Lucky Number 7 – Seven incredible sightings from my armchair safari
Words and photographs: Heléne Ramackers
As a first-time visitor to Hwange National Park, I was beyond excited to spend three nights at Machaba Safaris’ Deteema Springs. With only eight tented suites in the Deteema private concession, I was lucky enough to stay in tented suite number 7, which has a view of the springs, attracting wildlife in their droves. Sitting on my private deck with my camera at the ready, the armchair safari is part of the charm of Deteema Springs.
Chacma baboons always seem to be around camp and are very entertaining to watch according to Deteema guide Ntsako. Forever foraging for something to eat, I watch as the troop makes their way to a shaded spot under a sausage tree. A mom and baby have stayed behind in the springs, and the young tot is keeping close to mom for protection.
A family of banded mongoose have created a home for themselves in the riverbank. I see them emerge from the shelters they have made and run up and down the springs.
Looking up, a martial eagle is soaring in the blue sky. His majestic wingspan can reach up to an impressive 260cm!
Noticing a flash of iridescent plumage suddenly appearing, a lilac-breasted roller is perched on the bare branch of a tree. It abruptly takes flight, showing its stunning colours.
Gazing down towards the water, a black-headed heron has his sights set on something in the springs. He is laser focused, his yellow eyes clearly looking for prey, with his sharp beak ready to catch a fish or a frog.
Grazing on the grass, a lone impala ram looks up from where he is feeding. He has beautiful horns and is in great condition from the shiny nature of his coat.
A few warthogs have discovered a patch of mud and are lavishing in the cooling sustenance on this hot day. Rolling around, they eventually saunter over to have a nibble on the grass.
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