Epic battles, baby booms and predator prowess: November at Umzolozolo
No game drive is ever the same. Every time we head out onto Nambiti, there is something new to experience. The month of November proved this many times over!
I begin with an account of the most epic battle! On a morning safari, I drove out of the lodge and turned down Porcupine Ridge towards the Ndaka River. The air was still and we were scanning the thickets for activity. To my left, I saw two grey bodies barreling down the hill towards the river. On closer inspection I realised it was two black rhino bulls involved in a territorial battle. The two were exchanging blow for blow and it was evident that things were serious.
The battle moved down into the river bed where slippery shale provided a perilous arena. At this stage, Field Guide Promise joined me as we watched on with awe and disbelief. The two bulls rammed, jabbed and shoved each other, frequently drawing blood and clearly leaving bruises. The water and mud splashed around their feet as the combatants relentlessly pounded and pushed. They were physically exhausted, but with so much at stake the battle raged on for at least 75 minutes. It was truly epic and certainly unforgettable!
Towards the middle of the month, our baby boom began. We have seen chicks, lambs, calves and piglets at every turn. The newborns are exploring their new home and scooting around the plains and thickets without a care in the world.
A feature for the month has been the frequency and quality of sightings when it came to the northern lionesses, black rhino, white rhino, cheetah and eland. Not only have we had fantastic moments, but also interesting behaviours and interactions.
I remember parking Hoopoe 1 on Tatu, Field Guide Mark was in the same loc, and experiencing a brave and intense stalk and hunt. The northern lionesses tried to take down a buffalo. They failed in the end. The experience was still very exciting!
The oldest cheetah female on Nambiti has been spending loads of time in and around the lodge. Her favourite time of the year is here! She has stalked and ambushed at least four impala lambs on our access road or down at Hoopoe Dam. While nobody likes to see a newborn animal lose its life, we have to appreciate that predators have to eat and populations have to be kept in check. She isn’t the only spotted hunter who has been targeting the bounty. Our brave mother of five cubs is putting veal on the dinner table every couple of days to keep them growing bigger and stronger! Sightings of her are infrequent, but equally as rewarding when the stars align!
We have had some exciting new additions to the predator population on the reserve with the release of two young male lions. The pair hail from Zululand and have been quite elusive up to now. Nobody has spotted them on game drive yet! Meanwhile, there are three new African Wild Dogs that are getting used to their new surroundings in a boma on the reserve. They are being monitored closely and we will keep you posted on their release date!
With the passing of his brother, our dominant male lion is adjusting to the role of lone king. Moments with the handsome cat are fewer and certainly cherished. He was enjoying some quality time with the Ntombi pride before joining the Tswalu pride in the south where he could be seen from Umzolozolo.
Just a few more quick updates on some of the characters you know and love. Our youngest cheetah mom has been seen teaching her two cubs how to stalk and hunt prey. They have been dodging the lions and buffaloes up in the north for most of November. The elephant herd has been darting from south to north and east to west. Highlights with the grey giants have been when they swim in the dams in the south and also when the entire herd strides through the open plains. The cheetah boys, as always, provide us with epic moments and special photographic opportunities. They know the catwalk and we love them for it!
From the lodge side, we have almost completed phase two of our solar installation and will soon be completely off the grid! We hosted a beautiful wedding, and celebrated with birthdays and anniversaries!
Summer storms have started, and the weather is unpredictable out here! Remember to pack waterproof clothing and to bring your bottles with you to help us reduce plastic and paper waste! We are looking forward to sharing memorable moments with you during your next visit.
See you out there! Stay wild!
Head Guide Noleen Turner