Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories April 2024
An unexpected downpour of rain was welcomed in camp. With nearly 15mm falling in the first two weeks of the month, we knew we were in for some surprises from the wild.
Fresh Meat
Driving along Mokoro road, we noticed lion tracks and started following the trail.
A few minutes later we could hear the roars and the sound of lions enjoying a fresh kill. Three females were enjoying a giraffe kill from the night befor
Hearing the Call
Guests arrived with lucky charms, or so humbly says our guide. After days of no leopard sightings, we found a female leopard calling along the Mokoro road.
A female calling can indicate one of two things. Either she is in heat and looking for a male to mate with, or she is calling out in communication with her cubs. This call tells her cubs that it’s safe to come out from where they are hiding.
A quiet call indicated that she was trying not to arouse too much attention in the untamed and unpredictable veld.
The Chase is On
Mosomalia Corner along the Khwai River is a spot we like to visit regularly as there always seems to be activity. As we reached our destination, seven wild dogs were on the chase for an unsuspecting waterbuck.
But, this wiley antelope had an escape route. The strong swimmer managed to jump into the water and cross the Khwai River, narrowly escaping its death.
Wild dogs have been known to swim after prey, but this time, luck was on the waterbuck’s side.
Brooding Babes
We have been seeing some unseasonal young wildlife in the bush recently. Our guest favourites are the warthog piglets and of course lion cubs.
Lions breed annually, usually in late winter to align the birth of their young with the spring. The cubs were a pleasant surprise and we will keep an eye on them in the next crucial weeks.
Until next time,
Atty
Machaba Camp
