Aside from the August winds being a little later than normal this year, it’s been a most welcome change from the very cold winter we have had here at Hongonyi.

The change in season has seen the arrival of several new faces at Hongonyi – not just of animals but people as well. Our guests have been treated to the sights of viewing our three newest baby Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), and man, are they too cute! They are getting very big, very fast. We have also welcomed a seventh Eland (Taurotragus oryx) to our herd. Guests have had the pleasure of sitting on the viewing deck, sipping a cool drink and watching the little one wander in and out of the herd, but never far from mum’s watchful eye. Eland are the largest of antelope of Southern Africa and despite this, they are surprisingly good jumpers. They can clear an obstacle that has a height of two meters! Our buffalo have also welcomed several new calves within the last month, our herd count is now up 37!

In addition to welcoming new animals, Hongonyi is excited to welcome our newest member, Mark Russell. Mark come to us from Oldbury-on-Severn, UK and plans to stay for approximately 18 months. He has completed his Field Guide (FGASA) Level 1 and takes a keen interest in reptiles. We look forward to having Mark here at Hongonyi throughout this next year!

The first week of September brought a very exciting evening safari drive for some of our over-seas guests. Shanea and Mark along with theirs trackers, Happy and Maleft, came across a big, beautiful male Leopard (Panthera pardus). The Leopard was just off the road and lying very relaxed. There was a very recent warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) kill that he had pulled under a bush. Leopards are mainly nocturnal, however you can see them in the early mornings/late afternoons. They are very shy and secretive animals, so this sighting was a very special one! That drive was made just bit more special when we got back to the lodge – the Rhino were in front of the viewing deck waiting to greet us!

Our guests have had some great safari drives over the last month. Regular sightings of our Cheetah boys – even a few whilst they were munching on an impala – as well as rhino, buffalo, numerous antelope species and many many birds too! We have had some very good sightings of those nocturnal animals as well, honey badger, civet, genet,