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May Newsletter

22 June 2009

Nkanyamba
Nkanyamba
Photo: Dylan Brandt
Dawn breaks over a landscape riddled with the gray skeletons of centuries old Lead-wood trees. A snake of sand cuts through the bush shadowed by Jackal-berries and littered red by the falling flowers of Weeping Boer Been trees. Fish Eagles and Storks gather around water sources ever watchful for movement beneath the surface.

The month of May has seen many large herbivores move onto the Concession feeding on the nutritious grasses brought about by the good wet season.

Elephant herds have been seen regularly with the big bulls following the breeding herds for mating opportunities.

Buffalo herds have been seen on a regular basis and bulls are often encountered along the river lines.

White Rhino continue to dominate the sightings board with many relaxed individuals and females with calves. Hours can be spent viewing these prehistoric-like giants interacting with one another in the most fascinating ways.

Our pride of lions has split into three groups. 2 Adult females with 5 sub adult cubs have been followed through our western sector. They are sometimes joined by 2 young adult lionesses and the Lwakahle males, a coalition of 2 adult lions. The other 2 females with the 5 young cubs have not been seen for two weeks and may have temporarily moved into an area of the Lwakahle pride’s territory that the other lions don't often visit. We continue to look for them and look forward to the pride being reunited with all 16 members accounted for.

As for the cubs, 5 are males and 5 females. The young males will be great assets to the pride in the near future helping to bring down large prey like giraffe and buffalo which are essential for a large lion pride’s survival.

The resident male leopard (Nkanyamba) that we have seen regularly for over a year, has continued to show us intimate views of an otherwise ghostly cat and the discovery of a new and very relaxed female in his territory may prove to be very exciting for the future.

The walking trails have been set up and scouted. The incredibly beautiful paths and excellent game viewing on foot have the whole team looking forward to exploring this piece of Africa one step at a time.

Kind regards
Dylan Brandt




Click to enlarge
Rhino Family
Photo: Staci Blunt
Click to enlarge
Walking Trail
Photo: Dylan Brandt

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