Do you know the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning at Rhulani Safari Lodge? You will go on about a 3.5 hour game drive at sunrise. And then you return to the lodge, full of impressions and experiences, and you are hungry. Let’s go to breakfast!

As suggested by its name, the yellow-billed kite is easily recognized by its entirely yellow bill. It is mostly an intra-African breeding migrant, present in Southern Africa from July to March. Let’s watch this beautiful bird that occurs also in Madikwe Game Reserve.

Did you know that the elephants in Madikwe can get pretty close? Rhulani’s ranger Ralf tells us about a recent encounter with an elephant bull that was standing very close to his vehicle, and he says how important it is to always give the animal enough space.

Exciting news from Rhulani Safari Lodge, just before the long Easter weekend. After long negotiations with North West Parks Board, we have successfully concluded a contract, according to which we can use a natural water pool in the middle of the Madikwe Reserve exclusively for Rhulani’s guests for a swim during the summer. Our guests are instructed to take their swimwear with them on the game drives. With a bit of luck you will enjoy a unique experience of swimming with the elephants.

Nice light, gorgeous colors, and after a recent rainfall, a puddle of water on the road. We watch a lioness drinking up close. Look at the reflection of her face in the water and at the many small butterflies that are buzzing around the lioness.

Today we take a look at our new underground observation hide at the waterhole, called “Tshembo Hide”. This is a place to stay, to relax and, as in the case of Rolf, to work too. And maybe a big bull elephant will come by like this time.

We are waiting eagerly when we see two giraffes standing close to each other. We ask ourselves: will the giraffes hit their long necks against each other? This is one of the typical behaviors of these animals and is called “necking”. And yes, look at this!

It is a picture of horror that was presented yesterday not so far away from Rhulani Safari Lodge. The four most powerful lions in our region crashed into each other: the two buddies Kwandwe and Monomogolo on the one hand, the two brothers known as “Addo Boys” on the other. One of them was killed in a heroic battle.

Did you know that male Blue Wildebeest have small territories and are often walking alone? Rhulani’s Ranger Alasdair tells us more about these peculiar antelopes, including that, in contrast to the zebras, they prefer to eat the lower grass.

Today we meet a troop of baboons - Chacma Baboons -  strolling through the savannah of the Madikwe Game Reserve. We are happy to see them far out on safari, and not in our lodge. They are funny to look at there too, but sometimes they also cause us damage.