Blankets of white mist cover the surface of the Kariega River on calm, cool mornings, and it is just so beautiful.
It is at this time of the year that the impalas provide some of the finest viewing that can be imagined, for it is now that the rutting season (often simply referred to as "The Rut") is in full swing. In preparation for covering as many impala ewes in oestrus as possible, the rams are engaged in a few weeks of hectic activity. The increased level of testosterone in their bodies manifests itself both physically, in the form of noticeably thickened necks, and in terms of behaviour, where there is a significant increase in aggression between the males.
Adult males expend huge amounts of energy, rushing around after each other in the bachelor herds, their white tails flared and their horns lowered threateningly. The accompanying noise is quite something to witness as well, since the rams utter a really loud, deep-throated roaring sound, which one would hardly expect to come from such a delicate and beautiful antelope. Many visitors, on hearing this for the first time, can be excused for imagining they are hearing something far more ferocious!
(Image: Ms M.E. Chidiac)
Sometimes there can be several dozen males in a bachelor herd, and when they are all caught up in the fever-pitch activity of the rut, the spectacle can be quite something to behold, and certainly one of the highlights of a visit to the game reserve at this time of the year.
Many human males might empathise with their impala counterparts, since only a small percentage of them do actually get to mate! It is the high-ranking territorial males that succeed in passing on their genetic material to the next generation. They do, however, pay a price for this privilege. So intense is their activity for a few weeks, what with rounding up females for their individual harems, chasing off other potential challengers, engaging rivals in serious fights and mating with females, that they do not spend enough time feeding.
As a result, they can lose a good deal of condition, and quite often are replaced by rivals after only a week or two. This of course allows for greater genetic diversity within the population. An exhausted territorial male, once he has been ousted, will join a bachelor herd again, where he can build up his strength for the new season.
Typically, in the Eastern Cape, the peak of the rut is in late May and early June, which means that the majority of impala births will take place in December. Visitors at that time of the year will be treated to the endearing sight of numerous newborn impala lambs, and the really fortunate guest might be privileged enough to witness a birth - certainly another unforgettable experience!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written by Sibuya''s Head Ranger Leon van Wyk,
The stunning images of above were both taken by a regular guest to Sibuya. Ms M.E. Chidiac visits Sibuya from the United States twice a year.
Sibuya Tented Camps are on a scenically beautiful game reserve on South Africa’s malaria-free Sunshine Coast. Spanning the Kariega Estuary on its course to meet the warm Indian Ocean, Sibuya is South Africa’s only game reserve accessed solely by boat, and is host to an abundance of game including the Big Five.
You too can fall in love with this pristine reserve near Kenton-On-Sea in the beautiful Eastern Cape.
Visit Sibuya from May - August:-
- Great time to visit as the bush thins out which makes for great viewing and photographic opportunities.
- Competitive winter specials.
- Snuggle under warm blankets with hot water bottles at the start of the morning drives and sip on hot chocolate, coffee or tea while taking in spectacular views.
- Complimentary port and sherry is served in the camps while you are warm and toasty in front of the fires.
- End your evening with a hot bubble bath in one of our free-standing ball and claw baths and then allow yourself to be engulfed by down duvets, handmade mohair blankets and superbly soft percale linen.
Contact Portfolio for information and accommodation bookings.
