Nature has been putting on a dramatic and spectacular show in the African bushveld this dry season.
As water sources dwindle and the bush thins out, there have been near-daily big cat sightings, bustling waterhole activity to heightened dramatic scenes of predator-prey stand offs. The last few months have been wildly spectacular both on the ground and in the skies. Birds have been putting on equally thrilling aerial displays of predator-prey action. Here are some of the wildest wildlife highlights and unforgettable moments in the wild captured from guests and guides with bated breaths.
Spotted hyena feasting on a buffalo. Captured by guests, Julie and Kyle Radek at Umkumbe (also the cheetah above)
Fluffy Waterbuck by guests, Julie and Kyle Radek at Umkumbe
The silhouette of a leopard against the setting African sun near Nyala Safari Lodge
Clever critters. Mongoose sighting near Nyala safari Lodge
It’s not just about the big cats
It’s not just about seeing the big 5 or larger predators in action. Some of the most fascinating encounters come from sighting the often overlooked critters and small creatures on safari. Mongoose are cousins of meerkats.
These sharp, witty critters live in highly social communities (in mobs, actually!) They are known to have a fascinating mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship with the charismatic yellow-billed hornbills.
Hornbills will follow a mob as they scurry and forage through undergrowth, snapping up insects that the mongoose don’t eat. In turn, they will alert mongoose of predators. Hornbills have been known to impatiently wait outside termite mounds occupied by mongoose, chirping until they awaken so that their foraging breakfast feast can begin!
Predators of the skies. Capture by Paul Zimmer, guest at Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Mother and calf. Protecting the future. Capture by Paul Zimmer, guest at Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Leopard having a fat cat nap near nThambo Tree camp in the Klaserie
Eat. Safari. Sleep. Repeat.
Daily rituals of life in the bush.
Ostrich mid-bite at Umkumbe Safari Lodge. Creative captured by guest, Paul Zimmer
A leopard mid feast. taken by the Gault family near Nthambo Tree Camp
Wild visitors at Chacma Bush Camp.
Bustling water hole near nThambo Tree Camp
Lioness and cub near Boteti Tented Camp, Botswana
Dry season night skies at Nthambo Tree Camp
Dry season in the African bush means crisp, clear night skies. Stargaze beneath the thick river of the Milky Way above and a crackling, warm fire beside you. Nights are magical in the wild. Spot shooting stars overhead while the riveting sounds of the wild echo all around, enjoy storytelling around the fire. A safari is a total reset for the nervous system. A reminder of an ancient magic and way of being.
Surrender to a wildness within and around you.
Close encounters at Nthambo Tree Camp
Ready for your close up?
Contact our reservations team here to book your next boutique bush escape.
The Sun Destinations portfolio of exclusive safari lodges and private bush camps offers an exciting array of unique safari experiences in Southern Africa.
The best time to go on safari is as soon as possible. Unforgettable moments await.
A leopard with its kill at Nambu Camp
Wild dog puppies take a nap near nThambo Tree Camp. Denning season is almost done and soon these pups will be ready to join their pack to hunt
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