18 - 19 April

The cycle of life.

After the much publicised death of Wabayiza which received much attention, comes a new beginning. The cycle of life, though fragile, is perpetual in its ongoing routine.
I know many are at a great loss, but last night brings new hope as Thandi and Mvula started over. Much to our excitement and pleasure, en route home last night we found Thandi mobbing Mvula as he walked along Gowrie main. Trailing behind him as he sauntered along, Thandi’s intentions were clear. She was there for a reason!
The moment Mvula stopped his stride Thandi would storm in, proffering herself with her tail swishing and hindquarters in the air. With a bit of persuasion and perfect timing she achieved her goal, her enticement finally coaxing Mvula to do his duty and sire a new generation.
Three times in our presence did they repeat the routine, the last in the middle of the road not meters from our front bumper.
Soon after the third mating Mvula turned northward and walked up the Mluwathi riverbed with Thandi following closely behind. This was the last we saw of the couple.

Sunrise this morning was magnificent, unimpeded by clouds a soft haze painted the sky in pink, orange and gold hues.
We didn’t travel far from camp, but rather opted to look at each and every fine detail the bush has to offer. While we did see that special animal that is ever in decline, we also spent an age with a particularly active herd of elephants.
Having recently graded our roads there s a lot of powder like soil, not compacted and absolutely perfect for dust bathing. Which was the case with this lovely group of elephants, with a tiny individual amongst them otherwise unable to use its trunk to collect the soil, it lay underneath the larger members of the family, vicariously smothered by those above and creating a lovely setting for both photography and the simple pleasure of merely watching.

That aside, we saw Chinspot Batis, Little Bee-eater and Southern black tit but to name a few.