Welcome to another edition of A Week in the Bush. Over the past week the rain has been looming on the horizon and the overcast conditions have led to another incredible week of game viewing. With the overcast and cooler weather conditions we have found that the movement of the animals has been greater throughout the day and making going on safari incredibly exciting.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

A female cheetah was found earlier in the week feeding on an impala lamb at the edge of an open clearing. This female is quickly growing up and proving to be an incredible hunter. Over the past few months it seems as if she is a specialist in killing impala lambs. Exciting times lie ahead as tracks indicate that this female often seems to be trailed by a male cheetah.

Nottins’ cub is becoming a quick favourite amongst the guides here at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve as he grows in both stature and confidence. On almost every occasion they were seen this week, he seems to have eaten his own body weight in food whilst Nottins looks lean in comparison. Her pure selflessness is un-paralleled and highlights the motherly compassion amongst mammals.

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

There is nothing more memorable and exhilarating than driving around a corner and seeing a mother leopard with her two cubs playing in an open area. Even more exciting was that we were the first vehicles to see White Dam female with her two cubs and possibly we were the first human faces they had ever seen. It is hopeful that over time we will continue to see her and the cubs.

Once again the pure dominance and powerful Maxabeni was on patrol throughout Sabi Sabi this week and was located with a waterbuck kill.

Little Bush’s cub is quickly growing up and is often found alone exploring her mothers territory and taking vantage view points from the high lying trees. Is she already looking at which part of her mothers' territory will suit her best or which portion she would like to inherit from the Little Bush female if she reaches full maturity.

The general game viewing has been superb with large herds of elephants gracing Sabi Sabi with their wisdom and presence often the youngsters showing interest in the vehicles. With the onset of shorter days, the impala rams are already starting to establish social dominance within the bachelor herds bracing themselves for the breeding season quickly approaching. With the lack of rain seen this summer, we are often found ourselves as guides trying to speculate what will happen to the bush and one topic is; will the summer migrants be leaving us shortly for their journey back North to central Africa, Europe and Asia due to the lack of rain? However one of the most spectacular birds, the Lilac-breasted Roller will remain here over winter wowing guests with its eight magnificent colours both at rest and in flight.

The Southern Pride females were found in serious need of a meal earlier this week with the surviving malnourished cub following behind. However, the next morning they were found and had seemed to have killed during the night and the cub was suckling from its mother. I hope that though this meal it will give them greater strength to hunt and improve in condition. The pure resilience of lions is incredible and truly testimonial to their will to prove that they are truly the kings of the Bushveld here at Sabi Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

The Sparta Pride was found well South of their normal territory. As we followed them the one night they walked with purpose and intent. Thirty minutes later we turned all our lights off as their body language stiffened up and they went into full hunting mode, it was a waterbuck cow and her calf. The pure explosion that happened in the darkness was unforgettable and the noises being emitted as they had managed to separate the calf from its mother and successfully kill it. Nevertheless, this young waterbuck was merely a snack before they shrunk off into the darkness of the night.

The once overwhelming presence of the Sand River male lion coalition seems to be withering as their presence is becoming more sporadic. Is this due to them trying to extend their territory further into the Kruger National Park or perhaps trying to follow the Southern Pride females as now they have lost their cubs and possibly coming into estrus soon.