MANAGERS REPORT

 Dear Friends

What an exciting month we had here in Madikwe. When one hears that winter is approaching, your first thoughts are cold gloomy weather and nothing but dry dull scenery. Those who have spent a winter in the bush would know that it is much more than that. The animals are more visible with less vegetation and larger numbers are seen together as they congregate around the water holes. The cooler weather also means that predators has a bit more energy and are seen moving about more often. The deep red, yellow and grey soil colours in different parts of the reserve stands out very prominent, allowing for beautiful scenery with the cliffs and mountains in the background scattered throughout the reserve.

 

The evenings have become much more interesting as the sound of Lion’s roaring travel far distances and the laughing of hyenas are unremitting through out the night. I get a chill down my spine every time I hear these night sounds. They really depict for me what Africa is all about.

Molatedi Project

 

 

The past month we have broken down, rebuilt, sanded and varnished the jungle gym at the crèche. It now again looks brand new for the little ones to play on safely. The crèche is doing very well with pupil numbers already around 40 children, compared to last years 18 pupils.

 

 

Thank you to all who contributed to the project this month especially Herman and Hilde who sponsored the jungle gym

Weddings

 

  

We where very fortunate to host two weddings at Madikwe Hills this month and be part of these joyous affairs.

 

From all of us at Madikwe Hills we would like to wish Rob & Ruth as well as Simon & Trudie a life together filled with happiness and good health.

 

 

 

Rob & Ruth 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon & Trudie

          

 Ranger Report

 

 

 

Jaco

Winter has arrived here in Madikwe. The first two cold fronts for the season hit us this month and it was terribly cold in the evenings. It was chilly during the days but not as cold as the mornings and evenings. Everybody is wearing thick jackets and hand warmers to chase of the cold during the early morning game drives. At about 8 am it is warmed up enough to take of most of the thickest layers. This sudden spell of cold resulted in the plants here in Madikwe to transform almost instantly. Most of the thorny species like the Acacia’s and the sickle bush are losing their leaves while the Tamboti trees have transformed into the most spectacular colours you can imagine. Each tree is blanketed in an array of yellow, orange, red and an almost purple-red of every shade there is. The big dams are bustling with life as a great host of animals come to quench their thirst here every day. This obviously means that our sightings are better than ever, even that of the elusive leopard.

                                                      

Concerning leopard sightings at Madikwe things tend to work in phases. You get times that you get some good sightings and then for a time you don’t really see much of these phantoms of the bush. We have been through such a time lately but it turned not too long ago. One afternoon we went on our regular safari’s to go and look for the two big male lions of the east. They decided to go and visit the west of the reserve for a while. We found them and enjoyed another great sighting of these wonderful beasts. We left them sleeping and continued on our safari looking for anything we can find. We were driving along the side of the Isenberg Mountains when my tracker told me to stop. He saw something on top of a pile of rocks and couldn’t make out what it was. All you could see was the little head and two big ears peering down at us from the rocks above. As I took my binoculars to have a better look I realised what it was. Just then the second one walked in behind the first, two very small (about two months old) leopard cubs. I could feel my heart skip a beat and a feeling of utter joy filled my almost paralyzed heart. What a discovery and what an amazing sight. One I would never forget for all time.

 

 

 

 We all had a good look as they played on the rocks and we then decided to move on so that someone else could come and have a look as well. While driving to one of the large dams we call “Thlou” dam we by accident came across another leopard crossing the road. He was a big but relaxed male. We had a quick look and watched him disappear into some very thick bush as he lazily walked on. We could not follow unfortunately, the brush was just too thick and crashing through it with our vehicles would almost certainly chase him off. The only thing we could say was WOW!!! At the dam we enjoyed some elephants and buffalo drinking water and retired for a little sun-downer. After that we made our way back to the lodge. About five kilometres from the lodge we saw another vehicle peering into the bush. Apparently another leopard crossed the road in front of him. A large female we all know very well. We tried our best to find her again but to no avail. Upon arriving back at the lodge we realized that we had no less than three leopard encounters. Something very special over here and not to mention all the other animals we saw on the way. Amazing stuff!!! 

Nicholas

It’s beginning of winter which means most natural water sources are drying up, leaving the man made dams the only water sources.
 

 

 

So we tend to concentrate our game drives around these area's knowing that a lot of animals will utilize them which in turn will attract predators and in this case rhino's to!!! On arrival to Tholo dam we encounter 11 lions, 4 adult females, 4 young cubs and 3 sub adult females just relaxing in the sun at the waters edge. About half an hour into the sighting some white rhino's approached from the north, a bull, one female and a calf. The bull settled in on the northern end for a drink and wallow. The female and calf however approached the southern end where the lions happen to be. The lions relaxed as always not paying much attention until the rhino's came within 30 meters of the pride. The lions stood up and formed a circle around the mother and calf. The young cubs very timid of this situation laid low. Nothing happened for about 10min then the rhino cow exploded in a charge scattering lions in all directions but as she turned the lions would come from behind and antagonize her. They did the same to the calf which could already defend itself. This continued for a good part of an hour, playing this cat and mouse game and a game it was. The lions had no intention of killing neither mother nor calf. It was all out of curiosity as cats are by nature. My guests and I all had a good laugh at them. The lions went back to relaxing and the rhino's settled in for a well earned splash!!!    

Jacques

 

  

I am very happy to report in that May has been a good month for sightings! If things go on like this then the winter will be warmed up by some wonderful sightings! We have had great Lion sightings as always. The two big males still rules the roost and there are two new cubs in the area. All the other cubs are in good health and growing by the day! There has also been Leopard cubs spotted lately and that is very good tidings for the future. Buffalo sightings are getting better as they need to come to the big water holes to get water. Elephants are all over the Lodge every day but we still can’t get bored with them! We have also been lucky with the Wild Dogs and Cheetah. The small pack of Dogs has often been spotted the last month in our area and we hope they stay put. The Dogs has been seen in one area of the park looking to make a den. The Alpha female is very pregnant and we hope they choose this spot. If they do we will have weekly sightings of them! Not to mention PUPPIES!!!!!!

 

Werner

Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas)

The Rangers team.