As we change from season to season, the density of animal occurrence starts to change as well. Over a rainfall period, more than what was usually expected, fell upon the reserve of Sabi Sabi allowing rejuvenation of almost everything. But during these past two months, the area enters the period of the middle of winter. With this being said, the vegetation thins out, creating a better visual, the rainfall comes to a halt thus game species start searching further for drinking water than the occasional seasonal pan and actually accessing the main waterholes. We also experience a change in temperature with a lot cooler mornings and evenings, however this creates a feeling of freshness, a clean flow when entering a new day under the beautiful African sun which is the main energy source experienced by all. This area creates the utmost intelligence of every living organism to test their ability as they adapt and survive the tougher seasons awaiting the rains coming up towards the end of the year.

This cycle has brought some unexpected sightings, allowing animals to compete and survive the way that they do.

Spotted Hyena populations have been increasing in the area as they move more of a distance from their normal radial areas in order to find or scavenge for food. We witnessed what seems to be the Northern clan, surrounded on a male giraffe carcass that died from natural causes or possibly old age. Experiencing roughly 30+ Spotted Hyenas on this carcass for about 5 days was an exceptional experience.

The Southern Pride of lions have come out of their usual spot of hiding in the South of the reserve due to the unprotected territory as the Charleston males decided to enter the Kruger National Park and the Southern Pride have been seen regularly in the North, moving between Little Bush Camp and Bush Lodge. With that being said, to our surprise, one of the Charleston males returned to re-join the pride and reassuring some comfort. As the season starts to change, so do the predator – prey interactions and the Southern Pride are starting to successfully attempt and succeed in bringing down Cape Buffalo to feed the entire pride.

With such high lion populations and interesting changes in terms of dynamics, a further 3 male lions, commonly known as the 3 Tsalala males which are roughly 3 – 4 years a of age, have also been seen regularly on the reserve.

Leopard sightings within this seasonal time period have also been up to the usual standard as we witness many of our familiar faces within their territories. However, one particular individual has stood out for me during my latest cycle, and that is the Kashane male. Situated in the South of the reserve, the Kashane male has been seen regularly. Despite his age, he has been moving large distances actively searching for prey and being quite successful, always a pleasure to witness.

Maxabeni, Little Bush and her cub, Kigelia, as well as White Dam and her 3 year old cub have also been regularly seen and always light up a safari drive with their presence as their stories and interactions with one another always are as I like to call it “against the text book” interactions and always seem to amaze me as to what these special cats actually get up to.

The Hlarulini female has also made a few appearances every now and then and is looking in great condition going ahead into the winter season.

Lastly, to end off an amazing cycle, I witnessed one of my best sightings that I have ever seen! A male cheetah scanning an open area to suddenly capturing and killing a juvenile impala right within our vision, something which isn’t seen at all as cheetah usually cover a distance of about 500 – 600m at a top speed of 85 – 100km/h and leaving you far behind and only to find it dragging its kill. After killing this juvenile impala, this male cheetah dragged it about 150m before resting. While resting, the Kashane male leopard showed up and stole the kill as the cheetah didn’t stand a chance in protecting it. The Kashane male then further dragged this kill 300 – 400m into a dense drainage line.

As we all know it’s not just the high-profile animals that make a safari, or my cycle, an amazing time within the reserve, many other sightings contributed just as equally as the rest as well as the people we meet, the experiences and great times shared.