A Week in the Bush Vol. 536
on Feb 19, 2025We tracked the Mhangeni Pride of lions through the rain for quite some time, making for an exciting and challenging experience. Our guests were curious about how we could still see the tracks despite the rain washing them away. Although difficult, our skilled tracker, Mike, used his experience to piece together the clues like a puzzle. Eventually, we found the pride feeding on a wildebeest kill.
As we watched them feast, we also observed how they took advantage of the rainwater pooling on the road. A wildebeest is a good-sized meal, enough to sustain a pride for a day or so. In wet, misty, or rainy conditions, prey animals are at a disadvantage as their visibility is reduced, making them more vulnerable to ambush - especially by larger lion prides.
We have been fortunate to have the Msuthlu Pride spend an abundance of time in our reserve - so much so that, on many mornings, they have taken it upon themselves to create roadblocks. Of course, no one is likely to complain about these magnificent obstructions. Even the Gijima males make occasional appearances, especially as some of the young male cubs begin to grow into their strength and presence.
After a wet weekend, we came across the Msuthlu Pride lying in the open on the road, offering an incredible opportunity to observe their behaviour. The older cubs were playful, stalking one another, while the three youngest - still noticeably skinny - attempted to suckle from their mother.
After some time, the entire pride got up and walked about 20 metres before settling under some nearby bushes. They have been moving frequently across the reserve, hunting at night, although we have yet to see them with a successful kill. With the continued rains, the pride may find an advantage in securing a much-needed meal for their young.
After spending time alongside the Msuthlu Pride, the Gijima males eventually separated, their massive frames moving eastward, deeper into Sabi Sabi. The earth, softened by persistent rains, carried the deep imprints of their paws as they navigated the sodden terrain. As the rain intensified and temperatures dropped, the shift in conditions signalled an early start to their evening patrol. With the cool air amplifying their roars, they vanished into the darkening landscape, their presence lingering long after they had disappeared from sight.
The four Kambula males lay sprawled out in the far northwestern corner of the reserve, where they had spent the night digesting a meal and indulging in much-needed rest. A misty morning and a steady drizzle dampened the landscape, leaving the grass heavy with water. Unbothered by the gloom, the males opted for the drier comfort of the road, using it as a makeshift resting spot.
With each passing day, these lions grow in both size and strength, their presence becoming ever more imposing. Their steady rise in power is impossible to ignore, a reminder that change is always on the horizon in the ever-shifting lion dynamics.
It was incredible to witness a male Black-bellied Bustard performing its iconic call and display in the open. The bird stretched its neck skyward, letting out a series of low, booming calls followed by a sudden, almost comical ‘pop’ sound. As it vocalised, it lifted its head rhythmically and puffed out its chest, showcasing its striking black and white plumage. This elaborate display serves both to attract a mate and to establish dominance over its territory, a crucial aspect of its breeding behaviour.
The ever-sought-after and often underrated zebra captured our attention as we watched a herd gracefully roam through an open plain. The sight was made even more heartwarming by a baby zebra staying closely by its mother’s side, a touching display of their bond as they walked together.
Driving parallel to a dry riverbed we came across one of the largest antelope in Africa, the Greater Kudu. They are very elegant and even more photogenic.
As the evening sets in, the calls of the Francolin echo through the bush, a signature sound of the African wilderness. These alert and vocal birds, often seen foraging along the roadsides or perched on termite mounds, are always quick to signal any approaching danger. As darkness falls, they retreat into the safety of dense vegetation, their sharp eyes and keen instincts ensuring they remain ever watchful through the night.
The Tengile female leopard and her cub were spotted moving through their territory, with the mother pausing occasionally to remark her boundaries. As we followed them, the distant call of a male leopard echoed through the bush, immediately capturing their attention. With a sense of determination, they began making their way toward the source of the sound.
Unfortunately, our pursuit was cut short as they disappeared into dense vegetation, where visibility was too limited to continue tracking them.
We found Golonyi walking near a drainage line, her young cub trailing closely behind. As has become somewhat of a routine in recent weeks, they stopped near a rocky outcrop - Golonyi settling on the ground while the cub climbed onto a rock, escaping the tall grass.
We were fortunate to have a clear view as the cub lay down, grooming himself meticulously before finally curling up for a well-deserved nap.
We spent the afternoon safari tracking this male leopard, but with no luck, as he was constantly on the move, remarking his territory after the rain. As the sun began to set, we decided to pause for sundowners before continuing the search.
To our delight, luck was on our side, and we found N’weti grooming himself right on the road, almost as if he had been waiting for us. Male leopards spend much of their nights and early mornings reinforcing their territorial boundaries, ensuring no rival males have encroached on their domain.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Franco Hay, Jan Nel, JP van Rooyen and Ronald Mutero
Video by Ronald Mutero
