After a week of unprecedented and highly unusual rain followed by moody, dramatic skies, it’s safe to say the landscape has been buzzing with wildlife. With all the moisture lingering in the air, we were treated to some spectacular sunsets and sunrises as distant clouds slowly dissipated along the horizon. The bush certainly has been rejuvenated.
The spectacular herds of impala, punctuated by wildebeest and zebra, have been incredible to witness as they graze in the lush grasses. The Msuhtlu Pride continues to provide us with memorable sightings, hunting under the cover of darkness and finding them well fed in the morning. However, following the recent rains, they have been seen more scattered as they continue to roam safely while the Gijima Males maintain their domain across the reserve. The Styx Male is still moving through the southern parts with the Kambula Breakaway Female, while the two Kambula lionesses — who presumably both recently lost their cubs to the Gijima Males — have also been sighted on occasions.
On the leopard front, the Shingi Male continues to flourish, biding his time within his mother’s territory. With the long grasses, leopards have been making use of trees as vantage points to scan their surroundings. Incredibly, the Ximungwe Female was found sleeping in a Marula tree, and just 12 hours later, we discovered the Nkoveni Female in an almost identical position, also resting in a Marula.
Once the soils in the southwest finally dried out, we were fortunate to encounter huge dazzles of around 80 zebra and spend an afternoon with the male cheetah, whom we hadn’t seen in some time. Life is certainly thriving at the moment.
Let me know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
Almpst lost in the sheer numbers of the herd this young impala lamb jumped high as the herd moved to a new spot after being chased by a ram-the zebra and wildebeest were unfazed.
One of the subadults lost interest (as did the zebra and Wildebeest) after a bold hunting attempt in morning light on the airstrip.
Earlier this week we found the Ximungwe Female hidden in a dense, lush drainage line as she digested her meal. The following morning she was then found with another kill on the crest in a Marula tree.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
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The Ximungwe Female rests in the branches of a Marula tree after safely securing her impala lamb in the fork of the tree.
Looking almost identical to the Ximungwe Female 12 hours later. We could not believe our luck when we found the Nkoveni Female also resting in a marula tree.
Londolozi’s most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
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I managed to capture this one photo of a Village Weaver as they frantically built their nests. The buzzing sounds of their frantic calls after the rains has been exciting to watch.
The impressive Styx Male, still youthful and with his characteristic blonde mane was exceptionally full bellied here watching nearby vultures after finishing the remains of a buffalo calf with the Kambula Breakaway female.
On a slightly gloomy day, the Shingi Male rested in a Marula tree (which seems to be one of his more frequented trees as we have seen him in this one on a few occasions) as he watches a distant herd of impala.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
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A pleasant surprise in the south western parts of the reserve was the Male cheetah who we have not seen in a few weeks.
One of the mighty Kambula lionesses.
Nkuhuma Breakaways greet each other.
Raising its trunk to sniff our scent.
A fairly common dove, but eh Emerald Spotted Wood Dove are actually rather pretty (for a dove).
An almost glazed over look from this giraffe, I can’t help but feel like this male was enjoying the little head tickle from the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to capture any images of the mornings sightings, but these are a recent image of the cubs of the Kambula pride.
Stunning scenes of the Shingi Male right at the top of a fallen marula tree with the pastel colours of a sunset in the background.
It is all a matter of perspective. Depending on which way you are looking the scene transforms entirely.
Kirst Joscelyne
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