A Week in the Bush Vol. 544
on Apr 16, 2025We came across the Southern Pride moving slowly eastward, their bellies full from a recent meal. Despite having fed, they stayed alert, scanning their surroundings for any fresh hunting opportunities. We followed them for some time, hoping to witness a hunt, but after several aborted attempts, they disappeared into the bush.
We found the entire Msuthlu Pride in the company of the two Gijima males as they finished off a wildebeest kill. The younger cubs were squabbling over the last remaining bones, while the adults were already resting along the riverbed. The pride looked content, and judging by their full bellies, it seemed every member had eaten well.
Female lions with cubs - whether young or sub-adults - must constantly hunt to provide for them, while also teaching the essential skills needed to survive in the wild. Depending on the size and type of prey, the male lions will help bring it down with their strength.
As we rounded a corner, we were thrilled to spot Golonyi and her cub at the edge of a waterhole. Their reflections shimmered beautifully on the still surface, adding to the magic of the moment. Golonyi patrolled the surrounding area before settling down beside her cub and gently grooming him—a tender, intimate scene that spoke volumes of their bond. Afterward, they both took a drink from the waterhole, then slowly wandered off into the bush. The cub, full of energy, playfully stalked his mother, providing moments of delightful entertainment. It was an unforgettable and truly special sighting.
We found tracks of Golonyi leading away from the spot where she was last seen, heading in the direction we suspected she had left her cub. Following the trail, we soon spotted her walking along the road, the cub trailing closely behind. We kept our distance and followed, guessing she might be guiding the cub to a recent kill. Our hunch proved right—we were lucky enough to witness them arrive at an impala carcass, where they began to feed together.
The treat of the morning came in the form of Tengile and her cub, Masungulo. As always, the duo expertly wove their way through the thick undergrowth, moving with quiet purpose. At one point, a rather unlikely climbing tree, a small Bushwillow, caught Tengile’s attention. With ease, she ascended for a quick survey of her surroundings. In true cub fashion, Masungulo followed suit, mimicking her mother’s climb up the same modest tree, before retiring in a nearby Tamboti thicket.
Moments like these are far more than playful mimicry - they are vital lessons. Watching, copying, and learning from Tengile’s every move is how Masungulo hones the skills she will need to survive on her own. From choosing which trees to climb, to when to stop and listen, and how to read the bush around her - each moment with mom readying her for independence.
Masungulo was the theme of the day. The morning safari found her resting atop a small termite mound, her eyes fixed on a group of squirrels chattering in a nearby Marula tree. Curiosity got the better of her, and a sudden dash ended with one unlucky squirrel caught between her claws. What followed was a game of catch and release - playful yet calculated. Eventually, the squirrel escaped into a hollow trunk, leaving Masungulo with a valuable lesson: don’t play with your food. By afternoon, her dappled coat was draped lazily over a large Marula branch. The rustling of noisy starlings stirred her interest briefly, prompting a stretch and a glance toward the treetop before she turned back around and settled into her siesta once more.
Shortly after leaving the lodge, we were thrilled to come across the young Mgiba female leopard — a rare and welcome sight, as she hasn’t been seen on Sabi Sabi for quite some time. It was reassuring to see her looking healthy and full of energy. On the move and clearly in hunting mode, she made attempts on both a Scrub Hare and a Warthog, although luck wasn’t on her side this time. With any luck, she’ll soon establish a territory of her own, and we’ll be seeing much more of her in the near future.
A tower of giraffe stood tall against a crimson sunrise, their silhouettes etched into the golden horizon. Silent and still, they surveyed the open plains, bathed in the warm glow of early light. A gentle reminder of nature’s quiet grandeur and the calm that dawn brings to the African bush.
When faced with danger or unfamiliar situations, hippopotamuses often open their mouths as wide as possible as a warning display and a show of intimidation, signalling how dangerous they can be. Even when they feel safe in the water, they may still exhibit aggressive behaviour if other animals come too close.
Elephants, the gentle giants of the African bush, command both respect and admiration. While known for their intelligence and strong social bonds, their sheer power is undeniable - something never to be underestimated. Observing their body language provides valuable insight into their mood; a relaxed sway or gentle ear flap signals calmness, while a raised head, stiff posture, or outstretched ears can indicate agitation. Understanding these subtle cues is key to safely appreciating these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This is where the knowledge and experience of safari guides and trackers become invaluable, allowing for safe and respectful encounters while deepening guests’ understanding of elephant behaviour.
We found this squirrel that seemed to be enjoying the last of the sun's rays, staring in the direction of the sun. It was amazing to watch as it sat on its perch on a Tamboti tree until the sun fully set, it then clambered down the trunk of the tree into a hole where it presumably spent the night.
Warthogs are often skittish by nature, but once they become familiar with their surroundings, they tend to be less inclined to flee. They’re frequently seen in the company of other species, such as impalas and various antelope, although males are often found alone. Their upper tusks curve outward from the sides of the snout, while the shorter — but sharper — lower tusks make them formidable when it comes to self-defence. These weapons are especially useful when fending off predators like leopards and wild dogs.
We don’t often see ostriches, as they may only pass through our reserve from time to time. However, we have been fortunate over the past few days to spot these magnificent creatures almost daily, as they enjoy the new grass that has emerged after the recent heavy rains.
Out on the open plains, giraffes are always a spectacular sight, standing tall and unmistakable against the landscape.
After heavy rains, termites release their winged reproductive alates to find mates and establish new colonies. This sudden abundance of food draws a variety of bird species eager to partake in the feast. Among them, we observed a Tawny Eagle perched atop a termite mound, content and lethargic after gorging itself on the plentiful supply.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Franco Hay, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
Videos by Benjamin Loon
