Weather
We have been experiencing some hot days this month coupled with fairly high humidity. Towards the end of the month, thankfully, the occasional light rain shower started to break the heat.

Wildlife and Landscape
Sightings (both in numbers and species diversity) at the waterhole have increased due to the current dry conditions and rhino have even been seen wallowing in the mud. All the adjoining images were taken by a camera trap at the camp waterhole this month - showing what has been seen day and night. Pictures courtesy of Ken Stratford.

The grass and other vegetation on Ongava Game Reserve are very dry at the moment and fire is a major concern. Trips into adjoining Etosha National Park also continue to gain momentum as the dry season ensues and animals congregate in numbers around the waterholes.

While the lion incident mentioned below is not a frequent occurrence, it deserves a mention.

Late in the month, as guests were ready to start dinner, two male lions chased another male right into Andersson's Camp. The fleeing lion entered camp between Tent 1 and the main area and walked towards Tent 6. Guides in camp immediately started looking for the lion as one guest was still in Tent 1. As the guest was not ready for dinner yet we notified him to stay in his tent until we had assessed the situation. The lion retraced his steps towards Tent 1, walking straight towards the guides. A warning shot was fired, but to our surprise the lion did not even flinch. Thankfully he slowly changed his course and went to lie down between Tent 1 and the camp birding spot.

We kept spotlights on him and then sent a vehicle to fetch the guest. It was then decided to cut the fence (Andersson's Camp is one of the few Safari & Adventure Co. camps that has a perimeter electrified fence) behind Tent 1 and attempt to 'herd' the lion towards the opening with our safari vehicles. He eventually moved to the opening and got out. Immediately the two other lions (they were waiting outside the fence) started moving towards him again and he then ran off in the direction of the reserve airstrip.

Although it was a serious situation, it thankfully ended well and some guests even joked how we would top that the next evening! Although the lions roared most of the night we had no further incidents.

Guest Comments
"Excellent guides, they really care about what they do. Overall:  Fantastic."

"Our guide, Agnes, was outstanding. Very sad to leave.  Two days in Etosha we will always remember. Warm, efficient, outstanding and helpful management and team.