New Year, New Happenings

It has been quite some time since my last blog, and so much has happened in the interim that it is too extensive to detail. A new season brings new adventures and a new blog.

In the middle of last year, Mark and I decided it was time to revive Shenga Expeditions. After navigating through considerable red tape with the ZTA and National Parks, we secured permission to operate game drives in Kariba. Our inaugural game drive commenced on the morning of January 25th, 2025. Starting from Warthogs Bush Camp, we travelled along the powerlines to the Nyanyana foreshore, identifying several bird species along the route. As we drove down the Nyanyana road towards the foreshore, we encountered fresh lion spoor, which Mark estimated to be from earlier that morning. The foreshore did not disappoint, as we observed a large herd of zebra, impala, and a pair of side-striped jackals, which startled the zebra and impala. This brief moment of excitement led us to anticipate a potential lion hunt, which was not to be. 😊 Following this exhilarating encounter, we enjoyed a well-deserved break with coffee and muffins.

On the 24th March, we had scheduled an early morning and afternoon game drive. In the morning, we were quite puzzled as the animals on the floodplain were conspicuously absent; we only spotted a few zebras and little else. However, in the afternoon, we opted to take a road less-traveled and came across fresh lion spoor, which Mark estimated to be from around lunchtime. We followed the tracks for quite some distance along the road, hoping to encounter the lions, but they eventually veered off, and we did not see them again. This likely explained the scarcity of animals earlier that morning. We enjoyed a delightful sundowner before heading back to Hornbill Lodge, where our guests were staying.

On a very overcast and dreary day, we received another booking. Although we informed the guests of our willingness to go out, we cautioned them that sightings might be minimal. Nature, however, had other plans. We encountered numerous zebras, impalas, and, once again, a side-striped jackal, which we managed to approach closely while it hunted. We had not yet seen waterbuck, so as the guests photographed the jackal, I scanned the foreshore for any sign of them. Believing I had caught a glimpse of one, we headed toward the general vicinity. Deciding it was a good spot for a sundowner, Mark began unloading the cooler box while I continued searching for the waterbuck. I spotted a face and horns, but it took me a moment to realize these were not waterbuck but eland! We quickly loaded the car and drove like rally drivers to a closer vantage point. Once there, we discovered a group of six elands, including a calf—a magnificent conclusion to a stunning drive.

Our most recent drive was an afternoon outing, with the guests traveling from Chinhoyi specifically for a game drive. They wanted their two children to experience a glimpse of Zimbabwe's wilderness before returning to Australia. Zebra and impalas were once again abundant, though the eland family seemed elusive on this occasion. Whilst enjoying once again a magnificent Kariba Sunset, one of the guests pointed out something appearing from the tree line, Low and behold it was our Eland family coming to say Good Evening.

Coming to spend a few days in Kariba please don't forget to book a game drive or two and let us see what Nature has in store for you. If you would prefer a long Safari please do get in touch and let us together put together your dream safari!