As the New Year presents, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the abundant and much-needed rain that we enjoyed in December. With last year still in the rear view mirror, we reflect on some of the unforgettable moments at Buffalo Thorn Lodge. Moments that left us in awe, and filled our hearts with appreciation for the wild wonders surrounding us. We live in a beautiful country.





We kicked off 2024 with the Lengau pride making Black Rhino their main territory throughout the summer months. At that time, the pride was made up of nine individuals, with the two Black Rhino males notably absent. The pride itself is composed of the lionesses and their young, while the coalition of younger males held dominance over the group. It’s fascinating to note that a single coalition of males can manage multiple prides, and the Black Rhino males are the fathers of most of the cubs in Pilanesberg. This dynamic offers us a glimpse into the complex social structures that make these apex predators so captivating.
During the summer months, Tale and her youngsters spent most of their time on Black Rhino, refining their hunting techniques in the Tamboti forests, a method she learned from her mother, Rain. While you might think cheetahs would prefer the open plains for their speed advantage, the cheetahs of Pilanesberg have adapted a more ‘leopard-like’ approach. They navigate koppies and mountain ranges, using elevated vantage points to scan the area, and rely on cover to get close to their prey before launching a calculated chase. Later in the year, Tale, showcasing her mother’s tenacity, pulled off an extraordinary feat with the help of her two sub-adult dependents. In a perfectly executed hunt right in front of one of the lodges on Black Rhino, they brought down an almost fully grown kudu cow, a remarkable display of teamwork and precision.
The reserves buffalos, affectionately known as “The Ghosts of Pilanesberg,” also made their mark in 2024, spending much of the summer months in the wilderness area and on Black Rhino. These areas, with their sweet veld and high nutritional value, provided the perfect grazing grounds. After their departure for winter, their return was delayed, much like the much needed rains. However, just as the seasons seem to do, nature corrected itself. For nearly a month, the buffalo graced our wilderness area, attracted by the abundance of lush Blue Buffalo Grass, which has flourished following the rains and the rejuvenating fires.
As winter approached, the lodge underwent much-needed maintenance courtesy of a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in March. With the quieter winter months providing the perfect window, we decided to close for eight weeks, rallying the team for an all-hands-on-deck effort to restore and enhance the lodge. The project began, and as often the case when making improvements and upgrades we went far beyond our original intention and mandate. RT Projects, the construction company who did the work were simply outstanding! Christo Vos and his band of experts are to be held in high regard as a benchmark in the construction industry. It’s little wonder that they have already been signed on for other projects on Black Rhino Game Reserve.
During this downtime, we also gave our game viewer a much-deserved facelift. Equipped with new canvas, upgraded framework, improved lighting, and a tasteful touch of wood, it now boasts a fresh look—ready for safari adventures with all the latest upgrades to enhance the experience for all. The high positioned reverse spotlight is a bonus.
Initially with the dry veld and no rain in sight, elephant and rhino sightings became a regular highlight. As the natural waterholes dried up, these magnificent creatures sought refuge at the artificial waterholes near the lodges. Normally, we would see our first rains in October, but this dry spell stretched on far longer than we had hoped. Yet, as it always does, nature rightsized itself with a deluge of much-needed rain in December, rejuvenating the landscape and bringing everything back into balance. With the last flecks of dust washed away the lodge popped!
Of course, we can’t forget some of our more weird and wonderful encounters. The elusive leopard, which had played Houdini for much of the year, was frequently spotted over the past month. This was no doubt facilitated by the abundance of young animals born during the rainy season and the resultant smorgasbord. Our resident bush babies also welcomed a new addition to the family. It’s been a joy to witness this little one learning the ropes of bush baby life. Clearly misjudging a few leaps and bounds, it has brought smiles to our faces as well as a little consternation at times. We think he is a little male and his skill and talent is growing rapidly along with his planet like eyes.
Here are a few other highlights that certainly deserve an honorable mention:
With 2024 wrapped up year and at the dawn of 2025 we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who has supported us throughout this unforgettable journey. Your presence and enthusiasm have made these moments even more special. We’re excited for the year ahead and look forward to sharing many more incredible memories with you in the months to come!
Kindest Bush regards
The BTL Team