Only now in late May, are the winter chills finally arriving at Buffalo Thorn Lodge. There appears to be no collaboration between this week’s chilly blasts and the very early onset of Influenza A (historically swine flu) sweeping the country. It’s coldish now, but influenza A struck the nation already about 45 days ago. For whatever has kept the chills at bay, we are grateful. We will continue to fight back with Vitamin C, tasty soups, warm blankets & winter ponchos. Without giving too much away, one of our other not so secret weapons is a splash (or two) of Amarula in our morning coffee. This inspired beverage is typically consumed while soaking in the suns earliest embraces that stretch into the Land Cruiser as we move through the landscape in search of sightings that become great stories and even greater memories. Regardless of the turn in temperature, and the threats to our respiratory systems, we don’t let anything stand in the way of guest centricity and experience. Evan our ranger, is happy to wear two pairs of shorts.
The Eastern pride of lions (which have been on Black Rhino for the past six months) have been wonderfully obliging in terms of sightings. Currently two females with three cubs as well as a youngish male, appear to be making Black Rhino Game Reserve their home. They have been successful on many hunts and all signs indicate that they want to grow the pride. One of the females is currently MIA, and we are hoping that she has recently had cubs.
The dry conditions out in the bush have turned the waterholes into an oasis for game and interactions between different and thirsty species. Mid-day temperatures are still a healthy 30’C and as always, elephants visit our watering holes with regularity. We have also had the lions, cheetahs and rhinos moving in to drink, cool down and even play.
The male and female cheetah from mom Rain have also been giving our guests a show. They ‘practice hunt’, actually hunt, tease and play in close proximity to our lodge. The two youngsters are still very reliant on each other for safety and security. Only time will tell with what happens to these siblings, as they might be moved to other reserves in and over Africa to strengthen the gene pool.
Here are some other highlights for the month of May:
We also have some EXCITING NEWS!!! Buffalo Thorn Lodge is getting a facelift in June and it’s huge! We are putting in brand spanking new composite decking complete with a new pool and new jacuzzi. Many other upgrades to the lodge will be done. Unfortunately, this does mean that we will be closed for all of June.
Our powerful and beloved Land Cruiser is also going in for a new conversion. The cruiser and the lodge will be reintroduced on 28 June.
SO WATCH THIS SPACE!! A follow up blog will be out soon with ‘before and after’ pics and new features coming to Buffalo Thorn Lodge in 2024.
Kindest bush regards
The BTL team