Hunter Hunted: A Tawny Eagle Kills a Black Mamba in the Timbavati

Tawny eagle perched on a bare dead branch against a pale overcast sky in the Timbavati

As the late afternoon light began to soften across the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the Bateleur guide spotted a raptor perched up ahead in a tree. He switched off the vehicle’s engine and began explaining the bird’s identifying features and behaviour to the guests. After careful observation, the group identified it as a Tawny Eagle.…

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Big 5 Standoff in the Timbavati: Lions, Elephants and a Leopard

Lion cub resting against the mane of a dominant male lion in the Timbavati

The third-last day of September was overcast and cool, and it was clear that some significant wet weather was just around the corner. As had been the daily pattern during the preceding week, the Bateleur guests were fortunate to find themselves following the Sark Pride during a guided game drive in the Timbavati Private Nature…

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A Lion’s Passion: Lion Mating Behaviour in the Timbavati

Male lion standing in long dry grass, looking towards the camera, in the Timbavati

The open safari vehicle slowed as the guide spotted a magnificent male lion and a beautiful lioness resting in the early morning African sunshine. At first, the pair appeared relaxed, seemingly oblivious to the vehicle’s presence. However, it soon became apparent that the lioness was displaying signs of being receptive to mating, offering a fascinating…

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An Encounter at Dusk

Cape buffalo facing the camera with curved horns, chewing, in the Timbavati

A musth elephant bull charges a game drive in the Timbavati. Plus September sightings: wild dogs, lion prides, leopards and cheetahs at Bateleur Safari Camp.

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