My latest trip was extraordinary. We had stellar wildlife sightings with many fascinating behaviors and dramas witnessed, had incredibly deep cultural interactions, and the thrill of experiencing wild Africa on foot. I have lots of photos and video to process and stories to tell (and I’m still doing the same for my August/September trip) so my blog is going to be very active. The following is a synopsis of some of the highlights:

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa lived up to its reputation for night time leopard viewing.
© Bill Given

The core safari for this trip was 8 nights walking in South Luangwa National Park. The walking experience was everything I had hoped for and more. The guiding was outstanding, walks were conducted safely, and while we spent time learning about many interesting small things that are missed on drives we also had some astounding big game sightings on foot.

Top sightings on Foot:

• Walking through the bush we surprisingly found ourselves within 10 feet of a sleeping lioness who was unaware of our presence. When she woke she sprang up and ran away
• Spotting a leopard as it fled from a tree and we found its impala kill close by
• Lots of wonderful elephant viewing from close but safe distances
• Observing beautiful puku antelope, a real specialty of South Luangwa
• Excellent hippo viewing while walking along the picturesque Luangwa River

Our game driving was limited by our choice and almost only occurred after dark but we still had exceptional sightings. This area, without a doubt had the most productive night drives that I have ever had. By special invitation as a favor to me we also were able to accompany predator researchers for a survey where taped calls are played to attract spotted hyenas and lions.

Top sightings on Game Drives:

• An incredible lion hunt! First attempt they were detected by an impala herd. We then witnessed a second attempt that resulted in a kill and virtually the entire carcass was consumed in 13 minutes by 6 lions.
• A leap of 3 leopards including a male eating a baboon in a tree. Later that night we had a very relaxed sighting of the same male on the ground.
• African wild dogs starting to hunt with a full moon
• Civets and genets on every night drive.
• 3 brother lions of about 4 years in age
• Amazing colonies of Carmine bee-eaters nesting in riverbank cavities
• A partial albino baboon (not on a drive but rather from a hide at Chamilandu Camp)

The human element was important as the clients visited a school sponsored by The Bushcamp Company. They also visited Tribal Textiles, a wonderful local business venture producing terrific products. We also learned of a Solar Cooker project that was instituted by Manda, a top flight guide at Bilimungwe Camp, and my clients generously donated funds to purchase a solar cooker for the project. I will be sharing more details about this wonderful project on my blog in the coming weeks.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta & Savuti

One of a three male lion coalition by Mapula Lodge.
Photo © Bill Given

In Botswana the focus of the trip turned more to game drives and tracking predators. Flood waters had receded greatly in the weeks since my early September visit making more areas accessible.

Top Sightings:

• Wild dogs pursuing impala at Savuti, the leaps of the impala were particularly incredible to witness. Photos and a write up of this riveting experience have already featured on The Africa Safari Blog.
• 3 male lions hunting buffalo at Mapula
• Other lion behavior, drinking, grooming, head rubbing, claw sharpening
• Wild dog pack with 12 puppies at Sandibe
• Relaxed herd of sable antelope at Mapula
• Red lechwe in dramatic sparring sessions
• Buffalo herds with lots of mud wallowing
• Elephants greeting each other by putting trunks into the others mouth
• A hornbill feeding his mate inside of her concealed tree cavity
• A python attempting to enter a camp kitchen that I had to do a capture and relocation on

We had an extraordinary cultural experience by visiting Gudigwa Village where we had a meeting with the Village Elders who spoke to us in their ancient click language sharing their history and discussed the changes that have occurred in their culture. I also had a fantastic dialogue with them about my predator/livestock research. This was followed by traditional music and dancing, only to be topped by a huge impromptu celebration when it was learned that a member of the community won re-election as District Councilman. It was an unbelievable experience!

I will be giving much greater details in the coming weeks with in-depth write ups for each camp/lodge visited on this trip.