Golden webs and Big 5 visits: March at Umzolozolo
Nambiti Game Reserve is looking fantastic! Our dams are full to the brim, the rivers are flowing, and the vegetation is lush. There is an abundance of everything, from butterflies to wild flowers to wildebeest, and the predators are thriving.
The month has been a tale of two halves when it comes to elephant sightings. They were featured in most of our game drives in the first half of March as they explored the southern dams and valleys. The entire herd popped into the lodge as well. A few bulls sauntered up to the main lodge while the herd stayed around the access road and in the thickets. It made for an interesting evening when guests had to be escorted to their chalets after dinner! The elephant calves are growing bigger and braver by the day. They are full of sass and keep us thoroughly entertained when we find them on the road with the bigger cows around for backup.
Sadly, the herd journeyed into the far north for most of the last fortnight which made sightings fewer and further between.
Golden and Garden Orb spiders have been busy constructing their massive webs amongst the acacia trees. Threads of gold catch the sunlight at dusk while the morning dew reveals the multitudes. The webs are an architectural wonder. It is the large, colourful females who stand in the centre of the sticky traps waiting to wrap up their insect victims. As you can imagine, it is all screams and ninja moves when we accidentally drive into one of the webs!
There has been an interesting shift in the northern pride this month. Two of the young males have split from the pride, and have been moving along the eastern valleys from north to south and back again. They are looking strong and are clearly capable of fending for themselves. On a morning drive, our guests were treated to these two handsome cats strolling right up into camp! We followed them up to the drop-off steps and tracked them down to Hoopoe Loop. It is equal parts exciting and terrifying to know that these apex predators walk along our pathways! Field Guide Nols shared a rare encounter between these two males and a white rhino bull with her guests on an afternoon safari. Taking on a mammal that size is something that only young boys would dare to consider.
Field Guide Mark and his guests had an epic sighting this month when they watched one of the southern lionesses stalk a zebra at twilight. The big cat caught the zebra by surprise in the low light, but the evasive skills and strength of the zebra were not to be underestimated. Both animals ended up airborne at one point as the lioness attempted to bring down the 300kg stallion. It all happened in a few seconds, but it took a while for heart rates to stabilise. The zebra survived, but the wounds it sustained are evidence of its brush with death.
March has been a fabulous month for black rhino sightings. Not only have the moments been more frequent, but they have also been more authentic. Black rhinos have a reputation for being weary and secretive. They are fierce protectors and have mastered the art of a good stare down.
Up at the lodge we have seen good progress on the solar upgrades. The framework is complete and panels have started arriving on site. We hosted a bush boma braai (with Zulu dancers) and a few bush breakfasts this month down at Hoopoe Dam. It was festive and fabulous to enjoy the outdoor space with guests. Speaking of guests, we welcomed back many returning guests this month and it was truly wonderful to make more memories with visitors who have become family!
March has been phenomenal in so many ways. Let’s see what April has in store for us 😉
Head Guide Noleen Turner