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Prehistoric Looking Pangolin Spotted in Sabi Sand

The pangolin is prehistoric looking creature covered in a scaly, protective armour and is rarely seen. Little is known about these notoriously shy mammals, but we do know they’re a protected species and sightings of them in the wild always need to be celebrated. It is estimated that over 100, 000 pangolins are captured on an annual basis for their scales and meat. Their scales are sold under the misguided belief that they cure acne and cancer. In Africa and Asia, there are 8 species of pangolin, all of which are endangered. These sensitive and shy “scaly anteaters” are found within the Kruger region and just recently guests at Umkumbe Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand were treated to a once in a lifetime sighting of this curious creature.

When we do receive reports of pangolin sightings, it’s normally of them curled in the defensive ball position. Marius Zeilinga, one of the rangers from Umkumbe, managed to film the pangolin and get a close-up sighting of its small and adorable face!

If you’ve never heard of a pangolin or don’t know much about them, here are five interesting facts about these solitary nocturnal mammals:

1. Pangolins are quite defensive and often “play dead”. They do this by rolling up into a ball and if the need arises, they’ll lash out with their tail. The keratin like scales that cover their body are sharp and can slice through an enemy’s skin.

2. Another weapon used by the pangolin is to emit a noxious smelling gas, similar to that of a skunk’s. Pangolin’s don’t actually spray the liquid but rather emit the foul smelling acid which makes predators think twice about launching an attack.

3. When comes to diet, the pangolin feed on ants and other insects. They’re often found close to termite mounds, which is a great source of food. Their tongue extends the full length of its body and is coated with a sticky substance. All species of pangolin have large, curved claws used for pulling off tree bark, digging up termite nests and ripping up logs to extract their food.

Ross Breakaway Lionesses: #BestFriendsForever

These endearing photos taken of the Ross Breakaway lionesses show their softer side, while an image of one of the females baring her teeth shows her true colours… They are wild cats, of course, and they survive on live prey, but their bond as sisters appears to be unbreakable. We have watched them over the years as they have born cubs and lost them, fought with rival prides, paired up with various male lions, and disappeared for weeks at a time; but they have always stuck together and we like to think they always will. But who are we to judge? What we think we know about the life of wild lions is merely based on human interpretation.

Over the weekend, it looks like one of the Breakaway lionesses got into a scrap with another lion. Tensions are running high with a whole host of strange lion activity taking place in the Klaserie. This morning, guides at Africa on Foot found both the lionesses relaxing near Jason’s Dam. One looks in poor condition with lots of scratches and bite marks, and a limp in her back leg. In the past these lionesses have fought with the Hercules Pride, but the cause of the latest injuries is unknown.

These photos of the Ross Breakaways feeding on a buffalo calf demonstrate the reality of the wild world, where only the fittest survive. This young buffalo would have been the target of a long stalk by the lionesses, and in all likelihood they would have had to fight off the buffalo’s mother in order to successfully kill the calf. Adult buffaloes are notoriously defensive and fearless, and many a lion has lost its life to the piercing horns and stampeding weight of this formidable bovine.

The Week in Pictures: A Spectacular Performance of Nature

Coming face to face with animals in their natural habitat is becoming more and more of a privilege, as various species become rare and endangered in the wild. Our role in the safari world is to offer a glimpse into the wild lives of animals where they live and behave naturally around us. We are observers, we do not interfere, we show respect, and we are greatly rewarded. This week, just like every other week, we have been treated to an array of spectacular performances of nature, and here we feature our favourites in the Week in Pictures!

Xobega Island Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

This exclusive Delta island in the Moremi Game Reserve is an experience like no other. This World Heritage Site is one of the most recent areas to have received its prestigious title, and it is no wonder why when you consider the diversity of the ecosystems that have developed in the wetlands and waterways. Tall sausage trees, wild figs, jackalberry trees, and narrow papyrus-lined channels – the vegetation of the Delta houses the world’s largest mammals, such as elephants and hippos, while tiny insects and birds are even more abundant.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger Park

Morning and afternoon game drives take place at the most beautiful times of day, and these times just happen to coincide with when various animals are most active. In the mornings, diurnal species are bathed in the warm glow of the day’s first light as they feed from the dew-drop plantation; while afternoons bring the peachy sunsets and a drop in temperatures before darkness leads to the emergence nocturnal creatures. The Sabi Sand is one of South Africa’s most sought after safari destinations, and this week we chose a few iconic photos just to show off a little!

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

Africa on Foot’s best in show this week come in the form of a sun-drenched African wild dog, a curious, young hyena, an elephant showing its joy in the presence of water, and a quiet moment with a three-banded plover. Endless happiness can be found in the wild world of the Klaserie.

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

Inside the western border of the Greater Kruger National Park is the Balule Nature Reserve, where Ezulwini River Lodge and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge offer an outstanding experience in the big game wilderness. The colours of the sunsets, the cries of the birdlife, and the unmistakable call of the king of the jungle.

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

The Big 5 is only the beginning of what nThambo Tree Camp guests have enjoyed this week, but the moments shared with these formidable species truly stand out as one would expect. Getting within reaching distance of Africa’s largest land mammal, the elephant, and locking eyes with the king of beasts: these are stand out moments enjoyed by guests this week.

WHAT? Two New Male Lions Mate with Ross Lionesses

Mabande moved in on Trilogy turf and mated with the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses. Two of the Trilogy returned to reclaim their land and their “women”. They fought with Mabande and he kept a low profile for a while. During his hiding out phase, the Trilogy mated with the Ross Pride Breakaway’s and conducted a successful buffalo kill which they dutifully shared with the lionesses. Mabande came back with a vengeance and mated with the Ross girls. So much for lying low. We knew Mabande would be back and try to claim a kingdom.

Over the past couple of days, since our last update, Mabande has been patrolling and scent marking around nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot. Like we’ve mentioned before, we’re watching the Trilogy, Mabande and Ross girls dynamics with intent. However, we could not predict what happened this morning. The events of this morning have thrown a spanner into the works. And a large spanner at that.

A-team rangers Mike and Greg phoned through with this information. We’ve edited a fair amount of their verbal feedback – the excitement is mounting and it’s evident in our ranger’s vocabulary.

Greg says, “Caro, ok, are you ready? We saw two young male lions, one had no mane but he was quite big. The other one had a beautiful golden mane and blonde locks. The younger one with no mane was really skittish and nervous, so he disappeared really quickly. The beautiful one stayed because the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses were there! At the same time we saw Mabande’s tracks everywhere and he’s definitely headed to where the new males and the Ross girls are at the moment…”

Mike interrupts and says, “They were mating! The one with the thick mane was mating with one of the Ross Pride lionesses. We managed to get a decent sighting of him and there was plenty of noise and aggression during the mating session. This new male was contact calling and announcing his presence. Overall, both newcomers were slightly anxious.”

At this stage, rangers haven’t ID’d the two new males to the Klaserie. The mating session is still happening at Swart Dam and rangers from nThambo and Africa on Foot will head down there on this evening’s game drive. Interestingly enough, there are also six lions on a buffalo kill slightly east of where the action is unfolding. Will Mabande approach the area tonight?

The stakes are high at the moment with plenty of fighting and lions moving in and out; which is creating a shift in dynamics. This could explain why the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses are mating with any male which crosses their path. Greg has a theory. He thinks, perhaps, that this is a tactical move from the Ross girls and isn’t just about them being “easy”. If the Ross girls mate with all the potential new kings, it means that their cubs will be safe because there’s no telling who the father might be. Remember, if a new dominant lion takes over an area he may kill the existing cubs so he can mate and continue his own bloodline.

We’re looking forward to the feedback from tonight’s game drive in the Klaserie. Good luck out there, it’s a war zone of warriors and potential kings.

Follow the series here:

Episode 1: Unknown Male Lion in the Klaserie

Episode 2: The Introduction. New Male Lion in the Klaserie

Episode 3: Mabande Mates with Ross Pride Lionesses

Episode 4: Mabande Male Fights with Trilogy Males

Episode 5: Battle of the Klaserie Continues: Mabande vs Trilogy

Sabi Sand Leopard’s Stroll Past Umkumbe Property

Nicki Steenberg, a ranger from Umkumbe Safari Lodge, has kept us in the loop with the latest leopard stories straight from the Sabi Sand, a rich and diverse reserve teeming with leopard activity. A while ago we introduced you to a few new leopards on the Umkumbe traverse, which certainly added a different dimension to game drives. Each leopard exploring a potentially new turf brings with it its own skill set, personality and distinct markings; which always makes things interesting. When we receive leopard reports from our Umkumbe rangers, there is always one thing which seems to be a constant : the presence of Toothfairy, the notorious hyena adept at stealing kills from leopards! This week was no different. Mxabene, Tatowa, Ndzandzeni, Inyathini and Toothfairy were all seen during the course of the week.

Nicki Steenberg says, “Ndzandzeni strolled through our property on the lookout for something. We think it was Mxabene the male because he strolled through a few minutes before she did – in the exact same spot! Tatowa was moving through a few days before but she was chased away by Toothfairy and her clan. They had a bit of a stare down, but Tatowa eventually moved away from the scene. She was actually on a kill, which is why the hyenas were around. Inyathini has been spotted briefly over the past few weeks.”

Here’s a quick reminder of who’s who:

Tatowa: Game drives often deliver sightings of Tatowa. Tatowa is a slender and beautiful leopardess who crossed over from the northern boundary onto the Umkumbe traverse. She’s built a name for herself as quite a tough cat and is the only surviving leopard from a litter of 4. At this stage she appears to be after Mxabene; but then again, most of the leopardesses in this area enjoy chasing after Max!

Mxabene Male: Over the weekend, firm favourite, Mxabene was spotted out on patrol. Sightings of Mxabene are generally when he is marking his territory and patrolling his turf to prevent unwanted visitors. Rangers haven’t seen him in a while, but that’s because he covers huge ground with his patrolling tactics. Male leopards guard their territory against other males but their traverse overlaps with, on average, 3/4 females. Their scent marking activity normally happens in the dead of night and they spray urine and disperse droppings over vegetation.

Nzandzeni Female: Ndzandzeni appears to have moved from the north (born in 2012) of Umkumbe traverse. Marius sent through a report about the first sighting, which happened about a month ago.

Inyathini Male: This elusive but rugged male remains an enigma. Not much is known about him because he wasn’t born in the Sabi Sand. It’s speculated he wandered over from the Kruger National Park early to mid 2014.

Male leopards have a wide range and seek out areas rich with females. Female leopards are often on the move in search of new den sites and will seek out areas rich in food sources. A male’s territory can overlap with up to 4 females, which is why we might enjoy sightings of one male in many different areas. Females cover less ground and will remain in an area for quite sometime with their cub, which is why you often see two leopards on patrol together.

Thanks to Johan and Nicki for the update.

Week in Pics: Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak famously wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “Where the Wild Things Are”, which shot to fame in the early 1960’s. We’ve decided that his inspiration surely must have been Botswana and Kruger during the winter time. This week in pictures, we’ve received endless wildlife reports – it appears Botswana and Kruger are pumping with predator activity. This is most certainly where the wild things are…

The vegetation has become drier, the air is colder and our camps are enjoying phenomenal sightings. This is a clear indication that peak game viewing season (winter) is upon us. The Kruger bushveld is thinning out which means it’s easier to spot wildlife and the herds are now starting to congregate around the waterholes. The lush vegetation is wilting away, so we’re witnessing plenty of movement towards dams. May also sees the arrival of the African wild dog’s denning period. Botswana is also pumping with similar sightings and offering visitors the usual unparalleled game viewing opportunities.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

If you’ve kept up-to-date with our recent sightings on Facebook, you’ll understand the incredible things happening in the Klaserie at the moment. As it stands, rangers have seen leopard 6 days in a row! There was a huge leopard fight between two unknown leopards over a kill, with the hyena eventually walking away with the prize.

nThambo have recorded daily sightings of elephant herds drinking from the pool at lunch time. They’re constantly having to refill the splash pool !

Coupled with the normal plains game sightings, there have also been wild dog sightings. It’s the end of the impala rutting season which means the endangered wild dogs have returned to den in the area. Rams are tired, which means it’s an easy meal for the wild dogs and their pups.

The biggest drama of all is the presence of a relatively new male lion called Mabande. He has been patrolling and covering huge ground around both camps and is clearly on a quest to take over the Klaserie kingdom. Of course, this is Trilogy turf, so you can only imagine the chaos that has ensued.

There was a huge fight between Mabande and two of the Trilogy males – luckily both lions came away unscathed from the event. Mabande disappeared for a couple of days but then reappeared with a vengeance. We’re watching the lion dynamics of the Klaserie closely.

Ezulwini River Lodge and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge

Both Ezulwini Game Lodges are enjoying a record number of leopard sightings in the Balule Nature Reserve. Just the other night, blue-eyed boy Chavaluthu and the Van Wijk’s leopardess were seen together with a clan of hyenas. An incredible sighting! The Balule has also treated its guests to breathtaking lion sightings. Duma’s pride (10 lions strong) was spotted during our LiveBushFeed session. Then one of the many active lion prides in the prestigious Kruger territory, the Balule Nature Reserve, is the Mohlabetsi Pride and they were spotted snacking on a buffalo carcass.

The vultures and hyenas are out in full force – so much free food around! Plenty of predator activity for the Balule, but that’s not say our elephant and buffalo herds haven’t been spotted. At the moment, all wildlife seems to be out and about.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Elephants, Dagga boys and big game are occupying the sightings while out on game drive with the Umkumbe rangers. The Sand River, which runs in front of the lodge always draws predators and other big game to its shores. With winter looming, the sunsets and sunrises seem to be more colourful and all-encompassing. The nocturnal birds of prey, the scavengers and the small things are all coming out to play.

John Chase Safaris in Botswana

The beauty of a tailor-made safari is that the journey follows a map you’ve designed. Picking the places you want to visit and maximising your time spent in the country make for some of the most memorable expeditions of your life. Being a luxury mobile safari unit affords plenty of opportunity to traverse areas rich in game. If one area is only producing plains game sightings, the next area may produce an array of big cat sightings. Boat cruises on the Chobe will certainly bring about prolific bird, hippo and crocodile sightings.

Battle of the Klaserie Continues: Mabande vs Trilogy

Yesterday we flew in with reports and updates about the Mabande male lion. You remember him? He’s the nomadic male who has spent the past few weeks patrolling and marking new territory. During the course of last week, he had a huge showdown with the Trilogy lions, the dominant males of the area.

So, what’s the latest in the Mabande vs Trilogy saga? Well, Mabande was relaxing close to Buffelsdam and managed to give guests a brief sighting. He even engaged in a bit of rolling back and forth to entertain his onlookers. After his fight with the Trilogy, he went scurrying away but now it appears his confidence his back up. Clearly last week didn’t deter this potential king, who wants the Klaserie and the Ross girls for himself.

Although Mabande lay low for a while, he certainly didn’t go running for the hills. He spends plenty of time patrolling turf, scent marking and covering huge ground. Guests from nThambo Tree Camp have actually spotted him casually strolling past camp. He was also seen just outside the ranger’s block at Africa on Foot.

Is this not a dangerous situation for Mabande? Returning to Trilogy traverse? The absolute brazen attitude of Mabande surely is a sign of a burgeoning and brave leader!

So, after being spotted at Buffelsdam, Mabande subsequently left the area because one of the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses was contact calling. He moved off in the general direction of the calls. The next sighting was of one of the Trilogy males mating with Ross girls!

The following day, the nThambo team spotted one of the Trilogy males just relaxing by himself. Believe it or not, while nThambo were with the handsome Trilogy male, the Africa on Foot team were observing the Mabande male mating with one of the Ross girls.

It’s getting very risky out there in the Klaserie. The competition for females is strong and you can slice the tension in the air with a knife. Thus far, two males, one turf. Things are inching closer to a battle of the Klaserie – Mabande vs Trilogy.

Part 1: Ezulwini’s Favourite Leopard Makes a Kill

Chavaluthu is the blue-eyed leopard boy of the Balule and is often spotted on the Ezulwini traverse. Leopards are notoriously elusive creatures, choosing to hide in drainage lines during the day and conducting highly-specialised kills at night. Chavaluthu occasionally keeps a low profile, hiding out in the thickets and avoiding the limelight. But when he decides to come out and play, he does so with vengeance and always puts on a show! His name means of “afraid of nothing”, which would explain his often inexplicable behaviour.

A couple of days ago, Chavaluthu made a successful impala kill. After making a kill leopards will normally drag the carcass up the closest tree for safekeeping. Leopards are at risk of losing their kill to thieving hyenas and even other leopards. Chavaluthu, being brave and non-plussed about potential threats, stashed his kill in the thickets behind where he was resting. Not quite textbook leopard behaviour, but then again, leopards don’t read textbooks!

Jochen happened to be guiding the night when Chavaluthu was seen guarding his kill. After leaving the sighting word came through that our favourite leopard had lost his kill to a hyena!

But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s part 2 of our Balule leopard update, where all will be revealed. In the meantime, here are images from the start of the event.

Meet Linki Mdlovu: Umkumbe’s Head of Housekeeping

When you arrive at a safari lodge and think twice before jumping on the bed for fear of destroying the beautiful flower display, you know that care and thought have been put into your arrival. Linki Mdlovu is Umkumbe Safari Lodge’s Head of Housekeeping, and she is certainly one of those quietly celebrating the gorgeousness of bougainvillaea as she arranges delicate floral patterns on your bed.

Shiny rows of pearly whites greet you as Linki beams with friendliness. Her face is kind and happy and when she talks about her job at Umkumbe Safari Lodge, it’s no wonder why. It’s the wildlife, she says, that makes this place her home. Just like anyone who lays eyes on the view from Umkumbe and takes a breath of fresh Sabi Sand air, Linki loves the location of her daily life. We thought we would introduce you to the creative hands behind those flower-hearts on your bed linen, and the workforce keeping Umkumbe’s suites looking spick n span!

Linki, thank you for dedication to Umkumbe’s housekeeping team, for your contagious smile, and the personal effort you put into everything that you do.

An Elephant at Xobega Island Camp

It’s not every day your afternoon nap is disturbed by the thudding sounds of Africa’s favourite marula fruit hitting the ground around your tent, followed by the gentle padding of a leathery trunk feeling for the fallen fruit on the ground. Once you’ve come to and opened your eyes, you are reminded that you are on an Okavango Delta island and the sounds you are hearing are those of an elephant tucking into the fruit born of the marula tree above your tent! Don’t act so surprised, this is Africa after all…

Slowly, the largest terrestrial mammal on Earth ambles passed your flyscreen window, stretching its trunk out to grasp the marulas dangling on another branch of the tree. The sheer enormity of this animal has been described in books and documentaries, and you may have even witnessed them yourself while enjoying your boat cruise to this island – Xobega – however; only once the animal extends itself above your canvas tent, and takes huge strides passed your ‘doorway’, do you realise just how much of a mammoth this creature is.

Gentle, yet incredibly powerful, at the same time, the African elephant is an alluring animal we have the privilege of knowing today. In the Okavango Delta, these great beasts thrive in the wetland terrain, and their sense of ownership is evident. At Xobega Island Camp, elephants and hippos make the rules, and when their is a marula tree in full fruit, there is no hiding it from the long nose of an elephant! That is what leads you to this moment.

The hungry elephant is in heaven, where the succulent green and yellow delights are littered all over the sandy floor and hanging tightly onto their stems in the trees. As you watch from your tent in awe, the elephant – oblivious to your presence – moves a few metres away to the next tent, also showered in marulas, and you are given an opportunity to sneak onto your tent ‘verandah’ and enjoy taking a few photographs to mark this unforgettable African moment.

Every summer when the marula trees on Xobega Island begin to fruit, this elephant comes to take his share. Over time he has come to know the presence of people on the island, and his demeanour is ever so courteous. He welcomes quiet onlookers who keep their distance and allow him to keep feeding in peace, as they gaze up at him in wonder. This was one of those moments at Xobega Island Camp that we will never forget.