Big storms & epic sunsets: February at Umzolozolo
The month of February is becoming more and more synonymous with big storms every year. Our panoramic views from the Umzolozolo deck provide the perfect lookout to watch the cumulonimbus clouds creep towards us from every direction as the tension builds in the atmosphere. As the lightning performs across the sky, the thunder rumbles through the plains and up the valleys. The lodge, however, remains a haven of comfort nestled in the heart of the bush, offering a perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity, a place where the wild beauty of South Africa can be experienced in luxurious comfort.
Nambiti Game Reserve is home to over 200 buffaloes. For the most part, they roam the grasslands and seek shelter in the wooded areas in two main herds. Both herds have experienced a ‘baby boom’ with many young calves skipping merrily behind their tenacious mothers. The vocalisations within the herd as they stay in touch with one another is like a dinner bell to the lions. We have shared a few entertaining encounters with guests as the two species interact. On a recent afternoon safari, the Umzolozolo guides and their guests watched on as a herd of buffalo picked up the scent of the southern lions. The whole herd turned towards the apex predators and proceeded to chase them down into a gully. A wave of 40 buffaloes mobilised to turn the tables on the hunters!
The elephant herd paid us a visit down at Hoopoe Dam. It was a group of bulls that provided the most entertainment as they converged on the dam to have a quick dip and inspect the surrounding vegetation for treats. We were quite surprised when the largest bull scaled the dam wall before dipping his trunk in the water and quenching his thirst. Views from our deck were wonderful as we watched the herd move across the open area and disappear into the foothills. Our elephant calves are doing well and are growing stronger. The youngest has started to master its trunk at the water’s edge, but is still adapting to browsing. They are our truest entertainers!
An update on the two cheetah cubs is that they are full of energy and have started to join their mother when she has a kill. They are exploring their habitat by climbing trees and chasing one another from thicket to thicket. This playful behaviour is honing their skills for stalking and hunting. Field Guide Siya enjoyed a moment with the family on an impala kill. The cubs are still suckling, but are also being weaned onto their carnivore cuisine. While sightings of them are still fairly infrequent, they are special and cherished by all.
Cheetahs are not the only spotted cats that have made an appearance this month. Our Serval sightings have been fantastic! Head Guide Nols shared an unforgettable encounter with her guests as a female stalked and hunted alongside the cruiser. On a morning safari up in the north of Nambiti, guests spotted the small predator to the left of the vehicle. She moved out onto the road, and then used her acute sense of hearing to detect something small in the long grass. As she zeroed in on the prey, she crouched down and then leapt into the air and disappeared into the long grass. We can only assume that she was successful!
At the lodge, there are new things on the go! Our rooms have been upgraded with key card entry and gas geysers. We are in the process of constructing a solar farm that will take us completely off the grid and reduce our carbon footprint. Hoopoe Dam has also undergone a few changes. The dam wall has been raised and there is a new section of road that will improve accessibility.
Umzolozolo welcomes a new guide to the team this month. Mark Steinfeld joins us from NJ More College and Marataba Luxury Lodges in the Waterberg. We welcome the young man to the family and wish him great sightings and wonderful encounters as he begins his field guiding career with us!
Stay wild!
Head Guide Noleen Turner