Wildcast

I just don’t believe it. Another day without finding the elephant herds.
We did find a few bulls drinking at Bandama and there was evidence of some other bulls having drunk at Chekwa pan. But where are the herds drinking?

We had a radio report that a herd of about 20 elephants were drinking and swimming at Nduna dam. We raced across there and 20 minutes later there was nothing. Not even any sign that any elephant had been at the dam. So who called in these non-existent elephant is a mystery.

But my whole day was again spent running around looking for the herds and climbing any hill and many hills that would help with picking up Mandlovu’s signal and yet still no joy.

On our way past the Malilangwe dam there was a cloud of vultures descending and ascending from the dam.

But this area was inaccessible by vehicle. I quickly jumped in my kayak and paddled around to find a dead young hippo on the waters edge. It was a young bull and had probably been killed by a dominant territorial bull. Hyaenas must have opened the carcass allowing the vultures access through that very thick hide.

After dark we went to look for Khayeni and spent a short time with her. She’s well and seemed to have Scrub hares on her menu tonight, although she didn’t catch any while we were with here.

Before finding her, I took some friends to see this huge hole in a large Baobab tree. It was already dark so we approached with our flashlights. I was in front with the others in single file behind me. Just as I neared the Baobab a large warthog boar came rocketing out the big hole heading straight for me. I knew if he hit me I’d be bowled over but with the others behind me I didn’t have the option of sidestepping him. I stood my ground yelling instant abuse at him! Luckily it worked and he veered off only feet away and disappeared into the night.