Large predators always have an ability to evoke primaeval feelings of fear, respect and intrigue.

Under the cloak of darkness there are wars driven by competition, that are largely a mystery to us diurnal animals. Whatever the circumstances, seeing these animals, or hearing them call at night, stirs something within us that leaves us in awe and always hungering for more.

On a recent safari in the Zambezi Valley we were spoiled with sightings of some of Africa’s most powerful predators.

On one occasion we encountered a clan of thirty-one hyaena’s being held off a kill by a big male lion.

On another occasion we found two lionesses and their three cubs tucking into a kudu cow.

On different occasions during the safari we encountered a pack of twenty-one wild dogs, consisting of twelve adults and nine puppies. One of the dogs had a large bite-sized chunk out of his flank… probably a testimony to a skirmish with hyaenas.

Dave

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September is probably my favourite month. The winter chills have gone, the summer heat has not yet arrived, and signs of new life are everywhere.

Many of the plants are in full bloom, and even if they are not very showy, they will often fill the air with sweet fragrances. All our senses are stimulated to breaking point. Sensory overload is the order of the day.

Sights of unparalleled scenic beauty are compounded with the wildlife.  The sounds of animals and birds all around, and the smell of fresh scented flowers all contribute to why I love this time of the year the most.

Dave

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A recent safari in Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe, gave us amazing opportunities to spend some quality time with some old friends of mine.

There are few places in Africa where you can go and see a huge elephant bull standing up on his back legs in order to reach branches laden with succulent leaves. Mana Pools is one of these.  If you are here at the right time of the year and know which of the local residents have learned this amazing behaviour, you might follow one (on foot) and be lucky enough to see it.

Very few bulls have mastered this skill. When you consider their size and weight it is not surprising!  This behaviour seems to be learned, and those bulls that do learn to do this must have excellent balance to avoid falling and injuring themselves.Usually they practice this “circus trick” in the dry season before the acacia pods drop to the ground. Food is scarce then, and such an attractive tasty meal in such difficult times is a good incentive to practice their balancing trick.

Often the crack of a breaking branch will attract an entourage of followers!

Dave

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