March Sightings at Silvan Safari

As we reflect on March, it’s been a month full of incredible sightings here at Silvan Safari. Our dedicated guides, Marius and Elias, have been out in the bush capturing some truly unforgettable moments on camera. From leopards showing their true beauty to the excitement of African wild dog hunts, the month has been packed with action. Let’s take a look at the highlights.

Leopards

Nhenhe, the young male leopard, continues to impress as he grows in both size and strength. Spotted a few times throughout the month, he’s slowly carving out his place in the reserve. One of the most notable moments with Nhenhe occurred when he was spotted relaxing in a marula tree – an iconic pose for a leopard, blending seamlessly with the landscape.

Kuchava has had a productive month, taking down multiple impalas to keep her cubs well-fed. These two one-year-old cubs are thriving, and the trio has been a frequent sight along the eastern part of the reserve. Kuchava’s skilled hunting abilities continue to shine as she ensures her cubs learn the critical lessons they’ll need to survive in the wild.

Tlalamba and her cub, Tshipondo, have provided some super special sightings this month. One of the standout moments was when they stashed an impala carcass in a boerbean tree. Tlalamba settled in the tree for a nap while Tshipondo kept a careful watch over a hyena lying nearby. The cub's attentiveness is a sign of the survival skills he’s already beginning to master at such a young age.

Makhomsava has been a regular around Silvan this month, continuing to nurture her two cubs, who are now four months old. Their playful interactions and growing confidence in the wild are always a joy to witness. The ever-vigilant mother has been seen with kills hoisted high in the trees, ensuring that her cubs are well-fed and learning the ways of the bush.

Lions

The Nkuhuma Pride has been consistently moving throughout their territory, often accompanied by the Black Dam Male. This month, we witnessed a particularly exciting moment when the Kruger Male was seen mating with one of the Nkuhuma lionesses. The pride’s dynamic interactions, including a tense confrontation between the Kruger Male and a younger male, have kept us on the edge of our seats. These lions continue to make their presence felt throughout the reserve.

Buffalo

Buffalo sightings have been a bit scarce this month, with most of our encounters being with the Dagga Boys – lone bulls frequenting the mud wallows around camp. We've also spotted a small herd of buffalo moving between Kruger and Nkorho, either heading south or north into the main Kruger Park.

Elephants

March has seen the continued presence of elephant herds around the waterholes, particularly in the late mornings and early afternoons. Seeing these magnificent creatures, often accompanied by young calves, has been a daily highlight.

Guests have enjoyed watching the elephants drink and swim at Big Dam, where the young ones often engage in playful interactions, much to the delight of onlookers.

Other Sightings

We've had multiple African wild dog packs move through the area this month, with most sightings featuring a male and female pair currently roaming together. These dogs have been actively hunting impalas and fending off hyenas that try to steal their kills.

The hyena hen den has been very active, with curious cubs always putting on a show during each visit.

Honey badgers have also made a few appearances, but as usual, they quickly disappear into the bush.

A Month of Momentous Encounters

March has truly been a month to remember for wildlife sightings. If you're ready for your own safari adventure, why not book your stay? There's always something magical waiting around the corner at Silvan Safari.