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Wildlife Sightings: Rarest of the Rare

There are sightings…and there are SIGHTINGS. We cherish every moment in the bushveld, celebrating each small creature from the dwarf mongoose to prolific herds of impala and even the ever-common southern yellow-billed hornbill. But sometimes, a sighting comes along that’s REALLY worth writing home about. Today, we pay homage to the recent sightings from camps that we consider the rarest of the rare.

Boteti Tented Camp spots tiny lion cubs

Boteti Tented Camp offers quite a varied safari experience, ranging from day trips into the Nxai Pan area to Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. Because Boteti is a base for these revered safari activities, there’s ample opportunity to spot…well…just about any species imaginable. The team at Boteti leave no stone unturned when it comes to taking advantage of what’s on offer in southern Africa’s famed safari country.

Owner Kavi frequently sends through sighting updates from these day trips, ensuring we’re no stranger to his regular sightings of zebra, lechwe, lions, wild dogs and those giant jumbos (elephants). But a few days we were treated to a special update. While out on the full day Moremi Game Reserve activity, the team came across two lionesses with five very small cubs. Their vigilant stance revealed the protective cats’ keen alertness, ensuring the safety of the cubs from any potential threat. Typically, lionesses will stash their cubs in a safe area for at least 6 weeks before introducing them to the rest of the pride.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside witnesses a leopard chasing a cheetah

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside tends to deliver a wonderful array of unique sightings that include everything from a lion playing with a pangolin to honey badgers in the wild, and even rare birds. Their team of guides and trackers are always on the ball when it comes to keeping us updated with bushveld news, so much so that we don’t even consider their leopard sightings as rare. Yes, Umkumbe spots leopards on the regular, earning it a reputation for being leopard central.

Imagine our surprise when this video flooded our channels. Guides spotted a standoff between a leopard and cheetah, with the leopard eventually giving chase…to the world’s fasted land animal! Who needs to watch the Olympic 100m sprint when you get to witness this on our doorstep?

We’ll be hard pressed to find a sighting that’s rarer than this one!

Ezulwini Game Lodges gets close to a local lioness

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge and Ezulwini River Lodge are sister lodges located in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, both offering exceptional game viewing opportunities. The traverse around Ezulwini Game Lodges pulsates with lion pride sightings, with a few dominant kings regularly making an appearance and the local legends, the Kudyela lionesses always making themselves known.

Guide Christian Louw sent through this amazing clip of a lioness feeling comfortable and confident enough to strut straight past the game viewer. Although seeing a lion in the wild might not be considered a “rarest of the rare” sighting, it’s certainly deserves its space in the limelight because it provides an unparalleled close-up cat sighting.

Africa on Foot Witnesses a cheetah kill first thing in the morning

In recent weeks, Africa on Foot has witnessed a few mad moments with the killing cat machines of the Klaserie. Let’s unpack this a bit. A lone leopard was spotted snacking on a recent warthog meal…on the ground. Leopards usually hoist their meal up into the treetops to avoid theft from hyenas. If they choose to devour their latest takedown on terra firma, it means they perceive there isn’t much of a threat in the area. This particular leopard was seen swaggering around a full belly; which made it quite a rare sighting (leopards often look sleek and agile).

While lions and leopards hunt under the cover of darkness, cheetah are primarily diurnal cats. Cheetah require some kind of light for a hunt to take place – this also eliminates competition for prey against lions and leopards. Cheetah have speed, but they don’t have the strength to fight off the larger and stronger felines.

The Africa on Foot team were lucky enough to spot a male cheetah on a morning impala kill, and even observed him settling in to enjoy his hearty meal. From lions to leopards and cheetah, the Klaserie camps are certainly enjoying a plethora of cat sightings on their doorstep.

nThambo Tree Camp and the hyena cub den site

The hyena den on the nThambo and Africa on Foot traverse is buzzing with activity. The alphas are protecting and feeding the cubs, while the rest of the clan is going out of their way to protect he youngsters from marauding predators. nThambo is enjoying the same sightings as Africa on Foot (mentioned above), but they’re also loving their consistent sightings of elephants drinking the swimming pool at camp.

Astrotourism: Stargazing in Botswana and Kruger

Astrotourism has emerged as a prominent travel trend in 2024, as noted by Forbes. The essential components for a memorable Astrotourism holiday encompass unspoiled wilderness settings devoid of urban and artificial illumination…which pretty much describes our reserves and concessions! Just what is Astrotourism? It’s a type of travel that makes stargazing the focus of your holiday experience. Enthusiastic astronomers and devoted stargazers are drawn to destinations offering on-site telescopes, observatories, and educational lectures. Alternatively, some prefer the authenticity of remote wilderness hideaways. Our camps and lodges in Botswana and Kruger are strategically located for optimal stargazing experiences, where the captivating sounds of the wild enhance the Astrotourism adventure.

Read below to learn more about Astrotourism and stargazing in Botswana and Kruger.

Discover the Wonders of the Cosmos

Before you head out on an Astrotourism safari deep into the wilderness, it’s important to have a general understanding of the night sky.

Here are 5 handy-to-know facts about the night sky:

Constellations are groups of stars seen with the naked eye from the earth. They are named according to their pattern, shape and placement. They’re often named after animals and mythology, which are
Constellations are used for navigation and orientation. The pattern is a fixed reference point, making it easy for adventurers to navigate their way.
Dung beetles, moths, seals and certain species of bird use the stars to navigate
The season can be determined by the constellation, as some are only seen at certain times of the year because of the earth orbiting around the sun. Examples would be Leo, Scorpius etc. This is how Astrology originated – ancient civilisations picked up on the seasonal cycles of the night sky.
The biggest galaxy is the Milky Way which contains our entire solar system. A galaxy is a complex gravitationally bound system brimming with stars, remnants of stars, gas, dust, dark matter and all things celestial. According to research done in 2016, there are 2 trillion “observable” galaxies seen from the NASA Hubble Space Telescope. Of course, there are probably many more galaxies out there – we just don’t know it yet!

Feel you know enough? Now it’s time to find out the constellations and patterns to see in the Kruger and Botswana night sky.

Stargazing in Botswana and Kruger

The southern Africa night sky is the same in Botswana and Kruger, offering up a myriad of constellations to spot while on safari. Both regions offer minimal light pollution to observe the Milky Way clearly, meteor showers (if you’re lucky) and planets seen by the naked eye (Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn). Seeing the planets depends on the position in the sky, time of year, and local weather conditions. Visibility is always dependent on numerous factors aligning.

These are a few popular constellations to spot while on safari in Botswana and Kruger:

The Southern Cross: Possibly the most popular pattern in the southern hemisphere, the crux is visible from both South Africa and Botswana. It serves as a navigational aid and is the most easily identifiable group of stars in the night sky.
Alpha Centauri: This trio of stars is the closest system to the Sun and shines brightly in the night sky, making it easy for amateur astronomers to identify this constellation.
Scorpius: During the summer months, the giant pattern of Scorpius can be seen clearly from the southern hemisphere with Antares, a supergiant star.
Orion: Orion, a constellation mainly seen in the northern hemisphere, is visible from the southern hemisphere during certain times of the year. Orion’s Belt is the most commonly observed pattern in the constellation.

Prime Stargazing Locations at Every Lodge

Camps and Lodges for Stargazing in Botswana

Mankwe Tented Lodge: From the private balcony area of your tented suite – just look up.

Camp Savuti: Anywhere – while at Camp Savuti you truly are remote. While on night drive back from the Savute Marsh, ask your guide to “drop anchor”, and absorb the stillness.

Boteti Tented Camp: From your tent or the small viewing deck on the river’s edge.

Mboma Island Expeditions: Because you’re staying in a mobile camp setup, there’s nothing around you. Head to the crackling campfire, grab a seat and stargaze. You will be spoilt for choice in this Delta destination.

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge: On the wooden viewing deck overlooking the waterhole.

Camps and Lodges for Stargazing in Kruger

Africa on Foot: The treehouse, situated just outside camp.

nThambo Tree Camp: From your room’s private balcony, which is elevated.

Chacma Bush Camp: If you’re staying in the Steenbok Chalet, step out onto your patio. Otherwise, head to the boma area or the poolside overlooking the waterhole.

Nambu Camp: The entire camp is built on a raised area, which means it’s closer to the sky! View the stars from the wrap-around wooden balconies or (if it’s cold) from behind the expansive glass windows of the main lounge.

Nyala Safari Lodge: Anywhere along the wooden walkways, the expansive viewing deck or your room’s private patio.

Ezulwini Lodges: The elevated skywalk at Billy’s Lodge offers an exceptional viewpoint of both the sky above and the landscape. River Lodge boasts numerous private enclaves set off from the walkways, offering unique vantage points.

Bundox River Lodge: Sit in one of the sprawling relaxation areas elevated above the flowing waters on the comfortable oversized couches.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp:In the main area, there is an expansive viewing deck that takes pride of place at the camp. The carefully constructed, raised area houses the swimming pool, poolside deck, and small seating area with comfortable patio furniture. Choose a spot!

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside: If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy private stargazing sessions from the comfort of your room. There’s also the pool deck, boma and main areas to enjoy the African night sky.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails: You’re in the elements, camping in the wild. EVERYWHERE on Trails is perfect for stargazing.

The next time you look up, look with NEW eyes and look differently.

NEW Safari Lodge Interiors at Africa on Foot and nThambo

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp sit within the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a revered safari destination known for its big cat, birding and Big 5 sightings. It’s not uncommon to visit the reserve and spot the Big 5 within a 3-day stay. Sister camps Africa on Foot and nThambo are well-established within the area, and offer guests an opportunity to enjoy morning bush walks, game drives and unique accommodation in wooden chalets on stilts. Typically, guests do a combination stay at both camps to enjoy two different kinds of safari experiences (the traverse is the same). And with the new stylish design, the in-camp experience is now completely elevated.

Because the camps have been in operation for well over 10 years, they’ve roller coasted their way through a couple of design and interior changes. The latest refurb was completed in 2024—just a couple of months ago! And we couldn’t be happier with results. The camp’s talented interior designers successfully married practicality with environmentalism and the latest trends, while maintaining a timeless style that won’t become outdated. For the more on-trend items, it will be easy to update them if we transition to newer trends over the next 10 years. We’re pretty sure that striking this balance between being practical and designer was quite a task to achieve.

Over the years, design trends have changed dramatically. We’ve moved from away from that prominent modern farmhouse look that dominated the 2010 era, and ultra minimalism that emerged in the early 2000s.

When it comes to the practical design elements for safari camps and lodges, there’s a lot that needs to be considered. Using round light pendants made from tightly woven cane traps bugs, which can be time consuming to remove. Outdoor furniture needs to hardwearing or covered for when the summer thunderstorms hit in the Kruger.

Bright white outdoor cushions? Try brushing honey badger hair of those cushions when they decide to nap on the furniture. When it comes to interiors, it is crucial to always consider nature’s behavior, from elephants spraying muddy water to hyenas running through camp, and birds and bugs coming inside. Tasteful design always looks like an extension of its environment, never an intrusion. Textures bring in elements from the environment, neutral palettes focus on the beauty of the wild surroundings, and warm tones add that earthy touch.

What’s New with the Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp Interiors?

You’ll discover new furniture, soft furnishings, wall art, and decor throughout, along with necessary upgrades. Designers have certainly embraced the art of biomimicry, where nature inspires your colour choices. Both our Klaserie camps provide warm hospitality, exceptional guiding, game viewing, and delectable cuisine. Combined with their fresh designer aesthetic reflecting excellence in hospitality, the entire safari experience is now elevated.

At nThambo, the color palette introduces serene ink blues complemented by iconic olive greens – envision twilight skies meeting the African bushveld. Harmonious teals, coral oranges, and mustard tones infuse vibrancy and personality into both the main areas and chalets. It’s sophisticated, stylish and timeless.

Africa on Foot shares a similar design ethos, with a focus on terracotta and forest greens to complement its thatched and bricked architecture. The decor maintains a chic yet authentic atmosphere in line with its brand. Bold artworks, photographs, and locally crafted pieces adorn the space, serving as reminders of the surroundings. The adventurous treehouse has undergone a complete refurbishment and redesign, now exuding even more romance than before.

The design balance at both camps is remarkable, showcasing how contemporary and iconic African design harmonise seamlessly.

nThambo Tree Camp

Africa on Foot

Your Safari Experience in the Olifants West Nature Reserve

Encompassing an impressive 9,000 hectares of bushveld in the picturesque Olifants West Valley, the privately owned Olifants West Game Reserve sits in a prime location. The life-giving perennial Olifants River offers a reliable source of water for a multitude of wildlife and provides the perfect environment for rafts of Nile crocodile. The Big 5 reserve shares unfenced borders with the national park, allowing wildlife to roam freely throughout, ensuring that guided game drives always lead to incredible wildlife sightings. The OWGR attracts visitors seeking a private safari experience in a reserve with a high density of wildlife. Peppered with a few mid-range to luxury lodges, the Olifants West Nature Reserve is a drawcard for most safari enthusiasts. We are privileged to represent Ezulwini Lodges, Nambu Camp, and Sausage Tree Safari Camp; a unique collection of lodges.

Wildlife in the Olifants West Nature Reserve

In addition to supporting 94 mammal species and 250 species of bird, it’s worth mentioning that the OWNR is home to the rare black rhino! Maurauding their way through the diverse landscape carpeted with typical Kruger vegetation, you’ll discover a few local lion prides. One of these prides is the Takazile pride (more like a dynasty!) numbering an estimated 20-strong. Other noteworthy lion prides include the Kudyelas and the Masungulos Pride. Also, the reserve is a playground for more common species like impala, kudu, waterbuck, warthog, dwarf mongoose and giraffe, to name but a few. From Sausage Trees to vintage baobabs and iconic Marula trees; OWNR delights with its diversity.

Now, let’s get back to your safari accommodation options in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.

Here are the Olifants West Nature Reserve’s stars of the show:

The Enchanting Ezulwini Game Lodges

Ezulwini Game Lodges comprise Billy’s Lodge and River Lodge, and offer a sense of simple luxury amidst wild surroundings. All the standard safari experiences like twice-daily game drives are on offer, BUT they’ve also designed their main spaces to take advantage of views. A beautifully constructed wooden skywalk snakes its way around Billy’s Lodge, ending in a small viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Equally, River Lodge (located on the banks of the river) has well-appointed outdoor spaces and viewing decks offering aerial views of the River beyond. The convivial outdoor spaces at River Lodge are shaded by riverfront vegetation, giving the lodge that charming hideaway atmosphere. And if exercise is your thing, River Lodge has a small outdoor gym for training!

Forget the wildlife, the piece de resistance at both lodges is the wine cellar, where you’ll be informed about the history of the area while wine tasting a some of South Africa’s finest wines. These sister lodges offer an array of room options. From ultra-luxurious suites to luxury chalets, there’s nothing standard about life at Ezulwini. Personally, I’d indulge in the extra-expense of staying an suite. Why? Because they have private plunge pools, spacious interiors, private viewing decks, indoor and outdoor showers, and deep baths. It’s pure safari indulgence!

River Lodge is ideally located on the banks of the river, and offers a spectacular honeymoon suite and family room; making it a great choice for families and multi-generational travellers.

The Inviting Sausage Tree Safari Camp

Know for its exceptional hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, Sausage Tree Safari Camp is certainly an inviting choice for those seeking a comfortable safari lodge stay with a modern take on bushveld comfort. Sausage sits above the bushveld, and gives rise to commanding views of the bushveld beyond. The entire main area has a wonderful sense of flow. The elevated area houses a breakfast nook under thatch, swimming pool with wooden decking and an open-plan bar area.

Comprising five Meru-style tents built on carefully constructed wooden platforms, ensures guests are introduced to that iconic “Kruger under canvas” feel. Each tent has sweeping views of the bushveld beyond. These tents are a far cry from anything ordinary. How so, you ask? Picture this…You walk into an olive-green canvas tent and you’re confronted with: private decks, an outdoor shower, indoor bath, ample floor and storage space, and eco air conditioning. Sounds like paradise? It is!

The Tranquil Nambu Camp

Nambu Camp is a tranquil place that takes pride in its elevated position upon an old anthill overlooking a dry riverbed. The mysterious Drakensberg mountain range serves as the backdrop to this elegant safari camp.

Owner run and managed, Nambu is one of those intimate and humbly sophisticated places where minimalism meets culinary artistry. Game viewing and lodge aspect aside, if there’s one thing we know about Nambu it’s that the food is good, and the decor elegant. The location combined with its stellar guiding and warm hospitality, makes Nambu a sought-after lodge.

Nambu’s claim-to-fame is its unbelievable sightings of tawny eagles—a common resident of the area. These birds of prey are regularly seen soaring through the skies above. When you’re not gazing at raptors, look down—huge herds of elephant frequent the waterhole below. The main area houses a swimming pool, lounges, dining area, boma, firepit, and beautifully crafted wooden balcony. Nambu has views for days!

The rooms are well equipped for a stylish and comfortable stay in the bush and are furnished in iconic safari-style decor with rustic finishes. A wooden balcony flows out from the luxury chalets, each of which incorporates plenty of light. Each room has air-conditioning, storage space and luxury bathroom amenities.

The Birding Life at Mboma Island Expeditions

The Okavango Delta stands tall as a premier destination for birding safaris, with Mboma Island Expedition situated right at its heart. Nestled amidst the floodplains where the Delta’s pristine waters merge with the Moremi’s vast savannah, it forms a biodiverse haven, offering an exclusive habitat for a wealth of bird species. Amidst the rustic luxury of our camp, immerse yourself in the sheer abundance of birdwatching opportunities. From vibrant passerines to elegant waders and majestic birds of prey, the avian spectacle knows no bounds. Chase, our co-owner and avid wildlife photographer, who graciously shares his latest portfolio, a glimpse into the stunning array of species awaiting your discovery during your safari with Mboma.

The African Jacana

Frequently referred to as the “Jesus” bird because of its ability to dance gracefully across the waters, the aquatic African Jacana is a common, but notable species to spot while on a birding safari with Mboma Island Expeditions. You might hear these wading birds before you see them—they are exceptionally loud birds that make raspy barks and shrieks! With their long toes that are designed to cut through lily pads with ease, the African Jacana is certainly born to live in the waterways.

Here are a few interesting facts about the male and female Jacana:

Females create a harem of males, ensuring that she lays numerous clutches to increase the survival of her bloodline
Males must build the most impressive nest to be selected as part of her harem
Once the eggs are laid with her first suitor and the chicks emerge, the female moves onto another male
The male she leaves behind is responsible for the parental care of the chicks

Malachite Kingfisher

The iridescent royal blue and confident red colours of the exceptionally striking Malachite kingfisher, makes it one of the most easily identifiable kingfishers in the Okavango Delta. If you look close enough you’ll notice a few lilac, light blue and greenish hues that glow graciously in the light. Don’t be fooled by the Malachite’s beauty – it’s a tough and resilient bird, despite it’s tiny stature. They stand proud on a regular perch on branches or reeds above waterways and rivers; and nest in sandy tunnels on riverbanks.

Here are some interesting facts about the Malachite Kingfisher:

They’re extremely territorial and each bird covers a stretch of riverfront turf. Those that encroach will be attacked, grappled and chased in the most dramatic of aerial chases!
They’re solitary birds that only “meet up” when it comes to breeding season
Each kingfisher has a favourite perch from where it likes to fish – creatures of habit. You’re bound to spot the same kingfisher the following day, on the same outstretch of reed.
When these small river birds of prey catch a sizeable meal; it’s brought back to the perch where it’s banged/smashed to death…

African Fish Eagle

Ah. This is Africa’s iconic bird of prey, where we all know its call as the “sound of Africa”. The unmistakable yodeling of majestic fish eagle matches its regal appearance. The African Fish Eagle is found throughout southern Africa where there are large bodies of water and abundant sources of prey. You’ll definitely hear their call before you see them soaring in the skies or perched comfortably on branch above the waterways.

Here are a few facts about the African Fish Eagle:

It’s not a typical eagle, but rather a sea eagle
Despite its name, the fish eagle preys on a multitude of water loving animals such as ducks and turtles
They mate for life and are often seen in monogamous pairs, where they often put on impressive theatrical displays
African fish eagles can swim short distances by using their wings to propel themselves to the shores. They tend to swim when they drag large prey to shore.

Other Birds to See in the Okavango Delta

Other popular Okavango Delta birds include the bee-eaters, of which there are many. You can see the southern carmine Bee-eaters, little bee-eater, white-fronted bee-eaters, blue cheeked bee-eaters and swallow-tailed bee-eaters. In fact, there are 15 different types of bee-eaters to spot while on safari at Mboma Island Expeditions. Species like the African stonechat, terns and Allen’s Gallinule were also recently spotted while exploring the channels of the Okavango Delta.

In fact, there are over 400 species of bird in the Okavango Delta alone. And it’s not uncommon to spot over 100 in a day. You’ll never be short of birds to spot while on safari with the team from Mboma Island Expeditions!

Endangered Species Day, EWT and African Wild Dogs

The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day, dedicated to raising awareness and protecting species and their habitats from extinction. To check the status of a species in the wild, you can consult the IUCN Red List, which categorises species from “endangered” to “vulnerable” and “least concern.”

The list is extensive, making it difficult to choose just one species to highlight in today’s blog post. However, given Sun Destinations’ support for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), we’ve chosen to focus on African wild dogs, one of their key carnivore species. According to the IUCN, these painted wolves are classified as endangered. The good news? Packs of roaming wild dogs are frequently seen at both our Botswana and Kruger camps, especially from May through September when these crepuscular creatures gather around den sites.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust offers a multitude of programs that protect threatened species in Africa and protect ecosystems. From species conservation to habitat protection, advocacy for species, community engagement, research, monitoring, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and capacity building.

The social structure of an African wild dog pack

These gregarious, mottled dogs exhibit a remarkable family-oriented social structure, relying heavily on the support of “family” members and the collective effort of entire packs to raise their young. As the old adage “it takes a village” suggests, our wild dogs exemplify this principle in the wild.

A pack of wild dogs can consist of anything from two to 50 or more dogs, but most packs have between eight and 11 adult members. The pack is governed by a monogamous alpha male and female, a breeding pair that enlists the help from family members in the pack to guard and raise their young. Never fear—the Alpha’s have backups! There is a Beta pair waiting in the wings, a solid pair who will step up should something happen to one/both of the alphas.

During the denning period (May – June), dogs are more sedentary, confining themselves to the area where the pups are stashed. This is when the majority of sightings happen with safari-goers out on game drive. Disused aardvark burrows or abandoned warthog burrows are typically used to stash pups.

Some of the male dogs assume the role of “den guards”, an important role that involves guarding the den site from opportunistic predators. Because the packs all have a hand in raising the litter together (the alphas only breed once a year), we call this co-operative breeding. Wild dog pups are completely helpless when born, and need as much protection as possible, particularly from lions—a wild dog’s biggest threat and arch enemy.

Ever spotted a lone wild dog? It’s probably a male who has wandered off in search of a new pack. This does happen from time to time when a litter of pups is born.

The best time to see African wild dogs

May – Sep is the most common time of year to spot rare African wild dogs in both Kruger and Botswana, with sightings peaking during June. You can see wild dogs throughout the year, but they are nomadic and cover a home range anywhere from 200 to 1000 square kilometres. Towards the end of May the wild dog denning period begins, when—as explained above—you’ll have the entire back hovering around the den site helping to raise the young.

Pups remain in their hideaway for about three months, so during this period you’re likely to either stumble across the den site and view the “den guard dogs” or witness the remainder of the pack taking down prey. The members of the pack whose job it is to hunt, devour meat and then return to the den to regurgitate it for the hungry pups.

Seeing wild dogs outside of this period means that you’re luck, and you’ve stumbled across them during their nomadic phase.

You can see African wild dogs at our Botswana camps and Kruger camps.

How African wild dogs hunt

African wild dogs have a secret sign to signify the start of a hunt. The Alpha sneezes! Given that they have a range of vocalistions, this comes as no surprise. Dogs are crepuscular creatures, which means they’ll seek out potential prey in the mornings and evenings when it’s lighter and cooler. This also eliminates competition for prey from nocturnal predators like leopards and lions. This is perhaps why they have an 80% success rate at takedowns compared to a cat’s average of 30%. Less competition, more chance of success! They truly are the hunting elite of the wildlife kingdom.

Although adorable looking and loving pack members, wild dogs are cruel and mean hunters. They hunt using a method called coarsing, which means they identify, target and chase prey until the point of exhaustion. These marathon runners of the wild formulate action plans during a hunt, ensuring their hunting methods function like a well-oiled machine.

The Alpha dog will identify a weaker or younger member in the herd, walk straight towards their target, ambush them and a chase will ensue. Identify – pause – engage. When their prey has reached the point of exhaustion, they disembowel their prey. Despite the kill method sounding rather sadistic, their target actually dies quite quickly.

African wild dog vocalisations

African wild dogs are communicators. They have up to 11 vocalisations that range from an alarm bark, a rallying howl, and shrill contact call spanning long distances. There are about 18 variations of these vocalisations, each ranging from low to high frequencies.

Conserving African Wild Dogs

You can help conserve African wild dogs by visiting the Endangered Wildlife Trust website to see how you can make an impact. Currently, the biggest threat to free roaming wild dog populations is habitat loss, poaching, disease and hunting.

Sun Destinations Makes an Impact by Supporting Nourish

When it comes to giving back, we have taken steps toward the global trend of “travel with purpose” at both the company and lodge level. Travel with purpose ethos encourages people to select destinations that contribute positively to the planet by practicing sustainability, supporting communities or implementing eco-friendly initiatives at the lodges. At a company level, Sun Destinations has taken steps towards supporting both wildlife and community initiatives, two of which include Nourish and EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust). When you book with us, you’re selecting a company that values and recognises the significance of connecting communities and conservation.

Hungry for more information? Then let’s get started with the first initiative we support, Nourish Eco Village. Nourish has been a beacon of hope for connecting communities to Conservation, two areas we are passionate about. In one of our future blog posts we’ll go into more detail about EWT, but today we’re putting our energy into Nourish.

Sun Destinations is proud to support the work of Nourish Eco Village

Director Cecilia says “The foundation of our selection process rests on the alignment of our company’s core values with the mission and vision of the NGOs. The two organisations we support this year have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and effectiveness in their respective fields. Their commitment to creating sustainable change, empowering communities, and fostering innovation resonate deeply with what we stand for as a company. Nourish‘s relentless efforts in establishing eco Villages, training educators, and providing educational resources have significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals. We were particularly moved by their holistic approach, which not only focuses on immediate relief but also on long-term solutions that ensure lasting change.”

Who is Nourish?

Nourish is a non-profit organisation (NPO) registered with the Department of Social Development in South Africa. Founded in 2011, Nourish is a platform linking conservation with community issues and ideals, finding integrated sustainable solutions to issues plaguing conservation such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.

With a deep-rooted understanding, stemming from 12 years of hands-on experience with local rural communities in Mpumalanga, South Africa suffering the effects of poverty, the Nourish Eco Village was built to provide an alternative. An opportunity for community members to access learning, skills training, and income-generating opportunities that allow them the choice of a different path. One that will inevitably lead to them willingly protecting and contributing to their environments in a positive way, because simply, their most basic needs are taken care of.

What does Nourish do?

Nourish offers a multitude of projects and programs falling under the themes of beneficiation, education, enterprise, agriculture and tourism. Each avenue forms a collective that’s delivered through an Eco Village model which connects people to their environment, helps them live better lives while having the gift of choice. Many people living in abject poverty turn to crime or make bad decisions out of desperation. Nourish exists to compassionately bring back that gift of choice. We spoke to the team at Nourish to delve a little deeper into their projects and avenues, and they sent us this insightful and informative breakdown.

“Nourish runs the Cradle to Career Life and Livelihood Improvements – Pathways out of Poverty projects, which includes the following themes:

EDUCATION: Education Support from ECD through to High School: Early childhood development, after school programme, literacy and adult literacy programme and food security scheme. RISE Creche Outreach to other pre-schools in the area providing infrastructure, teacher training, vegetable gardens and playgrounds. In addition, providing school uniforms to children and reusable sanitary pads to young women as an educational support to keep children in school. Conservation education through experience and play forms the Green Kidz club after school programme providing environmental education and immersive conservation field trips to children from the local primary school. Creating ‘green’ mindsets through gardens, recycling and other eco projects. The Nourish Eco Village recycling is an ongoing focus. Animal kindness and outreach programmes for village dogs.

ENTERPRISE: Training and workshops: ongoing permaculture farming workshops and green building workshops for communities. Micro-enterprise skills development and mentorship to enable local crafters and artists to create art from recycled materials and assists with marketing their products. A craft shop, cafe and bakery have opened at the Nourish Eco Village to enable market access. Moringa products and nutritional supplements are made from the onsite Moringa orchard. The Nourish sewing project is focused on creating reusable sanitary pads for young women in the communities as well as funky African products to sell.

A thrift shop takes donations and generates an income whilst providing communities with the opportunity to buy much-needed items with dignity: a handshake not a handout. The latest addition to the Enterprise Hub at Nourish is the Hospitality Training Centre launched in 2023 to provide community members with affordable training to prepare them for entry level jobs in the hospitality sector.

TOURISM: Shik Shack Eco Backpackers, and Shik Shack Tours allow tourists a glimpse into life in rural South Africa while putting tourism money into the local communities. This is also part of the Nourish Financial Sustainability model.”

If you’re interested in contributing to Nourish or getting involved on a more hands on level, then click here to visit the Nourish Eco Village website.

A Kruger Wildlife Roundup

Over the past two weeks, we’ve shared updates about our successful participation in recent trade shows, where we effectively showcased our properties to new audiences. Now, let’s refocus on the essence of the safari experience: wildlife. After all, encountering Africa’s wildlife is the primary reason for your visit! As we approach peak safari season, the bushveld becomes arid and water sources dwindle. During this period, we anticipate animals gathering around waterholes, making it easier to spot big cats. Sightings are already increasing across all camps, and we expect this trend to continue in the upcoming months. Today we’re going to do a quick wildlife roundup from the past two weeks, where we’ll feature a few top notch sightings (you may already have caught some of them on Facebook).

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

The Vuyela Pride undeniably holds dominance in this sector of the Klaserie. While fierce prides from the Western area have occasionally ventured into Vuyela territory, they seem to depart as swiftly as they arrive. One memorable sighting involved 7-month-old cubs energetically playing and climbing on a termite mound while awaiting the return of their pride from a hunt.

This leads us into further cat news, with a rather memorable sighting of a leopard draping itself over a thickset branch while snacking on a recent impala kill. Because leopards don’t devour their meal in one setting like lions, this carcass hung around in the tree for some time. Leopards will feast slowly on their meal, ensuring each morsel is savoured. Because kills are stashed in elevated positions, leopards have the freedom to dine at their leisure. It’s no uncommon to spot hyena dancing around the trunk of a tree, angling for falling scraps of meat.

There is a sighting that deserves a second mention; a unique showdown between two ferocious creatures. The team at Africa on Foot spotted a regal tawny eagle grabbling it out with a highly venomous boomslang snake! In the end, it was the eagle that walked away victorious. The snake was no match for those meat-shredding talons.

Sandwiched between the feline sightings in the Klaserie, the teams have enjoyed observing prolific herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo congregating at the waterholes. A sure sign that winter’s dry spell is on its way. nThambo Tree Camp still enjoys in-camp sightings of elephants, with the latest sighting being today.

Chacma Bush Camp

When it comes to spotting giants and predators in the wild, Chacma certainly isn’t taking a back seat. The local Grietjie Pride is spotted on a regular basis, regularly thrilling guests with their “road block antics. Resident ellies, warthogs and flocks of wading birds frequently make their way down to the waterhole in front of camp, keeping guests entertained for hours on end. Recent guest Ingrid Heemskerk’s photos vividly showcase this diversity.

Nyala Safari Lodge

Nyala Safari Lodge is our best kept secret. Overlooking the banks of the seasonal Mohlabetsi River in the Greater Kruger’s Balule Nature Reserve, Nyala is no stranger to exceptional sightings. A recent video sent through by lodge manager Dave, showed a massive herd of buffalo congregating in the dry riverbed at night. The area is floodlit, which allowed for guests to witness this mini-migration of buffalo.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

Umkumbe’s guides are talented photographers only too eager to share their images with the world…for this, we are grateful! Guide Micaela took an amazing portfolio of images, which included everything from leopards to African wild dogs, zebra and lions. The team have also shared some amazing moments in the wild, enjoying morning coffees and sublime sundowners with guests. Umkumbe seems to be enjoying a mix of predator sightings, which aren’t just limited to leopard sightings. There’s been a great balance of both lions and leopard sightings, which are only surpassed by the rarity of wild dog sightings.

Hello from Scandinavia

During the course of last week, we launched a blog post outlining the details of the upcoming Sun Destinations travel trade shows. If you’re following us on social media, you’ll know that we’ve wrapped up our Scandinavian roadshow. To recap, Mallory joined the 3 day Africa Showcase Roadshow hosted by On Show Solutions in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Aside from the weather being somewhat icy, the shows were a success and opened up new business connections and insight into the Nordic market.

Mallory says, “The journey from Copenhagen to Oslo, culminating in Stockholm, has been an incredible one. Engaging with about 140 trade partners along the way provided invaluable market insights. Introducing Sun Destinations and presenting our properties sparked immense interest and great feedback and I look forward to engaging with them further in future. We’re thrilled to deepen our presence in the Nordic market, with hopes of further exploration ahead. A heartfelt appreciation to the fellow exhibitors for making this whirlwind experience enjoyable. Special gratitude to Jacqui, Amanda, and their team for orchestrating this remarkable roadshow. And a big thank you to Gerald for facilitating connections and enriching our journey with invaluable insights.”

Next on our agenda is Durban’s Travel Indaba, where we will be exhibiting at two stands in the ICC – the ATTA Stand and the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve stand. Indaba is one of THE travel trade shows to attend; and is the largest pan-African inbound show. Our directors, along with Mallory and Monique, are headed to Durban to showcase our Kruger and Botswana portfolio.

Again, we truly value the importance of face-to-face meetings and connecting with our agents on a more meaningful level. Unable to join us at trade shows? No worries! Discover the magic of our Kruger camps and lodges in our recent blog post. And now, get ready to be dazzled as we unveil the wonders of our Botswana camps and lodges.

Boteti Tented Camp

Boteti Tented Camp is conveniently located on the outskirts of Maun, making it a fantastic stopover going to or coming from your safari destination. The camp offers a safari experience of its own and insight into the local community. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a complimentary 2-hour mokoro trip along the Boteti River. A stay includes one activity per day, which can be anything from game drives into the Moremi Game Reserve to a trip to the famed Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Boteti Tented Camp sleeps 10 people in 5 Meru-style canvas tents built on wooden platforms. Each expansive tent sleeps 2 people maximum, and has ample space to move around.

If you’re looking to ramp up your safari experience after a jam-packed safari adventure, Boteti comes recommended. It introduces you to a slice of the authentic, local Maun way of life while allowing you to add additional safari tours to your overall experience.

Mankwe Tented Retreat

Mankwe Tented Retreat is a sanctuary-style lodge on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve, and offers a pocket of simple sophistication amidst rugged bushveld surrounds. Game drives take place in the private concession, which is home to a large waterhole where wildlife seeks refuge during the drier months.

In total, there are 10 tented suites. Tents are built on raised wooden platforms, each with its own private viewing deck. Expansive bedrooms offer a configuration of two twins or a king-sized bed. Bathrooms are ensuite with a shower and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness through the canvas windows. On-site there are two swimming pools, expansive wooden decks, a pool bar and various relaxation lounges.

Oozing style, Mankwe is a fantastic addition to any Botswana safari.

Camp Savuti

Camp Savuti is situated in a remote corner of the Chobe National Park, right on the famed Savuti channel that floods and dries up without warning. The area is known for lion, African wild dog and other predator sightings; among other species. Twice-daily game drives take place in the Savute Marsh area.

There are five authentic canvas tents subtly hidden among the bush willows, raised on wooden stilts. Each unit has its own wooden deck, complete with chairs for two; carpeted floors inside; twin or king-size beds with headboards and pure cotton linen.

Camp Savuti is an authentic camp with heart and soul, located in one of southern Africa’s most revered safari destinations.

Camp Linyanti

Similar to Camp Savuti, Camp Linyanti is also located in a sought-after safari destination. Camp Linyanti offers guests an authentic and intimate safari experience. Located on the Linyanti lagoon with views of unexplored waterways, riverine forests and floodplains; Camp Linyanti is one of the Chobe’s hidden gems.

**Camp Linyanti is currently closed for rebuild**

Mboma Island Expeditions

Frequently referred to as “magical Mboma’ because of its prime position on the waterways of the Godikwe Lagoo in the Okavango Delta, Mboma Island Expeditions is ideal for adventurers seeking a stylish glamping safari experience. This mobile safari set-up redefines camping excellence and offers the best of both land and water based safari activities.

Magical Mboma has 5 light Meru-style canvas tents equipped with twin beds and en suite, open-air bathrooms. Everything about this camp is eco-friendly, from the sole use of solar-power, to bucket showers, and chemical toilets. Tents are fully furnished using the finest linen and kitted out in the creature comforts from home. Lantern lined pathways lead the way from the rooms to the main camp.

The location of Mboma is key: it’s in a protected area of the Okavango Delta and is accessible by boat. Offering the ultimate Botswana safari experience, Mboma comes highly recommended for your Okavango Delta safari.

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge, located in the lesser-explored Kasane Forest Reserve, borders the Zambezi National Park in the northern stretches of Botswana. The beautifully appointment lodge surrounds a waterhole that’s a major drawcard for high concentrations of elephant. It’s not uncommon to see the herds jostling and young bulls play fighting while enjoying a breakfast on the deck.

Boasting 20 bedrooms that all face the waterhole (two levels), this secluded hideaway ensures every need is met in terms of accommodation. Fans, mosquito nets, safes, private balconies with seating, and butler’s trays in each room provide a much needed sense of comfort. In addition to the standard bedroom options, there are also 2 luxury Meru style tents on raised platforms that cater for guests requiring something a little bit more luxurious.

Included in your safari experience are two activities per day, which can include sundowner drives to the Kazuma Pan; a full day into the Chobe National Park for game drives and a boat cruise; cultural village tours; and day trips to Victoria Falls.

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is a place to keep busy, while offering all the quintessential things expected of a stellar safari experience to Botswana.

Our Botswana camps and lodges can be booked separately, or our team can create the perfect Trails of Botswana route to ensure you see the signature safari hotspots of one of southern Africa’s most pristine destinations.

Meet Face to Face with Sun Destinations

We consistently try to keep up with digital trends and the latest buzz in the safari travel industry, but we still value the connections and networking built from face-to-face meetings. One of our top priorities is attending travel trade shows, both locally and internationally. Within this crowded digital world, physical representation is still key to maintaining and building relationships. Our recent presence at WTM Africa will attest to this. Both Mallory and Monique forged new relationships, answered questions from our long-established agents, and showcased our properties.

Mallory and Monique said, “Our experience at WTM was nothing short of amazing! Our schedule was packed to the brim for all three days, meeting with new agents, reconnecting with existing ones, and showcasing exciting updates within our company and portfolio. It was lovely to put faces to names for some of the wonderful agents we’ve dealt with over the years. It’s such a phenomenal experience to be a part of, showcasing loads of gems within the industry. The positive feedback we received was great, and we couldn’t be happier with how the show turned out!”

We’re not surprised that WTM was hit, given that ATTA had this to say “This year’s WTM Africa saw a significant 53% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Unofficial figures suggest participation from a whopping 88 countries worldwide, highlighting the growing momentum behind African tourism”

And when is our next trade show? Next up is Denmark, Sweden and Norway! Mallory will be attending the Africa Showcase roadshow with On Show Solutions. Tapping into our growing Nordic market face-to-face is a first for Sun Destinations, and we’re excited to introduce our properties to this burgeoning market. The roadshow takes place from 17:00 to 21:00 over 3 days in Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. Tune into our social media platforms, where we’ll share a few updates from our Scandi roadshow.

If you’re wondering what’s in store for the future in terms of roadshows, we have you covered. Our team will be at Africa’s Travel showcase from 14 – 16 May in Durban and 1 – 3 July at Experience Africa in London. We understand that not everyone can attend trade shows, which is why we offer virtual product meetings where you can tailor and steer the meeting according the products you’d like to hear about.

To recap, these are the camps and lodges across Kruger portfolio. Next week, while Mallory presents at the Nordic roadshow, we’ll introduce our Botswana portfolio.

Africa on Foot

Africa on Foot is located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a Big 5 reserve sharing unfenced borders with neighbouring reserves. The small and intimate camp specialises in professionally guided walking safaris in the morning and game drives in the afternoon. Walking safaris aside, Africa on Foot offers its guests a romantic treehouse; two swimming pools; and warm hospitality.

nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo’s claim-to- fame is its wooden cabins on stilts that offer elevated views of endless bushveld terrain. There are only 5 chalets, which means a personalised safari experience. Guests are afforded abundant opportunities to spot game on game drives, or from camp. It’s not uncommon to spot elephants drinking from the camp’s swimming pool.

Nambu Camp

Sitting comfortably on an old anthill raised above the landscape, rests a simple and sophisticated camp called Nambu. The location in the heart of the Big 5 Olifants West Nature Reserve, combined with its stellar guiding and warm hospitality, makes Nambu a sought-after lodge in the Greater Kruger. This family-owned camp offers twice-daily game drives and an elevated sense of luxury.

Chacma Bush Camp

Located in the lesser-known Maseke Game Reserve, charming Chacma Bush Camp offers the perfect big five safari experience in 8000 hectares of undulating landscapes punctuated with rocky outcrops. The camp sleeps a maximum of 10 people, in just 3 stone thatched chalets, ensuring a personalised safari experience. Right in front of the raised patio and pool area, is a waterhole favoured by the local elephant herds. Guests often sit on the pool loungers just watching the elephants frolicking.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

Wilderness Trails is the sister company to Africa on Foot, and offers a scheduled 3-day walking safari through the Maseke Balule Game Reserve. Nights are spent cocooned in dome tents in a secluded location. Each tent is equipped with beds and en-suite showers, and offers spectacular wilderness views. Trails offer an immersive experience into the heart of the Greater Kruger.

Bundox River Lodge

Bundox River Lodge is ideally located on the banks of the burgeoning Olifants River in the northern reaches of the Balule Nature Reserve. Bundox sets a new standard of luxury with its glamorous river facing Meru style tents, each built on raised wooden platforms overlooking the bend in the river below.
Bundox River Lodge’s pride of place on the water’s edge combined with its luxury canvas suites, exudes that iconic Okavango Delta camp atmosphere, making it unique to the Kruger. In keeping with the understated sophistication of the Bundox brand, this camp marries light wood with classic canvas to create a lodge in harmony with its environment. Only the finest linen, textiles and fixtures are used throughout. The 5 tented suites are spacious and designed perfectly to let in streams of natural light.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp

The classic Sausage Tree Safari Camp is an idyllic destination for guests seeking an understated “Kruger under canvas” style camp. Located in the heart of a Big 5 region in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, Sausage Tree is a sanctuary for all things wild. The entire camp sprawls across terrain dotted with Marula, Acacia thorn and Sausage Trees; and has commanding views of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. There’s no mistaking it —Sausage Tree is a captivating place. Your accommodation is a choice of five expansive Meru-style tents resting comfortably on raised wooden platforms with views of the surrounding area. Tents have private decks, an outdoor shower, indoor bath, ample floor and storage space, and eco air conditioning.

Nyala Safari Lodge

Resting comfortably on the banks of the seasonal Mohlabetsi River in the Greater Kruger’s Balule Nature Reserve sits the inimitable Nyala Safari Lodge. Distinct in design, this 5-bedroomed lodge offers thatched accommodation in an iconic rondawel style, an archetype of Kruger accommodation. Nyala’s main area has a wrap-around viewing deck mimicking the curves of the river, and runs the full length of the lodge.

The entire lodge is shaded by weeping Boer-beans and ancient Jackalberry trees, ensuring respite from the heat during the sizzling summer months. There’s also a swimming pool on-site-and decking area to ensure the most is made out of those balmy summer days. Don’t be surprised to spot bushbuck and vervet monkeys while lounging around the pool area.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is ideally located in the heart of the Sabie Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. This well-established lodge overlooks the seasonal Sand River and offers daily game drives in a traverse known for its leopard sightings. Bush walks are also available upon request. In total, there are 10 rooms, some of which are interleading. The superior rooms each have an outdoor shower and four of them overlook the Sand River. Most of the rooms have an outdoor seating area, complete with camping chairs and relaxation spots.

Ezulwini Game Lodges

Situated in the heart of the Olifants West Nature Reserve, sit two luxurious sister lodges Ezulwini River Lodge and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge. Ezulwini River Lodge lies low on the banks of the Olifants River with a timber viewing deck under sweeping fig and mahogany trees. This luxury lodge is situated in the heart of the Big 5 Olifants West Nature Reserve. Accommodation at River Lodge is stylish and boasts interiors inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding bushveld. There are four luxury chalets, four superior suites and one honeymoon superior suite.

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge is a grand structure accentuated with leadwood pillars and thatched ceilings, and features a raised skywalk that leads to a private waterhole. An open-air boma and a wine cellar built into a natural rock cave with handcrafted display table add to the unique merit of Billy’s Lodge.

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