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     This month we have had some good rains to get the season started. The bush is emerald green and every day brings more growth. The call of the Woodland’s Kingfisher can be heard constantly as they arrive just in time for the winged termite flush.

These termites come out in their millions after the first heavy rains. These are the new kings and queens of the termite world. They provide a rich source of protein for most species. We have seen hyena and jackals performing the most incredible antics to catch these insects.      There are some bird species that fly from Europe to Africa just to feed on these termites in order to build their body fats up for the breeding period in Europe. Just to name a few, Steppe Buzzard, Steppe Eagle and Lesser-spotted Eagle.      They also provide food for other insects such as scorpions, assassin beetles and amphibians, such as frogs and toads.

     We have the happy news that Mambiri, the 5 year old leopard cub of one of our favourite females, Mkwela, has given birth to 2 cubs. This came as a total surprise to all as the cubs are now approximately 7 weeks old and no one had noticed her lactating. So far she seems to be a very dedicated and doting mother but obviously she has a long way to go. As mentioned in previous newsletters, it very often takes a few litters for mother leopards to get wise enough before they bring their cubs to independence. However, she has done extremely well to get this far and although the cubs are still a little shy, she is very confident around the Land Rovers with them, giving the guests and rangers enormous pleasure.

     We have also found a new hyena den. The mother was seen excavating a hole in a termite mound about a month ago. She is being very shy about letting them out but we have at least had a glimpse of one tiny black cub. They are born black and only get their spots after 4 to 5 months.

     While on the subject of babies, we mentioned that the impala had started giving birth early last month. This is now happening in earnest and there are impala babies everywhere.

     Another good bit of news - we are almost positive that the two Sand River females that have been mating constantly with the Mpogo – the six dominant males – are now pregnant. They are in extremely good condition and it looks as though we will have new cubs in the area within the next month. They also seem to be moving their territory further south. This will definitely put the Xhimungwe Pride under pressure. Having said last month that the Xhimungwe Pride was looking in poor condition, they have now feasted on a giraffe, a wildebeest and two buffalo. This is what we are actually aware of, so there could be more. The cubs are looking exceptionally good. We just hope that they can survive the Mpogo takeover. They are getting to an age now that they could probably cope if they had to fend for themselves.

     On our airstrip a few days ago, we witnessed two rhino bulls having a territorial dispute and after they had performed their rhino ballet of moving backwards and forwards at each other, they both just turned around and walked away.

     Elephant bulls continue to visit the lodge regularly. Even though there is water throughout the bush, they seem to be staying near the camp for longer this year. Our breeding herds have moved closer to the river and we are seeing huge herds of up to 200. Because these herds are being constantly viewed, they have become exceptionally relaxed thereby providing remarkable viewing.

     With the approach of Christmas, we have dipped into our community fund and have chosen Mabarula, the pre-school most utilized by our staff, to give Christmas presents to the children. There are a total of 80 children in this one school.

     We are very happy to announce the arrival of Neil and Natasha who have joined Savanna as our new assistant managers. They come with many years of lodge experience and will be a huge asset to Savanna and can only help strengthen our close working team and the special Savanna experience.

     We take this opportunity of wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and may the New Year bring you much peace and joy.