4th November 2013

A different kind of safari walk today, and the heat less intense as the sun disappears behind a welcomed cover of cloud. Today, we’re planning a stroll along the riverbank, in the hope of spotting a black rhino perhaps. Rhinos have been decimated in Africa, the victims of intense poaching for their horns, highly valued in China and other parts of Asia. In Majete Wildlife Reserve however, they have been reintroduced, and anti-poaching measures taken to guard and increase their numbers.

But apart from rhinos, there is nothing too large or small that escapes the eye of our guide, Samuel.

Under the gaze of the Red-Billed Hornbill, we traverse the bush past a Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling, almost stepping on a red Velvet Mite. These little critters, half the size of your small fingernail, emerge from the ground in great numbers at the first hint of rain, in search of food. Their bright colour is a warning to other creatures not to eat them!

A pair of Bohm’s Bee-eaters enjoy snacking on a dragonfly, a rarely sighted Little Bee-eater looks on, and an African Green Pigeon picks out ripe fruit in a fig tree.

Arriving at the Shire River, we’re greeted by the usual family of hippos. Who is watching who?

Our old friend the Hamerkop inhabits shore in search of a meal, while the Cardinal Woodpecker seeks his in trees, and we almost miss a Yellow-throated Petronia.

More down to earth, an Impala family give us the stare, and a Bateleur joins a couple of White-backed Vultures on their perch. A male Impala looks impassive, and we head back to the lodge we are suddenly presented with an impressive view of a Sable antelope, a shy and elusive creature, the largest of the African antelope family.

An African Grey Hornbill looks on as we traverse the rope-bridge to the Lodge with more confidence than ever.

Our Lodge is a haven for reptiles such as the Rainbow Skink, but they don’t bother us on our balcony overlooking the Shire River. The main Lodge is located on a small rise above the riverbank, with each chalet nestled in the ajoining bush.

The spectacular view of the River from the Lodge lounge.