The Balance of Survival

On a recent visit to the reserve, shareholder Ian, together with daughter Amber and first-time Africa goer Ben, were privileged to enjoy some remarkable sightings. These encounters happened despite — or perhaps thanks to — the seasonal high bush and tall grass, which often turned the tracks into a sea where direction had to be guessed more than known.

“Spotting a leopard is always a thrill, but hearing a female growling on the righthand side of the track in response to the mewling of her tiny cub from the left was truly special. No time for photos — in a flash and a bouncing sprint, the two were reunited in the grass and disappeared from view.

Another incident highlighted how nature often follows its own dramatic rhythms. It had been reported that the old dominant male lion’s reign was nearing its end, with both him and his son being challenged by the younger pair of brothers. The old male had been seen limping and looking thin. Later, Ben spotted the son near the waterhole of Mbusi — also injured and limping, likely from a recent clash. It seems the younger lions were asserting their challenge for dominance. When we later returned to Mbusi, the two younger males we found feeding on a zebra kill previously made by the son, a clear sign of shifting power dynamics. In nature’s ever-turning cycle, the balance of survival is always in motion.”

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