This week has been a rather busy one and especially on the predator front once again. It started off with numerous vultures having led us to a giraffe carcass and by all accounts it seemed as though the animal had died as a result of a fight with another male or some other natural cause. We can only speculate, but it was clear that predators had not killed the animal. Irrespective of what caused the giraffe’s demise, it was a hive of activity for some days afterwards as vultures came in by the scores and where there are vultures, other predators are sure to follow.

For some reason it seemed that no cats picked up on the giraffe carcass, but hyenas most certainly did. In fact, on one morning we had some amazing interactions taking place with two clans of hyenas fighting amongst each other over the spoils. Some individuals were so excited from the event that they lashed out at the vultures that had taken the opportunity to seize some of the carrion for themselves in the interim. Pretty spectacular stuff!

After last week’s Southern Pride reunion, the females have once again gone their separate ways and it looks as though it will stay this way for the time being. We found the three females from the split on several occasions this week with them actively vocalizing toward the Sabie River. It’s anyone’s guess at this stage who they were trying contact, but it may be possible that they are attempting to gain an audience with the Sand River males. Time will tell. There still is no sign of the young male that was with them since the split occurred over a year ago and we fear that maybe we have seen the last of him, but we hope not.

Maxabeni has been on a mission lately, and we found him again patrolling his southern boundaries actively scent marking and calling to advertise his presence. We followed him around as he went about his activities and we were treated to an opportunity of photographing the big male drinking from a well-used wallow.

We’ve had yet another surprise visit this week from a pride of lions not often seen in our range until recently, the Sparta Pride. It is always great to spend time with new faces and we were given several opportunities to observe these beautiful cats. The members of the pride are looking really healthy, but it must be said that their nervousness/insecurity at the moment is evident. They must still be on the run or trying to dodge the myriad of male coalitions in the north of the Sabi Sand Reserve and one has to wonder whether or not they are doomed to the same fate as the Southern Pride. I hope not for their sake.

Another surprise for us this week was the appearance of one of the Charleston males. He was looking in dire need of a meal, but otherwise in great condition. Every time we see any of the Charlestons, they just seem to be getting larger and larger. They really are coming into their own and I think this year they are going to cause a lot of problems for the male lions currently controlling the area.

One of the highlights of my week was spending some time with Nottins and Maxabeni’s young cub in the Msuthlu riverbed. Nottins was seen earlier in the day on a hunting mission and must’ve left the youngster to his own devices in one of our crossings. This little cub is so relaxed. Even without his mother, he was indifferent to us for the most part and in fact was even a little curious toward us, but in a good way. It has been amazing to watch this youngster growing up and I’m sure he’s going to be a great one to watch in the future.

In between all the spectacular predator sightings, we have been enjoying the diversity of wildlife on offer on our reserve. The elephants are still moving around in great numbers offering us never-ending viewing pleasure. There are many bachelor herds of buffalo occupying areas close to the river courses as well as the pans scattered across the reserve, and general game such as waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra have also been arriving in large aggregations taking advantage of the palatable grasses in our beautiful open areas as well. It really has been great to be out in the bush sharing in these experiences with our guests.

I hope you have all enjoyed this week’s update. It was most certainly one to remember and I hope to bring you all some more incredible news from the wilds of Sabi Sabi in next week’s blog. Until next time...