XAKANAXA NEWS
- October 2011
New Xakanaxa representation
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With temperatures soaring to an unprecedented 42°c in the past two weeks, guests are enjoying the facility of our new pool! The intense heat has its drawbacks and when one drives from Maun to the camp it is incredibly dry, but upon reaching Xakanaxa there is at least greenery as the camp is in close proximity to water and there is still a good cover of grass. Much to our guest's delight, the conditions haven't deterred great game viewing throughout the month!

 
The Xakanaxa Pride of lions, which now numbers nine, (five females, one male and three juveniles), have been viewed frequently and due to the size of the pride they have been preying on buffalo, of which there are two different herds in the area. One of about 500 and the other of around 250.  However, it doesn't always go the 'lion’s way' and to the joy of guests on one activity, the buffalo were seen chasing the lions off a kill!!
 
Other predators seen have been, two male cheetahs lying in the shade beside the road and a pair of mating leopard, which is a highly unusual sighting for during the day.  One can just imagine the hilarity, when guests spotted a tug of war fight between two mongooses. One, we presume had killed a snake and hidden it in the grass away from his 'clan', but unfortunately for him he was found out and  another approached and picked it up. Well, the ensuing tug of war was a sight to behold, with each pulling at either end of the snake! This carried on for some time, but eventually the rightful 'owner' walked away with his spoils!!
 
Another unusual sighting was of a female hyena with a baby digging a hole in which to hide the youngster. An elephant carcass (the guides seem to think that it had died of disease), was unfortunately situated near the den of one of the resident Wild Dog Packs (One female and an adult and three pups who have split up from the original pack of seven). This forced them to relocate, as it attracted a few unwanted visitors, mainly hyena and jackals. Another pack has appeared made up of a female and six males. Wild dog sightings are always a thrill for our guests, as they are an endangered species!
 
This month a very unusual visitor was a Greater Cane Rat - Lettie, after dinner one evening, heard an unusual sound and a strange shape moved in the shadows.
 
Knowing the eye colour, shape and the behaviour pattern of most animals in torch light, she was very puzzled until it ran past the lounge and she got a really good view.  Too fast for any photo's unfortunately! Greater Cane Rats can grow up to 4.5kg. Other night time visitors to the camp have been genets and their youngsters entertaining guests after dinner and a honey badger, who also paid a brief visit.
 
Bird life has improved with the influx of migrants. Black herons and a slaty egrets have been busy fishing at Acacia Plains, which is normally an open grassy floodplain, but it is now underwater. Good photo opportunities where had, with a sighting of a pair of the rare Pels Fishing Owls, together with a juvenile. Yellow billed and marabou storks have just hatched chicks at the small heronry on Xakanaxa Lagoon.
 
We are excited to announce, that Classic Representations, will now be representing Xakanaxa Camp in Europe and at major travel/ tourism trade shows. The following was released by their team last week….
“We are delighted to welcome the well known and highly regarded Xakanaxa Camp as the newest member to our portfolio...... with best wishes, Suzanne Bayly-Coupe, Managing Director, Classic Representation.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR PROMOTIONAL PRESENTATION

 

Newsletter Archive
January/ February 2012 :: February 2012 :: view
CAUSE AN UPROAR! :: November 2011 :: view
A near 'deadly experience' :: September 2011 :: view