Madikwe Hills Bush Bulletin | July 2026
From the drama of the impala rut to the fearless pearl-spotted owlet, this Bush Bulletin offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse characters, behaviours, and hidden stories unfolding across Madikwe this winter.
Love is in the Air – The Impala Rut
As winter settles over Madikwe, one of the reserve’s most recognisable sounds echoes across the open plains—the unmistakable snort and roar of rutting impala rams. While these vocal displays may seem random at first, they’re all part of an intense competition for breeding rights.
Throughout the rut, dominant males establish and fiercely defend territories, constantly herding ewes while chasing away rival rams. Their deep grunts, explosive snorts and dramatic clashes of horns are all designed to impress females and intimidate competitors. It’s an exhausting few weeks, with territorial males often spending so much time defending their harems that they eat very little, losing significant body condition by the end of the breeding season.
For guests on safari, the impala rut adds an extra layer of excitement to every drive. What may appear to be a peaceful herd is often the stage for an ongoing battle, where every call and every chase is part of nature’s timeless cycle of survival and reproduction.
Small Owl, Big Personality – The Pearl-spotted Owlet
Winter mornings have brought frequent sightings of one of Madikwe’s smallest but most charismatic birds of prey—the Pearl-spotted Owlet. Despite standing only around 20 centimetres tall, this tiny hunter possesses remarkable confidence.
Unlike many owl species, Pearl-spotted Owlets are often active during the day, especially in the cool mornings and late afternoons. Their piercing whistles frequently attract a mob of angry songbirds that gather to chase them away, inadvertently revealing the owl’s location to anyone paying attention.
Although small in size, these owls are fearless predators, hunting insects, rodents, lizards and even surprisingly large birds. Watching one patiently scan the surrounding bush before launching into a swift attack is a reminder that in nature, success isn’t always measured by size.
The Leopard That Keeps Us Guessing
Every reserve seems to have one animal that develops a personality all of its own, and recently one of Madikwe’s resident male leopards has certainly earned that reputation.
On several occasions, what begins as a relaxed sighting quickly becomes far more entertaining as he confidently trots straight towards the safari vehicles. While it may appear dramatic at first, this behaviour is usually nothing more than a leopard determined to continue along the path he’s chosen, with the vehicles simply happening to be in the way.
His bold nature has certainly kept guides and guests on their toes, creating some unforgettable encounters and plenty of stories back at the lodge. Despite his confidence, he remains the elusive and unpredictable predator leopards are famous for, reminding us that every sighting is unique and no two encounters are ever quite the same.
Africa’s Tiny Wild Hunter – The African Wild Cat
Few animals in Madikwe are as easily overlooked as the African Wild Cat. Often mistaken for a domestic cat at first glance, this elusive feline is in fact one of Africa’s most successful small predators—and is believed to be the ancestor of today’s domestic cat.
Preferring to move under the cover of darkness, African Wild Cats spend much of their time hunting rodents, birds, reptiles and insects with remarkable patience and precision. Their excellent hearing allows them to detect prey hidden beneath the grass before launching into an accurate pounce.
Although widespread across Africa, sightings remain incredibly special due to their secretive behaviour. Spotting one quietly weaving through the long grass is a rewarding reminder that some of the reserve’s most fascinating animals aren’t always the biggest.
An Unexpected Winter Visitor – The Aardwolf
One of the biggest surprises this winter has been the noticeable increase in Aardwolf sightings across the reserve. Although related to hyenas, the Aardwolf lives a completely different lifestyle and has one of the most specialised diets of any African carnivore.
Rather than hunting mammals, an Aardwolf feeds almost exclusively on termites. Using its long, sticky tongue, it can consume hundreds of thousands of termites in a single night without destroying the colony, allowing it to return and feed again in the future.
Their shy, nocturnal nature means sightings are usually brief and often unexpected, making every encounter feel like a special reward for those lucky enough to spot one. With their striped coats, oversized ears and gentle demeanour, Aardwolves continue to be one of Madikwe’s most underrated and fascinating residents.