Safari adventures are always full of unexpected and thrilling encounters, offering a unique window into the untamed world of wildlife. Each outing promises new sights and sounds, and this particular afternoon was no exception. The anticipation of what we might discover heightened as we set out, knowing that the African wilderness holds countless secrets waiting to be unveiled.

With an excited group of guests, we left Buffalo Camp, Kapama’s luxury-tented camp for our afternoon safari. We drove for about half an hour before encountering a large herd of buffalo, with numerous babies and two big bulls locked in a fierce battle. The struggle continued until one bull finally retreated. Among the herd was a newborn calf.  It was a wonderful sight to see. Did you know buffalo pregnancies last 11 months, and the calf can stand and walk within minutes of birth? We spent a bit of time observing the herd when suddenly, we heard a leopard roar approximately 600 meters away.

Without hesitation, we left the buffalo and headed towards the sound. Upon arrival, the roar had ceased, but we found fresh tracks of a female leopard. We followed the tracks to a dam near the eastern side of the reserve, close to the Klaserie River. My assistant guide motioned me to stop the vehicle and listen if we could hear anything. But all was quiet.

We advanced another 20 meters when my assistant guide spotted a subadult female leopard emerging from the tall grass, walking towards us. She crossed the road right in front of our vehicle, heading down to the river. Initially, we thought she was going to drink, but she began stalking something near the water. To our surprise, she emerged from behind a bush with something in her mouth.

Her stalking had paid off and she caught a  water monitor. This unexpected encounter provided an excellent opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of leopards and their hunting behaviors. Leopards typically begin hunting on their own at around one and a half years old, starting with small animals like mongoose, birds, and mice. Mothers teach them to hunt larger prey such as impala, duiker, and steenbok. When a mother catches something, she often lets the cub practice the kill.

Other interesting facts about leopards include:

• Leopards are solitary and territorial creatures
• Females give birth to cubs after a pregnancy of 88 – 112 days
• They usually give birth to one – two cubs
• The cubs stay with their mother for one and a half to two years
• The mom raises the cubs on her own as males do not help care for the cubs
• Male leopards are larger than females
• Their territories often overlap with those of several females

This safari offered a captivating glimpse into the lives of buffalo and leopards, showcasing the wonders of the wild and the intricate behaviours of these magnificent animals. 

Themba Mkansi – Kapama Buffalo Camp guide