A Week in the Bush Vol. 540
on Mar 19, 2025Our week got off to a great start. We picked up the tracks of a lion pride entering our reserve and began our tracking journey. At first, it was relatively easy as they followed the roads through the reserve, but soon they veered off into the bush. We had to shift our approach, thinking like the lions, carefully observing every subtle sign—like grass bent in a certain direction. We circled the area, returning to our last set of tracks, slowing our pace until we discovered a clear path through the tall grass. After some persistence, we found the Southern Pride far to the north, resting after a successful wildebeest kill they'd made during the evening. The lions were taking a few hours to digest their meal before moving on. Soon, they would head back closer to their territory, wary of any potential conflict with other prides or predators, especially with their young ones in tow.
As we made our way up the ramp toward the vehicles for our morning safari from Earth Lodge, the distinct sound of impala alarm calls echoed from the access road. Sensing something significant, we immediately headed in that direction and found a group of impalas, all fixated on one spot. Moments later, we discovered fresh male leopard tracks.Circling around the block, we spotted this young male moving through a small open area. As he moved, he scent-marked the area - a clear sign that he is ready to claim this territory as his own. Only time will tell whether he will succeed.
The beautiful early morning light revealed the Nottins male moving calmly along a dirt track. Soon he turned into dense foliage heading to cross the sands of the Msuthlu River. We hurried to the nearest crossing hoping to catch him on the other side. As we got to the crossing, we hastily stopped to see a truly majestic sight. Atop a boulder he looked out at us, flanked by two white rhinos who appeared to take no notice of him presence. We watched in awe at a truly marvellous and special sighting.
We encountered the Makatini female cheetah and her three cubs, looking somewhat disheveled. Like lions and leopards, cheetahs occasionally roll in herbivore dung - a behaviour that helps mask their scent from both predators and prey.
With reports of a male cheetah on one of our open plains, we were eager to get there and start searching. It didn’t take long before we found him – a sleek male cheetah, resting on a termite mound, surrounded by tall grass, carefully watching his surroundings as the sun was busy setting.
Cheetahs often use these termite mounds or even fallen over trees as vantage points, allowing them to survey the area from above. With summer ending and the vegetation thickening, this elevated position helps them avoid unexpected encounters with other predators.
As we set out on safari, we came across fresh wild dog tracks and immediately decided to follow them. Scanning the dense brush for any sign of the pack, we unexpectedly passed the Kambula Pride. Though resting, the lions were visibly alert, their intense focus hinting that something was about to unfold.
Moments later, a herd of impala burst across the road in a frantic sprint. Hot on their heels, the wild dogs emerged, their relentless pursuit ending in a swift and decisive kill. Amid the chaos, the lions seized their own opportunity, taking down another impala in a perfectly timed ambush.
In mere moments, both kills were devoured, leaving behind little more than the blood-streaked coats of the lions as the only evidence of the dramatic hunt that had just unfolded.
Late one morning, a scene of power and majesty unfolded as the four males of the Kambula coalition emerged from the thickets, searching for a herd of buffalo they had been trailing for some days. Constantly sampling the winds for any sign of the herd, they moved to a nearby termite mound using its extra height to smell as much of the winds as possible.
We came across lion tracks during morning safari and after a long tracking exercise, we were rewarded with a sighting of the Msuthlu Pride resting in the road. They looked like they were in need of another good meal so hopefully it won’t be long before they successfully hunt again.
As the four Kambula males have now moved away from the elephant carcass, hundreds of vultures swooped down, seizing their opportunity to feast. Vultures, nature’s most efficient cleanup crew, waste no time - once they descend, a carcass is quickly reduced to nothing. Soon, this elephant will be devoured, not only by the relentless vultures but also by the hyenas. A stark reminder of the cycle of life: we rise from dust and return to it once more.
Early in the morning, a massive crocodile lay motionless at the edge of the dam, basking in the sun to raise its body temperature. As a cold-blooded reptile, it relies on external heat to fuel its agility, preparing itself for any hunting opportunity that may come its way. With each passing moment, the sun’s warmth readied it for the rapid, explosive movements that make it a formidable predator.
Leaving Earth Lodge, we were immediately greeted by the sight of a small herd of buffalo resting in an open area. Having likely spent the night there, they lingered, waiting for the warmth of the morning sun before beginning their daily routine—grazing and making their way toward the nearest waterhole.
We watched as a male Pin-tailed Whydah performed its mesmerising flight display in an attempt to impress a female. With rhythmic flaps and buoyant bounces, it showcased its elegant tail, hoping to catch her attention. After completing its display, it gracefully descended, landing on its perch to rest.
This female giraffe gracefully walked over an open area towards the treeline where she would continue feeding. Giraffes are often seen alone, especially during the summer months when food and water are in abundance.
With the recent rains, grazers have arrived in our reserve by the hundreds. The open plains are now covered in nutrient-rich grasses, attracting animals like zebras. In peak condition, they make the most of the abundant food and water.
This Blue wildebeest stood watch over his territory, ensuring he was alone with no threats in sight. Wildebeest bulls often lead solitary lives, especially outside the breeding season when female herds roam vast areas and do not stay with dominant males. Territorial bulls must vigilantly defend their territories, patiently waiting for the breeding season to attract females for mating.
We were delighted by the energetic antics of these young scrub hares. With a relatively short lifespan, they rarely live beyond five years in the wild. Females typically give birth to one to three offspring after a brief gestation period of just 42 days, and the young reach sexual maturity by six months of age.
Rollers typically feed on a range of insects and small creatures. This European Roller had surprisingly caught a mouse. We were fortunate to witness the moment shortly after the catch, before the bird flew off to enjoy its meal.
On our way back to the lodge, we found a Spotted eagle-owl perched just off the road, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings for any potential prey that might cross its path. These owls are often seen bobbing their heads up and down, particularly when they're focused on something. This behaviour is due to their fixed pupils, which means they must adjust the angle of their head to change their perspective and get a better view of the target.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Jan Nel, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
