Written by Isaiah Banda
As the year draws to a close and the festive season begins, the Mabula Guides team is reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve shared with you all throughout the year.
From thrilling safaris to unforgettable moments with nature, it’s been a season of discovery, excitement, and connection. As the festive season approaches, we find ourselves filled with gratitude and excitement. The magic of the holidays is all around us, from the vibrant sunsets over the Mabula savannah to the tranquil moments in nature that remind us of the beauty and peace this time of year brings. Mabula Game Lodge invite you to embrace the spirit of the season, a time for reflection, connection, and celebration.
Whether it’s a thrilling safari adventure, a peaceful walk beneath the endless Mabula sky, or simply gathering around the bonfire with loved ones, this season offers us the opportunity to create lasting memories. Let us take a moment to celebrate the small miracles of the season, the incredible wildlife that calls Mabula home, the warmth of the Mabula team as they welcome you to your holiday home, and the joy of being present in the heart of nature. The festive season is a time to reconnect with what truly matters: love, peace, and the beauty that surrounds us. As you explore, relax, and revel in the charm of this special place, may your hearts be filled with the hope, joy, and magic that this time of year brings. We are grateful to have you here with us and look forward to sharing unforgettable experiences throughout this beautiful season.
The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better place to celebrate than amidst the natural splendour of Mabula Game Lodge as we prepare to welcome guests from near and far to spend the festive season with us. As the sun rises over the breathtaking plains of our reserve, we continue to celebrate the incredible wildlife that makes Mabula so extraordinary.
Let’s dive into the wonders of December!
This month, I want to dive deep into one of nature’s most fascinating topics, the feeding behaviour of certain animals which are found here on the reserve. From the majestic elephants to the sleek cheetahs, our reserve is home to some of the most awe-inspiring creatures. Join me as I explore how these magnificent animals sustain themselves and thrive in their natural habitat.
Cheetahs, the fastest land animals, rely on their incredible speed to hunt. However, their feeding behaviour is as much about strategy as it is about raw power. They mainly hunt small to medium-sized antelopes, such as impalas and springboks. They avoid larger prey to conserve energy. Cheetahs use stealth to approach their prey, often stalking within 30 meters before launching a high-speed chase.
With speeds of up to 110 km/h, they can outrun most animals, but their sprints last only about 20 seconds. After a successful hunt, cheetahs eat quickly to avoid losing their kill to scavengers like hyenas and vultures. Despite their prowess, cheetahs must constantly balance the need for food with the risks of competition. Cheetahs rely on their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance.
Once they have locked onto a target, usually small antelopes or hares, they creep closer using cover before launching their sprint. Their claws, which do not retract like those of other cats, provide extra grip during the chase. Cheetahs are known for their striking black spots, but there’s more to their markings than meets the eye.
Unlike some animals whose patterns are only on their fur, a cheetah’s skin is also spotted. If you shave a cheetah, its skin will mirror the spot pattern of its fur! This feature helps the spots remain effective even if the animal loses some fur. Cheetahs have distinctive black “tear lines” running from the corners of their eyes down to their mouths.
These lines are thought to reduce glare from the sun, improving their focus when chasing prey during the day. The cheetah’s spots provide camouflage in tall grasses, helping them approach prey undetected before their high-speed chase begins.
Elephants are majestic creatures known for their intelligence, strong familial bonds, and ecological importance. On Mabula Private Game Reserve, these gentle giants roam freely, playing a critical role in shaping the environment and captivating the hearts of our guests. I want to explore various aspects of elephant life here at Mabula, exploring their feeding behaviour, preferred habitats, physical adaptations, social structure, and much more.
Elephants are herbivores with voracious appetites, consuming up to 300 kilograms of vegetation daily. On Mabula, their feeding habits vary with the seasons. During the wet season, they favour lush grasses and other soft vegetation, while in the dry season, they rely on tree bark, roots, and branches. Their flexible feeding strategy ensures they can adapt to the changing food availability.
The elephants’ digestive system is uniquely adapted for bulk consumption rather than efficiency; they digest only about 40% of their intake. This inefficiency plays a crucial ecological role, as their dung helps to disperse seeds and provides nutrients to the soil, fostering biodiversity throughout the reserve.
On Mabula, elephants demonstrate a preference for certain tree species, particularly during the dry season. They feed on Acacia trees: which are known for their protein-rich pods and tender leaves, acacias are a favourite not only for elephants but for Kudus and giraffes to mention a few. Another tree they favour is the Marula trees. These trees provide a nutritious source of food, with elephants consuming the bark, leaves, and fruit. Tamboti trees are another favourite tree. Despite their toxic properties to many animals, elephants feed on Tamboti bark with apparent immunity. This selective feeding behaviour influences the distribution and growth patterns of vegetation, maintaining the delicate balance of Mabula’s ecosystem.
Tusks are elongated incisor teeth, and they serve multiple purposes for elephants. At Mabula, tusks are used for feeding, breaking branches, stripping bark, and digging for water or minerals. Also protecting themselves from predators or rivals. Each elephant has a dominant tusk, akin to human handedness, which is often more worn than the other. Over time, tusk size and condition can indicate an elephant’s age and experiences.
Elephants have a unique dental adaptation to support their feeding habits. They go through six sets of molars during their lifetime. As one set wears down, a new set moves forward to replace it. By the time an elephant reaches 60 to 70 years old, their final set of molars wears out, often leading to starvation and natural death. The molars are large and ridged, enabling elephants to grind fibrous plant material efficiently. On Mabula, observing the wear and tear on an elephant’s molars can provide insights into its diet and age.
The elephant’s trunk, an extension of the upper lip and nose, is a marvel of evolution. It contains over 40,000 muscles, giving it incredible dexterity and strength. On Mabula, elephants use their trunks to feed, plucking grasses, stripping leaves, and reaching high branches. Also used to drink water, sucking up to 10 litres of water at a time and spraying it into their mouths.
Their communication is unique, producing low-frequency rumbles and trumpeting sounds. They interact by touching, caressing, or playing with herd members. This versatile appendage is essential for their survival and social interactions.
Elephants on Mabula tend to favour areas with abundant water sources and diverse vegetation. They are frequently seen near waterholes during the day which is essential for drinking and cooling off. Around Nyathi dam, crocodile dam and at night we see them exploring mountainous areas as it is cooler for them. Elephants’ movements are influenced by seasonal changes, water availability, and human activities. The reserve’s management ensures that these areas remain protected and minimally disturbed and only accessed by safari vehicles during the safari times.
In an elephant herd, the matriarch is the oldest and most experienced female. Her responsibilities include leadership skills for guiding the herd to water, food, and safe locations. Teaching and passing on knowledge of migration routes and survival skills to the next matriarch which will be her female calf. Making decisions during threats and keeping the group cohesive is one of the tasks for the matriarch. The matriarch’s wisdom is vital for the herd’s survival, especially in unpredictable environments.
Male elephants, or bulls, lead more solitary lives after reaching maturity, although they may form temporary bachelor groups. Their roles are breeding and competing for access to receptive females and contributing to genetic diversity. Establishing dominance within specific ranges. Teaching younger bulls appropriate behaviour through sparring and bonding.
Female elephants, or cows, reach sexual maturity around 10-12 years old but typically give birth for the first time between 14 and 16 years. Pregnancy lasts an impressive 22 months, the longest gestation period of any land mammal. A single calf is born, weighing around 100 kilograms, and is nursed for up to two years. The strong bonds within the herd ensure that calves are well-protected and socialized.
The elephants of Mabula are a testament to nature’s resilience and grandeur. Their behaviours, physical adaptations, and social structures showcase the intricate balance of life on the reserve. By understanding and protecting these incredible animals, we ensure the preservation of Mabula’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.
Guardians of Mabula Game Lodge, the majestic lions reign supreme as symbols of strength, resilience, and natural beauty. With their regal manes, piercing eyes, and commanding presence, they capture the imagination of all who witness them in their natural habitat. These magnificent creatures, often referred to as the “kings of the jungle,” are an integral part of the ecosystem and offer endless inspiration through their behaviours, adaptations, and the sheer majesty of their existence.
Exploring their pride dynamics, habitat needs, hunting strategies, and the intricate anatomy that makes them unparalleled predators. Lions are one of the most social big cats, living in groups known as prides. At Mabula, a pride typically consists of 10 individuals, although pride sizes can vary significantly depending on environmental factors and prey availability. These prides are usually composed of related lionesses, their cubs, and a male or coalition of males that defend the group against external threats.
Each member plays a vital role in the survival and success of the pride, from hunting to protecting territory and raising the young. The social bonds within a pride are incredibly strong, with members grooming each other, sharing food, and cooperating during hunts. This unity ensures the pride’s stability and longevity, making the lions of Mabula true exemplars of teamwork and familial devotion. Lions are territorial animals that require vast expanses of land to thrive. This expansive range is crucial for providing adequate food, water, and shelter, as well as for raising cubs safely. Male lions, especially those in coalitions, patrol and defend these territories vigorously, using vocalizations, scent markings, and displays of power to ward off rivals.
The lions’ territories at Mabula encompass a mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, and waterholes. These diverse habitats support a variety of prey species and allow the lions to adapt their hunting strategies to different environments. As apex predators, lions primarily feed on medium to large herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests, and impalas. However, they are opportunistic hunters and will target smaller prey like warthogs or even scavenge from other predators when necessary.
At Mabula, the abundance of diverse prey ensures that the lions have a steady food supply, although competition with other carnivores like leopards and brown hyenas can occasionally lead to conflicts. Lions’ hunting success is heavily influenced by their environment and the availability of prey. They typically consume about 40 to 60 kilograms of meat in one seating, with males often claiming the lion’s share after a kill. Despite their strength and prowess, hunting is not always successful, and lions must expend significant energy to secure their meals.
Hunting is both an art and a science for lions. The lionesses, who are the primary hunters, rely on teamwork and stealth to bring down prey. At Mabula, hunting often occurs under the cover of darkness, leveraging the lions’ excellent night vision to gain an advantage. The lionesses work together to encircle and isolate their target, using bursts of speed and powerful leaps to close the distance. Male lions may occasionally participate in hunts, particularly for large and dangerous prey such as buffalo. However, their primary role within the pride is to defend the territory and protect the pride’s members from threats. This division of labour ensures that the pride’s energy and resources are used efficiently.
The lion’s anatomy is perfectly designed for hunting and survival, with each feature serving a specific purpose. Lions possess 30 teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that are perfectly adapted for a carnivorous diet. Their canines, measuring up to 10 centimetres, are used to grip and suffocate prey, delivering a lethal bite to the throat or neck. The carnassial teeth act as shears, slicing through tough meat and sinew with precision.
The lion’s retractable claws are essential for gripping prey during a hunt. These claws, kept sharp by retraction when not in use, provide the necessary traction to bring down even the most agile of animals. They also play a role in climbing and defending territory when required. Lions’ eyes are adapted for excellent night vision, with a high concentration of rod cells that enhance their ability to see in low light. This adaptation gives them a significant advantage during nocturnal hunts. Additionally, the reflective layer behind their retinas, called the tapetum lucidum, further amplifies available light, making them formidable hunters in the dark.
The black markings behind a lion’s ears serve as visual cues for pride members, particularly during hunts or when cubs need to follow their mothers. These markings are highly visible against the golden savannah backdrop and help maintain coordination in group activities. A lion’s tail is more than just an elegant extension of its body. The tufted tail, with a distinctive black tip, acts as a communication tool, signalling intentions or warnings to other pride members. During hunts, lionesses use tail movements to indicate direction or strategy, further underscoring their cooperative nature.
Lions of Mabula are not just awe-inspiring predators they are also keystone species that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. By regulating herbivore populations, they prevent overgrazing and ensure that the vegetation remains healthy. This cascading effect benefits countless other species, from insects to birds and smaller mammals. Lions also contribute to the biodiversity of the reserve by creating opportunities for scavengers such as hyenas, jackals, and vultures to feed on their leftovers. This interconnected web of life highlights the importance of conserving lion populations and their habitats.
Despite their strength and resilience, lions face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. At Mabula, dedicated conservation efforts focus on protecting these iconic animals and their ecosystems. Lions of Mabula embody qualities that resonate deeply with humanity: strength, courage, unity, and adaptability. They remind us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world and inspire us to work towards preserving it. As apex predators and guardians of their domain, these magnificent creatures serve as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.
Visiting Mabula to witness these lions in their element is a transformative experience, offering not just awe and wonder but also a profound connection to nature. Let us honour their legacy by championing conservation and celebrating the wild spirit that resides within us all.
Among the diverse array of fauna that roam Mabula Game Lodge, one of the creatures that stand out as a symbol of power, resilience, and ecological importance is the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Known as one of the “Big Five,” these majestic animals are a captivating blend of raw strength and intricate social dynamics.
African buffaloes are predominantly grazers, showcasing remarkable adaptability in their feeding habits. Here at Mabula, these herbivores can often be seen munching on the lush grasses that thrive during the rainy season. Their diet primarily consists of short grasses, their preference for shorter, nutritious grasses makes them efficient at maintaining the grassland ecosystem. In the drier months, buffaloes exhibit resilience by incorporating coarse vegetation, including shrubs and twigs, into their diet.
The reserve offers a mosaic of landscapes that are perfectly suited to the diverse needs of African buffaloes. These landscapes, shaped by seasonal patterns and the interplay of water, vegetation, and terrain, provide the buffaloes with everything they require to thrive. Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and other nutritious grasses form the backbone of the buffalo diet. A diverse mix of annual and perennial grass species ensure year-round food availability.
Buffaloes rely heavily on water, often drinking daily when water is readily available. At Mabula, they gravitate toward waterholes, streams, and riparian zones. These areas are crucial for hydration and are often teeming with other wildlife, making them dynamic hubs of activity. The vegetation here also provides additional grazing opportunities.
Buffaloes are ruminants, meaning they regurgitate and re-chew their food to ensure efficient digestion, maximizing nutrient absorption from fibrous plant materials. This adaptation allows them to thrive in varied conditions, making them a keystone species on the reserve. Here at Mabula buffaloes prefer areas rich in resources that meet their needs for food, water, and shelter. We often spot them on open grasslands for grazing and spotting predators.
Water sources are essential for hydration, as buffaloes drink daily when water is available. Thickets and woodlands provide shade during the heat of the day and protection from predators at night. Their habitat choices not only support their survival but also influence the behaviour of other species, underscoring their ecological importance.
Buffaloes consume a variety of vegetation types, reflecting their adaptability. They browse on bushes and trees to supplement their diet during the harsh conditions. By feeding on different vegetation layers, buffaloes prevent overgrazing and contribute to the health of the ecosystem, ensuring diverse plant life for other herbivores.
Buffaloes are ruminants with a four-chambered stomach designed for processing tough plant materials. This complex digestive system includes rumen which is a fermentation chamber where microbes break down cellulose. The reticulum is like filter and regurgitates partially digested food for re-chewing. Omasum which absorbs water and nutrients. Abomasum is the “true stomach,” where enzymatic digestion occurs. This intricate process allows buffaloes to extract maximum nutrients from fibrous plants, showcasing their evolutionary mastery over their environment.
Eyes are also an important part of an animal. Buffalo’s eye structure is well-suited for detecting predators and navigating its surroundings. Wide-set eyes provide a broad field of vision, crucial for spotting danger from different angles. Night vision though not exceptional, their vision is adapted to low-light conditions, aiding nighttime vigilance. Here at Mabula, this keen eyesight plays a crucial role in their survival, especially in a habitat shared with lions, their primary predators.
One of the most striking features of African buffaloes is their horns. Both males and females possess horns, though they are more pronounced in males. These horns serve several purposes. A buffalo’s horns are formidable weapons against predators and rivals. The size and shape of these horns often denote an individual’s age and dominance within the herd. The fused base of the horns, known as the “boss,” is particularly robust in males, offering additional protection during battles.
African buffaloes are often labelled as one of Africa’s most dangerous animals, and for good reason. Buffaloes can charge without warning, especially when threatened or cornered. They fiercely defend their young and injured herd members. Their strength is in numbers, herds often work together to fend off predators, showcasing their collective power. Here at Mabula, these traits highlight the buffalo’s resilience and role as a symbol of untamed wilderness.
Buffaloes are integral to Mabula’s ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. Their grazing patterns help maintain grassland health, while their presence influences predator dynamics. Despite their ecological significance, African buffalo populations face threats such as habitat loss, and encroachment on natural habitats poses a significant risk. Outbreaks of bovine diseases can decimate herds.
Mabula Game Lodge’s conservation efforts ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive, offering a reserve where they can roam freely and contribute to the environment. Buffaloes at Mabula Game Lodge embody the spirit of the reserve’s resilient, resourceful, and intricately connected to their environment. Their behaviours, adaptations, and ecological roles make them a cornerstone of the reserve’s biodiversity.
As Mabula Guiding Team, we are privileged to witness these creatures in their natural habitat. Let their strength and determination inspire us to protect and cherish the natural world. The buffaloes are a testament to the beauty and complexity of life on Mabula, reminding us of the delicate balance we must strive to preserve.
Tall, elegant, and undeniably captivating, giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis) are one of the most iconic species of the Mabula Game Lodge. These towering herbivores offer our guests a chance to witness the beauty and complexity of nature up close. With their long necks, distinctive coat patterns, and serene demeanour, giraffes are not just a visual delight, they play a vital role in their ecosystem.
On one morning while out on safari with guests, I watched a lone giraffe silhouetted against the rising sun. The gentle rustle of leaves accompanied its rhythmic movements as it browsed the treetops. This serene moment captured everything magical about the giraffe’s grace, resilience, and an undeniable connection to their environment. Giraffes are specialized feeders, perfectly adapted to browsing on the treetops that other herbivores cannot reach. Their long necks and prehensile tongues, up to 45 cm long allow them to strip leaves from branches with remarkable efficiency.
Giraffes prefer to feed on Acacia species which are high in protein and water content, as their favourite trees, despite the thorns. Giraffes use their tough lips and tongues to navigate these defences. Another favourite tree for them are Marula trees which are known for their nutrient-rich leaves. Combretum species are known for their tender leaves in Mabula’s savannah. This preference for browsing over grazing reduces competition with other herbivores, such as zebras and buffaloes, highlighting the giraffe’s unique niche in Mabula’s ecosystem.
Giraffes are unwitting but crucial pollinators. As they browse, their long tongues and lips brush against flowers, transferring pollen from one tree to another. This is particularly significant for species like acacias, which rely on giraffes for effective pollination. I remember one instance when a young giraffe hesitated before approaching a particularly thorny acacia tree. It seemed almost to calculate the best way to navigate the thorns before expertly stripping the leaves with its tongue. Witnessing this demonstrated their intelligence and adaptability.
Giraffes are selective feeders, often targeting leaves with the highest nutritional value. A single giraffe can consume up to 34 kilograms of vegetation daily, making them vital in shaping the structure of the vegetation on Mabula. Despite their size, giraffes are surprisingly efficient in water conservation. They can go days or even weeks without drinking, obtaining most of their water from the moisture in leaves. When they do drink, it’s a mesmerizing yet vulnerable sight. Giraffes spread their legs wide and lower their necks to the ground, a position that exposes them to predators.
At Mabula, giraffes are commonly seen quenching their thirst at waterholes during the dry season. One unforgettable moment during a game drive was watching a giraffe drink alongside zebras and warthogs. The giraffe’s height seemed almost out of place as it lowered itself delicately, but its calm confidence reassured the smaller animals sharing the waterhole.
Male giraffes establish dominance through a behaviour known as “necking,” where they swing their necks and use their ossicones to strike opponents. These bouts can range from gentle sparring to intense battles. The winner earns mating rights with females, while the loser retreats. On a safari here at Mabula, I witnessed a sparring match between two young males. Their graceful movements belied the intensity of their strikes, and you could hear the sharp thud as their ossicones connected. Despite the competition, the interaction was oddly poetic, a testament to the giraffes’ balance of strength and elegance.
By eating and digesting the seeds of acacias, giraffes help disperse them far and wide, encouraging new growth and maintaining the savannah’s balance. Their role as pollinators and seed dispersers makes them silent architects of the ecosystem. While giraffes are widespread across the reserve, their populations are increasing tremendously, however in other countries they are battling due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies giraffes as “Vulnerable”, with some subspecies listed as “Endangered.”
At Mabula Game Lodge, giraffes are mostly found in areas that offer a mix of open woodland and savannah. These habitats provide the perfect combination of food, water, and shelter. Picture this: The sunrises over Mabula Game Lodge, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. A herd of giraffe’s strides gracefully across the landscape, their long necks silhouetted against the horizon. They pause to nibble on the tender leaves of an acacia tree, their movements unhurried and deliberate. Nearby, a dominant male surveys the scene, his ossicones worn from years of battles for supremacy.
As the day progresses, the giraffes retreat to a shaded area, conserving energy during the midday heat. By evening, they make their way to a waterhole, their reflections shimmering in the fading light. This serene yet powerful scene is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature at Mabula. The giraffes of Mabula Game Lodge are more than just a visual delight, they are an integral part of the ecosystem, shaping the environment and inspiring awe in all who encounter them. Their grace, strength, and ecological importance remind us of the interconnectedness of all life. Let the giraffes of Mabula inspire you to look up, appreciate the beauty of the wild, and contribute to its preservation.
With their mesmerizing black-and-white stripes, zebras are the epitome of Mabula’s charm and resilience. These animals are not just a striking feature of Mabula’s landscape but a symbol of nature’s incredible design. On one of the safaris here at Mabula, I recall the sheer awe I felt when a harem of zebras crossed the road ahead of our safari vehicle. The scene was captivating, sunlight glinting off their glossy coats, foals sticking close to their mothers, and the dominant stallion standing alert, ensuring the group’s safety. That moment was more than just a photo opportunity, it was a humbling reminder of the beauty and complexity of Mabula Game Lodge.
Zebras are the ultimate grazers, spending most of their day cropping grass. Their adaptability to graze on a wide range of vegetation makes them integral to the health of grasslands. Zebras consume tough, fibrous grasses that other herbivores often avoid, thereby stimulating new growth and creating opportunities for other grazers like impalas and wildebeests. Zebras show a strong preference for grasses such as red oat grass (Themeda triandra), a favourite due to its nutrient-rich properties, Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) preferred during dry months, Turpentine grass (Cymbopogon spp.) an aromatic species common in Mabula’s savannah.
One morning, I watched a herd of zebras grazing near a waterhole. It was fascinating to see their social interactions as they fed, mares grooming each other, foals playfully nudging, and the stallion vigilantly scanning the horizon. Their calm yet purposeful movements painted a picture of unity and survival.
Zebras, unlike some other herbivores, require daily access to water. This need shapes their movements and often determines their habitat choices, zebras’ frequent waterholes, particularly during the dry season, where they can be seen drinking alongside other animals such as giraffes, warthogs, and wildebeests. One memorable moment from Mabula involved a dramatic scene at a waterhole. As the zebras cautiously approached, a family of elephants arrived.
The zebras hesitated but maintained their ground. It was a quiet standoff, with the elephants eventually moving to another spot, allowing the zebras their turn. The interaction was a perfect example of the subtle negotiations that occur daily in the wild. Mabula’s diverse habitats cater to the needs of its zebra populations. Areas are especially favoured by zebras include open grasslands: Ideal for grazing and spotting predators. Riparian zones frequented during the dry season for access to water and lush vegetation.
Savannah plains with scattered trees, these provide both grazing opportunities and shelter from the sun. Zebras are social animals, living in groups known as harems. A typical harem consists of a dominant stallion which is the protector and leader of the group, several mares which are the heart of the harem, responsible for nurturing the young, foals which are the next generation, under the careful watch of their mothers.
These harems sometimes merge into larger herds, especially during migrations or at waterholes. Watching such a gathering at Mabula is a mesmerizing experience. The sight of dozens of zebras moving in unison, their stripes creating a dazzling optical illusion, is both humbling and unforgettable.
The stallion is the harem’s cornerstone, tasked with protection of his family against predators like lions and hyenas. A stallion’s powerful kick can deter even the most determined threat. Leadership of guiding the harem to water, grazing areas, and safety. Order maintenance for managing disputes within the group or fending off rival stallions. On a crisp morning safari, we saw how dominant stallion chasing off a young bachelor zebra that had wandered too close to his harem. The determination and strength of the stallion were evident as he asserted his dominance.
One of my most cherished moments here at Mabula was watching a harem cross an open plain at dusk.
As I observed through my camera lens to photograph them, I felt a profound connection to these animals. Their striped patterns, so unique yet harmonious, seemed to echo the balance of nature itself. It was a moment that reminded me of the importance of preserving these habitats, not just for the zebras but for the countless other species that share their home.
The zebras of Mabula Game Lodge are far more than a striking sight. They are integral to the health of their ecosystem, maintaining grasslands and supporting biodiversity. Their social bonds, leadership structures, and survival strategies are a testament to nature’s ingenuity. So next time you see a zebra, whether at Mabula or elsewhere, let its stripes inspire you to reflect on the intricate beauty of our reserve.
As we reflect on the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of the wild, we are filled with gratitude for another year of unforgettable experiences. This festive season, we extend our warmest wishes to all our guests, friends, and partners. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and the spirit of adventure, surrounded by the splendour of the natural world.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Mabula Game Lodge in the coming year, where unforgettable memories and the magic of the bush await. Thank you for being part of our family, and may your new year be filled with health, happiness, and incredible journeys.
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!
Until next time…
From Isaiah Banda & Mabula family.
Safari Greetings.
