Sarah's attempts to host a wedding reception at Leopards Den to aid the family's desperate finances are thwarted at every turn. Alex Tate is attacked by a rhinoceros whilst hunting illegally, and Danny holds his rival's life in his hands. Nomsa's daughter Thandi returns from university.

Mara Lodge is reopening under new management, and members of a British wildlife charity arrive to release a vulture into the wild. Danny's infatuation with the charity's beautiful spokesperson leads him to make an imprudent decision, but the family's kindness toward a wealthy visitor brings its own reward.

Evan and Du Plessis ('Dup') keep avoiding the routine work at Leopard's Den to look after Togo, an orphaned elephant. While leading a game drive, Rosie finds a young man lying dehydrated in the bush. He carries a photo and a shocking letter for Dup. Sarah receives news about her father who is in hospital in England.

With Sarah away at her father's funeral, a bitter inspector arrives to conduct an annual review at Leopards Den. Danny feels the pressure of Sarah's absence, and it reaches a boiling point when the inspector threatens not to renew their permit because of his past conflicts with Dup.

Everyone's excited about the arrival of Danny's former tutor and Rosie's godfather, Bash. Danny has invited him to Leopards Den to work alongside him in the surgery, but it quickly becomes apparent that Bash may not be up to the tasks required. Concurrently, Danny must make a difficult decision about an old, ailing cheetah.

The family is less than prepared when Sarah's rather difficult and interfering mother Caroline arrives. Dup, however, sees her in an entirely different light. Sarah learns a painful truth, and Danny (for whom family is supremely important) reassures her that he'll support whatever decision she makes.

Sarah's ex-husband Simon and his new fiancée arrive at Leopard's Den for their planned wedding ceremony. Danny's happy expectation for growing their family is dashed when Sarah reveals her real goals, and Caroline interferes at every turn. When Danny has an accident out in the bush, Sarah is jolted into reconsidering her position.

A small plane crash at Leopards Den brings an unwanted visitor with questionable motives. His secret cargo introduces the possibility of exposure to a deadly virus.

Dup's birthday celebration doesn't go according to plan. He's facing a health scare (which he has kept secret) and he doesn't feel like celebrating. Danny tries to coax Dup back out into the bush doing what he loves, but things take a deadly turn when Hobie the lion turns against them.

The residents at Leopards Den are reeling from the lion attack. Danny has returned home from hospital, but Dup is still unconscious. Will he pull through? Meanwhile, Danny is suffering from post-traumatic stress, and Cedric Fatani (Mara's new manager) takes advantage of the situation.