June arrived with all the subtlety of a cold steel handshake. As always, the conversation began with that classic annual lie: “Last winter wasn’t that cold.” And yet here we are—teeth chattering, muscles locking, and morning game drives starting to feel more like Arctic expeditions. This year? This year was cold. Proper winter cold.
Fortunately, at Buffalo Thorn Lodge, we believe in free will—and in adjusting game drive schedules around what you, the guest, prefer. So while the bush froze and frost whispered across the roads, no guests were harmed in the making of this winter.
Winter Movements and Mammal Musings
As with all mammals, winter slows things down to a crawl. Humans wrap up tax season, declare emotional bankruptcy, and coast into the new financial year in full autopilot. The animals? Much the same. The drama simmers down, the movement reduces, and everyone adopts a pace best described as “functional.”
The buffalo have officially abandoned us for warmer pastures—specifically, the Park Side. In fact, as this is being written, someone just spotted the entire herd down at Rathlogo. They’ve clearly decided it’s time for their annual retreat to the mountains.
That said, the sightings on Black Rhino remain strong. The three breakaway males—our reliable winter residents—are still holding the fort. They’ve been around all month, in and out of the wilderness like they’re inspecting real estate. It’s a good bet that they’ll hang around until spring arrives and things heat up enough to start some proper drama with the other prides.
The Eastern pride has also settled in nicely at Kwa Maritane. Twice this month, they made elegant, if not entirely subtle, appearances at the lodge’s watering hole. One could argue that even lions need a winter getaway, and they’ve clearly chosen their vacation homes wisely.
Cheetahs in Residence, More or Less
Just yesterday afternoon, 3 out of the 4 cheetahs in the park were seen on Black Rhino—proof that they, too, have a fondness for wintering in style. Historically, cheetahs have always had a thing for Black Rhino: they pop in, overstay politely for about three weeks, then disappear without so much as a goodbye, only to return later like nothing happened.
The three currently in residence include the two offspring of Tale and the last daughter of Rain. Tale herself hasn’t been back since her kids grew up and moved out. Having fulfilled her biological obligations, Tale appears to have embraced the traditional post-parental strategy of complete disappearance, presumably to pursue quiet hobbies like existential solitude or judging her offspring from a safe distance.
In a spectacular moment this month, Rain’s last daughter even made a kill right on Buffalo Thorn’s access road—just to remind everyone how skilled they are. It seems our immediate surroundings are becoming a hotspot for all the major predators, both residents and park passersby. Excellent news for guests, though perhaps less so for the impala population.
Leopard Luck
Oddly enough, leopards have been unusually generous this month. We recorded four sightings on our concession alone, plus two more in the wilderness. And, for the cherry on top: two separate sightings of leopards drinking from the lodge’s watering hole. One of these was even witnessed by our guests—because what’s better than sipping your own drink while a leopard does the same just metres away?
Other Important Developments: Pool Table Now Rolls Straight
In between the frostbite and the predators, we found time to do some maintenance. The pool table has had its felt redone—yes, we take pool very serious—and a few bells and whistles around the lodge have been polished to keep the place looking as sharp as a Nyala in velvet. Just a little something to keep the fires burning and the cues rolling straight during these long winter nights.
Looking Ahead
As we stare into the cold abyss of July, we can confidently say this: if this month is anything to go by, it’s going to be a proper winter. We’re not holding our breath for warmer days just yet, but we are optimistic about what July will bring—especially in the sightings department. With all this predator activity and leopard generosity, the second half of winter might just be the sweet spot.
So, until next month—stay warm, stay safe, and we hope to see you out here, preferably by the fire, sharing stories over something hot or strong.
Warmest regards,
The Buffalo Thorn Team