December 2024

Our December sunrise is at around 5:20 and sunset at 19:05. Our low temperatures averaging at around 20’C (68’F) and our highs averaging at around 38’C (100’F). The start of December was definitely much warmer, cooling off towards the end of the month with more frequent rainfall.

The bush has come alive again with greenery and the animal movements have started changing. With more water in the bush, there are less crowds at the watering hole, but still, the regulars that come through out of habit. The rainy season has definitely begun, and we cannot complain. There is excitement with each blade of grass that pushes through the surface and the seasonal flowers in full bloom. We have also been seeing some of the migratory birds that seemed to have skipped their stopover in Madikwe the year before! It certainly is a birders paradise this time around.

Game drives have been extremely good this month, not just with the large animals but the smaller and more elusive critters that are out and about. We have to keep a close eye on the roads now for tortoises that may look like rocks, and dung beetles of course. This time of the year we need to remember that there is more road traffic with the amphibians and reptiles making use of the roads.

We have had more frequent sightings of both the Wild Dog packs, and what a treat that has been. It took them a little bit longer than expected to leave their den sites this year, but that has only made us appreciate opportunities to view them even more!

The lion sightings have been really great this month! With two separate prides in the Eastern side of the park raising cubs. We have had some excellent sightings and witnessed some beautiful interactions. With both prides now comfortable enough to bring their cubs out into the open and roam their regular home-ranges, it has also made their movement patterns a little bit more predictable, which is great for when we are looking to see these beautiful big cats!

And another special thing about this time of the year is that it is birthing season for the Impala and the Wildebeest, so we get to see lots and lots of babies, not to mention that the warthog piglets are also running around now with their tails raised high! That just about sums up our December, lots of new life.

Until next time.

The Mateya Team