A Good Evening With a Lesser Bush Baby Family!

Matetsi private Game Reserve has proved to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world where one can expect to see some of the small but beautiful animal species like slender mongoose, banded mongoose, white tailed mongoose, sharp’s grysbok, bushbuck, genets, civet, honey badger, African wild cat, Serval, caracal, porcupine and many more including rare large antelopes like Roan and Sable. Although these cannot be 100% guaranteered, sometimes with great luck, they could be a bonus to guests who have already been to the big five areas of Africa. This top end game-viewing experience was subaequently fullfilled over the past two days when a French honey-mooning couple witnessed a large family of Lesser Bush Babies that they were so anxious to see from the time of their arrival. It was soon after dark when we came face to face with the little devils, their eyes reflecting so bright! We counted well over 9 of these neo-primates, although there could have easily been many more in the bushes. Both the tracker and I, plus the guests, were so amazed at how far these little monkeys could jump! A fully grown bush-baby managed a jump from one side of the road to the other, landing on a far tree some 7 metres away without any mistake! After watching this 'movie' for about 15 minutes, we then decided to continue with the drive. The guests were so pleased and talked about this sighting long after during dinner that night!

Posted: Matetsi by Peter Gava, Date: 13 June 2007