The past week’s main highlights have to go to the lions of Sabi Sabi. The Charleston males were seen on a near daily basis with and without the company of the Southern Pride females. The Southern Pride females were also found on many occasion, where at times only four were found or all five together. These were good signs that the missing female was probably at her den site. Just as I started writing this blog news came in that the Charleston males and the Southern Pride were found on a kudu bull kill. Two cubs were also at the kill and this would be the first recorded kill that they have been to. This means we will start seeing more of these cubs as they will be joining the females at most kills in the future. Hopefully these cubs reach independence and increase the numbers of the once mighty Southern Pride.

Moving over to leopards, Kigelia, Warthog Wallow, Lisbon and Maxabeni were seen during the past week. Guests enjoyed some interesting sightings with these spotted cats, as Warthog Wallow had a quick encounter with a rock python, the Lisbon female was joined by a herd of elephants at a dam and Maxabeni was seen trying to hunt zebra.

Hlarulini was also seen a couple of times in Warthog Wallow’s territory, and seems like she is starting to push into our traverse. She is a beautiful young female and relaxed around vehicles, which means she will provide guests with great sightings to come.

Elephants were all over the reserve, with many breeding herds converging at waterholes around the property. Bulls in musth are also seen accompanying some of the herds. The youngsters always keep guests entertained as they play and mess about with their family members.

Just before the rains had fallen, a good 35mm at certain parts of the reserve, clear nights allowed for some spectacular viewing of the moon, especially when it was in its full state. Just when guests thought a beautiful sunset would end their day off, they got a little more as the moon started rising above the horizon.