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December 2019 - Hwange National Park

December 2019 - A round up of some of the amazing sightings seen in as the decade comes to a close.

Images by Calvet Nkomo at Hwange National Park.

December 2019 - Hwange National Park

18 December 2019

Video by Calvet Nkomo at Hwange National Park

November 2019 - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe

30 November 2019
We've been getting some reports of more big cats in the Bumi Hills Area, which could be attributed to the conservation efforts in the area from Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (BHAPU).

Video by Ntando Mkwebu at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

November 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

21 November 2019
Despite the down pouring of the rains we still have some elephant bulls in the flood plan also good lion sightings as well in Mana Pools National Park.

Images captured by Lovemore Chiwara at Nyamatusi Camp.

November 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

21 November 2019
"After the rains there is a new birth to nature. In a land of acacia and a time of eternal summer.the destiny of a pluviophile rest in the fickle of the cloud. Daniella & Thomas Spoettel the adventurous couple explore and enjoy the night in the boma at Somalisa Expeditions ,under a black light discovering the hidden treasures of nature a site of a Opisthacanthus asper (scorpion)" Sydney Simbai Chadokwenda, one of our Somalisa Expeditions hosts shares with us.

Images captured by Sydney Simbai Chadokwenda at at Somalisa Expeditions

November 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

19 November 2019
Large buffalo herd at Mbiza Pan.

Video captured by Albert Paradzai at at Somalisa Camp

November 2019 - Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

17 November 2019
"Thorntree Mammoth 😁😁" professional guide, Phillip Masule, says about these daily visitors to the lodge.

Images captured by Phillip Masule at Thorntree River Lodge

November 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

14 November 2019
"Nature at its best, here are 4 amazing cheetahs presenting an incredible show during an afternoon game drive at Kennedy Siding in Hwange National park. The rival male wanted to mate but the two young males wouldn't allow this male anywhere near their mother." Clement Siafunda, our professional guide tells us about this unique sighting.

Video captured by Clement Siafunda near Somalisa Camp.

11 November 2019
This leopard was lying under an acacia tree and nearly got trampled by a zebra - interesting sightings in Hwange National Park!

Images captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

November 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

14 November 2019

4 November 2019
These young elephant bulls have learned from the resident 'Celebrephant' Boswell to stand on their hind legs to reach the fruit from the Ana trees.

Images captured by Lovemore Chiwara at Nyamatusi Camp

October 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

31 October 2019
These two brothers fight over the right to mate with the female. All is fair in love and war, power dynamics are a constant fluctuation within a pride.

Images captured by Lovemore Chiwara at Nyamatusi Camp

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

31 October 2019
October is a great month for sightings, because it is drier the bush is think and animals congregate around water sources for survival, predators are on the prowl to take advantage of the young and weak animals. Here you can see some highlighted sightings Calvet had seen in October including wild dogs, leopard and some other plains game.

Images captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

31 October 2019
Calvet is our expert about the family politics and dynamics of the resident pride of lions in Hwange National Park. We have a two part story about Cecil's Pride told by the man himself - read it here to find out the epic tale of coalitions, conservation and cubs. Here we see Humba & Netsai with the family all resting and happy in the summer sun.

Images captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

31 October 2019
Secretary birds use the same nests every breeding season. Here we see this one maintaining his nest, which they add to every year.

Images captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe

19 October 2019
Some scenes of Lake Kariba, including the iconic sunset over the water. These guests were lucky enough to see some lions on their stay which is a more rare sighting in the Bumi Hills Area.

Photographs by Corina, Andres & Amanda Klaeger from Swizerland during their stay at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

19 October 2019
Every year December / November Zimbabwe becomes very dry and hot and conversely very testing fort animals, it's a time where genetically weak and sick are eliminated from the herd. This seems harsh but in the long run strengthens the gene pool. This year Zimbabwe is experiencing a drought which is exasperating the number of deaths during this time. Here we see a lion taking down a young elephant in Hwange National Park.

VIdeo by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

18 October 2019
Typically, the lioness hunts the food and the male lions come to claim the goods. She decides that's not happening this time with her buffalo, she defends her kill by all means. 

Images captured by Banda Kutlwano at Khwai Bush Camp

October 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

16 October 2019
It's a privilege to witness a kill in Africa. These lucky guests saw this pride of lions take down a kill in the Khwai Community Area.  

Images captured by Banda Kutlwano at Khwai Bush Camp

October 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

16 October 2019

This resident female made a kill right outside of Khwai Bush Camp, she's alone with her 4 cubs currently, but has been hunting successfully nonetheless. Lucky guests got to see 2 kills from her!

Video Captured by Tshekiso Piet at Khwai Bush Camp

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

15 October 2019
A cheetah returns to his kudu kill after a successful yet exhausting chase.

Video Captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Linaynti Enclave, Botswana

14 October 2019
The Linyanti Area has seen fantastic wildlife sightings recently, our guides have noted that this is turning out to be a great year for wildlife activity. We have also experiences different sets of lions and wild dogs almost every week.
Take a look at what has been spotted, including the area's main leopard - Big Boy

Images captured by James '007'‎ Tsietsi at Linyanti Expeditions

October 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

13 October 2019
"Magical Mana" - A lunchtime snack on a sausage tree, an afternoon nap in the shade, followed by an encounter with some buffalo bulls. All in a days work for the elephants of Mana Pools. 

Images captured by Lovemore Chiwara‎ at Nyamatusi Camp

October 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

12 October 2019
"A real tower of Giraffe" - Calvet Nkomo and his guests found this tower of giraffes sheltering from the midday sun. Did you know that giraffes get most of their water from the plants they eat, meaning that they only need to drink once every few days.

Images captured by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

October 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

12 October 2019
Guests found a little surprise when coming across the Kanga Pride near Kanga Camp - a tiny cub who looks only a few weeks old. 

Images captured by Criffy Mandu at Kanga Camp

October 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

10 October 2019
This morning we came across a mother with a new born calf. The calf is just a few days old, still unable to balance and walk very well without the support of its mother. It will be a few years before this little calf is joining Boswell and the other elephants in Mana Pools as they stand on their hind legs and reach for the juiciest fruit.

Images captured by Lovemore Chiwara at Nyamatusi Camp

September 2019 -Lake Kariba - Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

27 September 2019

Today has been an extremely exciting day at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. For the past few months our guides have been recording evidence of cheetah in the area in the form tracks. This afternoon while out on a game drive, much to the excitement of both our guides and guests, we finally found our elusive cheetah! 

Images captured by Tatenda Taingarufu‎ at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

September 2019 - Lake Kariba - Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

16 September 2019
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is a birders' paradise and perfect for photographic opportunities! 

Image captured by Tatenda Taingarufu‎ at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

September 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

14 September 2019
Cherise at Kanga Camp caught one of our "guests" drinking straight from the pool. 

Image captured at Kanga Camp

September 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

11 September 2019
Nyamatusi Guides capturing photos of lion, baboons and elephant with natural framing all in Mana Pools National Park.  

Images photographed by Nyamatusi Guides at Nyamatusi Camps. 

September 2019 - Khwai Community Area, Botswana

10 September 2019
Our guide Banda calling all the shots! This leopard could not get enough of the sunset in the Moremi game reserve.

Images photographed by Banda Kutlwano at Khwai Tented Camp.

September 2019 - Khwai Community Area, Botswana

6 September 2019
Our expert guide Banda caught a rare image of an Aardvark - not once, not twice but three times! Only in Botswana! 

Images photographed by Banda Kutlwano at Khwai Tented Camp.

September 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

5 September 2019
Another superb day at Nyamatusi, Mana Pools. Our expert guides treated guests to sightings of hippo and elephant grazing together, waterbuck, Southern ground-hornbill and wild dogs.  

Images photographed by Nyamatusi Guides at Nyamatusi Camp.

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

30 August 2019
Guests at Nyamatusi were in awe with Mana Pools recent sightings of lion, the lappet-faced vulture and elephant.

Images photographed by Nyamatusi Guides at Nyamatusi Camp.

August 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

30 August 2019
Calvet Nkomo and his guests have been very fortunate with sightings in Hwange. Rare sightings include cheetah, wild dog, sable and porcupine. The Spice Girls also made an appearance in a separate sighting with an impala kill. While feeding, dominate males - Humba and Netsai heard the commotion and stole their kill.

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp. 

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

29 August 2019
Our Nyamatusi guides are at it again, capturing the beauty of Mana Pools. This time guests had sightings of a troop of baboons, elephants and zebra. 

Images photographed by Nyamatusi Guides at Nyamatusi. 

August 2019 - Khwai Community Area, Botswana

29 August 2019
Guests had a lucky encounter with a hinged terrapin at Khwai Bush Camp. Our expert guide, Maxwell also managed to capture images of a banded mongoose and leopard. 

Images photographed by Maxwell Tidimalo at Khwai Bush Camp. 

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

28 August 2019
Our resident Nyamatusi pride made two kills right in camp this morning around 5am. What a sighting to wake up to while on safari. 

Images photographed by our safari guides at Nyamatusi Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

27 August 2019
"Exceptional ground level paitined wolf experiences - only in Mana Pools!"
Mana Pools National Park is known for its walking safari experiences, today guests at Nyamatusi Camp came across a pack of wild dogs while out on a walk. Guests got to enjoy watching these guys as they played and relaxes in the afternoon sun.

Images photographed by our safari guides at Nyamatusi Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

25 August 2019
While out on a drive this morning we came across a mother elephant soon after giving birth. The baby was still wet and could hardly stand. The mothers protective instincts over her new baby kicked in quickly and she blew dust in our direction. We immediately gave her and her new baby some space and watched from a distance as they started their new journey together.

Images photographed by Marieth Mashonganyika at Kanga Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

23 August 2019
Boswell and friends at Nyamatusi Camp - Mana Pools
Boswell has become famous across the globe for his ability to stand on his hind legs, allowing him to reach the high up, ripe and juice seed pods.

Images photographed by our safari guides at Nyamatusi Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

19 August 2019
While a pack of 6 painted dogs were taking a break after feeding from an impala which they had killed about 300m from Kanga Pan. A spotted hyena sneaked in to steal some leftovers, unfortunately the spotted hyena was spotted by 2 vigilant dogs. This is what happens if you sneak into someone's kitchen to steal some food.

Images photographed by Marieth Mashonganyika at Kanga Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

16 August 2019
Mana Pools National Park is showing off again! this remote wilderness area is currently experiencing phenomenal sightings. Don't believe us, take a look at our image gallery.

Images photographed by Nyamatusi Guides at Nyamatusi Camp

August 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

19 August 2019
These elephants showed up just in time for lunch today at Kanga Camp, much to the delight of our guests.

Images photographed by Cherish Nanziwe at Kanga Camp

August 2019 - Linyanti Enclave, Botswana

6 August 2019
Have you met "Big Boy"? Big Boy is our resident male leopard in the Linyanti area. He has been out and about frequently this week, much to the delight of everyone staying at Linyanti Bush Camp.

Images photographed by Oral Des at Linyanti Bush Camp

August 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

5 August 2019
These three male lions successfully hunted down a buffalo in Khwai this afternoon. What an incredible sighting for the guests out on their game drive

Images photographed by Banda Kutlwano at Khwai Bush Camp

August 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

2 August 2019
After a beautiful Hwange sunrise to signal the start of a new day in the Somalisa Concession, we came across a very sleep lion. Later, during our morning coffee stop, this elephants picked up the delicious coffee aromas and decided that they too wanted to join our morning gathering.

Images photographed by Dophas Tshaba at Somalisa Camp

July 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

29 July 2019
in the words of Calvet Nkomo "The Daka boys at Ray's pan looking at us as if we owe them some money"

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Expeditions

July 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

29 July 2019
The son of Cecil is now 4 years and 7 months and was spotted this morning close to Kennedy 2 pan. He was in the company of 2 lionesses who are suspected to be Jericho's offspring. His brother, who he is usually seen with, is thought to be with the 2 spice girls who are still avoiding Humba and Netsai while they raise Bhubesi's cubs. (Read more about the lions of Somalisa and the story of Cecil's Pride, Part 1 & Part 2) 

 
Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Expeditions

July 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

23 July 2019
How adorable are these guys? These cubs were walking down the road, but when they noticed their mother's body language show that she was about to start a hunt they looked for a nearby bush to hide in for the day. These are the cubs of our local male lions Humba and Netsai who's territory includes the Somalisa Concession. (Read the story of Cecil's Pride, Part 1 & Part 2) 

 
Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Acacia

July 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

23 July 2019
This young leopard decided to test our its hunting skills by stalking a hornbil while its mother finished her meal of a kudu which they have spent a few days feeding on.

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Expeditions

July 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

20 July 2019
Guests staying at Khwai Bush Camp have been spoilt with fantastic wildlife sightings recently, turns out some cats don't mind getting a little wet.

Images photographed by Maxwell Tidimalo at Khwai Bush Camp

July 2019 - Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

19 July 2019
This morning James Tsietsi, or James 007 as he is fondly known as, took our guests on a walking safari where they came across a herd of buffalo. They got the opportunity to sit and relax on the bank while watching and photographing the herd.

Images photographed by James 007 Tsietsi at Linyanti Expeditions

July 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

17 July 2019
A happy family, Cecil's daughters having an early drink with their cubs at Ngwehla plains. The lionesses are part of Humba and Netsai's pride who can often be found in the Somalisa Concession.

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Expeditions

July 2019 - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

9 July 2019
A wonderful sighting captured at Zambezi Expeditions by our guide Seba. Amazing to witness Mana's wildlife roaming through camp. 

Images photographed by Seba Mfichani‎ 

July 2019 - Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

6 July 2019
Our sundowner spot painted the scene for a lovely photograph at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Images photographed by our guide, Honestomigo Siyawareva.

July 2019 - Khwai Community Area, Botswana

5 July 2019
This is how the Moremi Game Reserve treated Tshekiso Piet in two morning drives. Fantastic sightings in morning light.

Images photographed by Tshekiso Piet at Khwai Tented Camp.

July 2019 - Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

4 July 2019
Our guide, Honestomigo Siyawareva captured these beautiful sightings of a lioness and crocodile on the shores of Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

Images photographed by Honestomigo Siyawareva at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

July 2019 - Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

3 July 2019
Linyanti showing off (again) with their sightings all before the weekend! Our guide, Oral managed to photograph all the action - lion, ground hornbill, hippo and leopard.

Images photographed by Oral Gotshajwang at Linyanti Bush Camp

June 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

30 June 2019
Humba and Netsai engaged in fight with the Makololo boys who wanted to takeover the area. Humba could not stand the fight so he fled the scene leaving his brother alone. Netsai won the intense fight, leaving scars as evidence. 

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

30 June 2019
A herd of approximately 400 buffalos have spent a week around Somalisa Camp. At Somalisa they have less disturbance from lions and more than enough drinking water. 

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

30 June 2019
Fantastic sightings at Somalisa Camp. Calvet spotted Cecil's grandchildren near a termite mound, a cheetah (in a separate sighting) and at Chris Pan, a pack of wild dogs. 

Images photographed by Calvet Nkomo at Somalisa Camp

June 2019 - Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

29 June 2019
An African Rock Python joining in on a sundowner at Linyanti. 

Image photographed by Oral Gotshajwang at Linyanti Bush Camp

June 2019 - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

28 June 2019
Guests found it hard to leave this beautiful sighting of a herd of buffalo at Somalisa Main to go on their afternoon safari.

Images photographed by Emily Carlsson at Somalisa Camp

June 2019 - Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

25 June 2019
Our guide, Esefa Mokop had a wonderful week of sightings at Linyanti Bush Camp. It's clear to see that Botswana's having some amazing lion sightings. 

Photographs captured by our guide, Esefa Mokopi at Linyanti Expeditions.

25 June 2019
This is how our guide, Kenneth and his guests started off their day at Linyanti Expeditions! Following two lions to an Elephant carcass and a journey of giraffes.  

Photographs captured by our guide, Kenneth Mungomba at Linyanti Expeditions. 

June 2019 - Somewhere in Botswana

22 June 2019
In just a month we have had two separate pangolin sightings!
This is amazing, as these animals are the most trafficked animal making them incredibly endangered.

Due to pangolin populations being under threat from poaching we are unable to provide more details on this sighting - but these were some lucky guests!

June 2019 - Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

15 June 2019
"Wildlife Through My Binos: New addition to the Rhino population of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, this little bundle of joy was born on 30th May 2019 bringing the total number of White Rhinos in the Park to 10!"

These photos are taken near Thorntree River Lodge by our safari guide Tawanda Chibwe.

June 2019 - Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

11 June 2019
"The many moods of mornings in Mana Pools" 
Due to a short rainy season the watering holes in Mana Pools are drying up quickly this year, resulting in the wildlife gathering at more permanent sources of water. This means that the season is already off to a great start when it comes to wildlife sightings.
These photos are taken near Nyamatusi Camp by our safari guide Alf.

4 June 2019
Who needs to go out on a game drive when you can sit on the deck at Kanga Camp while the wildlife come to you. The young male leopard made an appearance this afternoon.
These photos are taken at Kanga Camp by our safari guide Rinzelani Majoko.

June 2019 - Hwange, Zimbabwe

8 June 2019
Dominance of a herd doesn't simply happen one day, you have to fight for it. Today we saw buffalo bulls fiercely fighting in a herd of about 400 buffalo.  
This sighting is at Somalisa Expeditions by our safari guide Calvet.

5 June 2019
The daughters of the spice girls killed a Zebra last night at Ngweshla. Their cubs enjoyed a good feasting while the lionesses enjoyed their break from breast feeding.
This sighting was captured by our safari guide Calvet.

June 2019 - Khwai Concession, Botswana

17 June 2019
Khwai Concession is one of the classic places in terms of wildlife sightings
Sighting at Khwai Tented Camp, captured by our safari guide Sinka.

14 June 2019
We had some additional guests at sunset drinks this evening, but no one was complaining.
Sighting at Khwai Bush Camp, captured by our safari guide Dutch.

10 June 2019
Water is a precious resource in Botswana, especially as we enter the drier months of the year, and who gets to drink first is often up for debate among the animals. Today, this elephant was not impressed when a lioness tried to share their drinking spot and quickly chased the lioness off.
Sighting at Khwai Bush Camp, captured by our safari guide Banda

9 June 2019
Guests in camp have been spoilt with wildlife sightings, having seen 7 lionesses feeding on a buffalo and two lionesses with their cubs using a log as their lookout post, getting ready to hunt. 
Sighting at Khwai Tented Camp, captured by our safari guide Ken

3 June 2019
Khwai Tented Camp was showing off with some spectacular large cat sightings, who can resist lion cubs playing in the morning sun rays.
This sighting was captured by our safari guide, fondly known as Professor Ken.

May 2019 - Hwange, Zimbabwe

30 May 2019
Calvet, our safari guide based at Somalisa, shared these snapshots from May at Hwange National Park. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

17 May 2019
Another wonderful day in the African bush, another leopard sitting on a great chair admiring the view.
This sighting is from Somalisa Camp, taken by our safari guide Calvet.

May 2019 - Linyanti, Botswana

28 May 2019
When the evening light fades and the buffalo are on the ridge above you - the outcome is nothing short of magical.
The magical shots were taken by our safari guide - Des

22 - 27 May 2019
Every day in Linyanti brings new excitement and surprises when it comes to wildlife sightings. 
Comparing the wildlife seen in the area last year, our guides are seeing a lot more, especially more herds buffalo and zebra.
These photos were taken by our safari guide Des

22 - 27 May 2019
The bird life in Linyanti is prolific, the combination of woodland and wetlands makes for a dynamic combination of bird species.
The vultures below foudn themselves nice perches after failing to open a hippo carcass. 
These photos were taken by our safari guide Des

May 2019 - Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

27 May 2019
An awesome walking safari experience in Mana Pools National Park today with our safari guide Henry - 'the elephant whisperer' 
The fantastic image was taken by our safari guide Alf Ngwarai