Ingwe Pan Wildlife Stories September 2024
September was the month of the ‘armchair safari’.
The spring heat called for more time spent in camp and we’re glad we didn’t leave as the wildlife sightings from the comfort of the cool lounge area were extraordinary.
Fight to the Death
Hippos are incredibly territorial and will fight to the death for pan domination. Three days after we witnessed two male hippos fighting, we found one had succumbed to the injuries, which made for happy hyenas and lions that fed on the defeated.
Food Fight
Guests were intrigued to watch a pack of wild dogs hunt an impala just meters away from camp. There’s safety in numbers and the pack chased the opportunistic hyenas away as they threatened to steal their kill.
Predator vs Predator
There is confidence in being part of a pack that gives wild dogs the courage to stand up to bigger prey species. Through cooperative defence, wild dogs have been known to stand their ground against lions as conflict arises when resources have grown few and far between.
This time, however, the pack had no option but to retreat into the Western part of Mana Pools.
The Celebrity Elephant
Boswell is renowned for standing on his hind legs to reach the treetops and their succulent leaves. Guests were delighted to find Boswell on his hind legs as they arrived in camp.
Another reason to stay in camp during the afternoon is to watch Boswell and others in the seemingly preposterous position.
The Night Shift
Leopards are elusive creatures, often preferring solitude, unlike their feline counterparts. The armchair safari was once again successful as two leopards came to drink from the pan in front of camp at night.
The stark contrast between the sight of a pride of lions feeding on a bull eland they had taken down close to camp and witnessing the special moment between an elephant nursing her newborn calf was the month in a nutshell. Guests in camp left with heavy hearts and the promise they will return to this special place.
Until next time,
Marcy and AB
Ingwe Pan
