Sighting: Caracal Spotted in Nyika

Location: Chelinda Camp, Nyika National Park, Malawi

Date: 13 March 2012

Observers:  Sam Chiwayu

I was on my way to Mzuzu, about 30 km towards the Thazima Gate in the Nyika National Park, when I spotted an animal which at first glance appeared to be a duiker walking along the road, but after watching it for a few moments, I noticed that it was walking like a feline.

As I approached a little closer, I was blown away when I noticed it was a caracal! The elusive feline quickly slipped into the thick vegetation before I had time to get my camera out and take a picture. However, I had a clear view of the caracal and was able to positively identify it.

In 2010, we had a report of a caracal in the same area by a group of travelling guests. This is a great sighting indeed and we will keep our eyes peeled when passing through this area in future.

Sam Chiwayu