The veld (bush) has thickened up quickly and already driving around corners brings the odd surprise of an elephant bull lazily feeding on a branch by the side of the road or a buffalo mud-wallowing in a shallow pool of water. 

It’s been a week of baby’s, baby’s and more baby’s;

The first baby impala was seen on the 14^th of this month, and since Monday the 15^th the bush has welcomed many more.  Large herds of impala are being seen on all the open areas with new green growth accompanied by their tiny babies, some still wobbly as they skitter in fits and starts trying to find their legs.

Along the walkway to Presidential Suite, Pieter watched as a tiny bush baby popped its head out of a huge hole in the trunk of a gnarled apple-leaf, its huge eyes and tiny hands exploring the sounds outside of its refuge.  Armand saw a group of giraffe feeding quietly near Sable West, upon observation, he saw four new babies in the group, hiding still and low in the thick grass.

In our reception area, Anne-Marie has had plenty of company with the barred owls beginning to nest, calling all through the day and flying in and out of a hollow tree trunk outside and just opposite her desk.  Keeping the owls company is a mother tree squirrel nesting at the main entrance to the lodge.  She has been seen on a number of occasions with her tiny baby either close at her heels up and down the tree trunks, or with the little one in her mouth.  It’s weeks like these that bring a renewed sense of awe to those that live in the bush, life is abundant and one is infused with the joys that new life brings.

The large herds of buffalo have been everywhere since the rains started, the grass is sweet and plentiful and the huge herds, some over 800 strong, are making the most of the seasons’ bounty.  The burnt areas that a few weeks ago were so desolate and lifeless seem to be supporting huge numbers of game and the ground practically undulates as the herds move across the terrain.

On the predator front, both the Tintswalo sub-adult leopards have been seen recently, the male up a jackalberry tree with a fresh baby waterbuck kill.  A couple of nights later, the young female was seen stalking a group of impala in an open area just opposite the lodge by the light of the near full moon.  Obviously there are still a few hunting tactics and techniques that need to be refined somewhat, but the fact that they persist bodes well for their continued growth and success.

The coalition of four male cheetahs was seen around Main Dam, and the coalition of six male lions is doing extremely well - they continue in their quest to keep the buffalo numbers in check!  This week alone, five known buffalo kills were made in different areas of the reserve.   A tactic they seem to be employing more and more is to split up and hunt separately.  None of the kills last for long and within the next day or two the group will have been seen together again. 

The nights are filled not only with the sounds of crickets, frogs and owls; the roaring of lions too fills the night with their powerful proclamations of dominance.  

After celebrating our first proper rainfall at the end of last week, we had more to celebrate when another storm whipped itself into existence early in the week.  Another 35 mm fell leaving everything sparkling and looking brand new.  As we head out in the early mornings the smell of the wet earth rises to great us and the calls of the Woodlands kingfishers welcome the days. 

The roads however, are a challenge to say the least and we slipped and slid our way around the reserve for most of the week until the sun came out and dried up the puddles.  The burnt area that looked so desolate just a week ago is covered in a haze of new green growth that is almost blinding to look at and as we sit listening to the morning chorus of bird calls one can almost hear the grass growing. 

Shigamba pan, Ingwe Manzi and Tortoise pan are near to overflowing and little pools of water litter the bush like a careless sprinkling of magic.  The animals seem relieved to have so much water around and the impalas, zebra and wildebeest have been cavorting across the plains, it seems out of sheer joy.  Although the Woodlands kingfishers have returned, we have yet to welcome this season’s first baby impala which for us is a sign that summer is finally here.  But soon, very soon we will start to see them. 

Drives have been varied and now that insects, butterflies, snakes and frogs are starting to appear in earnest, it brings a whole new dimension to our summer drives. 

The pride of 6 male lions is steadily increasing their territory.  For the first time this week we found them on Mvevhe link, a lot further east than we have seen them before in the company of a large female with whom the dominant male has been mating, so hopefully some cubs to look forward to soon.  In the middle of the week we watched and waited patiently as three of the six males stalked a herd of about 500 buffalo that had come back into the reserve from the eastern Kruger Park regions.  Their first attempt at dinner failed and we watched as the herd turned to chase them away.  We sat with the three males as they bided their time and waited for another opportunity. 

On Saturday morning, Armand and his guests sat riveted as they watched an adult male waterbuck chasing a newborn calf along the banks of Main Dam.  At the water’s edge, a large crocodile of over 5m slipped silently into the water to wait patiently for the right moment to launch an attack.  Soon four more crocodiles were seen slipping into the water at various points along the dam’s edge…. fortunately for the young waterbuck, mother waterbuck came to the rescue and the crocs moved off to wait for another unsuspecting meal.

The four male cheetahs were back this week and we found them huddled in a heap of spots just below Marula Ridge on an overcast and cloudy morning. 

The resident leopard female has been scarce since our last sighting of her near the boom gate a couple of weeks ago.  The two cubs, now around thirteen months old, were very obviously around the lodge for some time, seen walking along the wooden decks at their leisure, in front of the library and the main dining area. 

The Sable Bridge cubs are getting bigger by the day and they are seen regularly crossing over Nyathi Drive and into the drainage line.

Uncovering Hidden Secrets by SA Partridge:

http://sapartridge.book.co.za/blog/2010/07/13/uncovering-hidden-secrets/

“This last weekend I found another one of Cape Town’s hidden treasures. My partner and I spent our anniversary at a little slice of heaven called Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay. After parking our car at the top of Chapman’s Peak Drive, we were ferried right down to the bottom of the mountain. Tintswalo Atlantic is the only lodge situated within the national park, and is totally isolated, a small speck against the wild, forested cliff.

Our wooden cabin sat right on the beach, surrounded by Milkwood Trees and mountainside: or as I like to think of it, at the end of the world. As soon as my bag fell to the floor I felt that awe I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I love the city, but there is something about being in the middle of nowhere with no lights, no cars and nothing but raging seas that restores the spirit.

We were completely alone, with only the sea as company.We watched the sun set, we watched it rise.

On the deserted beach, the only life was in the form of a couple of playful starlings who performed for me, chasing each other over the rocks and wetting their wings in the icy water. In the shallows, a seal waved before diving out of sight.

We lit our own fire. We stumbled over the rocks looking for treasure. We bounced smooth pebbles across the surf. For a while it felt like we had gone back in time, to the place where the world began.”

Tintswalo Atlantic

Tintswalo is the intangible feeling of love, warmth and gratitude you bestow upon someone who has given you a worthy and meaningful gift.

Tintswalo Atlantic

Nestled at the base of Chapman’s Peak within the Table Mountain National Park lies the only lodge on the Atlantic ocean’s water’s edge,  Tintswalo Atlantic. With unsurpassed, breathtaking views Atlantic offers guests the opportunity to experience absolute tranquillity while living in understated elegance and style. With ten luxury suites and one regal presidential suite, Tintswalo Atlantic provides an environment that offers a time for stillness and reflection in total privacy.  All suites have air conditioning, under floor heating, heated towel rails and have the Atlantic ocean literally breaking at their base.  Tintswalo Atlantic is truly one of a kind. Explore the many paths and walkways within the Table Mountain National Park. Enjoy lunch on the deck or share cooking tips with the Executive Chef.  Take a chauffeured drive to the Hout Bay Harbour, visit Seal Island, the Table Mountain cable cars or even visit the Cape Wine lands.

Tintswalo at Waterfall

Tintswalo at Waterfall is an intimate boutique hotel offering unparalleled cuisine, exceptional luxury and the classic Tintswalo service standards. Positioned within the Waterfall Equestrian Estate, a 230ha (552acre) secure country estate, less than thirty minutes drive from the Johannesburg International Airport. This boutique destination features spectacular 360° views and is designed as and elegant stable with thick stone clad walls, double volume spaces and heavy bolted timber roof trusses. Looking out over the lush polo fields, the estate dam and the Magaliesburg Mountains. 16 suites, individually decorated to the colours and characteristics of specific horse breeds.  The en-suite rooms are spacious with views of either the dam or polo fields, leading onto a quaint balcony. All suites have air conditioning, under-floor heating, heated towel rails, a separate loo, flat screen TV, mini bar fridge, wireless connectivity, extra length king size or twin beds and international adaptors. The Feedroom restaurant takes pride in serving only the best and freshest food to our guests. The Vital Source Spa offers a variety of spa treatments while the boardroom facilities cater for groups up to 45, an ideal ‘out of town’ location for seminars, corporate breakaways and special occasions.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Tintswalo’s 6000ha (14 400 acres) exclusive concession area lies within the 27 000 ha (64 800 acres) Manyeleti reserve, situated on the pristine unfenced western boundary of the Kruger National Park, nestled between both the Sabi Sands and Timbavati, abounding in big five game and spectacular bird life.  The area is unique for its minimal vehicle density and so offering a true and incredibly exclusive and rewarding safari experience. The six suites and one presidential suite are authentically decorated to reflect explorers of the nineteenth century.  Your private plunge pool and deck overlook magnificent Sycamore groves and our seasonal river, which is frequented by a large variety of game. All the exclusive Explorer Suites provide you with supreme comfort, privacy and effortless birding.  Every suite has an extra length double or twin bed, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and immaculate comfort.

Manor House

Manor House is set in the pristine wilderness area of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park.  A full take over facility ideally suited for families as well as small groups, in an intimate homely setting with complete privacy. Four en-suite rooms plus an adjoining children’s room which hosts up to 10 guests.  All the rooms are air conditioned and the beds are covered with mosquito nets.  All the rooms are beautifully laid out and decorated with breathtaking views of the bushveld.