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A Week in the Bush Vol. 268

on Jul 31, 2019

One of the many wonderful things about being out in the bush, surrounded by nature, is that often the wildlife comes to you... Guests at Bush Lodge have been enjoying regular sightings of animals frequenting the waterhole in front of the lodge during the dry winter season.

We decided to leave the lodge early one morning to follow up on Kigelia and her cub. Little did we know just how spectacular and exciting the sighting would be... and the rest of the week’s sightings were no different! Kigelia was also seen away from the den site, out hunting for meals for herself and her ever-growing cub. During these times, we never approach the den site.

Glancing upwards towards an old meal stashed above, we were lucky enough to witness Scotia head up a tree for her mid-morning siesta.

09Ally Ross 20190726 Scotia 01 Final

We found the Msuthlu female leopard walking through a burnt area of veld just as the light began to fade, creating spectacular photographic opportunities for our guests as well as an unforgettable experience.

10Steff McWilliam Msuthlu 24072019 Final

We located Maxabeni patrolling his territory and the following day we located him again, this time seemingly looking for a meal, we hope he has some luck in catching something.

A wonderful sighting of the Nchila male on our way from Skukuza Airport with new guest arrivals! Who could have asked for a better welcome than seeing a leopard stalking impala within a few minutes of arrival in the bush...?

Just getting up and about again after our morning coffee stop and we heard some alarm calls coming from a nearby herd of impalas – we headed that way to investigate and were pleasantly surprised with a sighting of the White Dam male leopard who was on the prowl but then took a rest on top of a shady termite mound.

Heading toward a watering hole one morning and what a surprise when we came across the Styx Pride of lions just lazing around, cleaning themselves. It seems like they had a successful hunt last night as they all had very full bellies.

A few days of doing next to nothing, the lions started to get active and were on the hunt again.

Not long after heading out on safari, we picked up on fresh lion tracks. We located the Southern Pride a short distance away as they were stalking one another while making their way to a nearby waterhole.

Our last lion sighting for the week was of the two Talamati young males who were located resting on an open area.

29Louise Murray Talamati 30072019 Edit Final

Two curious Grey Go-away Birds investigating guests in the vehicle as we sat in a leopard sighting. They get their name from their characteristic call that sounds like they are saying "Go Away".

30Steff McWilliam Grey Go Away Bird 18072019 Final

Morning light is possibly one of the greatest times to photograph Zebra. The contrast makes for some beautiful images.

31Ally Ross 20190726 Zebra  Final

There’s never a dull moment when you get to spend some quality time with a herd of elephants.

A sneaky monitor lizard pops its head out from a safe place in a tree.

36Ronald Mutero Monitor Lizard Final

A Hamerkop in search of a last meal at the end of the day.

37Ronald Mutero Hamerkop Sunset Final

This large hippo was showing us who was boss with all the displays he was doing.

A large herd of buffalo make their way through the reserve to a waterhole to quench their thirst on another warm winter’s day.

Spring is not far away as the Knobthorn Trees are showing their first flowers...

42Rod Wyndham Knobthorn Spring 23072019 1 Final

Until next time...

43Kevin Van Der Linde Sunset 26022019 Final
  • Blog by Wendy Claase
  • Images by Ally Ross, Kevin van der Linde, Louise Murray, Maryke Nel, Rod Wyndham, Ronald Mutero, Shaun Jenkinson and Tyron van der Walt
  • Videos by Louise Murray and Tim Eller (guest)
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