NGWENYA ECO-DIARY
October 2001
The following species were seen on the riverfront during the month of October: elephant, lions, hyena, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog and baboons. A viewing highlight was a lion kill in the bush on the opposite bank on the 23rd . On the 28th there were lots of vultures in the air and roosting on the trees along the woodland margin - indicative of another kill. About 30 vultures bathed in the river. Hyena were spotted on the 23rd and 29th of the month.
Vultures circling over the woodland margin
November 2001
The following species were seen on the riverfront during the month of November: Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles,impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog and baboons. A viewing highlight reported was a small python hunting around weaver nests and a colony of Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bats roosting in the canopy of a palm tree next to the Environmental Center. Another November highlight was the visit of a hippo to the new dam next to reception almost every evening. .
Nile Monitors have become a popular attraction at the Lodge
December 2001
During December the Crocodile River was flowing very strongly due to heavy rains. Hippos were seen and heard everyday. Besides hippos, sightings on the riverfront included leopard, buffalo, crocodiles, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog and baboons. Viewing highlights for December included the leopard sightings on the 22nd and 29th ; a large crocodile taking a small impala from the river's edge in front of chalet 313; a crocodile catching and eating a large barbel and a water monitor eating an Angolan free-tailed bat under the eaves of chalet 214 (this was captured on video). Birding has been excellent with brown headed parrots, saddlebilled storks and fish eagles being seen almost every day along with flocks of white-faced ducks that fly in to join the resident ducks on the dams for most of the day.
January 2002
Sightings reported during January have included hippos, crocodiles, leopard, impala, waterbuck, kudu, giraffes, warthogs, vervet monkeys and baboons. A viewing highlight for January was that of the leopard on the 27th . The resident resort crocodile has moved from the small dam area to the large dam and is often seen sunning itself on the path between the environmental centre and chalet 216. Guests have reported seeing a very small croc in one of the small dams. However, we believe that this is a case of mistaken identity and this so-called "crocodile " is in fact a Water Monitor. Most members of the Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat colony which was residing in the Palm tree adjacent to the environmental centre have moved off. The reason for their departure and where they have gone is a mystery at this point in time.
Birding has been great with purplecrested louries, saddlebilled storks and fish eagles being seen almost every day. Every day flocks of wild white-faced ducks join the resident ducks on the dams. Thick-billed weaver chicks have been learning to fly. A birding highlight for January was the sighting of Ground Hornbills walking across the floodplain on 31st. Numerous breeding pairs of paradise flycatchers have been reported as have regular sightings of grey headed bush shrikes and plum coloured starlings.
The sighting of a leopard was the viewing highlight for January 2002
To view a selection of wildlife photographs taken at Ngwenya Lodge click here.
Location: The Development: Holiday Experience: Photo gallery:Bats:
