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Introduction to the Leopards of Tuskers Bush Camp

Tusker’s Bush Camp is nestled on a 365, 000 traverse and there’s plenty of untamed wildlife hiding in the arid thickets, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves. We’ve delivered photos of roaming plains game and now its time to show off the big cat sightings. Just recently Tuskers installed a camera trap to discover what happens in the dead of night while guests are cocooned in their luxurious percale linen. Lo and behold, we were not disappointed with the results. Leopards, plains game and hyenas were caught on camera!

The leopards were probably the highlight, which is why we’ve decided to introduce you to the leopards of Tuskers. At the moment there are a confirmed 2 leopards in the area and speculation of a third. Jessica Wilmot, camp manager and wildlife expert, is working on leopard identifications. The process is quite tough at the moment because the footage is not clear enough to sex and ID the cats. However, there is one leopardess that is very fond of walking and weaving her way around camp.

Leopard’s are notorious for being aloof and traverse territories with high prey density. Females normally seek out areas with potential den sites and males seek out areas laden with females. There is an abundance of plains game in the area, which means a ready availability of food.

As you can see from the camera footage, there was an unsuspecting duiker in the thickets – readily available food for our big cats. In the mix you’ll also see a hyena lurking around. These animals are some of the most successful carnivores in the wild. Prolific scavengers and successful hunters, their role in the ecology of a reserve is vital. By devouring a cleaning up a carcass, they may prevent the spread of disease.

Jessica sent us this report:

There was a leopard casually strolling around camp, close to tent 6. Could this be the local female always seen at camp?
There are 2 individuals who arrive early in the morning and late at night. And we speculate there’s a third leopard. Being nocturnal predators and opportunistic hunters, the hours of arrival would make sense. They’re stealthy hunters and use the cover of thickets to hide and ambush their prey.
The leopards are often grunting outside the tents. Leopards have a distinct rasping bark which is quite a guttural sound.
The fresh leopard tracks are often seen in the morning when guests walk across to the main area for breakfast.
The female leopard, the one that strolls around camp, gave birth to two cubs on separate occasions in the hut at the entrance to camp. Both cubs have been seen close to camp.
A leopard emerged in broad daylight out of the scrub behind the pan. It stopped to drink but was initially a bit skittish. Having a waterhole in front of camp means there’s plenty of scope for some pretty incredible game viewing.
The leopards on the camera trap are the ones that often wander into camp. Clearly Tuskers is one of their territories!

We’ll keep everyone updated about the leopards of Tuskers Bush Camp, For now, we’re just getting started with the introductions.

The Never Ending Story: Leopard Visits Lion Kill

When buffaloes lose their lives to lions, it’s the beginning of a process of decomposition, and it is surprising just how many creatures benefit from the death of the buffalo after the lions have done their part and eaten the meat from the bones. The entire buffalo gets put to use and all that remains might be the bleached bones, or the worm-eaten keratin remains of those impressive horns that once were. Recently, when the Mapoza male lions and Ross Breakaway lioness killed a buffalo just below the Africa on Foot treehouse, we were surprised to catch a leopard creeping around the carcass once the lions had moved off! This is not unexpected, but given leopards’ usually elusive behaviour, it seemed unusual to catch Ross Dam female visiting the carcass in the middle of the day, especially given its location close to human activity.

Kevin MacLaughlin was on the scene filming white-backed vultures screeching and squawking around the carcass in a feeding frenzy (ever wondered where the Jurassic Park sound effects come from? Now you know), and out on the periphery, he caught a glimpse of a leopard easing its way closer to the scene. She soon slunk off without making an approach, but she was enough to scare the vultures away momentarily. It is likely that the leopard was nervous, given that lions had been in the area so recently, and could possibly still be close by. She didn’t approach the carcass, but her interest in it was enough to spark Ranger Greg’s excitement, and he shot out to the carcass to set up his hidden camera in the hopes of catching her coming closer…

Well, we were in luck! As soon as all was quiet and she was seemingly alone, she approached the carcass again while the vultures hung around in the surrounding trees. Greg’s camera trap captured everything on film, and now we get to watch as the leopard – identified as Ross Dam Female – approached the carcass very nervously and began to feed on whatever rotting meaty remains she could find. She circles the carcass once or twice, sniffing and licking and testing different parts of it until she settles down for a quick nibble before disappearing off into the dry bushveld yet again, and opening up the opportunity for the vultures to continue feeding.

The circle of life is nothing less than amazing, and there is no such thing as waste. So when that unfortunate buffalo lost the battle with the Mapoza males, it fed 4 lions, a leopard (which has 2 cubs), hundreds of vultures, jackals, hyenas, tawny eagles, bateleurs, insects, and beetles, and a whole host of microscopic consumers that aid in the decomposition process. We are so fortunate to have had the carcass ‘in our back yard’ to observe the process so closely.

Week in Pictures : Sneaky Cats and Rare Pangolins

The sneaky cats, opportunistic predators and rare pangolins have been the centre of attention this week. Across the board, we’ve seen an increase in big cat sightings and kills close to camp. The presence of fresh carcasses brings with it an influx of scavengers, which always enhances our photographic opportunities. Rapidly declining species such as the African wild dog and the pangolin have provided once in a lifetime sightings for guests! We hate to sound repetitive, but here’s to another successful week of sightings…

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

It is most certainly a strange parallel experience when rangers in the Sabi Sand and the Klaserie report a pangolin sighting. It’s always rewarding to see one of the world’s most endangered species living happily in the wild! Greg spotted the elusive scaly anteater roaming the terrain in the Klaserie and was only too happy to capture the moment on camera.

Another unique event happened quite suddenly on the doorstep of Africa on Foot camp. The rough and ready Mapoza male lions took down a buffalo right outside of the treehouse. The older Ross Pride breakaway female joined them for the meal. Two honeymoon guests watched the drama unfold from the safety of their balcony.

A lone and opportunistic leopard came to explore the carcass and a massive kettle of vultures descended upon the decaying corpse. The buffalo carcass continues to feed the rest of the animal kingdom and we’re eager to see other species arrive at the kill site.

Wild dog pup sightings have been in abundance and because of they’re an endangered species, each sighting needs to be celebrated. Yesterday, the Klaserie team found pups with adults at their den site. The pups are closing in on the 3 month mark, which is when they will leave the den and start conducting their own kills.

Ezulwini River Lodge and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge

The Balule, yet again, has been in the spotlight when it comes to lion sightings. Coalitions of males, lone females and Duma’s brother have all made an appearance. The coalition of males from the Mohlabetsi Pride were seen colluding with the lionesses from the River Pride. Just yesterday they were settling in to enjoy a kill they’d just made.

The hyenas clans were on top form and swooped in on a fresh zebra kill. The actually displaced the lions from the kill!

Coupled with the rather bold sightings experienced by Ezulwini, there was also a surprising sighting of a relaxed and timid cheetah.

The level of adorable sightings in the Balule Nature Reserve most certainly hasn’t dwindled. Guests enjoyed a rather endearing sighting of a young elephant calf trailing behind its mother. The calf was engaging in rather entertaining antics, flapping its uncontrolled trunk and ears about.

And the plains game? They’re still around. The weird and wonderful small mammals and elegant antelope are always in the picture. But this week, the highlights have definitely been the witnessing of the ever evolving lion pride dynamics and the majestic cheetah.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

A couple of days ago, the shy pangolin came out into the open while Danie was on evening game drive. Pangolins are the most illegally traded species of wildlife in the world and their numbers are on the rapid decline. This sighting was one for the books due to the scarcity of the species!

The elusive leopards came to say their hellos and gave perfect visuals for our avid photographers. Two leopardesses were spotted – Tatowa and Kigelia. Kigelia had her prying eyes set on a duiker for dinner, but her hunting attempt failed. Tatowa spent most of her time clambering up termite mounds and surveying the landscape for prey.

Leopards and pangolin really stood out for us this week at Umkumbe. Jumbos, hippos, giraffe, zebra and plains game have all been on the sidelines providing breathtaking sightings for all and sundry.

Xobega Island Camp

The Okavango Delta is never short of sightings, which means Xobega never fails to deliver in terms of game viewing. The main attraction, which we’ll never tire of, is the abundance of birdlife. There’s always a high density of birds of prey and waders around the island. The sneaky crocodiles have no shame in hanging around the banks of the Delta and the bloats of hippo always watch you from the still and crystal clear waters.

Ezulwini Hyenas Displace Lions from Zebra Kill

The spotted hyena has a bad reputation in the bushveld for stealing leopard kills and putting pressure on lions to abandon their kills. While certainly notorious for their thieving ways and scavenging antics; the hyena is also actually a rather successful hunter. When there’s a free meal available, it’s far easier to intercept the big cat’s dinner than to chase and execute a kill. Serving a vital role in the ecology of the area, hyenas are actually some of the most important species within a reserve. Despite their notorious reputation for being sly, this Crocuta crocuta species is actually one of the most successful carnivores and proficient hunters in the animal kingdom!

The team at Ezulwini Game Lodges witnessed quite a chaotic and rare event. Instead of seeing hyenas waiting in the wings and scurrying away with the remnants of a kill, they actually saw a clan charge in and unnerve a lion pride. It’s not quite the same as conducting the hunt themselves, but it’s a step up from waiting around for titbits.

The hyenas flushed the lions out and settled into a rather delectable and meaty meal. Once the lions had regained their composure, they charged in and chased the hyenas away.

This time, the hyena scavenged for food, but they really are excellent hunters. A large percentage of their meals come from their own kills. So, just how does a hyena conduct its own kill? Here’s the lowdown on a hyena’s hunting technique.

Hyenas are far from graceful and will blunder head on into a herd of game. They’ll select the oldest, the weakest or the injured as their intended victim.
They hyena is a species bestowed with patience and stamina. The second step in making their own kill is the chase. With use of their strange gait and loping body they literally chase their “weak” target and stick to the course until their prey is exhausted. They have been known to reach speeds of up to 60km per hour, which fast given their rather heavy-set and awkward frame.
A hyena can use their power of endurance and follow herds for almost 30km.
When it comes the actual kill tactic, the hyena is somewhat clumsy and there is certainly no finesse involved. As they approach their target they begin to bite chunks out of its flesh. Their aim is to pierce major blood vessels so eventually the prey dies from blood loss. A hyena has a very powerful jaw that can bite through bone and pierce thick skin.

Jackpot! A Wild Pangolin Spotted on Game Drive

Given all the excitement surrounding Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie Reserve recently, we are discovering that just about every game drive presents something remarkable, whether it be a candy-coloured sunset, the perfect gin & tonic, African wild dog puppies, lions, or a rare and endangered (and hardly EVER seen) pangolin! This week, there has not been a dull moment – what with treehouse guests witnessing a lion kill on the ground below, wild dog pups gallivanting around, and leopards jumping out of trees – and then there was the pangolin to top it all off. The ‘scaly anteater’ as it is also know, was spotted crossing a road, and fortunately for our guests, we were in the right place at the right time!

Seeing a pangolin, in all its oddly shaped glory, is a bucket list item achieved for many wildlife-lovers. Certainly, safari guides and rangers are introduced to this rare creature in text books, taught to identify their tracks in the ground, the evidence of their presence at termite mounts, but are seldom brought face-to-face with the animal itself. Rangers-in-training listen to stories about the pangolin from their instructors, who have spent many years in search of the pangolin, and these rangers themselves tell their guests about this rare mammal, covered in a coat of armour, with a tongue designed for ant-eating – everything they have come to learn about the mysterious creature, but have likely not seen with their own two eyes.

Yesterday was a day the guides and at Africa on Foot and nThambo got lucky – an elusive pangolin was seen out in the open, going about its business, entirely unaware of the excitement it had caused among its audience. The reason for all this excitement, you might be wondering, is that the pangolin is incredibly endangered. It is the most illegally trafficked mammal on the earth with all 8 species ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered. In Asia and Africa, pangolins are traded for the superstitious beliefs surrounding their scales and for the delicacy of their meat, even though they are protected by international trade laws. Scarily, before 2013, ‘only’ 500kg of pangolin shipments were seized, and by the middle of 2015 over 8 tonnes of pangolin scales and meat were seized.

In addition to this sobering information, pangolins are characteristically shy creatures, live alone, and are mostly active at night, and are well camouflaged, giving us very little chance of seeing them under the best of circumstances! In the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, falling within the borders of the Kruger Park, there are measures in place to try and protect all species residing within this enormous area. Pangolin, along with rhino, African wild dog, cheetah, and even lions (believe it or not) are threatened species, and we are privileged to be surrounded by their wild populations. Needless to say, the sight of this pangolin is possibly the highlight of guiding careers so far!

Lions Kill Buffalo while Guests Witness from Treehouse

This morning’s safari activities at Africa on Foot began extra early when everyone in camp was woken up by an animal commotion at 04h30! The unmistakable sound of a buffalo in distress bellowed through the darkness, while the determined growls of lions making a kill added to the frightening calls. Quick as a flash, the rangers were up and piled into the game viewer, breathless with anticipation. The site of the action was right in the middle of Africa on Foot camp, between the rangers’ block and the treehouse… where two Africa on Foot guests had spent the night! Watch Kevin’s interview with them after the event, here.

With no fences surrounding camp, we have become accustomed to the wildlife activity in and around the guest chalets, camp kitchen, and swimming pool – our camera traps show evidence of what goes on at night, and other animals arrive in plain sight! Our blog archives are brimming with stories about wild dogs killing an impala in camp, elephants drinking at the swimming pool, buffalo browsing through the grounds, honey badgers raiding the scullery, and a leopard killing a duiker just outside the land owner’s front door. This time, at 04h30, it was the Mapoza male lions and one of the Ross Breakaway lionesses catching and killing a buffalo just outside the treehouse!

This is what Kevin had to say about the events of early this morning:

Myself, Greg, Luan and Jen all woke up because we could hear a buffalo bellowing close by. That was 4:30am. We got the vehicle and found the lions still killing the buffalo on the access road at the treehouse. We could see the guests that were staying in the treehouse on their honeymoon were shining their spotlight to try see what was happening. We then left the sighting to pick them up in the vehicle and bring them down for a closer look. We identified the lions as the 2 Mapoza males and 1 Breakaway female (the older one with scar on her eye), and then went back to the lodge to get coffee and gather the other guests.

Greg and Enoch loaded their guests into the vehicle and went to get a closer look at the lions before heading out on their morning walking safari. The younger Mapoza male was a bit nervous so he kept his distance from the kill while the female and older male fed. When I went back there in my vehicle both males had moved off and only the female was eating.

This is the magic of the Africa on Foot treehouse! Out in the wild, sleeping beneath the stars, raised from the ground with a great view of the bush below. Our guests were on their honeymoon and had opted for a romantic night in the wild, but no one could have predicted just how wild it was going to be!

The lions have moved off for the time being, perhaps to drink and relax in the shade, but it is likely that they will go back to their meal in the cooler hours of the day. Hopefully we will see them return to camp later on!

Xobega Boat Launch: The Maiden Voyage

Last week the team at Wildside Africa took delivery of a brand new sixteen-seater boat for use at Xobega Island Camp and surrounds.

The delivery itself was just the beginning, though, as the boat still had to be driven all the way from Maun up through Moremi Game Reserve to Xakanaxa Boat Camp, where it would eventually be launched before being driven to Gcobega Island.

While this may sound fairly straightforward, towing a boat this large through the wilderness and over the challenging terrain of Moremi was no easy task.

The utmost care had to be taken around narrow bends in the road, through thick sand and over sections torn up by heavy vehicles moving through the park in the wet season, when they often bog down to their axles and have to be dug out by hand or pulled out with winches.

The shiny new aluminium hull had to be protected at all times, and the protruding arms of what would ordinarily be beautiful trees and shrubs now took on a decidedly menacing character.

The massive propeller attached to the bottom of the 115 horse engine was also a major source of concern, jutting out as it does into the path of oncoming boulders and obstructions.

And then there was the wildlife to contend with: it is never a good idea to encounter a grumpy bull elephant while towing a ton and a half of boat and trailer!

Fortunately, in the course of a morning all of these difficulties and dangers were safely overcome or avoided through the patience and experience of the Wildside Africa team. Not a single scratch blemished the spotless shining hull, and not a dent or mark was to be found on that all-important propeller blade.

There was little time to celebrate this feat of skill and courage, though, because the canopy still had to be assembled and the boat launched for the very first time into the crystal clear waters of the Okavango Delta.

The team set about these tasks efficiently and with all the ability you’d expect from a group of seasoned Okavango wayfarers. Soon enough the canopy was up and the boat was pushed off her trailer for the very first time.

She glimmered and shone in the bright mid afternoon light as she floated just off the bank. It was time at last for her maiden voyage through the meandering waterways of the Delta, where the cylinders of her brand new engine would be put through their paces and where all those lucky enough to be aboard would feel her glide through the water.

She went like a dream, slicing with ease through all the narrow twists and turns the Okavango Delta could throw at us. The engine on the back was perfect too: all the power you need when you need it, but also quiet enough to move up close to wildlife without disturbing them or the scene when this was is an option – and in this part of the world it very often is.

As the afternoon wore on and we drew closer to Xobega, I lamented the fact that the maiden voyage was just about over. Arriving to the usual warm welcome by the camp staff was enough to stave off these feelings – the place is just so incredible that one can’t help but be happy to be there, and the very evident pleasure of the boat drivers at the arrival of their new vessel did a lot to raise our spirits too.

After some refreshments, we set off again on a late afternoon cruise around the Gcobega lagoons – just to make absolutely sure that she was a hundred percent ready for active duty. After another hour or so of birding and game viewing from the cool, comfortable vantage point of her deck, all present were convinced of her quality, the intelligence of her design, her suitability for the task of introducing visitors to the wonders of the Okavango Delta.

Don’t take out word for it though; the only way to be absolutely sure is visit and try her out for yourself!

Umkumbe Lions and Hyenas : Ultimate Frenemies

Frenemies is a term used freely by the millennials and those familiar with urban slang. In the world of wildlife, we believe that lions and hyenas are the ultimate frenemies. So, just what is a frenemy? The Urban Dictionary provides us with a colloquial definition of the term, which is, “Someone who is both friend and enemy, a relationship that is both mutually beneficial or dependent while being competitive, fraught with risk and mistrust.”

A hyena cleans up the remnants of big cat kills and together with vultures they actually help prevent the spread of disease. They clean up a lion’s mess after they’ve devoured a bloody carcass. Despite being successful hunters in their own right, a hyena needs lion kills for easy access to food. And a lion needs hyenas to clean up after them. They’ll steal and compete, but the mutual need is there. Nadia Bester (a ranger from Umkumbe in the Sabi Sand) and her guests managed to observe the Mhangeni Pride and a clan of hyenas devouring the remnants of a buffalo kill. The entire vehicle of guests witnessed the frenemy relationship in action!

A couple of weeks ago, the Mhangeni Pride of lions were spotted on a kill, needless to say the hyenas were lurking in the shadows awaiting their take-out buffalo meal. The hyenas were actually only able to move in on the kill two days later. Clearly this pride was very protective over their hard-earned meal! But, being relentless scavengers, the hyenas never gave up on their quest for the carcass.

It’s always rewarding spotting the Mhangeni Pride. They have quite a easygoing history and are a burgeoning pride within the area. The pride was formed when sub-adult lionesses broke away from the Tsala Pride and never rejoined their original pride. They proved to have successful hunting techniques and when they reached sexual maturity, they mated with the Majingilane males. Oddly enough, these were the same males that originally tried to take them down! When the first litter of cubs were born they were stashed in the Mhangeni drainage system, hence the name of the pride.

Due to the abundance of big cats in the Sabi Sand, there is a heavy concentration of hyena in the area. These loping hybrid species are some of the most successful carnivores in the animal kingdom. They’re both ruthless hunters and prolific scavengers. The easy access to kills and carcasses lends them to scavenging on a regular basis.

Leopards stash their kills in trees for safekeeping and a hyena will normally circle the trunk of a tree in the hopes that a kill will fall. With lions, access to the kill is somewhat easier because it’s simply a case of charging in and snatching a meaty leg. Of course, it’s not easy to confront a pride of lions, so hyenas tend to wait in the wings until a window of opportunity presents itself. This could be days later, which is what happened in this sequence of events.

Yet another successful day of big cat sightings for Umkumbe Safari Lodge!

The Safari Awards: Africa on Foot & nThambo Nominated

If it weren’t for your continued support throughout the years we’d never be in the position we’re in today. Your positive reviews, constructive criticism and contribution to our Klaserie camps have ensured we’ve secured a place in the Safari Awards, a prestigious annual award bestowed upon camps and lodges displaying excellence in specific categories. nThambo Tree Camp has been selected in 7 categories and Africa on Foot has been nominated in 8 categories. We’d really like to rally your support to secure an award.

Voting is easy! Here’s how you do it:

1. Go to this page, search and click on the property: Safari Awards Voting Selection Page

2. Log in with your username and password, or register if this is your first time voting.

3. You will be redirected to the camp page, where you click on the big “vote” button. Follow the prompts, rate us out of 10 and leave a comment if you’d like!

Here are the categories in which Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have been nominated in the Safari Awards:

Best Location

Our camps are located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and share unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Home to the big five, big game, antelope, reptiles and a colourful array of over 500 species of bird; the Klaserie certainly offers its visitors ample game viewing opportunities.

Best Ecologically Responsible Property

Camps are both eco-friendly and employ a variety of methods to remain environmentally friendly. Camp’s electricity is generated off the ESKOM grid using solar power. Used, uncontaminated water is directed into a wetland system and is recycled from there. Both camps recycle – glass is taken to the nearest town and recycled from there.

Best Design

With our open-plan dining and bar area, there’s plenty of flow throughout the camps. Camps are open, which means wildlife can roam freely throughout.

Best Value Safari Property

The camps offer exceptional value for money at a fraction of the price of other private game reserves. The predator sightings in the Klaserie are in abundance and the Klaserie offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities in an uncrowded reserve. Rates include game drives, walks, accommodation and meals.

Best Safari Cuisine

The food and beverage team have worked tirelessly to create the perfect menu. A balance between the traditional South African cuisine and modern flair. It’s homely mixed with gourmet and tradition. Experience a braai and watch how to cook a sizzling steak over the fire!

Best Walking Safari

Africa on Foot has been nominated in this category. Offering professionally guided big five walking safaris throughout the Klaserie, it’s not an activity to be missed! Rangers wake you up at first light and escort you through sandy bushveld. The walk is easy going and there are plenty of stops en route!

Best Safari Guiding Team

Rangers from both nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot are friendly, outgoing, professional and highly trained. You’ll leave the camps feeling like you’ve made lifelong friends!

Best Family Safari Experience

There is a child policy with both Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp, but big families travelling together are always looked after and made to feel at home.

Week in Pictures: Winter Wildlife

Temperatures are at an annual low at this time of year, as winter fastens its grip in Southern Africa. The Kruger Lowveld has taken a knock with the drought that has left many dams prematurely dry, and inhibited the growth of grasses needed to feed the grazing wildlife community. Still, nature always has a way. The sunsets in winter are more magical than at any other time of year; the bare branches reveal more birds, insects, and snakes than the lush greenery of summer would reveal; the few remaining sources of water become popular drinking holes and offer better chances of those sought after animal sightings. This week, we’ve wrapped up warmly and embraced the iciness of the mornings – knowing full well the stifling heat that summer will bring – and we have been richly rewarded. Our guides and photographers have compiled a selection of favourite moments captured on camera, and as per Friday tradition, here we are to share them with you. Enjoy the Week in Pictures: Winter Wildlife!

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

Highlights this week in the Klaserie:

Hercules Pride Seen in the Rain

The Case of the Stolen Leopard Kill

Honey Badger Conducts a Quick Kill