We watched this week as the Southern Pride failed on numerous hunting attempts.

Their patience was rewarded one day when they had spotted a lone bull Blue Wildebeest (who we believe to have been the territorial male of the area) drinking from the waterhole in front of Selati Camp. The youngest female immediately took the lead as she crouched low and quickly, yet stealthily, moved across the open area in pursuit of the Wildebeest. She disappeared into dense vegetation hot on the heels of the large herbivore, closely followed by her brother. The young female appeared to have made the first move but was soon assisted by the other three lions in taking down their prey. Although sad for the Wildebeest, we are happy that the four lions managed to get themselves a much-needed meal. Some hours later they headed towards the waterhole in front of Selati Camp to quench their thirst.

A decent size meal for four lions, the pride fed on their kill for a couple of days, keeping close eye on the many Spotted Hyena lurking in the area. They did eventually move off and a hyena moved in and stole some remains.

We have enjoyed plenty of general sightings...

A zebra takes a break from grazing to warm up in the mid-afternoon sun.

This Hippopotamus briefly breaks the water’s surface to have a yawn.

Many amazing elephant sightings this week...

A Spotted Hyena cub after suckling from its mother becomes playful and intrigued by the safari vehicle parked nearby.

Dazzled by the beauty of the Zebra in early morning light.

It is always a treat to come across the rare Southern Ground Hornbill and although they have a very varied diet, we were surprised to notice one which had part of a young Scrub Hare in its beak.

Late one night on our way back to the lodge, we were surprised as we came across this beautiful Giant Eagle-owl perched on a stump right next to the road.

Possibly one of the most beautiful birds of prey – a Bateleur Eagle, perches on a nest previously used by a pair of Wahlberg’s Eagles.

One of the most recognisable birds seen at Sabi Sabi – the Lilac-breasted Roller – displays its amazing colours.

Finishing off with some leopard sightings...

One afternoon, the White Dam male leopard stumbled upon the pride of four lions that had caught the male Blue Wildebeest outside of Selati Camp. He spent most of the day lurking on the outskirts of this sighting until giving up and moving off later during the evening. The following day Ally and her guests waited patiently for him to make his move on a Scrub Hare he spotted in the grass. Success!

White Dam’s father, Maxabeni, was seen quite a lot in his reduced sized territory due to the pressure from younger males in the area. Here we watched him as he still scent marked all the way from Selati Camp to Bush Lodge.

Whilst having sundowners one night, we heard a leopard calling some distance away. We mentioned this to a passing safari vehicle who after moving into that area, spotted this petite female leopard moving through the night, we quickly packed up and spent some time with the beautiful feline.

Until next time...