The bush is alive and well. Recent further rainfall has transformed the landscape and with water comes life. Insects have exploded in numbers and as a result, the birding has been exceptional with activity at every turn. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get pictures of them, but in the last week, I’ve enjoyed sightings of both a Grey-headed Kingfisher and a Thick-billed Cuckoo, two birds that are normally very elusive.
With so many young lambs and calves around, predators have had plenty of opportunities. Lions have been seen regularly, while the ever-elusive leopards continue to reward patience. Tall grass and persistent flies have pushed leopards into trees and onto termite mounds. They use these elevated spots both as vantage points and as relief from the heat. Overcast and moody skies have added drama, creating beautiful backdrops for close-up and macro photography.
Large herds of elephants have also been a feature this week. We watched them wallowing in mud and dust bathing, a technique used to help regulate body temperature and deal with skin parasites. A reminder of how even the biggest animals rely on simple behaviours to cope with summer conditions.
The Gijima males were seen mating with two Kambula lionesses, while the Msuthlu pride continued to deliver magical sightings filled with excitement and interaction. With predator activity high, vultures have been ever-present, circling patiently as they scan for opportunities below.
The Tinxiya female continues to shine as she settles into life as an independent leopard, offering some exceptional photographic moments. I’ll apologise in advance as you will quickly realise I absolutely love photographing this young female. Perhaps its a bit unprofessional to have favourites but what the hell! We were also treated to a rare sighting of mating chameleons, an encounter I’ll explore further in an upcoming blog.
A peaceful afternoon was spent with the Tortoise Pan male, relaxed in a marula tree overlooking a lush green clearing. The Shingi male keeps growing in confidence and size, delivering heartwarming moments for guests. The Three Rivers female rounded out the week, found resting high in a prominent Natal mahogany.
Another week where the bush reminded us just how full of life it truly is. Thanks everyone, have a fantastic week and let me know which you enjoy!
The Shingi Male meets my eye line as he protracts his claws against the Marula tree he is resting on. Plenty of intensity in this stare!
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
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Two sub adults from the Msuthlu pride rest on this dam wall. Notice the difference in eye colour.
The Tinxiya female rests in a Jackalberry. If you look closely you’ll notice the light blue hue to her eyes. A leopardess I have all the time for!
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
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Shingi Male just putting on an absolute show!
The Shingi male rests peacefully in a dead Marula. As he rested a pocket of light burst through the clouds as if the spotlight was shining on him!
The Tortoise Pan male rests peacefully in a marula.
Born 2016 to Ndzanzeni Female, royal descendant of Mother Leopard. Now a dominant force in the north.
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The Tortoise Pan male carefully descends a marula after scanning the surrounding area.
A committee of White-backed Vultures rested in this Leadwood tree. Paired with the gloomy sky and dead tree this really portrayed an interesting scene.
The Light Mane Gijima male mating with the Kambula lioness. Fingers crossed we have some new additions in a few months time!
After enjoying some time with Ngungwe in a nearby tree I let my eyes wonder not really for anything in particular and by some stroke of luck spotted her cub. Hopefully sightings of this female are more frequent!
A warm touching moment as a young Zebra foal is gently reassured by its mum an hour or two after the sun rose.
Tinxiya acrobatically descends a Marula tree she had stashed her kill in.
This Buffalo bull was certainly enjoying his swim!
The darker maned Gijima male bathed in warm afternoon light casually strolls down the road towards us.
The King of the skies. This Lappet Faced Vulture was sunning his wings after a wet few days of rain. My guests and I took full advantage of the powerful scene.
The Tinxiya female pauses briefly before descending a Marula tree she had stashed her kill in
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she’s proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
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An elephant cow dusts herself as they meander down the road towards our vehicle. This was still quite early on in the morning so the light caught the dust really nicely!
The Woodland Kingfishers are back in full force with an absolute cacophony of noice being made in the wilderness at the moment.
One of the Kambula males, back in their natal area, meets my lens. Reece took a beautiful close up on one of the Gijima males recently, which I loved. Mine doesn’t come close but still tells a story with all those scars!
The Tortoise Pan male carefully descends a Marula after scanning the surrounding area.
The Tinxiya female alert as always watches a herd of impala unaware of her presence in the distance.
Nic Martin
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