It’s been sometime since my last blog and things have really been hotting up. The game viewing at the moment has really been fantastic. The combination of the very dry conditions and a few scattered waterholes allow for a concentration of game, which I for one have not seen in years. I am talking of the greater Kruger National Park areas, both Kruger itself and the private reserves adjacent such as the Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Klaserie. On a recent rip to Kruger there was wall-to-wall game from Crocodile bridge all the way up to Skukuza. This is a trip of roughly 70km, most of which follows the magnificent Sabi River. The river clearly is the attractor and the only really palatable vegetation remaining is around these watercourses. There have been many sightings of Leopard during the mid day heat, an unusual occurrence one has to say. On one occasion we witnessed a young mail Leopard hunting Kudu at 14:30 in the afternoon. The temperature was well into the 30’s so you can imagine our surprise. He was not successful and moved away into the bush, I am sure to try and find some smaller quarry.
Wildogs at their best…
Our luck continued on another trip to Ingwelala. We set off for our evening sundowner and night drive at around 16:30 on another warm African afternoon. Suntan lotion and ice cold drinks at hand we decided to head for the Timbavati river crossing, earlier on that day 2 Wilddogs had been spotted in the area and although a long shot we took our chances. One thing about the bush is that you never know what you are going to see, if it’s not the Wilddog it could be some other predators, a herd of Elephant, Buffalo, you just never know.
Crackling over the radio came the call that the Wild dogs where busy being harassed by a herd of elephants at Elephant hide. We quickly headed there to find the dogs lazing around but the elephants sadly had moved off. Wilddogs are one of Africa’s most successful hunters; their stamina is their main form of advantage, taking turns they wear down their prey and literally run it into the ground. Once they set their sights on something, it generally is matter of time before it is caught.
We took and educated decision to head out again as the dogs where not looking very active. We traversed a road adjacent to where the Wilddogs may head hoping to catch them on the move again. They have a habit of sometimes taking off again towards sunset often heading out for another hunt. We were out for another 30 minutes or so and stopped across the river form the hide, we scanned the area and through the frames of the binoculars caught a glimpse of the dogs on the move. We were perfectly positioned, if on the wrong side of the river, and moved along with them. Eventually we lost them and continued to a river crossing a few kilometers ahead. Sitting patiently we took the opportunity to restock the drinks, snap a few photographs and take in the early evening stars. Above on the riverbank a few Impala came past at full speed. Their silhouettes flashing past in the last remaining light of the day. Suddenly up river the dogs came back into view, crossing quickly and directly to the road we had come from. With 4-wheel drive engaged I managed to maneuver the vehicle around and off in their direction.
Scanning with the spotlights we searched with an air of excitement. We were the only vehicle in pursuit as the other where firmly left across the river. It’s all about luck and educated guesses in this game. Finally a call came out for the vehicle to stop, the reflection of their eyes giving them away and heading towards us. In the blink of an eye a Steenbok (Small antelope) broke from its cover and a single dog pursued. The other dogs continued to move around and we watched them briefly before they took off in the direction the first had headed. We again pursued and finally catching what turned out to be the last dog of the group. The speed at which they move is quite remarkable. On coming around the corner to found the Steenbok locked in the jaws of numerous Wilddog, all tugging for their piece. It took the dogs no more than 30 seconds to tear the animal apart. A very quick death indeed and a lot more humane than some of Africa's other predators.
The Wild Dogs had successfully ran it down and were now in the process of sharing the spoils. Prime position once again although a vehicle coming from the other side now had met us. The dogs continued to feed for a few minutes and when suddenly the ears pricked up and their attention drawn down the road. One dog was even standing on its hind legs trying to get a better view. Remarkably the Wilddogs had picked up an approaching Hyena who must have been a few hundred meters off when their attention was drawn. One Hyena quickly became 2 and then 3, the Wilddogs viciously attacked their foes and managed to fend them off for a good few minutes. 10 Wild Dogs vs. 3 Hyena is a very even fight and the standoff lasted for some time. Eventually the Wilddogs gave up the last remains of their kill and left the Hyenas to squabble over the scraps.
As quick as it started the Wild Dogs reassembled the troops and were again on the move. In single file they disappeared into and area we could not follow and that brought to an end a most amazing sighting. Full of adrenalin the group excitedly discussed the intricacies of the kill, each giving their account to the action. It was amazing to hear the different versions of what was the same kill, although we all agreed it was something very special indeed. My pictures of this event unfortunately did not come out as I had hoped. As proof of how exciting this was, I did not check my settings on my camera and this led to my poor display, just to keen to get the shot. It’s amazing how hard one can be on oneself in these situations but hey….another day, another drive and you never know what will be waiting around the corner.
