Blog – Ranger's Blog
“Oh my goodness, you have no idea how fast this cheetah is!”
It was with some concern that we reported a few weeks ago of an injured cheetah, Savannah’s foot, and Rhulani’s spontaneous help to ensure the healing process. It was an action with mixed success. Now the question is: how is Savannah today? Rhulani’s ranger Willem tells us: ” Savannah is very much full force again, back on all four legs!”
Read moreLife of a Ranger: Sunrise
Did you know that Madikwe Game Reserve has unforgettable sunrises? Rhulani’s ranger Willem tells us about this unique experience, with which his working day begins every morning.
Read moreLife of a Ranger: Following a zebra
Did you know that zebras are rather skeptical and shy animals when approached? However, Rhulani’s ranger Alasdair tells us today about a very different, strange sighting where the zebra walked beside him for quite a while, almost like a dog.
Read moreUrgent help for the cheetah female Savannah
It was an emergency situation. Savannah, the cheetah female, was spotted with a pretty bad looking injury to her right front foot. A call to Rhulani and sure, we will help. Supporting the preservation of the cheetahs in the Madikwe Reserve is a matter close to our hearts. Together with the veterinarian, the park ecologist and all our guests on the vehicle we set off and searched for Savannah.
Read moreA fun “Big5 drive” with Captain Redbeard
On the daily safaris with ranger Alasdair, spectacle and fun are guaranteed. So also this afternoon. The guests are in a good mood and get ready on the vehicle of “Captain “Redbeard”. “Hello, what do you want to see today?” he asks. “Today we want to see all of the Big 5 on a single drive!” somebody says from the back seats. Laughter on the vehicle. “Absolutely not!” says Alasdair while he starts the engine.
Read moreLife of a Ranger: Helmeted Guineafowls
Did you know that the Helmeted Guineafowls are mostly found on the ground in large flocks, but that they can still fly short distances? Today Rhulani’s Field Guide Daniel tells us more about this bird, which you will often encounter on safari, and we learn that the males have a larger and more colorful helmet than the females.
Read moreWhen Willem saw Munye for the first time
Leopards are quite shy and well camouflaged big cats and are therefore among the most spectacular sightings on a safari. At Rhulani we are fortunate to have a fairly laid back leopard male nearby, we call him Munye. But also Munye is moody and we haven’t seen him very often lately. Rhulani’s young ranger Willem has heard a lot about Munye but had actually never seen him. Until recently. And the first time was pretty special.
Read moreLife of a Ranger: Elephant road block
Did you know that elephants very often stand on the road and don’t want to let us pass - in other words, they represent a real road block? Rhulani’s ranger Ralf tells us about a recent encounter on the road with a female elephant and he tells us why he had a particularly strange feeling this time and was extremely careful about it.
Read moreJackals at the Sundowner Bar
As the evening sun approaches the horizon, it’s time for a break on safari. The ranger will then usually stop the vehicle in a nice, open spot with a good view and begin setting up the bar for the sundowner drink. It’s the time when the guests get off the vehicle, stretch their legs, enjoy the silence and the sunset, and one hopes that a little surprise will happen again.
Read moreRhulani Insights 177 - The Land Cruiser is being refueled
In the afternoon everyone gets ready for the sunset safari. While the guests in the lodge are having a little refreshment, Ralf the ranger is preparing the Land Cruiser for the 3.5-hour game drive. It is better to always have a full tank, as you never know what you will see and how far you will go.
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