Spectacle and theatre in Mana

Shelly Cox, African Bush Camps
PHOTOS: Tammy Smith, African Bush Camps

The dry season in Africa provides a harsh environment,demonstrating the survival of the fittest for all species including birdlife, which flourishes in Mana Pools National Park.

Kanga Pan, located inland of the Zambezi River, is the only water source in the area year round, providing a formidable stage for travellers,wildlife fanatics and birdwatchers to experience up-close-and-personal encounters with species battling to survive the dry months of August through to November.

In September 2013, our team at Kanga Camp captured incredible photographic footage of the daily spectacles which can be experienced inland of the Zambezi River.

Two resident fish eagles had been living off the smaller catfish species inhabiting the pan in front of camp. Equipped with powerful talons to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey, these eagles had been successful in their hunting over the previous months.

Whilst this species mainly subsists on fish, the fish eagle is opportunistic and may take a wider variety of prey, such as waterbirds. As the water in Kanga Pan slowly began to recede and marabou storks depleted the catfish numbers, leaving only the larger fish which the eagles battled to carry in their talons, the competition for food increased.

Maribou Stork

With only the largest of the catfish left in the pan’s muddy waters, and after several unsuccessful fishing attempts, the two eagles resorted to feeding on doves that would frequent the pan in the early mornings to drink

Fish eagle in water

On the morning in question, guests were having breakfast looking out over the pan watching the two fish eagles sitting up in a nearby tree. Suddenly in a swoop of feathers and talons, the two eagles fell upon a juvenile sparrow hawk which had been drinking from a small puddle

The resident eagles

A battle between the two eagles ensued over the impending meal and guests watched in awe as the two majestic birds fought for the day’s sustenance

The battle begins

Finally one of the fish eagles made a break and took off with the sparrow hawk securely in its talons. Resting in the safety of a tree on the outskirts of the pan, the successful predator was left to feed on its prey

Factfile

- Despite only one in every seven or eight fishing attempts being successful, the African fish eagle rarely spends more than ten minutes per day actively hunting.

- Calling and duetting, whilst perched or soaring, is an integral part of the breeding display, and is combined with dramatic aerial dives and falls, with pairs interlocking talons in mid air.

- The female normally lays one to three eggs, which are incubated for around 44 days before hatching.

- In the wild those fish eagle young that are fortunate to survive the first year have an estimated life expectancy of 12 to 24 years.

- The estimated current population size is 300,000. The species remains widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa in suitable habitat and is not considered to be threatened.

Wilderness Safaris Zambia & Zimbabwe Specials

Wilderness Safaris offers superb wildlife and cultural encounters in both Zambia and Zimbabwe - true gems in the African wilderness. Divided by the great Zambezi River, both countries allow for unspoilt journeys through impressive National Parks, where a variety of habitats are home to multiple mammal and bird species. In addition to the world-renowned Victoria Falls, where your journey may begin or end, you can expect thrilling safaris, adrenaline adventures and encounters with some of the friendliest people to host you.

2014 NEW YEAR SPECIALS

Discounted Flying Rates 2014

 

Davison's Camp Wilderness Safaris, Hwange National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

On a stay of three consecutive nights (or longer) at Davison’s Camp, Little Makalolo or Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe, receive a discount of 50% on the scheduled Wilderness Air flying seat rates between these camps and/or Victoria Falls/Harare as the points of origin or departure.

We have also reduced our Zambia flying rates by 20% for the 2014 season. No minimum stay is required at Busanga Bush Camp or Shumba Camp, and these lower rates apply to bookings between Lusaka and Kafue as well as Livingstone and Kafue.

Private Guides accommodated FREE in Zimbabwe camps

On a minimum stay of two nights at Little Makalolo, Davison’s and Ruckomechi camps, private guides will be hosted free of charge in guide accommodation from 11 January 2014 to 10 January 2015. Please do note that only one complimentary guide can be accommodated at any one time.

FREE Hot Air Ballooning in the Kafue

 

Balloning Busanga Plains, Wilderness Safaris, Kafue National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

Stay for three nights in one of our stunning camps on the Busanga Plains – Shumba or Busanga Bush Camp – in August, September or October and be treated to the most exclusive hot air ballooning in Africa on a complimentary basis. This breathtaking activity takes in the pristine scenery and wildlife of the plains before concluding with a champagne breakfast.

Ruckomechi Camp Introduces Unique ‘Sleep-out’ Experience in Mana Pools

Wilderness Safaris Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe has introduced a unique, sleep-out option for adventurous guests on an outdoor deck overlooking the wildlife-rich Parachute Pan. Situated about 400m from the main camp, the Parachute Pan ‘sleep-out’ deck offers guests a truly intimate, up-close-and-personal wilderness experience and the unique opportunity of sleeping under the stars in the Zambezi Valley.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES:

DISTINCTIVE ZAMBEZI AND KAFUE (7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS)

 

Busanga Plains, Wilderness Safaris, Kafue National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

Experience the great wildlife spectacle of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, followed by the expansive and diverse Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park where herds of antelope are followed closely by lion prides. The trip’s grand finale is the impressive and mesmerising Victoria Falls.

Days 1, 2, 3: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Days 4, 5, 6: Transfer by boat, road and air to Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia
Day 7: Fly to Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone, Zambia
Day 8: Road transfer to Livingstone International Airport

(Operating 01 June to 31 October 2014. Departs on a Monday from Victoria Falls and ends in Livingstone on a Monday.)

ZIMBABWE HIGHLIGHTS (7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS)

 

Ruckomechi Camp, Wilderness Safaris, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

This exciting safari combines three of the most diverse and spectacular areas in Zimbabwe including Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools National Park, each celebrated for fascinating wildlife and magnificent scenery. Your journey begins and ends at Victoria Falls, where you can extend your trip and enjoy this natural wonder of the world.

Days 1, 2: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Davison’s Camp, Hwange National Park
Days 3, 4: Fly to Changa Camp, Lake Kariba
Days 5, 6, 7: Fly to Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park
Day 8: Return to Victoria Falls Airport by light aircraft for your onward arrangements

(Operating 1 April through to 15 November 2014. Daily departures from and returning to Victoria Falls, with the option of flying to Harare from Ruckomechi.)

ZIMBABWE SUMMER SPECIAL (6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS)

Little Makalolo Camp, Wilderness Safaris, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

We begin this safari in Hwange National Park where summer rainfall brings the surrounding plains to life, displaying incredible concentrations of wildlife. We then continue on to Changa Safari Camp, built on the shores of Lake Kariba, with stunning views of the mysterious Matusadona Mountains. Your journey begins and ends at Victoria Falls, where you can extend your trip and enjoy this natural wonder of the world.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Little Makalolo Camp or Davison’s Camp, Hwange National Park
Days 4, 5 & 6: Fly to Changa Camp, Lake Kariba
Day 7: Return to Victoria Falls Airport by light aircraft for onward arrangements

(Valid from 11 January to 31 March 2014. Daily departures from and returning to Victoria Falls.)

BEST OF ZAMBIA (6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS)

 

Cheetah (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

As one of the most rewarding African wildlife destinations, this safari offers the best of Zambia. Landlocked, this country is a land of large rivers: the Zambezi, Kafue, Lufupa and Luangwa Rivers are all the centrepieces of some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the continent.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Fly from Lusaka Airport to Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia
Days 4, 5 & 6: Fly back to Lusaka for a scheduled flight to Mfuwe and onward connection to Puku Ridge, Kapamba Bush Camp or Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Day 7: Return to Lusaka Airport for onward arrangements

Add-on: Extend your stay and discover the wildlife and spectacular scenery of the legendary Zambezi River:
Days 7, 8 & 9: Chiawa Camp or Chongwe River Camp or Kasaka River Lodge, Lower Zambezi National Park.

(Operating 01 June to 31 October 2014.)

Note: These are suggested itineraries only – please contact your Journey Specialist for pricing as a variety of options are possible, including points of arrival and departure.

For more information and pricing on the suggested itineraries, contact your journey specialist or email emmah@wilderness.co.zw or joleenr@wilderness.co.zw.