Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park - Verney's Camp

Be Warned

After hours of driving through the plains, enjoying sightings of various plains game, we stopped to take a few pictures of a lilac-breasted roller perched in a tree. The atmosphere was relaxed when suddenly a deep and powerful growl shattered the peaceful moment. We all froze, silently scanning our surroundings for the source, when we noticed a mating pair of lions near our vehicle. The growl was a clear warning that we had invaded their personal space. This was a powerful reminder that in the wild, you are never truly alone. 

Guessing Game

During an early morning game drive, we encountered a pair of African wild dogs just as they were taking a stroll along the Manga 2 road. Immediately, we radioed the rest of camp to come see this fantastic sighting. Luckily for them, they arrived while the dogs were still in the area. We had settled in, watching the two predators peacefully go about their day, when the excitement turned into laughter as a few guests yelled “wolves”, while others confidently identified them as hyenas. The mood was electric as guests tried to make sense of these odd-looking predators, but before we corrected them, we let them have a little more fun trying to guess what they saw.

A Predator’s Curiosity

We had just started an early morning safari when we came across a lone hyena making its way along the road. Hyenas are generally more active during the night, so seeing one in the morning was exciting. It showed its inquisitive nature and came right up to our safari vehicle, trying to figure out what kind of mysterious creature was in front of it. It sniffed the air and cautiously investigated our vehicle while we were enamoured by its every movement. Neither of us was in a rush to leave, but eventually the hyena satisfied its curiosity and departed, leaving us excited and awestruck.

Thrill Of The Hunt

The calm morning safari was suddenly broken when one of a pair of cheetahs locked onto its target across the plains. Instantly, the mood changed. We watched as the predator lowered its body, fixed its eyes ahead, and patiently waited for the perfect moment. Then, without warning, it launched into a full sprint across the grassland in a blistering burst of speed.

Dust flew in its wake as it picked up speed. We struggled to follow the incredible speed of the chase, but the cheetah’s prey wasn’t going down without a fight. It twisted and changed direction, desperate to escape the incoming jaws aiming for its neck. The chase eventually disappeared into the distance, but whether the hunt was successful or not, this encounter offered a glimpse into the sudden and ruthless nature of the African wilderness.

Spooked

Not every sighting has to be an adrenaline-pumping glimpse into the relationship between predator and prey. Sometimes a simple drink at a watering hole can be both fulfilling and exciting. On this occasion, we watched as a group of zebras took turns drinking water when a giraffe slowly approached the watering hole.

It took nearly 30 minutes before the giraffe finally reached its destination. It spread its long legs awkwardly to reach the water when one of the zebras got spooked by something. The calm atmosphere was replaced by panicked zebras darting off in one direction. For a brief moment, the giraffe looked like it was caught off guard before bolting off in the same direction as the zebra.

We all laughed at the sudden transformation in atmosphere. It just goes to show how on edge animals in the wild constantly are.

September had yet another spectacular month of wildlife sightings at Verney’s Camp. Come back soon for more Machaba Safaris Wildlife Stories!

Until next time, 
Simatete
Verney’s Camp