Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories September 2024
Spring brings excitement to the Okavango and Machaba Camp. As the trees start budding and flowering, so follows the iconic humming of insects and the congregation of herds of elephants and buffalo to the riverfront.
Not for Sensitive Viewers
Approaching the riverbank on an afternoon game drive guests were surprised to see a large number of crocodiles fighting over a dead elephant. Soon after we stopped to watch the scene unfold, one huge crocodile galloped towards the cornucopia chasing away the others. After creating space, the crocodile climbed on top of the elephant, exposing its gigantic body, and took the ‘lion’s share’.
The Bait and Switch
A coy leopard walked away shyly after being exposed by an alarm call from a herd of impalas. As the herd’s attention was on the dispirited leopard, they meandered under a leadwood tree in the opposite direction.
Moving underneath the tree, a different leopard leapt from the shadows of the tall branches and landed with expert precision on the neck of a passing impala. Chaos ensued and the herd scattered in every direction.
Later, the first leopard joined the attacker and they dragged the kill up a tree to safety.
The Bustling Banks
The view from camp was unparalleled as the wildlife thronged to the riverbanks. From breeding herds of elephants to a bachelor herd of buffaloes, waterbucks and impala, there was no need to leave camp to enjoy wonderful game sightings.
As the sun set casting a golden light over the delta, a pack of wild dogs joined the party. Chasing a warthog for a few minutes, they soon bored of the chase and played among themselves, disappearing into the darkness as the sun set behind the horizon.
Five elephant calves have joined a herd that is often seen at camp. Usually arriving mid-summer during periods of sporadic rainfall, the earlier-than-usual birth of these calves could be from the abundant flood waters from the Angolan Heights.
Either way, our guests have been enjoying the view this month.
Until next time,
Linguist
Machaba Camp
