Lions of Namib Desert
May 31st, 2007, 08:08 AM
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Lions of Namib Desert
To all those UK Fodorites - did you watch Natural World on BBC2 last night at 9pm? It was a great documentary on the lions of the Namib desert and was filmed and presented in 'Planet Earth' style and narrated by the great man himself (DA). For those that missed it, I think it will be repeated early Sunday evening.
Next week's (Wed at 9pm) episode is on Gabon, with focus on the hippos that spend time in the sea, as well as the elephants and buffalos.
Next week's (Wed at 9pm) episode is on Gabon, with focus on the hippos that spend time in the sea, as well as the elephants and buffalos.
May 31st, 2007, 10:22 AM
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They have to be the lions of the Skeleton Coast that is part of the Namib Desert.
This is from eyesonafrica web:
Update: Lions in the Skeleton Coast
"A huge plus to a visit to the incredible Skeleton Coast Camp has been the increasingly regular sightings over the past few months of Lions in the Skeleton Coast Park. The pride wandered into the Park over a year ago. They were very elusive at first as they were no doubt harassed making their way to the coast. They are just starting to become somewhat habituated to the Land Rovers.
They have now set up their territory in the Hoarusub Canyon, not far from the camp – between the Clay Castles and the coast.
Initially they were surviving on Himba cattle and donkeys, and the camp was continually reimbursing the Himba for their losses. Now they have gotten to like the taste of gemsbok and have stayed put in the park, closer to the coast.
The last time Lion were seen on the coast was over ten years ago and their tracks are now within sight of the sea. It is certainly a possibility that guests may once again have the sight of a huge male Lion feeding on seals (which will be a huge relief to the Gemsbok)! There are currently three males, one female and three small cubs – all of which look healthy and well settled".
This is from a Gorp old article:
"After unusually good rains in the Kaokoveld in 1982, the gemsbok and springbok of the plains moved inland. Virtually overnight the lions at the coast found themselves with very little to eat. Instead of following the game to the interior as they had done in the past, they resorted to feeding off seals and stranded whales which they found on the beaches. Taking the seals by surprise as they lay sleeping, they killed them and dragged them to a sheltered place, sometimes for several kilometers when there were young to be fed".
Amazing,isn´t it.
Paco.
This is from eyesonafrica web:
Update: Lions in the Skeleton Coast
"A huge plus to a visit to the incredible Skeleton Coast Camp has been the increasingly regular sightings over the past few months of Lions in the Skeleton Coast Park. The pride wandered into the Park over a year ago. They were very elusive at first as they were no doubt harassed making their way to the coast. They are just starting to become somewhat habituated to the Land Rovers.
They have now set up their territory in the Hoarusub Canyon, not far from the camp – between the Clay Castles and the coast.
Initially they were surviving on Himba cattle and donkeys, and the camp was continually reimbursing the Himba for their losses. Now they have gotten to like the taste of gemsbok and have stayed put in the park, closer to the coast.
The last time Lion were seen on the coast was over ten years ago and their tracks are now within sight of the sea. It is certainly a possibility that guests may once again have the sight of a huge male Lion feeding on seals (which will be a huge relief to the Gemsbok)! There are currently three males, one female and three small cubs – all of which look healthy and well settled".
This is from a Gorp old article:
"After unusually good rains in the Kaokoveld in 1982, the gemsbok and springbok of the plains moved inland. Virtually overnight the lions at the coast found themselves with very little to eat. Instead of following the game to the interior as they had done in the past, they resorted to feeding off seals and stranded whales which they found on the beaches. Taking the seals by surprise as they lay sleeping, they killed them and dragged them to a sheltered place, sometimes for several kilometers when there were young to be fed".
Amazing,isn´t it.
Paco.
May 31st, 2007, 10:34 AM
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Yes Paco, you are correct. The pride filmed by the BBC was probably different to that described by eyesonafrica. These lions were quite amazing and could range over long distances (100 miles). Two members of of the same pride could be 100 miles apart and only meet once a week, unlike anywhere else in Africa. They believe that there could be less than a total of 100 lions in the Namib desert and they are very hard to find. There is also hope that these prides learn the seal-hunting techniques of their ancestors (not good for the seals though!!)
May 31st, 2007, 11:43 AM
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Africa, I'm sorry I missed that program last night, especially as I am considering Namibia for part of our trip next year - hopefully I will catch it on Sunday instead.
Paco, do you have any idea what camp they are referring to when they say "Initially they were surviving on Himba cattle and donkeys, and the camp was continually reimbursing the Himba for their losses."?
Imelda
Paco, do you have any idea what camp they are referring to when they say "Initially they were surviving on Himba cattle and donkeys, and the camp was continually reimbursing the Himba for their losses."?
Imelda
May 31st, 2007, 12:02 PM
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Imelda,
They are referring to Skeleton Coast Camp which is owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris.
This camp is in a very remote part of the skeleton coast only accessible by air.
I have not been there but looks fantastic.
Paco.
They are referring to Skeleton Coast Camp which is owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris.
This camp is in a very remote part of the skeleton coast only accessible by air.
I have not been there but looks fantastic.
Paco.
May 31st, 2007, 12:41 PM
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Thanks Paco,
The camp looks beautiful! Not sure if it's what we're looking for for this trip as we'll be trying to combing SA and Namibia so we'll be strapped for time but it's definately one to remember!
Imelda
The camp looks beautiful! Not sure if it's what we're looking for for this trip as we'll be trying to combing SA and Namibia so we'll be strapped for time but it's definately one to remember!
Imelda
Jun 2nd, 2007, 07:45 PM
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I haven't been to the Skeleton Coast Camp but have talked to a lot of people who have. It's quite an experience and on my short list of Namibian things to do. One thing, I've been told the drives are very long and some people get worn out. If you don't handle lots of driving well, check with the camp about their schedule.
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