Here at Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, we have several pans and waterholes, some of which partly dry up just before the rains. They are a magnet for Birdlife cashing in on easily caught fish as the water levels drop.

I was surprised, therefore, when on a recent Dragonfly Photographic Walk (one of the new activities we are offering), beside one of them, to catch the impressive Black Emperors, one of Africa’s largest wildlife Dragonflies, egg laying. Whilst photographing them I saw ripples on the surface. I would have thought any fish daft enough to announce its presence in this fashion would have been long since gobbled up. My surprise was compounded when a terrapin emerged, took one look at me and my close-up lens, and broke into a beautiful, just-for-the-camera, grin.

What are terrapins

Terrapins look like a cross between turtles and tortoises. Tortoises are land-based chelonians while turtles are sea-dwelling. The major difference between turtles and terrapins is that turtles are saltwater creatures while the former live in freshwater.

Physically the terrapins have other features common to both turtles and tortoises besides having a shell. The terrapin shell is flat like that of the turtle. Flat shells make swimming easier for both species. And, like the tortoise, terrapins have legs with claws, unlike turtles which have flippers.

The best place to find terrapins at Pamuzinda Safari Lodge

As previously mentioned Pamuzinda’s game reserve has several waterholes and pans. Terrapins enjoy stagnant water so you are likely to bump into them in such spaces, especially during the rainy season. The Chelonians retreat to the Serui River when water bodies dry up and winter approaches.

A walking safari or a photographic safari is the best way to see these special creatures. It is easier to see the amphibious tree climbers during a leisurely walk through the park. We did mention that terrapins have claws which they use to climb, if we didn’t then it is a great way to say goodbye.