A Week in the Bush Vol. 550
on Jun 04, 2025The bush has been jam-packed with plenty of incredible sightings – we hope you enjoy the latest edition of our highlights blog.
We were pleasantly surprised one early morning to witness a stunning male cheetah crossing into our reserve. With a noticeably full belly, it was clear he had recently fed and was now seeking a quiet place to rest and digest. As one of the more vulnerable predators in the area, cheetahs often abandon their kills quickly to avoid confrontations with scavengers or dominant predators drawn by the scent.
We followed him as he moved gracefully toward the treeline, eventually vanishing into the foliage. Later, we were treated to a peaceful sighting of him resting in an open clearing. Though appearing relaxed, he remained vigilant, constantly scanning his surroundings and never fully letting his guard down.
While male cheetahs typically form coalitions, the low population density in the Greater Kruger means they are often encountered alone roaming the vast wilderness, relying solely on themselves for survival.
We followed up on the female cheetah and her three sub-adults after their successful hunt of a young impala male earlier that morning. The four of them were resting in the shade, visibly content with full bellies. They won’t stay long - these cheetahs know the remains of their kill will soon attract scavengers, which could pose a threat.
After hearing reports of a pack of wild dogs moving through the reserve, we set out with cautious excitement, hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive predators.Not long after arriving, we came upon the dogs hunched over the remnants of a duiker kill. It was clear the pack had been on the move for some time, sweeping across the reserve in their usual relentless, high-energy fashion as they searched for prey. Witnessing their raw efficiency and teamwork in action was both brutal and awe-inspiring - a reminder of nature’s unfiltered reality.
As we crossed over our Private Airstrip, we found tracks for a pride of lions and decided to let the tracking begin. After a very short period, we managed to find the Southern Pride as they were still walking on the road looking for a suitable place to rest for the day. With temperatures currently lower during daytime, these nocturnal predators stay active for longer periods during the day, meaning we have more excitement-filled sightings of these beautiful cats.
We managed to pick up tracks of the Msuthlu Pride as they moved deeper west into our reserve. Using a combination of tracking skills and familiarity with the area, we headed toward a nearby waterhole. There, we discovered more signs - evidence that the lions had recently stopped to drink before retreating into the nearby thickets. We drove offroad before finding them resting in the shade, their bellies visibly full from a recent buffalo kill. Satisfied and lethargic, they’re likely to spend the rest of the day here before continuing their journey after sunset.
While enjoying morning tea on the deck at Bush Lodge, we spotted the Msuthlu Pride in the distance - an irresistible invitation to begin our safari. Encountering these apex predators is always a privilege, no matter their activity. This sighting was especially captivating – the soft glow of the morning light revealing an array of warm tones.
With the Msuthlu Pride being successful in securing another buffalo carcass, we watched them as they devoured the meal. It is always a pleasure to watch a lion pride feed as the hierarchical structure always becomes clear. We watched as some of the younger individuals started moving towards a nearby waterhole to quench their thirst after more than enough meat. These lions will spend at least the next day or two in the vicinity, making sure their carcass is safe and feeding on every bit before moving on.
Our last sighting of the pride for the week offered us a glimpse into their playful side. As they moved gracefully through the bush, the lions paused frequently to engage with one another - tumbling in the grass, nipping gently, and even climbing a fallen tree. Eventually, they made their way to the top of a termite mound where they settled, surveying their surroundings with quiet vigilance as the heat of the day began to rise. It was the perfect vantage point for a pride to rest, yet always watchful in the heart of their domain.
Shortly after picking up the tracks of a male leopard, we were thrilled to find this magnificent cat lying in an open clearing, intently scanning his surroundings. A herd of impala was scattered across the plain ahead of him, and for a moment, it seemed he was calculating his chances. But with minimal vegetation for cover and no real opportunity to stalk undetected, he wisely gave up the idea and melted into the nearby thickets to rest.
A few days later, he was seen again - this time having stolen an impala kill from a female cheetah and her three sub-adults. When we followed up, we found him not far from the scene of the confrontation, panting heavily after finishing off most of the stolen meal.
Leopards are known to steal kills from smaller predators they can outcompete. For cheetahs, this makes survival even more challenging, as they must constantly defend their hard-earned meals from larger, more powerful carnivores.
As we approached a densely wooded drainage line, we caught a brief glimpse of the Golonyi female and her male cub as they slipped out of sight. We waited patiently, and our patience was rewarded when they eventually emerged once more.
We followed them as they meandered through the bush, with Golonyi eventually climbing onto a large termite mound to get a better view of her surroundings. A tender moment followed as mother and cub played together before settling into a patch of nearby shade, where they groomed each other in the dappled light.
After stopping at a quiet waterhole to watch waterbirds foraging along the bank, we were delighted to see a herd of zebras suddenly appear, trotting eagerly toward the water for a drink. It was an incredible and unexpected sighting - a perfect way to end our drive.
We sat in awe as a large elephant bull treated himself to a dust bath, with all the sound of the bush surrounding us while hearing the calm blow of the elephant as he was spraying dust over his body. Elephants and other mammals often use dust baths for multiple reasons: to regulate body temperature, protect their skin from the sun, and help ward off insects.
As we returned to the lodge after our morning safari, our final sighting was a sounder of warthogs slowly becoming active, seeking water to quench their thirst before beginning their day’s foraging. The large male was particularly alert, keeping a watchful eye on us to ensure the safety of his group. Warthogs have a low survival rate, as they are frequently targeted by predators in the area, making their constant vigilance essential for survival.
As we drove across the vast open plain, something caught our eyes. Scattered across the grassland were countless black spots, resembling a swarm of ants from a distance. It was a large breeding herd of buffalo, slowly becoming active after basking in the morning sun following a chilly night. Some of them didn’t seem too pleased with our approach, eyeing us warily from their chosen resting spot. Before long, the herd began to move toward the nearest waterhole to quench their thirst, then continued on their way to graze. Buffalo typically spend the morning feeding, before retreating to shaded areas during the hottest part of the day to ruminate in comfort.
On a cold, overcast morning, this Lilac-breasted Roller perched low in a tree, its feathers fluffed up against the chill as it worked to maintain its body temperature. These birds are among the most photographed in Africa—and it’s easy to see why.
We came across this majestic bull elephant as he slowly made his way across the plains. His massive frame was caked with dried mud, evidence of a recent wallow - a natural way to cool down and protect his skin from the harsh African sun and biting insects.
We spent some time observing a hyena clan, which included individuals of all ages—from playful youngsters to experienced adults. The mix of ages created the perfect environment for social interaction and play. Sub-adults, in particular, play a crucial role in the lives of the cubs, helping to teach them essential survival skills through play and mentorship.
Our return to Earth Lodge after the morning safari ended on a high note with a special sighting of a Great Egret standing gracefully in a small, drying waterhole. These striking birds are uncommon in our area, as they typically prefer larger, more permanent water sources for hunting. Great Egrets are expert hunters in shallow waters, primarily feeding on fish and amphibians, though they’ve also been known to take insects, reptiles, and even small birds when the opportunity arises.
These two giraffe bulls were engaged in a light sparring match when we spotted them from a distance. As we approached, their interest in each other faded, and their attention shifted to us, curiously watching the approaching vehicle. Giraffe bulls are not territorial; they only establish a hierarchy when a female is ready to mate. Young bulls often engage in sparring to gain experience for the more serious battles they may face in the future.
A herd of elephants moved through the grass, feeding with deliberate intent. As they grazed and pulled at vegetation, they unknowingly shaped the landscape around them. These giants act as nature’s architects - opening pathways for smaller creatures, fertilising the land with nutrient-rich dung, and dispersing seeds that will one day grow into towering trees. Every movement, every bite, plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem, showcasing the vital role elephants hold in the wild.
The Lone Survivor. In the heart of a vast open plain lay a solitary blue wildebeest bull — the ruler of his chosen territory. Blue wildebeests are territorial, meaning the bulls will stay in their territories and stand their ground ready to defend it against rival males while patiently waiting for passing female herds to enter their domain.
Being alone comes with its risks. Without the safety of numbers, these solitary bulls are far more vulnerable, lacking the extra eyes and ears a herd provides. To compensate, they are often seen in the company of impalas or zebras that happen to wander through their territory, gaining some measure of protection through this temporary alliance.
During morning safari, we came across a herd of buffalo. The warm glow of the morning sun created quite the spectacle. Grazing in the cool morning air, they exhaled brilliant 'breathing clouds'.
Perched high atop a tree, a juvenile Bateleur eagle surveyed its surroundings with curious intensity. Unlike the striking black and red adults, its plumage was a mix of rich browns and tans—still growing into the bold colours of maturity. Bateleur eagles are opportunistic raptors with a varied diet, but they primarily prefer rodents, lizards, snakes, birds and carrion.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Jan Nel, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
Video by Jan Nel
