Spring has sprung... and some of the migratory birds are returning for the warmer months, and what a fantastic sight to witness... Read more about this special time in Louise’s blog, Spring – A lovely reminder how beautiful change can be!

We have had some stunning up-close elephant sightings. We watched as numerous herds moved around the reserve, going about their daily business...

What looked like terrapins on a rock, soon became an angry hippo splashing around in the water. It must have just woken up from its afternoon nap, definitely on the wrong side of the bed...

Many other general sightings of birds, plains game and others were enjoyed this week!

We have enjoyed numerous sightings of cheetah this week as they moved through the reserve, making use of termite mounds as vantage points to scan the area for a potential meal.

Ending off with the cats – we have seen a lot of leopards and lions again this week and share some of the highlights below.

Xovonekela was seen looking for a comfortable place to rest during an overcast morning experienced on the reserve. Not too sure if our Private Airstrip will be the best option with a few flights expected, nevertheless a large termite mound was the outcome where this beautiful cat settled down as the temperature started to increase.

The White Dam male was seen waiting patiently at the base of a large Jackalberry Tree whilst his father, Maxabeni, finished up what seemed to be a recent kill before descending, allowing the younger male to climb the same tree to see if there were any scraps or left overs.

This wasn’t the only male leopard Maxabeni came across this week. We set out on safari in hope of finding a leopard and were excited when, after turning a corner, we saw the N’weti male resting in the shade. Whilst taking in the special sight, our tracker spotted Maxabeni too far off. He stopped to rest on a termite mound in his territory... All the while keeping an eye on the younger male a short distance away and giving a low warning growl.

The following day, Maxabeni was in front of Bush Lodge enjoying a peaceful drink of water.

The Msuthlu female was located as she made her way through the thick bush, hoping to come across some prey.

After seeing tracks of male lions earlier in the week, we came across the 3 Tsalala males doing what cats do best – sleeping!

The Southern Pride have reunited and what a special sighting to see the 5 members together, giving some reassuring touches.

Two sub-adult male lions from the Mhangeni Pride were seen following a large herd of Cape Buffalo until a clan of hyena ruined their chances as they were surrounded and decided to give up on their hunting chances and rest in an open area in front of Selati Camp.

Until next time...