Makalolo Plains - November 2008
11 Dec 2008
Weather
The rains have started and days are cloudy with rain coming unexpectedly. We received 96.5mm this month. As a result temperatures have dropped slightly. In November the highest temperature recorded was 40˚C while the lowest was 16˚C.
Vegetation, Landscape and Water
The vegetation as expected at this time of year is lush and green; the air is filled with freshness and smells of the flowering plants. The water levels in the pans have risen and there is water everywhere for the animals and birds.
Wildlife News
With the onset of the rains and water and food available everywhere, game has dispersed somewhat. During this period new additions will be added to the animal populations: a wonderful time to see the new generation coming into the cycle of nature. It's a time of plenty for the herbivores, but it can also be a lean time for the bigger predators, even though they have a glut of young animals to prey on.
There are still resident elephant herds in the area, but the bulk of the population appears to have moved out of the area. The big herds of buffalo have similarly split up and smaller groupings are being seen. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra herds are seen daily on the Plains. Lions are seen every day, their numbers are healthy and sightings are many. An African safari would not be the same without seeing the so-called King of Beasts.
Probability sightings for the month of November were:
100%: chacma baboon, common duiker, elephant, hippo, giraffe, impala, black-backed jackal, greater kudu, lion, banded mongoose, springhare, tree squirrel, steenbok, warthog, common waterbuck, blue wildebeest and plains zebra.
81%: white rhino
68%: roan, sable
48%: spotted hyaena
29%: African wild cat
19%: eland
Birds and Birding
We recorded 161 species this month. The summer visitors are arriving daily. The nest building has started and some species like the Kurrichane Thrush have started feeding their young ones.
A Paradise Flycatcher built a nest in the same tree as the Red-headed Weavers. The weavers were not happy with this and destroyed the flycatcher's nest, only for him to build a new one a few trees away. It was not far enough for the weavers, who destroyed it again. He has had no option but to build a distance away.
A few nights ago the Helmeted Guineafowls were disturbed and their alarm calls keep a few light sleepers awake. The next morning, when investigations were completed, the feathers scattered at the base of their roosting tree told us that one of their number was taken by a predator. They have been attacked several times this month, but they still roost in the same tree.
Guest Highlights
"Makalolo Plains is a beautiful home away from home. The staff is outstanding, thanks to all of you for lovingly caring for us." - RA & GW - USA
"Elephants drinking from the pool, as we lounged beside it, would be hard to beat. The level of care and attention to detail is also remarkable- sometimes it was hard to remember we were deep in the wilderness." - JL & OC - USA
"Rhino walk in the bush, knowledge of staff about so many things, entertainment. Having animals so close to the room when we woke up in the morning, excellent meals." - B&A
Staff
Guides: Dickson Dube, Hupu Dube, Raymond Ndlovu, Lawrence Yohane, Godfrey Kunze
Hostess: Belinda McPhail
Management: Amon Johnson
Till next month from The Makalolo Team
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