The lion dynamics in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve have always been a marvel – from the days of the Mapogos to the dominant Plains Camp coalition of today. Dominant male lions do far more than keep out opposing males, patrol territory, or check on their female prides. These two are also fathers to four adorable new cubs: Two males from the Ximungwe Pride and two females from the Ottawa Pride!

Seeing these massive lions showing their softer side to their little ones is truly a sight to behold. These colossal males not only tolerate the little ones but also play with them, melting the hearts of guides and guests alike. From letting the cubs bite them and dangle off their manes to softly nudging them in the right direction, these males are doing a great job of keeping the little ones, their siblings, mothers, and aunts safe. They are repopulating the lion population in the west with great effectiveness and providing some heartwarming and epic sightings in the process!

In partnership with the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve we have a project to educate the local school children on animals, safaris and the industry as a whole.

As you turn the corner to the gate you are welcomed by huge smiles and waving from the kids. It makes me remember my first safari and all the butterflies and excitement that came with it. The students jump onto the vehicle and you can pick up on how excited they all are for what is about to happen. Questions start floating around the vehicle as to which animal they will be seeing on this safari.

We then take them on a safari where we teach them about our home and how we all got into the industry. Driving down the road and hearing the gasps in the vehicle once we come across our first big animal. The students are quick to ask questions and take notes on the information we give them. It is incredible to witness, as we are hoping to create the next generation of guides and trackers.

While elephants are the largest land mammal, weighing up to 6000 kilograms and living to about 60 or 70 years, here are some more interesting facts you might not know about them.

Did you know you can tell all 3 species apart from their ears?

There are 3 species of elephant: African Savannah (Bush), African Forest and Asian elephants. The ears of African elephants are much larger than their cousins and are described as being shaped like the African continent, whereas the ears of Asian elephants are shaped like the Indian subcontinent.

How long do elephants eat per day?

Elephants are constantly eating and need to eat for about 18 to 20 hours a day. Within that time, they will need to consume about 10% of their bodyweight.

How to work out the shoulder height of an elephant.

If you take the circumference of an elephant’s front foot and times it by 2 it will give you the shoulder height of that elephant. This is also a handy way to work out the age of an animal.

Seasons in Africa have an amazing interaction with elephants called Elephant Whispers. If you want any further information, please speak to reception or your travel agent when booking.

Ravenscourt and Boulders need absolutely no introduction as they have both been such prominent characters here in the West for such a long time. Their exploits as a mating pair have resulted in some incredible sightings in the past and some even more incredible sires. With the likes of Hlambela, Tisela and Rixaka having already established their own territories, and in Tisela’s case, some cubs of her own.

For the past week these two “Old Lovers” have been back at it, meaning that in roughly 3 months’ time we can expect some potential new additions to what can only be described as the Dynasty of Ravenscourt and Boulders. They will be part of a lineage stemming back to the incredible Makwella. While both Ravenscourt and Boulders may be entering their twilight years, they are both showing no signs of losing their virility. Pretty impressive for two aging veterans who have already more than proven their reproduction prowess.

The days are getting shorter and the temperature is getting cooler, but this doesn’t stop the animals from showing off their beauty. This time of the year brings something different when it comes to photography. With the variety of different colours it can add to the images you take.

If you’re interested in experiencing an awe-inspiring South African safari, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our reservations desk at book@leopardhills.com.

Alternatively, click here and make use of the quick and seamless online booking process and start planning your ideal vacation today.

We look forward to welcoming you to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve.