LEMALA CAMPS - October 2010

LEMALA CAMP OCTOBER NEWS

11 October 2010

IN THIS NEWSLETTER
- CAMP REPORTS
- CAMPS OPEN IN NOVEMBER
- LEMALA SCHEDULE DEPARTURES
- KNEPP FAMILY PHOTOS

LEMALA MARA
Two miracle rescues by a hippo
We believe this might be the first ever recorded rescue of a baby zebra and wildebeest by the same hippo on the Mara River close to Lemala Mara camp. Both were rescued within space of 10 minutes as they crossed over from the Lamai side. The photos and videos were captured by Michael Yule and other guests as they were watching a major wildebeest crossing at the time.

The hippo was watching as the wildebeest herd swam past. As soon as the calf jumped in, the hippo swam up to it and pushed it along all the way across until it had reached safety on the other side. It then went back and did the same for a zebra foal just minutes later.

The wildebeest and zebra are now moving down in large numbers from the Masai Mara across the Lamai plains and crossing the Mara River. Guests of Lemala Camp are witnessing crossings every day. Some of the herds have arrived north of Lobo.

We still have space available at Lemala Mara and your guests might just witness the miracle rescues again. It appears the crossings will continue until end of October and possibly longer if there are showers and the wildebeest return to the Lamai and Kogatende areas.

Some of the other unusual sightings over the last few weeks besides the usual fantastic game reports we receive daily from the guests
·        Guests are regularly seeing black rhino on the Mara River upstream from the camp.
·        Guests witnessed an adult hippo attacking and killing a zebra in the water as it was trying to cross the
         Mara River - obviously a different hippo from the one that rescued the 2 babies.

LEMALA EWANJAN
Lion pride close to camp
The resident Makoma lion pride is now closer to the camp and is being seen daily, occasionally hunting. The camp has a magnificent location - away from the crowds yet so near all the action which takes place around the permanent waters of the Seronera Valley. There is also a seasonal waterhole opposite the camp which keeps the plains game flowing through the area and attracts lions, hyenas and leopards.

Here are two photos of elephant passing through camp.

LEMALA TARANGIRE
Superb predator action
Lemala Tarangire’s magnificent location in central Tarangire close to the Tarangire River is providing amazing game viewing during the dry season. Elephants and buffalo are constant visitors around the camp’s open woodland all the way to the Tarangire River which is only 500 meters from the camp. There is now a resident pride of 17 lions seen almost on a daily basis. Guests have also able to see these cats from their tents as they stroll past. Recently, one of the females was seen taking down an adult buffalo all by herself.

Leopards can be heard every night from the camp and there is a good chance of seeing them on a night game drive which the camp now offers.

There have been several sightings of wild dogs too by Lemala guests - see Knepp family photo below.

Tarangire is also a birders paradise with over 550 species of birds in the park and Lemala offers walks from the camp to the Tarangire River, along the river and back to the camp with the resident guide and an armed ranger.

We are so pleased with the way Lemala Tarangire has turned out in its first season, particularly the location and wildlife around the camp, and we are pretty confident your guests will not be disappointed should you decide to book them here. Add to that the luxury seasonal tents, walking and night game drives and we have a superb camp in the making.

NB: Lemala Tarangire moves to Manyara in November.

LEMALA NGORONGORO
Simply the best location
All of our guests visiting the camp continue to praise us for the fantastic location close to the entry route and the magical forest setting of the camp. Recently guests came across a leopard kill on their way to the camp.

The crater is quite dry at the moment and the short grass on the floor of the crater is making it easier to observe exceptional wildlife action.

In addition, a Masai village very close to the Lemala Camp offers clients the opportunity of an authentic visit and peek into the traditional life style of the Masai people. The chief’s son also comes regularly to the camp where clients have the opportunity of engaging in conversation with him to find out more about the life of the Masai, their day to day activities, culture, traditions and ceremonies.

CAMPS OPEN IN NOVEMBER

Thank you all for supporting the camps. We have had an exceptional season with strong occupancies and satisfied guests. As a result we have decided to keep the camps open during November as follows:

Lemala Ndutu: Open 15th Nov 2010 until 31st March 2011
Lemala Manyara: Open 15th Nov 2010 until 31st March 2011
Lemala Ewanjan: Open all of Nov 2010 until 31st March 2011
Lemala Ngorongoro: Open all of Nov 2010 until 31st March 2011

LEMALA SCHEDULE DEPARTURES
Lemala has created two scheduled departures to help your guests who cannot afford a private safari. The 6-night safari to Lemala Tarangire/Manyara, Ngorongoro and Ewanjan departs every Monday or Wednesday. The 8-night safari to Lemala Tarangire/Manyara, Ngorongoro, Ewanjan and Mara/Ndutu departs every Monday. Both departures can be booked with your ground operators.

For Gross rate and itinerary follow this link: Lemala Schedules Departures

KNEPP FAMILY PHOTOS
'' Our family of 3 visited 3 Lemala camps (Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Mara) in early August for a 25th Anniversary celebration. We had a fantastic time. Everything was perfect, the tents, the food, the guides and the animals. Thanks so much for memories we will hold for a lifetime.''

''Some pictures from the Tanzania portion of our trip start here:''

Asante Sana
Lemala Camps