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| | | "Rhino SIghting In North Luangwa by John Coppinger"
29 August 2010 00:00 | | | read more... |
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 | Game viewing Diary | |
| Date: | 03 September 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Stephen Banda | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Yesterday I went for an afternoon and night drive. I left at 16:00 hours with Martin and Ann. It is their first time to Luangwa valley. Ann was desperate to see leopard. We did not see leopard but saw 2 lionesses on the beach. Then we had our sun downers not far from where they slept. We also saw white tailed mongoose, genet civets under the fig tree and at the end of the drive giant eagle owl sitting on the dead branch of the winter thorn tree.
This morning Martin and Ann went on a flight with John on his toy . After that we went on a drive little bit late. Loads of antelopes every where, baboons, monkeys, giraffe kudu. Elephants walked across the river. Later we drove down river and as we were about to stop for a break we saw some elephants coming towards to the river. We watched them drink, mud bath right in front of us. I drove to the shade but they decided to come to the same tree we stopped under so we had to move away to give them chance since they have the right of way. After our break it was hot and started driving back. I stopped when I saw puku looking in one direction for few minutes. It was alarm calling at the same time. I quickly drove to the place and she was calling on a leopard. Ann was very happy seeing leopard day time, very good view of her. She said we can go home now. So we did. | | | | | Date: | 30 August 2010 07:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: |
Still dark at 5 but the houses are built under large shade trees which tend to make it seem darker, have to use the alarm clock. A few exercises then off to arrange the morning drive and hopefully some breakfast.
This morning it was Jane and Mary-Lou's turn to have the 15 minute Microlight flight which they duly did and both really enjoyed the experience.
Hence started off late and the temperature does rise quite quickly and thus need to be back around 10:30.Through the gate and took John's road to the Salt Pan where,at this time, hundreds of Crowned Cranes congregate on the wetland. Need to be there between 7 and 7:30 to catch the Cranes flying in from their roosting spots but that was not be!
Mike at the back spotted a LBR ( Lilac Breasted Roller) on a dead Leadwood tree stopped for some photo's. Long story cut short turned out there were four LBR's and they all took turns to display some went high high and others not so. Well worth stopping and the LBR with their beautiful colours combined with their displays make this bird quite special. Thirty minutes later a herd of Elephants and Warthogs,then a flowering Holarrhena pubscenes (Jasmine Tree) which meant a smelling stop! Nice examples of Entandrophragma caudatum (Wooden Banana) the seed pods look like peeled bananas. Also quite a few late Crowned Cranes flying to the wetland.
Finally arrived and it truly was spectacular Crowned Cranes all over the green patches interspersed with Puku's and Sacred Ibis's. Just sitting and observing let the atmosphere soak in-wondrous. I heard a Flufftail calling not sure which one yet. That made my day.
Then decided to go upstream to the area where the water originates from. Many happy memories there the Salt pan is a place where often one does not see much even the ubiquitous Impala and Puku but then tall of a sudden here is magic and excitement. Needless to say the drive there was the former. I showed the guests the artesian well and the pan where water soaks out of the ground. The artesian well is too hot too touch and the actual pan hot in places. Had Tea over the hill well away from the Pan under a Tamarind tree. Tea and cake just the ticket mid morning.
Noticed lots of Vultures overhead and I knew from past visits that they were coming down to drink at the Pan and of course toddled over to have a look. The only Vulture not seen was the White Headed one. Had to return the same way as the direct route was not graded and much the same until.... a huge herd of Buffalo 1000 + I am always in awe when I see a large herd of Buffalo. What do they all eat for one? Slowly drove past the Humans watching the Buffalo's and 2000 eyes watching the Humans totally outclassed we were.
After that a leisurely trip back with the usual Impala,Puku,Zebra and Warthog plus 7 Bushbuck right near camp. Another good drive. | | | | | Date: | 29 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | We had a lovely afternoon drive on Sunday the 29th of August, 2010 and on our way out we saw two bull Elephants feeding happily on the pods of the Monkey bread tree, Bush buck on top of the termite mound, Zebras, Impala and Puku.
Now as we drove close to the river bank we started watching the Hippos yawing, splashing dung on the face of the other Hippo which was facing on that direction, as we were there I heard Puku calling and that call was an alarm call, then we went to check on what made the Puku so upset. It was amazing to see a big Crocodile about 6.5 meters dragging a white backed Vulture from the land going towards the river channel, as the guest were busy taking photos of that I saw a bull Giraffe on the other side of the river and also while there, female Giraffe came out the gulley and walked right in front of us. After we had our sun downers we drove around and we saw a mating pair of Leopards and they mated in front of us, it was actually superb to watch. And after that we saw two Porcupines on different sightings, Bush tailed mongoose and several Genets.
| | | | | Date: | 29 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Change of time to wake up as becoming hot – 5 o clock. Seriously early for me that likes a good eight hours.
This morning two guests went for a Microlight flight with John Coppinger (The Boss!) and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Breakfast and all off for a shortish morning walk . Walked from Camp with Batwell the Scout and Brighton the Tea bearer. Crossed the Luangwa using two canoes with a Pod of Hippos quite near the crossing point at the Chankanga River Mike was a little concerned but the Hippos did not bat an eyelid!
Walked slowly with lots of discussion and pointing out various Trees, Spoor and a few big Birds. Grey Heron and Black Headed Heron. Aardvark Spoor nice to see,fresh Porcupine droppings as well. Animals ?? A huge Hippo in a pool in the Chankanga caused a little concern but moved away from us. John on the flight in the morning had pointed out to Mike how Hippo trails converged on Sausage Trees and I was able to show him the same thing on the ground. We also saw how the Sausage Tree has the fruit on the tree at vastly different ages.
As we started a little late soon Tea was in order and Brighton showed us how to make a fire from rubbing sticks, Hard work though. One male Puku came down to drink in the drying up lagoon plus Lilians Lovebirds and various other birds were what we saw on our tea break. Three teas and two coffees plus cake later we were off home using a different route.
Classic Hammerkops nest was the highlight on the way back to the river crossing and soon there. Crossed and back home. Soon Lunch then Tea then the afternoon Game drive. A full days work. | | | | | Date: | 28 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | PM Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | 28th August 2010
There had been no clients here at Tafika for a few days hence my first game drive here was welcome to say the least and thus Karen,Mary-Lou,Jane and Mike plus Amon the Spotter set off after tea and cake for the afternoon drive.
Within Tafika's property Bushbuck a plenty and relatively easy to see and we were not disappointed with several fine Males. Impala,Puku and on the river Hippos and Crocs are abundant and sadly sometimes taken for granted so they are there even if I don't mention them! Once through Chikwinda Gate the Game Drive started in earnest with Amon pointing out that, at this time of the year, there are no young in Impala Herds but plenty in Puku Herds. Simply put Puku have their young all the year round and Impala have theirs just before the rains arrive September onwards.
We turned left on to Banda's road which led us to the Luangwa River and Guests were enthralled by the huge number of big big Crocs and Hippos having conversations along the river as we traveled. A herd of Elephant were seen in the middle of the river and we spent a pleasant 30 minutes just watching them drink, the younger ones play. Always the young in the middle of the herd. They then crossed single file just like in Jungle Book the movie. There was another herd about to cross after the first one. Chimbwe lagoon was just ahead and as we crossed a gully behind the lagoon I noticed the deep mark left by a big Croc in the sand plus the huge paw prints so I knew it was a biggie and it was heading away from the river and for reasons had not a clue. It was Amon 40m further along the road who spotted a big Croc with a large Puku in its mouth trying to run away over the anthill. A bit difficult with a Puku in its mouth! To our absolute delight we saw a young female Leopard sitting down watching the Croc. This about 4:45. Then saw two more Crocs big but not as big as the first one. A few possible scenarios:1) The Puku was too heavy for the Leopard to place in the tree 2) The Puku fell down from the tree or 3) Leopard decided to drag the Puku under the bushes. Once the Crocs caught the scent of flesh smelling a little high they had followed the scent and the Mother stole the Leopards kill. Watched the interaction between the Leopard and the Croc with the Leopard basically watching the Croc and eating a few scraps left on the ground was surreal but with time marching on moved a little aways and had our sundowners although we missed the actual Sun setting the G&T's were a welcome companion to all the adrenaline in our system!
Night time now spot-lamp connected everybody seated we were off. Not more than 20m a Leopard spraying the bushes thought it was the same one that we saw a little earlier but no she was still there and still hoping for some left overs and turned out there were four Crocs around. Thus the other Leopard probably a Male as it was spraying the bushes
Bit of an anticlimax the drive home but we did see.... genets of course, Bushy Tailed Mongoose, Hyena, two excellent views of Civets, a White Tailed Mongoose and lastly Four Toed Elephant Shrews. Just before Camp a huge Hippo was right in the middle of the road and seemed quite settled for the night. Eventually moved a little and I drove a little faster around it turned out as we passing it was just grazing and not at all concerned with us .
Back to camp, fantastic supper and into bed at 10. What a drive!! | | | | | Date: | 26 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | Breakfast and off to the airstrip,goodbyes, and the Guests leave.
End of Safari..... | | | | | Date: | 25 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | Penultimate day – the last morning walk but to Fiona's chagrin she could not continue the morning walk and we returned to camp. Both David and Marcus were content to enjoy the serenity of Mwaleshi Camp for the rest of the morning. We were treated to a bull Elephant in front of camp, working its way up the river eating the vegetation on the bank | | | | | Date: | 25 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | PM Drive | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | Marcus was keen to sit at a Waterhole so that determined the afternoon activity, whilst Fiona and David stayed in. We positioned ourselves overlooking waterhole near the camp. My delight was a Green Sandpiper - I had not seen many before. Marcus shot some good close-ups.
Sadly last supper and this night early to bed. | | | | | Date: | 24 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | nce again early to rise for the third day of this Safari and the plan was to travel almost to the foothills of the Muchinga Escarpment, where there is a beautiful waterfall on the Mwaleshi river. Lawrence expressed a wish to come along thus there were seven in the party. The drive, around 26kms, was a necessary evil but in the event we saw a lot including Wildebeest, Zebra, Warthog, Impala and Puku. We parked the Land Cruiser under a Natal mahogany, hoisted backpacks and started the trek to the waterfalls, around 7k's away.
It was an enjoyable walk through the various habitats and although we saw no wildlife it was interesting with sightings of Lion spoor. We arrived at the base of the main falls which overlooks a pod of Hippo in a very clear pool of water below - one could easily see large catfish with heads all facing into the current.
We climbed slightly to the top of the falls and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the numerous pools, after which we explored the area. Tea and Cake was served shortly afterwards - it was a long time since breakfast after all. Relaxing time.
Soon Lunch and all of us were ravenous and what a spread. Sadly soon afterwards had to pack up and head home.
Back in the Land Cruiser and back to Mwaleshi camp, weary but content. Zebra and Wildebeest which we did not stop for but was good to see. Shortly before Camp we spotted some Elephant so slowed down as we were quite near, then to our delight and astonishment the two Elephant turned out to be Black Rhino – a mother and calf!
One must put this into context - all Black Rhino in Zambia were poached to extinction in the 1970's and 80's. In 2001 a project was started to reintroduce Black Rhino North Luangwa from South Africa and they were released into a 300km2 sanctuary. These two animals have moved beyond the sanctuary (part of the re-habituation process) and we were privileged to see two of them. Serendipity!
Even the puncture on the way home did not dampen our spirits after such an incredible day!
| | | | | Date: | 23 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | Early rise at 5:30 with breakfast at 6:00 and today decided to walk to the confluence of the Mwaleshi and the Luangwa Rivers. A reasonably long walk of 9kms so set off as soon as possible. By now we all knew each other so could concentrate more on the walk with spoor and more spoor. Bird life always worth pointing out and one aspect of the Luangwa is that a lot of Birds are easy to identify. Not that many skulking ones. Then... at the bank of the Mwaleshi watching some Yellow Billed Stork across the river Timothy
Timothy the Scout spotted a 3m Crocodile in about 6 inches of water. Quite fascinating to see how wildlife adapts to the environment.
By now we are meshing well good vibes all happy so I am really enjoying this walk. Temperature building up good time for a spot of tea and cake with Fiona being Mother relaxed for an half an hour and staved off the hunger pains as breakfast was a long time ago Started walking again but carried on in the same direction and I could see David was a little confused ( He had been in the British Army so was not a fool) so I had to tell a white lie and say that the river course looped and that we were not that far from camp but I could see that he was not convinced. Here the sun rises in the East and sets in the west so really only at midday can one be possibly be confused about direction. Then habit changed quite dramatically with majestic Natal Mahongany's ( Trichilia emetica) and Winterthorn's (Acacia albida). Lots of shade and quite cool fantastic camping sites. Bushbuck plentiful and luckily enough to spot two Kudus treat of the day . Virtually spat out into the open and at the confluence. Quite hot approaching half eleven so almost midday. Walked out on the bright white sand such a contrast to the habitat behind us walking towards a large pod of Hippo who obligingly did their standard stuff yawning showing a rather large mouth and monstrous teeth.
By now the Sun was way overhead and the thought of walking back 9kms was not that appealing but lo and behold magically under a Natal mahongy a table appeared plus transport back in the shape of a Landcruiser and Lawrence. Brightwell,our Chef, produced a magical breakfast complete with a cold Mosi. Contented and happy guests slid into the transport home 15kms away. Bushbuck more Kudu on the way home plus a Sharpe's Grysbok not often seen
Superb lunch almost too much incredible salads and conjured up miles from anywhere.
| | | | | Date: | 23 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | PM Drive | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | That afternoon Special ( has incredible ability to spot animals) had heard,via the radio,of a pride of Lion near a tree named “Leopard tree”) I presume for obvious reasons and we all were off in the Land cruiser crossed the Mwaleshi to the Leopard tree . The East side of Mwaleshi is seemly quite barren with stunted Mopane trees ( Colophospermum mopane) however holds lots of game. Nice herd of Wildebeest on the way there. Also the ever photogenic Zebra and of course Impala. Sadly a huge herd of Buffalo had disturbed the pride of Lion so did not spot them.
Thus had to resort to G & T's in a magical place sounds of the Buffalo herds and to my delight the sound of the Double banded Sand Grouse ( Call sounds like “Don’t weep so Charlie”)coming to join us for Sundowners on the Mwaleshi River.
Night drive on the way home Genet’s and four toed Elephant shrews plus a very obliging Civet which to the delight of David and Marcus posed for photographs. Home hot shower,change of clothes and treated to another 'hit the spot' supper. Engaging conversation with keen minds rounded off the day. | | | | | Date: | 22 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Gerard Fagan | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | Jacques flew in to Mwaleshi Airstrip with 9J RHE,on time, and three new Guests deplaned (as said in the States) luggage into the Land Cruiser with Lawrence then a short walk to Camp with the guests as the introductory walk and is about 5km. An English couple Fiona and David and Marcus from Germany. Both the men had good cameras especially Marcus and which was to prove a good talking point around the campfire at night. Many many questions on the walk who am I, how old,where from and many more reminded me of the “Home Alone” movie where Macaulay Culkin asks a succession of questions. Highly enjoyable for me,the questions that is. The walk was uneventful with the ever present Impala everywhere, also Puku, Warthog, white tailed Mongoose (unusual to see during the day) and a lone Wildebeest. A Lilac Breasted Roller presented itself suitably for a photo which David and Marcus took full advantage of and as I was explaining why they were called Rollers the LBR flew up high with a steep turn at the top of its climb, then proceeded to roll all the way down.
Before supper David and Fiona spoke about their dietary requirements to me – there had been a note on the booking sheet so I was forewarned- and after talking to the Chef ,Brightwell, it was not a problem for us to accommodate them.
The walk that afternoon was pleasant……still in the beginning of a relationship phase so it was quite leisurely – there was just one slightly amusing incident: The Ebony Tree’s (Diospyros mespiliformis) young leaves have red instead of green leaves and David asked if I knew why. I answered in the affirmative. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing eventually I gave my explanation (lack of chlorophyl). It turns out my explanation was different from what David had been told at another walking camp. Sure that I am right!! ( I did consult the oracle,Google, and discovered that Scientists were divided.) There were continuous sightings of Impala, Puku etc plus the ever present bird life. Then 500m from Camp a herd of Elephant with young blocked our way in thick bush and as we were quite late were not able to wait. We had to walk in the river back to camp. Another fantastic supper and another dietary request also easy to deal with. After more banter around the camp fire we enjoyed another good night’s sleep.
| | | | | Date: | 21 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | The 21st of August, 2010 we went out on our afternoon drive and on way out we saw the following things, Puku, a big male Kudu, Impala, Bush Buck. And when we stop for sundowners we had a lovely view of Elephant crossing the Luangwa River, after that we drove around for about 25 minutes then we saw a female Leopard rolling herself on the ground. There after we saw Bush tailed mongoose, White tailed mongoose, Porcupine and Genets. | | | | | Date: | 20 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Stephen Banda | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | On 31st July we had new guests who arrived late afternoon around 15:30 hours. After 40 minutes rest we went for a walk. We saw a lonely zebra near camp, few impalas and puku. On the way back we saw a monitor lizard up in the tree and when he saw us he jumped down in to the water with a big splash. The following morning we walked up stream and saw a hippo, crocodiles yellow billed storks, saddle billed storks, white fronted bee eater and many more. Then we crossed the river and when I pointed to the cattle egrets Special who is the tea bearer spotted the lions. He whistled to us and said, lions !. We all turned round and looked to where he was pointing. The male stood up first went away then two females followed. Few seconds later another female walked away leaving two lying looking to where others were going. They looked behind saw us and dashed off quickly. We went to a water hole and there we saw a herd of wildebeests, some impala and puku. There after we saw a large grey mongoose before we crossed the river. On 1st August we had two guests who arrived at 14;00 hours. That afternoon we walked down steam and saw two hippos not far from camp. The next day we went to the mwaleshi luangwa confluence. About 30 minutes after we left camp we stopped for the hippo. Special and one of the guest were standing right on the way of this hippo. So when I saw that I said don't stand there because this hippo is going to come out. As I finished saying that, the hippo came out and we walked away very fast. We carried on walking to the confluence. Then we decided to stop for tea. But before that we saw pel's fishing owl flying off from the near tree and then an eland on opposite bank of mwaleshi river. When I was serving tea, Claudia one of the guest was looking around with her binoculas and saw lions in the distance. We all looked and saw them. We saw three, but after we went close there were some cubs as well. I don't how many cubs they were I only saw two of them. As we approached them they started to growling at us from the bush they were hiding in. We left them and went to the confluence. When we got there, lots of crocodiles, hippos lying on top of each other. Two
guests left on 3rd of August while the two stayed on more night. On the same day we saw a zebras, wildebeests, puku, impala, and a big herd of buffalo.
| | | | | Date: | 20 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Stephen Banda | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: |
New guests arrived on 4th of August late morning. So they didn't do morning walk but in the afternoon. We saw one bull elephant crossing the river not far away. The next day which was the 5th August we did not see much. We stopped at the water hole waiting for the wildebeests to come for a drink but they did not appear. When we got to the crossing we found two elephants drinking water. Later on the afternoon walk we saw two hippos in the water and when they saw us they moved out of water very fast. The other morning walk was very quiet until at the end of the walk when we saw fresh looking lion tracks. We tried to track them but no lucky this time. From there we came across the elephant about 100 meters in the grass. He was herding for the water so we had to retreat very quietly. As we were approaching the camp we again came across two elephants this time very close but they were behind the big mopane tree. We turned back and crossed the river. But as we were getting ready to take off our shoes one elephant crossed and went to the side we wanted to go. So after we crossed we walked away from him. We could not see him but we heard him in water then kept on walking until we finally got into the camp. On this safari we did not see any buffalo or lions. The day the guests left the lions appeared and killed a zebra not far from camp. This was on the 9th of August and I had no guests for one day. The next guests were coming next morning from chikoko which is one of Remote Africa Safaris walking camps in south luangwa national park. So I had one day off and checked on other things around camp.
on. They like birds so we stopped mostly to watch the birds. In the distance we saw a herd of buffalo more than 500. We could not go near them since it was already getting late, that we started walking back to camp.
| | | | | Date: | 20 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Stephen Banda | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Mwaleshi Camp | | Blog: | On the 10th we got our new guests early in the morning and they asked to walk from the airstrip to camp. Since they arrived at o8:10 hours we had lots of time to do the walk to camp. We did not see a lot but they liked it. In the afternoon we had a short walk and saw puku, zebra, monkeys, impala and warthogs. The following day we went upper mwaleshi where we saw the fishing party of the yellow billed storks, saddle billed storks and many other birds. There after we walked to a water hole and found the wildebeests coming for a drink. They were 18 of them with young of last year. Before we got to the crossing we met the elephants that we had to go behind the trees to let them go because they were going to the river. On 12th of August we decided to walk down mwaleshi for we heard the lion roar at night. We couldn't find them but instead we saw a family of elephants drinking and crossing. Then later a crocodile swimming as we walked on top the bank. As we were going to cross near the camp we found a big python which about 4 meters. We watched him moving slowly. I was attempted to touch the tail but I thought it would be silly since I have never touched a snake on my own. We left it and got back to camp. Before lunch time a herd of buffalo came near the camp. We have been looking for the buffalo for the past two weeks and now they have just appeared to us. They stayed where they have been lying until late afternoon. Then they came near the dinning room about 20 meters that we did not move for an hour. So we only walked for 45 minutes. Two elephants joined the buffalo where they drunk water and later we saw another one on, our short walk. I got 3 new more guests on 12th late morning and they were lucky because thats the day the buffalo came in to camp before lunch time. On friday morning we saw the fishing party of the different storks a crocodile on the sand which did not move, zebra, puku and later impala mixed with wildebeests. On this afternoon we drove to a water hole and walked around it. Nothing only two large grey mongoose drinking water. This was my first to see large grey mongoose drinking. Also this day from morning to afternoon was a wildebeests day since we saw lots of different herds. The first herd were 18, then 5, more than 10 and the last one was a big herd about 50 near the air field. Four guests left on 14 and I remained with 3 who were leaving the next day. So I took them on the morning walk and saw three different families. One family had two small babies less than a year old. At dinner time we heard the screaming of a buffalo from the other side of the river. I said the lions were killing the buffalo. So in the morning we walked to the directions we heard noise. When we got to the water hole we found the footprints of the lions but we didn't see them, instead we saw the remains of the buffalo. On the other side of the water hole were vultures circling and we went to check there was a dead lioness. I checked on its tail it had no black tip and it was the one which we saw in the beginning of season which was ill. After that we went to the air strip.
After one day off new guests arrived on 16th August. They landed at mwaleshi airstrip in the morning at about 08:05 hrs. We walked from there to camp. On the way we saw lion tracks and tried to look for them but not found. Later in the afternoon we saw wildebeests, kudu, bush bucks, impala and puku. We also saw some elephants in camp after dark. In the night we heard lion roaring not far from camp. We walked to the direction we heard the lion roar but not found. There was a fishing party of yellow billed storks on one of the drying water holes. On the other water hole we sat down there in the shade for half an hour and watched warthogs, wildebeests, impala , zebras and a large grey mongoose all drinking water. It was great. My last three day safari was great. We saw lots animals and we managed to fin the lions which have been missing for a while. We one roar near camp then followed it and found him walking. He did not see us. Then we went to a lagoon and saw four different ones. And in camp the elephant were eating right in front of camp. What a lovely ending of my stay at mwaleshi. I might be back to the north. It is a lovely place. | | | | | Date: | 20 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Alex Phiri | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | About two days ago, I went out on the walking camps with three guests and these are the following animals spotted as we were walking, lions on a buffalo kill, water buck, zebras, Impala, baboons and lots of birds like herons, marabou stork, love birds and doves.
Last day on walking, we saw big herd of buffalo, one giraffe and lots Hippos as we were crossing the river.
This morning, I went out for a drive with four guests as we had the breakfast in the bush, before we stopped for our breakfast, we saw two male lions and a mating pair. We also saw few groups of elephants and other game like zebras, puku, Impala and other things like baboons and birds .
| | | | | Date: | 20 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Friday the 20th of August, 2010 I was with guests who wanted to see the Lions and Leopards, however, just after we had tea and coffee at 3:30hrs in the afternoon we set off on a game drive andon our way out we saw the following things: Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Giraffe, Elephants, Puku, Impala, a troop of Baboons fighting for food. After sundowners we saw two male Lions lying on the edge of the lagoon with their bellies full, we also saw two Leopards one female and one male on different sightings, a couple of Honey Badger and Hyena | | | | | Date: | 13 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | We had very good game drive on 13th August, 2010 and we saw the following things on our way out, a very big herd of buffaloes about a thousand going down a river bank to drink, two bull hippos fighting in the water, Puku suckling and Impala. And when we stopped for our sun downers we saw about 24 Elephants crossing the river searching away all the Hippos and Crocodiles from the way. After that we drove away and we heard Puku making an alarm call, we stopped, we looked carefully and on a distance there was a big male Leopard going toward the Puku. We waited until that Leopard came closer to us and walked passed us. Then after he started hunting and we left him taking his time to hunt, as we were driving to camp we saw two Porcupines, Civet, Genets and Mongoose. | | | | | Date: | 12 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Alex Phiri | | Outing: | Chikoko Walking Trail | | Camp: | Chikoko Tree Camp | | Blog: | The last two days we have been walking in our walking camp Chikoko and Crocodile and the first morning we walked to Chikoko and these are the following things we saw in the morning few family herds of elephants, lots of antelopes, few buffaloes, two lions one male and a female.
About 500 meters from Chikoko, we saw more elephants, zebras, waterbuck and a male Giraffe under the winter thorn tree which stayed there for about three hours.
In the afternoon we saw lots of zebras, Impala, birds as it was in the morning and as we were going back to camp, we heard the velvet monkeys barking but I decided not to go there because it was getting dark.
The other morning we saw almost the same things but we did not see lions and in the afternoon we saw a big herd of buffalo at big lagoon as they were going for a drink.
This morning we saw lots zebras, four Giraffe and about 26 Eland.
| | | | | Date: | 11 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Last night the 11th of August, 2010 we went on a game drive and we saw the following things, a big bull Elephant crossing the river, Zebras, Bush Buck, Impala, Puku and a female Leopard up the tree. She had no kill but she was looking at the Puku and Impala which were on the other side of the road. After that we saw two Porcupines, Civet and Genets. | | | | | Date: | 10 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | After we had our tea and coffee at 3:30hrs in the afternoon we set off on our drive and the following are the things spotted on our way out, Impala, Puku, Bush Buck, African Fish Eagle stealing fish from the yellow billed stork, Hippo feeding on the sausage fruit and a big herd of Buffaloes browsing on Capparis tometosa .Soon after our sundowner drinks we drove for about 15 minutes when we spotted some eye shining on a distance, we stopped and we looked on that direction we saw two Hyeana feeding and fighting for the kill. We went near then I told my spotter to shine the light on the left side and the female Leopard was just lying behind the dead log hiding from hyenas whilst watching them eating her kill. She tried to get near with the intention of feeding on scrapes but unfortunately nothing was left. On our back to camp we saw two Porcupines, Genets, Civets, Mongoose and Scops Owl | | | | | Date: | 09 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Alex Phiri | | Outing: | Morning Walk | | Camp: | Chikoko Tree Camp | | Blog: | On the 5th of august, we had a very good walk during morning and afternoon as we saw lots of game which includes Elephants, buffaloes, hyena; three lionesses with one cub on a buffalo kill. We also saw lots of vultures, two eland, pels fishing owl, Water buck, zebras, puku, Impala and lots yellow baboons as this is the spiece we get here.
On the afternoon walk we saw one giraffe, lots of antlopes and Elephants also Zebras.
| | | | | Date: | 09 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Monday the 9th of August, 2010 we went on our afternoon drive and the guest I had wanted to see the Lions, they said, they have never seen Lions before. So on our way out we saw the following things, a big herd of Buffaloes going down the river to drink, two male Giraffe on the edge of river bank looking at the Buffaloes. Just after our sundowner we heard the Lion roaring at the distance then we went to have search from the direction it was calling, we saw it lying on sand and few minutes the Hippo came walking passed the Lion just about 3 meters away from the Lion, in fact we all thought that something is going to happen but nothing went on apart from the Lion giving way to Hippo. On the way to camp we saw giant eagle Owl, Mongoose and Genets | | | | | Date: | 03 August 2010 16:00 | | Guide: | Bryan Jackson | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | We are busy at the moment, so instead of having 3 drives down on riverside I decided to head to the Salt Pan in the never ending hope of finding Wild Dogs.
We had just reached Kakonje pan when we notice all the Impala running flat out away from the open area and heading toward us. I said there must be Wild dog here some where, Antelope only run like that with out alarm calling when there’s Dogs around.
No sign of them, so we headed to the Hot spring hoping that they may be there. We had Sun Downers at the spring, not an animal in sight. Back to Kakonje and headed off in the direction the Impala had come from. It was getting a little dark but the grass had been burnt so it was easy going. We had gone quite a way and we still hadn’t seen anything so I decided to turn round, but Amon suggested we carry on and meet up with an old road and come out at the back of the Pan. I wasn’t too keen as no one had used the road for years and I wasn’t sure where it was anymore and it was getting dark. But he assured me he knew the way. My doubts returned when we hit the long grass, I was thinking of Mopane stumps and punctures. Just as I was about to turn back a Lion roared, somewhere in the long grass close by. We turned to look for the Lion but after 30m in long grass I decided to stop, Amon searched with the spot light, I stood on my seat looking over the grass into the distance, then Amon shone the spot light at the grass just by the car and there she was, 5m away on my side of the car starring at me, I sat down very quickly.
By some miracle we came out onto the old road at the exact spot planned for. ( We are going to go back and fix the road before trying that again). Back along the main Rd from the Pan we came across Genets, Scrub Hares, White Tailed Mongoose, 2 Giant Eagle Owls, 3 Giraffe, several Elephant groups and a very shy Leopard, we had very good views of her but she wouldn’t let us get close, | | | | | Date: | 03 August 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Alex Phiri | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | The past two days we had been having very good sightings of the following animals during the day, baboons, puku, Impala, zebras, Elephants, Giraffe, lots of birds and also some buffaloes.
After sundown, we saw two leopard different sightings and also lots of genets, mongoose few sightings of porcupines and civets.
| | | | | Date: | 01 August 2010 06:00 | | Guide: | Bryan Jackson | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | The plan this morning was to and sit and wait for the Crowned Cranes to fly into the Delta. They arrive daily at 8.00 - 8.30 so we wandered around the riverside road looking for what ever was around at that time of the morning. The game viewing is generally quite slow at that time of the day, most animals head off out into the open areas away from the river at night for safety, and only start returning around 7.00 each day.
It was a little cooler this morning so the Cranes only started arriving at 8.45, always makes me nervous when you say something will happen at a certain time and there’s no sign of it happening at that time. But they did oblige and 200+ birds flew in with much noise (as someone said, asking for landing permission).
There was a request for Giraffe, the only place I had seen Giraffe recently was the Wafwa. On reaching the Wafwa we saw Isaac having tea, he called us over and told us of 3 Lion in the long grass. We would never have seen them they were so well hidden.
Giraffe was still the mission. Over Croc bridge to the second Ebony grove, Elephants standing in the road. One youngster was feeling brave and started shaking it’s head and running at the car only to chicken out when we didn’t move, he caused one mother to come take a look at us, she gave a small shake of the head, more to help salvage the youngsters pride then to frighten us. Still no Giraffe.
Onto the Wafwa island Tobie yelled Leopard, there walking along the drift was a female Leopard, she came up on top and we manoeuvred into a position were she had to walk past us. She sat down, posed, looked around, and walked within 10m of the car. There was a short time when she thought of hunting a Bush Buck but it was a very half hearted attempt. She eventually disappeared into a thick bush.
It was getting late so we headed home for lunch. | | | | | Date: | 30 July 2010 16:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | We went on our afternoon drive at 16.00 hrs, and these are the things spotted on the way :- martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, lots of Impala and Puku, Elephants crossing the Luangwa river. After they had crossed the river they started having a dust bath, in fact there was a baby Elephant of about 18 months old and it started rolling in the sand.
After we had our Sun Downers we drove off and we saw a Leopard lying flat-flat in the middle of the road, her belly was quiet full. To her left side in the Thickets was a kill which she was hiding from Hyaenas. We saw also Scops owl, White Tailed Mongoose and Black Necked Spitting Cobra. | | | | | Date: | 30 July 2010 00:00 | | Guide: | Bryan Jackson | | Outing: | Morning Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | This mornings drive started slow, we went to the Salt Pan in the vain hope of catching the Wild Dogs.
What we did see was 2 big herds of Buffalo, several young male Zebras circling each other, one up man ship was the name of the game with the occasional bite and kick thrown in for good measure.
100 or more Crowned Cranes flying into the Delta, Two Leopards on the remains of last nights kill, 2 Hippos fighting, 1 Giraffe and loads of Impala and Puku down by the river side grazing and drinking.
| | | | | Date: | 29 July 2010 16:00 | | Guide: | Mukupa Chisoni Zulu | | Outing: | Night Drive | | Camp: | Tafika Camp | | Blog: | Just after we had our tea at 15.30 we set off for the afternoon drive and the following things were spotted on the way out there:- Elephants, Bush Buck, Impala, Puku, and a small herd of Buffalo.
Then after we stopped for our Sun Downers, we only drove for a few minutes and we saw a Female Leopard, she walked passed us and started hunting a Puku which was on our right side. We waited for about 10-15 minutes while she was stalking, eventually she made a kill right in front of us. However, within another 15 minutes two Hyeana came and threatened this Leopard and got the kill away from her, by then the Leopard had not even started eating on the kill. We also saw Porcupine, Civets, Genets and Mongoose. | | | |
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