Wilderness Magashi newsletter – February 2024

Due to the long rainy season, the water levels of Lake Rwanyakazinga also started to rise unusually early in the year. As the lake level rises and numerous species of fish extent their feeding areas into the flooded area, a unique behaviour starts to unfold among the leopards of the area. This is the time of the year when everyone gets excited to maybe be lucky enough to spot one of the “fishing leopards”.

Akagera National Park is home to many lakes and swamps, and the animals must adapt to this water world if they want to survive. In this context, a unique behavior is displayed by the leopard population as they specialise in hunting fish, especially big catfish. Patiently, they will sit in the flooded sections of the lake shore for hours, waiting for their prey to creep closer. Once they see the right moment, they will launch themselves into the water grabbing the catfish in their powerful jaws. Retreating to dry land, safe from the danger of the huge Nile crocodiles, they will then enjoy their well-deserved and long-awaited meal.

Actually all year round at Magashi, but February was a particularly great month for incredible wildlife sightings. We had guests who were spoilt with a sighting of a pride of lions hunting down an impala, and a clan of hyena fiercely attempting to mob those lions off their kill. Guide Innocent’s guests had a sighting of three different leopards in rapid succession in the same area, and Venuste’s guests enjoyed an extremely exciting tick when they spotted the majestic and elusive Narina trogon.