LAKE MANZE CAMP

News from Selous Game Reserve

Just a quick update on the coalition of the three new lions in the area.
It has transpired that two of these lions come from the Beho Beho pride that joined up with another lion, origin unknown at this stage. This force has now moved in with the Manze pride bringing the pride to six.
Unfortunately, the young male from the Manze pride was unceremoniously ejected after a small violent tussle that left the one lion with a bloody mouth and the Manze young one with some deep scratches on his stomach and a badly bruised ego. He has been seen on five occasions wandering past the dining area next to the lake in search of greener pastures. The young one will have to wait for a couple of years or form his own coalition to have any impact on the Lion DNA pool in the area.

Has Manze created a safe area for our Elephants? On several occasions an Elephant was lying down taking a nap next to the dining area. An amazing sight to see as it throws all inhibitions overboard and accepts that he is safe here in camp.
We have had daily visits from Mpondo, Chibuku, Mkufu and two other male Elephants as they gorge themselves on the Doum palm fruits dropped by the Vervet monkeys and Baboons. Breakfast and lunch with these giants do put a new spin on gourmet meals.

We have experienced two nice rain storms which has prompted the growth of the much-needed grass for the Impalas, which in turn has allowed them to start dropping the new born babies. So, we await the imminent return of the Wild dogs as they will need the sustenance provided by the Impala to feed the pups. Hopefully the young pups are big enough to travel. We wait with abated breath.
See you soon.
Safe travels.

By Shaun, Milinda and all Manze Team.

MDONYA OLD RIVER CAMP

News from the wild side

‘ Diverse ‘ could well describe this month of September that flew by without giving us a fresh breeze of the winter leaving us. How could you describe the feeling of standing at night next to a young leopard lying on the side of the path leading to your tent? What emotions would you discern when a pack of wild dogs suddenly appears on the road, leading you to the next breathless adventures? How deep is the relaxing feeling of watching hippopotamus basking in the afternoon sun? Amazement or fear while a lion roars next to your vehicle in the heat of the day?

Those are the sensations felt by our guests on this transitional month of September. The last leaves are falling on the dry sand, the water disappeared from most waterholes, yet animals have never been so exciting to watch.
Mdonya Old River Camp fell asleep with lion roaring in the distance, followed by curious hyenas calling for reinforcement.
The exhilarating emotions taking over your body are uncontrollable while watching a herd of over four hundred buffalos running through the dry river. The vibrations of their hooves hitting the softer sand, creating clouds of dust and invading your nostrils. Their pace is as rushed as your heartbeat while watching the chaotic herd moving through.

Lunch break has arrived but your mind is too inhabited by the thoughts of what your eyes witnessed. The lovely smell of warm food and sweet juices arouse your mouth and you are back to the now. Sitting under the Ebony trees, the warm breeze still carrying the scent of the beasts, you are enjoying a freshly cooked meal under the watchful eyes of a bunch of giraffes.

On the road again, revived by the tasty food. All senses are on alert, on the ready to spot the next exciting animal. Suddenly the vehicle stops, in an acacia forest. Nothing is to be seen, our nose in the air, no specific scent indicating a presence. The guide and driver smile at each other. The trees are in motion, their last orange leaves softly falling on our shoulders. Only the sounds of cracking branches is present. The tension is at its highest. The guide turns around, happy to have kept the secret so long.
Pointing a finger at the base of tree a couple meters away from the vehicle, a beautiful leopard is lying under the thin branches. His camouflaged coat completely blends with its surrounding; he is invisible to inexperienced eyes.
Why not tell the rest of the story? It is simply too complex to describe emotions! Join us on your next adventure to Africa, feel the wind in your hair, smell the fresh lion kill, watch the most beautiful sunrises through the Lala palm trees of the Mwagusi river.

Until we meet again,
Iris, Kingsley and all Mdonya Team.