There is a time for everything in the Kalahari

Seasons come and go in the Kalahari. Scorching hot summers are followed by bitterly cold winters. Severe droughts by times of plenty. Animals thrive or struggle depending on foodavailability, diseases and competition. Everything is interrelated.

The special thing about Tswalu is that a lot of these changes are documented and studied. Throughout the years we have met several scientists who are researching parts of this amazing ecosystem. They are hoping to learn more about how to preserve it and how extreme climate conditions might effect wildlife worldwide.

The effect of climate change on this arid area is immense. Changes in rainfall and temperatures affect the survival of its inhabitants and the whole ecosystem. Therefore studies of snakes and rodents as integral part of the foodchain are good indicators for the bigger picture.

The balance of power among the main predators seems to shift constantly. On our last visit a coalition of two cheetah brothers was often seen. They have passed away sadly. But the younger generation is taking over succesfully. We were able to follow a  mother and her cubs around and even walk with them.

The wild dogs are back again. We saw a very successful pack being reduced to just a few individuals in 2022. Now they are doing well again because they managed to reproduce and have successfully raised a litter of pups. We witnessed them kill a young oryx. Not a sighting for the faint hearted. But “eat or be eaten” is the only way to survive in this unforgiving environment. 

Tswalu Gallery