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In the Ranger's Diary we tend to concentrate on the "Big Five" or rather the "Big Seven" since these are the most popular animals. The "Big Seven" includes lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and wild dog. The term "Big Five" (the first five animals listed) was historically used to denote the five most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa. Fortunately the term is now used to describe the most popular animals.
 

9 April
PM
-A total of 6 Rhino were seen on the reserves northern Boundary grazing on the open area's close to Big Dam.
-A large herd of Buffalo were found north of Big Dam
-Elephant Bulls were found all over the reserve.
-6 Lionesses from the Styx pride were found east of Nkorho, hunting Impala. Their persistence paid off and they managed to kill a young female Impala, which was devoured in minutes.

10 April
AM
-4 Rhino were found North of Big Dam
-1 Buffalo bull was found to the east of Jordaan's Dam.
-Elephant Bulls were found all over the reserve.
-2 Lionesses and 2 cubs (Milkberry Pride) were found near Khaya Manzi waterhole resting.

PM
-A breeding herd of Buffalo were found at Big Dam drinking.
-A lone bull Rhino was found near Bushbuck Dam feeding and scent marking.
-Elephant bulls were found all over the reserve.

16 May
AM
-2 Male Cheetahs were found resting on the Umbrella Thorn open area with very full bellies.
-Elephant bulls were found all over the reserve, especially around Torchwood trees, where they were feeding on the fallen fruit.

PM
-The 2 Cheetah seen on the morning drive were still resting in the same spot as earlier in the day. They eventually got up and moved northwards away from the clearing.
-2 Lionesses and 2, 7-8 month old cubs, were found at Big Dam. They were looking hungry, but were not seen to kill anything during the game drive.
-The White Cloth Female and her cub were found near Bush Lodge moving east. The female moved off the road and looked interested in something further South and East of the road. They were lost in thick bush, but were soon relocated near the Fig Tree. The female had successfully caught and adult male Impala and was busy killing it with a strong bit to the throat. She then dragged it into a thicket and both Leopards began feeding on it.
About 2 Hours later 2 Hyenas moved in and stole the Kill from the Leopards, who could only look on as their meal disappeared in front of them.
It was a great drive and we were really lucky to have been able to see all 3 of Africa's "big cats" in one evening.

17 May
AM
-A crash of 5 Rhinos were found on the Manyeleti Boundary. They were slightly nervous of the vehicles and it was decided to leave them undisturbed.
-4 Lionesses (Nkuhuma) pride were found near Bushbuck Dam. They were looking hungry and tried hunting a mixed herd of Giraffe, Zebra and Impala. The Giraffe however, spotted the cats and the hunt was foiled.

PM
-1 Male Leopard (Mafufanyane) was found moving south toward the MMM junction. He spent some time scent marking on the ground and on bushes. He eventually crossed over the boundary to the south.
-A small Herd of Elephants were seen moving south from Twin Dams.

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