Next time you see a zebra curl back its lips and flash its teeth, don’t be alarmed—it’s simply performing the flehmen response! This amusing behaviour helps zebras detect scents in their environment, especially pheromones from other herd members. By lifting their upper lip and inhaling deeply, they can “taste” chemical signals and gather information about the reproductive status of others.

While it might look like they’re grimacing or sneering, it’s actually a clever form of communication. Watching a dazzle of zebra in action can be wonderfully entertaining—they often pause mid-graze, lift those black-and-white lips, and silently share information with the herd. On game drives, spotting a zebra mid-flehmen is one of those small but unforgettable safari moments. This particular stallion was sniffing his ladies to see which were ready to become mothers.

The yellow-throated sandgrouse is a true master of survival in Africa’s dry savannas. One of their most fascinating behaviours is how males gather and transport water to their young. Early in the morning, the males soak their belly feathers at a water source, then fly back to the nest—allowing chicks to drink straight from their plumage.

This remarkable adaptation ensures their survival in arid conditions where water is scarce. Sandgrouse are also powerful fliers, often travelling long distances in a steady, graceful stream to reach watering holes. Watching them approach a water source is mesmerising—their synchronised flight and soft cooing create a serene display of devotion and precision.

Cheetahs may be the sprinters of the savanna, but they’re also meticulous territory managers. A male’s territory can range from 20 to 80 square kilometres, depending on prey and terrain. To maintain control, they mark their territory with scent—urinating on trees, termite mounds, or rocks as chemical “signposts” for other cheetahs.

Within these borders, they need access to prey, water, and safe resting spots. Females also maintain territories, though often larger and overlapping with those of males. Observing a cheetah on patrol offers fascinating insight into its delicate balance of power and patience. Each scent mark is a silent statement: this land is taken. This photo captures a male cheetah marking against a Shepherd’s tree during a calm morning drive.

With the arrival of the first rains, the bush comes alive with a chorus of sound—Madikwe’s frogs are back! After months of silence during the dry season, these amphibians reclaim the spotlight, filling puddles and dams with their distinctive calls.

One of the most fascinating species is the Foam Nest Tree Frog, known for crafting foamy nests that shelter eggs and tadpoles until they’re ready to drop into the water below. Their calls echo through the reserve on warm evenings, a joyful reminder of the bushveld’s seasonal rhythm. For guests at Madikwe Hills, the sound of frogs after rain is nature’s soundtrack—proof that the cycle of life continues in perfect harmony.

There’s nothing quite like watching lion cubs at play. One sunny morning, guide Megan’s guests came across a lioness lounging in the tall grass while her three cubs tumbled nearby. At first, they peeked out cautiously from behind her massive paws—but soon curiosity turned to chaos as one cub decided to practice its hunting skills on its siblings.

Rolling, pouncing, and mock roaring, they transformed the quiet morning into a scene of joyful mischief. The lioness, ever the patient mother, watched calmly with what could only be described as mild exasperation. When a guest whispered, “Are they attacking her?” laughter broke the silence. Eventually, the cubs collapsed in a heap, exhausted and content, while their mother stretched and yawned. It was a gentle reminder that even apex predators have moments of pure playfulness.

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