Anabezi 2023: the year in photos
April - June
The season began with resident male lions Blackie and Blondie mating with the females, dogs preparing to den and the introduction of Mai’s newest leopard cub. Blackie and Blondie’s brother Ginger was nowhere to be seen, and at about 13 we didn’t have high hopes.
We debuted the brand new Zambezi Deck, complete with full bar and creative cocktail menu. As the season progressed guests were treated to spectacular leopard sightings, including frequent moments with our little leopard family: legendary mother Mai, her daughters Lady and Scar, and the newest cub, often accompanied by Mai’s mating partner Big Kulefu Tom. By June, the newest lion cub was spotted and the elephants began making their way down from the escarpment into the forest and to the banks of the river.
April and May are a spectacular time in Lower Zambezi National Park, with mild temperatures and ideal conditions for river activities. Enquire about our Green Season special to spend this beautiful time of year with us!
July - September
As the forest began to change colors and winter settled into the bush, drama and territory wars dominated the eastern end of Lower Zambezi. Blackie and Blondie were kicked out when two new, younger males came in and took over, and with their arrival the loss of the lion cub. In the beginning of July, Mai’s leopard cub was also killed by a rival male - bringing sadness and a remindier of how fragile life is for these little ones. The resident pack of dogs, known for their impressively high numbers, finally split. The breakaway group headed to den near Jeki, while the remaining 28 denned not far from Anabezi, leading to regular sightings of hunting, playing and socializing.
Both Mai and Scar were attacked and injured by one of the resident lionesses, and both thankfully managed to recover. The lionesses showed signs of suckling, but no cubs were ever seen. September, however, brought excitement, with the discovery of two newborn leopard cubs belonging to rarely seen female.
October - November
In October, dry season hits its peak just before the rains arrive in November. Light cascades through the forest, creating an ethereal and otherwordly atmosphere. All water sources have dried up in the escarpment and elephants roam everywhere, crossing the river to feed on the grasses of small islands and bathing in the channels. When the puppies emerged from the den in the end of September, the dogs headed off further east. By mid-Octobter they had returned, running through the forest, hunting in the dust.
Leopard sightings continued to be spectacular, with some guests experiencing six individual leopard sightings in one drive. A new female leopard was spotted, believed to be Mai’s sister, while Lady and Scar had a little tiff that you can watch on our Instagram. Mai maintained her status as the main character of the 2023 season, having yet another encounter with the lioness. As the lioness stalked her from behind then pounced, Mai reacted quickly and was able to escape up a tree.
Ginger was spotted down near Chongwe Gate on the western end of the park, where he has formed an unusual coalition with his sons. He may just reach his 14th birthday!
