Pel’s at Limpopo-Lipadi River Camp!

News flash from Limpopo-Lipadi: the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl is making its appearances, notably at one of the lodges on the Limpopo riverfront. Co-owner Anton Kruger, an avid and well-known bird photographer, found himself so lucky to have two of them right at his doorstep. Read his story here: “The Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli) is one of Africa’s most enigmatic and sought-after birds, renowned for its striking appearance and elusive nature. This large owl, characterised by its rich, rufous plumage, dark eyes, and barred chest, inhabits dense riparian forests and riverine habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. Its range includes countries like Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, making it a prized sighting for birdwatchers and photographers in these regions. Unlike most owls, the Pel’s Fishing Owl is adapted to a diet of fish, relying on sharp talons and keen eyesight to hunt in shallow waters during twilight or moonlit nights. What makes the Pel’s Fishing Owl particularly significant in southern Africa is its rarity and the challenge of spotting it. These owls are highly secretive and prefer habitats that are remote and difficult to access, such as the Okavango Delta in Botswana or the Zambezi River basin. Their ability to blend seamlessly with the foliage and their quiet, nocturnal habits further add to the challenge. The South African population is believed to be between 70-100 birds… mainly along the Limpopo, Levuvhu and Olifants rivers, as well as in Northern KwaZulu Natal. The stronghold for them is the Okavango Delta though! My first sighting of a Limpopo-Lipadi Pel’s was way back in 2012, a quick sighting of a bird flushed from its daytime roost west of River Camp. Then co-owner Gerben had one bird perched on a rock in front of his lodge on his first night as co-owner more than 5 years ago. I remember how jealous I was of his epic sighting! I hear them on most visits, though when the river is low – always dreaming of them coming closer and hunting in front of camp and I couldn’t believe the dream became a reality. Then… in early December 2024 (days before the Limpopo River flooded), I enjoyed an extraordinary sighting of a pair of Pel’s Fishing Owl, and that directly in front of our lodge at Limpopo-Lipadi River Camp. Arriving back at our lodge after our afternoon game drive, I scanned the rocks adjacent to the pool of water, and there it was, not one, but two Pel’s Fishing Owls staring back at me! It provided the perfect setting for an intimate experience with these elusive birds. I was able to spend a couple of hours before going to bed (around midnight I checked on them again, and they were still busy at the water). Photographing the Pel’s Fishing Owl is equally rewarding, as it captures the essence of pristine wilderness and the uniqueness of Africa’s avian life. In many ways, the Pel’s Fishing Owl is more than just a bird; it is a symbol of Africa’s untamed beauty and the delicate balance of its ecosystems. What a privilege to have them at River Camp!” If you would like to support our conservation efforts, have a look on our website: https://limpopo-lipadi.org/donate/. For discreet information on share sales, contact generalmanager@limpopo-lipadi.org. To book a safari, request our rates via reservations@limpopo-lipadi.org or via WhatsApp: (+267) 76770191.