Not every safari goes according to plan, and sometimes, that’s what makes the story worth telling.
Setting out in the afternoon, I had hoped to get down to see the Gijima Male Lions. But a puncture quickly derailed the plan… and as luck would have it, my spare was flat too. Backup arrived, but the replacement wheel didn’t fit. Meanwhile, just over the bank, other rangers were enjoying a sighting of the Xinkhova Female, and all I managed was a fleeting glimpse of her on a termite mound.
While waiting for another spare wheel, I reflect on a few highlights from the week: the Makhatini Cheetah Family basking in the afternoon sun, the ever-impressive Nkuhuma Breakaway pair, and confirmation of the sad news that the Ximungwe Female has lost her cub, now seen mating with the Maxim’s Male.
Just as the day seemed lost, with the Gijima Males too far, the cold wind setting in, and the light fading fast, the Xinkhova Female reappeared. Emerging from the Sand River, she treated us to not one but two hunting attempts right beside the vehicle before we left her to hunt without any impact from our presence.
The trials and tribulations of a ranger trying to get the shot — but it’s worth every moment. From punctures to predators, this episode is proof that out here, you never know what’s around the corner.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Hi Sean, it must have been frustrating to have targets to view for the day and being stopped by the tyre! Anyway, the change to observe life around, like the Xinkova female and the animals she was trying to hunt, to be among them… all spectacular creatures. The Maxim male is large indeed, and the Ximungwe female looks in quite good conditions, she shines as usual, hopefully she’ll have cubs, she is a great mother. Absolutely wonderful cheetah family! Who’s wounded, mother or daughter? I cross my fingers she’ll be good soon!
It was frustrating but you cant get caught up on that, it was just what happened and we had to deal with it.
It was the daughter cheetah that was injured. It looks like she must have run into something. Nothing major and should heal soon.
That looks like a nasty wound on the back of Xinkhova’s neck, I wonder what caused that?
It’s amazing the cheetah family are all still together, are they likely to be splitting up soon? I’ve heard male cubs tend to form coalitions, do the females go off on their own usually?
Yes, there was a bit of a wound there, looks like it could have been from a fight, maybe running into something while hunting.
I would imagine the cheetah family to split up in the next few months. The cubs will all break away together. And then in time the female cub will split off from the brothers, who could then stay together as a coalition.
How much longer will the Cheetah cubs stay with there mother?
I think they will probably be with their mother for the next few months then break away.
Hi Sean, so sad for you to get a puncture on your vehicle, just goes to show never a dull moment in the bush. Xinkhova female I see has a open wound on the back of her neck, wonder what happened to her. Delighted to see the Maxim’s male and Ximungwe mating, you see new cubs shortly from her then. Gijima males have eaten everything up and have huge full bellies and cannot move further, before digesting all that meat. Looked like a very windy afternoon. The Nkuhuma male is stunning as is his sister.
Never a dull moment in the bush. I am not too sure what happened to Xinkhova’s neck, maybe from a fight with another female, or an injury while hunting.
Well, a flat tire definitely can slow you down but it better than an entire vehicle mechanical breakdown! The bright side is the Gijimas were sleeping so no action there, and ultimately Xinkhova came to you before you left. In my four decades of safari travel, I’ve experienced just two flat tire situations and one tow out of a ditch….. I co sided that amazing given the driving conditions in some places.
Now that it’s confirmed Ximungwe’s cub is gone, it makes sense she is mating again. It’s a tragic loss but then it’s all part of nature’s plan. Some animals live out their days until a natural death occurs whilst others experience just a short life and that’s the way it is and meant to be. Have a good week out there…..
Thankfully, my vehicle mishaps didn’t result in me missing much on the lion front. And then put me in the right spot to see the Xinkhova Female hunting.
Cheetah, lions, leopards, all in one amazing video. A hard life for the cats with all the injuries and the strenuous fights for a meal. They are just such fascinating animals. I hope that the Ximungwe will soon have another litter of cubs. I saw her mating with the Maxim‘s male about 2 1/2 years ago. However, I think another male was the father of the cub she just lost, wasn‘t it? And I keep my fingers crossed that all the injuries the other cats have, will heal well and soon.
I am sure the Ximungwe Female will have another litter of cubs soon. But life is hard out here and only the best survive.
Loved this one, Sean. From disaster to drama – makes a good story.
Thank you so much. It was actually a rather fun afternoon out.
The big boy Maxim Male biting at the flies was hilarious!
It was hilarious how he was throwing himself around swatting at the flies.