Nestled amongst 20,000 acres in the Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo province, lies Tanda Tula, a tented safari lodge and home to the Big 5.

After a much anticipated flight from Cape Town to Nelspruit, a short lodge hop to the landing strip in the Timbavati was the only thing between us and the life of wild. I was über-excited to be back in the bushveld; this was going to be another epic trip and Facebook was waiting for any update. Upon arrival, there was no sign of our transfer so my friend and I took the opportunity to stage an impromptu monochrome photo shoot next to our six-seater prop plane, channelling the likes of Karen Blixen and Louis Vuitton. Our host for the next four days, Dale Jackson, arrived tout de suite to whisk his charges away and so began our latest bush adventure.

The Timbavati Reserve is new territory for me. To its south is the Sabi Sand Reserve, one I am more familiar with and to the east, the great Kruger Park lies, its fences down, allowing a plethora of animals to roam freely (as it should be) between the two. It was not long into our transfer to the lodge before the towering sight of an elephant came into view on the main road to Tanda Tula. These giants of the bushveld are the pedestrians and to them, one must give way. The consequences can be eventful and expensive!

On arrival at Tanda Tula, we were greeted by the cheeky smile of Thabo, he basically runs the place, or so he would like one to think. He promptly set my luggage aloft on his head for transport to my tent; his little trick to try to impress the ladies! Next were our ranger, Civilized, and his tracker, Jack; a fine team that the animals cannot elude. A quick refreshing welcome drink and we were off to be shown our lodging for the next four days. Tanda Tula is a tented camp and we were certainly not disappointed by the beautifully appointed rooms, all with porches overlooking the dry riverbed. We were shown the ins and outs of securing the entry to our tent to avoid the mishaps associated with curious, mischievous monkeys who will grasp any opportunity to run amok in the tents.

We arrived in time to enjoy a little poolside lunch with views of the watering hole where impala and warthogs munched happily away. I will say this for Tanda Tula – they probably have one of the BEST chefs in the bush. This food is Michelin star worthy and Chef Ryan and his team create the most organic, uncomplicated, mouth-watering dishes. Ryan’s homemade pesto was a constant at every meal because it made absolutely everything even better. It was so good I wanted to take some home to put under my pillow! I have attempted to recreate it now that I am back at home (the recipe is on the website) but it is just not the same! Ryan’s attention to detail and his enthusiasm when he explains each meal is infectious and the anticipation you are left with is quickly satiated with the first forkful. He is a true genius at his craft. Meals are especially exceptional at Tanda Tula. Breakfast was always served in the bush overlooking the dried riverbed and the offerings were plentiful from bacon, eggs and sausage to pancakes, sautéed mushrooms and a cold buffet. Dinner at the lodge always led to late night conversations with new acquaintances accompanied by a glass (or two) of Amarula, the Bailey’s of the bush and one of my vices!

Have I mentioned that each night when I go to bed I wish I was waking up to a game drive? It’s true! So when that blessed time actually comes, there is no boundary to my excitement. In jest, I mentioned to Civilized and Jack that there were three sightings on my must-see list this time around – the white lions of the Timbabvati, a pangolin and a honey badger. Now, for those who have yet to embark on their first safari, this may sound achievable but I promise you, this is no easy task hence why it was ‘in jest’. BUT, on the afternoon of our 2nd day, Civilized announced he had a surprise for us but we would have to hurry and forego any sightings for the next twenty-five minutes if we wanted to see it. The word was out that the white lions had been spotted so off we sped to catch a glimpse! I have been on I would say close to fifty game drives and when you see an animal for the first time, it takes your breath away. The white lions were no different. Oh, I have seen plenty of lions in the wild but the white lions are something very special. They are not albino but instead a recessive ‘white’ gene has been inherited from both parents causing the fur to be white and the eyes and skin to pigment. The condition is rare and the Timbavati is one of very few places in Africa that these lions inhabit. My anticipation was limitless for the twenty-five minute drive and then we saw them; a pride of female lions, in which two were white lions. As we eked closer to them, stopping about twelve feet away, I sat quietly in awe of them before I remembered that I had to get footage to prove that they were in fact real. Simply beautiful.

Our four days at Tanda Tula were full of amazing sightings and watching heart-pumping interactions. From lionesses stalking cape buffalo only to be scattered like cockroaches when the tables turned to a 29-strong pack of wild dogs tempting fate with a mating herd of elephants complete with hyena on the periphery. We followed leopards to their kills and watched the young with their mothers yet the pangolin and the honey badger remained elusive. That was no surprise. We fell asleep to the call of lions and awoke to grazing nyalas an arm’s length away. With a different locale each evening for dinner, from the beautiful boma with its warming fire to the poolside lawn aglow with lanterns, Tanda Tula gave us a new experience in every way on every day.

I always dread my last morning at any lodge. I have never been a fan of goodbyes and Tanda Tula was no different. The attention to detail that the staff goes to to ensure that your stay lacks for nothing is a testament to the African people. I will never tire of their names; Civilized, Dolphin, Pretty, Pinky, Happiness, to name just a few. As I prepared myself for the farewell embraces before entering our van that would whisk us back to reality, I encouraged my sunglasses onto my nose to hide my welling eyes. It happens every time, only to be shed again upon my next visit. Thank you, Tanda Tula, and all of your charges for another magical notch in my travel bucket list.

The best part about leaving Africa is knowing when you’re coming back!

Best,

Zoe Mulholland

**This African adventure, as with all of my others, was designed by Roar Africa - look no further when booking your travels to Africa.

Tandu Tula has many reasons to celebrate the coming of 2014, one of which is the recent opening of their brand new eco-friendly, exclusive-use explorer camp - Tanda Tula Field Camp.


Located on 16,000 acres of South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the new addition was born out the growing demand from travelers for a completely exclusive and private African experience. Because the camp is run on an exclusive-use basis, the privacy among each group is only slighted by the 3-5 dedicated staff members that meet the guests' every whim.

In addition to providing intimacy among the guests, the camp’s emphasis on walking safaris promotes an unrivaled level of intimacy between the guests and the African bush. Entirely immersed in nature, the walking safaris are led by some of Southern Africa’s most experienced guides and trackers and focus on tracking lion, elephant, and rhino on foot.

Keeping in-line with savoring the traditions of the past, Field Camp is decorated in true East-African style. Its four custom-designed boudoir tents and its communal tent are furnished with exquisitely detailed campaign-style furniture, and Persian rugs and lanterns abound. 

One of the principle goals of Tandu Tula governing the design and build of this camp was to keep its environmental footprint as minimal as possible. In order to do this, the camp is non-permanent and there is no electricity - instead the camp features oil and solar lanterns. The use of open-air bathrooms with hot water bucket showers and eco-toilets also help shed the environmental impact.

Tanda Tula Field Camp is the newest gem in the treasure chest of Tanda Tula founders, Don & Nina Scott. They are permanent residents of the main lodge and are deeply involved with day-to-day operations. They are both ecstatic to be able to provide such a unique, hands-on experience to their guests. “This experience is all about you, your guide and tracker, and the incredible wilderness that we are so privileged to share,” says Nina.






Booking Details

· Maximum of 8 guests and a minimum of 2
· Minimum stay of 3 nights is required for all bookings
· Operates from the 1st of March to the 31st Of October annually
· Ideal for families and friends travelling together who prefer exclusivity
· Guests should be adventurous and enjoy walking and tracking big game on foot
· Guests must be walking fit and should be able to manage a 10-mile walk
· Children from the age 12 are welcome 

To plan your next African safari around a stay at Tanda Tula Field Camp, visit our website www.roarafrica.com to inquire.

Last month, ROAR AFRICA board member and African-bush expert Henry Smith revisited some of his favorite safari spots - namely, Londolozi. His pictures, included below, attest to the amazing game viewing in Sabi Sand Game Reserve - he even spotted the elusive leopard! 

Sabi Sand is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa, and is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. Although it is not a part of the Kruger National Park, it does share its eastern border with the park, and animals pass unhindered between the reserves.

Its incredible game isn't the only thing that sets Sabi Sand apart - some would say the lodges in the region set the national standard for level of design, decor and service. Its 5-star lodges along with second-to-none game viewing create at incomparable experience for visitors that is certain not to disappoint - perfect for first-time safari-goers.

From the Londolozi Blog by Rich Laburn:


Boyd Matson and his fellow travellers from National Geographic were just with us at Londolozi.  Sent by ROAR AFRICA, Boyd is a renowned traveller, writer and radio show host who has been contributing stories to Nat Geo for many years.  During his time at Londolozi he was guided by our favourite weekly photographer, Talley Smith, and decided to turn the tables by capturing her on camera.

Talley turned out to be the perfect PR agent for the hyena as she talks about the interesting behaviour and dynamics and this creature.   The full radio interview appeared on National Geographic Weekend in the USA.  Enjoy!

This summer (winter in South Africa) our guests, the Lobdell family, woke up to something incredible while on safari - leopard cubs who had decided that the veranda couches were more comfortable than the trees.  Their mother had killed a Bushbuck and dragged it under the deck. For the next couple of days the leopards made that their dining room and the deck their playground.

The Lobdells' were staying at Singita Ebony lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve (near Kruger Park, South Africa).  It turns out that this mother leopard was a familiar sight neat the lodge.  She probably understood that it was a safer place than most to leave her cubs.

Being able to share the excitement of our guests' experiences is a true privilege and we are thankful for the photographs and stories.

click to enlarge...

A few weeks ago Talley Smith, one of our favorite guides, and Freddy Ngobeni, a Tracker with uncanny skills, discovered a leopard den with a cub at Londolozi.  It was a dream come true for her.  To protect the cub the story was only released a few days ago followed by the first video footage (see below!) just today.  Exerpts from Talley's story.
"It was a very quiet morning, one of those rare times when you don’t even see impala, the birds aren’t singing, and of course the radio is silent. We decided to check a road less traveled in the south based on a single, long-distance bushbuck alarm call breaking the calm. We never found the bushbuck, but we did find a set of leopard tracks....Freddy whispered to me, in Shangaan, ‘This is where she has had cubs before.'"

Freddy and Talley, together with their guests, became the first people to meet this little cub of The Dudley Riverbank Female.

"The way she is behaving, she does have a baby, yes.’ We waited quietly as the mother relaxed. Then, she looked towards the dark hole of the crevice and the cub slowly appeared! It cautiously moved towards us, looking, as it nuzzled up to its mother while being groomed. That intimate moment is one I will remember my whole life."

In the weeks that followed, Talley learned a lot about the maternal behavior of leopards. The discovery of a den site does not mean guaranteed cub viewing.  Visits were also limited to protect the cub from discovery by predators.

"A leopard den site is unique. They are not like wild dogs, they are not like hyenas, and they are not like lions. Lions, hyenas, and wild dogs are all social creatures who have the group to help look after their little ones, as well as help in hunting. Leopards need to spend longer hours hunting to secure a kill, and keep their young even more concealed in remote places. These are some of the reasons why it is so rare to see leopard cubs…."



Read Talley's full story on the Londolozi blog here.

A brand new electric Land Rover arrived at Londolozi over Christmas. Courtesy of Barkers Performance Products and Land Rover, the electric vehicle was sent here to be put through a rigorous and rough field test owing to the success and pioneering development of Londolozi’s first three prototype electric Land Rovers. Having unveiled this new product at South Africa’s Tourism Indaba in May, Land Rover and Barkers Performance product have created a hugely impressive vehicle and when it arrived on our doorstep just before Christmas, we simply had to put it to the test!

The Electric Landrover runs off an Air cooled AC Induction Motor with 330Nm of Torque and 59kW of Motor Power.  The batter is comprised of Air cooled Lithium Phosphate and has a voltage of 300V.  Ranging from 80km per battery on the open road and +20km through a game reserve, the vehicle is able to offer a game drive of approximately 8 hours.  The gear stick features Drive, Neutral and Reverse with 4WD and Low Range.

Although we are testing the vehicle over a number of weeks, we decided to examine the performance through a few different disciplines: Acceleration & Speed; Gradient; Silence and Sand.

Londolozi has been at the forefront of pioneering the first ever Zero Emissions Safari Vehicle. The vision for this vehicle is to run purely on batter power which in turn is charged by solar panels. The carbon output would thus be zero, except for that used during the manufacturing of the vehicle.  Since 2009, when we unveiled our first prototype electric Landrover, the journey has been extremely fun yet also challenging. Our second prototype burnt down soon after completion, owing to an electric failure.  Yet with the help of Anton Komar and Sid from Green Rover we managed to achieve a reasonable level of success with our prototype number 3.

Our intention at Londolozi is to continue to be a leader towards a truly Zero Emissions Safari Vehicle and change our entire fleet to electric vehicles as soon as the opportunity presents itself.  This initiative, in particular, forms part of our broader goal to dramatically minimize our carbon footprint on the environment.

Congratulations to The South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS), Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and Norman Carr Safaris (NCS) who rescued a mother elephant and calf.  We were hosted by NCS just last month when we took National Geographic's Boyd Matson to visit South Luangwa.  We were touched by this rescue story so we put the photos and text into a slideshow to share.

More on the NCS blog post here.

And you can support SLCS's excellent work here.

ROAR AFRICA

Fact or fiction? The email was forwarded to me. Either way it's a great fireside tale.

I had an email from a friend in Zimbabwe yesterday and she sent me this picture and story that I thought was delightful. They had been away at a game park and on the first evening while sitting in front of the fire in the bar, in walked a fully grown wart hog. He walked over to the bar and without a word the bar man handed him a pillow. He took the pillow, put it next to the fire and promptly lay down with his head on the pillow and went to sleep where, apparently he spends the cold nights there. Then in the morning he’s off into the bush again! My friend, Cynie, says that if the barman isn’t there he’ll grab a pillow off one of the couches! Here he is :

The pillow certainly has a used, grubby warthog look about it. I suspect he's just a not-so-wild warthog that grew up around the lodge. Certainly a happy hog.

It may seem obvious, but now it is now documented that elephants pay particular attention to their elders especially when they hear the sound of an approaching lion.
Apparently elephant herds with older matriarchs react faster to the sound of predators than those with younger matriarchs. They also distinguish between male and female lions' roars. These findings of Karen McComb and Graeme Shannon from the University of Sussex, UK are reported in the Royal Society journal Proceedings B.
This fact reinforces the importance of the family group. It's a complex social structure that can be severely damaged by outside interference like hunting. One has to assume that removing the matriarch would inhibit the learning process of the herd and endanger their safety. I find this particularly poignant as we are discussing both elephants and lions here. As film makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert ("The Last Lions") have pointed out, hunting the alpha male lion can case the death of over 20 lions. The social structure of the pride is destroyed and an incoming male will kill cubs of the previous male.
This story of the elephants is covered on BBC Earth News here along with a video of the elephants reacting to recorded lions. At ROAR AFRICA we have witnessed elephants bunching protectively around their youngsters in reaction to our own presence. Here is a video of exactly that occurring last year: Elephant Encounter, Linyati, Botswana

For more on the amazing documentary film "The Last Lions" and the trailer, click here.

We watched this incredible scene outside Jao Camp for two hours. A hippo we were watching started gnawing on what we suddenly realized was a hippo corpse - his opponent defeated in the battle we had heard the night before.

For the previous post on this story and photos click here:

http://roarafrica.blogspot.com/2010/05/hippo-canabilism-okavango-delta.html

Facebook users: view original post for this video.

After some initial nervous ear-flapping and trumpeting these elephants gathered around for a closer look at us - a wonderful encounter.

Notice how they surrounded the calf protectively. We were en route to the beautiful Kings Pool camp in northern Botswana. Minutes after arrival on the airstrip we were in the thick of things Botswana style.

Facebook users - Please go to original post for the video.

ROAR AFRICA invites you to be our special guest at the screening of The Last Lions documentary film.

Come and meet National Geographic Award winning film makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert at the screening of their dramatic storytelling and breathtaking footage of a gripping real-life saga.

Lions are vanishing from the wild. In the last 50 years, lion populations have plummeted from 450,000 to as few as 20,000.

Where: Angelika Film Center
18 West Houston Street (between Broadway & Crosby St)
New York, NY 10012
When: Friday February 18, 2011 from 7:20 PM EST
Please click on the link below to register or RSVP.
Click to Register Now.

View the trailer here:

(Available on the original blog post.)
Derek, Beverley & I look forward to seeing you at The Last Lions.
Should you have any questions about the event or how to register please feel free to contact Deborah at ROAR AFRICA. email
Sincerely,
Deborah

Returning to my home country of Zimbabwe this November after 11 years out of the country was a sheer delight. A quick and easy flight on Federal Air from Johannesburg to the Malalingwe Reserve, makes getting to Pamushana almost as easy as flying to the Sabi Sands/Kruger area. I had forgotten just how wonderfully warm and welcoming the Zimbabweans are, how educated and articulately they speak, their humor and knowledge - a delightful combination.

Singita Pamushana is one of Africa's best kept secrets. The Lodge is found within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. 65,000 hectares with only one lodge on it! Nestled beneath the trees, the lodge incorporates the natural environment and aspects of the famous Zimbabwe ruins. The forest-like architecture and lush gardens have spectacular views of the lake below. Pamushana Lodge comprises six luxury suites some of which are two, three and a 5 bedroom villas. Each offering incredible views of the Malilangwe dam and each with a private pool.

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is teaming with wildlife including rare and endangered species such as the Roan and Sable antelope, and the Black Rhino. Famous for its cathedral Mopane forests and majestic 'upside-down' Baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 rock painting sites that date back thousands of years. I was staggered at how good the game viewing was and how the excellent guides managed to bring the bush life. We traversed across the 65,000 hectares with out another vehicle in sight. We followed a lion hunt at night, a herd of 1,000 buffalo, the rare, dangerous and skittish Black Rhino, and had the best Cheetah sighting of my life,- Five cheetahs grooming one another.

In addition to the intense wildlife experience, somehow the landscape of Zimbabwe has a serene and special magic to it. It oozes "real Africa". The sunset silhouetting against the acacia trees, the bright dusty red soils, the vociferous calls of the fish eagle, wide open spaces and big big skies brought it all home to me. I could only wish that everyone would be so lucky as to experience this very special place.

Note: By visiting Malilangwe you are helping the people and animals in this corner of Zimbabwe recover from their plight. Singita and Malilangwe now employ a considerable workforce and feed 30,000 children daily.

Just in from Gorongosa....

Ian Michler, renowned specialist guide and photojournalist will lead a 7 night trip in Gorongosa in October this year! Ian is going to be exploring Gorongosa National Park (from the Explore Gorongosa base) for the first time. He is so excited. And there are still some places available on the trip! The trip not to be missed. Ian is an awesome guide and we can't wait to see what he finds in Gorongosa.

He will be taking guests fly camping, to Mount Gorongosa birding and hiking and of course all around the park - even to some of the further reaches of the park.

Answers to a few questions that you might be thinking...

Who is Ian?
A stockbroker by profession, Ian left the world of finance in 1989 to go and live a dream in the Okavango Delta. He has 14 years of guiding experience in Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe conducting big game, birding, adventure and photographic safaris. Ian is also an accomplished photographer (Agfa Wildlife category winner in 1998) and writer of two coffee table books to his credit. He is presently working on a third, which will be on Botswana. He writes and photographs for various wildlife and travel magazines, Africa Geographic and Africa Birds and Birding in particular.

What is fly camping?
Fly camping is real safari the way it used to be. You'll go out from the more permanent Explorers Camp to camp in the wilderness in a mobile smaller camp. It's real camping but you are well looked after all the way. It's not backpacking. The food is great, the drinks are cold and the adventure can't be beaten. In the amusing words of our friends at Gorongosa:
"Although the trend these days is for safari camps to provide seventeen imported Mongolian cotton facecloths per person, delicately soaked in endangered highland yak milk and served chilled with a skinny moccachino presented in Italian marble coffee cups with gold inlay... we at Explore Gorongosa like to think it is more the experience that counts and that, like the wrapper around a yummy Swiss chocolate, the camp is simply the outer layer which keeps the whole thing together."

When this year? 18-25 October 2010

Where will I be staying?
You will be hosted by the only private camp in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique - Explore Gorongosa. Rob & Jos Janisch will organise your stay including all the fly camping, mountain trips, swinging from hammocks. And anything else you may want to get up to!
More on Gorongosa on our website here and on the blog here.

How do I get more information? Email us- click here

First time visitors to southern Africa seldom visit the Kalahari. They are typically more focused on Cape Town, the Winelands and a Safari in greater Kruger area. But the Kalahari is a spectacularly beautiful part of Africa with huge skies, few people and abundant wildlife.

The Kalahari is a semi-desert covering 900,000 Square kilometers (350,000 square miles) in the South West of Africa. It covers parts of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The desert is characterized by recent windblown red (iron) sands over white calcite deposited salts of thousands of millions of years ago and as with all deserts there is no surface water.

Amazingly large predators, antelope, birds and insects exist – all waiting for the annual rain which creates windows of survival or death. During August/September winter slowly regresses from the bone dry land and temperatures start to rise. This is when the small carnivores start their breeding activity.

A magnificent Black-maned Kalahari Lion photographed on my last trip to the Kalahari

More on the lions here

By the end of August the Sociable Weaver chicks are hatching and clambering for food in the large family nests, each nest can accommodate more than 100 families. As it is still too cold for reptiles such as snakes these chicks survive well, even when wind and dust storms blow over the trees and nests. By September the harvester ants can been seen collecting grass cuttings to take down into their mounds. The insect eaters are feathered and furred and ant bears have a time of plenty.

Unfortunately the antelope suffer their most at this time as feed value is almost nil, temperatures are rising and there is no available water, in light of this they lose weight and many die. This is when the predators and scavengers have their time of plenty.
The acacia trees start flowering – insects and animals utilize these flowers to their full extent. All is tinder dry and large clouds with lightning bolts occur. At this time fires are devastating to the animals and limited grass cover, often bird, insect and reptile homes in trees are burnt.

Short swift localized cloud bursts occur and the intensity of a sudden deluge can be devastating especially near river beds where the clay beds are impervious. The little creatures are drowned and the river floods the river bank areas with plant and debris being washed away. Water drips down from the trees and water may even flow in the river beds for a short while.

Millipedes and beetles emerge to take advantage of soft soil on the riverside. Trees and grasses burst into life providing the time of plenty for the antelope which are now calving. Insects appear by the millions and set about breeding. The rains are brief and short lived. Temperatures soar into November, December and January. The grasses and Tsama melon sustain life until the next rains……

Famous inhabitants of the Kalahari are the San or Bushmen people who have lived in the Kalahari for 20,000 years as hunter-gatherers. Today there are more luxurious options for accommodation. For example Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa.

You'll find more on this beautiful lodge on our website here

One last thing- the night sky has more stars than you can possibly imagine. Period!

Slideshow from April trip: Karkloof Spa (South Africa), Natures Valley (South Africa), Okavango Delta (Mombo and Jao Camps) and Linyati (Kings Pool Camp).

For the full album click to visit Picasa web albums.

Last week we spotted this magnificent black-maned lion at Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa.
Many people are not aware that lions vary considerably around Africa. Adult male lions weight generally ranges between 150–250 kg (330–550 lb). On average about 5% heavier in southern Africa than East Africa. The presence, absence, color, and size of the mane is associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate, and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is the darker and fuller the mane, the healthier the lion (other things being equal). The Kalahari lions are renowned for the large size and black manes. This one was in beautiful condition.

Congratulations to TravelScope, the documentary travel series for television that has just been nominated for an Emmy. ROAR AFRICA hosted TravelScope last year for the filming of two episodes of the new season which begins next month: South Africa - On Safari and Mozambique.The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards on May 12th. Travelscope is nominated for an Emmy® in the Outstanding Special Class Series category.

You can read more about the filming of these two episodes on our BLOG: Safari & Mozambique or on Travelscope's website (see below).
Travelscope press release.
Episodes ROAR AFRICA hosted: South Africa - On Safari & Mozambique

Have a close look at the picture below (click to enlarge).Your eyes are not deceiving you - that's an African Wild Dog taking an afternoon nap very close to a Black-backed Jackal.

Botswana is full of surprises. Last month we came accorss this female African Wild Dog living with Jackals. Firstly Wild Dogs normally can't survive long alone. They need their pack to hunt and protect one another. Secondly, Jackals are normally competition for them. Competitors fight one another or at least drive one another away.

Apparently this female Wild Dog somehow got left behind by her pack on Chiefs Island, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. That was more than a year ago. She is an incredible hunter and has managed to hunt by herself and stay safe from lions and hyenas for all that time. Our guide Dr Malinga told us she has formed this remarkable partnership with the Jackals. Their new Dog-Jackal pack is a neat symbiosis whereby the Jackals offer some protection in the form of additional eyes, ears and noses, and she provides additional food. The Jackals can't keep up on the hunt but yet she shares the kill. In fact, most remarkably of all, she was apparently regurgitating food for the Jackals pups. That absolutely amazed us!