Wow!! What a cycle. I really enjoy writing these blogs as it gives me a chance to reflect on some of the great things I’ve witnessed over the last six weeks.

Never to diminish what we see, but sometimes it can be easy to forget about good sightings especially when you have so many in a single cycle. Photos give you a chance to reflect on what you saw, but more importantly, how you felt at the time and the joy in reliving that moment.

I’m going to start with my favourite leopard sighting. For those who have read my blogs before, you would know that my favourite leopard is known as the Lisbon female. The reasons why she is my favourite is that she is a complete poser, but also epitomizes her species. She loves trees and rocks but can also disappear when she wants to and at stages can be very secretive. This last statement is so true as I was introduced for a second time to her cub. This time I didn’t freeze and was able to get the first photos of her offspring - a truly special event and one I will be eternally grateful for.

It’s been great seeing the Kigelia female growing into a beautiful leopardess and she seems to be finding her feet in part of her mum`s territory.

Despite my sightings of cheetah being few and far between, the ones I have seen have been very photogenic. This male cheetah was looking a little hungry and therefore took to a few fallen over trees to scout the surrounding area for a meal.

A spotty cat of a different sort, a Serval, made its appearance while we were tracking the Wild Dogs after having its location given away by a Tree Squirrel. It had recently killed a Dwarf Mongoose and was a treat for our guests who had never seen one in the wild before.

The lion saga continues with the new Fourways males taking a firm hold on the territory occupied by the Sand River males.

Some interesting developments this cycle as they have been seen mating with at least four of the Southern Pride females, including the old general, Floppy Ear. If she has accepted them, then I have no doubts the rest of the pride will follow suit.

It hasn’t however been all the Fourways and Southern Pride, we have been visited by the Sand River males, Sparta males, and Charlestons to name but a few.

These coalitions have been helping themselves to the large herds of buffalo that frequent the reserve at this time of the year and have managed to pick off some of the old members, similar to this old bull.

The final word and the highlight has been the regular sightings of the Toulon Pack of Wild Dogs and their newest members - 13 pups. These little bundles have been a joy to watch since exiting the den and patiently waiting for the hunting pack to return with some food. Read more about them in my blog, Wild Dog Pups.

As there have been many more mouths to feed, the adults have been using Sabi Sabi for regular hunting expeditions and the sightings have therefore been adrenalin filled.

They haven’t had it their own way as the hyenas have stolen their prize on numerous occasions, but the dogs have not given up without a fight.

Lots of highlights and some great sightings! I am looking forward to what next cycle will bring to the table.