With the winter finally over and the summer heat swiftly showing itself, it is great news for all the birders out there.

Most of the migratory birds have returned and sightings of the water birds are in abundance. The Paradise Flycatcher, with his beautiful blue ‘Mohawk’, is a frequent visitor to the lodge. The Olive Thrush parents are constantly busy trying to find enough food for the little chicks, which are impatiently waiting in their nest above the carport. A group of Swallows were enjoying the afternoon breeze as they glided effortlessly hunting for insects. All the Cuckoos and Bee-eaters are back and have provided our guests with a few excellent sightings, on game drive and around the lodge.

The Big Cat sightings have entertained our guests immensely. Leopard sightings have been grand. A male was taking a nap next to the game drive vehicle and our guests got to follow a female, busy scent marking, through the bush. Furthermore they saw an extremely relaxed Leopard feasting on a warthog kill in a tree.

The Lions and cubs have been regulars on the drive. Some days sleeping, some days playing, some days bothering an uninterested Mom & Dad for a game of tag. One day their Zebra meal was interrupted by a Black Backed Jackal, seeking a scrap, but instead, only received a roaring warning to not come any closer.

Our special sighting had to be the Wild Dogs coming to the Lodge waterhole and showing us one of their pups. As our guests were enjoying their Boma Braai, we all of a sudden noticed movement at the waterhole. They had a little sip and moved off into the darkness. The rest of the Wild Dog sightings have also been excellent. They were seen sleeping peacefully with full bellies next to the road, as well as on a Kudu carcass.

Visitors to the lodge waterhole include a giraffe which has become somewhat of a regular, as well as some very entertaining Elephant bulls playing in the water on a hot day. We had two very shy young Male Lions growling at us, having an extremely brief drink and running away. We also have a new resident at the lodge, a Bushbuck, which has moved in and made Motswiri his home.

Other sightings include a lot of general game, as well as big herds of Elephant with youngsters, and Buffalo at the dams. Brown Hyena have also been spotted regularly.

There are a few new additions to the bush. Our guests got to see a very tiny Rhino curiously watching the game drive vehicle whilst in the safe presence of mom. They also got to see a week old baby Hartebeest.

Some more remarkable sightings include two Mountain Reedbuck browsing next to the road before having a bit of play fighting before finally moving back into the Koppie. The Jackal pups where seen on several occasions. On one particular morning they were moving around chasing insects with mom showing them around the area.

The night drives have also provided our guests with some interesting sightings of Chameleons, Bush Babies, Spotted Eagle Owls, and one particular drive 3 ‘cats’ in a row – the African Wild Cat, Genet and finally a Caracal. The Civet was also seen fairly often around the lodge. The Genet and Civet look much like cats but are actually part of the mongoose family.

So come join us for great sightings, a nice cooling cocktail and a memorable African sunset.

Until next time…
The Motswiri Team