February has truly been a month to remember here at Clifftop Lodge.
After a season shaped by generous rainfall, the bush has felt alive with movement, opportunity, and some exceptional wildlife encounters.
One of the most exciting developments has been the movement of our young male lion. Now three years old, he has shifted from the eastern side of the reserve into the central region, where he has joined the Western Pride females. Following the passing of Shaka, the dominant male of the Western Pride, this transition has created a fascinating new chapter in the pride’s story. For our guests, it has meant frequent and rewarding lion sightings, including the special experience of seeing this young male reunite with his sister in the central area.
The reopening of the southern section of the reserve has also been a highlight of the month. Heavy rains earlier in the season damaged several roads, and this area was temporarily closed to protect the infrastructure. With the weather finally settling, the reserve teams have been hard at work restoring access. The south, known for its flat open plains, offers exceptional visibility and a different safari experience compared to the more rugged terrain elsewhere in the reserve.
Our first drive back into the south did not disappoint. We encountered the Southern Pride actively hunting zebra across the open plains. Just around the corner, one of our male cheetahs was also in pursuit of zebra making it, unfortunately, not the best morning to be a zebra. The open landscape allowed for incredible viewing and a rare opportunity to witness predator dynamics unfolding in the same area.
With the rains easing, improved road access has allowed us to explore more of the reserve again. This has not only led to diverse sightings but also to some truly spectacular sunsets the kind that remind us why we love guiding here.
Large breeding herds of elephant and buffalo have moved into the central region this month, providing near-daily sightings of these impressive animals. We have also encountered spotted hyenas regularly, a personal favorite of mine. Their intelligence, social structure, and unique vocalizations always make for fascinating sightings.
On a smaller but equally exciting note, we were fortunate to spot a pellucid hawk moth, a first for me. While not considered rare, they are certainly not easy to find in the bush, and it’s always rewarding to appreciate the smaller, often overlooked wonders of the ecosystem.
February has truly been a sighting-filled month, rich with predator activity, large herd movements, and those special unexpected encounters that make every drive unique. As the landscape begins to transition out of the rainy season, we look forward to what the coming months will bring.
We can’t wait to share it with you.
