Predatory Creepy Crawly’s
When mentioning predators to people on safari, big cats, hyenas, wild dogs, eagles and crocodiles are usually what pop straight into mind. Yes, it is understandable, as they are spectacular and what everyone wants to see. A cheetah sprinting across the open grassland or male lion roaring next to the vehicle is something everyone hopes […]
The Final Plant Consumers
Getting rid of dead or decaying things in the bush is very important to keeping an ecosystem clean and healthy. Usually when people think about this, they think about carcasses lying around, being fed on by hyenas and vultures. These two are very important in breaking down the ‘meats’, but there are also two things […]
Common Safari Questions – Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we have mentioned that we will be answering some commonly asked questions that we, as guides, are used to getting on safari. Some of the previous questions answered, were about impala and their young, hippos swimming and white lions. In this Part 2, we will be having a look at some more of these questions and giving you the real facts and stories for these, squashing any myths or legends around them.
Teaching the cubs
When we have a look at mammals across the globe, one of the things that all mothers do is look after their young. In some species, the father is also involved, and in others, it takes a whole group to raise the young. One thing all young animals need, though, is parental guidance for the first few steps of their new lives.
Kingfishers – A deceiving family name
The name kingfisher often throws people off into believing that all members of this bird family feed on fish. This is most certainly not the case, as yes, some of them do, but a lot of them feed on other foods. They all feed on proteins and will hunt animals smaller than themselves. They are […]
Arm, nose or lip?
For decades, an elephants trunk puzzled us and was massively misunderstood. With a lot of time and research we have managed to understand this incredible appendage much better, and what an incredible appendage it is. From drinking, to breathing and feeding themselves, elephants are able to do more with their trunks than we are able […]
Zambia Part 1 – South Luangwa
Every now and then, we get to be spoiled a little bit and get to have the guests experience. This time around it was my turn and I was very excited when Ale informed me that we had been invited by Classic Portfolio and I would be off to Zambia! It was over decade ago […]
Africa’s Tree of Life
In cultures throughout the world, a “Tree of Life” can be found. These trees often represent growth, life itself and the connectivity of people to nature or one another. It can also be seen as the cycle of live and death or the connection between heaven and earth. In Africa we also have a “Tree […]
Parasitic Birds
When people talk about parasites, very seldom to birds pop up in the conversation. Who would think that a bird could be a parasite? Parasitism in birds is most certainly present and can broadly categorised into two types, brood parasitism and kleptoparasitism. Both strategies involve using other birds and their resources, but each species has […]
Carnivore Jaws
The jaws of predators are the most important weapon and tool that they have and use. From killing their prey, to dragging and hoisting, to ultimately feeding, it all comes down to their mouths. People are often surprised at the sheer crushing power of a hyena, or a leopards ability to hoist an impala up […]
