During this past year, Zimbabwe has experienced an exceptional rainy season, leading to a massive 20% increase in Lake Kariba’s water levels.
This massive influx of water has resulted in numerous islands being formed throughout the lake, affecting the natural inhabitants of this area. While boating across to Fothergill to collect guests, Changa Safari Camp manager Bruce Cronje and guide Anthony Phillips spotted a herd of impala stranded on a fast-shrinking island.
The duo decided to investigate and discovered that the animals were severely malnourished. Bruce reported this sighting to National Parks, who then carried out an assessment of the situation. The national Parks ecologist reported less than one week of food left on the desolate island for the animals to survive on. In a joint effort between all the staff at Changa Safari Camp, the local surrounding camps Spurwing Island, National Parks, MAPP, KAWFT, and numerous individuals we were able to put together a rescue team to save these animals.
The team worked tirelessly, searching the surrounding islands to make sure that no stragglers were left behind, even a lucky scrub hare managed to be relocated. Although these were just small plains game, great caution had to be taken to avoid injuries. Once moved safely to the mainland the animals were released.
In just a few hours the team managed to successfully relocate 41 Impala and 1 young male waterbuck.
A Rare Sighting
Kariba is famous for its vast lazy-blue lake, endless sunsets, elephants wading on the foreshore and the haunting sound of the great fish eagle. The lake too is home to a diverse variety of birdlife including the extremely rare and unique Denham’s Bustard, also known as a ‘Lifer’ due to the fact that you may you only get to catch a glimpse of it once in your lifetime if you’re lucky!
We are very excited to share that a guest and bird enthusiast staying with us at Changa Safari Camp managed to catch a glimpse of this unusual bird.
Contact Changa Safari Camp
Web. www.changasafaricamp.com
Email. reservations@changasafaricamp.com
Tel. 0778 731 567 or 0774 108 708
