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Umkumbe Big Cat Update : Old Favourites Make a Comeback

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – the Sabi Sand is big cat paradise. We often enjoy consecutive sightings of a particular pride or lone leopard for a brief period before they wander further afield. Lion pride dynamics shift and sub-adults become burgeoning leaders. Leopard cubs explore new territory and dominant males explore a wide range. This is the nature of the beast in the wild – things are never sedentary or stagnant.

So, when the old favourites take a hiatus from the Umkumbe traverse and return months, even years later, it’s always a noteworthy occasion. We’re acutely aware that our elusively nocturnal cats may have wandered back in the dead of night while we’re deep in slumber! But, there have certainly been no signs of the old legends leaving clues to their whereabouts.

Leopards : White Dam and Cub, Kigelia and Tatowa

Last week our eagle-eyed trackers spotted the shy White Dam and her brave male cub. This mother and son duo do frequent similar areas. The cub is old enough to fend for himself, but still occasionally hunts with his mother and tends to dwell on the periphery of her territory. Over the weekend White Dam was seen moving at a rapid pace through the bush – clearly in search of her next meal. She was enjoying the solitude and her cub clearly was off doing his own patrolling.

In addition to last week’s sighting of White Dam and her cub, rangers spotted the youthful and rather remarkable Kigelia – she made quite the comeback. Kigelia is Little Bush’s cub and has set her status within the Umkumbe traverse as being a fearless predators with a taste for the extraordinary. She’s a quirky character and renown for tracking unconventional prey – she once tracked an ostrich. Seeing her engaging in her predicted behaviour was a rather dazzling experience considering we haven’t seen here in a while.

Kigelia kept guests’ heart’s racing when they ogled over the leopardess dining on her recent duiker kill. She’d hoisted the small antelope into a tree for safekeeping and felt confident enough to relax into the dining session, providing ample opportunity for photography. Clearly Toothfairy the hyena and her clan hadn’t got wind of Kigelia’s meaty meal, because we all know how that could have ended.

With all the leopard action over the past week, we were surprised to bump into Tatowa over the weekend. Marius said that she was on the move and in search of a comfortable spot to elevate herself. Leopards are often found on termite mounds or in the tops of trees. The elevation allows for them to survey the surrounding landscape for potential prey sources.

Lions: Sparta Pride of Lions and One of the Matimba Males

In terms of lion sightings, Umkumbe has had a real winner when it comes to sightings. Ancient legends, with a bloodline so strong and ferocious, returned to their old stomping ground. A very excited Marius Zeilinga was the driving force behind spotting the elusive Sparta Pride of lions !

The pride splintered somewhat and we’re left with 3 powerfully built lionesses and 4 sub-adults eager to claim new home grounds. The pride was spotted again last night and appeared perfectly relaxed. They spent most of their time grooming, stretching and prepping for the night’s antics. After enjoying a lengthy and lethargic relaxation session, the pride decided to move off in search of greener pastures.

The Sparta Pride have made an appearance every day since the first sighting of them last week. And if that’s not enough, one of the Matimba males has also re-appeared from the archives of lion activity. This is a first for Umkumbe, making it a definite highlight of the week!

Ranger Marius says, “For the first time at Umkumbe, one of the Matimba coalition of male lions made an appearance. There are two in the coalition and the male we saw is fondly referred to as “Hairy Belly”. His territory is normally up north but over the recent months he has been spotted watching over the Mhangeni breakaway females. This male we saw seemed to have an injury. Matimba means “strength” in Shangaaan, so hopefully he’ll recover shortly and live up to his namesake”

Another great week of lion and leopard sightings at Umkumbe Safari Lodge !

Week in Pictures : Stripes, Fur, Helmets and Plumes

Dazzles of zebra, leaps of leopard, proud lion prides and baleful buffalo herds take centre stage in today’s week in pictures. We’ve become used to seeing our big cats stealing leading roles in the wild, but we always have time to stop and observe the smaller species that play a vital role in the success of the wild.

This week, the Klaserie came out tops with its leopard sightings. Three leopards were spotted in quick succession – Ross Dam and her two sub-adult cubs! We’ve indulged in plenty of extra viewing pleasure of Ross Dam and her cubs. We mainly see Bundu the male cub traversing new ground and attempting to conduct his own kills.

Coupled with that, we uncovered a new pride of lions which were seen on more than one occasion. Then of course, we had Duma from the Balule colluding with the lone ranger Mabande male lion.

Balule has obviously said goodbye to its golden mane leader, Duma, who is now patrolling the corridors of the Klaserie. Duma’s Pride are still very much a force within the traverse and were recently spotted while out on evening game drive.

Umkumbe’s leopardess, Kigelia, enjoyed the limelight and seemed to be completely unfazed by her onlookers. The Sparta Pride of lions, the Houdini’s of the bushveld, returned to their old stomping ground. They haven’t been spotted in over year and now the Umkumbe rangers have been privy to many sightings of this rare pride.

Botswana still continues to enthrall us with its high concentration of game around dwelling in the depths of the Okavango Delta and the hiding in the mopane scrub and thickets of Tuskers Bush Camp.

Enjoy your weekend and we hope you enjoy what’s on offer in your habitat!

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge and Ezulwini River Lodge

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Xobega Island Camp and Tuskers Bush Camp

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

PHOTOS: 4 New Lions Spotted in the Klaserie!

Now this is exciting! If we weren’t thrilled enough by the news of newcomer male Duma partnering up with the Mabande male, this has certainly set things into motion: 4 new lions were spotted emerging from the bush while Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp were out on game drive, and the following day the small pride was seen again in the morning and afternoon. Two adult females, one subadult male, and one subadult female made up the pride, and as yet, we don’t have any information on their history.

The pride of 4 was seen enjoying life out in an open area, giving us all a great view of them. A herd of zebra were communicating noisily nearby, which sparked the lions’ interest a bit, and we got to watch as the two lionesses nuzzled and groomed each other affectionately. The two younger lions kept to the bush for the most part, until the male got up and gave us a full view of his maturing form. What good looking lions they are!

For 3 consecutive game drives, guests got to enjoy them out and about, and then yesterday afternoon we saw them moving off into the neighbouring property they came from. This morning there was no sight of them, and it seems they are enjoying some quiet time out of sight. Ranger Greg reckons they might be a nomadic bunch, not having come from an established territory, and we can only hope to see them again. We would like to hear from other properties in the area if they have any intel on these lions so that we can learn a little more about them!

Tuskers Bush Camp : Lone Male Leopard Spotted

A few months ago we introduced you to the leopards of Tuskers Bush Camp. With much excitement, we revealed images of our active cats enthralling us with their finely tuned stalking skills and ambushing techniques. Over the past few months we’ve made it a focus to place, identify and get to know the big cats of our expansive traverse littered with acacia scrub and mopane woodland. Leopards certainly have plenty of pockets of vegetation to duck and dive away from observing eyes. Naturally aloof, these cats can be tricky to find. However, Tuskers has certainly hit the jackpot in terms of leopard sightings and the lush thickets certainly haven’t kept the sightings at bay

A while ago, we reported a confirmed sighting of two leopards and speculation of a third male. If you’ve been following our Tuskers leopard stories, you’ll know that one of the confirmed cats is a stealthy leopardess fond of weaving her way towards tent 6 at camp. She is often accompanied by another leopard, who we assume is her cub. When a leopardess gives birth she stashes her cub in a den for up to 3 months and shortly after the 3 month mark, it will join its mother on hunts.

The cub stays with its mother for 12 – 18 months, learning the ways of the wild and how to fend for itself. Eventually the cub will learn how to take down its own prey and occasionally join its mother for dinner while its establishing its own territories and boundaries.

The leopardess that patrols the Tuskers traverse, gave birth to her cub in the store room on the property prior to us reinventing Tuskers Bush Camp. Female leopards favour areas that have a ready availability of food and potential den sites. This is probably why the leopardess continues to return to this area and her cub, although old enough to seek a life of solitude, is still somewhat tied to her apron strings.

These two leopards have dominated our recent sightings, but recently a sighting of another male leopard has emerged.

Over the past weekend a lone male leopard was spotted. At first he was seen scouring the area of a recent elephant kill. Leopards, although exquisite and successful hunters, are not above being opportunistic. Our resident photographer, Dan, spotted the male the day before but the leopard was exceptionally skittish and weary. The following day the same male was seen and appeared far less neurotic.

We cannot confirm the I.D of this male, but we think it could be the father of the cub. Males cover a wide area, so it possible that he comes and goes at intervals. Male leopards normally establish territories where there is an availability of females.

Are there more graceful female leopards that we haven’t spotted? What are his reasons for being in the same area over consecutive days?

We have yet to find out.

The leopard sightings are increasing and Daniel Dugmore is there to document every step. We’re keeping our eye on this male and the mysteries that surround

If you’re interested in helping us establish and uncover the enigma surrounding the leopards of Tuskers Bush Camp, then please read our leopard blogs for a bit of history:

Week in Pictures : A Colourful Round-up of Wildlife

Week in Pictures is a round-up of our favourite photographic moments designed to entice you to Africa’s wildest places. This week has provided an interesting mix of big cat sightings coupled with a colourful array of birdlife and other small mammals.

Highlights have included a lion kill by the aloof Hercules Pride right outside the rangers block at Africa on Foot and leopard sightings of Ross Dam, White Rock and Ross Dam’s cub. In among these sightings there’s been a vivid display of birds darting about in the lush landscape. nThambo Tree Camp continue to have the elephant herds drinking from the lodge swimming pool, despite the natural water sources being replenished.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge and Ezulwini Game Lodges have had leopard and lion sightings respectively. The plains game and water loving herbivores are very present within the Sabi Sand. The Sand River in front of the lodge really is a hotspot for game and the river at Ezulwini River Lodge is equally a drawcard for wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve.

Xobega Island Camp and Tuskers Bush Camp have had their usual viewings of buffalo, elephants, giraffe and birdlife. However, this week also saw the emergence of yet another leopard on the Tuskers Bush Camp traverse, which adds to the big cat excitement of the area.

Have a good weekend – we hope you like the images!

Tuskers Bush Camp and Xobega Island Camp

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge and Ezulwini River Lodge

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

NEWS: Balule Lion Duma Joins Forces with Klaserie’s Mabande!

Duma was a force to be reckoned with in the Balule Nature Reserve and patrolled his turf with determination. With his golden locks and respectable swag, he was considered by many to be the king of the central and southern parts of Balule. Easily identifiable by his trademark mohawk, he became a much loved sighting while out on game drives with Ezulwini Game Lodges.

Duma’s brother forms part of the Mohlabetsi coalition of 4 lions, which are still a strong force within the Balule. This coalition appears to rule over the Impalabos Pride, River Pride and the Mohlabetsi Pride. Duma’s Pride used to avoid the coalition of four and at one stage; and we even had reports of a huge scuffle between Duma and his brother.

Sightings of Duma became fewer and there was speculation and rumours abound that he’d fled his turf and sought refuge within the eastern block of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. There were recordings of Duma sightings, but within our section of the Klaserie, we couldn’t confirm his whereabouts. Had Duma become an apparition and faded into the darkness with other ancient lion legends?

No, not quite. We’ve just spotted Duma cruising the Klaserie traverse together with lone ranger lion Mabande. It appears this Balule male has joined forces with Mabande on the Klaserie traverse! nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot had confirmed sightings on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Who is Mabande?

Mabande is a lone lion who initially belonged to a coalition of 4 lions, which split up into a coalition of 2. After being flushed out of their turf by the Ross Pride males, the two fled. We don’t know where the second male is, but that’s how Mabande became a nomadic male.

Mabande’s mane is thick on the sides and sparsely populated on top, making his appearance look a big scraggly. He tried to make his presence a dominant one within the Trilogy turf and even seen grappling with the Trilogy males. But his efforts to dominate weren’t very successful.

Over time, he managed to mate with the Ross Pride lionesses and made quite the scene in and around Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. Mabande seemed like a fighter determined to stake his claim on something!

As it stands, he isn’t looking like the strong male he once was, so perhaps this joining of forces with a dominant and street wise character with ensure they form a powerful coalition.

We really don’t know what will unfold in terms of this interesting dynamic; but we will be watching closely. The Hercules Pride have been seen on a regular basis and can be quite a turbulent bunch. Let’s hope these two don’t have a head on collision with the Hercules warriors!

We spoke to ranger Greg who says, “Mabande and Duma were cruising around together, getting to know one another. They’ve joined forces but they don’t appear to want to take over anyone’s territory. At least not for now! Chasing each around for a month or so in the east block and avoiding contact, but now it seems they’ve joined up and come to some kind of agreement.”

Hercules Pride Kill Buffalo Outside Ranger’s Block

Less than a week ago our rangers enthralled guests with a rare sighting of the powerful and elusive Hercules pride of lions. The term “Hercules” is derived from Greek mythology. Hercules was the son of Zeus and was believed to have an almost supernatural strength. Thus, it’s fair to say that this burgeoning pride is aptly named.

The lionesses and sub-adults within the pride are quite solid, healthy and strong looking beasts. They stop at nothing to achieve their goals and history tells a story of them having killed cubs from another pride. This is a rather intimidating and domineering pride dwelling on our traverse.

You can only imagine the elation felt by rangers when these brooding cats are spotted. Over the past week the Hercules Pride have subtly being announcing their presence within the vicinity of Africa on Foot. To date, there are still 6 members within the pride – 3 sub-adult males, 2 adult females and 1 sub-adult female. They can be quite elusive, so seeing them is always a momentous occasion.

A few nights ago the pride were soft contact calling close to the treehouse. After hearing the contact calls the night before, Greg and Mike knew that it was their duty to seek out the whereabouts of the cats. This is when Greg and Mike’s pilgrimage towards the lions began. Mike found the tracks and Greg found the lions. Mike often says that Greg is a born tracker! They watched the pride scuffling around in what seemed like a bit of a chase for prey. Greg and Mike managed to show guests the Hercules Pride from a distance, but visual became poor when the tawny beasts disappeared into the vegetation, which is thick and lush at the moment.

Hyper-vigilant and super-alert, the humanoid species returned to camp and went to bed that night not knowing what would unfold when the stars came out…

Just 50 metres from outside the ranger’s block, the entire pride took down a buffalo. The unmistakeable wailing of a buffalo could be heard and the sounds were intermingled with the guttural roars of success from our lions.

Camp manager Jen, managed to film a bit of feeding frenzy but it’s not one for sensitive viewers, so we’ve just furnished you with a few images to corroborate Mike and Greg’s animated report. The wild is the wild – there’s no sugar coating a kill. A take down of prey is viscous, turbulent and violent – all in the name of survival of these cats. The cats spent most of the night feasting and feeding on the remnants of their buffalo carcass and our rangers dutifully retired to their beds.

The following morning, there was the usual mayhem and the likely suspects rocked up for a free meal. Mike says, “The hyena clans and lions got into a huge scrap over the kill and there were plenty of tempers flaring!”.

As per usual, in typical Hercules horror, nothing is ever easy. Kings of jungle? They have nothing on this powerful pride. A true example of the strong surviving and striving for dominance.

Welcome to 2017, The Year of the Safari !

The entire Sun Destinations’ team is excited about 2017. 2016 saw us immersed in revamping new camps in Botswana, pouring our hearts into the latest online innovations and cleverly combining tech with the bushveld lifestyle. The camps and lodges we market, refurb and become involved with on a ground level have become intertwined into our daily lifestyle. 2016 has been heavily influenced by Botswana as a destination and we’ve made headway in terms of adding this prime safari destination to our collection.

For us, what we do is not just a job, but a way of life. We carefully select authentic camps that knit together the best of wildlife, lodge living and atmosphere. A true bushveld experience is about the people, wildlife and what happens back at the lodge. We do traveller, not tourist.

The Sun Destinations portfolio is a growing representation of some of Southern Africa’s most coveted, yet preserved wildlife areas; a careful selection of authentic bush camps and supreme safari lodges to be discovered. From riverside boma fires, to uninterrupted views of the stars, our lodges are selected based on their location, their owner-managed intimacy, and excellence in wildlife encounters. This is the home of marketing and reservations for a collection of Africa’s Hidden Secrets.

We’re very excited about the developments for 2017 – we’re aiming high and we’ll never rest. With our guest feedback and constant need to strive for improvement both offline, online and in the bushveld; we’re going to make a success of 2017. We’d like you all to do the same – and if you haven’t been on safari, or are thinking of indulging in the spirit of Africa again, then make 2017 the year of the safari!

Here’s a quick recap of the camps and lodges within our portfolio – choose one for your 2017 safari :

The Greater Kruger

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge and Ezulwini River Lodge

Located in the Balule Nature Reserve lies the luxurious Ezulwini lodges – River Lodge and Billy’s Lodge. Suites come complete with private plunge pools and there is plenty to do while at the lodge – there’s even a cave-like wine cellar for those who enjoy a tipple. When you’re not sampling wine you can always take a wander on the wooden skywalk that weaves over the crunchy bushveld below. Look below and you’ll probably spot herds of elephant!

The daily game drives will leave you aching for the bushveld when you return home. The focus? Bushveld luxury combined with the modernities and relaxed living of home.

Website: www.ezulwini-river-lodge.co.za | www.ezulwini-billys-lodge.co.za
Facebook: Ezulwini Game Lodges Facebook Page
YouTube: Ezulwini Game Lodges Wildlife and Lodge Videos

Africa on Foot

Located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Africa on Foot specialises in professional big five walking safaris. We’re not talking casual five minute strolls or massive treks, but rather a routine 3 hour walk to begin your day. Evenings are spent enjoying game drives. If the adventure isn’t enough for your wild African spirit, then we suggest a night in our treehouse. The focus? A comfortable camp with good food, exquisite atmosphere and ample game viewing opportunities.

Website : www.africaonfoot.com
Facebook : Africa on Foot Facebook Page
YouTube : Africa on Foot Wildlife and Camp Videos

nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is the sister camp to Africa on Foot and offers a more luxurious option for guests. It’s a mere stone’s throw away from Africa on Foot and offers the same game viewing opportunities as its sister camp, but without the focus on walking safaris.

This is an intimate camp with a unique type of accommodation and a personalised safari experience. There are five wooden chalets on stilts offering expansive views of the Klaserie bushveld and each chalet comes with its own balcony. Don’t be surprised if you hear the scuttling of honey badgers under your room at night ! The focus? An rare opportunity to stay in treehouse style accommodation while dabbling in a bit of luxury and trying to spot the big five from your balcony.

Website: www.nthambo.com
Facebook: nThambo Tree Camp’s Facebook Page
YouTube: nThambo Tree Camp Wildlife and Camp Videos

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

The Sabi Sand is considered by many to be the premier reserve within the Greater Kruger. It’s home to exclusive five star lodges and has certainly made its mark on the international market. Umkumbe offers guests seeking prime game viewing in an exclusive reserve a more affordable option.

Located on the banks of the Sand River, Umkumbe is most certainly rewarded with a wealth of wildlife sightings. And that’s just from the lodge !

The focus? Sabi Sand is leopard central and Umkumbe Safari Lodge is never short of sightings. Hippo, buffalo and elephant can often be found enjoying the spoils of the Sand River which flows in front of the lodge. The focus is on providing exquisite game viewing at an affordable rate in an otherwise exclusive reserve.

Website: www.umkumbe.co.za
Facebook: Umkumbe Safari Lodge Facebook Page
YouTube: Umkumbe Wildlife and Lodge Videos

Botswana

Xobega Island Camp

Set in the Okavango Delta on an untouched piece of paradise, lies Xobega Island Camp. Getting there is part of the fun – you depart from a boat station in the Moremi Game Reserve and meander across the Okavango Delta to find this slice of heaven.

Xobega Island Camp is a thoroughly wild paradise with canvas guest tents, a dining tent and two lounge gazebos containing wicker furniture – just perfect for outdoor relaxation. The focus? The camp is rustic and thrives in a remote environment completely untouched by tourism. Guests can enjoy walks on the island, water safaris and sundowner cruises.

Website: www.xobega.com
Facebook: Xobega Island Camp Facebook Page
YouTube: Xobega Island Camp Wildlife and Camp

Tuskers Bush Camp

If you’re looking for a proper bushveld experience in Botswana, then Tuskers Bush Camp is the place for you. Located on a 365 000 hectare tract of land comprising mixed acacia, mopane woodland and Kalahari scrub; this camp epitomizes the vast expanse of pristine bushveld synonymous with Botswana.

Safari tents surround a boma area overlooking a bustling waterhole. The focus? The fact that the Kwatale Conservancy, where Tuskers is located, is very remote. The bush bar is a winner with guests and so is the baobab experience!

Website: www.tuskers.net
Facebook: Tuskers Bush Camp Facebook Page
YouTube: Tuskers Bush Camp Wildlife and Camp Videos

Afrika Ecco Safaris

This is one for the adventurous guest who still likes to be pampered in a small way. This is a mobile camping safari highlighting the game rich areas within Botswana. Areas not accessible to lodge guests can be frequented by these mobile safaris. Your safari tents are set-up for you and meals are made while you soak up the atmosphere of Botswana.

The focus? It’s completely up to you. There are a number of set itineraries from which to choose and don’t worry – each dome tent comes complete with an en suite bathroom.

Website: www.afrikaeccosafaris.com
Facebook: Afrika Ecco Mobile Safaris Facebook Page
YouTube: Afrika Ecco Mobile Safaris Wildlife and Camp Videos

John Chase Safaris

John Chase Safaris is a luxury mobile safari operation offering guided tours of Botswana’s top destinations using both luxury camping and lodge accommodation. Explore pristine areas such as the Moremi Game Reserve, the Central Kalahari and the Chobe National Park. You get to choose the itinerary and length of time to suit your safari needs.

Website: www.johnchasesafaris.com
Facebook: John Chase Safaris Facebook Page
YouTube: John Chase Safaris Wildlife and Mobile Camp Videos

Camp Savuti

Camp Savuti is located on the banks of the Savuti channel, which is an area rich with predator activity. The simple, tented accommodation comprises 5 Meru style tents constructed from wood and canvas. The design of the camp certainly doesn’t detract from the beauty of the surrounding area. The focus? The camp is located in a sought after location and can best be described as luxury camping.

Website: www.campsavuti.com
YouTube: Camp Savuti Wildlife and Camp Videos

Camp Linyanti

Camp Linyanti is a seasonal camp open from April – October. Located in a high wildlife traffic area on the banks of the Linyanti in the uncrowded corner of Chobe National Park, this camp offers a raw African experience. Accommodation is in 5 individually decorated Meru style tents. The focus? Camp Linyanti is all about the expansive views overlooking the marsh, channel and waterf-filled wilderness.

Website: www.camplinyanti.com
YouTube: Camp Linyanti Wildlife and Camp Videos

Week in Pictures : Dive Bombing into 2017

Dive bombing into 2017 like a kingfisher, owning 2017 like a burgeoning lion pride, relaxing in 2017 like a leopard during the heat of the day and slithering through troubling times in 2017 like a lethal black mamba. This is the first “week in pictures” of the year and we’re excited about the blank canvas that lies ahead.

Make 2017 your year of opportunity. And remember – success is how you react to circumstances. If you book a safari and the dates are full, do not give up. Try another camp or try other dates. Why? Because 2017 is the year of the safari!

We started off the year with a sighting of the endangered African wild dogs traversing the open road in the Klaserie. This rare sighting was one for the books for nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot, but then it was surpassed by the formidable presence of the Hercules Pride of lions. This pride is quite elusive, but the trackers and rangers spent a few days following their trail.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge rolled into 2017 with their typical leopard sightings and recorded sightings of the White Dam leopardess. She appeared during our #livebushfeed session and had a failed attempt at a hunt. The night before, her male cub was spotted patrolling potentially new territory.

Ezulwini Game Lodges never fail to deliver in terms of elephant sightings and 2017 has proved to be no different. The jumbos seem to frequent the grounds of the lodge. This lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve enjoyed a close-up sighting of the Mohlabetsi lionesses and also came face-to-face to with an unknown leopardess.

Tuskers Bush Camp saw the development of a new sundowner bar spot in a sparse open area. A true bushveld bar! Xobega Island Camp has had a soft refurb and is looking like a magical spot where you can relax and listen to hippos honking in the distance.

Let’s kick this year off with a few sensational photos taken during the course of the week at our camps and lodges. Here’s to 2017!

Tuskers Bush Camp and Xobega Island Camp

nThambo Tree Camp

Africa on Foot

Ezulwini Game Lodges

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Week in Pictures: Best of 2016

Well, here we are, at the very end of 2016! In an astonishing hurry, another year has flown past, and what we’ve seen in the bush has made us breathless, ecstatic, amazed, and heartbroken. The wild world continues, no matter the day of the week, the time of day, or the significance of another calendar year rolling over. Seasons have come and gone, and the extreme conditions of a drought have left their scars on the earth. Fortunately we have entered a wet summer, and the emerald green trees have made it into our view finders once again. Photography has captured some of the special moments we have witnessed this year, in the bustling bush of Kruger and the rolling plains and wetlands of Botswana. Every Friday, we have reported back with the best shots of the week, and now, at the end of the year, we get to look back on 365 days of wildlife photography and select what we feel are the best of all. Here, to celebrate the end of 2016, are the best picks from our photographers over the past year in the wild in the grand finale Week in Pictures!

Tuskers Bush Camp & Xobega Island Camp, Botswana