A Week in the Bush Vol. 555
on Jul 09, 2025It’s been another incredible week of wildlife activity on the reserve, highlighted by multiple sightings of different lion prides, each offering unforgettable moments…
The Mhangeni pride of lions was found deep within the Southern Pride’s territory, closely trailing a herd of buffalo - seemingly unaware of the potential danger that lay ahead as their focus remained fixed on the herd. We left them still attempting their luck.
It’s not uncommon for lion prides to have overlapping territories, especially when it comes to hunting and securing food. At times, a pride may move undetected through a rival’s area and successfully make a kill. However, confrontations are sometimes inevitable. Fortunately, in this instance, the Southern Pride was also preoccupied, tracking a separate herd of buffalo away from the intruding lions.
A couple of days later, we came across this lone Mhangeni Pride lioness as she made her way down the road, clearly on a mission. She looked hungry, and her behaviour - sniffing the ground and giving soft contact calls - suggested she was searching for something. As we followed her, we noticed more lion tracks along the road. It became evident she was trying to reunite with the rest of her pride, having fallen behind at some point. This is common among lions: while some individuals remain resting, the rest of the pride may move on, only to regroup a short while later.
We picked up the tracks of the Southern Pride and decided to follow them, as they were once again on the trail of a large buffalo herd. It wasn’t long before we located both species - the lions inching forward with practiced stealth as the buffalo grazed unsuspectingly.
Then, in a sudden burst of energy, the lions launched their attack. But they were swiftly reminded of the formidable power of their prey. One lioness was sent flying after a buffalo made direct contact, a brutal display of strength. The pride tried to regroup and disorient the herd, but their efforts fell short. Outmatched and outmuscled, the lions were forced to retreat for their own safety.
These lions have been shadowing the herd for days now, without success. They’ll need to feed soon - whether it’s a buffalo or something less dangerous, only time will tell.
An early start to our morning drive rewarded us with an incredible sighting. We were fortunate to trail a herd of buffalo and among their tracks, we spotted lion spoor. The anticipation in the vehicle was palpable, although nothing was certain yet. We switched off the engine of our vehicle, listening intently for any sounds - calls, movement, or the sudden alarm of fleeing animals.
Then it came - the haunting cry of a buffalo in distress. Without hesitation, we rushed toward the sound and arrived just as the Msuthlu Pride of lions brought their hunt to a close.
When lions make a successful kill, it becomes a chaotic frenzy. Each member fights for a position at the carcass, and the growls erupt into a fierce chorus as they jostle for space. The younger lions wait impatiently on the sidelines, knowing they must hold back until the adults tear open the carcass and allow them to feed. The sounds of their snarling and growling echo far across the plains - raw, wild, and unforgettable.
We picked up the tracks of the Msuthlu Pride early in the morning and followed them eastward across the reserve. After an intense and rewarding tracking effort, we finally located the pride deep within a dense drainage line, where they had brought down a large buffalo bull. The lions were exceptionally well concealed in thick vegetation, perfectly positioned to feed undisturbed. With a heavy tree canopy overhead, even vultures will struggle to spot the carcass, reducing the chance of attracting hyenas or rival lions. This hidden location offers the pride a rare opportunity to feed in peace and make the most of their hard-earned meal.
We spotted the Styx male and Kambula female attempting to stalk a half-blind buffalo. Despite its impaired vision, the buffalo was fully aware of the lions’ presence and quickly trotted into a nearby thicket. Undeterred, the young lions shifted their focus, listening intently to the distant sounds of the rest of the herd across the airstrip. With quiet determination, they began making their way in that direction.
Although they managed to get relatively close to the herd, the rising morning heat soon discouraged any serious hunting effort. Instead, the pair settled into the long grass, choosing to rest comfortably for the remainder of the day.
This hunt will be a tough challenge for two lions, but not an impossible one. They are likely to remain near the herd through the night, hoping for a chance to launch a surprise ambush under the cover of darkness.
As we followed the Tengile female along a road, watching her scent-mark her territory, her behaviour suddenly shifted - she bolted forward. We crept closer. The leopard crouched low, her golden coat blending in with the dry grass and the dappled shadows cast by the drying Bushwillow trees. Every muscle in her body was tense, eyes locked on a lone kudu grazing just a few metres ahead.
The kudu, with its large ears and finely tuned senses, remained unaware - but leopards are the masters of patience and stealth. Step by step, she crept forward, silent and fluid in her signature leopard crawl. Then, a sudden twist: other kudus on the far side caught wind of the danger and sounded the alarm. In an instant, the hunt was over. The leopard stood, her opportunity lost and silently walked away.
While exploring the southern reaches of our reserve, we noticed movement in a dense drainage line. On closer inspection, we were surprised to find the Nottins male – our first sighting of him this far south in our reserve. He was cautiously navigating the thick vegetation, clearly alert and aware of his unfamiliar surroundings. Could he be looking to establish territory in this area? Only time will tell, especially with no dominant male currently holding this part of the reserve.
This striking Spotted eagle-owl was perched beside the road, carefully watching for any movement in the open clearing of grass and roadside. Primarily nocturnal hunters, these owls rely on rodents venturing into open spaces to make their silent, efficient hunts more successful.
On a warm winter’s day, we were treated to the sight of a small herd of elephants drinking at a waterhole when they began spraying water over themselves to cool down. Interestingly, they focused much of the water behind their ears where the skin is thin and densely packed with veins and arteries. By cooling this area, they can efficiently regulate their body temperature.
Stealthily hidden among some dried branches and leaves, a small Leopard tortoise took cover. The only hint of his presence coming from the occasional crunch of leaves braking under foot.
Their beautifully patterned shell allows them supreme camouflage in the bush, especially in a pile of such as this one. As quietly as possible, he crept through the twigs, sticks and leaves, finally nestling under a larger branch providing him with shade and protection – a perfect spot to spend the day.
We watched as a large herd of Blue Wildebeest moved across a small clearing. It’s incredible to see how much last season’s calves, born in November and December, have grown. Wildebeest are precocial animals, meaning they are well developed at birth. Within minutes, the calves can stand and soon follow the herd, greatly increasing their chances of survival.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Devon Jansen, Jamiel Malherbe, Ronald Mutero, Ruan Mey and Viviane Ladner
