A Week in the Bush Vol. 539
on Mar 12, 2025It has been a wonderful week of Magnificent 7 sightings…
It was an unexpected event just before midday. From the deck, we noticed a sudden commotion near the Selati Camp waterhole - impalas scattering in all directions. A mother cheetah and her three cubs were in hot pursuit, and in a matter of moments, she made a successful kill right at the waterhole. We had a perfect vantage point to witness the entire scene unfold.
Cheetahs thrive in open landscapes like this, where they can use their incredible speed to their advantage without the hindrance of dense thickets. This waterhole, surrounded by open terrain, likely attracted the mother and her cubs, providing an ideal hunting ground.
The last sighting of these cheetahs on our reserve was back in December, making this encounter even more special. It is truly inspiring to see this mother doing an exceptional job raising her cubs. The survival rate for cheetah cubs is incredibly low - only about five percent reach adulthood. However, with such a strong and capable mother by their side, we can only hope that these young ones will make it through to the next stage of their journey.
For a number of days after their kill, they remained in the same general area. The cubs were playful, and the mother remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on a nearby herd of impala. While cheetahs typically feed every three to five days, a mother providing for herself and her three young ones must hunt more frequently to sustain them all.
While driving towards the river in the late afternoon we noticed some Wild Dog tracks on the road. We eagerly began following them and before long, we were ecstatic to see a pack of 5 Wild Dogs appear from the dense brush beside us. This came as a bit of a surprise as Wild Dogs can cover vast distances in short periods of time, so finding them that quickly was very lucky.
We followed them in the golden afternoon light as they headed towards the river, even passing a male giraffe, who simply observed them with quiet curiosity as they ran past. It was an incredible encounter, capping off a truly unforgettable afternoon.
We found the four Kambula males resting near Little Bush Camp and decided to return after sunset. As we approached, they began stirring, moving purposefully toward a buffalo herd currently on the reserve. Looking hungry and determined, these males seemed intent on securing a meal to replenish their strength. We watched as they disappeared into the thickets, leaving the outcome uncertain - only time will tell if their hunt was successful.
A few days later, the four males were spotted in the northern reaches of our reserve, staying close to a buffalo herd, patiently waiting for one to stray from the group before making their move. These powerful males remain in excellent condition, and it’s remarkable to witness their discipline and strategy—choosing patience over reckless aggression, carefully assessing their chances rather than charging into a formidable breeding herd with an uncertain outcome.
As we followed up on the elephant carcass currently on the reserve - an animal that had died from natural causes - we were met with a dramatic scene. Hundreds of vultures perched in the surrounding tree canopies, a clear indication that predators were nearby. As we approached, our suspicions were confirmed – the Kambula males were on the carcass.
All four males were fiercely guarding their prize, while dozens of hyenas lingered on the outskirts, waiting for any opportunity to sneak in and snatch a meal. But the male lions were having none of it, keeping a close watch as the hyenas inched closer, their eerie calls echoing through the twilight.
With such a valuable food source, this area will be a predator hotspot for the coming week, drawing in a host of scavengers and setting the stage for intense confrontations between some of Africa’s most formidable hunters.
We decided to follow up on the Southern Pride but initially struggled to locate them. With no clear signs of their direction, we circled the area. Soon after, the sound of zebra alarm calls caught our attention. As we investigated, we spotted the pride in pursuit of a zebra herd across an open plain. Despite their efforts, the hunt was unsuccessful. The pride then settled in the open, conserving their energy as they waited for the cover of darkness to attempt their next hunt.
After hearing reports that the Msuthlu Pride had been found with a zebra kill nearby, we set off to take a closer look. The pride had also recently brought down a giraffe, and this fresh kill was a welcome sight, especially since the young cubs had appeared extremely malnourished in recent weeks.
When we arrived, we found the pride lounging in the shade, their bellies full after feasting. With the adults well-fed, it was now the turn of the three young cubs to feed on what remained - and they were doing just that.
We set out on safari from Bush Lodge, excitement buzzing in the air, when reports came in - the Msuthlu Pride had been spotted nearby. As we neared their location, a striking figure emerged onto the road ahead - the handsome Gijima male. With a purposeful stride, he moved forward, and we followed, sensing his intent. Winding down the road behind him, anticipation built. Then, as we rounded a bend, the pride came into view, lying in the road ahead. What followed was nothing short of magical - a heartfelt reunion between the Msuthlu Pride and the Gijima male.
We found Golonyi as she gracefully made her way across an open clearing toward the drainage line. As we approached, we saw a heartwarming sight - Golonyi meeting up with her cub and bringing him into the open to play.
The young male cub was full of energy, eagerly climbing over the branches of a fallen tree before bounding back to his mother for more playful interaction. Golonyi understands the importance of play; it not only helps her cub develop essential skills but also burns off his excess energy, ensuring he remains still and hidden when she stashes him away before heading off to hunt.
We followed them as they moved into the thickets, watching as Golonyi eventually left her cub behind and disappeared into the dense brush - no doubt in search of their next meal.
We were lucky enough to find the Mashaba female as she was resting in a big Marula tree, overlooking her surroundings making sure to not let any opportunities pass her by. With Mashaba being the oldest leopard we currently have roaming the area, she is very experienced and still very successful, even though he does not have a permanent territory anymore and roaming massive areas making sure she survives and stays out of unnecessary fights. We don't get to see this female too often which means every sighting of this female is a very special sighting.
This Yellow-billed Hornbill basked in the warmth of the morning sun, soaking up its heat before setting off in search of food. These monogamous birds are often seen in pairs, foraging together - digging into termite mounds or even breaking apart elephant dung to uncover beetles and other insects.
In summer, the Woodland Kingfisher's vibrant colours create a stunning contrast against the lush green bushveld or the bright sky. Their flashy colours are particularly striking during flight, when the bird opens its wings, or during its lively territorial displays.[gal]sabi-sabi-benjamin-loon-woodland-kingfisher
We watched as the male Red-headed Weaver diligently crafted his intricate nest, his efforts a display of skill aimed at impressing a potential mate. With each carefully woven strand, he showcased his craftsmanship, hoping to win her favour. Only time will reveal whether she’ll accept this masterpiece or if he’ll need to tear it down and start anew in a bid to earn her approval.
Watching large herds of animals roam the open plains during the lush summer months in the bush is truly magical. The abundance of general game reflects a thriving ecosystem, providing ample sustenance for predators and ensuring the balance of all species.
A small group of buffalo bulls basked in the afternoon sun just in front of Bush Lodge, their dark, rugged hides soaking in the warmth of the day. After enduring the heat, they were cooling off and seeking respite from the relentless swarm of flies that buzzed around them. These massive, dark-skinned creatures often take refuge in mud wallows on hot days, using the cooling mud to regulate their body temperature and shake off the discomfort of the heat.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Jan Nel, Ronald Mutero & Ruan Mey
