If you’ve been wondering what July in the bush feels like, imagine winter slowly deciding it’s bored of being miserable. The mornings still greet you with the enthusiasm of a disgruntled pensioner—cold, stiff, and slightly offended by your optimism—but by mid-morning, things thaw out just enough to resemble a handshake rather than a punch to the chest.
The landscape, once stubbornly clinging to green like a teenager refusing to clean their room, has finally given in. Everything is yellow now—somewhere between golden-hued splendour and the colour of a well-used sponge. But with August on the horizon, we’re teetering at the tail end of winter. One more solid cold front is likely lurking, but the general consensus among the mammals (ourselves included) is: we’re nearly there.
And thank goodness—because the wildlife didn’t get the memo about slowing down. It’s been chaos, in the best possible way.
Cheetahs, Leopards, and a Bit of Leopard-Envy
Let’s begin with the cheetahs. Our two resident males have been as indecisive as a tourist in a curio shop—wandering between Black Rhino and Pilanesberg proper with the kind of erratic flair usually reserved for reality TV contestants. One even popped by the lodge’s watering hole late one afternoon, likely to check if the drinks menu had changed.
Why the back-and-forth? Well, predator politics. But we’ll get to that mess in a moment.
Meanwhile, the leopards have taken centre stage this month, as if trying to reclaim the spotlight. Sightings have become so frequent we’re considering installing a velvet rope and issuing backstage passes. One particularly cooperative cat sat about ten metres from the road near Pannetjies, patiently allowing us to both appreciate and document its very existence. Not to be outdone, another leopard popped up on the far side of the concession. Clearly, word’s out that Black Rhino is the place to be.
Lions: The Kings of Drama (and Possibly Losing)
Our three familiar breakaway male lions spent a good chunk of the month loafing near Pannetjies. Their leisurely week-long hangout there, complete with the unmistakable scent of something large and very much deceased, suggested they’d taken down something big. Buffalo? Maybe bigger. They barely moved, except to hydrate themselves, which made for ideal viewing: just park, wait, and enjoy the show.
But then things took a turn.
In a bold attempt to stake more permanent claim, they wandered north into the wilderness and up toward Moloto. While they were loudly declaring their intentions, they likely caught the attention of the reigning Central (Moloto) males. On the 22nd of July, things escalated. A scuffle ensued. Think MMA, but with claws, blood, and far fewer rules. Two of the Black Rhino boys were injured, and the third—well, he hasn’t been seen since. On the 24th, the wounded pair were spotted all the way on the far side of the park near Kwa-Maritane, roaring like disgraced emperors in exile.
At this point, we can only suspect that one male didn’t walk away from the encounter at all. Nature can be brutal—but she’s not all take.
The Return of Tale—and a Big Surprise
Just when everyone started whispering about Tale’s vanishing act, she reappeared with the kind of dramatic flair we can only applaud. Not only is she alive and well, but she’s also been keeping herself busy—appearing near the park’s centre with two of the smallest cheetah cubs we’ve ever seen. So tiny, in fact, they looked more like honey badgers than cats.
Classic empty-nester energy: disappear for a few weeks, re-emerge with a legacy.
This is exceptional news, and exactly the kind of balance the bush likes to maintain. Where one story ends—sometimes abruptly—another begins in soft, spotted fuzz.
Ellies, Waterholes, and Delicate Family Politics
With most of the rogue puddles now evaporated and the bush thinning out, elephants have been frequenting the established waterholes like clockwork. Close to the lodge and all across Black Rhino, you’ll find them gently navigating the social intricacies of herd life with the same grace as a dinner party filled with in-laws. Sit long enough, and you’ll be treated to trumpets, tantrums, and tender trunk-holding—an emotional rollercoaster with tusks.
What’s Next?
As we roll into August, we expect the mornings to become less of a battle and more of a brisk negotiation. With spring sneaking up, now’s the perfect time to be out here—visibility is high, the air is crisp, and the drama (both feline and otherwise) continues to unfold.
We may have to work a bit harder to find lions for a while, but with cheetah cubs, leopard regulars, and a park full of stories waiting to unfold, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Until then, stay warm—and hopefully, we’ll see you out on game drive.
The Buffalo Thorn Team
P.S – The 3rd male lion was seen after this post went out and he’s not in a good condition. We will keep you updated on his condition on our Instagram/Facebook page.