3 March
AM
A huge weather front had moved in overnight, and the rain was pelting down as we set out on drive. This didn't deter us as we searched around for some game. Our efforts were finally rewarded when we came across the female leopard, Kaalkol, near the Buffelshoek Airstrip. She was mobile when we found her, but soon she moved into a thicket to find some shelter until the rain eased up. At this point, it was pouring heavily and we decided to quit while we were ahead. It was a fairly long drive back to Vuyatela, so we decided to make our way back before getting soaked to the bone.

PM
By this afternoon, the rain had subsided and the sun was able to break through the rainclouds. As we drove about, we came across several elephant bulls, enjoying the cool weather as they walked about, feeding. Before sunset, we joined a sighting of a young male leopard (White Cloth Female's cub.). He was stalking about around Three in a Row Pan, looking for some prey to sneak up on. At this point, another weather front had begun to move in as the wind picked up and lighting was flashing on the horizon. It was quite a lightshow, as the clouds covered the stars and moon, making the sky pitch black. The lighting would strike dramatically, illuminating the blackness.

4 March
AM
When we awoke this morning, after having a rainstorm overnight, the bush was wet and fragrant. We headed up Gowrie Cutline, where we bumped into the old Manyeleti male lion. We was rather soggy, and looking a bit miserable, as he lay in the wet grass. He was nodding off sleepily while the early morning sun made it's way over the horizon. Later in the morning, we stopped for a lovely elephant bull on Cheetah Cutline. He was swaying back and forth, under a marula tree, eating the over ripe fruit. A few of the Skuthane lionesses were also seen this morning, as they made an appearance at Kudu Corner.

PM
This afternoon, the sun was blazing, but thanks to last night's rain, the weather had remained fairly cool. As we drove past Jordaan's Dam, we came across a pair of elephant bulls, coming to the water for a drink. After quenching their thirst, they walked off towards Manyeleti. We also headed into Manyeleti, to check the dams for any sign of rhino. We checked S9 Dam first, but had no sign. We then headed in the direction of S8, when we had a nice surprise. Along the way, we bumped into a crash of seven rhino as they were crossing the road. They didn't stick around for long, but we got a great visual of them while they were out in the open. After dark, as we returned to Vuyatela, several daga boys were lying in the water at Gowrie Dam.

5 March
AM
We are definitely getting spoiled with rhino sightings. This morning, a very relaxed bull, was grazing in a clearing near Three in a Row Pan (Buffelshoek.). When we joined the sighting, the bull simply ignored us as he walked along, mowing the lush, green grass, with his square lips. He didn't even seem to be going in any direction as he walked in circles, enjoying the meal. Later, we joined a sighting of a herd of buffalo, near Gowrie Gate. Most of them were still lying up, while the rest had slowly begun to stir. They would most likely head for water, to quench their thirst after a long night. We also had a few great elephant sightings this morning, as there are still plenty of tasty marulas and sweet leaves for them to eat, in the area.

PM
This afternoon, we came across a male leopard on Shabaam Road. This male who we believe to be from Manyeleti (Who we used to see regularly, but haven't seen for a while.) was stalking through the bush, next to the road. He is fairly skittish, and doesn't allow you to get too close, before walking off. He led us through the most incredible thicket, towards Treehouse Dam, where we eventually lost him in the bush. At nightfall, we relocated the herd of buffalo from this morning, near Sydney's Dam. They had just finished their second drink of the day, and were heading back towards the rest. This particular herd has a tremendous amount of tiny calves amongst them. Many of the females have given birth as there has been fairly good rain and there is still a lot of food available to them. The elephant sightings were also great this evening.

The Ranger's diary is updated weekly

ARCHIVES