This Week at Angama #364

Animals are lingering near the road in the Maasai Mara to avoid the muddy terrain caused by recent rains. Climate change has altered the rhythm of the savannah. Mornings are foggy and cool, disrupting the ecosystem and challenging nature and local communities to adjust to the disruption.

Big cats, in particular, are often sticking to the roads, avoiding the wet grass, which they dislike. Like the Ownino Pride, seen here, who have been spotted sleeping along the shoulders almost every day before lazily strolling off to search for prey or a place to bask when the sun comes out.

Leopards are incredibly strong and can hoist prey into trees, often twice their own weight. This feat relies on powerful biomechanics, specifically the neck muscles and strong shoulders and forelimbs, which work together to lift and secure a kill away from scavengers, ensuring their meal is safe.

The Salt Lick male gave Head Guide Sammy and guests an unforgettable display of power as he attempted to haul a massive warthog up a sausage tree. Maneuvering the heavy carcass into a secure position proved challenging. At one point, he held the entire weight in his jaws, struggling to find a stable spot, but in seconds, his grip failed, and the warthog tumbled to the ground. Undeterred, he feasted below the tree for hours before making a second attempt — this time successfully stashing his hard-earned meal in the branches. 

The Taliban males are proving to be successful sires, as we recently spotted the Egyptian Pride with seven new cubs. Our timing couldn’t have been better; just after arriving, we watched an adventurous cub curiously climb onto the tree trunk where they rested — seemingly assessing the large creature parked beside him. He took in his surroundings with wide, wondering eyes before attempting to escape. However, as he quickly realised, climbing down was far more challenging than going up. But as they say, what goes up must come down — though not always gracefully. 

Full of energy and mischief, the new additions were all suckled by a single mother who appeared noticeably better fed than her sisters. The sight of their playful struggles and their mother’s patience painted a heartwarming picture, and the thought of their instinctive fierceness was intriguing. Despite their young age and the bountiful amount of milk, the cubs still squabbled over prime nursing spots as if they were battling for nourishment. Their tiny growls and swipes hinted at their competitive nature, characteristics they will need in the pride.

Lionesses are fiercely protective of their other pride members, regardless of size or age. A female from the River Pride demonstrated this remarkable instinct. Like many other male animals, male lions possess a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to detect subtle chemical cues in their environment.

Females in different reproductive states — whether in heat (oestrus) or pregnant — emit signals known as pheromones, which change based on hormonal fluctuations. These pheromones are released through body secretions such as urine, glandular fluids, and scent markings. Amidst social upheaval and the presence of the pride’s dominant males, Muuaji and his younger brother were directed away from conflict. The lioness responded to stress by releasing hormones mimicking the true oestrus's scent profile. This deception led the male to believe she was ready to mate, redirecting his attention away from the rest of the pride and momentarily tempering his aggression toward its members. 

The younger male in the pride was eager to mate but met hostility when he approached a female. Hearing the commotion, Muuaji charged in to assert his dominance — reminding him that mating rights come with a fierce defence.

Jackals are remarkably social creatures whose lives unfold in close-knit family units resembling nature’s small, playful tribes. At the heart of their social structure is a monogamous pair, bonded for life and often supported by their offspring, who sometimes linger as helpful, spirited youngsters long after their first playful tumbles. In these groups, the young engage in bouts of frolicsome wrestling and chasing —strengthening their bonds and honing the hunting and survival skills they will rely on. Even the adults, while primarily focused on defending territory and coordinating stealthy hunts, aren’t without moments of levity; a shared howl or a light, almost mischievous nudge during quieter times hints at a subtle, playful side beneath their otherwise keen, alert demeanours. 

The serval cat’s ears are incredibly large and finely tuned for detecting sound. These oversized ears, comparable to dinner plates on a human head, can rotate independently up to 180 degrees, allowing them to pick up even the faintest noises in the grass, like the ultrasonic squeaks of hidden rodents. Their size and mobility enhance hearing and provide precise directional cues, helping the serval launch a silent, accurate pounce. With every twitch, its ears turn the landscape into a detailed sound map, ensuring no movement goes unnoticed. 

The first light of day stretches across the horizon, tinting the sky gold and amber. Silhouetted acacia trees stand tall as a flock of birds glides through the morning breeze. The wild hums with life — the call of a hornbill, leaves rustling in the wind. A new day begins, full of promise. 

Nestled below Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped majesty, the umbrella thorn acacia trees (vachellia tortillas) create a serene canopy where elephants gather peacefully. The scene is timeless, and to witness this is to feel truly alive, connected to something far greater than oneself.

We paused for a crossing herd of elephants on our way to a sundowner blessing. Guide Jeremy stopped the safari vehicle to share insights with the guests when, suddenly, one elephant approached — calm, curious, and completely at ease. It inspected us, taking in our scent and the vehicle as we sat frozen in awe.

This encounter was a reminder to never approach elephants from behind; let them come to you on their terms. It was a magical moment that none of us will ever forget.

Photography is an art of perspective, and nature offers countless opportunities to play with light, texture, and angles. It's not just about taking a photo; it’s about telling a story, and scenes like this inspire a connection with the wild that words often fail to convey. The opportunity to witness such unique compositions is endless for any guest visiting. From a majestic lion mirrored in a puddle to birds reflected in Amboseli swamps, this playground is for anyone with a camera or even just an eye for beauty. Every click holds the promise of freezing an extraordinary moment in time.

Strength often lies in numbers in the lion kingdom, and the story of Male 263 and Osunash is a perfect testament to this. Known as an inseparable duo, their coalition once ruled with unmatched confidence, a bond forged through shared battles and conquests. However, the Male 263 has recently been spotted alone, his deep, guttural roars echoing through the savannah as he calls for his companion, Osunash. The absence of his brother-in-arms is palpable, reminding us of the profound connection these majestic creatures form. A lion coalition is more than just a partnership; it’s a strategy for survival. Together, Male 263 and Osunash were a formidable force, defending their territory and taking down prey. Though Osunash’s whereabouts remain uncertain, he is likely roaming the savannah, and we eagerly await the moment he reunites with his companion.

Nature's gentle giants have a delightful habit of wallowing in mud and dusting themselves, which serves practical and playful purposes. On hot days, mud baths help elephants to regulate their body temperature. The cooling effect of the mud is akin to a natural air conditioner, keeping them comfortable. Beyond cooling, mud is a protective layer for their delicate skin, shielding it from harsh UV rays and biting insects that can cause irritation. This type of soil or mud elephants use can dramatically affect their appearance, as they emerge with a ruddy glow, while those in areas with pale or amber-coloured soils adopt a lighter hue — natural 'makeup'.