Mana River Camp Wildlife Stories September 2024
Boswell has been keeping our guests entertained in camp by standing on his back legs to eat the harder-to-reach leaves. After a long, dry winter, other bull elephants follow suit by learning to stand on their back legs as the leaf supply diminishes.
Stuck in the Mud
At Chisasiko Pool, 20 marabou storks were enjoying a plentiful lunch.
With little to no rain during winter, the waterholes have dried up and have become muddy puddles rather than the oases they are after heavy rainfall. The catfish are stuck in the mud, making them easy targets for hungry passers-by.
Playtime Pups
We came across a pack of African wild dogs during a morning game drive. Already such an amazing sighting, we were delighted to see the puppies out and about.
Wild dog pups emerge from their dens after about eight weeks and start to accompany the adults as they forage for food. Master hunters, from 12 weeks the pups begin to learn the essential strategies for hunting on the go as they join their parents and begin to participate in active hunting.
Sundowner Surprise
Setting out for a sundowner, we came across a pride of lions lazing about, and recharging before an evening hunt.
Their hunts typically start in the low light of dusk, as their prey species move about. The lower temperatures are more comfortable for prey species to wander and for the lions to hunt without the stress from the day’s heat.
Mana Pools has had some amazing sightings last month. We have spent our days exploring the park on foot, drifting along the great Zambezi River in canoes offering a different perspective and watching the classic blue haze as it brings on the cooler night.
Until next time,
Shepherd, Alfred and Tinashe
Mana River Camp
