Written by Isaiah Banda
What a year. What a place. What a community.
I do believe I can safely share the sentiment many of us have been voicing. Where did the year go? Just yesterday we were trying to navigate washed out roads, then we were getting out our winter jackets out and celebrating Heritage Day, and now we are in the final throes of December 2025! Maybe we feel this way here at Mabula Game Lodge, because this year was one of tremendous actions and activities.
As we step into the festive season, last month of the year. December, we can’t help but look back with full hearts. 2025 handed us the kind of moments you simply can’t plan for sunsets that stopped conversations, fireside stories that carried deep into the night, game drives filled with “wait, go back!” surprises, and those quiet pockets of magic that only the bush can offer.
It has been a year woven together by nature, teamwork, and the incredible people who call Mabula home. December brings with it a special kind of energy, long golden evenings, busy watering holes, excited guests, and the warm spirit of celebration across the reserve. It’s a time when the bush shows off its brilliance, from newborn animals taking their first steps to dramatic summer skies rolling in with promise.
As guides, we’ve shared laughter, lessons, challenges, and triumphs and through it all, our community has grown stronger, more connected, and more inspired. As we close the year, we extend heartfelt appreciation to every guide team member who contributed to making 2025 unforgettable. Their passion, professionalism, and dedication have shaped extraordinary experiences for our guests and strengthened the Mabula family.
From playful cubs to confident young males, our two-year-old lions are stepping into adulthood, learning, testing, and shaping the future of the pride.
A particularly exciting development this December was observing our three young males, now reaching two years of age. At this stage of their lives, their behaviour has noticeably shifted, they no longer move with the playfulness of cubs but with the growing confidence and intent of young adult lions. Their presence on sightings has become more assertive, purposeful, and commanding.
These young males were frequently seen walking alongside the dominant adults during territorial patrols, mimicking their movements and posture. Their attempts at low, rasping vocalizations, still lacking the full power of mature males, offered guests a fascinating glimpse into the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Each step, roar, and interaction reflects their preparation for the roles they will one day assume.
During hunting practice, the young males showed increased discipline and patience, staying low in the grass and coordinating their movements with greater awareness. While still refining their skills, these moments revealed the early signs of strength, strategy, and teamwork that define successful adult lions.
Their interactions within pride also revealed changing dynamics. Play-fighting has become more intense, boundaries are tested more frequently, and dominance hierarchies are subtly forming. These behavioral shifts are natural and vital, as the young males begin to understand their place within the pride and the broader landscape.
For guests, witnessing this stage of a lion’s life is rare and deeply memorable. It is a moment of transition, the space between youth and maturity, where the future of pride slowly takes shape. As we move into the new year, these young males will undoubtedly continue to assert themselves, shaping the next chapter of lion dynamics within the reserve.
Speed, silence, and strategy, the cheetah coalition and lone females mastering the summer plains.
As summer rainfall continued across the reserve, the cheetah coalition was frequently observed utilising elevated vantage points to scan the surrounding landscape. These open areas allowed the males to maximise their visibility while maintaining awareness of their surroundings. This behaviour offered valuable insight into how coalition males work together, using height and open space to coordinate movement and assess potential hunting opportunities.
The two individual females were also regularly sighted during this period, often favouring similar elevated areas but operating independently. Their movements appeared more cautious and deliberate, highlighting the contrast between solitary females and coalition males. Observing these differences provided a deeper understanding of how gender and social structure influence cheetah behaviour and survival strategies.
Numerous sightings featured relaxed moments, with both the coalition and the females seen resting or grooming after feeding. These calm interactions allowed guests to witness the cheetahs at ease, offering a rare glimpse into their quieter daily routines. Such moments emphasised the elegance of the species and the importance of undisturbed space for recovery after the high-energy demands of hunting.
At times, heightened alert behaviour was recorded, particularly when cheetahs moved through open areas where visibility was essential. Subtle changes in posture, frequent scanning, and increased vigilance were clearly noticeable, demonstrating the constant awareness cheetahs must maintain. These observations highlighted the fine balance between efficiency and caution that defines cheetah life.
The coalition displayed strong cohesion throughout the month, often moving in proximity and responding quickly to one another’s cues. Their coordinated behaviour reinforced the advantages of coalition living, particularly in scanning wide areas and moving confidently through the landscape. These sightings showcased the role of cooperation in improving hunting success and territory use.
In contrast, the two females were more often seen alone, relying on stealth and strategic positioning rather than group strength. Their independence underscored the resilience required of female cheetahs, especially as they navigate the landscape without the support of a coalition. Their ability to remain adaptable and alert was a recurring theme throughout the sightings.
Guests were rewarded with extended viewing opportunities, as cheetahs remained relaxed and settled in open areas for long periods. The combination of natural light, open terrain, and calm behaviour resulted in exceptional visual encounters that allowed guests to fully appreciate the cheetah’s form, movement, and expression.
These cheetah sightings, involving both the coalition and the two individual females, provided a comprehensive and intimate picture of cheetah life during the summer season. Together, they highlighted the diversity of behaviour within the species and reinforced the importance of continued observation and protection of these remarkable cats.
While our cheetahs have also frequent these burned area, Large buffalo herds were regularly observed utilising muddy wallows during the warmer months along python road muddy patches and mud wallow area, particularly after summer rainfall. From a behavioural ecology perspective, wallowing plays a critical role in thermoregulation, parasite control, and skin care.
These observations allowed guides to explain how such behaviours are essential survival strategies in hot, insect-rich environments, adding educational value to guest sightings. Breeding herds moved systematically between grazing areas, often travelling in cohesive formations across open clearings. This coordinated movement reflects strong social structure within the herd, where collective vigilance and group cohesion reduce individual predation risk.
Guests were able to observe how herd density increases in exposed areas, reinforcing key principles related to anti-predator behaviour. During December, dense vegetation influenced buffalo spatial behaviour, causing herds to bunch more tightly together. From an ecological standpoint, reduced visibility increases reliance on group awareness and communication.
As herds emerged from thicker vegetation into open spaces, guests witnessed clear examples of adaptive behaviour driven by habitat structure and seasonal changes. Throughout the year, guides interpreted buffalo herd dynamics by highlighting leadership roles, calf protection strategies, and intraspecific communication such as vocalisations and body positioning.
These explanations helped guests understand how breeding herds maintain stability and respond to environmental pressures, deepening appreciation for buffalo as highly social and intelligent grazers. The frequent presence of red-billed oxpeckers on buffalo provided an excellent opportunity to discuss symbiotic relationships and ecosystem interdependence.
This interpretation linked behaviour to ecological function, reinforcing how buffalo contribute to and benefit from complex ecological networks. Collectively, these buffalo herd sightings offered guests a rich, educational safari experience grounded in behavioural ecology throughout the year.
This year, elephants feeding behaviour unfolded very differently from what guides and returning guests have become accustomed to. Elephants were regularly observed utilising areas rarely visited during daylight hours, including the airstrip surroundings and long, winding sections of the reserve.
These unexpected daytime movements added an element of surprise to drives and offered fresh insight into how elephants adapt their feeding patterns in response to seasonal conditions. Throughout the month, elephants were widely spread across the landscape, keeping guides attentive and responsive to changing movements.
Some encounters were characterised by peaceful, uninterrupted feeding, while others unfolded around waterholes where social interactions became more animated. Each sighting contributed to the rhythm of the safari, adding depth and variation to the overall safari experience. Elephants dispersed across multiple feeding grounds, showcasing a diverse and flexible diet.
From marula fruits to the stripping of knobthorn bark, these feeding choices reflected both opportunity and nutritional need. Guides were able to interpret these behaviours for guests, explaining how elephants adjust their foraging strategies throughout the year to meet changing resource availability. Occasional encounters with elephant bulls in musth added a layer of intensity to certain drives.
Subtle changes in posture, movement, and confidence provided valuable opportunities to discuss behavioural shifts linked to hormonal cycles, as well as the importance of safety and respectful viewing distances. These sightings highlighted the complexity of elephant social dynamics without overshadowing the calmer moments of the month.
Their trunks, mud-bathe, and dust themselves brought warmth and quiet joy to festive-season safaris. These moments reflected the strong social bonds within elephant families and left guests with lasting impressions of intelligence, patience, and connection in the wild.
Memories of 2025 – Wildlife Highlights at Mabula
Impala (Aepyceros melampus), remained a constant presence throughout 2025, forming the ecological backbone of many predator interactions. Their adaptability allowed them to utilise both open grasslands and wooded areas across the reserve. Guests often observed coordinated alarm behaviour and sharp vigilance within the herds.
Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), zebra herds were frequently sighted in open areas following seasonal rainfall and fresh grazing. Strong social bonds and collective movement patterns defined their behaviour throughout the year. Their striped camouflage sparked interesting discussions on predator confusion.
Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), Wildebeest movements closely followed grazing conditions created by rainfall and controlled burning. Calving periods added energy and dynamic interactions within the herds. Their erratic behaviour provided engaging viewing and interpretation opportunities.
Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), were most often encountered in denser woodland and transitional habitats. Mature bulls, with their distinctive spiral horns, were particular highlights in 2025. Cows and calves demonstrated cautious movement and strong habitat awareness.
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), were regularly observed basking along riverbanks and dam edges. Their energy-efficient lifestyle contrasted with sudden bursts of ambush behaviour. These sightings allowed guides to interpret reptilian thermoregulation and feeding strategies.
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), dominated the reserve’s water systems throughout the year. Daytime sightings often showed submerged groups with only eyes and nostrils visible. Evening movements highlighted their grazing patterns and strong social hierarchy. However winter months guests enjoyed watching them basking on the sun, especially while on guided bushwalks.
African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus), sightings were among the most thrilling encounters of 2025.High levels of cooperation and endurance hunting behaviour defined pack activity. Guests gained insight into complex social structures and conservation challenges.
Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx), herds moved quietly through the landscape despite their large size. Their presence reflected healthy grazing conditions and habitat balance. Guests were often surprised by their agility and calm nature.
Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama), Red hartebeest were frequently seen in open plains and lightly wooded areas. Their upright posture and alert stance provided clear examples of early-warning behaviour. Guides explained their reliance on endurance rather than speed.
Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), remained a firm favourite with guests throughout 2025. Browsing behaviour and social interactions were regularly observed. Calf sightings added warmth and charm to many game drives.
Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), were commonly observed grazing in open grassland areas. Their strong herd cohesion and site fidelity made them reliable sightings.
Seasonal changes in coat colour added visual interest across the year.
Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), were infrequently but memorably encountered during 2025, often during early morning or late afternoon drives. Their secretive, largely nocturnal behaviour made each sighting especially rewarding for guests. Guides highlighted their important role as scavengers, contributing to nutrient recycling and ecosystem balance within the reserve.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all our guests who visited and supported us throughout the year. Your presence, enthusiasm, and loyalty have played a vital role in every achievement we celebrate today. Each visit, each shared moment on safari, and each return to our lodge has helped strengthen our community and inspired us to continuously raise our standards. We are truly thankful for your trust and support, and we look forward to welcoming you back for even more unforgettable experiences in the year ahead.
As we draw this final chapter of 2025 to a close, we reflect with gratitude on a year filled with remarkable moments in the bush. Each sunrise painted the skies in soft gold and fiery oranges, welcoming new days of discovery, while every sunset gently reminded us to slow down, breathe, and truly take in the magic of the wild.
Evenings were crowned with unforgettable sundowner moments, glasses raised as the sun dipped below the horizon, laughter carried on the breeze, and silhouettes of wildlife moving quietly across the landscape. These shared moments, simple yet profound, are what make time in the bush so special.
Thank you for being part of our journey throughout 2025. Your presence, curiosity, and appreciation for nature give meaning to everything we do. As the last light fades on this year, we look forward to welcoming new dawns, new stories, and new adventures with you in 2026.
Until then, may the spirit of the bush stay with you wherever you go
From Isaiah Banda & Mabula family.
Safari Greetings.
