Machaba Camp Wildlife Sightings October 2024
Generally, October is the month when the temperatures start to reach the highest of highs, and the vegetation around Machaba Camp starts to dry out.
However, the cooler nights offer some reprieve. Especially for our nocturnal hunters like the stunning lion prides who would rather chase down their prey at 19 degrees Celsius instead of 39. This allows us to embark on thrilling night safaris where a lion's roar echoes across the almost silent plains.
Caught Red-Handed
One afternoon at Mosomalia Crossing at the beginning of the month, we were hoping to spot some animals on their way to the river to get a drink of water. As we were heading towards the river, we spotted African wild dogs feeding on an impala that looked like it had been killed earlier that morning.
This sighting made our group of photographers extremely happy as they got to take plenty of pictures and videos as the golden sun was setting. While we immersed ourselves in the sighting, a male lion entered the scene. It scared the wild dogs off and slyly stole an easy meal while our team recorded the scene.
Out of Reach
One afternoon, we tracked a leopard to the western side of Leopard Lagoon, where its tracks suddenly stopped at the base of a leadwood tree. We all looked up and found the beautiful leopard sitting in the tree, feeding on a warthog kill that looked days old.
Later, as we quieted down to listen to the stillness of nature, a female lion appeared, following the smell of the dead warthog. It kept looking up into the tree, trying to figure out how to get up there until it fell asleep in the cool shade.
In A While Crocodile
Usually, guests come to Machaba to see big cats or the Big 5, and more often than not, we can generally catch one of them by the banks of the nearby Mosomilia Corner River. Yet, on this particular day, we saw a small crocodile. Crocodiles would normally come out of the water if they saw prey ripe for the taking, but the small crocodile was lucky, especially since it caught an eagle.
Even though we are used to seeing crocodiles, this was still an amazing sight to see.
Red Rescue
One late afternoon at the end of October, our staff was setting up for dinner when we suddenly saw a cloud of dust in the distance and wondered what could be causing it… Normally, it indicates a big herd of animals is nearby or something is being chased.
After a short while, we saw a red lechwe running at high speeds away from a pack of 10 African wild dogs. The pack caught up with the antelope species and managed to bring it down. Then, more red lechwe appeared to rescue their comrade, and a fight ensued. While they were fighting, the first antelope managed to get up and run into the bushes. What a happy ending for the red lechwe and its friends!
Until next time,
Atty
Machaba Camp
