The Leopard Hills Weblog

Rangers Report August

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 07:48:57 +0200

August was yet another month of great sightings and also return guests...We welcomed back Arnold and Joan Kalan for their longest stay yet at Leopard Hills, an action packed 2 weeks! They were joined by their son Mike and his wife Debra for their first ever visit here. It was great to have Samanta and Sergei join us again for some fantastic viewing after spending a few days at Madikwe Hills. Thanks to Loni & Joy and the "WEE WEE" twins for another great time in the bush.

Leopards:

Hlaba Nkunzi:

She continues to be seen regularly around the lodge, a highlight was one morning when she met her cubs on the deck of room 5 after having them hidden around there for 4 days. Raymond and his guests watched as they all drank from the pool and then she led them off past the lodge toward a nearby Impala kill.

She is beginning to lead the cubs further and further away from the safety of their hiding places to feed on her kills. There was a close encounter at one such kill the other morning when some lions came in and treed one of the cubs and the Tegwaan male leopard for most of the day. She came back for the cub later in the afternoon after the lions had left and proceeded to lead the cub back to safety. Dave and Heinrich watched as the unphased cub stalked and managed to catch a Banded Mongoose while mom was trying to rush it to safety. What a sighting!

Mambirri:

Both Mambirri and her sub adult cub have been seen regularly, mostly on their own as the cub is nearly independant. Dave and Heinrich's guests were treated to some great interaction at Mambirri's latest Impala kill, she growled and snarled viciously whenever the cub came too close.She is making it very clear to her offspring that it is time to start catching her own food.

Kashaan male:

As in my previous post we have a HUGE male leopard that has moved into our traversing area and he is a beast. He has moved in from the east and we are hoping that he sets up his territory in the south. Gary and Dave had a great sighting of him in a tree in early morning sunlight with a warthog that he had caught the morning before.

Shikavi:

This very pretty female that has her territory in the north east has been seen hanging around a young male leopard. She is just coming into her prime and should start mating soon.

Lions:

Ximungwe Pride:

The lionesses have spread out all over the west and unfortunately we are now down to only 2 cubs, which are both extremely lucky to still be alive. The Mapogo male known as �Mr T� killed one when he found them on a kill in the south, the other 2 managed to hide close to a camp in the area. The mother has been moving these 2 all over the place since then trying to avoid the very unpopular �Mr T�. One of the females has come into oestrus again and we witnessed mating for a few days, let�s hope there is now some stability in the area so some cubs can be successfully raised.

Mapogos:

Four of the Mapogos have been spending a lot of time around Leopard Hills, they were in front of the camp for 3 days keeping guests and staff on their toes with their intense roaring.

Ottawa Pride:

The pride is looking very healthy, especially the 2 young males who are growing very big. We have seen them south of the Sand river a few times, once on a Kudu kill and then they chased Hlaba Nkunzi�s one cub and the Tegwaan male Leopard into a tree while they stole an impala kill.

Rhino:

There have been 2 young males fighting quite seriously close to our lodge for a few days, one memorable sighting of the sparring was out in the open on the airstrip. It seems like they are reaching the age of sexual maturity and are trying to sort out dominace status, the dominant bull just watched from a distance as the youngsters sorted out their differences.

Dave and Heinrich came across a Male Rhino close to Leopard Hill's Pan in front of the lodge and followed him for a while, he went to one of his middens, where he marked his territory. It was so good seeing a dominant male display this, as he kicked back with his hind legs to spread his dung onto the midden.

Buffalo:

Some old bulls have been around Leopard Hills for most of the month and we were treated to no less than 11 �Daggaboys� in one sighting. They were all horning bark, rubbing their heads on bushes and horn clashing sorting out the dominance hierarchy amongst each other.

Unusual sighting

Dave and the Kalan family were on their way to view a Leopard and stumbled upon 2 Side Striped Jackals which appeared to be stuck together. Well they snarled and growled at each other for another 5 minutes as they tried to �unlock� which is the final stage of mating in the canid family. A very rare moment witnessed by all of us for the first time, Abraham who has been tracking out here for 20 years has never seen such behaviour.

Till next month from Gary and the Leopard Hills rangers.

New male leopard.

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:17:39 +0200

And he is a beast............There is a new male leopard in our traversing area. He is a young male about 6 years old and has moved into a open territory in the south. He hasnt gone anywhere near the Tegwaan males territory (which is in the north) yet but hoping he doesn't.

We have refered to him as the "Khasaan" male he has moved in from the East. He was born and lived most of his life about 30 kms east from our traversing area. We could only be thinking that that the leopard density in the east is high and that is why he moved west.

We are all hoping that he sticks around as he is about 75 kg's witch is quiet large for a young male.

Hlaba Nkunze's Cub stalking

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:43:16 +0200

Watching one of Hlaba Nkunze's Cubs stalking and pouncing a Banded MongooseYesterday afternoon, Dave and I, with our guests had one of the most amazing sightings!

In the morning we saw one of Hlaba Nkunze's cubs in a tree with the Tegwaan Male Leopard, who is the father of Hlaba Nkunze's cubs, while the Ottawa Pride of Lions were lying quite close as they stole a kill that Hlaba Nkunze had made the previous day.

So that afternoon it was quite a relief to hear that the two had safely made it down the tree and away from the Lions and that Hlaba Nkunze had the other cub with her some distance away.

As Dave was going through an area to get to Hlaba Nkunze and her cub which they were following they saw her stalk and pounce on a Banded Mongoose, which she quickly took to a nearby thicket.

We sat listening to the squealing of the mongoose with a broken view through the bushes, as the cub had a good grip on the Mongoose's throat. It didn't take too long before it went quiet and we witnessed her making a successful kill this early in her life.

She then moved into a clearing giving us a good view of her and the kill she just made. Doing what young leopards do, she started playing with the Mongoose, rolling over.. tossing it up in the air.. and really having an amazing time!

This was a very special moment seeing Hlaba Nkunze as relaxed as she normally is around the vehicle with her cub not too far away playing with the mongoose.

Hlaba Nkunze has given so much wonderful viewing over the past couple of years and it's such a privilege to be able to view her cubs growing up under her care, she's an awesome mother!!

This was a very special sighting and something we will always remember and this will add to all the wonderful memories we have of Hlaba Nkunze.... and now her cubs too!

Side by Side...

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:03:10 +0200

We were treated to a truly rare and special sighting of 2 Side Striped Jackals in the final stages of mating yesterday morning.I am busy guiding the Kalan Family for 2 weeks and we have been treated to some really special sightings so far.

Arnold and Joan have been visiting and exploring Africa for over 20 years and it is a priveledge to drive people so passionate about our continent and her wildlife. Mike, their son and his wife Debra have just joined us for the second week. Their last safari was 11 years ago so they are long overdue and more passionate than ever!

We were on our way to view a Leopard yesterday when we came across these 2 Side Striped Jackals which looked like they were stuck together??

Nevertheless all the questions began flying around!!
Are they stuck?
Siamese twins? Wow! They have survived along time stuck together!
Are they mating?

After at least 5 minutes of snarling at each other they suddenly broke away and ran in opposite directions.

Abraham my tracker has not seen this in over 20 years in the bush, I have certainly never seen it before and chatting to Duncan back at the lodge he has also never witnessed such behaviour.

The mammal books were hauled out and Google was expertly operated by Louise to find the answer.

It turns out when the dog family mate, the male's penis base (Bulbus glandis) swells during intromission. The female vulval entrance also swells, effectively locking the animals together.

The male will cock a leg over the female's back and they stand back to back until swelling subsides, usually 1 to 2 minutes. We witnessed this for at least 5 minutes, so these 2 were locked for an unusually long time.

This apparently ensures that sperm is transferred effectively in a single mating session! The animals stand back to back to look for danger while they are in this vulnerable position.

A rare moment witnessed and appreciated by us all, none more deserving than Arnold and Joan with so many years spent visiting the Arican bush.

Lounging Leopards.

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:17:22 +0200

At 05h30 this morning our Guests were joined for early morning Coffee by one of the Hlaba Nkunzi Female Leopards cubs!!Johannes, one of our night duty staff, was busy setting up the early morning coffee station in the upstairs dining area, when suddenly a movement in the lower lounge caught his attention.

There was something moving under the couch, but in the low light of the early morning it was difficult to fathom what it could be. Grabbing a torch, this is what he saw��!!!!!

Like her mother before her, the Hlaba Nkunzi Female has taken to leaving her cubs in Camp while she goes off hunting, feeling it is a safe place for them to be. As a cub herself she used to roam this Lodge while her mother Makwela was hunting, she knows this place so well.

The cub just lay there watching, even as the Rangers and their Guests gathered and had their coffee, unfazed the cub watched with interest. Eventually, with a seeming air of boredom about it, the cub moved to the rock in the lower lounge and climbed out into the cold morning air, leaving behind a speechless gathering of Guests and Staff alike, thanks to Heinrich for having the foresight to snap some pictures for us.

Following this amazing encounter Heinrich and his Guests wandered across this amazing sight, wow what a morning!!

Promised photos :-)

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:53:21 +0200

I hope you like it!

My home in Africa!

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 00:06:59 +0200

It was great to be back!Louise, Duncan - Thank you for everything. It was a great pleasure to meet you again!
Gary, it was fantastic to see you on the airstrip again � d�j� vu? 

Yes, Leopard Hills is my home in Africa and I can�t help it. The both of you created this sanctuary your own way and it is absolutely perfect - I salute you! During my first trip I left at the lodge part of my heart and of my soul and as you said Duncan, it's for free, so let it be that way :-) Bush is like venom in my blood and I don't want to be cured!

Every single game drive, each day brings plenty of sightings, emotions, knowledge and happiness! Heinrich, you are young talented Star and from the bottom of my heart I wish you roaring success and many adventures for looong time at Leopard Hills - thank you for your passion and patience - very impressive!

Can you imagine anything better than red African sunset with majestic God's Window far on the horizon...Can you imagine relaxed jackal joining you at that moment - no, you can't - you have to experience all that spectrum of feelings yourself. Before my first safari, I was quite skeptic hearing all stories about bush and wild life - till I came to Leopard Hills two and a half years ago...and then, I've started a new chapter in my life, hope it never stop. The atmosphere at the lodge is great, from the first step you are a member of the big family, like you've been there many many times. The hospitality, knowledge and devotion of entire LH Team are on the A level! Gosh, it's so hard to name all those fantastic little things which create the whole picture...bed time story, chocolate box nicely wrapped on the pillow, personal cards handmade and each time different like a fingers prints...wow, it is wonderful. Leopard Hills offers a lot! For me bush veld, it's not only Big Five, which is of course great to see, but it's a landscape, it's a smell of air, exotic birds, trees and sound - yes, starting from dusk all animals begin their concerts. The first time I couldn't believe it's real! It is magic, like the whole world doesn't exist anymore! Nothing can give the kick of adrenalin, like a roaring Lion! The vibrations infiltrate the body so intensive, that there is no doubt who is the King - I LOVE IT!!!! After visit at Leopard Hills it is hard to find a better place on Earth. Sabi Sands spoils, the amount of animals is huge, if you like Big Cats, you will love it even more! There was no single game drive without spotting leopard and lions - walking, on the kill or just resting - amazing!!! One thing worries me a lot - gaining weight - gourmet cuisine is so lovely, you can't avoid any meal! Starting from early morning with muffins, hot chocolate + amarula, finishing on 5 course dinner! Beautifully served, taste even better! Thank God there is gym, but I haven't seen too many volunteers ;-) I tried to squeeze time given at LH as much as I could and I did a trip to Elephant Whisper - stunning experience, it changed my entire clue about those amazing animals completely. They are intelligent, gentle and patient. Next to them I felt like a dust in the air...I will always keep those moments in my heart - especially big bull Tembo 3.2m and still growing :-)

For those of you who had been privileged to meet a legendary Makwela: in the Library waits magnificent tribute to The African Regina � framed collage - I couldn't take my eyes of it! Thank you Gary, she should be remembered! Without her it wouldn't be the same! I did not dare to put my comment next to all of you, who seen her growing, hunting and raising cubs...maybe someday in the future, but not now. I don't deserve it yet....I had to control my emotions seeing her daughter Hlaba Nkunze raising a new generation of leopards at the same place - Like Mother like Daughter - good luck sweet-pie!

To all Bush People - Baie Dankie!

The Sound of the Wild

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:49:07 +0200

For three nights last week Staff and Guests alike got very little sleep.Every night without fail, just South of the Lodge, and shortly after sunset, the bush would come alive with the sounds of two of the Resident Dominant Male Lions, proclaiming their Territory. This was very simply a warning to any intruding Nomadic Males, "make a choice........leave or come and talk to us'!!

Thank you Heinrich for the footage.

Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy.

A very Short Drive

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 12:01:54 +0200

It is definitely not the first time and will definitely not be the last time that the Game drives have not even left the car park and encountered their first memorable sighting.Early this morning some of our Staff on their way to the Lodge, witnessed the Hlaba Nkunzi Female leopard killing an Impala right in front of their vehicle.

They radioed Raymond who responded immediately and found her on her way back to the Lodge where she has had her cubs stashed away for the last four days. He followed her all the way back to the Lodge and had an amazing sighting of her meeting up with the cubs on the deck of Room 5.

She has now taken them back to the kill, not far from Camp, I am sure there will be some great sightings of her on this afternoons drive.

Many thanks to Kelly Joyce for the amazing pictures she captured during this happy reunion between mother and cubs.

My First drive as a Ranger at Leopard Hills

Wed, 4 Aug 2010 12:47:41 +0200

It was a perfect afternoon in the bush, to start off at Leopard Hills with my guiding.It was a beautiful Winters day in the Sabi Sands and during the afternoon I had met my guests that I would be taking on Safari. Bill and Elisse have been on many safaris, Justin and Danielle joining us for their honeymoon and Vishnu and Harshika who had been at the lodge for a couple of nights.

We set off into the bush full of excitement, as this was a very special moment being able to join the guides in the Sabi Sands, especially at Leopard Hills. While driving we had some Impala and Nyala come close to the vehicle, which really got everyone into the mood of being on safari..

There was a herd of Blue Wildebeest on an open clearing with perfect afternoon sunlight, The Wildebeest kept feeding without much notice to us, while we enjoyed this great setting.

After driving around for a bit, stopping at sites where Elephant had been digging for roots and visible signs of them eating the bark of branches, we went into a drainage line where we had an amazing sighting.

At the bottom this drainage line, there was an open area where the leopard, Hlaba Nkunze and her two cubs were busy eating the last remains of a kill she had made some time before. They came to a couple of meters away from the vehicle and being as relaxed as she is, it gave the guests opportunity for some breathtaking photos. During this time her cubs were up and down and cause for quite some excitement as they jumped through the grass and approached the vehicle.

After that wonderful experience with the leopard and her two cubs, we enjoyed drinks with the light fading and made our way back to camp after a very exciting drive with a very special leopard sighting.

A big thanks to the guests, who shared this special moment with me....

Duncan, Louise and all the Staff at Leopard Hills who have been guiding me and who have been a huge support, thank you very much!!!!