Machaba Camp Wildlife Sightings March 2025
Machaba Camp saw hot days and cool nights in March compared to previous months. There was no recorded rainfall, but thanks to the abundance of rain in February, the landscapes around camp remained lush and a deep shade of green. Vegetation continued to thrive while the wildlife near Machaba put on a spectacular show for our guests.
Lionesses’ Protection
At Acacia Crossing, we smelled the scent of fresh blood and the sounds of crunching bones. As we inspected the area, we found a pride; four male lions, four female lionesses and their cubs, feasting on a large buffalo carcass.
The scene was primal… Ravenous predators were feasting on the flesh of an animal that was alive not so long ago. Even the cubs who were still small and unsteady ate from the remains with a curious eagerness.
All but one of the lions were focused on the feast; the dominant male, whose eyes glinted with dark intent. Without warning, he lunged at the cubs in an effort to kill them.
But before the dominant male lion could harm any of them, the female lions sprang into action. They rushed towards the male, teeth bared and growling in defence of their young. The male was surprised by the sudden aggression and hesitated. At that moment, the females quickly surrounded the male.
Whether this was to assert dominance or reduce the competition for valuable resources, the startled and defenceless cubs scattered in all directions.
Their growls turned into throaty roars, and the outnumbered male only had one choice: to back down. He slowly retreated and disappeared into some tall grass. The lionesses still remained vigilant, eyes never straying from their cubs until they were sure their cubs were safe and unharmed.
Heartbreaking End For Hyena Cub
**Warning: Sensitive Content
A confrontation with lions is no place for an inexperienced scavenger. We witnessed this heartbreaking fact when we found a hyena cub being attacked by a group of adult lions on an evening safari.
The fight was swift and brutal. The unfortunate hyena cub tried to defend itself from its attackers, but it was no match for the lions’ superior strength, numbers and coordination. The frantic cries of the hyena cub echoed across the plains until silence fell when the cub was finally killed.
Nearby, the mother watched helplessly as her cub was attacked and killed. She tried to help her offspring before it was too late, but the lions also overpowered her. At which point her instincts took over and told her to prioritise her survival. She disappeared into the shadows, wailing at her loss.
She later returned to see the carcass of what used to be her lively cub. The mother hyena cried throughout the night, mourning her loss with ear-piercing cries of grief. As dawn broke the next day, we decided to go back to the scene of the tragic loss.
In the daylight, we could see that the mother hyena bore marks of the brutal confrontation with the lions. This was yet another reminder of the harsh realities of living in the untamed African bush.
Suckling Lion Cubs
It was a calm morning on the African savannah when guests on an early morning game drive spotted a lioness in some tall grass near an acacia tree. Her fur blended seamlessly into the dense brush that surrounded her.
At her bosom were her adorable little cubs. The youngsters' fur was still soft and scruffy as they happily suckled on their mother. In moments like these, where we see the cuter side of these predators, we realise the stark duality of untamed nature.
As we watched the happy family, the mother gently picked up her cubs and hid them in a hollow tree.
The next day, we spotted the same cubs near their den. This time without their mother’s protection. They playfully tumbled with one another in the tall grass, oblivious to the potential danger without their mother’s supervision. Seeing the cubs alone paints a vivid picture of how fragile the most ferocious predators are when they are young.
Unlucky Leopard
We were driving back to camp during a game drive under the twinkling night sky when we spotted a grazing herd of impala, unaware of the predator lurking in the darkness.
Behind a dense thicket, we spotted a leopard. The low light worked in its favour, making the leopard almost invisible as its body hung low to the ground. It was calculating the perfect moment to strike. The leopard’s gaze locked onto a young female impala that wandered a little too far from the rest of the herd.
The leopard crept closer, careful not to make a sound. The predator was within striking distance of its prey when, on its final step, the impala lifted its head. It had heard something. Its eyes darted towards where the leopard had hidden itself and let out a soft snort.
This subtle signal sent the herd of impala into an explosion of motion. They bounded away, startling the leopard, which also sprang into action, trying to grab hold of one of them. However, it was too late, the hunt was a failed attempt and the leopard would have to wait a while to try again.
March was another amazing month for wildlife spotting. Let’s see what April has got waiting for us together!
Until next time,
Kutlo
Machaba Camp / Little Machaba
