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Dagha Boys in the Delta at Xobega Island Camp

Buffalo bulls that group together are commonly known as dagha boys, which originates from their habit of rolling in mud – ‘dagha’ is the word for mud in Zulu, therefore, giving them this apt nickname!

In the Delta, buffaloes are in heaven where they have abounding grass plains to graze on and many waterways and mud wallows in which to bathe. As is the case all the way through Africa, buffaloes are favoured by lions as a source of food, and in certain areas of the Okavango Delta, lions have learned how to hunt buffaloes in water, where they are more vulnerable.

Here, at Xobega Island Camp, boat cruises through the Delta pass open areas of land where buffaloes, lechwe, elephant, and zebra are perhaps the most common mammals around. This group of big buffalo bulls, aka dagha boys, had clearly been rolling in a bit of mud and were accompanied by their constant companions, the oxpeckers.

It is often said that buffaloes have a menacing stare, and typically, they stare long and hard at their audience with a look like they owe them money! These members of the big 5 are not afraid of a fight and are known to charge without warning, so as much as they may look like big cows, they have certainly earned their place among Africa’s most dangerous animals!

Okavango Delta’s Unique Red Lechwe Antelope

The red lechwe is a water-loving antelope, uniquely adapted to living in wetland areas like the Okavango Delta. Their powerful hind legs and thick, oily fur makes them especially adapted to leaping through water and marshy areas. At Xobega Island Camp, a herd of red lechwe was seen grazing near the muddy puddles of a Delta island, making it a true Okavango safari experience!

This antelope is a relative of the waterbuck – the antelope with a distinct ‘toilet seat’ ring around its rear end. The heart-shaped nose of the lechwe, as well as the puku, are identical to that of the waterbuck, and the special anti-water-logging fur are clear indications of the familial relationship between these buck. Red lechwe have long, splayed hooves which help them gain traction and move quickly through marshy areas. The males have impressive horns, while the females (like the waterbuck) do not possess horns, making the genders easily identifiable.

Red lechwe calfs are born just as the high water is receding in the Delta, and fresh, new grass is available for feasting. A single calf is born to a female and lies in hiding for a couple of weeks before the female and her young one rejoin the herd. Many antelope give birth to young that are ready to run with the herd within the same day as being born, but these calfs require a lying up period before they are strong enough to travel. The mother will return to the calf’s hiding place to feed her young during the first 3 weeks of life.

This is a true Delta sighting at Xobega Island Camp!

All in a Game Drive at Tuskers Bush Camp

Even better than being located in one of Botswana’s best game viewing regions, is being located in a private concession spanning 365 000 hectares of mixed mopane woodland, tall mopane forests, kalahari acacia, and waterhole networks on the eastern border of Moremi Game Reserve. The wild, unfenced nature of Botswana’s national parks and game reserves makes this popular safari destination an incredible and unpredictable game viewing experience, and at Tuskers Bush Camp, it is all a private and exclusive adventure!

There are hundreds of elephants roaming through the prime bush veld of Botswana, and they particularly like the mopane belts that occur in a section of the concession. Tuskers is positioned overlooking a pan, which is visited by plenty of elephants – big, small, and baby – while various antelope, zebra, buffalo, and giraffe, followed by their predatory counterparts, are seen all over the concession.

Tuskers Bush Camp is unfenced, allowing the free-flow of wildlife through the camp grounds, and in among the surrounding vegetation. Leopard tracks are imprinted in the soil after a quiet night under the stars, and the network of hooves are left behind in the mud surrounding waterholes. Birdlife is extraordinary, ranging from the enormous kori bustard, to rollers, bee-eaters, and waxbills. Birds of prey are seen soaring through the skies or perched militantly in the trees from where they eye the ground for unsuspecting rodents, reptiles, and small mammals unlucky enough to falls victim to their swooping talons.

If admiring the surrounding game from the comfort of Tuskers Bush Camp isn’t satisfying enough, game drives and walking safaris are conducted daily in the unhindered space of the private concession, and the sights and sounds that greet your senses are astounding.

Pel’s Fishing Owl Nesting at Xobega Island Camp

As if catching a mere glimpse of a Pel’s fishing owl isn’t breath-taking enough, Xobega Island is seasonally home to a breeding pair of these unique and elusive, large owls, offering guests at camp a very special sighting indeed. During the dry season when the water is lower, and therefore clearer, Pel’s fishing owls nest in hollows in trees, laying two eggs, but ultimately rearing only one chick. They are rarely seen unexpectedly, and only the locals of the Okavango Delta are able to seek them out and identify them in the dark green shade of the island forests where this elusive bird likes to hide out.

After following the give-away rush of giant wings in the tree tops and squinting desperately into the dark green forest, your Xobega Island guide points to the hollow of a tree. There it is – peeking out of the nest – a set of dark black eyes belonging to the unmistakable stare of a Pel’s fishing owl, gazing back at you. This is an incredibly special moment shared with an owl so many birders are desperate to see, and here we watch them in a territory they have chosen to nest in.

These unique owls are ranked 5th heaviest owl in the world, and they differ from most owls in that their feet are exposed and not covered by feathery boots. The underside of their tarsi have spiky, scale-like skin, which aids in gripping the fish and frogs they aim for in shallow water. Pel’s fishing owls are fairly noisy flyers when compared to other owls, and this is because they do not have the soft edges to their wing feathers, as they don’t have to be quiet when hunting. Their hearing is not acute, as they fish according to what they can see, rather than what they can hear.

The large, rufous-coloured Pel’s fishing owl can be heard on Xobega Island in the dead of night. It’s call forms part of the African island lullaby that helps you drift off to sleep out in the wilderness. A deep, sonorous, ‘boom’ characterises part of the Pel’s call that rings out as you are drifting off to sleep in your canvas tented bedroom, under a starry African sky.

Take a look at what other birding specialities you can look forward to while on safari in the Okavango Delta at Xobega Island Camp, here.

Cruising Through the Delta at Xobega Island Camp

One way to explore this world-renowned wetland paradise is to jump into the seat of a mokoro and glide through the reeds at eye level with hippos (for the bucket list), but another equally as thrilling, but less intimidating way of viewing hippos is to cruise through the Delta in a motorised boat. Xobega Island Camp is located on a remote island of the Okavango Delta and can only be accessed via a 45-minute boat ride from Mboma boat station in Moremi Game Reserve.

Once on the island, boat cruising is the primary game viewing activity, and it is one of the most relaxing and breath-taking ways to view the Delta and its abundance of birds, and water-loving herbivores. Every morning as the sun rises, your Xobega Island guide will invite you aboard – cameras and bird books at the ready – and set out into the first light of the day. The boats are aluminium and have cushioned benches with back rests for comfortable seating, and a canvas shade cover overhead to protect from the sun.

All sides of the small boat are open and offer 360 degree visibility of the surroundings. Xobega’s guide and skipper drives the boat and allows ample time for admiring the various animals and birds you encounter, while offering interesting information about the different species seen en route. Hippos rule the waters of the Delta, and here you will discover just how many pods of hippo are located in the blue-green channels.

Morning boat cruises include a brief coffee stop, which your guide will have prepared for with a hot box of tea, coffee, milk, mugs and rusks. At tea time, your guide will pull up on an island where you can stretch your legs (keeping an eye open for elephants and other animals), and enjoy a cuppa among the trees and wild creatures of the Delta. Sunset cruises take place in the afternoon when the sky is at its most beautiful and birds are most active. Stop for drinks on the water and enjoy the last of the day’s light before returning to Xobega Island Camp for dinner and another night on this Delta island.

Week in Pictures : An Ode to the Safari Lifestyle

Game viewing, boma fires, traditional dancing, local cuisine, laughter and friendships. This is the safari lifestyle, where the stresses of daily living flee your mind. When you’re sitting around the fire listening to the unmistakable whoop of a hyena, the distant grumble of a lion’s roar, the unfamiliar calls of nocturnal creatures and laughing at a ranger who thinks he’s a comedian; you realise the importance of just being. To be encompassed in nature and have all the creature comforts of home around you is nothing short of spectacular. Going on safari certainly is addictive!

Here’s our ode to the safari lifestyle.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Leopards, cheetah, rogue male lions and the Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses framed by deep orange sunsets and protected by pristine night skies. These are the breathtaking moments which will leave you with lasting memories.

Ezulwini River Lodge and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge

Prolific lion sightings, curious jumbos, world-weary owls and lone leopards decided this was the week to come close to the game viewer. After a successful week of game viewing guests became involved in the spirit of Africa and danced the night away under the stark black skies lit up by the occasional hungry flame from the fire in the boma.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Traversing one of South Africa’s most pristine reserves renown for leopard sightings is by far the experience of a lifetime. Leopards on logs with shocking pink skies as the backdrop, hippos dwelling in the dam and elephants trundling across the river in front of the lodge – welcome to the safari life at Umkumbe.

John Chase Safaris in Botswana

The land of giants to some, but to us it’s the land of abundance. Papyrus lined waterways of the Okavango Delta, the endless landscape of the Moremi Game Reserve, the mighty Chobe River and diverse landscape create an incredible bio-diversity for an array of wildlife. Sunsets are always mind-blowing and the landscape is enough to inspire even those who’ve become a little jaded.

This Weekend: Celebrities Meet the Black Mambas APU

Sun Destinations, in association with WildAid and Ezulwini River Lodge, have organised an opportunity for local celebrities to meet the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit on their home turf in the Balule Nature Reserve. Celebrities have a huge following and the Black Mambas need plenty of publicity in order to continue their successful plight in saving our rhinos. Since the Black Mamba’s inception in 2013, there has been a 76% reduction in snaring and poaching incidents in the Balule. This weekend, local South African celebrities will descend upon the luxurious Ezulwini River Lodge for an educational, informative and fun safari in the Balule! Marc Lottering, Maps Maponyane, Poppy and Masasa are just a few of the celebs who will meet the Black Mambas and enjoy a sundowner session hosted by one of Craig Spencer’s (founding member of the Black Mamba’s) successful team.

The Black Mambas anti-poaching unit have recently received a prestigious accolade (Champions of the Earth) from the United Nations for their work in anti-poaching. The Black Mambas are a team of women from the local community who work for 3 weeks at a time protecting the Balule Nature Reserve from poacher activity. Their approach to poaching is unique and has proven to be highly successful.

The Black Mambas patrol the Balule on foot while kitted out in full camo gear. They’ve received the necessary training and basic combat skills for their role. While out on foot they actively remove snares, inspect the fence line, bust poachers’ camps, and report any sign of suspicious activity to the authorities; who then act immediately.

“The Black Mambas have identified and destroyed over 12 poachers’ camps and 3 bush meat kitchens within the “buffer-zone” as well as reduced snaring and poisoning activities by 76% within our area of operation since their deployment in 2013” – Black Mambas APU.

After realising the need for maximum exposure, Sun Destinations, WildAid and Ezulwini River Lodge decided to invite a select few to enjoy a safari with a difference, that makes a difference. This weekend, local celebrities will get to know the Black Mambas and engage with those involved in hosting the event. With WildAid’s public standing and the role the celebrities have to play in the media, we’re hoping the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit will become the next hot topic!

Celebrities will stay at Ezulwini River lodge, which is located on the banks of the Olifants River in the Balule Nature Reserve. A riverine forest of fig and mahogany trees extends its branches into leafy canopies, draping over a viewing deck and surrounding a scenic outdoor lounge. Celebs will relax in luxury safari suites with plunge pools, rustic outside showers and decor with hints of Africa. There will be boma dinners, wine tasting in a cellar, sundowners on a deck overlooking the Balule and game drives through the reserve.

Sun Destinations will document the weekend and one of our photographers, Em Gatland, will be there to capture the event from start to finish. We look forward to an educational, informative and fun weekend of game viewing and conservation!

Week in Pictures: Celebrating the Earth

It’s International Earth Day today, giving us even more of an excuse to brag about our fantastic week in the natural world of Safari! From the Greater Kruger Park to Botswana’s epic Chobe Riverfront, we’ve received a photographic overload of wildlife evidence from this week’s game drives. These sublime wild regions are protected areas, dedicated to the animal inhabitants of our planet, and we are privileged to be able to visit them in their territories. Fresh out of our lodges this week are all sorts of animals posing in spectacularly photogenic ways and highlighting their natural beauty. Take a look at the reasons we have to celebrate the earth in this week’s Week in Pictures!

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Kruger

nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Kruger

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Kruger

Africa on Foot, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Kruger

John Chase Safaris, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Check out the Cheetah! Game Drive Winner in Klaserie

Nothing beats a cheetah sighting first thing in the morning! These rarely seen, sleek cats are a real bonus on any safari, and the nThambo Tree Camp game drive this morning was destined for greatness. At Africa on Foot, guests had set out on a walking safari, and when word spread of the solo female cheetah nearby, Ranger Ryan changed direction and led his guests back to their vehicle so they could drive to view the cheetah, too. As much as we believe a morning walk in the wild Klaserie is the best way to start the day, we wouldn’t want our guests to miss out on this very special sighting!

The cheetah was relaxed and enjoying the shade in the classic cheetah pose: outstretched on her side with her head raised off the ground, keeping an eye on her surroundings. Female cheetahs are most often found alone, as they generally live solitary lives, unless they have a litter of cubs. Cheetahs are famously good mothers, and they commonly have litters of about 3-5 cubs, which stay with their mother until about 18 months old. Once the cubs have matured and move off on their own, the mother returns once again to her solo lifestyle.

Guests watched the single lady panting, yawning, and snapping at flies as she reclined in the shade, blinking her big amber eyes at us. Eventually, she got up and stretched and walked off into the thicket. Cheetahs hunt during the day, unlike leopards and lions who prefer to hunt at night, so perhaps we will find her later this afternoon with a full belly! The temperatures during the day are still high, so the cheetah might spend the afternoon lying low and conserving her energy until dusk before she attempts to hunt. We will be holding thumbs, hoping that the day ends as well as it began, but could we be so lucky? Let’s wait and see…

Take a look at the last cheetah sighting our guests enjoyed, here!

Two Halves of the Mohlabetsi Lion Pride

The Mohlabetsi Pride has been seen regularly in the last week on safari with Ezulwini River Lodge and Billy’s Lodge. This usually large pride of lions has been seen in fragmented parts, and we’ve seen two groups lately – one of 3 lionesses and cubs, and another of 4 lionesses and 1 young male. Even more fortunately, the 3 lionesses have presented their 4 young cubs to us for the first time. What a special sight!

It was after dark when we caught sight of the lionesses and cubs, and they were on the move. They stopped and started, crossed the road, lay in the sand, clambered over fallen tree trunks, and generally gave us a great look at them. These lionesses and their cubs are known to be part of the Mohlabetsi Pride, and since they split off from the rest of the group we haven’t caught sight of them and their cubs. It has certainly been our lucky week!

The 4 lionesses and 1 young male, also part of the Mohlabetsi Pride, were seen lazing at the edge of a waterhole earlier on in the same day that the females and cubs were seen. The lions drank from shallow puddles and dozed off on the sand, rolling around as cats do, enjoying the comfort of one another. All 5 of them looked decidedly plump, which is evidence of them having fed nicely not long before we caught sight of them. After feeding, lions often move towards water to drink and sleep away the heat of the day. We were obviously in the right place at the right time that day, because – to top it all off – the Van Wijk’s female leopard was spotted on the same game drive! Just another day in the Balule.