Tswalu Kalahari

Last night we saw 46mm of rain in one sustained downpour, which brings our seasonal total here at Tswalu to levels considerably above the norm. As a result, the bush is in spectacular condition and grasses have flourished, growing to an almost unprecedented height.

The diversity of game here in the Southern Kalahari is extraordinary. Today a group of guests and I took the time to observe a herd of Tsessebe antelope, about 15 females and calves in total. Tsessebe may not be as immediaely glamorous as sable antelope with their dramatic colouring, or as engaging as roan with their absurd, donkey-like ears, but they have their own fascination.

At the peak of the summer season here, precious rain combines with heat to create a time of abundance in the Kalahari. And this abundance means the time is right for reproduction. Three meerkat groups that are closely monitored by our researchers on a daily basis have all shown signs of pregnancy and pups. The alpha female of a group dominating over the Gosa Ground Dam area has recently given birth to 6 pups, quite a few more than the average litter.

The New Year and the new decade has started off in the very best way possible - with signs of new life, specifically some new additions to our population of Kalahari lions. Guides and trackers have been closely monitoring the area we know as Deception Valley for any sign of the lactating lioness that has been constantly disappearing into the surrounding mountains. On New Year’s Day itself, very fresh tracks were again seen heading back into the valley. Excitingly, for the first time, we also found tracks of three new-born cubs.

Today marks a first - this morning Sibonelo Chiliza flew up on the plane from Johannesburg to begin a stay with us as Tswalu Kalahari’s first ever Artist in Residence. We first discovered Sibo’s work at an exhibition of botanical art created by Strilli Oppenheimer in the library of her home. Sibo may well be the only black South African artist classically trained in capturing the essence of our flora. His art is breathtaking in its detail and realism; the plants seem to bloom on the page. So we asked him if he would like to come and work here in the Kalahari.