A Week in the Bush Vol. 543
on Apr 09, 2025As our safari continued and the sun began to set, we came across the Msuthlu Pride resting. Just before we were about to leave, the pride started to stir. Some of the subadult males were contact calling, likely reaching out to the female we had spotted at the start of our drive. We stopped for sundowners at a safe distance —far enough to relax, yet close enough to return quickly if any action unfolded.
The following evening, shortly after our sundowner stop, we received word that the Msuthlu Pride had just taken down a warthog. We quickly made our way to the scene and were met with a breathtaking sight - the pride feasting on their fresh kill. We watched in awe as they devoured their hard-earned meal, fully immersed in the raw power of the wild.
The following afternoon, while still enjoying high tea on the deck at Bush Lodge, we noticed a small herd of waterbuck suddenly clearing the open area in a hurry. Sensing something was amiss, we kept a close watch on our surroundings. It wasn’t long before the reason became clear - one of the Msuthlu Pride females emerged from the drainage line and stepped into the open.
She made her way to the waterhole in front of the lodge for a long drink before confidently striding across the clearing, her sharp gaze scanning the landscape. Wasting no time, we sprang into action, climbed into our safari vehicle, and moved into position for a closer look.
What followed was a wonderful sighting of this powerful, muscular lioness. Her posture exuded determination, yet she kept her true intentions concealed. Eventually, as the afternoon heat intensified, she disappeared back into the shade of the drainage line, vanishing as swiftly as she had appeared.
The Gijima males were spotted not far from Bush Lodge, in the company of the Msuthlu Pride. They had brought down a Blue wildebeest in the night and after gorging themselves, they walked past us before lying down in the road. Scavengers were already in the area, with the lions only lifting their heads when a hyena approached.
Vultures are often a reliable sign to follow when tracking predators like lions. These scavengers tend to shadow big cats, gathering near kill sites in anticipation. While lions feed, vultures keep their distance, patiently waiting for an opportunity. Once the lions move off or lose interest, the vultures swoop in to scavenge whatever small pieces remain.
The Styx male and Kambula female seem to have settled into their newly formed young duo, spending time together as they navigate the early stages of partnership. On this occasion, they were found resting in a small open clearing, sheltering from the dreary weather. Not far off to the east, a herd of buffalo lay tucked into the woodlands. As the evening light faded and the wind shifted in their favour, the lions stirred—ready to hunt.
Patience is a crucial part of any lion’s approach, especially when targeting such formidable prey. Despite their efforts, the ever-watchful buffalo caught glimpses and scents of the approaching predators, keeping just enough distance to stay safe. With the element of surprise lost, the lions eventually shifted their focus to covering ground and abandoned the hunt.
We were delighted to find the Southern Pride of lions resting beside a waterhole on an overcast day. When we arrived, they were just finishing off a warthog kill, their faces still smeared with the remnants of the feast. They lounged around and rested in the tall grass before they got a bit restless. Once the final scraps of their meal were consumed, the pride set off in search of a new spot to relax.
As the light was fading on our afternoon drive, we were lucky enough to see this young male leopard very close to Earth Lodge. He is relatively new to the area but hopefully he claims the territory as his own.
In the morning sunshine, the Makatini female stood tall atop a termite mound, her piercing amber eyes scanning the savannah for both prey and potential threats. Below her, nestled in the shade at the base of the mound, always on alert as the heat of the day bares down.
We were fortunate to spot the exquisite Golonyi female and her handsome young cub nestled in dense vegetation. The young male revelled in a moment of grooming while nursing from his fiercely caring mother. Before long, the pair set off, the cub dutifully trailing in his mother's footsteps - undoubtedly in search of deeper cover from potential threats. Every few steps, the Golonyi female paused, scanning the path ahead for any signs of danger, her vigilance a testament to her unwavering guardianship.
Late on the morning drive, the Golonyi female and her playful little cub emerged into the open grasslands. She moved with quiet determination, often pausing to call her curious youngster, who was busy exploring the surrounding bush and darting after squirrels. As a first-time mother, she continues to impress with her attentive and successful care of her healthy cub.
A lone bull elephant stands on the vast open plains, a herd of Blue wildebeest his only company. Storm clouds gather on the horizon, darkening the sky as the wind stirs the tall grass at his feet. With quiet strength, he grazes, his gaze fixed on the distance, undeterred by the brewing storm.
A Long-crested eagle perches atop a gnarled, lifeless tree, its dark feathers ruffled b the wind. Its golden eyes scan the land below, ever watchful, while its distinctive crest flutters like a crown of shadows. A beautiful sighting of a unique and powerful bird of prey.
On a warm, clear evening, the ever-iconic Selati Camp wagon welcomes guests back from an unforgettable safari adventure. Bathed in the soft glow of authentic paraffin lanterns and beneath a sky ablaze with millions of stars, the scene exudes a timeless charm. It is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring way to conclude a day in the heart of the African bush.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Devon Jansen, Franco Mey, Jan Nel, JP van Rooyen, Rod Wyndham and Ronald Mutero
Video by Jan Nel
