Safari Updates

Andrew's News:Lions were roaring close to the Lodge as we enjoyed our early morning coffee and when we found their tracks we were convinced that our luck was in. Then, seeing dozens of different vultures (White-backed, Hooded, Lappet faced) in a tree we circled around and around, but saw no lions. The vultures flapped from tree to tree but kept returning to the same area, convincing us even more that there was something there. While taking photos of the vultures against the bright blue morning sky         we heard that Shadow, a young female leopard was close by.Shadow was hunting some impala, but when they sensed her presence they disappeared quickly, and Shadow headed off with us following her. A few meters away she met up with her two young cubs and after a joyful greeting the three cats played together for the next hour or more. Photography...

Brendon reports:We found buffalo tracks soon after leaving the camp in the pre-dawn darkness. We tracked these and found the herd of buffalo all fast asleep. After scouting around to see if any lions were present (lots of excitement but no nearby lions) we returned to the now awakening buffalo. We captured some wonderful shots of the buffalo as they started to stir and move around on the wide open plains. The light as always at that time of morning was quite indescribably gorgeous, and the sleepy buffalo created perfect shots for us.We heard lions calling during last night  and wondered if maybe one of the prides had joined the pride at the buffalo kill. We headed in that direction and found that we were quite correct ... the two prides were feeding on the remains of the buffalo - and when I say remains, all that remained were a few...

From Brendon CremerWhat a day of rarities!Getting out to the Plains really early was a priority for us this morning. Firstly, the beautiful golden misty conditions allow us to take truly magnificent photographs and we wanted to catch up with the large pride of lions. We knew that they would still be resting after that kill two days ago, and we were keen to catch the early morning family interactions as the pride awakened.They did not disappoint.As we arrived, most of the lions were already awake, and a few decided to have some more of their meal. However, by this morning there was very little left, and tremendous tussles broke out as lionesses, cubs and subadults all vied for bits and scraps. Snarls, swatting, snatching, clawing, mock attacks, and intimidating growls kept us all entertained as our cameras worked busily to catch the dynamics.When the interaction started to calm down, we...

  The ODP Safari to Duba Plains got off to a spectacular start today. The ODP hosts, Brendon and Ben,  were at Maun to met their guests and as soon as the connection from Johannesburg arrived, the group boarded the aeroplane for Duba Plains. The hosts were delighted to see familiar faces as well as newcomers among the guests. The excitement was almost tangible as they flew over the area towards Duba Plains ... cameras already clicking away as magnificent aerial views swam past the windows. After lunch and the orientation briefing, everyone  eagerly clambered onto the vehicles, anxious to get out, start tracking and photographing. The large herd of buffalo have moved to the far side of the Plains, following a kill late yesterday. The ODP Safari group headed straight for the kill. And wow!!! The action!! The lions were feeding, but not just feeding sedately. Much action as the...