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Big lion pride on the move at Ezulwini

If there’s one animal we can count on seeing almost every day, it’s lions. Although one can never predict what happens in the bush, and we count ourselves lucky for each and every moment we spend with the wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve, we are really spoilt with the biggest African cat.

The complicated dynamics of a lion pride mean that male cubs grow up and have to move out of the pride as ‘teenagers’ in search of their own turf. There can only be one male or coalition of males in charge of one pride, so when equally matched males come head to head, there is bound to be a fight, and at times the pride can split. This was the case with the Olifants West Pride, which is a known pride at Ezulwini. The two dominant males fought and one left taking half of the pride with him.

Now each pride has 13 lions, one of which we saw over the weekend! Also referred to as the Mohlabetsi Pride, this parade of cats with very full bellies moving through the area was a fantastic sight to behold. It looked as if they had killed something large like a giraffe and were now on the move for water. The natural behaviour of lions can be quite predictable if you get to know them. After a big meal and a lot of lying around, the next destination for these cats is most likely, water.

This pride was seen again after this occasion, while 2 of the original Olifants West pride lionesses were also seen, and the complete OW pride was moving around our area last week!

Ross lionesses and cubs on a buffalo kill

The Ross Breakaway lion cubs have grown to 2 months old, and we love seeing them looking well fed and healthy! They are both male cubs, and they engage in a lot of wobbly wrestling, which is something they will continue to do throughout their lives. Lions have a close social bond, and they use nuzzling and grooming as a signs of affection. Their mother and her sister have stuck together for life and they always lie close to one another, feeding together, and showing a lot of love. A few days ago Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp watched as they experienced another first when the lionesses took down a buffalo calf.

The small family is growing closer, and even the second lioness puts up with the cubs’ playful behaviour. A few weeks ago when one of the cubs almost got trampled by a buffalo and another cub got separated from his mother, the second lioness didn’t seem set on looking after him in the slightest. She growled at him and swatted him with her paw if he got too close, but now it is hard to tell which lioness is the true mother because the cubs move so freely between the two adults.

The small buffalo was the perfect meal for the 2 Ross Breakaway females and they relaxed in the open area with the carcass over a couple of days, drifting in and out of sleep, and slothfully getting up to feed every once in a while. The cubs are not yet eating meat and they nuzzled into their mother’s tummy to feed when she lay down to rest, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested in the great, big, smelly carcass! On a few occasions, the cubs moved gingerly closer to where the lionesses were feeding and curiously checked it out.

We’ve always enjoyed these 2 lionesses at such close range, and their familiarity with the Africa on Foot and nThambo vehicles makes for really fantastic sightings. They have no fear in walking right passed the vehicles in order to get to where they want to go, and they have come to accept us being close to their food, and now to their cubs. We are excited to see the cubs becoming accustomed to us as well! Everything is a new experience for them at this point, and they are developing incredibly cute behaviours and attitudes already.

Watching the cubs dodge proverbial bullets is a reminder of what a tough life they have ahead of them, and even with the protection of the two lionesses, they face danger every day. Hyenas, leopards, and buffaloes are the main threats at this point, but each day they get a little stronger and a little wiser, so we are hoping for the best!

Oct 10, 2015
Blog, Ezulwini, Uncategorized, Videos

Painted wolves at Ezulwini Game Lodges

These super-specialised hunting machines go by various names: painted wolves, Cape hunting dogs, and most commonly, African wild dogs. They are also highly endangered. With ears like satellite dishes, these dogs have exceptional hearing and they rely a lot on vocalised communication. They sound nothing like one would expect a dog to sound, as they do not bark or yelp, but rather ‘whistle’ and ‘twitter’. Extremely social animals, their sense of family within their pack is what makes them such a cohesive hunting force, and aids in the survival of their pups.

At Ezulwini Game Lodges in the Greater Kruger’s Balule Nature Reserve, a pack of 6 African wild dogs emerged for only the second time this year; a clear indication of how rare and special it is to see these animals. Numerous prides of lion claim the area, closely bordering each other’s territories and creating a dominant predatory force. Leopards are also sighted frequently on game drive with Ezulwini, adding to the predator population even more. It is no wonder the painted wolves are more scarce – who would want to compete with large, blue-eyed leopards, and lion prides that number 13 members each?

Years ago, the wild dogs were shot and killed by farmers who misunderstood their hunting method and believed them to be vermin. As farm boundaries encroached on wild land, and people and animals became closer neighbours, it was a common occurrence for leopards, dogs, jackals and caracals to prey on sheep and goats belonging to the farmers. The shooting of packs of wild dogs has contributed heavily to the scarce population we have today; so much so, that this supreme animal is the second-most endangered large carnivore in Africa.

The Kruger is a safe haven for the dogs, and they are now protected and treasured animals. What makes wild dogs difficult to see is their fleeting presence in one place – they do not stick around for very long and cover a very large range when they hunt (95% hunting success rate). Each year the dogs settle down between the months of March and June to den. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you’ll be lucky enough to see them raising their pups during this time!

Week in Pictures: Wildlife Showcase

Welcome to Friday. What a week it’s been! We are having difficulty pin pointing the best of the week’s sightings, what with the array of leopard sightings, lion cubs, elephants galore, and interesting bird action. The Okavango Delta is teeming and fruitful as always, and Afrika Ecco Safaris has taken full advantage of its splendour. The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp are nestled, has taken cute to another level with the addition of 2 baby lions, while leopardess Rhulani has outdone herself yet again. The neighbouring Balule Private Game Reserve is home to some of the most spectacular prides of lion, and Ezulwini Game Lodges are enjoying sightings of them every single day.

Embrace the upcoming weekend and indulge in some safari inspiration as you scroll through these spectacular pictures of wildlife highlights from our camps and lodges this week!

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp: Sister camps in the private Klaserie reserve in Greater Kruger, this pair enjoys most of the wildlife wonders together in two-vehicle locs. This means that only 2 vehicles are allowed in a sighting at any one time, which keeps the impact on the animals low, and it ensures the quality of the sighting is exceptional. Some of the highlights from this week are as follows:

A Leopardess, a Cub, and a Kill

Video: Cute Lion Cub Causing Trouble

All 3 Trilogy Lions Together Again

A Lion Kill by Night

Ezulwini Game Lodges have enjoyed a parade of lions, wild dogs and leopard this week! The famous blue-eyed male leopard called Chavaluthu was caught in the act with a freshly killed warthog between his teeth. Guests watched in awe as this phenomenal creature tucked into his hard earned meal after ambushing the inhabitants of a warthog burrow. What’s more is that the large Olifants West lion prides have been full of action, and we’ve been able to watch the youngsters playfully interact with each other. And to top it all off, a pack of African wild dogs arrived in the area! Look out for that story tomorrow…

Up into the famous wetlands of the Okavango Delta, Afrika Ecco Safaris is pulling out all the stops to create the most memorable and exhilarating experience for their guests. Gliding up to a sandbank in the waterways that is adorned with salty snacks and icy drinks is one unforgettable way to enjoy the sunset! Then it was off to Moremi Game Reserve for some quality time with elephants at a waterhole.

Three’s a crowd: Trilogy male lions seen together again

Even as they lie sleeping, the vision of this fierce coalition is intimidating. The dominant male lions in this territory have made their mark, and any wandering lions from the Kruger Park would be foolish to take them on.

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot are spoilt rotten with sightings of the Trilogy males, but they are seldom seen together. Since they settled in as the leading lions around town, they often spend time apart, sewing their wild oats and defending their territory. Under their reign fall the Ross Breakaway lionesses and Hercules Pride, and they’ve even dabbled in the Giraffe Pride mating with both white lionesses and a tawny lioness. Four Hercules cubs are growing up nicely, and now 2 Ross Breakaway cubs have joined the scene, only increasing the Trilogy gene pool!

Recently we saw 2 Trilogy males feasting on a buffalo kill they stole from the RB lionesses, and before that they growled and snarled at the old Ross lioness as she tried to get in on their meal. Passed sightings of one or two Trilogy males have included feasting, mating, sleeping, and snapping at flies, but it has been a good few weeks since we’ve glimpsed the almighty coalition as a whole.

This morning, Isaak and Matt took to the ground on foot in pursuit of the male lions they had been tracking. And after some bundu bashing, they drove their guests in to view the trio sleeping alongside each other. As they lay peacefully, their golden eyes were trained on the movement in the vehicle, and every so often guests saw a head rise and those eyes shift to the vultures that were circling overhead.

The RB lionesses are currently on a buffalo kill with the cubs, which could be where the vultures were aiming to land. Wouldn’t it be nice if the big Trilogy boys followed the vultures to the kill site, and we could see the whole family together? Holding thumbs…

A Leopardess, a Cub and a Kill

“While we were out game drive we noticed an abandoned leopard kill nestled in the fork of the tree. In that moment we knew that our rosette patterned cats would re-appear to continue their feast. It was just a matter of time. We had no idea which of our leopards made the kill, but we waited it out and our efforts were rewarded! We did a bit of our own stalking and eventually the shy Panthera pardus revealed itself” – Kevin MacLaughlin, Africa on Foot

A couple of days ago a bloody impala carcass was seen draped over branch. The freshly butchered impala met its untimely death at the hands of Rhulani, a leopard commonly seen on the nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot traverse. The carcass wasn’t fully stripped of meat and was stashed in a safe place, out of the way of eager scavengers and predators looking for an easy meal. These were clear indications that Rhulani would come back to devour the rest of her meal.

All it took was a bit of perseverance and patience on behalf of the rangers. And it paid off – they were able to deliver incredible leopard sightings to their guests. The kill was seen first and when Rhulani returned, we were able to identify her. However, she wasn’t alone…her cub was was with her! The cub is still quite shy and is not as oblivious to vehicles as Rhulani is; but she will eventually get used to the presence of the game viewers.

The walkers from Africa on Foot saw the leopards again this morning again. This means we’ve enjoyed two consecutive days of leopard sightings. Leopards get most of their moisture from the meat they eat but if water sources are readily available, they will drink. The kill happened close to Buffeldam so both mom and cub have been spotted lapping up water from the edge of the dam.

So, why do we consider leopards elusive if Rhulani and cub have remained in the same spot for two days? Leopards do not devour their kill in one day and will return to their kill over a span of few days or until the carcass is eaten. When a kill is made they require a few days of undisturbed feeding. The tree stashing habits of leopards protect the carcass from thieving lions and cheeky hyenas. Leopards are far more agile than scavengers and other big cats, so they can afford to make their meal last for a few days. When we see a fresh carcass dripping with meaty morsels, we know that a leopard is likely to return to the area. This always allows us a good few days of sightings before our stealthy cat is absorbed into oblivion!

A leopardess, a cub and a kill – just another average day in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve !

VIDEO: Lion cub caught playing with lioness’ tail

The Ross Breakaway lion cubs are quite the sensation around Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. After a few days of quiet concern for the cubs’ wellbeing, the two 6-week olds have been having a whale of a time playing together out in the open.

The two lionesses are so habituated to the game viewers that we can enjoy some exceptional, up-close sightings of them when they are on the hunt, or feeding, or merely relaxing together. Now their cubs are picking up on the same relaxed behaviour, which means the guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo are being treated to some of the most precious moments with wild lion cubs during their safari.

From the beginning we have witnessed the mother lioness carry her tiny babies to a safe spot, then we watched nervously as one cub nearly got stampeded by an angry buffalo, after that the cubs were separated and for a couple of days we hoped they would be reunited. Now, the last week has presented some of the best moments with the cubs and their mom and ‘aunt’.

Watch this video of one curious little cub takes on the fluffy end of a lioness’ tail. This lioness is not his mother, and she doesn’t have to put up with his pesky interruptions, so she swiftly gets up and moves away. He will learn soon enough!

Chavaluthu the leopard kills a warthog at Ezulwini

Known as Ezulwini’s blue-eyed leopard, Chavaluthu has got to be one of the most beautiful male leopards around. His unique name means ‘afraid of nothing’ in the local language, Tsonga. Brave indeed, this spectacular cat hunted a warthog and settled down to enjoy his hard earned meal in full view of admiring guests at Ezulwini Billy’s and River Lodge.

The Balule Private Game Reserve has been a performance of wildlife action recently, but watching this relaxed, confident leopard in his natural habitat has to be a highlight. Afternoon game drive is always full of activity with thirsty elephants visiting the local waterholes, herds of buffalo bulldozing through the bush, steeples of giraffe, and a healthy population of lion prides featuring almost daily.

Ezulwini has a long history with Chavaluthu, having consistently enjoyed sightings of him in his territory. He is a professional warthog hunter – evidence of which our guests have enjoyed on countless occasions. He stakes out termite mounds in which he can hear the movement of pigs and waits in ambush. This is a method used not only by leopards, but lions too. His ultra-relaxed manner and his ‘afraid of nothing’ reputation makes him one of the stars of the Balule bushveld.

Heartwarming Sighting of Lion Cubs and Porcupettes

Just less than a week ago two tawny bundles of fluff bumbled their way out of the thickets and into the open, surprising both guests and rangers. Observing two adorable lion cubs making a cameo appearance was certainly a highlight of the week. Cubs appear to be in good condition and they’re displaying the typical bravado of most toddlers. The cubs belong to one of the Ross pride breakaway lionesses and we believe that one of the Trilogy sired the cubs. Guests were delighted with the playful interaction between the cubs and their mother.

It’s been a whirlwind of baby activity at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. In addition to the incredible cub sighting, guests managed to see a shy porcupette exploring its surrounds. Both the porcupettes and lion cubs have been braving unknown territory and, unbeknown to them, we’ve been watching their antics! Animal babies are cute, clumsy, naive and innocent – this is what they all have in common but they differ vastly in physical ability when born.

Here are 5 differences between porcupettes and lion cubs:

Pocupettes are born with their eyes open. Lion cubs are born with their eyes closed.

Porcupine parents raise porcupettes together. The mother lioness is the only one who stays with the cubs. She only introduces them to the pride when they are older and less vulnerable.

Sub-adult porcupines will leave the parents after a couple of months and lead a solitary life. Sub-adult lions will stay within a pride.

There are normally between two and four lion cubs in a litter and two porcupettes in a litter.

Porcupines forage alone when they need food. Adults will teach porcupettes how to forage but they are own their own when they reach 5 months. Lions hunt together with the pride.

Nothing more heartwarming than a few new additions to the Klaserie to turn heads. Hope you enjoy the images as much as we enjoyed the sightings.

nThambo in the middle of the action during a lion kill

We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to show our guests what the wild is all about. It’s a responsibility and a privilege. Any game ranger and guide would agree. Each day there is something new to see, and we might not always see what we expect, but when we are watching lions stalking buffalo, things can only go one of two ways… This time we found ourselves bearing witness to nature at its finest as the two Ross Breakaway lionesses took down a young buffalo right in front of nThambo Tree Camp guests.

It’s not an easy sight for many people, and even the most hardened bush folk find the raw nature of the kill hard to watch. Ultimately, this is what the life of lions is all about, and survival of the fittest is what keeps the ecosystem functioning at its strongest and best. The two lionesses are currently looking after two 6-week old cubs, which were born to one of the females in a drainage line nearby. They have to stay well fed in order to bring up healthy cubs, and this was their opportunity.

What they didn’t count on was having to share that precious meal with 2 big males from the Trilogy coalition! The dominant males (one of the 3 having sired the new cubs) were hanging out around the corner when the females took their chance with a young buffalo, and soon joined them to take part in the feast. What an incredible sight to watch 4 lions feasting by spotlight.

Before the feeding festivities could begin, the herd of buffalo pulled a typical buffalo move and returned to the predators with a vengeance! The targeted buffalo was already too far gone, and the herd’s attempt to chase the lions off the victim were in vain. However, the buffaloes came back in the direction of where the nThambo vehicle was parked and guests found themselves even closer to the activity than they thought when the buffalo stampeded within centimetres of the vehicle. Serious action, and serious excitement. nThambo guests won’t be forgetting this in a hurry!

Africa on Foot entered the sighting soon afterwards and got to observe the aftermath of the feast. Buffaloes provide a lot of meat and the lions will stick with the carcass until its down to the bone. It’s nature and it is brutal, but we’re glad that the lionesses protecting the 2 tiny cubs are keeping well fed, fit, and strong. The cubs are fathered by one of the Trilogy males, so we are happy to see them continue to dominate the area.