Wilderness Little Makalolo Newsletter – July 2024

The first week of July, as is the norm, delivered low temperatures in the early mornings and late evenings, and it has been cold and dry. We placed ‘bush babies’ (hot water bottles) in our guests’ beds and the game-drive vehicles, which were a most welcome addition for them. 

Bush television – the camp firepit – is always a delight, the ideal place to unwind and relax at the end of the day, whilst you get warm. 

Then the last week of July experienced a huge change in the temperatures, and it’s already fairly hot and windy, showcasing the start of spring. 

Little Makalolo never disappoints in terms of animal sightings right in camp, and guests witnessed the Linkwasha Pride of 17 lions take down a dhaka boy (Shona for mud, and name for buffalos, which spend so much time wallowing in it) right in front of camp. 

Elephants in their hundreds were seen in front of camp, and our pool offers a special viewing point for these gentle giants. 

The two cheetah boys were always around to offer special sightings for our guests and out on drives, Madison Pan continues attracting lots of jumbos coming to drink and have a mud bath. This spot is also known for its hyena sightings.

Winter can be associated with low bird sightings, as many migrants have headed to North Africa and Europe for the season. However, the birders still enjoyed seeing beautiful species like the lilac-breasted and the purple rollers. We no longer get to hear nightjar calls and African barred owlets, which are the soundtrack to an African night. Nonetheless we always encounter something interesting out there.