A Week in the Bush Vol. 528
on Dec 18, 2024It has been an extremely hot time in the bush with many species taking shelter from the extreme conditions. As the week ended, there was some respite as cloud cover brought some much-needed cooler weather.
On a scorching hot day, a herd of elephants gathered at the waterhole in front of Earth Lodge, revelling in the refreshing water as they drank and playfully splashed about. From the comfort of the lodge, guests and staff were treated to an unforgettable spectacle - a mesmerising display of nature at its finest.
With summer finally here, the seasonal storms have begun to make their slow arrival. We watched in awe as a storm lingered on the horizon, its constant, brilliant lightning strikes illuminating the sky for hours. It was a powerful reminder that the heavy rains are just around the corner.[img]sabi-sabi-benjamin-loon-lightning
On an overcast day, we came across a large herd of giraffes, leisurely wandering and browsing as they moved. We were fortunate to capture a perfect moment when two giraffes aligned against the cloudy sky, creating a stunning silhouette. It’s truly awe-inspiring to see giraffes with their heads seemingly 'up in the clouds'
With word of hyena in the area, we headed towards where they were sighted! From a distance we saw them feeding on something and decided to get a closer look. We soon discovered they were eating he remains of a zebra! With a younger individual trying to steal more than he was afforded, a small feud took place right next to us!
In the southern part of our reserve, we quietly observed a herd of elephants enjoying the cool, refreshing water after enduring the extreme heat of the day. As we watched, a sudden flash of colour shot through the sky. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive yellow bill left no doubt - a Broad-billed Roller had landed on a nearby branch of a dead tree. These rarely seen intra-African migrants are a truly special sight for both guides and guests on the reserve.
It’s that time of year again - the migratory birds have returned! This European Bee-eater was a sight to behold, darting back and forth from its perch, expertly catching insects mid-flight. It’s truly amazing to see them back!
The juvenile Fork-tailed Drongo is a small, agile bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike its glossy black adult form, juveniles have a sooty brown appearance with faint streaking on their underparts. They are known for their distinctive forked tails and sharp calls. Quick learners and highly intelligent, these young birds begin to mimic sounds and exhibit the species' signature bold behaviour, often chasing larger birds and employing clever tactics to steal food.
The Mashaba female lounges elegantly in the branches of a tree, her silhouette merging seamlessly with the soft glow of the rising sun. Against the vibrant colours of dawn, she watches over the land, using her elevated perch as both a haven for rest and a vantage point of protection. Leopards, renowned for their remarkable strength, often drag their prey into trees, skilfully hoisting their catch to keep it safely out of reach from scavengers prowling the ground below.
A tender scene takes a turn as Golonyi, a first-time mother, diligently grooms her cub atop a rock. The cub wiggles and tumbles off the edge with an awkward flop. Unharmed and a bit confused, the cub pops its head up as the mother keeps an eye on her surrounds. A light-hearted moment in the wild that proves even big cats have their clumsy days!
We found this young leopard quenching her thirst at a nearby waterhole. As the afternoon heat bore down, she remained in the area, resting in the shade. We watched for a while as other animals cautiously approached the waterhole to drink. Despite their presence, she showed no interest in hunting or chasing, content to conserve her energy in the oppressive heat.
After days of searching for any sign of cheetah activity, the Makatini female finally left us a clue in the form of tracks. Our dedicated guide and tracker teams worked tirelessly to track her and her three cubs. Their efforts paid off when, to our surprise, we discovered one of her cubs alone on our private airstrip, its plaintive calls echoing across the savannah as it searched for its mother.
To give the cub a chance to reunite with its family, we retreated from the scene, allowing its voice to carry over the open landscape. Meanwhile, we ventured deeper into the bush in search of the mother and her other cubs. Rounding a bend, we were greeted by an extraordinary sound - tiny, birdlike chirps rising from the thicket. Following the calls, we found the Makatini female and her two cubs, responding to the cries of their lost sibling.
Carefully, we trailed the family as they navigated through the dense brush, their urgency palpable. With incredible precision, they headed straight back to the airstrip, where a heartwarming reunion awaited. The lost cub’s cries turned to joyous chirps as the family came together once more. Witnessing this moment of reconnection was an unforgettable experience - a deeply rewarding culmination of all the effort poured into tracking these notoriously rare animals.
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, veiled by clouds, we encountered the Makatini female and her three cubs. The fading light cast a serene glow as they wandered, searching for a cozy spot to settle for the night. Reluctantly, we left them to rest, but the experience was a breathtaking finale to the day.
Eager to follow up on the Msuthlu Pride, we left the lodge early, hoping to take advantage of the cooler conditions and locate the pride while they were still active before the summer heat drove them into the shade. Fresh tracks guided us through one of the beautiful crossings named after the pride and up to the top of a steep embankment. Suddenly, a pair of curious eyes peered over the edge.
Excitedly we drove towards them and before we knew it the entire Msuthlu Pride lay before us. Our early departure had paid off. The pride began moving towards a nearby wallow for water, giving us the chance to watch them play and interact - a truly rewarding experience. As the sun's heat began to tighten its grip on the Sabi Sabi bushveld, the pride retreated into the cool shade of a dense thicket, and we reluctantly left them to enjoy the comfort of their refuge.
One of the Msuthlu Pride cubs was very happy to see the Gijima males arrive. It eagerly approached one of the males, greeting him warmly before playfully trying to engage. It’s truly incredible to witness the gentle and nurturing side of such a powerful lion, a beautiful testament to the care and devotion they have for their cubs and bloodline.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Ronald Mutero & Viviane Ladner
Videos by Alta du Toit, Benjamin Loon & Massimo Da Silva
