Hyenas in Katavi

by Maripet Koipa, Guide - Chada Katavi

Hyenas are well known as scavengers because they depend on what they happen upon in the bush for food. However, they can sometimes find their own food by hunting in packs or even on their own.

Last week we had a walking safari from our camp across the Chada Plain. As we were walking, we saw four hyenas and good number of vultures. When we got close to them we found the hyenas trying to chase the vultures from the hippo carcass which was very close to the river. Then, as we were about 200m from them, we noticed that these hyenas had eaten the food to their fill and they decided to rest and wait for digestion to take place in the same area. So then we spent a little time there watching them before continuing with our walk.  We realised that hyenas never pay back the reward they gain: they normally use the vultures to pin point the kill or carcass, but at the end they become so unkind by chasing the vultures off the meat and make them starve.

This was the best highlight of the walk because to see hyenas is difficult since they are very nocturnal compared to other animal. 

Picture by Philip Pendael

Hippo Jam

By Philip Pandael, Guide - Chada Katavi

It is normal here at Katavi National Park to see animals in huge numbers during the different seasons. In the wet season, there are large numbers of hippos, although they form subgroups in the rivers and pools. Also, because there is plenty of good food and they are in good health, the bulls are always fighting over territory. Hippos need enough water to cool off the body temperature, as they lack sweat glands.

But it’s a different case when these seasonal water dries: the hippos suffer from a shortage of water and food in the dry season, especially. In September to November, just before the short rains, hippos congregate in natural springs. Because of their large number, this water is not enough for them, so the hippos stay in the mud of the pools they make from these springs. Like this one in the picture, we found near one pool at Ikuu Ranger post. There thousands fight for space in the mud in order to try and save their lifes. It is no longer territorial fighting. It is difficult to see these muddy hippos suffer, but that is nature.

Picture by Philip Pendael

Lions mating in Katavi

by Frank Japhet - Guide, Chada Katavi

On the 13^th and 14^th August, a male and a female from the Chada Pride of lions were mating in front of one of the guest tents in Chada Camp. Before the mating, they engaged in a lot of displaying: the lioness rubbed up against the male, then writhed on the ground at his feet. When the lioness invited the male to copulate, the male grips her neck before mounting. It is thought that this may make the female more passive. After mating, the female lion snarls and twists, trying to hit out at the male. The male moves out of the way quickly, growling. The female then rolls over and grooms herself.

When a lioness is in oestrus, together with the male they choose a good place for mating to avoid disturbance and competition from rivals. Shade is also important, to avoid the fierce sun, as well as staying close to water. Whilst we were watching them, they moved from place to place, but continued mating every 15 to 20 minutes. Lions continue to mate this often for about three days. This is to increase the chance of pregnancy during the period that the female is in oestrus, and to prevent any other male lion from being the father of the cubs.

Picture of Katavi lions by Peter Brack