Ever ask a guide what is the one animal that they don’t want to meet on foot? In almost every case, the answer will be buffalo. They are just unpredictable, temperamental, and when on their own, seem to have a deep-set dislike of humans. In a car, you are fine, they can stare at you as much as they like and snort and stamp their feet, but they are not going to do anything about it. In a bizarre twist of nature, group them all the together, and they are even less likely to do anything, as the safety of the herd becomes paramount. Which is why, when you are sitting in a car in herd of buffalo you are completely safe, even if you are getting the odd ugly stare from the nearest individuals. Its good to keep reminding yourself of this when you are in a herd that numbers around 2000 individuals. This huge grouping moved through the area around Lagoon for several days in early September, feeding on the grass and resting near the channels of water that surround the area. At this time of year, its not uncommon to see herds of several hundred, but this giant herd seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, under every tree, occupying all the land as it slowly moved through, acting just like a herd of normal milking cows – shying at every noise, and moo-ing contentedly.
And where there are buffalo, there are lions. Two big males have pretty much become permanent fixtures in the water cut region, as this is the area the buffalo like to come to drink. With these males establishing a territory, the pride of six with three sub-adult males has had to move further north, in order to alleviate the tension and fighting between the adult males and the sub adults. Half way through the month, the sub adults were found feeding on a dead hippo. Its unlikely that they would have developed the skill required to kill such an animal at this early stage. More likely, the hippo succumbed to illness and lions found it.
The leopard bonanza that began last month, continued on into September, with leopards being seen on almost every day. The 3rd of September saw two leopards on the morning drive, and two in the afternoon – all different individuals.
The three brother cheetahs, those on again, off again visitors, moved back into the Lagoon area the first week of September, for three days, and were seen hunting and killing a kudu. Shortly after that, they headed back to the north, and were not seen for the rest of the month. Two sub-adult cheetahs were also seen this month.
The dogs are doing their yo-yo tactics that they have adopted of late – zigzagging the concession, between Lagoon and Lebala. All 14 dogs were seen. One late afternoon at Half Way Pan, the dogs kindly pointed out a pangolin that was in the area, not being able to make much use of it themselves. It was a rare opportunity for the guests to see such a bizarre creature. Another rare sighting was of dogs fighting with two sable. Even for 14 dogs, taking on a sable with its formidable horns is a little extreme, so perhaps it was more of a play-fight.
And although hyenas always get the bad reputation for being carrion eaters, not even wild dogs are immune to a free meal: the dogs spent two days feeding on a dead elephant, rather than hunt for themselves.
As September arrives, so do the migratory birds. Breeding plumage becomes obvious with vibrant colours. One of the last to announce their arrival is the Woodland kingfisher – probably only arriving here in early to mid October. When he lands, then we know that summer is well on its way.
Other than the pangolin that the wild dogs found, other unusual sightings were a herd of sable 28 strong, and a caracal.
