A Week in the Bush Vol. 551
on Jun 11, 2025Welcome to this week’s round-up of unforgettable sightings from the past 7 days - an exciting glimpse into the wild moments we've had at Sabi Sabi!
This male cheetah was out in the open, perched on top of a termite mound, marking his territory. The excitement was palpable — our guests, who’ve been going on safaris for over twenty years, had never seen a cheetah before. This was their very first sighting, making the moment truly unforgettable.
The Msuthlu Pride and Gijima males, having recently fed on two wildebeest kills, set off in search of water. Their journey led them to a stunning drainage line crossing, where they rested on a sun-warmed boulder beneath a towering Sycamore fig tree. One Gijima male scouted for water, followed by a curious cub, while the second, limping male later joined the group. After a calm reunion, the males settled in the sand as the pride enjoyed the elevated resting spot in a truly picturesque setting.
We were fortunate to witness the Msuthlu Pride basking in the golden morning light. Some lions soaked up the sun’s warmth, while others made their way to a nearby pan for a refreshing drink. They appeared healthy and content, enjoying a peaceful, relaxed start to the day.
Well into the cover of night, Mawelawela was moving silently along a drainage line, his nose close to the ground, clearly following a scent trail with purpose. His path led him to a serene watering hole where he paused to drink, the still water reflecting his powerful frame in the moonlight. Once satisfied, he resumed his venture, skirting the edge of the dam before disappearing into the rocky outcrops beyond - his mission unknown, but his presence unmistakable.
Sometimes, leopards come too close for a regular photograph. When the Ntsumi female gracefully leapt onto a log near our vehicle, we were gifted with an extraordinary up-close encounter. It wasn’t just an unforgettable sighting; it offered great photo opportunities that few are lucky enough to experience.
Very late on a cold morning safari, the radio crackled into life with the exciting news of a female leopard that had just been spotted. Rushing over revealed the Golonyi female weaving her way through the tall grass, alert and deliberate in search of signs of food but not yet hunting.
We spotted this leopard as he was keeping an eye on a herd of impalas. However, the impalas caught his scent and quickly fled. Undeterred, he continued in search of other prey, but luck wasn’t on his side.
Young leopards are constantly on the move, either in search of unclaimed territory or looking to challenge weaker males for control. Fortunately for this particular male, he’s been exploring different parts of the reserve, many of which are currently unoccupied. With a bit more luck and persistence, he may soon be able to establish a territory of his own.
Whether it’s early morning or midday, the hyena cubs are always up to something. Sitting quietly by the den and simply observing was a special experience. We watched as the cubs played, nipped at their mother’s ear, and curiously explored the area around them.
As this young male impala sprinted to catch up with the rest of the herd, the startled Red-billed Oxpecker on its back took flight and landed on another impala nearby.
It's not often you see squirrels with water in the background. These squirrels had a very sweet interaction on a rock in a riverbed, with the water glistening behind them – it made for a unique and memorable sight.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
