Time for another Kruger safari update, don’t you think? We certainly do! From Chacma to Nyala, and from Klaserie camps to Umkumbe, big cat sightings are on the rise. Both the Klaserie and Balule reserves are bustling with lion cubs, and the leopards are making their presence known. Read on to discover the latest at some of our Kruger camps.
Chacma Bush Camp
Chacma recently welcomed a new safari guide to their camp (Matt), who quickly established himself as a guide who knows how to track and find wildlife. He sent through a few visuals of his recent game drives to showcase Chacma’s latest sightings. The local lion pride is showing up more for game drives, ensuring visitors get their fill of cat sightings.
One on his game drives, Matt came across lions lying across the road causing a roadblock – obviously he “dropped anchor” so that guests could get an eyeful. One of the sub-adult lions actually approached the vehicle out of curiosity and quickly sauntered off. Matt eventually navigated his way out of the lion roadblock, and continued his drive through Chacma’s undulating territory. We were also thrilled to receive guests images of the Karula male leopard (known among guides as the question mark male). This is not the first time we’ve heard reports of this burly male hanging around Chacma territory. From lions to leopards, the sightings are heating up at Chacma Bush Camp.
Nyala Safari Lodge
Our Balule based property, Nyala Safari Lodge, is ideally located in the thickets of Big 5 territory surrounding the seasonal Mohlabetsi River. Known for its thriving on-site waterhole (floodlit), Nyala enjoys abundant in-camp sightings. It’s not uncommon to find guests whiling away the time on the elevated wooden viewing deck, watching the wildlife party below. While out on drives, Dave guides guest through an expansive territory of 5000 hectares of the Kruger’s bushveld in search of felines and other feasts for the eyes. Dave’s recent sightings logbook included an incredible sighting of a dominant male lion together with an adolescent cub and female. Another noteworthy sighting was that of the local leopard legend, Twin Spot. He was seen in a very relaxed position draped over the tree, making for some epic photographic moments.
Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp
We cannot keep up with the flood of sightings sent through from our guides (don’t worry, we’re trying!). It’s business as usual in the Klaserie when it comes to lion sightings. The Africa on Foot team encountered quite an intense take down with the Vuyela Pride of lions who enjoyed a feasty meal of buffalo. The kill likely happened just before sunrise, which meant guides and guests were there for the main event. But the main lion highlight was the sighting of some very young playful lion cubs sired by the Vuyela male lions.
Other notable sightings include:
- A lone, poised cheetah posing for the camera
- A wake of vultures hovering over a kill site
- A comical hyena stealing a kill
- An old dagga boy ambling slowly across the road
- A large and imposing local tusker made for a magnificent elephant sighting
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside
By now you should know that Umkumbe truly is leopard central. The passionate and on-the-ball team at Umkumbe are always at the helm of any leopard sighting in the area. And – collectively – their photography skills are insane! From rhino to elephant calf sightings, and leaps of leopards, Umkumbe certainly knows how to deliver unbeatable sightings. Featured leopards include the Nottins male and Ntsumi female, two regulars on the Umkumbe traverse.
There’s always something remarkable happening in the Kruger! Book your safari spot at our Kruger camps by contacting our reservations team here: reservations@sundestinations.co.za.
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