So, what’s news in February?
Donald Trump… Oh, wait. Never mind. We’re a game lodge.
This month, there’s no grand edition—no birding special, no Christmas cheer, no “New Year, New Me” motivation. February has been all about rain, wildlife, and the occasional adventure that makes safari life so unpredictable.
Monsoon Season or Just Another Summer in Pilanesberg?
As I write this, there’s an official weather warning predicting 100mm of rain in a single day. This, of course, is an optimistic estimate, given that we’ve already collected over 200mm in the last week alone. The park is currently more suited for hippos and amphibious safari vehicles than standard game drives. To say everything is soaked would be an understatement.
The roads have turned into rivers, the air is so thick with moisture you could drink it, and the sky has decided that sunshine is a thing of the past. While the forecast suggests we won’t see any real improvement until March, we’re at least grateful that, despite the constant downpour, the game viewing has remained exceptional. And let’s be honest—no matter how much rain falls, at some point, the predators have to shake off their soggy coats and get back to hunting. Over the last six days, multiple leopard sightings have kept things interesting, and the cheetahs? Well, they’ve been stealing the show.
Cheetah Central
For the first two weeks of February, Tale and her cubs graced us with their presence in Black Rhino, offering not just spectacular sightings but also some top-tier free marketing for the lodge, by scent-marking on the sign cairns pointing to Lodge 20 quite frequently. There’s nothing quite like having a mother cheetah and her oversized, should-have-left-home-by-now cubs lounging around in prime guest-viewing areas.
And while they may still be acting like dependent teenagers refusing to move out, they certainly hunt like professionals. In an impressive show of skill and teamwork, Tale and her dependents took down a zebra in the park. A zebra is no small feat for cheetahs, and this was a serious testament to their strength and coordination. It’s safe to say that while these cubs might be ignoring nature’s eviction notice, they aren’t struggling to provide for themselves. Even with this torrential rain!
They weren’t alone, either. Another two cheetahs also spent time in the concession, providing even more fantastic sightings. But the real headline? One of our resident males finally had his passport stamped.
After a long wait, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) successfully darted and relocated him to his new home, ensuring genetic diversity in South Africa’s cheetah populations. This is a crucial part of conservation, though it presents a unique challenge for the Pilanesberg, where our genetics have already spread far and wide—largely thanks to Rain, the late and legendary cheetah who shaped much of the region’s cheetah population.
Now, we wait for new arrivals. Whether it’s one new male or multiple, fresh genetics are on their way, and we’re eager to see who takes up resident status next.
Baby Boom and Big Cats
On the lion front, one of the reserve’s females has given birth and has been keeping her cubs tucked away in a well-hidden spot in the park. We were fortunate enough to get a rare glimpse of them, a reminder that Pilanesberg’s predator population continues to thrive.
Meanwhile, the western breakaway male has been busy ensuring the next generation by mating with another lioness. While the politics of lion dynamics shift constantly, one thing is certain: baby season is far from over.
And, speaking of babies, birding enthusiasts have had a field day (albeit a very wet one) with the emergence of fledglings. With all the rain keeping raptors grounded, it’s been a great time to spot eagles looking miserable and soaked, perched on trees, waiting for a break in the weather.
Close Encounters of the Elephant Kind
What’s a good safari season without a little unexpected drama? One particularly memorable game drive at Buffalo Thorn involved a blown tire, a herd of elephants, and some textbook-level crisis management.
Changing a tire is one thing. Changing a tire while surrounded by elephants? That’s an entirely different skill set. Luckily, the situation was handled smoothly, and what could have been a logistical nightmare turned into an incredible sighting. Sometimes, the best experiences aren’t the ones you plan—they’re the ones you survive with a good story to tell.
Love is in the Air (Sort Of)
Since February is the Month of Love, we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least acknowledge Valentine’s Day. Whether you spent it celebrating romance, rolling your eyes at overpriced flowers, or out on game drive appreciating the only relationships that truly matter—those between predator and prey—we hope it was enjoyable.
Looking Ahead
With March around the corner, we’ll see what the next few weeks bring. Hopefully, less rain and more opportunities for dry game drives (though at this rate, we might need to consider offering boat safaris).
Until next time, stay dry and keep an eye on the wild,
The Buffalo Thorn Team