10 October
AM
The Styx Pride was located on Cheetah plains and were laying around a termite mound before being spotted by a large herd of Buffalo. The buffalo did not warm to the lions close proximity and charged the lions repeatedly, sending Lions scattering in all directions. The pride eventually moved south across the boundary to lick there wounds and "pride".
3 very large Elephant bulls were seen on the Southern boundary close to the Ground Hornbills Nest.

PM
1 female Leopard cub (Beacon female's cub) was found at Nag Apie Draai. She was very relaxed and entertained the game viewers with her antics. She was left in the same place just before nightfall.
A Large male Lion (Manyeleti) was found at Nyala Dam. He was being very vocal and it is thought that he was looking for the Sandy patch female as they had not been seen together the past few days.
Another large male Lion (The Old Eastern Male) was found east of 2nd Rock and was also vocalizing as well as scent marking.
6 Rhinos were seen on Lion pan clearing.
Male Elephants were abundant as usual.

11 October
AM
2 Lionesses (Sandy Patch Pride) were found on the western side of Vuyatela Lodge. They were sleeping in the thick bush, which surrounds Khaya 8.
2 Leopards were found mating east of Guarri Pan. The male was identified as the Jordaan's male, but there was some debate as to the identity of the female. It was thought to be the Beacon female.
2 young Rhino bulls were found on the Bush Lodge entrance road. They were standing around grazing, before they moved north towards the firebreak.
A Breeding herd of Elephant was found in the Mlowati River at Spaghetti Junction.

PM
A large Herd of Buffalo was located at 3 Pans, moving slowly to the East.
A large male Lion (the Old Eastern Male) was found on the east of Bush Lodge laying down.
Elephants were found all over the reserve.

12 October
AM
1 female Leopard (Beacon female) and her 2 cubs were located at Nyala dam. They looked well fed and were relaxing in a small river system to the west of the dam.
A herd of Buffalo was seen on 2nd Rock moving north
Elephants were all over the reserve once again.

PM
1 male Leopard cub (Beacon Females cub) was found at the same place where they had been seen on the morning drive.
2 Leopards (Jordaan's Male and an unidentified female) were seen at Buffelshoek Dam mating. They were last seen moving to the West.
1 young Male Leopard (Mithlothi) was seen at Sussen's Dam. He was well fed and followed to Khaya Manzi Dam.
There was a large herd of Buffalo at Sussen's dam.

13 October
AM
1 male Lion (Old Eastern Male) was found in front of Bush Lodge. He was looking well fed and was covered in Porcupine Quills. His meal had come at a cost but no sooner had he lay down that he began grooming and removing the quills from his chest and side.
A large herd of Buffalo was found at 3 Pan drinking.
A group of 9 Buffalo Bulls was found on Nyala drive.

PM
The large Male Lion was found still sleeping on the Eastern side of Bush Lodge.
A group of 3 Rhinos were found at 2nd Rock. Another Group of 5 Rhinos were found at Big Dam.
A Large of Buffalo was found at Khaya Manzi.
Male Elephants were found all over the reserve.

14 October
AM
A large Herd of Buffalo was found at Nyala Dam drinking.
3 Large Elephant Bulls were found close to Treehouse dam.
A Female Cheetah and 2 very young cubs were found at Marula pan. It is the first time we have seen these cubs and they were a bit unsure of the vehicles. With the sighting being restricted to just 1 vehicle and viewing first from a distance the cubs soon relaxed and some great viewing was had by all vehicles. We hope to bring you allot more news of this Cheetah family in the weeks to come.

The Ranger's diary is updated weekly

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