Trackers of The Savannah
Sony A1, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 70mm, S: 1/640, A: F7.1, ISO: 2,500
Rarely spoken about and often overlooked, these are the unsung heroes of the safari experience.
Many of my best sightings and photographs wouldn't have been possible without these incredible individuals. Spotting a leopard, lion, buffalo, or even the smallest species in the African bush requires immense knowledge of the environment. From identifying tracks and prints in the veld (bush) to understanding sounds and calls, or even noticing a broken twig in the distance, these teams make it possible to find the elusive animals we all hope to see. While I've captured countless beautiful wildlife shots here in Africa, I often wonder if we take the time to acknowledge the people behind the scenes who make these moments happen.
Having visited Kruger National Park multiple times and stayed in various small camps and lodges, I've had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with numerous game rangers and their trackers. These camps and private safaris are meticulously managed, from limiting the areas to ensure minimal human presence to controlling the number of people at sightings to avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, I've also become aware of the negative impact of overzealous drivers and tourists in popular places like Kenya's Masai Mara, where the demand for sightings in some parts has had a catastrophic effect on local wildlife.
Typically, a safari team comprises a guide and a tracker: one providing detailed knowledge of the bush and the other spotting movement, tracks, and signs to locate animals. These dynamic duos are essential for the 3-4 hour excursions into the bush. Each trip is a unique adventure, never the same as the last, with shifting wildlife, changing weather, and new routes ensuring no two experiences are alike. For photography enthusiasts, these teams are adept at positioning and advising on safety, ensuring everyone gets the best shots without risking confrontation with the animals.
On almost all outings, we head out before sunrise and before sunset, the busiest times for wildlife observation. These periods involve movement for both diurnal and nocturnal species and the preparation or completion of hunts by apex predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. One unforgettable memory is following a pride of lions preparing for a hunt with their cubs. After stretching and socialising, the cubs were ready to learn, and the females set up their route, splitting into two groups. An hour later, we watched as one group chased a herd of antelope into the path of the waiting lions, resulting in a successful hunt. Such experiences highlight the intelligence and survival skills of wildlife, with the cubs learning vital lessons.
Guides and trackers also ensure you witness incredible vistas, whether the golden-orange hues of dawn or the orange-pinks of a setting sun. Dawn often brings abundant birdlife and a sense of peace among animals recovering from the night. The rapid temperature changes within an hour of dawn can be surprising, even in winter. In contrast, the night brings the awakening of predators and a more cautious movement of animals seeking safety. Throughout the day, guides and trackers continue to find and share life in all its forms.
In closing, my appreciation for camps and wildlife lodges employing knowledgeable guides and trackers is immense. They inform, educate, and foster a profound love and respect for the bush. Wildlife is dwindling in many places, and mismanagement or tourist-driven practices only exacerbate the problem. Effective wildlife management should always prioritise the animals, allowing them to exist as they have for eons. Knowing that such places still exist and are protected by dedicated guides and trackers gives me hope for the future of our planet.
I look forward to exploring more!
