Stories of the Season
With spring in full swing, the bush comes alive, with trees slowly sprouting fresh leaves one by one. This renewal isn't limited to the flora –new life is emerging all around us. While some animals are just starting to show signs of pregnancy, the first litters are already arriving.
Although the wet season will soon offer ample water sources for animals, the watering hole staged in front of our Tree House Deck always remains a favourite. While elephants wallow in the water, warthogs and impalas seek it out as a safe spot to hydrate. This ensures guests, lazing by the pool or relaxing on the deck, a window into the secrets of these animals.
There is also something to be said for the general ambience of the African savanna at this time of year. Longer days draw to a close with spectacular showmanship as gold and plum sunsets contrast silhouettes of marula trees and termite mounds. It is in this golden hour that animal encounters are at their most majestic.
With detailed inscriptions from our guides that document just some of the safari highlights, you can sample the adventure from wherever you find yourself. Discover the stories of the season from Umkumbe Bush Lodge or start your very own journey.
Safari Diaries
One of our recent safari highlights had everyone holding their breath when we discovered a mother and newborn giraffe. While waiting in anticipation for the calf to stand up, a wake of vultures swooped in leaving mom to fend them off. Whether they were drawn by instinct to a vulnerable newborn or hoping to feast on the placenta, we could not determine then. It has since been confirmed that the calf did not make it through that evening. One could almost say that the vultures foreshadowed the outcome, a common theme in nature’s circle of life. Keep reading to immerse yourself in more tales from the bush that had safari-goers at the edges of their seats
Vultures vs.wild dogs, 9 October 2024
With an estimated 80% success rate, the endangered African wild dogs are considered some of the world’s most effective hunters. But that doesn’t always guarantee they’ll enjoy their hard-earned meal. After securing not one, but two kills, this pack had to defend their prize from opportunistic vultures and hyenas eager to steal the spoils.
Styx lion and Kambula lioness, 6 October 2024
With several confirmed sightings, it appears the young Styx male and a lioness from the Kambula breakaways have been spending a lot of time together. The Styx Pride, renowned for its resilience and often featured in wildlife documentaries, commands respect. It’s always an honour to witness these iconic lions within the boundaries of Umkumbe.
A leap of leopards, 3 October 2024
Ntsumi, our resident leopardess, is the picture of a devoted matriarch, always keeping a watchful eye on her juvenile cubs from nearby. Here, one of her well-trained youngsters – a leopardess of approximately 16months old at the time of sighting – pauses to scan the surroundings for opportunities, threats, or perhaps even mom. Nweti, the father of Ntsumi’s cubs and the dominant male in the area was also spotted in a nearby tree with a bushbuck kill. It is always a great privilege to be spoiled with multiple leopard sightings on a single day – especially when encountering an entire leap of them.
Brothers on the prowl, 15 September 2024
The two remaining Gijima males have been spotted. Once part of a trio of brothers that ventured in from Kruger National Park, only two now survive. After the third was killed by the Ndhzenga males, the surviving pair cemented dominance, establishing our southern boundary as their territory. They are frequently spotted patrolling the area, asserting their presence.
Curious hyena cubs, 31 August 2024
These curious hyena cubs couldn’t resist coming closer to inspect Guide Pieter’s safari vehicle. This comes just days after we happened upon their den, hidden in the thickets. Hyenas tend to den in well-covered areas that offer protection for the younglings. These siblings – at the time of writing – are about 4 to 5 months old, meaning they are far from an age where they are ready to leave the den. However, as cubs mature, they will slowly start venturing out until they are eventually weaned at around one year old.Judged by their appearance, this is an often misunderstood species. Just give hyenas a chance and you will see that these perceived underdogs, with all their antics, are just as incredible as any lion or leopard.
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