Isambane Blogs

Safari Stories to Inspire

Be inspired through our field guide and manager's bush stories and monthly newsletters, learning about the most amazing animals out there. Explore our safari blog and don't miss our monthly bush quizzes.

© Photography by Edward Smith
Shayna Wilson - 10th October 2023
Civets - The stocky
cat-like creatures

We are exceptionally lucky that having a permanent water source at our camp attracts a myriad of wildlife, to be enjoyed by all.
One that is seldomly seen and shares a slight resemblance to the North American Raccoon, civet’s could be construed as South Africa’s very own ‘trash pandas’.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Ben Mertens - 25th April 2023
The African Lion
PANTHERA LEO

The African Lion (Panthera leo) is the largest catlike carnivore in Africa and the second largest in the world, besides the Tiger which you would find in India. Also, it is probably one of the most iconic and recognisable animals you would find on Safari while visiting Southern Africa.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Angela Riley- 25th October 2022
Behind the lens
Photography

I started out my career as a professional editorial and pet photographer. Based in Cape Town, I spent two years taking photos of dogs and cats, and people occasionally. But my dream since the beginning of my photographic journey was to be able to capture wild animals.

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© Photography by Edward Smith
Tim Suurland - 25th April 2022
The remaining vultures
IN AFRICA

With a unique scavenging niche, vultures have both a bad reputation and leave a cruel lasting image. Vultures feed on rotting carcasses and are often seen as ugly or labelled as dirty scavengers.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Martin Steyn - 21st February 2022
5 reasons:
TO VISIT ISAMBANE CAMP

We’ve all been romanced by the charms of the bushveld before, through countless
cinematic, musical and literary depictions of this mysterious and beautiful land.

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© Photography by Edward Smith
Edward Smith - 23rd January 2022
Dung beetles
ROLLING IN THE DUNG

Incredibly small and only seen for a few months a year, dung beetles are exceptionally important ecologically as together these organisms can do more than man has been able to do since our very existence.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Ivone Smith
When is best
TO DO A SAFARI IN SA

Knowing when to travel to South Africa is one of the most asked questions we get. We have put together some suggestions for you to decide what time of year would best suit you and your interests.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Jordi Woerts - November 30th of 2021
GeologY
of the bushveld

Geology on a safari is not something you would think about immediately, but is very interesting and also critical for the vegetation and animals that we can find in this region. Kruger National Park...

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Angela Riley- September 30th of 2021
Elephants
THE GENTLE GIANTS

African elephants are very fascinating creatures. They are known as a keystone species, which means that they play a very important role in the healthy functioning of...

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© Photography by Matt Foulsham
Matt Foulsham- August 25th of 2021
Birding
A CHANCE TO SEE SOMETHING NEW

When booking a safari in a “big 5” game reserve, most people target seeing mammals, whether it’s a predator they are after or encountering a large herd of elephants...

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© Photography by Jordi Woerts
Jordi Woerts- July 25th of 2021
Leopard
the silent ghost

Praised for their beauty, power and resilience. The Leopard is for many people high on the list of animals that they want to see during their safari experience. We have all seen the beautiful photos of Leopards...

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© Photography by Vaughan Jessnitz
Alex Rausch- June 25th of 2021
Aardvark
THE TERMITENATOR

The aardvark is a wonderfully weird yet elusive animal, with nothing quite like it on the continent. Although signs of their activity are scattered throughout the bush, from the deep excavation holes they make to their unique, three toed track, actual sightings are few and far between.

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© Photography by Angela Riley
Angela Riley- May 18th of 2021
Safari 101:
7 ESSENTIAL ITEMS

So, you’ve finally decided to take that trip to Africa you've been dreaming of your whole life. Great, but now, what the heck do you take with to the great unknown? Don’t worry about a thing, I’ve got your back. Africa is a beautiful place with so much to offer and a wide variety of things that will blow your mind.

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© Photography by Ivone Smith
Alex Rausch- May 18th of 2021
Wild dogs:
THE PAINTED WOLF

Wild dog are one the most iconic animals within the African landscape, and have long been admired for their breathtaking beauty and loyal comradery. With their playful yipping and eerie whooping contact calls, they always make for a special and exciting sighting.

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© Photography by Martin Steyn
Silvia Steyn- 25th March 2021
Escape
into nature

Initially, I had seen the camp in pictures only. When I finally arrived it looked even more amazing! The atmosphere exudes a wonderful feeling of being off the grid. Far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

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