April at Elephant Plains: Leopards, Golden Light & Why July Is Calling Your Name

There are safaris… and then there are the kind of safaris that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. Our April Elephant Plains trip was exactly that — a whirlwind of big‑cat encounters, unforgettable group energy, and the kind of sightings that remind you why the Sabi Sand is in a league of its own.

We hosted a group of eight guests — six South Africans, two Germans, and Jackie from Frame the Wild as host — and from the moment we entered Gowrie Gate, the bush made it clear we were in for something special.

A Welcome Committee of Leopards

Before we even reached the lodge, Hlambela male leopard was casually strolling down the EP driveway. Another guest spotted Tiyani female not far from him. Two leopards before check‑in — that set the tone.

What followed was an extraordinary 3‑night, 4‑day safari:

• 10 leopard sightings of 7 different individuals (2 males, 2 females, 3 cubs)
• 3 lion sightings totalling 19 lions (7 females, 2 males, 10 cubs — including the tiniest cub we’ve ever seen)
• 3 white rhino sightings, including a crash of 7 rhinos
• 1 buffalo sighting
• And endless moments with elephants, kudu, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, impala, raptors… even a rare Black Stork.

“Meet the Leopards of Sabi Sands” — And Did We Ever

Tiyani hunting. Tiyani on a fresh impala kill. Xidulu and her cubs interacting and exploring. Tortoise Pan male climbing a tree to sniff out an impala leg. Tiyani and Mahlowasi walking the road together, eyeing impala. Xidulu and cubs on a kill. Tiyani and her cub drinking at a pan.

It felt like the Sabi Sand was giving us a masterclass in leopard behaviour — relaxed, natural, intimate moments that photographers dream of.

And Then Came the Lions

Because let’s be honest — everyone loves lions – well we do.

We had Eorenji Ndzhenga male drinking at Baobab Dam. Seven Nkuhuma females and two Ndzhenga males in a sleepy morning pile. Five Nkuhuma females and the two males walking right past us on our final evening. And then… the roadblock. Nineteen lions sprawled across the road — cubs suckling, adults sleeping, the whole pride shifting as the morning broke into golden light.

It was wild, raw, and unforgettable.

A Group That Just Clicked

Group dynamics can make or break a safari — and this one was magic. Everyone connected, laughed, shared stories, and agreed this was one of the best Sabi Sand trips they’d ever experienced.

And of course, none of this happens without the people who make Elephant Plains what it is. Nell and Dumi were phenomenal — tracking, reading the bush, and delivering sighting after sighting. The entire EP guiding team deserves credit. Teamwork really does make the dream work.

⭐ Why You Should Join Us in July 2026

If April delivered this level of action, July is going to be exceptional.

Cooler weather. Crisp mornings. High predator movement. Long golden hours for photography. And the same world‑class guiding team waiting to show you the magic of the Sabi Sand.

We still have a few spots left for our 22–25 July Elephant Plains safari — and after a trip like April, they won’t last long.

Your story in the wild is waiting.

📩 info@framethewild.co.za
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