Amakhosi Safari Lodge

Bush Beat (November 2009)

23 November 2009

It is official, the rainy season is in full-swing and Amakhosi has already recorded no less than 1290mm of rain so far, replenishing the earth and giving new life to the bush. Our game drives have certainly been filled with unpredictable fun and excitement, as our vehicles have been getting stuck regularly in the mud. Nearly all of the waterholes and dams have filled up and the Mkuze river is flowing with full force, resulting in us not being able to cross it some days on the northern side of the reserve. With so much rain in the area, the animals have dispersed all over the reserve, making it fairly challenging to locate them in the bush.

We have been spoilt rotten with sightings as the northern pride of lions treat us to their presence almost daily. The cubs are now reaching sub-adulthood, and it has been amazing to watch these little ones grow up in front of our eyes in good health and have learnt the tricks-of-the-trade when it comes to survival. The older cubs are joining in with the hunts, and although they are still learning and making a few mistakes, these teenagers will soon become true hunters as they were borne to be.

The breeding herds of elephants have also enthralled us with amazing encounters. With an abundance of food and water, they seem to be around every corner, doing what they do best …. cruising along and eating. It is truly a humbling experience to witness these gigantic prehistoric looking animals, who are always curious around our game drive vehicles.

With the bush exploding to life, the change of season is very evident. The Tambotie trees (Spirostachys Africana) are shooting their seeds, making distinct popping sounds, almost like popping popcorn, when the sun smiles over them - read more about the African Jumping Bean on our blog http://amakhosilodge.blogspot.com. The vegetation is boasting a luscious green hue whilst the ski is once again a picturesque backdrop of colour, with migrant birds re-turning for the summer season. This is an exciting time to be out and about at Amakhosi and even with all the rain and stay-in-bed weather, we can’t wait to get out there and share all the exciting things happening at the start of summer.

From one of the most beautiful places on earth, we hope to see you here with us soon, to experience life to the pulse of Africa.

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