A Week in the Bush Vol. 591
on May 06, 2026Emergent from the darkness, a familiar face - one etched with the stories of a wild life lived. Born in January of 2014, the Mawelawela male leopard is now well over twelve years of age.
As solitary territorial animals, male leopards typically risk injury and even death in territorial disputes. This, combined with competition from other predators, means old age is reserved only for the few. Despite the many struggles which come with life as a male leopard, Mawelawela seems to be thriving.
A dead impala was found next to the road, and with patience as key, the team waited for the leopard responsible to reclaim its kill. A large male leopard emerged from the bushes and rested near its kill, guarding it from potential rivals. He calmly sat with his kill all throughout the afternoon safari, but as nightfall came the hyenas moved into the area, stopping to assess the situation before charging in, chasing him off and stealing his kill.
We located the Kurhula female leopard after following up on her loud vocalisations during our morning drive. She was moving quickly through parts of the area, frequently stopping to sniff the ground and follow what appeared to be the scent trail of a male. Given that one of the dominant males had recently made a kill nearby, we suspected she may have been searching for him, calling to draw his attention.
Female leopards in oestrus typically become far more vocal and active, scent marking regularly and advertising their presence to attract a suitable mate. This young female could be heard from a considerable distance, and her behaviour strongly suggested she was actively trying to engage with a male in the area.
After several failed hunting attempts, the young Kurhula female leopard climbed onto a fallen tree to gain a better vantage point, remaining intently focused on the open area ahead. From this elevated position, she scanned for any movement, using the height to her advantage as she patiently assessed potential opportunities.
The Tengile leopardess walks peacefully through the reserve, scent marking and calling to announce her territory to any leopards, and animals nearby. As her rasp echoed through the trees, alarm calls of kudu and impalas answered back. Clearly not interested in any potential meal, she continued to mark her territory after the short burst of rain we experienced that washed off old scent trails she had left behind.
As we wrapped up our morning coffee stop and prepared to return to Bush Lodge, we received reports of a pride of lions making their way southward into the reserve.
We made our way to where the pride had been seen on the move and eventually found some fresh lion tracks. Following the general direction of the tracks, it did not take long before we located several members of the pride lying in a tamboti thicket.
Apparent that they had recently finished eating a substantial meal, they lay around breathing heavy with extremely full bellies - almost to the point of discomfort. Gripped in the battle with digestion, most members lay around barely able (or willing) to lift their heads or take notice of our presence - but for a few who intently met our gaze.
The N’waswishaka male lions have settled comfortably in and around the reserve and haven’t been moving much. We’ve found them on almost every safari, with only short distances covered during the night. Each male is still attempting to mate with the female in their company, regularly pushing the others away to gain access.
Coalitions of male lions - even when made up of brothers - are constantly competing for dominance and mating rights. Despite this ongoing rivalry, they work together to defend their territory and protect their prides.
Oxpeckers and rhinos share a well-known symbiotic relationship. Species like the Red-billed oxpecker and Yellow-billed oxpecker perch on rhinos, feeding primarily on ticks and other external parasites found on their skin. This benefits the rhino by reducing parasite loads, while providing the birds with a reliable food source. Oxpeckers are also highly alert and will often give loud alarm calls when disturbed, which can inadvertently warn the rhino of approaching danger.
A young hyena was seen walking steadily down the road during safari. It paused briefly to look in our direction, standing alert with ears forward as it assessed the vehicle. After a few seconds, it moved off at a relaxed pace, leaving the road and slipping into the surrounding bushes, likely continuing to patrol its area or rejoin the clan.
White movement caught the attention of our guides and upon closer investigation we saw that the leucistic zebra, along with its dazzle, were back moving though our reserve. The mother kept her foal close to her as they grazed through the thick tree line into the open veld.
The Cape Buffalo is one of the animals on the reserve which truly commands respect from its sheer presence alone - perhaps like no other. This tough, formidable and even menacing member of the 'Big 5' has also been dubbed 'black death' among circles who encounter them on foot. With mature bulls weighing 900kg and armed with a massive set of horns, these impressive beasts pose a real danger to those who seek to threaten them.
Emerging from the safety of the dense riverine thickets, this large kudu bull makes his way across the open grassland in search of fresh browse. His impressive horns soaring above the tall grass and guarri bushes. An amazing symbol of strength, majesty and regal elegance in the harsh world of the South African Lowveld.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Devon Jansen, Jan Nel, Jana du Plessis, Ronald Mutero & Viviane Ladner
