It always astounds me just how quickly time goes by when we’re out in South Africa’s wild places, and our June 2025 Manyeleti Magic photo-safari and workshop, hosted in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography at Buffelshoek in the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, was no exception. All too soon our final morning arrived and we had just one more drive from camp to enjoy with our guests before everyone headed home again.
Early morning light reveals a herd of elephants
Still excited about the amazing photo-session with the cheetah-family the previous afternoon we opted to go looking for them again, and found them up another termite mound from where they were surveying their Lowveld home for prey and danger. Two spotted hyenas were also hanging around, hoping to get an easy meal if the devoted cheetah mother made a kill. The cubs were in a playful mood and practiced their hunting strides on each other and even occasionally on the hyenas, giving us a lot of entertainment.
Soon after leaving the cheetahs we found a herd of elephant at a nearby waterhole – drinking elephants always make for interesting photographs!
By now it was time to start making our way back to Buffelshoek for breakfast, but a tree full of vultures distracted us. Nearing the spot the vultures took flight – great for attempting some pictures of them in the air – and then we noticed two magnificent male lions walking around in circles around the area, smelling and marking as they went. It was obvious that the two shared a close bond and woe to the interlopers that try to muscle in on their territory!
A small herd of plains zebra and blue wildebeest were our final sighting before arriving back at camp after yet another exhilarating drive.
After a final scrumptious breakfast it was time to say goodbye to the management and staff of Buffelshoek who took care of us so wonderfully the past couple of days. On the way to the gate, and home beyond that, Manyeleti had a final gift for us – another encounter with the cheetah family pacing through the veld!
Manyeleti certainly delivered the magic again! Hannes and I will be hosting two photo-safari workshops at Buffelshoek again in 2026, in June and September – do get in touch with us to keep a spot for you!
DeWetsWild 
Brilliant photographs all round. We were delighted to treat our Norwegian granddaughters to a cheetah experience in MZNP a few days ago: a mother and five very young cubs – which they had a wonderful view of!
Wonderful photos. Loved the cheetahs especially. I somehow prefer them to the leopard and lion species. No idea why.
I can’t possibly choose a favorite. Every photo is just perfect. 😍
The cheetahs are beautiful! But the photo with that one with his eyes closed–I was laughing at that one before I even read your comment.
The lions–what a thrill it must be to see them in person. There is something so very grand about them. Wonderful photos, Dries.
Magnificent post, DeWets! The cheetah photos are incredible-especially the cub. But then, ALL of these majestic creatures are stunning. What fortunate visitors to be on this trip with you!