This Week at Angama #360

After recent rains, the southern part of the Triangle has become a hub for herbivores attracted to the shorter, lush grass. The low grass also helps with better visibility to detect approaching danger, but they aren’t the only ones. This week, we watched Siligi’s sons, also known as the Kogatende males, take advantage of the same terrain. While one keeps watch, the other two rest, conserving their energy for the hunt and remaining vigilant for threats. 

Their sleek, streamlined bodies spring into action when the chase begins, each stride carefully calculated to close the gap. The unlucky impala's fate was sealed the moment the trio chose it as their target. The lead cheetah took charge of the pursuit while the others followed, adjusting with every twist and turn as the impala desperately attempted to flee. But escape wasn’t in its favour.

Knowing other predators could steal their hard-earned meal, the cheetahs didn’t waste time. They ate quickly, taking turns while one stood guard for potential threats. It was a successful day for these three-speed demons.

Ostriches have a unique approach to parental care compared to many bird species, with both males and females actively involved in raising their offspring. The roles are divided: the female incubates the eggs during the day, while the male takes over at night. After hatching, the chicks stay with their parents for about 6-8 months, with both parents working together to protect them, provide warmth, and teach them how to find food.

The chicks then gradually leave their parents' care as they become more independent. These 13 large chicks in the Triangle are seen daily, accompanied by two sets of parents as they go about their routine.

The black-backed jackal is an incredibly adaptable and resourceful animal. Thanks to its sharp senses of smell, sight, and hearing, it functions as both a hunter and scavenger. Its intelligence and omnivorous diet allow it to thrive in even the most challenging environments. These medium-sized canids (members of the dog family) weigh 6-13 kg (13-29 lbs) and are easily recognised by the distinctive black, saddle-like patch on their backs, contrasting with their reddish-tan bodies.

Being highly opportunistic feeders, these cunning animals are often found trailing large predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, scavenging for leftovers. In this instance, lions had just killed a buffalo, and a solitary jackal was quick to follow in hopes of an easy meal. While the other lions had left momentarily to quench their thirst, one female was left behind to guard the kill.

Eventually, the lioness, too, left the kill unattended. Seizing the opportunity, the jackal approached cautiously to feed. However, such behaviour is inherently risky, as venturing close to apex predators can sometimes lead to fatal consequences. 

The jackal quickly snatched a sizable chunk from the carcass with remarkable agility and speed before being caught. Jackals often cache food when it’s plentiful — burying it in shallow holes or hiding it in spots less likely to attract other scavengers. This one got lucky as the lioness returned with her playful cubs in tow a few minutes later, ready to enjoy their hard-earned meal.

On hotter days, skin care becomes crucial, and much like exfoliation, mud helps moisturise the skin and regulate body temperature. Many animals cool off by splashing or wallowing, often seeking wet, muddy areas near water sources like riverbanks, ponds, or wallowing pits. They may lie down and roll around or, like elephants, splash it over their bodies using their trunks. —Robert Sayialel

The ancient acacia trees are lifelines for elephants in this arid ecosystem, providing far more than shade in the sweltering heat. Their branches offer nutritious pods and leaves, a critical source of sustenance during the dry season. For giants like Craig, these trees also become improvised support systems — perfect for leaning on during brief moments of sleep or conserving energy on long, hot days. 

Amid the grandeur of larger animals, the dik-dik remains a quiet presence. On an early morning safari drive to Amboseli National Park, guest Aris captured the pair as they darted through the underbrush. These tiny antelopes — no taller than a large hare — tend to move in close companionship, and their keen eyes miss nothing.

Further along, we encountered another antelope species that is a true master of adaptation. The slender-necked gerenuks, often called the 'giraffe gazelles', can stand on their hind legs to nibble on acacia leaves high above the ground.

We were treated to more antelope sightings as we ventured into the Sanctuary for a late afternoon drive, and eland greeted us with their regal presence. These are the largest antelope species; their spiral horns look like crowns, giving them an air of majesty.

In contrast to the eland's calm demeanour, guinea fowls darted across the plain, their distinctive polka-dot plumage and helmeted heads standing out. These highly alert birds, often travelling in flocks, act as Kimana Sanctuary's alarm system. Their sharp, cackling calls signal the presence of potential predators, a survival instinct refined over generations.

Near the swampy fringes of Kimana, a herd of buffalo cooled themselves in white mud. Their pale appearance comes from fine ash residue scattered across the landscape — traces of a long-dormant eruption of Mawenzi — one of Mount Kilimanjaro's three volcanic peaks. Known for their strong social bonds, buffalo stay close to protect one another from predators. In contrast to the Mara, the lions in the Sanctuary prefer smaller prey, such as warthogs, over these imposing herbivores.

We encountered a large male who looked like he gave a big smile to the camera before darting off with his tail straight up like an antenna. While warthogs are regarded as a favourite meal, their sharp, long tusks are formidable weapons. We've seen their impact on the hind legs of lions from daring attempts to dig warthogs out of their burrows because they charge head-on at their attackers.

Perched on an acacia branch near the turning circle, a long-crested eagle stood out against the sparse canopy, scanning the landscape with intense focus. This raptor is easily recognised by its distinctive crest of feathers sweeping back from its head. Found in open woodlands and forest edges, the long-crested eagle is a skilled hunter, primarily preying on small mammals such as rodents.

The Amboseli swamps, fed by the melting snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, provide a vital refuge for elephants. A steady procession unfolds each morning as they emerge from the shelter of Acacia tortilis trees and nearby conservancies, where they rested overnight. Their deliberate journey leads them to the swamps, where they cool down and coat themselves in mud — nature's sunscreen. They are often accompanied by egrets, which benefit symbiotically by feeding on insects stirred up by the elephants.

Not far behind, the massive bulls follow. Though they trail the family groups at a respectable distance, their lumbering gait is purposeful as they, too, make their way toward the swamps. —Japheth Supeyo