September Ranger’s Report

An Unforgettable September – From Snowy Safaris to Wild Dog Reintroductions

Wow! How do I begin to tell you what September has been like? Well, I suppose it would be appropriate to describe a game drive in the snow! Yes, you read correctly. Snow! On the 21st of September Nambiti Game Reserve received around 58 cm of snow. Snow started falling in the early hours of the morning and by the time we all woke up to start the day, the entire reserve was covered in snow. Deep, white snow. The landscape was completely transformed like never before. Not wanting to miss out on the occasion, a few of us braved the freezing conditions and headed out for a morning game drive. Viewing animals and birds in the snow was surreal. It was an unforgettable experience for guides and guests alike. Snowflakes floated by and left us mesmerised and bewildered. We even built a snowman at the lodge!

The snow soon melted away. Dam levels rose, rivers flowed and grass began to grow. Many weaker animals didn’t survive the icy, wet conditions. There was certainly a dark side to the white wonderland.

The month of September was historic for more than record-breaking snowfall. Three African Wild Dogs were released onto our reserve for the second time in our history. They have been closely monitored and continue to explore the south. Guests have been spoiled with amazing views of the newcomers. These carnivores are critically endangered, and we are delighted to be a part of their conservation.

Ostriches and Secretarybirds have been keeping us entertained. The flightless Ostrich males have been displaying their courtship routines with the loud roar-like call being heard on the plains. The charismatic Secretarybirds have been selecting nesting sites and avoiding the mobbing behaviour of the lapwings as they forage in the burnt patches in the west.

Besides the obvious excitement around the Wild Dogs, our Cheetahs have been in the forefront of some epic sightings! The brothers took down a young Blue Wildebeest close to the southern carpark, and our oldest female killed an Impala. Both sightings were intense and bloody.

With what happened in September, one can only imagine what lies in store for us as we head into the last quarter of 2024. Hope to see you soon!

Head Guide Noleen Turner