It was the eighth of October. I know this as it was Jana’s birthday and although our current residence is remote enough to save me and the credit card from a shopping trip, dinner out, ludicrously expensive wine followed by months of poverty - we can still celebrate.
With the guests departing on boats and walks, I took the opportunity, located the cider (not the expensive wine, I know, but still a favorite), commandeered a Land Rover and whisked her off into the bush.
Lake Makubi lies hidden by woodland and palm thicket north east of Sand Rivers, it’s the perfect place to switch off the engine and just wait and see – we got lucky (as did this male Lion).
In that 40 minute window of golden evening light this honeymoon pair appeared, ignoring us and everything else they continued with the schedule – about once every twenty minutes for up to three days (it’s enough to make your eyes water!).
Their presence set the impalas off barking and snorting in the background, clearly not convinced that the predator’s were completely “otherwise engaged”. To be fair to the antelope fraternity it is surely better to air on the side of caution with the big cats, none the less the lions didn’t even glance in their direction.
You probably won’t believe me but this time last year we took another birthday drive, same time, same date about 200 km north east of here……….the exact same thing happened! I recall the brand of cider was different but the effect on the lions was much the same!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Magic Light
Yesterday afternoon a mix of sun and rain cast a golden light over the Rufiji River in front of the lodge only to turn into the most incredible spectacle of colour and light at sunset. We have seen many stunning sunsets here in the Selous - but this one topped them all... and left us speechless.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Pups
The pack of seven Wild Dogs that we we’re photographing at the beginning of this season did something of a disappearing act in July.
We had sighted them last in the miombo woodland north west of camp which is exactly where they resurfaced yesterday after three months in hiding and to our great delight they are now a pack of ten!
The adults were as relaxed as ever – enjoying some sparse shade on a hot selous morning when these three pups appeared from behind the group, trotted past the vehicle and down into the cooler valley beneath us.
The guides are out searching for them again this afternoon but, the way these creatures move, who knows where they will pop up next? We will certainly be posting up the pictures when they do.
We had sighted them last in the miombo woodland north west of camp which is exactly where they resurfaced yesterday after three months in hiding and to our great delight they are now a pack of ten!
The adults were as relaxed as ever – enjoying some sparse shade on a hot selous morning when these three pups appeared from behind the group, trotted past the vehicle and down into the cooler valley beneath us.
The guides are out searching for them again this afternoon but, the way these creatures move, who knows where they will pop up next? We will certainly be posting up the pictures when they do.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Little Ones...
There’s three new heart breakers on the scene guys, it doesn’t need any further explanation to have you all oooohhhhhing and aaahhhhing at your computers.
These wonderful pictures were taken less than a kilometer away from our lodge at a sundowner spot called Lizzie’s hill and I’m delighted to say they were sighted again this morning!
These wonderful pictures were taken less than a kilometer away from our lodge at a sundowner spot called Lizzie’s hill and I’m delighted to say they were sighted again this morning!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Spotting Leopards
Let’s face it - if it was easy it wouldn’t be nearly as exciting, and a leopard sighting from the boat at stiegler’s gorge is hands down, pant wetting - exciting!
That splash patterning is not only breathtakingly beautiful but it serves as an incredible camouflage just about anywhere (I’m told there are leopards living in Johannesburg – how’s that for adaptable?!).
There is a dappled, morning light coming through the forest canopy that cloaks the steep sided gorge, turning every rock and stump into a possible leopard sighting. It is they who choose whether or not they are seen.
What a privilege that we were on board for this particular sighting and managed to get some snaps of this remarkable cat.
That splash patterning is not only breathtakingly beautiful but it serves as an incredible camouflage just about anywhere (I’m told there are leopards living in Johannesburg – how’s that for adaptable?!).
There is a dappled, morning light coming through the forest canopy that cloaks the steep sided gorge, turning every rock and stump into a possible leopard sighting. It is they who choose whether or not they are seen.
What a privilege that we were on board for this particular sighting and managed to get some snaps of this remarkable cat.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Out in the sticks
This lodge is all about the wilderness we live in.Dining, dipping in the pool, relaxing in your room and nodding off after a day of bush adventures are all accompanied by a breathtaking vista of the mighty Rufiji river.
We could hear the sawing call of a leopard as he made his way past camp last night, the grunting of hippos and the whooping of hyenas are a nightly chorus during dinner. We were sitting up in bed excited about lasts nights leopard performance, as you can imagine, our guests were buzzing this morning! Sounds pretty wild hey??
Believe it or not we can trump it……..try this on for size.
You leave the lodge in the late afternoon on one of our open game-viewers. Once the temperature has cooled a little you hop off the car with your guide and strike out on foot.
Rounding a bend to come across our home away from home for the night. A fly camp is light weight with minimal impact on the environment it is set in – we literally put it up and take it down for each group, moving around our own carefully chosen sites throughout the season.
We’ve arrived for the sunset and it’s high time for a Gin and Tonic, ice cubes in the glass of course as there are certain ceremonies that need standing on, even out here. As darkness falls the camp fire we’re gathered around becomes a focal point, guests begin to whisper as the sounds around us spur on active imaginations.
Several people jump when Francis (our waiter) calls us to the table for dinner. Three courses under the stars… decedent.
Our tents shield you from the insects without obstructing the night sky – there are few places left in the world with such little light pollution and a clear night sky here is nothing short of breathtaking.
The first light brings birdsong and fresh brewed coffee – we head out on a morning walk with Hamadi to explore the surroundings we slept in, checking the tracks to find out exactly what those noises were last night. In his 23rd year as a ranger/scout Hamadi is a legend in the bush, it’s really a pleasure to follow him.
Fly camping may not be for everyone, it is an option we arrange for those interested. If you have the slightest inkling this may be for you, if you’re looking for adventure and a story you can dine out on for years to come then trust us – this is the real deal. We love it.
We could hear the sawing call of a leopard as he made his way past camp last night, the grunting of hippos and the whooping of hyenas are a nightly chorus during dinner. We were sitting up in bed excited about lasts nights leopard performance, as you can imagine, our guests were buzzing this morning! Sounds pretty wild hey??
Believe it or not we can trump it……..try this on for size.
You leave the lodge in the late afternoon on one of our open game-viewers. Once the temperature has cooled a little you hop off the car with your guide and strike out on foot.
Rounding a bend to come across our home away from home for the night. A fly camp is light weight with minimal impact on the environment it is set in – we literally put it up and take it down for each group, moving around our own carefully chosen sites throughout the season.
We’ve arrived for the sunset and it’s high time for a Gin and Tonic, ice cubes in the glass of course as there are certain ceremonies that need standing on, even out here. As darkness falls the camp fire we’re gathered around becomes a focal point, guests begin to whisper as the sounds around us spur on active imaginations.
Several people jump when Francis (our waiter) calls us to the table for dinner. Three courses under the stars… decedent.
Our tents shield you from the insects without obstructing the night sky – there are few places left in the world with such little light pollution and a clear night sky here is nothing short of breathtaking.
The first light brings birdsong and fresh brewed coffee – we head out on a morning walk with Hamadi to explore the surroundings we slept in, checking the tracks to find out exactly what those noises were last night. In his 23rd year as a ranger/scout Hamadi is a legend in the bush, it’s really a pleasure to follow him.
Fly camping may not be for everyone, it is an option we arrange for those interested. If you have the slightest inkling this may be for you, if you’re looking for adventure and a story you can dine out on for years to come then trust us – this is the real deal. We love it.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
“Although the hippopotamus has no sting, a wise man would prefer to be sat upon by the bee”
Our massive amphibious friends have been keeping us well entertained of late. Cavorting in the channel in front of our breakfast deck, chasing each other across the sand bar, some romance and even a birth have been viewed by our guides and guests.
These three must have seen Jana and her camera coming….
“Here she is ….get ready”
“wait for it…….”
“Strike a pose!”
These three must have seen Jana and her camera coming….
“Here she is ….get ready”
“wait for it…….”
“Strike a pose!”
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