February was an unusually dry summer month with only 7.8 mm of rain falling, compared to the long term average of 70.9 mm for the month of February.
The early part of February is traditionally the annual maintenance period allocated to Sibon when the camp is closed to Users. The camp maintenance took up all our attention in the first fortnight, where repairs and maintenance were ongoing. In addition, the vacuuming of the inner thatch roof in the open plan lounge and dining areas took place. There was considerable mowing of veld of grasses to manage fire risk, tree trimming, dead tree removal, and the completion of the repair and upgrade to the Sibon fence.
It is with some relief we approach the natural conclusion of the marula fruit season, which has been an extended bumper crop! As a result the pressure from elephants on the new camp fence infrastructure has been astronomical in this reporting month, the marula fruit are a dietary favorite of elephants. My daily early morning fence inspections has shown the extent of the elephants attempts to breach the fence. Not a single day passed without some form of evidence observed, in some cases there were between five to eight attempts been made during the night. It is extremely pleasing to record that all the attempted breaches were unsuccessful. We have now reached the six-month mark since the last elephant incursion into the camp area.
We once again experienced giraffe damage to the fence. The last weekend in February saw a young male giraffe break into the camp area. Our initial efforts to remove him were unsuccessful, but he subsequently exited on his own accord that same morning. Repairs to the fence commenced immediately and were completed in the early afternoon.
The clearing of the concrete rubble from the camp causeway was completed. In addition the conservation staff cleared the areas immediately adjacent to the causeway of the Mexican Poppy that was flourishing.
Water losses from main line leaks were severe during February requiring intensive labour interventions. The improved stability to the higher water pressures is in turn testing the aging reticulation infrastructure.
Two baboon monitors were temporary employed, these staff are clearly identifiable through the day-glow vests worn. The baboon monitors presence is in response to the significant increase in baboon activity over the past two to three months. Reception car park will also be monitored to dissuade the monkeys from raiding unattended belongings.
by Chris Mayes