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11 Curious Wild Dog Pups Seen at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Due to human/animal conflict, habitat fragmentation and a host of natural infectious diseases; the African wild dog has become an endangered species. Fondly referred to as “painted dogs’, these canines are a delight to witness in the wild. Knowing that you are viewing an endangered species happily living and roaming free in the wild is one of nature’s finest gifts.

When guests and rangers stumble across wild dog clans, the occasion is always momentous. Coupled with their protected species status, wild dogs are also nomadic which means the chances of spotting a pack is fairly rare. Guests at Umkumbe Safari Lodge were in the enviable position of being out on game drive when a clan of curious wild dogs and their pups approached the vehicle. There were 10 adults and 11 pups in total and the incident was quite amusing. The pack is referred to as the “Sabi Sands pack”.

When wild dogs den it’s generally the only time of year they settle into an area for a lengthy period of time. A den site is usually a disused aardvark burrow and the dogs will hang around the area for up to 12 weeks, after which they will resume their nomadic lifestyle. Pups are vulnerable while young and need protection against opportunistic predators. The denning period is normally in winter time which is from May to August. During the winter the vegetation is sparse and prey is easier to spot, making it less tricky to hunt for much needed food. Dogs may move the den site if the area comes under threat from predators and unwanted visitors.

Reproduction is monopolised by the alpha female and male. The rest of the sub-ordinate adults engage in something called cooperative breeding. This means they take turns in looking after the young. The roles they play in raising the pups vary and include anything from den guards to hunters. The members of the pack who hunt will provide regurgitated chunks of meat to the mothers who stay with the pups until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Wild dogs roam a vast territory and, on average, there are 10 – 15 dogs in a pack. With the lack of fences in the surrounding area it means the dogs are able to traverse a wide range.

This was an incredible sighting and quite a gift from the Sabi Sand Reserve. Thanks to ranger Bradley Chambers for the video and images!

Lioness seen carrying her tiny cubs

Well, our pregnant lioness from the Ross breakaway duo has indeed given birth to cubs after sporting a very heavy belly about a month ago. We reported seeing her on numerous occasions indulging in some buffalo and then some warthog with her sister and a third unknown lioness. The Trilogy males have mated with both the breakaway Ross females in the past, and it is assumed that the pregnant lioness was carrying some young Trilogy blood in her womb.

About 2 weeks ago, guests at nThambo Tree Camp were treated to something incredibly special the lioness emerged from the dry, winter vegetation carrying a tiny bundle in her mouth. It is a rare sight to see lionesses during this very intimate period of motherhood, but the relaxed state of these 2 lionesses around our game viewers has resulted in some exceptional sightings indeed!

A guest from nThambo Tree Camp (Pat Saunders from the USA) had her camera at the ready when the new mother came into sight carrying one of her tiny cubs in her mouth. She would have been moving her babies to a new den site, just to keep predators off their scent.

A ‘lying up’ period is endured by lion cubs (among other baby animals) at the start of their lives in which time they remain hidden from the world while they continue to develop. Their mother will visit them at the den site and feed them and groom them until they are old enough to emerge into the wild. They are at incredibly high risk, and a lion cub’s mortality rate is 50%, so it only has half a chance of surviving to adulthood. Last year in November, the second Ross breakaway lioness gave birth to cubs and we managed to see them briefly before they must have died. nThambo guide, Luan Oosthuizen, managed to capture these photos of the previous cubs born.

Luckily, since this initial sighting, we have had a second sighting of the lioness with her 2 cubs! Once again, she was seen carrying the little one in her mouth and was busy moving them to yet another den site. Jacques Briam, guide at nThambo Tree Camp, managed to glimpse the lioness through the bush and took a photo – evidence that her cubs are still alive and well. Watch this space and on Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp Facebook pages for updates!

Week in Pictures: It’s a Wild World

The week has drawn to a close, but the action doesn’t stop out here in the bush where life is delightfully unpredictable. Yesterday morning, guests at nThambo Tree Camp headed out for their morning game drive in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve when the bush offered up something most incredible: a mother lioness was seen moving her 2 tiny cubs from one hiding place to another. A secretive act that we are so lucky to see can pass by in a second, while other sightings, such as a sunset spent with a herd of buffalo, a baby elephant trying testing how fast his legs could take him, and the rarest cat of all – the cheetah – giving guests a most relaxed sighting.

The Sabi Sand is always alive with leopards, and our team at Umkumbe Safari Lodge has become quite familiar with a few of them. A surprising twist this week was the arrival of a couple of lions from the Matshipiri Pride, and lion fans delighted in the big cat change of scenery. A sneaky hyena and a gorgeous sunset completed the picture for a holiday well spent in the South African bush.

Another renowned spot for lions and leopards is the epic Savute Marsh in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The water has dried up, as it is known to do quite erratically, and the game is making moves towards waterholes to quench their thirst. Camp Savuti, an unpretentious safari retreat in a prime spot on the Savuti Channel, has enjoyed the presence of big male lions calling all through the night. Guides located the lions immediately the next morning – 2 males not far from each other – and guests enjoyed watching as one walked right passed the vehicle!

On a tour of Moremi Game Reserve with Afrika Ecco Safaris, a smorgasbord of predator sightings, elephants at sunset, honey badgers digging for termites, and rare birds swooping over the lagoon presented itself much to the joy of guests and guides alike. Catch up with all of Kruger’s and Botswana’s incredible wildlife sightings for this week, and ease into the weekend. It’s a wild world out there!

Camp Savuti

Afrika Ecco Safaris

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Africa on Foot

nThambo Tree Camp

Week in Pics: Cats and Critters

With the changing landscape and kaleidoscope of colours peeking through the dry vegetation, it’s evident that spring is fast approaching. The weather in the Greater Kruger is getting warmer and we’ve even experienced the first of many gentle rains. With the change of seasons, new species of wildlife come out to play. Our predators and the big five remain unperturbed by the change of season and they’ve certainly not disappointed us this week.

This week we dedicate our “week in pics” to our incredible cats and our interesting curious critters.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

You’ve probably heard us refer to the Sabi Sand Reserve as “leopard central”. The reserve is renown for its incredible big cat sightings. Umkumbe is no stranger to these breathtaking sightings. This week, we proved the nickname of “leopard central” to be true. In one game drive guests saw 4 leopards.

Nottens female was relaxing in the thicket, enjoying her solitude. White Dam and her two cubs were seen out on the prowl. White Dam killed an impala and a couple of sneaky hyenas stole the kill. The male cub refused to give up the fight and stalked and intimidated the hyena until they released the kill. The carcass was retrieved and within minutes they found a place for their food – in the safety of a tree.

The Sparta sub-adult male lions were seen relaxing on the banks of the Sand River, which runs in front of the lodge. A big cat week for Umkumbe Safari Lodge!

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot

Over the past few weeks there have been reports of lion and leopard sightings. The Ross pride breakaway lionesses cubs haven’t been spotted. We assume they are stashed away in a place of safety. The highlight of the southern Klaserie this week was the sighting of a lone cheetah. The cheetah was spotted relaxing on an elevated area after attempting to chase an impala.

And, we’ve seen plenty of flap-necked chameleons. Their colours, pose and grace make for exceptional photographs. Let’s give these adorable creatures a bit of “air time”.

Ezulwini Game Lodges

The Ezuwlini Game Lodges have enjoyed an abundance of lion sightings – yet again. The Olifants West pride is a mega-pride that dominates the area around both Billy’s and River Lodge. Josh and Angele, rangers at Ezulwini, also enjoyed a leopard sighting.

Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is the ideal lodge for guests seeking an affordable and authentic experience, where you don’t compromise on game viewing. Located in one of South Africa’s sought after pristine reserves in the heart of the Greater Kruger, it certainly sets the standard in terms of game viewing. The lodge is located on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Reserve and boasts exceptional views of the surrounding terrain. Umkumbe offers guests a relaxing and family-friendly lodge where the focus is on simple luxury.

Here are our top 5 reasons to stay at Umkumbe Safari Lodge:

1. Affordable lodge located in a sought after reserve

Year after year, the Sabi Sand Reserve attracts a wealth of celebrities, documentary makers and photographers. Home to award-winning lodges and elite safari style villa accommodation, the reserve offers an exclusive experience with notable game viewing opportunities. The reserve itself is home to the big five and is also known as “leopard central” due to the abundance of leopards.

Umkumbe’s rates are from e R2, 695.00 per person per night, making it one of the most affordable lodges in the Greater Kruger area. Rates are inclusive of daily game drives, morning bush walks (optional) and all meals.

2. Unsurpassed game viewing opportunities

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a big cat paradise and revered for its leopard sightings. There is a particular fondness for a large male leopard called Maxabeni who often makes his presence known while guests are out on evening game drives. The Charleston and Sparta pride of lions regularly come down to the river, in front of the lodge, to drink.

The Umkumbe traverse is teeming with activity from the big five. In addition to the big five, guests often see other wildlife such as cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog, honey badger, side striped jackal, caracal, hippopotamus, giraffe, antelope, warthog, wildebeest, crocodile and a variety of venomous snakes. Birding is also incredible and there are over 500 species of birds; making it a go-to destination for ornithologists.

3. The entire lodge is built on the banks of a busy river

The Sand River runs in front of the lodge and the sand banks attract breeding herds of buffalo, elephant and lion prides to its shores. A small splash pool is perfectly positioned on a deck overlooking the river. Guests can relax in the pool while watching elephant herds interact in the river. The wooden deck is the ultimate relaxation spot for enjoying a quiet afternoon drink while reading a book.

4. Easily Accessible and family friendly

There is an excellent road system, making it ideal for self-drive guests. For fly-ins, Umkumbe is also quite accessible. The easiest Kruger airport to fly into is KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) in Nelspruit.

There are five superior rooms which cater for families and two interleading rooms, ideal for friends or older children. Being an owner run and managed lodge means Umkumbe is flexible in terms of guests’ needs.

5. Authentic safari atmosphere

The atmosphere at a lodge is a huge drawcard for any safari experience. Umkumbe offers the chance to experience a traditional South African braai in a boma area. A boma is an outdoor dining area with a huge wood fire set up in a fire pit in the ground. Guests can enjoy plenty of story telling around the campfire after when the evening game drive comes to an end. There is an honesty bar where guests can help themselves to drinks. Umkumbe is a comfortable, friendly and authentic style lodge with warm and welcoming owners.

Watch this video and let it encapsulate you. Book your Sabi Sand Safari here: reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Umkumbe Safari Lodge from Sun Destinations on Vimeo.

Week in Pics: Cats, Dagga Boys and Jumbos

Big cat predators, weary old dagga bulls and carefree jumbos have been in the spotlight this week. Our graceful cat, the leopard, remains unfazed and elusive, presenting us with only a vague cameo appearance. Three out of the big five have been fighting for the limelight – lions, buffalo and elephant sightings have been in rich supply. And they certainly haven’t shied away from the camera.

nDzuti Safari Camp

Huge herds of elephant were caught stampeding down to the main dam. It appears the nDzuti traverse has become a haven for elephants. Should we rename the area to “Land of Giants”? It certainly is fitting for this time of year. There is nothing more heartwarming than observing the antics of jumbo while they interact with each another.

The old buffalo bulls (Dagga boys) have been spotted hanging around the outskirts of camp. Dagga boys are lone bulls who have been ousted from the herd. They are past their prime and spend most of their days wallowing in pools of mud.

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have enjoyed incredible big cat sightings. Our majestic leopard has been spotted three times during the course of the week. Guests caught a fleeting glance of a young male gently making his way through the thicket and down to the closest available water source. During the night his calls were heard and tracks were spotted. There is another female in the area. Hopefully we’ll see a bundle of leopard cubs in the near future!

Perhaps the most incredible sightings this week have been that of the Trilogy and Ross pride lions. A lone Trilogy male was caught relaxing in the depths of the Mopane trees. He seemed quite restless and defensive. One of the other Trilogy males was seen mating with a Ross pride breakaway female on more than one occasion. The pregnant Ross pride breakaway female has just given birth to cubs who are now a week old. She was seen moving the cubs to an area of safety – probably to a drainage line. The older female who was last seen with the Ross pride breakaway females has since been seen mingling with the old Ross pride, which brings their numbers up to 6 pride members. This past week guests at both camps enjoyed a variety of lion pride sightings.

Happy Friday – enjoy the week in pictures.

Week in Pics: Feisty Big Five

Dust clouds and the disastrous crunching sound of the Mopane trees could be heard this morning when a massive herd of elephants stampeded past the nThambo Tree Camp vehicle. What startled this herd? We suspect it was the presence of the Ross pride breakaway females who were seen on the move the night before. Africa on Foot guests managed to catch a glimpse of the females from a distance.

At this stage, we are weary of disturbing the Ross pride breakaway lionesses. Why? Because the heavily pregnant female seen drinking the other day has just given birth to cubs ! The cubs are only a few days old and we still need to put a viewing protocol in place. At the moment, the sister and the additional lioness have been spotted out in the open but we are weary of approaching the area because we believe the cubs are in close proximity. Lion cubs have notoriously low survival rate in the wild which is why we need to exercise great caution when approaching the area.

nThambo Tree Camp spotted the Trilogy male after hearing him calling out for the rest of his coalition. It seems the lionesses, the Trilogy and a huge herd of buffalo were all in the same area. Could there be another kill underway? The buffalo are being stalked from beyond the thickets and the next few days could be quite interesting.

On the topic of lions, Umkumbe Safari Lodge have enjoyed a sighting of lions across the banks of the Sand River. Unfortunately, it was too far away to identify the pride. They’ve had an abundance of buffalo and elephant herd sightings in front of the lodge. Huge herds are a buffet for lions!

In terms of other wildlife sightings, we’ve been rewarded with plenty of bird sightings across the Klaserie and Sabi region. Due to the increased predator activity, the vultures have come out to play. Predators mean the possibility of a carcass. And who doesn’t like a complimentary dinner?!

Here are a few photographs capturing the highlights of this week’s safari viewing.

VIDEO: Ross lioness kills honey badger

WARNING: Graphic content. Guests of Africa on Foot witnessed a once in a lifetime sighting the other day. While watching the three Ross lionesses, one of them stared intently into the night. Suddenly she lunged forward and pounced on an unsuspecting honey badger behind some thick foliage. After a few moments rangers Mike Beard and John Dixon were able to get the landrovers into position to witness the lioness slowly killing the honey badger. It was not easy to watch and the honey badger put up a tremendous fight. It took the lioness a full 20 odd minutes to finally kill the honey badger. A testament to just how tough these fearless creatures are.

Week in Pics: Klaserie’s Gentle Creatures

The past few weeks have been dominated by big cat sightings and predator kills. There has been much excitement about the possible shift in lion pride dynamics within the Klaserie. The Ross pride breakaway females were seen sharing a kill with an older, unknown lioness and all of this big cat bravado has been documented on a series of blog posts. Big cats, birth of young mammals and the death of unsuspecting plains game at the hands of predators has influenced our week in pics. But today it’s time to celebrate the gentle and smaller creatures of the Klaserie. These are the more obscure creatures, the ones often ignored in favour of the big five!

There’s an entire eco-system and relying on the important function that the smaller creatures of the Kruger play in the bio-diversity of the area. And there are budding ornithologists out there simply dying to browse through our incredible photos of brown-crowned tchagras, snake eagles and scatterlings of rattling cisticolas.

nDzuti Safari Camp reported an influx of giraffe herds on the move. We suspect they are journeying down to the main dam, which is akin to a busy airport. Giraffe herds gain most of their moisture from the leaves of trees, which means they only need to drink once every few days. Due to the harsh winter and lack of rains, the need to seek out available water sources becomes a necessity.

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have seen an abundance of elephant and buffalo herds at Twala dam and Africa on Foot has enjoyed plenty of elephant encounters while out on foot. The highlight of the week is a curious and unusual incident involving a honey badger and an aggressive lioness. We are saving this story for next week when all shall be revealed…stay tuned!

We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy !

nDzuti Safari Camp

Africa on Foot

nThambo Tree Camp

Observing a Rare Pangolin in the Wild

The pangolin is a somewhat shy and solitary nocturnal creature endemic to Asia and Africa. Due to worldwide poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife, the pangolin is now on the endangered species list. These animals are incredibly difficult to spot in the wild because of their neurotic tendency to skirt away when approached. Their defense mechanism comprises two techniques – to make a quick exit or roll themselves into a tight ball. When the ball position is assumed, the body is hugged by the tail which has the sharp edges protruding outwards.

The pangolin is often mistaken for being a reptile because of its scaly, armoured appearance. It is, in fact, part of the Manidae family whose members include anteaters, armadillos and sloths. This “spiny anteater” has a multi-layered covering of scales which are keratin based and make-ups 15% of its entire body weight.

Spotting a nocturnal endangered species is quite rare, which is why the team from nDzuti Safari Camp decided to celebrate this momentous occasion. Bruce managed to take photos and expert guide, Brett Greenaway, took video footage. The pangolin clearly felt comfortable in its environment and was blissfully unaware that he was being watched. When under threat, a pangolin not only curls into a ball but also secretes a noxious-smelling acid from glands near the anus, quite similar to that of a skunk. Let’s hope Bruce and Brett weren’t faced with a foul smelling odor!

Bruce from nDzuti spent a considerable amount of time observing the antics of nature’s curious lone-ranger of a creature. Using his incredible innate tracking skills he eventually found the pangolin close to an aardvark burrow, which is where they sleep.

In the video we see the pangolin frantically scratching and digging away. We can only assume it was foraging for its favourite source of protein – ants. A pangolin’s sharp claws are used to destroy nests and break-open termite mounds littered with armies of ants. They use their long, sticky tongues to extract ant armies.

Seeing a pangolin in the wild should be a highlight on your safari bucket list!