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my highlights august/september 2014

on Nov 04, 2014

Sightings of animals in the wild are what guests from all over the world come to see. That glimpse of a leopard, one of the most elusive of the Big 5, enabling people to tick those Big 5 boxes. For us as guides, that is not what a safari experience is all about. We want you to experience the African bush - live it and breathe it, and experience how she works. For us we want you to leave having experienced interactions. I am not talking about humans interacting with animals, I’m talking about animals interacting with other animals and their environment and that brief snippet into their daily lives - their triumphs and their struggles.

My last cycle was so memorable for the interactions we were able to witness and the young Kelenge leopardess was a big part of it. Seeing this stunning cub mature into a supreme opportunistic huntress was truly something to behold. You can read my recent blog, Outcrop Lesson, to see how she moved to independence. Photographically it was one of my favourite sightings, seeing her bring down a large male Duiker. A sign that she has what it takes to survive in her harsh surroundings.

HighlightsAug.Sept .Terry7

Even though it was hard to take, the passing away of a large bull elephant gave me and my guests so many brilliant interactions. This epitomised how nothing goes to waste and how animals depend on each other for survival. We had the Southern Pride breakaway pride and Solo feasting on the carcass bringing both Solo and the young sub adult male into close quarters. Usually this would result in conflict but Solo seemed to tolerate the younger male showing us that he is in search of an ally. Sadly after moving around the reserve for a few days after their feast, they eventually went their separate ways.

The vultures also moved in alone with the hyenas and this resulted in some amazing interaction between all three.

Working in a great place like Sabi Sabi, you get to know characters in the story of the bush, and everybody loves a cub. Nottins` cub is showing all the makings and qualities of a feisty leopard and I can’t wait to see him bloom. He has given all rangers here such amazing joy and hopefully this continues for a long time to come.

HighlightsAug.Sept .Terry4

Lastly but never a final thought has to go to our recent cheetah sightings. These rarely seen cats have been prominent on the reserve with both males and female making regular appearances.

As I start my next cycle, I cannot help but realise how lucky I am to be working in this amazing place which affords us and our guests the opportunity to witness these animals play out their lives and how they interact with others and the environment around them.

  • BY: TERRY ENNEVER (EARTH LODGE RANGER)
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