Every morning that we are out on safari, the birds songs are getting louder with their activities becoming more pronounced as they are starting to look for potential mates and defend territories. The sun creeps over the horizon and the cold crisp air disappears, the new flush of leaves on the Acacia trees and the tree Wisteria’s flowering are all clear signs that spring is here at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

We have been treated to some incredible bird viewing over the last week with some of our migrant species starting to return such as the Wahlberg’s Eagle who comes to breed here at Sabi Sabi after wintering in the Sahael. Around Selati Camp a Pearl Spotted Owlet feeds on a recent kill, the incredible radiance of the eyes is highlighted here. With the warming of the daily temperatures it is likely that this owlet will become less active during the day as it does not need to feed to keep warm.

Whilst having an early morning coffee, Mike was extremely fortunate to watch this Lilac-breasted Roller pluck a bark scorpion from his hiding hole and feed on it. The increase in daylight hours has certainly sparked a heightened aggression between bird species as can be seen here as two Egyptian Geese fight over a watering hole.

One who gains mastery will create his own opportunities. This is most certainly what Solo is trying to do here at Sabi Sabi as he has been seen continually moving, roaring and hunting trying to look for the Southern Pride lionesses. With the Sand River males trying to assert their dominance further into the Kruger National Park only time will tell what will happen to Solo.

People say that only magicians can perform magic, I think that watching animals and guests interacting with them provides the same result. This is certainly true with viewing cheetah. We have been extremely fortunate over the past week to have both a male and female cheetah moving through the reserve. The male was even seen calling and trying to find the location of the female.

We are eagerly awaiting the first rains and this has made for huge herds of buffalo moving through the reserve seeking grazing and water sources. When sitting amongst these huge herds there is continual action, noise and movement highlighting the extremely special sighting.

The permanent water sources are a great starting point to the afternoon safari as the animals are coming to cool down and get a refreshing drink before moving off in search of food. It is very important that when coming to drink that the animals keep an eye out for any potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

There has been exceptional leopard viewing over the past week. Nottins managed to kill a huge male bushbuck. She then went to collect her cub and was joined by Maxabeni who later hoisted the kill into a tree. During the heat of the day they would seek shelter in the Msuthlu Riverbed.

After walking through Bush Lodge and the Vervet monkeys alarm calling we were able to find Warthog Wallow scent marking and patrolling her territory. Whilst patrolling she seized the opportunity and managed to kill a White-tailed mongoose.