It is official – winter is here! This week we felt the icy wind chill on our faces as we manoeuvred across the open plains of Sabi Sabi. Pink noses pinned to faces peaking out of hoods and beanies were gratefully contrasted by the surprise of hot water bottles, tucked into the blankets on your seat in the safari vehicles to warm hands and bottoms. Amongst the rangers, the gloves have started making their appearances and for the summer die-hards amongst us, some have chosen two pairs of shorts over the long trousers. Layers are key; for as the sun bursts out at around 6.30am, you will quickly start feeling the need to shed a stratum or two and bring out the trusty old sun hat. The variation of weather however, has been no competition in comparison to the variation of sightings we have been fortunate enough to have seen in this week in the bush.

In the main headlines, a number of huge Cape buffalo herds scoured the reserve, feasting on the remaining juicy swards of grass before laying down to rest. A single herd was estimated at over 1000!

Naturally attracted to the commotion the massive herds of buffalo bring, we were surprised with the find of the Fourways males after a long period of absence. After vocalising and scent marking throughout their visit and a lack of response by the Sand River males, there is some question as to whether a territorial take-over is in our midst.

The Southern Pride came back from a brief visit to Kruger National Park looking well. The two females who acquired injuries during last week’s buffalo kill were still tending to their wounds but will no doubt make a full recovery.

An incredible feat unfolded amongst our leopards as we watched Warthog Wallow hunt for 2 hours to no avail. The following day we discovered her gazing on to a Spotted hyena which was devouring a large impala ram which had clearly been stolen from her. As the reigning king of the area, Maxabeni came in full force, claiming rights to it fending off the hyena and stashing the kill up the nearest tree. Sometime during the day he must have brought it down for it was later seen below the tree when a clan of hyenas decided to use safety numbers to steal the carcass back and send Maxabeni fleeing. Nottins was seen marking territory in a new area confirming suspicions that her territory has shifted with pressure from Warthog Wallow.

Two male cheetah were seen on opposing ends of the property, BOTH will kills! After gorging themselves, both cheetah were unable to secure ownership of the carcasses post sundown. I personally witnessed the one cheetah lose its kill to a clan who ventured out to the feeding frenzy with two of their cubs – an incredibly unexpected treat to all of us!

The Wild Dogs have been actively hunting and seeking out water sources on our property on an almost daily basis! Bush Lodge guests were spellbound as they managed to chase a young kudu into the watering hole in front of the main deck and succeed in dragging it out and making it a meal. You can read more about this incredible sighting and how it unfolded in Kosie’s blog – Wild Dog Kill.

Not in the headlines, but certainly no less exciting, an inexperienced Spotted hyena took on a Honey Badger and came out second best and an absurdly relaxed African Civet foraged next to our vehicle before deciding to take a nap only metres away!

The brilliant display of the Milky Way is slowly fading away to make space for the approaching Full Moon and as the dust rises, the sunrises and sunsets have been growing more and more vibrant by the day.

With the vegetation dying back, it is clear that despite its frosty bite, this Winter is proving to be heated with excitement and activity in the bush. It is difficult not to anticipate what the next week will bring.