December 2006

White rhino were abundant during the report period. There were numerous sightings along the Matshapiri River, The Kapen River and in the open areas in the southern parts of the reserve. There were several sightings of large groupings of rhino, especially around Buffalo Bush Dam, where thirteen rhino were seen at one time. Most of the rhino seen were very relaxed and provided fine viewing. As would be expected, females with young calves were often quite nervous, and were generally viewed from a distance. An aggressive male rhino was encountered on several occasions, along the Matshapiri River between Emsagwen Crossing and Drum Crossing.

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November 2006

Compared to other months, rhino sightings in November were excellent. Rhinos were seen on every day of the report period and in large concentrations. This is mainly due to the excellent grass cover on eastern Eyrefield and Flockfield where most of the rhino sightings occurred.

White Rhino - Photographed by ranger Sheldon Williams

Most of the rhino seen near the Kruger National Park were nervous, but further into Mala Mala the usual relaxed bulls and cows were encountered. Some sightings had up to 8 rhinos in a crash (group), and although slightly nervous, provided some good consistent viewing.

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October 2006

Rhino sightings were again stable on Mala Mala during October and rhino were seen on every day of the month. Some relatively large herds of rhino, some numbering 6 individuals, were frequently seen. Some rhino were also seen that do not frequent Mala Mala, these being identified due to their nervous disposition towards the game viewing vehicles. With no water in the Eastern parts of the property, more and more rhino are moving Westwards from the Kruger Park towards the Sand River, and onto Mala Mala. October was also a good month for viewing young rhinos and many were seen. On two days more than 20 different rhinos were seen on the property.

White Rhino calf - Photographed by ranger Sheldon Williams

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September 2006

Rhino sightings were again good during the September report period. Sightings were concentrated around watering points in the northern parts of the reserve. The Kapen proved to be particularly stable with many rhino sightings occurring along the river system where watering points still occurred. Western Charleston was another productive area, as was the open seeps off central Charleston.

White Rhino and calf - Photographed by ranger Sheldon Williams

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August 2006

There was good rhino viewing during August, especially on Flockfield where mud wallows still exist near Styx Crossing, Kapen Open Area, Lion Waterhole, Mamba Waterhole and Main Track Tamboti Thicket. Rhino bulls were often encountered in this area, one bull with a torn ear being seen frequently at the middens around these wallows.

Photographed by ranger Wesley Neuman

In the very north of the reserve the herd of five rhinos commonly seen during July were frequently seen along the Mlowathi River. The middle reaches of the reserve had consistent rhino viewing as well during August, the open seep lines on Charleston being particularly popular. A few nervous cows and small calves were sighted along the Matshapiri River, these almost certainly from the Kruger National Park that would be attracted to Mala Mala for water as the bush dries out.

Photograph by ranger Sheldon Williams

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July 2006

Rhino sightings continued to be good during the month of July, and sightings were slightly more stable and regular during the report period. Several large groups were seen in the very north-western sector of Mala Mala, as well as on the eastern breaks with the Kruger National Park . As with last month, there were many rhino sightings on Charleston and the northern parts of Toulon on the open areas that prevail there.

White Rhino - Photographed by ranger Sheldon Williams

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June 2006

Rhino sightings were good during this report period. There were sightings of two bulls on central Flockfield that provided the bulk of rhino viewing in this area. A herd of five rhinos was commonly seen on the Mlowathi River , but the bulk of sightings were on the central parts of the reserve on Charleston . No aggressive behaviour was witnessed between any rhino bulls, although as winter approaches and the bulls are forced into one another’s territories to gain access to water this may well change.

White Rhino - Photographed by ranger Johno Bailey

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May 2006

Rhino sightings were the most stable of the Big 5 with an average of 5 different sightings being recorded every day in May. Again the most productive parts of the property were western Flockfield around the Kapen River , the Cattle Graves in the south and the New Airstrip. Northwestern Eyrefield also provided steady viewing. The young male seen in poor condition near the New Airstrip last month eventually succumbed to the predators and was eaten by the Styx Pride and Split Rock Males.

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April 2006

Rhino viewing was steady in April. True to form, rhino viewing was best on Flockfield, with the Kapen River being prolific. Other productive areas included the Mlowathi River , the Cattle Graves and the Chellahanga River .

As with the buffalo, there is plenty of good gazing for the rhinos of Mala Mala. Coupled with the ample mud wallows, which have not yet dried up, conditions are favourable for rhinos on Mala Mala, and steady viewing should continue through the winter.

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March 2006

Again, the major tributaries of the Sand River provided steady rhino viewing. The whole of Flockfield has high rhino numbers, and consistent rhino viewing was had in this area. Certain family groups were often seen, while a number of territorial males also contributed to the very steady rhino viewing observed this game report period. Like the buffalo, times are good for white rhino. There is abundant green grass to graze, as well as numerous mud wallows to while away the hot part of the day.

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February 2006

Rhino sightings were clearly concentrated around the major tributaries to the Sand River , especially the Mlowathi and Kapen Rivers . Some more dispersed sightings also occurred throughout Flockfield, Charleston and Marthly with one bull in particular frequenting the New Air Strip just about every evening. Two different families of rhino were also seen frequently around the Cheetah Pan and Cattle Graves areas. A very young calf, perhaps one week old, was recorded as well as a very rare incident of mating rhinos in the Mlowathi River.

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January 2006

Rhino sightings were good in January with total sightings surpassing those of last month quite substantially. Two very small calves, perhaps only weeks old, were also recorded.