Verney’s Camp Wildlife Stories September 2024
Journeying into the heart of the wild, a cool breeze welcomed the day as we set off on early morning game drives. After brunch, more often than not we found our guests lounging at the pool evading the midday heat.
First Come, First Serve
As we came to the end of our winter and moved into spring, there has been a feeling of hope for the lifeless and bare trees. Soon, the summer rains will blissfully fall on the parched earth, but for now, water sources must be shared.
Some elephants were drinking at the shallow waterhole in front of camp and upon the arrival of a pack of four wild dogs, the elephants made it clear that they were not going to share. Eventually, the elephants conceded and allowed the dogs to drink from the pan.
Alpha
This month, we watched a pack of wild dogs in the making. A female left a different pack and joined three males.
She is now the Alpha.
Graceful Gemsbok
The dry landscape draws out the timid Gemsbok as they search for reliable water sources. During a walking safari from camp, we followed the trail of elephants that led us to a ridge in the forest where a herd of gemsbok were relaxing in the shade.
The wind was not on our side as the watchful sentries picked up our scent and the herd gracefully galloped away.
Cool Coalition
Typically made up of brothers, a lion coalition is formed when male lions move away from the pack. Eventually, they too will separate and make up prides of their own, but in the meantime, they do everything together.
A coalition of two has taken advantage of the pool to quench their thirst in the dry heat. One morning, they noticed a clumsy sub-adult elephant at the pan and took an easy opportunity. After a brief struggle, the ready-to-impress coalition invited some females to join the feast.
Shady Animals
After a walking safari, our guides check the vehicles and their surroundings before our guests re-enter. One day, as we returned from a walk in the bush, we found an interesting member of the rodent family hiding in the shade of the vehicle.
Porcupines are usually nocturnal so this was a special sighting indeed.
The dry heat was subdued by the cool breeze in September as we embarked on early drives and relaxed in camp in the midday heat. Some exciting wildlife encounters punctuated the month and we look forward to the beginning of summer and the rains that are sure to come.
Until next time,
Shepherd, Alfred and Tinashe
Mana River Camp
