Survival of the Fittest

Black backed jackals are a widely distributed species that are known for their cunning and daring. They are often seen nipping in to steal a morsel from Lions on a kill. Mainly nocturnal but seen regularly during the day, this handsome animal has a call to remember. The Black-backed Jackal feeds on small mammals, reptiles, birds, eggs, carrion and fruit. They do scavenge but are hunters in their own right. The final game drive held some additional fascination for us as we watched a jackal stalk an Impala.

Apparently, Jeff is honing his skills as a tracker and managed to be among the first to sight these lazy cats along the side of the road. It seems as though we're not "on the menu," so they merely watched as we stopped to take a look.

It's mating season and one of the most fascinating sounds emitted from the Impalas as they mark their territory and warn of potential predators. Impala make an explosive ‘chuff’ alarm bark when they sense a predator is nearby. Rutting male Impala make a variety of roars, grunts and snorting calls which sound more like a predator than a dainty antelope! During the noisy rut these vocal sounds are often accompanied by the sound of clashing horns as the males battle for territory and females.

It appears this Impala was caught unawares by a hungry male lion. Our guide, Justice, drove the truck through the brush to get close to the site of the kill. The lion took but a moment to see who was approaching before returning to its morning meal. As the saying goes .. "Only the strong survive," and this was yet another case of survival of the fittest.

Kapama private game reserve has a long history of hiring trackers from the surrounding areas, and they place a significant emphasis on perfecting the skills of their guides. We were impressed by the vast amount of experience and knowledge our guides possessed. To qualify as a field guide, one must achieve an NQF 2 level and pass a practical exam through the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA). Kapama Game Preserve was the first to have both a qualified guide and an assistant guide together on the same game vehicle, which greatly enhanced our wildlife experience. This approach allowed us to be fully immersed in the expertise and insights of our guides, making our safari even more comprehensive and educational.

Throughout our journey, we learned not only about the habits of the wildlife surrounding us but also about the rich cultural experiences and traditions of South Africa. Our guides shared captivating stories from their boyhood experiences, the requirements for becoming a bride to avoid poisoning an entire family, and the challenges of becoming a man and surviving in South Africa. Our African safari was an incredible and unforgettable experience, made all the more special by the trackers and guides of the Kapama private game reserve. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and for providing us with memories that will last a lifetime.