news

Wild Drama at Chitwa Dam

By Matthew Brink on July 28, 2020

From what I remember it was a warm and cloudy afternoon right on the main deck of the lodge. Shortly after lunch where I ate the famous Chitwa club sandwich, we were sitting amongst friends when all o...

Hippo Grazing By Water Sabi Sand — A hippo is seen grazing near the edge of a small body of water in the Sabi Sand region, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

The wildebeest, the lion, the crocodile and the hippo

What altogether seemed to be over so quickly was a wildebeest running from 3 lionesses straight towards the dam. What was surprising was that the wildebeest, seemingly unscathed at that point, leapt straight into the water where it started to swim towards the lodge side of the dam and of course an area of some safety. Literally, all of the people around me were gazing at this scene in complete awe and excitement.

Lion Roaring Sabi Sand — A close-up image of a lion roaring, showcasing its impressive teeth and fierce expression. The photograph captures the raw power and beauty of this majestic animal in black and white, set against a blurred natural background.

If things couldn’t get worse for the poor wildebeest, a crocodile suddenly got hold of it halfway through the dam. This was a short struggle with frantic jostling for air, until, fascinatingly, an enormous hippo aggressively fended the crocodile off. Eventually, we found out the next morning that the hippo fatally bit this crocodile in what seemed like defensive behaviour towards the wildebeest. Nonetheless, the crocodile let go of the wildebeest and the then injured antelope managed to find its way to safety on the lodge’s side of the dam. I think Murphy’s law could have played a role in this escapade because the following morning one of the safari guides explained that this injured wildebeest we saw swim across the dam was devoured by the exact lions that chased it from the beginning.

Crocodile Sabi Sand — A crocodile rests on the bank of a water body in Sabi Sand, showcasing its textured skin and powerful physique against the natural backdrop. The surrounding grass and water highlight the typical habitat of this formidable predator.

Hippo Splashing Water Sabi Sand — A hippo is depicted emerging partially from a tranquil body of water, splashing droplets as it turns its head upward in a golden sunset ambiance. The surroundings highlight the wilderness of Sabi Sand.

This was all a memorable sighting and what a privilege it was to behold such a rare yet somewhat sad turn of events.

Chitwa dam never seems to disappoint!

news

A Luxury Safari Honeymoon in Sabi Sand

While the world is filled with idyllic honeymoon destinations, nothing quite compares to the intimate escape of the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

news