January 2025

Our January Sunrise is around 5:45 and sunset around19:07. It has been a fairly warm month with high temperatures averaging at around 32’C (89’F) and low temperatures averaging around 19’C (66’F). The first half of January brought us quite a good amount of rain with a whole 286.5mm (11.2 Inches). The end of January however, has not been so wet.

Even though the last half of January has not provided us with as much rain as the start of the month, the bush is still thriving and the wildlife along with it. We have some incredible sightings this month. The predators have been extremely active, including the elusive leopards which seem to be making more regular appearances.

As good has game viewing has been and the lush bush around us being revived, we do have some sad news to share. To those of you who have visited us here in Madikwe, you may have had the privilege of seeing the Dark Mane Mahiwa lion along with his Blond Maned brother. It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Dark Mane’s passing. There is a time for everything, but I don’t think we were ready to see the time of Dark Mane’s departure. He had suffered a spinal injury which caused him to lose the use of his hind legs towards the end. It was a tough decision to make but the last and final decision was to put him to sleep and end his suffering.

Dark Mane Mahiwa, along with his brother, have been one of the most iconic coalitions in Madikwe. He is and will still be greatly missed by those that were lucky enough to have seen him and especially those that have watched him over the past years. There has been a sense of something missing on our side of the park since his passing. Now, it is up to Blonde Mane to fend for their territory and the prides in their territory. In loving memory of The Dark Mane Mahiwa.

Until next time.

The Mateya Team