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Terry’s Cycle Highlights: June/July 2018

on Jul 16, 2018

It’s no wonder this time of the year is so popular for safari enthusiasts. Beautiful sunrises, warm days with golden sunsets and clear starlit skies. This is just the stage needed to show off some of Africa’s most mesmerising and captivating creatures.

With the short grasses of the winter season, makes visibility a lot easier to see some of Africa’s predators and this cycle has probably been one of my greatest for cheetah sightings. There is one thing in seeing cheetah, but the next is trying to photograph them and the cheetahs we have seen this cycle, have certainly not been camera shy.

Out of all the big cats, they are certainly for me the most elegant and using fallen over trees and vast plains is just a photographer’s nirvana.

There have been some great elephant sightings throughout the cycle with large herds constantly searching for water due to the lack of rain in winter. These large herds bring with them such animated young elephants keen to make themselves known to the vehicles observing them. Closely following the herds are some large elephant bulls in search of females to mate with.

The wild dogs have also made their presence felt this cycle with numerous sightings of these endangered and misunderstood predators.

It hasn't just been sightings, it has been interactions with hyenas that have been so captivating. Hyenas often will follow wild dogs due to their successful hunting abilities and always ready to steal a free meal, but this can sometime be a dangerous game.

Once again, we have had amazing leopard sightings, something that the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is so well known for. I was fortunate this cycle to see two male leopards that I had never seen before which always creates even more excitement. I had heard about this male before and it was great to enjoy some time with him - Inyathini.

18Terry Ennever INyathini 2018618 1 Final

With this male and numerous other males pushing in on the large territory of the dominant male leopard, Maxabeni has had to do a lot more patrolling of his territory meaning we had a better chance of tracking him down. He has provided us with so many great sightings and these are just a few of my favourite images.

He has been sporting lacerations on both sides of his front legs, the one of them on the right side has almost completely healed while the other is a little more recent. We believe that these to be from the sharp rushers of a warthog, especially since the more recent one was found while he was feeding on a fresh kill.

Another challenger to the crown of the dominant male leopard, is that of his son, the White Dam male. A very large leopard for his size who can now be seen scent marking as well as vocalising in his father’s territory giving us the impression that a serious altercation is forthcoming.

The Ntsumi female, who never seems to disappoint, made a few appearances this cycle and was never afraid to strike a pose for our guests.

One sighting in particular was spectacular as she dragged a bushbuck kill out of a tree and proceeded to carry it about 400 meters to another tree. This was all because she heard the rasping calls of a nearby male leopard. The power of this little leopard was spectacular and remains one of my favourite sightings of the cycle.

The Msuthlu female has also been seen regularly over a large portion of the reserve and showing off her patience while hunting, staying motionless for almost an hour. This photo was slightly before that and with the gorgeous light and setting, was one of my favourite images of her.

30Terry Ennever Msuthu 2018630 Final

Now onto the lions, we have had some amazing sightings of the Mhangeni Pride of sub adults. These lions don't always make for the prettiest of lion sightings but tells a story few realise, of the hardships faced by young lions. This team of 8 males and 1 female, depend highly on the two eldest males who seem to be doing a good job given the circumstances.

Against all odds these nomadic lions seem to be surviving, a real attribute which will help them in their later years if they get through these tough times.

The Eyrefield females have also paid us a few visits, after their recent association with the Avoca males. It will be wonderful to see if these lions produce young, hopefully returning this pride to its former glory.

Imaging to end this cycle highlights blog with my sightings of the Southern Pride sub adults. It is always tough to see these two sub adults who can't seem to locate the remaining members of their pride. It is hard to say how many of the Southern Pride are still alive since their run in’s the Avoca males. What we have seen is small group of four lions and two sub adults and it is difficult to say if there are any more as no others have been seen by us.

The young male and female are looking in exceptional condition and seem to be always well fed. My favourite sighting of the cycle was when they stalked a large herd of buffalo in an attempt to take down a young calf who had an injured leg. The female took up the lead and showed no fear as she charged into the herd.

They sadly were not successful but these types of experiences will strengthen their bonds and allow them to develop and adapt their own hunting techniques.

It’s been another wonderful cycle and there are little doubts that winter is a fantastic time for game viewing. So next time you are thinking about doing a safari or planning your first trip, don't fear the winter morning chill, it’s invigorating and stimulating all at the same time. Till next time.

  • Blog by Terry Ennever (Selati Camp Ranger)
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