November Safari in Pictures

Hello, hello, and welcome to our first ‘monthly’ review!** Here, we take a look back at the happenings of Tanda Tula’s main families and characters, whose antics keep us all enthralled. We also showcase some of our photographic highlights, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy seeing what’s been happening in this part of the Greater Kruger Park over the past thirty days!

The First Good Rains of Summer

If you’ve been following the blog this past year, you’ll know it’s been one of the driest years we’ve experienced in quite some time. As the early summer heat bore down on the landscape, the little moisture left in the Timbavati quickly disappeared. A bit of rain (27mm) in October caused some trees to sprout new leaves, but it was a much-needed 76mm over three days in the middle of this month that truly transformed the surroundings. What was once a dry, dusty bushveld turned into a verdant green paradise. Grass and annual plants sprouted from the scorched earth, mud wallows filled with water—and animals—and vibrant green leaves adorned trees that had seemed lifeless only weeks before.

This is always a magical time of year in the bush, as life begins to thrive. Migratory birds returned to the area: the calls of the first woodland kingfishers were heard mid-month, cuckoos echoed across the reserve, migratory waders strutted around the pans, and knob-billed ducks frequented the new bodies of water scattered throughout the reserve. It’s a time of abundance, and we hope for even more rain.

An additional 10mm fell toward the end of the month, but much more is needed; without it, the hot temperatures that closed out the month could quickly dry things out. On the bright side, these hot summer days turn waterholes and wallows into bustling hubs of activity during the heat of the day.

Late Baby Boom

One of the more peculiar occurrences this month was the unusually late arrival of baby impalas. By the end of November, I had only seen one! While the first was reported as early as November 8th, this is the latest I’ve ever seen the baby impala explosion begin. Although some might attribute this to the late rains, it’s more likely due to the timing of May’s full moon—the peak of the mating season—which fell on May 23rd this year, leading to delayed conception and, consequently, later births. The good news? Next month, we’ll likely see plenty of baby impalas!

In contrast, we’ve already spotted newborn wildebeest, zebras, and baby elephants.

The Dominance of Lions Continues

November reaffirmed why Tanda Tula is one of the best destinations for lion viewing. These apex predators continue to dominate the central Timbavati.

The Sark Breakaway Pride, or the “Killing Machine” as Eric (one of our trackers) calls them, spent most of the month in the eastern part of their territory, frequently seen near camp. They earned their nickname after being observed—right from camp—taking down three buffaloes at once as a herd of 900 approached Tanda Tula’s dam for a midday drink. A week later, the pride claimed another three buffaloes from the same herd. Unsurprisingly, the herd eventually moved away, and the pride shifted its focus, catching a zebra near camp one evening and a wildebeest a few days later. To close out the month, they managed to bring down two giraffes on a particularly windy night.

One of the Vuyela males spent most of the month with the Sark Breakaways and remained remarkably tolerant of his now three-year-old offspring, who should soon be venturing off on their own. If more Vuyela males join the pride, this dynamic might change.

Leopard Surprises

Leopard sightings were sporadic this month, thanks to the thicker vegetation brought by the rains. However, Dzindza proved to be a consistent star, often seen lounging in marula and knobthorn trees, escaping the heat and scouting for prey.

In a surprising twist, a long-lost leopard reappeared. Nkaya, Thumbela’s last daughter, was identified after having vanished in early 2019. It was a delight to see her return to her natal region, and we hope she sticks around to claim this prime territory.

Cheetah and Wild Dog Updates

Cheetah sightings were strong at the start of the month, with two males seen separately, both with impala kills. However, as the rains set in, their movements became harder to track. Wild dogs also made a dramatic return, with the larger pack of 23 members cycling through the area.

Big Herd Movements

The large herd of 900 buffaloes, initially seen at the start of the month, dispersed following the rains and pressure from the Sark Breakaway Pride. Smaller bachelor groups of buffalo bulls remain a common sight, enjoying the plentiful mud wallows.

Elephants, too, have spread across the reserve. One memorable moment was when a guest witnessed a mother elephant giving birth near camp—a surreal, moonlit experience. Most herds have welcomed at least one new calf, with more expected as summer progresses.

And that’s the month that was! November was a busy, exciting time at Tanda Tula, and we look forward to welcoming more guests during the festive season. If this month is anything to go by, we’re in for an incredible summer.

Stay tuned for next week’s “Photos of the Year” blog and an update on the River Pride.

Until next time,
Chad