A Week in the Bush Vol. 535
on Feb 12, 2025The vibrant greens of the African bush shimmer as a refreshing cool breeze sweeps over the reserve. Nestled among the outstretched branches of a Marula tree, the Tengile female rests in the dappled shade, staying cool while her keen eyes scan the landscape for potential hunting opportunities. She embodies one of the most iconic sights of the African wilderness.
Exploring an area of the reserve close to where Tengile was seen, we were thrilled to encounter Tengile's cub, who is now nearing independence. Though still reliant on her mother, she seemed to be waiting patiently, aware that her transition to self-sufficiency is fast approaching.
Observing her closely, we witnessed both her playful nature and her fierce vigilance as she reacted sharply to the sounds around her. Although she shares her mother’s striking beauty, only time will tell if she matches Tengile’s success as a formidable female leopard.
This young male leopard, who has previously been seen in the southern parts of our reserve, led us on an exciting tracking adventure. We eventually found him resting in the riverbed near Little Bush Camp. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we left him to embrace the night, hopefully culminating in a successful hunt.
During our morning safari, we came across the beautiful Golonyi female leopard.
She was on the move, relentlessly searching for prey, making it a challenge to keep up with her. Yet, this only added to the excitement, keeping us captivated from start to finish.
Golonyi has a young cub, safely tucked away in the dense cover of the Msuthlu drainage while she navigates her daily pursuits. Watching her thrive as a mother, whether in the presence of her cub or on her own, is always a remarkable sight.
Once again, we were fortunate to witness Golonyi moving through the area with her cub. The young male, now nearly three months old, is growing bolder by the day. However, catching a glimpse of him out in the open remains a rare and special privilege. His playful curiosity is beginning to show, yet he still stays close to his mother, seeking reassurance in her presence. Moments like these offer a fascinating glimpse into his gradual transition from a vulnerable newborn to a confident young leopard.
After an extended period of tracking the Nottins male leopard, we finally found him resting atop a termite mound. After some time, he slowly stirred, lifting his head to scan his surroundings before rising to his feet. With a graceful stretch and a flick of his tail, he began moving deeper into the bush, his keen eyes and ears alert for any potential prey. Watching him transition from a state of rest to focused determination was a remarkable display of his stealth and hunting prowess.
Found in the early morning lounging comfortably in a Tamboti thicket, the Southern Pride was woken by a Leopard tortoise who realised too late that it had stumbled into trouble.
Amidst the pride, social grooming was in full swing, until an eager cub playfully nipped its mother’s ear, earning a deep, warning growl in response.
The Msuthlu Pride was feeding on a blue wildebeest carcass. After consuming the last remnants of meat, they moved a short distance before settling down to rest. It was reassuring to see the three youngest cubs reunited with the pride and well-fed. However, they remained noticeably thin, as they had been struggling to compete for their share of food against their larger cousins.
While exploring the dense woodlands along the Sabie River, we came across a beautiful young Nyala alongside its mother, quietly feeding. Nyala are neither particularly fast nor strong; instead, they rely on their remarkable camouflage to evade predators. This natural defence makes spotting them, especially with their young, a rare and special experience. Witnessing these elegant antelope thriving in their natural habitat is always a true privilege.
A striking Bateleur eagle observed us intently from above, its vivid red face and black plumage contrasting against the sky. As we scrambled for binoculars and cameras, it remained perched, offering a picture-perfect opportunity to admire this magnificent raptor up close. Known for its distinctive rocking flight and keen eyesight, the Bateleur is a master of the skies, effortlessly scanning the terrain for potential prey or carrion.
At a small watering hole, a towering giraffe gracefully lowered its long neck to take a refreshing drink, accompanied by a familiar flock of oxpeckers. These two species share a well-known mutualistic relationship, a form of symbiosis in which both benefit - the giraffe gains pest control as the oxpeckers feed on ticks and parasites, while the birds receive a steady food source.
We came across a small herd of elephants gathered on a sandy patch beneath the shade of a tree. Among them, a young calf stood close to the cows before suddenly dropping onto the ground and rolling playfully in the soft sand. Young elephants are full of energy and curiosity, often seizing any opportunity to tumble, play, and explore their surroundings when the herd is at rest. It was a heartwarming sight, showcasing the carefree nature of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
As we made our way down to the Sabie River, we encountered a lively troop of baboons foraging among the lush riverside vegetation. Perched in a Knobthorn tree, a male stood watch as the sentinel although he seemed less focused on his duty and more preoccupied with scratching himself and picking at his toes.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Devon Jansen, Franco Hay, Jan Nel, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Viviane Ladner
Video by Devon Jansen
