June and July 2009
You can feel the nip in the air as winter has really set in. The bush has been transformed into a wonderful array of colour; deep orange and browns paint a wonderful picture over the landscape. Most of our tree species are losing their leaves and preparing for the winter chill. Sundowners are taken a bit earlier these days at around 17:30 to catch the suns last rays as it drops over the horizon.
Every game drive holds something different, both big and small. Our resident female leopard has been frequenting camp and keeps the monkeys busy all night before slipping out in the early hours of the morning. Earlier in the month she managed to drag down a fully grown impala right across the river from camp. Sightings of these elusive predators have been very good of late, with numerous guests managing to get some superb photos of them on carcasses or catching a nap in their favourite tree.
Great news on the lion front, the young Machaton lioness has finally revealed her new litter of three cubs. They all look fit and healthy so far, so we will keep you updated as they explore their new-found territory. The three males, or Timbavati boys as they have become known, are stamping their authority in and around us. If they are in the area, you will often hear them roaring a challenge to any lion who dares. We managed to see the old Sohebele male far north of us a few weeks ago. He really is showing his age and had a bad limp. To our guests who managed to see this male and his brother in their prime a few years ago, it truly was a sight to behold. Magnificent animals!!
Buffalo have been plentiful with large herds frequenting all our dams. Camp dam has again proved to be popular and the herd’s favourite route is between Tent 6 and 7. This makes for interesting times when walking guests back and forth from their tents. The old bulls, who are nicknamed Dagga Boys (Mud Boys) by the rangers, have started moving back and have been found grazing on the lawn from time to time!
White Rhino sightings have been very good, ranging from beautiful big dominant bulls to cows with very small calves. We have also shared some wonderful times on foot with these animals; ensuring the conditions are in our favour, there is nothing more exciting than viewing rhino on foot.
Elephant have been wide-spread with small herds across the region. Large tuskers have been spotted trailing these herds, providing us with great sightings of these beautiful creatures. Spending time with breeding herds is a real treat as you start seeing personality traits and some individuals’ real characters.
Another fantastic month at Tanda Tula with special sightings and wonderful moments shared with all. We hope to welcome you soon and to share in these incredible experiences. We welcome Foreman Mathebula to our ranging team. He brings years of experience and adds a wonderful dynamic to the team.