![Mark Morrison’s 1996 hit single “Return of the Mack” is a fitting background song for this blog post. When Nadia Bester from Umkumbe Safari Lodge animatedly told us that Mxabene the male leopard had returned to hallowed ground, we rejoiced with excitement. Max is a firm favourite on the Umkumbe traverse and is often spotted a […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MaxKill3-370x275.jpg "Umkumbe Leopard Update : (Return of the Max) Once Again")
Umkumbe Leopard Update : (Return of the Max) Once Again
Mark Morrison’s 1996 hit single “Return of the Mack” is a fitting background song for this blog post. When Nadia Bester from Umkumbe Safari Lodge animatedly told us that Mxabene the[…]
![WARNING : GRAPHIC VIDEOS AND IMAGES AHEAD Ranger Nadia and her guests from Umkumbe Safari Lodge witnessed a rare and historical moment in the Sabi Sand towards the end of last week. While on out game drive, guests spotted the 6 Mhangeni Breakaway lionesses enjoying the company of the Matshipiri males. After a series of […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MhangeniLioness2-370x275.jpg "BREAKING NEWS : 6 Mhangeni Breakaway Lionesses KILL Another Lioness")
![With their deeply etched tusks, leathery hairless skin, paintbrush bristle eyelashes, muddy appearance, ears that flap like flags in the wind and soft feet resembling comfortable slippers; the African elephant has become one of the most sought after animals to spot while on safari. Their soulful eyes hide a sensitive, intelligent and curious nature, which is […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ElephantUmkumbe7-370x275.jpg "Umkumbe Safari Lodge : Understanding Our Emotional Grey Giants")
![We are pleased to announce that two of the Sun Destinations’ lodges have been nominated in the Tuskers Ultimate Safari Experience Awards 2017. Tuskers offer a unique set of awards showcasing a variety of safari experiences in various categories. The Safari Index’s panel of judges have carefully selected lodges and camps offering a high quality, all […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/UmkumbeGameDrive-370x275.jpg "Please Vote for Us in the Tusker’s Safari Awards 2017")
![There has been a very definite presence of big cats throughout all the reserves. While we’re not neglecting the other incredible sightings of pachyderms, general game, the endangered wild dogs, flutterings of birds, deadly raptors and giant herbivores; it’s just that the big cats have stuck out like a sore thumb (sorry, paw) this week. The […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/WIPLeopardnThambo-370x275.jpg "Week in Pics : Felidae Family Dominate Our Sightings")
![Two unidentified leopards traversed their way onto Umkumbe territory, giving no indication of where they were headed. Like ghosts in the night and passing ships, the elusive disappeared without a trace. Both leopards were seen on different occasions and sightings were sporadic. There are often random sightings of new leopards and ones that don’t hang around […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Mambiri4-370x275.jpg "A Big Hello to Mambiri the Male Leopard at Umkumbe")
![The large aquatic beasts and formidable bovids decided to enjoy a civil drink together at a waterhole close to the Umkumbe property. Renown for their big cat sightings and unique predator activity; the Sabi Sand is a premier reserve classified as a hotspot for wildlife. Today, we’ve pushed the big cats to the background and have allowed […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/UmkumbeHippoBlack-370x275.jpg "Buffalo and Hippo Share Waterhole at Umkumbe")
![The unmistakeable high-pitched bird-like chitters of the African wild dog could be heard echoing through the traverse around Umkumbe Safari Lodge. Having enjoyed plentiful wild dog sightings recently, rangers and trackers weren’t surprised that the dogs were out and about. The painted dogs, as they’re affectionately known, are one of the world’s most endangered carnivore […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ToulonPackUmkumbe10-370x275.jpg "Toulon Pack of Wild Dogs with 10 Puppies")
![The sneaky cats, opportunistic predators and rare pangolins have been the centre of attention this week. Across the board, we’ve seen an increase in big cat sightings and kills close to camp. The presence of fresh carcasses brings with it an influx of scavengers, which always enhances our photographic opportunities. Rapidly declining species such as the African wild […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WIPAOFStars-370x275.jpg "Week in Pictures : Sneaky Cats and Rare Pangolins")
![This week, we’ve celebrated elephants, been awed by lions, laughed at hyenas, and ogled leopards in all their glory. It’s been a week of big game encounters, breath-taking sunsets, stellar skies, and experiences to last a lifetime; and now we get to play back our favourite moments to you in the form of our Week […]](https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/elephant-silhouette-370x275.jpg "Week in Pictures: A Week to Remember")