This Week At Angama #347

Our afternoon game drives are typically serene, glowing with golden light as wildlife stirs in the cooling air. But things took a thrilling turn on this particular day, just a short distance from Angama. The landscape erupted in a high-stakes chase, shattering the usual calm. Hunters and the hunted clashed in a dramatic encounter, leaving us breathless. 

Small herds of wildebeest grazed peacefully below the escarpment when a sudden commotion nearby grabbed our attention: the two cheetah males from Lamai in the Serengeti had taken down a wildebeest. These brothers had ventured north into the Triangle, closely following the Migration. However, the event didn’t go unnoticed. This territory belongs to the Angama lioness and her two juvenile cubs. As the cheetahs feasted, the lioness, crouched low in the grass, stealthily approached, intent on seizing their hard-earned meal. 

As apex predators, lions don’t view cheetahs as threats but as competition. By killing cheetahs, they reduce rival predators and secure more prey. Aware of their place in the predator hierarchy, cheetahs know they can’t compete with lions, leopards, or hyenas. The lioness’s clumsy approach alerted the cheetahs in a tense moment, making them quickly sense danger. Realising the odds were against them, they immediately abandoned their kill, choosing survival over a meal. The lioness gave chase, her determination catching us by surprise.

Though the cheetahs escaped, the loss was still costly. For them, losing a kill is draining — they expend enormous energy in short bursts to catch prey and now must hunt again without the chance to refuel. Typically, cheetahs rest for 30 minutes after a chase, but their recovery time shortens when forced to remain alert, reducing their time to feed. After briefly resting from their escape, the brothers encountered a serval. Initially seeing it as easy prey, they quickly abandoned the cause.

We followed the boys as they moved toward another herd of wildebeest, hoping they would attempt another hunt. Their interest grew as they drew closer to the unsuspecting wildebeests, but with the fading light, we could barely make them out through our binoculars. Suddenly, chaos erupted among the wildebeests, with animals running in different directions. Little did we know that we were set up for a thrilling hunt, but this time, it was an opportunistic hyena. 

Amid the confusion, as animals scattered, unsure where the danger was coming from, a lone hyena seized the moment. Often misunderstood as mere scavengers, hyenas are, in fact, skilled hunters. Hyenas are adaptable, opportunistic and capable of taking down a wide range of prey depending on availability. This one locked its sights on a young wildebeest, showing remarkable speed and endurance throughout the chase. After a relentless pursuit, it finally succeeded by clamping onto its target.

As another hyena joined the scene, what unfolded next was the often brutal reality of nature — feeding on the prey while it was still alive. Though hard to watch, this behaviour is a survival tactic for hyenas. By quickly consuming as much as possible, they maximise their meal before other predators arrive, using their powerful jaws to tear through flesh efficiently.

Young elephant males form groups after leaving their maternal herds, often joining older bulls seeking companionship. These 'bachelor herds' are small and allow younger elephants to learn social behaviour from more experienced ones. They forage for food and water, roam independently, and sometimes mingle with female breeding herds. 

Watching an elephant skilfully step onto a tree trunk to reach the higher branches shows their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. With its massive foot firmly pressing on the tree, the elephant stretches its trunk upward, expertly grabbing the lush leaves at the tops of trees. Known for their resourcefulness, they use their size and strength to access food that many other animals can’t, making the most of their surroundings in remarkable ways. 

The latest Migration update reveals that most herds have moved toward the Serengeti, with some in Mara North and the greater Mara. We eagerly await their return as they prepare to cross the river back to Tanzania. A photo taken five days ago, once filled with scattered wildebeest, mostly shows an empty landscape as most animals have moved to the greater Mara. —Robert Sayialel

This week's heavy downpour in the Sanctuary signifies a shift in seasons, which should turn the surroundings back into a lush and vibrant paradise. Rain brings joy and rejuvenates the landscape. New vegetation grows for animals to graze on, and, most importantly, water sources are replenished after long periods without rain. Another indicator of the onset of the rainy season is the white-browed coucal.

According to popular Southern African lore, this species‘ distinctive call, which resembles water pouring from a bottle, signals impending rainfall, earning the bird the name 'rain bird'. It is a non-brood parasitic species, meaning it raises its young instead of planting its eggs in other nests. The males construct a nest, incubate the eggs, and provide most feeding and care for the young. 

Each elephant's tusks are as unique as fingerprints, varying in size, shape, and even wear patterns, making them an invaluable tool for identification. With her distinctively opposite-facing and slightly curved tusks, this particular female, Angelina, holds a special place in Amboseli’s elephant families. She is the mother of a rare set of twins, a momentous event in elephant biology.

Sadly, only one calf survived, but her remaining youngster stays close by her side. Angelina's unique tusks help us recognise her immediately, a powerful reminder of her resilience and strength as she navigates motherhood in the wild, carrying on with a grace that reflects the enduring spirit of Amboseli's elephants. 

The palm-nut vulture, a unique resident of the Old World vultures, is an unusual sight in Kimana Sanctuary. Unlike its carrion-feeding cousins, this vulture has a predominantly vegetarian diet, feeding on the fruits of the raffia palm. Kimana’s lush wetlands and scattered palm trees provide the perfect habitat for this bird. Known for its white plumage with black wings and a red face, the palm-nut vulture adds a fascinating touch to the Sanctuary’s rich birdlife. Amboseli guest Nicholas was lucky to spot this magnificent bird perched high above. 

Another striking bird, the black heron, with its dark plumage, stands out not only for its appearance but for the way it uses its wings like an umbrella, creating a shadow over the water. This clever tactic lures fish seeking refuge from the sun, bringing them closer to the heron’s sharp beak. As it moves gracefully across the shallow waters, it performs this distinctive dance repeatedly — a fascinating spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. The black heron’s behaviour is a prime example of the innovative survival strategies within Amboseli’s dynamic wetlands, making it a highlight for visitors with a keen eye. 

Who says a kingfisher must stick to fish? This stunning grey-headed kingfisher proves otherwise. Perched gracefully, it proudly showed off its latest catch — a beetle — demonstrating its versatility as a skilled hunter. Whether snatching insects in mid-air or from the ground, this bird is an expert insectivore often preferring terrestrial prey.

In the soft morning light in Amboseli National Park, we came across two brothers from the Mikindu Pride, confidently patrolling their territory with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background. Angama Guide Sabore explained that prides often overlap here, leading to conflict, but these two seemed well-fed from a recent feast. They assert dominance and safeguard their pride's future by reinforcing their bond. Their synchronised patrols showcased their strength and unity — essential for survival in this rugged land. -Japheth Supeyo