My favourite sighting in the Selous! Unfortunately with dramatic declining numbers of ellies in Africa we all need to get involved if we want to make a difference and save these gentle giants from the hands of the poachers and ivory traders. If you are not directly involved in a specific conservation fund or project then all you have to do is to go on safari and choose a respectable operator who do their share in conservation. Go on safari because tourism pays for conservation!
Dugga is the bantu word for mud or cement and is used to describe old Cape Buffalo bulls, who have been kicked out of the herd and spend their days hanging around the African pans and rolling in the mud to protect themselves from insects and the sun. They are notorious for being very dirty but also being excessively dangerous and volatile so we are always on alert for these Selous loners.
We had a wonderfully wet season in the Selous so far with strong and healthy looking impala that are full of energy and a joy to observe as they graze and play in the camp.
It is just spectacular to witness a huge flock of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters homing in on a swarm of insects and giving you an aerial display like no other bird can. The insects have no chance as they get picked off one by one!
Spend some time following ellies on a walking safari or sometimes just relax around the pool, magical! It is such a shame that these beautiful and intelligent giants have such a hard time.
