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Seen Behind the Scenes: Camera Trap at Sneaky Pan

Setting up a camera trap is always exciting because we dream of all the wild things that are happening in the bush when we are not looking, and this is one way to capture that activity. To be a fly on the wall at a waterhole or a kill site has the potential to get interesting, but sometimes we end up underwhelmed when the results exclude large-toothed predators, spotted cats of the night, and those elusive ant-eating critters we never see. This is when we know we are truly spoilt, because being surrounded by such a varied population of ‘general game’ is something to cherish in itself.

We set up a camera trap recently at a small pan we call Sneaky Pan, and with the limited amount of water in the immediate area, Sneaky Pan sure is a hotspot for thirsty animals. A handful of species were photographed at the pan (some of them human), while another significant recording was the rapid rate at which the water disappeared. Take a look at the sequence of photos showing giraffe, kudu, impala, elephant, and warthog enjoying the pan of water, which rapidly turns into a wet patch of ground. This is the reality of a drought during what is meant to be a wet summer season.

Other characters snapped on camera trap include a group of Africa on Foot guests on a walking safari, nThambo guests on a game drive, photographer Kevin and his big, yellow camera case, and finally, nThambo ranger Luan Oosthuizen posing for the camera.

World Wildlife Day: Top 3 Safari Favourites Facing Extinction

Today is the crown anniversary of the UN World Wildlife Day. Declared 3 years ago as the day to raise awareness about the plight of precious animal and plant species, World Wildlife Day is now being celebrated more than ever. It is no secret that our passion for safari stems directly from our love and admiration for the wild world, so we at Sun Destinations would like to take this opportunity to celebrate 3 of the most endangered species whose future we hold in our hands.

It is a privilege to wake up in the morning to the twittering calls of wild dogs, the deep moan of lions calling in the distance, and to see the evidence of animals that migrated during the night. Up close encounters with the almighty elephants, and observing the dynamics between lions at a feast are outstanding moments for those who get to witness them. Sadly, there are a number of species in rapid decline. Our ecosystem, our country, planet earth, would not be the same without these creatures, and it is important to draw attention to their value in nature.

The pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. A strange, scaly, nocturnal creature living on a diet of ants and termites; one wouldn’t imagine it is a prized trophy for a hunter, but the pure uniqueness of the pangolin is exactly what has got it into trouble. The scaly armour that covers its entire outer body is what people pay a lot of money for, believing it contains medicinal properties, although it is made of nothing other than keratin – the same as our fingernails and hair!

Sadly, our pangolin is now a rare and critically endangered member of the wild. They are very seldomly seen in their natural environment, but within the protected borders of Botswana, some lucky guests at Afrika Ecco Safaris were introduced to a pangolin fortunate enough to still be living in the wild. An experience like this had the guides talking for days, while the guests who bore witness to this spectacle will forever remember the day.

The African wild dog, or painted wolf, as it is descriptively called, is the second most endangered large carnivore in Africa. It is a super specialised hunter, a highly sociable pack animal, and it is also at risk of dying out. For reasons resulting from human encroachment, such as conflict and disease, the wild dog population has declined significantly; a trend that is not regarded as reversible.

Imagine how remarkable it has become to witness a pack of these painted predators trotting and whistling excitedly to one another as they approached the Savuti Channel to drink. In an environment as temperamental as this, the channel is not always present, so when Camp Savuti guests arrived at its burgeoning banks and saw the reflections of African wild dogs in its surface, they knew they would hold these images in their memories for a lifetime.

The ambassador animal of this year’s World Wildlife Day is the elephant. The world’s largest land mammal and its famous tusks are tragically facing a very short future on this planet, which their ancestors have roamed for tens of thousands of years. If the demand for ivory doesn’t end, the existence of elephants on the earth will.

In the furthest northern reaches of Chobe National Park, a highly undiscovered region of Botswana lies in the Linyanti Marsh. This strip of twinkling swampland is a haven for elephants, and it is so seldomly explored that the elephants are surprised to see humans as they pull up in Camp Linyanti’s game viewer! The exclusive location of this lodge splurges on the view, where guests watch the almighty elephant bathe all day long.

Use the following tags to keep up with the global WWD movement today:

#thefutureofwildlifeisinourhands

#thefutureofelephantsisinourhands

#WWD2016

#WWD2016 : Unpacking Rhino Poaching Statistics

In 2012 a recorded amount of 633 rhinos were poached. Within two years, this number escalated to a staggering 1020. And these are just the official numbers recorded by the Department of Environmental affairs. There are plenty of unaccounted for rhino deaths which affect the decline of our rhino population. The increase in poaching is staggering, which is why war on rhino poaching has been declared. Numerous arrests have been made but the gap between rhino poached and arresting of perps is still huge.

Why is the demand for rhino horn so huge?

The demand has its roots in certain Asian countries, where owning rhino horn is believed to denote social status and wealth. Ground rhino horn powder is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine . There were even false claims by a Vietnamese government official that rhino horn cures cancer. The false beliefs are ludicrous considering rhino horn has ZERO medicinal properties !

Despite best effects from conservationists, military units, lodges, reserves, social media awareness, fundraisers, donations and educational initiatives; our rhinos are still being poached. Today is World Wildlife Day and we’d like to create further awareness about rhinos – let’s continue the plight to save our rhinos. We must ALL be relentless in our quest to save Africa’s curious prehistoric looking ungulate.

Here are a fe official statistics, current efforts in halting poaching and ways in which you can personally make a difference.

Rhino poaching statistics

Our rhino statistics we’ve collated from the Department of Environmental Affairs but a unanimous decision has been made to stop reporting rhino statistics. The stats we have mainly record the illegally killed rhinos but don’t reflect the full scale of the losses.

Thus far, we can report that on the 20 November 2014, 1020 rhinos were poached and 344 arrests were made. The number of total arrests has increased over the years, but then again so have the number of rhinos poached. In 2013 , 946 rhino were poached and 330 poachers arrested. In 2012 633 rhinos were poached and 266 arrests made.

A few of the current anti-poaching methods

Numerous reserves, both private and commercial, have unique APU’s (anti-poaching units) and their approach to saving rhinos varies. We cannot cover the vast array of methods used but we’ll chat about a few of the current strategies. The most important areas to cover are education, community involvement and presence of foot soldiers. Poacher’s are generally highly skilled individuals armed with weapons and a wealth of on-the-ground knowledge. The poachers doing the deed are not the kingpins, but their capture can lead to bust ups of huge syndicates.

An interesting community initiative called the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit operates within the Balule Nature Reserve and its boundaries. Since inception, there have been no rhinos poached ! They’re a team of women and armed guards from the local community who patrol the region and report any suspicious activity to a central unit. Thus far, they’ve destroyed 12 poacher’s camps.

Many reserves are involved in rhino darting activities where they micro-chip the rhino horn and body and take DNA samples. This creates a map and the ability to trace the illegally sold goods back to the source of where the crime happened.

A leading lodge within the Sabi Sand has employed a team of highly-trained dog handlers (K9 anti-poaching unit) as part of their anti-poaching patrols. Patrols happened 24 hours a day, despite weather conditions. Dogs such as German and Belgian Shepherds have the capability of tracking suspects and firearms; which links weapons to specific persons. Yet another unique way to rid reserves of poachers.

How you can help to save rhinos

If you’re not involved directly in the wildlife industry and have no on the ground knowledge of which organisation to invest in; making a decision on how to help can be a tough one. If you’re looking to donate to a worthy cause, just be aware that there are many fly-by night charities which give zero indication of what happens to the dispersal of your funds. A few of the legitimate and worthy organisations include WESSA (WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), International Rhino Foundation and Save the Rhino. Wildlife ACT offers volunteer projects throughout Africa.

Rhinos everywhere thank you for your unwavering commitment to the preservation of their species and for reading this article on World Wildlife Day!

Shoshangaan the Tusker Dies of Natural Causes

Just the other day Shoshangaan (Shoshangane) came to visit guests at Ezulwini River Lodge. Little did they know that this would be the last time this majestic jumbo would set foot on Ezulwini soil. It’s with great sadness that we announce the death of Soshangane (aka Shoshangaan), the huge collared Tusker who frequented River Lodge. The Balule certainly has lost a great spirit.

Yesterday, the non-profit organisation called “Elephants Alive” reported the death of Soshangane.

Elephant’s Alive said, “Soshangane gets his name from a powerful Shangaan chief who used to rule over a splinter group of the mighty Zulu chief, Chaka. Like his name sake, Soshangane commanded the respect of many younger bulls.”

We believe that this graceful bull was between 40 – 45 years old and wandered over from the Kruger National Park onto the Ezulwini traverse. When he was first identified in 2005 the Elephant’s Alive foundation collared him to monitor his behaviour and movements throughout the reserve. In 2009 and 2014 he was recollared with a satellite collar.

So how and why did this elephant die? Shoshangaan was involved in a fight with another bull and sustained what were believed to be superficial wounds. A couple of weeks later it was discovered he was in pain becuase he groaned when he moved. The Elephant’s Alive foundation consulted with expert veteranians who agreed that nothing could be done. In the end, Shoshangaan died of a heart attack due to a secondary infection. For a more detailed analysis and autopsy description, please consult the Elephants Alive Facebook page.

Here are a few of our special moments with Shoshangane. And let us celebrate that, although a tragedy, this bull died of natural causes and is now returned to the earth.

Africa on Foot Camp Manager: Jen Harman

In continuation with our Behind the Scenes video segment, allow us to introduce Jen Harman, Camp Manager at Africa on Foot. (Meet our Maintenance Man, Alfred, and our Chef, Natasha here!)

Things would just not be the same without Jen’s expert organisation and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure guests are comfortable and receive the best treatment possible during the time they spend at the lodge. Efficiency and patience find the perfect balance in the way Jen handles her tasks on a daily basis, as she commands lodge life. Guest check-ins and check-outs, kitchen and bar stock, menu preparation and staff training, lodge upkeep and rejuvenation, special guest bookings, ranger rosters, and leave applications. There’s not much happens at Africa on Foot that doesn’t go through Jen’s hands.

Growing up in Limpopo, Jen is a Lowveld local and has a passion for the bush that has been tried and tested through a professional field guide qualification. She has taken her interest to another level in committing to Africa on Foot, which is an authentic, unfenced bush camp where elephants, hippos, honey badgers, and many other creatures wander through camp (some more destructive than others in the case of the honey badger). Her casual confidence and sharp attention to detail make it difficult to live without her when she heads off on leave. Thank you, Jen, for everything you do to make Africa on Foot run like a well-oiled machine!

Week in Pictures: Seeing Spots!

It’s no secret that the state of the drought in South Africa is having dire consequences on some of the water-reliant species of the Kruger Park. Some areas have received more rain than others, but in those areas where rainfall is severely lacking, we’ve been seeing some interesting wildlife activity taking place. In the Klaserie where Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp are based, the waterholes are drying up rapidly and with the temporary absence of lions, the floors have opened to other magnificent predators. Multiple leopards and a surprise cheetah have been the absolute highlight of the week for these camps.

This is the Week in Pictures!

Africa on Foot, Klaserie, Kruger.

nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie, Kruger.

In the Sabi Sand, where rainfall has graced the earth with its presence, animals like elephant and buffalo still frolic in the river in front of Umkumbe Safari Lodge. Zebras have been seen gazing at their own reflections as they drink in unison, and the waterbirds, like kingfishers and herons, are seen flitting between the reeds and gliding through the water.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand, Kruger.

Ezulwini Game Lodges are located in the Balule Nature Reserve where rocky terrain and thick bushveld characterise the landscape. Big cats are prolific, and during the last week there has been lion, leopard, and cheetah spotted on game drive! The heat has been testing once again, and combined with the lack of rain, animals have been indulging in every pan of water they can find. Sometimes, various species arrive at the same time, like one young male leopard and a journey of giraffe!

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule, Kruger.

Afrika Ecco Safaris guests gazed at the Delta night skies after cruising into the sunset on a mokoro, making some of the most romantic memories of their holiday this week. A plethora of birdlife lines the channels of the Okavango, while a trip to the Savute Marsh saw large herds of buffalo marching through the grasslands.

Afrika Ecco Safaris, Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Solo Female Cheetah Spotted in Klaserie

A rare and unique sighting of the ever elusive cheetah took place this morning for guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. Cheetahs are a protected species, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list, and their estimated wild population in Southern Africa is a heartbreakingly low 4190 adult and adolescent individuals. They only occupy 10% of their historic range. Luckily for us, one of these precious big cats enjoyed her morning siesta in an open clearing on our game drive route!

Africa on Foot guests were out on morning walk while Matt was conducting the morning game drive for his guests at nThambo, eyes peeled for those leopards we have been lucky enough to see on numerous occasions this week. As it turned out, a leopard was not the cat to be looking for! A solo female cheetah appeared in her majestic form, almost camouflaged against the dry bush veld. She had a full belly and was looking for a place to lie down and sleep off her morning meal. She picked a shady spot and reclined comfortably and within view of all the guests excitedly getting their cameras into position.

Africa on Foot guests returned to the lodge after an eye-opening walk in the Klaserie, and before they could grab a cup of coffee Greg had brought the game viewer round and announced that there was a cheetah to go and see! A short drive from camp brought them to the clearing where Matt had reported seeing the cheetah, and sure enough, there she was enjoying a but of shut eye. She was breathing heavily after having eaten and the heat of the day was creeping in, but she was incredibly relaxed and happy to be adored by all.

The current drought has brought about some interesting predator behaviour, and we have had numerous sightings of wild dogs, leopards, and now cheetah! Lions are occupying the area less than usual, as they follow the buffaloes to greener pastures, but that opens up the playing field for other predators that would ordinarily lie low in lion territory. What a way to end the week on safari!

Leopard Kill at Africa on Foot Camp

Last night, Africa on Foot guests arrived back at camp after an exciting game drive during which time everyone enjoyed a fantastic sighting of the female leopard known as the Marula Mafasi. This is the second sighting we’ve had of her this week, so we are getting quite used to having her around! No one could have expected to see yet another leopard last night, but as we know, one can never predict these things in the wild…

Guests had just arrived after game drive when all of a sudden the news broke that a leopard had killed a duiker within the Africa on Foot camp grounds! Back on the game viewer and straight to the location of the kill we went. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, a spotted hyena had caught on to the action and stole the fresh kill from the young leopard. She reportedly dragged the duiker kill up into the tree, but must have lost her grip or succumb to intimidation as the hyena threatened her. Guests watched in the glow of the spotlight as the leopard positioned herself, defeated, in a marula tree and the hyena got away with a free meal.

All this activity took place outside the camp owners’ house and after 15 minutes spent watching this beautiful cat, she climbed down and disappeared into the darkness, but not before strolling through Courteney and Cecilia’s garden! There is no escaping the activity of the wild living in a fantastic, unfenced camp like Africa on Foot. So far, this leopard’s markings don’t seem to match those of leopards that have been identified by the guides, but we will certainly keep an eye out for her in the future.

How the Big Cats of the Balule Take Down Prey

Just recently we’ve seen our fair share of big cats in the Balule. There’ve been cheetah sightings outside of Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge, sightings of leopards mating and lions doing what they do best – nothing! Let’s look at how the various big cats seen in the Balule take down their prey.

How Lions Kill Their Prey:

Lions spend time stalking their prey before they ambush. Lionesses do the majority of the hunting but when it comes to feasting, the males dine first. During the take down, males hang back while the females do the work. They’re nocturnal hunters and if they miss the kill the first time, they’ll abandon the chase. Lions are tactical hunters which assume certain positions (like on a football field) just before the take down happens. Lions form similar hunting patterns and they have stalking roles; left, centre & right wing positions.

When potential prey is spotted a single lion looks at it, which is a non-verbal cue that the rest of the pack to take their positions and fan out. They encircle the prey and launch the attack from their position. Lions will eat until they cannot move and will head to the closest waterhole to replenish their thirst. After devouring a meal they will spend ages lying around and snoozing.

How Cheetah Kill Their Prey:

Cheetah tend to conduct their hunts at first light or late in the evening and they’re solitary hunters, but have been spotted hunting in coalitions of 2 or 3 cats. They have very poor eyesight which means they need a fraction of light to conduct their kills. Lions and other super-predators are nocturnal hunters, which means there’s less competition for cheetahs. Cheetah use their speed to chase prey. They are sprinters and not endurance “runners” which means they’ll tire easily after a burst of speed. This is why they get close to their prey and go into stealth like mode before the chase.

Cheetah attempt to trip their intended victim with swift paw motion and then suffocate it with a bite to the neck. Cheetahs will only eat fresh meat and will walk away when they are full, irrespective of whether there is meat left or not. This differs from lions who will guard the kill for days and leopards which stash their kill in a tree. Cheetah need to eat quickly and will often drag the kill to a more secluded, covered area out of the line of vision.

How Leopard Kill Their Prey:

Leopard’s are opportunistic hunters and either ambush or stalk their prey. Their prey can be anything from baboons to small antelope and even birds! They thrive on the element of surprise and get as close as possible to their target. They pounce on their prey and give it a single bite to the neck. The kill is swift, fast and effective. To prevent scavengers from stealing their prey, a leopard will drag the meal up into the fork of a tree where it will stash it for days. When it comes to eating, they will lick the fur off the carcass of its prey before feeding.

Leopards to Watch: Marula Mafasi and Ross Dam Female

On the topic of leopards (take a look at what nThambo Tree Camp saw this morning), we thought we’d introduce you to yet another lady leopard we are seeing a lot of: the Marula Mafasi. Marula is the name of one of the most significant trees of the Lowveld, which bears delicious summer fruits loved by a host of wildlife species, and mafasi is the Shangaan word meaning ‘female’. This young leopardess has been seen on numerous occasions, and for the time being, her identity marker is her very pink nose. The guides at Africa on Foot and nThambo are working on an alternative ID feature, as the pink nose will darken as she ages.

This week, guests at Africa on Foot were treated to an unforgettable sighting of the Marula mafasi as she crossed the tar road dividing the Klaserie and the Timbavati. Ranger Greg was driving his guests through the Klaserie when they came across this magnificent creature strolling across the road. She was on the move, but was clearly very relaxed, and Greg managed to manoeuvre his vehicle in front of the leopard, anticipating her movements. From this superb position, guests watched her pause and groom herself happily for about 10 minutes before moving into a drainage line and out of sight.

Yesterday evening, photographer Kevin MacLaughlin was on drive in the Klaserie and as he approached Buffel Dam, he caught sight of the Ross Dam female leopard sneaking a drink in the shallow water. She wasn’t hanging around and soon moved off at a trot and disappeared into the bushes. The Ross Dam female is always a relaxed leopard, and guests at both camps have enjoyed many sightings of her. We also speculate that she is one of Rhulani’s cubs (all grown up!) Unfortunately this time she was on a mission and didn’t hang around long enough for guests to catch a glimpse, but luckily Kevin managed a quick photo opportunity!