By Peter and Anesu Gava – Susuwe Lodge Managers | Winter 2009
At Susuwe we have had a really fantastic winter as far as game experience and sightings are concerned. On every golden morning and diamond afternoon our excellent guides together with our deserving guests have had the opportunity to enjoy the Bwabwata National Park in all aspects, the moderate weather, clear skies, remarkable fresh African bush smells, exceptional landscapes and flora. Above all the bliss has been the consistently out of this world game sightings making Susuwe and the Park one of Africa’s major theatres.
Our guests have been blessed to have an average of 2 sightings of leopard per week, a good sign the population of this species is stable and probably on the increase in the area due to exponentially growing population of antelopes e.g. impala, Greater kudu, red lechwe and water buck. The dry season movement of hundreds of buffalo into the Bwabwata has had an influence with different nomadic lion prides flocking to the area. The local prides which had a wide home range are now frequently seen, a good sign their area of traverse is now subjected to limits because of other prides trying to extend their territories into the Bwabwata. Our lion sightings have improved by more than 50% over winter and they still remain good up to now, with a few females showing signs of denning. Three big male lions who possibly could be brothers/ cousins have been in the area for the past three months and seem to have declared themselves as being in charge of the territory. Among other cats sighted in the area are caracal, African wild cat and cheetah.
The canid population in the area is impressive, with hyena featuring through calls in the night. Due to lion presence, there have been good sightings of hyena in the mornings as they are kept busy while competing for meals. Wild dogs have been sighted a couple of times, whilst in transit, and the tracks have been seen many a time indicating that they are also around.
Huge herds of elephant have been a daily occasion with herds of between 20 and 200 elephant together. These majestic creatures of the wild have so much contribution in shaping the habitat for other species and seeing them live while interacting with the rest of the game and vegetation gives an amazing feeling.
The winter period at Bwabwata had so much to offer above the game sightings. The birdlife, insects, reptiles and the beautiful night skies have given the guest their lifetime memories of Susuwe. The boat cruises have been also beyond excellent, with beautiful sunsets and the sight of the numerous hippopotamus and Crocodiles of the Kwando River.
we had an incredible time with Peter and Anna at Susuwe, and our guides were incredible. They knew exactly where to go and we were so lucky early one morning to see two cheetah warming themselves on the road ahead. The food was fabulous and the accommodation incredible. We finished our stay with a beautiful honeymoon lunch on the river bank complete with private table, chef, cocktail table and privy! the knowledge and professionalism of the hosts and staff was bar none the best we’ve experienced. We look forward to returning. All the best to Susuwe Lodge in 2010!
(just for reference I was using a Lumix DMC-TZ5 – pocket camera – no special lens – so yes were this close!)
Lucia and Byron,
Our memories of you are still very fresh! All the fun that unrolled before you and us at Susuwe Island Lodge was like a dream come true. All was a real African wildlife and nature experience never to be forgotten. The minutes, hours, days, months and years will go by, but your space in our hearts will always remain. We know quite well that you fell in love with the lodge, its people and animals. Susuwe will always be ready to fulfill all your expectations without fail! We miss you and look forward to hosting you and friends soon.
Love Peter and Anesu