Elephant Walking Trails

Guess who had a rough night? This male lion was discovered this morning not too far from the Northern Pride. However, it is pure speculation that they may have fought as he has no other injuries. Anything from killing prey, fighting, or a snake bite may have brought on the limping. Overall, he looks like he will be okay and should be back to normal in about a week. #thespringboklodge #lions #elephantwalksa #cellphotography

DEFINITION SWAGGER - refers to a confident attitude or walk that conveys self-assurance, pride, and sometimes a sense of superiority. Someone with swagger typically displays noticeable confidence, style, and presence that can be both impressive and intimidating. #thespringboklodge #cellphotography #elephantwalksa #elephants #elephantsafari

Unlike many other animals, lions do not have a specific mating season. Instead, they can mate at any time of the year. When a female lion, or lioness, enters estrus (heat), she signals her readiness to mate through behavior and scent markings. Male lions will identify with these signals and will follow the lioness closely. Once a pair is ready to mate, they will engage in mating numerous times over a period of several days. Male lions can mate as often as every 15 to 30 minutes for up to five days. This frequent mating increases the chances of successful fertilization. Each mating session is brief, typically lasting less than a minute. #thespringboklodge #lions #elephantwalksa #cellphotography #nambitireserve

Love Hippos ❤️. They can be such characters if you just sit and watch them long enough. #thespringboklodge #hippo #elephantwalksa

The lions, with all their movements through the night, had managed to split up the Cheetah males. On top of that, a female Cheetah came into the mix, so one brother was keeping himself occupied. This brother called out looking to re-unite with his brother. Listen to the unusual and strong call! #thespringboklodge #cheetahs #cellphotography #wildlifevideos

I THINK I HAVE WORKED IT OUT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! Guests often ask what is the best time of the year Brent to travel to parks. The whole year is great, something different at all times, but if I had to say a particular point, it would be the November to March season. Everything is busy, the rain, the babies are being born, flowers are coming out, birds have their mating plumage, and every male is fighting for that one partner or many 😂 #thespringboklodge #cellphotography #elephantwalksa #nambitireserve #buffalo #wildlifevideos

That moment, when you realize that is your reflection in the mirror that you are just about to box with 😅 or, in this case, the reflection of you on the vehicle. #thespringboklodge #nambitihills #cellphotography #elephantwalksa #nambitireserve

Elephants love dust bathing. It helps with cooling and to irritate parasites, tick, and flies. #thespringboklodge #nambitireserve #elephantwalksa

We were so lucky to have seen three Cheetahs join up together. However, while the two males standing had a clear interest in the female, she was not interested and made it clear. The males smelling the ground are testing for her oestrus status. #thespringboklodge #cheetahs #elephantwalksa #cellphotography

When the focus kicks in, everything else around you becomes secondary. Cheetahs love elevated positions to see prey long distance. Using the dam wall, her sight focused on some Impala, which did get away but watch the body language. #thespringboklodge #nambitireserve #cellphotography #elephantwalksa

It is that time if the year again when rain while much needed can be a challenge for the vehicles when out on safari. Guest safety is one of our major priorities on drive, and so each guide undergoes 4by4 training, which covers three parts. Part 1 - Understanding the difference between high and low range. A day was spent learning and understanding the difference between high range and low range gears in a four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle. Learning for the guides is essential for tackling various driving conditions. Here’s a breakdown of how they function and when to use each: **High Range (4H)** High range gears are used for regular driving conditions where extra traction is needed, such as on light off-road terrains, gravel roads, and snowy or slippery surfaces. It allows you to drive at higher speeds, it maintains a standard gear ratio similar to that of a typical two-wheel drive vehicle. This means the power is distributed evenly to all four wheels without significantly altering the overall speed and torque. **Low Range (4L)** The low range gears are designed for challenging off-road conditions requiring maximum torque and control, such as steep inclines, deep mud, sand, rocks, and heavy towing scenarios. It operates at much lower speeds, typically under 30 km/h. The gear ratio is reduced, increasing the torque delivered to the wheels. This provides greater control and power, allowing the vehicle to navigate difficult terrains slowly and carefully.The main use is for extreme off-road conditions where maximum traction and power are needed. Low range gears help prevent wheel spin and enable precise maneuvering over obstacles. Part 2 is coming as soon as the rain hits! 😅 #4by4 ##thespringboklodge #elephantwalksa

Boys will be boys, and we love to mess around in the dam playing games and having fun. Elephants taking a break from the heat and enjoying a much needed swim to cool down #thespringboklodge #elephantwalksa #elephants