some interesting facts about lions a short history of the southern pride · 2017-02-14 · southern...

POWER OF THE PRIDETopping most safari ‘must see’ lists is the mighty lion

and one of the best places to view them is South Africa’s Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, domain of the celebrated Southern Pride.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIONSUnlike domestic cats, wild lions are highly social and form prides to increase hunting and cub-rearing success. Males depart prides aged 2 to 3, with the aim of attaching themselves to another, as pride support ensures survival. However, males must defend their place from other males - sometimes with fatal consequences.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN PRIDEThe Southern pride began with Mandleve (“floppy ear”), a female born around 1998 who gained notoriety for mating with every male in the area. Her pride became the region’s largest until 2015, when the males broke away reducing it to less than a dozen members.

In the following months, there were repeated dalliances with a coalition known to researchers as the ‘Fourways males’. Interestingly, in early 2016, the duo were suddenly replaced by a pair known as the “Charleston males” comprised of Manzino, a handsome dark-maned lion named for his distinctive snaggle tooth, and his equally attractive brother. Shortly after their arrival and notwithstanding her advanced age, Mandleve bore two cubs.

Today, Mandleve continues her reign much to the delight of guests, putting overly playful youngsters in place and effortlessly dispatching prey. With luck, her cubs will grow up to continue the Southern Pride’s dominance.

Sabi Sabi operates four exquisite lodges in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve where you can observe these famous felines in their natural environment. Speak to our South Africa specialists about booking your safari now.

8 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

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One of AWS’s most experienced specialists, Michael Fitzgerald, recently travelled through Tanzania and this is what he had to say about his trip:

Tanzania’s wildlife is on a scale few other destinations can rival. The Serengeti is a main stage for the wildebeest migration. I witnessed this wonder at the Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp, a true bush camp with bucket showers, which moves with the herds. The biggest thrill was hearing hooves thunder across the plains at sunset, leaving huge clouds of dust in their wake.

At remote Mwiba Lodge north of Ndutu I had another standout experience: meeting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. They didn’t speak any English nor were they interested in selling anything so our interactions were truly authentic. The highlight was gathering food on foot with the Hadzabe. When they cut open a tree to procure fresh

honey, I was blown away. I also had the opportunity to dance with the Datoga one evening. The performance was not put on for our benefit so really refreshing to observe and the atmosphere was electric.

One night, I slept out under the stars - no fences, no mosquito nets, just a watchman. Such a real and raw experience.

In Tarangire, I stayed at Chem Chem Lodge, where I ran with the Maasai and visited a local school. I’m not sure who was more excited about that - the kids or myself.

At Karatu, I spent a few days at Gibbs Farm, a homestead close to the Ngorongoro Crater, so when I wasn’t on safari inside the caldera (which was excellent, incidentally), I got an insight into the life of early colonial settlers, helping to roast coffee beans, bake bread and pick strawberries. I also trekked out to ‘caves’ made by elephants digging into the soil to access precious vitamins.

Talk to Michael about a Tanzania safari on 1300 363 302 today.

WILD TANZANIA

TRAVEL INSIGHT FROM AN AWS AFRICA SPECIALIST

9www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

A GUIDE CALLED ALICEAngama Mara Lodge


AWS CEO Steve Cameron recently stayed at Angama Mara, a glamorous clifftop lodge in the Mara Triangle,

one of the least visited sections of the acclaimed Masai Mara Game Reserve. While the game, scenery and accommodation were first rate, Steve was most impressed by the knowledge and skill of Maasai guide Alice. One of just a handful of professional female guides in Kenya, this is Alice’s story:

“I was born in a remote area bordering the Masai Mara. In Maasai culture, young children care for the sheep and goats so from age 10 or so I would accompany my younger brother and cousins to the fields to graze the cattle. Occasionally, we would encounter wild animals such as hyena and elephant.

However, my true passion for wildlife was awoken one morning on my way to school, when I came across a zebra foal caught in a snare. The sight tugged at my 12 year-old heart - I was not sure whether to free it or continue on to school. In the end, I decided to help the zebra. As I tried to remove the snare from its leg, the little zebra kicked and struggled to free itself. Eventually, the wire came off and it ran off to rejoin its herd.

From primary through to high school, that incident kept bugging me - I kept thinking about how I could contribute towards conservation when I grew up. After high school, I received sponsorship to attend a community-based guiding school in the Mara, called the Koiyaki Guiding School. Here, we were given the opportunity to learn more about wildlife as we visited various parks within the country. I grew more and more enlightened and could see my dreams being fulfilled.

During our interactions with safari camps, I saw guides driving guests and in my heart I knew that was what I wanted to become. This encouraged me to study hard. I graduated in

a year and a half, but I was not able to gain employment as a guide immediately. My first job was at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, where I worked as a receptionist. After that, I was invited to interview at Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp for a position as a guide. One of around 400 applicants, I was fortunate to be recruited, and then put through a prestigious training school in the Serengeti. After 8 months at Mwewe Training School I graduated as a proper guide.

I returned to Kichwa Tembo and was put in an induction program for four months. My guiding career officially began at that point, and it truly ignited my passion for flora and fauna. In 2015, I joined Angama Mara.

My motivation for guiding comes from wildlife and nature, because you can never exhaust them. I love my job also because it gives me an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different cultures from all over the world.

Having lived and worked in the bush for so long, I know that city life is not for me. I get headaches whenever I go to Nairobi from all the crowds and traffic jams! I love being in the bush, because no two days are the same. I also never know what to expect on a game drive - I just expect the unexpected!”

Steve has been to Africa some 60 times, and on this particular trip, had the opportunity to go on multiple game drives with around a dozen safari guides. Their enthusiasm, warmth and personal stories were all compelling but none more so than Alice’s.

To book a fantastic safari at Angama Mara and perhaps even have Alice as your guide, please call us on 1300 363 302.

FOUR OF KENYA’S FINEST


Founded and managed by two fourth-generation Kenyans, The Safari Collection operates four completely unique luxury lodges

in four of the country’s foremost destinations.

There’s an art deco Scottish country house set in a leafy suburb of Nairobi well known worldwide for its friendly, leggy residents, a classic tented camp on the sprawling golden plains of the Masai Mara, a cool bedouin-style hideaway in the arid northern Samburu

wilderness and a charming hilltop retreat set in the highlands between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains.

Whilst each occupies a distinct environment, all seamlessly combine an exceptional guest experience with Kenya’s rich traditional culture, fascinating pioneer history and gloriously plentiful wildlife. To include The Safari Collection in your next adventure, speak to our knowledgeable Kenya specialists on 1300 363 302.

COMBINE SAFARI COLLECTION LODGES AND SAVE

Stay at a combination of Safari Collection properties for a minimum of 7 nights between 06 Jan-14 Jun 2017 or 01 Nov-15 Dec 2017 (inclusive) and get 35% off your total accommodation cost.* Please contact us for more information.

*Discount does not apply to Giraffe Manor but this property can be used in the combination.

One of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, this 1930s colonial manor is best known for its herd of delightful resident Rothschild giraffe who visit each day, sometimes poking their long necks through open windows and doors in hope of a treat. Walk with these rare giants across the lawn and gaze upon the same sunsets which once captured author Karen Blixen’s heart.

A stylish oasis on a sun-soaked ridge overlooking the Laikipia Plateau, Moroccan-themed Sasaab’s day spa, plunge pools and enormous rooms make a serious statement. However, it is the local Samburu people who live here that will leave the biggest impression on your soul. Learn how to make a traditional bow and arrow, or to fashion a toothbrush from a special kind of tree.

This understated lodge is set in Kenya’s popular Masai Mara yet the wild corner it occupies lends an atmosphere of total exclusivity. Sala’s Camp also has the distinction of being one of the first in the Mara to witness the legendary wildebeest migration each year. Enjoy a gourmet bush breakfast, sip sundowners around a campfire and look for the ‘Big 5’ on game drives.

This intimate safari hideaway sits on tens of thousands of acres accessible only to lodge guests and the multitude of wild creatures that call this sanctuary home. Explore on horseback, by mountain bike or 4WD - your animal encounters will be frequent and intense. You can also appreciate Mount Kenya from a helicopter or go trout fishing in neighbouring Aberdare National Park.


GIRAFFE MANOR - LONG-NECKED APPEAL SALA’S CAMP - MIGRATION FRONT ROW SEATS

SOLIO LODGE - A HIDDEN JEWELSASAAB - ESSENCE OF SAMBURU

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SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE


Passionate about protecting Africa’s last wild frontiers, Great Plains Conservation has a philosophy grounded

in “conservation tourism”, defined as the provision of quality environmentally sound experiences, with benefits channelled back into conservation. To this end, they operate two ultra-luxurious permanent camps in Kenya. Whilst both are completely different in character, they share the same timeless wild spirit and leave the lightest possible footprint on the locations they occupy.

MARA PLAINS CAMPSituated on a shady river bend, this classy tented camp pays homage to local culture as well as to Kenya’s colonial past, with accents of the deep red and purple worn by Maasai chiefs, Arabic-style wooden doors from the coastal island of Lamu and campaign-style furniture crafted out of brass, copper and leather throughout the canvas-covered rooms. One of only five camps on a private conservancy, guests at Mara Plains enjoy 100,000 exclusive acres of land plus unencumbered access to the rest of Kenya’s cherished Masai Mara.

OL DONYO LODGESome of Africa’s last giant tuskers still roam the foothills where ol Donyo Lodge rests, while lions are slowly making a return. Stone guest cottages nestle amongst this secluded ranch’s thick woodland, with airy roof terraces where private ‘star beds’ can be set up. Up here, you’ll be able to hear the haunting night-time calls of leopard and other nocturnal beasts while looking for constellations in the skies over Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife-viewing takes place on this Maasai-owned property on foot, horseback, mountain bike or in open vehicles.

Great Plains Conservation also runs the outstanding Mara Expedition Camp open between June and October each year. Stay 3 consecutive nights at any Kenyan Great Plains property and fly locally for free. Conditions apply. Ask us for more details.

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Mara Plains and ol Donyo are the best camps I’ve ever stayed at, and I’ve stayed at some really great camps throughout Africa.

Steve Cameron - AWS CEO


Company General Manager Anne-Marie (Annie) Zambelli returned to her old stomping grounds

- Botswana’s Okavango Delta - late last December to get her wildlife fix. A self-confessed safari addict, Annie once lived on Chief’s Island in the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve and this trip was both a balm and a homecoming of sorts.

“As the light aircraft touched down, I felt my blood begin to heat up and the adrenaline start to pump rapidly through my veins. Africa had long ago gotten under my skin and over the years, had found its way into my heart. The continent’s wilderness and wildlife areas had created in me a serious dependency - I take advantage of every opportunity I have to return - and the Okavango Delta is a perfect fix.

A warm welcome awaited me on arrival. It felt much like a gathering of friends for a special celebration. Chitabe Lediba is tucked away in a secluded corner of the Delta - sharing a beautiful island with Chitabe, a sister camp - and its wonderful staff were to be my family for the next five nights.

Only days before, the landscape had received a deluge of rain (“pula” in the local language) and the bush was so vividly green it hurt your eyes. An abundance of animals were to be found savouring tender grass shoots, frolicking in the overflowing pans and giving birth to their young.

If you’ve ever longed to see Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat, I suggest that you add Botswana’s Okavango Delta to your list - you will not be disappointed. Don’t hold me responsible though, if you get hooked.”

For more information on a Botswana safari, call Annie or speak to one of our African specialists on 1300 363 302.


BOTSWANA:WILD ADDICTION


Prior to her bush Christmas at Chitabe, Annie relished the opportunity to revisit some safari lodges/camps in Botswana.

Here are some notes from her journal.

Days 1/2: Machaba Camp, Khwai Concession This nostalgic camp on the Khwai River always brings to mind safaris from a bygone era. Spacious tents are situated on the ground and linked by pathways, each with view of the river and neighbouring Moremi National Park. Fell asleep listening to the sounds of the African night and woke to the chorus of red-billed francolins. Sunrise from my tent was fantastic.

Day 3: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Moremi Game ReserveFortunate once more to stay on Chief’s Island for a night to experience the new luxury pavilions at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Outdoor area wonderful, great view of the floodplain and perfect place for a cuppa in the early morning, or to relax by the private plunge pool. The afternoon with my guide Benson was outstanding (& emotional) sighting three of the ‘Big 5’ in 15 minutes: rhino, elephant and buffalo. This place rocked with wildlife.

Days 4/5: Muchenje Safari Lodge, Chobe Located high up on an escarpment in the Chobe Forest Reserve. The River is what you need to experience and by staying at a lodge like Muchenje you get it all - warm hospitality, comfortable accommodation, good food, excellent guides and easy access to the park. Full day safari including river cruise not to be missed; while on the boat we were treated to tons of elephants and hippo feeding close to shore.

Day 6: andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari LodgeReturned to the Delta – destination: a stunning lodge in the shape of a pangolin in the heart of the Okavango. Loved the main area and the food here was exemplary. The flavours, variety and presentation were hard to beat. Hats off to the culinary team.

To include any of these camps/lodges in your Botswana safari, contact our specialists on 1300 363 302.

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BOTSWANA:WILD ADDICTION

some interesting facts about lions a short history of the southern pride · 2017-02-14 · southern...

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