A Week in the Bush Vol. 573
on Nov 26, 2025As the late afternoon rains poured down during our safari, we decided to take a chance and venture out despite the weather. Our gamble paid off. Deep in the bush, we came across a young female leopard with her impala kill hoisted high in a tree. Even though the rain was coming down hard, we stayed for a while, watching her feed. The sighting was well worth it!
Golonyi's son was exploring a drainage line in the early evening. He made his way through the reed-like grass and eventually settled in an open area - a perfect view for us! We followed him until darkness fell, then let him continue his nighttime adventure.
Golonyi was walking along the road, scent-marking her territory and scanning for prey. We followed her for a while as she attempted to hunt some impalas, but without success. Eventually, we left her resting on the lower branches of a Marula tree.
At this time of year, with frequent rains, the grass grows tall and tree encroachment increases. This makes it difficult for leopards to see long distances, so they often climb trees and use them as vantage points to survey the area for potential prey.
The Msuthlu Pride has been separated for some time now, and our latest sighting of them, it was clear they had still not reunited, as only five members were present. They were gathered around the same area where we had spotted a female leopard, seemingly trying to scavenge what remained of her kill in the tree. We left them there, likely just waiting to see if anything would fall.
Lions are opportunistic scavengers. Whenever they come across weaker predators with a fresh kill, they rarely miss the chance to take advantage.
We found three members of the Southern Pride in the southern part of our reserve. They were resting in the shade of a Marula tree avoiding the hot afternoon sun. The oldest female lay separately while her eldest and youngest daughters cuddled up, one using the other as a footrest.
The four N’waswishaka male lions have been moving through our reserve for some time now, closely following a large herd of buffalo and waiting for any chance to make a kill. They appear healthy and well-fed, a clear sign that their recent hunts have been successful. Lions can be incredibly patient hunters, especially when targeting large animals like buffalo. They may trail a herd for days, watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
On our morning safari, we spotted a pair of Wild Dogs running through the thicket. We tried to keep pace as they showcased remarkable endurance and agility. Suddenly, they paused - alerted by a nearby clan of hyenas. In an instant, the Wild Dogs took off in a mad chase, driving the hyenas back towards their den. The encounter was brief, however; the Wild Dogs soon veered off into another open area, their focus shifting elsewhere. Before we could catch up, they disappeared again into the dense brush. Despite losing sight of them, the experience was thrilling!
Later, we found them again near Little Bush Camp, pursuing a herd of impalas across an open clearing. They succeeded in bringing down a young impala, and by the time we arrived, they were already polishing off the last of their meal.
Wild dogs have evolved to feed rapidly to avoid losing their hard-earned kills to larger predators. Hyenas are their greatest threat, often shadowing wild dog packs in the hope of scavenging scraps or stealing an entire kill.
The Tree Creeper Scorpion may be small, but it’s a master of stealth in the Bushveld. Often found tucked into bark or creeping along branches, this agile little scorpion plays a vital role in the ecosystem, keeping insect populations in balance.
With the first rains, the Bushveld stirs. Little creatures step into the open - none cuter than the Bushveld Rain Frog waddling out the greet the season
Giant land snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs and need a partner to reproduce. Mating involves a courtship ritual, and during copulation, which can last for hours, both snails transfer sperm to each other. After mating, they store the sperm and lay eggs weeks later, with individual snails capable of producing hundreds of eggs at a time
The call of the Southern Boubou is a clear, whistled duet that carries well through the bush. These birds often call back and forth from dense cover, making them easier to hear than to spot. Their distinctive, mellow whistles are a reliable sound in the early mornings and help confirm their presence even when they stay hidden.
We came across a pair of Lilac-breasted rollers tending to their two chicks. We spent a long time observing them diligently bringing food, and it was fascinating to watch. Each time the parents returned, they fed the chicks in turn, carefully ensuring one chick was fed before the other, without skipping or repeating. Their precision and dedication were truly remarkable.
The bond between a zebra mother and her foal strengthens in the first few days after birth, when the mother temporarily leaves the herd to give birth in isolation. This quiet period allows the foal to learn and recognise her unique call, scent, and stripe pattern.
Within just 20 minutes of being born, the foal can stand and begin to walk, and within an hour it can run well enough to keep up with its mother. Because zebra foals are small and vulnerable at birth, this rapid development is essential for avoiding predators such as lions and hyenas - threats that contribute to an infant mortality rate of around 50% each birthing season.
Elephant herds are tightly organised family groups led by an experienced matriarch. Adults guide movement, protect the young, and make decisions about food, water, and safety. Younger elephants learn by watching the adults and interacting through play, practice, and communication. Together, the herd works as a coordinated unit, balancing guidance, learning, and protection to support every member.
At Sabi Sabi, we are fortunate to encounter a multitude of exquisite birdlife on a regular basis. These winged wonders have a host of tricks up their proverbial sleeves, which can be truly astounding. Be it a flash of bright colouration or intricate behavioural displays, birds can enrich a safari like no other.
It is always entertaining to observe baboons in their natural environment, and this oligarchy provided for a fantastic spectacle. Basking in the warm morning light as they foraged, grooming and playing with one another - our presence was largely ignored.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Daniel Bott, Jan Nel, Jana du Plessis, Rod Wyndham, Ronald Mutero, Viviane Ladner and Willie Woest
Video by Willie Woest
