Sightings at Kwetsani Camp in December 2011

The elephant have not been as busy in camp as they normally are, but we have had the odd bull pruning the vegetation around camp. 

We have had fabulous sightings of the leopard on our trips to Hunda Island. What we are really excited about, is the shy leopard that has been gracing Kwetsani Island with its presence. It has been heard vocalising on several occasions very close to camp. On one occasion, it was seen dashing through the back of house. We do hope that it will make Kwetsani a more permanent home.

Several times this month, both a male and a female lion have walked through camp and then back round the front of camp on the floodplains back to Jao, every now and then letting out a roar to advertise their presence.

The hippo have been gathering in the larger pools for most of the month, so seeing them in big pods was a highlight for many of our guests. Another highlight was when the hippo came out of the water to eat the fresh, lush grass - this was a special treat to see their huge bodies out of the water, looking deceivingly docile and lethargic. 

On this subject, one particular experience comes to mind: all of the guests were enjoying dinner, when a hippo bull passed the back of camp and started to graze. All of the guests quietly left their tables to get a better view of the aquatic mammal out of the water, when an opportunistic hyaena tried to sneak in and steal some food off of the table; luckily one of the waitresses spotted the spotted scavenger and chased it off.

Birds and Birding

We have had really good bird sightings in and around camp. We have put a bird bath on the deck, and within hours the resident birds knew it was there and were taking advantage of the new feature. The sausage tree in front of camp has also been providing some good birding, as it attracts large numbers of Meyer's Parrots, Green Pigeons as well as a variety of sunbirds.

Unfortunately, the Paradise Flycatchers which have been nesting outside the office lost their chicks to a hungry troop of monkeys. The birds have since moved out of the area. The Woodland Kingfishers have moved into the camp area in full force and are constantly calling and chasing other birds away.

A Verreaux's Eagle-Owl was seen in camp a number of times, but did not allow any good photographs as it was very shy. A large group of Wattled Cranes has also graced the floodplains in front of camp, often seen foraging amongst the red lechwe which have also taken a liking to the floodplain.

Kwetsani Camp

Safaris to Kwetsani Camp

Botswana Safari to Kwetsani

Botswana Safaris to Kwetsani Camp