A Week in the Bush Vol. 562
on Sep 03, 2025A big bull elephant without tusks moves silently across the open plains, his massive frame commanding respect with every step. Despite the absence of tusks, likely due to genetics or past conflict, his presence no less imposing. His ears fan out to cool his body in the sun, and his trunk sweeps the grass methodically as he searches for food on the ground and trees around him. How majestic they look makes an impression on the African savanna as these giants walk past you.
We sat in awe as a massive herd of buffalo passed right in front of us. The air thickened with dust kicked up by their heavy steps, and the deep grunts of the animals echoed around us as they moved. It was an incredible experience, and the perfect way to end the day.
We came across a dominant wildebeest bull striding toward us with unmistakable determination. Suddenly, he stopped beside us on a dusty patch, pausing to scent-mark and have a dust bath. As the morning sun broke through, its golden light filtered across the rising clouds of dust, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
As we meandered through the southern part of the reserve, we stopped at a well-known hyena den to check for activity. Although quieter than usual, we were rewarded with a delightful sighting of a young cub, peacefully resting in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Hyenas live within fascinatingly complex social structures, ruled by a strict hierarchy in which females dominate, and males hold the lowest ranks. Witnessing this young cub offered a gentle reminder of the next generation that will one day find its place within that system.
Small but quick, the steenbok ram is a master of stealth and speed. With sharp horns and keen senses, he navigates the savannah alone, vanishing into the bush before danger draws near. A true symbol of survival in the wild.
We followed fresh wild dog tracks and managed only a brief glimpse of them as they raced past, clearly in hunting mode. Not far from where we last saw them, we noticed eagles and vultures circling and beginning to land. Curious, we moved in to investigate and found vultures already feeding on the remains of an impala. We suspected the wild dogs had made the kill, eaten quickly, and moved on. Before long, hyenas arrived and stole what little was left.
With the dry season still upon us, the main waterholes are drawing plenty of attention, especially from larger animals. Late in the afternoon, a breeding herd of elephants approached one such waterhole with great excitement, eager to quench their thirst before nightfall. Most animals prefer to drink early in the morning and again in the late afternoon, avoiding the hottest hours of the day when predators are more likely to be lying in wait nearby.
For elephants, however, water is not just a preference but a necessity - they are water-dependent and must drink every day to survive. Watching this herd revel in the life-giving resource was a powerful reminder of how central water is to survival in the wild.
As we made our way toward the Sabie River, a flash of vibrant colour drew our attention - a Black-headed Oriole. Usually seen high up in the canopy, this striking bird had perched unusually low, giving us a rare and rewarding view. Bathed in the golden glow of the afternoon light, its brilliant plumage seemed to glow even brighter, making the sighting even more memorable.
The Swainson’s spurfowl is among the most encountered ground-dwelling birds in the area. They favour open habitats with tall grasses, where they forage for roots, seeds, berries, and tender grass shoots. Beyond their foraging habits, these birds play a crucial role in the bush by acting as natural sentinels - issuing loud alarm calls that alert other wildlife to potential danger. Swainson’s spurfowls are monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds, which is why they are so often seen moving together in pairs across the open landscape.
On a cool, misty morning, a figure appeared in the grass as we drove through the haze. Moments later, a large female hyena emerged, her belly full from a successful night’s feast. She walked calmly past our vehicle, heading towards a safe resting place to spend the day. While hyenas are often associated with clans, it is not unusual to encounter them alone. In fact, within our reserve, where predator numbers are high, hyenas thrive just as well in smaller groups or as solitary individuals.
After a pair of African Wild Dogs had been spotted during the morning safari, we decided to follow up later that afternoon. Typically, wild dogs are most active during the cooler hours of early morning and late evening, resting through the heat of the day before resuming their frantic, high-paced activities without the risk of exhaustion.
On this occasion, however, the pair was being trailed by two hyenas, which made them more cautious and kept them resting longer than usual. This gave us the rare opportunity to spend extended time with them. We watched as they interacted tenderly, displaying remarkable affection toward one another - a beautiful glimpse into the social bonds that make these predators so extraordinary.
As the light fades and the savanna cools, a female cheetah leads her nearly grown cubs across the open plains towards the safety of a distant treeline. Their movements are fluid and silent - shadow slipping through golden light. This moment reflects the quiet strength of a mother’s guidance and the grace of a new generation learning the rhythms of survival.
Following up on the cheetahs in the southern part of our reserve, we trailed them through dense thickets until the mother’s distinct contact call guided us closer. As we approached, we found them moving quietly through the undergrowth, pausing to rest in every small clearing they passed.
For the past few days, these cheetahs have remained within a relatively small area, but soon they will need to move on to avoid drawing too much attention - competition for limited resources with other predators is always a concern.
In the soft light of the early morning, a mother cheetah and her three sub-adult cubs cross the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve airstrip. At this stage, the cubs are learning vital hunting and survival skills, guided by their mother. The open space offers a perfect training ground, showcasing the cheetahs grace and speed in a unique blend of wilderness and conservation.
The Golonyi female was searching for her cub - her soft contact calls echoing as she paced the same area repeatedly. We stayed with her for a while, listening as her calls grew louder and more insistent, each one carrying a hint of urgency. Eventually, she tired of moving and settled on a rocky outcrop, patiently waiting for a response. Then, from behind us, a small figure appeared – the cub, bounding toward her with excitement. What followed was a tender reunion, mother and cub greeting one another with affectionate licks and grooming, a heart-warming moment to witness.
A few days later, we came across tracks belonging to Golonyi and her cub, leading towards a rocky outcrop. We followed the trail and, before long, spotted the young male first - playfully chasing lizards across the rocks. A flicker of movement further ahead drew our attention to Golonyi herself. She was locked in on a duiker, carefully stalking through the bush. But with the wind not in her favour, the duiker caught her scent and bolted to safety. Undeterred, Golonyi remained alert and intent, her body language showing she was still very much in hunting mode.
Since the Msuthlu Pride’s big confrontation with the Styx Pride, which resulted in the death of one of the Styx cubs, they have remained close to the area. We found them with full bellies, evidence that they had fed, although we didn’t see what their kill was. They continue to move and feed within the same range, and while some members are carrying minor injuries from the clash, none appear to be life-threatening.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Jan Nel, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
