Driving through the reserve looking for fresh signs of any predators around we managed to find the tracks of 2 male lions and decided to follow up. In and out of the vehicle we went and followed the tracks making sure that we don't miss a single track and kept on the right path. As we came around a bend in the road tracker Donald said we should maybe just have a good look behind one of the mud wallows close by and just as he had hoped, we found the two Gijima males lying there, in the shade of a bush.

They lay cleaning themselves, knowing they most probably have caught the scent of the 6 males that have passed through the reserve. Lion dynamics are a very fragile thing and can change very quickly with other males moving into territories and pushing out other males.

On a cool and windy morning, we set out a little bit later than usual and boy did that decision pay off in the end! We managed to find the beautiful Golonyi female leopard making her way through the bush, every now and then stopping and having a look around.

We followed her through the bush watching as she would walk and stop every now and then to sniff the grass and trees around her looking for the scent of other leopards in the area. She finally made her way up a Marula tree where she decided to take a well-deserved break and lay there as only a majestic leopard can!

One afternoon, we ventured to the eastern parts of our reserve in search of Ntsumi and her cub. Just as we had hoped, we found mother and son feeding on an impala lamb under a tree.

At first, it was very interesting to see how aggressive the mother was with her little one trying to get a bite of meat in here and there but after the young male got up, we realised that it was because the little one was already well fed and fat with all the meat he had consumed. After a while we watched how the love between mother and son really developed – Ntsumi would lick him clean, making sure he was in good condition and looking beautiful after having a nice meal.

His nature is bubbly and courageous. His will and determination are tangible. We experienced this he set out in pursuit of two Egyptian Geese, minding their own business. Using the shade of the Tamboti thicket to conceal himself, he attempted to ambush the geese several times leaving feathers ruffled. With no success, they eventually decided to retreat from the water’s edge. He himself retreated to the shade alongside the edge of the water, on the dam wall.

Making our way into the area where there were talks of a mating pair of leopards, we didn't expect to have it be an easy task to find them. We searched around every corner and under every tree, but they were nowhere to be seen until we decided to take a chance and head through to one of the waterholes and that is where we found the 2 peacefully lying in the shade.

We watched as the Ndzanzeni female would entice the big male N’weti every now and again to mate with her. Seeing the process of mating leopards could be a shock to most as there is a lot of growling and fighting involved. It was amazing to witness their mating and hopefully, if they are successful, will see new cubs on the reserve in a few months.

On a very cloudy and rainy morning, we braved the storm and decided to head out knowing that we might get wet but still wanting to see what beautiful animals the bush had to offer.

Shortly after leaving the lodge, we found very fresh tracks of a male leopard heading down the road. We slowly carried on making sure to look carefully into the thick bush to see if we could get a glimpse of the male. The tracks led us to a bit of an open clearing and there he was, the massive N’weti male lying on top of a termite mound heating up in the sun which was emerging through the clouds. He quickly started moving again, marking his territory and calling every now and then letting the rest of the animals know that he is in the area.

With the thunder and lightning rolling in and us planning on making our way closer towards the lodge just in case the heavens decided to open up above us, we couldn't help but stop and take a minute to just enjoy the pure beauty of the Full Moon rising above the dark clouds.

We had a very enjoyable safari with some hyenas, and some very cute and curious youngsters to add to an already incredible sighting.

With two adults lying close to the cubs, they felt brave enough to venture out a bit and made their way towards the vehicle trying to make out what was going on but still being very aware of the dangers that the unknown holds. After a while, they lost interest and moved off into the thick bush.

As we watched a small herd of elephant venture to the water’s edge, we positioned ourselves across from the dam wall in the hope of getting some low-lying shots.

Mom ambled up towards the water and confidently waddled behind, her calf. As they quenched their thirst, they tenderly brushed alongside one another allowing us to “freeze frame” time and capture a tender moment between mother and calf.

The magnificent kudu uses their big ears to help them pick up on predators. As their habitat is thicker than most, they can't only rely on their sight but must make use of mainly hearing and smell to find out what else is lurking around in the darkness around them.

Late afternoon we found a big herd of kudu lying around in the shade of some trees, finding the most comfortable spot for the dark night ahead.

African Hawk Eagles are one of the most magnificent birds to see flying over you on safari. As they mate for life and hunt together, they are mostly seen flying in pairs.

With a quick sweep, the female African Hawk Eagle will fly down into the tree line, scaring some of the ground birds below and with the male flying high above her keeping an eye out for the scurry of the ground birds, as soon as he sees the right opportunity he'll fly down and grab the prey of choice and together they'll sit and feed on their meal.

While having high tea and with everyone getting ready to go out on safari, we heard a couple of noises coming out of the drainage line that runs past the front of Selati Camp. The next thing we see 4 big male buffalo walking out towards the waterhole. In a hurry we our guests to the vehicle to have a closer look.

Upon getting there we saw that some of them went straight into the water and were wallowing around covering almost every inch of their bodies with mud, that habit is what earned them the nickname "Dagga Boys", (dagga, meaning mud).

Until next time