Our afternoon safari started with extreme excitement amongst the group of guests. As soon as we left the camp, we immediately came across an amazing natural event unfolding right in front of us; known as the processionary worms. The special event known as the procressionary worms is only seen when there is a need to transfer to a new tree. The worms will follow each other head to rear leaving a silk trail as they move extremely slowly. The main reason they follow each other head to rear is because the shape will resemble a snake or a stick which is ignored by their usual predators.
After many photos were taken of the worms, my tracker, Given, spotted some elephant tracks in the sand. We then followed the tracks until we came in contact with them. The guests sat in awe until the elephants decided to leave.
Weighing up to 6000 kg and measuring up to 3.3 m at the shoulder, the African elephant, also known as the Loxodonta Africana, is the world’s largest land mammal. It is characterized by its highly dexterous trunk, long curved tusks, and massive ears. Elephants are very sociable animals and today we were lucky enough to be entertained by one of the babies who tried to balance on her 2 feet; the guests were amazed by the elephant’s intelligence.
After ending the afternoon with some sundowners with the African sunset in the background, we came across the African Civet.
The African civet (civettictis civetta) is mainly found in dense woodlands with hiding places and a lot of water for drinking. They are omnivorous which means they eat both plants and meat. These animals are nocturnal and solitary. The presence of civets can be seen in the tracks and the middens they leave behind because of their shy existence.
The day started the same way it ended – with much excitement. The group of guests left satisfied and pleased with the new knowledge they received from myself and Given on animals such as the procressionary worms, elephants and the African civet, and many more.
FW – Kapama River Lodge
17/06/2013
