The Sabi Sands Game Reserve and its nearby private reserves have been abuzz with excitement as three iconic leopard mothers give birth to their new offspring. Makhomsava, the Stone Drift female, and Mahetelelo are rearing the next generation of leopards, drawing in both rangers and visitors.
Makhomsava and Her Cubs – Northern Sabi Sands
Makhomsava, known for her fearless demeanour and unrivalled hunting abilities, has become a symbol of resilience in the Northern Sabi Sands. She recently introduced her two cubs to the world along a rocky outcrop, creating a tranquil and secure environment for their early days.

Photo by Jordan Delvecchio (@jordan_delveccs)
Makhomsava, ever vigilant, guarantees her cubs’ protection as they curiously explore their environment, revealing glimpses of their mother’s courageous personality. Rangers are hopeful that these cubs will carry on Makhomsava’s exceptional legacy, adding new chapters to her lineage’s rich history.
The Stone Drift Female’s Cubs – MalaMala Game Reserve
In MalaMala Game Reserve, the mysterious Stone Drift female has tucked her two cubs in a dense thicket beside the Sand River. This leopard, known for her stealth and resourcefulness, has picked an ideal position that provides plenty of prey and cover to defend her young.
Guests and rangers have been treated to charming glimpses of the cubs’ playful behaviours. Tumbling over each other in imaginary conflicts, they demonstrate the early stages of gaining the abilities required for survival. Their mother’s continual alertness serves as a reminder of the perils she encounters while guaranteeing her cubs’ survival, demonstrating her incredible maternal strength.
Mahetelelo and Her Cubs – Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Mahetelelo, a lioness with a stunning golden coat and a calm demeanour, has welcomed two pups into her family. Observers were privileged to watch her transferring her cubs between dens, including a heartwarming moment when she carefully cradled one in her jaws, demonstrating the mother-cub relationship.
The Ulusaba habitat, rich in prey and shelter, makes a perfect nursery for Mahetelelo’s cubs. These cubs are prepared to thrive in a setting as breathtaking as their mother’s majestic presence, adding to the region’s thriving leopard population.

A Hopeful Future for Leopards
The birth of these cubs in the Sabi Sands and surrounding reserves demonstrates the leopard population’s vitality and adaptability. Each mother, with her distinct characteristics and techniques, secures the survival of her lineage in an ever-changing wilderness.
For visitors and environmentalists, these encounters are not only a luxury, but also a reminder of the need of protecting these unique environments. Makhomsava, the Stone Drift female, and Mahetelelo rear their pups, embodying the tenacity and beauty of the African environment and providing hope for future generations.