December Sightings at Silvan Safari

December had that unmistakable ‘anything-can-happen’ feel. The rains have made the bush feel lush and alive, with full pans, fresh tracks, and plenty of movement from the predators. Here’s what stood out on our drives this month.

The summer rains bring beauty and new life to every corner of the bush

Lions

We saw the Kambula breakaway travelling with six cubs, with the Ndzenga males never far away, offering protection as the pride crossed into another area. There were also plenty of mornings and afternoons when the lions made their presence known the old-fashioned way: loud, confident vocalising that carried through the bush.

Our guests have also been lucky enough to spend a considerable amount of time with the Nkuhuma pride, and they didn’t disappoint. A standout sighting was seeing seven tiny cubs with the pride, a reminder that the bush rewards patience... and a bit of luck!

Tiny but mighty, Image Credit: Stevan Loffler

Leopards

Leopard viewing remained excellent this month (as always!), with several familiar faces making appearances.

Makomsava has been a frequent flyer over the past few weeks, and we have been fortunate to find her more than once with impala kills stashed high in the trees. It’s the sort of sighting that never gets old.

The Tortoise Pan male (TP) has been seen frequently in the area, making himself a firm favourite with guests who visited over the holiday period.

Langa continues to thrive in motherhood, as she’s been seen moving with her two cubs. Witnessing a mother leopard settled and confident with her youngsters is always good news.

Kuchava and Rhulani were frequently encountered this past month, and they were often feeding. If it wasn’t an impala, it was a warthog – a clear sign that it’s been a good month of hunting!

Makomsava is making herself a regular in these parts, Image Credit: Stevan Loffler

Rhino

Rhino sightings were strong this month. With open areas green and grazing plentiful, we often found them resting nearby waterholes and pans that are holding water well after the rain. These sightings are incredibly special and are a testament to the success of conservation efforts in the Sabi Sand.

Every rhino sighting feels like a dream come true

Elephants

Elephants were also aplenty, with food sources everywhere, and we were lucky enough to see large herds and plenty of young calves. The open plains were a favourite gathering place, but if the herd wasn’t out on the pan, they were often close by, coming in to drink.

Watching baby elephants learning how to use their trunks is always an entertaining spectacle

Buffalo

We often spotted around five bulls moving between neighbouring properties, and a group of around 15 bulls frequenting the nearby mud wallows.

Less lovely to look at, but just as ferocious, this member of the Big 5

African Wild Dogs (and Hyenas)

African wild dog sightings were a real highlight this month. We had different packs moving through, and a pair spent time in the big open areas due to the abundance of young impala. We also saw a larger pack of around 15, a real treat of a sighting!

And where there are African wild dogs, there are usually hyenas keeping a close eye on things. More than once, the chase continued after the kill – not to hunt, but to claim an easy meal.

The whoop of a hyena is a quintessential part of any safari

Between Sunrise and Sundowners

Days like these unfold naturally at Silvan Safari, shaped by the bush, guided with care, and enjoyed at your own pace. If you’d like to make Silvan your base in the Sabi Sand, contact us to book your stay.