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Game Drives in Moremi : Wildlife Videos

Mankwe Tented Retreat sits on the outskirts of two prime game viewing destinations – the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. The Moremi juts into the water wonderland of the Delta, and is renowned for its phenomenal big cat sightings and prolific wildlife. If you combine a stay at Mankwe with an activity-based safari comprising day trips and game drives into the Moremi and the Delta, you’ll be sure to tick off a number of species on your game viewing list.

The low gradient alluvial fan and World Heritage site of the Okavango Delta offers the perfect water-based safari. Its papyrus reed-lined channels, lagoons and private islands contain a wild world of rare birds, water-dwelling beasts, swamp lions, menacing crocodiles and giant breeding herds of pachyderms. In the heavily wooded mopane trees surrounding camp, you will find plains game, hyena, honey badger and a colourful array of bird life.

Mankwe itself is considered the gateway to these areas, and while not located in a prime riverfront spot, it does rest in its own secret mopane woodland in the 300, 000-hectare Kwatale Conservancy. Located an hour from south gate Moremi and the central safari town of Maun, it certainly is the perfect halfway point for an activity-based safari.

While photographer Stewart Nolan was out on game drive inside the Moremi National Park, he spotted plenty of predators, significant birds of prey, waders, plains game and mammals living in harmony with the Moremi’s varied ecosystem. Tsessebe, lechwe and the rare sitatunga (marshbuck) antelope are found in abundance in these areas because of the abundance of pans and waterholes.

The three-game viewing videos below are highlights of the game viewing experience enjoyed while staying at Mankwe and indulging in activities on offer. A few moments that stood out included a lone leopard straddling a branch high up in a tree, elephants swimming and observing red lechwe bounding through the swampy regions.

Leopards generally conserve energy during the daylight hours by resting on elevated areas or on overhanging branches in tall trees. They also stash their kills in trees, which keeps them and their meal safe from other predators and scavengers.

The elephant sightings are always rewarding, because of their antics. Elephants will travel miles to seek out pristine water sources and spend hours soaking up gallons of water and mud bathing.

You most certainly won’t be disappointed with your game viewing experience in this part of the world!

Selinda Spillway Baobab Sundowners at Motswiri Camp

Golden hour is a much anticipated event while on safari. Sunset is the colourful divide between the tranquillity of blissful safari days and mysterious antics that occur under the canopy of star spangled darkness. It’s the bridge that links day to night, and always provides the picture perfect setting to discuss the day’s events and the potential of the night. At Motswiri Camp we go out of our way to take advantage of this time of day, so much so that it has become quite an event here at camp.

Our baobab sunset session marries harmonious scenic surrounds with bushveld elegance. You will be transported to a secluded spot on the breathtaking Selinda Spillway, a hideaway in a shallow waterlogged region favoured by guides Witness and Twoboy. A table laden with snacks and your choice of tipple is set-up, while you swap stories about recent sightings. The scene is quite surreal. To be enveloped in the sights and sounds of Africa with so much space and freedom at your feet is, well, simply refreshing.

A rather dignified baobab tree watches over the landscape below and provides the perfect safari element to an otherwise exquisite part the our concession. While elephants lumber through the waters on the horizon listen out for the gentle rustling in the reeds – it might be a shy waterbuck. Listen carefully to the sounds above, for you might hear the call of the African fish eagle – an iconic sound of Africa. This spot in the Selinda is ideal for sundowners, and is just one of the many activities on offer when you stay at RAW Botswana, Motswiri Camp.

Recent guests were treated to a famous sundowner sessions, and they certainly had no problem drinking champagne and tucking into glasses of traditional Amarula liqueur. Michelle, one of the guests, said, “There were dazzle of zebra in the background and array of birdlife hovering over the tranquil waters, which certainly added a touch of authenticity to the scene.”

Motswiri camp operates exclusively on 120 000 acres of a magnificent, world-renowned tract of land on the Selinda Spillway. We ensure that you experience the best of land and water based safari activities in a wild location. There are a host of unique activities on offer, where you have the option of experiencing horseback safaris, walking trails, game drives, boating, mekoro and canoeing. After a day spent indulging in the best that Botswana has to offer, you can relax on your private verandah that flows out from your suite overlooking the wilderness beyond. Watch the video showcasing the highlights of RAW Botswana.

Will it be sparkling wine, a beer or a traditional gin and tonic under the wise old baobab? The choice is yours – just get here. This is a sundowner session Botswana style. Your time to be cocooned in absolute safari bliss and wild Africa.

Mankwe’s Mopane Wonderland and Natural Surrounds

Mankwe Tented Retreat is centrally located in an accessible area for self-drivers, yet is surrounded by wild and untamed bushveld. The actual lodge sits among the evergreen mopane trees, which provide plenty of shade and a welcome recess from endless days of the harsh African sun.

The 12 tented suites and main lodge area occupy a flawless spot in a 300 000 hectare private concession on the eastern boundary of Moremi Game Reserve . This is a prestigious territory in the wild wonderland of Botswana, where the lack of fences allows for free-roaming wildlife, resident lions, an abundance of elephants, and incomprehensible room to explore.

The lodge is on the doorstep of the Okavango Delta, and is the perfect place to explore the surrounding region and periphery of the various concessions. Immediate surrounds give rise to the perfect habitat for a wealth of birdlife to thrive, and is a great place to spot woodland specials like the Levaillant’s cuckoo and fiery-necked nightjar.

On the concession itself, there’s plenty of activity from wild dogs, hyena, honey badger, and elephants. Being located on the outskirts of the Moremi means that you are only an hour away from Moremi South Gate, where you will have the opportunity to spot the big five, predators and plenty of plains game. Moremi and the Okavango Delta is where the magic happens.

One can expect a varied ecosystem and biome, with plenty of flora. Tall trees grow in areas where there is ample water supply, such as the swamps of the Delta and pans of the Moremi. The natural surroundings when you drive towards Khwai and the Delta, greatly contrasts the vegetation surrounding Mankwe. The mopane gradually changes to sightings of papyrus, real fan palms, sycamore fig trees, sausage trees, wild date palms and African mangosteens. You may also notice baobab trees dotted across our Kwatale Conservancy, and marula, acacia and camel thorn species. The varied habitat allows for many species of wildlife to thrive.

Mankwe Tented Retreat is located only 96km from Maun, and is easily and affordably accessed by self-drivers from Maun Airport. Although not within the Moremi and the Delta, it certainly provides easy access to major safari areas. We suggest pre-arranging your safaris to these areas in conjunction with enjoying game drives in our immediate conservancy. This will allow you to experience the best that Botswana has to offer.

Original Safari Accommodation at Mankwe Tented Retreat

Mankwe Tented Retreat is the latest addition to the Sun Destinations portfolio of authentic lodges and camps across remote wilderness areas in the prime safari destinations of Kruger and Botswana. Mankwe forms part of our Trails of Botswana route, a route that shies away from mass tourism, letting guests experience the unusual, the untouched and the unique. The trails’ route combines authentic safari experiences with luxury, adventure and tranquil times.

Mankwe is the perfect base from which to explore the Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta, the Khwai region and surrounding conservancies. Mankwe itself is in a prime location on its own 300 000 hectare concession, home to a wealth of wildlife. This lodge conducts its own drives on the network of private pans surrounding the lodge, but also offers daily safari excursions to explore the Khwai wetlands and Moremi’s diverse wildlife habitats.

Combining Mankwe with a stay at other camps along the Trails of Botswana route, will allow you to experience both the best of land and water-based safaris. Combine it with a stay at Mboma Island Expeditions in the Okavango Delta, a proper bushveld experience at Tuskers Bush Camp, a luxury Selinda Spillway experience with mekoro rides, horse riding and superb accommodation.

Mankwe offers original safari accommodation in 12 Meru-style tented suites on raised wooden platforms with decks offering views of the wild bushveld. Each of the tents is surrounded by forests of mopane trees offering welcome shade during the hot summer months.

Each tented suite sleeps two people and has an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and simple bathroom vanity complete with complimentary soap, shampoo and lotion. The bathrooms are private and separated by a canvas flap. Mattresses and linen are of the finest quality, and decor is muted tones with an African feel. There’s plenty of storage space, from bedside tables to wicker drawers and even a wooden cupboard; there’s a lot of places for all your gadgets.

Solar power heats the geysers for hot water in the showers and taps, and drinking water is provided in a flask and replenished daily, or on request. Towels and extra blankets are provided, as are insect repellents and complimentary bathroom cosmetics.

We love Mankwe because of its stylish simplicity, location to all the wild wonders of Botswana, proximity and easy driving route from Maun airport, and the flexibility of combining it with our other lodges.

Week in Pics : Arrivals and Departures

This week we see the arrival of a new lodge in Botswana, and the departure of the arid season. Greenery is sprouting and forcing its way through the bushveld, and there’s new life across all our reserves. Our team in the Klaserie have been upskilling themselves when it comes to creating safari cocktails, and our new camp in Botswana is a welcome arrival. So many varying facets of the safari lifestyle!

The highlight of this week has been the new addition to the Sun Destinations portfolio of properties. This new lodge is Mankwe Bush Lodge, located on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, a renowned World Heritage Site in Botswana. We look forward to the images and videos to emerge from this humble lodge forming part of our Trails of Botswana route.

Klaserie Camps, Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp, have enjoyed a spate of lion and leopard sightings. The Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses continue to reward rangers and guests with their presence, and have definitely found a permanent territory around these camps. The Mbiri males were also spotted, full of crimson encrusted fur from a recent kill! Amidst all of the wildlife sightings, the team from both camps managed to enjoy a lesson in gin pairing at the Bush Bar – a necessary skill to have to ensure guests receive the perfectly crafted cocktail.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge observed a pack of wild dogs taking down a bushbuck on the periphery of camp. They tracked the dogs to a waterhole, where they managed to get a close-up sighting of the dogs replenishing their thirst.

Chacma Bush Camp and Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails continue to enjoy game viewing success in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve. Chacma enjoys frequent elephant herd sightings at the waterhole in front of camp, but has just recently witnessed an influx of buffalo to the area. This is possibly because there’s plenty of new greenery about and grasses needing mowing!

Without further ado, here is our “Week in Pics”.

Romantic Safari Sundowners with Melvill and Moon

Melvill and Moon are safari outfitters providing classic yet contemporary safari gear for those wanting an authentic yet stylish safari experience. Bespoke furniture is constructed using simple designs with clean lines, exquisitely stitched heavy canvas adorns the finest wood and attention to detail is found in the finely crafted leather logos embroidered onto each item. Far from ostentatious, but oozing sophistication and authenticity, Melvill and Moon gear epitomises safari days from a bygone era. Natural hues are utilised throughout, ensuring campaign furniture and accessories blend into their natural environment.

When it comes to golden hour, a much celebrated time of day in the bushveld, we look at unique ways of paying homage to the brazen skies. Our Melvill and Moon sundowner bar set-up is where the wilderness and sophistication meet, and the Maseke Balule Game Reserve is certainly not short of sundowner spots. The natural landscape provides the romance, and we provide the set for a world of surprise “I dos” and “I love you” declarations to take place. After two of our guests enjoyed a rather strenuous 3 day hiking trail crunching through the bushveld in their veldskoen at the mercy of Africa on foot Wilderness Trails, they then decided to arrange a special sundowner session.

Upon request we can arrange for our sundowner set-up to take place at one of our camps in the Greater Kruger. This scene unfolded in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve, a rocky landscape dotted with koppies, boulders and hills giving rise to endless horizon views. We chose the perfect position, built a bushveld campfire and strategically placed the chairs in position. The field bar – adorned with brass fittings provided the perfect stand for our fine top-shelf whisky and craft gins.

We’ve arranged a Melvill and Moon set-up before at one of the Sun Destinations camps, and this time we decided the undulating rocky traverse of the Maseke was the perfect setting for a romantic occasion. If you have something special you want to celebrate, just let us know prior to arrival and we will set-up the carefully constructed mobile wooden bar, light the fire and create the mood. What you do with the mood, the words you speak and your actions are all up to you.

The setting sun has long since been the inspiration for poets penning their ink on parched paper, for romantic overtures and sweeping gestures. The one thing that remains constant amidst the mess of the modern living is the simplicity and beauty of the setting sun. The sun will always set, and so it will always rise again.

Backed African heritage spanning over 8 generations, Melvill and Moon mobile bar set-up combined with our expertise in identifying perfect spots and set-ups, provides the picturesque scene for a “yes”. Our Melvill and Moon special safari sundowners combine safari tradition and romance!

Changes and Updates Happening at Ezulwini Game Lodges

Ezulwini Game Lodges in the Balule Nature Reserve are undergoing a number of changes at their luxury lodges, and owner Laurence sent us an update about current development underway at this “Place of Paradise”. It’s imperative that a lodge constantly reviews all facets of the business, from the day-to-day running of things, to the decor, food and staff facilities. And, of course, with Laurence’s fairly succinct update he has also delighted us with wildlife happenings on the doorstep of the lodges.

Here are the latest changes and updates happening at Ezulwini Game Lodges, as detailed by Laurence Saad:

The Lodge :

The two RO (Reverse Osmosis) machines and cold water dispensers are now in operation at both lodges, as well as the complimentary water canister… No more plastic! The water canisters have been engraved with our logo as well as the profile of Ezulwini the elephant (his left tusk is shorter due to him being left ‘handed’ / favouring his left side).
New communal staff bathrooms are being built at both lodges. The bathrooms comprise two toilets. two basins and two showers, each being separate for male and female staff.
Two new staff en suite bedrooms are almost complete at River Lodge. Much building work is taking place within the River Lodge staff village and the guest rooms. Both Billy and River lodge’s staff villages now each have their own RO water system, TV lounge, plunge pool and own bedroom for each person.
River Lodge has been closed for two months for a soft refurb. This has enabled us to revamp the standard chalets, and add on lounges and decks to each room. In addition, Spelati suite is being upgraded and there’s a new ultra luxury suite being built in place of the old honeymoon/ elephant chalet.
A new deck is being built around the bar area and main pool at River Lodge.

Wildlife at the Lodges :

This is the first time a bushbuck has been seen so far from the river and has been hanging around Billy’s the last few days. She’s a youngster and probably finding the Lodge vegetation irresistible as the summer rains have not yet arrived to alleviate the last two years of very dry conditions.
The elephants are having a smashing time eating the trees to compensate for the lack of grazing! The latest vegetation victims are the large evergreen tree, fuchsia and apple leaf tree which screened the sky deck at Billy’s
An nyala bull and his female friends have taken to the River Lodge garden as their new favourite eating place!
Predator viewing has been amazing. As well as the usual lion sightings, guests are seeing leopard on an almost daily basis!

That’s a wrap from Ezulwini owner, Laurence!

Camp Life at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

You’ve spent most of the day on foot, lumbering across rocky terrain and you don’t have the modified foot pads that elephants possess. Your feet are probably tired, your achilles tendon might be sore, and your body may be slightly frazzled from the African weather conditions. Our mobile walking safari is adventurous. Designed to bring you closer to the earth, and in sync with your natural environment, this walking safari is a first of its kind in this region of the Kruger. Observe wildlife from a vantage point not often experienced. While the experience is for the outdoor explorer, we decided the least we could do is provide you with the creature comforts from home, set up the camp for you, ensure there’s a barrage of ice cold beverages on hand, a roaring campfire and delectable food on offer.

This is Survivor, but Survivor with a twist. This is Survivor don’t-lift-a-finger style.

After an arduous day exploring new landscapes and acclimatising to the weather, you will retire to a fully set-up camp site. The trail is 3 days with night spent in classic safari style tents each in a different location. Camp sites have been carefully selected based on aspect and wildlife hotspots.

Expect waterholes and river views. Walking towards your camp site knowing that you’ve reached the home stretch is pure bliss. Walker’s are welcomed with a hand towel and ushered towards the outdoor seating area around the fire where they can enjoy a much needed drink. As the cooler part of the day approaches you will head out in the vehicle to find elusive nocturnal predators.

When you return to camp, the fire will be roaring and your choice of drink will be served. There’s no need to help or set anything up. While you sip slowly on your drink of choice and enjoy campfire chatter, our team will work hard at crafting the perfect meal. Your job is to eat and rest your legs before the next walk.

Nights are spent in the comfort of your dome tent, which comes complete with raised beds and comfortable mattresses. You actually have your own private en suite cubicle, which is accessible via the back of your tent. Indulge in a warm shower – you let the guides know and water will be heated. Showers are bushveld bucket showers, which are an absolute delight. Toilets are chemical toilets – just to keep things hygienic.

Camp Info : https://www.wilderness-trails.co.za/camp-info.html

Accommodation Info : https://www.wilderness-trails.co.za/accommodation.html

Week in Pics : The Spoils of the African Bushveld

We’ve discovered that the best way to kick the Monday blues is to start the week off with an influx of wildlife images from our camps and lodges. Call it Monday motivation or Monday distraction, either way you’ll find yourself pouring over our photographer’s abstract take on the wild and the simple, clean images that tell a story.

Week in Pictures is the time of the week when we let the images talk, and our adjectives take a back seat. We also take the opportunity to share updates from the camp. Whether it’s a rare happening or bulk sighting of a specific species, we always take the time to share the information.

Zanelle, a ranger from Umkumbe Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand sent through an image of an elephant in the foreground and an elusive leopard hiding in the low-lying shrubbery beneath the fork of the Marula tree. Elephants and leopards continue to enthral us with their presence, but this image we were not expecting!

Klaserie camps Ivory Wilderness Riversong Camp, nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have also enjoyed their fair share of big cat sightings. nThambo and Africa on Foot observed one of the Mbiri males feasting on a buffalo kill, while the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses were spotted close to the kill site.

The highlight was the discovery of a hyena den, which meant guests were afforded the opportunity to observe the cubs playfully picking up sticks and exploring their new turf. Ivory Wilderness Riversong Camp certainly isn’t short of sightings, and has recently witnessed a local leopard cruising the dry riverbed in front of camp. Warren and his team have also stumbled across bundles of hyena cubs in their den, slowly emerging from the safehouse.

Chacma Bush Camp and Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails in the bustling Maseke Balule Game Reserve is a game rich area brimming with elephant sightings. Chacma continues to enjoy elephant sightings in front of camp, while the wilderness trails have undertaken their third three day scheduled trail.

Xobega Island Camp, in the midst of the Okavango Delta, continues to deliver continuous sightings of birds, hippo and crocs. The Delta is teeming with life beyond the crystal clear waters.

Coastal Chick Experiences Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

I packed the multi-coloured Mini-Mal surfboard back into its overused cover and hung my wetsuit up to dry. Literally, not figuratively. I clumsily trotted towards the khaki section of my wardrobe to dust off my veldskoen and grabbed a handful of neutral colour bush clothes. My surf brands were tossed aside in favour of my less-attractive – yet comfy – bush attire (I have zero safari style). You’re probably wondering why I so eagerly transformed from Billabong to Billawrong?

I just received word that our latest product (Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails) was going to conduct an inaugural trail, with guiding legend Luan Oosthuizen at the helm. I wasn’t about to miss out on the possibility of adventure, endless campfire chats and exploration of new terrain. It was time to give the waves a break and give the bushveld a chance.

I flew direct to Hoedspruit, which is the best option given that your safari experience is quite physical – conserve your energy for the trail. Upon arrival, the team will transfer you from the airport (for a fee) to your first wild destination. Photographer Em Gatland picked me up from the airport and we bumbled back to the first campsite in the depths of the Maseke Balule Game Reserve, an hour’s drive from the airport heading in the direction of Phalaborwa.

The drive into the first campsite was unique. Rolling landscapes gave rise to Koppies with neatly stacked boulders, intrusive dolerite dykes, and granite intrusions on the banks of the Olifants River. The dusty roads, on each twist and turn, delivered endless views of elephant herds dotted across the horizon.

When we (Thelma and Louise) arrived at the campsite, I was taken aback at the scenery. We spent the night on the banks of the Olifants River which holds many mysterious secrets. This is where wildlife comes alive ! The choir of sounds echoing through the area combined with the serenity of the water flowing was pure bliss.

We stayed in a private dome safari tents, of which there were 4. Each tent had twin beds with comfortable mattresses and a carpet on the floor. The front of the tent had a cover and camping chair where you could enjoy a spot of privacy. The rear of the tent had a zip which meant easy access to your camping bathroom, comprising a simple private plastic structure housing a chemical toilet and bucket shower (with a wooden floor grate). A step-up from my haphazard camping style.

This 3 day trail is a non-participatory mobile camping set-up, which means you don’t lift a finger. While I was there, I did help to set-up the camp with the rest of the team and relied heavily on young intern Guy Chapman to do the dirty work.

We were doing a “dry-run” of the trail, which meant the order of camping and day structure varied to the norm. There are three campsites and they include waterhole views, woodland views and sweeping river views.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails is a one-of-a-kind mobile safari experience in South Africa. This is one is for the adventurers and nature lovers who are looking for a walking safari experience like no other. A sister camp to Klaserie’s Africa on Foot, Wilderness Trails is designed to offer 3 nights camping in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve, each night in a different location. Each day is spent walking through the 8000 hectare reserve in the Greater Kruger Park, and each night is spent at a new, fully set up mobile campsite in a scenic location in the wilderness. A maximum of 8 guests (sleeping in 4 tents) are taken on the Kruger walking adventure of a lifetime. A professional Africa on Foot trained guide and tracker team will lead an informative, thrilling, and unforgettable walk in the wild.

After settling in, the next morning we arose before the birds. We had a quick coffee and listened to Luan discussing the etiquette of walking through the bushveld. The walk was at a slow and easy pace, taking in all the geology and flora of the area. Every so often our khaki-clad guide, Luan, would stop to tell us various myths and facts about plants. We stumbled upon giraffe, steenbok, waterbuck, kudu and elephant while exploring on foot.

We stopped for numerous water breaks and a much needed breakfast stop. Each step of the way Luan checked to see if we needed to recharge our batteries, which made us feel quite comfortable. Overall the trail was long but not particularly arduous and the terrain covered is rocky, but relatively flat.

While guests are out exploring the Kruger on foot, a ground team will be taking down the first camp and setting up the next one in a new location. A packed brunch will be enjoyed in the bush, while snacks and refreshments will be on offer upon arrival at camp. Evening game drives complete the experience, before campfire dinners and bed in a canvas dome tent.

When we returned to camp after a sweaty day of traversing new landscapes, we were met with eager smiles. I bypassed the gesture of a cold cloth to wash my hands and headed straight for the wine. We all grabbed a chair around the fire and settled in for the evening.

We only had one glass of wine.