News / Camp News

 

The month started with slow, sunny days by the pool, and mild temperatures with the occasional thunderstorm. As the month progressed the rain increased and was a pleasant change to the warm, humid days. The night skies were clear and defined, and this month we were able to see Orion and his canine friend Canus Major. Taurus is moving over the zenith, followed closely by Mars.

 

And it has been nothing like previous years. The waters surprised us all this year and the initial rise in water levels has been nothing short of incredible. In four days it rose by just under a metre. The water came up so fast that the lilies had not yet had time to grow above the water level, creating a true lake around Jacana Island. Elephant seeking refuge came on to the island and spent the first night of the flood here.

 

Hundreds of red lechwe were running through the water to reach higher ground and we saw the most amazing multitude of birds scooping up fleeing insects as the waters rose.

 

Our boats are back in the water and once again Jacana is the ultimate Okavango water camp.

 

Excellent is not the word to describe the sightings this month past. Our resident lion pride finally showed us their cubs - four young males. Some time in the not-so-distant future they will become a force to be reckoned with, if they are able to survive through their first flood season. 

 

This has been the month of the lion at Jacana, and their regular visits to camp, while often unexpected, were always well conducted. The three times that "Broken Nose", the resident lioness, visited the camp she left with a young red lechwe kill. It was incredible to watch her chasing them through the water and ultimately getting the better of the inexperienced antelope.

 

Beauty, the resident female leopard, has not been seen for some time but our feeling is that she is happily raising her two cubs to adulthood in secret. There is a large male leopard that has been seen around the area for some time now, and he is becoming much more active and moving more freely around the Jao islands.

 

The flood season brings with it increased elephant action at Jacana, and we can be sure to see many in the months ahead. Already we are having daily visits and close encounters of the pachyderm kind.

 

"What a great time. Many good sightings: lioness and four cubs! Many thanks to Joseph - awesome tracking. Pieter and Danielle's hospitality, and the staff in general were excellent!" - Rick and Ruth, USA

 

"The perfect introduction to Africa - such a personal experience. Thanks for the camp elephant!" - Bob and Brooke, USA

 

"Wonderful place, great guides, what a view. Best first trip!" - PJ and Tony, USA

 

"Thank you for a wonderful stay in the Delta. Joseph was a great guide - we enjoyed our time with him and learned so much." - Barbara and Dale, Canada

 

Managers: Pieter Ras and Danielle van den Berg

Guide: Joseph Basenyeng

Regards from a wet Okavango Delta!