Guide News – January 2025

The gestation period of a female eland is approximately nine months. After giving birth, the mother’s primary duty is to nurture and protect her calf. Newborn calves are hidden in tall grass for the first few weeks of life to shield them from predators. During this time, the mother remains nearby, returning frequently to nurse her young.

Males, on the other hand, do not take part in raising the young. Their primary duties revolve around establishing and defending their dominance within the herd, especially during the breeding season. Dominant males often compete for the right to mate, engaging in displays and occasional clashes using their powerful horns.

Elands hold a profound significance in the culture of the San people, also known as Bushmen. Revered as sacred animals, elands feature prominently in their folklore, art, and rituals. The San believe that elands possess spiritual powers, and their dances often mimic the movements of these majestic creatures. Eland fat and blood are traditionally used in rituals and as offerings, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and protection. The relationship between the San people and elands highlights a deep respect for the interconnectedness of life and the sacred bond between humans and nature.

In the wild, elands typically live for 15 to 20 years, although their lifespan can be extended in protected areas where threats from predators and habitat loss are minimized. Their longevity is a testament to their adaptability and resilience in diverse environments.

The hunt begins with calculated patience. The coalition observes from a distance, selecting their target a young zebra that has strayed slightly from the group.

With synchronized movements, they inch closer, their spotted coats blending seamlessly with the golden grass. Their ability to communicate through subtle body language and glances underscores the deep bond they share. Suddenly, one cheetah breaks into a sprint, its body a blur of motion. The other follows, creating a pincer movement to cut off the zebra’s escape routes. The chase lasts mere seconds, yet it feels like an eternity. The cheetahs’ acceleration, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h, is a breathtaking spectacle. The lead cheetah’s quick decision-making and the others’ tactical positioning ensure the chase ends successfully.

The zebra’s struggle is fierce but short-lived. One cheetah delivers the decisive bite to the throat, ending the chase. The coalition has succeeded, and their unity is the key to their triumph. Each member’s contribution to the hunt is critical, highlighting their interdependence. With the kill secured, the coalition’s feeding behaviour reveals a complex interplay of hierarchy and cooperation. The largest and most dominant male feeds first, asserting his position within the group. His brother waits his turn, vigilant against potential threats from scavengers like brown hyenas or black-backed jackals.

This dominance is not enforced through aggression but through an unspoken understanding that strengthens their bond. As the dominant male eats, the other scans the surroundings, his sharp eyes and ears attuned to any signs of danger. The coalition’s trust in one another is evident, and each member plays his part to ensure the meal is consumed safely. Once the dominant male is sated, the other will take their turn, however, sometimes this hierarchy does not get followed and both males will eat together. Their feeding is methodical, starting with the tender internal organs, which provide essential nutrients and hydration.

Their semi-retractable claws help them hold the carcass steady as they tear through the flesh. Despite their incredible speed, cheetahs are not built for prolonged defence of their kills. This urgency underscores their need to feed quickly before larger predators arrive. The sight of their feeding is both mesmerizing and poignant, a raw display of nature’s balance. Each bite taken by the coalition is a testament to the effort it took to secure the meal, a reflection of their persistence and skill.

While the coalition feasts, the zebra’s role in the ecosystem continues. Scavengers like jackals, hyenas, and vultures benefit from the remains, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Even insects and microorganisms play their part, breaking down the last traces of the kill and returning nutrients to the soil. This interconnected web of life illustrates the balance of nature, where every act of survival contributes to the greater whole. For the grasslands of Mabula, the nutrients replenished by these cycles support the growth of vegetation, which in turn sustains herbivores like zebras. The cheetah coalition’s hunt, therefore, is not just a moment of survival but a crucial link in the larger ecological chain.

Cheetahs are marvels of evolution, their bodies perfectly adapted for speed and efficiency. From their lightweight frames to their enlarged nasal passages for increased oxygen intake during sprints, every feature serves a purpose. Their semi-retractable claws provide grip during high-speed chases, and their long tails act as rudders for balance during sharp turns.

Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great distances, an essential skill in the vast savannah. The cheetah coalition offers more than a glimpse into the survival strategies of the wild. It’s a story of unity and mutual support, a reminder that strength often lies in numbers. Their coordinated efforts and trust in one another underscore the power of collaboration, a lesson that resonates beyond the savannah.

The coalition’s dynamic also highlights the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s adjusting their hunting strategies based on the terrain or sharing responsibilities, these cheetahs exemplify resilience in the face of challenges. For guests, getting the opportunity to observe these magnificent predators is a transformative experience. The sight of the coalition feeding on a zebra kill is a raw and powerful reminder of nature’s beauty and brutality. It’s a moment that stays with you, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of life in the wild.

To attract females, males display their strength and stamina by chasing rivals and performing impressive leaps. Dominant males court females with soft grunts and nuzzles, ensuring that only the fittest pass on their genes. This ritualistic behaviour ensures the genetic strength of future generations. Once mating concludes, females enter a gestation period of approximately six to seven months. This timing is crucial for ensuring the survival of their offspring.

Impalas exhibit synchronized birthing, with most females giving birth within a short period, usually in November-December at the start of the rainy season. Predators are overwhelmed by the sheer number of fawns, increasing the chances of survival for young individuals. The rainy season provides lush vegetation, ensuring ample nutrition for lactating mothers and growing fawns. Fawns are usually born in secluded areas, away from the herd. Within minutes, they are able to stand and follow their mothers, a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability.

Impalas are not just graceful; they are vital to the ecosystem. Impalas form a critical part of the food chain, supporting predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Their abundance ensures the survival of these apex predators. As mixed feeders, impalas contribute to seed dispersal, promoting vegetation growth and maintaining the health of the ecosystem. Through selective feeding, impalas influence plant community dynamics, preventing overgrowth and encouraging biodiversity. Their ecological significance underscores their importance to Mabula’s vibrant wilderness.

While guests and guides here at Mabula enjoy impalas’ endless fascination, they are known for their remarkable agility, able to leap up to 3 meters high and 10 meters forward in a single bound. Watching a herd of impalas move in unison is a sight to behold. Their synchronized movements are a defence mechanism against predators, for our guests visiting during November-December they get the opportunity to witness newborn fawns, a heartwarming reminder of the circle of life.

This December, we shine the spotlight on the impala—a true symbol of the African wilderness. With their delicate beauty, swift agility, and integral role in the ecosystem, impalas are among the most captivating creatures you’ll encounter. While on a safari you will learn about their habitats, feeding habits, fascinating life cycles, and their significance in nature’s intricate web.

Whether you’re marvelling at their agility, witnessing their synchronized births, or learning about their ecological importance, impalas embody the magic of nature.

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Often overshadowed by the “big cats” and towering elephants, these resilient creatures hold an irreplaceable role in the ecosystems of the Mabula savannah. Their story is one of endurance, interconnectedness, and the unyielding rhythm of nature. They thrive in the open savannahs and grasslands of Mabula.

These habitats offer not only nourishment but also safety. In the vast openness of the plains, they can spot predators from a distance, giving them a better chance to flee from danger. At Mabula, they find comfort in our expansive plains, where the grasses sway with the breeze, and water sources punctuate the landscape. Their preference for grasslands underscores their vital role in these ecosystems. By grazing selectively, they maintain the health and balance of the grasslands, allowing a diversity of plant species to thrive. Their nomadic nature prevents overgrazing, ensuring the longevity of these crucial habitats.

The grass is life for the blue wildebeest. These herbivores are grazers, with a particular preference for short, green grasses. During the rainy season, when the reserve comes alive with lush growth, they thrive on nutrient-rich grasses like red oat grass (Themeda triandra). As the dry season sets in, they adapt to coarser, less nutritious fare, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

Their dietary habits also make them ecological engineers. By consuming specific types of grass and moving in large herds, they inadvertently till the soil, disperse seeds, and create pathways for other species. Their grazing patterns influence the entire ecosystem, supporting a dynamic balance that benefits both flora and fauna. Water is an essential resource for the blue wildebeest, and their movements are often dictated by its availability. They are water-dependent creatures, requiring access to water sources daily during the dry season.

At Mabula, we witness their instinctive connection to water, as herds make their way to our waterholes in synchronized movements, a testament to their communal behaviour and survival strategies This dependency on water also highlights their vulnerability to climate change and habitat encroachment. As stewards of this land, Mabula Private Game Reserve remains committed to preserving and enhancing water resources to support not only the wildebeest but the entire web of life that relies on these precious ecosystems. The blue wildebeest’s mating rituals are a spectacle of nature’s choreography, which typically coincides with the end of the rainy season around May and June, sees males establish temporary territories.

They stake their claim by marking the area with their scent, using glands located near their hooves. Males compete fiercely for dominance, engaging in head-to-head clashes that showcase their strength and determination. The victorious male attracts females to his territory, ensuring the continuation of his lineage. These rituals are not just displays of power but also reminders of the instinctual drive to perpetuate life in a harsh environment.

While the blue wildebeest is not traditionally territorial year-round, their behaviour shifts during the mating season. Temporary territories, marked and defended by dominant males, become focal points for breeding. Outside this period, they are highly nomadic, moving in large herds in search of food and water.
This balance between territoriality and nomadism is a key to their survival. It allows them to optimize resources during the breeding season while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the savannah.

The calving season is one of the most breathtaking times in the life of the blue wildebeest. Synchronized births occur at the start of the rainy season, typically between December and January. This timing ensures that calves are born when food is abundant, giving them the best chance of survival. A remarkable aspect of wildebeest calving is the synchronization among the herd. Within a span of a few weeks, thousands of calves are born, overwhelming predators with sheer numbers. This strategy, known as “predator swamping,” increases the survival rate of individual calves.

Newborn wildebeest are on their feet within minutes of birth, a necessity in a landscape where danger lurks at every turn. Watching these wobbly-legged calves take their first steps is a humbling reminder of nature’s resilience and the perpetual cycle of life. The blue wildebeest is much more than a grazing herbivore; it is a keystone species whose presence shapes the ecosystem. Their migration patterns, where applicable, influence the distribution of nutrients across vast landscapes. Their droppings enrich the soil, promoting plant growth and supporting a diverse array of organisms.

Wildebeest herds also play a crucial role in the food web. They are a primary food source for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Their movements create opportunities for scavengers, while their grazing opens up habitats for smaller herbivores and birds. By simply existing, the Blue Wildebeest contributes to the intricate balance of the savannah. Their impact is felt from the smallest insect to the apex predator, a testament to the interconnectedness of all life.

These animals use a range of vocalizations to communicate. Their characteristic grunts and snorts can convey alarm, attract mates, or maintain group cohesion. At Mabula Private Game Reserve, we are privileged to witness the wonders of the Blue Wildebeest every day. Their story is one of adaptation, resilience, and ecological harmony.

Beneath the shimmering golden skies of the Mabula savannah, at Lake Kyle Dam stands as a haven of life, its calm waters a reflection of nature’s beauty and ferocity. It is here, amid the harmonious hum of birds and the rustling of grasses, that a dramatic story of survival unfolds, lions feeding on zebras and quenching their thirst at the water’s edge. This tale, raw and captivating, reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the delicate balance that sustains the wild.

Lake Kyle Dam, nestled in the heart of Mabula Private Game Reserve, provides not only a lifeline for countless species but also a stage for some of nature’s most compelling dramas. Animals of all sizes make their way to the lake’s banks, drawn by the promise of water. The air is heavy with anticipation. Herds of zebras graze nearby, their striped coats dazzling in the sunlight.

Their movements are rhythmic, purposeful, as they scan the horizon for predators. Unbeknownst to them, the kings of the savannah are watching. A pride of lions lies in the shadows, their golden eyes fixed on the unsuspecting prey. This moment, rich with tension, is a testament to the intricate dance of predator and prey that defines life in the wild.