It’s my first week of the cycle and building to the excitement of getting back in the bush, this week has proved that a safari not attended is a huge opportunity missed, for both rangers and guests!

Eager to get back in the drivers seat, I didn’t have to wait long for action! The start to the week was highlighted by Little Bush, who was more successful in gaining a meal than a mate, despite overtly offering herself to Maxabeni for days. We watched her grow increasingly frustrated throughout the week with Maxabeni becoming less and less interested. It wasn’t until the pair joined up with Warthog Wallow days later, that Maxabeni decided that he was ready for some action – to everyone’s astonishment he proceeded to mate with BOTH females!! Warthog Wallow was then found marking her territory without the company of the other two leopards later in the week.

The Southern Pride were also successful in securing a meal out of a kudu bull, proving that their strength does remain in their numbers. We hope that they feel the same way! They were still found on the property later in the week making the most of a warm rocky outcrop during the cold of the morning.

An unexpected visit from the Ximhungwe Pride was a first for us. The youngsters were surprisingly calm despite being in a foreign territory. After a day of absence they returned with blood stained faces, looking very content with what the southern sector had to offer.

A number of large buffalo herd are still frequenting the property which may very well be a reason for the recent lion activity. Their vast numbers continue to keep guests and rangers humbled.

The weeks highlight (for me at least!) was then stolen by the rare and unexpected visits of some unusual suspects. First was an African Wild Cat, which was so unexpected it had us all puzzled at first glance in the spotlight as to what it was! Unfortunately as a small and somewhat skittish animal, we were unable to photograph it. Then in one night both a Serval and Aardvark were found! I unfortunately did not go on this drive and after making remarks about seeing an Aardvark just hours before the safari in which it was seen, I am beyond gutted to have missed such a sighting.

So one never quite knows what is around the next corner or what a safari will produce, but, one thing is for sure “nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity”. I will fully be grabbing every opportunity to be in the bush as much as possible in the week to come, will you?