23 November to 30 November 2008

As we approach mid summer in the Sabi Sands we have been blessed with abundant rain and the normal hot weather. Humidity levels have soared in the area and the vegetation is very thick and green. The impala have started to drop their young and the bush is teaming with babies.

Sightings have been phenomenal this week and we were yet again given the opportunity to witness mating leopards. Tyson and Salayexe put up an Oscar worthy performance in the Manyeleti riverbed with Tyson trying to hide from the female under a fallen tree. Salayexe, the 3 year old female tried to initiate mating but on this hot day Tyson ( 9 years old) would have none of it. She persisted and Tyson fell under the age old female spell and mating began.

At a waterhole in the South of our traversing area we witnessed a friendly confrontation between a 3 month old baby elephant and a lone hippo bull. The little elephant was caught unawares during his mud bath when the hippo resurfaced for some fresh air. Failing to make any impression on the bull with his mock attacks the young elephant was eventually forced to call in reinforcement from his mother.

General game in the area has been good with another female hyena seen with her two 4 week old cubs. As the cubs are still wary of the vehicles we could not view them for very long but will keep you updated in the next months. 

Regards The Simbambili Team