“There is a huge elephant that died of a natural cause,” explains Rhulani’s ranger Ralf as he drives towards the place where apparently this colossus was lying in the bushes. It will be one of those unique, unforgettable game drives in Madikwe you are waiting for.

Peter and Marie-Louise, a couple from Switzerland, are guests on Ralf’s vehicle. Marie-Louise tells: “We know that the elephant has to be here somewhere. But the search becomes easy only when we come across about eight spotted hyenas. They are sniffing in the grass, make distinctive sounds, and put their heads together. Suddenly, they ran onto the road, just in front of our vehicle, and show us the way. Some vultures are sitting on the treetops all around.”

The experienced ranger Ralf knows: "It is typical that the spotted hyenas take over here. They are strong, move in packs and their familiar sounds attract even more hyenas. Other predators, which are more solitary, such as brown hyenas, black backed jackals or leopards can only take part in this feast as soon as the spotted hyenas move away.”

The elephant has a big hole in its belly that looks as if the hyenas want to build a house here. "No, they don't live here. But the stomach is the easiest place to get to the innards such as the liver, kidney or heart, which have the greatest nutritional value," says Ralf.

The Swiss guests are fascinated. Marie-Louise tells: “The hyenas first observe whether there are any predators in the area before entering the elephant's belly. Sometimes there are up to four hyenas inside to grab some meat. They keep coming out to check if there are other predators nearby”.

Hard to believe, but the elephant carcass will be gone in two weeks at the latest. It will feed many predators, and the brown hyenas and vultures will eventually eat the very last bits of meat and even the bones.

Many thanks to Marie-Louise and Peter for sending us the experience report and the unique photos.