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Girl power! This Women’s Day, we chat with the Angel(e) of Ezulwini

In honour of Women’s Day, we interviewed Angele Rouillard-Sanders from Ezulwini Game Lodges—truly a remarkable woman known for her talent, kindness, passion for nature, ability-to-do-everything-at-once, and attention to detail when it comes managing lodges. We wanted to shine a spotlight on this multifaceted and inspiring individual with a fascinating background. Angele, an accomplished wildlife photographer, lodge manager, and guide, also turns out to be a skilled baker, seamstress, and former officer of the Canadian Navy (she claim’s that’s why she runs a tight ship). Despite her busy schedule, she promptly provided detailed and concise answers to our interview questions, making my job so much easier. Angele is a true embodiment of versatility and excellence, and a perfect candidate for WOMEN’S DAY. Angele, may you continue to lead and inspire others!

And now it’s time to tackle the psyche of Angele, the angel of Ezulwini.

Where did you grow up?

In my younger years, I grew up in a small town called Chelmsford in Canada. My grandparents were cobblers and owners of a large tack shop. Most of my family worked for my grandparents including myself. During the summer months, we would travel to horse fairs to sell goods and my grandfather’s hand-made leather saddles. I spent a lot of time around horses.

Once I started high school, my parents purchased a small farm on the outskirts of St. Charles, Ontario, Canada. We were surrounded by other farms (cattle and bison), and government protected land. We were spoiled with nature, often spotting coyotes, wolves, moose, deer, foxes, bears, scrub hares, owls, etc… Summer days were spent exploring the woods & marshlands, and swimming in the local rivers.

Give us the scoop. How did you end up the Kruger?

I always had a desire to live and work in Africa. I can’t explain where or how this came about. I would spend hours reading National Geographic magazines (only African content). Mark & Delia Owens’ books also captured my imagination along with many other authors. I couldn’t get enough of documentaries either. I was drawn to Africa for no other reason than to witness first hand everything I’d seen or read. It wasn’t until 2009 that I first set foot on the African continent. Once there, I had a deep sense of belonging, as if this was always meant to be home. Over the years, I would continue returning. In 2010-2011, and 2012, I had the opportunity of interning at safari camps in the Masai Mara, Kenya.

I utilized my photography & administrative skills, and learnt the “behind the scenes” of working in the safari industry. My time in Kenya also allowed me to travel to South Africa. It wasn’t until winning a photography competition with Sun Destinations in 2011, that I made the decision to permanently move to South Africa. The African bug had bit me hard, so much so that I became a safari guide less than three years following.

Being a lodge manager, photographer and guide means that you’re quite the Wonder Woman! A shining example of a successful WOMAN! Tell us how you balance all three.

Trying to juggle so many hats was by far my biggest challenge. Lodge management takes up a significant amount of my time, and as General Manager, I oversee the running of two lodges. I have a lot of help from my partner in crime & husband, Craig and the Saad Family, owners of Ezulwini Game Lodges. You need a good support team to make everything run smoothly, and I am blessed with amazing staff.

As for guiding, I now do “table side” guiding. I often engage my guests with meaningful conversations on conservation, as well as answering any questions that they may have forgotten to ask on safari. This usually happens during meal service, bar o’clock and even poolside. When it comes to photography, I am often asked by guests to join them and give them tips & trips on capturing that perfect shot. I don’t go out as often as I’d like, however, I do make the most of it when I am on a drive with guests. Juggling all my tasks also means not planning too far in advance. I have a daily routine which helps, but you need to be flexible living in the bush environment.

How long have you been with the Ezulwini family?

Having previously worked for Ezulwini back in 2014, I returned with my husband in 2018. We’ve been working with Ezulwini ever since, and are happy to be part of the family.

What’s your favourite thing about Ezulwini?

I love the atmosphere, the family feel of it. I enjoy it being an intimate family run lodge with the advantage of being located in a place where everything still feels wild.

Please share details about your guiding history

I trained with Bushwise, and began working in the Sabi Sands which is unusual for a first year guide. Although I enjoyed my time there the view of the escarpment, the Hoedspruit hospitality, and the weather drew me back to the Lowveld. I eventually found myself in the Balule. Guiding international guests was always something I looked forward to as everyone had their reason for traveling to this special place.

I wanted to share as much knowledge as I could however 3 hour game drives didn’t always allow for this which led me to guiding research groups. This was a phenomenal experience as not only was I involved in educating guests, I had the opportunity to help with research & conservation, work in the local schools, partake in various community initiatives, mentor young guides and lead photographic groups. All this would round off my career and lead me to Ezulwini.

What’s your top rated animal and why?

Top rated animal is a tough question as I’m an invertebrate nerd and do like spotting seldom seen animals such as serval, caracal, aardvark, etc. Top rated for me will always be the large copper dung beetle rolling its dung balls. It reminds me that no matter how hard the job may be, it just has to get done one way or another.

Which species do you fear the most, and have you ever had an encounter with “said” species?

I can’t say I enjoy seeing snakes. For some reason or another, I always seem to stumble upon one either in my room, or on a pathway, or in the thatching. I have a healthy respect for snakes, but seeing one unexpectedly does cause my heart rate to increase. To be honest, the majority of my encounters have been with the Black Mamba (stories you don’t share with your mother).

What’s the most unexpected encounter you’ve had with wildlife while guiding guests?

My most unexpected encounter was returning to the lodge after a morning drive, and stumbling upon a family of bush pigs. As these are mostly nocturnal, I was shocked to see the group standing on the road in broad daylight. It was only because of my excitement that guests also appreciated the sighting, after all, to them, they were just pigs. This is probably not the story you were expecting – haha!

Any advice for someone pursuing guiding as a profession?

You have to love people as much as the animals or the bush, as you will be spending a lot of time with guests. It’s a lot of long days and often repetitive questions, therefore a love of knowledge is also key to not only keeping you sharp, but also helps to make your safari experience more encompassing for your guests.

What sets apart an excellent safari guide from an average one?

An excellent guide should never stop learning or teaching. For some, success is measured by advancing to the next level of guiding, for others, it’s measured by their guests’ reactions or even discovering something new on safari. No matter what, an excellent guide should never lose their passion for the bush. It sounds a little cliche, but you really do need to hold on to that child-like wonder. Your enthusiasm for even the smallest of things will rub off onto your guests.

Onto something fun. We heard that you’re an incredible baker…tell us more about this aspect of your personality. Do you ever bake for Ezulwini?

Hahahaha…. I’ve always had a knack for cooking & baking, and I love to share my knowledge with our wonderful cooks. I’ve been fortunate to be able to fashion our lodge menus, and create signature dishes, teaching our kitchen teams along the way. As for baking for the lodges, I tend to reserve that for the Christmas season or special occasions. I will usually spend a few days baking then a day or two icing & decorating. This Christmas season however, I plan on teaching my cooks as much as I can from my baking knowledge arsenal. It’s time to pass the torch.

Which female figure inspires you and why?

As a wildlife photographer myself, Margot Raggett is my inspiration as not only has she pursued a professional wildlife photography career, which is predominantly dominated by men, she has also married that with her passion for conservation work with her “Remembering Wildlife” book series. She first set foot in Kenya in 2010 which is not far off from when I first ventured there. Our career paths may have diverged from there but a love for the natural world is what started both our journeys and doing what we love.

What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?

If a guiding profession is what you really want to pursue, then don’t let anyone or anything stop you from following your chosen path. Rather, surround yourself with people who will support, encourage and mentor you in your journey. You only have one life to live so don’t live with regrets. As the saying goes, “if you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to build theirs”.

We think that’s enough nosy questions for now. Oh wait. Tell us about your husband Craig!

My husband Craig has been in the guiding industry for 17 years. He was fortunate to start young and has been mentored by industry greats throughout his career. Craig has worked at various safari lodges across the country, and also has experience working with African Wild Dogs. Although we both worked at lodges within close proximity to each other, we first met on Facebook as “people you may know”. He “friend requested” me, and the rest is history!!! We will have been married for 7 years in November. I couldn’t imagine a better life partner.

Massive thank you to Angele ! What an honour it was to interview you.

Below are a few more pics from Angele’s curated collection of wildlife photographs.

Botswana Revisited: Exploring the Delta, Chobe, and Moremi

Given that we’ve recently refreshed and relaunched our Botswana packages, we thought we’d use this opportunity to revisit our boutique collection of camps and lodges in Botswana. Offering an introduction to destinations on many visitors’ “safari hotlists,” our portfolio of accommodations spans diverse and coveted regions. Explore the famed Moremi Game Reserve to spot big cats, the Okavango Delta’s water wonderland, the Savute Marsh’s geographical marvel, the revered Chobe National Park, and the bustling community regions outside of Maun. Botswana offers visitors the chance to see up to 600 species of birds and 170 species of mammals, making it one of the most incredible safari destinations in the world.

Botswana Revisited

Let’s delve into the camps and lodges we represent in the Sun Destinations portfolio.

Camp Savuti in Chobe National Park

Camp Savuti has become famous for its exceptional game viewing opportunities, in particular for lions that prey and hunt on elephants, which are found in abundance in the area. Award-winning documentaries have been shot in the Savuti area, cementing its reputation as a prime wildlife destination. You’ll spend your days enjoying twice-daily game drives exploring the Savute Marsh and Savuti Channel, stopping en route for lunches, coffees and sundowners. Local guides will teach you about the wildlife and the unique geography of the area, which changes when the Savuti Channel flows.

The five Meru-style tented rooms have elevated balconies, perfectly placed to take advantage of the views of this corner of Chobe. The large, spacious tents are located in such a way that they enjoy privacy and exclusivity. For the adventurous, there are outdoor showers where you can cleanse while enjoying the tranquillity of the African bush. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a small bath – ideal for those who don’t enjoy the thrill of an outdoor shower.

The main area at camp provides the perfect open area for socialising and relaxing. Camp facilities include a swimming pool, deck, bar and seating area. And of course, there’s the rustic boma and campfire area where nights are spent stargazing and connecting with others. Because you’re in a truly remote corner of the Chobe National Park, expect to see elephants and other wildlife meandering through camp. For birders, this is a great camp to observe those lifers!

Features in these Botswana packages:

Boteti Tented Camp just outside of Maun

Boteti Tented Camp is a unique addition to our portfolio, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Botswana community. Located on the banks of the erratic Boteti River (a tributary of the Okavango River), Boteti offers a handful of signature day trips that set out from camp into the heart of Botswana’s wildlife kingdom. The Boteti River is a life source of water for the arid Kalahari plains, Nxai Pans and famed Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Considering the river is the only reliable water source in the area, it’s no surprise that it’s a magnet for predators. You’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the vast Kalahari and river frontage during your safari at Boteti.

This rustic camp is a short drive from Maun and upon arrival guests are treated to an introductory mokoro trip (provided the water levels are high enough). With simple decor and designer African-inspired accents throughout, you’ll never feel like you’re far from the bushveld. The main area is furnished with a lounge, deck, pool area and relaxation spaces. On-site, there’s even a small viewing platform close to the river – ideal for birdwatching and observing the passing cattle from the communities nearby in the distance.

The five Meru-style canvas tents built on wooden platforms sleep a total of 10 people and sit dotted beneath tall acacia trees. Tents are well-equipped with a wooden chest for storage, bedside table, work desk, and an ensuite bathroom surrounded by a wall of rustic wooden poles. Comfort at its finest! To elevate your Boteti experience, the team have also arranged a selection of treatments available.

Boteti is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature during a stopover safari enroute to other destinations, as it’ll allow you to enjoy the cultures and traditions of Botswana.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Mankwe Tented Retreat on the doorstep of the Moremi

Mankwe Tented Retreat is a sanctuary-style safari lodge built from canvas and light wood, and offers a luxury stay on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. This sublime, simple and charming retreat is ideally located in a private concession on the doorstep of
the game- rich Moremi Game Reserve. 10 tented suites on raised platforms sit scattered beneath a canopy of trees in the woodlands, each offering spacious balconies and ensuite bathroom with a shower, complete with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness through
the canvas windows.

Mankwe’s light and airy design reflects the beauty of its natural surroundings, giving off a sophisticated Scandinavian design feel. The main area comprises a small swimming pool surrounded by wooden decking that flows through to various sheltered sections for relaxing and also has a dining section. Adjacent to this area is the boma. From here, a meandering wooden walkway winds its way to a second swimming pool section complete with wooden decking, sun loungers and an intimate pool bar.

Mankwe offers its visitors an unbeatable location close to both land and water-based safari activities. Game drives take place in the concession, and always include an obligatory sundowner stop around the waterhole. Further afield, guests can explore the intricate channels of the Okavango Delta boat cruises through the Okavango Delta and full-day excursions into the Khwai River section of Moremi.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge in Kasane Forest Reserve

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is situated in the remote and lesser-known Kasane Forest Reserve, a relatively unexplored concession bordering the Zambezi National Park in the northern stretches of Botswana. It’s a wildlife corridor for both the Chobe and Zambezi areas, but holds its own in terms of being a wildlife destinations. The lodge’s claim to fame is its prolific elephant herds, many of which can be spotted congregating around the lodge’s waterhole in front of the lodge – it’s not uncommon to spend evenings dining with the elephant herds in the background.

In addition to Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge’s enviable location, it is also fast becoming a sought-after safari destination for large groups seeking a lodge of superior quality with African inspired design. Boasting 20 bedrooms that all face the waterhole (two levels), this secluded
hideaway ensures every need is met in terms of accommodation. Rooms join the main area of the lodge via wooden walkways, creating a wonderful sense of flow throughout. On-site, you’ll find a curio shop, swimming pool and spa treatment area for those moments between safari activities.

Because it’s surrounded by a hub of adventure and safari activities, you’ll discover that there’s something for everyone. Game drives into the Chobe National Park are a firm favourite, and comprise either a 3-hour or 6-hour game drive encompassing rich bushveld and the Chobe Waterfront. Also available are boat cruises along the Chobe River, with a choice of either sunrise or sunset cruises.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Mboma Island Expeditions in the Okavango Delta

The UNESCO world-heritage site of the Okavango Delta brims and pulses with life. Flooding the arid Kalahari plains creating a mix of swamplands, lagoons, islands and savannah. This varied habitat provides a sanctuary for wildlife, aquatic life and birdlife to thrive. Deep within the Delta sits the community-run Moremi Game Reserve, the place to spot big cats and other predators. Situated on the floodplains of the game rich Moremi Game Reserve and meeting point of the Delta’s fresh waters, means that Mboma is ideal for both land and water based safaris. Mboma Island Expeditions is a luxury mobile-safari glamping experience, where great care is taken to preserve the environment.

Each of the fivelight Meru-style canvas tents are fully-equipped with twin beds and ensuite, open-air bathrooms. Everything about this camp is set to reduce your carbon footprint, from the sole use of solar- power, to bucket showers, and chemical toilets. Main areas comprise a bar and seating area close to the water’s edge, an intimate dining are under canvas and (of course) the campfire boma area.

A world of activities presents itself at Mboma. Enjoy guided mokoro trips, game drives into the Moremi Game Reserve and boating excursions on the open waters of the Delta.

You should experience this kind of safari at least once in your life!

Features in these Botswana packages:

A wildlife extravaganza at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

The consistent five-star reviews on TripAdvisor about Umkumbe’s guiding and tracking team testify to their skill in tracking and finding wildlife. But that’s not all—this close-knit team is not only adept at locating wildlife, but they’re also impeccable hosts. The Sun Destinations head office loves nothing more than receiving consistent sighting updates from this intrepid team; their excitement about the wild and sharing their sightings is palpable. Today, we feel the need to share the recent wildlife happenings at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside, with fresh content from the guides showcasing an absolute wildlife extravaganza. Ready for the reveal?

Here are the latest sightings. courtesy of the Umkumbe guides.

Mating leopards

While on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, guide Alex Paine managed to capture a romantic tryst between two leopards. Because leopards are solitary cats, we consider this quite an unusual sighting. When a couple of cats are spotted, it’s usually a mother with her cubs or a male and female in a mating ritual. In fact, seeing mating leopards is probably more rare than seeing a leopardess with her cubs. Females choose their territories based on prey density and availability of den sites, while males have wider territories that overlap with areas where there are females. When they “meet up” , the mating ritual between leopards lasts for up to five days, with mating occurring every 15 minutes —each session lasts for 15 seconds only. Leopards only breed on an annual basis, with females mating for the first time at around two years old.

Here’s Alex’s amazing leopard footage:

Pangolin on the move

Also referred to as the scaly anteater, spotting the critically endangered pangolin is a treasured sighting in the bushveld. Not only are pangolin rare to see, but they’re also shy…and nocturnal. It’s almost like ALL of the elements are against you when you go in search of of a pangolin. And that’s why seeing one in the wild is considered extremely good luck in ancient African folklore.

When spotted, pangolins are usually huddled up safely in a ball, which protects themselves from curious predators. We’ve seen leopards play with pangolins, and get hurt. A pangolin’s scales are layered and razor-sharp, which can leave devasting wounds! Pangolins move at night to hunt for grubs and forage, and remain in their burrows during the day. While at night, pangolins move slowly through the bushveld towards termite mounds where they use their long claws to dig up the mounds for termites and insects. The capture hundreds of these insects and larvae with their sticky tongue, which is a whopping 28 inches long.

Needless to say, seeing a pangolin on the move at Umkumbe was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. We suspect that the pangolin was en route to a termite mound for a feed. Either way, it was a sighting worthy of documenting.

Scent marking cheetah

The diurnal cheetah moves through the vast savannah of the Sabie Game Reserve during the cooler hours of the day. Unlike their cat counterparts, cheetah don’t have the strength to fight off competition. By hunting and moving around during the lighter hours, they eliminate the competition for prey. These high-speed hunters are typically on the move between the hours of 6:00 – 10:00 and 16:00 – 18:00, which is just the time when most game drives are conducted. When there are abundant leopards and lions around, cheetah tend to retreat. What’s interesting here is that Umkumbe’s traverse is laden with leopards, and yet still the team saw a cheetah.

This lone cheetah was spotted scent marking a fallen tree, while scanning it surroundings for potential danger. Because their strength is speed and not brute force, cheetah would often select an elevated area to give them a vantage point of the landscape. They cannot afford to get attacked by stronger predators.

Yet another awe-inspiring sighting at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside!

Hyena on a kill

We know that hyenas are exceptional scavengers who aren’t fearful of barging through a pride of lions to take their share of the kill. Their skillful, opportunistic behavior is admirable, and they perform a vital function in the wild by cleaning up debris from kill sites. Their bone-crushing jaws and rock-solid digestive systems make them immune to diseases like anthrax, allowing them to digest large bones.

What you might not know, is that hyenas are highly-specialised and successful hunters. They hunt via a method called coarsing, which is the same as African wild dogs. They chase down prey as a clan until the point of exhaustion, and then begin shredding the abdomen area. The guiding team managed to witness a hyena conducting its own kill, which was incredible to watch.

We trust you enjoyed these incredible sightings from Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside.

Exploring the safari lifestyle at these four lodges

When we speak about the safari lifestyle, we aren’t referring to the iconic activities like bush walks, game drives and wildlife. The safari lifestyle embodies the in-camp and added value experiences designed to enhance your safari holiday. The camps we represent epitomise the essence of the safari lifestyle, and this week, we’ve selected four exceptional camps to showcase their stunning spaces.

Nyala Safari Lodge’s safari lifestyle

Nyala’s cleverly constructed wooden viewing deck overlooks the seasonal Mohlabetsi River and is one of the most sublime places to do nothing. The elevated views from here are endless, extending their way over the riverbed all the way into the vegetation-rich horizon. Guests frequently sit on the deck trying to spot birds and wildlife, while connecting over a shared drink.

Come evening, our favorite lifestyle spot is the authentic boma area, the perfect place for forging lifelong bonds with new friends while getting to know your camp hosts and safari guides. A crackling fire serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by a semi-circle of safari chairs offering ideal comfort for relaxation, unwinding, and stargazing under the pristine night sky. A floodlit waterhole in front of the boma area provides captivating natural entertainment for spectators—think elephant herds, scurrying hyenas and marauding predators (if you’re lucky!).

Other convivial areas at Nyala Safari Lodge worth noting include the swimming pool and gardens; the outdoor firepit area; and lounge/bar with TV. The options for indulging in the safari lifestyle at Nyala are endless!

The safari lifestyle at Nambu Camp

We navigate away from Nyala and into the protected Olifants West Nature Reserve, home to the sublime Nambu Camp. Nambu is a place to truly experience the bushveld lifestyle at a slow and relaxed pace surrounded by all the niceties of home. In fact, guests enjoy the camp experience so much that they often have to be reminded about the real reason they’re there!

Built on an old anthill overlooking the privately owned Big 5 reserve, Nambu Camp certainly boasts an enviable aspect. Everything at Nambu Camp is considered. The tranquility of this hideaway is a major drawcard for safari-goers seeking a safari holiday that’s chic yet relaxed.

During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. The attentive team can arrange poolside cocktails and private dining at camp for those wanting a little bit of extra pampering. When you’re not lounging around the palm-fringed pool (we’ll admit, there might just be the one tree), you can hover on either the lower or upper deck and enjoy a spot of birdwatching. And for a true escape, grab your latest novel and escape to one of the benches along the paths connecting the main areas. Retire from the wild surrounds by indulging in some inside comfort in the lounge areas on the upper and lower levels.

Now let’s chat food. Nambu offers a culinary journey introducing guests to traditional braai’d foods over the fire, along with a fusion of international cuisine. And you thought safaris were just about wildlife? Not at Nambu!

Chacma Bush Camp’s safari lifestyle experiences

Charming Chacma Bush Camp’s main highlight is its small waterhole in front of camp, which is frequented by elephants during the drier winter months. Being an intimate camp that caters for a variety of traveller, Chacma offers flexibility in terms of lifestyle experiences.

Relax on the sun loungers around the pool and watch the spectacle unfold at the waterhole below. Although safeguarded by an elephant fence, you feel almost at arm’s length from wildlife. It’s completely surreal to sit with a drink on the pool deck while watching elephants splashing about just in front of you.

Upon request, the Chacma team can offer bush breakfasts and private sundowner sessions. It’s a great safari destination for honeymooners and proposals! Another added value experience is the boma dinner around the fire, which really creates that out of Africa atmosphere. Want an aerial view of camp? Then, take a quick stroll to the koppie behind camp for the best views of the Greater Kruger!

This camp certainly hasn’t earned it’s reputation as “charming Chacma” for nothing.

The safari experience at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

Umkumbe is a playground for big cats—particularly leopards! But we’re not here to discuss the wildlife wonders on Umkumbe’s doorstep. Let’s take a look how best to enjoy your time at Umkumbe when you’re not indulging in bush walks and game drives.

Firstly, Umkumbe’s cute and curated curio shop offers something for holiday shopaholics. Filled to the brim with plush toys, locally made artefacts and other crafts; it’s the perfect place to splash your cash. Not a shopper? Then perhaps it’s the gym that’s calling your name. The on-site gym room is kitted out with treadmills and strength-training machines, and overlooks the wilderness. Now that’s taking the gymming lifestyle to new heights!

The deck and swimming pool area overlook the seasonal Sand River, offering up some spectacular in-camp sightings. That’s the true safari lifestyle—cooling off in the pool while watching the wildlife of the Sabie Reserve come to life.

An Okavango Delta Mobile Safari is Magical. Here’s Why.

The astounding Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to more than 700 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It’s an absolute sanctuary for wildlife and completely pristine and unmarred by mass tourism. Opt for an Okavango Delta mobile safari for an authentic Delta experience that’s both immersive and eco-aware, making you feel a part of the earth’s sacred spaces. Unlike a typical lodge experience, the mobile safari is an iconic way of exploring southern Africa’s game-rich oasis. Spending nights cocooned in canvas on remote, palm-fringed islands under the night sky, falling asleep to the sounds of the wild, is one of the most unparalleled safari experiences. Mboma Island Expeditions is a mobile camping safari situated at the meeting point of the Delta and Moremi, and perfectly embodies this adventurous kind of safari.

How is an Okavango Delta mobile safari different from a lodge stay?

Lodges and classic camps are permanent structures built in scenic concessions. Typically, they have a view of floodplains or swamps and offer the usual amenities expected from a safari lodge. Certain lodges are more eco-friendly than others, but (luckily) most in the Okavango Delta are planet conscious. As the name suggests, mobile safaris are mobile. Take the Okavango Delta for example. Camps are set-up in known wildlife-rich locations, in completely remote regions of the Delta.

On a mobile safari, you’ll camp in various locations, bringing you closer to wildlife and different landscapes. Having a front-row seat to game viewing ensures a deeper connection to the wild. Lodges usually have chefs and luxury lodgings, while mobile camps offer a more intimate and adventurous experience. Mboma Island, while a mobile camp, is the perfect combination between adventure and comfort (those Swag beds in the Meru-style tents are super comfortable)!

Mboma Island Expeditions

We love Mboma’s style. Who says camping has to be boring? Mboma’s decor is in perfect harmony with the surrounds – neutral tones are interrupted by bold pops of colour that reflect warm personality of Botswana.

Here’s what you can expect from a mobile safari in the Okavango Delta while staying at Mboma Island Expeditions:

5 Meru-style safari tents with en suite open-air bathrooms, bucket showers, standing canvas wash basins, and chemical eco-toilets
Beds with swags and full linen in each tent
Bedside table with insect repellent and water glasses
Solar-powered lighting in the tents
Two safari chairs under the small canopy forming ‘veranda’ at each tent.
A dining tent with dining table, chairs, and a tea and coffee station.
Communal tent with lounge and drinks trolley.
A clearing with central campfire forming an open-air boma for evening relaxation.

Now that you’re aware of the incredible amenities at Mboma, and the simple luxuries you can experience at this revered camp, it’s time to explore the wildlife and activities on offer. There’s a lot more flexibility in terms of game viewing and potential activities at a mobile camp compared to a lodge.

Wildlife and Activities

When it comes to activities, guests have the option of choosing how they’d like to start their morning. Just remember: boating only takes place when the water levels are high. Mboma’s activities ensure every aspect of the safari experience is covered, opening up windows of opportunity to spot wildlife. Wildlife to spot includes the Big 5, lions and elephants. Ellies are commonplace at Mboma, spotted regularly in the waterways and around camp. While out on game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve, you’ll be able to spot lions, leopards and rare African wild dogs.

These are the safari activities at Mboma:

Boat excursions around the Delta islands and through the hippo-filled channels (Dependent on water levels)
When the water levels are high enough, boating excursions will head to the open waterways of the Okavango Delta to view the heronry.
Game drives into the Moremi Game Reserve to see predators, which are most active in early hours of morning and late evening.
Enjoy the reed-lined channels of the Okavango Delta in the traditional way with a guided mokoro trip.
Your guide will quietly pole you through the waters in a dug-out canoe, while you keep a look out for wildlife on the banks.

From the unparalleled game viewing activities to the sublime camp conditions, it goes without saying that an Okavango Delta Mobile safari is simply magical.

Hyena Den at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Hated by the playwright Hemingway and consistently depicted as the Disney villain, hyenas have a bad reputation for being nothing more than cackling bone-crushing scavengers. Given that they’re a vital part of the ecosystem of the wild, they certainly don’t deserve their rep. We love and respect hyenas, which is why we’re overjoyed to hear about the hyena den at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

They’ll be in the den site for at least 14 months before they’re weaned off and trained to hold their own in the wild. If you have a safari booked in the next few months, you’ll probably see the growing hyena cubs. The experience will be more meaningful if you’re armed with facts and knowledge about how the clans operate.

Complete with canines in tact and an eagerness to fight for dominance, hyena cubs are “born ready”. The jet-black cubs look a bit like jet-black Staffordshire bull terrier puppies and have soft, fluffy hair that becomes coarse as they mature and are able to hunt/scavenge for themselves. Nature works in amazing ways when it comes to an animal’s development—hair naturally becomes coarser so that it’s not matted while feasting on crimson carcasses and debris from kills.

Despite their readiness for the wild, cubs will remain in the den area for quite sometime. You can expect to see anything from one to three cubs playing outside the den area, practicing their dominance skills. The older females are generally spotted outside of the den area, on guard and ready to ward of predators.

Our Klaserie team have spent many drives observing these fierce, social and intelligent creatures raising their young, and now it’s time for you to view the hyena cubs of the Klaserie. But firsts, here are some facts.

Hyenas are an efficient clean-up crew

With their bone-crushing jaws and robust digestive system, hyenas can eat just about anything. Out of all the carnivorous mammals, hyenas have the strongest bite and deliver a whopping 1000 pounds of force behind a bite. When big cats or wild dogs are done with their feast, they leave behind an incredible mess of blood, guts and bones. This can rot and spread disease. With that powerful jaw of theirs, hyenas will swoop in and crunch the bones in one sitting. Not only does this remove debris from the kill site, but when the hyena produces scat, it’s rich in calcium. Hyena scat becomes an important source of calcium for leopard tortoises. Isn’t nature the greatest ecosystem? Because a hyenas have such strong stomach acids, it means they can also digest horns, hooves, ligaments and survive exposure to anthrax.

They live in a Matriarchal society

That’s right, clans are led by woman! Hyenas live in clans of up to 80 individuals, dominated by one female called the matriarch. Much like the Royal Family, the matriarch passes down her powerful genes to her cubs who go on to become leaders – she passes down the title. Her offspring and other females with their young fall under the ruling of the “queen”. Adult males are always the last in the pecking order, reduced to submissive outsider roles where they are forced to beg for inclusion, food and even sex. At the “food table”, males always eat last. Females have even evolved to be larger than their male counterparts, and do most of the hunting. They’re the epitome of female strength in the animal kingdom.

Exceptional hunters and scavengers

Hyenas are resourceful, displaying a high level proficiency when it comes to both hunting and scavenging. They’re basically all round successful carnivores. To maintain such a level of skill in such an unforgiving environment, a high level of bravado, aggression and industriousness is needed. A falsely held belief is that hyenas are purely scavengers. Hyenas are opportunistic, and if they can get hold of a “free” meal, then they’ll take it. Most of their gourmet meals come from lions. They scavenge because they can, and they’re good at it.

However, hyenas are incredibly successful hunters and actually kill up to 90% of their own meals. They hunt via a method called “coarsing” which is similar to that of the African wild dog. They have stamina and will chase prey until the point of exhaustion. They will stop at nothing to feed themselves and the other clan members.

A range of vocalisations

Hyenas have a total of 14 different vocalisations. Each vocalisation represents and emotion, with the most commonly heard being the chortles and giggles. The unmistakable whooping sound is heard well into the night, and is used to contact clan members. The hyper and excitable “laughing” is often heard around a kill site, and indicates anxiety and anticipation.

What wildlife can I see at Nyala Safari Lodge?

Elevated above the seasonal Mohlabetsi River in a private concession spanning 5000 hectares of wild bushveld terrain in the Balule Nature Reserve, sits the unassuming Nyala Safari Lodge. If the prized location within wildlife-abundant Balule doesn’t captivate you, then surely the tranquility of this lesser-known safari lodge will. Nyala encapsulates the art of comfortable luxury with it’s traditional and unassuming rondawel accommodation decorated in fine furnishings and well-placed wooden decks overlooking a floodlit waterhole.

Frequent visitors to the waterhole include elephant herds, bulky buffalo and an array of general game. Of course, these species – along with others—can all be spotted while out on your twice-daily game drives. Before we wax lyrical about the wonders of the lodge, let’s chat about wildlife to see at Nyala Safari Lodge.

What wildlife can I see at Nyala Safari Lodge?

Nyala is located in the expansive Balule Nature Reserve, a Big 5 reserve sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. This means that wildlife can roam freely from the national park into the Balule, which ultimately leads to increasing gene pools in the big cat kingdom. Although all camps and lodges in the area have their own private concessions within the Balule for for game drives, all accommodations have the opportunity of seeing the same animals. In addition to all of the usual suspects spotted on safari, the Balule has a high population of hippo and honey badger.

Because lion prides and leopards have territories, you only see certain prides in certain areas. However, nomadic cats and animals like African wild dogs have have expansive territories, which means they frequently move across. Like wildlife anywhere, there are certain times of year when it’s more popular to spot that “bucket list” animal of yours.

From May to September, African wild dogs are less nomadic because they are raising their pups in a den. When the dogs are sedentary and they’ve chosen to den on a particular traverse, it’s magical. If you’re an avid birder, the lush summer months should be the season for you, as this is when the summer migrants arrive (roughly October to April). Woodlands Kingfisher, red chested cuckoo and the Wahlberg’s eagle are examples of birds to spot.

Each season in the Balule offers something unique to spot. However, during the winter months the bushveld thins out and water sources become rare. Water-loving wildlife like elephants and buffalo are drawn to readily available water sources (think waterholes, lodge swimming pools and rivers). Year-round, but particularly during the winter months, you’ll spot all the water-lovers hovering at the floodlit waterhole in front of Nyala Safari Lodge’s elevated outdoor seating area.

A list of the most commonly spotted wildlife species on Nyala’s traverse:

The seasonal river in front of the lodge plays home to waders such as saddle-billed storks, black-winged stilts, egrets, white-crowned lapwing, and the very rare Pel’s fishing-owl. You’ll wake up to a chorus of birdsong from resident magpie shrikes, lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-billed hornbills, fork-tailed drongos, and francolins.

Birding aside, here is a more comprehensive list of bucket-list stuff to spot:

Spotted hyena
Black-backed jackal
Side-striped jackal
Caracal
Crocodile
Serval
African wild dog
Elephant
Rhino
Buffalo
Impala
Kudu
Zebra
Giraffe
Steenbok
Duiker
Mongoose
Baboon
Vervet monkey
Hippo
Warthog

Maximising wildlife viewing opportunities

The team at Nyala ensures that they’re always maximising wildlife opportunities on their traverse, as well as from the lodge. The riverbed in front of the lodge is a great place for leopards to den their young and there are often species lurking in the bed below. The waterhole is full year-round, which often leads to a spectacle of sightings.

Game Drives: Two scheduled game drives are offered per day, and take place when the predators are most active. Morning drives depart at around 6ish and evening drives depart around 4ish. All game drives are conducted in open-topped 4×4 game viewers and traverse 5000 hectares of Balule bushveld, incorporating the Mohlabetsi seasonal River.

Sundowners and Coffee Stops: On the morning drive there is a stop for coffee and on an afternoon drive there will be a stop for sundowners. Stops usually take place in scenic, open areas. Sundowners are drinks of your choice and are usually accompanied by a few snacks. While on these stops, you’ll have opportunity to watch wildlife in the distance.

Boma Dinners: Some of the evening meals are enjoyed in the elevated boma, above the floodlit waterhole. Guests can appreciate their surroundings while sitting around a crackling log fire under a starry night sky. This is an optional activity and only takes place when it’s weather permitting.

Lodge life at Nyala Safari Lodge: Because the lodge has only five thatched chalets, you are guaranteed an intimate and personalised safari experience. Ideal for multigenerational groups, romantics and corporate travelers, Nyala has it all covered. 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.

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

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