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Tree-climbing Leopardess, Ross Dam

The Klaserie is full of excitement at the moment, from the electric storm that loomed in the distance and eventually brought some brilliant rain to Africa on Foot & nThambo, to the exceptional leopard sightings that have brought game drives to a new level of epic! Last weekend, Africa on Foot ranger Greg reported some very festive sightings of Ross Dam leopardess and her two cubs, and then last night and this morning, guests were fortunate enough to see the female leopard and her cub again – this time with a kill! Take a look at how this sensational sighting went down…

Yesterday afternoon, we broadcasted another episode of #livebushfeed, and as we were receiving the live game drive reports, Greg called in a sighting of Bundu – Ross Dam’s male cub! The almost-2-year-old youngster was enjoying a very leisurely afternoon alongside a waterhole where he lay, unfazed by our presence, and offered up the opportunity for a fantastic photo!

Not far away, Africa on Foot ranger Mike called in a separate leopard sighting, which turned out to be Ross Dam, Bundu’s mother. These cats still live and feed together, along with Ross Dam’s female cub, named Saffron, but the shy young lady was nowhere in sight this time. Mike reported that Ross Dam was clearly on the hunt, pursuing a herd of impala in stealthy silence. She was left to her nocturnal ways and guests returned to the lodge for some eagerly awaited dinner.

This morning, it was clear Ross Dam had successfully hunted an impala in the dead of night and had fed on a good portion of it already. nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot vehicles were out in a bit of light drizzle, and all guests were richly rewarded by the sight of Ross Dam dragging her kill across the ground before powerfully leaping into a tree with it gripped tightly between her jaws.

It is an astonishing sight to watch a female leopard, which is small in stature, haul a +-40kg antelope into a tree, clawing her way up the tall trunk and positioning her prey neatly in a cradle of branches for safe keeping. Guests watched in breathless silence as she stashed her impala kill and then elegantly descended once again. One of her cubs was present on the scene, but too hidden to tell if it was Bundu or Saffron. Nevertheless, our eyes couldn’t focus on anything other than this magnificent female leopard as she paused halfway down the tree and gazed around for a few seconds before landing softly on the floor. What a morning!

A New Look for Xobega Island Camp, Okavango Delta

Xobega Island Camp’s new look! This Okavango Delta retreat is everything that is right about African island life – including the elephant and hippo visitors! Recently, Xobega Island Camp underwent some soft refurbishments, adding some glamour to its simple setup. Now, this authentic Botswana camp, which exudes the pleasures of simple living, glows under lantern light, and enjoys the warm touches provided by new floor rugs, cushions, dinner settings, bed linen, mosquito nets, and bar service. Take a look and get swept away…

Xobega Island’s dining tent exudes warmth and old world elegance with the simple additions of hanging basket lamp shades, an antique-style bar service trolley, and those classic canvas director’s chairs. Surrounded by the wilderness, of course!

The sandy floor paves the way to your tent at night. Located under the tall, riverine trees, the simple fly tents keep things classic as you camp in comfort on this wild Okavango Delta island.

Inside the tents, twin beds await under the comforting blanket of a mosquito net, encapsulating guests at night and keeping their sleep-zones bug free! This is the Delta, and Xobega is perhaps a camp for the more adventurous guests, so with the wilderness come the creatures that live in it. Luckily, Xobega is equipped for comfort, keeping the buzzing bugs at bay.

The guest bathrooms at Xobega are simple extensions to each tent. The canvas walls offer privacy, while the open-air ceiling allows the presence of nature, trees, and birds to be a part of every bucket shower! The eco-friendly nature of the camp keeps things at a basic minimum, but the magic of the Delta remains the true appeal of the camp.

The canvas tents have drop-down canvas windows, which are covered by fly-screen and look out onto the surrounding bush. The en suite bush bathroom is separated from the tent by a drop-down canvas flap offering ease and convenience during the night.

Each guest tent is located in among the trees of Xobega Island, keeping things idyllically wild! The beauty of this Okavango Delta destination is how it embraces nature.

The breakfast table is ready for guests to be seated and place their orders with the waiter. The dining tent is lit up as the sun rises, and the service table is set with fruit, yoghurt and cereal for guests to help themselves to the first course of breakfast. What a fantastic place to enjoy your first meal of the day!

Every area of Xobega is located between the trees to maintain an earthy, natural feel. Guests follow the pathways through the bush from their tent to the dining tent where they sit to enjoy breakfast before a morning boat cruise.

At dinner time, a variety of bar options are laid out in a traditionally, old-world manner, reminiscing of an era gone but not forgotten. The fire is lit in the boma to the side of the dining tent, allowing the free-flow of guests between the fireplace and the dining table.

The Week in Pictures: We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday

Northern Botswana has received its first big rains, which were dealt generously over the Kwatale Conservancy where Tuskers Bush Camp is located. Cracked pans bore old hoof imprints, which had hardened and become fossilised. Giant indentations in old mud wallows lay frozen in time, revealing the footprints of the last elephant to have enjoyed its moisture before it, too, hardened and cracked. The intense heat of summer in Botswana was eventually broken when the sound of relief pitter-pattered on the sandy earth. Harder, and more loudly, the rain began to fall, drenching the bush, and filling the pans with a layer of liquid life. Overnight, the environment came alive; leaves looked more vibrantly green; birds admired their reflections in pools of water; browsers emerged to feast on the dew-laden produce. Captured in this week’s Week in Pictures are a handful of wet season images, portraying the beauty that comes with a bit of rain!

The Kruger Park is abuzz with holiday-makers, living out their safari vacation dreams; sunblock-covered kids and bird books in tow. This South African destination represents the ultimate in wildlife travel – its vast landscapes are patrolled by the greatest mammals on earth, and the rivers’ most feared beasts. Slinky cats, artistically rosetted with nature’s paintbrush, beautifully plumed creatures of the sky, and grand antelope with elegant headdresses await. Capturing the best moments of the week, our photographers have put together a spirited collection of the Week in Pictures: We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday!

Tuskers Bush Camp, Kwatale Conservancy, Northern Botswana

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger Park

Africa on Foot, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

Week in Pictures: The Day of Reconciliation

It’s the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa, marking the anniversary of the end of Apartheid and the union of the nation. As the country celebrates, we reflect on its natural treasures, and marvel at the raw and untainted wilderness that surrounds us. South Africa is historical, unique, and full of diversity, and our wildlife is certainly something that unites us. With momentous occasion, let us admire and enjoy the Week in Pictures!

nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

Africa on Foot, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

Xobega Island Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger Park

2016 Heads Off into the Golden Sunset

As 2016 heads off into the sunset, we bid a farewell to a year that saw plenty of endearing and heartbreaking wildlife moments. As we gradually move into an exciting blank canvas of 2017, we’d like to celebrate the wild by showcasing our top sunset photos. As the sun sinks into the horizon and puts the day to rest, we’ll do the same to 2016!

Our camps and lodges are dotted throughout Botswana and Kruger; and each one offers a unique sunset setting. Ezulwini Game Lodges have an elevated paradise viewing deck, where the much anticipated golden hour is celebrated. This is exclusively set-up for absorbing the beauty of the Balule Nature Reserve. Drinks, snacks and endless views of the horizon

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot offer a more ground level sunset appreciation. Eager rangers will take you to an open area with views over the waterhole or the flat landscape. Here you will see the acacia bushveld, Tamboti, mixed thorn and marula trees forming silhouettes against the brazen sky.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge enjoys a similar landscape to the Klaserie, but is home to a wealth of drainage lines that attract plenty of leopard. Of course, the marked difference to where nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot are located, is the river on the Umkumbe traverse. Having a spectacular flowing river while the gentle rays of the sunset bounce off the water and riverine forests, provides a depth to the sunsets.

Xobega Island Camp and Tuskers Bush Camp in Botswana offer two very different settings for sunsets. With the newly built bush bar at Tuskers Bush Camp, the setting is ideal for sunset gazing. The dry bushveld is a gentle reminder of Kalahari landscapes speckled with shrubbery and mopane woodlands.

Sunsets are set against purple, hazy skies and mirages make you feel cocooned in the Botswana atmosphere. Xobega Island sunsets are exceptional. The bright blood orange sky lit up by the golden ball of sun greatly contrasts the calm waters of the Okavango Delta’s waterways. Diamond reflections and sparkling waters bounce off the mesmerizing sunset.

Here are a few facts about sunsets :

There’s an ancient saying that goes “red at night, shepherd’s delight and red in the morning, shepherd’s warning”. The bright red colours mean that the air is clear and will be good in the morning. A red morning sky represents low pressure weather – a clear indication that storms are approaching.

You often see mind-blowing sunsets in the city. This is because the pollution particles filter out colours.

Sunsets are caused by the earth’s atmosphere. Molecules and small particles in the atmosphere scatter the light and cause the rays to filter in many directions.

A Tipple at the “Bush Bar” in the midst of no-man’s land…

The Kwatale conservancy is laden with intricate network of mopane woodland and acacia scrub dotted across fine sand, reminiscent of ancient Kalahari landscapes. Hugged by the Nxai Pan National Park in the east and Moremi Game Reserve in the west in the, this 365 000 hectare concession holds plenty of mystery and undiscovered landscapes, beckoning to be explored. Tuskers Bush Camp lies in the heart of this curious, only recently explored conservancy in Botswana.

When the call of the lions reverberate through the land, the golden sunset beckons you into its arms and the stars hover above you like desperate lanterns; then you know it’s touchdown in Africa. With such a vast and surreal landscape, the bush bar is the perfect watering hole and accompaniment to a Botswana safari. When you arrive at the bar, we encourage you to kick back, throw off your veldskoen and grab a drink!

From the finest whiskeys, to bottles of wine, sparkling waters, champagne and non-alcoholic drinks; our scope of beverages leaves the parched palate salivating for more.

Our large concession is home to expansive open areas and one are in particular takes pride of place – where the ancient baobab tree resides. Its powerful presence and mystic powers watch out of the traverse. It is here where our legendary bush braais and dinner’s take place. Dining under the natural light of the moon and the mood lighting from simple lanterns creates quite the atmosphere.

Before dinner, it’s customary to reign in golden hour with a drink. We took advantage of this traditional sundowner drink session that is popular with those conducting game drives; and built the “Bush Bar”! It was decided that, instead of stopping and hovering around the vehicle’s bonnet, a bar was necessary. Forget the glitz and glam of the city – this bar is rustic and is constructed from natural wood sourced from the area.

As the sun sets and the pristine night sky emerges, we encourage you to marvel at the ever changing colours of the sky. The Bush Bar is not like a normal bar surrounded by thumping music. The melodic sounds of clinking of ice cubes, the cry of the Kalahari, the rasping calls from big cat predators and the unmistakeable sounds of Africa are the DJs at this bar.

If the baobab dinners and bush bar aren’t enough for you, then you can always relax in our informal al fresco lounge or boma area overlooking the popular pan in front of our camp.

But let us not bore you with words. We’ll let our images tell the story. We hope you enjoy a tipple in the midst of no-man’s land

Week in Pictures : Bushveld Peace Amidst Festive Mayhem

The end of the year is fast approaching and with it comes a flurry of activity, chaotic lifestyles and a sense of a relief that the year is finally drawing to a close. The bushveld? Well, that always seems to maintain its calm demeanor and a place to find a sense of solace. The only flurry of activity you’ll find in the thickets of the Kruger and the waterways of the Okavango channels, is from the frenetic flocks of birds. Who needs the endless Christmas lights when we have glowing lanterns lining the pathways between tents? Who needs sleigh bells when you have the thunderous grumble of a lion’s roar?

Where ever you are, celebrating or not celebrating the holiday season, take time out from your day and absorb the essence of the bushveld through these spectacular images. Because we all need a bit of bushveld peace amidst the festive mayhem.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge has enjoyed 30 mm of rain over the past two weeks and it’s evident in the latest photos supplied by ranger Marius Zeilinga. As a matter of fact, all of the Kruger camps received a much needed bout of rain. The landscapes have an injection of colour, making our photographers’ images a bit more vibrant.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have all enjoyed a wealth of leopard during the course of the week. Sabi Sand leopard, Mxabene was spotted chilling in an area known as “Broken Dreams”, together with the ever graceful Kigelia. In the Klaserie, the Ross Dam leopardess was seen fighting to retrieve her kill from hyenas and dragging it up a tree. Both her cubs joined her for dinner.

A new development in the Klaserie regarding lions is proving to be quite interesting. The Hercules Pride emerged from their territory deep in the Klaserie Nature Reserve, and ventured onto the Africa on Foot traverse , giving guests a brilliant sighting of these notoriously fierce lions. The Hercules Pride have been spotted quite regularly over the past week. The Mapoza males are still around and so are the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses. Big cat fever is upon us, despite the rains, which often see the cats seeking shelter.

Botswana is thriving and there are plenty of developments under way. The scenery and raw landscape of the Kwatale Conservancy nestled between Moremi and Nxai Pan is where Tuskers Bush Camp is located. The area is reminiscent of ancient Africa – untouched, unmarred by civilisation and unscarred by humans. We decided to celebrate the surrounds and construct a rustic, unobtrusive bush bar; which is bound to enthrall our guests.

Tuskers Bush Camp have had plenty of activity from elephant herds at the pan in front of camp. The lions have been actively contact calling during the dead of night and appear to be getting closer to camp.

The resident elephant on Xobega Island Camp was spotted during a morning walk a few days ago. Birdlife is in abundance – but then again, it is the Okavango Delta! The claps of thunder and bolts of lightning hit the stormy surfaces of the Okavango Delta with such a force and vengeance. This provided ample photographic opportunities and plenty of scurrying of wildlife!

Enjoy your weekend and we hope you love the images.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Xobega Island Camp and Tuskers Bush Camp

Family-Friendly Safari at Africa on Foot

Set in the vast and remote Kruger bushveld lies the authentic and much-loved safari camp, Africa on Foot. Located in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this camp has remained a firm favourite among safari-goers from around the world and is also the recipient of many prestigious awards. It’s authentic, affordable and has not become overly commercialised, despite its popularity. The professional walking safaris are an integral part of the safari at this camp and all aspects provide the perfect hideaway for adventurous family-friendly safari.

There are only five chalets, which means rangers and hosts can offer an intimate and personal experience. Two of the chalets are family units, which have two adjoining rooms. These family rooms sleep four people. On the property there is a treehouse, which is most certainly worth a stay if you’re feeling adventurous. This is great for older teenagers who might want a memorable, adrenalin rush of a night. We all know how teenagers can be thrill seekers!

Getting there is easy. Depending on how well-behaved the children are, you can either self-drive in a 4×4 to camp or fly into Hoedspruit airport, where rangers will collect you. The rangers are highly qualified and expertly trained; but somehow manage to be incredibly funny, friendly and familiar with their guests. We have little doubt they’ll get on well with the kids – it’s all about family at this camp. After all, the land and camp owners are all family with a passion for the bushveld.

Both adults and children will walk away armed with arsenal of cultural and bushveld knowledge. These guys are actually passionate about what they do and you can feel their unwavering passion for the bush when they talk to you. The morning walks normally depart at 6am and last for about 3 hours.

While on foot, you’ll learn so much more about the rich environment than you would while in a vehicle. You will be asked to sample plants, sniff elephant dung and be quizzed about tracks. There is no better education than the practical side of life. After your morning walk, you and your family can relax at the lodge. There is a small splash pool that elephants seem to think is their waterhole. This is a once in a lifetime experience that is mainly enjoyed during the drier winter season.

Evening times are dominated by game drives, where you will be introduced to the resident lion prides, huge birds of prey, the big five and even the endangered African wild dogs. The reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Game Reserve, which means a constant change in dynamics of wildlife.

Africa on Foot is perfect for a family safari for families with older children – children over 5 are accepted but the age limit on walking safaris is 16 years. Children between 5 – 16 will be taken on morning game “bumbles” while parents can enjoy a full walking safari.
And if that’s not enough, you will be treated to a traditional braai, which is an outdoor barbecue. Ask the rangers how to teach the kids to braai. At Africa on Foot there’s plenty of family fun and adventure to be had!

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“Believe in yourself! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
– Hosea Ballou

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Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Nullam ac urna eu felis dapibus condimentum sit amet a augue. Sed non neque elit. Sed ut imperdiet nisi. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos.

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Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Mauris in erat justo. Nullam ac urna eu felis dapibus condimentum sit amet a augue. Sed non neque elit. Sed ut imperdiet nisi.

Aenean sollicitudin, nec sagittis sem nibh id elit. Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in erat justo. Nullam ac urna eu felis dapibus condimentum sit amet a augue. Sed non neque elit. Sed ut imperdiet nisi. Proin condimentum fermentum nunc. Etiam pharetra, erat sed fermentum feugiat, velit mauris egestas quam, ut aliquam massa nisl quis neque. Suspendisse in orci enim.

“Believe in yourself! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
– Hosea Ballou

Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. P.C. Marlyn Monro Mauris in erat justo. Nullam ac urna eu felis dapibus condimentum sit amet a augue. Sed non neque elit. Sed ut imperdiet nisi.

Lightbox Gallery

Duis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus a sit amet mauris. Morbi accumsan ipsum velit. Nam nec tellus a odio tincidunt auctor a ornare odio. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Nullam ac urna eu felis dapibus condimentum sit amet a augue. Sed non neque elit. Sed ut imperdiet nisi. Sed non mauris vitae erat consequat auctor eu in elit. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos.

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Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora.
Torquent per conubia nostra
Per inceptos himenaeos.