Ingwe Pan Wildlife Stories April 2024
As Mana Pools awakens for the season, a heartwarming spectacle unfolds at the Pan in front of Ingwe Pan. A breeding herd of elephants, a beautiful mix of ages, arrives to quench their thirst.
From the vast abundance of water birds to fish eagles and a constant parade of elephants coming to drink daily, the pan is a hive of activity. The air hums with anticipation – a new season for eager visitors about to arrive.
An Awakening
Deep within the untamed wilderness of Mana Pools, The Ingwe Pan water hole teems with life. Towering elephant figures crowd around the precious water source.
The dominant males, distinguished by their impressive tusks, use their trunks to gently draw in water, quenching their thirst with measured sips. In between drinks, they reach for the lush green leaves that fringe the water hole, their tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight that filters through the thick canopy.
Two youngsters, practically twins in their near-identical size and playful demeanour, trumpeting alongside their medium-sized companions. The presence of newborns amongst the group signifies a fresh start, a new generation welcomed just as Ingwe Pan prepares to receive its guests.
The Timid Hippo
As the golden light of dawn washed over Mana Pools, a delightful scene unfolded in the pan. Five hippopotamuses, colossal in size, wallowed in the cool water. Their glistening backs, mottled shades of grey and brown, peeked above the surface, creating a captivating display. Among them was a playful but camera-shy calf.
Unlike its elders, content to soak in the morning sun, the little one dipped and dived, momentarily revealing a snout and a pair of inquisitive eyes before disappearing in a flurry of bubbles, much to the amusement of the attentive observers at the camp’s main area.
Soaring Beauty
A flash of brown and white cuts through the azure sky. It's the African fish eagle, the majestic symbol of Africa's wilderness. This feathered fishmonger is a master of the hunt, with keen eyes scanning the water's surface for unsuspecting prey. With a powerful screech and a thrilling dive, the Fish Eagle plunges talons first, securing its lunch with impressive agility.
A Jewel of the Sky
Have you ever seen a flash of electric blue streak past the Pan? That might be a Brown-hooded kingfisher, a dazzling jewel come to life. These feathered hunters perch patiently on branches or reeds, their sharp eyes scanning the water below. With lightning speed and impressive accuracy, they dive headfirst to snatch up a fish or unsuspecting insect. Kingfishers are a wonder of nature, both beautiful and fascinating to observe. Keep an eye out next time you're near a stream or pond - you might catch a glimpse of this avian marvel.
From the beauty of new life to the feathered marvels that decorate the sky, Ingwe Pan is alive with life and activity. Having just opened for the season, we are eager to welcome our first guests back to the magical Mana Pools.
Until next time,
Misty
Ingwe Pan
