Wildcast

The lions gave me the slip today. There was much roaring from all directions last night which could mean anything. Other lions on their turf, the other male trying to find his brother and Manyari, youngsters lost, etc……

I’ve been doing the dawn patrol recently, taking advantage of the good light and the most active time of day for most animals.

Come about 9am and I’m back to construction work at the hangar. Damn this thing is taking long! It sure better be worth it AND it better last!
There was a low mist on Banyini at dawn but it moved through fairly quickly and I wasn’t able to take advantage of it. I love to shoot animals in the mist. It adds a whole different mood to the situation.
To the east this White rhino cow and calf were grazing around Chivi but weren’t too happy to have my company.

At the pan to the north east of Chivi hordes of vultures were taking off. Right close to the pan an impressive Sable bull had died. On further investigation it looked like he’d been killed in fighting. He had a huge hole in his chest, the hair was rubbed off on his side and chest and there was evidence of intense haemorrhaging around his chest.

I wonder what the victor looked like as this dude was himself really impressive?
The elephant herds were feeding all along the southern side of the hills and moving east.
Dusk had me heading east again to Bandama pan where I watched the sun set soon after this giraffe cow came in to drink.

I’ve sure had my quota of driving the last 3 weeks. AND it looks like there’s still more this weekend possibly. (Problems getting my papers for my new microlight.)

But the good news is I was out early and with plenty of luck found Manyari to the west of Banyini. They had killed a young giraffe and with Magwaza and one of her male friends they had polished it off.
At dawn they were left chewing bones.

The male having finished his bone and seeing Manyari was finished hers he proceeded to mount her. I couldn’t believe it. How could they be mating again?! But it seemed like Manyari was going full out to tease him. She never allowed him pudding.

With only a few large bones left, the lions made a beeline to water. Something they always do after a large meal.
A very fat three-some spent the rest of their day passed out at the water on Banyini.
In the heat of the day we took to working on the hangar. Yes it’s still being worked on.
But luck was on my side when a herd of elephant crossed the airstrip heading towards Simbiri dam.
I scooted around there and had them all to myself drinking and playing in the dam against the most magical backdrop off all that rock.

It was a true privilege as they very seldom frequent Simbiri dam in the day. This meant I took full advantage and shot piles of photos and lots of video. All magical stuff!

What a special interlude! And then back to the hangar until a ripped a muscle in my neck. Silly boy. So now I’m walking around with a crooked neck and not feeling too happy with myself.

I carted myself off to the lions at dusk and wished if only I could be doing what they’re doing. One day I’ll get it all right.

Today, there was action everywhere. As I reached the airstrip,these two impala started fighting. I watched for a while and got some great photos. I decided to move on to Bandama pan.

Along the road, I spotted a bull rhino and spent a few minutes with him before moving on. As I approached Bandama, I met a breeding herd of buffalo. I pressed on eagerly to see if any were left at the pan.

Some were but so were two rhino. They were very inquisitive and approached close to me as you can see in the picture below. I just sat and enjoyed! Kim just arrived back and will be with you again tomorrow.

By Darryl Nolan-Evans

Today warmed up dramatically,the sun was out and the clouds had disappeared. The baboons were in our ‘front garden’ today. They were chasing each other around the big baobab. Sometimes you spend hours searching for wildlife, and sometimes it comes to you.

Baboons always seem to enjoy their lofty perches!

The rest of the reserve was also alive with game, a Puffadder on the road back home this evening was a rare sight.

By Darryl Nolan-Evans