Red-Billed Oxpecker .... unusually not on the back of an animal !

A favourite photo - Limpopo-Lipadi

It was only when we reviewed the photographs back home, that we picked up the jostling males in the background. No planning to this photo at all. We watched the two males for a while from the other side of the waterhole. The one male was incredibly funny behaving in a way I have never seen before. He would back away from the other male and go down on his back legs, and alternatively crouch down on his front legs, enticing the other male to come forward. When the other male showed any movement forward, he would launch himself forward, ears out, trunk flailing and another clash would occur.

Rarities too - Limpopo-Lipadi

Aardwolf, aardvark, african wild cat, ground hornbill ! An astonishing variety of wildlife in the reserve.

At the waterhole - Limpopo-Lipadi

During our trip to Limpopo-Lipadi we did what is often forgotten about at many reserves, just sit. We drove to one of the several nearby waterholes and just sat and watched for several hours. Being the start of winter, the nights were cold and by 09h00 onwards, the game would start to stream to the watehole to drink - impala, kudu, eland, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, warthog, elephant, giraffe, banded mongoose.

Our new home away from home ....

A dream come true for Heather and I to now be shareholders in a game reserve located on the Limpopo River in Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi (www.limpopo-lipadi.org). We visited for the first time during May. Something significant about now being able to contribute directly to conservation, instead of indirectly through various means. The reserve is developing and it will be exciting to see the changes over time, as the reserve is transformed from previous cattle ranches to more natural bushveld. Our first trip was tremendous meeting the great team running the reserve, and spoilt with wildlife experiences. 

From the Humane Society International - "Rhino Horn is a killer, not a cure"

Not sure what else to add in words to this YouTube video from the Humane Society International. The ongoing surge in rhino poaching is just devastating. Reminds us how priveleged we have been to see wild rhinos in the last few years, and also been to reserves with none left !