A Week in the Bush Vol. 579
on Jan 21, 2026Over the past two weeks, the reserve has received a considerable amount of rainfall but despite this, a safari in the rainy season can be surprisingly special. The bush is green and full, rivers are flowing, and everything feels alive in a way you don’t get in the dry months. To protect the environment, we do not offroad during this time, but with that said, wildlife doesn’t disappear; if anything, animals seem more at ease, moving through fresh grass and water-filled landscapes. You might see elephants calmly wading through pools, hippos filling the rivers, giraffes feeding beneath moody skies, and antelope gathering on higher ground — all clearly visible from the main roads across the reserve.
We set out early in the morning for our safari, with soft rain falling steadily for most of the time - an experience in its own right. The damp conditions made recent animal movement easy to read, as tracks were clearly imprinted in the soft, wet soil.
We soon came across fresh tracks of a lion pride. Because the rain had not yet washed them away, we knew the lions had to be close. We followed the tracks for a while and eventually found two lionesses lying on the road, unusually alert and visibly disturbed. Their behaviour prompted us to keep searching.
Not far ahead, we discovered the rest of the pride fleeing in distress, with four males chasing them. It quickly became clear that this was the Msuthlu Pride, which had made a buffalo kill, and the ambitious N’waswishaka males had moved in and taken over.
For the rest of the day, the males continued to harass and chase the pride away from their hard-earned kill.
We followed up on the three females of the Southern Pride where we had last left them, and later in the morning we found their tracks far south of their original position. Our patience was rewarded when we discovered them in the middle of a wildebeest hunt. We watched as they gave chase, and before long we could hear the commotion. We managed to get close just as they were finishing suffocating their prey. While one lioness held the wildebeest down, the others had already begun feeding.
It is not often that we witness lions successfully hunting during the day, and when it does happen it is incredibly special. Being able to follow the entire sequence - from the stalk to the final moments of the hunt - is a rare privilege. On its own, it is a powerful and unforgettable experience to witness the cycle of life in action.
We were treated to a beautiful sighting during an afternoon safari — Kurhula, daughter of the Ntsumi female. It is wonderful to see how well this young leopard is thriving as an independent adult. Her relaxed state was clear to see as she paused to roll around in the lush green grass, a moment that perfectly captured her confidence and comfort in her surroundings.
Earlier last week, we set off on our morning safari in high spirits, greeted by a beautiful sunny morning - a welcome change after several grey days. As we drove along, something unusual caught our eye in one of the Jackalberry trees: a pair of legs dangling from the branches.
It was unmistakably a dead impala. Rounding the corner, we were delighted to find Tengile perched comfortably in the tree with her cub. We watched as the cub carefully climbed through the foliage, pausing to nibble at the kill its mother had made, before the two settled to rest, quietly enjoying one another’s company.
As the rivers continue to drop, the land quietly exhales after the rains. Watching this herd of elephants cross the Msuthlu River, we paused — as we always should — reminded once again to appreciate the remarkable beauty of nature unfolding all around us.
We often see a lot of buffalo activity on the reserve, especially in very large herds. After spending some time watching one of these herds, we noticed them slowly beginning to move together in a single direction. Anticipating their next move, we immediately drove to a nearby pan that lay directly in their path and waited.
Just as we had predicted, the entire herd eventually made its way down to the water, creating plenty of noise and commotion as they jostled for space to drink. When we thought the sighting couldn’t possibly get any better, a family of rhino arrived, clearly intent on having a drink as well. We watched in awe as one rhino pushed confidently through the dense buffalo herd, chasing any that stood in his way as he made his approach to the pan.
With summer in full swing, the vibrant calls of the majestic Woodland Kingfisher are heard daily. These striking birds, with their bright blue plumage, white underparts, and distinctive black eye stripe, are known for their sharp, melodic “klee-klee” calls that often echo through the bush.
Woodland Kingfishers are migratory, spending the rainy season in southern Africa, where they feed on insects, small reptiles, and occasionally fish. Their departure marks the end of a season of colour and song, as they journey hundreds of kilometres to warmer eastern climes for the winter months.
Summer is always a beautiful time. The lush greenery and seasonal rains release a rich, earthy scent that constantly grounds us and reminds us exactly where we are. Even in the rain, elephants and many other animals continue with their daily routines, unfazed by the weather.
We encountered elephant bulls feeding on Marula fruits, carefully selecting and gathering as many as they could from the tall grass. Elephants relish these fruits, which are only available once a year, making this season especially rewarding for them.
After stopping in an area frequently visited by a pair of Broad-billed Rollers, we were surprised to spot a juvenile Martial Eagle perched right beside the Rollers’ nesting site. We watched the eagle for some time and were just about to leave when, seemingly out of nowhere, the Rollers appeared and began relentlessly dive-bombing the eagle to try and chase it away. Moments later, a Fork-tailed Drongo joined the fray, lending its support to the Rollers’ defence. Eventually the eagle was pestered enough to fly away and leave the smaller birds in peace.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Jan Nel, Jana du Plessis, Ronald Mutero, Ruan Mey and Viviane Ladner
Videos by Ronald Mutero & Willie Woest
