The month of September on the flats has been a transition month for us here at Jao. The month started off as cool and windy but the sun was definitely not shy towards the close of the month and this heated the flats and caused a lot of evaporation, causing the water level to drop further.

 

We got our first hint of rain later on in the month and stunning sunrises and sunsets as the dimming light reflected on the clouds. Water levels continue to drop but boating and mokoro activities will not be hindered at Jao.

What a busy month for the Jao male lion - for a long time he has been unchallenged and probably forgot he had a territory to defend. Mid-month there was an unfamiliar scent in the air, a scent that seemed to trouble the old and experienced male. There is an intruder in the area and this brought the local male alive; on one night during a bush dinner the intruder called and the Jao male answered him, we were caught in between the two! The intruder was probably wary of the call and started to flee, the Jao male followed him, calling with an even more aggressive tone. They ended up on the Jao Island and the lion roar broke what seemed like silence that night. The intruder is still in the area, a bit skittish and unfamiliar with vehicles. Wonder where this lone predator hails from?

As the giants of the flora kingdom bloom, they attract the giants of the animal kingdom. We have had increased elephant activity in and around camp as the pachyderms vacuum the fallen leaves and flowers on whatever surface they are on. It is almost as if each room has an elephant for a mascot or guard outside all night every night.

On occasion two honey badgers are seen crossing the Jao floodplain, where they come from and to where they are headed is a mystery; we have however noted up a north-east to south-west trend in their movement.

The summer migrants are back and it is always a pleasure watching the yellow- billed kites acrobat through the air, black-headed orioles chirp for us as we have our brunch and the golden weavers never seem to miss the late morning meal. A martial eagle nest has been seen and visited on occasion and this raptor has been seen on occasion with a kill, quite impressive was with a large monitor lizard - what a pleasure to watch! 

As water levels drop there is a feeding frenzy at isolated fish traps as catfish surface from the drying water. 

We can only follow tradition, and a sundowner drink to celebrate the sunset and a wind down after a game drive or boat activity. We have celebrated the sunset with cocktails in and out of camp. We have also had a few outdoor dining experiences for brunch, dinner and high tea.

With the floodplain ecosystem around us we get to experience mokoro, boats and game drives all year round. Our day trip out to Hunda Island, with a packed picnic lunch has been a great and fruitful experience for all.

Managers: Neuman Vasco, Brett Ervine, Marina Lunga, Retha Prinsloo, Dan Chaknova, Mandy Sunderland and Cindy Swart.

Guides: Cruise Mollowakgotta, Alberto Mundu, Simon Tshekonyane, Johnny Mowanji.