Wild Dogs – Two Packs, Twelve Thriving Puppies

Both wild dog packs on the reserve are raising six healthy puppies each, and the energy when seeing them is electric. Watching these youngsters grow is one of the greatest privileges out here. At just a few months old, they’re already showing the core behaviours that will shape them into future endurance hunters. Their play sessions—full of wrestling, chasing, tripping over oversized paws, and tug-of-war with sticks—are far more than entertainment. Every pounce and tumble helps develop coordination, strength, and bonds within the pack.

As they grow, they begin venturing farther from the den, learning the rhythms of a pack on the move. The adults teach by example: how to read wind, how to move silently, and how to cooperate with absolute unity. Eventually, these pups will run with the hunt, building stamina that makes wild dogs Africa’s most efficient predators.
Seeing two packs raise such strong litters is incredibly special—Considering there are only a few thousand wild dogs left worldwide, this is a special thing to see here on Madikwe.

Banded Mongoose – A Day in the Life of a Busy Colony

A day in the life of a banded mongoose colony is pure, organised chaos. Before sunrise, they emerge from their termite mound or rocky den, chattering excitedly as they warm up in the first light. Once the group is ready, they spread out together to forage. Their search is constant and lively: noses pressed to the ground, tails upright, digging, sniffing, and flipping over debris in hopes of finding beetles, grubs, scorpions, or small reptiles.

What makes them fascinating is their cooperative nature. While most of the group forages, one or two sentries stand upright on high points, scanning for danger—eagles, snakes, or even nearby predators. If an alarm call sounds, the entire colony bunches together, forming a tight defensive ball before retreating to cover.

Afternoons are spent grooming, playing, and teaching the younger members how to search for food. As the day ends, they return to their shared den, piling together in a noisy bundle for warmth. For such small animals, they live big, social, and wonderfully dramatic lives.

Bat-Eared Fox – A Special Sighting

A sighting of a bat-eared fox always feels like a gift. These shy, nocturnal little canids are notoriously difficult to spot, often melting away into tall grass before a vehicle even notices them. But when one does pause long enough for us to get a proper look, their charm is unforgettable.

With oversized ears—designed for pinpointing the faint sounds of insects underground—the fox looks almost too delicate for the African bush. Yet it is perfectly adapted. Instead of hunting larger prey, bat-eared foxes specialise in termites and beetles, using rapid digging and incredible hearing to locate their tiny meals.

The fox we encountered recently stood perfectly still, ears pivoting independently like little satellite dishes. At one point it lifted its head, giving us a wide-eyed look before trotting off with its tail softly swaying behind it. Moments like these remind us of how much life thrives quietly around us, unseen until luck and timing align. The bat-eared fox may be small, but its presence adds real magic to any drive.

Lions at a Kill – Power, Hierarchy, and Noise

Watching lions feed is witnessing raw power in its purest form. The moment a pride settles onto a carcass, the atmosphere shifts from calm to electric. The air fills with deep growls, snarls, and the tearing of flesh as each lion tries to secure a prime position at the meal. Even within a pride, feeding is a competitive moment—hierarchy becomes obvious. Adults dominate the carcass first, shouldering others aside with a rumbling warning, while younger lions circle the edges, waiting for a gap.

The lions’ physical strength is undeniable. Their jaws can crunch through bone with ease, and their rough tongues strip meat cleanly off ribs. Between the sounds, you’ll often spot lions glancing around, alert for approaching hyenas or other predators hoping to steal a portion.

Once the intense feeding slows, bellies swell, and the pride lounges nearby, grooming blood off their faces before slipping into deep, contented sleep. As dramatic as it is, a feeding event offers one of the most honest windows into lion behaviour—family bonds, dominance, survival, and cooperation all displayed in one powerful scene.

Spotted Hyenas and Water – A Surprising Relationship

Hyenas have a surprising fondness for water, a trait many guests don’t expect. While often portrayed as strictly dry-land scavengers, spotted hyenas are confident and capable around waterholes. They drink frequently—important for animals that expend huge energy patrolling and hunting—and they’re not afraid to wade right in. On hot days, hyenas have been seen lying belly-deep in shallow pools to cool off, their round ears just poking above the surface.

Waterholes also play a key role in their social lives. Clan members often meet there, greeting each other with excited whoops, giggles, and scent marking before continuing their nightly routines. Because so many species rely on water, hyenas also use these areas as strategic hunting and scavenging points. A patient hyena can sit for hours, watching for opportunities created by other predators.

Seeing them interact with water shows a different side of their intelligence and adaptability. Far from the villains of the bush, hyenas are master survivors—resourceful, social, and far more versatile than they’re often given credit for.