News / Camp News

Jacana Camp - March 2009

07 Apr 2009

Weather and Water Levels
The flooding of the Delta has begun and by no means has it stopped yet. We have once again had a month of splendour at this little paradise of ours, with splendid sightings and wonderful weather.

The annual flooding of the Delta ihas been one of the highlights of the past month. The water has risen more than a foot over the past weeks and is steadily increasing still. 

The rains in Angola are the source of this natural spectacle and the water takes about six months to reach the flats of Botswana. Here it will disperse over an enormous area and bring with it the promise of new life. It gives the 45-plus species of fish and other aquatic and semi-aquatic animals a much wider range over which to go about their daily routines.

Wildlife
Lions and leopards have been frequently seen with some interesting action going on between the resident male lion and a newcomer that have been fighting at our airstrip chasing each other around and pulling out each others fur. Beauty, our resident female leopard, appears to have successfully raised her cub and he has turned into a fine young male leopard. 

For our keen birders this has been a month to write home about, with incredible sightings. Birds of prey seen include sightings of a Black-breasted Snake-eagle eating a snake in flight and a Martial Eagle having a Marsh Owl for lunch. There is also a pair of Meyer's Parrots nesting on the island and they are working hard to raise their young.

Apart from all these exciting things it's also the time of the year when the marula trees ripen and the elephants are on the island daily. Toby, the resident hippo, is also visiting more and more as the water gets higher and makes our island more accessible for him.

One of the highlights of the flood is the increase in fishing opportunities! Tiger fish, bream and barbel (catfish) arrive in the Delta in big numbers and feed happily in areas where previously they could not go. This is also historically one of the events that the local fishermen wait for to catch their fill and take it home to their families and the markets.

Guest Comments
-"We will leave with many happy memories." Vanessa and Niel
- "The most wonderful bush experience ever." Yvonne and Kai
-"What a magical place and incredible experience." The Porters
-"Quintessential Africa!" Ed and Emma

From the management and the staff we wish our guests happy travels and the ones to come we hope to see you soon! Our warmest regards and greetings from the bush!

-The Jacana Team-

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