This time of the year is always a brutal one, animals in constant search for food and water, both in very high demand. Trying to get over the last hurdle before the summer rains come - a survival of the fittest and the way Mother Nature ensures the strongest genes survive.

I have had some great sightings of the Kashane male leopard this cycle and he seems to have recovered well from his recent altercation with Maxabeni, nursing his wounds in the Southern section of the reserve.

Epitomising a male leopard’s opportunism, he has been found feeding on separate buffalos who died as well as a impala which he seemed to have killed. I love the intense look this male possesses and hope to seem him a lot more often.

I had an amazing sighting of the Hlarulini female as we followed her for the best part of 2 hours while she went from termite mound to termite mound in search of her next meal. This is a popular way of hunting for leopards as due to the thinning of the vegetation, gives them a higher vantage point to see any potential prey and work on a direction.

Despite being a great huntress, we watched as she failed to stalk and chase three prey items, scrub hare, male impala and a duiker - always a reminder that predators don't always succeed.

Little Bush and her cub have been also putting on a show for us these last couple weeks, with the photos from this sighting being memorable as we found them close to an impala that Little Bush killed. The playful antics between these two always brings a smile to my face.

With all this said, my best sightings with both of these cats - when they were apart, was on foot with guests. There is no greater experience than being at a safe distance watching a leopard carry on its daily life with no regard for you and you not affecting what they do. Very special.

It hasn't just been a cycle of highlights about cats, photographically I ticked off the list two animals I have had difficulty in photographing in the past - a Genet and a Brown-headed Parrot, so without prolonging it too long, here they are.

We also were fortunate enough to have a few cheetah sightings which always brings with it a lot of excitement from everybody knowing what a special sighting it is. In this particular sighting, this male cheetah was climbing trees and scent marking and putting on a huge display for our guests.

Writing a highlights blog puts everything into perspective as you look back upon all the photos you had taken and you get the chance to reflect and appreciate all the amazing things that you have had the opportunity to see. Now to the lions - well, where do I start!? This cycle for lion sightings can only be described as EPIC!!!

It really becomes difficult to narrow down to some of your favourite pics, especially when you have cubs involved, therefore I decided not to cut it down and just inundate you with all of the amazing sights I've witnessed.

The lions have been killing buffalos prolifically over this last month and they have been getting to the point where they are leaving half eaten carcasses. Their plan for hunting has been an opportunistic one, due to the buffalo’s lack of condition and their need for water, the lions have been patiently waiting close to waterholes as they know their favourite prey would come to them.

Even though this lack of rain has been a blessing in disguise for the Southern Pride who are using their resources, or lack thereof, to good skill and effect.

My cycle has ended like it began, the intense battle for survival clear. Epitomised by the war between the Cape Buffalo and the Southern Pride and their cubs. Buffalo, struggling in their search for food, becomes an opportunity for the lions to ensure their recent batch of cubs survives, something that they have struggled with for the past 4 years. Whatever you may think about this drought, this is nature and this is the way she maintains balance.