March 2025

We are now at the end of March with the sun rising later and setting earlier. The seasons are certainly changing. Our sunrise is currently at 6:22 and setting at 18:13. With our high temperatures averaging at around 27’C (80’F) and our lows at around 17’C (62’F). We have only had about 28.5mm of rain this month, scattered here and there. But it seems there may be a few more wet days waiting for us in April before the rainy season comes to and end.

The season change can be felt with the urge to put on an extra layer for those morning safaris, and maybe even pull out the blanket. It can be seen in the change of colours in the sunrise and the sunset. It can be heard by the Impalas interesting grunts and coughs as they prepare for rutting season. And we start to see less of the migratory birds as they pack up and start heading North again. The morning dew glistening in the early sunlight and the warm air can be seen escaping the lion’s mouth as he calls.

It has been yet another great month in terms of game drives. We have been seeing more Buffalo than usual, which has been a treat as these creatures can be quite elusive. The Blonde Mane Mahiwa lion has been keeping to the North of his territory as another coalition, Bolokega and Lafathla are testing the southern boundaries of his territory. The young male from the Kietsumetsi pride has been seen wandering around on his own, perhaps he has realized it is time to find his own space?

We had a nerve wrecking experience one evening when following the Blonde Mane Mahiwa along one of the roads, only to find that we were dangerously close to the Ashia cheetah and her 5 subadult cubs that were busy feeding on an impala. After a little bit of commotion, the cheetahs scattered, and because we don’t spotlight on some species, cheetah being one of them, we could not know what exactly was going on. We were quite literally on the edge of our seats. The drive back to the lodge for dinner was one that had us wondering what we would discover the next morning. As we set out the next morning, we were relieved to find that Ashia and her 5 cubs were unharmed and already on the search for their next meal. The perfect outcome after a stressful night.

As we can also expect, the Wild Dogs are slowly heading into that time of the year when they spend most of their time around their den site, we have not been seeing them so frequently this month. Let’s hope that we can still have a few more good sightings of them before they settle at their dens for the season.

On another note, it seems that the Leopards of Madikwe are getting less shy. However, still not a common creature to come across, it is still good news when we hear of more regular sightings and even getting to see them for ourselves!

As for sightings in and around the lodge, the resident Civet has been spotted a couple of times this month. And of course, the Klipspringer still sneaking around the lodge, trying to remain unseen. And if you keep an eye out for the Rock Hyraxes on your way to high tea, you might even see them blending into the rocks around the main lounging area.

Until next time!

The Mateya Team