Summer Highlights: Big Cats, New Life and More
As the end of Spring gives way to Summer in Nambiti, the month of November has been truly spectacular! It is quite difficult to single out a few species to highlight, because game drives have been remarkable. I will give it a try.
From intimate moments with our big cats to being surrounded by the larger herbivores, November has had it all. The impala lambs, zebra foals and warthog piglets continue to delight guests with their adorable antics. Impala lambs have been on many carnivores’ menus this month. A sad thought, but a necessary bounty for our cats and dogs.
Both lion prides have been out and about providing us with quality moments to share with new and returning guests at Umzolozolo. We have observed them hunting, feeding, fighting, mating and roaring on a few occasions. The northern sub-adult cubs continue to grow bigger and stronger, with the three males already sporting impressive manes.
The cheetah brothers are thriving. They feature on most of our highlights reels every month, and November is no exception. We were fortunate to see a kill where they both took down a hartebeest calf for dinner, and on another occasion, we spent time with them on an impala kill. Our oldest female cheetah has spent some time in the south and visited the lodge a few times. She even hunted below our dam and successfully captured an impala lamb. We could see her from our deck.
With temperatures soaring into the mid thirties a few times this month, the elephants have been spending most afternoons swimming in the dams. They completely submerge themselves and can be seen splashing and frolicking in the shallows. We welcomed another baby into the family and it is adapting well in the lush conditions.
Our three wild dogs ventured further into the northern territory of Nambiti. They are being monitored closely by the reserve managers and field guides, but the general consensus is that they are adapting well. With just the three of them on the reserve, it is exciting to track them down and maximise our time with them before they explore the more remote areas.
News around the lodge is that we have Cape Wagtails and African Paradise Flycatchers nesting close to the offices. The chicks have all fledged now, but it was fascinating to watch them grow and get fed by the parents.
It is a glorious time to be in the bush, and we cannot wait to bring you more news from Nambiti as the Summer rolls around.
Stay wild!
Head Guide Noleen Turner