Hello to all of our readers and welcome to this week’s update. ‘Marula Season’ is now upon us, and the trees that are scattered all over our reserve are bulging with fruit, with many of them having dropped some already. What this does is attract elephants and we have noticed a significant influx of breeding herds as well as large elephant bulls, many of them in the ‘musth’ condition.

We’ve had a number of encounters with elephant bulls in ‘musth’, a condition of heightened agitation due to huge increases in testosterone levels, and as long as you give them the respect they deserve as well as the required extra space you can have some amazing sightings with them. On one occasion we had the morning sun rising behind a particular ‘musth’ bull and as he approached us he was tossing up dust over himself creating a really spectacular scene as seen below.

The many breeding herds can be found all over the reserve at the moment taking advantage of the surplus of food and water available, slowly making their way toward the crests where the Marula trees grow. We’ve been having some amazing experiences with many of the younger animals within the herds as they keep us entertained with their antics.

We’ve had some great predator activity and especially with regards to hyenas. The density of hyenas on our reserve is quite high and so chances of seeing this most impressive member of the ‘Ugly 5’ are very good. We’ve even managed to locate an active den site recently and so we are slowly introducing ourselves to the youngsters and I’m sure we will be able to share some images of them very soon.

Maxabeni has been very active this week, patrolling his territory and again seemed to be looking to push a bit further south into Xovonekela’s territory, but for now, no real fireworks on that front. He was however, found again to have chased the young Tortilis male up a tree and kept the youngster treed for the entire night, only leaving him later in the following morning. If the young Tortilis is to survive, he had better make sure that he stays out of Maxabeni’s territory. The dominant male may tolerate the youngster now, but fairly soon it will turn ugly.

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking things very slowly this week and really enjoying the smaller details while out with guests. There is so much to see out here and especially at this time of the year, with all the insects, reptiles and migratory birds becoming more active and/or moving into our range. We have had some really great sightings this week with these being some of the highlights.

One of the Fourways males, a coalition of two young males that have ventured in from the east, was found all on his own this week softly calling for his partner, but there was no response.

The Sand River males were found moving through the reserve with clear determination and we can only guess that they were seeking out the females and their offspring. They look in pretty good condition, however they could use a meal and soon.

The three Southern Pride females and their young cubs were found again this week, offering our guests a once in a lifetime experience to spend some time with these incredible animals. I think we sometimes forget just how privileged we are to have contact with these cats on such a regular basis. The remaining cubs look healthy although, they too could use a meal very soon. It looks as though the females may be feeling the pressure now that the cubs are growing.

The sun sets to end another day and another week here at Sabi Sabi. It has been an amazing one at that with many moments that be etched in our memories for years to come. For me it has been great to slow down and appreciate the myriad of smaller aspects that the African bush has to offer, so I leave you with something a little different to end off this week’s blog, a grass inflorescence glistening in the last rays of daylight. Until next time...