We’ve had another fantastic week at Sabi Sabi with some incredible moments shared with our most recent guests. The bush has been most productive lately and we are starting to see the first signs indicating that summer is on the way. This will come as quite a relief for reserve’s many struggling inhabitants.

With the absence of the Sand River males from the reserve, Solo made a brief appearance as he wanders almost aimlessly through occupied territories. It is sad to think that this most handsome of male lions may never sire any offspring that see maturity, those hopes dying with his old partner, the Eyerfield male. He is still in great condition and surviving rather comfortably it seems. There is always hope that he will join another coalition, taking some younger lions under his experienced wings, but it may be too late for this boy. Personally, I hope that he does.

General game sightings have been frequent and often quite spectacular in their own right. Water is still playing a vital role as we wait for the first ‘real’ rains to grace our thirsty land, so many of our mammal species can be quite predictable in their movements to and from substantial water sources. It is also a time of new beginnings, whether it be plant or animal life, which means that there is a massive ‘cuteness’ factor enhancing the overall guest experience.

Nottins has been seen moving around during various hunting missions, but looks like she may be taking some strain as her age begins to catch up with her. She is still the queen around these parts and her young cub is doing exceptionally well under the protection of Maxabeni.

The Sandriver male has been passing in and out of the reserve rather erratically, or so it seems. He too, is showing serious signs of aging and it may be that the legend that is Sandriver, is done. It’s sad to think that fairly soon, we may not ever get to see this once brutish leopard again, but one has to be realistic. We have seen his condition worsen quite rapidly in recent months and the pressure from younger, stronger males is taking its toll on him, returning him to a nomadic lifestyle.

The Little Bush female has been seen far more regularly than usual, offering us opportunities to spend time with her and her young cub. This has been great for our guests and guides alike, to get a glimpse at this very beautiful, but shy cat. Her remaining young male cub is also doing incredibly well under the protection of the powerful Maxabeni and if my maths is correct, should be about 10 months old at this stage.

Our resident male has been very busy protecting and patrolling his massive territory, which is very good for his females and youngsters, but not so great for us as he tends not to stick around in one place for too long. He has healed up quite nicely since his altercation with Mahlathini, where his lip was severely split open, and I actually think it gives him a bit more character. It’s absolutely incredible how resilient these animals are and how quickly they can heal from serious injury.

The wild dogs were also around on the reserve this last week and absolutely decimating the bushbuck and impala populations! They are looking really good and even the injured pups are starting to look great again. It has been so nice to have the dogs moving through after a long absence during the denning season.

One of the reserve’s male cheetahs has been taking advantage of the absence of the lions from the property by also ‘thinning’ out the herds so-to-speak. We have been afforded many opportunities to hang out with this handsome character and allowed to witness just how great a hunter he actually is. He has also afforded us some amazing photographic opportunities that have had all involved smiling from ear to ear. I hope he’ll choose to stick around, even when the lions return home.

As always, the sunrises and sunsets have been breathtaking in their simplicity and grandeur, and also in allowing all of us to put our lives and those of others, be they man or beast, into proper perspective. I hope you have enjoyed this week’s recap of events and I look forward to bringing you some more exciting news next week. Until next time...