Savute Safari Lodge - Wilddogs in Camp – Again!

Well, when you think you have seen it all, then one day would come to surprise you again. After my last article on this subject, things have become even more exciting. On the 29th of June Sanet was busy in the kitchen at around 18:20. Suddenly there was a big crash on the southern side of the Kitchen. An Impala had jumped into the window, smashing the glass and ripping the mesh on the outside. After the crash the Impala stood up and dashed to the waterhole in front of the lodge. Sanet came outside to see what caused the Impala to get such a fright. To her surprise, she saw a group of six Wilddogs disappearing around the corner of the bar, heading towards the waterhole in front of the lodge.

As the guides took the clients towards their rooms they observed a movement in the bushes right next to the lawn in front of the main building. A Kudu cow took refuge in the bushes, less than 2 metres away from the path. With both Wilddogs and Loepards hunting in camp, the Kudu decided rather to risk the presence of humans, than face all the predators in the area. At 23:00, when I switched the generator off, she was still standing on the same spot, terrified of all the funny movements and sounds.

Gwist, one of our guides, walked from the kitchen to the office after taking the clients to their rooms, a movement under one of the vehicles that was parked in front of the lodge attracted his attention. He shined with the spotlight underneath the vehicle, seeing a large male Leopard lying under the engine, presumably attracted by the warmth.

When I came to the front area at around 18:45, I could hear a large animal walking in the leaves in front of me. I stopped and scanned the path in front of me. A large female leopard was casually strolling along the path right in front of me.

When I arrived at the lodge, Sanet and I went down to the waterhole to see if the Dogs were still around. Six of the pack of seven were lying at the small waterhole to the south of the deck. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement. Quickly I shined the spotlight to see what it was. A young female Leopard was standing on the deck, less than 15 metres away from us. Quietly she turned away, crossing the porch of room number 7, much to the entertainment of the guests inside as she made her way towards the waterhole.

The dogs departed from camp and at about 19:30, we could hear the hyaenas and the dogs squabbling over a carcass, just outside camp. It seems as if there are only six dogs hunting at the moment, presumably the heavy pregnant female that we observed last week has given birth and is staying with the pups while the rest of the pack is out hunting. Needless to say, we are all on full alert at the moment, not even walking out of our rooms without spotlight and camera poised, ready to capture the action.

We cannot wait for the Alpha Female to come out of hiding with the pups. Who knows, maybe the Savute pack is getting back to full strength, and sighting of these highly endangered predators will hopefully become more common.
As I am writing this, (around 16:00 on 1 July) I can hear a group of Lions roaring just to the north of the camp. I wonder what tonight will bring …

Submitted by Kobus Lubbe - Savute Safari Lodge Manager