October Sightings at Silvan Safari

October was an incredible month here in the bush. The days are getting warmer, and the wildlife has been on fine form. Every drive delivers something special. The kind of moments that make you fall in love with the Sabi Sand every time.

Leopards

Over the course of the month, we only had one sighting of the Tortoise Pan male, but it was a good one! He strolled right past the lodge one morning, calling as he went. There’s something about hearing that deep, rasping call through the mist that gives you goosebumps.

Makomsava has been her usual confident self. We’ve seen her marking territory, hunting, and generally reminding everyone that this is her domain.

Kuchava also made a few appearances, though her youngsters, Rhulani and Xipuku, seem to be off doing their own thing now. Watching the moment of independence take hold is always a little bittersweet, but it’s all part of the journey.

A fascinating moment came with Tlalamba and her son Tshipondo. Tlalamba had a kill one day, and the next, Tshipondo turned up at the same spot. There was clear tension between them. He’s growing up fast, and you can feel the shift as he starts to push boundaries.

Further south, Sibuye and her cub have been a real treat to watch. They’re spending time in the drainage line north of the MalaMala boundary, and the little one is getting bigger and braver. We even saw it chasing small prey, full of enthusiasm if not quite skill yet!

And then there was Watika. She’s not a leopard we often see at Silvan, so when she turned up resting in a tree, we stopped and watched for ages. Out of nowhere, she jumped down, vanished into the grass, and came out with a scrub hare. It was an incredible display – raw, instinctive, and completely wild.

Lions

The Nkuhuma pride have given us some unforgettable moments this month. The cubs are growing fast and are beautifully relaxed. It’s been wonderful watching them play and tumble around their mothers, all energy and curiosity. If you want to read more about this litter of cubs, check out this blog post.

The Ndhzenga males have been a regular presence. They’re really starting to own this northern section, roaring through the night and marking territory with confidence. They’ve been spending time with the females and cubs, too, and it’s clear they’re settling into their role as dominant males here.

The Kambula males, on the other hand, have been pushed further north, out of our traverse into the Manyeleti river bed. However, we had a rare and exciting sighting of the Kambula pride, as they brought down a wildebeest near the lodge, with six cubs in total, making for quite a feast.

Other Wildlife Highlights

The elephants have been absolutely everywhere this month. Huge herds moving through the reserve, young calves learning to use their trunks – it’s been an absolute joy to watch.

Buffalo have been more elusive, with just a few bulls here and there. We did see a herd of about 50 for a few days before they moved on.

We’ve had a few sightings of a pair of African wild dogs. The duo managed a few successful hunts, although the hyenas kept them busy afterwards, trying to steal their meals.

We also feel very lucky to have had some phenomenal sightings of white rhino crashes almost daily – a real privilege, especially knowing how rare and precious these animals are.

Last but not least, we were treated to the odd civet sighting during night drives, as they slip quietly through the shadows.

Until Next Time

October was a month full of action, energy, and anticipation. The bush feels alive, the animals are thriving, the sounds at night are richer, and there’s a sense that the first rains aren’t far off.

Every day out here reminds me why I love this place so much. You never know what you’re going to find, and that’s what makes Silvan so special.

If you haven’t yet experienced this magic for yourself, now’s the time. Come join us. The bush has stories to tell, and we’d love to share them with you.