A Week in the Bush Vol. 529
on Dec 30, 2024We hope everyone has enjoyed the Festive Season! It has been business as usual in the bush with some wonderful sightings…
The Golonyi female has moved her den site quite a significant distance away from the previous location. We found her perched atop a very large boulder, which is undoubtedly a secure spot for her cub. However, as we approached, we discovered that she also had an impala kill on the same rock. The cub was attempting to access the fresh meat, but the mother had not yet opened the carcass.
It is vital for female leopards to select secure locations for their cubs, as they often leave them unattended while hunting. If the location is not secure, the cubs become especially vulnerable to attacks by other predators, particularly lions and hyenas.
The following day, she was seen again, perched gracefully in the fork of a tree near a massive boulder, her impala kill secured on a sturdy branch above. She appeared utterly at ease, her spotted coat blending seamlessly with the dappled shadows of the leaves. Below, a hyena prowled restlessly, circling the base of the tree, its eyes fixed hungrily on the prize it could not reach.
Golonyi, now a devoted mother of one, showcased her determination as she crossed the open plains with unmistakable purpose: hunting.
Her movements, though calculated, were unusually bold for a predator known for its stealth. Covering a significant distance, she finally zeroed in on a sounder of warthogs erupting from a burrow. With a swift and precise strike, she claimed a piglet; its brief squeal marking her success. Proudly, she ascended a Marula tree, her silhouette framed against the sky; the piglet held firmly in her jaws.
After a moment to survey her surroundings, she descended gracefully and moved south, slipping into a steep drainage line, her figure vanishing into the dense undergrowth. Moments later, soft contact calls echoed from within, a tender signal to her hidden cub that she had returned. The cycle of life was starkly evident - one creature's loss ensuring the survival of another.
Late into a temperate, overcast morning, the Kurhula female was on the prowl for a meal. Her every step taken with purpose as she weaved her way through the thick brush, constantly on alert for any sign of food. Every so often she would scale a termite mound or in this case a fallen tree to scan her surrounds for any signs of life. This time to no avail, jumping down and continuing her search through the hot and humid morning air.
We came across the Nottins male leopard resting in the shade beside a waterhole. It is a prime location as many animals frequent the waterhole to quench their thirst, bringing potential prey within his reach. His patience paid off when a small group of warthogs approached for a drink. In a swift and calculated move, he captured one of the young. It was an intense yet extraordinary sight to witness.
The Ntsumi female was spotted, actively marking her territory. On several occasions, we observed her attempting to chase away her one cub, which has already reached independence. Through her actions, she is sending a clear message that her sub-adults are no longer welcome in her territory, and it is time for them to seek out and claim their own space.
We set out in search of a female cheetah and her three cubs in an area where they had been recently spotted. As we navigated the terrain, the sharp alarm calls of Helmeted guineafowl caught our attention, echoing urgently from a particular spot. Guided by the commotion, we approached the source of the noise and discovered the four cheetahs - a vigilant mother and her playful cubs - beside a fresh impala kill.
Every cheetah sighting around our reserve is incredibly precious, as their numbers in the wild are alarmingly low. Spotting a mother with her three cubs is an especially rare and extraordinary experience. Whenever we find them playing or hunting, we spend as much time as possible observing them. The mother tirelessly works to ensure she hunts successfully and provides for her little ones.
It was an incredible sight to witness the entire Msuthlu Pride alongside one of the Gijima male lions, all resting serenely on a rock beneath the shade of a grand Sycamore Fig tree. They indulged in their quintessential lion nap, perfectly framed by the breathtaking scenery. Only the cubs broke the stillness, occasionally stirring to find a new spot to doze, while the rest of the pride remained blissfully asleep.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Msuthlu Pride lounged in front of Bush Lodge. Beside them lay one of the formidable Gijima males, his commanding presence adding to the awe-inspiring scene for the lodge’s fortunate guests.
As twilight set in, the pride began to stir, stretching and yawning before gradually setting off northward, leaving the Gijima male behind. The peaceful evening was suddenly pierced by the distant, thunderous roar of another lion. This triggered an immediate response from the pride, who erupted in a symphony of powerful roars. Guests looked on in awe, feeling the deep reverberations of each roar resonate through their bodies - a humbling reminder of the raw power and majesty of the lion’s voice in the wild.
Early morning, we found the dominant Gijima male lions vocalising in response to calls from other males to the north of our reserve, just beyond the boundaries of their territory. Later, they began moving in the direction of the intruders’ calls.
These males have demonstrated remarkable strength, successfully protecting their prides from challengers so far. We hope they continue to defend their territory and safeguard their prides.
While driving along one of our boundaries, we were delighted to spot tracks of a lion pride moving into our reserve. Following the trail, we soon located the Msuthlu Pride resting in a small open clearing, accompanied by one of the Gijima males. With temperatures steadily rising after a spell of cooler days, these lions are likely to remain in the area, shifting only to find better shade during the heat of the day. Once the sun sets, they’ll become active again. The pride shows signs of not having fed in the past few days, and they’ll undoubtedly be looking to change that as darkness sets in over the bush.
The Southern Pride was seen in the northern part of our reserve, with all members present. This area is familiar territory for the oldest members of the pride, though less so for the youngest ones. It appears they were following the scent of a herd of buffalo that had recently been seen in the area.
Following Wild Dogs during this time of year is nothing short of exhilarating. With the abundance of young impala lambs in the area, a pack often takes down multiple prey to ensure every member is well-fed.
In the intense heat of the day, a small flock of Green Pigeons sought refuge in the cool shade of a Marula tree to escape the scorching sun. Normally skittish around vehicles, they seemed unusually reluctant to take flight due to the oppressive heat, offering a rare opportunity for some close-up photos from their shaded perch.
We sat and watched a majestic Brown Snake Eagle perched high atop a dead tree. Its piercing, bright yellow eyes scanned the surroundings intently, searching for prey. Despite its vigilance, the eagle found no luck and, after a while, spread its powerful wings and soared away in search of food elsewhere.
The classic summer call of the Woodland Kingfisher is a true delight in the bushveld. Throughout the day, its distinctive call can almost always be heard echoing from somewhere nearby - a sound that epitomises the season. This beautiful bird is not only a joy to listen to but also a stunning sight to behold.
When male buffaloes become too old or are outcompeted by stronger males, they often form herds of outcast males. These bachelor herds must fend for themselves, lacking the safety and protection that larger herds provide.
As the sun rose above the horizon, we stumbled upon a herd of elephants in an open clearing. They moved slowly, grazing as they went, creating a serene and majestic scene. It was an incredible scene with the golden light shining strong behind them.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Franco Hay, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
