We have received substantial rainfall across the reserve this past week, with rivers flowing and wildlife flourishing!

A first for us here at Sabi Sabi – a zebra with spots! An amazing and unique sighting in so many ways! What we have learnt and believe, is the animal’s cells communicate with one another and the neighbouring cells receive chemicals signals that tell them what colour and what pigment to be, which in this case, cross signals have occurred and developed an interesting spot pattern.

Another very special sighting within the Earth Lodge gardens... We spotted a Dark-capped Bulbul nest and have been keeping a close eye on the growth of the chicks. The below two photos were taken a week apart - amazing growth in such a short span... You can see the chicks are all puffed up as a result of the rains we’ve had across the reserve over the past few days.

We have had various sightings of kudu bulls with very impressive horns.

A juvenile Bateleur Eagle remains stationary on the edge of an open area after consuming what seemed to be part of snake which it most likely had captured minutes before our arrival.

A large herd of Cape Buffalo were looking rather comfortable one morning on game drive, whilst keeping a close eye on our safari vehicles as we approached the sighting of this Big Five species.

A beautiful Flap-Necked Chameleon was seen slowly moving across an open patch of sand alongside the road. This subject offered an excellent chance for some low angle photography.

The N’weti male leopard was taking it easy this week as he was seen lazing in the fork of a Marula tree. A few days later he was seen again, this time patrolling his territory and scent marking after the rains.

We were lucky enough to watch as the Msuthlu female leopard made two baby warthog kills. She stashed them in the fork of a tree and kept a close eye on the giraffe that was standing nearby.

Maxabeni was also seen scent marking his territory after the rains. We followed him and were amazed by his agility as he ascended a large Marula tree in seconds to rest off the mid-morning heat and humidity.

On a very damp and overcast afternoon we were lucky enough to sit and view this beautiful female leopard as she rested in a large Marula tree alongside the road. After resting, she got up and gracefully leaped from branch to branch until she reached the remainder of her Common Duiker kill which she had cleverly stashed between the foliage.

A few days later she was found eyeing out some Spotted Hyena who were having a very good breakfast as they consumed a large portion of a Plains Zebra and was lucky enough to steal a few scraps for herself.

Until next time...