Well, hello there everyone! I do hope that you are splendidly well and have had a wonderful weekend, and that you really are ready for quite an epic update from Nkwali, which can only be described as a silly season update. The question is, where to start…
Let’s go with the wild dogs, which have been camped out in the area opposite Nkwali. The pack has settled there this week with the puppies, so, as you can imagine, the interactions and sightings have been simply incredible. The standout sighting, however, had to be when, shortly after a hunt, the pack regrouped but realised that they were two puppies short. There was a lot of looking around and a little panic before they started calling and calling, and didn’t stop until the puppies found their way back to the pack. As you can imagine, the family reunion that ensued was quite something to watch, and quite the relief!
With so many mouths to feed, the dogs have been very busy hunting, so there has been plenty of activity. With the season’s young beginning to arrive, some of those hunts have been very successful, although a small meal doesn’t go far amongst a hungry pack.
Whilst on the subject of babies, just to clarify, it’s all about the piglets, monkeys, puku and, as of this morning, the impala. It’s feasting time for the predators, that is for sure. During the week, there was an amazing sighting of a leopard taking a young puku. Just as it was about to enjoy the reward of its hard work, a hyena charged out of the bush, practically rugby-tackling the leopard, which very, very quickly clambered up the nearest tree whilst the hyena made off with an easy meal.
Speaking of hyenas, they are also showing off at the moment, as we have a den in the area opposite Nkwali with quite a few cubs. In the late afternoon, when it starts to cool down, the cubs come out to explore and suckle, which is a fabulous treat for everyone to sit and enjoy.
Lions — well, three males have moved into the main area and chased out the coalition of two, who have, to our benefit, relocated to the Nkwali end of the National Park. They, too, are treating us to regular sightings.
It’s not just the predators, though. Let us not forget the wonderful and colourful treat of this time of year, as the carmine bee-eaters fill the riverbanks with their huge colonies and seemingly endless noise and activity. They really are particularly beautiful birds, it has to be said.
My favourite, though, has to be the elephants, who have been everywhere this week. Whether in camp, around camp, in the park or crossing the river, they have filled any quieter moments the guests may have been having. It really is quite easy to pass plenty of time parked in the shade, watching them as they move through the bush, eating and interacting with each other.
Golly, so there you have it! As you can see, it’s been non-stop this week, and I am sure we shall have just as many amazing sightings to report next week. For today, I shall bid you a very fond farewell and hope that you have a wonderful week ahead, with plenty of smiles and laughter.
