Water Is Life in Hwange National Park
Words and photographs by Heléne Ramackers
As one of the most precious resources, water is life when it comes to wildlife in Hwange National Park. The ever-active watering hole in front of Verney’s Camp on the southern side of the park is a hive of activity throughout the day and night.
Elephants are the stars of the show, coming to drink, bath and indulge in a muddy immersion. They are really entertaining to observe, and Head Guide Themba has an ace up his sleeve – he has created a very special elephant experience. This activity happens at sundowner time, where he positions the safari vehicle on a safe spot adjacent to the watering hole, puts out some chairs for guests, and pours your tipple of choice. You alight from the vehicle to witness these gentle giants from a different perspective – viewing them at eye-level while Themba keeps a close watch on your safety.
It’s fascinating to sit so close to these massive pachyderms. The bulls are especially ostentatious, showing each other who is boss by means of trunks and tusks colliding, which could sometimes become quite a show of strength.
The most heartwarming scenes are when the breeding herds come down for a drink. With calves of different sizes and ages in the mix, it’s a combination of extreme excitement and trepidation when they approach the water. It’s playtime, with loads of dunking and roll-arounds in the mud.
Watching a tower of giraffe with a few young ones carefully approaching the dam, it’s not a foregone conclusion whether they would risk having a drink. Tall and statuesque, they really have to put in a lot of effort to tap up the water by crouching down and bending their knees, which makes them vulnerable to attacks by predators.
Warthogs love the muddy part of the dam, and they too are on high alert and will easily make a dash for the bush before having to contend with getting attacked.
Despite not needing water on a daily basis, herds of impalas frequent the watering hole, and the male is constantly on guard to protect his females.
And then there are the winged creatures. Witnessing a yellow-billed kite soaring high in the bluest of skies before landing at the water’s edge is a magnificent sight.
Egyptian geese are incredibly territorial, and those who arrive at the water first will unceremoniously chase any rival geese away, with a very loud ruckus.
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