Waterbuck are among the most striking antelope you’ll see on a game drive, with their shaggy brown coats and the distinctive white ring on their rumps. Unlike some antelope that roam far from water, waterbuck in Madikwe are well adapted to the dry savanna, often found grazing in open grasslands and along riverbeds. They are surprisingly resilient and can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h when threatened.

Male waterbuck are known for their impressive, spiral-shaped horns, which can reach over a meter in length and are used in dramatic battles for dominance. A fun fact: waterbuck have a thick, oily coat that helps protect them from biting insects and harsh sun. Calm, alert, and always aware of their surroundings, these antelope are a perfect example of how wildlife thrives in Madikwe’s unique mix of habitats. Spotting a waterbuck grazing in the early morning light is one of those simple safari pleasures that never gets old.

There’s nothing quite like a warthog popping out of a burrow to get your heart racing. One afternoon on a game drive, Megan’s guests were trying to spot a warthog in its burrow, phones hanging low to get the perfect angle. Suddenly, the warthog made a dramatic exit, giving the guests the biggest fright.

Snouts sniffing the air and tails straight up, the warthogs shot out like furry rockets, squealing and darting in every direction. The whole car lurched to one side as everyone scrambled to move away, and Megan even had the pleasure of seeing someone hide behind a blanket! Guests couldn’t stop laughing, partly from relief and partly at how these scruffy little creatures could cause such chaos.

Warthogs might look comical, but they’re highly adaptable, living in burrows dug by themselves or other animals and using them to hide from predators. Their sudden appearances are part of what makes safaris so unpredictable and fun—just when you think you’ve seen it all, nature finds a way to surprise you.

Lions are the undisputed kings and queens of the savanna, but sometimes even royalty has drama. Recently, Addo and Matata have been shaking things up in our reserve. These two males have expanded their territory, taking over roughly three-quarters of the park, and in the process displaced one pride entirely. Meanwhile, they’ve been in frequent skirmishes with the females of another pride, leaving their own ladies and cubs mostly unattended.

Observing their behaviour raises fascinating questions: How do these territorial shifts affect the balance of the ecosystem? Will displaced prides adapt to new areas, or are conflicts unavoidable? And what strategies do the lionesses employ to protect their cubs while the males are off fighting?

Watching these dynamics unfold is a rare opportunity to see the raw realities of lion social structure—and reminds us that life in the wild is never without drama. Don’t forget to ask your guide about the unfolding drama.

A walk around the lodge can be peaceful… until you spot a sleek, dark shape moving among the trees. One morning, a guest noticed a black mamba resting in a tree at the T-junction near the lodge. Thanks to the lodge’s raised walkways, everyone was completely safe while observing this incredible reptile from above.

Despite their fearsome reputation as Africa’s fastest and most venomous snakes, encounters like this are usually harmless if the snake is left alone. We watched in awe as the mamba slithered gracefully along a branch, its glossy scales catching the sunlight, before curling up to heat up in the sun for the day.

Seeing a black mamba up close is a thrilling reminder of the wildness surrounding the lodge—exciting, humbling, and a perfect story to share over dinner. The key? Respect, caution, and a healthy appreciation for one of Africa’s most remarkable reptiles.

The Bates pack is thriving, and the six wild dog pups are now around seven to eight months old—old enough to be venturing out with the adults and learning the skills they’ll need to survive in the wild. Guests have been lucky enough to spot them frequently, darting through the east of the reserve, playfully tussling, and practicing the coordination that makes wild dogs such incredible hunters.

At this stage, the pups are mastering the art of hunting. They follow the adults on short hunts, learning to track, chase, and work as a team. Keeping up with the energetic pack is a challenge in itself, and the little ones often need extra encouragement. Every hunt is a lesson in endurance, strategy, and cooperation—skills that are vital for life in the wild.

Observing these young wild dogs grow, gain confidence, and slowly become capable hunters is a privilege, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the determination and social bonds that define these extraordinary animals. The journey ahead is long and challenging, but the Bates pack and their pups are well on their way.

Want more stories from the wild?

Follow our Bush Bulletins for firsthand accounts from the field – straight from our guides in the Madikwe Game Reserve.