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.

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.

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.

We were only a few meters away from the two male lions, which was already great sighting. But then, quite unexpectedly, something extraordinary happens. The two lions try to catch a bird that soars up out of nowhere.

Did you know that leopards use the marula trees as their favorite sofa because of the strong branches? Rhulani’s manager Riaan tells us more about the importance for wildlife of these large trees, and we learn that a dying marula tree is the beginning of a new ecosystem of smaller animals.

The sunlight in the late afternoon, the beautiful green of nature during the rainy season, the silence and the idyll, and in the middle a dazzle of zebras. Let’s enjoy this beautiful moment in Madikwe Game Reserve!