Ruckomechi Camp – June 2014
Climate and Landscape
There is still plenty of water, and the bush is beautifully green. The albida trees are in bloom, and are dropping their flowers everywhere while the evergreen mopane trees and natal mahogany trees add a lush green beauty to the landscape.
April has had rather unusual weather characterised by a few storms that resulted in a total of about 12 mm of rain being recorded. The beginning of the month was really hot with temperatures recorded in the mid-30s Celsius; this was shifted by the storms however, as they marked the approaching winter season with temperatures gradually changing after the storms. By end of the month, the mornings and evenings were noticeably cooler, though daytime temperatures are still warm.
Wildlife
The month has been very productive. All activities, be it on water or land, have been most eventful. We had excellent lion sightings on a number of activities, as well as enjoying their presence in camp on several occasions. This has given our guests a truly “wild’’ experience, and combined with a touch of nervous tension; all in all, the sightings have made for really special memories.
Leopards have also been sighted on a several drives. It seems as if we have a mating pair that is spending time around camp, and they have been seen on a few drives. We’ve also heard them calling during the night.
Wildlife percentages for April: Cape buffalo 70%, elephant 93%, eland 13%, hippo 100%, giraffe 100%, kudu 77%, wild dog 3.3%, lion 53%, warthog 93%.
Birds and birding
Amur falcons have started flying in their numbers making our skies beautiful. They are quite fascinating to watch as they feed on termites. The other migratory birds that have been very visible are white storks, adding a splash of colour to our vlei. But these species will be leaving us for warmer climes; we hope to welcome them back again in spring.
