Office Africa December 2015

Dear All,

Greetings to our friends and subscribers. The year that was 2015 is rushing to a close and we would like to take a look back at a season of friends, family and of giving, in the spirit of Christmas.

Towards the end of October the local pack of wild dogs graced us with their presence and showed off their additions to the pack, in the form of their three month-old pups.

The various prides of lions that occupy and frequent the area around Kaingo Camp and Mwamba Bushcamp held many a family gathering for the pleasure of our guests.

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Caring - Lioness with cubs, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - 4ZM15_8322

In addition to the wild dog’s and lion’s offspring, we were also very fortunate to be given the privilege of seeing some newborn hyaenas and leopards:

 

And many a family feast was on view over the season.

The various waterholes and drinking spots played a large part in bringing families together.

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Hollywoods

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And even played a part in sparking a romance or two.

Old friends and families travelled from near and far to meet at Mother Nature’s sustenance:

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Tangua & Nyuma

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The greatest bird show of the region was a focal point of life at the river,

Perched - Southern Carmine and White-fronted Bee-eaters, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - SZM15_3411

Nest site - Southern Carmine Bee-eaters, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - SZM15_3650

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But `The Last Waterhole’ hide at Mwamba Bushcamp also provided us with fantastic birding opportunities, amazing us with the numbers and varieties of birds on view.

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And whilst leopards are mainly solitary animals,

Scanning - Leopard, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - SZM15_6326

this mother and daughter provided us with wonderful viewing throughout the season.

The first rains fell in the very beginning of November, forming new pools and softening the ground to allow much-needed greenery to push its way to the surface. The action moved away from the river until the next dry season.

And while Santa Klaws watched over the end of season’s proceedings,

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Mama Klaws belted out her rendition of `Oh, Holy Night.’

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From all of us at Shenton Safaris, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Goodbye until next year.