Written by Isaiah Banda
As the days grow slightly longer and the sun rises a little earlier, we find ourselves nearing the end of the dry season. Early August brings a gentle breeze, carrying with it the golden hues of winter that still linger across the landscape. Soon, the first rains of September will arrive, breathing new life into the bush.
In the meantime, the dry winter season offers its own magic. Animals are drawn to the water in the afternoons, making these spots ideal destinations for afternoon drives. This time of year also gives us the rare opportunity to spot some of the smaller, less-featured creatures such as jackals and aardwolves, always an exciting highlight on any safari.
August has settled in with its unmistakable winter charm, clear, crisp mornings, golden light, and long, dust-kissed afternoons. Although the landscape has dried out considerably, the waterholes continue to breathe life into the Mabula Reserve, attracting wildlife from far and wide. The blooming of Dombeya rotundifolia, Vachellia robusta, and Vachellia xanthophloea is a beautiful reminder that winter is fading and spring is just around the corner.
Over the past few weeks, the bush has been alive with activity as we are leaving the very heart of the dry season. The cool, dry mornings carry sound beautifully, every bird call and animal cry seems amplified, reminding us just how alive the reserve is, even in its driest months. The subadult males of the Lake Kyle pride are rapidly growing in both stature and confidence, patrolling the reserve with a boldness that leaves little doubt about their future dominance.
Under the dedicated care of the two lionesses, these young males have thrived, developing into striking specimens that capture the admiration of guides and guests alike. Their playful sparring sessions are becoming more intense, serving as valuable practice for the strength and skill they will need as fully grown males.
Recently, they have been part of the hunt, often trailing the lionesses on stalks and even making clumsy solo attempts at smaller prey, a sign that their independence is not far off. Interactions within the pride are lively, with bouts of mock aggression and affectionate grooming reinforcing their bonds. For guests fortunate enough to witness them, these young lions offer a glimpse into the pride’s bright and formidable future.
Over the past year, guests at Mabula Game Lodge have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable journey of three sub-adult male lions growing up along the shores of Lake Kyle. From playful cubs tumbling in the grass to strong, confident young lions striding across the savanna, their story has captivated everyone who visits. Today, these brothers are no longer the small, mischievous cubs we once knew; they have blossomed into powerful young males, each step marking their passage into adulthood.
For us as guides, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have seen them take their first steps, learn to hunt, and grow into the formidable lions they are now. Their presence has not only entertained but also educated our guests about the resilience and strength it takes to survive in the wild. Every sighting brings excitement, as visitors watch their playful bond, hear their deepening roars, and marvel at their growing manes.
The most thrilling chapter of their story, however, is still to come. As these young males continue to mature, the inevitable moment approaches when they will challenge the dominant resident male for control of his territory.
This looming clash promises to be dramatic, shaping the future of lion dynamics at Mabula. Until then, we watch in awe, cherishing every moment with these young kings of Lake Kyle, knowing that the best of their story is still unfolding.
One crisp early morning, we set out on a drive across the eastern reaches of Mabula Game Lodge. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the promise of something special. Soon, we picked up tracks and followed our resident pride of lions as they moved steadily from 45 Degrees, seemingly heading towards Marula Pan. Their bellies told the story of a successful hunt; a wildebeest had been their meal during the night. We knew they would be searching for water, and so we quickly took a different route to try and meet them at the pan.
Our timing was perfect. Arriving at Serengeti Plains, we positioned ourselves at Marula Pan and waited in silence. Moments later, the pride emerged from behind a thicket, moving gracefully yet purposefully toward the water. The anticipation in the vehicle was palpable as we sat quietly, allowing the scene to unfold naturally before us.
Lions approached confidently, their powerful forms glowing in the golden morning light. We watched as they walked past our vehicle, so close that we could hear the soft padding of their paws on the earth. As the lions settled at the water’s edge, the smaller residents of Marula Pan had to give way. A flock of White-faced Whistling Ducks that had been resting on the shoreline lifted off in a flurry, making space for the new arrivals.
Nearby, an Egyptian Goose shepherded her chicks to the far side of the pan, keeping a respectful distance from the pride. It was a striking reminder of the natural hierarchy in the bush, when lions arrive, even the bravest of waterbirds know to move aside. Then, one by one, they lowered their heads to the water, lapping gently with rhythmic precision. The sound of their tongues scooping the water was mesmerising, a rare and intimate experience that nature had granted us.
What made the sighting even more remarkable was the way they positioned themselves. The young males, still finding their place in the pride, gathered, while one lioness joined them in unison. On the opposite side of the pan, another lioness stood slightly apart, with the pride’s dominant male keeping watch. It was a fascinating moment of pride, dynamics and unity, all centred on something as simple yet essential as water.
My guests were captivated. Their eyes sparkled with awe, and no one wanted to leave the sighting. The beauty of seeing lions not just as hunters but as a family at rest and at peace with their surroundings was a reminder of the privilege we share in this reserve. Experiences like these are what makes Mabula truly unforgettable, moments etched into memory, carried home as stories to be told again.
Giants of the Earth, Guardians of the Wild
On 12 August 2025, we join the world in celebrating the gentle giants of Mabula and Africa, the elephants. These magnificent creatures are more than just symbols of strength and wisdom; they are keystone species that shape and sustain the very landscapes we cherish. From carving pathways through thick bush to opening waterholes in the dry season, their presence ensures survival for countless other animals.
Yet, elephants face growing challenges from habitat loss and poaching. On this day, we honour their role in nature, reflect on our responsibility to protect them, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that future generations can continue to walk in the footsteps of these giants. Every day we find ourselves immersed in their presence. At times, it’s a family herd moving gracefully across the Modjadji plains, at others, it’s a bull quietly feeding in the thickets.
More than just icons of the reserve, elephants are true keystone species. With every step, they shape the landscape, felling trees, opening grasslands, or digging waterholes that sustain countless other animals. In their wake, ecosystems are renewed, seasons find rhythm, and the wilderness continues to thrive. Beyond their ecological importance, elephants captivate us with their sheer magnificence. They are gentle yet powerful, intelligent, and deeply social.
From a playful calf splashing in the shallows of a dam to the quiet authority of a matriarch guiding her family, these moments touch the hearts of all who encounter them. Each sighting leaves us humbled, reminding us of the profound connections that exist between humans and the natural world.
This month, as we celebrate World Elephant Day, we pause to honour these giants who share their lives with us so generously. To walk along ancient elephant paths, to watch them silhouetted against an Mabula sunset, and to photograph their timeless beauty is a privilege beyond measure. Here at Mabula, we treasure every encounter, and in this small tribute we share some of our favourite photograph snapshots of a species that continues to inspire awe, respect, and deep gratitude.
Mabula welcomed an exciting new arrival, a female cheetah introduced to the reserve as part of ongoing conservation efforts. Her presence is a significant step toward strengthening the genetic diversity of the cheetah population and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these remarkable predators on Mabula Game Reserve.
Since her release, she has shown promising signs of adapting well to her new environment. Carefully monitored by our conservation team, she has been observed exploring different sections of the reserve, marking territory, and honing her hunting skills. Each sighting provides valuable insight into her behaviour, offering guests a rare opportunity to witness the grace and agility of the world’s fastest land animal.
This introduction not only contributes to cheetah conservation but also enriches the safari experience at Mabula. The hope is that, in time, she will establish herself firmly within the reserve and possibly form part of future breeding initiatives. Her story adds a new chapter to Mabula’s ongoing commitment to wildlife protection, and we look forward to following her journey closely in the months ahead.
Warthogs are a common yet always entertaining sight around Mabula Game Lodge. With their characteristic “kneeling” feeding posture and tails held high like little flags when they run, they add a touch of humour and charm to the bush. Guests often encounter them grazing peacefully in open grasslands or darting into burrows when startled, their short bursts of speed surprising for such stocky animals. These burrows, usually abandoned by aardvarks, serve as vital shelters not only for the warthogs themselves but also for other creatures when left vacant.
Beyond their comical appearance, warthogs are fascinating survivors in the wild. They can go without water for long periods, relying on the moisture in roots, bulbs, and grasses, and they are one of the few animals known to enter burrows backwards, so they can face danger head-on if threatened.
Family groups, called sounders, are often led by females with their playful piglets close behind, a delightful sight for visitors on safari. While lions, leopards, and hyenas see them as prey, warthogs use sharp tusks and incredible courage to defend themselves when cornered, making them a true symbol of resilience on the reserve.
Black-backed jackals are among the most resourceful carnivores you’ll encounter on Mabula, and this month’s sighting on Long & winding Plain was a special one. Sleek, sharp-eyed, and always alert, these jackals are skilled hunters but also clever scavengers.
Their distinctive black saddle running from shoulders to tail makes them easy to identify and watching them move across the open plains with effortless grace is always a treat for guides and guests alike. What makes jackals particularly fascinating is their social structure. They often live in monogamous pairs, fiercely defending their territories while raising their young together.
Both parents participate in rearing pups, and even older offspring may stay behind to help feed and protect the next litter. Known for their eerie, high-pitched calls that echo through the night, jackals play a vital ecological role by keeping rodent populations in check and cleaning up carrion. At Mabula, they remind us that even the smaller predators carry immense importance in the balance of the bush.
Kudus are among the more elusive animals to spot on the reserve, largely due to their preference for thick, bushy habitats where they can browse on leaves, shoots, and fruits. Their striking vertical white stripes and large ears blend seamlessly with the dappled shade of dense vegetation, making them perfectly adapted for camouflage.
For guides and guests alike, spotting a kudu is always a rewarding experience, as their majestic spiral horns and graceful presence are a true highlight of any safari. This month, we were treated to some wonderful kudu sightings on Mabula, much to the delight of our guests. Despite their shy nature, several individuals revealed themselves in the quieter areas of the reserve, giving us the opportunity to observe them at close range.
Watching a kudu move through the bush is like watching nature’s artwork in motion, every step cautious yet elegant, ears flicking to catch the faintest sound of danger. One of the most memorable sightings happened in the Modjadji area while we were on the trail of the wild dogs. Although the dogs proved elusive that day, our patience was rewarded with an unexpected encounter with a group of kudus.
The sight of them emerging silently from the thickets was a reminder that the bush always offers surprises, even when you least expect them. The kudu’s calm presence contrasted beautifully with the excitement of searching for the highly energetic wild dogs. Kudus are not only beautiful to watch but also play an important role in the ecosystem. As browsers, they help control the growth of woody plants and spread seeds through their droppings, contributing to the health of the environment
They are also a key prey species for lions, leopards, and wild dogs, which makes their sightings even more meaningful knowing they are part of the intricate web of life that sustains the reserve. Every kudu sighting is a reminder of the balance and diversity that makes Mabula so special.
Kieviets Plain, has quickly become the place to be when starting a safari drive at Mabula, whether in the crisp morning air or under the golden light of an afternoon outing. This open stretch of land has been exceptionally productive this month, offering guests an abundance of wildlife activity from the moment the vehicles roll onto the plain. The sheer diversity of species seen here has made it a hotspot for both photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Impalas, the most common antelope on the reserve, dominate the plain in large herds. Their synchronized movements and ever-alert nature always make for captivating viewing. At this time of year, males are often seen posturing and sparring for dominance, their graceful leaps across the grassland a reminder of their agility and speed.
They form the foundation of the food chain and are a constant presence that draws in both predators and other grazers.
Watching a red hartebeest cautiously step out of cover offers a wonderful contrast to the more social impalas, showcasing the diversity of behaviours among antelope species. Red hartebeest have also made frequent appearances on Kieviets Plain, their striking reddish-brown coats gleaming in the sun. These unique antelope, with their elongated faces and swift gallop, are known for their incredible endurance across open spaces.
Guests have been treated to sightings of herds grazing peacefully before suddenly taking off in bursts of speed, demonstrating the power and energy that define this species. What makes Kieviets Plain so special is how it brings together such a variety of species in one space. The mix of grazers and browsers ensures constant activity, while predators are never far behind, taking advantage of the open ground to scan for opportunities.
The plain itself is a reminder of the importance of habitat diversity on the reserve, offering both rich grazing for herbivores and visibility for those seeking out prey. Among the highlights this month are the giraffes, who have taken a particular liking to the Dombeya rotundifolia, also known as the wild pear tree.
With the trees currently in bloom, giraffes can often be seen delicately plucking the flowers with their long tongues, a behaviour that fascinates guests. Their towering presence on the plain is both iconic and serene, providing the perfect finale to any safari drive across Kieviets Plain. To watch them feeding against the backdrop of the open grasslands is a truly unforgettable Mabula experience.
Here at Mabula Game Lodge, every safari is more than just a drive, it’s an experience to savour. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with shades of gold and crimson, our guests are treated to a special moment, the sundowners’ stop. Here, amidst the wild beauty of the Mabula bush, the guides prepare a cozy setting with soft tablecloth, chilled drinks, and a light snack. The sounds of nature, the distant roar of a lion or leopard, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle calls of birds, become the perfect backdrop to relax, reflect, and share stories of the day’s adventures.
In the early mornings, the bush awakens slowly, and so do our guests, greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or tea. During the morning coffee stops, guides carefully select a scenic spot, perhaps under a shady tree or overlooking a sparkling waterhole. Here, the warmth of a hot drink mingles with the crisp morning air, and the promise of a new day in the wild fills everyone with excitement. These pauses are not just breaks, they are moments to connect with nature, each other, and the magic of Mabula.
Whether at sunrise or sunset, these stops transform a safari into an unforgettable journey, where every sip is accompanied by the sights, sounds, and serenity of Mabula’s untamed heart.
From Isaiah Banda & Mabula family.
Safari Greetings.
Photo Contributions – Isaiah Banda, Mabula Guides,
