We still have our morning coffee in hand, go to the office, want to start our working day. Alisdair, our ranger, in the corner of his eye sees there is a pride of lions approaching our watering hole. This is the first lion visit Rhulani Safari Lodge since we reopened. An ideal opportunity to observe this unique spectacle up close from our new Tshembo hide. Let’s be silent, but let’s go!

After the long lockdown break we look at the beautiful nature with new, curious and fascinated eyes. Like yesterday, when our funny ranger Alasdair, also known as “Captain Redbeard”, found the dangerous male lions – Monomogolo and Kwandwe - which dominate the territory close to Rhulani. The two boys had previously killed a baby elephant, which is a rather unusual sighting.

On safari with our very first guest since the reopening, Mr John Pickering and his wife Suzie, something special happened. Something very special. For the very first time we sighted a female cheetah with cubs. If you have followed our blogs over the years, you will know how intensively and unsuccessfully attempts have been made to get cheetah offspring. And now, all of a sudden, like a miracle, here it is.

Did you know that there are big herds of buffalo you can find in Madikwe Game Reserve? Rhulani’s head ranger Sean tells us more about this fascinating animal and why for him the buffalo is the most dangerous of the Big 5.

Did you know that baby elephants have a very short trunk, and so the adult animals are making sure that the little ones get rid of ticks and flies? Rhulani’s ranger Alasdair tells us more about the protective behaviour of these big mammals, and see our funny guide acting with all his passion.

In today’s blog we experience an indescribably beautiful animal sighting at the pan, where a few white rhinos and zebras are found in the light of the evening sun. The reason for the animals’ stay here does not seem to be the water, as Rhulani’s head ranger Sean explains.

Did you know that the rhinos love to pass the time in the wet mud? Watch three white rhinos with Rhulani’s Ranger Martin and learn more about these interesting mammals.

Did you know that Kori Bustard is Africa’s heaviest flying bird? Rhulani’s Head Ranger Sean tells us more about this special bird. Sean also shows us what it looks like when this bird takes off. Almost like an airplane!

Did you know that young male impala often get together to form a so-called “Bachelor herd”? Rhulani’s Ranger Martin tells us more about these elegant antelopes, which always have a shiny, clean skin.

Did you know that there are many leadwood trees to be seen in Madikwe Game Reserve, which are protected in South Africa? Rhulani’s Head Ranger Sean tells us more about this slow growing tree and its importance for the ecosystem and for Rhulani.