If you can believe it, we’re already talking about the next change of season. While we are still experiencing what should be the last of the summer rainfall, there is a distinct chill in the early mornings that is announcing the start of winter. However, this doesn’t mean that the sightings are freezing up as we have had yet another incredible month of game-viewing.

So, without further ado, here are only a few of the incredible things our guests have been able to witness.

We found Tisela relaxing in a marula tree, quite content until something across the clearing caught her attention.

Her demeanour instantly changed. She moved with remarkable speed and silence, descending the tree to begin stalking her prey. She was incredibly stealthy, moving from one shrub to another without even flinching when a scrub hare unexpectedly bolted from a nearby bush.

We observed her unwavering focus for a good forty minutes, though we never did see what she was actually hunting. Eventually, she settled down in a dense shrub, almost completely hidden from view, presumably to rest and recharge before continuing her hunt – a common behaviour for leopards.

This sighting truly exemplified why she is known as “the patient one.” She doesn’t waste energy on risky shortcuts, consistently demonstrating exceptional patience in her hunting strategies. It’s clear that this measured approach is a significant factor in her success as a mother to her two thriving cubs.

Melting hearts is the only way I can describe the mood in the vehicle as this little one and his mom came closer and closer to us. What a privilege it always is to be spending time in the presence of these amazing animals. It is truly overwhelming to be this close to one of these true gentle giants and her baby. The reality is that through all the pressure of poaching, these animals are still fighting back, and the will to live is so strong. This sighting of this little one is a sign of hope for the future and survival of this precious species.

We had the incredible opportunity to sit with a gorgeous female cheetah and her 3 sub-adult cubs. The scene was beautifully set in the clearings with the mother on the move, while the 3 cubs spent most of their time chasing, tackling and biting each other. With the temperature starting to ramp up in the late morning sun, mom decided to come to rest in the shade of a Tamboti thicket.

I usually try and emphasize the profoundness of just how special it is seeing a relaxed cheetah in the wild, as the numbers are staggering to think about. There are roughly 6500 individuals left in the wild, of which around 4000 are in southern Africa, less than 1000 in South Africa itself, and only around 400 in the Kruger National Park. To be sitting with 4 healthy and fully wild individuals in these circumstances is just beyond special.

I truly do wish everyone that gets the opportunity to come on safari with us has the privilege to see these magnificent and rare animals.

See video.

On safari we often get caught up in the excitement of finding our next prized animal, whether it be a lion, leopard or a herd of elephants. Sometimes we forget to take in the beauty of our surroundings, the ancient trees growing along the river, the hills that were formed thousands of years ago, or even the blanket of stars that cover the beautiful land at the end of another great day on safari!

Stars have of course been around since the beginning of time. Every man, woman and animal to ever live has looked up at the same night sky. It’s been a form of navigation and storytelling for so many different tribes and cultures all around the world…

Leopard Hills being located in the southern hemisphere, is extremely lucky to be covered by the beautiful Milky Way and we quite often find ourselves in the pitch-black darkness, parked in a riverbed somewhere on the reserve in complete awe of the noises and the night sky. The vastness of the unknown absolutely fascinates me and I very often find myself wondering what’s out in the universe. For some it might be a bit philosophical, but if you’re willing to observe the stars for the shortest time I think you’ll find that your fascination grows as well…

On your next safari, make sure to look up every now and again. I promise you won’t regret it.

With the Ximungwe pride being our resident pride, we tend to monitor them quite closely and as guides a lot of us get attached to these beautiful animals.

In the past couple of months, we’ve been lucky enough to watch them take care of two very cute little males, until about a week ago…

The sighting started just like any other, I quickly noticed that one youngster was missing. Of course, this didn’t raise too much suspicion as young male lions can be very curious and might wander off on occasion. It was only when mom got up and started calling for her cub alongside the rest of the pride, that it became clear. They’ve lost one cub…

Everyone has got a different theory as to what happened, it could be as simple as not being able to cross a river or a fight with another pride.

Lions’ success rate in the first year is only 50% and 80% of lions pass before adulthood. But just because this statistic exists doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story, in fact there is a silver lining.

Mom only has one responsibility now and she can give all of her energy to raise this one cub. The Plains Camp males are the fathers and have done a good job at taking care of the pride, let’s hope they can keep this little guy safe.

As is the case quite frequently here in The West, we have been blessed with a proverbial smorgasbord of sightings to reflect on from this month’s safaris. From Tisela and her cubs’ new adventures, to time spent under the African night sky. If you haven’t had the opportunity to witness sights like the ones discussed here then why not look at staying with us – you won’t regret it.

If you’re interested in experiencing an awe-inspiring South African safari, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our reservations desk at book@leopardhills.com.

Alternatively, click here and make use of the quick and seamless online booking process and start planning your ideal vacation today.

We look forward to welcoming you to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve.