Tag: Hippo

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It is becoming increasingly clear: humans are responsible for the loss of mega fauna that we can see in the past

The skeleton above is the closest we can get to a real mammoth, as a result of their extinction. However, it is not the only missing large species – indeed, the elephant family alone, is thought to have around 30 extinct members. Aside from these, there are 2 known extinct species of the woolly rhino, cave lions and sabre-toothed tigers, and various species of bear, among many others.

If you go back 50,000 years, there were 57 species of megaherbivores (herbivores weighing over a ton), yet just 11 of these survive today – these include the elephant species, the rhino species the hippo and the giraffe.

Continue reading “It is becoming increasingly clear: humans are responsible for the loss of mega fauna that we can see in the past”
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Hippos can fly! (well at least leave the ground)

To be honest, I find this an odd piece of news. In the 1870s, the horse was photographed with all 4 feet off the ground at the same time. In fact, horses do not only do this at the gallop, but also at the trot.

If this is true, why should the hippopotamus be any different?

It is true, that a horse can run faster, reaching speeds of 71km/h, but even at the trot they reach speeds of 48km/h. However, a trotting horse can be as slow as 13.1km/h. Well how does this compare to a hippo?

Hippo can hit a speed of 30km/h, more than twice the minimum speed of a trotting horse, so the surprise seems odd.

There is perhaps one solution for this late analysis. Very often, when a hippo is encountered by a human and is running, it is moving towards the human, and therefore getting to safety is far more important. Hippo are not slow animals; it is true that they look ungainly, but this is because they are essentially designed for under water. Below is footage of a common hippopotamus, moving along under the water. Here, in their own element, you can see a hippo bounding along the bottom of the water, leaping effortless along.

Hippo locomotion underwater makes more sense. This is their element

South Luangwa National park

South Luangwa National park

South Luangwa National park, lies at the tip of the Rift valley that runs from the red sea. It centres around the Luangwa river and teems with Cape buffalo, hippo and elephant.

With an area of almost 10,000 square kilometers it is a large place and is fairly respected as one of the great wildlife reserves in Africa.

One of the first bits of land set aside in Africa for photographic safari (rather than hunting)  it has been known for generations as a fantastic place to photograph wildlife in its natural habitat. It is also one of the last large reserves largely unfenced, though natural barriers play this role effectively along much of its borders.

In more recent times, it was also the place that the walking safari was developed.

Chikunto Safari Lodge

Chikunto Lodge from the air
Young elephant standing by safari car
Eating outdoors
Public sitting area
Suite
Suite bathroom

Chikunto Lodge lies surrounded by rolling plains, plateaus, river banks and miombo vegetation.

Chikunto Lodge has 5 suites- 4 luxury suites and a family suite. As such, even if it is totally full, it will never feel packed. With the expansive patio areas and different places it is possible to eat, you can choose spend time with the other guests, particularly around the fire in the evening, or to find a space to sit with the group you came with.

The lodge is set on stilts on the edge of an area of grassland and water. This means that you can see  a great deal of wildlife, sitting in comfort eating your meals, or having a cool drink. 

Chikunto Safari lodge lies within the South Luangwa national park of Botswana. with the whole lodge built on stilts, raising it about 1.5m above the plains, you get  a particularly good view of the animals walking past and the Luangwa river.

With a wide range of activities to enjoy, and different ways to see the local wildlife, from game drives and boat rides, to eating outdoors watching the wildlife walk past, or a wonderful picnic when out on an excursion.

Alternatively for a change, you can go for a walk with highly experience guides. Not only will they be able to show you things that you would not usually notice, but they will protect you should you have a particularly close encounter with a wild animal.

Each suite is separate, and gives you a luxurious amount of space. The rooms feel like an expensive hotel room, however because you are actually in a tent, you can hear all the animals from the surrounding area.

Chikunto Lodge

Chikunto Safari lodge- South Luangwa national park

Baby Elephant by the safari vehicle
Elephant with its mother
Lion encounter near the vehicle
Group of Buffalo nearby
Lodge from the air
Eating outside with a view
Suite with a view

Chikunto Safari lodge lies within the South Luangwa national park of Botswana. with the whole lodge built on stilts, raising it about 1.5m above the plains, you get  a particularly good view of the animals walking past and the Luangwa river.

With a wide range of activities to enjoy, and different ways to see the local wildlife, from game drives and boat rides, to eating outdoors watching the wildlife walk past, or a wonderful picnic when out on an excursion.

Alternatively for a change, you can go for a walk with highly experience guides. Not only will they be able to show you things that you would not usually notice, but they will protect you should you have a particularly close encounter with a wild animal. This is the place that walking safaris were pioneered, and as such they  have huge amounts of experience running these.

Seeing animals by boat is different
Fire pit and eating area
Out on the game drive
Eating in the wild
Walking is a different way to see things

The range of animals that live in this area is pretty impressive, and you are likely to plenty of exciting encounters with the local wildlife that will stick with you.

As well as all this, you will stay in a wonderful suite, that will be extremely comfortable

The price for this luxurious lodge starts at

If you are interested in visiting this luxurious lodge and would like to know availability, or have a question please fill in the form below.

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