February 2025

February sunrise is around 6:05am and sunsets at around 6:45pm. This month has been a very large mix of cold, hot, dry and rainy days for sure with our low average temperature being 19’C (66.2’F) and high average temperature being 32’C (89.6’F). February has definitely brought us unprecedented rainfall with our highest recorded yearly rainfall in 25 years and were only ending February now.

This month has brought us an incredible 388mm of rain which brings our yearly rainfall out to 832mm. unfortunately this rainfall caused our 2 local dams to overflow which has brought with it some unprecedented river flooding and with that, significant damage to infrastructure around Madikwe including a few lodges. our hearts go out to the lodges, staff and guests affected by the flooding as we wish them open doors again soon. However, the wildlife that suffered such severe droughts last year are in full celebration for the abundance of water and green vegetation this rain has brought Madikwe.

The abundance of wildlife this month has been spectacular. Sightings of lions has been quite frequent while the “Blond Mahiwa” male has been finding his footing again without his brother, the “Black Mane Mahiwa’s” presence. He’s often been seen around the Kwena female pride, making for beautiful sightings. The elephants have been very busy this month enjoying their swims in our now overflowing water holes. The Wilddogs become quite a common sighting once the rains had settled. The buffalo herds became very regular visitors to the Mateya water hole in front of the lodge, enjoying the cool water and soothing mud to help with those pesky insects.

This month also brought some rare and exciting encounters with several brown hyenas becoming quite active. Especially a sighting of a female brown hyena in an old, well used brown den sight which keeps us hopeful for some potential cubs soon. We also had a male leopard showing himself more frequently on our camera traps around the lodges watering hole as well as a few sightings of a new young female leopard in the vicinity of the lodge as well, lets hope they both decide to stick around this area long term!

So, in summary, we’ve been very wet, and the wildlife is loving it!

Until next time

The Mateya Team