The first month of the new year is already a thing of the past. While we enjoy this time in the most beautiful summer climate and sometimes with some welcome rain, the animal kingdom in Madikwe always gives us exciting moments. Like the one with the skinny lion and the dead giraffe. Welcome to our January update.

That was definitely one of the most memorable sightings of the past month. So there was this huge giraffe on the ground, which, according to our ranger Alasdair, died a natural death. Despite the many dangers and predators in the African bush, yes, even this is sometimes possible.

But there was also this male lion that was nothing but skin and bone. You could clearly see how this predator was looking forward to the big feast. For our guests on the vehicle, a magical moment.

The interesting thing, however, was that this lion was not one we have seen here before. This was the territory of Monomogolo that lived together with the Mica Jamala pride, but they were anywhere in the area this morning. They did not seem to be interested in this easy prey.

As Alasdair knew, this lion was known as “Modima”, a male lion which got chased out of his territory in the southeast when the Chimbros started to rule that area. Modima was very brave as the boss here, Monomogolo, was known as a very strong and impressive lion. Alasdair explains that Modima was extremely skinny and his condition was very bad so that giraffe was a real life line for him and he took the risk.

Once again we are amazed at what interesting stories are told in Madikwe Game Reserve every day!

Finally, as always, let's take a look at the statistics, which show the probability for a Rhulani guest to see a Big5 mammal on a game drive of 3-3.5 hours: Elephant 87%, White Rhino and Lion 66%, Buffalo 48%, Leopard 2%.