21 October
PM
The drive started with a small group of Buffalo bulls being found at the Jacobin clearing.
A large Elephant bull with very long tusks that has been spotted numerous times on the Djuma reserve recently was found near 3 Pan. He had just pushed down a huge Marula tree and was feeding on the spoils.
2 Rhinos (Cow and calf) were found near green pan, moving slowly into the woodland.

22 October
AM
The morning drive started with a sighting of a herd of Buffalo feeding near Torchwood camp.
3 Lions (Skuthane females and Manyeleti Male) were found at Vuyatela Dam. One of the females was mating with the male and it was the first time we had observed these females with this particular male who is often seen in the west of the reserve.
The Hyena den was very active with adults and young socializing around the rocks which have become their home the past 2 months or so.

PM
A female Cheetah was found near Long Pole laying in the shade of a Guarri bush. She remained there for some time until deciding to move when it became cooler at dusk. She followed the scent of a group of Impala and made one unsuccessful attempt at catching it.
The three Lions at Vuyatela were still mating right in front of the lodge at the waterhole.

23 October
AM
A herd of Buffalo was found at 3 Pan drinking.
Male Elephants were seen all over the reserve on this drive, but most of them seemed to be centered on the waterholes.
A female Cheetah was seen on the Kruger Park Boundary but she was very skittish and was left heading off into the bush close to Buffalo Dam.

PM
2 female Lions (Sandy Patch) were found at Nyala Dam drinking. After they had finished they began to move towards the east and were lost heading into thick bush near Khaya Manzi. One female looks heavily pregnant and it is thought that she will drop any day soon. Something to look forward to!!!!
A Rhino Bull (Half Ear) was found near the old airstrip, where it was feeding quietly in the riverbed.
2 Elephant bulls were found on Dolerite road feeding.

24 October
AM
A herd of Buffalo was found at 2nd Rock laying down. After a short cloud burst during the night the rock pools had filled with water and it is thought that the buffalo moved in for a clean drink of water.
The Hyena den was active again.
Elephants were found all over the reserve.

PM
1 female Leopard (Beacon Female) and her two cubs were found at Buffelshoek dam drinking. They were followed as the mother led the way straight back to an Impala Kill she had made and the cubs immediately started to feed. Not long after dark a Hyena rushed in, chasing the cubs away and stealing the carcass. The female Leopard who picked up scraps from the kill whenever the Hyena moved the carcass followed the Hyena.
A large herd of Buffalo was found at 3 Pan drinking alongside 2 bull Elephants.

25 October
AM
A herd of Buffalo was found on Rhino Cutline feeding slowly to the North.
There were a number of bulls Elephants seen throughout the reserve.
3 Rhinos were seen close to Jordaan's Dam.
1 Male Lion (Manyeleti Male) was found East of Galago Laying on the clearing.
1 Male Lion (Old Eastern Male) was found on Kaalkol Clearing laying in the shade of a Guarri Bush.

The Ranger's diary is updated weekly

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