A Week in the Bush Vol. 538
on Mar 05, 2025It has been another incredible week on safari, with plenty of highlights…
We followed up on the Msuthlu Pride and the Gijima males on their giraffe kill. These lions are extremely full, having fed on the carcass for several days. They have finished most of it and will likely start moving on soon, leaving the remains for the vultures and hyenas that have gathered nearby.
A large carcass like this sustains multiple species. While the lions made the initial kill, nothing goes to waste in the bush. This meal has been a lifesaver for the youngest cubs, who were in poor condition just a week ago. Although they are slowly recovering, only time will tell if they can pull through and survive.
Leaving Earth Lodge early in the morning, we discovered fresh tracks of a lion pride moving into our reserve. Determined to follow up, we tracked them to the edge of a dense thicket, where we decided to continue on foot for confirmation. After a few minutes of careful tracking, we spotted the Southern Pride perched atop a termite mound, surveying their surroundings. We returned to the vehicle and approached them, watching as they settled in for the day before becoming active again after sunset. The pride is in excellent condition, and we hope they will remain on our reserve for some time.
A few days later, after a sundowner stop, we found the entire Southern Pride sprawled across the middle of the road, their bellies full from a recent kill. Given their well-fed state, they are unlikely to venture far overnight, instead prioritising rest and digestion to stay safe.
The Flap-necked Chameleon is the only chameleon species found in Sabi Sabi. Its colour is limited to shades of green, varying from light to dark, even appearing black at times. It can also display shades of brown and manipulate its chromatophores to create distinctive spot or stripe patterns.
The dam in front of Earth Lodge has become a hippo hotspot, thanks to the recent heavy rains causing the Sabie River to flood. As a result, many hippos have moved into surrounding dams to spend more time in calmer waters. When we arrived, we spotted eight hippos occupying the dam, including a tiny newborn calf. The little one was struggling to stay afloat in the deep water, eagerly trying to climb onto its mother's back for support. Hippo calves often rely on their mothers to stay buoyant, especially when resting, as they are not always able to keep themselves above water on their own.
This baboon was showing off his resting skills, lounging in a drainage line on the cool sand. As the entire troop moved through the low-lying area in the late afternoon, heading back to their sleeping spot for sunset, this individual made no effort to hide his exhaustion.
We came across a massive female hyena strolling down the road, carrying the remains of a carcass. Hyenas on our reserve are often spotted alone as they search for food, only regrouping once a meal has been found. This female was likely bringing the remains back to her clan, ensuring that the younger members had a chance to feed.
Perched gracefully in a Sycamore fig tree, this magnificent African Fish Eagle surveyed a section of the drainage line below, where small fish were trapped with no escape - an ideal opportunity for an easy meal.
Winding along the drainages of Sabi Sabi, shades of green and grey contrast beautifully with the soft yellow trunks of Sycamore Fig Trees. Known as “Nkuwa”, meaning the Queen of trees in the local Shangaan language, these majestic giants grow large, forming dense canopies along the waterways.
The abundance of life they support is truly remarkable. As their fruit ripens, a diverse array of frugivorous birds gathers to feast, including the striking Purple-crested Turaco. Listen carefully for the distinctive hollow kok-kok-kok-kok, then glance up - you might catch a glimpse of its brilliant red wing patches flashing through the foliage.
This Blacksmith Lapwing fiercely defended her nest near the water’s edge. As we approached, she immediately began alarm calling and stood her ground - clear signs that her eggs were nearby, as these birds nest on the ground. Respecting her space, we kept our distance, allowing her to settle while she remained vigilant, watching us closely to ensure we didn’t come any closer.
Visiting the giraffe carcass provided a spectacular display as vultures gathered in large numbers. With the lions that have moved off, the vultures swiftly took over, eagerly finishing off the last remains. Watching them feed is an incredible sight, showcasing their intense competition and the fascinating hierarchy within their ranks.
This immature Brown Snake Eagle was perched high up a dead tree overlooking his surroundings for potential prey. These large eagles often perch in dead trees as it is easier for them to take off without any branches in the way as obstacles when they need to fly off.
We have enjoyed plenty of sightings of Tengile and her newly named daughter, Masungulo, meaning "the beginning" - a fitting name as she embarks on her journey into adulthood.
Over the next few months, this young female will gradually become more independent, spending increasing amounts of time on her own until she eventually moves off to establish a territory of her own.
Mornings in the bush hold a special kind of mystery. The usual hum of conversation over pre-drive coffee at Selati Camp was abruptly silenced by the unmistakable sound of alarm calls cutting through the dawn air. Something was moving. Not long after, Golonyi and her cub were spotted meandering down the Msuthlu drainage line, prompting an eager rush to the vehicles as the search began.
We positioned ourselves at one of the reserve’s most breathtaking crossings - a towering Sycamore fig tree draping its ancient branches over a massive boulder. The setting alone was picture-perfect, but what followed was truly unforgettable. Golonyi emerged first, stepping gracefully onto the rock, her golden coat glowing against the smooth stone. Moments later, her cub followed, a perfect mirror of her movements. As a light drizzle began to fall, they descended onto the sandbank below, where Golonyi tenderly groomed her little one, reinforcing the bond between them. Then, without urgency, they slipped into the dense riverine thickets, disappearing into the wilderness once more.
We found Golonyi early in the morning just outside Little Bush Camp, her sleek form low to the ground as she stalked a small herd of impala. We waited in anticipation as she edged forward, expertly using the tall grass for cover. But just as she closed the gap, the impala caught her scent and ran away. Golonyi then made her way toward a nearby Marula tree where she scanned her surroundings before ascending gracefully, escaping the damp grass below. From her elevated vantage point, she overlooked an open clearing dotted with more impala, already planning her next move.
Leopards often retreat to trees not only for rest but for safety, as the canopy provides shelter from the sun and rain while keeping them beyond the reach of rival predators. Here, Golonyi could truly relax - until the next opportunity presented itself.
Our last sighting of the duo for the week was of them resuming their journey north, with Golonyi frequently calling to her cub, who was easily distracted, pausing to investigate every new scent and movement along the way.
At one point, Golonyi’s attention locked onto a particular bush. She crept forward, head buried deep in the foliage, when suddenly, she leaped backward in a startled retreat. Moments later, the grass around the bush trembled, and a large Boomslang emerged, slithering up into a nearby Silver Cluster Leaf tree. Recognising the danger, Golonyi wasted no time moving on - but her cub had other ideas. With youthful curiosity, it ventured closer, tail flicking as it watched the snake disappear into the branches.
The risk was clear, and the phrase “Curiosity killed the cat” lingered in everyone’s mind. But before trouble could unfold, Golonyi returned, seemingly reinforcing a lesson about the dangers of the wild. Satisfied, she led her cub away, their figures vanishing into the twilight as their journey north continued into the night.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Jan Nel, JP van Rooyen and Ruan Mey
Video by JP van Rooyen
