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Mana Canoe Trail - November 2008

03 Dec 2008

Weather
Cumulonimbus clouds teased on the horizon at the beginning of the month, threatening to deliver the precious rain to replenish the dry, dry bush. We were keeping our fingers crossed that the rains would hold back until the end of our trips but the clouds were pushed upon us by strong winds until the refreshing sprinkles of rain could be felt. The rains brought us cooler days and nights much to our appreciation but it did get rather humid with all that moisture in the air.

Vegetation, Landscape and the Zambezi River
With the first sprinklings of rain come new shoots of grass that creep through the overlaying dry leaves and debris of the dry season. As the month progressed the once bare earth is now covered in a green blanket of shoots that include indigofera, senna and albidas. The mopane forests have become a hive of activity as the sounds of cicadas are almost deafening when travelling past. These insects live in the ground and emerge after the first rains. The mopane trees are pleasing to the eye as they all have fresh leaves which bring brilliant greenery to the canopy of the forests.

Wildlife Sightings
Just the first drops of rain are enough to give the antelope and elephants a sign that water will be available elsewhere and as a result the game has dispersed into the hills that make up the Zimbabwean Escarpment. The game numbers along the shoreline have decreased but what is left behind did not disappoint. The impala are still in abundance and on our last trip the females were looking heavily pregnant, awaiting the rains later in the month to start in order for them to give birth.

One of the trips this month had some exceptional sightings of wild dogs and lion. The Ruckomechi Pack of 22 dogs were obediently awaiting the eager canoeists at the launch sight on our first day. On the second day at Chessa Campsite another pack of 15 dogs preyed on an unsuspecting waterbuck. Unfortunately we did not get to see the whole chase but heard the noise and went to investigate. By the time we had arrived the pack had almost finished their evening meal. We were very fortunate to see two packs in 24 hours.

On our first night at Vundu Campsite, the guests had just arrived at camp when the nervous giggles of the hyaena started. This continued on throughout the night so it was time to investigate as soon as the dawn greeted us. The guides and guests set out on a walk and approximately 500 metres behind the campsite they came across a pride of lions on a buffalo kill. The pride consisted of male, female and four young cubs. After all the noise from the hyaenas it was surprising to not see a single one lurking in the background.

Chessa Campsite has kept up its reputation for animal sightings throughout the season and on our last trip we had a magnificent elephant bull come through camp to bid us farewell. As the canoeists were approaching the campsite he was crossing the channel in front coming back from the island. This provided the guests some fantastic photo opportunities as they got within a few metres of him.

Birds and Birding
This month we had our first sighting of the African Paradise-Flycatcher for the season. This is yet another migratory bird that is a fairly common sight in summer. The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters are encountering a few difficulties this year as a large number of their colonies have been destroyed by the eroding bank. This has only taken place in the last two months. A fairly uncommon sighting for this month was that of the Western Banded Snake-eagle. This was seen on a walk in Mana Pools. The flocks of Opened-billed Storks approach like a black cloud as they soar over head. This is always rather spectacular watching them from the river's edge. On our last night at Ilala Campsite we were once again greeted in the evening by the pair of African Wood-owls. We had a last laugh over the imaginary conversation between the courting pair.

We come to the end of another successful season and with that we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2009. To all those who have travelled with us and those still to come, we hope to see you in the future joined by friends and family.

Staff
November was the end of our canoeing season and Bryan and Mathew finished the year in high spirits with the last two trips at the beginning of the month. It has been a very successful season - well done to the both of them. The back-up team have also had a fantastic season ensuring that all have a comfortable and memorable stay on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Take care, 
-The Mana Canoe Trails Team-
Images by Caroline Culbert

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