The intimate Chacma Bush Camp offers luxurious accommodation and a memorable safari experience.
PLEASE NOTE: VALID FROM FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2025.
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Time spent at the camp waterhole or on game drives is always educational, entertaining and informative.
I hope that this post will tick those boxes as well…
As the first light of dawn caresses the African bush, a symphony of sounds emerges, heralding the start of a new day.
The cool, calm air of early morning provides optimal conditions for their songs to travel further, making it an ideal time for these avian declarations.
As the harmonious calls fill the air, both predators and prey awaken, attuned to the rhythms of the bush, and prepare for the day’s unfolding drama.
Experiencing this auditory spectacle offers a profound connection to the natural world, highlighting the intricate relationships and behaviours that sustain this vibrant ecosystem.
The guests in camp have been woken, coffee and rusks have been enjoyed, and it is time to head off to discover what awaits.
That being said, the waterhole at the camp often provides enough animal traffic to stay in camp and enjoy sightings without having to set foot in a vehicle.
The colour of the animal path on the right will give visitors an idea of how well used it is and the regularity of the elephants that visit can almost be timed with a stopwatch.
However, as with all sightings, nothing can be guaranteed and patience is a virtue that could be put to good use here.
FYI. The African elephant is not just the largest living land animal, but it has an enormous brain size to match. Their brains can weigh up to a whopping 5.4kg and are, without doubt, the largest brain of all animals living on land.
In urban salons, humans would pay substantial amounts of money to be pampered in a mud bath.
Here at the Chacma waterhole, this warthog is getting treatment for free.
Interesting fact: Warthogs use burrows for shelter and when entering, the hogs back in. This enables them to defend themselves. In the mornings, warthogs burst out of their burrows at top speed to get a running start on any predators that may be lurking nearby. Although they look fierce, warthogs would rather run than fight.
A majestic Kudu bull with its entourage of Red-billed oxpeckers takes a moment at the edge of the waterhole to make certain that there is no danger before bowing his head to drink.
Did you know? Despite their large size, kudu are accomplished jumpers. They are super agile and can easily jump a height of 2 metres; when stressed they are known to jump as high as 3.5 metres!
Making patterns with the water. It always amazes guests how quickly a giraffe can go from the splayed-leg drinking position into the upright and ready-for-flight stance.
Fun fact: Giraffes have the same number of vertebrae, 7, in their necks as humans.
However, giraffe vertebra can be up to 25 centimeters long, while a human one is a mere 10.92 mm.
The lounger awaits a guest to take up their position to enjoy the parade at the waterhole.
Elephants are fussy drinkers and will ‘clean’ the surface of the water before drinking.
However, if there is a freshwater source close by, like a tap or a fountain, they would rather drink from that!
Elephants use their trunks to suck up water to drink, and can hold up to 8 liters of water. They can also use their trunks as snorkels when swimming.
Even the mighty African buffalo could not resist the attraction of the waterhole.
Yet another of the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and elephant) that can be viewed without leaving the camp.
They are capable of running at speeds up to 48-56 km/hour, enough to outrun lions, but they are not adapted to running far.
If threatened the entire herd will confront a predator making them fierce opponents.
From the largest (elephant) to one of the smallest.
This petite Blue Waxbill waited until the waterhole had no other visitors before fluttering to the edge to drink without the fear of being trodden on.
The blue waxbill’s scientific name is Uraeginthus angolensi, which is longer than the actual size of this tiny South African bird species, which measures in at around 101,6mm and weighs eight to nine grams
Although leopards have been spotted at the waterhole, this somewhat skittish female was seen during one of the daily game drives from the camp.
Visitors to Chacma can enjoy a morning and afternoon drive as part of the accommodation package.
FYI: They are also superb climbers and often drag their kill into trees out of reach of other predators.
Eyes that can see into your very soul.
Are the females more deadly than the males of this particular species?
I would not want to get off a vehicle to put that question to the test.
While they are expert hunters, able to outsmart their prey and take down a target twice their size, they is also devoted mothers, protecting their cubs and teaching them the skills they need to survive.
Lionesses display a powerful balance between ferocity and compassion.
Slinking its way past a vehicle.
The spotted hyena has been given a bad reputation, but without its services, the bush might be littered with rotting carcasses that bring disease and death.
Spotted hyenas give new meaning to the phrase “lick the platter clean.” They eat practically every part of their prey, including skin, hooves, bone, and teeth. Their powerful jaws are able to crush bones with ease.
Given that most other predators couldn’t eat those things, the hyenas play an important part in keeping the bush clean.
Hitching a ride.
Two Red-billed Oxpeckers Ubering on a kudu.
This female steenbok is one of the smallest of the African antelope.
Do you know the difference between antelope and deer?
The most prominent difference is that male deer have antlers that they shed and re-grow every year, while antelope have permanent horns.
Another difference is that deer antlers are branched and antelope horns are not.
The butt of many a bushveld joke.
It soon becomes clear to visitors just how quickly an elephant will turn its back on you when you lift your camera (or phone) to snap a picture.
It will go from the perfect pose to this position in a heartbeat.
Luckily, in this instance, the water coming out of its trunk was an interesting distraction…
As the sun begins its descent, the landscape transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues—fiery oranges, deep purples, and soft pinks. The silhouettes of acacia trees stand in sharp contrast against the colourful sky, creating a picturesque scene that epitomizes the essence of the safari experience. This is the perfect moment to pause, savour a refreshing beverage, and reflect on the day’s adventures, embracing the tranquillity and beauty that envelops the wilderness.
And then, just like that, night arrives, draping the land in its quiet embrace.
This immersive experience can be an emotional end to a day in the bush at this amazing camp.
Chacma Bush Camp awaits…
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