Laikipia Wilddogs

Something our of a Wilbur Smith novel - the Laikipia landscape at sunrise. 

And again we visited the Laikipia wilddogs. As you know, wilddogs are one of our favorites (just look at our logo!) because of the fact that they are always doings something and offers some of the most action packed photographic safaris. Disaster struck last years litter when the alpha female died at the time the puppies were still in the den. This is indeed very sad as each litter of these endangered animals is a valuable contribution to the dwindling population numbers. But they bounced back this year in a very unusual way. Wilddogs are known for the fact that only the alpha male and female pair breeds. The others on the pack, all being closely related aunts, uncles or siblings from earlier litters, all contribute to raise the genetically close puppies. Ever heard of Blood is thicker than water? Anyway, this year we not only saw puppies but remarkably, two females gave birth 6 weeks apart. this very unusual event produced great behavioral viewing, especially with the pups interacting amongst one another, always leaving the younger ones as bully victims. Below a selection of images from our safari.

On the ground getting eye level images of the inquisitive pups. 

And here is the result. 

One of the younger pup of the group. 

Three playful pups coming towards us. Remarkable to think that images like this is quite standard for Laikipia Wilderness. 

First light and the dogs are scanning the area for prey.

Mount Kenya as silent witness to this timeless scene. A babysitter always remains with the pups. The demanding pups had not even finished their meal when the adults return to the hunt. You can see one dog disappearing into the distance in the top, right corner of the image. 

This was the best kill scene I ever photographed. Close-up views of two age-groups of pups on an impala kill. 

Happy photographers with the beautiful Laikipia landscape in the background. No they were not paid to smile in the photo. 

Photographers in action. The great open vehicles of Laikipia Wilderness offers a wide selection of photographic angles. 

We will be hosting more trips in 2017 and if you wish to join one of these, please contact us here.

Botswana - Makgadigadi and Central Kalahari

The sight that greeted us from the air, Clouds reflecting of the ancient lake's surface.

It was with great excitement that I received the request to go to the Makgadigadi Pans in Botswana during the wet season. This is one of the most dramatic, isolated and in my opinion, exciting places in Africa. On the edge of this ancient inland lake is Jacks Camp, one of the most surprising camps in Africa. This destination is certainly for the safari connoisseur. At first glance, it's not an obviously wildlife filled destination and for someone who is purely after the big stuff my leave empty handed. However once you start scratching the salty surface of this remarkable place, an array of interesting wildlife starts showing itself.    

Jacks Camp is one of the best places to see habituated Meerkats in the world.  

If there are a few animals that everyone should try and see at least once in their life, Meerkats will be among them. At a parr with the Gorilla trekking in East Africa, The great Migration or the big cats of the Sabie Sands, spending a morning with these endearing animals will remain etched in ones mind forever. As one of the guests put it so eloquently "Now I know exactly how Gulliver must have felt."

The Meerkat family getting ready for the days foraging

Undoubtedly one of Africa’s most endearing animals, I can honestly not think of anyone who is not totally in love with them. They are the stars of classic Disney animations movies, the face of international add campaigns and the mascot of cellphone companies and even has their own reality show that makes the Kardashians look pale. People just love them! But unlike many stars of the silver screen, their real life personas are exactly as they are when the camera’s start rolling.  Some destinations have habituated groups of Meerkats to the presence of people which allows for unparalleled insights into their daily lives. Jack's Camp offers the best.

The unusual green surrounding of the Makgadigadi pans.

Although we were not expecting to see lions at this destination, when a group of females and large cubs were seen at daybreak one morning we took our chances to catch up. What a magnificent experience seeing these big cats out on the open terrain next to the pans, especially when the pride erupted in a bout of play in early morning light.  

Lions at play in the early morning light

Truly remarkable to view lion on the edge of the pans, something we didn't expect.

Early intrepid explorers such as John Chapman who braved the harsh waterless terrain en route to Victoria Falls camped on the edge of Nxai pan. He was accompanied by Thomas Baines who painted these trees on the edge of Nxai Pan. Today they have changed little in appearance since the original painting in 1862.  The cloudy conditions of the day actually made for great landscape images, especially when converted to black and white.  

Legendary Baines Baobabs where a host of historic explorers camped out.

Below are a few images of the really cool Jack's Camp.

A definite first for me to take a photo of a loo. But yes, you read correct. The coolest loo in Africa!

Jack's Camps Lounge. 

A tented pool!! Imagine stepping off the teak floors onto the salty crust of the ancient salt pan!!

Stopping for an early morning photo session on the pans. 

The laziest lions in the world. Three days of this!!!

We tend to share all the great wildlife moments. In reality, as anyone who spends time with wildlife knows, this is not always the case. Wildlife, and especially the big cats, can spend hours inactive each day. But these two lions beat all records. For three days we visited them and in all that time had hardly moved 200 meters, and that at time no one saw the "action". So I think its only fair that we also share this with you all. 

Piper pan in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Mark and Delia Owens put the Central Kalahari on the map and ever since reading their evocative Cry of the Kalahari wanted to visit this place. Piper Pan on the western edge of Deception Valley encapsulated the supreme beauty of the area. This images was taken as we departed the area one afternoon. I'll definitely be back and if you want to join me just click here!