November is such an amazing time in the bush as the anticipation of new life is upon us and with some recent rains, we were not left disappointed by newborn impala lambs appearing all over the reserve!

Not only have the impala lambs been providing many “aaaah” moments, but also some adorable little hyena cubs too!

The bush is alive and full of colour as we enter into our rainy season.

The young Ntsumi female leopard has been seen regularly this week, even popping in at Selati Camp for a brief look around. She was quite successful this week in securing some small meals for herself.

Another young female leopard, Kigelia, was seen snarling at a Spotted Hyena who had been following her in the hope of an easy meal. The Hyena later moved on allowing the leopardess to continue marking her territory.

Ntsumi and Kigelia’s mother, the Little Bush female, has been making the most out of a burrow filled with warthog piglets. She managed to hoist one up a tree after hyenas finished off the other two she had left behind.

*Please note that this video is not for sensitive viewers!

A leopard we don’t get to see too often, the Msuthlu female, was found in an unfamiliar territory, and was sporting recent wounds from an altercation with what seemed like another predator. This however did not deter her as she finished off a small impala kill and in a dramatic event, killed a Black-bellied Bustard right in front of our eyes.

Maxabeni was seen contact calling a nearby female leopard. After a while, he lost interest and attempted to stalk a small herd of impala with lambs, however his cover was blown and the impala ewes and their calves reacted quickly to the threat.

In a very interesting sighting, we watched as a pack of wild dogs came across an injured baboon. They investigated and left shortly afterwards. It could also be that the baboon was ill and the wild dogs did not want to risk eating it. They also had an interaction with a herd of wildebeest chasing each other around.

A huge clan of approximately 30 hyenas appeared to have chased off the Southern Pride from a zebra kill which they must have brought down in the early hours one morning, or late one evening. The pride is looking to be in good condition despite still being split up.

The two Matimba males have been seen regularly this week. As night fell earlier this week, we saw them become active and started moving through the reserve in search of a meal.

In another incredible sighting, we witnessed an African Rock Python take full advantage of the newly born impala lambs and managed to get hold of one, securing a meal that will last it a while.

Finishing off this week’s highlights with a truly amazing sighting! Kevan and his tracker, Jack, spotted an Aardvark! A first for many of their well-travelled and very experienced safari travelling guests! Kevan and Jack were the envy of our entire safari team this week!

Until next time...