October Sightings at Silvan Safari

October has been a spectacular month here at Silvan Safari, filled with thrilling encounters and extraordinary animal behaviour. We can’t wait to share a glimpse of the action that’s been unfolding. From intense big cat dynamics to peaceful grazing grounds, the bush is buzzing with life, and we’re thrilled to bring our extended Silvan family along for the ride.

From lions to leopard cubs, buffalo to elephants herds, we saw it all in October!

Tiyani

The ever-resourceful Tiyani put her stop-stopping hunting prowess on display again, catching a bushbuck in the Manyeleti riverbed right in front of the lodge.

Tiyani feasting on her well-deserved meal

True to her meticulous nature, she has since hoisted her prize up into the safety of the branches, safely out of reach from the lurking hyenas who are constantly on the lookout for an easy meal. It’s these kinds of moments that remind us of the delicate balance between predator and scavenger that plays out each day in the Sabi Sand.

Tiyani smartly dragged her kill up a tree to enjoy in peace

Kuchava & Cubs

Our favourite leopard mum, Kuchava, has been keeping busy! In the past week alone, she’s made not one, but two kills.

This lovely leopard mom sighted enjoying a few moments of peace while her cubs explore nearby

And while she’s kept her cubs tucked away in a thickly vegetated drainage line, we’ve been lucky enough to catch some heart-warming glimpses of their interactions. There’s nothing quite like the sight of these little ones honing their skills, learning from their mother, and playing in the shadows of the bush.

One of two of Kuchava's most recent litter of cubs

Nkuhuma Pride, Black Dam Male & Kambula Males

It’s been quite the month for the Nkuhuma pride, who have been moving throughout their territory in search of opportunities. And what a find they stumbled upon – a deceased elephant, offering them the ultimate feast. For two days, they’ve made the most of this bounty, though they’ve not been alone; a clan of hyenas has been keeping a watchful eye from a distance, ever hopeful for a turn at the carcass. It’s a rare scene that showcases both the power and the vulnerability of the bush, where opportunities are taken, and competition never rests.

The peace of the Nkuhuma pride at the elephant carcass was short-lived, however. Just this morning, two of the mighty Kambula males made an unexpected appearance, and what an entrance they made! Their roars reverberated through the bush, a clear proclamation of dominance and intent.

The Nkuhuma lionesses feating on an elephant carcess before they were rudely interrupted by the Kambula males

The Nkuhuma pride and the Black Dam male quickly scattered at their arrival, yielding to the authority of the Kambula males. With the pride dispersed, the Kambula males settled in and claimed the remains for themselves, reinforcing their formidable status in the area.

One of the Kambula males in all his fierce glory

Buffaloes

The grazing grounds have also been quite busy lately, with several herds of buffaloes favouring the rich grasses around Silvan. It’s always a treat to witness these formidable giants move as one, their sheer numbers and unity providing a powerful reminder of the strength found in togetherness.

We have been lucky to have sighted many buffalo over the past month, including herd with calves

Elephants

Speaking of giants, we’ve noticed a significant increase in elephant activity recently. Several breeding herds have made their way through the area, bringing with them a sense of calm and majesty. There’s something profoundly special about watching these families interact – the gentle care shown to the young calves, the wisdom passed between matriarchs, and the quiet power of their presence.

These gentle giants are a firm favourite, and it's not hard to see why!

Until Next Month!

And that’s all for this month’s sightings at Silvan! We hope these stories brought a little piece of the bush to wherever you are. Don't forget to tune into our live feed from Roy's Dam to watch the action in real-time!

We cannot wait to welcome you back to experience the magic of Silvan Safari for yourself. If you're ready to start planning your next trip to Silvan, reach out to us.