January Sightings at Silvan Safari

We've had a phenomenal start to the year, with an abundance of wildlife activity and unforgettable encounters. Our expert guides have been treated to thrilling leopard sightings, intense lion battles, and the lively energy of summer in the bush. Below, our guides, Elias and Marius, share their highlights from the past month.

Amidst the excitement of fierce territory wars and wild hunts, there are also moments of peace found just being in the bush, Image Credit: Marius Zeilinga

Marius’s Sightings Report

Lion Dynamics

The Nkuhuma pride is navigating a challenging and unpredictable period as multiple coalitions continue to encroach on their territory. With the ever-shifting lion dynamics in the northern Sabi Sand, the pride faces an uncertain future. As dominant males battle for control, the stability of the pride — and survival of its cubs — hangs in the balance.

So far in 2025, we've observed more than 10 different male lions in the area, each vying for dominance:

• The four Kambula males – currently the most established coalition, asserting their presence
• The Black Dam male – a lone warrior, possibly seeking refuge after losing a battle
• The Kruger male and the Southern Avoca male – an unexpected pairing, exploring new territory
• The two Mantimahle males – known for their aggression, adding another layer of uncertainty
• One of the Ndzenga males – moving independently, possibly testing the waters for a takeover

Dominance Dance

With so many powerful males in play, the fate of the Nkuhuma pride remains unclear. The coalition that eventually establishes dominance will dictate the pride’s future, determining whether it will thrive under new leadership or face fragmentation.

Tlalamba’s Graceful Presence

A rare and special sighting was Tlalamba, the elegant and elusive leopardess. She graced us with her presence one afternoon, effortlessly moving from one elevated position to another before settling on a fallen marula tree — a picture of regal poise.

Tlalamba lounges atop the fallen marula tree, every inch the queen of her domain, Image Credit: Marius Zeilinga

The Relentless Hunters

African wild dog packs have been moving through the area, their relentless energy unmatched as they hunt down young and inexperienced prey.

Their presence is always an exciting addition to the safari experience, as these skilled predators provide some of the most dramatic and fast-paced hunts in the wild.

A wild dog gripping its kill, a stark reminder of the circle of life unfolding in the African bush, Image Credit: Elly Mzila

Elephant Abundance and The Marula Feast

Elephants have been ever-present around Silvan Safari, taking full advantage of the ripening marula fruit. As the trees begin to drop their sweet bounty, the herds waste no time gathering beneath the branches, plucking the fruit straight from the source or collecting fallen morsels with their dexterous trunks.

The marula season is always a favourite, with elephants often seen in a playful, almost intoxicated state after indulging in the fermenting fruit.

New Life in the Bush

The landscape is teeming with newborns as the season of abundance continues. Impalas have dropped their lambs, and young wildebeest and kudu are making their first tentative steps in the wild. These newborns provide a feast for predators, who take full advantage of their inexperience.

Meanwhile, a seasoned old buffalo bull has taken up residence near the lodge, showing up almost daily during lunchtime, unfazed by human presence. He serves as a reminder of the resilience and wisdom that comes with age in the wild.

Elias's Sightings Report

Makomsava and Her Cubs

January has been an incredible month for leopard sightings, with some of our most exciting moments coming from Makomsava and her two cubs. We’ve been fortunate to see them almost daily as she moves them between Elephant Plains and Silvan Safari.

The cubs, growing in confidence, now venture closer to our vehicles, playing openly near their den. From our observations, they both appear to be female — fantastic news for the future leopard population in the area.

Makomsava has started bringing kills back to the den, transitioning the cubs from milk to solid food. We’ve seen her providing them with baby impalas and even a young warthog, ensuring they're well-fed.

Amid the lush foliage, Makomsava nurtures her growing cubs one playful pounce at a time, Image Credit: Marius Zeilinga

Tortoise Pan on Patrol

The dominant male Tortoise Pan (TP), believed to be the father of Makomsava’s cubs, has been actively patrolling his territory, ensuring no rival males encroach on his domain. Like many of his kind, he has taken advantage of the abundance of impala lambs, feasting on the easy prey.

Other leopards spotted this month include Nhena, another male leopard, who we saw successfully hunt impala, and Langa, who we suspect is pregnant but has been elusive.

TP known to have fathered many of the beautiful leopards you all know and love around Silvan Safari, Image Credit: Elly Mzila

Silvan’s Monarch, Tiyani

Excitingly, Tiyani, the queen of Silvan Safari, has two new cubs hidden at Morning Side Camp. While the den remains inaccessible, we hope she moves them soon so we can enjoy her presence again.

Scavenging Predators

Hyenas have also been rewarding us with incredible sightings at their den, where their energetic cubs are providing plenty of entertainment.

Kuchava and Her Cubs

Kuchava and her cubs have also made frequent appearances. The youngsters are now large enough to start practicing their hunting skills, with their mother incorporating small prey into their diet. We were lucky enough to witness them feeding on a female kudu.

A budding hunter in the making, Image Credit: Marius Zeilinga

Sightings You Should See for Yourself

With so much happening, words can only capture a fraction of the magic that Silvan Safari offers. The good news? We’re open year-round, ready to share these life-changing experiences with you.