that my favorite subjects are living creatures. I tend to see every situation like a “Candid Portrait Shoot”, where I’m studying a subject and trying to quickly capture moments in its behaviour without giving any direction or posing them artificially. This approach to photography lends itself to wildlife because wild creatures aren’t known for taking direction. I lose myself in the flow-state of observing and capturing life as it happens.
    kudu grazing

    A kudu grazing

    What kind of gear do you usually shoot with? Do you have a go-to lens when you’re in the bush?

    For wildlife photography, most already know that a long telephoto lens is basically required, because most critters won’t let you get close to them. But I also happen to love bugs and spiders too, which require you to get up close and personal to see their little details. So I’ve chosen the Tamron 50-400mm and the Sigma 60-600mm for their abilities to both zoom in on distant creatures and magnify the small stuff up close. The Tamron is more portable and my usual go-to for travel, but I made extra room in my luggage for the much bigger Sigma for this trip to maximize my reach.
    starling

    A starling, darling

     

    Was there a wildlife encounter that really stood out during your time in the Sabie?

    There were 2 that stand out. One I’m proud of, and one I’m amazed by:
    1) Yuri had heard on the radio that a Leopard was spotted in our area and he raced over to show it to us. As we arrived, the original spotter had lost sight of it in a ravine. Yuri volunteered us to drive into that ravine and find it. As we dove in, slowly creeping through the vegetation, we were all struggling to see anything in the dense greenery. After a minute or two we were starting to think we’d lost the cat for good, but out of pure luck, I caught a glimpse of a tail and 4 legs BEHIND US. I yelled to Yuri, who sounded understandably skeptical that a guest would see what a seasoned driver and paired tracker did not, but he put the jeep in reverse and grilled me for more details on what I had seen. After an exciting few more moments maneuvering backwards, we relocated our Leopard resting just behind a bush and just below the peak of the ravine! We got to spend another 10 glorious minutes with it lounging just a car length away from us.
    leopard

    A sensational shot and close encounter with this elusive and majestic big cat

     

    2) On my first drive back to the lodge after sunset, our tracker was scanning the road and wilderness ahead with his spotlight. Going 15km/h, in pitch darkness, this super human individual spotted a green chameleon in a green bush. Yuri stopped the jeep so we could all struggle to see it, and after a minute, we all eventually spotted it for ourselves and were stunned at the skill it must take to see such a camouflaged creature in those impossible conditions. It’s hard enough in full sunlight to see a green chameleon in a green bush, but at night and at speed seemed to defy the laws of physics. He then did this THREE MORE TIMES during my stay and I will never forget it.

    leopard tortoise

    The smaller but no less exciting sightings

    How do you balance enjoying the moment versus capturing it through the lens — especially when nature surprises you?

    I may be biased due to my love for photography, but in most situations I prioritize “getting the shot”. My rationale for this is, my memory is far from perfect, but I remember events much more vividly when I have a photo to jog it, and those photos keep that memory alive much longer than if I didn’t have one. It’s also much easier to share these memories when the viewer has something to look at while I narrate.
    elephant

    Capturing the perfect moment

    What tips would you give to amateur photographers hoping to capture great safari photos — even if they’re just using a phone or basic camera?

    I can absolutely share the same tips that were taught to me over the years:
    * If you’re on safari with only your phone, instead of taking pictures, record short videos in the highest resolution your phone can do (4k or 8k would be nice). Phones are usually better at videos than taking photos and if you still just want a photo, you can cut out one of the frames of the video anyway.
    * Aim your camera at the animal and wait for it to do one of the following: Look at you; Show the full side of its head: Yawn; Lick; Eat; Anything else interesting. Those will be the most appealing shots to share.
    * When taking pictures of animals, do your best to make sure the animal’s eyes are in focus. When we look at creatures we usually look at their eyes and if they’re in focus, the whole shot will feel properly focused.
    brown snake eagle

    Eagle eyes take on a new meaning

     

    * When you’re in a jeep, you can’t really move around on your own to get the best angle, so, working from wherever you’re sitting, frame the animal(s) and the scenery in such a way that there is always more space in the photo in the direction the animals are looking. So if an animal is looking slightly left, frame the animal slightly to the right in your photo, leaving more room on the left for the animal to look into.
    yellow-billed hornbill

    Framing is everything. The charismatic yellow-billed hornbill

     

    * Don’t sweat having to take a photo of every single thing. Sometimes the animal is too far away, or too hidden, or giving you the “African Salute” (A term Yuri taught me, meaning “When an animal turns its back on you.”), so in those moments, just enjoy the fact that you’re on safari, which for most of us is pretty rare and exciting! Take in the scenery, and bide your time for the next critter you’ll have a better angle on.

    Outside of photography, what did you love most about the Umkumbe Lodge experience?

    Umkumbe left me with nothing I could complain about. The staff were kind, patient, and knowledgeable; The food was delicious and filling (I especially loved the beef tongue jerky); The location is surrounded by creatures that will come and go as they please and let you watch them peacefully; The weather was perfect; The rooms were spacious and comfortable. If I HAVE to pick a favorite  it’d be the animals that walked around and inside the camp, like the monkey that liked to drink sap from the central tree, or the little striped lizards that sun themselves on the deck, but run when people show up to do the same.
    vervet monkey

    Cheeky visitors

     

    vervet

    Playful and inquisitive, vervet monkey

     

    lizard

    Sun-worshippers

    Do you have a social media account for others to follow you?

    I don’t really have a social media presence, but I do have a website: www.okbokehphotography.com

    Thank you for these exceptional images and your insightful experience, Paul. We love receiving feedback from guests about their experience as well any photography from their time in the wild! If you have anything you’d like to share with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.

    sunset

    Quintessential African sunset

    butterfly
    spotted hyena

    stork

     

    Awakened a deep longing for the African bushveld and wanderlust for your next safari adventure?

    Contact our reservations team today to enquire about seasons, availability and any other information about booking your next safari adventure.

     

    Predator-Prey Action: Hunting Methods in the Wild

    Predator-Prey Action: Hunting Methods in the Wild

    Unpacking the fascinating hunting styles of Africa’s predators reveals more than survival. It tells the raw, unfiltered truth about life in the wild. In the bush, especially in dry season, predator-prey action takes centre stage. What may appear to be chaos to come is, in fact, a complex dance of instinct and adaptation.

    Each predator has its own unique strategy. For some species, hunting is a game of patience.
    Waiting for just the right moment to spring an attack. For others it’s all about speed, endurance, or sometimes unlikely teamwork.

    Each predator has evolved with its own way of navigating the brutal necessity of the hunt. While it can appear harsh to the outside observer, it is simply nature taking its course. There is nothing like the wild to teach us about the delicate balance of life and death. It is not cruelty nor chaos. It is pure survival.

    Within it there is a deeper understanding of resilience, instinct, and the extraordinary design of the natural world.

    lionnessKings and Queens of the savannah

    These kings and queens of the savannah don’t rely on solo or solar power.
    Lions (especially lionesses) are masters of teamwork, using coordinated ambush tactics and the cover of darkness to hunt with deadly precision.

    As stalk-and-ambush predators, lions rely on stealth and timing rather than speed alone. Once a lion spots potential prey, it will approach slowly and deliberately, crouching low with ears flattened to avoid detection. They often position themselves downwind, letting the breeze carry their scent away from their prey. Every movement is calculated. For life depends on their ability to catch prey.

    lion kill

    A successful hunt at Chacma Bush Camp

    When in striking distance, they burst into action. Lions can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h but only for 100-200m. To outmanoeuvre their prey, they will work together to cut off escape routes, increasing the odds of a successful meal.

    They will hang on with their powerful claws until they bring the animal down. For larger animals they will typically suffocate them with a crushing bite to the throat or over their mouths. While smaller prey are killed with a lethal bite to the spine.

    Lionesses are the ones who will work together and do most of the hunting while males will typically spend their energy defending their territories.

    lioness and giraffe kill

    Lioness with a giraffe kill.

    Cackles, calls, and clans

    hyena and vulture

    Nature’s clean up crew at Africa on Foot

    Known as the savannah’s scavengers but actually hyena remarkably efficient and intelligent hunters in the bush.

    Contrary to popular belief and Disney narrative, hyenas are not just scavengers. In fact, spotted hyenas hunt up to 80% of their own food. They will often work as a team using their astounding endurance to wear prey down. They are almost opposite to lions who ambush prey, they will exhaust prey and are successful due to their stamina and persistence.

    The cackles and calls of hyena in the night are more than simple the soundtrack of the bushveld. Hyenas have incredibly complex social structures and their varied vocalisations are a form of communication that helps them to coordinate.

    Ever noticed how the whooping call of one hyena will be responded to by another in a different place?

    leopard

    Leopard at Nambu Camp. Photo by guest, Caroline Culbert

    Master of stealth – The leopard

    Unlike hyena who really on their calls for hunting, the leopard relies on its silent stealth.

    Silent and solitary, they can slip through landscapes totally unseen. These elusive big cats are rarely seen or heard which makes them thrilling to encounter.

    Whether in dense forest, rocky hillsides, or open savannah, they have perfected the art of being invisible until it’s too late. They hunt alone, mostly in darkness and rely on stealth and timing to hunt.

    They will then haul prey, sometimes 2-3 times their own weight, up a tree. This remarkable display of strength and power allows them to protect their hard-earned meal from predators and scavengers as well as eat their meal in peace.

    Leopard and kill

    Leopard fiercely guarding a kill at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

    Tenacious and tough, the honey badger

    The most audacious predator out in the wild might be this small but fierce creature. Honey Badgers are tough. They are master infiltrators are that fearless and fiercely intelligent.

    Despite their small size, honey badgers have been known to take on lions, leopards, and even buffalo. With a hide that’s thick and loose, they can twist nearly 360 degrees within their skin, allowing them to bite back even when pinned.

    They’re infamous for their thieving habits and have been caught red-handed raiding kitchens and food stores (check out the video from nThambo here). You definitely wouldn’t want to corner one of these fierce little warriors.

    Perhaps their fierce reputation comes from them being fearless snake-hunters. Immune to the venom of some of Africa’s most dangerous snakes, honey badgers routinely go after puff adders, cobras, and other deadly species. They aim for the head, and even if bitten, may only become temporarily immobilized, often waking up, shaking it off, and finishing their meal like nothing happened.

    They are cunning thieves. Much like a grumpy version of Winnie-the-Pooh, honey badgers get their name from their absolute love for honey. They’ll raid beehives, completely ignoring thousands of stings and use the chaos to access honey and larvae. They’ve also been observed following honeyguide birds to locate hives.

    Persistent and clever, honey badgers are a built for survival and are a remarkable example of adaptation in the African wilderness.

    Teamwork makes the dreamwork

    wild dogWild dog are perhaps the most successful hunter in the African wilderness. Relying on speed, stamina and their incredible social bonds.

    If there’s one predator that proves teamwork makes the dream work, it’s the African wild dog.

    These highly-social canines are the ultra-marathon runners of the bush. They hunt in well-coordinated packs and have incredibly complex vocalisations, they are able to strategise and wear their prey out until they collapse from sheer exhaustion.

    They run their prey to complete exhaustion over long distances, taking turns to keep the pressure on until their target simply can’t run anymore.These hounds can maintain speeds of 60-70km/hr for 4-5km – that’s an insane endurance athlete!

    Wild dogs playingIt is no wonder that they need to eat at least once a day if not twice a day!

    Their rapid digestive system that caters to their high energy demands of a rapid metabolic rate. The amount of energy they exert in their hunting means it is vital for them to eat often and to not lose their hard-earned meal to other predators.

    African wild dogs exhibit what almost seems like altruistic behavior when it comes to their pack mates. At a kill, the youngest dogs eat first, followed by the subordinate members of the pack. Everyone takes their turn and if there isn’t enough to go around, the hunt begins again.

    During denning season, which is happening right now! Keep an eye out on our socials for dens near our camps! Packs hone in on their normally vast roaming ranges, choosing instead to base themselves in a single location, finding a den for their pups. They will typically seeking out uninhabited termite mounds. Life during denning season is all about balance.

    While some members head off on hunts, others stay behind to babysit and protect the pups. After a hunt, returning adults will regurgitate freshly eaten meat for the waiting young.

    They’ll remain like this until pups are old enough to join the pack on hunts and become valuable members contributing to the survival of all.

    Secretary bird

    It would not be correct for us to mention predators of the wilderness and not include at least one birds of prey. Perhaps, deserving an entire post of their own.
    The secretary bird might be the most surprising of hunters! Who expects a bird to karate-kick a cobra to death?

    secretary bird

    A secretary bird, rarely seen up in a tree, these giant birds are often seen ambling through the bush with their elegant gait. Captured at Umkumbe Safari Lodge.

    These tall elegant birds (who look like they’re wearing tuxedo suits with feather quills tucked behind their ears! Hence the name secretary bird!) are famous for they ability to hunt venomous snakes.
    They have extremely long and powerful legs covered in scales that protect them from bites.
    They will stomp on the snake to death, delivering sharp kicks with remarkable precision and accuracy.

    Watch them in action here!

     

    Ready for your next adventure in the wild?

    Contact our reservations team to curate your dream safari here.

    Latest Wildlife Sightings: Dry Season Delivering Epic Encounters

    Latest Wildlife Sightings: Dry Season Delivering Epic Encounters

    Dry season in the African bushveld is known for delivering spectacular sightings and this season has been full of epic, action-packed encounters. From big cats to birds of prey, the predator-prey action has been off the charts.

    Here are the latest wildlife highlights and sightings from our collection of camps in the Greater Kruger and Botswana.

    Sharing unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and Timbavati, animals roam freely in this wildlife-rich region. nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have been brimming with incredible sightings and unforgettable moments in the wilderness. With dreamy star-studded open skies to morning coffees that look like oil paintings, The savannah grasslands and dense bush (which is thinner in the dry season months) of the Klaserie have been full of adventure with exciting encounters around every acacia.

    night sky

    Dreamy sunsets at nThambo Tree Camp

     

    Leopard and kill

    Photo by Max Beeson, Leopard in the Klaserie

     

    starry sky

    Photo by Guest, Tyron Vermaak in the Klaserie

     

    Spa baths and close encounters at nThambo Tree Camp

     

    The undulating terrain of the rugged Maseke at Chacma Bush Camp has been brimming with beautiful big cat encounters. From a regal queen lioness to a leopard up close. Dry season this year has been one for the books.

    Powerful and majestic. Captured by guide, Nicole

     

    leopard

    Named Kadimba, meaning ‘ancient’, a younger male leopard. Photo by Chacma guide, Matt Smith

    Guests have been treated to elephant soirees right from the beautiful deck overlooking the sandy banks of the Mohlabetsi River at Nyala Safari Lodge. 

    elephant herd at Nyala safari lodge

    Unforgettable moments from the comfort of camp

    Leopards lazing and lions roaring, it’s been wildly beautiful at Nambu Camp.
    Spot the oxpecker’s catching a ride on the rhino’s back!

    rhino

    Captured at Nambu camp by guest, Caroline Culbert

     

    Lion

    That deep guttural bellow. Captured at Nambu camp by guest, Caroline Culbert

    While a guest at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside captured predator-prey action of another kind!

    marabou with frog

    Remarkable capture by guest, Paul Zimmer

    While it may be dry season in Botswana, this refers to the skies. The plains fill with water and form the meandering channels of the delta. Water and life are abundant.

    kudu

    Boteti tented camp

    lion cub

    Boteti Tented Camp

    lionness and cub

    Boteti Tented camp

    When are you booking your next wild adventure?

    Contact our reservations team here for any questions or enquiries.

     

     

    Your Safari Guide to the Wild: Meet Ingrid from nThambo Tree Camp

    Your Safari Guide to the Wild: Meet Ingrid from nThambo Tree Camp

    Guiding is an art and our guides are phenomenal so we are diving deep and sharing more about the unique individuals that make your safari experience an unforgettable one.  Tracking animals through the fresh spoor markings on the ground in the early morning light, explaining behaviours and patterns, leaving you in awe and wonder of the natural as their infectious curiosity and love for the wild radiates from them.

    elephant up close

    At each of our camps and lodges across Southern Africa and Botswana, there are twice-daily guided game drives and optional walking safaris at some. Marvel at nature as you explore the wilderness through the eyes of an expert. Safaris are an immerse learning experience where you get to interact and connect with the wilderness on a profound level.

    We may be biased but we think our remarkable guides are next level.

    Meet Ingrid. A powerhouse and wealth of knowledge.
    She left her career as an attorney to follow her passion and love of the wild and pursue a career in guiding. She has been sharing her wisdom of the wilderness at nThambo Tree Camp since 2017

    guide and game vehicleEvery game drive with her is an adventure, an immersive one packed with insight, observation and experience.

    Where did you grow up and what first drew you to the bush?

    I grew up in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
    What first drew me to the bush was my childhood experience with nature.  But after living in Ghana and a bit in Zambia, I realised what I really missing while having a professional career.

    Do you remember your very first safari experience?

    Not much about my first driving safari experience but my first walking safari, which changed my whole outlook on my guiding career.  I had just done my first bush walk (as new guide) and the next moment I was to walk the guests back to the safari vehicle with the guidance of the trails guide.  This was where my Trails Guide journey started.

    walking safari

    How did you become a guide? What was your journey like?

    In 2017, I was fortunately enough to be given the opportunity to change careers which I should have done ages ago.  Started with Limpopo Field Guiding from there just continued obtaining experience on foot and on a vehicle.  It was not an easy journey, as COVID was part of this journey but an interesting one.  It is still a very much male orientated career and as a female guide, you do face a lot of challenges.  Got to meet so many interesting people and got to learn so much in this time.  Started in the Western Cape and made my way back to Gauteng (Dinokeng Game Reserve).  From there to the Lowveld.

    How long have you been at nThambo? What’s your favourite thing about being in the Klaserie?

    I started in March 2023 at Nthambo and my favourite part is maybe the fact that the lodge is without a fence.  We had a lot of animals moving through the camp the last couple of years including lions, hippo, honey badgers etc.

    What’s your favourite thing about living and working in the wild? Not to be living in the city, the everyday traffic and in the normal 9-5 working days.  There is not one day that is the same and with a different type of “traffic”.

    elephant at poolIs there a moment on safari that sticks out / you’ll remember forever?

    Too much to remember but maybe my first Wild Dog kill.  Experience the confusion of the hunt and how the dogs swam after a waterbuck.

    African Wild Dogs PupsWhat’s the most unusual or surprising animal behaviour you’ve ever witnessed?

    Maybe starting a game drive and just finding fluff everywhere.  Just to discover that a leopard stole a big cushion from the neighbour and carrier up in a tree and just ripped it apart and left the remaining parts up in the tree.

    A Klaserie Leopard

    What’s the most valuable thing you ever learnt from the bush?

    Expect the unexpected.

    What’s one thing guests are often surprised to learn about safari life?

    With us is the fact that we can get close to the animals and that they do not react to the vehicles if we keep a safe distance.

    Do you have a favourite animal sound or bird call?

    The fish eagle call is my favourite and the best if the hippos are calling together.  Just such an African moment, I would call it.

    What do you hope guests take away from a safari with you?

    A bit of Africa and incredible memories.

    What does it feel like going back to the city or when you’re away from the wilderness?

    Run 😊, just the rush is enough to chase you back to the wilderness.

    African sunset

    Nothing quite like an African sunset

    Guided safaris turn every journey into an immersive adventure. Experiencing the wilderness this way is remarkably different to self drive safaris as you are guided by individuals with years, decades, sometimes even an entire lifetime, of bush experience.

    Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, book your next safari at nThambo Tree Camp  located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Game Reserve.

    Safari Rituals: Dawn to Dusk Adventuring and Everything In Between

    Safari Rituals: Dawn to Dusk Adventuring and Everything In Between

    From dawn until dusk, every moment of the day on a safari feels like a sacred ritual that pulls us into the present moment.

    morning game drive

    Smiles and sunrises at Africa on Foot

    Waking up to a gentle tap at the door, before even the dawn chorus of birdsong has begun, wrapping up in layers for a crisp dawn game drive with a quick cup of coffee from either the station in your room or fresh coffee at the meeting area. Heading out with anticipation to see what adventures will unfold and what special encounters the day will hold. A liminal moment when you move from sleep into the raw wilderness surrounding you.

    morning game driveIn the winter months, the air has a bite to it so gloves and beanies are recommended. All of our lodges have blankets to wrap around your legs that come in handy as soon as the vehicle begins moving and the air feels icy.

    Morning rituals

    coffee stop

    Mornings are a special time on safari. Thermoses packed and binoculars ready, everyone quietly climbs into the open vehicles. There’s a softness, a sleepy excitement that accompanies morning drives. With visible yet baited breaths, game vehicles head out to explore and uncover what the animals got up to during the night. Who made it through another wild night and who did not. Many predators such as leopards, hyena and lions are nocturnal and hunt during the nighttime. You maybe heard the coughs, whooping calls or deep throated grumblings echoing around you while sitting beside the campfire.

    Reading the ‘The Daily Mail’ aka the tracks written in the sand, guides will lead you on a journey of discovery. Fresh dew upon the grass means the cats are likely to walking on the road or a path. Eyes peeled and ears open for any alarm cries or calls from the wild. With each sunrise comes a spectacular painting splashed across the sky, the morning palette of candy floss colours that welcome in the new day.

    Nyala Safari Lodge

    Open plains and freshly brewed coffee at Nyala Safari Lodge

    Each day is unique in that, there is no way of knowing what will happen or what you will encounter. The ritual lies in awakening to that simple and beautiful truth. Opening and engaging your senses to take in whatever unfolds before you. Stilling your mind so that you can tune into the wilderness around you.

    As the sun begins to heat up the bush around and you slowly begin to lose a layer or two, guides will find the perfect place in the wild for you to have a stop, a stretch and a delicious cup of (Amarula-laced?) coffee or tea and something delicious to nibble on. Lips begin to loosen as you recall the incredible sightings or special moments that have been shared. Before heading back to camp for a hearty breakfast before another quintessential safari ritual – a midday siesta.

    safari stops

    Peaceful moments

    Sleep. Safari. Eat. Repeat

    Literally and simply, your schedule on safari, with perhaps a some more snacking in between.

    nyala deck

    Relaxing and unwinding on the deck at Nyala Safari Lodge

    Midday siesta or afternoon snoozes are deeply rooted in the daily rhythm on safari. Exceptionally early wake up calls are felt in the body after a few consecutive days so it’s essential to make the most of these hours. Retreat to a shady spot by the pool or take a rest in your beautiful room. Relaxation spaces are spread throughout the camps. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot on the deck overlooking the wilderness to read and doze to lounging on a sofa or sunbed. The heat of the day (even in winter) means everyone including the animals are taking a time out. Aligning ourselves and tuning our rhythms to that of the wild.

    Chacma Bush Camp

    Enjoy tranquil downtime at Chacma Bush Camp

    nambu camp

    Staying cosy at Nambu Camp

    The heat of the day signals a pause. A moment to exhale and find stillness and relaxation in the wilderness. Enjoy the comfort of camp while unwinding and appreciating the nature that surrounds you. This is really where you get to sense into the vacation or holiday element of your safari. Time to read, journal, swim, decompress, simply be.

    Sundowners on safari

    African sunset

    Nothing quite like an African sunset

    After a slow afternoon, before the light begins to shift, the energy picks up as temperatures slowly begin to cool.

    Afternoon game drives usually head off around 3-4pm. Jackets and warm things may not be required just yet but as soon as the sun begins to dip they’ll become necessary.

    game driveGuides tune into the wilderness to follow the sounds, smells and signs that lead to animals and encounters. Maybe to a water source in the drier winter months or a place  with elevation or shaded spots.

    Chacma sundowners

    Sundowners are quintessential on safari. Finding the spot where the light hits just right. Guides are often on the lookout for that special place. Overlooking a plain or space where you can fully appreciate the wild nature all around. More than a drink, a sundowner is a toast to the day, to adventure, and to being alive.

    Think G&T’s, wines, beers and biltong with francolin’s calling in the distance or plains game grazing with ever-watchful eyes and twitching ears. Soaking up the magic of golden hour, when the light is at its most beautiful.

    nambu sundowners

    Sundowners on the Olifant’s River at Nambu Camp

    Heading off into the night with a spotlight for eyes. The bush truly awakens at night. Sounds and calls and movements begin to stir as the sun dips.

    Fireside rituals and storytelling

    boma

    Boma area at Nyala Safari Lodge

    Time bends on safari, where the day is measure in moments not minutes.
    Time takes on a different quality. No longer are we confined to time by appointments and duties but rather sinking into natural rhythms. Following an ancient way of being. Morning rising, Midday pausing, Evening adventuring and Fireside endings. There is something incredibly nourishing about ending a day beside a fire.
    Campfires are called Bush TV for a reason, they are mesmerising.

    boma at nambu camp

    Crackling fires in the boma at Nambu Camp

    An ancient ritual that connects us to the elements as well as others. Stepping away from phones and screens and enjoy the thick Milky Way above you on clear winters nights.

    Chacma Bush Camp

    These rituals tether us to something wilder, slower and more real.

    How can you bring the essence of the safari way of life into your every day? Finding stillness, appreciating nature, tuning into natural rhythms. Perhaps, it’s the clinking of enamel mugs, the smell of wild sage, or crackling outdoor fires that transport you back to the bush. They remind us that the essence is something you carry home with you.

    To book your next escape into the wild. Contact our reservations team here.

    Adventures in the Klaserie: Guest Review of nThambo Tree Camp

    Adventures in the Klaserie: Guest Review of nThambo Tree Camp

    Situated in the vast wilderness of the Klaserie, nThambo Tree Camp sits perched on stilts, overlooking a wild plain.

    nthambo tree camp

    Guest, Max Beeson, sent us some incredible imagery taken on his safari visiting this dense, wildlife-rich region.

    We took the opportunity to dive a little deeper and find out more about his experience visiting this slice of bushveld paradise in the Greater Kruger region.

    Hi Max! Tell us a little about where you are from and if this was this your first time on safari? 

    I am from the United Kingdom, I have been on safari before – this was my third time. Previously I have travelled to Kenya’s Masai Mara and 2 years ago I went to Botswana to visit the Okavango Delta and a Chobe national park.

    Tell us a little about your photography! Have you photographed wildlife before? How was your experience of shooting wildlife? Were there any animals you really wanted to photograph?

    I’m not a professional photographer, I’m just a person who enjoys taking photos of wildlife. I’ve always had such an interest in wildlife and art, especially the African species and in particular the three big cats that live there (lion, leopard and cheetah). The only time I get to do it really though is when I have been on my safaris so whenever I get a chance to take photos of these such impressive animals I take all the opportunities I can get. 
    leopard

    Photo by Max Beeson

    I have fortunately been able to see all the Big five, incredibly I saw all 5 in one drive in my recent safari to South Africa where I stayed at Nthambo Tree Camp in Kruger. In terms of the animals I really want to photograph except for the big cats are the other predators, one in particular is the African hunting dog. I was fortunate to see them again in Kruger but it was only a quick glimpse. But I hope to be able to get some pictures of them in my future safaris.

    Outside of the predators the best animal to take pictures of are the giraffe- they look so elegant when walking along but also they stand out as looking so unique in the bush. My favourite picture while at Nthambo was one we came across on a drive where I got it walking through the trees with treeline on the horizon.
    giraffe

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThmabo Tree Camp

     

    Can you walk us through capturing your favourite safari photo – what was happening in that moment?

    When taking the pictures I try to get down low to the animals eye level to get a sense of perspective. I also don’t always place the animal in the middle of the picture as this was to give the picture better composition. And this is advice I would give to others on their pictures. Another thing that I learnt after some advice from other photographers is not always to zoom in up close to the animal as if all you see is the animal and none of the environment and habitat around them then when you or anyone else looks at the picture then the animal may as well be in a zoo, so showing the habitat that it’s in makes the picture look sometimes more interesting. 
    cheetah

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

    Do you have anything to share about nThambo? How was your experience at the camp?

    Nthambo was a great experience. I loved it, the lodge was always kept in good condition for us each day and when we got back from our afternoon drives the staff were always there to welcome us back with a drink and warm towel. The food was awesome everyday- cultural and tasty at each meal we had. I never felt hungry at any point whilst there. The rooms were very comfortable, you were always warm at night thanks to the hot water bottles the lodge provided for you each night.

    How would you say the Klaserie differs to the other places you have been on safari?

    In comparison to my other two safaris the main thing that differed was the environment and habitat that you were in. This was one of the main reasons as to why I chose to go to Klaserie in Kruger, as it was so different to the other places I’ve been to.
    The Klaserie is thick dense bush where the animals are able to hide. So seeing animals in completely different contrasting environments instead of seeing them in all the same different types of biomes. It means that when I look at my pictures I can tell where it was taken not by the memory but also by the habitat the animal is in.
    cheetah

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

     

    lion

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

     

    Leopard

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

    What a pleasure receiving snippets of guests adventures in the wild. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to share about your experiences at any of the Sun Destinations camps and lodges.

    Ready for your next adventure into the heart of the African wilderness?

    Connect with our reservations team today.

    lion cub

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

    vulture on a kill

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo

     

    Leopard and kill

    Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo

     

    Storytelling beneath the Stars: Campfire Chats

    Storytelling beneath the Stars: Campfire Chats

    Going on safari in winter in South Africa and Botswana means crisp, clear skies, wrapped up in blankets, storytelling beneath the stars, the vast thick river of the Milky Way above.

    campfire at night

    An ancient pastime, Chacma Bush Camp

    Is there anything more ingrained within our bones than sitting beside a flickering fire and sharing stories?
    An act as old as man, storytelling is in an ancient pastime that reminds us so beautifully of our shared humanity.
    It is part of what makes us humans so compelling and interesting. The ability to tell stories, to remember, and sadly, to sometimes forget. The ability to imagine and to dream, to hope and to wish. They give us meaning, can act as messengers of truths, and remind us that life was never meant to be taken too seriously.

    Campfire at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

    Before we learnt to write, we had words. Stories have for lifetimes been shared through the oral tradition of storytelling. Sitting in front of a warm crackling fire and connecting with the other souls around us. What more inspiration does one need than nature and our imagination? The perfect canvas for cosmic chaos and magic.

    Milky WayThe Ash of Our Ancestors

    Sitting beneath the guiding light of stars, people of the past, our ancestors, wondered what the bright lights above them were. As the great fiery red orb in the sky disappeared each day, suddenly they would, like magic, begin to slowly turn on. Some brighter, some lighter. They found in time they could make a tiny orb of their own, passed down to them through the hands of their elders. A magic shared that kept them warm on cold and clear nights.
    A magic that cooked their food and boiled their water. The stars let them know when animals would move and migrate. It signalled the changing of seasons. It was within this shared circle of warmth that stories began.
    Gazing into its ever-moving depths, as sparks flew skywards, the fire created a trail much like the stars shining bright above them. As above, so below. The stars were, like a path of ash trailing high above, the ancestors and Gods themselves. The Milky Way- the river of stars above them- was the ash of our ancestors. They served as a reminder in the darkest of hours, that they were always above, watching down, keeping them warm, and guiding them home.

    Em garland

    The Upside Down Tree

    baobab

    Baobab at Camp Savuti

    There was a time when the baobab was the biggest, most beautiful and boldly brilliant tree. Or so he liked to boast to everybody. He would make fun of the palms with their spindly long trunks when secretly he loved their wide leaves that created the most beautiful, dappled shade and swishing sound in the wind.
    Baobab would pretend he did not like the smell of the frangipani even though he was intoxicated by its sweet scent. He would tell cedar that his bark looked flaky even though he used it for its many medicinal uses. The last straw was when he pretended to the marula tree that his fruit was sour even though he would pick them all up while marula slept and gobble them up so that he could get drunk on the fermented cream of the fruits. The Gods became furious. They decided that baobab needed to be taught a lesson. They turned baobab upside down so that his roots became his branches and his big head was buried deep in the sand. 

    The beautiful thing is that baobab learnt his lesson. He decided to let his roots grow deep. Baobab became what he imagined but now without the arrogance.

    This wisdom allowed baobab to grow very, very old. The fruit he bears is incredibly nutritious and he is the meeting point in many a village. He now, humbly, shares his wisdom with all.

    Nyala at night

    Sit beneath the stars at Nyala Safari Lodge

    The Sacred Sound of Rain

    Pangolin is considered to be a mystical creature. He is seen to be a gift from the Gods. If a drop of pangolins blood spills on the earth then devastation and natural disaster will follow.
    Pangolins rare appearance is an omen of change, blessing, and of rain. It is said that the sound of thunder originates from the shaking of pangolin’s scales.
    If a pangolin is found, it must never be harmed. Instead, it is taken with great reverence to the local chief or spiritual leader. When the pangolin is present, a ritual is held that involves many offerings, songs and dance.
    Pangolin is seen to act as a link between people and the spirit world. The pangolin is not displayed or made part of a public spectacle—it’s handled with deep respect and secrecy. Never harmed, they are returned to the wild.

    pangolin

    An omen of good luck, a pangolin sighting at Africa on Foot

    As the world’s most trafficked animal, it has never been more important to protect and conserve these remarkable creatures. If you have not watched the Netflix documentary on Pangolins called Kuru’s journey (directed by My Octopus Teacher Pippa Erhlich) then this is your sign to do so. Get involved and read more about protecting pangolins here 

    The Daily Mail (is written in the sand)

    Walking safari

    Walking in the wild, reading the daily mail

    Stories are not for just for around the campfire. Every moment on safari is the story of nature unfolding. Coming across tracks and following them to uncover the movements of animals in the night. Seeking them out as they seek shade to shelter from the heat of the day.

    Seeing upturned earth and wondering who was there and what were they digging for? Listening to the calls of birds or impala and deciding if it’s a real threat or not. Going on a game drive is in itself a game. A game of Cluedo where we try and work out who has been where and what did they do. In a moment a lion might appear from the dry grass where it’s pelt is perfectly camouflaged. Blink and you might miss it. Move too quickly and it might appear the moment after you leave. It’s part luck of the draw and part knowledge of the bush. 

    As the grass begins to dry and the landscape begins to brown, there are two constellations that appear together for a while in time. Scorpius slowly begins to creep it’s way up the horizon and soon dominates the winter sky. While Orion begins to fall from sight. Edward, one of our fantastic guides at Chacma Bush Camp stopped and shared this beautiful rendition of a story of star-crossed lovers in the African winter night sky.

    Star-crossed lovers

    Antares is the bright ruby red star seen in the Southern Hemisphere at night. She is said to be Gaia, the Goddess of nature and is the heart of the Scorpio constellation. It is said that long ago, Antares/Gaia fell in love with Orion. Charmed by him, she falls madly in love, only to find out later that Orion is a hunter and claims he can kill any beast upon Earth. Horrified she banishes him to the night sky and places herself across the heavens on the opposite end of the Earth. It is only now in the Southern skies winter where for a brief moment they share the sky. Forever out of reach, she is the one creature he will never be able to catch. 

    Nambu camp

    Sit around the fire at Nambu Camp

    Safaris provide the perfect opportunity to awaken and stimulate the imagination. Let it run as free as a wildebeest on migration. Going on safari can awaken a sense of awe and wonder with our natural world. Encountering creatures, great and small. Some of our lodges are child friendly such as Chacma, Africa on Foot and Umkumbe Safari Lodge (5+) 

    campfire

    Boma at nThambo tree Camp

    While others prefer that children are a little older before joining in on all the fun.
    Safaris are truly fun for the entire family. The perfect fusion of adventure, learning, and relaxation. Disconnecting from our busy modern lives and tuning into the pristine surrounding wilderness. It is something that remains awe-inspiring no matter how old you are or how many safaris you have been on. Enquire which lodge perfectly suits you and your safari needs with our knowledgeable reservations team here.

    Night sky

    Night sky at Africa on Foot

     










    The Art of Tracking: Tips, Tricks, Signs and Wonderful Discoveries

    The Art of Tracking: Tips, Tricks, Signs and Wonderful Discoveries

    “The bush is that of a treasure hunt – sometimes you find things, and other times you don’t. And when you don’t, your knowledge is key and your most powerful tool in how to find the things all of our guests desire to see. 

    Brown headed parrotAlthough the big “things” are amazing, it’s the smaller things we often miss that are pivotal in making the big “things” possible. 

    Spider

    As guides, the grounds and the skies provide us with guidance and assistance. The grounds give us evidence of what last was here and how long ago – and how long ago, would be a sign to tell us if something is worth following through with the finding of potentially one of the big 5. However, making use of the nature above us such as the sounds of the oxpeckers gives us a possible indication and direction as to where an animal might be for viewing on the vehicle, but especially tracking animals on foot as we are more vulnerable. The oxpeckers, tree squirrels, monkeys, and baboons become a form of communication and safety net to us as they indirectly engage with us by engaging with each other for any danger near and around. Their sounds navigate our directions and findings.

    AOF Walking safari

    Although we are guides, nature is our guide, and we use it to the best of our ability. We move either with or against the wind, and this in itself, helps us to find what we are looking for, especially our beloved rhinos as their vision isn’t the greatest and they use the wind to pick up any scent around them as to what could be a possible threat to them. The wind magnifies some of their senses to compensate for their eyesight. We take this into consideration when doing a Trails, both for our safety as well as the animal. The wind also allows us to trace the freshness of a track. The fresher, the better. 

    The slightest crackle of a branch is vital to us. Sounds provide us movement. Any form of movement, is a form of life.”

    Track

    Leopard male track, Chacma Bush Camp

    This beautiful piece was composed by Chacma guides: Edward, Matt, and Trent.

    Umkumbe walking safari

    Understanding the intricacy of the wilderness on a bush walk at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

    Tracking is a subtle art. It requires intense observation, learning, and patience. 

    Many of our guides are master trackers. Dedicated hours in the bush have taught them this incredible art.

    Nature is our greatest classroom. 

    Africa on Foot

    Africa on Foot Wilderness trails

    Walking safaris provide the ideal opportunity to experience this gentle, ancient way of being. Traversing the wilderness on foot allows for more keen observation of the wild’s signals and signs of life. Grass blades bent differently, the tiny markings of trapdoor spider’s doorway, details that are easily missed while travelling in a vehicle.

    Encountering animals on foot is just one of the many highlights. Immersing in nature and the feeling of becoming part of nature are is truly makes the experience alike any other. Vehicles cover ground while walking safaris immerse you in it. Both have unique advantages.

    Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail

    Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail

    To find out more about which of our incredible offers walking safaris, our 3 day wilderness trail, or just general safari enquiries, contact our reservations team here.
    They will guide you in curating your dream safari. 

    Make all your wildest wishes come true



Newer Posts
Older Posts