Malawi 14: Liwonde NP VEMGD

= very early morning chilly game drive. Four am in the vehicle and what a treat it was. A bush-baby (galago) ran across the road and up a tree. It is exclusively nocturnal and mostly arboreal, so seldom seen. Following was a parade of nocturnal animals we miss on our day drives: civet and genet (nocturnal carnivores Viverridae; civet is more cat-like), porcupine (a rodent don’t you know); an array of nocturnal birds - courser, nightjar, owlet, owl and eagle-owl to name a few. Not as much for the big game people, but we did catch up with the local Romeo with two lionesses warming themselves in the morning sun; a large herd of buffalo but the rhinoceros remained elusive. Cheery on top was a ground hornbill calling from from an ada tree - though widespread distribution, is endangered and seldom seen even on the ground (see video)
There are plenty problems managing a wildlife reserve in a corrupt and poverty stricken country, but African Parks are doing a great job here.
A morning nap, laps of the crocodile-free pool, a nice lunch and set for a boat trip and sundowners in the river.
Tomorrow Cape Town and family time.Read more